NationStates Jolt Archive

The Honeycomb -- Castle Dun Adien
Outside Ianapalis, Iansisle, the Commonwealth

"Richard, if I've told you once, I've told you a million times," insisted His Imperial Majesty High King James III of the Grand Iansislean Empire of the Shield, waving a hand through the eerie golden glow of the Honeycomb, "I'm not giving up Christin, not for you, not for this crown, not for anyone!" His voice rose with each word, until he was shouting at his friend.

Grand Admiral Sir Richard Tri, the Iansislean First Lord of the Admiralty, ran a hand through his graying hair and sighed. "James, you have to listen to me. Damn it, I'm just trying to do what's best for the country - and what's best for you. Look out there!" Richard's sweeping arm motion about the room was largely rhetorical, as the Honeycomb had no windows. "There's a hundred million voices calling out for Imitoran blood. They know their High King is in love with an Imitoran. James, Lord Clancy may have dropped his complaint, but that's by no means the end of your troubles!"

Richard was pacing now, his voice as loud as James' had been. "Any sense of public order in Noropia is already crumbling because of the Duke John, Tharia has been wavering since you annexed Sentry Island, and Dianatran is ready to revolt again at a moments notice! Damn it James, we're at war, a war on two fronts! We can't afford to make it three, much less five! There's more to this country than just you!"

James sat quietly throughout the tirade. "Then I suppose I'll just have to abdicate," he whispered. "Richard, I love her."

"ABDICATE!?" roared the Admiral, throwing his hands to the air. "James, you've disinherited Jessica, Brian is dead - you know who that leaves? ELIZABETH! Do you know who Elizabeth's husband is? THE DUKE JOHN, AN IMITORAN!" He calmed down slightly. "That would just make things worse!"

"Well, there is one thing I could do..."

"What's that?"

"Reinherit Jessica. Cancel her exile, but null her marriage to that D'Analia idiot. Bring her home from Healdsburg." James bit his bottom lip.

Richard looked shocked. "James, you couldn't! What she did..."

"Was to me. And I can forgive her for that, if it means I can be with the one I love."

Just then, the door opened, Weathers standing at attention to announce the new arrival...

OOC: Abdicate? That boy ain't right... ;)

Jeff's hollowed face quietly followed Weathers into the Honeycomb.

"For the love of god, I could hear you two all the way in the infirmary," he said gently. "It sounds like we're about to go to war.. with each other."

Both faces softened at once. James rushed over to Jeff's side, Richard a couple of steps behind. "Jeff, you really ought to be in bed," he insisted, shooting a glare in the direction of Dun Adien's small medical center. "I can't believe that doctor even let you up - I'll have to have words with him."

Richard stood back slightly, nodding and echoing James' words, but much more quietly.

"Don't be upset with the doctor. I heard shouting from you two, the KIG couldn't have kept me out of here," Jeff said. "James, Richard," he said putting his arms around their shoulders, mostly as a sign of support, but also to support himself, "if I may ask, what is wrong?"

"I..." started Richard, looking at James, who shook his head.

"It's no big deal, Jeff," insisted James, turning the three of them around so they were facing the infirmiry. "I'll tell you, but only if you head back to your bed, like you should be." He paused. "Were we really that loud?"

Jeff looked at James a moment, "I know you two better than that. I've never heard your voices raised like that before, well, at each other."

Jeff looked back at the infirmary, "I'll go back to the infirmary, after a little walk to the cove and back with you," he winked at James.

Edit: "The only person I've ever heard louder than you was Grant when he was screaming at me about something or another," Jeff coughed trying, and probably failing, to make another lame joke.

OOC: 3:00 AM and the boy already aint right...

John strode back and forth in, of all places, the bathroom. His father had once said the bathroom is the best place for thinking, as it is populated only by you, a sink, and wads of toliet paper to wipe up the bull shit, and, for the most part his father was right. His nation, his home, his family, had just been involved in the rather unsystematic genocide in history. It would have made Stalin or Hitler jealous. Success is such sweet sorrow, he thought. It did prove one thing. Those budget movements he made in his early years in office had worked. Imitora had one kick ass military.

And, if the press was correct, which except for MSNBC it usually was, the Commonwealth as a hole was not only crumbling, but crumbling and calling for Imitoran blood. Mandi, before her untimely death, had made no freinds with her attack on Effit, and the Dianatrans harbored a little more than ill will when their forces met the power of Imitoran technology. And Tharia, well John wouldnt pretend to know all the things that went on in the commonwealth. And he, being an Imitoran himself, didnt really ease matters.

He left the bathroom after washing his hands, Elizabeth not having appriciated his 'where I come from the teach us not to piss on our hands" joke she had over heard him telling at a party, and walked into the bedroom, sitting on the bed. Lizzy was probably off with Ashley, and he had the room to himself. He stroked his chin. He had to do somethign. C'mon John, think. There has got to be a way to help out James. He laid back on the bed, pondering what he could do.

OOC2:Just to help me get the creative juices flowing. I'll bring my new pres into this soon enough.

And, if the press was correct, which except for MSNBC it usually was

OOC: :lol: Remind me not to tell you I've tried to apply there...

[quote=Imitora]And, if the press was correct, which except for MSNBC it usually was

OOC: :lol: Remind me not to tell you I've tried to apply there...[/quote

OOC: Noone's perfect. :lol:

"The cove?" asked James, not sure what Jeff was getting at. "That's an awful long ways, especially with the weather turning cold and all..." He looked over at his friend, then up at Richard.

----

Elizabeth was actually thinking herself as she played with Ashley a few rooms down. At long last, Noropia and the spacious Klapston Manor was feeling like home, and now...

She shook her head. The Daezemani hadn't really been her friends, not as much as they had been Brian and James', but...

Ashley was crying. Elizabeth hurried to shush her, rocking her baby back and forth gently. What if that had been Noropia, instead of Daezeman? What if it had been little Ashley under the Imitoran guns? She tried to hold back tears of her own as the baby calmed down as fast as she had become upset. Babies didn't worry about ortillery.

"The cove?" asked James, not sure what Jeff was getting at. "That's an awful long ways, especially with the weather turning cold and all..." He looked over at his friend, then up at Richard.

"Yes," Jeff said quietly, "It is a way, time enough to think. And the cold weather will open the sinuses, maybe this head cold of mine will finally go away," he grinned, knowing James wouldn't buy that line of BS.

"You told me the day I took office that your job is to make problems disappear. Well make this one disapear!" the young brunette shouted at the ageing man. She had taken the office of the President at the tender age of 26. One year older than the minimum age of 25, after a suprise victory in the election. She was young, fresh out of law school, quick witted, and scared. She had an entire group of nations that wanted nothing more than to low her country to kindom come. And she would stop at nothing to protect her nation.

"Madame President, when I say make problems disappear, I mean small ones, not entire countries. Right now, all we can do is sit back and observe the situation. I'll see about getting an agent in country, to give us more of an idea of the situation, but thats all."

President Jenny Voss nearly broke down. This was just a wonderful way to beign the Presidency, on the brink of war with an entire alliance. "So your telling me that an entire nation that hates us is currently in possesion of one of our most advance pieces of equipment, and one of our best pilots, and all we can do is sit back and watch?"

"Pretty much ma'am," replied the new Imitoran NSD, Mike Gibbson. "Of course, we could alwyas treat it as a defection, and send a small force to go in and, say, get the girl and the aircraft. I think, 15,000 men would be adequate. Light ortillery support, maybe some of the new Scorpions?"

"Christ Mike, thats a damn invasion force. No, send in an agent, see if we can figure anythign out about this, I dont want to send our militayr to handle diplomatic tensions." Jenny had been against the bombing of Deazeman. After reading the reports, she saw that war was inevitable, but it shoulnd't have been mass genocide. Maybe just a simple invasion and enslavement of the people, but not this. She was off to one wonderful start.

OOC: Last time I check, Christin had flown to Iansisle in one of the ahmmerhead fighters, and I handed controll back over to Lark, so...

OOC: Yeah, she's in Iansisle, I'm not sure where she's staying, either in Dun Adien, or at Jeff's crib.. being in the infirmary he wouldn't need it ;) or someplace James could set up for her

OOC: Gotcha. Off to bed, I'll pick this up tommorow aftre my 925, after that my day will be mostly open.

OOC: g'night dude

"Yes," Jeff said quietly, "It is a way, time enough to think. And the cold weather will open the sinuses, maybe this head cold of mine will finally go away," he grinned, knowing James wouldn't buy that line of BS.

James paused. He really did want to talk to Jeff, without Richard. He looked over at the Admiral. "Richard, could you go tell the doctor that Jeff will be right back?" He then started walking down to the cove alongside Jeff, his right hand trailing along the edge of the stone walkway. James didn't say anything.

Jeff kept one hand on James' shoulder for support. He took in a deep breath of the crisp air.

"God, I love the cold sea air," he said absentmindedly. "I missed it."

He slowly moved alongside James, "So, you want to tell me what had you two almost at blows? Or do I get to ask 20 questions?"

James didn't seem terribly eager to tell as they walked down the ancient steps, guards bowing to him every now and then. He had gotten in the habit of ignoring them; maybe they would just stop sooner or later.

He realized he was letting his mind drift. "Oh...I'm sorry, Jeff. No, you don't...it...it was about Christin. Richard wants me to get rid of her, pack her back to Imitora as soon as I can. I..." He paused. "I want to ask her to marry me." EDIT: James blushed furiously at letting that slip.

(speaking of absent minded, I just realized I forgot to say 'night to Imitora. Later, dude!)

James didn't seem terribly eager to tell as they walked down the ancient steps, guards bowing to him every now and then. He had gotten in the habit of ignoring them; maybe they would just stop sooner or later.

He realized he was letting his mind drift. "Oh...I'm sorry, Jeff. No, you don't...it...it was about Christin. Richard wants me to get rid of her, pack her back to Imitora as soon as I can. I..." He paused. "I want to ask her to marry me." EDIT: James blushed furiously at letting that slip.

"It's all right," Jeff said as James apologized.

Jeff stopped a moment and looked at James. "I'm guessing that came as quite a shock to him. I can understand why, given the current sentiment.

"But I'll bet Richard didn't ask you the most important question," he added as he started walking again. "Do you love her? Truly, deep down in your heart, can't live without her, love her?" He knew the answer, he wanted to see if James knew it.

James looked right at Jeff, his brown eyes a tiny bit moistened about the edges. "I do love her, Jeff, with every fiber of my being. Richard says I'm too young to know about that sort of thing, but I'm positive. Without a doubt."

He sighed, gazing north across the Bay at Ianapalis. "Richard is just thinking of what would be best for the Commonwealth; for the Alliance." He paused. "I know this must seem selfish, but I've spent my entire life doing what's best for the Commonwealth. If there was ever a thing I'd like to do just for myself, I know this would be it," he finished with conviction.

Jeff smiled at him, "True love doesn't have an age range" he said. "I think you should do what your heart tells you to. You have a responsibility to the Commonwealth, for you are their king, but you have to be true to yourself, to your heart.

