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"Some years ago, the nations of the Neath struck an agreement to abandon their research into zubmarine travel, and leave the zee depths untouched."[1]
The Agreement About Nothing of Consequence, signed circa 1886 but circumvented by enterprising zailors almost immediately, is a treaty between London and the Khanate to ban all exploration of the Unterzee's depths as well as research and construction of zubmarines.[2] Its name came from an included statement that "Nothing of Consequence lies beneath the zee."[3]
History
"'Lt R. F. Harris. During Lorn Embassy fired on a rival Khanate zubmarine. Ensuing conflict roused wrath of Flukes; resulted in all-hands loss of fourteen zubsurface vessels.'"[4]
London and the Khanate had originally convened an embassy to make contact with the Flukes, the sea urchin-like creatures that live beneath the zee. Seeking to establish diplomatic relations, the Admiralty embarked on a project to grant their officers physical forms better suited for interacting with the Flukes. However, most of the volunteers did not survive the transformation process, and the remainder did not survive their time at the nascent embassy.[5]
During the Admiralty's final attempt to send an emissary, the expedition leader, a Severe Bluejacket (alias Captain Harris), panicked when Khaganian submarines appeared nearby.[6] He ordered his crew to remove the Last Emissary from the torpedo tube meant for his delivery,[7] put a torpedo inside, and fire upon the Khaganians. This assault constituted an unprovoked attack against the nearby Flukes as well, and the Flukes retaliated,[8] inflicting heavy casualties on the Admiralty.[9] With peaceful relations now impossible and the Flukes unwilling to tolerate further incursions, the Khanate and the Admiralty decided upon the Agreement, which the Admiralty enforces at all costs.[10] The August Travel-Writer (alias Robert Harris), the Severe Bluejacket's son, serves as its chief enforcer.[11]
Prior to the Agreement, London's Admiralty conducted its zubmarine research at Station III. It is not known where the Khanate conducted its corresponding research, but some scientists associated with the project later took up residence at Khan's Shadow.[12]
↑Where You and I Must Go , Fallen London"To prevent further tragedy, the nations of the Neath agreed that Nothing of Consequence lies beneath the zee, and that research into zubmarine exploration was to be abandoned."
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"Your nation called. You serve. You are the last of twelve volunteers. Five survived the amber infusion. Two survived to maturity. None have survived the embassy. None yet. A distant bell. The zubmarine dives. The Flukes await."
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"Lieutenant! There are four Khaganian vessels. They are manoeuvring to surround us, just as they did off the Carnelian Coast. If we do not fire first, we will not fire at all! And this—" he points at you, "is the last of them! Our last chance!"
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"Open it!" Captain Harris. "But Captain—" His son, the Lieutenant. The hatch opens; someone drags you out, cursing as your spines draw blood. Two crewmen wrestle a torpedo into your place. "—if we fire first—"
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"[...] The zubmarine shudders as a torpedo launches. Moments later, a shockwave rocks the vessel. [...] The Fluke-song changes. It is no longer curious; it is incensed. Their embassy has been profaned, and today they have learned that their domain is worth killing for. [...] Trespassers, they sing as they slay. Trespassers!"
↑Where You and I Must Go, Fallen London"'Lt R. F. Harris. During Lorn Embassy fired on a rival Khanate zubmarine. Ensuing conflict roused wrath of Flukes; resulted in all-hands loss of fourteen zubsurface vessels.'"
↑Drop off the August Travel-Writer, Sunless Sea"They are saying that the Leopard made underwater ships here, in violation of an Agreement with London," he whispers. "They say London's assassin has visited. You might want to slip away."
↑Where You and I Must Go, Fallen London"[...] Your Lieutenant Harris is now the man who enforces that Agreement. His methods are final, and intended to dissuade others engaged in zubmarine research. [...]"
↑Phase II: Retrieve a set of zonar schematics, Sunless Sea"Before the Agreement About Nothing of Consequence, London's Admiralty conducted their zubmarine research at Station III. The location of the Khanate's research base is unknown, but a number of its scientists relocated to Khan's Shadow. Perhaps one of those locations has information you could use."
