Chapter 7: The Spotlight Part 2
Headquarters of the United Nations, New York City, New York, United States of America
[NO UNIT ASSIGNED]
[Duty: Diplomatic Mission] 1000 Hours, September 13, 2020
The Skyrim delegation had eventually entered the main hall used by the General Assembly. They were subjected to use of the metal detectors, the only problem there was that a few members of the party came armed with ceremonial swords, which caused problems with the two security parties. However after having explained the importance of the weapons to them. It had taken a few moments, but they eventually got through.
"This way, we're sticking you with the Observer states and Non-Government Organizations since this was sudden." McKenzie showed them to a row of chairs with an electronic placard titled Skyrim Delegation.
"What are observer states and… non-government organizations?" Ulfric takes a seat, moving the war axe to his lap.
"Observers are entities who are not fully part of the UN, and the non-government organizations are companies or organizations who have a significant pull in world affairs." McKenzie took a seat on their row as well.
"I see, however, why would these… companies have a say in world affairs?" Ulfric asks.
"That's how rich and wide-spread they are, most of them however are concerned with helping those in need normally or the conservation of the environment." A representative from the Mercy Ships organization answered from behind them. "You must be the new people we've heard about from the Cox Bazar, I'm Representative Ioanna Stavrakou, nice to meet you, sir?"
"Yes, indeed, the pleasure is all mine." Ulfric shakes her hand.
"Right, if you want you can talk to the other world leaders here in advance to get your case to be better known to them." McKenzie reminds the group.
"I think we should move as one rather than splitting up, we may say inaccurate and incoherent statements." General Tullius says as he stands up and adjusts the lavish red sash of his toga.
"Hmm yes, I am inclined to agree with you for now Tullius." Ulfric stands up begrudgingly.
The group walked about as one, leaving the elevated area and making their way to the main floor. Their first encounter was from a Japanese diplomat who had been discretely tracking them since they arrived in his sight.
"Your Excellencies. The Prime Minister of Japan would like to ask for your presence." the Japanese diplomat slightly bows.
"Lead the way good sir! Lead the way." Stroeus says as he throws his arm over the diplomat's shoulder, who in equal reaction becomes startled at this action, however leads them anyway.
"Your Excellencies. I am Prime Minister Ichinomiya Mitsunari, this is the son of the Emperor, Prince Soichiro. We have heard and seen some of the images and videos of the peacekeeper unit that was there in your world. I would like to know how imminent of a threat these Ryu are." Prime Minister Ichinomiya of Japan notions for a handshake to each of them.
"Your Highness, Ser Prime Minister, greetings. I am General Tullius of the Empire of Tamriel, with me are my subordinate, Legate Rikke, the Aldmeri Dominion's ambassador, Elenwen, and her personal guard, the Stormcloak representatives, Ulfric Stormcloak and his subordinate, Galmar Stone-Fist, Skyrim's Dragonborn and his companion, Stroeus Canalla and Aela the Huntress, and a Greybeard representative from High Hrothgar, Arngeir." General Tullius shows the Imperial salutations to members of royalty by bowing with the left hand behind him and his right hand over his heart.
"I apologise, but what is this Ryu you speak of? We are not yet well acquainted with your world's languages." Elenwen notices the use of a foreign word.
"I apologise as well, your Excellency, the word Ryu the dear Prime Minister used means dragons in the English language. Where did you learn English in such a quick manner if I may ask?" Prince Soichiro asks as he finally stands up from his seat.
"We don't know what this English is to be quite candid, this is just the common language of Tamriel.". Elenwen says in a very diplomatic, but boasting manner.
"Very interesting, but returning to the Prime Minister's question, how large of a threat are these dragons?" Prince Soichiro steers back the conversation.
"While our Dragonborn, Stroeus has dealt with Alduin, The World Eater, we don't know the exact number of remaining dragons. Much of Skyrim's landscape is dotted with their burial grounds, which could range from as few as five to as many as a few hundred of them. Not to mention there are legends of Dragon Priests, and we don't know too much about them." Arngeir adds in.
"Given the structures in the age of the Roman Empire, most of the structures in the outlying provinces are very flammable. This is a great danger indeed, are you in need of any technological assistance?" Prime Minister Ichinomiya puts the Japanese foreign policy to bear.
"Even if we did need technological assistance, we wouldn't know what to ask for. We aren't very familiar with what you can offer, nor familiar with how to use them. We've survived using forged steel for weapons and armor, and we also have magic. But a dragon's hide and scales are about tougher than anything in Skyrim." Ulfric adds in a true matter of fact.
"Well we can make a framework for that surely, first of course would be to teach a certain amount of people to use the machines." Chancellor Leonore Manteuffel of the Federal Republic of Germany added from the back as she greets Prime Minister Ichinomiya and Prince Soichiro accordingly, who also responded back.
"That would be for the best. Although Skyrim does have its own form of some mechanical devices, namely from the Dwemer, albeit they have gone extinct and no one knows how to use them." Stroeus adds in.
"Ah yes, the Dwemer, perhaps we can study them and their machines and then implement the knowledge to your people so that they have a native basis at least, helping your people further innovation from that point." Chancellor Manteuffel ponders on the thought.
