STRANGE, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN WE STARTED THIS GIG?

[maskormods]

WHO: All diplomatic imPorts that have signed up HERE.
WHERE: The capitals of Mexico, South Korea, and France. UN-attending imPorts will be placed in Davos, Switzerland.
WHEN: January 26th.
WHAT: Democracy in motion as imPorts attempt to use their skills of persuasion to convince each government or organization to lend the imPorts - and America - their help. Players may also use this log to play out the long flight over, planning, and other associated activities.
WARNINGS: None anticipated; let us know if we should change this!



Depending on their assignment, all imPort diplomats will find themselves either in Seoul, South Korea; Mexico City, Mexico; Paris, France; or for UN attending imPorts, Davos in the Swiss Alps. They will be housed in the American Embassies and regardless of their Registration status, will be treated as American citizens. UN-attending imPorts will be housed in a hotel close by. Their accommodations will be that of an extremely luxurious hotel, and they will be provided with anything that they should require, be it books on the art of rhetoric, access to state of the art computers and laptops, food or drink. They will also be provided with boardrooms in which the teams may convene to assemble a strategy. Don't be distracted by the free drinks; this is a task that will require clear minds!

After one night of preparation, on January 26th, each team of imPorts will meet with either the government of their assigned nation or the UN. They will be placed at a podium in front of a room full of politicians and diplomats, and will be expected to state their argument. They will be allowed to have an opening speech before each assembly asks each group three questions.

When either the opening speech has been concluded OR the question has been answered to each player's satisfaction, please put QUESTION NEEDED in the subject title of your comment, and we will deliver the next question.

Just remember: an invasion is coming! Even if acquiring the alliance of these governments and organizations do not help with the imPorts' immediate predicament, it will impact the future of the game at large!

Get ready, our silver-tongued imPorts, and good luck!

Comments

[dun_moch]

[A hard-working man, then. An encouraging sign, although the Count is very much used to having the full attention of beings the moment he addresses them.]

Yes, I am part of a long line of nobility on my planet. But that is a story for another time, perhaps.

[Dooku lays one hand on the table he is sitting at while gesturing with the other.]

For the moment, we both have speeches to prepare. You have been on this planet longer than I have. I wonder if I might trouble you for any insight you can spare into the culture and disposition of Mexico as a nation. I have conducted significant research, but I think we both know that reading is a poor substitute for experience.

[The Count dislikes exposing his weakness in this way, but the fact is this speech is important and he does need more information. And making Hundred feel important might pay its own dividends, down the line.]

[viced]

Well, it's a good question.

[ He did set the book down then. ]

I think it goes without saying that most diplomatic courtesies are good to follow. No stereotypes, no insults, and show openness to their customs, if they offer to share them. Mexico's pretty rich, in terms of culture, but... I think most of that you can read about well enough.

But that doesn't really tell you how to get along with them. I'd encourage you to let your translator do the work for you, since that'll make sure you're understood, without making an ass of yourself -- you wouldn't believe how many ambassadors I've seen make themselves look like idiots, because they tried to "speak" Spanish, when all they knew was a few choice words.

Beyond that...? Speak from the heart, actually. It does well, to be honest at these sorts of things. Earnest and honest.

[dun_moch]

[The Count steeples his fingers in front of him as Mitch speaks, nodding along.]

That I most certainly shall do.

[The earnest part, at least. Kriff honesty. Honesty is weakness, weakness is death. But the Count can fake honesty well enough to win over a crowd to his agenda, and that's what is important.]

I already have the outline of my opening remarks prepared. It seems the mood of the people here is very much in our favour: they are appalled at the Russian attack on our community. However, I think I will risk a little Spanish with which to greet our hosts. This isn't the first time I have had to learn a new pronunciation under pressure.

[viced]

[ A twist of his lips. ]

If you're going to do it, practice first. Someone who knows spanish, but I'm sure you know that, right?

[ He suspects he does, but then again, Mitchell had been learning for years, but he ends up incapable of mastering another language, so he gave up on trying. You would think a UN diplomat cum Vice President would be able to do such things, but...

When you have machines on your ears all the time, translating automatically, it becomes a bit difficult to master that skill. Hola, habla ingles? is the extent of Mitchell Hundred's skills with other languages. ]

I think if they're apalled, it's a good thing. The UN is much more reserved, but I didn't expect anything more than that. They tend to keep out if they can -- and if anyone can help us, Mexico would be the best bet.

[dun_moch]

I do indeed.

[He'll practice for an hour, and have it down cold by the end. Jedi Masters gain skill at this kind of thing, and Dooku abandoned the ideals of the Order- not their most useful experiences.]

I think you are right. Mexico is the closest to our homes, they are the best positioned to aid us. South Korea is closer to Russia and could make a valuable base for launching a counter-offensive- but I am sure we all hope that it does not come to that.

Tell me, what aid do you think the United Nations can provide? I understand that they possess no military of their own, and have a reputation for being slow to act besides.

[viced]

They have a...peacekeeping force, actually. They rarely intervene, but when they do, it's with great consideration.

So no, I don't expect anything immediate. I expect to lay the foundation to do something for us that will last, by encouraging the UN to consider us as people -- a recognized minority group. That's going to go further than just this crisis, more than likely.

The timing isn't what I'd prefer, but... if this is where the government wants to send me, I'll take it. [ There's a twist of his lips, then, raw, old humor bubbling to the surface. ]

And it's not bad. Maybe they'll intervene and push sanctions on the Soviets, or eject them from any further dealing, which would cut them out of a lot of global power. [ A pause. ] I used to work here, back home, so thankfully I'm familiar with the ins and outs of what to do.

[dun_moch]

Recognition would certainly have value in the perceptions of the public.

[Although Count Dooku would vastly prefer ten military divisions pointed at sensitive Soviet installations, he is also a strong believer in the media being a weapon in itself.]

You worked with these United Nations before being imPorted? The government chose wisely, in that case.

[viced]

Thankfully, I think they did.

[ The grin is even in his voice, a little bashful -- completely put upon of course -- but Mitchell wears that sort of self-depreciation well. ]

But yes, I was the ambassador to the United Nations until shortly before I came back -- er, I was originally ported into the City during my time as the Mayor of New York City. [ A scoff. ] Sorry, I... I'm kind of in my element, practicing how I'm going to present it is coming a little too easily.

[ Of course it did. He was a politician. ]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku strokes his beard, intrigued. The De Chima Ambassador clearly has something of a pedigree in this field. Dooku recognizes why Raina mentioned him as the one who could go furthest in the realm of pure politics.]

We are truly fortunate to have one with your experience advocating for us, Ambassador- both in the United Nations and De Chima. Is the 'City' you refer to the City? From the previous world imPorts were abducted to.

[The destroyed one. From his previous conversation with Kanaya, Dooku has begun to think of the imPorts who were present for that doomed world as the 'elders' of the imPort community- and therefore as individuals of particular potency.]