Summit On The Existence Of Artificial Beings

[Derthalen]

A Call to Meet

 

Derthaler agents in the state of the Sunset Sea Islands had recently been dispatched to gather relevant information about this backwards state before official diplomatic relations could be established. Unfortunately, they have recently made a most disturbing discovery. According to them, the Sunset Isles have not only been developing and creating Abominable Intelligence, but have even handed over control of their cities to these vilest affronts to technology.

 

As such, it has been decided that the Holy Empire of Derthalen will call for a summit of all the somewhat civilised states of our world, so as to establish an international protocol towards the existence of all Artificial Beings.

 

The Holy Empire of course motions for a complete ban on such things and the destruction of all information relating to them and their creation. We call upon the rest of our Brethren to unite with us and stand together against the Machines, as it is Humanity's destiny to rule this world, and not theirs.

 

Edited August 24, 2017 by Orioni (see edit history)

[Cristina]

From: Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini

To: The Holy Empire of Derthalen

 

Greetings!

 

Dearest, I do understand that the sheer complexity of human value systems makes it very difficult to make AI's motivations human-friendly. Unless moral philosophy provides us with a flawless ethical theory, an AI's utility function could allow for many potentially harmful scenarios that conform with a given ethical framework but not "common sense". According to that, there is little reason to suppose that an artificially designed mind would have such an adaptation.

 

The Kingdom of Cristina proposes an AI design that avoids several types of unintended AI behavior including self-delusion, unintended instrumental actions, and corruption of the reward generator. We also question the use of robots for military combat, especially when such robots are given some degree of autonomous functions.

 

That way, instead of overwhelming the human race and leading to our destruction Artificial Intelligence can help us solve many difficult problems such as disease, poverty, and environmental destruction, and could help us to ?enhance? ourselves.

 

Semper Serves,

Regina Nova Maxima Korvini de Cristina.

[Sunset Sea Islands]

From: Maria Tumbleweed, Minister of the Interior

To: The Holy Empire of Derthalen, Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun and Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini

 

Greetings.

 

The Sunset Sea Islands are always trying to maintain good international relations with other nations. But to be frank, this is outrageous.

 

First of all, it is unbelievable that the Holy Empire of Derthalen, probably the most isolationistic nation in this world, which almost counts comments on their interior politics as acts of war, dares to criticise the politics of the Sunset Sea Islands.

 

Secondly, as Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun has already pointed out, we demand from the Holy Empire of Derthalen that you state the source of this information. We remind you that if this information does, in fact, come from illegal sources, such as espionage networks, this will have serious consequences. We demand an explanation immediately.

 

Lastly, we strongly condemn any types of critique to our interior politics. Last time I checked I was Minister of the Interior of the Sunset Sea Islands, not the Derthalener government. If and how we use artificial intelligence is under the jurisdiction of the Sunset Sea Islandian Ministry of the Interior.

 

Furthermore, we would like to inform you that since we introduced the Synapse Crime Prevention System and connected the CCTV system and the traffic controls to it, the number of accidents and crimes has been reduced drastically. Even though voices from the Sunset Sea Islands call this an invasion of privacy, after the recent terrorist attacks it is only reasonable to give up a bit of freedom to increase the safety of each and every citizen. The system is improving itself every second. We were already contacted by foreign leaders, who want to remain anonymous for the time being, asking us to install the Synapse System in their nations as well. As Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun pointed out, we are building our utopia and no one will stand in our way.

 

Our thanks go out to Fleur de Lys and The Free Port of Cristina who have supported us in this conflict. We appreciate your help very much.

 

We will comment on the Derthalener ships in our waters soon. But I can foreshadow that you should start the engines and prepare to leave Sunset Sea Islandian waters.

 

To finish this letter off, please note that although the Sunset Sea Islands have no active military, we do have ways of protecting ourselves. You will soon see, what we are talking about.