"Be our guest, no one understands what they do, nor how to use them except for one person, Calcelmo. Perhaps you can learn more from him." Storeus mentions the name of the Elf who helped send the peacekeepers back home.
"We can discuss matters further with him, he lives in the city of Markarth right? I have heard they also have a crime problem there, is that correct?" Chancellor Manteuffle remembers what she read from the dossier.
"Yes, he lives in Markarth. However, I wouldn't call their problem a crime problem. From what I know, the Forsworn consider the lands around The Reach their ancestral homeland, and that they were forced out of it. I don't know how true that claim is however." Stroeus puts a finger to his chin as Ulfric slightly grimmances at the discussion.
"We've had a similar problem to that before in the past, perhaps we can fix that this time." Chancellor Manteuffel referred to a darker time in humanity's history.
"But what are the views of the people of Skyrim and Tamriel on potential armed cooperation with the United Nations against the dragons?" President Austin MacLoughlin from Ireland adds in as he greets all of them.
"The Empire is open to such an agreement, primarily because Skyrim is within its borders. An issue in the region could spread like wildfire throughout the entire Empire if not nipped in the bud." General Tullius speaks up again for the Empire.
"Agreed. Skyrim is our home, and I'd rather see it aided than scorched to earth by those damned lizards with wings." Ulfric adds in to reinforce the statement of his rival.
"Aye, that's one way to describe a dragon. We can cover more ground on that later during the session itself. I heard Secretary General Kaarina Virtanen was seen outside the hall, we're probably about to start." President MacLoughlin says as the Secretary General appears from a side door with the rest of the dais members.
"Delegates, please return to your seats, we will be starting in a few minutes." someone from the dais said.
The Skyrim delegation walked back to their row and sat down as they saw the crown of world leaders disperse and get seated and ready. After a few minutes of silence, Secretary General Kaarina Virtanen turns on her microphone and formally starts the summit.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first United Nations Interworld Summit of 2020. I am Secretary General Kaarina Virtanen, who will be the presiding chair. Doctor Laurențiu Romanescu will be our Vice Chair, and Krisna Susanto Gunawan will be our Rapporteur. The dais would like to call for a roll call of members. We will be starting alphabetically. For member states, please state if you are present and voting." Secretary General Virtanen called the first country.
After the roll call, which Stroeus had nearly embarrassed himself by addressing the Skyrim delegation as separate entities and in first person, which was saved when Aela noticed the others speaking in third person.
Secretary General Kaarina opens a binder and goes through a few pages. "146 nations are present and voting. Leaving a 50%+1 majority vote at 74 votes, and a majority vote at 96 nations. The problems this body will be tackling today is first, the Uighur Muslim's Preservation from State Sponsored Genocidal Activities and the possibility of Armed Intervention, the West Philippine Sea Issue, and the Call to Aid by the People of Skyrim. The dais recommends the priority of solving issue number three."
A button is pressed and the Chinese delegation prepares to speak up. The Secretary General acknowledges them. "The People's Republic of China believes the first topic is something more fitting for the Security Council rather than the General Assembly."
Secretary General Kaarina adjusts her microphone to speak. "The dais and the Secretariat have evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the first issue requires the attention of the international community."
Another country raised a point and the Bulgarian delegation spoke up. "The delegation of the Republic of Bulgaria would like to move to the voting block to decide on topics."
"Thank you, delegation of Bulgaria. Those in favor of topic one; Uighur Muslim's Preservation from State Sponsored Genocidal Activities and the possibility of Armed Intervention, please press the yes." Secretary General Kaarina asks. The hands raised were considerable.
"Vote yes for the second topic, the West Philippine Sea Issue." Hands are raised.
"And for the third topic; the Call to Aid by the People of Skyrim."
After some time of counting the votes, it was evident the third topic would be tackled first, with the other two to be tackled after settling that one. Secretary General Kaarina sat back up properly and addressed the body. "Topic three, the Call to Aid by the People of Skyrim passes with 118 votes, followed by topic one and topic two."
"The dais recommends that the Skyrim delegation begin with their speeches and explanation of their world and situation before the dais properly opens the floor." Secretary General Kaarina interjects.
The delegation walks up to the podium to begin, the eyes of the world literally were looking upon them. Stroeus walks up to the podium and adjusts the microphone, the device still being weird to him. He had noticed how the others used the black snake like device and opened his mouth before McKenzie, who helped write their speeches, came about and spoke to him for a bit. "In here you can't use first person such as I and or, we. So address the group and yourself as The Representatives of Skyrim."
Stroeus went through his papers and began.
Greetings and salutations to all. First and foremost, The Representatives of Skyrim express their gratitude for being given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the region, and continent, to all of you. Whatever aid and help Skyrim can receive will be accepted with utmost gratitude.