"Besides, they can't throw you out of Dun Adien for marrying an Imitoran," he added, then thought a moment. "Can they?"

James shrugged. "I suppose they couldn't," he started, not clarifying who 'they' were, "but, like Richard was telling me, Tharia, Noropia, and Dianatran are all hot-beds for anti-Shieldian riots." He paused. "They already blame the Parliament for allowing the genocide - there's bound to be a shakeup next general election - and if I were to marry an Imitoran..."

He shrugged. "Dun Adien may be the only place in the country I wouldn't be kicked out of."

"Well, first off, you'll be leaving Dun Adien over my dead body."

Jeff thought a moment, "What about a secret marriage? No one needs to know except you and Christin. Although that might get old after a while, and people would talk about you and her in the castle together."

Jeff stopped and coughed, "Tharia, Noropia and Dianatran will always be embroiled in anti-Shieldian riots. What if you spun this as a way to rebuild ties between the two nations? That love does indeed conquer all? That she is not representative of her nation. Hell, John's not representative of all Imitorans either, they can understand that."

They reached the waterfront at last, the contigent of guards under Princeton's command snapping to attention. James continued to ignore them, gazing out to the Bay, where a small RIN torpedo boat was making its way into Ianapalis harbor.

He shook his head slowly and sadly. "I don't think that would work. The people don't want peace right now, not with Imitora or Chiang Mai or Germany. They want blood, even if it is Christin's." He shuddered at the thought. "I just can't see a way of making them realize she's not like the others, short of..."

He paused, thinking briefly. "Short of having her renounce her Imitoran citizenship, becoming a citizen of the Commonwealth. But, no," he frowned. "She'd never do that; hell, she probably wouldn't even marry me."

A third-floor walkup apartment
Seventh Whitman, Gadsan, the Commonwealth

Andrew D'Analia, the former Archduke of Sentry Island, sat quietly in the small, clean kitchen as his tea was slowly poured. The thin, balding man behind the teapot brought it back up, his tired eyes resting on D'Analia.

"I don't know how long I drifted away from the wreckage of the James," wheezed the old man, sitting down alongside Andrew. "Seemed like forever - away from all the lifeboats, away from the Beddgelerns. Eventually, I was picked up off the coast of Victoria. There I worked and traveled until I earned enough to fly back to the Commonwealth. I didn't tell any of the locals who I was, in case the Beddgelerns came."

The old man took a sip of his drink, wincing at the taste of the bad water. "I expected a hero's welcome, like the ones they gave to that idiot Jones or that coward Northrupt. Instead, they refused to believe I am who I say I am."

He shook his head, lowering his eyes. "I suppose the legend of Ol' Tom Gurney is only good if Ol' Tom Gurney is sunk to the bottom of the sea."

Jeff smiled at James and clapped his shoulder, "You'll be amazed James, I'd bet you anything she would."

Jeff thought again, "What about dual citizenship? Imitora and... something else..."

James smiled, starting to feel the nip coming off the Bay. "Do you really think so, Jeff? I mean, I love her so much I cannot find words to express it properly, but..." He paused. "I mean, there's the age difference and all, and I just don't know if I'm good enough for her."

James smiled, starting to feel the nip coming off the Bay. "Do you really think so, Jeff? I mean, I love her so much I cannot find words to express it properly, but..." He paused. "I mean, there's the age difference and all, and I just don't know if I'm good enough for her."

Jeff turned to face James and look him eye-to-eye, then he winked and said, "Not good enough? You're right, I mean you're only a king. Smart, dashing and handsome second only to me throughout the land," he grinned.

Then he got serious, "James, she'd be damn lucky to have you. You're the number one draft pick in the marriage game."

He stopped and looked James eye-to-eye again, "You have to believe in yourself, as much as I or Kate or Christin do."

James smiled and turned his eyes down at the comment, his cheeks turning slightly red again. "Thanks, Jeff," he replied bashfully, listening while his friend's voice turned more serious.

He turned his eyes back up, trying to believe what Jeff was telling him. He nodded slowly. "That...I try, Jeff, but sometimes...." He drew the left side of his mouth up in a half-grimice. "..sometimes, I just don't know what I'm to do."

James shivered slightly in the wind. "Come on - we'd better get back up to the castle before you have more to worry about than your sinuses."

Jeff nodded and noticed he was shivering also, "Yeah, god knows how upset dad would be if I survived the beating I took only to die of pneumonia," he winked.

As the two walked back to the castle Jeff said, "It's hard to be confident all the time. At times, as long as you can fake it, it's all you need. But then, I can't see why you'd need to fake it. Just remember, you're the man, you take a backseat to no person.

"James, you're the guy most worthy of being happy in the world. You've carried the concerns of a nation on your shoulders, now you need to think of yourself."

James tried to chuckle slightly at Jeff's joke as they started climbing the stairs again, but found his mind too distracted.

"Your saying that really means a lot to me, Jeff. Sometimes, it does feel as if every set of eyes in Iansisle is on me, waiting for me to trip up, trying to critisize me at every turn." He shook his head, noting a familiar figure crossing from the gates as they came up in front of Dun Adien. It was, in fact, Alexandra II, the Queen-Mother of Iansisle, and James' mother. He caught her as she ran to him, burying her head on his shoulder and sobbing.

"Oh, James, is it really true? Did you mean it? Oh, I'm so happy, James, I knew you'd come around, your father would be so pleased, I can't wait to tell Alice!" she said in one long, loud rush.

"Mother," asked James, somewhat confused, "what are you talking about? What did I mean?"

"About Jessica," she said, still sobbing. "Richard told me, James. I'm so happy! You're finally letting her back! Your father would be so proud!"

Jeff looked at James, then the Queen Mother, then back at James.

Jeff mouthed one word.

WHAT???

James tried to shrug, and started to explain, but there was no way he could let his mother down like that. "Yes," he nodded, "I'm going to send a letter to the Healdsburgian government, and arrange for her transport back to the Commonwealth at once."

"Oh, James," sobbed his mother, "Thank you so much! After what happened to Brian, this means so much to me! Thankyouthankyou!" She was now full on in tears.

Jeff could feel the blood start to drain from his face.

Now's not the time, he thought. I need to support James... God I hope you know what you are doing.

"That's great news," Jeff said. "James, you've once again shown you are bigger than life. Forgiveness like that is not easy to give."

Jeff bowed to James and the Queen Mother, "Now if you'll both excuse me, I need to get back to the infirmary. I'm starting to feel the painkillers dying off."

ooc: What did James' sister do, exactly? I wasn't around for any of that.

OOC: she knew her husband was going to try and kill/harm James and didn't do anything about it. Or in Jeff's mind, she conspired to have him assassinated. Jeff's real understanding that way... ;)

"Of course, Jeff," nodded James, managing to free himself. "Er, mother, I'm just going to walk Jeff back to the infirmiry. You had better get inside yourself; it's rather cold out."

She nodded, making back for the gates. James walked alongside Jeff back to the hospital. He wasn't sure if he should start explaining.

(well, back during the assasination thread, Jessica's husband (the then-Archduke Andrew D'Analia of Sentry Island) and her gardener (Walten "The Liberator") conspired to kill James, knowing that with Brian refusing to accept the crown, it would fall to Jessica, and by Iansislean law, if the eldest daughter is married when she takes the crown, her husband becomes High King rather than a prince. In the meantime, D'Analia also killed a senior member of the radical Tharian party in Parliament, laying the blame on pro-Commonwealth forces to weaken the C.C.P. further.

Jessica found out about this, but didn't tell James. Instead, she put in an order for the antidote he'd need, and hoped everything would work itself out. James survived, of course, with Jeff recieving a very bad beating and Robert getting a bullet through the chest. After he regained power, he exiled D'Analia, Jessica, and their son to Healdsburg, claiming Sentry Island as a Crown Land of Callahan and taking the D'Analian fortune. Walten was hanged.)

Jeff and James walked back in silence mostly as Jeff looked at James with concern a few times.

They reached the door to the infirmary, Jeff reached out and wrapped his hand around the door handle then turned to look at James and put his other hand on James' shoulder.

"I don't understand. Maybe I don't need to. But I hope you know what you're doing."

It took James quite a bit of time to answer Jeff. At last: "I do." Don't I? He smiled, maybe not quite as broadly as usual, and patted Jeff on the shoulder. "You go take care of yourself, Jeff. I've got this under control." He didn't specify which "this" he was talking about.

(augh! I tried to outlast you, but alas! I'm crashing. Later, man! ;))

OOC: she knew her husband was going to try and kill/harm James and didn't do anything about it. Or in Jeff's mind, she conspired to have him assassinated. Jeff's real understanding that way... ;)

OOC: She did do something about it (though perhaps not enough). Remember the suspicously large stash of medicine that Wheathers had found? That was Jessica's doing, and you would have known it if one of the KIG hadn't knocked her down with a staff when she tries to say it.

Edit: I swear, I knew this all along, and I posted it before I saw your explanation of the events!

OOC: Yeah, those damn KIG ;) But I was just posting Jeff's take on what happened. (Edit: Cause I'm in the middle of moving and I can't find my flowchart of Iansislian affairs :P *ducks watermelon*)

OOC2: *Pats new coffee press* I couldn't do it alone Iansisle, but I'm outta here too after this.

IC: "I hope so." Jeff said. "You know where I'll be if you need me," he added with a wink and nodded to his usual bed in the infirmary.

Jeff closed the door to the infirmary and walked back to the bed. He took out the vial of painkillers, and popped a few more than usual in his mouth and took a drink of water.

Jimmy was tired, it had been a long day at work. Work being tor forging to near perfection of a New Empire passport, hacking several computer systems to set up a perfect back story, and preparing himself for the three flights he was going to need to take. He was no longer Jimmy Ngyuen, ICI agent, assasin, brother to John Ngyuen, and all around good guy. He was now Victor Tran, New Empirian buisness man, and distant cousin to John Ngyuen. He began setting up the flight reservations for his trip to Iansisle.

OOC: Oh crap, thats right, wasn't Brian in Deazeman? And dont forget about the de-nutting, my claim to fame.

(Mock my overly complex plot lines, will you? Well, I'll just....I'll just ... *shakes fist* ;))

"All right, Jeff," smiled James, patting him on the back. "Feel better." James wasn't quite ready to go back to the Honeycomb yet; he needed time to mull over the points Jeff had made. Instead, he headed up towards the South Ramparts, nabbing a light windbreaker on the way.

-----

Meanwhile, Iansislean customs was doing its usual job...of not existing. ;) In the aerodock coming off the flyer was an open door for visitors, and a line for those wishing to establish Iansislean citizinship.

(Mock my overly complex plot lines, will you? Well, I'll just....I'll just ... *shakes fist* ;))

OOC: Huh? I'm mocking your overly simple plot lines! And mocking everybody else for not figuring them out.

