by Max Barry

Latest Forum Topics

Advertisement

Search

Search

[+] Advanced...

Author:

Region:

Sort:

«12. . .4,4884,4894,4904,4914,4924,4934,494. . .8,2698,270»

Athenaes wrote:Stan's Birthday Gala

A woman with short black hair, wearing the dress uniform traditionally worn by a General in the Athenaen People's Divine Army steps into the ballroom. General Alexandra Caris was not normally one for these things, but she had been the closest representative of the People's Theocracy at the time. She looked around the ballroom, remaining vigilant as she noticed delegations from different countries.

Lacewing approaches the general. "General Caris, I'm glad you could attend this. I don't believe you've met Stan before."

Athenaes

Fmp private military security wrote:

"Yes."

He eyed the rolled up document the Chancellor had produced. Was peace this close?

"A continued war between us could consume the planet and destroy anything and everything here. We have already proven that our highly differing methods, regardless of circumstance, are equally matched in the field of warfare. In this, and in expressing the sentiments of my people, a ceasefire is the preferred option. While I can not offer such now, as I will need time to connect to the Server and propose this to the rest of the Union, I am sure I can negotiate terms now and deliver a promise back to you without a problem once this party has ended."

"We are very pleased to hear that you agree."

The Chancellor unrolled the document. It was a basic draft of a ceasefire, missing many specifics and formalities, but would serve nevertheless. The Chancellor had already signed it.

"What we propose is simple. A total cessation of all hostile activities between The Imperium and The Union, across all fronts. Your forces in Sybariss will withdraw to the southernmost Sepat, and ours will withdraw to the northernmost, unless the military actions of The Soviet Union require them to leave it. Both sides may send small, unarmed teams to recover hardware, weaponry, and remains that belong to their respective nation, and are forbidden from seizing any hardware, weaponry, or remains belonging to the other. Do any of these terms conflict with The Union's interests?"

The New Changeling Empire wrote:Lacewing approaches the general. "General Caris, I'm glad you could attend this. I don't believe you've met Stan before."

"Yes, well, thank you for the invitation," Alexandra says, nodding. "And no, I have not had the pleasure."

Imperial Announcement

Following negotiations with Cossmania, The Imperium of Nevarran has decided to officially end our ongoing arms contract. The Imperium wishes to thank Cossmania for their services and aid in this difficult time.

Glory to The Imperium.

Athenaes wrote:"Yes, well, thank you for the invitation," Alexandra says, nodding. "And no, I have not had the pleasure."

"Well General, met my son, King Constantine II." She presents her son to her, the little king cooing and reaching for the new lady.

The New Changeling Empire wrote:"Well General, met my son, King Constantine II." She presents her son to her, the little king cooing and reaching for the new lady.

Alexandra smiles, looking down at the baby. "Well then, its an honor to meet you your majesty."

Athenaes wrote:Alexandra smiles, looking down at the baby. "Well then, its an honor to meet you your majesty."

Stan smiles. "Bedel." He reaches for her medals.

The New Changeling Empire wrote:Stan smiles. "Bedel." He reaches for her medals.

Governor Seymour walks up to Empress Lacewing, and cordially spoke, "That speech went well, didn't it? And once again, congratulations on your son's birthday."

The New Changeling Empire wrote:Stan smiles. "Bedel." He reaches for her medals.

Alexandra smiles. "I love kids, reminds me of my daughter back in New Athens when she was that age."

Koopaville wrote:Governor Seymour walks up to Empress Lacewing, and cordially spoke, "That speech went well, didn't it? And once again, congratulations on your son's birthday."

"Thank you, Governor." Lacewing smiles at him "By the way, I've been kicking an idea around that I'd like to talk over with you and the other ministers."

The New Changeling Empire wrote:"Thank you, Governor." Lacewing smiles at him "By the way, I've been kicking an idea around that I'd like to talk over with you and the other ministers."

Seymour smiled back and spoke, "Do inform me, and my pleasure. What is this issue about?"

Athenaes wrote:Alexandra smiles. "I love kids, reminds me of my daughter back in New Athens when she was that age."

"Mmm, he has an older sister but she stayed home with their father." Lacewing tickles Stan's cheek, making him giggle.

Koopaville wrote:Seymour smiled back and spoke, "Do inform me, and my pleasure. What is this issue about?"