The everyday life in Skyrim and to that extent, on Tamriel, is filled with equally engaging cultures, religions and economic faces. Tamriel is a continent filled with different races of peoples with cultures of their own. There exist multiple human races such as the Bretons, the Imperials, the Redguard, and the Nords. Along with this, there are also non-human races such as the Altmer or High Elves, the Bosmer or Wood Elves, and the Dunmer or Dark Elves. Furthermore there are Argonians, or Lizardfolk, Khajiit, or feline humanoids, and Orsimer otherwise commonly known as Orcs, but there are also ruins of a race that has suddenly vanished called the Dwemer. The Dwemer created vast underground cities and passageways with the use of their strange inventions, no one in Skyrim knows how to manipulate or use them other than one person. Moreover, Skyrim and Tamriel are under an Empire whereby the Emperor is the highest position. In Skyrim, the different holds or provinces are divided and given to Jarls who act as the liege lord of the hold. The continent and all its people use a system of coinage, wherein gold coins act as the main currency for the exchange of goods. Finally, religion in Skyrim is divided into three pantheons, The Imperial Pantheon, The Nordic Pantheon, and the Daedric Princes. The Nordic Pantheon consists of gods and deities that are venerated by all in Skyrim, this can range from Mara, the Goddess of Love, to Zenithar, the God of Work and Commerce. Worship for the Daedric Princes, however, is rare, due to their chaotic and unpredictable nature towards mortals. Some Daedric Princes include Mehrunes Dagon, the Prince of Destruction, to Sheogorath, the Prince of Madness. Furthermore, the Nords believe in an afterlife called Sovngarde, where all Nords go to eternally revel and feast. One of the gods worshipped in Skyrim is a mortal who ascended to divinity, namely Tiber Septim, or Talos as he is known in the region. He earned his title The Hero-God of Mankind due to his actions in liberating Skyrim from control of the Elves. However, mortals are not the only enemies Skyrim has to contend with. Many of Skyrim's burial grounds are rife with Draugr, undead beings who once served the Dragon Priests. Although their threat is only limited to Nordic burial grounds, any adventurer or curious soul is a great threat when they are present.
Perhaps the major historical event of Tamriel would be the Oblivion crisis. It had begun when the Emperor, Uriel Septim VII was assassinated at the hands of the Order of the Mythic Dawn, without a Septim member on the throne, the gates between Oblivion, which the people of Earth, or Terra would call hell, opened and started the crisis. The crisis had devastated all provinces of Tamriel, especially the province of Cyrodiil, which one city had been completely wiped out. The aftermath had left the Empire of Tamriel weakened and without an emperor from the Septim line, and the rise of popularity and legitimacy of the Third Aldmeri Dominion, and their leading political party, the Thalmor.
Perhaps the defining moment that puts Skyrim in its current status is the Great War. A war between the two large powers, the Empire of Tamriel, and the Third Aldmeri Dominion. The war had been very destructive, as was the nature of war. The Empire was pushed back further than expected, even losing the capital province of Cyrodiil, and the Imperial City. The war had been majorly in the favor of the Third Aldmeri Dominion for a long time due to a magical artifact that allowed them to see the moves of the Empire ahead of time. However the Empire was able to get back on their feet and eliminate the artifact and won back the Imperial City and Cyrodiil, however support for the war and the consensus of the people had led to a peace treaty known as the White Gold Concordat. This treaty entailed the secession of some provinces, Aldmeri overview on Imperial activities, and the outlawing of the worship of Talos, a man made god.
This concordat is a key reason why there is a civil war in Skyrim. The Stormcloak rebellion fights on for the right to worship Talos and to make Skyrim a home for Nords. As of the moment, this civil war is on pause due to the dragon threat, and has been a stalemate thus far due to the equally strong strategic minds of their respective commanders. However the civil war has caused two more additional problems, widespread banditry, with the evidence of old castles and bastions being occupied by bandits and other belligerents who have taken up banditry as a source of income. A problem related to this is the Forsworn, the natives of the Reach, who have taken to violence and hit and run tactics in order to eliminate what they see as threats to the Reach.
With the ceasefire of the Civil War came the opportunity to effectively and efficiently hunt down dragons being revived by Alduin, and Alduin himself. Alduin the World Eater, a massive, abyssal colored dragon was sent forward in time in an attempt to erase him from Skyrim. As a result, Skyrim saw a quick rise in dragon numbers, and saw most of its countryside and citizens burned and turned to ash. Although Alduin is now dead and the risk of new dragons gone, there remains a significant number of unaccounted dragons. Furthermore, there also exists the threat of so-called Dragon Priests. These are powerful undead who have long served their draconic overlords. However, no one knows where and how many of these Dragon Priests remain, leaving a potential threat for more danger to the region.
Dragons however are not the only threat, the Supernatural is also a threat. One such incident is the attempted resurrection of the Wolf Queen, a literal spirit, who nearly destroyed the provincial capital of Skyrim, Solitude, using necromancy to reach their goals. Another threat is the Daedra. They are summoned by some of the most powerful sorcerers or can be found in the wilderness of Skyrim and presumably Tamriel, appearing randomly. Some are friendly such as merchants, wheruon purchasing goods from them hold no negative repercussions, but most are blood-lusted and are experienced in killing. There is some evidence of vampires and werewolves, however their evidence and encounters have been rare and few."
With this in mind, Skyrim faces perhaps its most daunting age, with numerous threats from dragons, undead, and the return of the Civil War. This delegation thanks the United Nations General Assembly for taking the time to listen to us. May you have a great day ahead.
At the end of the speech, the assembly clapped, however some were skeptical of all this information given to them. Shortly after a delegate from the New Zealand delegation raised a Point of Information towards the delegation. "The delegation of New Zealand thanks the Skyrim delegation for the brief overview of the current status of Skyrim and the continent of Tamriel. However like many of the nations present, how would this body be able to gain transparency that this is all in fact true, especially with these magical powers you speak of."
