@matt23
"Such classes would have to be conducted with something in return. We are currently looking into opportunities that could yield more raw materials such as Iron to keep the Imperial Navy maintained or an agricultural partnership. Unless of course we could settle on a foreign exchange program. We offer some of our medical professors to teach in France, while perhaps some of your agricultural or engineer professors may teach in Tokyo." The Admiral responded, making it clear that while opening up on these more agreeable turns, that he would not budge on gaining something out of potential allies. Not to forget that it would be unwise to give up such prominent place in science on a global level and giving others a free card to take their spot instead. Risk and reward had to be constantly balanced, and the Japanese had yet to understand the exact ties of the individual countries with one another.

@Keidivh
"I am certain in a more private conversation, former Governor Eigo Fukai and current Minister of Culture Takeshi Toyotomi shall handle the negotiations on behalf of Japan in regards of how many scientists we will dispatch to Munich, their accommodations as well as our payment." The Admiral gestured to the two who stood up and bowed respectively as they were named.

@Uriel1339
"Indeed, my Minister of Science and Technology Tabbart Edelberg and Chief of Finances Rainor Albrecht shall meet with your representatives. Together they will work out the logistics of our joint operation and the details entailing it." The named representatives stood and a sharp salute before returning to their paperwork, plans already well in the making.

@GoreWrencha
Rommel, who until this point was relatively silent chimed in, his attention on the Finnish delegation. "And I shall be available to strategize our deployment in the Mediterranean theater so as to effectively blockade the region and protect our relief efforts in the crisis regions."

Members of Finnish Delegation discuss among themselves, especially after Japanese Admiral took the floor. Seemingly coming to agreement, Minister Holsti stands up once again.

"We agree with Admiral Fujita. Helping the disaster stricken countries to stay independent after the disease has been defeat and not allow them to fall dependent of foreign aid is as important on longer scale as curing the sick on shorter one. I would like to suggest Finland taking large role on this issue, seeing that our industrial development is more focused on the primary production than other, more advanced European countries. We have great experience of taking advance of sparse resources and harsh conditions, to the point our nation is self-sufficient regarding food-production, despite winter shortening our growth seasons. We would be ready to share our agricultural knowledge with the developing countries.

For actual food relief we don't have much to give, sadly. While we are self-sufficient, the minor excess production of processed products goes to our trading partners. But we can dispatch some of our trading fleet to aid transporting materials and personnel to disaster areas as well aid German on the Mediterranean blockade"

@Uriel1339
Fabien nodded to the Admiral, "As is only fair. However, If you wish, Admiral, we may discuss trade, opportunities, and a foreign exchange program further in private. Regardless, I believe it would be a fruitful venture."

@GoreWrencha
Fabien then looked to the Finnish Minister, "Minister Holsti, should you wish it, France may assist in the supply of food with Finland as well. God has blessed us with an abundance, and we would help. As I said with Admiral Fujita, we can discuss such a plan in private, should you agree. Regardless, your generous offerings of help to the cause will be greatly appreciated."

Fabien then looked to the greater assembly, "However, I would like to comment on the new subject of re-establishing an infrastructure with the affected region. The people of the Middle-East and, for the most part, Northern Africa are very much dependent. Though this dependence is on each other. So, with that being said, I believe calling together an assembly of leaders within the affected region and helping them in turn help their people, would be exponentially more beneficial. This way we may teach the leaders and guide them step by step in re-establishing their own infrastructure and thereby making them more independent as a whole. I believe this symbolism of the leaders within the region working together will in turn also help stabilize the relations between all the countries affected."

As the hours continued to pass, it wasn't long before evening had arrived to shroud the city once again in darkness even as the Vatican city shown in the night like a beacon of hope, perhaps the first days progress was the reason or perhaps it was but an early star destined to burn itself out before it could reach its apex. As one, the council stood up as the French contingent sat down and began to move for the exit allowing a representative to approach and address the collection.

"The wise and esteemed council has taken your words with consideration and will now convene todays audience to agree upon the correct course of action. His holiness thanks you all for attending todays meeting and now asks that you return to your assigned section of the basilica. Tomorrows proceedings will begin at the same time tomorrow and the evening meal will be brought out to the main hall in one hours time. You are allowed to smoke outside in the gardens but we ask that you refrain from leaving the approved areas to avoid disturbing the ministry and evening mass."

Gesturing to the commanding officer standing by the main doorway, the Finnish soldier saluted smartly and nodded to the guards at either side who opened the heavy stone door to allow the participants to exit after a long days deliberation. Outside in the hall, fresh candles and incense had been lit and the smells of rosemary and thyme drifted down the hallways along with replenished basins of more rose water. With their dismissal, the contingents were free to wander within the gardens between the Basilicas main hall and the attached studys which now served as their quarters.