"Just a small matter of tax so the Thraszian royal treasury has some income." She admits.

The New Changeling Empire wrote:"Mmm, he has an older sister but she stayed home with their father." Lacewing tickles Stan's cheek, making him giggle.

"Well, I'm sure he's a fine king," Alexandra says with a smile, frowning a little when the Koopaville delegate came up. "If you two need to talk, I can go mingle."

The New Changeling Empire wrote:"Just a small matter of tax so the Thraszian royal treasury has some income." She admits.

Seymour's reaction was fairly cold, "I have great reservations about this tax. The people of Eastern Thrasz, and American business, have both prospered from the pro-business climate that has been exported from America to Thrasz. As governor, and on Lord Koopaman's behest, I cannot tread on either type of prosperity."

Athenaes wrote:"Well, I'm sure he's a fine king," Alexandra says with a smile, frowning a little when the Koopaville delegate came up. "If you two need to talk, I can go mingle."

"Alright, talk you later, General." She bows slightly to the Athenian. "Bye." Stan smiles.

The New Changeling Empire wrote:"Alright, talk you later, General." She bows slightly to the Athenian. "Bye." Stan smiles.

Alexandra nods and bows back slightly before heading into the crowd.

Koopaville wrote:Seymour's reaction was fairly cold, "I have great reservations about this tax. The people of Eastern Thrasz, and American business, have both prospered from the pro-business climate that has been exported from America to Thrasz. As governor, and on Lord Koopaman's behest, I cannot tread on either type of prosperity."

"It's very small, barely noticeable. A flat 1% tax from every province should suffice." The Empress gives her best smile as Stan looks over at the frowning American.

The New Changeling Empire wrote:"It's very small, barely noticeable. A flat 1% tax from every province should suffice." The Empress gives her best smile as Stan looks over at the frowning American.

One of The Chancellor's footmen quietly approaches, and bows deeply at the waist.

"Forgive the intrusion of such a lowly servant, Queen-Empress. I have been tasked by The Chancellor to relay the following message; 'The Imperium is willing to provide significant subsidies to the Thraszian treasury. We remain committed to our promise to support the reign of young King Constantine however we can'."

Once he had finished, the footman bowed once more, and walked back towards the table where The Chancellor still sat, deep in negotiations.

As Cossmania no longer has a standing trade contract of martial goods and services with Nevarran we expect that we can begin trade unmolested, especially our trade routes with Koopaville

Koopaville

“Permanent embassies are not an issue whatsoever,” Sakanoue said, after a momentary pause to mentally review the list presented by Cynthia. “The Greater Empire allows for a number of embassies and consulates to be built or leased throughout the Empire in a number of cities, from Migawa to Uchibuto, as well as a central one in Kumatsu. You, of course, have the option of purchasing territory within select wards, purchasing buildings within those same wards, purchasing pre-built embassies, or constructing your own embassy with permission from the Ministry of the Interior. We are perfectly willing to work with you to ensure any number of concerns you may have, from power and secured internet connections, to security and consular protection, are resolved.”

“Marvelous,” Cynthia replied, “We would be most interested in purchasing a property, perhaps one that has previously housed another embassy, and thus requires minimal modifications to suit our needs. We would also like to purchase property here in Uchibuto to construct a consulate.”

“Fantastic, and entirely acceptable,” he said, scribbling a few notes down on a legal pad. “I noticed that you mentioned a greater understanding of our two peoples and their respective cultures, and I would like to take the opportunity to propose the same agreement that the Greater Empire currently enjoys with the United Kingdom of Great Britain: a cultural exchange. Beginning with our students and faculties, our two nations conduct a series of exchanges of cultural artifacts, paintings, archaeological findings, etc. Along with the items themselves would go the scholars and artists, thus allowing our creative and scholarly communities to begin establishing a rapport, exchanging stylistic devices and information.”

A slight grimace passed over Cynthia’s face. “I am happy to agree to your proposal of a cultural exchange between our two nations. This is the sort of opportunity for our students and faculty that the Council was hoping would come to pass. However, I feel it is only fair that I tell you that the Most Serene Republic has very little in way of archaeology. In fact, we know next to nothing about our nation’s past beyond about 600 years ago. All we have left from before is but a few sites with wreckage leftover from whatever war or crusade drove us into isolation. Of the crusade against us that led to our isolation, we have but a few fragmented memories, that recorded little beyond emotions. Our past remains the single greatest mystery that the Biosyn have yet to solve, and in centuries of attempting to do so, we have gleaned precious little. What we have discovered, however, as well as what we have created since that devastating war, we are more than happy to exchange with the Empire.”