"Are we permitted to use magic here Mr. Mackenzie?" Stroeus says while covering the microphone.
"As long as it is not destructive, however, we should ask the Secretary General publicly first." McKenzie quietly speaks.
Stroeus faces the dais, the position of the podium making it awkward as he speaks. "Sekretary General, would the use of non-destructive magic be permitted for the purpose of demonstration?"
"The dais shall allow it for as long as the body is not harmed nor is the destruction of property violated." Secretary General Kaarina responded back.
Stroeus steps away from the podium and brings up his right hand. A purple aura forms and becomes a blade, shocking the audience, slowly however he cuts himself a bit, drawing only some blood. Quickly casting the bound blade away, the aura switches to yellow and begins to heal himself.
The General Assembly is shocked for the most part, however the delegation of Bolivia, who raises a Point of Information. "The Skyrim delegate claims to have presented us magic, however it could be a sham, does the delegate have any more proof that can put all of us to believe the delegate's claim beyond a reasonable doubt?"
"Perhaps other members of the delegation may present their magic?" Stroeus asks the people behind him.
"Let me handle this human's doubts. You, I'll be using your sword to prove to this human magic exists." Elenwen is handed a dagger by her Justiciar escort.
Elenwen moves from the stage to the other end of the assembly hall, leaving the glass dagger by the door. She makes her way back to the podium and reaches for it with a hand. Using the telekinesis ability, she calls it back at a frightening speed. There were no more doubts that were vocalized, however there were still some doubts.
After everyone returned to their seats, the delegate of the Republic of the Philippines raised a motion to move to an Unmoderated Caucus, which was supported by a great many of the delegations present at the current moment. Soon enough they saw people moving into groups, discussing the topic itself.
However one of the largest groups was found wherever the Skyrim delegation was. They were constantly prodded with questions concerning the dragon threat, Dwemer history and technology, and, the White-Gold Concordat, the Great War, current political atmosphere of both Skyrim and Tamriel, and what the people of their lands may need in the near future after quelling these problems.
Eventually the group was hauled into another hall when some of the members of the delegations had begun to split up and move to their respective council halls. The first place they went to was a smaller hall to discuss issues with the World Health Organization. The main topic was about the diseases native to Skyrim, and the possibility of an outbreak of both Terran and Tamriel-borne diseases on either side of the Dwemer portal. One of the longest topics discussed was the one on Lycanthropy and Sanguinare Vampiris which at first had the council chuckle a bit, however returned to a more serious note on the realization of the possibility of it being real. So far, while a draft resolution was being made an agreement to attain samples of the diseases local to Skyrim and Tamriel for study and manufacturing of medicines for it.
In another hall they discussed with UNESCO delegates on the access of UN specialists and employees to Skyrim's cities and ancient ruins to learn about them. So far General Tullius had allowed their employees to go about Imperial held holds and territory to survey and study the cultural sites and ruins of Skyrim, albeit with a warning on the unguaranteed safety of these members due to the frontlines being stretched thin and the dragon threat. However Ulfric had many reservations, especially on Nordic ruins, which had almost caused a physical fight in the hall, which was stopped by McKenzie. Eventually Ulfric did allow their employees and specialists to do so, under both surveillance and advanced notice on their activities and destinations. Another one was concerning the magical abilities, how they start, manifest, and learn magic, which Arngeir and Stroeus were able to explain; a letter will be sent to the College of Winterhold for a collaboration.
The second longest moment however was in the hall of the United Nations Development Programme. As they entered the hall was no different from the one in the General Assembly, albeit smaller. They were told to take a seat for a moment while waiting for their attention to be called by the presiding dais members.
"May the Skyrim delegation please come to the podium to answer the inquiries of the body." The chairman called.
As the delegation approached the podium, the first one to ask a question was the representative of Albania who asked a question. "The delegate of Albania would like to ask how the system of logistics works in Skyrim."
General Tullius moves up to the podium to answer. "All major roads leading in, and out, and within the province are made of cobblestones, while lesser known or unsafe paths are simply dirt roads or trails. Carriages are used to transport goods by land, and ships by sea, there are only two major ports in Skyrim, one in Solitude, and the other in Windhelm."
The Norweigian representative spoke next. "The delegate of the Kingdom of Norway notes that there were vehicles in operation of these roads weighing in at 15-29 tons respectively. This delegate would like to ask if the current roads of Skyrim and Tamriel can handle vehicles and equipment that are heavier and larger."
Stroeus takes over as General Tullius seems perplexed at the question. "After having travelled the roads of Skyrim, a lot of the dirt and soil outlining the roads look wet, most likely due to the amount of snow present in Skyrim during the year. Not only this, but not all bridges are built to be able to support anything heavier than a carriage full of goods."
"The delegate of the Republic of India would like to ask about the quality of life; before and after the Great War, before and during the civil war, and its current state at this very moment." The Indian representative follows up.
Arngeir struggles a bit with the microphone, and proceeds to talk, a far distance from the microphone "Much of Skyrim's population resides beyond the walled cities of each hold's capital, many of the peasants and farmers suffered greatly due to their direct exposure to marching armies and plundering soldiers. Moreover, many of them lack any sort of financial support, causing even greater suffering. This is true for both before and after the Great War, and the Civil War."