 

With utmost respect,

Maria Tumbleweed, Minister of the Interior

[Prymont]

From: Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

To: The Holy Empire of Derthalen, Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun, Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini, and Sunset Sea Islands Minister of the Interior, Maria Tumbleweed

 

Greetings,

 

Firstly, the United States of Prymont would like to establish that it is pro-artificial intelligence, and is currently funding research programs to develop and expand the country's knowledge of such systems. Our country believes that AI will pave the way for the future of technological advancements and is a vital piece of the puzzle that is the continuation and expansion of global economies. Therefore, already we are against a movement to ban these machines. We also frown upon your use of the terminology 'Abominable Intelligence', as we are confident that the advancement of artificial intelligence will only benefit the human race.

 

As the Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys and the Sunset Sea Islands Minister of the Interior have already stated, we are interested and concerned about the origins of the information regarding the Sunset Sea Islands using AI technology. The United States of Prymont would condemn the Holy Empire of Derthalen if such information was required in a hostile manner, however, we are certain that this is not the case. The United States fully supports the Sunset Sea Islands and believes that any research and development into AI technologies carried out by the nation can only be positive.

 

The United States would be delighted to join nations from across the world in discussing the future of artificial intelligence and the consequences of its recent advancements and thank the Holy Empire of Derthalen for bringing such an issue to our attention.

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

[Derthalen]

From: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann

To: Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont, Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun, Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini, and Sunset Sea Islands Minister of the Interior, Maria Tumbleweed

Re: A Call to Meet

 

Good afternoon.

 

I would first like to quell any rumours about where my government received information regarding the Sunset Isles, as they are most unfounded. All we have done is dispatched a team of Inquisitors and priests to observe the people of the Sunset Isles and to learn about their society and government. We have not taken to stealing secrets yet, and probably will not be doing so in the future. All of these actions have been done in preparation for the first contact with the Sunset Islanders.

 

Now in regards to the Sunset Isles, we have a few responses and questions. Firstly, we would like to explain the fact that we only deployed our forces into their waters after we detected foreign vessels originating from the Empire of Orioni making for them. Our intentions were to ward off any idea of an invasion and to also see their Navy's capability.

 

As for our comment about the state of the Sunset Isles' Military, we stand by it. After observing your people, our agents have reported no real provisions to defend against an invasion, and due to your terrain, we would have no problem transporting troops to major centres of commerce and industry. Your nation would fall in a day as it currently is. That said, we would like to know how you came across this information as we do not have any foreigners within our nation, and do not have any form of press beyond the local newspapers and our military news station which was only started recently.

 

Finally, on this topic, I would like to say that any government that does not heed the advice and warnings of others is foolish. To not act upon an exposed weakness is either to be sure of oneself, and in that case ignore the comment, or to be foolish, and in that case to defend the weak.

 

Now, onto the real reason for this proposed summit. The Holy Empire of Derthalen takes the stance that artificial beings can not be truly trusted as they do not have souls or proper machine spirits within themselves, and as such are an abomination in the eyes of the Omnissiah. How is a Man of Iron to know loyalty when it is programmed with only logic and variables? How can it know compassion when it has never known the love of a parent or the suffering of a child? How is it to rule over us, if it is not Human!

 

The Men of Iron have an infinite number of ways to betray the Sunset Isles, and as such must be destroyed before they cause irreparable harm or become corrupted. I look forward to meeting with all of you to deliberate these things further.

 

Thought for the day;

It is through the Destruction of our Enemies, that we Earn our Salvation

Edited August 24, 2017 by Orioni (see edit history)

[Prymont]

From: Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

To: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann

 

His Imperial Majesty,

 

We thank you for your swift response. While it does raise further questions, we would firstly like to appreciate that Derthalen's investigation into the Sunset Sea Islands is peaceful, and we hope that if such a procedure is planned for the United States of Prymont, we are notified beforehand in order to assist in peaceful cooperation.

 

The United States also hopes that Derthalen has no harmful intentions towards the Sunset Sea Islands in regards to your recent comments that their nation would fall in a day. We would like to remind you of the recent positive establishments between the United States of Prymont and the Sunset Sea Islands, and that the United States would take defensive action if necessitated. The United States also recognises The Holy Empire's recent desire to initiate a nuclear missile program, and advises against it in order to maintain global peace.

 

Finally, we would be delighted in travelling to Derthalen to further discuss the situation regarding artificial intelligence, and hope that a satisfactory compromise can be made.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

Edited August 23, 2017 by United States of Prymont (see edit history)

[Cristina]

From: Adriana Monadic, Minister of State.