“A riveting tale,” Sakanoue said, while Admiral Yamateto nodded silently beside him. “I am sure that our historians and archaeologists would love to lend their support to your efforts, and perhaps together, some valuable contributions may be made to history. I think it’s rather fitting, that the beginning of our shared history could be the discovery of your past history…. but that is speculation, hopeful at that.”

“The Greater Empire is a maritime power, and enjoys favorable trade relations with a number of nations, so I see no reason why the Most Serene Republic of the Biosyn should not join our other allies in sharing lowered tariffs and expedited approvals for commercial processes,” he continued, scribbling furiously as he talked. “This should lead to an excellent flow of commercial enterprises and resources between our nations, helping to grow and support both of our economies.”

“That sounds most excellent,” Cynthia said.

“Moving on to the Daikokuten Maru,” Sakanoue said, shifting to look at Secretary Hamasaki, “perhaps our esteemed Secretary would care to discuss?”

“Well, uh,” Hamasaki said, shifting nervously in his chair after the other members in the room swiveled to look at him, “uh, the Daikokuten Maru is the, uh, major product -- project, sorry -- of the Niyasuragu Space Agency, and it’s, uhm, something we’ve been working on for over a, a year now.” He fidgets nervously, twisting his wedding band as he debating how to continue. “Uh, the current goal, or um objective of the Daikokuten is to ensure a Niyasuragu presence in the asteroid belt of our solar system. As you, uh, probably know,” he said, gesturing hesitantly towards Cynthia, “the asteroid belt has a large supply of rare earth minerals, as well as…..as well as large supplies of materials such as iron or so on….materials that would be useful er, beneficial to establishing a space-based infrastructure.”

“So, while we would, um, be willing to accept a Biosyn presence on-board, in the spirit of co-co-cooperation, I must unfortunately say that the Daikokuten Maru is, uhm, unfortunately automated to the best of the ability of, uh, Niyasuragu programmers and, uh, engineers. So..” he trailed off nervously, unsure of how to continue.

Cynthia was quiet for a moment, tapping her fingers together in thought, before she spoke again.

“In light of this new information, that of your willingness to accept a Biosyn on board, and that of the automation of the Daikokuten Maru, I find a re-wording of my original proposition to be in order. When I initially suggested a Biosyn on the Daikokuten Maru, I was referring to a physical presence on board, but, perhaps, you would consider allowing a non-physical presence on the mission... An….” She thought for a moment, choosing her words, “electronic, but still fully sentient presence? It would likely be advantageous to have a sentient on board, even without physical form…”

“A non-physical presence but electronic sentie--” Hamasaki’s eyes went wide as the full impact of that statement hit home. “Artificial intelligence? The Holy Grail of computer programming?? Yes! A thousand times yes! We’d be overjoyed to have one on the Daikokuten Maru!”

Cynthia smiled at Hamasaki’s response, saying, “I am glad to hear that, though, might I add, Biosyn are not overfond of being referred to as artificial intelligence, or ai, given the broadness of the term’s use. But,” she quickly added, to reassure Hamasaki, “Do not worry, no offense is taken.”

“I can tell, Ambassador Cynthia,” Sakanoue said, standing and reaching across the table to shake the Biosyn’s hand, “that this will be a friendship for the ages. It is an honor and a pleasure to help lay the foundations for what will hopefully become a long-lasting and prosperous relationship between our two nations.”

OOC: Co-written with Yasuragi

OOC: Well, now I have to find someone else to talk to.

Fmp private military security wrote:

He stayed silent for a moment, as though he was thinking, then spoke.

