NationStates Jolt Archive

Dr. Niven's Mansion
Celeborne

James was in a bit of a bind. With Princeton on the door, he couldn't sneak out of his room and go for a walk, and with Christin in his mind, he couldn't go to sleep. Instead, he sat in a plush arm chair, the lamp next to him providing the only light in the room, and looked at a book. He wasn't reading it, really, and hadn't even bothered to glance at the title or author.

With an audible sigh, he slammed the book closed and tossed it on the room's bed. James stood up, and walked as far as he could without bumping into any furniture or hitting a wall, then turned and paced back over the same splotch of carpet. In his head, he knew exactly what the result of his intention to marry Christin would be. Parliament would be frustrated, and send Rick to try and talk him out of it again. IanCorp would pick it up as a scandal, and soon the entire country would have shifted its gaze from Berlin and Nân and settled it right on Dun Adien.

Jeff. With a stomach wrenching suddenness, James' thoughts returned to his stalwart friend. Jeff had given up noble privilege, even if it was a defunct peerage, simply to try and help him. James shook his head. He wished he could have explained to Jeff that it wasn't so much the fact that Christin wasn't nobility anymore, it was the fact that she was Imitoran.

What James needed was a Plan™. He needed a very cunning plan, but try as he might, nothing came to mind.

However, thinking brought the antithesis of a Plan™ to the forefront of his consciousness. During all this time, he had been planning that, if he were to ask her, Christin would say 'yes' to marrying him. What if she says 'no!'? asked a nagging little voice inside his head. What if she doesn't love you? In a panic, James almost fled the room, intent on running down to Jeff's and putting the voice's questions to him. Fortunately, he pulled himself back at the last moment, before he could even rattle the doorknob and worry Princeton.

Breathing a little more heavily than might be expected for what was simply a mental exercise, James forced himself to sit down in the chair again. No. Jeff had bailed him out too much already. This was problem he'd have to face on his own, or at least as much on his own as he could.

Besides, James thought, You really already have a plan. Pop the question to her, and let the chips fall where they might. If the people demand your abdication, well, so be it. That's what you brought Jessica back for, remember?

But what if she doesn't love you? asked the voice again, its presence much smaller in the back of his mind; it was much easier to ignore now.

The next morning, or rather, later that same morning, Princeton opened the door to check on his monarch before being relieved by Lawrence. He found the High King sleeping curled up in an overstuffed arm chair in his pajamas. Princeton smiled and tutted in a motherly way, enlisting Lawrence's help to shift the sleeping regent into the bed and tuck him before nipping away to grab some sleep himself.

OOC: Hmmmm.. I have a cunning plan... so cunning it should be the UN's UnderMinister of Cunning... ;) But it won't work here

IC: Jeff walked out into the hallway in a pair of running shorts and a grey t-shirt after finally getting some sleep the night before. He just needed to go for a jog, and wanted to let Katherine get some sleep.

On his way outside, he'd bumped into Princeton, "How's he doing?"

"He's getting some sleep sir," Princeton said, "Which is where I'm heading as well."

"Sounds like a good plan. G'Night man," Jeff smiled at him as he slipped out of the hallway and onto the deck to warm-up and stretch.

"'night," replied Princeton, walking off.

Inside the room, James slept for another two hours, alternating between sweet dreams and nightmares as his thoughts curved through the events of the past few months and the probable events of the next few.

At last he rose, not really well rested, and stared at the large black splotches under his eyes. He splashed his face with some hot water, and decided that he was fighting a losing battle. Drying off, James took a quick shower and dressed casually, smiling at the pale, sickly looking guard on duty as he strode out.

"Good morning, Lawrence."

"Good morning, majesty," the guard agreed, dropping in just behind James as he walked towards the kitchen. "Did you sleep well, sire?"

"As well as could be expected," James replied, swinging the door open in front of him.

Pridemore is waiting in the kitchen with a cups of coffee for James and his entourage when they arrive.
"Sirs, Your Majesty, what would you like for breakfast ?"

In the background a very large woman is singing a delightful song and preparing breakfast as the sun comes in through the windows.

OOC: Hm. Y'know I think that I especially like the writing there so far, couldn't say why exactly.

(Ah, damn this unrelatingly linear chronological progress. To perpetually 'NS' or to figure-out-where-the-hell-I'm-staying-in-London-this-week? Oh well, you know what they say- nothin' beats the hobo life (stabbin' folks with my hobo knife). I don't really need a roof, and four walls just seems like boasting..)

[reads himself silly..er]

"Good morning, Pridemore," smiled James, trying to look much happier than he felt. "I'm thinking traditional - and unhealthy! - this morning. I don't suppose eggs and bacon would be out of the question?"

"The same for me as well," agreed Lawrence, the twin bite marks on the left side of his neck stretching as he looked at Pridemore.

Giovanni was next in line, and he wlaked into the kitchen, squinty eyed. He ran a hand through his short brown hair, and nooded to the current occupants, mumbling somethign in Itallian. He sat at the table, and looked up to Piedmore with pleading eyes. "Strongest stuff you got," he asked.

The large woman in the background comes forward and shoos Pridemore out of the kitchen. "'ere now, be gone wit ya, these boyos want a proper breakfast . None o' you and the lairds cornmeal and grapefruit.."

Pinching James' cheek " Sit yer self down, govn'r and you boyos as well, I'm gonna makes ya a proper breakfast. Bacon, eggs, suasage, biscuits, ham, gravy, 'taters, everything. An' I will na' be hereing a no outa any of the lot of ye." punctiating her words with a wooden spoon.
She starts singing merrily as she whipps the kitchen staff into a whirlwind of activity.

OOC: To perpetually 'NS' or to figure-out-where-the-hell-I'm-staying-in-London-this-week?

(I'm sure there's a nice dumpster somewhere that'd be happy to have you. ;)

Anyhow, I'd just like to apologize for that New Eastgate thread. I was just reading over that last post of mine, and realized I had not really advanced the plot at all.

In slightly related news, should Odysseus make for Port Gavin as well, or would it be more interesting for them to land somewhere else? As always, we can blame any goof-ups on Iansisle's abysmal intelligence gathering capability. ;))

Giovanni was next in line, and he wlaked into the kitchen, squinty eyed. He ran a hand through his short brown hair, and nooded to the current occupants, mumbling somethign in Itallian. He sat at the table, and looked up to Piedmore with pleading eyes. "Strongest stuff you got," he asked.

Pridemore returns a little mussed with a cup of black syrup. "Turkish coffee, sir. The strongest stuff we have." He sets a small bottle of whiskey next to the cup. "It sweetens it a bit, sir. Breakfast is being prepared, if you have any special requirements please let me know." please, don't make me go back in there, that woman is crazy.

"Whatever ya gots good," he said, sipping the tar of coffee. It felt good going down, but he poured near half the bottle of whiskey into the cup. He looked up to the other men, and back at teh bottle. "Rough night."

The large woman in the background comes forward and shoos Pridemore out of the kitchen. "'ere now, be gone wit ya, these boyos want a proper breakfast . None o' you and the lairds cornmeal and grapefruit.."

Pinching James' cheek " Sit yer self down, govn'r and you boyos as well, I'm gonna makes ya a proper breakfast. Bacon, eggs, suasage, biscuits, ham, gravy, 'taters, everything. An' I will na' be hereing a no outa any of the lot of ye." punctiating her words with a wooden spoon.
She starts singing merrily as she whipps the kitchen staff into a whirlwind of activity.

James was more than a little taken aback by the whirl of activity, but he smiled after a moment, rubbing his cheek as he sat down. Lord, but it is nice to be somewhere where not everyone's walking on eggshells about you, as if you're some sort of god. It's almost too bad I have to go back to Dun Adien.

James had trained his immediate staff - Quintin, Princeton, Weathers, Lawrence, and the lot - to be a bit more casual around him, but Jessica's return threatened to upset all of that. If she was one thing, it was a staunch defender of the 'holier than thou' approach to being a monarch.

("Bacon, eggs, suasage, biscuits, ham, gravy, 'taters, everything."
Oh God, I'm so hungry! Why don't I have kitchen staff?!)

's alright Iansisle- at least you didn't beam in demanding tribute (as yet..) ;)

Hm, lemme think.. they can land anywhere except Gregoria..and only because that isn't coastal, heh. North coast (and we're..south of you. More specific than that I can't say as yet)- mountains. Massive ones. Full of mineral riches, peril, and about one native every x hundred miles. To swing down the east coast would mean nought but natives, to whom I've not yet given much consideration, but I suppose it might be fun to try sometime. Okay, so I just wasted everyone's time there, moving on..

West, where everyone's going.. Waylu comes first, right.. now, actually, if you have ..well, rival factions involved, Eastgate's brewing civil war might get interesting. Waylu and Great Hoode, the under-populated anarchic backwaters have not yet had direct contact with the outside, as everyone's going to Goston's Port Gavin. So, really I suppose you can stop at the first major signs of life (Tupu City, Waylu) and maybe end up with those represented on Odysseus end up in business with the peripheries, while the early arrivals are talking with the western states.

[/long winded hijack]

"Morning everyone. Mmmmmmm, I knew I smelled something really damn good," Katherine said as she walked in with the twins. She sat down at the table, "Can I have a cup of that nice smelling coffee too?" she asked.

The cook turns and waves her spoon at Lawrence "off and wash yer 'ands there luv."
she sits down with James " Now I aint no headshrinker, but I've raised me own share of boys and a couple of hubands as well, and I can sees when a youngster 'as a problem. Listen to yer auntie Kate 'ere. People don't never 'ave any more power than whats given em, and nery more responsability than they can 'andle. Yerself is a king, what does that mean ? It means that yer people need a king to give there lives a bit of a reason, somthin bigger 'en themselves to look up at at the end 'o the day and say "ere now, thats what we work for." Nobody knows what a nation looks like, but they can put a picture of yerself o'er the fire and have a bit of a smile. Now in every good story there 'as to be 'ardships and such to make a hero, so when you run into these just say "'eres me another dragon to slay" and take care of it. If not fer yerself fer yer people. Do I make any sense to yerself ?"

