NationStates Jolt Archive

Larkinian Presidential Palace, Golden Agate, Evening

Takeo Katana sipped the glass of scotch as he watched the sun drop below the volcanos on the horizon. Earlier this week, he'd been trying to keep one of Larkinia's few heroes away from the firing squad at a court marshal. Now, his staff was quickly preparing an impromptu party to be thrown for that same man by his family and friends after he was only convicted on one charge. He'd asked for the leaders of many nations to attend the trial, to try and insure it would remain a fair trial in the eyes of the world. Takeo succeeded, partially.

He'd just finished talking on the phone to his brother Javin, who was acting as Ambassador to Iansisle in the Admira... Captain's place. He knew he'd have to get used to referring to Jeff Williams as Captain Williams again, not Admiral.

It was a shame, he and his team risked their lives, many dying, in Tharkold to rescue a group of refugees. He believed they did the right thing, the heads of Military Command didn't. Due to the break in powers, he didn't have much of a choice during the trial, but now he intended to make up for it.

He told Javin to prepare to return to Larkinia, then said a silent prayer that Javin hadn't upset too many people in Iansisle, and patted the box in the pocket of his tuxedo before finishing the drink and walking out to head to the main ballroom of the Presidential Palace.

(OOC: Come one and all to this little party, just RP your way into the doorway if you haven't been in on these threads yet. ;) )

Although most of the military men who had attended the trial had since wandered off into Golden Agate's underworld to celebrate in their own fashion - hopefully, without insulting or impregnating too many of their hosts - James Callahan and Christin Chaffin had found their way to the proper party, doubtlessly in the company of their hosts.

Although most of the military men who had attended the trial had since wandered off into Golden Agate's underworld to celebrate in their own fashion - hopefully, without insulting or impregnating too many of their hosts..

(heh heh, I'll get to them in a bit ;) )

Takeo walked in with King James and Duchess Chaffin as music started to waft through the ballroom. A waiter walked up with three martinis on his tray.

"Your majesty, madam," Takeo said to them as he picked drinks and handed them to the pair, "Adm.. Captain Williams and his wife will be here shortly, they are still at his apartment.

(heh heh, I'll get to them in a bit ;) )

Takeo walked in with King James and Duchess Chaffin as music started to waft through the ballroom. A waiter walked up with three martinis on his tray.

"Your majesty, madam," Takeo said to them as he picked drinks and handed them to the pair, "Adm.. Captain Williams and his wife will be here shortly, they are still at his apartment.

(I can just imagine the front page of the Star-Tribune: "First Sea Lord Arrested for Indecent Exposure in Larkinia!" ;))

Christin chuckled to herself, though James didn’t quite seem to get the reference. He took a quick sip of his drink, wondering why the universe always seemed to leave him out of all the good jokes. Seeing his look, Christin nudged him and whispered “I’ll explain later.”

“Right. Ah...” he floundered for conversation briefly, then quickly rebounded. “President Katana, I don’t know how I can possibly thank you enough what you did tonight or express how much it means to me and my countrymen. I can only offer you my eternal gratitude, and the pledge that, should you ever find yourself in need, I shall do everything in my power to aide you.”

Christin chuckled again, and James wondered what was so funny about what he had said.

(that's if he's lucky, after all, Larkinia has passed those laws regarding orientation over and over... :P)

Takeo just smiled at King James and Ms. Chaffin.

"Your majesty, it was the least I could do for the Ambassador," he said, deciding it was safer to just go by his new job instead of stumbling over his rank again.

"Your pledge of aid means much to us," he said as he walked with the young pair. "As you have seen, our democracy is still a work in progress, there is no reason this should have gone as far as it did. But because of the damage Grant caused in his final time ruling, a very strong split between the military and the presidency was demanded."

----------

Meanwhile, at a small apartment in the Corporate Sector

Jeff hadn't been in his old place in... hell it'd been years. He finished slipping into his black formal suit and was adjusting his silver tie in the mirror when a beautiful red-head swished into the room in a slinky, silky black evening gown. She'd leaned against the door and looked at Jeff.

"Well, Mister Ambassador" she said with a grin. "What do you think?"

Jeff smiled and walked over to her. "You know, madam, for a mother of three, you don't look like one."

She slapped his arm teasingly, "And just what does one look like?"

"Well... I... er.. not like you," he said kissing her.

She smiled after the kiss then looked at him, "Don't change the subject."

"We should be going now," Jeff winked. "We've got someone to watch the kids. After you." he added holding the door open for her.

(that's if he's lucky, after all, Larkinia has passed those laws regarding orientation over and over... :P)

Takeo just smiled at King James and Ms. Chaffin.

"Your majesty, it was the least I could do for the Ambassador," he said, deciding it was safer to just go by his new job instead of stumbling over his rank again.

"Your pledge of aid means much to us," he said as he walked with the young pair. "As you have seen, our democracy is still a work in progress, there is no reason this should have gone as far as it did. But because of the damage Grant caused in his final time ruling, a very strong split between the military and the presidency was demanded."

(:oops: Oh...dear ;))

"I certainly understand what you mean, Mr. President. Those last days of General Grant's reign were trying times for all New Highlands nations. Still, considering what he left you to work with, I'd have to say that you've done a marvelous job rebuilding Larkinia to the bastion on democracy it deserves to be."

James swirled his drink again before taking another sip. "I think that seperation of cheif of state and military was just what my ancestors were thinking when they designed what has become the Admiralty. The Prime Minister, after a confirmation from parliament if they ask for one, appoints five non-military men to the Civilian Board - the First through Fifth Lords of the Admiralty - who then oversee the appointment of the naval board - the First through Fifth Sea Lords - who oversee the actual workings of the fleet."

One might notice that James' reference didnt' include in any way Iansisle's other branches of military, but then, no one in Iansisle really cared about the Army or the Flying Corps, did they?

Jeff and Katherine walked out onto the street and saw the car Dr. Niven had waiting for them.

"Impressive. I thought only diplomats had access to the official stretch SUV's." he said.

"You forget, dear, you are one now," Katherine told Jeff.

"Yeah, I guess..."

He held the door as his wife slid into the back of the limo. Closing the door after he sat down inside he said, "Driver, to the presidential palace please."

The driver nodded and the car sprang to life on the roads heading toward the Presidential Palace in the mountains.

(:oops: Oh...dear ;))

"I certainly understand what you mean, Mr. President. Those last days of General Grant's reign were trying times for all New Highlands nations. Still, considering what he left you to work with, I'd have to say that you've done a marvelous job rebuilding Larkinia to the bastion on democracy it deserves to be."

"Yes, I know, they were very trying times. It was only because of the strength of our allies that we were able to stand strong. Many people died as a result of our inability to see what was before us. Instead, opting to be blinded by fear."

James swirled his drink again before taking another sip. "I think that seperation of cheif of state and military was just what my ancestors were thinking when they designed what has become the Admiralty. The Prime Minister, after a confirmation from parliament if they ask for one, appoints five non-military men to the Civilian Board - the First through Fifth Lords of the Admiralty - who then oversee the appointment of the naval board - the First through Fifth Sea Lords - who oversee the actual workings of the fleet."

"That is an interesting way of establishing military control. Ours is supposed to be based on rank and merit, in the end, the Ministers of the Army, Navy and Aerospace forces are voted on by Parliament at the beginning of every presidential term, at least, that's the way we have it written in the books. I fear that it may be used for the gain of a few who try and consolidate parliamentary power."

"Yes, I know, they were very trying times. It was only because of the strength of our allies that we were able to stand strong. Many people died as a result of our inability to see what was before us. Instead, opting to be blinded by fear."

"Well, Mr. President, I can think of at least one person who held fast before the blindness, and that would be yourself. If not for your steadfastness in dealing with the situation, I fear a lot more people would have lost their lives."

"That is an interesting way of establishing military control. Ours is supposed to be based on rank and merit, in the end, the Ministers of the Army, Navy and Aerospace forces are voted on by Parliament at the beginning of every presidential term, at least, that's the way we have it written in the books. I fear that it may be used for the gain of a few who try and consolidate parliamentary power."

"Well, Mr. President, I can certainly understand that concern." He paused suddenly. "Speaking of governmental military control, I do wonder what happened to those navy men that came with me... I sure hope they're not out causing trouble..."

"I wouldn't worry about it too much!" smiled Christin, squeezing James' hand. "After all, they are Iansislean...from what I've seen, their idea of a good time would consist of tasting wine while watching paint dry on a wall."

"Hey now!" laughed James. "We do enjoy many more exciting past times than that - for instance, having a small cup of cocoa while watching the grass grow is always popular."

"Take me dancing, James," Christin said suddenly, before turning to smile at Takeo. "Am I correct in my assumption that there will be something a little more...outlandish than an Iansislean minuet at this party, Mr. President?"

Jeff and Katherine sat together in the limo, looking out at the city lights as they were driven through Golden Agate, from the Corporate Sector through the Executive Zone, and its expensive townhomes, apartments and mansions, grass and trees as far as the eye could see as part of the forest was regrown in the city. This area was owned by the Larkinian Elite, the captains of industry in the country and this region of the world, the CEO's of businesses.

"I always dreamed about living here someday," Jeff said quietly as the diplomatic car zipped through the area. "Of being able to have a home here, or a townhouse at least."

"You can now," Katherine said with a kiss.

"Yeah, I guess I can," he replied softly. "I don't know if I want to now, with everything that's happened."

The car passed the Executive Zone and was soon pulling into the entryway drive of the Presidential Palace.

A man opened the door for Jeff and Katherine as the two walked into the brisk night air. The moonlight and starlight twinkled off of the diamond necklace she wore. He held open the door for her as she walked in with him. The two walked towards the ballroom.

"Did I ever mention how nervous these things make me?" he asked.

"Well get used to it," she grinned.

"Well, Mr. President, I can certainly understand that concern." He paused suddenly. "Speaking of governmental military control, I do wonder what happened to those navy men that came with me... I sure hope they're not out causing trouble..."

"Oh dear, I hope they watch where they go! I'd hate for them to stumble into a club where the people aren't quite... what they seem," Takeo said.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much!" smiled Christin, squeezing James' hand. "After all, they are Iansislean...from what I've seen, their idea of a good time would consist of tasting wine while watching paint dry on a wall."

"Hey now!" laughed James. "We do enjoy many more exciting past times than that - for instance, having a small cup of cocoa while watching the grass grow is always popular."

"Take me dancing, James," Christin said suddenly, before turning to smile at Takeo. "Am I correct in my assumption that there will be something a little more...outlandish than an Iansislean minuet at this party, Mr. President?"

"So Iansisle sounds like an exciting place to be after all," Takeo says with a small grin. "Cocoa and growing grass, can't beat it."

Takeo waved to the band, who suddenly started playing the tango. "How is that madam?"

"...not quite what they seem?" asked James, a confused look spreading over his face. Christin whispered something in his ear. "Ah! Wait...people acutally do that!?"

----

"Can't beat the Shield for kicks," James managed to say before he was whipped out on the dance floor. There had only been two tangos played in the history of Iansislean balls - and only three human participants in them - but the young High King seemed to know what he was doing in the complicated steps. Perhaps someone had been working with him?

Jeff and Katherine tried to slip into the ballroom, but couldn't get past the watchful eyes of Katana, who smiled at Jeff and nodded to him.

They watched as James and Christin danced in the ballroom.

"Well I'll be..." Jeff whispered to Katherine, "I think he's finally getting it."

"Yes," Katherine said, "So when are we dancing?"

"I... er... Um..."

(hmm...maybe we'd get a better turnout if you changed the 'open' in the title to 'free beer' ;))

James would have come over to greet Jeff and Kate himself, but it was slightly tough to notice newcomers while doing the tango.

Jeff grinned as he saw how happy James looked with Christin, and worked out an idea for the bachelor party, including one dancer in particular that James loved.. ;)

Jeff hobbled over to the bar when Chris walked into the room.

"Ladies, the party can begin, I have finally arrived!" Chris said, his bravado restored.

Chris walked over to the bar and ordered a glass of wine.

"Jeff, how are you doing man?"

"As well as can be expected Chris, considering I was court marshaled earlier today."

"You're not letting that get you down are you?"

"Not much, well yeah a little."

Jeff grinned as he saw how happy James looked with Christin, and worked out an idea for the bachelor party, including one dancer in particular that James loved.. ;)

(woah, woah, I missed this! James is, as we speak, even, sending Jeff a big fat NO! on the entire Stripperzilla concept! :wink:

Er, sorry I haven't been participating much in this thread. I'm waiting for one or two more people to straggle in. If that doesn't work, I might just have to end the tango!)

Jeff grinned as he saw how happy James looked with Christin, and worked out an idea for the bachelor party, including one dancer in particular that James loved.. ;)

(woah, woah, I missed this! James is, as we speak, even, sending Jeff a big fat NO! on the entire Stripperzilla concept! :wink:

Er, sorry I haven't been participating much in this thread. I'm waiting for one or two more people to straggle in. If that doesn't work, I might just have to end the tango!)

(Heh heh, it's not 'stripper'zilla Jeff's calling, it's James' favorite... ;))

Major Fowler walked into the ballroom, wearing a white, satiny dress with a long slit (considering she's 6'0) up the side.

She walked over to Jeff and Chris, "Gentlemen," she said.

Chris and Jeff turned to her, saluting. "Ma'am." they said together.

"Captain Williams," she turned to Jeff, "I was wondering.. that gentleman you were talking with today, the dashing one who was with the group of diplomats, where is he?"

"You mean James?" Jeff asked, "He's on the dance floor, but he's engaged Major."

"No, the other one, Dr. Niven."

"Dad??" Jeff asked. "He's... not here yet. You want me to send him your way?"

She picked up her margarita. "If you would, I'd appreciate it," she said.

(Heh heh, it's not 'stripper'zilla Jeff's calling, it's James' favorite... ;))

('James' favorite', eh? *ponders* Crud, I can't think of anyone other than Stripperzilla from Ic's party, and I don't think James went to Jeff's...unless this is something out of left field? oh dear! ;))


"Captain Williams," she turned to Jeff, "I was wondering.. that gentleman you were talking with today, the dashing one who was with the group of diplomats, where is he?"

"You mean James?" Jeff asked, "He's on the dance floor, but he's engaged Major."

"No, the other one, Dr. Niven."

(hubba hubba! Go doc!)

(Well, the 'zilla' part was right... :twisted: )

Major Fowler sauntered away to talk with Katana about Jeff's trial.

Chris turned back to Jeff. "So what's got you down man? You're the hero of this little party. All of this is for you man."

"Yeah," Jeff said looking at the assembled diplomats and members of Parliament talking. "Chris, we did the right thing, I know we did, but what about the others still there?"

"Jeff," Chris said, putting his hand on his friend's shoulder. "This isn't the Academy anymore. There are no black and white answers to the ethics tests here. You did what you could, you have others to think of as well. A wife, three kids now. You can't keep the weight of the world on your shoulders, you shouldn't have to."

"Yeah," Jeff said sipping his bourbon.

(Well, the 'zilla' part was right... :twisted: )

(d'oh! Hooterzilla! I knew that, honest! ;)

And now, largely because I'm feeling a tad useless: )

Richard Tri did his level best to make a quiet enterence, but in the rather ornate dress uniform of a Royal Iansislean Navy Grand Admiral. He removed his elaborate bicorne, looked about for somewhere to set it down, then slowly replaced it upon his head. Very slowly, he started to inch his way towards Jeff, the only person he knew at the party who wasn't otherwise occupied.

(Now to figure out where to throw said party so a lot of IanCorp reporters are there... ;) )

Jeff hobbled over to meet Richard halfway and finished the stroll to the bar with him.

"Now, tell me why you aren't out with your sailors having a good time? Or did you meet someone you didn't expect to?"

Jeff hobbled over to meet Richard halfway and finished the stroll to the bar with him.

"Now, tell me why you aren't out with your sailors having a good time? Or did you meet someone you didn't expect to?"