"The provincial capital of the Empire in Skyrim, Solitude, has seen peaceful and decent prosperity in recent years, even with the Civil War going on. However, holds such as The Reach, where the Forsworn have rebelled, and Hjaalmarch, which is a border hold, has seen much devastation and strife. There have also been reports of Dark Brotherhood, although we don't know what they are doing yet." General Tullius explains.
"Most cities and towns in Stormcloak territory are poor and unsafe, the capital, Windhelm included. Riften in the south is plagued by the Thieves Guild who run amok whenever they please. The Pale and Winterhold suffer from great snowstorms that constantly batter their homes, making food difficult to come by. Despite this, however, the people are willing and able to fight for their homeland's freedom." Ulfric tells the UNDP.
The body goes silent for a moment to think amongst themselves, some of them passing notes to each other, until the representative of Turkey spoke up. "The delegate of the Republic of Turkey would like to ask the Skyrim delegation to describe the educational process of the youth in Skyrim and Tamriel."
Stroeus grabs the microphone and adjusts it. "There is none. The only two forms of education present in Skyrim are the Bard's College in Solitude, and the College of Winterhold, which people of the city hold great disdain for. However, there are also private tutoring sessions, but not everyone can afford them."
Another hand shoots up. "The representative of Columbia would like to ask the delegation in question if Skyrim has any strong justice institutions in place, especially with the presence of these Justiciars of the Thalmor political party."
Stroeus continues. "Skyrim doesn't know what a 'strong justice institution' is, rather everything falls under the Jarls with the advice of their advisors. As for Thalmor intervention, the Thalmor Justiciars can persecute or even execute anyone they deem so, as per the White-Gold Concordat."
"In terms of justice institutions this delegate refers to courts where laws broken by individuals are solved or disputes between two parties. But this delegate must say that this Justiciar group seems to have very backward and barbaric practices." The columbian representative comments.
Elenwen abruptly pushes Stroeus out of the way to respond to the claim. "This Madame Ambassador doesn't understand why the speaker calls the Aldmeri Dominion's practices backward and barbaric when it was agreed upon and stipulated in the White-Gold Concordat, that Thalmor Justiciars have the jurisdiction to uphold what was agreed upon."
The chairman adjusts his glasses before speaking up. "Delegate." He refers to Ambassador Elenwen. "This type of treatment is akin to an inquisition the Catholic church used to have in the Middle Ages. While we respect your culture, such a run of tyranny and unchecked power has led this body to look at such practices with disdain."
"Understood." Elenwen scowled lightly but with full emotion.
"Delegate calm yourself or you will be removed from this hall for the duration of the inquiry period." The chairman banged his gavel once.
"The delegate of the Russian Federation would like to ask if the people of Skyrim and Tamriel have equal access to opportunities." The Russian representative asks immediately to disperse any heat between the Elven ambassador and the presiding chairman.
Stroeus answers again. "Could the delegate please explain what he means by saying 'equal access to opportunities'?"
"The people, including those that are not human, being able to acquire jobs and opportunities without any form of racial discrimination or favoritism." The Russian representative expounds further.
Ulfric moves to the microphone, with haste in his actions. "Many non-Nords are shunned and banned in Stormcloak territory due to most of them having been Imperial spies sent to ferry information out of the cities and towns. Those that were already in the city of Windhelm before the Civil War, have been moved to a shanty town. As for the human races, many are looked down upon due to their affiliation with the Empire, while Nords keep to each other even if they are not sisters and brothers by blood."
"But delegate, this delegate is sure that there are non-Nords and non-humans who would be loyal to the cause of the movement, if what this delegate, and to that extent, this body has gathered; the Stormcloak territories do not provide equal opportunities to all sentient life." the Russian representative blatantly lays out, causing the hall to erupt in murmuring, which the chairman suppresses with a call to order and three gavel strikes.
Ulfric's eyes lit with a fiery passion of anger and proto-nationalism. "Would the delegate then consider this: do you trust the Argonians after your kinsmen have been slain by them? Or the Khajiit who swindled the poor children and left them to die in the frigid cold of The Pale? Or the Breton who torched a village under the commands of an Imperial general? This is what the Stormcloaks fight for, for the freedom of every man, woman, and child in Skyrim, for the freedom of worship of the god Talos that was banned by the Thalmor who hunted down every one of his followers, to liberate those under Imperial control so that one day they may stand on their own two feet and work with their own two hands so that they and their families make it through the harshest of winters. This is what the Stormcloaks fight for!"
The Russian representative stood up from his chair. "Russia has equally fought for such a vision to dispose of the Tsar and his corrupt lackeys amidst a war on a magnitude this delegation has never seen. It has fought a tyrannical empire bound on the elimination of everyone who was not of Aryan blood. Russia allowed reforms and equal opportunities for the Slavic peoples, so do not attempt to use such a moral high ground when you speak to people who have suffered worse."
General Tullius pulls Ulfric away from the microphone, holding him by the collar of his jacket. "What are you doing Ulfric? We are here only by the grace of those few soldiers who managed to find and convince us. We are here for the chance to better the lives of the people of Skyrim! Yet you throw it all away with your ramblings and Stormcloak nonsense."