She grabs a hot biscuit out of the oven , covers it with butter and jam and puts in front of James.
"Oi, and get yerself a nice wife, that'll help ye more than ye know. Slay the dragon and win the princess. Yer people will love ye for it, especially if there is 'ardship involved." She patts him on the head and goes back to work.

"Good morning, Katherine," smiled James, looking up. His face was a little tired, but he was sure to keep a smile on it at all times, in hopes of masking the results of last night's brain storm. "Are you going to have anything for breakfast? I've decided to try for my first heart attack at forty five," he laughed, indicating the mass of unhealthy goodness being prepared in the kitchen.

(hmm...I think it would be good to land somewhere new...though leaving IanCorp and RM&M up to their own devices seems a risky proposal. ;) Tupu City seems to have a fun name; I think I'll try there.)

"Morning everyone. Mmmmmmm, I knew I smelled something really damn good," Katherine said as she walked in with the twins. She sat down at the table, "Can I have a cup of that nice smelling coffee too?" she asked.

Pridemore appears with a hot cup of coffee and a carafe for everyone to share."Good morning ma'am, breakfast will be ready in anon."

Theadore comes running in in his footie pajamas and run straight into the kitchen. at the table you can hear happy laugher of adults and Theo. a moment later he runs out with a biscuit covered in honey chased by the cooks loving voice "be ye gone untill breakfast now ye little scoundral"

"Good morning, Katherine," smiled James, looking up. His face was a little tired, but he was sure to keep a smile on it at all times, in hopes of masking the results of last night's brain storm. "Are you going to have anything for breakfast? I've decided to try for my first heart attack at forty five," he laughed, indicating the mass of unhealthy goodness being prepared in the kitchen.

(hmm...I think it would be good to land somewhere new...though leaving IanCorp and RM&M up to their own devices seems a risky proposal. ;) Tupu City seems to have a fun name; I think I'll try there.)
"Yes, I can't make up my mind. I think I'll have the same order you're having," she smiled at James, "And see if I can beat you to that."

Lawrence smiled. "But of course," he said, rising quickly and making for the nearest sink. He nearly tripped over Theodore as the young boy came tearing past him. "Whoops!" Lawrence was laughing as he came back to the table, and poured himself a cup of coffee. "I'd forgotten how much fun kids could be," he said, "You'll be providing us with some pretty soon, right, majesty?"

However, James was a little too busy listening to the woman's words to hear the K.I.G. man's question. "I believe so," he replied, fumbling with his cup. "Make lemonade out of lemons, and that sort of thing?" he asked rhetorically. "I'll do my best," he promised, smiling as she patted his head. Why was the Dun Adien staff always so stuffy? He'd have to ask Dr. Niven where he found his hired help after breakfast.

The kitchen staff began bringing out platter after platter of food. When it was all on the table the head cook looked over the bunch " Now thank 'omever it is that watches over ye, make sure your 'ands are clean, and 'elp yerselves. We don't stand on ceremony much 'round 'ere." She piches Pridemore's cheek "well, most of us don't"
Theo runs back in
"'ere now youngster, let me see 'em 'ands." Theo obediantly holds out his hands.
"Alright, I canna plant 'tater in 'em today. Set to eatin boyo." She hugs him and sets him in a chair as Ann arrives.

"Twenty generals to the winner?" asked James, taking a good portion of scrambled eggs onto his plate. "That'd almost cover medical expenses, I suppose." James smiled across the table at Theodore, thinking about what Lawrence had said. Still, that was too far in the future to really think about now. "Good morning, Dame* Ann; Sir Theodore," he smiled.

(* After a quick bout of research last night, I discovered that 'Dame' would be the proper form of address for a female knight, as 'Lady' applies to the wives of knights. Sorry for any confusion :))

OOC: No worries, I thought that was what it was, but sometimes the SCA (medivial group I am involved in) and the real world do not match up.

"Well thank you your majesty. Now Sir Theadore, mind your manners."She says to him as the young knight is stuffing a whole sausage into his mouth.

James poked at the eggs slightly, before remembering yet one more thing that had been troubling him. He looked up at Katherine. "Kate, I don't suppose it'd be possible to talk to you alone after breakfast, would it?"

A voice comes out of the kitchen "'ere now, I want to see clean plates when you leave the table !!! "

Katherine looked at James with a mouthful of eggs and bacon. She quickly chewed it and swallowed it down.

"Of course you can James," she said with a smile.

"Yes, ma'am," Lawrence called back into the kitchen, helping himself to a sausage patty. He couldn't help but snicker - to think Weathers had turned down this shift!

"Thanks, Kate," smiled James. He picked at his eggs slightly, not really eating them, and then bit into a crunchy piece of bacon instead. "I'm afraid I may be needing to retire back to Iansisle shortly. I assume you and Jeff will be staying here?" he asked, his tone making it clear that he'd have words with Jeff if his friend tried to go anywhere before he'd healed fully.

Katherine sipped her coffee and cleared her throat.

"I... er... um... wouldn't bet on that... knowing Jeff"

James' hand twitched slightly, spraying Lawrence with the scrambled egg he was at last bringing up to his mouth. He apologized, then sighed at Katherine. "I know. But I'm going to keep my darndest to keep him here until he's well, even if I have to chain him to Dr. Niven."

"We'll talk with him and dad later today," she said nodding. "Maybe he'll listen to the three of us."

Katherine took another bite of her breakfast and winked at him. "He'll have to do what dad says... after all."

Elizabeth finally managed to pull herself from teh comfortable bed, and make her way downstairs. She had an almost satisfied look on her face, and she didnt say anythgin, just kissed Giovanni on the cheek, and sat. She looked at the occupants of the tables, and smiled a lazy smile. "Goodmorning, I trust you all slept well?" she asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"I hope he will," James nodded, taking another bite. "Have you and Jeff ever been to Dianatran?" he asked suddenly.

Katherine smiled at Elizabeth, "Morning."

Katherine was caught off-guard by the question. "I don't think we have been... I'll have to ask Jeff more. Why?"

Exactly how conservative is Iansisle? I was thinking I need some good characters to play Christin's squadron, and I was just watchin Romeo and Juliet (teh newer one), and the Montegue boys would be great for it...

James raised his glass slightly to the Imitoran president. "Good morning!"

"Oh, I was just wondering," replied James to Katherine, stirring at his eggs one last time before setting into eating them properly. "It's a nice place, I suppose, at least in the coastal region. I've only been there once, on a state visit to Empire while my father was still alive."

Exactly how conservative is Iansisle? I was thinking I need some good characters to play Christin's squadron, and I was just watchin Romeo and Juliet (teh newer one), and the Montegue boys would be great for it...

(Um...in a political sense, the country is libertarian to the extreme...however, socially, the population is still getting used to the idea that women have differently shaped bodies under all those layers of cloth ;)

I'm afraid I haven't seen that version...should I be afraid?)

(You should be afraid ;) )

Katherine nodded, "well, we'll take your word for it, maybe we'll go there sometime."

I'm afraid I haven't seen that version...should I be afraid?)

Be afraid...be very afraid...

(*wrings hands* Oh, dear - this doesn't sound happy at all!)

James nodded, scraping the last little bit off his plate and sitting back. "That was really a very good meal," he smiled, trying to keep the conversation light. Lawrence, his mouth still full of various pig parts, could only mumble in vague agreement.

Dont worry, its gonna be fine. They wont do anythgin to out line, just unbutoned aloha shirts, jeans and cargos, custom race guns. Just a bunch of misfits really. If you dont want, I wont use them. Or I could also have them speak in verse.

IC:

Giovanni finished the coffee, then looked up at Elizabeth, and gently kicked her shin, winking. SHe replied in same, and smiled. "So, whats teh story for our little rose," Giovanni asked James, refering to Christin.

A tired but satidfied looking Niven enters the dinning room, sits at the table at pours himself a cup of coffee. "Jeff should be along in a tick."
The cook comes out when she hears Niven's voice "Oi, 'ere is , laird o' the manor wantin his breakfast whenever it suits him. Well 'es just gonna 'ave to do with what 'is grabdson left 'im, and if 'e goes 'ungry it serves 'im right." She says with her best sarcastic voice.
She then brings him out some toast and jelly "I wouldna let ye go 'ungry, you ol badger." She says with a smile.

(Nah, that doesn't sound too bad at all. Ianapalis high society could probably use a shock to their system every now and then,anyhows.)

James blushed at Giovanni's question. "Ah, much the same as they were last night. I'm going to give her a call later today," James replied, trying to avoid any deep conversation about it.

"Good morning, doc," James greeted. "Where did you find this wonderous lady?" he asked, indicating the cook, "I've absolutely fallen in love with her!"

Jeff walked in a few minutes later with some sunglasses to hide his eyes wandering. He sat down slowly next to Katherine, like he was making sure the chair was there.

"My Stevie Wonder impersonation," he joked after he kissed Katherine and picked up a cup of coffee. "Morning ladies and gentlemen."

Katherine kissed Jeff and looked at him, "not too bad. I'll critique this later," she winked at Niven.

(do we know that Jeff was due for those implants, or is this a surprise? Or can we not even notice directly?)

Niven smiles broadly at the breakfast club.
"Aunty Kate ? She has been with me since the begining. She was the wife of one of my trusted assistants." he says winking at Pridemore " She came to work with him one day and saw what I was eating, this was back before my wife, and she took over the kitchen and never left. I was so happy with lunch I started her on the payroll that day and had a cottage built for the two of them out back. I was afraid they would get away. Now the two of them handle all of the household staff, and I could not be happier with their choices." and the fact that pridemore makes more than my CEOs helps keep him around as well.
He smiles at Katherine " I think you will like at least one of the new additions."

OOC: LOL. Katherine knew about it, it was kinda last minute though. Jeff's got some more muscle to him though.

IC: "I'll ummmm,... take your word for it." Katherine blushes.

Jeff chuckles through the discomfort and sips his coffee, "Ummm.. yeah,' he winked at her.

James smiled, looking at the new, bulkified Jeff. "You seem a little different this morning, Jeff."

Jeff smiled at James, "Yeah, dad and I were talking last night. We decided to..." Jeff looked for the right word, "'augment' my body again. With everything that's been going on, it's one way to help make sure we won't be in the position we were in before. Hopefully."

D'oh!