"Someone I didn't expect to? Why, Sir Jeffrey, are you plotting to have me killed?" he asked with an arched eyebrow, feeling all the more overdressed as he glanced about the ball room. "No, I'm afraid your bounty hunter hasn't caught up with me. It could be because I'm so darn slow. One bar, and those young ruffians had left me behind.

"So I decided it would probably be best for the ol' liver if I came here and celebrated in a slightly more refined manner." He picked up a nearby glass of wine and smelled it before offering a toast. "Or then again, maybe not. Here's to freedom and honor, and most of all the man of the evening!"

"Have you killed? Why Richard, I'm hurt," Jeff said in mock pain and a wink.

"...Here's to freedom and honor, and most of all the man of the evening!"

Jeff looked around, "Dr. Niven's here already? Where?" Then he grinned at Admiral Tri and raised his glass with Richard, "To freedom and honor."

the impressive state car growled it's way towards the front door, a the dirver lept out before saluting to the three people who got out of the car
Prime Minister Habbak Shariff
King Hykar I
Queen Katherine

also in an other car behind but not so lavish as the state car jumped out 4 men, 3 of which were in the King's Bodyguard uniform another was in a simple tuxedo, this man went over to the PM
-Blimey Sir it's a bit posher then yours sir isn't it?
- Yes, quite so, but remember their economy is stronger then ours, i hope we can get something more than a social outing out of this....
he sighed, these partes had never been his forte

The King in his rather obvious red gown and jewel encrusted crown began the walk up to the stairs, he turned to his bodyguard detail....
-you lot can go....enjoy yourselfs in the town...be back here for about 1.am

-Certainly your highness
Replied one of the guards, who was decorated with several medals, he saluted and began to wander around the gardens while the other two made for the town.

ooc: it's because you have put "open invite" not "open RP" onto the title, people think that you need to be invited by one of you two to join in.....

Jeff looked around, "Dr. Niven's here already? Where?" Then he grinned at Admiral Tri and raised his glass with Richard, "To freedom and honor."

"Have it your own way, Jeff," grinned Sir Richard before taking a sip from his glass, "But I'm drinking to you!"

His eyes glanced out to the dance floor, and the Admiral couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "I wonder what the court would say if they saw our monarch engaging in such scandalous behavior?"

The small midlonian party continued its way down one of the halls
-where the bloody hell is this party murmered the King
-don't know sir
-well find some one then! one of the kings pudgy hands waving away the PM's aid

-what about this sign my lord?
the sign clearly stated which direction they should take
the king's moustache quivered
-errr yes.... i was just testing you i knew of that sign all along of course...
-yer right muttered the PM
-what was that Habbak? the King rounded on him
-nothing my lord........

Colonel filitov wandered through the palace gardens.... he loved the well kept colourful lush area, he mereley continued to wander, hoping on day in a fantastic corner of Midlonia to have one aswell.....

the impressive state car growled it's way towards the front door, a the dirver lept out before saluting to the three people who got out of the car
Prime Minister Habbak Shariff
King Hykar I
Queen Katherine

also in an other car behind but not so lavish as the state car jumped out 4 men, 3 of which were in the King's Bodyguard uniform another was in a simple tuxedo, this man went over to the PM
-Blimey Sir it's a bit posher then yours sir isn't it?
- Yes, quite so, but remember their economy is stronger then ours, i hope we can get something more than a social outing out of this....
he sighed, these partes had never been his forte

The King in his rather obvious red gown and jewel encrusted crown began the walk up to the stairs, he turned to his bodyguard detail....
-you lot can go....enjoy yourselfs in the town...be back here for about 1.am

-Certainly your highness
Replied one of the guards, who was decorated with several medals, he saluted and began to wander around the gardens while the other two made for the town.

OOC: My bad, :oops: I knew I shouldn't have done this on no sleep at work ;)

The guards walked out to meet the King. They saluted him before speaking. "Are you here for the party sir? It's right this way."

"Have it your own way, Jeff," grinned Sir Richard before taking a sip from his glass, "But I'm drinking to you!"

His eyes glanced out to the dance floor, and the Admiral couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "I wonder what the court would say if they saw our monarch engaging in such scandalous behavior?"

Jeff chuckled with Sir Richard, "Well then, that makes one of us," he winked.

"I think the court, pardon my language, needs to bend over, reach between their legs, get a good hold, and pull the damn sticks out of their asses," Jeff said.

Jeff chuckled with Sir Richard, "Well then, that makes one of us," he winked.

"I think the court, pardon my language, needs to bend over, reach between their legs, get a good hold, and pull the damn sticks out of their asses," Jeff said.

It was all Sir Richard could do to keep from losing his drink. "That's quite a ... vivid description, if I do say so myself," he chuckled. "And one that undoubtably holds true. Of course, if I were you, I shouldn't speak so ill of a group I was about to join," he winked.

Jeff smiled at Tri, "I know I shouldn't Richard, but like James said, if he actually makes me a nobleman, then I can annoy them all I want without fear of reprisal."

Jeff finished the glass of scotch and picked up another one.

"So how have you been? Between the escape and the trial, I haven't seen much of you."

the doors were opened by the guards entering to the Ball room, the King and Quenn entered and look for their Larkanian counter-parts
the PM and his aide did the same

President Katana looked as the doors were opened and the King and Queen walked into the ballroom. He excused himself from Major Fowler and walked over to greet them.

"Welcome to the Presidential Palace," he said with a bow, "I am Takeo Katana, President of Larkinia."

-Thank you so much... replied the king with a small bow of his own
-May i introduce, well i suppose he is your counter-part may i introduce Prime Minister Habbak Shariff.......
-President, an honor to meet you, i understand that this part is in celebration of one of your people returning home? Some sort of Military incursion of some form? i am not very well breifed in it i am afraid....

the king and queen had moved away towards the Ball room

"So how have you been? Between the escape and the trial, I haven't seen much of you."

Richard shrugged. "The war's been keeping me busy, to tell the truth." He made a face. "In fact, I think I have a pile of paper taller than I am to sign off on when I get back. God only knows where it all comes from, or where it all goes." Taking another sip of his wine, he let his eyes wander back to the dance floor. "They certainly seem happy, don't they?" he asked wistfully, his voice a thousand miles away from the actually conversation.

The Admiral glanced over towards the door as the Midlonian King and Queen were escorted in. "Well, this is interesting. New faces, eh? I shall have to go over and introduce myself after your President's done." He adjusted a few medals on his elaborate uniform. "That is, if I'm not arrested for trying to impersonate a rooster."

The Admiral glanced over towards the door as the Midlonian King and Queen were escorted in. "Well, this is interesting. New faces, eh? I shall have to go over and introduce myself after your President's done." He adjusted a few medals on his elaborate uniform. "That is, if I'm not arrested for trying to impersonate a rooster."

Jeff nodded, "I'll be over in a second," he said quickly following Richard over to the King and Queen.

-Thank you so much... replied the king with a small bow of his own
-May i introduce, well i suppose he is your counter-part may i introduce Prime Minister Habbak Shariff.......
-President, an honor to meet you, i understand that this part is in celebration of one of your people returning home? Some sort of Military incursion of some form? i am not very well breifed in it i am afraid....

the king and queen had moved away towards the Ball room

"Well, actually Mister Prime Minister, the circumstances behind the party are quiet interesting" Katana started, "One of our officers, that man," he pointed at a tall muscular man wearing a black suit, "Is Ambassador Captain Sir Jeffrey Williams,the Honorable," Katana hoped he remembered all of Jeff's titles.

"He was part of a military team sent to escort a group of our diplomats to safety when they failed to secure a cease-fire in the war-torn country of Tharkold. However, he and many of his team remained behind to escort a group of refugees to safety, including letting many women and children take his place on the escape helicopters.

"He led the refugees to a beach, where they were picked up by marines from the nation of Iansisle," he continued, pointing to King James on the ballroom floor. "That is King James of Iansisle."

"Captain Williams was, unfortunately, court marshalled for his actions. He was found guilty of disobeying orders and demoted from Admiral to Captain, but I was able to pardon his prison term and reinstate him as Ambassador to Iansisle.

"This party is being held by his adopted father, Devon Niven of Celeborne to, in part, celebrate that Jeff is not, in fact going to be shot by a firing squad for saving the refugees."

"That is, if I'm not arrested for trying to impersonate a rooster."

"I can take care of that to help yo... oh yeah, I lost my command priviledges," he winked to Richard as he limped with the Admiral to meet the King and Queen, "You're on your own there."

Jeff nodded, "I'll be over in a second," he said quickly following Richard over to the King and Queen.

Sir Richard straightened his tunic again, hoping it didn't make too much noise, and walked up to the King and Queen, bowing. "Greetings, Your Majesties. I am Grand Admiral Sir Richard Tri, the First Sea Lord of the Royal Iansislean Navy. I hope that a humble naval officer does not disgrace your presence?"

Jeff smiled as Richard introduced himself.

Damn he's smooth at this whole title thing...

(Ay carumba! I just noticed that I have to be awake and ready to roll in about five hours! Er, Lark, you can feel free to control Richard for the rest of the evening. Um, he's feeling a touch lonely and nostolgic because the trip out into Golden Agate did something to remind him of his dead wife...er, right! On that note, have a good night/morning all, and I'll see ya this afternoon!)

(Gotcha, I'm probably gonna crash in a few minutes, we can all continue this later today before NYE celebrations start. Have fun! Anyone else that wants to show up, feel free to RP yourselves in)

Sir Richard straightened his tunic again, hoping it didn't make too much noise, and walked up to the King and Queen, bowing. "Greetings, Your Majesties. I am Grand Admiral Sir Richard Tri, the First Sea Lord of the Royal Iansislean Navy. I hope that a humble naval officer does not disgrace your presence?"

the king smiled
-Certainly certainly! Please you must have some funny anecdotes for us, we love the navy, we are aiming for a very powerful strong navy ourselves, and we'd love to hear some stories, unfortunately it seems that is all our Prime minister is interested in, it's the only reason he came, he hates parties you see, and only attends then if he can get some sort of benefit out of them, but that is just some people i supppose........

King George strolls into the room with the hundred hottest girls you have ever seen.He then brings in 50 Kegs and yells "Lets get this party started!"George then goes to give his congrats to Jeff.

Hello Ambassador Williams.Are you having a good evening?If you are not I can hook you up with one of my girls?Sorry about the whole Court thing.You did the right thing.So how is it being a diplomat?I always thought it was kind of boring but thats just me.

(Merry new year!!!! Just logging in for a while before going to have dinner with boring relatives :?
BTW, It's caramba, not carumba :wink: )

The big, red, cow-shaped hot air balloon flew over the Larkinian countryside, about to reach golden agate.
Inside it, an old sentient humanoid cow, wearing a silver crown and his over-used black and red royal robe, was talking to an average househamster sleeping in his shoulder. "A party in Larkinia, huh? Sounds like lots of fun, specially havin in mind that I haven't been here since the Golden Agate declaration, quite some years ago."
Of course, the hamster didn't answered, as it couldn't understand her husband's talk, much less answer him.

As the ballon landed, the duque heard a familiar music: *Are they playing tango? What a welcome! I love tango!*

He entered the building and looked for the Katana and the other bunch of larkinians among the growing croud of guests.....

(Sorry to have missed the earlier parts! I'll try to keep up with this one.)

In a wheelchair, Constancio Matebian rolled up to the party, shivering as always against the too-cold Larkinian nights. Tanah Burung's occasional ambassador to Larkinia had been observing the trial of Jeffrey Williams in silence, waiting all the while to enter a protest.

He was relieved that none had been needed after Jeff was found not guilty on most counts, and impressed with the smooth way Larkinia's president had transformed punishment into reward by keeping Jeff at his post in Iansisle. Plus, it all meant there was no messy and time-consuming writing of diplomatic communiqués to be done. Constancio hated the paperwork of diplomacy.

With a smile, he saw the glittering company inside, the lights, the promise of a drink. He put his hands to the rim of his wheels and approached the door. Hoping there were no steps to deal with.

King George strolls into the room with the hundred hottest girls you have ever seen.He then brings in 50 Kegs and yells "Lets get this party started!"George then goes to give his congrats to Jeff.

Hello Ambassador Williams.Are you having a good evening?If you are not I can hook you up with one of my girls?Sorry about the whole Court thing.You did the right thing.So how is it being a diplomat?I always thought it was kind of boring but thats just me.

"I'm all right, thank you your majesty," Jeff said smiling and shaking hands with the king. "Thank you for you offer, but I think my wife would kill me. Being a diplomat has always been interesting, I don't know if it's a standard diplomats life, but it's never been dull.

"Are you having a good evening? Did you have a nice trip to Golden Agate?"

BTW, It's caramba, not carumba :wink: )

(D'oh! I knew that! Honest, I did! ;) )

the king smiled
-Certainly certainly! Please you must have some funny anecdotes for us, we love the navy, we are aiming for a very powerful strong navy ourselves, and we'd love to hear some stories, unfortunately it seems that is all our Prime minister is interested in, it's the only reason he came, he hates parties you see, and only attends then if he can get some sort of benefit out of them, but that is just some people i supppose........

"Well, Your Majesty, I'm not sure how interesting my stories are, but I'd be more than happy to share them with you and your Prime Minister as the night goes on.

"I'm sorry to hear that your P.M. is not a fan of these social events. Myself, I find them a wonderful way to meet new people and exchange ideas and culture." The Admiral flagged down a passing servant. "I don't suppose I could offer either of you a drink? I do find that Larkinia produces the most interesting spirits."

(Dunno how much I'll be able to post tonight...sorry if I'm kinda on-and-off :?)

A waiter walked over with a tray carrying a variety of drinks on it.

"I do find that Larkinia produces the most interesting spirits."
(so what are you saying? All Lakinians are alcoholics? Not that I have a foot to argue on, cause we're all so drunk we can't balance :P)

(so what are you saying? All Lakinians are alcoholics? Not that I have a foot to argue on, cause we're all so drunk we can't balance :P)

(uh, I mean they produce the most interesting spirits...er, like, uh, ghosts! Yeah, that's it! :P)

(Sorry to have missed the earlier parts! I'll try to keep up with this one.)

In a wheelchair, Constancio Matebian rolled up to the party, shivering as always against the too-cold Larkinian nights. Tanah Burung's occasional ambassador to Larkinia had been observing the trial of Jeffrey Williams in silence, waiting all the while to enter a protest.

He was relieved that none had been needed after Jeff was found not guilty on most counts, and impressed with the smooth way Larkinia's president had transformed punishment into reward by keeping Jeff at his post in Iansisle. Plus, it all meant there was no messy and time-consuming writing of diplomatic communiqués to be done. Constancio hated the paperwork of diplomacy.

With a smile, he saw the glittering company inside, the lights, the promise of a drink. He put his hands to the rim of his wheels and approached the door. Hoping there were no steps to deal with.

A couple of guards walked up and escorted Ambassador Matebian into the Presidential Palace and toward the ballroom (which is on the ground floor)

"I know President Katana will be glad to see you, Ambassador," One of the guards said as he escorted Matebian.

The big, red, cow-shaped hot air balloon flew over the Larkinian countryside, about to reach golden agate.
Inside it, an old sentient humanoid cow, wearing a silver crown and his over-used black and red royal robe, was talking to an average househamster sleeping in his shoulder. "A party in Larkinia, huh? Sounds like lots of fun, specially havin in mind that I haven't been here since the Golden Agate declaration, quite some years ago."
Of course, the hamster didn't answered, as it couldn't understand her husband's talk, much less answer him.

As the ballon landed, the duque heard a familiar music: *Are they playing tango? What a welcome! I love tango!*

He entered the building and looked for the Katana and the other bunch of larkinians among the growing croud of guests.....

(Now I want to see the Duque tango with the Hamster ;) )

Katana smiled as the Duque walked into the ballroom. He walked over with the Prime Minister of Midlonia and introduced the two.