"You understand nothing about suffering, Tullius." Ulfric pushed his counterpart away, causing him to stumble.
The chairman slams his gavel down repeatedly. "Order! Delegates, order! Russian Federation that was out of line. Skyrim delegation I will give you one last chance before this body removes you from this hall and session. Is the dais clear on this matter?"
"This delegation understands, chairman. This delegation would also like to request for a recess to resolve any interior friction in the group." McKenzie pinches the bridge of his nose.
"Granted, this body grants the delegation of Skyrim a five minute recess." the chairman announces.
The group leaves for a while, with what could be considered scolding from three different voices, with the voice of Attache McKenzie being the most dominant of the two. At some point the sound of a fist hitting flesh is heard from outside and the sound of blades being drawn is also heard, with the footsteps from leather shoes being heard and a bit of a wrestle having happened. After the tensions were dropped the group returned to the hall to continue on with further questions, most of them being nonchalant and common.
The next hall they went to was a few floors up. While waiting in the elevator, a guard permanently attached to them due to their recent scuffle between the Imperial and Stormcloak factions. McKenzie however was very on edge, and not because of the violent outbreak.
Stroeus, in some form of boredom while waiting for the elevator to arrive, pokes McKenzie with the intent to relieve stress, but instead the older man jumps, pushing himself into the back of their guard, who catches him while supporting himself using the elevator panel.
"You jumped farther than a child would after seeing a Frostbite Spider, everything all right?" Stroeus asks innocently.
McKenzie takes a moment to calm down and compose himself, taking a very deep and audible breath. "Not entirely, no. With the recent scuffle the members of the Security Council may have a different view on your situation."
"Trust me, with how things are between the both of them, what happened just then is the best result you could hope for. If we were back in Skyrim, however, it would be much more than a fist to the face, isn't that right Aela?" Stroeus looks to Aela
Aela gives a scoff. "Very much so. It probably would've ended in a full scale battle with only the two of them standing and trying their damndest to slit each other's throat."
McKenzie wipes some sweat from his forehead using a handkerchief. "But if they keep this up, this time it will be world leaders who will see it. Such an action would leave a bad opinion on them and could change their stance on this much faster. They don't need the approval of their diplomatic arms to do so either."
"Don't worry, like boys and young men, they finally got it out, if you catch what I mean." Stroeus gives off a laugh.
Eventually they reached the Security Council hall and entered. Inside there were more seats, but what dominated the scene was the semi-circular table with 15 people on it, and more behind them, the group deduced they were their advisors on the situation.
"May the Skyrim delegation please step into the middle of the table so this body may proceed with the inquiries." the dais requested.
The delegation stepped into it and waited for the questioning as the respective world leaders talked to their diplomatic teams and advisers. Eventually the chairman cut through the silence, commencing the session.
The first one to ask a question was President Mutasim el-Mansouri of the Republic of Tunisia . "This delegate would like to ask if the civil war should be of any concern in the efforts of defeating this dragon menace."
Arngeir takes a few steps to answer the question. "Until the threat of the dragons has been neutralized, the Civil War will not continue."
President Aryabtha Shiravadakar of the Republic of India speaks next, adjusting the microphone. "Is the Skyrim delegation asking the United Nations to commit a genocide on these dragons?"
"These pose a threat to the entire region of Skyrim, and potentially beyond. If the dragons are not dealt with, then it is Skyrim's residents who will face incredible amounts of death." Arngeir replies back.
President Shiravadakar asks for a follow-up question which is granted to him. "Would the Skyrim delegation be amenable to the expulsion of dragons from Skyrim and Tamriel instead, or to halt operations once the dragon numbers are low enough or refuse to return?"
Stroeus steps up this time as Arngeir returns back to the group. "It would be impossible to forcibly or diplomatically expel the dragons from Skyrim, as many of them follow Alduin's orders to burn and devour the known world."
President Adebayo Ousmani of Niger asks the next question in connection to the last one. "Would a use of force to make the dragons leave be amenable to the Skyrim delegation?"
Arngeir responds again. "As this delegate has said before, the dragons follow Alduin, the World Eater's orders to burn, scorch, and destroy anything in their way. In addition, these dragons are prideful and always seek the worthiest of challengers. They may see this as that sort of challenge."
President Austin MacLoughlin from Ireland raises a point of information and is recognized. "This delegate has heard from the earlier brief in the General Assembly that there is a problem with banditry, is this a problem that the local law enforcement can solve or would it require the help of more adept personnel?"
"Many bandits make their homes high in the mountains, in old ruined fortresses, or deep within forests. While soldiers on both sides are capable of dealing with them, the Civil War has strained both sides of both the resources and manpower to do so. Not only this, but many necromancers and rogue wizards alike have banded together with some bandits." General Tullius replies while still within the group.
President MacLoughlin asked again. "Delegate, this did not answer the council's question. To deploy more peacekeepers, this council requires a definite answer."
General Tullius breathed in at the fact that they have seen through his humiliation at the fact of not being able to contain such a widespread threat. "An extra force able to focus on hunting and dealing with the bandits will be most needed in order to stamp them out effectively and efficiently."