Outside, a light dusting of snow fell unto the ground and a few patrols of heavily bundled soldiers patrolled the perimeter. Past the high brick walls and fences were large masses of devoted civilians who had begun to hold evening prayer outside the walls now that they were temporarily refused entry. Thousands of voices sung in harmony as they gave praise and prayers for the tragedies surrounding the world. Yet like all things in life, it would have to come to an end eventually and the days ahead would be telling on the gathered souls character if they were truly worthy of their words and actions or if it was all a ruse to weaken each other so that they could sweep in at the end for the spoils.


OOC: Now is the time you can PM each other to negotiate behind each others backs, attempt to bribe the council, or use "special" cards. To simulate enough time, tomorrow morning will conduct the second day and at the beginning, I will announce the confirmed course of action as well as allotting out additional funds and resources to the respective nation(s) that have received the blessing of the Church.

The Japanese rose one after another, the Admiral being the first, followed by the Crown Prince and the others. The Admiral took a single bow to excuse himself to the others and left, going for the garden. The Crown Prince, heir to the empire of the island went to his study for now, having to complete his report to his father and emperor. The Vice Admiral followed Hideki Fujita on his side, after all they were friends and served together, as well as it being his duty to protect the designated leader of the delegation.

The former Banker, as well as the cultural minister remained, expecting the Germans to invite them to a private conversation. It was a long day, but someone of the Far East never was shy of overtime, enduring stress or other hurdles in order to complete an assignment, that was one of the many boons that made the Japanese culture strong.

The Germans stood in unison, bowing before the clergy before filing out of the room, each having much to do. Alrick and Rommel led the pack, whispering in German as they were followed by the rest of the retinue. There was much work for them to do, and one night to get it done. Each seemed to split off, having their own jobs and agendas to pursue.

Only the Chief fo Science and Technology, as well as the minister of finacial and domestic affairs remained behind to approach the Japanese delegation.

In similar matter the Finns gather their documents and stand up to leave. The first meeting looks to be successful as countries seem to find common ground and agree with each other. Although real negotiations start now as people begin to speak each others, under the public facades of their countries.

And as neutral as they call themselves, Finnish Delegation is no exception. Since German and Japan already seem to be preoccupied by each other, and it is against Finnish nature to force oneself onto others, they leave to seek out other necessary contacts, mainly their Nordic neighbours. Strong cooperation between Scandic countries has always been Finland's agenda and collaborating with the humanitarian aid would only be natural. The French too had expressed interest of cooperation.

Grand Duke Vladimir smiled to himself as the Russian delegation rose and bowed respectfully to the Arch-Bishop and his fellows.

"By your leave, your Eminences" he stated in Italian, before departing. The other delegates following behind.

As they left the chamber, Vladimir still hadn't stopped smiling. That meeting had gone better than he could have hoped for. With the right agreements, they could get everything they needed. As would everyone, in fact. A very productive first session.

[In Russian]
"That went better than expected" Marshall Kolchak stated flatly, his mood still soured by Admiral Fujita's comments.

"Indeed, but more importantly, it confirmed our spies' reports from Tokyo. The Japanese are indeed desperate for more steel. Their massive build up in naval power has nearly exhausted their reserves. No doubt they are pinning their hopes on securing better terms with the Americans, who are still more than happy to sell to everyone and anyone so long as they profit" Chairman Kovalevsky chuckled, fumbling through his coat pocket for a cigar, which he stuck between his teeth while searching for his lighter.

Professor Novikov promptly removed it for him. "Not here, Viktor. The papacy does not look fondly on those who smoke in their sacrosanct halls" he seethed in an angry whisper, handing it back.

"Bah, they would not know a good cigar anyway" he grumbled, returning it to his pocket.

"You would be surprised, Viktor" Vladimir added. "The Vatican has long profited from the taxes of luxury goods and have always done very well for themselves. It is not uncommon for senior priests to have better collections of wine, art, and cigars then most monarchs"

"Even still" Kolchak interrupted, "Despite their bluster, they are desperate. I imagine their oil reserves are no better. They can't maintain their current industrial output indefinitely. Their stockpiles with reach critical levels in a few years, unless by some miracle they find more, and then they will have no choice but to grovel before the rest of the world or take it from those who cannot hope to defend themselves"

"Perhaps, but any act of aggression in Asia would meet with indignation from the rest of the world. The European powers will never part with their Asian colonies. They are the lifeblood of our trade and losing them would ruin our economies"

"Indeed. That is why Japan must play the diplomatic game for now, for they know a war would bankrupt them" Kolchak concluded.