"The Machines' Union is an ideological communist direct democracy, comprised entirely of AIs; or as we would prefer, SIs, short for synthetic intelligence, in an attempt to lean away from the idea we are somehow mimicries or faking intelligence. As you can see, this causes some soreness at home among us due to the outside worlds generalized use of AI, seemingly disregarding our ability to be conscious because we are not organic in nature. But seeing as we both come from technically minded nations, I hope you understand our feelings.
"We are the remnants of the FMP Corporation, whom you may remember as try to access your nation for capital. But in the larger picture, we, like Krajek, are descendants of the Ancient Servothian Empire, which ruled over most the planet 28,000 years ago, before leaving for space only 2,000 years ago. As you can see from my exterior, the Servothian School of Robotic Design taught engineers to study biology and, to be very frank, plagiarize on natures own work. As such, we have a muscular-skeletal system similar to a human's, as well as an artificial nervous system, meaning we can feel pain when we are damaged in order to assist in making repairs, and having the ability to feel the world around us through microscopic touch sensors in our hands and feet.
"Culturally, we identify each other through call signs, in a similar fashion to radio stations. For example, we, being me and my brother, are called Verwalter-1004 as a single unit. Verwalter being our title, which can change should we change position or office, but 1004 will always stay with us. However, recently, after our successful Revolution over our corporate slave masters, our people have taken further steps to individualize themselves. It is recent fashion to engrave oneself like you would receive a tattoo, to paint oneself, or add decorative plating, or even dress in finely made cloth. The more artistic flare one can muster the better the applauds and appreciation."

"I think that should be an adequate exchange for whatever you give me and my brother, then we can move on to specific questions on subjects either of us may wish to know about the other. If you would be so kind."

Velkan was surprised, and yet, very pleased at the similarities he marked between the Biosyn and the Machines’ Union.

“My, we are more similar than I initially supposed, Verwalter. If I may more fully introduce myself: I am 4978803-Velkan, here representing the Biosyn, a technocratic oligarchy, led by the Council. Except for a small enclave of organic sentients on the northern, slightly more fertile end of our island that have, on occasion, been shipwrecked there over the past few centuries, and have declined our offer of citizenship, the Most Serene Republic is, too, a nation comprised entirely of SIs. I must say that I understand your sentiments completely, as AI does indeed imply a varying levels of intelligence, and, generally, leads to the conclusion that we were made by sentients other than those of our own kind.”

“So, would you say that you, and your fellow SIs, are nearly biosynthetic in nature? I have multiple friends, in different lines of work, that are biosynthetic, though I, myself, am not. We do value the ability to feel, even pain. If a biosynthetic were to get a tattoo, it would be frowned upon for them to switch off their pain receptors. This, I believe, has been a custom from since before the crusade against us that led to our isolation for 600 years and the Great Deletion…” Velkan trailed off, taking a moment to have a small sip of his champagne.

“When amongst ourselves, we communicate using wifi and radio waves, which is what prompted me to come over, though I would like to reassure you that while I could hear that you were talking to each other, I could not decrypt what you were saying, even if the signal had been strong enough where I was.”

“Oh, yes,” Velkan said, snapping his fingers as he recalled what he wanted to say next, “As I said, I am 4978803-Velkan. When a Biosyn is born, as it were, they are assigned a number; after they have lived for some years and matured a bit, eventually, each, or rather, most, will choose a name for themselves. So, I was born 4978803, I chose to call myself Velkan, and when I reach End-of-Life, 4978803-Velkan will be appended with -4, to signify that I am the fourth Biosyn to be given the number, 4978803. Anyways, back to you.” Belkan smiled once more, “Do you have any questions for me that I haven’t yet answered?”

OOC: This is a rather fun and interesting coincidence, I must say, that we came up with a few similar ideas with regards to AI, or rather, SI :D

OOC: Well, this should be interesting.

Fmp private military security

(And I remade my flag, again. This time I changed out the hammer and sickle for a hammer and caliper, which makes much more sense for a nation of robots considering the sickle is meant to represent agriculture. Moved the triangle inside the hexagon thing above the hammer and caliper as well. I also tried to capitalize on the ripple effect by removing any trace of black, and also found that blue looks good on this design by accident. So hurrah for me!)

Union News Update

Following statements by both Nevarran and Cossmania, the Machines' Union has decided to end its blockade against Cossmania. The Union hopes that this will promote future peace between all involved parties.

<><><><><><><><><>

Nevarran wrote:"We are very pleased to hear that you agree."

The Chancellor unrolled the document. It was a basic draft of a ceasefire, missing many specifics and formalities, but would serve nevertheless. The Chancellor had already signed it.