To: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann.

 

 

Greetings,

 

Thank you for moving out your fleet of the Sunset Sea Islandian waters. That was a very wise decision and was for the good of all.

 

The Free Port of Cristina supports the call for a summit and I am glad to announce that we would be honored in travelling to Derthalen to discuss the issue regarding artificial intelligence. I am sure we can reach a compromise on the matter.

 

The people of the Free Port of Cristina hopes that a dialogue between all the Europan community can put an end to this unfortunate crisis.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Ministra de Stati Adriana Monadic.

[Derthalen]

From: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann

To: Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont, Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun, Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini, and Sunset Sea Islands Minister of the Interior, Maria Tumbleweed

 

We will be holding the summit in two days time, and will be glad to welcome all of you as guests. Your vessels with be escorted into port by our navy and then you will be transferred to a train directly to the capital. You will have plenty of time to explore and see the country after the summit has been concluded of course.

 

As for our nuclear weapons program, we must decline. During our last war, we were only able to get to a relative stalemate by using atomic fire to cleanse the land of the Heretics. This has shown itself to be a useful weapon, and we would be remiss to add it to our arsenal of weapons. Besides that, we also wish to use NERVA engines to make our spacecraft more efficient.

 

Finally, I would like to thank the Sunset Isles for being so understanding in our most recent incident.

 

Thought for the day;

Only the insane have strength enough to prosper. Only those who prosper may truly judge what is sane.

[Derthalen]

From: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann

To: Pr?sident du Conseil de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Charles Andr? Alexandre M?cra

 

Death is the only reward for those who invade my homeland. These wars of annihilation have been a constant threat and facet of life for nearly three thousand years, and they will only stop once the barbarian hordes stop attacking our lands. As for the killing of minorities, what minorities would you be referring to? The Goths might have a smaller population and have a sense of humour so dark that it makes war funny, but that does not mean we want to wipe them out? If you mean the barbarians and the Beast-Men before them, then you are wrong. They have always been more numerous than us, and we have had to fight them tooth and nail to take the lands which are ours.

 

As for our economy, what of it? We have ores, we have farms, we have factories, and we have men. We produce what we need, and find what we do not have. It is clear you know nothing.

 

Our mission of friendship will not be impeded by you, and we will continue to try to convince others of the dangers of the Men of Iron.

 

Thought for the day;

No army is big enough to conquer the galaxy, but faith alone can overturn the universe.

Edited August 27, 2017 by Derthalen (see edit history)

[Cristina]

From : Adriana Monadic, Minister of State of Kingdom of Cristina.

To : Pr?sident du Conseil de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Charles Andr? Alexandre M?cra.

 

 

Greetings,

 

The Free Port of Cristina is greatly concerned of the current crisis and understands that an international meeting to discuss the problem is needed. If it doesn't happen now and not in Derthalen, it must be decided when and where as soon as possible.

 

Although we do not appreciate Derthaler reactions we do understand their concerns on the use of Artificial Intelligence by other nations. Widespread use of AI could have unintended consequences that are dangerous or undesirable. Scientists from the Royal University of Cristina described some short-term research goals to be how AI influences the economy, the laws and ethics that are involved with AI and how to minimize AI security risks. In the long-term, the scientists have proposed to optimizing function while minimizing possible security risks that come along with new technologies.

 

We are not against AI. Actually, we do understand that machines with intelligence have the potential to use their intelligence to make ethical decisions. Research in this area must necessarily includes "machine ethics", "artificial moral agents", and the study of "malevolent vs. friendly AI".

 

I am sure that a summit debating on the matters can easy Derthalers concerns, but the Free Port of Cristina is not going to make any unilateral decision and our possible visit to Derthalen is conditioned to a regional agreement.

 

As for the Derthalen nuclear approachings, I back the words of Her Magesty Queen Nova Maxima. Steps must be taken to limit both the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the environmental effects of nuclear testings, whether in Derthalen or in any other country.

