NationStates Jolt Archive

AOTV Special Inauguration Day News Broadcast

The starting credits roll, showing citizens across Austrin-Ontis waving flags in support of Nidien, William Collins opening the envelope with the results inside and Nidien giving her first statement to the media afterwards. The images change, showing frenetic preparations happening all over Powder and the giant presidential float being constructed for the Inauguration Parade. The credits end and the camera swings round to show the same slim blonde woman and more stocky dark-haired man that presented the Election Day broadcast, still sitting behind the AOTV newsdesk.

“Good evening Austrin-Ontis. I’m Teresa Philips”

“And I’m Thomas Brookshear.”

“Welcome to the Austrin-Ontis Television Evening News on this special day, where Nidien Sebridith will be sworn in as the first non-human president of Austrin-Ontis and afterwards parade through the streets of Powder in a triumphant display of the democracy and tolerance of our great nation.”

“We can go now to Jennifer Rook who is watching the final preparations and expectant crowd in the heart of Powder.”

The camera cuts to a tall part-asian woman standing on a balcony overlooking a vast crowd down below. Night has fallen but Powder is still bright, lit by countless artificial lights dotted around the colossal central square.

“Thank you Thomas. Well, I have to say that the atmosphere is electric down here as the people wait the last few moments for President Sebridith’s first presidential address. The actual ceremony is being conducted as we speak inside the Governmental Complex, media aren’t permitted inside and the actual ceremony is very secret so we can’t bring you anything about that, I’m afraid. It was made as such by our founder Austrin-Straub so many years ago and has begun as much as a tradition as Yonders Day. However, the ceremony is due to finish any minute, whereupon our new president will come out onto that balcony there...”

The camera images changes...
http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/08.jpg

“...where the first address will be given to the populace down below. Details on Miss Sebridith’s speech have been kept entirely under wraps so it’ll be as much of a surprise to us as you. We can switch to the aerial view...”

The camera images changes again...
http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/09.jpg

“..which is provided by the AOTV helicopter. Look at that crowd! It fills the entire square and numbers thousands strong. people have been arriving in Powder for the last couple of days and 75% of the local population are believed to have made an appearance here tonight to support their candidate. We can see the large cross roads which the Parade will move through later on. The float will emerge from the Complex and turn right, performing one complete cycle of central powder before turning right and heading up towards Straub’s Arch...”

The camera images changes once again...
http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/06.jpg

...which we can see here in all it’s glory from the balcony where just moments from now Miss Sebridith will be making her historic address. The Arch is a relatively new structure in powder, constructed just three years ago to commemorate the passing of Austrin Straub and the continuing tradition which had formed around his wake. It’s at this time of the year we look back and remember the great man for what he was, and all that he did for us...”

The cheering rises in a surge, punctuated by whistles and shouts

“...President Sebridith has just emerged from the complex and is moving onto the balcony. We’ll go now to hear her address, which is sure to have an affect on Austrin-Ontis for years to come...”

Yet another camera view change...
http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/07.jpg

Nidien regards the massed crowd with an unusual amount of detachment and wearing her fantastic and unusual costume. Slowly the cheering fades, replaced by a growing expectant silence. A minute passes while she does nothing but look at the citizens far below, all deathly quiet. Just as people think there might be something wrong, she begins to speak:

“Good evening Austrin-Ontis. It is with no small measure of pride that I stand before you as your president, and with no small amount of gratitude to you too. Gratitude to the faith you have shown in me, gratitude in your willingness to embrace new ideas and gratitude that I finally have a chance to make this nation what I believe it can be. Greater!”

A cheer rises up from the crowd before she hushes it into silence with a wave of her hand

“Some of your have reservations about me, this has not escaped my notice. You think ‘she is an elf, she’ll be soft.’ Nothing could be further than the truth! I have grown up here, been shaped by the guidance of our dearly loved founder as much as anyone here. I have seen the pride we hold in ourselves and our achievements and I will not see that diminished! If a nation raises a weapon against us, I will see them laid low by fearless and terrible means. If the cowardly terrorists who strike from shadow are brave enough to strike at us, I will see that they are hounded to the end of the earth, to spend their last moments in fire and agony. I will see all those who would oppose us stricken from my sight, forever reduced to skulking in the furthest corners of the fractal earth.”

A second cheer rises up from the crowd until she once again she hushes it into silence

“But violence is not all we are. I will see closer links with our allies, we shall guard them as our own and strive in every way to draw strength from their strength, so that we stand prouder than ever before to enforce our will upon those who hide from our light. I will see closer ties with our friends within the Devils Desert, that we might stand united and unassailable, a world power released by all, not only those who know of what is to come. I will see out borders opened to all those who could make us greater, regardless of race or religion. All have their uniqueness to offer, and what we offer in return shall bring them clamouring at our gates.

She takes a breath and continues in a lower tone

“I will not lie to you, the nation I see is not the one we hold so dear to our hearts now. Changes must be instigated, and they will not be easy. These years will spell upheaval of a scale never seen since our foundation. But at the end of it we shall rise to greater than we have ever aspired to before. To claim the stars as our own and to spread from this rock to all corners of creation. To spread the message of Austrin Straub to all who would hear it, and scorch our names forever into history, and into the hearts and minds of all who witness our glory!”

The cheer rises into a crescendo, deafening and seemingly never-ending. With a final bow to the crowd, President Sebridith turns on her heel and stalks back into the Complex, leaving a exultant crowd howling in her wake

The camera switches again to Jennifer Rook, though the cheering has not lessened any

“A big surprise there from the president! We were expecting a distinctly softly-softly approach to the varied factions in AO, and a stressing of the common good. What we got was practically an ultimatum, AO will do things her way or not at all. This is exactly the sort of thing that will appeal to the crowd, a promise to make AO better than a ever. It’ll be a difficult promise to keep but it’s a very smart move by Miss Sebridith. She can’t fail to have won over a lot of her critics with that sort of fire. Any minute now she should be emerging from the Complex to begin her triumphant Parade...and there she is!...”

The camera shifts to an aerial view once more...
http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/12.jpg

“...We’re back in the helicopter now and we can see the Presidential float leaving the complex and beginning it’s cycle of Central Powder. I’m not sure you can see it from here, but those are dancers the the front and back of the Float, while President Sebridith rides in the centre of the float through a captivated crowd. We can go now to a closer view...

The camera shifts to a second aerial view...
http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/10.jpg

“...which shows us a top-down view. As you can see, President Sebridith is sitting in the centre of the float, surrounded by her guards and dancers. If you’ve just joined us, we are looking down from our second helicopter above the Powder Parade, after a fiery address from President Sebridith earlier, she is now making her way around the centre of Powder before travelling under the Great Arch, completing the Parade and then heading for the Palace where their will be a celebration to which numerous members of foreign governments have been invited. It’s sure to be an event that shouldn’t be missed, we’ll have coverage from inside later!...

The camera shifts to a view down from the Arch...
http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/13.jpg

“...And there she goes, passing through the Arch which signifies the end of the Parade and both the beginning of her Presidential career and the beginning of a street party of epic proportions across Powder. This truly has been a day for the history books and I’ve no doubt over the next few weeks we’ll be pouring over President Nidien Sebridith’s first presidential address and getting exclusive interviews about the implementation of those initiatives she’s been so enthusiastic about introducing. I’ll sign off now, saying goodnight from the streets of Powder, as well good luck to the charming Miss Sebridith as she begins what is sure to be one of the most interesting points in our history. Back to you in the studio, Teresa”

The camera cuts back to the studio

“Thank you Jennifer. It only remains for us to wish President Nidien Sebridith the best in her term of office, and to sign off. After all, we don’t want to miss the party do we?”

“Indeed we don’t Teresa. Goodnight Austrin-Ontis”

“And Goodnight from me too”

Studio fades out to a closing picture...

http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/austrinontis/images/Nidien/11.jpg
President Nidien Sebridith - The pride of Austrin-Ontis

Wish you were here?

The diplomatic party is just beginning at the Presidential Palace Complex, just outside Powder. Visitors from friendly or even non-hostile foreign nations are all invited. All are welcome to land their diplomatic aircraft at the nearby airport and make their way to the Palace in one of the many limos provided purely for this purpose. The party is protected by state-of-the-art security systems for the protection of the guests, so no-one should have to worry about hostile gate-crashers. It will be taking place in the main dining hall of the palace, a masterpiece of construction and beauty bedecked with treasures of art from around the world and lined with a beautiful woods from the Delan forest of Austrin-Ontis. Every type of alcohol you could desire is provided, from the human nations of the world and beyond, and you’ll experience the finest in both local and foreign cuisine courtesy of the hot and cold buffet. It is the perfect venue to set up or reinforce diplomatic relations with not only AO, but also any of other guests in attendance. Needless to say, President Sebridith and her councillors will be in attendance.

The following nations have already made reservations, but last minute arrivals will be happily accepted:

Yerwhat
Tarrican
Gehenna Tartarus
Santa Barbara
Gradenk
Scandavian States
Anaxa
Stuff and Shinies

And the event will be covered by the following News agencies:

Wombat News
AOTV

We hope to see as many delegates as possible there!

I wish to send a Member of the TSD high command as a delegate.


(we'll bring the Beer :twisted: )

The Vortex Corporation would be more than happy to send a delegation to the reception. After all these years, Austrin Ontis still stands high on our list of preferred arms suppliers, and we wish to show that we consider them friends. Also, we applaud the fact that AO has inaugurated a non-human, female president, a clear sign that your nation prefers skills over appearence.

We would like to send Sar Tzu, Elder of the Battlemage Order, to attend the proceedings. He has been looking forward to meeting your new empress, so he said himself. Please note that he will be arriving soon, escorted by his son and his daughter, both Battlemages of the Order.

-------------------------------------------
The Vortex Corporation High Council

Imperial Alliance Trade Ambassador
Templar Alliance
SATO
SFN
WTE

Corporate Coalition (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=61168) Founding Member

Whispering Voices will send Diplomatic Head Rhona MacIntyre to this cruxal event within the Devils Desert region. She is due to arrive shortly.

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: TSD High Command, Soviet Trasa
Subject: pArTy!!!

We do have a wide range of beers already available, but we would not decline the offer of further refreshment. We look forward to meeting with your delegate, we would recommend you arrive by plane and allow us to escort you to the palace for the Party so you can get there as quickly as possible.

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: High Council, Vortex Corporation
Subject: pArTy!!!

Thank you for your kind words of support, we have valued you as a client and friend for a long time and look forward to perhaps the closer ties that this meeting could symbolise. We would be honoured to receive Sar Tzu and his son and his daughter, there will be a limousine waiting at Powder International Airport to bring them to the celebration as quickly and safely as possible.

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: Diplomatic Department, Whispering Voices
Subject: pArTy!!!

We shall look forward to meeting her soon at the Airport and rapidly transporting her to the scene of the celebration. We are always happy to receive diplomats from out friend and neighbour Whispering Voices, especially at this happy time.

A black shade passed over the airport, and a cold breeze was felt. The shadow circled above the main airstrip a few times, and then started descending. As the bystanders felt pure awe filling their hearts, a dragon descended from the skies above. As its four claws grabbed hold on the concrete runway, two smaller creatures also landed, just behind the magnificent beast. The Austrin Ontis delegates, who had obviously been expecting a dropship or airplane of some kind, received a mental message.

I apologise if we have scared you. My father insists on travelling on Shuruga, instead of using more modern means of transportation

One figure slided of the back of each creature, and after straightening out their formal clothes, they walked up to their hosts. Each of them carried a large Katana blade, hanging in a white scheathe on their backs. The two males were dressed in the white and blue uniform of a Battlemage, both wearing an amulet representing a small drake. The woman, Sar's daughter, was dressed in a gala dress, also white and blue. What the bystanders immediately noticed, was that these three had something ... elvish in them. But, protocol prevented them from asking directly.

"Greetings to you all. I am Sar Tzu, the Vortex representative for the reception. This is my son, Dashal. And this is my daughter Naila."

The First Lord, Admiral Sun, Martial McCleod, and Chief Diplomat Asiya Saleh will be landing soon. As a forwarning, a squad (10) of Achileus battlearmor will be accompanying them on the flight and we request that you allow two of them into the hall as a guard. Don't worry, after they enter the hall they won't be seen, and we mean that quite literally.

Powder International Airport

If there is any panic or surprise at the appearance of the fantastical beasts it does not show in those AO delegates and their heavily armoured guards who are waiting on the runway to meet their foreign guests. However, outside the enclosed area of the Airport people stop and stare as the dragon comes in to land and the darkness is intermittently lit by the flashes of cameras.

The telepathic message does merit a jump from the lead delegate though. There is a moment of rapid whispering between the lead delegate and his guard, and then both step forward. The delegate is a clean-shaven young man in his early twenties with light brown hair, brown eyes and a certain boyish complexion. His guard’s features are concealed behind all-encompassing armour of a very blocky and simplistic design, coloured a uniform dark green.

“Welcome to Austrin-Ontis, Sar Tzu, Dashal and Naila. I am Samuel Draiman of the Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core. I hope you had a pleasant flight. We have a limousine waiting just over here to take you to the President’s celebration”

He gestures towards a sleek vehicle twenty metres or so down the runway, with a pair of armoured cars next to it and another plethora of armoured guards. Samuel begins to walk towards it, beckoning the visitors to follow. He talks as he walks.

“I’m sorry to lumber you with this as soon as you land, but it’ll have to be said, and the sooner the better. No weapons will be allowed within the Presidential palace, and I’m afraid there are no exceptions. President’s orders. You can carry those,” he points towards the katanas, “at the moment, but you’ll have to surrender them before entering the Palace. My apologies for the inconvenience.”

He reaches the limo and opens the nearest door for the guests to get in.

OOC Note - Given that Sar Tzu appears to be psychic, he will easily detect that none of the blocky suit guards have minds.

Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core Communications

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: Diplomatic Department, Scandavian States
Subject: Re: pArTy!!!

We are happy to have you in attendance and I understand the President has freed up a number of days after the Celebration for the previously mentioned talks. One thing we have to bring up though, there are no weapons allowed in the Party itself. This is a cast-iron rule from the President herself and we are powerless to provide exception to it. You needn’t worry about security though, the systems in place are easily sufficient to handle any potential breach.

TO: AODC
FROM: Chief Ambassador Asiya Saleh
SUBJECT: Weapons

The no-weapons policy could present a problem as katanas are a traditional part of our uniforms. We can guarentee that the blades are unsharpened and would gladly submit them for inspection if it would make President Sebridith feel better. Also, and we would appreciate it if you kept this quiet, we had planned to present President Sebridith with a katana that was hand made by the First Lord's armorer, we would be in your debt if you could clear this with security beforehand and again would submit the gift to inspection. As for the battlearmor, the two attending security personel will have no hand-held weapons and the standard wrist laser will not be attached, but the First Lord would feel less exposed if his usual security detail was in the area and two of them were allowed inside in an out of the way area. Again, we would submit our security detail to inspection.

Ambassador Jules Verne was on his way to the ceremony, when he heard the rousing speech of the newly elected Presiden Nidien Sebridith. He thumped his small table in his limo as to show support for her brave and tough stance. " Indeed, Austrin Ontis would grow greater under her leadership. That's what AO needs. A tough but visionary leader " ,he remarked.

The Ambassador's Rolce Royce did not get far unfortunately. The mass of crowd were too many. From his tinted window, He could see people dancing merrily and enjoying themselves. The ambassador was awed by the magnitude of support that the subject of Ao is showing for their beloved President. But he still could not fathom, that although he left 3 hrs before the inauguration ceremnoy. He still could not get to the venue on time. The ambassador clearly understated the level of response from the crowd.

The ambassador instructed his driver to seek a local official's help. The ambassador wants to know whether is there another way to meet the President and congratulate her of this historic moment.

In the mean time, He tuned into AOTV and Wombat news. He was wondering whether his rather peculiar entrace would be on live feed on either of the channels.

Powder International Airport

Naila laughed a short, but very joyous laugh and then looked at Samuel, the amusement clearly seen in her eyes.

"Good sir, without knowing you have just made the gravest insult you could possibly make in front of a battlemage. These Katana's are holy blades, and we cherish them to a degree that a normal person cherishes his wedding ring, though our bond with the blade is even more intense."

Laying an hand on the shoulder of his daughter, Sar interrupted her. "Now, now dear, we can't expect of these people that they know the ways of an order they have never encountered before. Mr. Draiman, we will be happy to turn our weapons into your custody. However, do know that they may not be touched by anybody that has killed a living being, nor may the blades be unsceathed. If either of those things happen, the blades are considered desecrated."

While the got into the limo's that were standing by for them, Naila laughed softly again, clearly amused by all this, but nevertheless she agreed to Samuel that she would also relinquish her weapon.

[ooc]Sar Tzu and his children will not use their abilities on people they consider friends. So until a threatening situation arises, they will not probe the people around them. They will notice large outbursts of emotional thought, though

Diplomatic telegram

Ministry of Foreign Intervention, Dominion of Los Bananos El Fuego

To the esteemed nation of Austrin-Ontis, greetings. It is with pleasure that we note the successful inauguration of your new president, and in an almost unprecedented move, El Presidente has elected to attend the celebrations personally.

We can only hope that this gesture of trust will only enhance the existing goodwill between our nations, and we are prepared to make further guarantees of support and security co-operation between our nations.

With respectful regards,

Joachim Fernandez
Minister for Foreign Intervention, DomLBeF

-----

Delegation arrives

A white C-37A diplomatic transport aircraft [ http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/c-37.htm ] puts down at the nearest international airport, after requesting clearance from Autrin-Ontis National Air Traffic Control and confirming their flight plan as a diplomatic mission from DomLBeF heading to the capital. The flag of DomLBeF is blazoned on the tail and wings of the sleek craft, its bright enamel gleaming in the sun as the aircraft taxis to a halt.

A team of six diplomatic personnel disembarks, dressed in the white-with-gold-braid uniforms of the DomLBeF diplomatic corps. Four of the hispanic looking people are watchful and cautious, probably security men. In the lead, with rank tabs on his collar, is the diplomatic envoy to Austrin-Ontis, Consul-Major Sebastian Juleron. His aide, Consul-Lieutenant Ricardo Nija, walks with him down the exit ladder.

When an all-clear handsignal signal is flashed up the ladder from the Consul-Sergeant leading the security squad, another man walks down the steps, dressed smartly but casually. He looks secure and confident, looking at a data board as he descends the ladder, which he hands off to one of the security personnel.

"Ah, Austrin-Ontis. I have not been here for many years. Let us see if it has changed, no?."
"Si, Jefe," replies the security man.

They look about for a reception committee.



------------
Region: The Devil's Desert
Regional Map: http://www.darkeningskies.net/creative/devilsdesert-choice.jpg
Country Travelogue: http://invisionfree.com/forums/The_Devils_Desert/index.php?showtopic=21
National Information and Map: http://www.btinternet.com/~laertes

OOC: Jon, you might want to edit that last post. If you're going to re-use old posts, at least make sure you get the country names right.;)

Diplomatic telegram
To: Austrin-Ontis foreign embassy
From: High Council, Ichidou

Her Grace, the guardian of the Eternal Flame, Head of the High Council, Ichijo Muriel sends greetings.

On this day of the inaugaration of your new President the High Council of Ichidou would like to offer you warm reguards, and hopes that an observer would be welcome to observe these festivities in the name of greater understanding between the nations of the Devils Desert.

The People's Republic of Stuff and Shinies Delegation arrives:

A sleek, black helicopter of indeterminate origin and model with no markings, but transmitting the agreed frequency for the Stuff and Shinies delegation, almost silently lands in a quiet corner of Powder airport. 6 tall figures clad in the all-encompassing black dress-armour of the Stuff and Shinies army, no tags, slide out and sweep the area quickly but thoroughly with small hand-held devices. Seemingly satisfied they nod to the pilot and set-up an informal perimeter around the helicopter. None of them are armed and they stand at ease, awaiting the welcoming committee, faces hidden behind black visors. ..

[ooc] Bugger. That's the fifteenth time I've used that post, and the first time I've ever got it wrong.

OOC: *huggles Jon* I forgive you, and I'm sure if your really nice the others will too. *looks arround with really big eyes and pouts slightly*

The limosine pulled up outside the palace, as it stopped the front passenger door opened and a man in a dark suit exited. His whole appearance made him disappear into the background, as was his place. He seen, but not draw attention to himself.

He opened the back passanger door, and stepped back as an elegant man in a black tuxedo stepped out. He had an air of importance, a trait he shared with many of his family. Turning back to the car, he presented his hand to the lady accompanying him.

Her sapphire blue dress, blowing gently in the breeze, the young woman linked her arm in the man's and made their way to the entrance where they presented themselves. He man made his introduction. "I am Lord Val Stratton of Tartarus," he indicated the lady beside him. "And this is Ms Ormond."

Rhona MacIntyre descended gracefully from the darkened confines of her diplomatic-issue Land Rover, supported by the steady hand of her favoured bodyguard. An elderly woman, well into her eighties, she nevertheless had a searching gaze and a measured, unshaken movement.

Her clothes were simple, and warm - elegant of cut, but practical rather than flattering. She could look forwards to at least another twenty years of fit adult life, thanks to the 'Better World' project, but she was still too old to feel the urge 'dress up' to the point where things became uncomfortable.

She tssked slightly and straightened the bow tie of an Austrin-Ontis diplomat, a suave and sophisticated young man who looked absolutely stricken at her mothering.

With a shallow breath - Austrin-Ontis not being known for its clean air, certainly filthly compared to the harsh icy coolness of Whispering Voices - and a polite smile, she was lead into the palace.

[ooc: AO I'd prefer if you let my delegation arrive at the palace. They're in your limo, after all]

OOC Note

Each section is labelled with who it is relevant for except for the final Party section which is obviously encountered by everyone who reaches the party. People on their way should feel free to skip the intervening time and arrive at the party if they so wish. Anyone who wants to turn up and hasn’t expressed a desire to yet is still very much welcome.

Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core Communications
(Scandavian States +Ichidou)

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: Diplomatic Department, Scandavian States
Subject: Re: Weapons

It is possible that I may be able to acquire permission for you to bear dulled katanas at the party, though even that will likely be hard going. Your weapons will still have to be submitted to inspection in detail before being allowed in, even in their unsharpened state. The President is absolutely adamant on this rule after the crisis leading up to the election results. A gift is a different matter, I am sure the president would be honoured to receive such a generous present. We would request that you prevent it early on in the night whereupon it will be taken from the Celebration area to the President’s private chambers. As you can ascertain, this is once again to ensure that the Party is weapon-free as much as is possible. Finally, your security detail will be prepared to bear arms inside the Palace Complex and can be stationed in a nearby building so that if circumstances demand it they can be called quickly. I must stress again though that the security measures in place are well sufficient to handle the most excessive of potential dangers that circumstance could present.

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: Ichijo Muriel, head of the High Council of Ichidou
Subject: Re: Diplomatic Telegram

Our thanks for your words of support. We would be honoured if you were to attend the Inauguration celebration and look forward to seeing your observer here in short order. We would recommend you take a plane to powder International Airport and allow us to transport you from there to the Palace via limousine, since that is the quickest way to reach the proceedings. We must point out however that no weapons will be allowed in the celebration, though you are welcome to have guards in the vicinity.

A very large traffic jam - Central Powder
(Gradenk)

The official briefly looked flabbergasted at the responsibility thrust upon him, but then quickly passed it up the chain via his intercom, back to Central. After a minute of him explaining the situation into his intercom out of earshot of the Ambassador, he walks back over the car with a smile.

“Needn’t worry Ambassador Verne. They are sending someone out to pick you up and help you through the traffic”

Time passes as the celebrations continue outside. Primarily it is what you would expect from a street party, though for a fleeting moment Mr Verne would swear he saw a trio of hunched over rat-things carrying a keg into a manhole, singing happily as they did so. The moment of confused revelation is shattered by a knock on his window. Outside, on a beefy motor bike, sits a well-built man dressed in leathers in the colours of AO Military uniform. He wears a helmet but the visor is up, revealing a broad smile missing more than a few teeth. As the Ambassador looks he proffers a second helmet and revs the engine with his other hand.

“Ambassador Verne? Official AO Military Taxi bike guv. Name’s Colonel Bennington, pleased to meet you sirrah. If you’ll just be climbing on the back, we’ll get you through this traffic no problem”

A minor faux pas - Powder International Airport
(Vortex Corporation)

“Oh, I’m very sorry miss. But orders are orders I’m afraid. I can definitely make sure your blades are kept safe, I’ll look after them myself. I’ve not killed any living being before, so they’ll be fine with me.”

The limos pull away and navigate through the streets of Powder. There is a riotous street party going on but a path of blocked off streets has been prepared between the airport and the Palace, allowing uninterrupted passage. The journey lasts no more than ten minutes, during which time Mr Draiman is quiet unless asked questions, which he will happily answer. The limo pulls through the main gate to a round of salutes from the presidential guard, cruises through the magnificent gardens, circles the Palace and enters an underground car-park.

“Normally we’d drop you off at the door, but I thought you’d probably ant to drop off your weapons at the vault personally, given how important they are”

Draiman leads them through a maze of corridors, passing more guard stations as well as numerous security measures and the constant cameras. Eventually they reach a large safe door which Draiman opens, revealing numerous safe boxes inside.

“You can leave them here, and if you like I’ll stay and ensure they are looked after as you have requested. If you’ll just follow my aide Francis, he’ll take you to the party itself”

El Presidente’s Arrival - Powder International Airport
(Los Bananos El Fuego)

The delegation surges forward to meet their guests, dressed impeccably smartly in their dark green dress uniforms. The lead man, a man of dark complexion with brilliantly white eyes and teeth, steps forward.

“Greetings and our most sincere welcome to Austrin-Ontis to all of you. President Sebridith has asked me to deliver a personal message upon your arrival expressing how honoured she feels at your visit and how anxious she is to meet you in person. If you’d just like to follow me, we’ve got a limousine with escort waiting to take you to the Palace.”

As El Presidente and his retinue are led over to the limo, one of the other delegates takes one of the security men to one side.

“Just to bring you up to speed on the arrangements for security. You’ll be allowed to bring your armaments into the Presidential Complex but they will not be permitted in the Celebration area. You can either store them nearby and remain with them in an adjacent building, but security is well capable of handling hostile situations. Sorry about this, the order came straight down from the president herself.”

The limo covers the distance between the Airport and the Palace quickly and efficiently, bringing the guests through the exultant celebrations in the streets into the relative peace of the gardens of the Presidential Complex, and then to the Area set aside for the Celebrations.

Black is the new black - Powder International Airport
(Stuff and Shinies)

The welcoming committee move forward once they are sure the guards from the helicopter are sure the area is safe. They are led by a very short delegate, wearing a slightly poorly fitting suit. A very short ratty delegate in fact, who steps forward to speak.

“Welcome-welcome to Austrin-Ontis! We are glad-glad to see you here, and wish to take-take you to the Party without delay! We have pretty-pretty car-car...”

One of the other delegates leans forward and whispers something in the Skaven’s ear.

“...called Lim-oh-seen for you, to go-go to Palace. Oh, I am Texet, Chief-Chief Councillor for my people in A-O. You come-come with us now?”

Texet turns to go, then remembers something

“Ah, me-me almost forgot. Big-President Seb-Rid-death say-say no weapons in Party. You welcome bring weapon to presidential Palace, just not in party-party. We handle security there. No-no problem”

Texet waves over towards a limousine and fleet of escort vehicles, awaiting the attention of whoever is inside the helicopter.