"Duque, how are you? It's been quite a while."

(so what are you saying? All Lakinians are alcoholics? Not that I have a foot to argue on, cause we're all so drunk we can't balance :P)

(uh, I mean they produce the most interesting spirits...er, like, uh, ghosts! Yeah, that's it! :P)

(Yeah, Larkinia's a regular "Haunted Mansion" :P)

Jeff looked over to see the Duque walk in with some kind of hamster on his shoulder. The music slowly came to a stop as the musicians, many of whom had never seen a Hell Bovinian before, looked in awe at the two-meter tall being before them.

Jeff chuckled as the band stopped, "Maybe we should have just brought in a better sound system," he mused to King George and Richard, "one not awed by the different types of beings here."

Out on the dance floor, James and Christin were caught mid-twist by the stoppage of music. "That's darned inconvinient," commented James dryly, spinning his fianceé around to a level position. "We were just coming up on my favorite part."

"And the part you need the most practice with too, dear," she laughed. "At least I'm not scared you're going to drop me anymore."

"Well, that's hardly fair - I'm always terrified that I'm going to drop you!"

Christin giggled. "Now, James, I've actually come to enjoy it when you do that: after all, the amount you make up for it more than covers a little pain."

Looking around, James saw just what had caused the sudden silence (the Angry Alliterator strikes again!). "Oh, the Duque has arrived! And he brought his lovely wife with him!" he laughed. Apparently, the joking tone of his voice was just a little too close to the surface, and he received a slap across the belly. "Oof," he grinned.

In the meantime, Richard looked over and saw the Duque. "I can't tell you how many times that's happened at an Iansislean ball," he grinned, pulling out a Gallagan cigar and walking over. "Welcome, your grace. On behalf of His Majesty's Navy, please enjoy the finest tobacco we have to offer." He also bowed to the hampster. "Good day to you as well, your grace."

(Now I want to see the Duque tango with the Hamster ;) )

Katana smiled as the Duque walked into the ballroom. He walked over with the Prime Minister of Midlonia and introduced the two.

"Duque, how are you? It's been quite a while."

(Don't worry, you WILL see it :shock: After all a tango its not a tango if its not danced with a woman you love..well, in this case, a hamster you love :P )

As the duque entered, he realised practically everyone, including the band, had stopped doing what they were doing to watch him in surprise. After all, a 2 metre-tall humanoid cow walking on its hind was not a common sight, much less one wearing a crown.
In his younger years, he would have been upset by this, but know, after all these years, he got acustomed to it.
He answers back to a joyful-looking Katana:
"It has been quite a while indeed. Golden Agate has changed a lot, for the better, I mean. Since wonderful democracy arrived to your great nation, one can almost feel the freedom floating aroundin the air.
Anyway, I can't do more than tell you I'm glad you managed to 'save' Jeff from the execution. A hero like him should be rewarded, not punished and I'm glad everything turned out for the better.
Anyway, I must highlight something about this party - The music is great!"

After also salutating the noble Prime Minister of Midlonia:
"It's truly a pleasure to meet you, noble sir. As for myself, I'm Mooo IV, Honorable socialist and democratically-elected duque of The Ecotopian Grand Duchy of Hell Bovines. (My title is the longest one - I win! :P )
I've heard very good things about your nation and I can't o nothing more but congratulate you"

The duque turned to an old friend:

Looking around, James saw just what had caused the sudden silence (the Angry Alliterator strikes again!). "Oh, the Duque has arrived! And he brought his lovely wife with him!" he laughed. Apparently, the joking tone of his voice was just a little too close to the surface, and he received a slap across the belly. "Oof," he grinned.

In the meantime, Richard looked over and saw the Duque. "I can't tell you how many times that's happened at an Iansislean ball," he grinned, pulling out a Gallagan cigar and walking over. "Welcome, your grace. On behalf of His Majesty's Navy, please enjoy the finest tobacco we have to offer." He also bowed to the hampster. "Good day to you as well, your grace."


"Holy cow! Free tobacco, tequila and tango! I should come to these parties more often!"
"It is truly a pleasure to be here. And although Fussyball cannot talk, I'm sure she is glad of being here too.
Please send my thanks to your majesty's wonderful navy for the cigar."

(BTW, Angry Alliterator? :? )

(Don't worry, you WILL see it :shock: After all a tango its not a tango if its not danced with a woman you love..well, in this case, a hamster you love :P )

(LOL, I'm looking forward to reading it! ;))


He answers back to a joyful-looking Katana:
"It has been quite a while indeed. Golden Agate has changed a lot, for the better, I mean. Since wonderful democracy arrived to your great nation, one can almost feel the freedom floating aroundin the air.
Anyway, I can't do more than tell you I'm glad you managed to 'save' Jeff from the execution. A hero like him should be rewarded, not punished and I'm glad everything turned out for the better.
Anyway, I must highlight something about this party - The music is great!"
"Well, the music was for King James' benefit," Katana said with a smile, "His fiancee was asking about the music, and I didn't want her to be disappointed."

"I am glad that Golden Agate is slowly returning to its former glory after what had happened."

At the mention of Jeff, Katana pointed Jeff out to the Duque, hobbling on his replacement leg to meet some of the dignitaries.

"I'm sure he will be glad to see you, Duque. It has been a trying time on him and his family. I've heard they just had their third child not more than a few weeks before the rescue happened. It was just after King James' Gala in Iansisle."

-Well i never........
the king held the queen in such a fashion, he had always been good at musical statues...[i/]
-err darling can you put me down now?
[i] the queen's face was steadily turning purple
-oh very very sorry darling apologized the King[i/]

After also salutating the noble Prime Minister of Midlonia:
"It's truly a pleasure to meet you, noble sir. As for myself, I'm Mooo IV, Honorable socialist and democratically-elected duque of The Ecotopian Grand Duchy of Hell Bovines. (My title is the longest one - I win! )
I've heard very good things about your nation and I can't o nothing more but congratulate you"

-Th....th....th... thank you [i]stuttered the Prime minister
his aid had barly batted an eyelid........

Although nobody had noticed the newcomer enter the room, a few noticed him now. He was wearing a gray suit with red trim, and was plain-looking, except for his missing left hand. He quietly observed the scene before him.

Katherine sauntered back over to Jeff and gave him a quick kiss as the new arrivals began to filter into the ballroom.

"Feeling any more relaxed?" she asked him.

"Not really," He grinned. "You know how these parties make me nervous."

Meanwhile, Katana had gotten the band started up with the tango again. More people started to join James and Christin on the dance floor.

"Speaking of dancing," Katherine started as the music started.

"I need to get my new leg attached," Jeff winked to Katherine, "Before we can go dancing again. I promise, after that we'll dance the entire night."

A sultry, 20-something, Asian woman graced into the ballroom wearing a low-cut red gown. She walked over to President Katana and the group of leaders he was talking with.

"Excuse me sir," she said as she walked up.

"Gentlemen, this is my personal assistant Aiana." Takeo said introducing her to the leaders.

She smiled at the gentlemen and shook hands with them.

"Mister President, word from the Parliament, the bill passed, 75-20 with 5 no-shows."

Takeo smiled and thought of the box in his pocket. "Thank you Aiana, I'll sign it tomorrow and make the presentation tonight."

Although nobody had noticed the newcomer enter the room, a few noticed him now. He was wearing a gray suit with red trim, and was plain-looking, except for his missing left hand. He quietly observed the scene before him.

A young man with a tray of drinks walked up to the newcomer as he walked in. "Can I get you something to drink sir?"

A young man with a tray of drinks walked up to the newcomer as he walked in. "Can I get you something to drink sir?"

"Wha...? Oh, I'd like a pina colada, please. That is, if you don't mind special orders."

He continued to watch the dancers.

A young man with a tray of drinks walked up to the newcomer as he walked in. "Can I get you something to drink sir?"

"Wha...? Oh, I'd like a pina colada, please. That is, if you don't mind special orders."

He continued to watch the dancers.

"Yes sir," he said walking to the bar and returning a few minutes later with the drink. "Captain Williams is over there," he said pointing out Jeff to the man, "And President Katana and a group of other leaders is there," he pointed out the group of leaders talking.

"Holy cow! Free tobacco, tequila and tango! I should come to these parties more often!"
"It is truly a pleasure to be here. And although Fussyball cannot talk, I'm sure she is glad of being here too.
Please send my thanks to your majesty's wonderful navy for the cigar."

(BTW, Angry Alliterator? :? )

Sir Richard smiled. "We do what we can for a friend of the Shield, your grace." After that, the Admiral turned and bowed as deeply as his costume-like uniform would allow him - which wasn't all that deep, really - to the hampster. "Duchess Fussyball, it's a pleasure to see you again."

The Admiral turned and looked over the dance floor. "Well, I say. I was a little worried about the turnout at first, but this seems to be developing into a first rate shin-dig." He laughed slightly. "You know, your grace, I believe we're even standing fairly close to the very place where our two countries were introduced to one another."

EDIT: Oh, just a stupid joke on my part. An alliterator is one who alliterates (y'know, the last liquid lamb or something like that) and ... angry just seemed to fit. ;)

"Yes sir," he said walking to the bar and returning a few minutes later with the drink. "Captain Williams is over there," he said pointing out Jeff to the man, "And President Katana and a group of other leaders is there," he pointed out the group of leaders talking.

Thank you, young man." He gave the younger man a modest tip. "Sorry, but your nation's economy is quite ahead of mine, or I'd be more generous. Oh, and although I commend your subtley, I don't believe in... forcing introductions. If the Captain, the President, or any others wish to make conversation, I shall be here."
As the younger man was about to leave, the newcomer stopped him.
"Sorry for talking your ear off, but who is that young lady of the East talking to the president?"

Thank you, young man." He gave the younger man a modest tip. "Sorry, but your nation's economy is quite ahead of mine, or I'd be more generous. Oh, and although I commend your subtley, I don't believe in... forcing introductions. If the Captain, the President, or any others wish to make conversation, I shall be here."
As the younger man was about to leave, the newcomer stopped him.
"Sorry for talking your ear off, but who is that young lady of the East talking to the president?"

"It's quite all right sir," the man replied. "Although I have to tell you the President, and especially the Captain don't stand on ceremony. In fact I'd bet the Captain would be quite happy if he could just remain hidden throughout the party.

"The young lady? She's President Katana's personal assistant, Aiana. She really helps keep him on track sir."

"Oh, that is a shame, being at a party when you prefer being alone. Well, I suppose I should let them know I stopped by, I wouldn't want anyone to think I turned down the invitation. But not now. Thank you, the President should be glad to have someone as able as you working for him."

When he was again alone, the newcomer slowly pondered the name Aiana to himself, as if it were a riddle, as he sipped his drink.

"Oh, that is a shame, being at a party when you prefer being alone. Well, I suppose I should let them know I stopped by, I wouldn't want anyone to think I turned down the invitation. But not now. Thank you, the President should be glad to have someone as able as you working for him."

When he was again alone, the newcomer slowly pondered the name Aiana to himself, as if it were a riddle, as he sipped his drink.

The man bowed to the newcomer again, "I thank you sir, for the compliment," he said before walking over to another group to see if there was anything they needed.

Out on the dance floor, James and Christin had decided that it was just about time for a break. The two, beads of sweat still on their faces, stepped off the dance floor, and James flagged down a passing waiter and took two of whatever sort of drink he was carrying. They were standing and watching the elegance of the dancers still on the floor, even if it was terribly scandalous by Iansislean standards, when Christin caught sight of someone unusual in the corner of her eye.

"Say, James, do you know who that is?"

"Who?"

"No, don't look! Ok, carefully now. He's standing there, by himself, with the piña colada. Do you recognize him?"

"Er, no, no I don't. Probably just one of President Katana's guests."

"hmm. For what I've gathered, Larkinians tend to be very social. Strange that he should be isolated so..."

"Well," considered James, "We could always go over and introduce ourselves, if you'd like."

"Maybe in a minute, James." Christin shook her head. "It's probably nothing: just...something strange." She shrugged.

Katana saw Ambassador Matebian enter the ballroom, "Excuse me a moment," he said to the group.

He walked over and bowed, "Ambassador Constancio, I am truly glad to see that you were able to make it to our little party tonight," he smiled. "Can I get you something to drink? Take the chill out of your bones?"

Katherine smiled as she swished over to James and Christin, "You both dance so wonderfully! So gracefully!"

A balcony outside the ballroom

Jeff had slipped out of the party as the diplomats inside greeted each other with smiles, hugs and handclasps. He smiled and looked up at the twinkling stars, seeing one shoot through the sky.

Make a wish! he thought quickly. The wish he'd made, was that Katherine finally would be happy, married to him and all.

The wind bit through Jeff, and he pulled his tux jacket tighter to stay warm. He'd never felt truly comfortable at any diplomatic function, especially ones held in his honor.

James had always told Jeff that he was meant to be a diplomat, Jeff didn't know how true that was, he'd always wondered as he lit up a cigar, it was always rude to smoke indoors. He took a long drag on the cigar and slowly blew the smoke into the winter air as he thought.

Jeff felt two arms wrap around him and pull him close. He leaned back and turned his head just in time to kiss Katherine.

"Mmmmmm," she purred, "I was wondering where you got off to."

"Well you know, I get nervous at parties like this."

"You mean ones where you're the guest of honor. Get used to it sweetheart," she told him with a smile. "Now here, lean on me... Look, a shooting star!"

"Make a wish," Jeff smiled to her.

Katherine closed her eyes then opened them with a smile to Jeff, "That we are always as happy as we have been so far."

Jeff smiled at her, "I'll drink to that," he said limping back into the ballroom with her.

Katherine smiled as she swished over to James and Christin, "You both dance so wonderfully! So gracefully!"


(Oh, drat! I missed this! Terribly sorry! ;) Er, I think we can assume James and Cris thanked her up and down before she left to go look for Jeff.)

----

"There he is," smiled James as Jeff reappeared from the ballroom. "That limp's really looking bad. I just wish we could have gotten him something a little more modern."

"Dear, you know Jeff. If he'd wanted something more modern, he'd never have gone to Iansisle first. He could have made straight for Larkinia or Agrigento or Celeborne."

"I know...suppose this is another one of those things like at his knighting."

"You mean the duel?"

"Yeah. He could have had it healed instantly, but he said he wanted to remember it, so he wouldn't do anything so rash again. I didn't really understand what he meant at the time, but now..." James sighed to himself while Christin started rubbing his back. After another moment, he collected himself and headed over, a large grin on his face. "I see you found him, Kate," he smiled. "Good thing too; President Katana was just about to send out a search team to make sure you weren't trying to skip the country."

(not go to Iansisle first? That totally doesn't compute for Jeff ;) Besides, he's gonna get a cybernetic upgrade later probably.. and I gotta say, damn.. nice memory for that one!)

"Yeah I did," Katherine grinned, "All I had to do was follow the small divits in the marble floor.."

Jeff looked to the floor embarassed, "Is my peg leg leaving divits??" He hoped not, he'd hate to have to get the floor replaced.

"No.. sweetheart I'm kidding," Katherine kissed his cheek.

"Oh... Ohhhhhhhh, gotcha," Jeff chuckled and smiled at James. "You both looked great out there.

"Katana was going to send out a search party huh? Well ya know.. I might just try to go back to Tharkold again."

"I think not Jeffrey," Katherine said tuting him, "remember, you lost your command priviledges. So no charging off for you. Pretty sneaky of Katana. The only job he can hold now is an Ambassadorship."

(heh, thanks. I've just remembered it because, as far as 'Jeff is a hero' goes, I think that was one of the most heroic things he's ever done. ;))

Christin held up her fingers to form a box around Jeff. "Hmm...just an eyepatch, a parret, and that silly sword, and we could have Richard string you up." She glanced at Kate with a smile. "Has he ever shown you that picture of him dressed up like a pirate?" James coughed into his hand and nudged her subtly.