(Mock my overly complex plot lines, will you? Well, I'll just....I'll just ... *shakes fist* ;))

OOC: Huh? I'm mocking your overly simple plot lines! And mocking everybody else for not figuring them out.
OOC: :lol: I think he meant that statement for me ;)

Jeff had nodded off for a little while after taking the extra painkillers. He woke up a little while later and slowly rolled out of the bed. Remembering how chilly it was getting, he threw on a black sweater and jeans.

As he laced up his boots he thought I'll see if I can find Richard and find out what in the hell is going on.

He picked up his jacket and as the doctor headed over to him he said, "I'll be back in a few minutes, I promise."

He walked out of the infirmary, and headed toward Weathers.

"Is Admiral Tri still here?"

The doctor started to protest, both Jeff taking the extra pills and wandering off again, but there was really little he could do. The poor man sighed, wondering if he should call the Duchess Katherine in to make sure Sir Jeffery got his rest.

Meanwhile, Weathers glanced from Jeff to the infirmiry's door. "Ah, yes he is, Sir Jeffery," he nodded, gesturing towards the Honeycomb. "He went back to wait for His Majesty, who I believe is out on the South Ramparts." Weathers paused slightly. "Pardon me, sir, but shouldn't you be getting some rest? His Majesty was most worried about you."

The doctor started to protest, both Jeff taking the extra pills and wandering off again, but there was really little he could do. The poor man sighed, wondering if he should call the Duchess Katherine in to make sure Sir Jeffery got his rest.

"Don't worry," Jeff said with a smile and patting his shoulder, "It'll just be a few minutes, I've got to check on something. I apologize for making your life harder."

Meanwhile, Weathers glanced from Jeff to the infirmiry's door. "Ah, yes he is, Sir Jeffery," he nodded, gesturing towards the Honeycomb. "He went back to wait for His Majesty, who I believe is out on the South Ramparts." Weathers paused slightly. "Pardon me, sir, but shouldn't you be getting some rest? His Majesty was most worried about you."

"I will in a few moments. There are some questions I need to ask Admiral Tri. Just rack it up to me being overprotective again..."

Jeff walked to the door of the Honeycomb and gently knocked.

"Richard? Do you have a moment?"

"Don't worry," Jeff said with a smile and patting his shoulder, "It'll just be a few minutes, I've got to check on something. I apologize for making your life harder."

The doctor nodded. "I'd like to get that in writing sometime," he smiled. "Don't stay out too long, and try to avoid the pain pills, eh?" It wasn't so long ago that people regularly got addicted to Iansislean anti-pain medicine, and the doctor was still a little worried about that.

"I will in a few moments. There are some questions I need to ask Admiral Tri. Just rack it up to me being overprotective again..."

Jeff walked to the door of the Honeycomb and gently knocked.

"Richard? Do you have a moment?"

The Admiral was sitting on a couch towards the middle of the room when Jeff came in. He looked up - it was almost like he had been crying, but there was no trace of unsteadyness in his voice as he greeted his friend.

"Hello, Jeff. I suppose so. Take a seat," he said, waving a hand at a nearby chair.

The doctor nodded. "I'd like to get that in writing sometime," he smiled. "Don't stay out too long, and try to avoid the pain pills, eh?" It wasn't so long ago that people regularly got addicted to Iansislean anti-pain medicine, and the doctor was still a little worried about that.

"I'll try to, sir."

Not stay out too long that is...

The Admiral was sitting on a couch towards the middle of the room when Jeff came in. He looked up - it was almost like he had been crying, but there was no trace of unsteadyness in his voice as he greeted his friend.

"Hello, Jeff. I suppose so. Take a seat," he said, waving a hand at a nearby chair.

Jeff sat down next to his friend. "Well.. Ummm... how about those Longsh... never mind. What's on your mind Richard? It looks like you need someone to talk to."

Richard fiddled with a button on the front of his blue blazer, looking over as Jeff sat down. "Yeah, I suppose I do," he sighed. "James..." he shook his head. "What did you two talk about on your way down to the cove?"

"The same thing you two were talking about here," Jeff said. "Don't know if I was much help to him or not. For what it's worth, I think if he follows his heart, either way, he's making the right decision."

Jeff looked down at the ground.

"What's this about Jessica?"

Katherine took the call from the doctor. Hearing what he had to say, she walked out of the bedroom in one part of Dun Adien and walked down to the infirmary.

"Now what's going on?"

The doctor shrugged. "I don't know - he took a few pain pills, said 'he had to check on something', and walked off." The little man paused, a little frightened, and removed his glasses. "Frankly, ma'am, I'm worried about your husband. He needs to start getting more rest."

----------------

Richard shook his head. "I know I'm going to sound like the bad guy here, or like a bitter old snob, but I don't think his heart is making the right choice. Not for James himself, and certainly not for Iansisle."

Richard blinked in shock. "He told you about that?" The Admiral snorted. "His idea to 'fix' everything - he can't marry Christen because she's Imitoran, and he can't abdicate because Elizabeth is married to an Imitoran, so he thinks he'll just bring Jessica back, put her back to next in line for the crown, abdicate the throne to her, and everything will be hunky dory."

The doctor shrugged. "I don't know - he took a few pain pills, said 'he had to check on something', and walked off." The little man paused, a little frightened, and removed his glasses. "Frankly, ma'am, I'm worried about your husband. He needs to start getting more rest."

Katherine nodded, "Well I can guess what he had to go check on. I'll find him in a moment. I do agree with you, he does need to get more rest," she said then stopped a moment before going on. "Has he at least been resting through the night again?"

OOC: Check your TG for the answer

Richard shook his head. "I know I'm going to sound like the bad guy here, or like a bitter old snob, but I don't think his heart is making the right choice. Not for James himself, and certainly not for Iansisle."

"Not at all," Jeff said. "You sound like a concerned friend. I hope that his heart is making the right choice, love can always strike you at the strangest times..."

Richard blinked in shock. "He told you about that?" The Admiral snorted. "His idea to 'fix' everything - he can't marry Christen because she's Imitoran, and he can't abdicate because Elizabeth is married to an Imitoran, so he thinks he'll just bring Jessica back, put her back to next in line for the crown, abdicate the throne to her, and everything will be hunky dory."

"What?" Jeff whispered. "He didn't tell me that... The Queen Mother told him how happy she was that he was bringing her back. He can't abdicate the throne, especially not to her and her husband. I can't imagine an Iansisle led by Jessica and D'Analia...

"...If it's because Christin is an Imitoran, there's a way to fix that," Jeff tried to stand to find James.

OOC: I'll bring Jimmy in in a bit, where is Christin right now?

OOC: Figure she's got a house or something just on the other side of the Bay. If all else fails, Jeff would help get her a place near James.

Christin sat in a room in a house she had rented out under a fake name. It was dark, and she had a bottle of wine to keep her company. She waited by the phone, waiting for a call. She wasn't sure who the call would be from, or waht about, but she just waited. She also knew she was in trouble. She had stolen one of the most advanced aircraft in the Imitoran military, gone AWOL, and was now sitting in a country which her home considered an enemy. She was, in the eyes of her government, a defector. And she knew what happened to defectors.

OOC: If that's the case, Jeff would make sure she had some guards if she wanted them.

OOC: No, we dont do the whole secret Ninja assasin super person that cn fly and flip out an kill pirates. We bomb them.

OOC: :lol: Ahhh yes, the subtle way. ;)

OOC: Even the best human can leave behind evidence. A 4,000lb High Explosive Incindeary Bomb cant.

OOC: :wink:

IC: Jeff finally stood up, "James can't abidcate his throne. There's gotta be a way around this."

He started walking to the door of the Honeycomb, but his body finally rebelled and his last few steps to the door were more like a stumbling lurch.

Memo to self... increase coffee intake to keep this from happening...

The door opened as he arrived, showing Katherine and Doctor Niven on the other side.

Katherine and he caught Jeff. She said, "That's it Jeff. You have got to get some rest. Right now before something happens."

Jeff stood back up, "Gotta.. stop James."

"It can wait," Katherine said. "He'll visit you in the infirmary after you get some rest."

"Yeah... I think.. you're right."

OOC: Never eat Banquet fried chicken. I Swaer to god all it is is solid grease

IC:

John had left the room, and wandered around teh house, wondering if he should avoid Lizzy. Things had been a slight bit tense since the attacks, and he didn't want to upset her. In his walk, he found his cellphone, and noticed soemthing. He had a message. "John, its Jimmy, comming to visit, just got in Noropia, txt me back, cya."

Great, that would make three Imitorans in teh 'Wealth John thought. H epunched in a wuick message telling his brother to be carefull, and continued to walk through the house.

OOC: Never eat Banquet fried chicken. I Swaer to god all it is is solid grease.

OOC: No doubt man! My arteries harden even thinking about that.

(sorry I vanished for so long there, everyone.)

"What?" Jeff whispered. "He didn't tell me that... The Queen Mother told him how happy she was that he was bringing her back. He can't abdicate the throne, especially not to her and her husband. I can't imagine an Iansisle led by Jessica and D'Analia...

"...If it's because Christin is an Imitoran, there's a way to fix that," Jeff tried to stand to find James.

Richard shrugged. "That's what he told me, at least. I'm not sure what he plans to do about D'Analia. He could always make her get a divorce." Richard paused. "Say, when you were in Effit, I remember you mentioning that sleaze and his son, but you didn't mention Jessica. Was she there?"

"It is because she's an Imitoran," replied Tri, shaking his head. "I don't have anything against that, naturally, but other...factions... in the Commonwealth do. And because she's not nobility. I don't care about that myself, but..."

He started walking to the door of the Honeycomb, but his body finally rebelled and his last few steps to the door were more like a stumbling lurch.

"Jeff, are you alright?" asked Richard, his concern outweighing his morose mood. He lept up with what agility his aging body had, rushing to his friend's side as Kate walked in. "You shouldn't have gotten up. Darn it Jeff, the world's problems will still be there when you're healthy. Leave them be for now!"

----

In the Klapston Manor, Elizabeth sat rocking Ashley to sleep for a nap. She hadn't seen John all day, she realized suddenly, looking up as if he'd be there. He must have gotten called into the office suddenly, she reasoned, as Ashley slowly drifted off on her shoulder.

(sorry I vanished for so long there, everyone.)
Richard shrugged. "That's what he told me, at least. I'm not sure what he plans to do about D'Analia. He could always make her get a divorce." Richard paused. "Say, when you were in Effit, I remember you mentioning that sleaze and his son, but you didn't mention Jessica. Was she there?"
(No worries, it's that real life rearing it's head again ;) )

"Yeah, he could try, depending on how she feels, about James and D'Analia." Jeff said. "No, I don't remember seeing her."

"It is because she's an Imitoran," replied Tri, shaking his head. "I don't have anything against that, naturally, but other...factions... in the Commonwealth do. And because she's not nobility. I don't care about that myself, but..."

"Damnit, that shouldn't matter," Jeff said, the gears starting to slowly turn.

