Nozaki Ichimoto dismissed the majority of his personal bodyguard outside of the Brenner's Park Hotel, leaving just two of his most trusted men. With one man on each of Ichimoto's flanks, the three walked in-step toward the entrance.
Ichimoto approached Azuki as he entered the foyer. They exchanged bows and a few words, as they waited for the Tagungsraum 2 doors to open.
Herr Richter entered the conference room foyer, poured himself a glass of water, drank it all, and poured himself another. He then wandered over to madam Azuki to discuss the latest wave of Outcast attacks in the Sigmas.
"Master Raikoke It's time," stated the clerk, "they are assembling at the hotel as we speak."
The small framed yet confidant woman turned around from her magnificiant view across the water. The place reminded her of her many visits to Honshu Planet. There was one difference; she noticed that there wasn't any native lifeform to speak of. Even the skies were clear of freedom loving birds. Well at least there weren't any bugs.
"Ah yes, I am glad to hear it" replied Raikoke as she joined with her clerk and guards, "let's not keep them waiting too long."
The procession made it's way to the appointed building, a luxurious hotel that offers splendid views over the waterline. As they reached the platform that held the entrance hall to their destination Raikoke turned to wave the guards away.
"But Master," interjected her clerk, "I must advise...."
"They aren't needed here," interrupted Raikoke, who noted the building being under heavy guard by the Rhienland Military, "this place is already secure from outside threats and if the Rheinlanders were setting a trap the guards would be just as helpless as all of us."
"You don't suspect treachery do you?" gasped the clerk at the idea, "Why would all five of you risk yourselves and come to Rheinland?"
Raikoke turned and looked up at the stately building for a moment. A barely noticeable sigh breathed out of her body. She shrugged her shoulders and looked back at her clerk.
"The administration and the guild policies are what runs the guild, we five are just figureheads." winked the oddly introspective Guild Master, "but as to your previous question; no I do not suspect treachery. I believe all parties involved are serious about these negotiations. We have nothing to fear, now come with me, I'll need you to keep record of this."
The diminutive woman entered the building with her clerk in tow where they were lead to the chambers by one of the hotel's attendants.
[font=Comic Sans Ms]"Willkommen meine Damen und Herren!"
Kanzler Rheinhardt spoke with a loud voice to lower the noise in the meetingroom.
[color=#33FF33]"It is both a pleasure and an honor, to see all representatives beeing present on this Rheinland gem of a planet.
We are here to discuss the future of Rheinland, the Sigma systems and about the future of RepEx and the Gas Mining Guild as well.
With me, I have my Military, I believe you have already met her. Admiral Malexa Malte."
Admiral Malte stood up for a moment and nodded with a smile on her face.
"Danke Kanzler. It is a pleasure to take part in this important part of our combined history."
Rheinhardt continued.
"Our dear guests of the Gas Mining Guild will have the first word on this table. Frau Raikoke, it would be a pleasure for us if you would be the first one to have the word."
The Chancellor took his seat next to Admiral Malte and folded his hands.
Standing up to speak was an action that had less to do with the vain, self-conscious thought that her height barely allowed her shoulders to clear the table top when sitting and more to do with her long-time acceptance of her size and the necessity to be higher so that the others gathered can hear her words.
"Arigato and konichiwa honoured host," began the Guild Master known as Raikoke as she turned to the Chancelor, "the invitation and hospitality of Chancelor Rheinhardt here has been genuine and gracious. If I may speak on my peers behalf on this, we are honoured and humbled by the civility and respect we have received upon our arrival to Rheinland. My heart warmed up at the realization of how much Rheinland has moved forward in the last century and a half. I offer a toast to Chancelor Rheinhardt, here's to a present that offers much in the future."
Raikoke raised her glass with those gathered in the chambers. She than took a more gravely tone as she turned slowly about so as her body language showed that she was addressing all that was attending that evening.
"Before we begin, I would like to first wind back the clock to the history that has brought us here today. The Eighty Year War. I know. That title still brings up much controversy to this very day, nearly 2 centuries later. It's not the war I wish to talk about, no. Times were different back then, both sides only have history to tell us what agendas either side's leaders had. What I can say for certain is that both Rheinland and GMG each had numerous, loyal people who were willing to sacrifice themselves for their leader's cause that they deemed worthy. Such is the honour that history has provided for the brave, such is the honour of being a warrior both yesterday and today, such is the honour we here should all acknowledge and to not believe that this event makes their sacrifices a cause in vain. The Eighty has been the cataclysm of many monumental changes in the Sirius Sector and it has made this particular moment all the more significant.