James arched an eyebrow at Dr. Niven. "Always the miracle worker, eh?" he smiled, before turning back to Jeff. "I too hope that the ... 'situation' never arises again, Jeff." He decided not to pull any punches. "And I know the number one way to be sure of that is for you to stay in Celeborne until you're 100%, never-felt-better, ready to go," he admonished, waving his fork at Jeff.

"I am not quite that good, James. I do my best however. Would you like a turn on my table ?" he asks with a wicked grin...

Giovanni didn't know Jeff well, or as well as the others did, but he sensed a reason for his concern. "I agree. It sounds like you took quite a beating recently, you should stick around here." He cought himself before mentioning the rescue of Katherine. Not time to give away the secret yet, he thought.

James had his hands up at once. He was scared of getting a tattoo or a piercing, and the thought that Dr. Niven may not be joking about the cybernetic implants terrified him! "No, no, Doctor, that's quite alright," he stammered, before noticing that Lawrence was laughing at him. He blushed.

(I'm off for the night...later on, all!)

"And I know the number one way to be sure of that is for you to stay in Celeborne until you're 100%, never-felt-better, ready to go," he admonished, waving his fork at Jeff.

Jeff looked surprised, "What?? Wait! I... er... but I'm doing a lot better, I'll be back at 100% really quite soon."

He gave Niven a look that said Is there anything that can speed this up?

(I'm off for the night...later on, all!)

OOC: Woo hoo! I take back my title long enough to lose it to Celeborne! ;)

hehe...I aint goin to bed till 1030, My calss today ends at 1015, so...anwyas, its 6 in the morning, I think I might go take a shower, lol

(Night, on that note, this is another one of my out in the field weeks so I will be in and out sporadicly. I think this time I might even get to have a computer some !!!)

Niven breaks out laughing." Never against your will, old man. Jeff would be jealous anyway."

Jeff looked surprised, "What?? Wait! I... er... but I'm doing a lot better, I'll be back at 100% really quite soon."

He gave Niven a look that said Is there anything that can speed this up?

James gave Jeff his best I-don't-believe-that-one-little-bit look, and tapped his fork against the table. "I suppose I can believe you if you've got a doctor's note Jeff, but the fact is that I, and everyone at this table, cares about you too much to let you go charging off again at half strength, and maybe break something even Dr. Niven can't fix."

(I'm off for the night...later on, all!)

OOC: Woo hoo! I take back my title long enough to lose it to Celeborne! ;)

:?:

Niven gives Jeff his best you-aint-doing-sh*t-for-a-week-at-least-look.

(I know...I even took a nap so I could try and defend the crown, but you're all just too good for me! ;))

(LOL, yeah, I've gotta go to bed soon too, ya know, they actually want me to attend classes!)

Jeff smiled at Giovanni, "Ummm, well yeah a little bit."

]You have no idea... Thank god for that

Jeff looked at Niven, then back at James. "What if I forged a Dr. note?" he winked.

Jeff looked at Niven, then back at James. "What if I forged a Dr. note?" he winked.

Pridemore perked up, and in a flat serious voice said " I would have to kill you, Sir Williams." and then he let loose with a controlled chuckle " I just could not resist, sir."

Jeff laughed at that and sipped his coffee again, "This is a battle I'm not going to win, isn't it."

Katherine kissed his cheek, "is it that obvious?"

Julie and Marcus added in from the rocker they were in.

"Daga gee mooopth"
"neee noooop ppth"

"Daga gee mooopth"
"neee noooop ppth"

Niven jumped out of his chair "they both said grandpa...you heard it, didn't you ?"

Jeff and Katherine smiled at each other, "yeah, I think they did." Katherine said with a smile as she finished her breakfast.

"Nah, it was very clearly 'uncle'," smiled James at Dr. Niven, sitting back in his chair.

Jeff chuckled. "yeah, it could be that too."

Katherine winked at Jeff, "Since the twins are in good hands, if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back."

She got up and walked out of the dining room.

(d'oh!)

James waited a few seconds after Katherine got up, hopefully keeping Jeff from getting too susupicious, before rising and making his own excuses.

"If you'll pardon me, ladies and gentlemen, I have to retire briefly. I'll be back in a moment."

Across the table, Lawrence wiped his mouth and started to rise as well. James hastily motioned for him to sit back down. "Er, don't bother getting up, Private, I'll just be gone a moment."

Lawrence looked at James with an arched eyebrow. "Come on, majesty, y'know the sarge will bite my head off if I let you out of my sight for more than a few seconds."

"Sit, Private Lawrence," repeated James, frowning deeply. "I'll be gone for a just a moment, and I'd like some privacy." His tone of voice wasn't really cold, but it certainly was a degree less warm than it had been. Lawrence shrugged and sat back down in defeat.

Shaking his head, James strode quickly out of the room, noting just too late that he had used the same door as Katherine. Oh, well - it was just a quick question or two.

Jeff winked at Lawrence, "If I didn't know Katherine and James so well, I'd think there was something up there," he teased.

Katherine stood in the living room when James walked in.

"Sit down James, what can I do for you," she said, sitting on the couch.

(Rotten server - that's three times in a row!)

"Well, his Majesty does enjoy solitude every now and then," agreed Lawrence, taking another sasuage link and cutting it on his plate. He glanced over his shoulder as if expecting to see Princeton standing over him. "I just hope the sarge doesn't catch him wandering about alone!"

-----

James took a seat across from her. "Thanks, Kate." He paused; earlier, before Jeff had come to breakfast, he had been so certain of what he wanted to ask. Now, it seemed a little silly and outdated, but he didn't want to have called her away just to say 'never mind'.

"Uh, Kate," he started hesitantly, "I was just worried about Jeff...like yesterday, when I tapped him on the shoulder..." James paused, his cheeks gaining a slight red blush.

Katherine smiled sadly, "Yeah, he still... has problems with that. The physical side of him seems to have healed faster than the emotional side."

She looked down into her coffee mug a moment before going on. "Back when Jeff was chained and handed over to Ibrahaim. The goons who had him, kept beating him really badly," she finished in a whisper. "It's the only time I've ever felt his spirit just... gone."

Katherine looked up at James, "To answer your question, from time to time he's still scared, like yesterday. He knew nothing was going to happen, but he still looked like he expected the blows to start falling on him again." She sipped her coffee to regain her composure.

James hadn't brought his coffee with him, and his hands searched for something to fiddle with. At last, his right hand grasped his left thumb, and he drove his left fingernails into the top of the right hand to keep himself focused.

He listened with rapt attention throughout the entire story, his heart aching with empathy. At last, James sat back as Katherine finsihed, unclasping his hands and letting them drop to his sides. "I fear..." he started, before dropping silent for a moment.

"I fear," he continued at last, "that even if his body cranks up to full strength and his wounds heal, Jeff won't be quite the same again as we once knew him." James shook his head. "Thank you, Katherine. I had been hoping..." he started, before pausing as if fumbling for words "...that it would not be so, but..." Once again, as he was prone to do, James shrugged and left the thought unfinished.

"They're probably waiting for us back at the table."

"You never know," Katherine said. "He just needs time to recover. Everything's happened so fast. Like last night, it was the first time since everything began that he slept through the night."

Katherine waited a moment before continuing.

"But what, James?"

"That's good at least," James nodded, before being hit by Katherine's next question. He sat silently for a few seconds, hating being called on his unfinished thoughts, and wrung his hands. "Well, Kate," he said at long last. "It's just that I feel that Jeff has done - and continues to do - so much for me, but I feel so impotent to help him right now. It seems that all I can do is fuss and worry, while he slips ever deeper into this...whatever it is!" James' voice sounded angry, but it was his frusturation speaking.

Very quickly he calmed down, and bit his lower lip. "I'm sorry, Kate, I didn't mean to yell at you. I'm just venting some pressure, I suppose."

Katherine nodded and smiled at James, "It's ok. Vent all you need to, it's helpful sometimes."

She thought a moment before going on, "I guess that's just the type of person Jeff is. He'd do anything for you or me or Dad. Now, more than anything I think he needs us to be there for him. He's the only one that can fight his way out of this depression."

"Thanks, Kate," he replied, trying to smile and almost getting it. He then stood up quickly. "I'm going to be there for him, as best I can," he promised sincerely. And this time I won't dump any more of my own troubles on him! his mind added silently.

"I should probably head back to the table before Private Lawrence sends out a search party for me," he added.

OOC: Whatever happened to our good friend Ibrahaim. If he needs dealing with, Giovanni can help. Just because hes a good guy doesnt mean he hates his family, if you catch my drift...

IC:

Giovanni looked over at the twins, so young and innocent. "Your both wrong," he said to Jeff and Niven. THey looked at him strangly. "They said La famiglia, like all good children should for their first word." He smiled at them and continued eating.

Elizabeth tooka sip of her coffee, then looked over at Jeff. "Tell me about this Lt. Chaffin. I know she was a squadron leader from her military records."

(As far as I know, he's still in a Ryansislean exile. D'Analia wound up in central Gadsan, and is kinda hanging out there with a hero of the Empire. I can't say either of them really need 'cleaning out' right now.;))

*Damn forums!*

OOC: Whatever happened to our good friend Ibrahaim. If he needs dealing with, Giovanni can help. Just because hes a good guy doesnt mean he hates his family, if you catch my drift...

IC:

Giovanni looked over at the twins, so young and innocent. "Your both wrong," he said to Jeff and Niven. THey looked at him strangly. "They said La famiglia, like all good children should for their first word." He smiled at them and continued eating.

Elizabeth tooka sip of her coffee, then looked over at Jeff. "Tell me about this Lt. Chaffin. I know she was a squadron leader from her military records."

OOC: Yeah, I wonder how Ibrahaim reacted to Jeff's rescue...

IC: Jeff raised his coffee mug to Giovanni, "Not a bad idea," he smiled. "I think that's a great first word. I'll have to teach them that."

He sipped his coffee and poured another mug. " 'Fireball'? She a good one," he said. "Kinda fiesty, I don't know her as well as James does, as you can guess. But she's sweet, smart and nice. James and her look so great together."

"Well, we hear about her squadron alot. Wild ones, always causing some sort of trouble. Of course, what else are a bunch of fighter pilots gonna do once you disbandon they're way of life," Elizabeth joked.