"Jeff, are you alright?" asked Richard, his concern outweighing his morose mood. He lept up with what agility his aging body had, rushing to his friend's side as Kate walked in. "You shouldn't have gotten up. Darn it Jeff, the world's problems will still be there when you're healthy. Leave them be for now!"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Jeff said, smiling at Richard the best he could. "I think... I think you're right..." he added, as the group went back to the infirmary.

"Don't let him..." Jeff told Richard before passing out as he hit the bed.

Dr. Niven pulled out a hypodermic spray and placed it against Jeff's neck, the "fssssssst" quietly hissed from it.

"This is a sedative, to keep him in a dreamless sleep.."

(yeah...stupid real life. Who would have thought that Super Smash Brothers on the N64 would still be fun after all this time? I mean, er, I was doing homework... yeah, that's it. ;))

Richard helped Dr. Niven lower Jeff's body gently onto the bed, assuming Jeff had meant "Don't let him (Dr. Niven) put me to sleep." He stood aside. "I assume something you haven't taught the kids at RSU yet?" he winked, the joke seeming hollow in light of the circumstances.

"Not me, at least," grumbled the Iansislean doctor, checking to see how Jeff was sleeping.

"I...I should go talk to James," started Richard. "Weathers says he was headed out for the south ramparts."

(LOL, gotcha. And so close, yet so far for Richard's interpretation ;) )

"No, not yet. It's a hypospray, it administers the medicine directly through the skin into the patients bloodstream."

Niven looked down at Jeff with concern. "He should be out for a good while. Finally getting some time to heal."

Katherine nodded with Richard. "Tell him his nephew and niece miss playing with him."

(hehe, I wouldn't worry. James won't be abdicating before he has a chance to retrieve Jessica and get her un-married ;))

Richard nodded slowly. "I'll be sure to do that, Duchess." He looked down at Jeff. "And don't you let him do anything stupid," he smiled, before ducking out to the courtyard. It was starting to mist lightly over the castle as Richard set out towards the south ramparts.

Katherine looked down at Jeff's unconscious body after Richard left.

"At least now he won't be able to do anything stupid..."

(;) ... or will he still be able to...)

OOC: God I hate all things dealing with numbers....I dont know If I'll be able to get any major RP done tonight, Lark, TGram me with your plan about Christin, and Iansisle, John goes back to you for now if you want, he's gonna be a little anxious that his brother is comming in, and he thinks his brother went to law school, and now earns muchos mula, not an ICI agent.

(Someone's gonna be keeping an eye on him, right? :P

Imitora: Ok, I'll try and keep character development on that front down to a minimum. Say just John explains his brother's arrival to Lizzie?)

Richard slowly climbed up the ramparts, spotting James standing as far from the guards as he could. He wasn't wearing a jacket, and was shivering slightly in the wind. Slowly, the Admiral walked over.

"It's getting cold, James. You ought to be wearing a jacket."

The High King looked over, his eyes puffy and red. "I know."

"You should head downstairs; don't forget what happened to your father."

James bit his lower lip. "I wouldn't."

(Someone's gonna be keeping an eye on him, right? :P

[Four year old with a secret]

"Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe"

[/Four year old with a secret]

OOC: You should use AIM a bit mroe Iansisle, me and Lark do all our plotting their, and this next one is gonna be fun... :twisted:

(Boy, that must have been really annoying when I used it on you! Bloody turnabout being fairplay and whatnot! ;))

Klapston Manor

Elizabeth had laid Ashley down to sleep at last. She looked outside as she drew the curtin; it was a lovely afternoon on the Noropian Shield. She was feeling lonely; she needed to see John again. Slowly, Elizabeth walked out of the nursery, peeking in rooms as she went along.

EDIT: Oh boy ;) I can't wait!

(Boy, that must have been really annoying when I used it on you! Bloody turnabout being fairplay and whatnot! ;))

OOC: Senator, I can neither confirm nor deny that it was damn satisfying to type a little bit ago. :P Plus I assumed you were talking about keeping an eye on Jeff...

OOC: Last post for the night, and maybe till monday, and even then its an OOC post, lol. Hey iansisle, what are the standard rounds in the 'Wealth, like side amres, rifles, stuf like that? And Lark, no hints...none. Lark has Christin, he knows generally where to take her, just remeber to wait for me for the confirm of the Imitoran Govt. saying ok, and Iansisle, you got John, he's excited yet worried about his brother comming, and he'll need to go pick him up. His brother wont talk much, but will have two duffle bags, one that he insists on carrying.

OOC: I know nahting, Colonel Hogan... Nahthing, do you hear?? ;)

(The Galveston and Sons Model 74B rifle is the primary main battle rifle used. It has a 15 round detachable magazine firing .303 caliber rounds. The Camstol Guns Mk. VIII is the primary sidearm, which has six individual loading .45 caliber rounds. The Camstol Guns Version Three Machine Gun also fires .303 rounds from a 450-round belt.

I'm probably out for the night too - I'm flying home this weekend, and hate falling asleep on planes. Get a crick in my neck every bloody time! ;))

Katherine turned to the doctor, "Let me know if he wakes up anytime soon."

She walked out of the infirmary and swung by the nursery to pick up the twins from their nap. She took them in her arms and sat down in a rocking chair, rocking them and trying to keep from crying.

Edit: Have a good trip dude

(Thanks! I'll see you again next fall!

*crickets chirp*)

(*Opens bag of rotting tomato bits, I've been waiting for this... :twisted: )

(and a shameless bump)

Katherine put the twins back in the crib of the nursery before walking back to the infirmary to check on Jeff and make sure he hadn't snuck out.

(:oops: Meant to reply to this before now, I really did! ;))

Soon after their conversation, Richard and James returned from the Ramparts. Tri needed to be getting back to the Admiralty - they had a report from Commodore Hansfield aboard the Behemoth - and James wandered back to the infirmiry (while Kate's still rocking the babies, but before Jeff does...whatever it is you're planning ;).). He peeked inside, smiling upon seeing that the doctor was just getting ready to retire for lunch and Jeff was asleep. Afterwards, he walked to the Great Hall, picking up the telephone.

"Hello, Lord John? It's James - I need you to put me through to the Primere of Healdsburg..."

(while Kate's still rocking the babies, but before Jeff does...whatever it is you're planning ;).)

OOC: And all Jeff can think is "Curse this 'being sedated' state! I can't get anything done!" ;)

((OOC: would some stock in the 3 companies in Iansisle that I bought into be a good wedding gift :) ))

Half an hour later, James set the telephone down, wiping sweat from his brow. He considered the wall for a moment, then picked the reciever up again. "Hello, Lord Michael? I need you to send a Bankfield to North Matteton, Healdsburg. ... Yes, a Mk. I will be fine ... it's to pick up my sister, the Princess Jessica... yes, Michael. I'm aware of that ... Thank you." James hung up again, sitting back softly.

((OOC: would some stock in the 3 companies in Iansisle that I bought into be a good wedding gift :) ))

OOC: Not a bad idea.. ;)

James returned from the Great Hall, walking a little more slowly than normal, and planned on checking up on Jeff again. He met Katherine just outside the door, and smiled (a little distantly) at her. "Hi, Kate. How's the patient doing?"

She smiled sadly at James, "You know, sometime soon I hope we don't have to refer to him as that anymore," she said. "I was just heading in to check on him. Want to join me?"

Katherine opened the door to the infirmary (OOC: only to find Jeff had vanished and a horse's head lying in the bed... :P) and walked in with James.

Jeff was still unconscious on the infirmary bed, IV's hooked into his arm and the gentle beep of the heart monitor breaking the silence.

"I'd love to," agreed James, holding the door open for her. He shook his head as they walked in, looking at Jeff. "I can't help but feel guilty whenever I see him like this. If it wasn't for my stupidity, he'd never have to get hurt."

(lets out (temporary?) sigh of relief ;))

"I'd love to," agreed James, holding the door open for her. He shook his head as they walked in, looking at Jeff. "I can't help but feel guilty whenever I see him like this. If it wasn't for my stupidity, he'd never have to get hurt."

(lets out (temporary?) sigh of relief ;))

(Oh yeah, it'll be very temporary... just wait 'til he gets up, he'll land right back in the infirmary :wink: )

"It's not your fault," Kate said, pulling two chairs up to the bed.

Sitting down she added, "Jeff picked his path. There's not much either of us could do about it." She looked down a moment and added, "At least the people who did this will pay the price."

James took a seat next to the bed, only to look up up sharply when she mentioned justice. Did she mean the Larkinian thugs currently in jail alongside Grant? Or the just-as-helpless bunch of thugs down in Ryansisle? He knew that relations with the Ryansislean Imperium were cooling down from their high following Iansislean neutrality during the Effitian crisis, and another assualt... he shook his head.

"How are the twins doing, Kate?" he asked, changing the subject abruptly. "It seems like forever since I've seen them..."

She smiled at James, "they're doing well. Although they miss playing with their favorite uncle." She looked back at Jeff and added, "And they miss being with their father..."

James wondered for a moment if she meant himself or Icarus. On one hand, mentioning her dead brother if she meant him would make her very sad; on the other hand, assuming he was the favorite uncle if it was Ic would make her angry.

Shaking his head, he decided to try for an easy medium. "They're such wonderful children. I wish I had more time to see them..." careful! He coughed slightly. "You and Jeff are very lucky." It felt like he was forcing small talk now.

"Yeah, favorite uncle" she said smiling a little at James, she'd felt he was uncomfortable and wanted to make it clear, "I wish you did too...

"Sometimes I think we're lucky too, other times though I wish there were about 40 hours in a day to spend with them. So tell me more about what you have been doing. I've depressed you enough with what's happened here."

He shrugged slightly. "I know this is going to sound perfectly horrid in light of what's happened," he said, gesturing at Jeff's body, "but I've been spending some time trying to sort out what's going on with Christin." He shook his head, lowering his eyes. "I feel so horrible for doing something so selfish while my best friend gets whaled on by every two bit punk I've ever offended."

(Well, I'm off. I'll try and log on later tonight, but I don't know if I'll be able to. Later, Lark!)

A familiar grin crossed Katherine's lips.

"Well, Jeff has to be good for something doesn't he?"

She smiled at James, "You and Christin? That's wonderful. What is going on with you two lovebirds? Don't feel selfish about that, you're in love with her."

(I'm outta here too, heading to work soon)

Tagging for the future

James reached back to scratch the back of his neck, stopping halfway at the thought of how silly Jeff looked. He couldn't help but smile at the reference to him and Christin as 'lovebirds'.

"Not much, not much," he started, wondering why he was lying to Katherine. "Actually, I set her up with a place on the mainland. I...really would like her to stay here, but..." He paused. "Richard said that was a bad idea."

"Really?" she asked. "Well, there is the whole look of it. And I guess Iansisle still frowns on that kind of thing. But it's great that you found her a place to stay while she's here. Jeff was going to offer a place at the house, but thought that would look kinda bad, living with two women," she adds with a wink.