The first guests to arrive - Presidential Palace
(Gehenna Tartarus)

A very official looking official snaps his heels together and rips off a perfectly executed salute as the couple approach. He has a thin face, a thin smile and a thin moustache, giving him a somewhat thin overall appearance.

“Pleased to meet you Ms Ormond, Lord Stratton. We have been expecting you, if you’d just like to follow me.”

The official moves inside and makes his way through a large hall, lined with painting and sculptures from all over the world and entirely panelled in a deep red wood. The high ceiling has a complex painting upon in, depicting a highly stylised modern war, complete with tanks, planes and soldiers, all done in intricate detail. It looks very unusual given that it is more in the style that would suggest angels and beauty upon the ceiling of a chapel. As the official guides them through he speaks once more.

“I must apologise about this, I very much doubt it will be relevant but I am required to say it before you enter the party. President Sebridith has decreed that there are to be no weapons brought into the Area of the Palace set aside for this event, all must be left in designated storage areas or merely keep outside. Again, my apologies. I would not mean to suggest that you would bear such arms, but as I mentioned, it is an obligation I must complete. Ah, the party is just through here. I sincerely hope you will enjoy yourselves”

The official leaves them at a huge pair of deep red wooden doors leading into a vast hall in which the party appears to be just beginning.

Youngsters today... - Presidential Palace
(Whispering Voices)

The diplomat looks mortally embarrassed and scurries after Rhona in a very apologetic way.

“Errr, good evening miss”, he frantically checks his clipboard, “Rhona MacIntyre, and welcome to Austrin-Ontis. We are honoured to have you here tonight, and if you’ll just follow we I’ll show you in the direction of the celebration.”

The diplomats hesitates, he’s not looking forward to this bit.

“There’s just one thing I have to tell you. I mean to say ummmmm, well, you see the President, that’s President Sebridith, really doesn’t want any weapons in the Party, so we’ve been told to tell everyone that they’ll have to surrender any weapons they have before entering, just to make sure everyone is safe. I can assure you that security is very tight tonight, so you’ve probably got nothing to worry about.”

The diplomat stops a large pair of open doors leading into a vast hall

“This is, ummmm, it. Thanks for coming.”

He scuttles off at speed.

PARTY!!! - Presidential Palace
(Any and all who have arrived here or will do so very soon)

The party is taking place in the vast main hall of the Presidential Palace which looks like it would belong better in Cathedral than a Palace. Stone pillars support a very high ceiling, sporting large spikes of down-pointing stone which are quite intimidating. Between them are stained glass windows depicting people in numerous bright colours. The hall is mainly rectangular in shape, with a slight widening at the far end where there is a raised dais.

Most of the actual exposed Stone on the pillars has been panelled in the deep red wood seen throughout the Palace, though not all, giving a feeling of being somewhere with slight religious trappings. The floor is completely panelled in an amber wood, though it is cold, suggesting stone beneath again. The pillars are carved with intricate patterns depicting the achievements of the citizens of Austrin-Ontis, things both civilian and military, earth-shattering and mundane. The ceiling boasts a single scene carved across the whole length, depicting a vast battle of epic proportions which makes the one in the hall outside pale into comparison. there is so much detail it is almost impossible to see what is going on, some sections of the carving depict conventional warfare whilst other depict angles and demons, whilst other still depict the great clouds of dust from the most terrible of weapons. Atrocities and glorious celebrations sit adjacent to each other in the panoply of warfare on display. The stained-glass windows appear to depict famous figures from AO’s history, many of them are unknown outside the borders but the largest window which sits over the far dais is probably known to some, it depicts Austrin Straub dressed in the uniform of the military, laying down his rifle upon the earth.

Inside the hall, long tables have been set up against the walls, supporting a multitude of bars and buffets. Drinks of every hue and shade are stacked high and eager assistants stand ready to mix and pour upon request. There are numerous tables and chairs for the use of the guests scattered across the floor, with a large central area clear, probably for dancing. Upon the raised dais, the central and highest section is empty aside from a pulpit which suggests it is used to give speeches to large numbers of people. The the right of the highest step is a lower one which currently holds a string quartet, playing pleasant background music, complemented by the unusual acoustics of the hall.

The hall is fairly empty at the moment, there are probably less than fifty people here. Aside from the petty bureaucrats, self-important citizens and a few reporters, there are some figures of note in AO already present. First amongst these is obviously President Sebridith who is still supporting her quite terrifying outfit that she wore for her Inauguration earlier and standing at the far end of the hall. She has a glass of red wine, and appears to be talking with Viola Sinysho, the red-headed former president and general of the armed forces, also sporting a glass of red wine. Viola looks a little bored, though it is plain to all that she’s trying not too. Over the other side are Donald Macneil and Jacob Warec, both councillors and apparently sharing a quite substantial bottle of whiskey between them. An astute observer might say they’ll be singing by the end of the night but at the moment they are hotly discussing the merits of various styles of politics and economics. More people are entering all the time, and it looks like the party will soon be in full swing.

Sar Tzu and his children put their blades in the safety deposits. Without being too obvious, Dashal had probed the emotions of Samuel, and the results confirmed that their Katana's would be safe in his custody. After they were escorted to the main pary hall by Francis, the three of them stared at the room in awe.

"These people have some building skills, I must say", Naila said. Schooled in architecture and the arts, she immediately recognized different styles and schools in the artwork and construction of the hall. With her eyes focused on the ceiling, she started wondering of, eager to see more of this magnificent place.

As Sar Tzu and Dashal started walking to the newly appointed president, with intention to personally congratulate her, Sar spoke to his son.

"Dashal, learn from this experience. The fact that the Ontians are holding the reception here tells us very much. They wish to impress us with appearance. They want everybody to believe that the Ontian new leadership is powerful and able to equal the magnificence of this place. However, do not let the beauty of this hall distract you. Focus on the people in it. Find out their moods, their feelings. And that goes especially for the new empress."

"Yes father. I have studied the material we have on her, and she looks like a nice woman and capable politician. Though nobody seems to know anything about her history," Dashal replied, while he nodded to a pair of young women that passed by.

"She is a descendant of the race we call the Andaniel. She might not even know about it herself, but I've met some of her people in my days. But, she might just look like one of them, and not belong to them. Tell me, what do you think of her clothes?", Sar said.

Dashal looked at the Empress for a moment, and then gave his answer. "Same as the room. Carefully selected to impress the people around her and to enforce her image of robustness. But I think she is a good person."

Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Sar turned his head to face his son. "Why that sudden judgement?"

"I don't know. Call it instinct. But I think she has good intentions. If you ask me, she is able to be cruel and vicious, but only if it serves her country."

"Well then, let's hope she does not define the concept of "her country" in a different way from us", Sar said with a painful grin, remembering the rise and falls of many statesmen that had commited genocide and even worse for "their country".

"But let's not think about such things. We are her to make new friends and to show that we consider AO an ally. So let's go introduce ourselves to the empress".

The limo covers the distance between the Airport and the Palace quickly and efficiently, bringing the guests through the exultant celebrations in the streets into the relative peace of the gardens of the Presidential Complex, and then to the Area set aside for the Celebrations.

The security officer nods to the Austrin-Ontis man's pronouncement. " A little cold for us your regional allies, isn't it - we had armed troops in this building not a week ago. Heh - if we wanted President Sebridith dead, Major Cavanagh had plenty of opportunity. However, we understand the instructions, though I'm required to officially protest. One of the security detail will accompany El Presidente inside as a bullet-catcher. The other three will remain as close as is permissible, remaining armed." He hands over a datapad. "This contains medical information, radio frequencies and encryption codes, equipment listings, and so on."

The trip passes, and the DomLBeF party disembark from the Limo

The now-reduced-in-size DomLBeF group enters the celebration hall, and take in the display of art and culture around them. They note the guests, the Consul-Lieutenant murmuring quietly to El Presidente and the Consul-Major as she details the people they are looking at from the diplomatic files on her Diplomatic Corps issue notepad computer.

El Presidente himself, not being a well-known figure by sight, takes the opportunity to relax a notch from his usual troubles and woes without much fear of being noticed.... unless the people in the room have seen that blasted Salacious Voyeur-produced calendar. Finishing his drink, fetched for him by the DSD sergeant, he returns to his normal state of calm and casual preparedness.

"Let us go and pay our respects to the incoming President and the outgoing one."

The rest of the group nod their heads. What else are they supposed to do? The DomLBeF group waits for a moment when the AO leadership is not busy, and wander over to give a gift and offer a greeting.

ooc

Andy, my lot will wander over when Nidien is free rather than break in on the Vortex Corp people, so either Telegram me when you're ok, or split the responses.

Inside
Ambassador Dornes and his four personal bodyguards entered the party, dressed in civilian high fashion rather than military uniforms. Their weapons had been handed over and Dornes was looking forward to a good party.

Outside, in the Palace grounds
"This is Yerwatten ambassadorial detail squad b setting up our watch for the night. If any other armed parties attatched to the guests wish to wait and monitor with us they are welcome to, and your guard patrols are welcome to drop in for coffee."

"This is SL-01 bearing Star League delegation, request permission to land"

"Roger that SL-01, permission granted."

The modified EA-80 landed and when the engines stopped the back ramp was lowered and ten black painted Achilleus (http://www.solaris7.com/Images/Art/fwl1.gif) battlearmor infantry stepped out; six carried large assault rifles, two carried guass rifles, and the last two carried gyrojet rifles.

Next were the people that would attend the party; First Lord Alex Larsen, Admiral Li Sun, Martial Cailean McCleod, and Chief Ambassador Asiya Saleh. The First Lord wore his usual white dress uniform, the Admiral dark blue, the Martial olive green, and the Ambassador black. Each had medals and a matching katana to augment what would otherwise be drab uniforms. They reached the contigent waiting for them and nodded and waited for them to speak.

The ambassador was shocked..to say the least. But he did always fancy riding a motorbike.

" Thank you Colonel Bennington, You're most kind. Let's get on shall we. "

<with that, he climbed on the motorbike and with skilled maneuvering by the Colonel, The ambassador arrived at the venue.He thanked the Colonel and then contacted his driver, instructing him to drive slowly through the jam to the venue . After that, The instructor took a quick moment to adjust his suit and combed his hair. The ambassador then walked to the main concourse where all foreign dignitories are gathered >

The ambassador reached the main venue and he saw many delegates mingling with each other. He however was waiting to see the rose among the thorns....the President of Austrin Ontis... He wondered whether the President would keep true to her word....the promise that she would dance with him....an honor that no ambassador could possibly achieve...(or could it ?)

The ambassador finally found the President, but she was busy discussing ( so it seemed ) with two other distinguished personality of Austrin Ontis. He decided not to interrupt the discussion and proceeded to talk to other delegates.


The ambassador then saw a local Austrin Ontis scuttling away from a woman. He heard the young diplomat uttering rather apologetically to one Miss Rhona MacIntyre. He decided to talk to the young, attractive ( ?) lady.

He proceeded towards her.

The man smiled covertly as he stepped out of the limosene. His two guards were already fuming over being forced to forgo their sidearms for the ceremonial staves... but he knew that they were about to have to give up those as well. He'd tell the pair of them to go have fun anyway once he was inside. If their hosts tried to kill him, there wouldn't be much anybody could do... and if somebody else did: see above.

The palace looked just grand as he steped out and presented his invitation to the major-domo who clearly already knew who he was.
"Casper Bevelle, Officer Diplomus for the Free Land of Tarrican to the Regional Abassadorial Council and Special Envoy to the Inauguration."

Walking behind the official to the large red doors directly in front of them, Lord Stratton walked silently, his eyes falling on the decoration around him. He listened to the instructions, half-heartedly.

As soon as the man had finished, Stratton nodded and patted himself down. "I assure you, we are carrying no concealed weapons." He ran his gaze down Angelena's body, noting she was concealing little in her choice of gown. Returning his attention back to the official he nodded briefly, before taking his leave.

They walked into the main hall; both of them working frantically to note everything at once. Locations of key people, mentally making plans for future conversations. They slowly manoeurved themselves over to the nearest bar, and surveyed the room.

Rhona, sipping primly at some wine, was slightly perturbed to see a foreign ambassador looking at her as if she were a young, attractive lady instead of an eighty-six year old battleax. Pursing her lips, she prepared to engage the young whelp in conversation.

Damn geriaphiles get everywhere, she thought. It's a sick world when young men lust after us oldies. I'd be drawing a pension or in a home by now in many countries, if it weren't for our innate genetic superiority. And amazing stubbornness.

Meeting the president - Inauguration Party, Presidential Complex
(Vortex Corp and observers)

The room looks somewhat different when looked at psionically, even without specific probes of the various personalities here. Most of the minds are are the same, showing a slight introversion which signifies a strong mental character, fairly typical of people in governmental politics where willpower as just as important as charisma or connections. The minds of the barmen and various serving staff are sharp and alert, with the slight hard edge that shows the discipline left by military training in their past. That is the simple part.

Three of the minds are very different however, hard edged diamonds rather than the fuzzy circles associated with the mentally untrained, wrapped in layers of mental defences and protective thought patterns. The minds belong to a trio of individuals standing to the side of the room, two men and a woman who are apparently talking amongst themselves whilst drinking red wine. All three of them are fairly thin, there is a pretty but harsh looking woman sporting long blonde hair, probably in her mid-twenties, a tall and reasonably well muscled man with a shock of red hair, also in his mid-twenties, and a short, optimistic looking man with tightly cropped brown hair, looking like he has probably just hit his thirties. As the whispers of the Vortex Corporation’s delegation reach them, the taller man and the woman turn around, regarding them curiously but not unpleasantly. The older man takes the opportunity to help himself to a fistful of twiglets.