"Er, yeah, President Katana is a very, ah, sneaky man," he said quickly.

(heh, thanks. I've just remembered it because, as far as 'Jeff is a hero' goes, I think that was one of the most heroic things he's ever done. ;))

Christin held up her fingers to form a box around Jeff. "Hmm...just an eyepatch, a parret, and that silly sword, and we could have Richard string you up." She glanced at Kate with a smile. "Has he ever shown you that picture of him dressed up like a pirate?" James coughed into his hand and nudged her subtly.

"Er, yeah, President Katana is a very, ah, sneaky man," he said quickly.

"Arrrrrrrr, Arrrrrrr," Jeff grinned at Christin, "Chris was already calling me 'Long John Jeffie' on the flight back here, I guess it kinda fits."

"Wait a minute," Katherine chuckles, "What picture as a pirate?" she asked Jeff.

"I.... er... ummm..." he said before quickly kissing Katherine.

Katherine smiled at Jeff, "Don't try and change the subject, at least that easily," she said with a wink.

"Yes," Jeff nodded to James, "I guess he can be when he needs to be. He is a politician after all."

"I.... er... ummm..." he said before quickly kissing Katherine.

(Heh, that was smoo-oth! ;))

"Say, Jeff," said James, "speaking of sneaky, have you eyed that guy in the corner? The one who's standing by himself with the piña colada?"

"Oh, him," remembered Christin with an unusual look, glancing over her shoulder to see if he was still in the same place. "Yeah, he gives me kind of a creepy feeling."

"No I haven't," Jeff said. "Well, I'm sure there's no reason to be worried, he's probably just shy."

Or uncomfortable, I can understand that.

"Let's go introduce ourselves, besides there are enough world leaders here, we still need to meet some of them," Katherine said.

"No I haven't," Jeff said. "Well, I'm sure there's no reason to be worried, he's probably just shy."

Or uncomfortable, I can understand that.

"Let's go introduce ourselves, besides there are enough world leaders here, we still need to meet some of them," Katherine said.

James gave Christin's shoulder a little squeeze. "See; I told you there was nothing to be worried about. That sounds like a great idea, Kate."

"Yeah, I guess not," she replied quietly, not really sounding so sure. She hung back slightly, and James stayed with her, resulting in Jeff and Kate getting a couple steps ahead of them.

Jeff took a couple of steps then winced, "I have an idea. Let's buy the man a drink first. Not just all show up like a group of gawkers," he said flagging down the waiter.

"Another pina colada for the gentleman in the corner," he told the waiter.

"Of course Captain," The waiter said. "He was asking earlier, but said he did not wish to force introductions, which is why he was staying back and not entering the groups of people here."

"I see," Jeff said smiling to the man, "I can understand that. Send him the drink with our compliments."

James didn't think he had ever felt Christin's shoulders so tense, and he looked at her curiously. "Are you all right?" he whispered softly, rubbing her back.

"Yeah, it's just that..." she started, glancing between the man and James. "Well, I know this sounds stupid, but he...reminds me of someone." She snapped her mouth shut and looked away. James glanced at the man again, then back to Christin. He wanted to know who he reminded her of, but it didn't seem like a good subject to press.

Instead he looked up at Jeff, still rubbing Christin's shoulders. "Yeah, Jeff, that sounds like a good idea." He listened to the waiter's explination. It all made perfect sense to him: he had no idea why Christin was reacting like this.

Instead he looked up at Jeff, still rubbing Christin's shoulders. "Yeah, Jeff, that sounds like a good idea." He listened to the waiter's explination. It all made perfect sense to him: he had no idea why Christin was reacting like this.

"Yeah, let's send him a drink," Jeff said sending the waiter off and sitting down at a table the group had reached.

"You wimp!" Katherine teased, "Can't even walk across the ballroom now..."

"I just never realized how far a walk it was," Jeff winked as another waiter brought some martinis over. "One detriment of all of these implants," Jeff said looking at the glass before taking a drink. "I can't get drunk anymore..."

"Indeed?" asked James, turning down another drink as he pulled out a chair for Christin. She lowered herself into it somewhat hesitantly. He was a little worried: after all, he'd never seen Christin like this before. "There are times I wish I couldn't get drunk: mainly, first thing the next morning."

He considered a martini as a second waiter walked by. "Of course, there are times I don't mind so much."

"Oh go ahead and have one," Jeff said to James, "After all, I'm sure dad has some hangover cures up his sleeve. Just remember to drink a lot of water."

Katherine looked concerned at Christin, she'd never seen her like this either. "Christin, would you like to get some air?"

James smiled distantly. "I sure could have used something like that on my birthday, or before Ic's wedding. Still, I don't want to make a fool out of myself - yet - so I think I'll refrain for now." Still, he eyed the drink platter, then shook his head. "Maybe later."

Meanwhile Christin looked up at Kate. "No, no, it's...nothing. I'll be fine." She took a deep breath. "Maybe...I do need just a bit of air. She got up quickly, and James rose with her.

"I'll come with you..."

"No! No, thank you James. I'll just be a second, anyway."

(*yawns* Man, it's not even late, and I'm getting ready to call it a night. In fact, I think I may have to after a few more posts. Stupid having to wake up early yesterday.)

(Yeah, I gotta do that tomorrow, damn getting up before noon :P)

Katherine rose with them, "I'll keep an eye on her, if you don't mind the company," she said.

James looked a little hurt, and slowly lowered himself back into his seat.

Meanwhile Christin seemed just about ready to turn down Kate's offer, but reconsidered at the last moment. "I'll really just be a second...just a quick breath of fresh air." Then she shook her head. "If you want to come, Kate, that'd be great. I'd really appreciate it." Christin took a step backwards, bumping into someone she didn't know and too quickly apologizing.

"Sure," Katherine said, leaning over and kissing Jeff's cheek. "We'll be back in a few, just need to catch what's on the big screen in the ladies room," she added as they walked to the balcony.

Jeff looked at James a moment, "Ok, now you look like you need to talk to... what's wrong?"

Christin strode out onto the balcony and quickly put a pillar between herself and the ballroom window. She looked here and there, then smiled softly to herself.

Inside James flagged down a waited and ordered a shot of whiskey. "What's that? Oh, er, nothing's wrong!" he insisted quickly, looking back at Jeff and trying to get used to the military hair job.

He lasted about six seconds before Jeff's look broke him down. "Well, all right. It's really nothing: I'm just worried about Christin. I dunno: just something about the tone of her voice. Something's wrong, and she won't let me help. It's very frusturating."

EDIT: I think I'm off, Lark. See ya later, man.

Katherine followed Christin outside, only partially noticing that she'd hidden herself from the ballroom.

"Are... are you all right?" she asked. "You seem..." she looked for the word. "... tense."

----------

Jeff nodded and told the waiter, "Make his a triple. Now bro, tell me what's really wrong," he said with a crooked grin.

"Hmmm, you want to help someone and they don't want you too. That sounds somehow... familiar," he winked. "James, you know I'm the first one to say charge ahead and do what you have to do, except this time. Just talk with her, find out what's wrong. Be sensitive, work at it slowly. Let her know you are concerned because you love her."

Edit: Cool, g'night I-Man.

"Hey, Kate," smiled Christin weakly. "Yeah, I know. And I feel really stupid because of it, too. I think I just need a couple breaths of air, and I'll be all right."

----

"Hmmm, you want to help someone and they don't want you too. That sounds somehow... familiar," he winked. "James, you know I'm the first one to say charge ahead and do what you have to do, except this time. Just talk with her, find out what's wrong. Be sensitive, work at it slowly. Let her know you are concerned because you love her."

James chuckled slightly at the 'familiar' comment. "Jeff, I do know that you're always the first one to shout 'charge.' However, I also know that you're the best damn dispenser of advice I've ever met."

He eyed his drink as it came. "I'm not so sure about your triple shot advice, granted, but the woman stuff is gold." He picked up the shotglass and smiled. "Here's to nanotechnology, eh?"

EDIT: Ok, for real this time ;)

Katherine smiled warmly at Christin, "I never buy that from Jeff, and I'm not going to now. It's not stupid if it's got you reacting like this. I'm ... I'm here if you need to talk."

-----

"I have my moments," Jeff said. "Even some of them when I don't shout 'charge', although I'm not sure when those will happen yet.

"It's not that I've been around the block a few times in the Navy... hell, they named the block after me," he winked.

"I think it's the right thing," he added. "You know Christin loves you, she knows you love her, she'll understand that you're concerned. Just don't go in guns blazing... so to speak. Be tender with her."

Jeff then grinned as the drink was placed in front of James. "Waiter, this time he'll have a double Irish Cream on the rocks."

EDIT: Like the man said on "Event Horizon", "You can't leave, she won't let you leave...." :twisted:

"Say, Jeff," said James, "speaking of sneaky, have you eyed that guy in the corner? The one who's standing by himself with the piña colada?"

"Oh, him," remembered Christin with an unusual look, glancing over her shoulder to see if he was still in the same place. "Yeah, he gives me kind of a creepy feeling."

OOC: Creepy? Me? You're the one who goes to all the trouble of using an 'n' with an accent mark. :D

IC: Jeff and James noticed someone had approached them.
"You must be the man of the hour. Thank you for the drink."

Jeff smiled at the man as he approached.

"You're welcome. I don't know about the man of the hour, maybe minute.... two tops. But I guess I'm the cause of all of this fuss. Thank you for coming this evening. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Katana saw Ambassador Matebian enter the ballroom, "Excuse me a moment," he said to the group.

He walked over and bowed, "Ambassador Constancio, I am truly glad to see that you were able to make it to our little party tonight," he smiled. "Can I get you something to drink? Take the chill out of your bones?"

The thought of rum made Constancio's blood sing. Honestly, rum was the only thing that made living outside the tropics even remotely bearable.

"Forgive me for not standing, Mr. President," he replies. "You honour me with your offer, and i wouold not turn down some of your country's fine rum. I have to say, i'm full of admiration for your political skills in doing an end-run around that trial. The fame of your Admiral Williams travels further by the day!"

Jeff smiled at the man as he approached.

"You're welcome. I don't know about the man of the hour, maybe minute.... two tops. But I guess I'm the cause of all of this fuss. Thank you for coming this evening. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"It was my pleasure to attend, and I am enjoying myself. I must say, it is an honor to meet you. You acted most nobly. I was going to make myself scarce for awhile longer, but since you sent me a drink, I think proper introductions are in order. My name is Yarrum II, and I am the former president of what is now the Glorious States of Yarrum."

"Forgive me for not standing, Mr. President," he replies. "You honour me with your offer, and i wouold not turn down some of your country's fine rum. I have to say, i'm full of admiration for your political skills in doing an end-run around that trial. The fame of your Admiral Williams travels further by the day!"

Katana nodded, "Of course," he said flagging down a waiter, "A bottle of our finest rum for Ambassador Matebian."

Katana smiled as he listened, "Yes, his name is becoming more renowned as the days go on. As to my small political skills, if I'd been better prepared for what happened, this would have never occured. At least I was able to reposition him into a post more suited to his talents, regardless of whether he believes he has them or not.

"And how have you been? I've been reading the recent expulsion of the ambassador from... Knootoss from Tanah Burung."

"It was my pleasure to attend, and I am enjoying myself. I must say, it is an honor to meet you. You acted most nobly. I was going to make myself scarce for awhile longer, but since you sent me a drink, I think proper introductions are in order. My name is Yarrum II, and I am the former president of what is now the Glorious States of Yarrum."

Jeff stood as quickly as his leg would let him. "Then it is indeed a pleasure to meet you sir," he said offering his hand to the man. "I'm Cap.. well," he added slightly embarrased, "that's right you probably already knew that."

"Thank you for your kind words," he said with a smile. "I can't take full credit for what happened. There were a lot of good men with me out there who's hearts were in the right place."

Jeff stood as quickly as his leg would let him. "Then it is indeed a pleasure to meet you sir," he said offering his hand to the man. "I'm Cap.. well," he added slightly embarrased, "that's right you probably already knew that."

"Thank you for your kind words," he said with a smile. "I can't take full credit for what happened. There were a lot of good men with me out there who's hearts were in the right place."

Yarrum II balanced his drink on his left wrist as he shook Jeff's hand. "The pleasure is all mine, I assure you." He turned to James. "However, I am afraid I have not met you, sir."

"Of course, I apologize," Jeff said turning to James. "Mr. President, this is King James Callahan the Third of Iansisle. Your majesty," Jeff grinned, "This is Yarrum the Second, former President of Yarrum. And now I know one title I'm missing. A second or third of anything," he smiled.

"Of course, I apologize," Jeff said turning to James. "Mr. President, this is King James Callahan the Third of Iansisle. Your majesty," Jeff grinned, "This is Yarrum the Second, former President of Yarrum. And now I know one title I'm missing. A second or third of anything," he smiled.

"Well, I hardly think it is appropriate to call me "president", but if you prefer, feel free to do so." Yarrum II extended his hand. "It is a pleasure, your highness."

"Oh, yes, you're right. Quite sorry about that," Jeff said.

As Jeff was introducing the High King and the former President of Yarrum, groups of men and women, Ministry Flag Officers from the Larkinian Military Command Center mostly, were being quiet, trying to unobtrusively enter the ballroom.

Everyone at the party could tell who was glad to be there and who wasn't. Some officers entered and were relieved at the relative slap on the wrist that the Captain received.

Some were still upset at whatever strings Katana pulled to keep him from serving time at the Military Prison at Tertiron Reef, outside of Lyone Naval Base, and then to assign him to his old post... they were incensed at the 'sentence', if that's what the papers wanted to call it.

Vice Admiral Joshua Tanaka was among the latter group. He'd been the third officer who'd signed onto Williams' court marshall, the one who'd sent it to tribunal. Damnit, Johnson assured me his case was iron-clad. That he'd go to the Reef for a long time if not straight to the firing squad. he thought as he picked up his first brandy of the evening. He guessed he'd have to congratulate Williams eventually, Katana would demand nothing less of him.

Katana smiled as he listened, "Yes, his name is becoming more renowned as the days go on. As to my small political skills, if I'd been better prepared for what happened, this would have never occured. At least I was able to reposition him into a post more suited to his talents, regardless of whether he believes he has them or not.

"And how have you been? I've been reading the recent expulsion of the ambassador from... Knootoss from Tanah Burung."

"Facing down an entrenched military? I'd hardly call that a small political accomplishment, Sir!" Constancio says, as he gratefully seizes the rum bottle and up-ends it. "You've met my mother, Violeta Bi Bere, and she sends her special congratulations."

Hearing Takeo speak of the Knootoss imbroglio, he tenses up slightly. An unpleasant situation, that. "Well, he wasn't expelled, as the Knootian foreign minister was wise enough to call him home for consultations first. But yes, tensions are running rather high with our former colonial ruler, and the hamfisted insults of that particular ambassador are not helping. My mother tells me that her efforts to maintain good relations with Knootoss may cost her the next election."

As the soldiers enter, Constancio shudders almost imperceptibly and looks away. He does not approve of the military.

Katana smiled as he listened, "Yes, his name is becoming more renowned as the days go on. As to my small political skills, if I'd been better prepared for what happened, this would have never occured. At least I was able to reposition him into a post more suited to his talents, regardless of whether he believes he has them or not.

"And how have you been? I've been reading the recent expulsion of the ambassador from... Knootoss from Tanah Burung."

"Facing down an entrenched military? I'd hardly call that a small political accomplishment, Sir!" Constancio says, as he gratefully seizes the rum bottle and up-ends it. "You've met my mother, Violeta Bi Bere, and she sends her special congratulations."

Hearing Takeo speak of the Knootoss imbroglio, he tenses up slightly. An unpleasant situation, that. "Well, he wasn't expelled, as the Knootian foreign minister was wise enough to call him home for consultations first. But yes, tensions are running rather high with our former colonial ruler, and the hamfisted insults of that particular ambassador are not helping. My mother tells me that her efforts to maintain good relations with Knootoss may cost her the next election."