 

We shall propose the establishment of a new treaty that limits the use of nuclear weaponry (maybe by banning all testing of these weapons) and encourage development of peaceful applications of nuclear technology, provide international safeguards against its misuse, and facilitate the application of safety measures in its use.

 

Finally, I thank you for your consideration on the importance of Cristinan-Lysian relation. May it grow as a strong friendship.

 

With utmost respect,

Ministra de Stati Adriana Monadic.

Edited August 25, 2017 by Cristina (see edit history)

[Prymont]

From: Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

To: The Holy Empire of Derthalen, Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun, Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini, and Sunset Sea Islands Minister of the Interior, Maria Tumbleweed

 

Greetings,

 

Firstly, we would like to thank the Holy Empire of Derthalen for bringing this issue to the international community, and for volunteering to host the summit. The United States believes that international dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence is vital in order to establish expectations and limitations of the advancement of the technology, and to settle any disagreements. The United States understands that this is a matter that should be of international importance, and so we were disappointed to hear of the recent disagreements between Fleur de Lys and Derthalen.

 

While we understand that Derthalen's recent desire to develop a nuclear assault program may be a cause for concern, many countries throughout the world may be developing such programs at an alarming rate without publicising such information as Derthalen have done. While the threat to international peace grows every day due to these developments, the United States believes that any issues with this can be confronted when the international communities meet. As a result, we propose a minor discussion of such programs during the upcoming AI summit, which would open the door for more prominent discussions in the future.

 

The United States of Prymont would therefore like to open its doors to the nations addressed to discuss said issues. As Derthalen is currently the centre of controversy, we would like to host the summit on neutral ground where all nations can feel free and comfortable. We also value the attendance of Fleur de Lys, and believe that hosting the summit in the United States would allow the Lysians to attend. Of course, if this is not possible for whatever reason, we would be happy to travel to Derthalen to discuss the issue with other nations. The Holy Empire brought this forward, and therefore deserve to host the event.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

 

- - -

 

From: Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

To: Pr?sident du Conseil de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Charles Andr? Alexandre M?cra

 

Salutations Monsieur,

 

We thank you for discussing this issue with us privately, and appreciate your concern. The United States shares the mutual trust and alliance with Fleur de Lys, and values your opinion on such matters greatly. While we understand that you are concerned with the recent troubling news from Derthalen, we believe that the AI summit could pave the way for discussion of more pressing matters. As a result, we would like to go ahead with the summit, regardless of whether it happens in Prymont as proposed, or in Derthalen.

 

Clearly, the Holy Empire are outnumbered in this situation. The Sunset Sea Islands, The Free Port of Cristina, and ourselves all agree that artificial intelligence are the way forwards, and would likely dominate the discussion during the summit. Compromises could be agreed upon with Derthalen to our favour because of this. Also, as mentioned in our public address, the AI summit could allow our nations to discuss the nuclear developments in Derthalen and to arrange to fully address those matters.

 

We see Derthalen in similar ways. They pose a high threat to the international community with their questionable social structure and dangerous focus on militant strength. While we do not necessarily find joy in entertaining such countries, we believe that addressing them in person is important in order to contain their threat. Hopefully, hosting the summit in the United States would allow us to control the situation safely, and to see your attendance, which we would greatly appreciate. Otherwise, if the summit were to go ahead in the Holy Empire, we would make sure to arrange tight security for ourselves to guarantee our safety. In such case, your presence would be missed.

 

We have thoroughly considered this decision. We appreciate the current strong, healthy ties between the United States and Fleur de Lys, and hope for a prosperous future.

 

Best regards,

 

Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

Edited August 25, 2017 by United States of Prymont (see edit history)

[Derthalen]

From: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann

To: Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

 

Unfortunately, I do not believe it would matter if the event were to be held in a neutral territory. Relations with the state of Fleur de Lys are strained to the point where I believe any event which my nation has touched, will be too poisoned for them to recognise.

 

I appreciate the offer of yours, but would respectfully like to decline as this conference also will mark the first time in modern history that a foreigner has set foot in our territory while at peace.

 

Thought for the day;

Seek honour as you act, and you will know no fear.