Passing them by, the delegation nears President Sebridith. Her mind is different from that of the greater mass, but in exactly the opposite way to the trio they just passed. There is definite power there, moreso even than the trio combined, but a complete lack of control with it. The power seems to flow along with her moods like water, making her emotions plain to see for even the lowliest of operants, but making her actual thoughts extremely difficult to perceive. At this point of calm, the weaves of power spiral in complex patterns which look like liquid, casting reflections and distorting things around her, all in the psionic spectrum. Needless to say, it’s pretty odd.

As the delegation nears, both President Sebridith and General Sinysho chuckle lightly at a joke one of them has obviously just told, most likely the General given the greater reaction on the part of the President. Nidien looks up, he hand still covering her mouth and sees the approaching group. Her humour is instantly stifled and she adopts what could best be described as a diplomatic pose, a smile robbed of humour but a welcoming demeanour. To her credit, General Sinysho tries to do likewise, but ends up just snapping to attention instead. The military is in some people’s bones. Nidien steps forward just before they reach her and executes a formal bow.

“Good evening to you, and welcome to the Inauguration celebration. Let me first express my thanks for you coming out all this way, I only hope we can return in hospitality what you have given us in faith. Ah, my apologies, I forget myself. I am President Nidien Sebridith and this is Councillor Viola Sinysho, General of the armies of Austrin-Ontis. If I am not very much mistaken, I believe I have the honour of addressing the delegation from the Vortex Corporation? Which would make you Elder Sar Tzu of the Battlemage Order, as well as your son and daughter, Dashal and Naila, also of the Battlemage Order.”

On the Way to the Palace - Presidential Complex
(DomLBeF)

“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger!” the guard raises his hands in a somewhat comical fashion, “there’s a whole bunch of us who aren’t happy about this, I mean, I was on duty with your lads during the craziness and I was sure glad you had weapons then. We tried to argue, but the higher-ups weren’t having any of it. I tell you what, there might be something I can do, just to say a little thanks. We’ve got a special facility set aside which is officially the nearest point to the Celebration. That’s where all of the extra-national guards are standing by in case of real problems. Thing is, it isn’t the closest point, there’s a guard station inside the building at the far end, puts it 2-3 mins closer than the official one. We could get your men put up in there with us, means you’ll be able to get a hot zone a lot quicker and you’ll even be able to use our coffee machine. Can’t say fairer than that.”

OOC - DomLBeF - Will telegram you at the appropriate point, thanks.

Setting up for the night - Presidential Complex
(Yerwaht

The guards are shown to the compound reserved for the armed guards of diplomats, it’s plain but fairly comfortable, containing lots of seats, good fields of view and a coffee machine which (like all coffee machines anywhere) doesn’t have any change. There is an emergency broadcast radio in the compound to allow communication in the event of a situation, which is radio-checked every 10 minutes. And that’s pretty much it.

Ambassador Dornes is shown in without delay, and can observe and talk to the guests at his leisure.

OOC - Description of venue in my last post. List of guests below for your information.

The Airport Night Shift - Powder International Airport
(Scandavian States)

A delegation does indeed move forward to meet the Scandavian States party, consisting of a dozen individuals in AO military dress uniform, led by a rotund individual with a rosy complex and an out of control moustache.

“Welcome to Austrin-Ontis!” booms the figure in the same sort of voice you’d imagine Santa Claus to have. “The name’s General Caprice, pleased to meet you! You’d be the Scandavian States delegation I’d reckon. I’m sure you’ve heard this already, but higher say I have to say it, so I have to say it. The President wants no weapons in the Celebration, blah, blah, blah, gotta leave them outside, blah, blah. Right, that’s that out of the way, let’s get you off this freezing runway as fast as we can and to the Palace.”

The other members of the welcoming party move forward to take bags and move the delegation towards the waiting limos. The limos move off into the night, again bypassing the heavy traffic through roads sealed off for this purpose. The convoy is waved through the Palace security station and comes to a stop outside the main gate, where the diplomatic members of the group can disembark and make their way to the Celebration Area without delay, while the others are taken to the Guard Compound where they can stand by in case of problems.

OOC - Description of venue in my last post. List of guests below for your information.

More arrivals! - Inauguration Party, Presidential Complex
(Tarrican)

Casper Bevelle is taken by the pleasant but business-like major-domo’s aide to the Celebration without delay, but with a little friendly conversation about the trivialities of the politics currently shifting across the face of the Devils Desert. The ceremonial staves are indeed pried from the hands of his guards (assuming they wish to go inside) with the minimum of unpoliteness, before they are ushered into the magnificent Hall, where people, food and drink are aplenty.

OOC - Description of venue in my last post. List of guests below for your information.

Inside the Great Hall - Inauguration Party, Presidential Complex
(Gehenna)

The party is very much in it’s early stages at the moment, so most of the groups are groups of friends or work colleagues. No doubt as the night draws on more intermingling will happen and then there will be more interesting conversations to observe. In the meantime, as the two approach the bar, the barman practically springs to attention in a very military way.

“Good evening sirs, ma’am. What can I get you to drink?”

OOC - Description of venue in my last post. List of guests below for your information.

The Celebration Guest List
(All)

Guests currently in attendance:

Austrin-Ontis
President Nidien Sebridith - Currently talking to the Vortex delegation
Councillor (and General) Viola Sinysho - Currently talking to the Vortex delegation
Councillor Jacob Warec (Business) - Drinking
Councillor Donald MacNeil (Rights) - Drinking
A Trio of unusual guests camping the pretzels - Drinking
Various other nobles, political figures and business men - Drinking
Lots more - Still to arrive

Gradenk
Ambassador Jules Verne - Currently talking to Rhona MacIntyre

Vortex Corporation
Battlemages Sar Tzu, Dashal and Naila - Currently talking to Nidien and Viola

DomLBeF
El Presidente plus retinue - Hitting the bar

Gehenna Tartarus
Lord Val Stratton of Tartarus - Hitting the bar
Ms Ormond - Hitting the bar

Whispering Voices
Rhona MacIntyre - Currently talking to Ambassador Jules Verne

Yerwaht
Ambassador Dornes - Just arriving now

Scandavian States
First Lord Alex Larsen - Just arriving now
Admiral Li Sun - Just arriving now
Martial Cailean McCleod - Just arriving now
Chief Ambassador Asiya Saleh - Just arriving now

Tarrican
Casper Bevelle - Just arriving now

Rhona, sipping primly at some wine, was slightly perturbed to see a foreign ambassador looking at her as if she were a young, attractive lady instead of an eighty-six year old battleax. Pursing her lips, she prepared to engage the young whelp in conversation.

Damn geriaphiles get everywhere, she thought. It's a sick world when young men lust after us oldies. I'd be drawing a pension or in a home by now in many countries, if it weren't for our innate genetic superiority. And amazing stubbornness.

This is Gradenk here. Couldn't log in to my main account

and another ooc: the ambassador is 50+ years old and he has a wife!!!!He is not trying to hit on you Rhona...He is trying to build diplomatic Relationship with your nation!!!

Ic:

The ambassador detected a slight discomfort in the body/ facial motion of Rhona McIntyre. However, he decide to put her on ease by introducing him self:

"Hello there ambassador, I'm ambassador Jules Verne of the Empire of Gradenk. "

<The ambassador waits to see her response. At the same time, he watched her facial expression and any variations in her tone of voice that might indicate that she is perturbed by his visit. >

<He glanced briefly at President Nidien. She was still engaged with the talk with delegates from the Vortex Corporation. >

Ambassador Gregory Dornes moves through the party, slightly taken aback by all of the military uniforms. Smiling to himself, he considered the fact that the Devils Desert nations and their allies were quite similar in some regards.

He thought a little about his inexperiance and decided he knew exactly what he needed: a drink. Heading towards the bar he thought he recognised DomLeBef people....

-edited out-

OOC: I'm assuming that since we were waved through that our swords were cleared beforehand, if this is not the case I'll edit my post.

The First Lord and his delegation step through the main doors and looks at the room, all of them knew that you could tell the character of a nation by its archatecture. The impression recieved was that of a nation with a militaristic past that gloried in battle, not all that unlike the Star League and Scandavian States in particular. They scanned the crowd for President Sebridith and Asiya was the first to find her and pointed her out. She appeared to be talking to another delegation and he knew it was rude to interupt but thought it best to do as security had said and give their gift straight away. They walked over to the area where President Sebridith was sitting and politely waited for her to notice them.

(OOC: AO has an elven leader!!!! Happy me and a very happy General Theallas, who wil come)

IC: in a message sent to Austrin-Ontis,

To: Austrin-Ontis
From: General Robert Theallas
Subject: Party
Message Body:

I see that now an elf also leads my steemd ally of Austrin-Ontis. I would like to ask if, although late, my request will be acsepted. Although, I do ask that I may be allowed to retain my sword in my personal possetion. I swear that unless attacked I will not draw the blade.

Signed Robert Theallas

"Rhona MacIntyre, Whispering Voices. Please to make your acquaintance, Ambassador Verne." She took his hand and shook it, with surprising strength for an eighty-year old.

"Not met anyone from Gradenk before." She released his hand. "Always a pleasure to meet new people." She looked briefly about to say something, but then turned and gestured at the hall. "Nice, isn't it? Lots of people here too, although the idea of Austrin-Ontis being a democracy that requires inaugurations is a pretty amusing one, eh?"

She's very guarded, and doesn't give much away. At best, he suspects she has eagle eyes and a short temper.

OOC:
Compared to her, he's young :p and you did say he was looking at her like she was a young, attractive woman :O

“Good evening to you, and welcome to the Inauguration celebration. Let me first express my thanks for you coming out all this way, I only hope we can return in hospitality what you have given us in faith. Ah, my apologies, I forget myself. I am President Nidien Sebridith and this is Councillor Viola Sinysho, General of the armies of Austrin-Ontis. If I am not very much mistaken, I believe I have the honour of addressing the delegation from the Vortex Corporation? Which would make you Elder Sar Tzu of the Battlemage Order, as well as your son and daughter, Dashal and Naila, also of the Battlemage Order.”



[ooc: Naila is at the other side of the hall, admiring art and architecture]

IC:

"My lady, it is an honor to meet you", Tzu said, whilst making a deep ceremonial bow. Dashal, following his fathers' example, mumbled a ceremonial sentence in an old language, suddenly shy in the presence of Nidien.

"And of course, we are also very excited to finally meet councelor Synisho, whos reputation exceeds her." The formal bow was repeated for the councelor by both Sar and Dashal. Finally having refound control over himself, Dashal adressed the empress.

"I must say you are very well informed. With all the guests that will be attending, one would expect that you might easily confuse names and ranks. And look at this hall! It is truly magnificent, worthy of such an occassion. Tell me, when was this built?"

bump, I thought this thread dead

"Rhona MacIntyre, Whispering Voices. Please to make your acquaintance, Ambassador Verne." She took his hand and shook it, with surprising strength for an eighty-year old.

"Not met anyone from Gradenk before." She released his hand. "Always a pleasure to meet new people." She looked briefly about to say something, but then turned and gestured at the hall. "Nice, isn't it? Lots of people here too, although the idea of Austrin-Ontis being a democracy that requires inaugurations is a pretty amusing one, eh?"

She's very guarded, and doesn't give much away. At best, he suspects she has eagle eyes and a short temper.

OOC:
Compared to her, he's young :p and you did say he was looking at her like she was a young, attractive woman :O

hehe. Yup, Got to give a lady due compliments right. I just didn't want you to think that he was there just to score with ladies. I thought Rhona was a 30 something lady. When you told me she was 80, I had a shock. I'll continue with the RP later. I've got to go somewhere . Be back later in the night. Don't go away. I would like to strike an alliance.

OOC Note

Black is the new black - Powder International Airport
(Stuff and Shinies)

The welcoming committee move forward once they are sure the guards from the helicopter are sure the area is safe. They are led by a very short delegate, wearing a slightly poorly fitting suit. A very short ratty delegate in fact, who steps forward to speak.

“Welcome-welcome to Austrin-Ontis! We are glad-glad to see you here, and wish to take-take you to the Party without delay! We have pretty-pretty car-car...”

One of the other delegates leans forward and whispers something in the Skaven’s ear.

“...called Lim-oh-seen for you, to go-go to Palace. Oh, I am Texet, Chief-Chief Councillor for my people in A-O. You come-come with us now?”

Texet turns to go, then remembers something

“Ah, me-me almost forgot. Big-President Seb-Rid-death say-say no weapons in Party. You welcome bring weapon to presidential Palace, just not in party-party. We handle security there. No-no problem”

Texet waves over towards a limousine and fleet of escort vehicles, awaiting the attention of whoever is inside the helicopter.

One of the escort nods to the Skaven ambassador and runs over to the chopper, he leans inside briefly and nods a few times as if in conversation. He then stands to the side and extends a hand to the interior of the aircraft. A slim, black-gloved hand appears and rests lightly on his forearm, he smiles briefly, but then swiftly covers it as the rest of the figure emerges. The figure is tall and swathed in a large, black cloak with a voluminous hood which completely eclipses the face inside. The cloak shifts continually in the wind, making it almost impossible to judge the sex or even the build of the wearer. It is possible to make out slim, black-leather boots with high, curved heels as the figure climbs down from the chopper and removes its hand from its escort's arm. It waits silently for the limousine to arrive and then gets in without a word and two of its escort get in on either side. The figure remains silent and hooded for the entire journey to the palace.

{Brief note, if the Skaven manages to get a good sniff at the figure it is female. The boots probably helped with that but the heavy, musky, delicious scent that is wrapped around her should confirm it. She also lacks any scent other than this, apart from the fabrics she is wearing}

OOC Notes

Scandavian States
As previously arranged the inspection teams efficiently and thoroughly checked the swords to ensure that they were blunt, before cabling tying a small laminated card on each weapon which makes plain they are not combat ready weapons so that they do not attract the attention of alert guards and cause an unfortunate incident. It is made clear however that all of our guards have been briefed, the card is more to protect them from the perhaps overly paranoid guards of the other delegations when going to and from the party.