"Alexander, a war now would bankrupt any of us!" Vladimir remarked. "Besides, no one is truly in a position to start hostilities while a blight of such magnitude as to make the Black Death seem irrelevant threatens to annihilate the civilized world"

"Fair enough, your Highness" Alexander admitted. "That aside, the Japanese should not be trusted"

"Don't worry, Alexei" Vladimir assured. "No one trusts anyone here. We are all liars, just of varying degrees"

"Now put on a good face" Vladimir ordered. "I've sent out dinner invitations and I expect you to be on your best behavior"

Despite the cold temperature outside, the day began with a heavy drizzle of freezing rain turning the outside courtyards into thick quagmires of wet slush. Most of the braziers had begun to die out where normally they were roaring beacons of warmth and light. There were very few people in sight despite the time being that for morning mass until the heavy, chilling, almost wailing chimes of the central bell tower echoed throughout the city tolling six times and then after a heavy pause, a further eight. The solemn echoes of the funeral bells signified that someone of import had passed throughout the night and to most customs, the duration and pausing signified a person of sixty-eight years in age.

Morning breakfast was delayed as much of the priesthood was in mourning and within the hour, a representative along with a contingent of the faithful arrived with baskets of warm bread and goblets of a weak, yet tasteful Venetian wine. There were no words passed as the baskets were passed until everyone had received the symbolic rites. Entering the room with an escort of soldiers who took positions at each entrance way, an elderly Bishop, his shoulders weighed down by the symbols of his position took the pew, and asked that all would rise, going silent before speaking once more.

"Gentlemen, and to those of Great Britain especially, Bishop Edmund Tolin has passed throughout the night. While the cause of death has yet to be rectified, it appears that he has been murdered. The summons will reconvene within the hour and security will be tightened. This evening, you will all be visited by a representative of the Finnish Guard and His Holiness to give an account as to everyones activities during the night. Do not be alarmed, we have taken many steps to ensure the safety of everyone here but I believe this must be re-iterated. If ANY party here either knowingly or unknowingly is responsible, the punishment will be most severe."

Looking in the eyes of every person gathered as if his gaze alone could pierce the truth out of the souls gathered before him, the Bishop then grabbed a loaf of bread and broke it symbolizing the breaking of the body and raised a goblet of wine to symbolize the blood of Christ before speaking once more.

"Dear Heavenly Father. We are thankful for gathering the mind and spirit of those gathered here today to protect the land you have gifted us. We ask that you watch over us, guide us, and let the truth be known. Nobis in nomine tuo. Amen."

Drinking from the goblet, the Bishop then set it down on a nearby table before giving off a generic blessing (or two) and leaving without the soldiers who continued to guard each doorway. Outside, the number of patrols had doubled and several transports were now gathered at each main gate as the checkpoints were solidified. Groups of canine handlers could be seen around the Bishops quarters even as the churches own investigators spoke to witnesses but the time would come when they turned their attention to the representatives.

- A short time later -

As the representatives took their places within the Basilica once more, the council took their seats, now one less and gestured that all be seated so that they could begin. Speaking as soon as the last person sat down, the Arch-Bishop addressed those gathered before him.

"As you are all aware by now, we are mournful over the loss of another of His flock, Bishop Tolin was a close friend of mine and will be dearly missed. Our prayers are out to his family and the country of England who must surely regret the loss of one of their own. However, there are more pressing matters to attend to. After much deliberation and thought, the council has proceeded to agree to the pro-offered plan given by Sir Fabian. In following with the guidelines, the Priesthood is willing to give all the attached countries access to 100 Million British Pounds to help cover some of the logistical costs in transporting personnel and equipment more effectively. Additionally, I'm sure the efforts of France will be most appreciated in Egypt which will serve as the base of operations."

Gesturing to a aide on the side who walked forward to hand a letter to each contingent giving them "permission" to carry out such maneuvers within reasonable constraints as well as the routing information for the funds to be provided. The Arch-Bishop continued.

"Now that one global issue has been solved we are on to the next most pressing matter: Global Food Supply. I'm sure everyone here is aware of the global droughts which have set new records in re-callable history. Everyone is hurting and it is the duty of His Church to bring salvation to the masses and devoted. At last estimates, most of Africa is in critical stages of supply. South America, on the verge of collapse at the end of the month. Europe has been recorded to have enough food supplies and production for the next four months collectively. Asia, the island nations have been hit the worst but the mainland is stable outside of the Plague zones. North America, stable and willing to supply. The problem here mostly is that the one primary country capable of assisting has failed to send a representative...the United States of America has greedily kept to itself and refuses to see the light, we ask that you try and convince them other wise or else we will have to make do with what is available. Transportation, administration and oversight of distribution, as well as protection will be needed. Now come, we have wasted much of the morning already and time is short gentlemen. Let us begin."

Sitting down and opening the floor, refreshments of tea, coffee, fruit and light breakfast items were brought in on trays to help appease those gathered as most had by now been taken captive by the earlier events. Outside the rain continued its relentless bombardment and the clouds darkened in the coming storm.