"Thanks, Kate," he replied, trying to smile and almost getting it. He then stood up quickly. "I'm going to be there for him, as best I can," he promised sincerely. And this time I won't dump any more of my own troubles on him! his mind added silently.

"I should probably head back to the table before Private Lawrence sends out a search party for me," he added.
OOC: :shock: we can't have him doing that! ;)

IC: Katherine stood up and gave James a quick hug, "I know you will be," she said softly. "We should get back, god knows your guards are nervous enough as it is."

"Well, we hear about her squadron alot. Wild ones, always causing some sort of trouble. Of course, what else are a bunch of fighter pilots gonna do once you disbandon they're way of life," Elizabeth joked.

"Yeah, and it's all in good fun," Jeff said. "Just some innocent debauchery being had I can guess."

OOC: :shock: we can't have him doing that! ;)

IC: Katherine stood up and gave James a quick hug, "I know you will be," she said softly. "We should get back, god knows your guards are nervous enough as it is."

"Thanks, Kate," he smiled as he hugged her back, then edged out the door. "I don't know what it is with Princeton, but he seems awful twitchy. I guess it's the rash of poor security performances we've had in Iansisle of late." He walked back to the dining table, forgetting that he and Kate had left separately.

*forums... argh!* :wink:

Kate sat on the couch as James walked back into the dining room.

"I'll be in there in a second," she said.

She looked down into her coffee mug a few minutes, thinking about Jeff before and after his captures and tortures.

He'll come back to us. He has to.

She stood up and walked back into the dining room.

"O.k.," agreed James, walking back alone. He too was thinking, mostly about Jeff, but also some about how he was going to handle the situation at home, and more importantly, how he was going to keep it from Jeff.

(Lark, on your TG: yeah, that sounds like an important plot point. I've not decided how she's going to turn out, but I think undoing some of the things she wasn't happy about James doing may be on her list. She's not particuarly fond of Jeff (remember, she never wanted James to die), but there's always room for petty revenge :))

"O.k.," agreed James, walking back alone. He too was thinking, mostly about Jeff, but also some about how he was going to handle the situation at home, and more importantly, how he was going to keep it from Jeff.

(Lark, on your TG: yeah, that sounds like an important plot point. I've not decided how she's going to turn out, but I think undoing some of the things she wasn't happy about James doing may be on her list. She's not particuarly fond of Jeff (remember, she never wanted James to die), but there's always room for petty revenge :))

( :lol: Yeah, that seemed like a good idea. I figured that she had it in for our guy here, *assumes best cheesy Scooby-Doo villian voice* That meddling kid! Also Jeff's on the DL for a week after the surgery, so if James heads off while he's not looking... ;) Not like Jeff can do anything.)

Jeff smiled at James as he walked back into the dining room.

"Hey, why the long face?" he asked. "I was just getting ready to ask Elizabeth how hard it would be to transfer that title to Christin."

James tried very hard to smile, but it came out a little hollow. "Hey, Jeff. Nothing really; I ... er..." His head swum as he tried to come up with a good excuse, "I was just, ah, admiring the view." What!? screamed the voice in his head. "The, er, views are so, uh, pretty they make me cry." Idiot!

"Oh really?" he asked quickly, sitting down in his old spot. "I don't imagine it'd be too big a problem, would it, madame president?" he asked, looking over at Elizabeth.

Jeff gave James the most quizzical look when he heard his first response.

"They do? I agree that it's a beautiful view here.." he started, reading James' eyes. "Have you stepped out for a drink or four without sharing?"

James tried to laugh, though it did sound a little humorless. "Yeah," he replied, forcing his right eye to wink, "Just stepped out to the veranda to have a couple Tharian frosties." James lowered his eyes, trying to avoid Jeff's look.

"Yeah," Jeff said looking down at his coffee mug. "Well heck, next time you go for one, give me a heads up and I'll join ya out there."

Damn, my humor's not that abrasive is it?

"Well, its not me. While I can go ahead in put in the move, I cant let Christin accept the title as an Imitoran citizen. Teh only way she'd be able to accept the title is dual citizenship, which must be approved by the senate. So while Christin can go ahead and apply for, I guess it would be Deazemnai citizenship, it would need to be approved first by 50 of the most onery, grumpy old men you know." She offered a sympathetic smile, knowing how difficult it would be to get her the title.

*Ugh... forum is becoming a 4-letter word*

Jeff nodded. "Hmmm, so then could I give a presentation to the Imitoran Congress on her behalf? Since I'm technically the one giving it to her? It's not like I don't have experience speaking to governmental bodies..."

"It would have to be you or James. She can only apply for citizenship, but she needs a sponsor. I'm not sure how it would fair. Most of the time, they go off without a hitch, its a family thing, but this, I dont know," she replied, taking a sip of her coffee.

Jeff nods, "I'll take care of the presentation, that way James can relax and spend some time with her."

*coughcough*This gives you a chance to do what you need to do with Jeff out of the country, Iansisle*coughcough*

Always the straight to buisness type, Elizabeth removed a PDA from her a pocket on her jammies, and brought up a menu. "Can I set up a specific time to speak? Or do you just wanna show up and hope there is an opening?" she asked, looking over the file.

(A PDA from her pajamas? I'm impressed!)

Jeff thought a moment, "For James, I'm free anytime. You set it up and I'll be there."

OOC: Ya never know

IC:

She quickly scrolled through the senate appointments, and found the first opening. "Tommorow at noon sound good?" she asked.

"Yeah," Jeff said as Katherine walked in.

"Yeah what?" she asked.

"We've got an appointment in Imitora to get the Senate to approve Christin's getting her title."

Katherine nodded, "Sounds like it'll be.... fun?"

"It should be. Although we'll have to be carefull. Looks like people are getting sick back home. Some starnd of flu. A new corporation, BioLife, is working on it though. Headed up by some guy named Oliver."

Jeff nodded at that. He turned to Katherine, "well young lady," he smiled at her, "Looks like no traveling for you."

"You have to be kidding. I'm not going to let you go! You've just come out of surgery, you can't go anywhere!"

Jeff kissed her, "I'll be fine," he said.

Katherine turned to Elizabeth. "Is there anyway he can do this over secured channels? He really shouldn't be going."

"We could probably hook somethign up. I understand your concern," she said, , looking down at the PDA.

Katherine winked at Jeff and stuck her tongue out at him, she seemed satisfied with the results of that discussion.

"Ok, Ok, I give," he grinned. "Let's get something lined up."

Elizabeth thought for a second. "The 'Stream," she said. "The VIP Gulfstream can get me a direct link to the senate in session. They met three days ago to discuss the new outbreak, so I'm sure they are still in. We can get you talking to them today if you want."

"All right," Jeff said standing up. "Let me get my suit on so I look presentable. What am I up against for this presentation?"

"Ten deligates from each of the five regions. Irish, Spanish, French, Itallian, and German. With the Spanish French and Itallian, jsut appeal to the labour of love. Im sure they'll go for that. Although the Irish are teh only sensical ones, your gonna need a good argument to sway them, but its possible. The Germans are just down right stubborn, and convinving them is gonna be the hardest. I know, I am one."

Jeff nodded. "It seemed so much easier when I was dealing with the C.C.P., I mean, there were only over sixteen-hundred of them. Well let me get ready," he said as he stood up. "If you'll all excuse me." He walked out toward his room.

OOC: You want to do a different thread for that one?

go for it. I got math I gotta deal with, so I wont be on till bout 100.

Cool, I'll get on it after deadline

James had been strangely silent throughout the conversation; perhaps he wasn't really sure of its implications. As Jeff walked from the room, James stood and followed him quietly.

"Jeff," he said quietly after they were out of the Imitoran's earshot, "Are you going to be able to do this over a telephone?"

(sorry about being so off-and-on tonight, folks...with luck, I should be able to post on a fairly regular basis from now on.)

Jeff smiled at his friend and put his hand on James' shoulder.

"I think I can," he said warmly then sighed and looked down. "Katherine's right. I don't know if I can travel this quickly, especially into someplace with a virus running loose.

"They've gotta give us the OK for this."

He looked back and James and gave him a small smile, "I'll give it everything I've got."

*shakes fist at server*

James smiled back at Jeff. "I'm sure you will, Jeff. And, don't forget, I've seen you in those IanCorp newsreels. Just do me a favor, ok? Don't worry about it. If this doesn't work, we can always try something else. Jeff, I love Christin, but we can still ... be together even if we're not married.

"But if anything ever happens to you..." James shook his head, and there were tears visible in the corners of his eyes. "I just don't know what I'd do then. Be careful, ok?"

James smiled back at Jeff. "I'm sure you will, Jeff. And, don't forget, I've seen you in those IanCorp newsreels. Just do me a favor, ok? Don't worry about it. If this doesn't work, we can always try something else. Jeff, I love Christin, but we can still ... be together even if we're not married.

"But if anything ever happens to you..." James shook his head, and there were tears visible in the corners of his eyes. "I just don't know what I'd do then. Be careful, ok?"

Jeff gave James as much of a reassuring smile as he could. "It'll be different though, the Imitorians seem to be more 'gung-ho' than the C.C.P."

Jeff's head dropped a little when James mentioned being with Christin even if they weren't married. "I'll try not to let you down James. I know how important this is.

"I'll be all right James, I'm working to make sure of that. You don't have anything to worry about." Jeff said, putting a smile on his face. "I want to make sure nothing like that ever happens again."

You have no idea... how much of my humanity I've given up for you guys...

James smiled, shaking his head to clear it slightly. "I know I don't, Jeff." He reached out to grasp his friend's shoulder, paused for a moment, then continued. "Thank you, Jeff. Thank you so much." James kept his eyes straight and true, looking right at Jeff.

Jeff looked back and smiled at James, "James, you mean more to me than any brother I could have ever wished for," he said sincerely.

He looked at the ground a moment and then looked at James mischeviously and winked. "Don't thank me yet, I haven't worked a miracle for a while, I'm outta practice."

James grinned, then embraced Jeff - a surprisingly liberal thing for Iansislean high society. "And you to me, Jeff, and you to me. Jeff, everything will work out, no matter what happens in the senate. Just concentrate on getting better, ok?"

James parted, and patted Jeff on the back. "I'm sorry if I was rude at breakfast...I had my mind other places. I'm sorry."