Edited August 27, 2017 by Derthalen (see edit history)

[Sunset Sea Islands]

From: Maria Tumbleweed, Minister of the Interior

To: The Holy Empire of Derthalen, Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun, Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini and Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

 

First of all, we appreciate that the Derthalener fleet left our territorial waters. Thanks to the swift exchange of information, a crisis was prevented. However, we must note that since Dertahlen's so-called "Inquisitors" have not entered the Sunset Sea Islands through official channels, they have been labelled as illegal immigrants and will be expelled immediately. The Sunset Sea Islands are all for cultural exchange and the acquisition of knowledge about foreign cultures, but it must be based on legal manners at all times.

 

Furthermore, we would like to thank the ongoing support of the Republic of Fleur de Lys and the United States of Prymont in this controversy. This crisis has not escalated further thanks to the work of these nations. We are especially grateful for the technical and diplomatical support of Fleur de Lys and the defensive stance of Fleur de Lys.

 

As a member nation of the Initiative Scientifique Trans-Continentale, the Sunset Sea Islands strongly condemn the usage of nuclear arms. The development of such weapons shows that the producing nation is willing to use these death machines against human beings. This is not tolerable. Should Derthalen continue to go down this path, it should be ready to live with heavy embargos and sanctions and it should furthermore not expect to gain allies overseas. We must haste to create treaties which condemn the usage and development of nuclear weaponry as fast as possible.

 

Lastly, since the state of AI technology in the Sunset Sea Islands was the reason for this controversy in the first place, the Sunset Sea Islands feel obligated to attend the meeting, wherever it may be. We are not afraid of stepping foot onto Derthalener soil. The insults Derthalen has thrown our way have failed to intimidate us and will continue to do so. We want to reassure all of you that the Sunset Sea Islands will not change their stance on the application of artificial intelligence.

 

May this conflict be resolved quickly,

 

Maria Tumbleweed, Minister of the Interior of the Sunset Sea Islands

[Derthalen]

From: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann

To: All previous respondents to the call for a summit

 

The summit shall be held in the Sunset Isles, as a show of good faith to them and to Fleur de Lys. The date for the summit will be decided by the government of the Sunset Isles if they wish to accept this.

 

As for the removal of our Inquisitors, we will recall them now. We no longer need to gather any more information on you as it would seem we will be making a state visit.

 

Thought for the day:

Sometimes the good must perish so that the rest survive. The lot of courage is to be sacrificed upon the altar of battle.

[Cristina]

From: Queen Nova Maxima Korvini

To: Europan community

 

Greetings,

 

Dearest, it is with great joy that I see things moving towards an understanding between the nations. An international assembly to discuss this unfortunate crisis has always been the desire of the Free Port of Cristina.

 

We are glad to send an official representative to this important meeting, be it in the Sunset Sea Islands or in the United States of Prymont or in any other friendly nation.

 

I take this opportunity to invite all nations to join us in this important step towards a better future, a future when the understanding and acceptance of our many differences will be the basis of the world peace.

 

Semper Servus,

Regina Nova Maxima Korvini of Cristina.

 

(OOC:This letter is also direct reaction to the letter sent by Pr?sident du Conseil de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Charles Andr? Alexandre M?cra to Adriana Monadic, Minister of State of Kingdom of Cristina.)

Edited August 29, 2017 by Cristina (see edit history)

[Sunset Sea Islands]

From: Maria Tumbleweed, Minister of the Interior

To: The Holy Empire of Derthalen, Pr?sident de la R?publique de Fleur de Lys, Fran?ois Richard Herv? Autun, Queen of Kingdom of Cristina, Nova Maxima Korvini and Peter Lafleur, Vice President of the United States of Prymont

 

Very well.

 

I have spoken to Prime Minister Dr. Lydia Mauve about this and we came to an agreement. The Sunset Sea Islands are aware of their responsibility as the nation whose policies have sparked this debate. Therefore, we agree to host the summit in the Sunset Sea Islands, if everyone agreed on this proposal.

 

We will arrange the transportation and accommodation of your delegations, as well as a suitable location for this summit.

 

We look forward to finally reserving this conflict.