As the soldiers enter, Constancio shudders almost imperceptibly and looks away. He does not approve of the military.

"Facing down an entrenched military? I'd hardly call that a small political accomplishment, Sir!" Constancio says, as he gratefully seizes the rum bottle and up-ends it. "You've met my mother, Violeta Bi Bere, and she sends her special congratulations."

Hearing Takeo speak of the Knootoss imbroglio, he tenses up slightly. An unpleasant situation, that. "Well, he wasn't expelled, as the Knootian foreign minister was wise enough to call him home for consultations first. But yes, tensions are running rather high with our former colonial ruler, and the hamfisted insults of that particular ambassador are not helping. My mother tells me that her efforts to maintain good relations with Knootoss may cost her the next election."

As the soldiers enter, Constancio shudders almost imperceptibly and looks away. He does not approve of the military.

"Thank you again," Katana smiled at Constancio, "Yes I've met your mother. She's a remarkable woman. Give her my thanks for her congratulations."

He continued to listen to the Knootoss situation. "Yes, insults should have no place in diplomacy, however they seem to find their way in. I hope her good actions don't cost her the next election! Tanah Burung would not be the same without her. She's one of the most skilled negotiators, most positive politicians I've ever met."

Katana and Tanaka exchanged dark glances as the military men and women walked into the ballroom.

"Yes... facing down an entrenched military. Maybe too entrenched..."

----------

Jeff watched as some of the members of Military Command walked into the ballroom. He recognized a couple from his days at the Academy, and most of them at least smiled and waved at Jeff as they made eye contact.

That one's Tanaka he thought grimly. The third name on those charges was his. Why in the hell is he here?

OOC: Creepy? Me? You're the one who goes to all the trouble of using an 'n' with an accent mark. :D

(Ah...good point! ;))

"I think it's the right thing," he added. "You know Christin loves you, she knows you love her, she'll understand that you're concerned. Just don't go in guns blazing... so to speak. Be tender with her."

Jeff then grinned as the drink was placed in front of James. "Waiter, this time he'll have a double Irish Cream on the rocks."

"I know, Jeff, I know," said James, shaking his head. "I do wish I could just...make everything better. Snap my fingers or some such business, and the world would suddenly be perfect." He laughed, and winked at Jeff. "But, in lieu of that, I think I shall just have to use your advice!"

James, choking on the triple shot, frantically tried to signal the waiter 'no' as Yarrum approached.

"Well, I hardly think it is appropriate to call me "president", but if you prefer, feel free to do so." Yarrum II extended his hand. "It is a pleasure, your highness."

James considered the hand for a brief moment. It was, of course, very bad form to offer to shake hands with any monarch. However, they weren't on the Shield anymore, and the breach of protocol seemed delightfully rebellious. He reached out and grasped Yarrum's hand, his grip firm, yet obviously unpracticed. "Indeed, the pleasure is all mine..."

For another second, James paused to wonder if President was really an appropriate term to refer to the man by or not. The confusion may have been self-evident on his face during that moment, as he was not as adept at handling his facial expressions as true parliamentary experts like Dhawan, Tarriff, or D'Carlonia. "sir," he decided upon at last. The term 'president' would probably carry too many bad memories for one who no longer held it.

Katherine smiled warmly at Christin, "I never buy that from Jeff, and I'm not going to now. It's not stupid if it's got you reacting like this. I'm ... I'm here if you need to talk."

"I know, Kate, and that's a big help to me." She considered going back in the ballroom, checking to see in over her shoulder, but saw Yarrum talking with James and Jeff. At once, she retreated back behind the pillar with a soft gasp. "Kate, I know you're going to think this stupid, but that one guy reminds me of...of someone. I know it's not D...him, but I ... I just can't go back in yet."

Jeff looked back at James after locking eyes with Tanaka and the other military leaders. He winked and chuckled as James tried to signal the waiter, "That's Iansislian for 'hurry it up, this glass is empty'," he told the waiter who nodded and rushed back with the next drink.

"Well it never hurts to snap your fingers and try to change the world for the better," he continued with James.

-----

"Who?" Katherine says as she glances into the ballroom. "The man with Jeff and James? If he reminds you of someone... we can stay out here until he leaves."

oops

His gut churning, James watched the waiter walk of in dismay. "I swear, Jeff, I think you make up for those nano..things by getting me twice as drunk." He followed Jeff's eyes in a somewhat awkward manner, glancing the new arrivals. "Bad news?"

When the new drink arrived, James looked from it to Jeff and back again. "I think, Jeff, that I wish I could snap my fingers and make that vanish." He smiled. "But until I feel that I can handle it, it's not moving anywhere.

A minute and a half later the drink was gone.

-----

Christin glanced in again, then quickly returned. "Thanks, Kate. That's what I love about you - you take as silly a situation as this without even blinking."

-----

Out in the streets of Golden Agate, Gunnery Sergeant Ben Peterson (Royal Iansislean Marines; attached to HIMS Odysseus) squinted up at a road sign. As cruiser's senior NCO, he was usually supposed to set a good role model. However, at liberty in a foreign city, his pockets stuffed with a hundred and fifty NuYen bonus from the Admiralty for attending the trial, and not an enlisted man within five hundred miles, he went just a little overboard.

His gut churning, James watched the waiter walk of in dismay. "I swear, Jeff, I think you make up for those nano..things by getting me twice as drunk." He followed Jeff's eyes in a somewhat awkward manner, glancing the new arrivals. "Bad news?"

When the new drink arrived, James looked from it to Jeff and back again. "I think, Jeff, that I wish I could snap my fingers and make that vanish." He smiled. "But until I feel that I can handle it, it's not moving anywhere.

A minute and a half later the drink was gone.

"Awwwww, well, you know you've really been tense with everything going on, and it might help you relax," Jeff said with a smile. "Besides, one of us needs to get drunk tonight...."

Jeff noticed James' glance and next question. "I... ummm... maybe. The military has started arriving," he said nodding toward one of the older men in a dress uniform. "That's Admiral Tanaka, he was the Naval Flag Officer who signed onto the charges."

-----

Tanaka noticed Jeff nodding to his friend in Tanaka's direction. That added more fuel to the already burning fire in his eyes.

How dare he! I refuse to be the butt of one of his jokes, just because he's got political connections to spring free for his crimes....

He set the glass down, a little harder than necessary, and straightened his uniform to have a word with the Captain.

Christin glanced in again, then quickly returned. "Thanks, Kate. That's what I love about you - you take as silly a situation as this without even blinking."

Katherine smiled and gave Christin a hug. "You forget who I'm married to," she winked. "I don't want to see you uncomfortable tonight. There's enough time for that with the wedding."



Out in the streets of Golden Agate, Gunnery Sergeant Ben Peterson (Royal Iansislean Marines; attached to HIMS Odysseus) squinted up at a road sign. As cruiser's senior NCO, he was usually supposed to set a good role model. However, at liberty in a foreign city, his pockets stuffed with a hundred and fifty NuYen bonus from the Admiralty for attending the trial, and not an enlisted man within five hundred miles, he went just a little overboard.

:twisted:

Tanaka noticed Jeff nodding to his friend in Tanaka's direction. That added more fuel to the already burning fire in his eyes.

How dare he! I refuse to be the butt of one of his jokes, just because he's got political connections to spring free for his crimes....

He set the glass down, a little harder than necessary, and straightened his uniform to have a word with the Captain.

Tanaka took a step to 'talk' with Williams when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Who in the hell is trying to stop me? the voice at the forefront of his mind barked as he spun around to see a man, just on the other side of 55, staring at him. The man's sharp blueish green eyes were a little softened as he spoke.

"Not now, Vice Admiral," Larkinian Aerospace Fleet Admiral Nicholas Barilla said quietly as he straightened the white trim on his dress uniform. "Especially not when he is surrounded by so many of his friends and family. It would be unwise."

"Hrumph," Takana said unconvinced.

"Besides, Johnson is currently in Ziobia in a meeting. We'll find out soon enough how things have developed," Barilla said brushing the greying hair out of his face. "For now, enjoy the evening, maybe go to the balcony and look out at the mountains to cool off."

James considered the hand for a brief moment. It was, of course, very bad form to offer to shake hands with any monarch. However, they weren't on the Shield anymore, and the breach of protocol seemed delightfully rebellious. He reached out and grasped Yarrum's hand, his grip firm, yet obviously unpracticed. "Indeed, the pleasure is all mine..."

For another second, James paused to wonder if President was really an appropriate term to refer to the man by or not. The confusion may have been self-evident on his face during that moment, as he was not as adept at handling his facial expressions as true parliamentary experts like Dhawan, Tarriff, or D'Carlonia. "sir," he decided upon at last. The term 'president' would probably carry too many bad memories for one who no longer held it.

Yarrum II's 'neutral' face, which was cool, smooth, and just on the brink of a grin, wavered for just a moment. 'Do they shake hands in Iansisle? Did I make a mistake?' he wondered.

He politely listened to the conversation, feeling as if it was none of his business, but not having a graceful way of leaving the two. He thought he saw some movement behind him, in the entrance to the ballroom, but decided that he imagined it.

He racked his brain for conversation topics. 'Did you catch the game?' he could ask. No, he didn't know these people, and they might think that a common person's topic, below their standing. Besides, he didn't watch sports, what if they asked 'What game?' He decided not to ask who the lady James was dancing with was just yet, and where she was now. Too forward.

He pretended to cough, just so he wouldn't seem suspicously quiet.

"Mr. Yarrum," Jeff asked, "Tell us more about your nation. I haven't yet had the chance to visit."

Yarrum II was about to interject when Jeff stopped him. "Well, I've been living in the Disputed Territories since my... um, retirement, which are in the outskrits of the actual nation, and mostly independant, so I don't know much about current events. But it's really just your standard peace-loving democracy. It seems like it should be a small nation, which would probably suit it better, but people have babies, and populations rise. It's a beautiful place, really, but that's because businesses are highly regulated. That makes for a sluggish economy, but a healthy environment." He chuckled a bit. "You could probably live like a king there." He remembered James. "As the expression goes. I guess I lacked direction as president, I wanted everyone to be rich, and the environment to be healthy, and the crime rate low, and freedom high... but 'utopia' means nowhere. Oh, but there I go babbling."

"Er, sorry to change the subject, but did you mean that that is the man who is responsible for your court-marshalling?" He asked, indicating Admiral Tanaka.

"Wow," Jeff smiled, "A nation where everyone lives decently, a healthy environment, maybe you can still make changes for Yarrum's betterment."

Jeff looked down a moment at his next question. "Well, he's one of the Flag Officers that signed onto my charges," he explained. "For a court-marshal of a flag officer, one flag officer from each of the three military branches has to agree that charges are to be pressed. He was the Naval Flag Officer to sign onto them..." he cleared his throat.

"You are an optomistic man, and insightful. Perhaps you are right, my nation is a nice place. But... well, after I left, the mayor of our captial city was left in my place. I don't dislike the direction he is taking the country, but... the people trust him too much. They've stopped thinking for themselves. But it shouldn't be something to worry about, he takes care of business"

He glaced behind himself again. 'Now I know I saw someone...' he thought.

As soon as he had asked his question, he knew he shouldn't have.
"I am so sorry, Captian. I know I shouldn't have brought it up, but..." his face went from embarrassed and apoligetic to stern. "I'd like to give those officers a piece of my mind," he took a long sip of his drink. "...that just... makes me angry. You... saved lives. And were punished... that's just... I... I'm sorry. Truly." He closed his eyes and tilted his head down. 'Why did I come here? I should have retired eariler. Before the war,' he thought, scolding himself.

"You are an optomistic man, and insightful. Perhaps you are right, my nation is a nice place. But... well, after I left, the mayor of our captial city was left in my place. I don't dislike the direction he is taking the country, but... the people trust him too much. They've stopped thinking for themselves. But it shouldn't be something to worry about, he takes care of business"

"I might be an optimist, I don't know," Jeff said. "But it's never good if the people don't think for themselves, then they become too dependant on someone to tell them what to do, how to live, what to like." Jeff caught himself. "I apologize sir.

He glaced behind himself again. 'Now I know I saw someone...' he thought.

"Are you all right sir?" Jeff asked glancing behind Mr. Yarrum.

"I am so sorry, Captian. I know I shouldn't have brought it up, but..." his face went from embarrassed and apoligetic to stern. "I'd like to give those officers a piece of my mind," he took a long sip of his drink. "...that just... makes me angry. You... saved lives. And were punished... that's just... I... I'm sorry. Truly." He closed his eyes and tilted his head down. 'Why did I come here? I should have retired eariler. Before the war,' he thought, scolding himself.

"It's all right sir," Jeff said. "I understood what the results of my actions might be. I'd do it again if I had to, sometimes the right thing, and the proper thing, don't intersect."

"I might be an optimist, I don't know," Jeff said. "But it's never good if the people don't think for themselves, then they become too dependant on someone to tell them what to do, how to live, what to like." Jeff caught himself. "I apologize sir.

"Oh, no apology necessary. That was my point exactly."

"Are you all right sir?" Jeff asked glancing behind Mr. Yarrum.

"Wha? Oh, yes, I'm fine. I just... I thought I saw someone I knew," he lied.

"It's all right sir," Jeff said. "I understood what the results of my actions might be. I'd do it again if I had to, sometimes the right thing, and the proper thing, don't intersect."

Yarrum II continued to look down. "Uh... if you'll excuse me, gentelmen, I think I'm not feeling well right now." He looked up. "Captian. Your highness." He nodded at each, downed the last of his drink, and walked away, head down, and absent-mindedly left his empty glass in a potted plant.

He quickened his pace, but not too much as to make it obvious that he was trying to walk fast. 'This is probably the last place he wants, to be, he's lost his leg, and you go and bring up something like that?' Then there was a sharp pain in his head. He had drank his pina colada too fast. He tried to rub it, and ended up hitting himself in the eye with his stump. He quickly shoved it in his pocket, instead rubbed his forehead with his hand, and quickened his pace. He looked up when something caught the corner of his eye. Amongst the crowd, he thought he caught a glimpse a noticibly plump woman, who carried her weight well, had shoulder-length brown hair, and was wearing a modest black dress. 'That couldn't be her,' he thought. No matter. He would just ask the President, when they talked, if he had invited any other Yarrumians, and the President would say no, and that would be that. It wasn't her.

He realized he had no idea where he was going. He reasoned that, since the palace was not infinite, he could eventually find an exit of some kind. Yes, air is just what he needed.

By some stroke of luck, despite his speed and his keeping his head down, he managed to make it out of the ballroom. He didn't realize it was the same exit he thought he was being spied upon from.

Yarrum II continued to look down. "Uh... if you'll excuse me, gentelmen, I think I'm not feeling well right now." He looked up. "Captian. Your highness." He nodded at each, downed the last of his drink, and walked away, head down, and absent-mindedly left his empty glass in a potted plant.

"If you need a room here sir, I can talk to President Katana about a place for you to rest," Jeff said.

He saw Mr. Yarrum walk away, and noticed that he did leave his glass in the potted ficus.

I hope we didn't make him uncomfortable, Jeff thought as he saw Tanaka and Barilla talking at the bar. He knew nothing good could come of that, given the looks they were giving him.

OOC: I'm calling it a night.

OOC: Gotcha, g'night!

Yarrum II continued to look down. "Uh... if you'll excuse me, gentelmen, I think I'm not feeling well right now." He looked up. "Captian. Your highness." He nodded at each, downed the last of his drink, and walked away, head down, and absent-mindedly left his empty glass in a potted plant.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, sir," replied James almost as an afterthought. He had been quiet through most of the conversation, trying to figure out just what about the man it was that Christin didn't like. So far, he had come up with nothing: Yarrum II seemed to be a perfectly harmless, if slightly eccentric, person.

He shrugged to Jeff, and sat back down. "Well...he seemed nice enough."