"It's wonderful to see you two hitting it off so well. We can see how happy you are around each other."

James smiled. "We are a bit behind the times, aren't we? If I ever find this ill-defined majority who are supposedly thwarting my ever move, I'll let them beat Jeff up." He almost laughed, before realizing how insensitive the joke was. He quickly changed the laugh into a cough.

"What I mean is...er...I've not seen Christin in a couple days. She seemed awful worried the last time, though...something about that, er, thingie she brought." He scratched the back of his neck. "I'm sure we can just give that back to Imitora; no harm, no foul, right?"

James smiled. "We are a bit behind the times, aren't we? If I ever find this ill-defined majority who are supposedly thwarting my ever move, I'll let them beat Jeff up." He almost laughed, before realizing how insensitive the joke was. He quickly changed the laugh into a cough.

"I.. .um... well I'm sure Jeff would love to get his hands on them," she said biting her lip a little.

"What I mean is...er...I've not seen Christin in a couple days. She seemed awful worried the last time, though...something about that, er, thingie she brought." He scratched the back of his neck. "I'm sure we can just give that back to Imitora; no harm, no foul, right?"

Katherine's look turned wry, "I don't know... who knows with their leadership right now. I hope you can and this can be smoothed over diplomatically. Miracles can happen right?"

Katherine's look turned wry, "I don't know... who knows with their leadership right now. I hope you can and this can be smoothed over diplomatically. Miracles can happen right?"

"Uh, right. I suppose they can," he started, remembering Katherine's...personal grudge against the Imitoran government. He should really take his leave before he managed to insult her any further. Mock the memory of her dead brother, mock her husband, and now mock her by reminding her of Christin's nationality...smooth, James!

"sorry... *cough* er, I should, er, probably...get going, Kate," bumbled James, rising quickly in embarassment.

"No," Katherine said softly. "Would you stay with Jeff? I want to go check on the twins, I'd feel better knowing you were here with him."

James stood, half turned towards the doorway. How could he refuse a request like that? "Of course, Kate, I'd be honored to." Honored to? What the hell is that supposed to mean? "What I mean is, uh, of course." James sat down quickly, wondering what had come over him all of a sudden.

Katherine smiled softly at James. "I'm glad you will," she said giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before quickly heading out of the infirmary, tears gliding down her cheeks. "I'll be back soon."

James noted the tears, hoping he hadn't caused them, but not wishing to break Kate's momentum to ask her. "Ok, Kate - I'll keep an eye on him." James turned and did just that, though his thoughts wandered...across the Commonwealth and the continent, landing on a particular house in the wealthy Shadoran district...and in another, much more ramshackle house in North Matteton, Healdsburg.

"Thanks," she whispered before walking out.

She walked down to the nursery and picked up the twins. She wrapped them both in blankets and took them out on a walk to get some fresh air.

The tears flowed from her eyes as she walked. Julie and Marcus reached up to play with her hair and touch their mommy's cheeks.

"It'll be OK," she said kissing each of the twins, "It'll be all right."

Meanwhile, far to the north, Elizabeth walked up behind her husband, wrapping her arms about him. "Surprise, John!" She pecked him on the cheek.

John, however, seemed deep in thought. "Oh, hello, honey," he said after a moment's pause, not really noticing her. She sat down next to him, keeping her arms around him.

"John? Are you o.k.? You seem...kinda out of it." She had started to pick up some Imitoran slang from him.

He shook his head, as if to shake off some invisible water. "Yeah, I'm fine. Great, in fact." He paused. "Actually, my brother is flying in. He's landing in town in an hour."

"Your brother?" asked Elizabeth, confused. She hadn't ever met him, but had heard plenty of stories. "What's he doing in Noropia?"

John shrugged. "I don't know. I'm going to go pick him up, though." He paused again. "I hope nothing's wrong. It's an...odd time to visit."

A while later

Jeff's eyelids started to flutter as the sedatives started to wear off.

He rolled his head to one side as his eyes tried to adjust and focus. He tried to reach out to grab the vial of painkillers and a glass of water on a stand next to the bed, knocking the glass over.

"Great," he muttered.

James stood up quickly as Jeff knocked the glass over. He cursed himself inwardly - he had been so focused on Christin, he hadn't even seen Jeff's eyes open. "Hi, Jeff," he said softly, picking the cup up. "Are you feeling a little better?" He walked over to the nearby sink, refilling the glass.

"Hey James," Jeff whispered. "Did you happen to get the license plate of the battleship that ran over me yet," he tried to smile and get his eyes to focus. "How are you? How long have I been out?"

James chuckled. "Nah, not yet. Tri's working on it; he assures me." James handed the glass of water to Jeff carefully, then sat back down. "You've been out about [x] hours," he informed him. "Dr. Niven gave you some sort of shot, since you don't seem to be able to rest on your own." James tone, which had been joking, turned slightly hard - not angry, but chiding. "You need to take care of yourself Jeff. There're just too many people in this world that need you around."

Jeff chuckled with James, "That's good. I'd like to see the dent I left in it."

He tried, and failed, to push himself up to sit in the bed as James scolded him. "Don't worry," he smiled at James, "I'm not going anywhere. I can get plenty of rest when I'm dead, besides..." his eyes dropped.

"Anyway, have you and Richard made up yet," He winked.

"And I'd like to make sure that's as far from now as possible," continued James. However, his voice quickly softened. James really was only mediocre at confrontation. "Don't think I can stay mad at you, Jeff, but I am worried. You do need to take better care of yourself, both now and in the future."

"I suppose so. We weren't really fighting, I suppose. It's just...Richard has what he thinks is best, and I have what I think is best." James shrugged.

"And I'd like to make sure that's as far from now as possible," continued James. However, his voice quickly softened. James really was only mediocre at confrontation. "Don't think I can stay mad at you, Jeff, but I am worried. You do need to take better care of yourself, both now and in the future."

"Of course you can't stay mad at me," Jeff grinned, "I'm too dashing for that."

Jeff sipped the water, "I'll be OK, I promise. Besides, I'm not really planning on getting arrested and beaten down again..."

"I suppose so. We weren't really fighting, I suppose. It's just...Richard has what he thinks is best, and I have what I think is best." James shrugged.

"I know," Jeff smiled at him. "He cares about you James, we all do. We don't want to see you hurt, or anything happen to you."

James cast his eyes down. "Jeff, I'm so sorry about that - I just...didn't know what to do, it all happened so suddenly." He tried to chuckle, but it was somewhat of a humorless noise. "I've never felt so impotent in my life."

"I know, Jeff, I know," he continued, his mood swing back towards a more cheerful note. "I'm trying to do what's best for me, but I don't think that's what's best for the country." He shrugged. "Compromises are all a part of life, I suppose."

James cast his eyes down. "Jeff, I'm so sorry about that - I just...didn't know what to do, it all happened so suddenly." He tried to chuckle, but it was somewhat of a humorless noise. "I've never felt so impotent in my life."

Jeff reached out and put his hand on James' shoulder.

"James, It's not your fault. I believe in you, you wouldn't have let me go like that. I got sold down the river by my people...

"Please don't blame yourself. Don't torture yourself, that's Christin's job." he smiled.

"I know, Jeff, I know," he continued, his mood swing back towards a more cheerful note. "I'm trying to do what's best for me, but I don't think that's what's best for the country." He shrugged. "Compromises are all a part of life, I suppose."

"Yes they are, just make sure you make the right one. Remember, be true to yourself, things will fall into place."

James smiled at Jeff. "Thank you for saying that. I swear by everything that's holy, I won't ever let anything like that happen to you again if there's anything I can do to prevent it."

James pondered Jeff's next comment, before standing and patting Jeff on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll do just that. Now, in the meantime, I'm trusting you: don't do anything except lay right there and rest. I'm going to go tell Kate you're up."

James smiled at Jeff. "Thank you for saying that. I swear by everything that's holy, I won't ever let anything like that happen to you again if there's anything I can do to prevent it."

"Well, if anything like that ever happens again, I don't think I could take it," Jeff started, trying to chuckle at what was a lame attempt at a joke. "Yeah..."

James pondered Jeff's next comment, before standing and patting Jeff on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll do just that. Now, in the meantime, I'm trusting you: don't do anything except lay right there and rest. I'm going to go tell Kate you're up."

"Good for you," Jeff smiled. "And I'll bet that Katherine's happy I finally got some sleep. I won't go anywhere, I promise."

James tried to chuckle as well, but didn't find it funny. Some things were funny because they were true; others were not.

"Ok, Jeff," he grinned, "I'm leaving, but I swear: if I come back to find you snuck out to go trounce some international terrorist, or convince the entire Commonwealth that Christin is really Daezemani, or what have you, I may need to alert Dr. Niven!"

With that, he slipped, heading off towards the nursery - at a fairly brisk clip.

"Oh no! Not.... Dr. Niven!," Jeff winked.

As James left, Jeff reached over and took another sip of water before lying his head back and closing his eyes.

*****

Katherine was walking back to the nursery with the twins when she bumped into James.

"Hi James," she said. "Perfect timing, they were just telling me how they missed you," she smiled at him.

"Hi James," she said. "Perfect timing, they were just telling me how they missed you," she smiled at him.

"Hullo, Kate," he greeted, before bending down to Marcus and Julie's eye level. "And look who we have here! They've gotten so big!" He stood up straight, looking at Katherine. "Jeff's just woken up. I think he'd appreciate a visit, from the entire family." He smiled down at the twins.

Katherine nodded, "Yeah, I think they'd like to see their daddy too. Thanks James, " she kissed his cheek again, "For everything."

She started to walk down the hallway.

(I'm heading to bed too dude, catch ya tomorrow!)

James smiled. "I do what I can, Kate. It was my pleasure." He walked down the hallway beside her, wondering if she even wanted him along.

James smiled. "I do what I can, Kate. It was my pleasure." He walked down the hallway beside her, wondering if she even wanted him along.

Katherine handed Julie to James as they walked down the hallway.

"I'm glad that he finally got some rest, maybe I can talk him into keeping that up," she smiled at him.

They walked back to the infirmary and Katherine opened the door.

(oh, the suspense...leading up to another anticlimax? (is that even the proper noun form of that word?))

James accepted the weight gladly. "Huh-low!" he smiled at Julie, rocking her slightly as they rounded a corner.

"I've already had words with him about that," James smiled, "but I think your word'd carry much more weight." He rocked Julie again. "And who could say no when presented with these adorable packages of joy?"

James was a step behind Kate as she walked into the infirmiry.

(LOL, nah, I just had to cut it short, I was getting yelled at by the boss-man ;) So like I was gonna say... Jeff snuck out and was out speaking to the masses about how Christin and James were perfect togeth... oh wait that's later in the plan)

Jeff smiled as the two walked back into the infirmary.

"Miss me?" he asked as Katherine walked up and kissed him.

"Always," she smiled. She handed Marcus to Jeff, "And I've got someone here who missed you just has much."

"Hey champ!" Jeff said as he held Marcus up and smiled at him. "I missed you."