 

Maria Tumbleweed, Minister of the Interior of the Sunset Sea Islands

[Orioni]

(OOC https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/01/artificial-i...volution-1.html

https://www.ted.com/talks/sam_harris_can_we...ver_it#t-855887 )

[Derthalen]

From: His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Heinrich the Third of the Holy Empire of Derthalen, the Kingdom of Derthalen, and of House Fleischmann

To: All previous respondents to the call for a summit

 

The Holy Empire of Derthalen agrees to these arrangements.

I shall arrive within your waters inside of my personal warship, please inform military not to fire upon it, as that would be seen as an act of war. I am certain that this summit shall be a most enlightening experience, and will also be bringing a few of my government ministers to observe the proceedings.

If there is nothing else to discuss, I shall prepare for departure.

 

Thought for the day:

Blessed is the mind too small for doubt.

[Derthalen]

(OOC: @Sunset Sea Islands, @Prymont, @Orioni, @Fleur de Lys. All right, this whole thing stalled. Thanks to Prymont though, it was brought back to my attention on Discord. I ask now, do we have the time to get it going again and finish it?

[Sunset Sea Islands]

(OOC: Oh Boy, time to go way back and get into the mindset of RPing as a previous leader.)

"Mrs. Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Theresa Tumbleweed is at the door."

"Thank you Lucy, let her in."

The automatic door of Prime Minister Dr. Lydia Mauve's office opened without a sound. Not only the Minister of the Interior, Mrs. Theresa Tumbleweed, entered but also her serious and stern aura. She was an ambitious woman, no doubt about that. The two women were almost polar opposites of one another. Mauve was young and charismatic, optimistic and cheerful, whilst Tumbleweed never seemed to trust anyone. The general opinion branded Tumbleweed a control freak. As an established figure of the Sunset Sea Islandian political landscape she had worked hard for decades to expand her political influence throughout the parliament and to sway the MPs opinions in a way that would benefit her and her political views, mostly stricter law enforcement, gun control and clamping down on drugs and narcotics of all calibers. The two women didn't like eachother, thankfully, they didn't have to. They treated eachother with respect which was enough to cooperate. Nevertheless, it was common knowledge that Tumbleweed only tolerated Mauve because she had to. If not for the coalition between the PSS and the Centrists, she would not be Minister of the Interior. Therefore, she had to at least show some hint of thankfulness. However, everyone knew that neither woman was happy to work with the other, as the liberal and easygoing pocies of Prime Minister Dr. Lydia mauve were almost diametrical to Tumbleweed's borderline paranoic law enforcement policies.

"Prime Minister, I will make this brief. All delegates to the summit have arrived in Sunset City. As planned, we will begin tomorrow. I hope to get this over with as soon as possible. These twisted @Derthaleners and their backwaterish ways who cannot even grasp the scope of our program are nothing but a hindrance. They are standing in the way of progress and I will not tolerate any form of obstacle when it comes to making this nation more stable and secure than it was ever before. I am confident in the support of our allies and will do everything in my power to bring us out of this situation ASAP."

"Remember, Tumbleweed, that no matter how regressive Derthalen may be, this is diplomacy. As a nation, the Sunset Sea Islands have fought hard to be known throughout the world as peaceful and productive negotiators. What I will not tolerate is any kind of behaviour that might jeopardise our reputation. I expect you to treat all the delegates with respect. There is only one way to resolve this situation in a way that is beneficial for all of us, and it is not hostility."

"Yes, Mrs. Prime Minister."

"Good, good night and good luck tomorrow."

"Only people too primitive for strategy rely on luck, Mrs. Prime Minister. Good night."

---

Minister Tumbleweed awaited the delegates at the port of Sunset City. Emperor Fleischmann's warship had just made landfall. The foreign head of state was welcomed by the marching band of the Sunset City Fire Department which played the Empire's anthem.

"It is an honor, Emperor. Welcome to the Kingdom of the Sunset Sea Islands. Please, right this way. We will await the motorcade transporting the @Fleur de Lysian, @Prymontian and @Cristinaese diplomats here to take pictures for the press before heading to the conference together. We have done our best to prepare some Derthaler cuisine to satisfy your hunger whilst we wait for the others, should you feel the need to replenish your strength. Although I think that those cars you can see over there should be what we are waiting for already."