Thelas, and all
You might notice a cessation in my activity when the weekend hits. Suffice to say this isn’t the thread dying, I just can’t get net access on the weekends. Means it’s going to run a little slower, but it can’t really be helped.

IC

Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core Communications
(Thelas)

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: General Robert Theallas of Thelas
Subject: Re: Party

We were be overjoyed if you were to attend the Inauguration, and we can easily lay in place procedures to speed your arrival here. We will ensure a safe and direct corridor through Austrin-Ontis airspace from our borders to Powder International Airport, and then provide a helicopter to take you directly from there to the Presidential Complex.
We feel it necessary to state that the ascension of an elf to the presidential position does not in any way make us an elf nation, our population being massively skewed towards humanity. However, it does show a much greater acceptance of elves and indeed other non-human species into decision making, which is an optimistic first step.
Unfortunately, we are unable to grant your request to be allowed to carry a weapon within the Celebration area. We should point out that this is in no way is an indication that we believe you would not keep your word, indeed we would implicitly trust you to honour it. However, we must maintain one rule for all to ensure that we do not experience any diplomatic incidents, and of course this instruction has come directly from the new President herself, and we have been informed it is non-negotiable. We would be prepared to allow you a dulled blade clearly marked as such, but we know that is a poor substitute.

We still sincerely hope to see you at the Celebration though, that we may discuss the new doorways that have perhaps opened as a result of our new revelations in government.

Meeting the president - Inauguration Party, Presidential Complex
(Vortex Corp and observers)

Nidien smiles as she is complimented on her ability to recall details about her guests.

“I am afraid I can take little credit for my memory of these things, though I shall be happy to pass on your appreciation to the extremely competent briefing team who have equipped me for this event”

General Sinysho’s eyes briefly go unfocused and she puts a hand up to her right ear, where it looks like there is a very small earpiece in place. She pauses for a moment and looks like she is listening (which she most probably is) before turning back to the delegation.

“My apologies to you, honoured guests, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance and I shall endeavour to mitigate my rudeness by catching up with you later on. In the meantime however, events require my attention.”

Viola executes a precise bow, ruined slightly by an apologetic smile, before turning and making her way briskly to the exit. She doesn’t seem worried or even particularly surprised by whatever she has been informed of, just focused and perhaps a little resigned. Nidien looks a mite flustered by her friend’s rapid departure but quickly regains her composure.

“The Hall? Well, it has no name save the Great Hall of the Palace, though it is also known as Straub’s Pride. It was constructed immediately after the great civil war which established Austrin-Ontis as a nation, in honour of Austrin Straub, as you may have guessed” She pauses to gesture at the simply vast stained glass window of the man behind her. “It was constructed by a faction called the Ovann made up of various mountain towns which sided with Straub early in the war by rebelling against the decrepit Lord Leoh of the former Dominion of Failte. They did well in the early stages, sabotaging supply lines and carrying out various guerrilla raids from their mountain bases. However, they were too far into Failte territory for conventional aid to reach them, so they began to lose the war of attrition against Leoh’s concentrated attempt to wipe them out. Straub chose to risk over-extending his forces to allow his allies a chance of survival and sent a force of one thousand volunteers from the AO military via paradrop into Ovann territory. The death toll on these men were horrific, but they managed to hold Ovann for long enough for the main body of the army to reach them and drive the Failte forces away for good. The company of one thousand was named Fade Company by their commander, in homage to the phrase ‘Better to burn out than fade away’. They are still around today in a different form, the term was adopted by Straub for our special forces in homage to those brave men. The war came to an end and the Ovann wished to also pay tribute to both Straub and their saviours. Before the war the Ovann were known as superb craftsmen, and with their weapons laid down, they returned to their craft. The Great Hall was their gift to Straub to express their thanks, it took one hundred of their best craftsmen a decade to complete but when it was finished it became a symbol for the necessity of war and the power that Austrin-Ontis had shown and would one day become. We still strive to live up to their vision.”

The Mysterious Stranger - Powder International Airport
(Stuff and Shinies)

Texet rather sensibly decides not to pursue conversation on the way there, and after just a matter of minutes the limo draws up to the main door of the Palace, where he indicates via surprisingly expressive hand gestures they should get out. He ushers them up the stairs where an official is waiting, his diplomatic demeanour briefly cracking to flash Texet a long suffering glance before returning to a welcoming smile. Texet takes the opportunity to slope off into the night.

“Greetings and welcome to the Presidential Palace of Austrin-Ontis, we are truly honoured to have your delegation in attendance. I am given to understand that you are the delegation from our close allies, The People’s Republic of Stuff and Shinies, so if you would please just follow me we can ensure that you reach the Celebrations as soon as we are able.”

The Official moves into the Palace, inviting the delegation to follow him.

“I am sure Texet has explained the President’s ruling on armaments so I will not repeat them here. There will be an opportunity for you to surrender any remaining armaments before entry to the Celebrations, and if you desire guards to be armed and in the vicinity I will direct them to the waiting area we have prepared. You need not worry about others bearing weapons, the Celebration facility has sufficient weapon detectors to pick up any such device, no matter how small or well disguised. One last thing before you enter, it would be convenient if you could provide me with a name before entering, merely for the official records, though it is by no means necessary if you would prefer to retain your anonymity.”

The Official reaches the great doors to the Hall and gestures that the remaining unarmed members should enter and make merry, if they so wish.

OOC Notes
IC

Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core Communications
(Thelas)

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: General Robert Theallas of Thelas
Subject: Re: Party

We were be overjoyed if you were to attend the Inauguration, and we can easily lay in place procedures to speed your arrival here. We will ensure a safe and direct corridor through Austrin-Ontis airspace from our borders to Powder International Airport, and then provide a helicopter to take you directly from there to the Presidential Complex.
We feel it necessary to state that the ascension of an elf to the presidential position does not in any way make us an elf nation, our population being massively skewed towards humanity. However, it does show a much greater acceptance of elves and indeed other non-human species into decision making, which is an optimistic first step.
Unfortunately, we are unable to grant your request to be allowed to carry a weapon within the Celebration area. We should point out that this is in no way is an indication that we believe you would not keep your word, indeed we would implicitly trust you to honour it. However, we must maintain one rule for all to ensure that we do not experience any diplomatic incidents, and of course this instruction has come directly from the new President herself, and we have been informed it is non-negotiable. We would be prepared to allow you a dulled blade clearly marked as such, but we know that is a poor substitute.

We still sincerely hope to see you at the Celebration though, that we may discuss the new doorways that have perhaps opened as a result of our new revelations in government.


Responce:

"very well, a blunted sword it is. I thank you. I must decline you very genarous offer, for a prefer to use my own shuttle for these purposes. It will be a pleasure meeting your new leader. May I ask, what sub race of elves is she? I just need to know what language to speak."

For a few minutes, Dashal and Sar continued to discuss the architecture and history of the hall with Nidien. Especially Dashal seemed to get more comfortable with Nidien's presence, and turned out to be quite an entertaining story-teller. When a servant came by with a plate full of drinks, Dashal pauzed to get a glass, and a silence fell in the conversation.

Suddenly, Sar spoke up: "My dear Empress, I have a request. I hope it does not offend you, but could you allow me to touch your forehead? I know it must sound emberassing, but it allows me to see if you are a good person, a suited empress. It will not hurt, and I will not read your personal feelings or memories, but my Order really wants to know what kind of person you are."

After a short hesitation, Nidien agrees with Sar, and comes a little closer to him. As she does so, Sar Tzu brings himself into the trance he needs to perform the ritual.

For a moment, he closes his eyes, and when he opens them again they are fully blue. His entire body seems to radiate a slightly blue aura, hardly visible for anybody not paying special attention. Slowly, he raises his left hand, and places his palm on the forehead of Nidien.

The first one or two seconds, nothing happens. Then, it suddenly seems as if Sar is standing in a storm. His clothes and hair are pulled back as if a hurricane emerges from Nidien. Sar himself, still in his trance, however manages to stand his ground, and after half a minute, he removes his hand from Nidien.

Sar takes a deep breath and straightens out his clothes, whilst saying: "Empress Nidien, you are a very powerful person! Whatever your origin might be, your ancestors must have blessed you with stamina and strength that is rarely seen these days. It is my opinion that you have the personality to become a just ruler, and a bliss for your nation.

Empress, it is my pleasure to inform you that the Battlemage Order fully supports your ascension to the throne of Austrin Ontis. As trivial as that may sound, know that we are a strong ally, with milennia of knowledge and power that we can wield. We have judged rulers before, and some were found worthy of their throne, others were not. You, my lady, have been found worthy."

New arrivals - Inauguration Celebration
(Any)

An unusual pair enter the party, to a slight cessation of conversation of the AO guests around them, though it is clear from the subdued reaction that these two are most likely known to them.

The first of them is, not to over stress the point, a giant rat. More specifically he’s a humanoid rat, a Skaven to be precise, reaching just over five foot in height. Unlike many of his brethren he looks fairly clean, though his white fur might be going some way to help that impression. He looks slightly built and perhaps even a little weedy but still gives the impression of fortitude that Skaven have as a result of their normally awful living conditions. He’s wearing a black jumpsuit-esque garment made of leather which covers him from neck to ankles, and is even wearing boots and gloves of the same black material, almost unheard of for one of his species. On his head he has a specially modified pair of sunglasses covering his eyes and a very short pair of stubby horns further up his skull. What fur is visible looks carefully manicured and combed.

The second figure is taller, significantly taller in fact at just over six foot in height. It’s a she, definitely a she in fact, her clothes not covering a vast amount, consisting of covering of the essentials via what looks like animal skin of an unfamiliar animal. The only item of decoration apart from that is an extremely complex necklace of different coloured stones which hangs down in layers to almost reach her waist. She is powerfully built but still retains a slender profile suggesting high agility which is confirmed by her fluid movement, contrasting with her associate as he darts from place to place. What flesh is visible, which is quite a lot, is covered by an extremely fine black fur which shifts in the slight draught of the Hall. Both her hands and feet are bare and also covered in fine fur, she appears to be missing nails on both. The oddest feature is probably her face which is vaguely human in appearance but strongly suggests cats somewhere in her heritage. Distinctive features are emerald cat-like eyes and larger than normal ears, and of course again the layer of fur. She isn’t exactly unattractive, just odd for those who have never seen this particular breed of cat person before.

The two instantly gravitate to the bar, scanning the room as they do so and likely seeing a lot of people looking at them. The Skaven smiles happily to any doing so while the Cat-girl gives them a sharp nod before carrying on. The barman gives them both a warm smile as they approach.

“What can I get for you Harmony?” he addresses to the Cat-girl.

“Wi-ne. Re-d” She responds in halting English, before spinning on her heel to look back at the room. She flexes her shoulders, stretches and gives a large yawn, revealing an excess of sharp teeth.

“What did we say-say about yawning in public, Harm-oh-nee?” asks the Skaven, his voice is low and sibilant as well as vaguely Italian. He also appears to have almost shaken the Skaven habit of repeating words for extra emphasis. Almost.

“Hu-man thi-nk it ba-d” she responds in an overly long suffering expression, “an-d Scoun-drel al-ways poi-nt ou-t wha-t hu-man thi-nk ba-d.”

“It for your own good Harm-oh-nee” responds Scoundrel. “This is the big-big human world now. You can’t just treat everything as a thing to play-play with, have sex with or eat”

Harmony looks vaguely disappointed, and amuses herself by scratching one of her shoulder straps in an irritated way before her drink arrives whereupon she picks it up in both hands and takes a big gulp, smiling happily. The barman has also brought over a half-pint glass contained a green liquid, which he puts on the bar in front of Scoundrel.

“You wanted Absinthe I assume Scoundrel”

Scoundrel turns to face the barman and smiles a big smile. Skaven have a lot of teeth, most of which are pointed, so the effect isn’t quite what he hoped for.

“Thank you Richard, you good-good Barman” Scoundrel cringes slightly as if ashamed of his stutter, takes a unwisely large gulp of the potent alcohol and turns to his companion, who is lapping at her wine.

“Come on Harm-oh-nee. Let’s go do some talk-talk!”

The two head into the party, looking for people to talk to.

OOC
Anyone who wants to talk to these freaks feel free to. Responses to other posts will follow soon

"Rhona MacIntyre, Whispering Voices. Please to make your acquaintance, Ambassador Verne." She took his hand and shook it, with surprising strength for an eighty-year old.

"Not met anyone from Gradenk before." She released his hand. "Always a pleasure to meet new people." She looked briefly about to say something, but then turned and gestured at the hall. "Nice, isn't it? Lots of people here too, although the idea of Austrin-Ontis being a democracy that requires inaugurations is a pretty amusing one, eh?"

She's very guarded, and doesn't give much away. At best, he suspects she has eagle eyes and a short temper.


The ambassador thought he detected a slight discomfort but he wasn't too sure about it. Ambassador Rhona is indeed a versatile and extremely able diplomat. He would say that she was the best that he met so far. He only was able to detect that she had eagle eyes and a short temperature.He decided to be on guard with his words.

"Yes Ambassador, The Party is nice. And yup. I did not think Austrin Ontis would make a huge leap....nevertheless, President Nidien ascendancy to the top spot is well received back in Gradenk. Gradenk has had a long relationship with the nation and people of Austrin Ontis. Actually, If you're here to party, then I'll just chatter lightly for a while before leaving. If not, Gradenk would like to establish a relationship with your nation. Our President has been keeping tab on your nation and would find it mutually beneficial if both our nations embark on the road of friendship and in same time protect both of our interests by having a non aggression pact. Is it allright with your nation ?"

<While waiting for her response, The ambassador looks around briefly and again looked at the direction of President Nidien. This time she was with another group of delegates. But with her, were other powerful members of her cabinet / businessmen. >

Rhona looks at him with eagle eyes. "Indeed, Ambassador Verne. Direct, I see. I like that. Perhaps you had more details on the nature of such a treaty? Whispering Voices never signs non-aggression pacts - it recognises they are intrinsically worthless - but it does, however, enter into trade agreements: generally far more effective at keeping peace between nations."