"Now, let's get back to the present," began the unflinching Guild Master as she placed her glass back on the table, "and that's the Treaty of The Eighty and how it is affecting both GMG and Rheinland of today. This began, as I recall, from an issue when Richter-san had explained to me about an issue when one of our paramilitary forces had left one of his tranports and crew perish at the hands of a vile Corsair. Understandably Richter-san was beyond upset and demanded how this could be. I have to admit my calousnous on the matter at the time. GMG, due to the treaty, never had a poilicy that included the security of any Rheinland ship. Indeed, some of those policies included the uncomprimising destruction of any Rheinland vessal with the offensive power of the RFP and RM coming into our space. My responce was on par to this reasoning and I left poor Richter-san with no doubt that GMG policy does not cover his company's protection and that our policy forbade his company from bringing in the best of security measure his business needs. This is a sentiment that can probably be echoed by several Rheinland corporation in your house.
"On the flip side, the treaty keeps us from your space. Without the goodwill on our side we are targets on your side. Our goal, at GMG, has always been to be the primary suppliers of fuel to the Sirius Sector. This goal cannot be achieved if we allow such ancient bad blood continue between us. Because of the treaty we have to devote part of our paramilitary forces to watch our shared borders for an enemy that has already proven honourable enough to keep it's word for nearly 2 centuries by keeping out of our space. Today we find ourselves up against the despicable Corsairs, who used to leave us alone, at our southenr flanks and the relatively recently discovered Outcasts who control and flood out of a nearby system we want; Omicron Beta. With these two, seemingly, hispanic nations at our front and back door we are finding ourselves wasting forces trying to guard us from imaginary Rheinland enemies when they should be helping us fight back these Hispanics."
Raikoke sat down, and took the glass back in hand. She was curious now. Before moving onto any thoughts of the future of the Treaty of The Eighty she felt compelled to gauge the reactions on her views of the current circumstances of the ancient agreement. 'Fishing' as always, she couldn't help but wonder on how they felt about the treaty and how their present is affected by it.
Nozaki Ichimoto nodded to Raikoke as the diplomats filled the Tagungsraum Hall with applause. He took his glass to his mouth, taking a small sip of water to revitalize his Kusari tongue. When the applause subsided, he set his glass on the table and rose from his chair. With his left arm stiff at his side, and his right arm folded across his stomach, he marched from the table to the center of the floor.
"Arigato gozaimasu, Chancellor, for honoring us with this invitation," he said as he respectfully bowed to Niklaus Rheinhardt. The Guild Master's deep voice resonated in the hall like the bass section of a symphony orchestra. He turned to Frederick Kleiber of the Brenners Park Hotel, and bowed. "And to you, Mister Kleiber, for the luxurious accommodations.
"We are here for a purpose: to mend the differences of our forefathers. The Treaty of the Eighty was forged between two entities at war, and its terms heavily influenced by the years of bloodshed. Many long years have passed since the treaty was signed. House Rheinland has changed greatly since that time, as has the Gas Miners Guild. There is no reason to submit to the limitations that the current treaty imposes.
"There will be a time when the scars of the Eighty fade beneath the prosperity of both of our nations; when the doors open and commerce and cultural exchange will at last take place between us.
"My friends, that time has finally come. This day will be remembered by our people as chiyu no hi, or day of healing."
Nozaki marched back to his seat and nodded to his fellow Guild Masters.
[font=Comic Sans Ms]
Kanzler Rheinhardt was nodding towards the GMG representatives. Admiral Malte was standing behind him and looking at the present men and women inside the room.
"I would also like to hear the introducing words of our Republican friends at this table.
The Sigma systems are not only of value to ensure the peace between the GMG and Rheinland, furthermore of interest to REP-Ex and even the ALG."
Rheinhardt made a short break to sip from his glass of water.
[color=#33FF33]"Maybe we can even hear a word of ALG, if both present parties wish to invite a representative of ALG Waste Disposal as well.
But where are my manners, let me give the word to REP-EX now."
When the Kanzler finished is words, Admiral Malte stepped closer to him and whispered something into his ears.
She left the Meetingroom on Brenner through one of the many doors.