Jeff hugged his friend back. "I know it will. And I'll rest a lot better when you're married and happy. There's gotta be a way to reason with the Senate."

Jeff looked at James with a grin, "Awww hell, I thought I'd probably worn out my welcome or something. Well hopefully you'd sorted out what you needed to." Jeff looked at the clock. "I'd better get ready for that presentation. What do you think? Suit or Dress Uniform?"

OOC: Dress blues (or what ever color your navy wears)

"I would advise reasoning if any of them have a gun," James winked.

"An appointment with the Imitoran senate? I'd think battle fatigues," he laughed. "Seriously though, I think they'd respond better to a dress uniform. And that new, bemuscled look can't hurt either!"

"Reasoning with them if they had a gun? What a novel idea!" Jeff winked.

If not we can always blast out way ou... where the hell did that come from?

Jeff laughed with James, "I think that's a good idea," he said. "I'll catch ya in a while, hopefully with some good news."

He walked back into the bedroom and started to change into his dress uniform. Katherine walked in and smiled at him. "I know you don't need me to say this, but good luck sweetheart."

Jeff kissed her. "I do need you to say that," he smiled.

THere was a knock on the door. "Jeff?" It was Giovanni. He stuck his head in the door, and smiled, handing him a small slip of paper. "In case they give you any trouble, or anyone in Imitora, for that matter, gives you trouble." He walked out of the room. Scribbled on the paper in red ink was a name. Salvatore Ribisi.

Jeff reads the name on the piece of paper. "Thanks," he whispered with a smile.

"What is it?" Katherine asked.

"Just the name of a friend."

OOC: Damn it all, I just can't into my form tonight...

IC: Jeff finished slipping into his jacket, strapped on Excalibur and checked himself in the mirror.

"Damn Jeff, you almost look presentable," Katherine told him.

"Yeah I know," Jeff smiled. "Time to go dazzle some people."

He walked out of the bedroom and into the living room. Turning to Elizabeth and Giovanni he said, "Shall we go?"

******************************
Aboard the Gulfstream

Jeff took a sip of water and cleared his throat as the video screen fired up, showing a shot of the Imitoran Senate.

"Members of the Senate. Here before you to petition you regarding the Dual Citizenship request for one, Christin Chaffin, is Ambassador Jeffrey Williams, Larkinian Ambassador to Iansisle," the announcer said.

Jeff looked into the screen.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I wanted to thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I understand you are very busy with the current crisis going on, I'll try to avoid taking too much of your time.

"I am standing before you to ask for special permission for Lt. Christin Chaffin, a member of the Imitoran military, to be given dual citizenship of either Iansislian or Larkinian persuasion, depending on your preference. I am making this request to then bequeath the title of Duchess of Hai'Gannach castle, in Daezeman on her, thereby allowing her to marry the man she is in love with, High King James of Iansisle.

"James and Christin are currently seperated by many obstacles. One of them is the fact that Christin will not be allowed to marry James unless she is a member of nobility. Some law in Iansisle is forcing that upon them. If she is allowed to receive this title, then she and James can move forward to a life of happiness together, including many little ones running through Dun Adien Castle.

"Like 'star-crossed lovers', they are forced to watch as their houses face off with each other in an international diplomatic battleground. Iansislians still protest and cry out against Imitorans, and Imitora watches the protestors actions. But together, their love can heal the ties between Iansisle and Imitora that have been so dangerously wounded in recent years. It will remind both sides that they have also been the greatest of allies. Once married, the people of Iansisle can be reminded of their that close kinship to the nation of Imitora.

"Which, pragmatically speaking," Jeff said as he turned to the German and Irish members, "Does mean a voice to the king when it's time for Iansisle to open its borders to outside businesses.

"I understand your concern, 'why should we allow her to be granted dual-citizenship only to receive a title from a nation that is no longer in existance'? I've discussed this with my wife Katherine, the last Daezemani, and a Duchess in her own right. After our talk, we felt that in addition to allowing Christin and James marry, this will also start the healing process in Iansisle. That a Daezemani is willing to give something like this to an Imitoran, if she is willing to be understanding, then the people of Iansisle should take pause to try and do the same. Regardless of whether it is a true or defunct title, the end result is that what is left of the Daezemani is willing to recognize that title, giving it authority.

"Plus, from a pragmatic standpoint, what little damage has been done to Imitora in the international community will soon be quelled. Again, when people see that forgiveness is possible, then they are willing to be more understanding that the past should remain there, and not be drudged up.

"I know this is a strange request, but these are strange circumstances. The love that Christin and James have nurtured finally has a chance to bloom into the flowers of a long and happy life. I'm asking you, with all my heart, to let that love grow, and come into being."

The 15 delegates from the 'Romance' center, French, Itallian, and Spanish, nodded at the conclusion of the speech. The dark man of Spanish breading spoke.

"Ambasador Williams, your heartfelt argument rings of purity and truth. You appealed to us not on what we would gain, but what two young lovers would gain. Of course, we give our approval for citizenship."

Three green lights appeared on the desk. Then the Irish man spoke, after a breif consul with his fellow delegates

"Aye, aint gonna hurt us or them, we approve."

Another light. However, the tall man representing the German secotr of Imitora didn't look convinced.

"Its a good argument Mr. Williams. But I fear I must vote nay for this. There is no point in granting her dual citizenship just because she loves someone else. I'm sure there are plenty of Imitoran men who she can settle down with. Is that all?"

Giovanni cleared his throat.

Jeff's eyes dropped and his heart hit the floor momentarily as he saw the light stay off. Jeff's face stayed stoic, not betraying his true emotions.

F***ing Germans... If I was there I'd 'convince' your ass..

Jeff heard Giovanni clear his throat.

Of course!

Jeff looked at the German representative, "Of course, I would like a moment to prepare to discuss this with my dear friend Sal before I make my argument to you."

The light next to the German's name went green instantly. "Give the couple my best wishes." He paused. "Miss Waitkus, if you'll please stay, I believe we have some news you might like to hear."

Jeff smiled at the German representative.

"You've chosen... wisely. I'm glad you see things my way. I'll be sure to give them your best wishes."

He stepped awat and let Elizabeth stay in the room. He turned to Giovanni.

"I don't know how to thank you. I.. don't have the same persuasive power in Larkinia that you have here. But... I'll see what I can do if you need it."

Giovanni exited the plane with Jeff. "Dont worry about it. If you ever need anythgin in the big I, just tell me. I got both sides of the playing field covered." He walked with Jeff back to the house, making small talk. Then he accidently spilled it.

"That Javin character is one hell of a shot. Military time under his belt? I mean, good reaction in the rescue too. He out shot some of the SWAT guys we have."

Thoughts flooded Jeff's mind again...

"Javin? Yeah I think he was a Ranger. We all have to ser...

"Crack shot? Resc... that was you? In Larkinia?

"For Katherine???"

His face turned white...

"Now I really don't know what to say.. 'thank you' just... just isn't enough.."

"Shhh, little project a friend and I are putting together. Seperate of government special operations. Privately funded and all. And dont worry about it. We all gotta pay our dues sometimes. Everytime I see a body go down, I know that there is one just a bit out of reach that makes it worth while. Just think Jeff. Theres a group of men out there that are willing to do great harm to others for people just like you and Katherine. And its also an Itallian thing. You dont f*ck with someones family."

Giovanni smiled. "So remeber, next time you need some one pulled outa somewhere, or you want teh next Grant to disapear, give me a call."

"Yeah," Jeff says, "You sure don't f*ck with someone's family. I may need to keep your number on speed dial." he winked.

"I'll stay quiet about the rescue, if you keep quiet about the agreement for James, I want to surprise him, let him sweat it out a minute."

"Its a deal," he winked.
___

"But why?" her vocie came out broken.

"Because you have done nothign for the people of Imitora. Whiel they are here, suffering from an outbreak of mass proportions, you are off cavorting with freinds, playing it up, having a grand ol'e time. So, we teh senate, have decided to officially strip you of your office. We are looking for a replacement now."

Jeff and Giovanni approached the house, "You go on in. I'll be out here a moment. If you see James ask him to come out here? Tell him I'm really distraught about what happened."

James had been showing Theodore how he could remove the young boy's nose when Giovanni walked in. He stood quickly, a little worried by the look on the Imitoran's face. "Mr. Forio? Is everything all right? Where's Jeff? Is Jeff o.k.?" There was a twinge of panic in his voice that grew slightly more pronounced with every question.

Jeff spied a couple of chairs on the deck and sat down in one of them. He'd locked his fingers together and rested his chin on them, trying to look as melancholy as possible. It wasn't too hard, he still didn't feel right after the surgery...

His eyes twinkled as he thought about James' reaction to the news he had. He stifled a grin.

**************************

(to jump this ahead..)

"Ummm, yeah," Giovanni said. "Jeff's not too happy now. He's waiting to out on the deck to talk to you."

James couldn't quite decide if he was happy that Jeff was apparently all right physically, or distraught that he wasn't happy - and probably bore some sort of bad news. James sucked his lips in between his teeth and bit down on them slightly, nodding at Giovanni. "O...o.k, t-thank you." He hurried out to the patio, and spied Jeff sitting a ways off. He rushed over, and looked down at his friend's depressed face.

"Jeff, what's wrong? Are you all right? Did everything go well?"

Jeff looked up at James.

"Yeah, I'm OK," he pulled the other chair over. "Sit down a minute James. I've got something to tell you."

He looked down at the deck, he knew if he looked James in the eye he wouldn't be able to fake being sad.

"I just got back from the presentation to the Imitoran Senate. According to their rules, we had to get a unanimous decision from the representatives to get their OK.

"I thought I did enough, I couldn't have made the argument any more persuasive if I'd dropped on my knees and starting begging."

Jeff stopped a moment.

"I convinced all of the delegates, save one, with my speech. That last didn't see why they had to vote for this. That one wouldn't budge..."

Jeff paused again for effect and quietly said to James. "... until our second try," his eyes twinkling at James and a smile starting to break through.

James used his hand to fumble for the chair back and lowered himself awkwardly into a seat. "Oh, no," he whispered under his breath after the '...something to tell you...' comment. After that, he listened with rapt attention as Jeff continued, wringing his hands together in his lap and wondering why Jeff didn't look at him.