James walked over, still holding Julie, and smiled at Jeff. "And this makes it two lovely ladies that were missing you," he winked, handing Julie gently over.

Jeff took Julie in his free arm, "Hi princess!" he smiled kissing her forehead. Julie looked up and cooed at Jeff before yawning and curling up into his chest.

"Thanks James," he said smiling. "I feel better already. I could stay up all night with these two..."

"Oh no you don't," Katherine said with a wink, "That's not an excuse to avoid sleeping"

*****

Christin looked at her watch. She'd been debating going to see James, but wasn't sure she should leave the house. Finally, grabbing her coat and calling a taxi to the house, she made her decision...

(oh no! I was going to have James go call her after he got Katherine, I really was!)

"Yeah," agreed James, chuckling. "Well, Kate, you seem to have him fairly well under control," he continued, edging slightly towards the door, "and I'd just like to, er, call Christin quickly," he blushed.

------

The cabbie leered at her. It must be his lucky day! Not only did these Shadoran folks tip well, but this one was right attractive too!

"Where to, ma'am?"

(I can edit that out if ya want)

(oh no! I was going to have James go call her after he got Katherine, I really was!)

"Yeah," agreed James, chuckling. "Well, Kate, you seem to have him fairly well under control," he continued, edging slightly towards the door, "and I'd just like to, er, call Christin quickly," he blushed.

------

The cabbie leered at her. It must be his lucky day! Not only did these Shadoran folks tip well, but this one was right attractive too!

"Where to, ma'am?"

"Yeah, I think I do," Katherine said.

"You wish you did," Jeff winked back. "Yeah, why are you still here? Go call her for the love of god!"

*****

"Take me to the docks please, as quickly as possible."

(no, that's ok - it's more fun this way ;). I was just afraid she was going to jump on a flyer and high tail it out of the 'wealth.)

James smiled at Jeff. "Take good care of him, Kate," he said before vanishing out the door. Back at the telephone in the Great Hall, he picked up and dialed a familiar number, only to be greeted by a permanently ringing phone on the other end. After about sixteen rings, an IanCorp automated operator cut in, informing him that he was wasting line time and power, and to please hang up or face an extra charge on his bill. There seemed to be little choice. Where is she?!

--------

"Heh, of course, right away, ma'am!" snorted the greasy cabbie. When they arrived at the docks, he turned about as Christin exited the cab. "You doin' anything tonight, ma'am?" he asked, only partially aware that he was jeopardizing his fee.

The doctors transport landed at Dun Adien (I hope that is where everyone is). A haggard looking Dr.Niven steps out and putl on his long coat. He approaches the castle door and knocks.....

The doctors transport landed at Dun Adien (I hope that is where everyone is). A haggard looking Dr.Niven steps out and putl on his long coat. He approaches the castle door and knocks.....

(I hope Iansisle doesn't mind me getting the doctor into the thread ;) )

Quinton answered the door, "Hello Dr. Niven. I say, are you all right sir? You look absolutely exhausted! Can I show you to your room?"

"Yes , please . And would you be so kind as to advise Sir Jeffory and His majesty James that I am here?"

Quinton picks up Dr. Niven's bags and escorts him to his plush room. He gets a scotch for Dr. Niven before leaving the room.

He walks back down to the infirmary, knocking gently he enters.

"Excuse me your Sir Jeffrey, Dr. Niven has arrived. He's asked me to advise you that he's in his room."

Jeff picked up the twins and began to roll out of the bed.

"No you don't," Katherine said, "I'll go check on him."

"But.. But... But..."

"Nope, no excuses, you rest," she said walking out of the room.

She followed Quinton up the stairs and knocked on Dr. Niven's door.

"Dad?" she asked quietly as she opened and looked in.

"come in dear. I am afraid that I am a bit of a mess."
When Katherine enters she notices that Niven's belongings have lost some of the crisp cleaness that is normally his trade mark.
"I am afraid that the meeting concerning Imitora took a lot out of me. And the loss of our ambassadors their has come as quite a personal blow. You see, I personally assigned them to that post. I feel so responsable."

She walks in quietly. "I can understand that dad," she said, sitting down next to him. "But it's not your fault they died. Diplomats know their job can come with risks. No one knew... what was going to happen," she finished, barely audible.

She gave Dr. Niven a brave smile. "But Jeff and I missed you, the shot you gave Jeff before you left (see earlier in the thread), really helped him finally get some sleep.

"And he and your grandchildren will be happy to see you."

A smile finnaly crack through his grim face " Ah yes Jeff and the children. I should go see them." Then offering his arm "would you be so kind as to join me ?"

Linking her arm through Dr. Niven's, Katherine smiled "Yes, I would love to."

The two walked down to the infirmary, Katherine opened the door for Dr. Niven. Jeff was lying on the bed, eyes half-open while Marcus and Julie had both curled up in his arms and were sleeping quietly.

Jeff rolled his eyes open as they walked in. "Hi dad!" he said. "How are you doing? You look like you could spend some time in here with me, as tired as you look."

Katherine smirked at Jeff, "Like you can lecture anyone on getting sleep..."

"Sleep would be nice." He says with a half smile, while checking his healing . " Seems like someone has been moving around to much, these stiches are a little loose."
" I hope you all are ready for a long diplomatic winter, and perhaps a quick move out of Iansisle. I just returned from the diplomatic conference and I am afraid that things did not go well. "

Jeff pushed himself up on the bed gently, to avoid waking the twins.

"Why? What happened at the conference? Why should we get ready to leave Iansisle?" he asked, looking at Katherine and back to Dr. Niven.

"Well, Imitora has been removed from the alliance, and there were some very cross words exchanged between all of the governments, and I am afraid that some bad blood between Iansisle and Imitora raised its head. I also lost my calm, but I think that can be smoothed out, and Celeborne has very little to fear from military action from Imitora, I am afraid that Iansisle may not have that luxury." Then smiling at Jeff.
"I am sure that I am overstating things, I am sure that cooler heads will win out in the end. No need to start packing or anything."

"Well, James will have nothing to worry about as long as I'm here to take the beatings for Iansisle," Jeff half-chuckled. "Maybe if I go and speak to the Imitoran government again, it worked once...

"It's not surprising that Iansisle and Imitora's ambassadors had cross words. Iansisle is not ... the same as Imitora," Jeff continued.

He sat up more, Julie rolled over and yawned, stretching her little arms out while Marcus continued to sleep with a smile on his face.

" I think that you might want to let things cool down a bit before you go off to Imitora, they are likely to be shooting at anything that moves right now." Sighing..
"They are the most arrogant , trigger happy group that I have ever encountered. I fear for their future, there are some large nations out there that would blow them off the face of the earth for some of the things that they do. Beyond all of that though, I think that they are redemable and not altogether bad. I suppose if anyone could calm them down you could."

"Not right now," Katherine said to Jeff. "Not in the state you're in. Let yourself heal first, then you can go to Imitora and get beat up again..."

Jeff smiled at Katherine, "I know, it's not like you, dad or James are going to let me get out of this hospital bed until I get better. I don't care about the larger nations out there right now. I'm more concerned about what they might do to Iansisle. Is there anything we can do to.. bolster their defense?"

" I have thought the same , and I have recieved the OK for Kali Force to be dispatched to any of the ANH nations that might need assistance. That would put over a million battlehardened warriors at the defense of Iansisle should they need it. I am just afraid that Iansisle would balk at the idea of that many troops being brought into the area." And then with a stealthy wink " But what happens in space above the area...well I am sure that the citizens will never realize that they have a few extra stars looking over them. The Armada is already moving assets into the area."

"Ahhh good," Jeff said with a smile. "Nice to see that things have already been taken care of. I'll rest a little easier..."

"That means you need to rest first," Katherine chided Jeff.

Julie blinked her little eyes and rolled over on her hands and knees to look at Dr. Niven. She crawled across the bed towards him.

"Ga da ba da ga."

Laughing and picking up the little one " Well, that was just almost grandpa." Then turning to Jeff " You really should listen to her, you need your rest. I have a feeling that we are all going to have to be at our best over the next few months, and the alliance is going to need you to be sharp."

"Yeah, I know. But there are so many things to do here, James is in trouble on all sides it looks like, and with what happened, there's no love loss between Ryansisle and Iansisle. If there were only 40 hours in a day I could get some rest, besides, I'll get plenty of sleep when I'm dead..."

Jeff looked uneasily at Dr. Niven.

"I can't sleep. I get these horrible dreams about what happened in Ryansisle..."

"I know, son, and I wish I had some medication that would make the dreams go away. I could sedate you to the point of deep sleep, but there is no real proff that you wouldn't dream even then. Perhaps if you spoke with someone who specializes in this sort of thing it would help." He sits on the bed next to Jeff still holding the baby. " I am not suggesting that your sanity is gone, but it might do you some good to get this off your chest with someone who's view of you or the world you are not worried about. It might do you some good."

"Oh that's OK dad," Jeff managed a small smile, "Chris has been telling me my sanity was gone a long time ago.."

Jeff picked up Marcus, who woke up as Jeff rocked him. "I should talk to someone I know. But I wouldn't even know who to talk to. When you're supposed to be some kind of great guy, it's hard to know who to talk to, or what to do...

Jeff stopped a moment, "Or I could just work myself so hard that I drop in exhaustion each night. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be adding my problems on to yours. So what's new with my sisters? Any new nieces or nephews I should know about?"

" I am sure that I can recomend someone for you, I have lots of contacts. Don't go working yourself into the ground or worry to much about putting to much on my shoulders, you forget I babysat an entire nation for eight years, I can handle you ."Then smiling and pulling out the almost never ending plastic file of photographs from his pocket.
"Your sisters are great, the older two are raising thier families and taking over the world. The younger one , who is about your age, has taken command of the Starless Night ship and battle group up in the big black. I havent heard from her in a while, but that is not uncommon, she stays very busy. And your nieces and nephews are growing like weeds." He shows Jeff and Katherine the pictures with a great deal of pride , pointing out the achievments and growth rates of all 6 of his other grandchildren. Jeff and Katherine may notice that there are pictures of them and the twins all over the place in his folder, right next to his other children.

Jeff nodded at him, "I think.. I think that would be great," he said.

Jeff and Katherine do notice their pictures in with Dr. Niven's biological children and smile at each other and him.

"It sounds like they are all doing really great!" Katherine smiled. "So when are any of them going to come and visit? As you know, we've got a huge house."

"Starless Night..." Jeff said. "Chris mentioned that ship in the last of his emails to me. Something about a technological virus, or something like that, and they bailed him out of trouble. He told me I needed to come up there and get involved in one of those space fights... er... flights I mean."

" I can make the neccessary araingments is and when you decide that you want me to find you someone to talk with, I assure you it will be descrete and confident."
Then hearing Katherine's comment. " That would be wonderful, I am sure that I can have the girls come over sometime and bring the kids so everyone could play together. I think I may wait until we don't have this shadow looming over us though. I doubt that the threat of war will last long."
" So the little princess came and helped Larkinia out, must be a family tradition." He says with a smile.