She pauses. "We're always interested in importing grain and beef. Especially beef - our trade runs with Kecha have been strained as of late."

Rhona looks at him with eagle eyes. "Indeed, Ambassador Verne. Direct, I see. I like that. Perhaps you had more details on the nature of such a treaty? Whispering Voices never signs non-aggression pacts - it recognises they are intrinsically worthless - but it does, however, enter into trade agreements: generally far more effective at keeping peace between nations."

She pauses. "We're always interested in importing grain and beef. Especially beef - our trade runs with Kecha have been strained as of late."


"Ah, We think alike. GRadenk too recognises the importance of trade pacts. Gradenk is a large empire ( including Protectorates) . We recently uncovered an ancient Treaty with Diminix that saw the return of a state which was part of the Ancient Gradenk Empire. ( Democratic Republic of Da Crib) .

Gradenk trades in the following products/ produce:

Drugs ( sourced from our own forest )
Tourism - We have excellent Tourism Facility and sites
Grain
Electrical / Electronic Goods
SemiConductors
trade Precious Metals
Vegetables and other greeneries
Poultry
Arms * ( We have our own trade store )
Shipping ( Gradenk- Terra Corporation )
Banking

Gradenk do trade in every sector which is currently conceivable. We mostly trade with close allies and within the confines of the Ur trade PAct. We are now looking to expand our business interest. We hope we can conduct businesses with you. However, We would also like to invite your businessmen/ women to set up businesses in Gradenk to take advantage of our tax breaks and advantages accorded to foreign investors. We too inturn would set up numerous branches in your nation. "

A polite cough is utterered near Ambassadors MacIntyre and Verne, the culprit is an elderly gentleman with distinguished silver hair and a friendly smile.

"Pardon me, sir and madam, but I couldn't help hearing the terms 'investment' and 'trade'... not evesdropping of course, but my old instincts could pick those words out of a crowded dance-hall. My name is Casper Bevelle, and if you want me to leave you alone I shall... but business is, shall we say, one of my businesses."

Rhona smiles at Casper. "No, please - join us. As long as you're happy with talking shop, that is."

She then turns to Jules. "I can tell you off the bat that we'll purchase grain, greeneries, and poultry. Our manufacturing section is pretty much in the top 0.5% of the world for every sort of industry, but our land is arctic and inhospitable - foodstuffs from surface farms are relatively rare and have to be shipped in from fiefdoms. We'd love to increase our agricultural import sector. In return ... well ... what do you need?"

Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core Communications
(Thelas)

From: AODC (Austrin-Ontis Diplomatic Core)
To: General Robert Theallas of Thelas
Subject: Re: Party

Your shuttle will still have to land at Powder International Airport, there is insufficient space and resources to land it at the Palace Complex. We will therefore still have the helicopter on standby to complete the last leg of the journey. Runway 14 has been set aside for your personal use.

As for President Sebridith’s origin, it is somewhat of a sensitive issue. Nidien Sebridith was found as a baby in the Calesquen mountain range without any parent or guardians and then brought to an AO orphanage, where she grew up to be the capable leader she is today. Both her and ourselves have no insight into her early upbringing or lineage and repeated hypnotherapy has failed to reveal any pertinent facts. We would ask that you do not address her in any of the Elvish languages, she doesn’t speak a word of any of them.

Meeting the president - Inauguration Party, Presidential Complex
(Vortex Corp and observers)

There is no small amount of reaction from the nearby Austrin-Ontis guests as the mysterious wind surges through Sar whilst not disturbing anything else in the room. Not least among the surprised is Nidien herself who seemed very shocked at what was happening to Sar though she calmed down somewhat when it became apparent he was not being harmed. A number of the serving staff move rapidly over to Nidien’s side but she waves them away as Sar emerges from his trance, mouthing to them that everything is alright.

“Well, I have to express my profound thanks for your confidence in me. I have often thought that if I am even half that which I hear said I could be, then I shall far surpass all that I thought I could be. However, your proclamation does fill me with a sense of optimism for the future, so I shall sincerely hope it is proved to be true.”

She pauses to look across the room, giving those individuals still watching the proceedings a friendly smile to indicate that everything is fine. When she turns back to Sar, her dark eyes burn with curiosity.

“I understand that you may well be unable to tell me, and if you are then you have my apologies for asking, but by what means did you determine that?”

Sar thought for a moment, and then made his reply.

"Empress, how I did this was no secret. Our ancestors were originally able to qualify sentient beings as either good or bad, merely by looking at them. I am afraid much of the past of our Order is kept within our own ranks, but I can tell you that the skills of those who came before us exceeded those of the average human.

With much training from many mentors, anyone of our race is able to master this skill, which was once considered lost. However, we need to establish physical contact before we can perform the ritual. Consider it a reading of the spirit, if you will. The spirit cannot lie or deceive, and always shows the true "self" of a person. Just like modern X-ray technology can see the bones through your skin, our skills can look through your skin and see your inner self.

As for my reasons, they might seem strange to you. But the council of which I am a part felt it was necessary to view your spirit. Call it a prophecy, or an oracle, but each of us knew it had to be done. We now know we can trust you, and that you are good of nature. And perhaps that knowledge will become very important in the future, who knows."

Sar Tzu then shrugs, and takes another sip of his drink, while Dashal continues the conversation.

"My lady, I know many others want to speak with you, but there is something I want to ask of you. You are obviously not human, and that is part of the reason my father wanted to see your spirit. But, my question is whether your nature and appearance do not cause any problems for your position as had of state. Many nations are anti-elven today, and I fear some of your denizens might also not be too fond of you..."

OOC: I'd just like to remind you AO that my delegation is waiting off to the side so that it may give you its gift. I can't really RP anything until you do.

Meeting the president - Inauguration Party, Presidential Complex
(Vortex Corp, Scandavian States and observers)

“You would be correct to observe than indeed I am not human, I am an elf though I will admit I know little more than that. The intricacies of Elven politics and the significant powers entrenched within it have continually persuaded me that the place where I can do greatest good is here in the country of my upbringing.”

She pauses to take a brief sip of her own drink, a almost transparent sparkling white wine in a very thin glass. Expressions twist across her face, both light and dark, as she thinks of the best way to continue.

“You are of course correct, this world is primarily a human world and for all that they excel at, tolerance is seldom one of their greatest assets. I have faced significant opposition during my presidential campaign from internal pressures, both from individual citizens and organisations interested in preserving the status quo of human supremacy. Extra regional assassins attempting to remove me permanently from the picture on election night, but that wasn’t the first time that such attacks have been made. A group calling themselves ‘The Brotherhood of Human Purity’ have made no less than five attempts on my life as well countless acts of sabotage and arson against my campaign. The government had a major crackdown just one week ago but it may be that some still remain, so I cannot afford to let my guard down. Less violently, there are a number of figures in our government who believe my election was a mistake, premier amongst them Enrique Barbagallo. I must say I am quite surprised he has stayed in office given his right-wing human supremacist views. I know that working under me must be driving him insane. As for external, aside from the attempts on my life a few nights ago and the running battle that resulted it’s been all quiet. I get the occasional death threat from time to time but I’ve taken to filing the best ones.”

She finishes with a brilliant which goes some way to hide the genuine worry easily sensed from her body language and emotions. She’s doing her best to hide it, but her eyes keep flicking back to the door that her General departed through a moment ago.

“Anyway, it has been a pleasure indeed Elder Sar Tzu, Dashal. I must continue to make the rounds and ensure that I welcome all of my guests. If you would permit me, I may seek you out later on if you are still in attendance and perhaps press you with a few more questions on your remarkable power. I must confess it is something I find most fascinating”

She takes a step back and executes a formal bow and smile to each of her conversation guests, thanking them profusely for attending once again.

As they depart, she turns her head to the Scandavian States delegation and gives them a warm smile, inviting them forward and up onto the slightly raised dais she is standing on so that they can talk.

Rhona smiles at Casper. "No, please - join us. As long as you're happy with talking shop, that is."

She then turns to Jules. "I can tell you off the bat that we'll purchase grain, greeneries, and poultry. Our manufacturing section is pretty much in the top 0.5% of the world for every sort of industry, but our land is arctic and inhospitable - foodstuffs from surface farms are relatively rare and have to be shipped in from fiefdoms. We'd love to increase our agricultural import sector. In return ... well ... what do you need?"

" Well Ambassador Bevelle, by all means, Do join us. And Ambassador Rhona, We can readily provide you with those. We're in need of extensive aid for our space industry. We're currently researching in the field of material and structural integrity. We have some successes in the field but we're desperately in need of architects that would revitalize the space industry in Gradenk. Our space venture to say the least has not been veyr forthcoming. Our understanding of spaceships is limited and thus we have to rely on allies and on reverse engineering to procure / build our own spaceship.Although our current space fleet is sufficient enought to protect our borders...we lack the technological advances that other nations have. That is why in part, Gradenk is seeking Non-aggresion pact among space nations. We have already succesfully developed our own arms industry and have pulled a coup by getting lucrative manufacturing rights from Crimson Blades. We hope Gradenk would receive aid in Space Technology from your great nation. "

Ambassador Dornes makes his way carefully (weaves) towards where Nidien is talking, and approaches slowly, waiting to be addressed to make sure he isn't interrupting anything private. in his hand is a glass that looks like it has be refilled at least once.

"Mind you talking shop? My dear lady... talking shop is one of the few vices I am still permitted to conduct while acting like an upstanding diplomat."

After hearing the words of the gradnek man, he considers...
"Well, we might be able to help you in one regard... namely precision-tolerance metals. Generally industrial needs can be met with metals forged to a fairly broad range of tolerance and strength, but some industries... notable defence, aerospace and especially Space-related, need metals made far more precise. We are in a position to create such materials... in fact our capacity to do so exceeds our ability to dig viable ores out of the ground. A cunning way of revealing our own deficit, no?"

OOC Notes

The Mysterious Stranger - Powder International Airport
(Stuff and Shinies)

Texet rather sensibly decides not to pursue conversation on the way there, and after just a matter of minutes the limo draws up to the main door of the Palace, where he indicates via surprisingly expressive hand gestures they should get out. He ushers them up the stairs where an official is waiting, his diplomatic demeanour briefly cracking to flash Texet a long suffering glance before returning to a welcoming smile. Texet takes the opportunity to slope off into the night.

“Greetings and welcome to the Presidential Palace of Austrin-Ontis, we are truly honoured to have your delegation in attendance. I am given to understand that you are the delegation from our close allies, The People’s Republic of Stuff and Shinies, so if you would please just follow me we can ensure that you reach the Celebrations as soon as we are able.”

The Official moves into the Palace, inviting the delegation to follow him.

“I am sure Texet has explained the President’s ruling on armaments so I will not repeat them here. There will be an opportunity for you to surrender any remaining armaments before entry to the Celebrations, and if you desire guards to be armed and in the vicinity I will direct them to the waiting area we have prepared. You need not worry about others bearing weapons, the Celebration facility has sufficient weapon detectors to pick up any such device, no matter how small or well disguised. One last thing before you enter, it would be convenient if you could provide me with a name before entering, merely for the official records, though it is by no means necessary if you would prefer to retain your anonymity.”

The Official reaches the great doors to the Hall and gestures that the remaining unarmed members should enter and make merry, if they so wish.

The entire delegation is unarmed so pass through clearance with ease. The woman is closely flanked by her escort at all times, but they look relaxed and at ease once they have dealt with the formalities. When asked for a name she leans over to one of her guards and seems to hold a brief conversation. He nods and moves round to stand behind her. Raising her hands the woman releases the clasp at her throat, carefully pushing the hood back. Her escort steps forward and takes the cloak gently from her shoulders, folds it carefully and hands it to the diplomat with a wry grin.

Beneath the cloak the figure is most definately female, standing at about 6ft tall, lithe and pale-skinned (what you can see) with long black hair in an intricate coil on the top of her head, held in place with silver clasps and pins. She is dressed in a beautifully designed and exquisitely tailored dark-blue, velvet bodice and full length dark-blue, silk gloves, leaving her shoulders bare.. A long and flowing velvet skirt in the same colour finished with the long black boots, the heels of which are the only part visible when she moves, completes the outfit. Most notable however is the fact that the entire of her face is covered with a white mask. It looks and moves like silk and has finely detailed patterns dancing across it in silver thread that shimmer as they catch the light. The method of fastening is not obvious, but it seems very securely attached. She raises her head and deep, violet eyes fix on the diplomat with an uncompromising but not unpleasant gaze. Her escort bows and says with a flourish, "The Empress".

The entire party then enters the hall, a heady, enticing scent surrounding the diplomat as The Empress glides past...

"Mind you talking shop? My dear lady... talking shop is one of the few vices I am still permitted to conduct while acting like an upstanding diplomat."

After hearing the words of the gradnek man, he considers...
"Well, we might be able to help you in one regard... namely precision-tolerance metals. Generally industrial needs can be met with metals forged to a fairly broad range of tolerance and strength, but some industries... notable defence, aerospace and especially Space-related, need metals made far more precise. We are in a position to create such materials... in fact our capacity to do so exceeds our ability to dig viable ores out of the ground. A cunning way of revealing our own deficit, no?"

" That's fascinating. But Gradenk has achieved a significant knowledge in precision technology. And to add, We do have the expertise and the capability to extract ore even from deepeset recesses of the planet. However...they are ofcourse extremeties that we don't like to pursue....as the knowledge to burrow through the core...is thoeretical..and though we can design tools for suc purposes....it would not be practical...it can destabilise the tectonic plate due to the energy and disturbances that it creates. What other technology do you have. We're interested in those relating to engine development. We have developed ion drive...in our labs but we're looking for more efficient way of travelling. Weapons system too is on the cards. We need better weapons. We have pulse laser cannons, Tachyon Cannons and ion beams but we're trying to up the ante. And lastly, Design. We really need good space ship designs. Something that would be a symbol and enduring pride for the Gradenk Space Navy."