"I convinced all of the delegates, save one, with my speech. That last didn't see why they had to vote for this. That one wouldn't budge..."

"...that doesn't sound good," James whispered, wondering why a unanimous decision was needed. Of course, a body with fifteen delegates was much more ... nimble ... than one with two thousand.

Jeff paused again for effect and quietly said to James. "... until our second try," his eyes twinkling at James and a smile starting to break through.

James just about had a heart attack. He sat back in the chair, clasping his hands to his breast and breathing hard. Eventually, a laugh started to break through. "You old rapscallion!" he laughed, "You really had me going there for a second!"

Then, just what the good news meant broke through. He smiled broadly at Jeff. "This means so much to me, Jeff. I don't know how I'll ever possibly be able to thank you properly enough!"

Jeff smiled at James and started laughing with him.

"It was hard, I wanted to see the look on your face when the good news broke through," he said.

"Don't worry about thanking me," Jeff added. "Giovanni had a... connection, that helped with that last vote.

"Now the deal is they will allow Christin to have dual citizenship, I think her getting Iansislian citizenship would make more sense, especially from a PR standpoint. You won't be marrying an Imitoran, but an Iansislian with a Daezemani title. It can't miss! No one could argue against it, she's getting dual citizenship because she loves you. She's been given a title because you love her and this clears that last obstacle. This is the stuff of romantic legends I tell ya!"

(Egads...sorry this took so long. Bloody server!)

"Well, then, I suppose I'll have several people to thank," winked James, not really willing to find out what Giovanni's 'connection' was.

"Iansislean citizenship, eh?" he asked, rubbing his chin, "Yeah, I suppose that would work." A smile broke out over his face. "IanCorp really wouldn't have a journalistic leg to stand on, either, now that I'm a partial owner of their stock," he smiled. "Jeff, I think this may even be your best plan yet!"

OOC: Giovanni Forio, not married to Waitkus yet, wont until after teh impeachment.

IC:

Giovanni walked out. "Ya give him the good news yet?" he asked, and could already tell the answer just by looking at James.

(Egads...sorry this took so long. Bloody server!)

"Well, then, I suppose I'll have several people to thank," winked James, not really willing to find out what Giovanni's 'connection' was.

"Iansislean citizenship, eh?" he asked, rubbing his chin, "Yeah, I suppose that would work." A smile broke out over his face. "IanCorp really wouldn't have a journalistic leg to stand on, either, now that I'm a partial owner of their stock," he smiled. "Jeff, I think this may even be your best plan yet!"

"Yep, sounds like you will," Jeff nodded.

OOC: Hmmmm, screwing with the media... now I remember why I want to study PR and law... ;)

IC: "Yeah, it's one of my rare moments," Jeff winked. "It would stop their objections before they had a chance to have them. And it would keep the ceremony nice and calm, with no media screaming about it. And that's what's important, that no one screw with it."

"He has indeed," smiled James, and he rose quickly, extending his hand to Giovanni, "And I believe I owe you my most humble thanks, Mr. Forio."

"I think a nice, quiet ceremony - on all fronts - would probably be the most appropriate," nodded James, sitting back down. He shook his head with a laugh, then rose quickly again. "It sounds as if I have some preperations to make!" he exclaimed, running down a quick check-list in his mind of the things he had to do. Surprising Christin with the good news and popping the question was, of course, number one on that list.

However, that darn voice kept nagging at the back of his mind.

"He has indeed," smiled James, and he rose quickly, extending his hand to Giovanni, "And I believe I owe you my most humble thanks, Mr. Forio."

"No worries, James, no worries. Anythgin for a friend."

OOC: Once your in, you can never get out... :twisted:

"Right," Jeff said with a smile and a wink "You get talking to Christin, and leave the wedding to me."

"Well," the voice said through James' mouth, "We're not sure..." Then, fortunatly before he could spill the beans and dump more of his troubles on Jeff - who was in no position to recieve them - he regained control. "Er, I mean, I'm not sure that Dr. Niven would let me make an international call. IanCorp tends to charge a lot."

What!? James, me boy-o, we need to work on your lies.

"Well," the voice said through James' mouth, "We're not sure..." Then, fortunatly before he could spill the beans and dump more of his troubles on Jeff - who was in no position to recieve them - he regained control. "Er, I mean, I'm not sure that Dr. Niven would let me make an international call. IanCorp tends to charge a lot."

What!? James, me boy-o, we need to work on your lies.

Jeff cocked an eyebrow and looked at James.

"We're not sure... what?" he grinned at his friend. "You can't get away that easily. We're at the home of a man who's richer than god. Plus," Jeff pulled out his cell phone, "I'll eat the charges for them.

"Now come on, what's gotcha worried? You can tell me."

"He has indeed," smiled James, and he rose quickly, extending his hand to Giovanni, "And I believe I owe you my most humble thanks, Mr. Forio."

"No worries, James, no worries. Anythgin for a friend."

OOC: Once your in, you can never get out... :twisted:

OOC: :lol: Yeah, I'm waiting for the time you need to turn Jeff into a hit man as payback. :wink:

James scratched the back of his neck and laughed nervously. "Wrong? Ah, there's nothing wrong," he said, smiling in a somewhat fake manner, "In fact, nothing really could be more right! Hehe, er..." he trailed off, looking down at the cell phone and accepting it gingerly.

"Are you sure? Remember what happened last time you let me use this?"

Jeff's brow furrowed a little as he thought... Damn, these are the times that I wish I was old-school Daezemani and knew what he was really worried about...

"Of course I'm sure," Jeff said as he punched up the number to Christin's home. "It'll be fine. Nothing to worry about."

This is an Out-of-Commonwealth call. Will you accept IanCorp's charge of 55 Generals, one fresh, still-warm, kidney and the key to the Gate of Hell?

"Yeah," Jeff said, handing the phone to James.

OOC: Y'all can decide if she's there or not. ;)

"Don't worry, I'm not worried," smiled James in a very worried manner, taking the phone. At least his hands weren't shaking - after all, he was just inviting her out to Dr. Niven's residence. What if she doesn't even want to do that? eep!

"Hello, Christin?" he asked, managing to keep his voice from wavering too much.

Jeff decided the best way to encourage James was to pretend he wasn't worried.

"Of course not!" Jeff said as he handed James the phone and clapped his shoulder in support.

James smiled back as the phone continued to ring. what if she's not there? What if she decided to go back to Imitora? thought one part of his brain; what kind of stupid thoughts are those? chimed in the other.

OOC: do you want to go ahead and RP her saying OK and coming to the house?

(If you think it'd be ok with Imitora, yeah, I think moving this along would be great.

Oh, and here's a random picture of Ianapalis, including Dr. Niven's new domains to the east ;)

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/390074/ianapalis.jpg)

(I think he'd be cool with it. Nice pic! That's sweet! I've always wondered where in the hell Jeff was taking the boat to anyway ;) )

(thanks. I've been discovering the wonders of paint and free webhosting lately ;))

The phone was answered suddenly, and James' heart lept into his throat. However, he had gotten (slightly) more confident over the course of his relationship with Christin, and he smiled and spoke in a voice that belayed his extreme attack of nerves. "Hi, Christin; it's James..."

Sorry, CHristins player has the flu right now, and will be on and off. If i go to long with out a response, feel free to jump in Lark. And I can see it now, Giovanni goes up to jeff.."I need you to hold on to somethign for me for a while...nothign bad, just hold to it ok?"

IC: Christin jumped out of the bed, triping and stumbling to the phone. Hmmmm...sleep she thought. She picked the handset up off the reciever. "Hello?" she asked, grogily.

(thanks. I've been discovering the wonders of paint and free webhosting lately ;))

OOC: Yeah, I've got a major project due at the end of the semester in my DreamWeaver class, I see a website for Larkinia in the near future. Just one thing (itty bitty point from my desktop pub class), white text might work better against a dark background like that.

OOC2: As long as it doesn't tick or set of the geiger counters Imitora.. ;)

(thanks. I've been discovering the wonders of paint and free webhosting lately ;))

OOC: Yeah, I've got a major project due at the end of the semester in my DreamWeaver class, I see a website for Larkinia in the near future. Just one thing (itty bitty point from my desktop pub class), white text might work better against a dark background like that.

OOC2: As long as it doesn't tick or set of the geiger counters Imitora.. ;)

OOC: Description? Well, its fine, and white and thres about 100 pounds of it...

OOC: *Jeff puts his hand up to his ears and starts singing "lalalalalalalalala.. I know nothing..."*

(White, eh? *scratches chin* I may need to give that a try!)

Oh boy..what time is it in Ianapalis? What time is it here? James started to sweat slightly at her tired voice. "Hi, honey - I'm not just getting you out of bed, am I?"

(Just run it through Iansisle - we have no substance abuse laws, after all! ;))

(White, eh? *scratches chin* I may need to give that a try!)

Oh boy..what time is it in Ianapalis? What time is it here? James started to sweat slightly at her tired voice. "Hi, honey - I'm not just getting you out of bed, am I?"

(Just run it through Iansisle - we have no substance abuse laws, after all! ;))

Yeah, but I'm sure teh anti Imitoran in Iansisle would love that. Found in Iansisle, 100 pounds of Imitoran Crack...Christ 100 pounds of crack...I could buy a few months worth of ferraris...

IC:

James! She smiled, although James wouldnt see it. "Hi hunny," she said, perking up. "Not at all, I'm just a little tired is all. How are things in Celeborne."

Well, that's good at least...

"Things are going very well, actually. Jeff's doing well, and..." He paused, wondering if he should be talking about Grant's killing over open air waves. He decided to be safe, rather than sorry, "...and I really miss you." Well, that was a little smoother than usual, anyway "Honey, do you think you'd be able to come out for a while. It's nice to get out of the Commonwealth, especially with the rainy season and all."

(By George, I think he has it! Here's an even randomer map of Delton, Gadsan:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/390074/delton.jpg)

(Oh yeah baby, I knew all of those years of useless design knowledge would come in hand someday...*flexes*)

"Sure, I'll get a flight out later today. I miss you," she said, in that 'lovey mushy' kinda voice.