Katherine smiled and gave Christin a hug. "You forget who I'm married to," she winked. "I don't want to see you uncomfortable tonight. There's enough time for that with the wedding."

Christin hugged Kate back, laughed shortly, and then drew her breath in. "You're right...there's nothing to be scared in back there, and I feel awful for snapping at James. I ... I'm sorry to drag you out here for nothing, Kate. Thanks for coming, though." She drew her breath in and stepped back around the pillar, just as....

By some stroke of luck, despite his speed and his keeping his head down, he managed to make it out of the ballroom. He didn't realize it was the same exit he thought he was being spied upon from.

Christin paused, face to face with the man. Her complexion paled noticebly, and she gasped in a breath.

(sorry my posting has been so erratic, everyone. There's been more demands on my time today that I anticipated. Still, I should have three or four free hours now, hopefully!)

"It was a pleasure to meet you, sir," replied James almost as an afterthought. He had been quiet through most of the conversation, trying to figure out just what about the man it was that Christin didn't like. So far, he had come up with nothing: Yarrum II seemed to be a perfectly harmless, if slightly eccentric, person.

He shrugged to Jeff, and sat back down. "Well...he seemed nice enough."

Jeff nodded, "Yeah he did. A little nervous though. Maybe he needed that triple shot more than you did," he said with a small smile.

Christin hugged Kate back, laughed shortly, and then drew her breath in. "You're right...there's nothing to be scared in back there, and I feel awful for snapping at James. I ... I'm sorry to drag you out here for nothing, Kate. Thanks for coming, though." She drew her breath in and stepped back around the pillar, just as....

By some stroke of luck, despite his speed and his keeping his head down, he managed to make it out of the ballroom. He didn't realize it was the same exit he thought he was being spied upon from.

Christin paused, face to face with the man. Her complexion paled noticebly, and she gasped in a breath.

"You're welcome," Katherine said as the two started to walk back in. As Christin stopped suddenly found herself face to face with Yarrum, Katherine almost bumped into her. She kept Jeff and James in the corner of her eye, just in case.

Jeff nodded, "Yeah he did. A little nervous though. Maybe he needed that triple shot more than you did," he said with a small smile.

"Yeah, I noticed that too. Strange." James glanced up as a waiter approached, then quickly waved him away. "No, thank you nothing for me!" The effort used in forming the thought made him hiccup slightly.

--der snipper!--

(until tomorrow, then! ;))

(Sounds like a plan then! G'Night!)

(heh, on this thread anyway. I've quite a bit of work to do yet. My current plan for responses is this - world cup - snowfall - on a dead man's chest - knootoss - various WWII threads in II - anything else I have to do.

Boy, never take a day off! It just comes back to bite you! ;))

Christin paused, face to face with the man. Her complexion paled noticebly, and she gasped in a breath.

(sorry my posting has been so erratic, everyone. There's been more demands on my time today that I anticipated. Still, I should have three or four free hours now, hopefully!)

OOC: It's okay, don't worry about it.

IC: Yarrum's head snapped up. His eyes narrowed as they bored into Christin's. He stood as tall as he could, and his lips parted slowly as he said: "Sorry madam, I really must pay more attention to where I am going."

He stepped sideways, and continued onward. He found a balcony not far away. He would have preferred the ground level, not because of his fear of heights, but because he wanted to feel open, free. The railing of the balcony made him feel trapped. 'Oh well,' he waved the thought away. He found himself a place where the party-goers couldn't see him. He didn't feel like being seen right now. He sat on the floor, knees up, and gulped in the sweet air. In stark contrast to his entrace to the party, he sulked to himself.

OOC: I'm terribly sorry about the delay. As ironic as this may sound, Holydays are such a busy time for me!
I couldn't log in the last three days, Sorry! :oops:
I'll try to keep up witht he RP, anyway.
IC:

After spending much of the night at the terrace, discussing by phone an important 'issue' with the vice-duque (apparently, he didn't knew how to fed the duque's pets and was afraid of getting near Alberto, the ostrich), the duque returned to the party room, to find out that the atmosphere hadn't changed much, except for the fact that the room was more crowded than before.

He easily made his way torwards the bar, (yes, easily, as the people tend to get out of the way of a giant talking cow) and ordered a Tequila Sunrice, his favourite drink, and a little jar with coca-cola, for Fussyball. He stayed there, drinking, and looking at the scene, while thinking of all the good time he had spent on that room, in the first Third World Conference and about how great was to be there again.....

Perhaps she should have said 'no problem' or 'it's quite all right' - depending on if she went with the Imitoran or Iansislean part of her cultural experiance - but Christin could only stand there, frozen. She didn't move a single muscle, even as Yarrum moved away around the corner.

Yarrum II began to feel better. People were in there. There was pressure. He needed to be a certain way. Out here, there was just him, Yar. He could be himself. He had time to think.

He stood up, and inhaled deeply. Yes, maybe a good breath of air was just what he needed. And a bit of a walk. He began to pace the balcony, aware that he could be seen, but confident that nobody would be looking.

The Captain didn't seem too upset. He had definately overreacted, but it was no problem, if I didn't set him off the first time, he should be cool with it. I mean, how many uptight Larkinians had he met? Well, he had only talked with one, after the spectacle he made of himself at the wedding ceremony, but even that was handled good-naturedly. He got invited here, didn't he? Yes, Yarrum would simply re-enter, explain how he was a bit angry at himself for doing something he thought would upset a man he respected, and that would be that.

And, of course, she wasn't there. And nobody had been spying on him. He wasn't even a president anymore. All the noise, the people, the pressure, had gotten to him. But, after a nice stroll, some air, he was ready to try it again.

He easily made his way torwards the bar, (yes, easily, as the people tend to get out of the way of a giant talking cow) and ordered a Tequila Sunrice, his favourite drink, and a little jar with coca-cola, for Fussyball. He stayed there, drinking, and looking at the scene, while thinking of all the good time he had spent on that room, in the first Third World Conference and about how great was to be there again.....

"Yes sir," the bartender said handing over the drinks. "And how're you doing this evening?"

Perhaps she should have said 'no problem' or 'it's quite all right' - depending on if she went with the Imitoran or Iansislean part of her cultural experiance - but Christin could only stand there, frozen. She didn't move a single muscle, even as Yarrum moved away around the corner.

Katherine put her hand on Christin's shoulder, "Christin? Are you all right?"

Yes, he was ready. He would simply walk in, explain himself, and continue the conversation where they had left off.
But not now.
Yarrum II exhaled. He decided he still needed some time to collect himself. He tried to find his cigarettes, then remembered he didn't smoke, and never had.
"Maybe I should start," he wondered aloud.
He suddenly remembered that woman he nearly collided with. She seemed... well, he was very pre-occupied, but he thought she seemed... angry? A bit too surprised? Was she some sort of holy person, that custom forbid anyone from getting too close to? No, maybe she just was a bit scared that he would ram into her. He forgot about it, it was unimportant.
"I bet they are starting to miss me," he sardonically joked to himself.
He took a few more deep breaths, and prepared himself to re-enter.

As Yarrum II was getting ready to walk back into the ballroom, the ever-present waiter walked over.

"Are you all right sir?"

As Yarrum II was getting ready to walk back into the ballroom, the ever-present waiter walked over.

"Are you all right sir?"

"AH!"
To say that he had been startled would be an understatement.
"Sh-sh-shouldn't you be... ah, nevermind." Yarrum did his best to calm down.
"I suppose I am fine." He paused. "Thank you for asking."
'Maybe I should make more of an effort to be noticed,' he thought. 'I am beginning to understand why people dislike my sudden appearances.'

He walked back inside, leaving that akward scene behind.

Katherine put her hand on Christin's shoulder, "Christin? Are you all right?"

Kate could feel a slight tremor in Christin's shoulder before she recoiled from the contact. "No!...Kate?" Christin realized that she had raised her hands into a defensive posture "I...I'm sorry," she whispered, her breath still coming out in shallow gasps. She glanced at the corner Yarrum had just vanished around. "L-lets get back inside...I'm feeling a little cold." Christin quickly wrenched the door open and let herself inside.

Across the room, James noticed them coming back in, and rose with a smile. Christin saw him from the doorway, and broke into a less than dignified jog which culminated in James' somewhat surprised but embracing arms.

I mean, how many uptight Larkinians had he met?

ooc: An uptight Larkinian? Now that would be a sight to see! ;)

Kate could feel a slight tremor in Christin's shoulder before she recoiled from the contact. "No!...Kate?" Christin realized that she had raised her hands into a defensive posture "I...I'm sorry," she whispered, her breath still coming out in shallow gasps. She glanced at the corner Yarrum had just vanished around. "L-lets get back inside...I'm feeling a little cold." Christin quickly wrenched the door open and let herself inside.

Across the room, James noticed them coming back in, and rose with a smile. Christin saw him from the doorway, and broke into a less than dignified jog which culminated in James' somewhat surprised but embracing arms.

Katherine stepped back and raised her hands a little, "It's OK Christin, it's just me," she said softly. "You're right, we should go back inside."

She followed Christin to the table and kissed Jeff's cheek. "Sorry we were gone so long guys," she said as she gave Jeff a look saying We've got to talk

-----

"Sh-sh-shouldn't you be... ah, nevermind." Yarrum did his best to calm down.
"I suppose I am fine." He paused. "Thank you for asking."

"Of course sir," the man said as he picked up his tray. "I'll be around if you need anything."

Yarrum II was cool and smooth again, but solemn. He was in control again. He strode back towards the ballroom, and thought he spied James' dance partner leap into his arms. He'd been wondering about her, now would be a good time for an introduction.
He stopped for a second. She looked familiar. He pondered as he continued to walk.
'Was she the woman I almost bumped into?' he wondered. He didn't think so. There were lots of women here, after all. So what if he needed to make two apologies? No big deal. They would understand.
He was in control. He was cool and smooth.
He was Yarrum II.

He was in control. He was cool and smooth.
He was Yarrum II.

(And suddenly, the theme to "Shaft" is rolling though my mind..)

(And suddenly, the theme to "Shaft" is rolling though my mind..):wink:

Katherine stepped back and raised her hands a little, "It's OK Christin, it's just me," she said softly. "You're right, we should go back inside."

She followed Christin to the table and kissed Jeff's cheek. "Sorry we were gone so long guys," she said as she gave Jeff a look saying We've got to talk

James glanced over at Kate briefly as one hand rubbed Christin's back and the other stroked her hair. "That's all right, Kate," he whispered softly, before turning his attention back to Christin. He could feel her breath on his neck; it was coming in short, ragged gasps: she wasn't quite ready to sob, but it was the next closest thing. He whispered softly in her ear; it didn't really matter what he was saying, not to either of them.

Yarrum II was not close to the four he was approaching, but he could clearly see that something was wrong. Was the King's dance parter... she was! Crying! Over something Yarrum didn't even know he had done!
'I really stepped in it!' He thought.
He stopped for a moment, and took some deep, cleansing breaths.
"C-c-cool and s-s-smooth," he whispered to himself.

Jeff watched the interaction with James and Christin.

He leaned over to Katherine and whispered, "Maybe we should leave them alone for a little while." Katherine nodded slightly at him.

"If you'll excuse us," Jeff said, standing again, "We're going to get another round of drinks for the four of us. Back in a bit."

OOC: Sorry to leave just when things are getting interesting, but I need my beauty sleep. I guess Yarrum is still building up his courage for now.

Yarrum II was not close to the four he was approaching, but he could clearly see that something was wrong. Was the King's dance parter... she was! Crying! Over something Yarrum didn't even know he had done!
'I really stepped in it!' He thought.
He stopped for a moment, and took some deep, cleansing breaths.
"C-c-cool and s-s-smooth," he whispered to himself.

Katherine stopped Jeff after a few steps.

"That's the man Cris bumped into outside," she whispered to him.

"Yeah, he's Yarrum the Second, former king of Yarrum," he told her as he saw Yarrum II's face blanch.

That can't be good.

Edit: All right, catch ya tomorrow!

Across the room, Sir Richard winced. He had been involved in conversation with some mid-ranking Larkinian naval officer, but the High King's behavior was astounding him. Had they been not in Larkinia, but rather on the Shield, so gross a display of public affection would have had a dozen different people rushing off to IanCorp's tabloids full of tales.

The First Sea Lord, a card-carrying member of the Imperialist Party, would never dream of reporting on his monarch, whom he considered both a personal friend and chosen by providence to lead, but this sort of behavior at a public event was highly reckless. Even just one unscrupled person in the crowd could bring the entire Iansislean crown crashing back into reality. James' popularity as a young, attractive, and reforming monarch was skyhigh, but the Iansislean public was notably fickle. They couldn't remove James, but they could transfer the Princeship of Ianapalis - held by House Callahan since 1697 - to another of the great houses of the Shield, thus ending Callahan's three hundred year reign as imperial monarchs.

He excused himself quickly and edged towards where James and Christin were standing. In the meantime, neither really seemed to notice Jeff and Kate subtly moving off.

OOC: Sorry to leave just when things are getting interesting, but I need my beauty sleep. I guess Yarrum is still building up his courage for now.

('Night! It's really been a pleasure, even if we can never seem to find the same time to be on ;). Sorry to throw you such a screwball on our first meeting!)

Jeff and Katherine picked up on Richard moving towards the couple.

Jeff turned to Katherine, "Ask Katana if there's a room in the palace we can take Christin to until she's feeling better."

She walked over to Katana quickly and Jeff hobbled over to meet Richard, "What's wrong?" he asked quickly.

Tri jumped slightly as Jeff approached him. "Oh, Jeff - heh, nothing much." He glanced over at James and Christin again. "Well, it's just that IanCorp has eyes and ears everywhere, if you know what I mean."

Meanwhile, Christin could feel eyes boring into her back, but she felt safe in James' embrace. She didn't think she'd ever be able to leave.

Tri jumped slightly as Jeff approached him. "Oh, Jeff - heh, nothing much." He glanced over at James and Christin again. "Well, it's just that IanCorp has eyes and ears everywhere, if you know what I mean."

Meanwhile, Christin could feel eyes boring into her back, but she felt safe in James' embrace. She didn't think she'd ever be able to leave.

Jeff nodded, "Yeah, I know what you mean Richard," he said looking around nervously.

Katherine had pulled Katana away from Constancio a moment, "Mr. President, could we get a room for Duchess Chaffin?" she asked. "She doesn't appear to be feeling to well."

"Of course," He said turning to Aiana, "The northwest bedroom, right down the hall from the ballroom," he said.

Aiana nodded and walked over to the staff to make sure the room was ready for someone.

Katherine thanked Katana, who then turned back to Constancio. She walked back to Jeff and Richard. "There's a room ready, maybe she could use some rest."

Richard shook his head. "I'm as much in favor of a free press as the Tablet, but I do wonder sometimes if that's truly what we have. I mean, IanCorp's so big now it could commit any sort of libel it wants, and there's nothing anyone would be able to do."

He glanced over as Kate approached. "Good: I think that may be just what our friends need." He sighed as they walked over to where James and Christin stood. It didn't take much persuading to get the two of them to abandon the dance floor for the bedroom. James thanked Kate and Jeff perhaps too many times, but Christin seemed unable to say anything.

Richard shook his head. "I'm as much in favor of a free press as the Tablet, but I do wonder sometimes if that's truly what we have. I mean, IanCorp's so big now it could commit any sort of libel it wants, and there's nothing anyone would be able to do."

Jeff shook his head a moment and the look that crossed his face told Richard exactly what he'd do to IanCorp if they libeled James. "That would be unwise on their part."

He glanced over as Kate approached. "Good: I think that may be just what our friends need." He sighed as they walked over to where James and Christin stood. It didn't take much persuading to get the two of them to abandon the dance floor for the bedroom. James thanked Kate and Jeff perhaps too many times, but Christin seemed unable to say anything.

"Come on," Katherine said as she and Aiana led the two toward the bedroom.