" I can make the neccessary araingments is and when you decide that you want me to find you someone to talk with, I assure you it will be descrete and confident."
Then hearing Katherine's comment. " That would be wonderful, I am sure that I can have the girls come over sometime and bring the kids so everyone could play together. I think I may wait until we don't have this shadow looming over us though. I doubt that the threat of war will last long."
" So the little princess came and helped Larkinia out, must be a family tradition." He says with a smile.

Katherine nodded, "I think that's a good idea," she said. "It wouldn't be good to get them in a war zone. Or we could see them, when Jeff... decides to speak to someone, I'm sure we could go to Celeborne for a vacation."

Jeff chuckled, "Yeah, it would be fun," he said with a dry smile. "You and the twins enjoying the sun, me pouring my heart out to a shrink. I think it's safe to say who'd get the better end of that deal."

Katherine stuck her tongue out at him.

"Yeah, it sounds like it is quickly becoming a family tradition. One that I and Chris are most grateful for."

Niven's face brightens " I would love to have you over. I am sure that the earth bound group would come over, they are most anxious to meet you. And it would be a good chance for the four of you to have a break. We shall have to set something up."

"Don't worry about the save, you would do the same for me."

"You see Jeff," Katherine grinned. "They'd love to meet you. Your bad reputation is already preceeding you."

Jeff chuckled. "Well, my reputation is usually three days ahead of me anyway. I think we'd like to go to Celeborne," he smiled at Dr. Niven.

"Well, still, it's nice to know someone's watching out for you, and I'm glad it you." he added.

((OOC: I will start a thread for it tommorrow night, I am doing work on my nation between posts tonight. And I need a little time to prepare.))

"You see Jeff," Katherine grinned. "They'd love to meet you. Your bad reputation is already preceeding you."

Jeff chuckled. "Well, my reputation is usually three days ahead of me anyway. I think we'd like to go to Celeborne," he smiled at Dr. Niven.

"Well, still, it's nice to know someone's watching out for you, and I'm glad it you." he added.

"I would be honored to host you for a change, and perhaps the entire group can come over. Your bad reputation will just make my lot of trouble makers love you all the more." He says with a laugh.

"I am glad to watch over you, but once you meet your sisters you will know what a real mother hen is."

OOC: No worries, after tonight I might not be on until Tuesday evening. I'm in the middle of moving and it depends on how fast my phone lines can get hooked up at the new place *grumbles, "damn old apartment complex, can't get broadband"*

OOC: No worries, it will give me a little research time.

"I would be honored to host you for a change, and perhaps the entire group can come over. Your bad reputation will just make my lot of trouble makers love you all the more." He says with a laugh.

"I am glad to watch over you, but once you meet your sisters you will know what a real mother hen is."

"That's right," Jeff said with a wink to Katherine. "You think I'm bad, you wait until you meet my sisters," he stuck his tongue out at her.

"Oh brother," Katherine laughed. "At least in Celeborne there won't be any terrorists, or dragons, or vampires, or Technodemons (OOC: foreshadowing.. ;) ) to come after you."

"I'll know what a real mother hen is?" Jeff asked, "Oh dear, should I be worried?"

" Yes Jeff, and your sisters are looking forward to making up for years of not having a little brother to pick on." He says laughing so hard his face begind to turn red.
"And I can assure you that there will be no Vampires, we took care of that a long time ago, there shouldn't be any dragons, unless we go down to the people's zoo and see the one the we purchased, and technodemons, we havent had an outbreak of that in a long time..." He winked at Jeff during that last part. " No you will be dealing with regular old evil sister highjinks."

Jeff's eyes got big, "uh-oh... A little brother to pick on? That could be worse than everything you've mentioned combined!"

Katherine smirked at Jeff, "Buddy, you don't wanna know what you've gotten yourself into."

"So, I should probably invest now in a bunch of roses to win them over?" Jeff asked.

Katherine smacked his arm, playfully but Jeff still winced slightly before it landed, "No, you need to be buying more of those for your wife!"

" I don't think that roses will win you any special favors with that group, but it looks like your wife is in need of a floral reminder of your love and devotion. When was the last time you bought your lovely wife some jewelry ? " He says with a wicked grin.
" I think a better gift would be to bring them some interesting nick-nacks from Larkinia and Iansisle, they are all constiantly redecorating something or another and are on the look out for new things."
"I will make the arraingments for you to come over, you will of course stay with me at my home. I will have to call ahead and have the house aired out. Oh this will be wonderful, perhaps a vacation will help you clear out your cobwebs, Jeff."

"It's been a couple of months," Katherine said grinning, "Since just before we went.." she got quiet.

"... on that skiing holiday in Larkinia," Jeff smiled softly, completing her statement, and patting her hand. "A sapphire pendant if I remember correctly.

"Interesting knick-knacks from Larkinia or Iansisle... Hmmm..., well I'm sure I could get a chunk of the Presidential Palace to give to them," he winked. "After all, I hear it got pretty well trashed. I'll see what Chris can... acquire for me from Space City too."

Jeff leaned back and smiled at Dr. Niven, "I hope so. I could use some clearing out there. This will be great. You do realize though that means you have to let me out of this bed to go pack."

"I don't think so," Katherine chuckled, "I'll have your bags packed. Nice try."

"I think she has you there, lad." He says with a smile.
"You know, I think that you will be my first guests since......well since I lost my dear wife. It will be nice to have people in the house again."


OOC: Oddly enough this will be the first roleplay based in Celeborne.

OOC: Well, here's to hoping it's a nice, calm, peaceful one, with the exception of Jeff being taunted. ;)

IC: "I... er.... but," Jeff started. "Damn, I can't think of a counter argument."

"You see," Katherine smiled. "I'm right. Nyah." :P

"You win this round my dear," Jeff said slyly.

"It'll be great to see what your country is like," Jeff said with a warm smile. "There are bound to be some warmer, happier memories after this vacation."

"I am sure that there will be, and we may get a chance to look at something that my research facility has been working on...psylocke"

"Really?" Katherine asked excitedly. "That will be a most interesting visit."

"That's the stuff you were telling me about before wasn't it." Jeff asked.

"Yes, it would be very interesting to see if you got it to work dad!" Katherine smiled.

OOC: And on that note about getting houses aired out, I'm off to work on my move some more before bed, I'll catch you in a day or two! Damn, I've gotta say, I wish you guys were in my old CyberPunk: 2020 campaign a while back. ;)

OOC: Later, I wish I was there as well, I miss CP2020. See you when you get back online.

James tried again to call Christin, shaking his head in disgust as it went unanswered. He hung up, feeling somewhat empty. Of course, what right did he have to expect Christin would just be sitting around waiting for him to call?

With a grunt, he stood back up, walking slowly back to Jeff's room.

OOC: Just idle chit chat, or anythgin major go down I missed?

(Er, Dr. Niven arrived at Dun Adien and wanted to take Jeff to somewhere in Celeborne. To be honest, I skimmed over most of it myself ;))

OOC: Gotcha.

IC:

*Wherever John and Lizzy live*

John opened the door into the mansion, and extended an arm. "So this is how the duke lives, nice," Jimmy said, taking it all in. "Do I get to call you Il Duce now?" he asked jokeningly.

"I dont think Lizzy would appriciate it to much," John replied laughing. "Speaking of which, I gotta find her. You need to see your niece," John said, adding a little 'pridish' tone to the last part.

"Yeah, I havent seen her since the wedding, and I need to see who I get to spoil relentlessly now," Jimmy replied, joking.
______

Christin ran to the phone as it rang, falling short just before it stopped. And with no call back or caller ID, she had no idea who it was. "Damnit," she cursed outloud. She slumped into her chair, pouting, waitng for the call back.

(oops - I forgot to mention. Lark had Christin heading to Dun Adien - or something - in a taxi with an ugly driver who was hitting on her. They had just arrived at the docks, and he was offering to escort her to dinner in a rather sleazy way. If you'd prefer to continue on the other story line, though, that's ok too.)

Klapston Manor
Cheateau, Noropia, the Commonwealth

Elizabeth heard the horseless buggy (or other mode of transportation from the aerodock to the manor ;)) pull up, and walked to the head of the stairs as John opened the door. She smiled down on seeing Jimmy, even though he was an unusual sight about the Commonwealth. Their butler also appeared as she climbed down to meet John's brother.

"Hello, Jimmy," she smiled, hugging him gently - even if he was her husband's brother, he was still a relative stranger in Noropia. "It's been too long since we've seen you." She looked over her shoulder towards the nursery. "I just put Ashley down for a nap, I'm afraid. She should be up soon, and I'm sure she'd love to see her uncle."

The butler, Jensen, reached out a hand to Jimmy. "May I help you with your bags, sir?" he asked in a refined Shieldian accent.

-----

A back alley
North Matteton, Healdsburg

The government car came screeching to a halt, three men issuing from its doors. They approached a prone figure lying in the gutter, shining their lights upon her.

"Jessica D'Analia? Please come with us." The figure gave no indication that it had heard the request, lying as still as ever. With rough hands, the government men forced her to her feet, shoving the notorious drunkard into the back seat and roaring off.

OOC: No we can go with Larks thing.

IC:

Jimmy hugged Lizzy back, then bowed deeply. "It is my pleasure to finaly get to meet you in a more personal way. Thank you for alowing me to stay in your home," he said, comming back up. Jimmy tunred and noded at the buttler. "Thanks, but its ok, I can carry them myself."

(ok!)

"It's our pleasure, Jimmy," she smiled, stepping back and wrapping her arm around John.

Jensen nodded. "If you're certain, sir." He stepped back a half step, ready in case Jimmy changed his mind.

The docks

The taxi driver continued leering at Christin. "Ma'am? Ya all good?"

John simply smiled, and leaned over whil Jimmy was speaking with Benson. "Something wrong?" he whispered quietly in her ear, gently squeezing her arm.
______

"Oh, yeah fine, sorry. Just kinda thinking about something," she said, looking out towards the water. "Which ship is the best to take to dun Aiden?" she asked.

Lizzie looked up at him. There certainly was something wrong, but there wasn't anything he could do about it. "No, no," she whispered. "I'm fine. But John, is there anything wrong with you? Why did Jimmy decide to come out?"

----

The cabbie looked dissapointed. "T'the isle? Any, I suspect," he groused, gesturing out at the docks. Once again, like the last time she was there, boat pilots were lining up to take her, falling over one another.

"Nope, I guess he just felt kinda lonely. In Imitora, being a near billionair doesnt mean you have friends," he offered, appologetically. He walked over to Jimmy, and pointed upstairs. "Here, let me show you to your room." He led his younger brother up the staircase to his room.
____

Christin picked one of the random boat operators, and handed him some money. "Dun Aiden," please.

"Jessica D'Analia? Please come with us." The figure gave no indication that it had heard the request, lying as still as ever. With rough hands, the government men forced her to her feet, shoving the notorious drunkard into the back seat and roaring off.