Meeting the president - Inauguration Party, Presidential Complex
(Vortex Corp, Scandavian States and observers)

As they depart, she turns her head to the Scandavian States delegation and gives them a warm smile, inviting them forward and up onto the slightly raised dais she is standing on so that they can talk.

The delegation returned the smile as they moved toward President Sebridith. When they reached the dais they all bowed and the First Lord presented a hinged wood box, "A gift from the Star League, to show our admiration for your country and our commitment to its defense."

The First Lord hoped that their contact in the AODC had kept his word about the specifics of the present, inside was a katana that did not look all that different from the one the First Lord wore, except for the fact that on the ray skin handle the seal that was present on the AO flag was dyed onto it. They waited for President Sebridith's reaction to the present, hoping it would be positive.

Stratton stared around the room as was his custom in these kind of gatherings. He had never been someone who threw himself upon the first available candidate; you never got anything by wasting your breath on a person who had nothing to offer.

He took a sip of the whisky he had ordered, and felt its bite as he swallowed. He didn't really like the stuff, but had made it his drink of choice; possibly as he found it numbed the brain quicker than some others.

He looked up as a woman in a cloak and mask entered the room, it was obvious she wasn't a diplomat. He continued to stand and watch, weighing up each of the guests in turn.

The Mysterious Stranger Revealed - Inauguration Celebration
(Background)

The diplomats looks a mite shocked, and then scuttles off with all haste to pass the buck. The bureaucratic ripples spread throughout the Palace in that albeit impossible way to halt that rumours move in. There is sufficient control to ensure the knowledge does not hit the Party, at least not yet. Questions are asked, not least that of ‘why on earth was Texet sent out to meet her!’ The answers are unsatisfactorily, but the questioners and askers breath a collective sigh of relief that he didn’t try and sell her anything. The rumour reaches Texet himself, who briefly considers penning an autobiography before dismissing it out of hand and returning to his regular programming schedule of ‘Austrin-Ontian Gladiators’. In short, a whole host of people panic out of view so that no-one has to panic in view. The essence of politics...

Meeting the president - Inauguration Celebration
(Scandavian States and Observers)

Nidien gives the delegation a warm smile as they approach, and a respectful nod to each in turn as they reach her.

“Chief Ambassador Asiya Saleh, Martial Cailean McCleod, Admiral Li Sun and of course First Lord Alex Larsen. I am honoured to have you all at this Celebration and I will take the opportunity to express my sincere thanks for your attendance.”

On presentation of the present and as her aide takes the box and opens it for her, Nidien looks overjoyed and filled with a measure of awe. She steps up to the box and carefully examines it, moving her head around as she surveys it from a number of different angles until the aide’s arms must be aching. Fully a minute passes as she explores it’s intricacies before she takes a step back and turns once more to her guests.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting, honoured guests, it is only that I like to take a little time to appreciate what little true art and craft that I can. I thank you with all my heart for your most generous gift. You can rest assured I shall give it time enough to truly honour it’s craftsman when times are not so...hectic. Such a gift was not necessary, but most gratefully received. It speaks of patriotism as well as power.”

Nidien nods to the side who, with a sigh of relief, closes the box and takes it from the room.

“So, I understand that when the festivities are concluded you are interested in a session of formal talks between our nations, something apart from the small talk that normally happens at these events and something also that will be very much a welcome change after several days of such obligations as this. Might I inquire exactly what these talks would be concerning?”

The First Lord nodded, "Of course, but only the basics at this time. The purpose for the talks is primarily military in nature and is intended to give your and possibly your allies a leg up over your enemies. If you are aware of what our military is capable of then you understand what we mean."

Rhona pauses, as if thinking, before speaking once again to Verne.

"Well ... there is a representative of Los Bananos El Fuego here. They have a launch platform, they'd probably hire it out to you - expensive, but cheaper than launches. I'd start there. As for us, I think it depends what you want. Our specialty is truly in bio-organic technology. We can provide false ecosystems, or other life support mechanisms if you wish? Our own space station, New Babel, is a masterpiece of such. Or so I'm told: I'm far too old to want to go into space. But people live up there."

" I see...Unfortunately, we do have support systems ( artificial ) in place. If your technology is different, Gradenk would indeed like to learn from it. I thank you personally for mentioning Los Banos's Representative. I might discuss with them. However , I on behalf of Gradenk sincerely hope that our little discussion could be turned into something more productive. Perhaps sending a Trade delegation to Gradenk. We would do the dame as well. Both of our nations can prosper if we were to conduct trading. Perhaps Corporations in your nation could set up branches in our nation and in turn, Gradenk would set up theirs in yours. What do you say honorable Ambassador. "

"Well ... Whispering Voices is somewhat inimical to actual corporate presences. Room could be found in Hush or Tranquility, or certainly Freeport however. And when I say support systems, I really do mean ours are top quality. As far as we've been able to determine, pretty much no-one comes even close to the efficiency and comfort of what we can provide. Self-cleaning bedding material, for example. Pillows that find the optimum height for an individual's head to maximise rest. Interactive and automatic biorhythmn induction. Morale is never a problem on New Babel. Of course, such technology is expensive - but it has increased production efficiency in the field of human resource deployment an estimated fifteen percent ... that's actually more efficient than a wage raise."

Meeting the president - Inauguration Celebration
(Scandavian States and Observers)

Nidien raises an eyebrow slightly.

"I shall look forward to it, as well as ensuring all of the relevant personnel are on-hand to provide sufficient military representation from our side, basically to allow understanding of the concepts and technologies being discussed. It is a shame that General Sinysho was called away, no doubt she would have numerous questions for you. Actually, perhaps it is better that she is absent for now, I doubt she could restrain her curiousity sufficient to save anything for the talks."

She pauses as a waiter passes and offers a tray of drinks, taking the opportunity to replace her empty with a second glass of red wine and gesturing to the tray in case her conversation partners are thirsty.

"So, with business aside for the time being, how stand things back at your home? I must confess the trials of the last few weeks have driven us positively insular, only now are we beginning to turn our attention back to the world at large, and of course towards our allies within it."

Outside - Inauguration Celebration
(All Observers)

What might once have been merely chatter coming from just outside the party has now definately risen in volume to be a furious argument, apparently between a man and a woman, who are hidden from view by the far wall of the Hall. The exact words are difficult to make out, but seem to involve the woman's profound distrust in the man's ability to remain civil. Of course, it doesn't help that she's pointing this out via a series of insults both creative and vulgar, it a louder voice than she probably thinks she's talking in. The man appears to be keeping calmer but his voice is raised too, possibly to allow it to be heard over the bellows of his opponent.

Meeting the president - Inauguration Celebration
(Scandavian States and Observers)

Nidien raises an eyebrow slightly.

"I shall look forward to it, as well as ensuring all of the relevant personnel are on-hand to provide sufficient military representation from our side, basically to allow understanding of the concepts and technologies being discussed. It is a shame that General Sinysho was called away, no doubt she would have numerous questions for you. Actually, perhaps it is better that she is absent for now, I doubt she could restrain her curiousity sufficient to save anything for the talks."

She pauses as a waiter passes and offers a tray of drinks, taking the opportunity to replace her empty with a second glass of red wine and gesturing to the tray in case her conversation partners are thirsty.

"So, with business aside for the time being, how stand things back at your home? I must confess the trials of the last few weeks have driven us positively insular, only now are we beginning to turn our attention back to the world at large, and of course towards our allies within it."

Outside - Inauguration Celebration
(All Observers)

What might once have been merely chatter coming from just outside the party has now definately risen in volume to be a furious argument, apparently between a man and a woman, who are hidden from view by the far wall of the Hall. The exact words are difficult to make out, but seem to involve the woman's profound distrust in the man's ability to remain civil. Of course, it doesn't help that she's pointing this out via a series of insults both creative and vulgar, it a louder voice than she probably thinks she's talking in. The man appears to be keeping calmer but his voice is raised too, possibly to allow it to be heard over the bellows of his opponent.

The Empress pauses upon entering the hall and surveys her surroundings. Her escort stands behind her and briefly scans the room, noting who, what and where in case they need to know later. One of them raises an eyebrow slightly at the obvious decadence with which they are surrounded, the other remains blank. Seeing that Nidien is currently busy The Empress turns and seems to dismiss her escort, who head straight for the buffet, looking relaxed. The Empress scans the room once more and then glides over to the unusual couple currently lounging at the bar. Leaning forward slightly she fixes her violet eyes on the barman and orders a white russian, no ice. An enticing scent envelops him briefly as she leans in to take the drink. She takes a sip, the mask does not seem to hamper this in any way, and turns to the cat-woman and Skaven now standing next to her. A very soft, silken voice, easily heard in the crowded room despite being almost a whisper, addresses them from behind the mask, "Good evening. Enjoying the festivities?" She gestures to the assembled guests with her drink and fixes them both with an interested gaze. As she awaits an answer she cocks her head head slightly and appears to be listening to something...

"Well ... Whispering Voices is somewhat inimical to actual corporate presences. Room could be found in Hush or Tranquility, or certainly Freeport however. And when I say support systems, I really do mean ours are top quality. As far as we've been able to determine, pretty much no-one comes even close to the efficiency and comfort of what we can provide. Self-cleaning bedding material, for example. Pillows that find the optimum height for an individual's head to maximise rest. Interactive and automatic biorhythmn induction. Morale is never a problem on New Babel. Of course, such technology is expensive - but it has increased production efficiency in the field of human resource deployment an estimated fifteen percent ... that's actually more efficient than a wage raise."


"Then Gradenk would like to sign a contract with your nation for such technology. Money is no object as we did put a significant amount for such technologies. "

<awaits Ambassador Rhona's Response.>

"Excellent. I shall have one of my aides provide you with the details of the branch of the Ministry of Life and the Arts that produces the equipment, after the event." Rhona smiles warmly at him. "Now - as for industry ... well, as said previously ... a meat and poultry importation dock in Hush or Tranquility would probably be most popular, provided you could provide enough. And of course a grain facility in Freeport."

That would be no problem Ambassador. We have a lot of it for export.

May our two nations prosper together and may the light of friendship shine between our two nations.


<extending his hand to shake the honorable Ambassador Rhona's hand. >

OOC: When & where do we sign the official agreement.

Note: We don't export beef as beef is banned in Gradenk out of respect to it's majority religion - Hinduism. For other religions, They're allowed to eat beef but only buy it from authorised centres. We sell other meats though.

[Powder International Airport]

The airliner taxied to a stop, precisely where the ground crew wanted it. The air-bridge swung across the intervening gap to the hull of the aircraft, settling itself with a thud, as the ground crew hurried to get the passengers off the aircraft. The airline was running late, and needed to get aloft with its next load of passengers as soon as possible to make up time.

Once the bridge was secure, the ground crew notified the aircrew, who gave the stewardess the nod to open the door.

A figure [OOC: think Columbo!] appeared in the door-way, stumbling slightly on the step.

"G'night and shanks," mumbled Seamus O'Hack to the pretty stewardess as he started to stagger up the gangway. "Shanks fr ev'ythin!!"

The stewardess giggled as the decrepit journalist wandered off. "What a nice man," she thought to herself. " And what a capacity for the demon drink!!" She'd had to break into the duty-free stores once he'd finished all the whisky miniatures in the galley bar ...

Seamus slouched round the corner, and headed for the Immigration and Passport control. He carried a tattered duffle bag over his shoulder which he had packed with the tools of his trade.

"Sh'late," he was thinking to himself. "Pr'b'bly no takshis .. won'r how I'm go'n to ge' to zhe par'y ... "

At that thought he brightened visibly. Parties, fun, pretty women, booze, pretty women, booze, pissed diplomats, pretty women, booze, great news stories, pretty women, booze [OOC: you get the picture!] .. he picked up his steps. He didn't want to be too late ...

The Cat, the Rat and the Empress - Inauguration Celebration
(Stuff and Shinies and Observers)

Scoundrel takes another gulp of his volatile drink and presents their mysterious questioner with a wide grin, while Harmony tilts her head and regards her with a complete lack of interest (in that way that only cats, and cat-like races, can).

“Yes-yes, the festivities are a credit to Austrin-Ontis democracy, and other things aside, I am assured. We all wish Miss Sebridith best-best luck for her presidency, all very hopeful about future. We hear tell of a true multi-cultural society, many-many species working to a common goal. An attractive concept, yes?”

Scoundrel takes another swig and looks across the room, the exact object of his regard obscured by his sunglasses. He thoughtlessly raises a paw and smooths down his fur on the top of his head.

“So, you from Stuff and Shinies yes? My aide Texet say he had the pleasure of meeting you at the airport. I trust he was not too excitable? Texet has recently come to surface, his instincts still very sharp. Down in the tunnels that make-make you live, up here it just make the humans stop feeding you sugar.”

Scoundrel sniggers slightly and once more takes a drink. He’s putting that stuff away at a prestigious pace but it doesn’t seem to bother him that much. Meanwhile, Harmony laps at her wine and continues to give the masked figure a blank stare, then suddenly stops still as a thought strikes her.

“Y-ou fr-om St-uff a-nd Shi-ny? We-ar ma-sk? K-eep fa-ce se-cret s-ome rea-son?”

She lapses back into silence and laps up a bit more wine, idly scratching one of the stones in her necklace as she does so. Scoundrel leans over to the bar and waves his glass for a refill, giving the masked figure a slightly long-suffering look, out of view of Harmony.

Disturbing the peace - Just outside the Inauguration Celebration
(All Observers)

The arguement continues to go on, though the tones have dropped from raised voices to hissed tones, which anyone familiar with the nuances of argument will know is infinitely worse. This goes on for some time, and a number of the bar staff near the door appear to take interest and head outside for a look.