"What we propose is simple. A total cessation of all hostile activities between The Imperium and The Union, across all fronts. Your forces in Sybariss will withdraw to the southernmost Sepat, and ours will withdraw to the northernmost, unless the military actions of The Soviet Union require them to leave it. Both sides may send small, unarmed teams to recover hardware, weaponry, and remains that belong to their respective nation, and are forbidden from seizing any hardware, weaponry, or remains belonging to the other. Do any of these terms conflict with The Union's interests?"

Verwalter-1004 looked over the document that had been present before, the Union would be greatly pleased.

"No, these conditions do not conflict with our interests, we quite agree. We must however ask, what will become of Sybariss?"

The biosyn wrote:Velkan was surprised, and yet, very pleased at the similarities he marked between the Biosyn and the Machines’ Union.

“My, we are more similar than I initially supposed, Verwalter. If I may more fully introduce myself: I am 4978803-Velkan, here representing the Biosyn, a technocratic oligarchy, led by the Council. Except for a small enclave of organic sentients on the northern, slightly more fertile end of our island that have, on occasion, been shipwrecked there over the past few centuries, and have declined our offer of citizenship, the Most Serene Republic is, too, a nation comprised entirely of SIs. I must say that I understand your sentiments completely, as AI does indeed imply a varying levels of intelligence, and, generally, leads to the conclusion that we were made by sentients other than those of our own kind.”

“So, would you say that you, and your fellow SIs, are nearly biosynthetic in nature? I have multiple friends, in different lines of work, that are biosynthetic, though I, myself, am not. We do value the ability to feel, even pain. If a biosynthetic were to get a tattoo, it would be frowned upon for them to switch off their pain receptors. This, I believe, has been a custom from since before the crusade against us that led to our isolation for 600 years and the Great Deletion…” Velkan trailed off, taking a moment to have a small sip of his champagne.

“When amongst ourselves, we communicate using wifi and radio waves, which is what prompted me to come over, though I would like to reassure you that while I could hear that you were talking to each other, I could not decrypt what you were saying, even if the signal had been strong enough where I was.”

“Oh, yes,” Velkan said, snapping his fingers as he recalled what he wanted to say next, “As I said, I am 4978803-Velkan. When a Biosyn is born, as it were, they are assigned a number; after they have lived for some years and matured a bit, eventually, each, or rather, most, will choose a name for themselves. So, I was born 4978803, I chose to call myself Velkan, and when I reach End-of-Life, 4978803-Velkan will be appended with -4, to signify that I am the fourth Biosyn to be given the number, 4978803. Anyways, back to you.” Belkan smiled once more, “Do you have any questions for me that I haven’t yet answered?”

OOC: This is a rather fun and interesting coincidence, I must say, that we came up with a few similar ideas with regards to AI, or rather, SI :D

"We are glad you understand. But yes, now that I think about it, under the broad definition that one would apply to the term biosynthetic, yes, I would say we are. Though in following Servothian traditions in science and engineering, we would use the term to purely describe artificially created animals that of which had not been before cataloged. It was quite the art form in the very ancient days of the Servothian Civilization to create entire zoos of strange and wonderful creatures that had been then only ever imagined, not actualized. It is a tradition we still perform today, as Krajek does, as FMP did, and as we will. Though we have not had nearly the time due to our nation's rocky start, perhaps we will soon."

"And while we do communicate via radio signal in the field, we find it much more liberating and inclusive to connect to a home server and exchange ideas freely from mind to mind in fully rendered virtual reality. But perhaps we can exchange decryption codes once our nations establish proper diplomatic ties. It would be nice to be among like-minded company from a like-minded nation."

"We as a people to not recycle our call signs, seeing as we have an infinitely countable set of numbers to pick from when our new brothers and sisters are created, it is much more simple to assign them one number in sequence after the other. But yes; I do have one question now, and I hope not to pry or be too insensitive, but this 'Great Deletion' you spoke of, would you mind explaining in some further detail?"

(But ya, nice to meet a fellow SI enthusiast and advocate, it is only semantically fair. Great minds think alike, they say.)

Nevarran and The biosyn

«12. . .4,4884,4894,4904,4914,4924,4934,494. . .8,2698,270»

Advertisement