President Tereschenko Maxim Zubarev of the Russian Federation goes for the opportunity to ask. "This delegate was able to get their hands on a report on the surrounding lands of the Blackreach site. Swamps are not a good place to build a permanent airbase, this delegate and council would like to ask if there are available sites suitable for building one in order to allow for aerial operations."
General Tullius ponders for a moment before answering. "Unfortunately this delegation does not know what an airbase is. What would be its requirements so that an appropriate answer may be given."
"Preferably flat land with no obstructions nearby." President Zubarev replied back.
"That leaves two options; The first would be the flatland around the hold of Whiterun, however many mountains surround it. The other is a sort of plateau past the northern mountains of Haafingar, there are mountains far to its east and south, and it becomes a cliff to its north." General Tullius counts with the digits of his hands.
President Anthony Pearson of the United States of America raised a point of information, and spoke as the chairman recognized him. "This delegate would like to ask if the two sides of the civil war would be fine with an armed foreign presence in their territories?"
General Tullius takes the stand. "The Empire holds no contentions against the presence of armed forces, if it means that the dragons are able to be dealt with quickly. The safety of the people of Skyrim is our top priority."
"I am of a mind with Tullius, however, there must be no foreign intervention whatsoever in Civil War affairs." Ulfric quickly follows after his counterpart.
Prime Minister Astri Skaug of the Kingdom of Norway follows up quickly as she is recognized by the chairman. "This delegate would like to ask what are the other larger threats to the safety and security of not only the citizens of Skyrim, but of our expeditionary forces as well?"
Arngeir slowly moves to the microphone"There are plenty of Nordic tombs scattered around Skyrim. These tombs have become home to the Draugr and skeletons, however the Draugr poses a larger problem. These are undead of former Nordic warriors who smell of death and decay, and they themselves can still wield powerful magic, and even sometimes forbidden ones. Although they rarely leave their crypts, many adventurers and even civilians travel down into these crypts in search of gold and treasure."
Stroeus quickly follows up, politely moving Arngeir aside. "Another would be the undercities of the Dwemer, a long extinct and almost forgotten race of peoples. They built their cities filled with weird and odd metallic beings running on steam and different magical items. Due to them having gone extinct, not much is known, however Calcelmo is an active researcher, he may know more."
"Not only that, but the Falmer have also taken up residence in their old undercities. The pale white elves are blind yet have the sharpest of hearing. Their aim is precise and their arrows tainted with poison, and to make it worse they've tamed beasts to fight alongside them, and have trapped most of these undercities."
President Zubarev raises a point "Like the one on Blackreach from 14th Company, 3rd Platoon's report, is that correct, delegate?"
"Yes, Blackreach is by far the largest undercity we know of, however it hasn't been fully explored." Stroeus responds back.
President Xiuying follows up. "Are there any more threats aside from that?"
Stroeus adjusts his garments before speaking. "There are a few more aside from the undead and unexplored undercities of the Dwemer. Covens of Hagravens exist within Skyrim, where they are, how many there are, and what their plans are, we do not know. Additionally, there are also vampires that roam the land. All we know is that the cities of Morthal, Whiterun, and Riften have been constantly seeing missing or dead persons within city limits."
Members of the Security Council began to murmur a bit amongst their advisers, however when the chairman had snapped out of the trance as well, he picked up his gavel and slammed it onto the block three times, gaining the attention of everyone again.
"Delegates, we will respect the information given to us no matter how far-fetched it may seem. Skyrim delegation, you still have the floor." The chairman intervened.
Elenwen got up to the podium to reinforce Stroeus' claims. "The delegation understands how delusional and absurd these claims may be, but the Thalmor have also been dealing with the vampire threat that begins to plague Skyrim. This may all be a random occurrence, or it might be something more. An investigation will be required, however there is no obvious starting point."
"If this delegate may make a request, the Thalmor Embassy had been conducting investigations into the ruins of Blackreach, should any blueprints or texts of the Dwemer be recovered, this delegate would like this body to hand them over to the Embassy."
President Zubarev responds while everyone is taken aback by the brashness of the request. "This council will see to that, however this delegate would like to recommend the delegate of Skyrim to use less brash manners in asking next time."
Elenwen smiles blankly. "Apologies, this delegation will keep that in mind."
A gavel sounds three times over, the people in the room go silent, all their heads turn towards the dais. "The special session's alloted time to address questions towards the Skyrim delegation has ended. If there are any additional questions, you may send them notes, or talk to them outside of sessions. Thank you, Skyrim delegation, you may take your leave."
Headquarters of the United Nations, Department of Peace Operations, New York City, New York, United States of America
2nd Peacekeeper Division, Command Staff
[Incident De-Briefing] 1300 Hours, September 13, 2020
The office of Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Nikolai Lorenzen, a tal, man with platinum blonde hair and eyes as blue as the ocean, his face starting to sag as age had caught up, had taken the office and helm of the Department of Peace Operations only three years ago, now he had an office that was much larger than the one he had before, it now overlooked the East River, seeing the ferries of other departments and those used for transportation.
Raising a glass of whiskey to his lips, he takes a sip, chair and gaze still looking at the Brooklyn skyline, opposite the East River. "The consensus of the General Assembly and Security Council seem steadfast in going to this Tamriel. Secretary General Virtanen also seems to be leaning in favor of sending the 2nd Division in, if the resolutions made say so. Do you think General Hagenbuch can handle things in the Cox Bazar?"