Women, Booze and the power of the free press - Powder International Airport
(Wombat News)

Immigration and Passport control is a well-manned series of booths and barriers designed to ensure that no-one slips through undetected, there are numerous guards around as well as staff. Over to one side are a trio of men in dark suits, one of whom appears to be holding and examining a hand-held computer. All three men are alternating between looking at the screen and scanning the crowd, and then one of them spots O’Hack and points to him.

“There he is!”

The three cover the distance to O’Hack’s side very rapidly, and guide him off to one side to a door which one of them begins to unlock.

“Welcome to Austrin-Ontis Mr Seamus O'Hack, we were expecting you a little earlier but thankfully we have a car standing by to take you to the Presidential Complex without delay. We were given to understand that you had some sort of production and camera crew with you though?”

The door unlocks and they bustle O’Hack through, into a long white corridor lined with doors which begin to move through.

“Sorry to rush you Mr O’Hack but we really are pressed for time. There’s a few things we need you to read and fill in, just to familiarise yourself with the protocols involved and accept that you’ve bee made aware off them.”

A bundle of paperwork and a pen are thrust into Seamus’ hands and he is guided out of the back door where a black SUV awaits, back door open and driver already inside.

“If you’d just like to get Mr O’Hack”

The three officials climb in with him and the last one shuts the door and tells the driver to go, which he does so, pulling out into the streets and along the corridor of blocked off roads set aside to allow passage through the still wildly partying city. Distant music and cheering are audible within the car, and many people celebrating are visible down the side-streets.

“Is everything in order Mr O’Hack?”

Dashal and Sar each looked at what was going on, just like most of the other guests.

"Father, want me to take away their ability to speak for a while? Certainly that would make things a lot more comfortable in here."

"Better not, Dashal. We are here as guests, not as security personnel or etiquette enforcers."

The Empress regards Harmony with a flat, piercing stare for a short while and then practically purrs at her, "It prevents the other guests from becoming alarmed. I'm afraid most people would find the sight of me unappealing." She takes another sip of her drink before turning her attention fully towards the Skaven.

Her eyes smile at him from behind the mask as she catches the long-suffering glance, her voice taking on a little more warmth, "It is truly a credit to President Sebridith that so many prestigious guests have arrived to honour her inauguration. She has proven very popular both inside and outside Austrin-Ontis. I must admit I agree fully with her plans, particularly her acknowledgement of the contributions that all races have to offer. As for Texet, he was the perfect Skaven. He performed his duties as a diplomat admirably. Which reminds me, my manners must have been affected by the splendour of the hall, whom do I have the honour of addressing?" The Empress shifts slightly to incorporate both species in her question, the cloud of 'perfume'(?) shifting around her as she does so.

The Holy Empire of Finara is known to harbor a moderate prejudice against elves so it should come as no great surprise that His Imperial Majesty sent no official representative. Nonetheless, quarters befitting a noblewoman and her retinue were reserved on a vessel headed for Austrin-Ontis were reserved by a Finoran prior to the ceremonies. A young woman of truly astounding beauty, who wore only the most dazzling and elegant courtly costume, travelled there with a large retinue of servants. In public, her servants referred to her as "Your Grace" rather than "Your Highness" but the politically knowledgeable might recognize her as the Princess Belra, the youngest and most beautiful of the imperial family. She had hoped to make the President's speech but arrived late. She paused, unsure what to do. As she was not an official delegate for her nation, she was not invited to the diplomatic party. Her private guard prevented anyone but an official representative of the Austin-Ontis government or of the President from questioning her and most observers were left to wonder if she was here as her father's unofficial representative or against his wishes.

The Cat, the Rat and the Empress - Inauguration Celebration
(Stuff and Shinies and Observers)

Harmony nods in response to her question and then resumes staring into space and diligently trying to scratch a hole in the table, yawning widely as she does so. Scoundrel wrinkles his nose slightly as the cloud of perfume settles around him, his large and sensitive snout picking up a healthy dose of the perfume.

“Ah, sorry. My name Scoundrel, and this is Har-mon-nee. We are the representative councillors of the non-human races of AO, one of Nidien’s ideas, to bridge the gap between us and the humans. It’s a temporary measure, we hope-hope to disband the positions in about a year and just allow any race to run-run for whatever government position they like. We were chosen cause we were important personalities in home cultures, but for one reason or another we preferred to interact with humans. Harmony here was the daughter of a chieftain of her tribe. You had a disagreement, didn’t you Har-mon-nee?”

Harmony turns back to Scoundrel and the Empress, smirking and growling softly.

“Yo-u co-uld sa-y tha-t...Ser-ves he-r ri-ght fo-r try-ing t-o te-ll m-e ho-w t-o li-ve m-y li-fe. Sh-e des-erv-ed i-t...”

“Well, when she wake-wake from her coma, we’ll no doubt see whether she agrees with you. Anyway, it became advisable for Harmony to explore pastures new, or at least not filled with irate cat-people. Luckily, Harmony has a gift-gift amongst her people for conversation, so here she is.”

“Hu-mans go-od t-o ta-lk t-o, te-ach Har-mon-y abo-ut gu-n. Ne-xt ti-me Ser-eni-ty te-ll Har-mon-y to sta-y a-way fr-om hu-man, Har-mon-y sh-oot Ser-eni-ty i-n fa-ce. Le-ss eff-ort t-o wi-n arg-uem-ent.”

Harmony sniggers a low and not entirely pleasant laugh and turns her attention once more to the table, this time knocking a sausage roll back and forth across her plate until she loses interest and eats it with every sign of relish.

“Anyway, that’s why Har-mon-nee here. I am here because of...cultural issues. A little physical abnormality that had a few of the old guard back in the warren worried enough to make me think-think about the wide-wide open possibilities offered by the surface. Worked out great for all concerned, human culture fascinating. I’m particular interested by commercialism, so many-many things to buy and all to blind humans to slavery they in. Invisible whips! I not yet understand why it works, but I trying. Why media so powerful? It all fill Scoundrel with wonder at a great power that defies understanding.

The guest unknown - The streets of Powder
(Finara)

Unknown as she may be, the Princess and her retinue still stand out as something distinctly different from the majority of the partygoers celebrating in the streets of Powder and it is not long before they have a large crowd of gawkers regarding them from a safe distance. Attracted in the wake of the crowd with the strongly held belief that anything that attracts a lot of people is trouble in the offing, a squad of the almost ever-present AO military moves over to investigate, doing their best to disperse the crowd while the individual in charge, a fresh faced young captain, moves over to talk to a member of the Princess’s guard.

“Well, I’d say that you don’t look like natives, and you certainly look a little out of place here in a street party. Anything I can help you with?”

Meeting the president - Inauguration Celebration
(Scandavian States and Observers)

Nidien raises an eyebrow slightly.

"I shall look forward to it, as well as ensuring all of the relevant personnel are on-hand to provide sufficient military representation from our side, basically to allow understanding of the concepts and technologies being discussed. It is a shame that General Sinysho was called away, no doubt she would have numerous questions for you. Actually, perhaps it is better that she is absent for now, I doubt she could restrain her curiousity sufficient to save anything for the talks."

She pauses as a waiter passes and offers a tray of drinks, taking the opportunity to replace her empty with a second glass of red wine and gesturing to the tray in case her conversation partners are thirsty.

"So, with business aside for the time being, how stand things back at your home? I must confess the trials of the last few weeks have driven us positively insular, only now are we beginning to turn our attention back to the world at large, and of course towards our allies within it."


They all wave off the drinks, "Things are relatively quiet right now, our recent victory over TPA has shown proven our technologies on the ground. As a matter of fact, I believe we brought some of the After Action Reports with us, they should outline at least some of our systems. From what I've heard our artillery did particularly well, although I am sad to say that the highlight of that performance was the neccessary deployment of chemical weapons. We have also recently completed our two scheduled Terran fleets, a Defense and Strike Fleet each. Our shipyards are now being dedicated to building four Defense and Strike Fleets each for our other system. I do not think it is something to boast of, but once all of our fleets are finished we should have the ability to decimate entire solar systems and break through any defense. Of course, once we have all of our fleets dones we're going to start checking names off of our list," the smile that graced the First Lord's face as he said that could only be described as predatory.

"On the domestic side, we've had a recent and rather sharp upturn in our economy. I'm rather happy over that, it disproves the theory that military buildup means that the economy is going to go Bear, it also means that my citizens are on the whole more prosperous and happier which is always a good thing," the smile this time was more friendly and warm.

Admiral Sun spoke up then, "M'lady, what is this Damocles Project I've heard so much about? Our intelligence services are normally first rate, but we don't make a habit out of spying on friends. From what I've hear, and what I've heard is rather vague, it's some kind of regional defense system, but I'm curious about its specifications."

Her Imperial Highness's guard pauses a moment, unsure of what to say to the captain. Happening to glance over, Princess Belra walks over to speak to the man herself, her guard moving to her side. Belra speaks softly to the guard, "I am sorry to cause a disturbance officer. I am the Duchess of Sertina, from the Holy Empire of Finara. I'm not sure if you'd have heard of out humble nation. It is a large world and we just came out of isolation recently. But we have heard of you and, while our government unfortunately has not reacted well to news of your recent election, there are some in Finara who view this as a great step forward for Austrin-Ontis and for all the world. I merely came to show my support and to see this great woman everyone is speaking of. If you could just tell me where I might aquire lodgings fit for a lady of my position and access to a less disruptive vantage to watch the president's next public opinion, I would be much obliged." Belra smiles her most charming, heart-melting smile on the man, looking at him expectantly.

< Whispering Voices, are you there? Do we assume that the deal is a go ?>

"Certainly, Ambassador Verne. A pleasure to speak to you, of course." Rhona smiled warmly at him, bobbed a bow to him and the Tarricanese ambassador, and left them to talk. She then turned and headed into the crowd, not particularly looking to talk to anyone. News being relayed to her over her earpiece was making her somewhat concerned.

OOC: Thanks Whispering Voices


ic:

The ambassador made some small talk with the Tarrican Ambassador and then excused himself.

He went to the direction of President Nidien Sebredith.
He wondered whether she remembered her promise ?

The Empress smiles and nods to each in turn as Scoundrel does the introductions. She seems to grin broadly at Harmony's motivation for being here, and when Scoundrel relates his theories on commercialism her eyes fill with mirth, until she actually laughs outright. It is a warm, rich sound that is not much louder than her speaking voice and is highly infectious. Whilst she is laughing the scent surrounding her seems to take on a more musky, heady tone and spreads to incorporate an area of about 3/4 metres around them. Her laughter lacks any malice and seems to be genuine amusement at his comments rather than laughter at his expense. After a few seconds she composes herself and sips her drink, her eyes still laughing behind the mask. "Forgive me, Scoundrel, but you have just accomplished what many humans have been trying to do for years. You have managed in your short time amongst us to grasp what eludes many for their entire lives. You are indeed a pleasure to speak with. Any insights I may be able to offer you in this matter I shall be happy to relate, including extensive research documents on the subject." She hands him a small, white card with gold lettering, spelling out what looks like a communications frequency. "This will allow you to communicate directly with me whenever you wish, although for obvious reasons I object to unexpected calls at 3am. If you wish to discuss your theories, or anything else for that matter, please do not hesitate to use it." She smiles broadly at him and turns to Harmony.

"And you are indeed a woman after my own heart. If there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to do the same," she hands Harmony another small, white card. This one has a different frequency written on it, but is otherwise identical to the one handed to Scoundrel. "This is another number on which you can reach me. I like to keep them seperate so I know who's calling." She smiles broadly at Harmony and takes another sip from her, now quite depleted, glass. The cloud of 'perfume' settles back to its original state as The Empress surveys the room again, head cocked slightly as if listening for something which is apparantly not there as she turns once more to the bar and orders a refill, eyes still smiling....

(OOC: The 'perfume' she is constantly surrounded by is a variation on the pheremone technology used on the cat. It's designed to give people around her a positive feeling where she is concerned. If she is happy or otherwise 'positively stimulated' the pheremones increase in strength and act like catnip to a cat, or a candle to a moth where males are concerned. If she is upset or angry they increase potency the other way and induce feelings of fear and unease in those around her. It affects both humans and animals in the same way, although the positive side becomes merely calmness and happiness rather than attraction in standard animals. Tests have proven that animal-based races vary in strength of response. The range varies depending on the strength of the emotion but is usually no greater than about 10 metres, not counting air currents, etc. For this reason she tries to keep her emotions very carefully leashed. Scoundrel just amused her that much that she couldn't help it)

*Bump*

The DomLBeF delegation view the proceedings in the ballroom with great interest, taking in the mix of peoples and nations which Austrin-Ontis has had dealings with, and the presence of a delegate from Stuff and Shinies, a rare occurence.

In other news, they have discovered that the bar had imported DomLBeF tequila, and have aquired the total stock of six bottles, claimed 1/4 of the bar's supply of limes, and gained two salt cellars from the buffet area. DomLBeF colonisation of a large table has begun in earnest.

If it's not too late, we'd like to RSVP for an ambassador to attend.

The DomLBeF delegation view the proceedings in the ballroom with great interest, taking in the mix of peoples and nations which Austrin-Ontis has had dealings with, and the presence of a delegate from Stuff and Shinies, a rare occurence.

The Empress (see description in earlier post) raises her glass in the direction of the DomLBeF delegation as they scan the bar area. Then goes back to her conversation.

*Bump*

*Another bump, somebody post something, can't cause waiting for the guards answer still*

Casper trades the small talk with Ambassador Verne, during which time it is established that Tarrican's economy isn't really up to exporting anything that Gradnek requires and that Casper's specialisation is more in stock portfolios than genuine trade agreements. So in short, no business gets done.

Thus shot down, he goes looking for something to drink and another conversation to butt into.