(LOL, still her happy-go-lucky self I see) ;)

OOC: I am going to let this RP come to a natural close before I open another one, and I am having fun here.

OOC: Yeah we all do tend to stack up the RP's 3 deep sometimes ;)

OOC: Just a bit, but I cant wait to add the new flair of wahts going on in the Big I to our Rp... :twisted:

Seems to have stalled out here.....

waiting for an Iansisle reply I guess.

(sorry about that, folks - I do need to tell RL to stop interfering with my RPs! ;))

Elizabeth nodded and smiled at Jimmy. "I'm so happy you decided to come out, Jimmy. John and I were just saying the other day how we don't see nearly enough of you." She continued to make small talk, following the brothers up their stairs.

------

Christin once again found herself in the creaky boat Ol' Death Wish, which puttered its way out to Ian's Isle, sounding every inch of the way as if it were on its last legs.

At the dock, the grizzled old seaman removed his cap. "Enjoy yer stay, ma'am," he said in a creaky voice. On the dock, Princeton hurried to help her onto the dock.

"Madam Christin! We weren't expecting you! Please, please, come; I'll show you up to the castle!"

Jimmy dropped his bags on the bed in the guest room. "Like I said, its really nice of you to put me up like this. I erally appriciate it."
_____

Christin smile, stepping off the boat. "Thanks Weathers," she said, following him.

"Oh, it's our pleasure, really," insisted Elizabeth. "Feel free to make yourself at home; I need to have a quick word with the Duke." She playfully squeezed John, looking up at him before leading him into the next room. "John, why is Jimmy here? Is there anything wrong?"

-----------

Weathers looked disappointed. He'd spent a lot of time making that Princeton costume! Nonetheless, he led Christin up to the castle gates, asking how she had known it was him.

At the top, he left her to return to guard duty down at the cove, saying "I'm not sure where the High King is, Miss Christin. I think he may be in the infirmary with Sir Jeffery."

John simple nodded, and followed Lizzy out of the room. When they were ourisde, he responded. "I dunno. I'm fine, and I think he's ok. He was kinda quiet in the drive over from the train station. Maybe he's just lonely. Jimmy was always like that back when we were kids, so I guess thats it."

Meanwhile Jimmy began unpacking, running over a list in his mind. If all went to plan, this would work well.
___

OOC: Sorry, kinda tired last night, couldnt thinkk straight :lol:

IC:

"Thanks," Christin said, walking into the large castle. "Just call it womanly intuition," she joked. She turned, and headed towards teh infirmary.

Elizabeth nodded. "Isn't it a little wierd, though? Him flying out here?" She looked worried. "I mean, I'm worried. If people had known..." Elizabeth shook her head. She didn't want to insult John, even if the rampant anti-Imitoranism in the Commonwealth wasn't hers. "How long has it been since he's come to visit, or even called?"

-----

(no worries; it's funnier this way ;))

Weathers shook his head. He'd need to work harder on this if he ever expected to fool the guys at the mess hall.

Meanwhile, James was actually sitting by the phone in the Great Hall, wondering what he should do, as Christin didn't appear to be home. Slowly, he got up and wandered the room, pausing before a mural depicting Ian Lord Callahan's first landing on Adien Island.

(EDIT: oops :oops: )

"Well, I'll talk to him later, but dont worry about it hun, Jimmy is about as dangerous as a peanut," he said. "And dont worry about him being Imitoran. I'm sure thats why he didnt call till the last second, he probably didnt want anyone to know."
___

Christin poked her head into the infirmary, looking for James. "Excuse me," she asked a doctor, "is the King around?"

Elizabeth nodded, shooting a glance back towards Jimmy's room. "Ok, dear. Let's go back before he thinks we're being terribly rude." She kept her arm wrapped about him as they walked off. Elizabeth rapped lightly on the door, peeking about it.

-----------

EDIT: oops

The doctor looked up in annoyance at Christin. He was a fairly new face at Dun Adien, and wasn't too sure who she was. "I don't know; his room, the ramparts; he could be anywhere!" The doctor continued to mumble to himself, but Christin heard familiar voices from another room...

The doctor looked up in annoyance at Christin. He was a fairly new face at Dun Adien, and wasn't too sure who she was. "I don't know; his room, the ramparts; he could be anywhere!" The doctor continued to mumble to himself, but Christin heard familiar voices from another room...

Jeff glanced at the doctor a moment.

"I believe he's in the Honeycomb probably. He was going to call you."

Jimmy, just finishing unpacking, stuck his head out of the room. "Yes?" he asked, opening the door, allowing Lizzy and John to step through.
___

Well f*ck you too, Christin thought, walking away. She heard voices comming from a room, and approached, knocking slightly on the door.

"Hello again," smiled Elizabeth, surprised at how fast Jimmy had managed to unpack. "I was just talking to Jensen, and wondered how hungry you are. We can have the staff prepare dinner early if you're tired from the journey."

--------

The doctor shot one last look at Christin as she approached Sir Jeffery's room, then went back to organizing his tongue depressors.

"Oh, sure, that sounds great," Jimmy said, stepping aside. "So, whats it like being royalty," he asked, smiling. "Like having control of a country, Sushi?" Jimmy asked, nudging him playfully.

"Hey, I'm just the face, she's the real power, Tito," John said back, looking at Lizzy.

Elizabeth paused at the nicknames - she'd never heard John's before, but soon recovered with a smile. "If I could entice the two of you to the drawing room?" she asked, leading John softly by the hand.

Once there, she settled into a comfortable leather chair with John while dinner went through the final preperation stages. "I wouldn't say we're royalty, per se," she blushed. "John here is the best Prime Minister the Noropian Parliament ever had, however," she joked, patting her husband across the stomach. "And don't let him tell you differently!"

OOC: One of my best friend's football nicknames was Sushi, and his brother was Tito, so... :lol:

IC:

Jimmy smiled. "Yeha, John always had taht born leader quality to him. Then he went home for college, and all hell broke lose," he joked, stepping out of the room.

"Yeah, you would never think someone like me went to school in Canada," John replied, laughing. "And dont let Lizzy here confuse you, she flatters me far to much," he said, gently squeezing her.

Elizabeth giggled softly, then turned to Jimmy. "I hate to pry, but what brings you out to Noropia, Jimmy?"

"Bordom, for one thing. Life is like the old saying in Imitora. Money can buy you alot of things, but not happiness. Its..."

John cut him off. "You're saying that happiness isnt a brad new red Lamborghini? Crud, then what have I been working for?" he joked.

Jimmy just luaghed. "Well, having that helps. But like I was saying, I was getting kinda, I dunno, lonely back home. I needed to get out, go see the familly. Mom and dad are doing great, and it was nice to see them, but I can see them whenever. I never get to see you, especailly with you living out here now. And of course, I havent gotten to see my niece."

Elizabeth shot a glance up to Ashley's nursery at once upon Jimmy's mentioning her. She was, of course, perfectly safe in her crib, napping away the late afternoon. Elizabeth shook her head. She really had no right to be this jumpy, but what with recent events.

Her thoughts were interupted as Jensen came in to announce dinner. She smiled again at Jimmy as she got up. "I'm glad you decided to come out. To tell true, sometimes I think that John gets bored hanging around someplace as quiet as Noropia."

(I'm out for a bit.)

I really oughta post here....I'll do it tommorow

OOC: What is the gaurd situation like in the house? Would it be possible for John to have hired gaurds, persay, and would they all be Noropian, or would thre be a few Efftians/Dianatranians (Yeah I knwo I spelled that wrong) in the palace?

(Well, Noropia does attract its fair share of immigrants from the Southern Dominions (for the coal mines and steel mills). There wouldn't be any Effitians; the Effitian border is closed to migration by the Effitians, and they're too brainwashed to want to, anyway. The rest really depends on John, I suppose.)

OOC: Well, would he be able to hire anyone that is anti crown? Enough so to want Lizzy knocked off?

(Well, RM&M has an anti-Callahan, if not anti-crown, agenda. A worker from the Foothills (dominion of the Lord Javial), Sentry Island (the part of Tharia that James annexed) or Dianatran would be 'willing' - for the right price. Remember, cash is the operative word in the Commonwealth ;))

Oh, I'm sure Jimmy's got the cash to pay off one of those types to pose as someone else John might hire. Im gonna take a shower, just finished playing some rugby, then I'llpost where this is all going so you can give me your imput.

(that sounds like a Plan™!)

because of things goin on in my govt., Grant was broken out of prison. He is now in my posesion, and is getting ready to hit back at Larkinia. A group of my Marines went in to get some of my people out, and some of them were Black Cell operatives, intent on causing trouble (i.e. knocking someone off) showed up at a blast site. I aloso have another group of operatives, acting as citizens of Larkinia or other nations (including agrigento), starting trouble. One of htem is about to get a really nice explosive, and go after one of the major cities. If I talk to Lark tonight on AIM, I'll bang out the details. In Imitora, Waitkus (my new Presidnet) is catching on to whats going on. In Iansisle (another thread), John Ngyuen's (earlier character of mine) brother Jimmy, a Blac Cell operative, is about to attempt to assasinate Elizabeth, and make it look like one of of the Commonwealth countries did it. He's also gonna try to kill James, and make it look like Christin did it, in order to get Iansisle to attack Imitora

(*scratches chin* I believe I get it! Ok, this makes sense to me, although I don't believe Iansisle would take unilaterial action against Imitora. We just had a general election, so Parliament is at its least responsive to public whims. If you really want to assasinate either one of them, go ahead - Iansisle's not in much of a position to stop you. ;)

By the way, sorry if my responses seem unusually slow / short to you. Between my headache and my midterm tomorrow, I'm kinda distracted.)

*tries to think of a way to get Jeff to take that bullet for James... ;) *

(Me too y'all, I'm going to be on and off this week, I'm actually trying to get caught up in my classes, but I'll try not to be derelict in my NS duties :P )

(Boy, tell me about it! I don't know if they've ever invented a better anti-NS device than this devious 'work and classes' creation of theirs! I can't wait until the winter/semester break, when I can once again devote myself fully to what really matters. ;))

(Dude, I feel your pain. between getting sick and work I'm 4 weeks behind in all my classes. And for some silly reason they really want me to turn in those assignments or risk failing. (Don't they understand that I'm learning.... well something from NS!) Ah well, at least I can sneak in some NS time at work, until my boss gets wise to that. Although with all the typing I'm doing in these posts, he thinks I'm actually working hard... ;) )

(At least you have the proper sort of job for hopping on NS :D. Oh, and I'm sorry to hear about your illness / falling behind. I suppose I really shouldn't be complaining.)

Waht? School? Oh yea, thats why im in MO...

Waht? School? Oh yea, thats why im in MO...

(LOL, not all of us can go out and party all night and still retain everything from class and crank out papers in 30 min. Don't get me wrong, we'd love to still be able to do that... ;) )

Hehe, luck of the hlaf Irish half French.