Editing The Agreement About Nothing of Consequence

{{Character

|image1 = Flukeheader.png

|notable_members = [[London]]<br>[[The Khanate]]

|caption1=There's Nothing of Consequence Down Below}}<blockquote>''"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."<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Where_You_and_I_Must_Go Where You and I Must Go , ''Fallen London''] </ref>''</blockquote>'''The Agreement About Nothing of Consequence''', signed circa 1886 but circumvented by enterprising zailors almost immediately, is a treaty between [[London]] and the [[The Khanate|Khanate]] to ban all exploration of the [[The Under-Unterzee|Unterzee's depths]] as well as research and construction of zubmarines.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Zubmariner:_The_Fierce_Philanthropist#Sherry_with_the_Fierce_Philanthropist Sherry with the Fierce Philanthropist, ''Sunless Sea''] ''"Some years ago, the nations of the Neath struck an agreement to abandon their research into zubmarine travel, and leave the zee depths untouched."''</ref>

The two powers had originally convened an embassy to make contact with the creatures called [[Flukes]] beneath the zee. Seeking to establish diplomatic relations, the [[Admiralty]] embarked on a project to transform their officers into a form better suited for interacting with the Flukes. However, none of the volunteers survived either the transformation process or their time at the embassy.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Wrecks|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."''</ref>

On their final attempt, the Severe Bluejacket—Captain Harris—led the mission. When Khaganian zubmarines appeared nearby, he panicked, assuming hostile intent.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Wrecks|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!"''</ref> Acting on this fear, he ordered his crew to remove the [[The Soft-Hearted Widow#The Husband|Last Emissary]] from the torpedo tube meant for his delivery,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Wrecks|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—"''</ref> replace him with a torpedo, and fire upon the Khaganians. The Flukes, expecting a diplomatic envoy, were instead met with an explosion. Enraged by this unprovoked attack, they retaliated,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Wrecks|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!''"''</ref> inflicting heavy casualties on the Admiralty.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Where_You_and_I_Must_Go 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.'"''</ref> With peaceful relations now impossible and the Flukes unwilling to tolerate further incursions, the Agreement was forged. The Admiralty enforces the treaty with lethal force.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Khan%27s_Heart#Interactions 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."''</ref> [[The August Travel-Writer]] serves as its chief enforcer.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Where_You_and_I_Must_Go 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. [...]"''</ref>

Prior to the Agreement, London's Admiralty conducted its zubmarine research at [[Station III]]; the Khanate's zubmarine research base is unknown, but some scientists associated with the project later took up residence at [[Khan's Shadow]].<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Hidden_Workshop 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."''</ref>

[[Category:Other Things of Significance]]