"I know, Christin - I miss you too. I swear, this is the last time I'll be out of the country for a long time, honey..." His voice trailed off as he looked out at Jeff and Giovanni and blushed. "I'm afraid I can't really talk right now, love. Give Quinton a call at Dun Adien - he'll arrange a flight for you. Oh, and by the way, I've got a great surprise for you!" He smiled broadly in anticipation.

"I'll see you soon, dear. I love you."

"Sure, I'll get a flight out later today. I miss you," she said, in that 'lovey mushy' kinda voice.

OOC: Awwwwwwww. ;)

IC: Jeff makes a quick call on the 'home phone'.

Yeah, we need one massage therapist sent to the Niven Estate pronto. There's one very tense king here who needs to focus before proposing.

OOC: Im off for a bit, can hardly concentrate, my head is killin me. Lark, you got Christin for a bit.

OOC: Gotcha. Hope you feel better soon!

IC: Jeff makes a quick call on the 'home phone'.

Yeah, we need one massage therapist sent to the Niven Estate pronto. There's one very tense king here who needs to focus before proposing.

(I wonder how many times they get calls like that? ;)

Talk to ya later, Imitora. Hope that headache clears up!)

(LOL, ya never know...)

Jeff watches as James and Christin finish talking.

"Sounds like good news," he said with a grin. "Now we have to prepare the house to set the right mood for you to ask her..."

A few minutes later the doorbell rings, Pridemore walks onto the deck with a younger lady, "Did someone call for a massage?"

"Yeah, that's for James," Jeff said nonchalantly.

James grinned. He now couldn't remember quite why he had been so worried. "What ways do we have to prepare the house?" he asked quietly, always afraid of Jeff's schemes - but secure knowing that they'd work out for the best eventaully. He didn't pay much attention as the doorbell rang.

"I...I did?" he asked, a look of confusion passing over his face.

"Sure, majesty," replied Weathers, who had just taken over for Lawrence, "to help yourself calm down."

"Oh, boy," muttered James.

James grinned. He now couldn't remember quite why he had been so worried. "What ways do we have to prepare the house?" he asked quietly, always afraid of Jeff's schemes - but secure knowing that they'd work out for the best eventaully. He didn't pay much attention as the doorbell rang.

"Oh not much, some candles, a bottle of chilled wine, some flowers, a secluded little dining room, maybe put an engagement ring as the centerpiece of her dessert..."

"I...I did?" he asked, a look of confusion passing over his face.

"Sure, majesty," replied Weathers, who had just taken over for Lawrence, "to help yourself calm down."

"Oh, boy," muttered James.

"Now now James! Behave yourself, Christin would have my head if you did that! She's here to give you a real massage."

"A ring!" remembered James suddenly, just managing to suppress the urge to go tearing off in search of one. "Oh, I hope Dr. Niven knows a good jewelry store around here..."

---

"If you weren't so darn dashing, I'd have your head," James smiled, not quite daring to glance back at the attractive young lady. What would Jessica or his mother say? What do I care what they'd say? "er..."

Jeff smiled at James, "Don't worry about it," he said. "I have to be useful for something right? I'll go get it, you relax."

James was still trying to avoid looking at the masseuse, and frowned at Jeff. "Are you sure? I mean, that just seems like..."

Weathers shook his head sadly. "Look, your majesty, I know you really well, and I think you'd rather not have me breathing down your neck while you're trying to relax. I'll go with Sir Jeffery and make sure we get the absolute perfect one, ok?"

"...er...ok..." replied James in a quiet voice.

(I'm off for a bit - be back in half an hour or so!)

(Gratuitous chance to show some of Jeff's cyberware :wink: )

Jeff snaps his fingers, "I've got it," he grins walking into the house and picking up a digital camera, connection wire and looking for the new neuralware jack at the back of his skull, walks back onto the deck.

"Bingo! James, you relax here, and I'll send in the pictures of the rings as I see them and you can tell me which one to get! It's the easiest shopping you'll ever do!"

James wasn't quite sure how that was going to work, but he nodded. "Yeah, ok, that sounds great. Thanks again, Jeff," he said, smiling at his friend, before pulling him closer.

"One thing, though," he whispered. "Er, what exactaly am I supposed to do?" He looked very embarassed.

Jeff looked at James a moment. "Well the traditional way is to get down on one knee, take the ring and slip it on her finger, asking her if she'll marry you..."

James looked at his friend with something nearing exasperation, tempered mainly by the fact he was still slightly blushed. "Well, yeah, I've figured that part out. I mean, what do I do now?" He gestured over his shoulder at the masseuse. "I mean, this isn't exactaly a common service in Iansisle!"

Jeff smiled at Weathers and turned back to James, "OK, brah, you just lie on your stomach on that table they are setting up in the bedroom, and relax. Just make sure you're wearing a pair of swimtrunks, or otherwise she'll just have to cover you up with that handtowel... Tell ya what, we'll hang out here until your massage is over. Then maybe Weathers can get one to calm him down too," he winked at Weathers. "While he's getting a massage we'll go shopping. Don't worry, I'll protect you. Anyone has a problem, you tell them to talk to me," he nods to Weathers.

Jeff turned to the therapist, "Treat him kinda hard, there's a lot of... tension there." he says giving her a tip.

"You got it baby," she smiles at him. "Come on, let's get this started."

"I, ah, think I left my trunks in the room..." started James, backing away.

"No, majesty, I got 'em right here," smiled Weathers, holding them up. James looked at him unhappily.

"Oh, er, that's good...I'll just go, er, change really quick in my room..."

"It's ok, majesty," replied Weathers, "There's a bathroom right there you can use!"

"Oh...er, that's...good," managed James between clenched teeth, retreating to the nearby bathroom. He emerged a few minutes later, looking sharp in the conservatively cut swim shorts. They were still revealing enough to give Iansislean high society pause, but Christin had insisted that (of the somewhat limited choices of Iansisle's clothing stores) they had looked best on him.

In the meantime, Weathers glanced over at Jeff. "It's ok, sir. I've got to go wherever 'is majesty does, and..." The guard paused at Jeff's wink. "Of course, I really could use a massage, and I'm sure the High King'll be fine in your able care, sir," he winked back. "Just don't tell the sarge!"

"Tell the sarge what?" Jeff looked at Weathers innocently.

He walked into the house and picked up the twins and carried them back to the deck. "While you're getting a rubdown James, I'll rock the twins to their nap."

The massage therapist walks back with James to the back room...

(Let me know when he's ready to go shopping ;))

"Ouch!" "Eep!" "Egads!" "Ahh!" "Crimoney!" "Good lord, that hurts!"

After some time, with the occasional shout above coming out of the room, James emerged, a strange smile on his face. "Hey, Weathers," he said lazily, "Funny that something so painful can feel so good, isn't it?" He rotated his head around quickly, then glanced about. "Where's Sir Jeffery?"

"Inside, majesty," replied the K.I.G. man, looking in the proper direction. "I think he's waiting for you."

"Right-o," replied James, throwing a tee shirt on. He wasn't in the mood to get fully dressed, and the shorts were comfortable enough. He walked in, looking for Jeff.

(woohoo! We get to rename our nation's titles now! I'm 'the Grand Empire and Dominions of Iansisle" (I wanted 'Grand Empire and Commonwealth', but it's one *%^ letter too long!))

(Sweet! I need to do that then... Hmmmm...)

Jeff was sitting in the living room, bouncing a giggling Marcus and Julie on his knee.

"And that's how daddy and Uncle James met," he said smiling at them. "Hey James, feeling better?"

He stood up and walked over to a dual rocker, putting the twins in it and started rocking them to sleep.

"Shall we?"

"Strangely, yes," he winked. "That was one of the most painful - and relaxing - experiances of my life!" He smiled as if there were not a care in the world, then nodded, "I think we shall, if you're ready to shepard me through another step."

As they walked out James glanced back at the twins. "Telling them the story of the coronation? I hope you at least left out that Jarlsbergian ambassador!"

"Are you kidding?" Jeff looked mock-shocked. "I told them everything... that I want them to know. We showed up, you were coronated, everyone had cake and ice cream, there was a lot of dancing and everyone lived happily ever after."

Jeff and James got in the roadster in the garage. "Dad told me the location of the best jeweler in the country, and it's programmed in. Be a piece of cake to get there."

Jeff drove the car to the gate, then peeled out as the gate opened...

James smiled and winked. "That's just how I remember it too, come to think of it..." His voice trailed off as they entered the garage. What with everything going on, Jeff's driving had really been the furthest thing from his mind. And now that Jeff was strapping himself into the driver's seat, it was very close. Resigning himself with a sigh, James climbed into the front passanger's seat and belted up.

He relaxed somewhat as Jeff kept a reasonable pace out of the doc's driveway. After the gate, however, the gee forces were too much to even permit him to grab for the 'shit strap'.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Jeff chuckled to himself, he'd spun the tires, then drove out of the gate at a very reasonable speed....

(oooh, you wascawy wabbit! ;))

James opened his right eye first, looked about, then cracked the left. "I...I'm still alive...and not in any imminent danger..."

He smiled at Jeff. "Y'know, this could prove to be a very welcome change of pace!"

( :lol: It was worth it...)

Jeff grinned at James, "Ya know, it is really nice," he turned to check as he cut into another traffic lane, slowly speeding up to stay with the traffic. "No monsters, no vampires... no demons... Just kicking back, enjoying the time passing..."

Jeff popped the hardtop back as they drove. The car smoothly switched lanes as Jeff and James drove down the roads. Eventually, the car slipped into a expensive looking part of town and Jeff parked next to a small building surrounded by pine trees.

"Here's the place."

"Yeah," agreed James, his hand still twitching towards the handle. "Experiance the world the way normal people do." Without thinking about it, he also checked over his shoulder as the lanes changed. "I think I could live in Celeborne forever."

After they arrived, James stepped out, rubbing his hands together and making a quick washing motion. He held the door open for Jeff. "I can't believe I'm actually doing this," he laughed.

Jeff nodded, "Yeah, I see your point. I dunno, I like both Celeborne and Iansisle. A lot better than Larkinia, to be honest.

"A lot of people would give their right arm to live in a place like this," Jeff said with a wink.

I should know, I almost did...

