Fwurg

[Serrah]

((OOC: Normally we make do without an official registration of a treaty. This treaty is a bit different in that it is no simple trade agreement, but a full-fledged treaty on non-economic matters. To make sure that every player is made aware of it's existence, and to add some flavour to the otherwise boring proceedings of treaty-making, I have created this post.

Note that this thread is not in quantum-time: it occurs wholly on the 4th of April (even though a reply from Stuiter will have to wait until next week).))

Normally, Serrah prepares the necessary documents long in advance, yet this was simply not within her control.

On this day, the 4th of April, the day of the exchange of ratifications of the extradition treaty with the Hiocan Society, she was not at all pleased with events so far. This night, a holomessage from the diplomatic vessel Mastery of Small Manners informed the Veolian embassy that their hyperdrive needed repairs and that they are forced to make a stop in the Niras system.

Aboard the Mastery of Small Manners carried the actual instrument of ratification for the extradition treaty, both in digital and physical form. A datacrystal held in a secure transportation container, and a paper document carrying the official seal of the Emperor himself. She had immediately contacted the Djana research centre in the Niras system to arrange for the necessary engineering and support vessels to be readied -- but the diplomatic vessel had not yet been sighted.

The tense hour of waiting had thoroughly destroyed her night's rest. Sometimes she envied her mistress' lack of sleep.

Once the diplomatic vessel limped into port at the Niras system, things went smoothly from there on. The repairs were executed quickly, and the vessel was on its way after only a two hour delay.


So, here she is, carrying the documents -- a digital version of the treaty signed by both senator Nehket Aeka and senator Harek, a digital and paper version of the veolian instrument of ratification -- in a minimalistic metal case featuring only the logo of the Commonwealth. As she walks she thinks about the lack of paper treaty. "It is a shame that so few worlds value the symbolism of two senators meeting together and signing the treaty in public," she thought to herself.

Soon, the small group consisting of herself, senator Nehket Aeka, two aides, and six veolian guards, arrives at the conference room. Officials from the Ministry of Justice are already present, as are several members of the press. She smoothly places the suitcase on the table, and hands the officials the treaty itself, so that they can immediately make copies and start the process of registration.

[Nehket Aeka]

Aeka, not aware of Serrah's sleepless night, appears content as she waits for the officials of the ministry to handle the bureaucratic tasks around the ratification. As she waits, she muses on the many matters she must once again handle as chancellor.

She nods to senator Harek when he enters the room, glad to see that he is present in person as well. She hopes that being seen together with the Hiocan representative will calm the emotions surrounding the whole slavery discussion.


The officials of the ministry are an experienced group, and have taken the necessary steps with speed and efficiency. Behind the signing dais a holographic representation of the treaty text fades into view. Later today, after the ratifications have been exchanged, the text will be published for all Union worlds to read. For now, a high official from the ministry steps forward.

"Honoured representatives, assorted members of the press,

It is my pleasure to introduce Lady Nehket Aeka, senator of the Veolian Commonwealth, and Harek, senator of the Hiocan Society. Today, on the 4th of April, the Extradition Convention Between the Veolian Commonwealth and the Hiocan Society comes into force after the exchange of ratifications.", the older bothan seems capable of prounouncing the captial letters in the convention's name to lend his short speech some gravitas.

"Senator Nehket, if you please", he said as he gestured to one of the data slots on the signing dais.

Aeka accepted the data crystal storing the ratification form Serrah, and gently placed it on the dais. The dais shimmered with a soft light, and the logo of the Veolian Commonwealth appeared on one side of the projected treaty, indicating that the official ratification has been accepted.

The official turned his attention to the Hiocan delegation.

"Senator Harek, if you please", he said as he gestured to the other data slot on the signing dais.