"Try and behave James," Jeff winked at him and said quietly, "You are at a party, and we're not teenagers anymore," he added with a small grin. "Let me know what else I can do for you two. Just call," He said handing James Katherine's cell phone, "Press 1 and the call button, I'll be out here."

Jeff shook his head a moment and the look that crossed his face told Richard exactly what he'd do to IanCorp if they libeled James. "That would be unwise on their part."

Richard laughed. "I have found that Iansislean corporations tend not to ask what is wise, Jeff, but rather what is profitable." He winked. "At least, in the short run."

"Come on," Katherine said as she and Aiana led the two toward the bedroom.

"Try and behave James," Jeff winked at him and said quietly, "You are at a party, and we're not teenagers anymore," he added with a small grin. "Let me know what else I can do for you two. Just call," He said handing James Katherine's cell phone, "Press 1 and the call button, I'll be out here."

James let Katherine take Christin, disengaging himself and walking quietly up to Jeff and Richard. He rolled his eyes at the advice. "Thanks, Jeff - I'll certainly try at that." He accepted the cell phone, squinting at it. Tri craned his neck to look at it as well: after all, touch-tone telephones were still completely unknown in the Commonwealth. Still, the instructions were simple enough, and the 'one' and 'call' buttons were clearly marked. He slipped into a small pocket.

"Jeff, I just wanted to say thank you," James whispered quietly, glancing about the ballroom. "I'm sure we caused you much more trouble than you deserved at a festive occasion like this." He glanced over his shoulder at where Kate was leading Christin into the bedroom. "Oops, I gotta run. Thanks again," he said quietly as he turned and made his way as quickly as he could without drawing even more stares than he already had towards the door.

Richard laughed. "I have found that Iansislean corporations tend not to ask what is wise, Jeff, but rather what is profitable." He winked. "At least, in the short run."

"Maybe Richard," Jeff grinned, "but sometimes what's wise and profitable are the same thing. Especially when it comes to someone as powerful as James."

James let Katherine take Christin, disengaging himself and walking quietly up to Jeff and Richard. He rolled his eyes at the advice. "Thanks, Jeff - I'll certainly try at that."

"Well I'm just looking out for ya," Jeff winked.

"Jeff, I just wanted to say thank you," James whispered quietly, glancing about the ballroom. "I'm sure we caused you much more trouble than you deserved at a festive occasion like this." He glanced over his shoulder at where Kate was leading Christin into the bedroom. "Oops, I gotta run. Thanks again," he said quietly as he turned and made his way as quickly as he could without drawing even more stares than he already had towards the door.

"You're welcome James," Jeff smiled softly at him. "It's no bother. Making sure you and Christin are all right is more important to me than any party would ever be. You go take care of your bride-to-be."

Katana watched as James and Katherine took Christin to the bedroom. He smiled to himself, hoping the king and queen-to-be were all right, or that this 'illness' would take care of itself after a little time alone. It was times like that he wished he were a few years younger... or married...

He caught his thoughts and realized that he still had a presentation to make, as Katherine walked back into the ballroom.

He gently tapped his glass with a pen, the clear ring getting everyone's attention. "Before we all get too far... relaxed," he said with a smile, "I would like to ask Captains Williams and Markson to accompany me to the dais."

Chris and Jeff looked at each other, each wondering if the other knew what in the hell was going on.

James and Christin vanished into the room.

Back in the ballroom, Richard forced himself to pay attention to the going-ons. He arched an eyebrow at Jeff, wondering what this business was all about. However, somehow the look on Jeff's face indicated that he should probably just wait.

(It's an abnormally early bedtime for bonzo out here, I'm afraid. I'll see y'all tomorrow- hopefully, I'll have more time then ;))

(Gotcha, g'night dude! Catch ya on the flip side)

Chris and Jeff each made their way in front of the crowd slowly to the dais in the room.

"What in the hell did you get us into this time?" Chris asked Jeff quietly.

"I was hoping you'd be able to tell me," Jeff winked back. "It can't be another demotion.. I don't think."

After the three arrived, Katana turned to the assembled group, "My apologies everyone, but my contract has a speech clause in it for every major event in the Presidential Palace."

He turned to the two men, "Gentlemen, we are assembled here this evening in part to celebrate the actions you took, to save the lives of those who could not.

"Honor and valor take many faces, from risking one's life to protect others, to showing compassion for those in times of need. One does not need an admiral's star, or other assorted ranks and priviledges to have honor.

"Both of you, and the men who served with you recently, have given cause for everyone, not just Larkinians, but all people, to be proud. To show that there still are people who embrace the true meanings of honor.

"In Larkinia, the greatest honor we have to bestow is the Larkinian Star of Valor. But that somehow does not encompass the actions this small band did for those they did not know.

"In that vein, I have asked the Larkinian Parliament to pass a law, giving us a new honor to grant these gentlemen with. I have been informed that this law passed tonight. I believe it is the greatest honor we can give anyone.

"This evening, I would like to present the both of you with the Sir Jeffrey Williams Larkinian Medal of Honor."

Takeo reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening it revealed two golden medals, each with a torch encircled by the words 'Honor Valor Courage Virtue Compassion'

He pulled them out and put each around the men's necks as Chris grinned and Jeff tried to pick up his jaw from the floor and maintain some level of composure from the shock.

"Congratulations gentlemen," Takeo said, "Your men are also being presented this honor, and the families of those who died are receiving theirs for their lost loved ones"

Katherine smiled at Jeff and Chris and applauded as loud as anyone else in the room. Jeff smiled at her and she blew him a kiss.

However, at the bar, Tanaka was stunned at the ceremony. What was this? Break a few rules, get people killed... get demoted and then get a medal named after yourself?? He was fuming although his face showed little of it, he hadn't noticed when the brandy glass in his gloved hand cracked, then splintered. That decided it, he refused to stay and have to talk to Williams as Katana had demanded.

The bartender did notice, and unobtrusively cleaned up the mess falling from the glass.

Barilla turned in time to see the brandy glass cracking. "Not now, Joshua," he whispered, calming the Vice Admiral. "We have too much to think about to let this sidetrack us. I think it is best that we leave, however."

The two men slipped out of the ceremony during the applause and walked down the hallway to their waiting cars.

As the ceremony comes to a close, the waiter carries a tray of drinks to the King and Queen of Midlonia, "Your majesties, can I offer you a drink? I trust you're enjoying yourselves?" he asked as the bartender stolled over to the Duque, glad to be away from the fuming Tanaka, "Duque, can I get you or the Missus another?"

Location: Imperial Embassy, Larkinia.

Imperial Shuttle Lydria touched down on the roof. Minister Adams, in charge of the Embassy, was waiting to meet him.

"Welcome my Emperor. And my, doesn't your wife look radiant today."

(Over the christmas peroid, Emperor Marshall wed Lady Ronchester, who was the former forgein minister.)

"Why thank you Minister Adams. Is the limo ready?"

"Yes sir. one TG7 Hover limo waiting for you to board. A military escort is also with us."

"Good. let's get on board, shall we?"

The Emperor set off at top speed to the party.

('Night! It's really been a pleasure, even if we can never seem to find the same time to be on ;). Sorry to throw you such a screwball on our first meeting!)

OOC: It's okay, I'm having fun! You two are good at this.

IC: Yarrum II had tried to show his support for the two by being louder than anyone else, but he knew nobody noticed. It was okay, he knew he tried.
He snaked a path through the crowd as best as he could, until he was right in front of Chris and Jeff.
"Sir, uh, Captian Williams?" he blurted. "I am sorry for storming off like that, but you see, I have a... respect, for you. And you," he said to Chris. "And, well, I thought I upset you when I mentioned the court-marshall, so I felt really angry at myself, for upsetting you, and I kind of over-reacted, and I apologize. But, well, I wanted to know if the lady in J- the King of Iansisle's arms, the one who was crying, was okay, because I kind of bumped into her... I mean, I almost bumped into her, because I wasn't looking where I was going, and then she started crying, and... I don't know what I did, but I'm very, very sorry. I-I..." Things went dark.

Daddy, how come nobody likes me...........

The world snapped back. Neither Chris nor Jeff seemed to notice. Good. "I just didn't want to hurt anyone, that's all." Whatever that was, I can't let it ruin this. I ca.....

Medic! Medic! I'm hit! I'm HIIIIIIIII...

'Ugh, this just isn't my night', he thought, and trying to rub his forehead, poked himself in the eye with his stump. Again.

As the ceremony comes to a close, the waiter carries a tray of drinks to the King and Queen of Midlonia, "Your majesties, can I offer you a drink? I trust you're enjoying yourselves?" he asked as the bartender stolled over to the Duque, glad to be away from the fuming Tanaka, "Duque, can I get you or the Missus another?"

"Yes, please. I'd like a last scotch before this thing ends", says the duque, looking a bit nervous to the fuming Takana leaving the conference.
Then, scotch in hand, he walked torwards Jeff to congratulate him.

IC: Yarrum II had tried to show his support for the two by being louder than anyone else, but he knew nobody noticed. It was okay, he knew he tried.
He snaked a path through the crowd as best as he could, until he was right in front of Chris and Jeff.
"Sir, uh, Captian Williams?" he blurted. "I am sorry for storming off like that, but you see, I have a... respect, for you. And you," he said to Chris. "And, well, I thought I upset you when I mentioned the court-marshall, so I felt really angry at myself, for upsetting you, and I kind of over-reacted, and I apologize. But, well, I wanted to know if the lady in J- the King of Iansisle's arms, the one who was crying, was okay, because I kind of bumped into her... I mean, I almost bumped into her, because I wasn't looking where I was going, and then she started crying, and... I don't know what I did, but I'm very, very sorry. I-I..." Things went dark.

Jeff smiled at Yarrum, "That's all right, I thought all of this depressing talk of court-marshals and things would be a bit of a downer. You didn't upset me at all, there's nothing to apologize for. It's those guys from Mil-Com that did that. Don't think anything of it. And for the love of God, it's not Captain Williams, it's Jeff."

"Yeah," Chris grinned, "Jeff's got a problem about getting accolades from people."

Jeff looked over to where James and Christin had gone, "As for Christin, I'm not sure what has her so upset. I'm sure it's not anything you did, she's a very happy woman most of the time from what I can tell. It should be all right."

"Yes, please. I'd like a last scotch before this thing ends", says the duque, looking a bit nervous to the fuming Takana leaving the conference.
Then, scotch in hand, he walked torwards Jeff to congratulate him.

The bartender handed the Duque a scotch, "From the looks of it, it's just getting started," he grinned looking over at some of the other dignitaries talking and laughing."

Jeff smiled and waved the Duque and Duchess over to the group.

(so that's what happens when two people try and post at the same time in the same thread! ;) ...rotten forums!)

OOC: It's okay, I'm having fun! You two are good at this.

Thank you very much! The feeling is quite mutual, I assure you!

--snip the ceremony--

Sir Richard would have led another round of cheers from Chris and Jeff, but he didn't have any men to follow his example. Instead, he settled for clapping as rapidly and loudly as he could, until he got a slight sting introduced to his palms. After that, he had to stand back and smile with a proud grin on his face. He had known both of them for as long as any Iansisleans - and longer than most - in the years since von Numerhammer's stupidity blown out the boiler on Behemoth, leaving her at the mercy of light winds.

Behind him, the Iansislean Grand Admiral managed to hear the cracking of glass. He assumed that a waiter or guest had simply dropped a glass, and continued to stare proudly at the stage. At least in his own mind, Tri knew ever since that dinner in Behemoth's state room that Jeff would end up being something special; that he would have a profound impact both on Larkinia and on the Grand Empire of the Shield.

He turned quietly back to the bartender, getting nearly halfway through an order before noticing that the man was mopping up spilled brandy from a nearby naval officer's glass. He smiled at the man with a quick salute.

"'ello, sir. Richard Tri, Are-Eye-Enn." He followed the man's gaze to the stage and smiled. "Must be a pleasure to have one of your own up there, eh? Still, a shame to waste good brandy: can I get you another?"

Sir Richard would have led another round of cheers from Chris and Jeff, but he didn't have any men to follow his example. Instead, he settled for clapping as rapidly and loudly as he could, until he got a slight sting introduced to his palms. After that, he had to stand back and smile with a proud grin on his face. He had known both of them for as long as any Iansisleans - and longer than most - in the years since von Numerhammer's stupidity blown out the boiler on Behemoth, leaving her at the mercy of light winds.

Behind him, the Iansislean Grand Admiral managed to hear the cracking of glass. He assumed that a waiter or guest had simply dropped a glass, and continued to stare proudly at the stage. At least in his own mind, Tri knew ever since that dinner in Behemoth's state room that Jeff would end up being something special; that he would have a profound impact both on Larkinia and on the Grand Empire of the Shield.

He turned quietly back to the bartender, getting nearly halfway through an order before noticing that the man was mopping up spilled brandy from a nearby naval officer's glass. He smiled at the man with a quick salute.

"'ello, sir. Richard Tri, Are-Eye-Enn." He followed the man's gaze to the stage and smiled. "Must be a pleasure to have one of your own up there, eh? Still, a shame to waste good brandy: can I get you another?"

"Hello sir," Tanaka said, immediately going into his politician's schmoozing mode smile and all. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Josh Tanaka, Larkinian Naval Command."

He looked up at the stage at Jeff and Chris and holding back the bile he wanted to spew out about them. "It is always an honor to see a member of the Naval forces receive something like this," he said diplomatically.

"Uh, yes, I think I can take you up on that drink," Tanaka said, wondering why he'd want to prolong hs visit here.

"Hello sir," Tanaka said, immediately going into his politician's schmoozing mode smile and all. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Josh Tanaka, Larkinian Naval Command."

He looked up at the stage at Jeff and Chris and holding back the bile he wanted to spew out about them. "It is always an honor to see a member of the Naval forces receive something like this," he said diplomatically.

"Uh, yes, I think I can take you up on that drink," Tanaka said, wondering why he'd want to prolong hs visit here.

"That's good to hear," smiled Richard, completely oblivious to any political schmoozing on Tanaka's part. After all, Tri's career had been built up in times of war: he certainly knew how to schmooze and politic his way around the Admiralty, but it wasn't a skill he practiced often. He held up two fingers to the bartender. "A pair of brandies, if you please."

For some reason, the name 'Tanaka' seemed to ring a bell in the back of his mind, but Richard couldn't seem to place it. After standing for a few seconds in slightly uncomfortable silence, he decided to force a conversation.

"I've always been an admirer of the Larkinian Navy," he said after a moment. "Naturally, the Civilian Board doesn't like to admit there's any fleet that can compare with His Majesty's navy, but there's always been a certain slickness to Larkinian operations on the high seas." He nodded up at the dais. "This award probably deserved to come to a Ell-Enn officer long ago."

"That's good to hear," smiled Richard, completely oblivious to any political schmoozing on Tanaka's part. After all, Tri's career had been built up in times of war: he certainly knew how to schmooze and politic his way around the Admiralty, but it wasn't a skill he practiced often. He held up two fingers to the bartender. "A pair of brandies, if you please."

For some reason, the name 'Tanaka' seemed to ring a bell in the back of his mind, but Richard couldn't seem to place it. After standing for a few seconds in slightly uncomfortable silence, he decided to force a conversation.

"I've always been an admirer of the Larkinian Navy," he said after a moment. "Naturally, the Civilian Board doesn't like to admit there's any fleet that can compare with His Majesty's navy, but there's always been a certain slickness to Larkinian operations on the high seas." He nodded up at the dais. "This award probably deserved to come to a Ell-Enn officer long ago."
Tanaka picked up the brandy and took a sip as Richard spoke.

"Well sir, we've always tried to run a tight fleet," Tanaka said, "We do pride ourselves on that."

When one of us isn't running off breaking the rules.