*****

Jeff clapped his friend on the back, gently (still getting used to the new upgrades), "It's great James, I haven't seen you this happy since... you first met Christin. This is really wonderful!" Jeff walked in and looked around the store.

A young woman walked up, "Yes? How can I help you?"

James laughed slightly, before turning to concentrate on the view. For a state so much more advanced than Iansisle, Celeborne had a certain natural beauty that the Commonwealth lacked. Maybe it was because Celeborne didn't run on coal.

----

"Come to think of it, Jeff, I believe that may be the last time I felt this good!" he laughed, looking blankly at the rows upon rows of rings with a slightly vacant stare. He smiled in relief as the woman walked up. "Hello; I'm looking for an engagement ring, preferably something with a Celtic design," he replied.

"Hmmmmm, a celtic engagement ring..."

She looked through the rows of rings. "Hang on, I have something in the back that might work."

She walked to the back and a moment later walked out with a box. She opened the box to show a perfect diamond, in a platinum ring done to a Celtic knotwork designed band.

James whistled softly between his teeth in admiration of the ring. "It's beautiful," he said, looking from it to the clerk. Of course, in the Commonwealth, colored gemstones were much more highly prized than diamonds (even on engagement rings), but this really wasn't a Commonwealth wedding. He weighed the options in his mind, and decided that asking to see another certainly couldn't hurt, as the store wasn't crowded.

"Tha ring is very lovely," he said, "and I'd certainly like to keep it under consideration, but I don't suppose you have anything similar, but perhaps with a gold band?"

She set the box under the glass, "Here's another one in that kind of design," she said picking up another ring, a brilliant gold ring with a Celtic band design laser-etched into the metal, a sapphire standing out from the band with four golden posts.

James smiled at was, in Iansislean culture at least, a more conventional engagement ring. He looked at it closely, then glanced at the first one again. However, it was love at first sight with the second, and he looked up at the clerk. "Dare I ask how much the damage would be?" Money was, of course, no issue, but James would still prefer not to get ripped off.

"Ahem," Jeff cleared his throat. As the clerk looked at him, she saw Jeff wink at her when James asked about the price.

"That's quite all right sir," she said to James. "I believe it's only 850 credits. Do we have a winner?"

OOC: Reminded of the last time one of my characters went shopping for a ring, we ended up gettin in a huge argument over the sentinence of AI... Lark, keep with Christin for a bit. I'm diagnosed-Positive Flu, so very little RP today for me. What RP I do do is going to be done in the Meeting of the Minds (APTO-Meeting) thread, which you should all read, I love RPing as an arrogant jerk off for a president, :lol: . Also, I changed to the 'United Republic of Imitora', but I'm thinking I need to be somethign a bit more unique. Any ideas? Also, the Montague...I mean, Chirstin's squadron, will be showing up a touch later in the thread.... :twisted: :twisted:

(A flu? How ironic! ;))

"850 credits," mused James, patting a bag attached to the side of his shorts. He didn't quite know how much a credit was, or really what one was, but still checked his coin purse. "I've got generals, silver marks, and NuYen," he said looking up. "Do you accept any of those?"

(A flu? How ironic! ;))

(LOL, I was thinking that...)

Jeff nodded, "Well, you can always just have it charged, let the bank deal with the exchange rate..."

(A flu? How ironic! ;))

OOC: Starts hemmorghin...ah damnit

IC:

Christin smiled at Mike. "I owe ya for this," she said, hugging her old wing man. She looked at her little toy tha would get her to Celeborne, an older model F/A-18H Yellow Jacket. "How did ya get it out?" she asked, zipping up her flight suit.

"Well, ya know what they say about me. I got the reflexes of a cat..."

"And the speed of a mongoose," she said, smiling agin, climbing into teh cockpit of the super fighter.

OOC2: Hey, Iansisle, hows that Billion plus dollars I stuck in your bank doing?

(A flu? How ironic! ;))

OOC: Starts hemmorghin...ah damnit

OOC: *starts whistling innocently...* Keep in mind I'm too far away to administer CPR, plus I saw "Outbreak", I know how this goes down. It's always the EMT's that get whacked.

OOC2: Yeah, how my cash doing too? I sense the need to bust it out for the wedding. ;)

The agile fighter banked slightly, turning into a lazy circle over Celebornian airspace. She pulled back lightly on the throttles holding the fighter at a conservative 250mph, and gently pushing the thrust paddles up, so taht the nose of the fighter would hold just above the horrizon. Christin keyed the mic, as she held the unarmed fighter in its pattern.

"Celeborne Air Control, this is Black Knight 6, holding circular pattern at angels two zero, airspeed is constant two five zero, request permisson to land, have one hour fuel, can hold, over."

(Since Celeborne's not here, I think we can assume she landed and is en route to the house all right... blushing bride huh? I think we know the answer to the question then. ;) )

Wait...he didnt ask yet...damnit, I thought he did....see, flu=bad. Let me change that.

Christin, as always, made the landing intresting, and quickly grabbed her bag from behind the seat. She grabbed a cab, and gave teh driver the adress of Niven's estate.

(Hell, there's no cab there, Jeff's got a limo waiting for her. ;) )

The limo picked up Christin and pulled onto the roads, heading towards Dr. Niven's estate.

Jeff's cell phone quietly buzzed. Jeff pulled out the connection wire, "Excuse me a moment," he said to James before plugging it in, a slightly glazed look rolled across his eyes.

Hi sweetie. She is? Great! We won't be too long. I've got a surprise for you too... love ya, bye.

-This never happend-

"That sounds like a plan," nodded James. After a quick trip to the banks, he returned (no doubt astonished by how many generals 850 credits was!) and paid for it. Then he smiled at Jeff. "I bet Christin will be getting here soon." He was quite assuredly happy, but Jeff could see that he was really nervous too!

Jeff had just finished paying for an emerald necklace and earrings for Katherine as James walked in and paid for the ring.

"Yeah," Jeff said urgently "We've gotta go!"

Jeff and James walked out to the car and jumped in. Jeff pulled the car out and swept into traffic.

He saw a limo ahead of him in the traffic.

"Hmmmm... looks like she's a little early," Jeff grinned. "You want to beat the limo back?"

"Yes," replied James at once, before considering the implications. "I mean no!" He paused - they probably wouldn't die. "Yes!"

Jeff grinned as he looked out on the roadway, "That's the spirit!"

The roadster roared as Jeff and James shot around the limo on the highway, cutting in between two cars to leave it in their dust.

OOC: So...where is Christin?

"Please let me make it to the wedding," repeated James over and over again as the car shot off, passing Christin. He tried to duck down as they passed so she couldn't see him.

OOC: She'll be getting to the house just after Jeff and James get there. Sorry I haven't posted more yet, we're up against deadline again.

Oh, ok, gotta go back and edit a post.

Jeff and James zoomed to the gate at the Niven Estate. The gate opened quickly and the two drove up to the garage and slid the car into place before leaping out toward the house.

"OK, remember, relax, look calm, look cool, you're the man." Jeff winked at James.

James smiled back, clutching the ring box in his pocked. He though it must be impossible for Jeff not to hear his heart thudding; it felt as if it were about to crack through his rib cage. He walked into the house, wishing he had time to prepare a speech that truely expressed his thoughts for Christin. "'my dearest Christin' ... no ... 'my love' ... no ..." he panted, perhaps because of the run, but most likely because of the anxiety.

you'll sure look stupid if you get down there on one knee and she says 'no'

shut up!

just think - she may not even love you

SHUT UP!

The doorbell rang. James stood staring at it stupidly.

Pridemore walks to the door and opens in. On the other side stood...

A rather rotund guy with a t-shirt and jeans, three day-old stubble choming on a cigar and holding a red box warmer. He walks into the house...

"Yo, did any a youse guys order a pizza?"

Giovanni smacked his forehead as he remembered.. "Yeah, over here."

This has been an OOC only post ;)

Pridemore walks to the door and opens in. On the other side stood...

A rather rotund guy with a t-shirt and jeans, three day-old stubble choming on a cigar and holding a red box warmer. He walks into the house...

"Yo, did any a youse guys order a pizza?"

Giovanni smacked his forehead as he remembered.. "Yeah, over here."

This has been an OOC only post ;)

OOC: Its all good. Giovanni is about to be pulled away to other parts of Larkinia anwyas...

OOC: Oh dear... he is? Why am I suddenly worried.... :P

I have two PIRA gunmen taking a hostage to the Larkinian coast to hidout. Gio finds out, assaembles the team, and all is good.

OOC: Gotcha, if you want to RP Christin's arrival to the fortress, it's all you dude ;)

OOC: Gotcha, if you want to RP Christin's arrival to the fortress, it's all you dude ;)

I was gonna let do it?

(mm...pizza)

OOC: Well, OK dude.

IC: Pridemore opens the door, Christin, still in her flight suit, smiles when she sees James and runs towards him.

Jeff nudges James toward Christin, "good luck!" he whispers to him.

It was lucky there wasn't a breeze going, because it would have knocked James flat on his back. He stood for a second, still looking blankly at the door and the lovely figure framed therein, before Jeff nudged him towards the door. At once, his nerves all cut off, and instinct took over. He walked up to Christin, and embraced her tenderly, kissing her cheek (the scandal!). "Welcome to Celeborne, lovely," he whispered, "I've missed you so much!"

(I've got your scandal right here bub.. ;) )

Christin whispered back to him, "I've missed you too." She pulled him down by the shirt and gave him a long, slow kiss.

(Several thousand miles away, IanCorp CEO Jacob Kingston cut himself shaving. "I've GOT to get a camera in Dr. Niven's house," he decided after a moment. ;))

James, as a highly dignified and respectable member of Iansislean high society should have been shocked, and maybe even repulsed, but he had far too much exposure to foreign culture to even think about his proper upbringing now. Instead, he returned the kiss passionatly, breaking apart after a few seconds and looking into her eyes.

"I've got a surprise for you, Christin," he whispered after a moment, "but I need to give it to you in private." He took her hand and started to lead her into the next room...

"Umm, ok," she said, happily. "What is it?" she asked with a curious tone, following James.

OOC: Phone with GF, so now I'm back.

The room they walked into had been prepared for the two of them, complete with candles and flowers. (gotta love Pridemore and Katherine ;) )

*rest snipped*