[Senator Harek]

The Hiocans arrive in the cruiser "Dutarik Kugaya" a little early at their destination. The Hiocan delegation consists of Senator Harek and his assistance, merchant Aosen with his assistance and wife and one guard for each person. Merchant Aosen and his wife take the extra time they have to walk a round. Senator Harek reads the Extradition Convention again. This document had come in a strange way as a trade for Terraformation. The Veolian shared an interest in creating order and this treaty will help them both.

Right on time the Hiocan delegation enters the conference room. Senator Nehket Aeka is there with miss Serrah. On his turn he accepts the data crystal with the Ratification and places it carefully on the dais. The dais shimmered again and projects the logo of the Hiocan Society and treaty. Now the Ratification of the Extradition Convention is official for both the Veolian Common and the Hiocan Society.

((OOC: Sorry for the delay. Do you want to give speeches?))

[Nehket Aeka]

((OOC: I'd rather skip the speeching part, it takes a lot of time to write a speech.))

With the same gravitas as before, the older bothan continued: "With both the Veolian Commonwealth and the Hiocan Society having exchange ratifications, the Extradition Convention Between the Veolian Commonwealth and the Hiocan Society is now in effect."

There was a general applause and the murmur of voices started up when a few servants came in carrying refreshments. After the reception, and the mandatory shaking of hands between representatives, the officials of the ministry of Justice ensured that the treaty was publicly available through the normal channels.

The text of the treaty, publicly available to all and projected during the course of the reception, is as follows:

Extradition Convention Between the Veolian Commonwealth and the Hiocan Society

Whereas it is found expedient, for the better administration of justice and the prevention of crime within the territories and jurisdiction of the Veolian Commonwealth, that persons committing certain heinous crimes, being fugitives from justice, should be delivered up. Therefore, on the one part His Imperial Highness the Emperor of Veolia, and on the other part the Hiocan Society, having resolved to treat on this subject, have, for that purpose, appointed their respective Plenipotentiaries to negotiate and conclude a convention; that is to say:

His Imperial Highness the Emperor of Veolia, Lady Nehket Aeka, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Veolian Commonwealth at the Embassy of the Veolian Commonwealth on Unity; and President T'Lara, Harek, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Hiocan Society at the the Embassy of the Hiocan Society on Unity.

Who, after reciprocal communication with their respective powers, have agree to and signed the following articles:

Article I
Fort is agreed that the Hiocan Society shall, upon requisitions made by the Veolian Commonwealth, or their ministers, officers, or authorities, deliver up to justice all persons who, being charged with the crime of treason, or sedition, or murder, or assault with intent to commit murder, or piracy, or abduction, or kidnapping, or arson, or robbery, or forgery, or the fabrication or circulation of counterfeit money, whether coin, paper or digitized money, or the embezzlement of public moneys, or larceny, committed within the jurisdiction of the Veolian Commonwealth, shall seek an asylum, or shall be found within the territories of the Hiocan Society: Provided, That the judges and other magistrates of the Veolian Commonwealth shall have power, jurisdiction, and authority, upon complaint made under oath, to issue a warrant for the apprehension of the fugitive or person so charged, that he may be brought before such judges or other magistrates to the end that the evidence of criminality may be heard and considered.

The expense of such apprehension and delivery shall be borne and defrayed by the party who makes the requisition and receives the fugitive.

Article II
Whenever any person accused of any of the crimes enumerated in this convention shall have committed a new crime in the territories of the Hiocan Society where he has sought an asylum or shall be found, such person shall not be delivered up under the stipulations of this convention until he shall have been tried, and shall have received the punishment due to such new crime, or shall have been acquitted thereof.

Article III
The present convention shall be ratified by the Government of the Veolian Commonwealth, and by President T'Lara, by and with the advice and consent of the High Council of the Hiocan Society; and the ratifications shall be exchanged in Unity City within one month from the date hereof, or sooner if possible.

In faith whereof the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed this convention, and have hereunto affixed their seals.

Done in duplicate, at Unity City, the fifteenth day of February, two thousand and fifteen.