"He's a kind but stoic man, he's kind when he needs to be, and ruthless when called for. I don't see any problems arising while he's in the Cox Bazar." General Rokossovsky sips a mix of spirits, gazing at the setting sun as well.
"Very good, that brings me comfort. The others say so too. However, you know I didn't bring you here to discuss your replacement." Under Secretary General Lorenzen turns the swivel chair around to face his Russian subordinate. "Let us assume the resolutions order you to go into this Skyrim, is there anything specific you need?"
General Rokossovsky sits up properly, fixing his black suit. "Some better equipment maybe, we only have what's available to us at the time of our deployment. Another would be a better logistics center, considering how multinational the 2nd Division is, it's important everybody understands each other. Maybe some better winter equipment, from what the reports have said winter is a large part of the region. Obviously some anti-aircraft weaponry is essential if we want to deal with those dragons. That and maybe a few packs of cuban cigars, and alcohol."
"I'll see to it that the appropriate equipment is given to your unit. As for your contraband. Perhaps you can turn to someone else for that. Just as long as your men don't set up those underground PX stores aimed towards the locals." Under Secretary General Lorenzen chuckles dryly.
"That's a shame then, if I can't have any then none of them can. Equality for all isn't that right?" General Rokossovsky fires back quickly.
Under Secretary General Lorenzen smiles at his subordinate. "I never said you weren't allowed to have them."
"I'll keep that in mind then." The two men have an impromptu toast, leaning back into their chairs.
Under Secretary Lorenzen inhales and then sighs deeply. "However there is one problem. Our five permanent members, your country included, want a piece on possible developments in the area."
General Rokossovsky rubs his temples. "It's business as always isn't it. Who knows what new minerals and organic life we might find there. It could either help us with our problems, or turn us against each other."
"And we have machinations against that, especially with Secretary General Virtanen's fiery advocacy to avoid that. What was not seen was their request to replace half of the 2nd Division with their own troops." Under Secretary General Lorenzen drops in on his subordinate.
"They want what? Are they mad? Do they have any idea of what this means? This madness will cause more than 3,000 people to be sent away!" General Rokossovsky respectfully vents to his superior.
Under Secretary General Lorenzen sips his glass of whisky"I had emphasized that doing that would cost the current posts of 3,491 people to be forfeit. However I believe a way out of this loop, is to instead write off half of 3rd Platoon, 14th Company instead, since they most likely will be the spearhead of the Hearts and Minds game in Skyrim."
General Rokossovsky combs through his memories for a moment before speaking. "You mean Lieutenant Clarke's platoon? The ones who explored Skyrim for the most part? Wouldn't it be better to keep them intact?"
"You make an excellent point Colonel General. Perhaps you can spread them out among the rest of the 14th Company and slash the company by half instead."
"That would be better, yes. Clarke's unit should stay as intact as possible seeing how they're the ones who've had the most contact with the locals."
"Very well. I shall tell the heads of state of this development before they all go home. Let us pray that they accept it."
"Oh, and another thing. We might be needing a lot more heavy lifting helicopters for the more complicated and heavy machineries. I don't think the stone and wood bridges of Skyrim would hold up for more than a second if we tried to cross with them."
"Perhaps we should have an advanced team of UNDP development experts arrive with your unit to work in tandem with your combat engineer units then?"
"That would be for the best, yes. At least that way they can accurately and precisely measure what's needed, especially for the base."
"Before you leave, General. What do you feel on handing over these schematics for ancient technologies to the… what do they call themselves? The Elves?"
"I do not like the she-elf, something about her and her race ticks me the wrong way. I say we take it for ourselves and study it, it might give us more insight as to why this other race of… Dwemer disappeared."
"Well the Security Council has agreed to give it to them at the soonest possible time they can send a person to retrieve it. Your men can have a go at it, however you will hand it over to their embassy. I'll be sure to ask a few of my contacts in UNESCO and other museums to help you as well. Aldmeri policies irk me quite a bit as well, however we have orders. Perhaps they might prove us wrong too."
"Let us hope they do." General Rokossovsky gets up from his chair, finishing the rest of the contents of his glass.
Under Secretary Lorenzen finishes his too, however, opting to stay seated. "You have a one week leave, make it count."
"Oh trust me, one week is more than enough." General Rokossovsky grabs the door, however, just as he opens it, his hand is stopped by his superior.
"You know, Alexandr. You have near unbridled authority once you cross that construct. What's stopping you from acting on your own interests?" Under Secretary Lorenzen asks, eyes nearly drilling holes into the Russian man. The meaning clear in every word.
General Rokossovsky lets go of the handle and sighs quietly before facing his superior. "I am Russian yes, a descendant of the Marshal of the Soviet Union, Konstantin Rokossovsky, but what I did in Kosovo, and Chechnya was purely of my own volition. I will not let innocents die on my watch, and you know this."
Under Secretary Lorenzen shifts his grip on his subordinate's wrist to a handshake. "The post is yours. Don't fail the world."
A/N: We both apologize for the delay on Chapter 7. Online classes have been taxating, along with incoming thesis making and other academic mishaps, writing has become more difficult. But now that the summer break has come around, chapters are most likely to keep coming out a lot faster too.