"However, there's always something to be said about the RIN as well. You've always seemed to run your own fleet in good order. I mean look at the way that the Odysseus made it to the Arkadia fleet. Once they received their orders," Tanaka said pausing, "They followed them sharply and prevented this from getting worse.

"Yes, I agree that it is an award that deserved to come to any one of a number of other officers," he added.

"Yes, please. I'd like a last scotch before this thing ends", says the duque, looking a bit nervous to the fuming Takana leaving the conference.
Then, scotch in hand, he walked torwards Jeff to congratulate him.

The bartender handed the Duque a scotch, "From the looks of it, it's just getting started," he grinned looking over at some of the other dignitaries talking and laughing."

Jeff smiled and waved the Duque and Duchess over to the group.

The Duque politely left the conversation with the bartender and walked torwards the group....

"Hello, honorable Sir Jeffrey Williams. It's truly a pleasure to meet you. I'm The Duque Mooo IV, Although you may have already recognised me.
Anyway, let me congratulate you for your brave actions and for the award they made you won.
I'm glad the larkinian government has acknowledge your bravery and courage with this great award, as you truly deserve it."

The Duque politely left the conversation with the bartender and walked torwards the group....

"Hello, honorable Sir Jeffrey Williams. It's truly a pleasure to meet you. I'm The Duque Mooo IV, Although you may have already recognised me.
Anyway, let me congratulate you for your brave actions and for the award they made you won.
I'm glad the larkinian government has acknowledge your bravery and courage with this great award, as you truly deserve it."

Jeff smiled at the Duque, "It is indeed a pleasure to meet you Duque," he said. "Thank you for the congratulations.

"I wish I could take credit, but there were a lot of good men with me there, and I'm just glad I was able to lead them for a good cause."

Jeff smiled at the Duque, "It is indeed a pleasure to meet you Duque," he said. "Thank you for the congratulations.

"I wish I could take credit, but there were a lot of good men with me there, and I'm just glad I was able to lead them for a good cause."

"Of course there were lots of noble men with you, but, from what I've heard, you were he bravest. You have a quality we value much in Hell Bovines, you are loyal to your country, but you know when to break the rules and when not to."
"Anyway, what will you do after this great party? Any plans for another celebration?. I just love parties, y'know."

"Of course there were lots of noble men with you, but, from what I've heard, you were he bravest. You have a quality we value much in Hell Bovines, you are loyal to your country, but you know when to break the rules and when not to."
"Anyway, what will you do after this great party? Any plans for another celebration?. I just love parties, y'know."

"Well, I don't know how much our military leaders valued those qualities," Jeff winked. "But I appreciate your sentiments Duque.

"As for another party, I don't know yet. We might just move this party out of the palace and downtown soon enough."

Jeff smiled at Yarrum, "That's all right, I thought all of this depressing talk of court-marshals and things would be a bit of a downer. You didn't upset me at all, there's nothing to apologize for. It's those guys from Mil-Com that did that. Don't think anything of it. And for the love of God, it's not Captain Williams, it's Jeff."

"Yeah," Chris grinned, "Jeff's got a problem about getting accolades from people."

Jeff looked over to where James and Christin had gone, "As for Christin, I'm not sure what has her so upset. I'm sure it's not anything you did, she's a very happy woman most of the time from what I can tell. It should be all right."

Yarrum II let out a long breath.
"Thank you, Jeff. I just needed to get that off my chest."
He was himself again. Not very smooth or cool anymore, but more content, and clearly very relaxed. He stepped over to make room for the Duque, and gladly let him direct the conversation.

Location: Imperial Embassy, Larkinia.

Imperial Shuttle Lydria touched down on the roof. Minister Adams, in charge of the Embassy, was waiting to meet him.

"Welcome my Emperor. And my, doesn't your wife look radiant today."

(Over the christmas peroid, Emperor Marshall wed Lady Ronchester, who was the former forgein minister.)

"Why thank you Minister Adams. Is the limo ready?"

"Yes sir. one TG7 Hover limo waiting for you to board. A military escort is also with us."

"Good. let's get on board, shall we?"

The Emperor set off at top speed to the party.

The two guards at the entrance watched as the hover limo zipped toward the Palace.

"Look at that, haven't seen one of those before."

"I know, they must be from that new Imperial Embassy, I was watching them build it, looks pretty interesting!"

As the hover limo pulled up to the Presidential Palace, the guards walked up to the Emporer and his wife, "If you'll follow us your majesties, the party is this way."

Yarrum II let out a long breath.
"Thank you, Jeff. I just needed to get that off my chest."
He was himself again. Not very smooth or cool anymore, but more content, and clearly very relaxed. He stepped over to make room for the Duque, and gladly let him direct the conversation.
"It's all right, glad to help," Jeff smiled, "Now you seem to be missing something..." Jeff flagged down a waiter, "Another pina colada for Mr. Yarrum."

Well, I don't know how much our military leaders valued those qualities," Jeff winked. "But I appreciate your sentiments Duque.

"As for another party, I don't know yet. We might just move this party out of the palace and downtown soon enough."

"Great. I'd love to attend."
"Enough of speaking about this. I don't want to take all the attention. Please feel free to discuss with us any subject you want to. This is your party, after all."

The duque suddenly notices the delegate from Yarrum.
"Hello good sir. It's a pleasure to meet you too. Sadly, I haven't heard much about your noble nation. What can you tell me about it?"

"It's all right, glad to help," Jeff smiled, "Now you seem to be missing something..." Jeff flagged down a waiter, "Another pina colada for Mr. Yarrum."

"Oh, I think I've had enough," Yarrum chuckled as he raised his hand as if to push away the drink, but when it came, he took it anyway and sipped it gently.

"Hello good sir. It's a pleasure to meet you too. Sadly, I haven't heard much about your noble nation. What can you tell me about it?"

He couldn't care less what the Duque looked like (he'd seen stranger things,) but when a humaniod cow actually talked to him, he wasn't sure how to respond. He pretended to sigh thoughtfully to give him a moment to collect himself.

"It's just a peace-loving democracy. We like freedom, our beautiful forests and beaches, and order. We aren't very rich, but it's a nice, quiet life." He wondered if the Duque was trying to make conversation, and if a mere response was enough. "And what is your homeland like? I'm sure it's more interesting than mine."

Jeff nodded to the Duque, "Well sir, I didn't really know this was going to be going on until it was decided to just throw a party," he said. "My adopted father is Dr. Devon Niven, from Celeborne, and this is his party really." he added looking around for Dr. Niven.

"What are you guys up to," Katherine walked up to Jeff and kissed him.

"Just talking sweetheart," he smiled, "Sweets, this is Duque Mooo IV from Hell Bovines and you remember Mr. Yarrum."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," she smiled with a twinkle in her green eyes.

Jeff nodded to the Duque, "Well sir, I didn't really know this was going to be going on until it was decided to just throw a party," he said. "My adopted father is Dr. Devon Niven, from Celeborne, and this is his party really." he added looking around for Dr. Niven.

"What are you guys up to," Katherine walked up to Jeff and kissed him.

"Just talking sweetheart," he smiled, "Sweets, this is Duque Mooo IV from Hell Bovines and you remember Mr. Yarrum."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," she smiled with a twinkle in her green eyes.

"She does?" Yarrum asked, puzzled. "Remember me, I mean."

"I hope she does," Jeff said, "I was going to introduce you to her when I got sidetracked with this whole ceremony thing, damn pain in the butt. So officially now, this is my wife Katherine."

Katherine giggled and smiled to Yarrum. "Nice to finally meet you."

Jeff nodded to the Duque, "Well sir, I didn't really know this was going to be going on until it was decided to just throw a party," he said. "My adopted father is Dr. Devon Niven, from Celeborne, and this is his party really." he added looking around for Dr. Niven.

"What are you guys up to," Katherine walked up to Jeff and kissed him.

"Just talking sweetheart," he smiled, "Sweets, this is Duque Mooo IV from Hell Bovines and you remember Mr. Yarrum."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," she smiled with a twinkle in her green eyes.

"It's my pleasure", the duque says, looking directly into the beautiful green eyes.
"May I also present you my wife, duchess Fussyball", he added, pointing at the small hamster sleeping on his shoulder. The creature was also wearing a minuscule silvery crown.


He then turned to the Yarrum delegate again, who looked rather intimidated by the duque balck bovinian eyes.
"Your country sounds really interesting, and it's great to find outyou are a democracy too."
"Actually, our form of government is rather unique. It's an ecotopia, a mix between marxism, enviromentalism and direct democracy. Under our government form the economy is entirely collectivized, the enviroment is protected and a duque is democractically elected for all his life, though he cannot take important decisions, as they must be taken by the populace through referendums in a direct-democratic like way."
"Anyway, our laws are pretty much liberal, but there's one thing we don't toleratte and that is banned: Meat eating. We canot understand how could anyone be so barbaric to kill an innocent creature, even a cow, to eat it. What's your opinion about the subject?"

"I hope she does," Jeff said, "I was going to introduce you to her when I got sidetracked with this whole ceremony thing, damn pain in the butt. So officially now, this is my wife Katherine."

Katherine giggled and smiled to Yarrum. "Nice to finally meet you."

"Oh, I see." He smiled back. "It's nice to meet you, too."

'Those eyes...' he thought. 'The Captian is a lucky man. Oh, I have to start thinking of him as 'Jeff'.'

He then turned to the Yarrum delegate again, who looked rather intimidated by the duque balck bovinian eyes.
"Your country sounds really interesting, and it's great to find outyou are a democracy too."
"Actually, our form of government is rather unique. It's an ecotopia, a mix between marxism, enviromentalism and direct democracy. Under our government form the economy is entirely collectivized, the enviroment is protected and a duque is democractically elected for all his life, though he cannot take important decisions, as they must be taken by the populace through referendums in a direct-democratic like way."
"Anyway, our laws are pretty much liberal, but there's one thing we don't toleratte and that is banned: Meat eating. We canot understand how could anyone be so barbaric to kill an innocent creature, even a cow, to eat it. What's your opinion about the subject?"

He was hoping for information about what kinds of humaniod and/or intelligent animals lived in Hell Bovines, but he nonetheless smiled and nodded at the Duque's explaination of his nation's complex goverment system. He was wondering if he should bring up the GSY's system of a president-for-life, but he was caught off-guard by the sudden question of meat-eating. If he was talking to a person, even a bigger, stronger person, he might boldly state that all creatures ate other lifeforms to survive, but against a cow... Luckily, the one bit of news he had gotten from the GSY recently came in handy.

"Our nation banned meat-eating not too long ago, actually. About time, if you ask me."

Tanaka picked up the brandy and took a sip as Richard spoke.

"Well sir, we've always tried to run a tight fleet," Tanaka said, "We do pride ourselves on that."

When one of us isn't running off breaking the rules.

"However, there's always something to be said about the RIN as well. You've always seemed to run your own fleet in good order. I mean look at the way that the Odysseus made it to the Arkadia fleet. Once they received their orders," Tanaka said pausing, "They followed them sharply and prevented this from getting worse.

"Yes, I agree that it is an award that deserved to come to any one of a number of other officers," he added.

It wasn't really the tone of Tanaka's voice which arched Richard's eyebrow as the words which it delivered. He shrugged away the brief moment of consideration, and smiled.

"We try and teach our officers that the will of the High King and his officers is paramount to most other considerations, but also to have wills of their own," said Tri quietly. "There are times when I'm glad of officers disobeying orders: Salvador provides a couple interesting examples."

He was hoping for information about what kinds of humaniod and/or intelligent animals lived in Hell Bovines, but he nonetheless smiled and nodded at the Duque's explaination of his nation's complex goverment system. He was wondering if he should bring up the GSY's system of a president-for-life, but he was caught off-guard by the sudden question of meat-eating. If he was talking to a person, even a bigger, stronger person, he might boldly state that all creatures ate other lifeforms to survive, but against a cow... Luckily, the one bit of news he had gotten from the GSY recently came in handy.

"Our nation banned meat-eating not too long ago, actually. About time, if you ask me."

"Great is to hear that your country is so civilised. I don't have much else to tell you about Hell Bovines. Let's see.... About the 99.8% of the population is from the Hell Bovinian race, our main religion worships 'the holy cow' as a god, our architecture resembles that of ancient egypt, we used to be an Spanish colony until the bovine revolution, we are an influential participant of the Third World Conferences and we are the interior minister and a proud member of the Non-Human Union, an alliance of naions whose populations are non-human sentinent creatures. That's all I can recall for now. Of course, if you want more information you can check our world factbook entry (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1752166), available at any enciclopaedia.What about your noble nation?"

"Great is to hear that your country is so civilised. I don't have much else to tell you about Hell Bovines. Let's see.... About the 99.8% of the population is from the Hell Bovinian race, our main religion worships 'the holy cow' as a god, our architecture resembles that of ancient egypt, we used to be an Spanish colony until the bovine revolution, we are an influential participant of the Third World Conferences and we are the interior minister and a proud member of the Non-Human Union, an alliance of naions whose populations are non-human sentinent creatures. That's all I can recall for now. Of course, if you want more information you can check our world factbook entry (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1752166), available at any enciclopaedia.What about your noble nation?"

Yarrum hoped he wouldn't be asked to repeat any of that, it was all too new and different for much to stick in his mind.
"Mmm... I am afraid there isn't much else to tell. We used to be prominent members of the West Pacific, and that region's ambassador to the North Pacific was a native Yarrumian, but the current head of state founded a separate region called the Isle of Yar. Our population is entirely human, although we do have some elves living in our forests. We are quite proud of the elves. They aren't counted in the population because, well, they don't like to be counted as 'people'."

Constancio Matebian applauded the award ceremony, trying hard to stop himself from laughing at the outraged military men as he did so. He reached into his inside pocket and took out a small gift, beginning to roll in Jeff's direction.

It wasn't really the tone of Tanaka's voice which arched Richard's eyebrow as the words which it delivered. He shrugged away the brief moment of consideration, and smiled.

"We try and teach our officers that the will of the High King and his officers is paramount to most other considerations, but also to have wills of their own," said Tri quietly. "There are times when I'm glad of officers disobeying orders: Salvador provides a couple interesting examples."

"Don't get me wrong, all of us in the Navy are proud of what the Captain did," Tanaka lied. "I... I apologize Admiral," he continued, "I was just unprepared for dealing with this evening after the day I spent with the military leadership, heads are still looking to roll..."

Constancio Matebian applauded the award ceremony, trying hard to stop himself from laughing at the outraged military men as he did so. He reached into his inside pocket and took out a small gift, beginning to roll in Jeff's direction.

Katana noticed Constancio moving in Jeff's direction. He walked over to him and asked as they headed toward Jeff, "If it is all right with you, Ambassador, I don't believe you've met the Captain yet. Please allow me to introduce you to him."

"Don't get me wrong, all of us in the Navy are proud of what the Captain did," Tanaka lied. "I... I apologize Admiral," he continued, "I was just unprepared for dealing with this evening after the day I spent with the military leadership, heads are still looking to roll..."

Richard laughed, falsely reassured. "I know, Admiral. I didn't mean to imply that you weren't." He shrugged. "Back in my day, I was regarded as something of a rogue commander as well, but the Navy needed every man it had for the Effitian Invasion."

He nodded with sympathy. "I understand what you mean, about the heads rolling. Such has happened in our own military before. The only advice I can give you is to keep your own head as low as possible." He winked and laughed at his own (awful) joke, still trying to place the name "Tanaka" ... it had all the same letters as Katana; perhaps he was just mixing up the Admiral with the President?

OOC: I say 'Tanaka' you say 'Katana', let's call the whole thing off! ;)

IC: Tanaka nodded, "I agree," he said raising his glass to Richard. "Here's to not getting our heads lopped off."

He finished his drink and caught a glimpse of Jeff's eyes as he saw the two of them talking. Why not play it up?

He shook Richard's hand warmly, "I apologize, but I must be going. Duty calls."

Tanaka nodded, "I agree," he said raising his glass to Richard. "Here's to not getting our heads lopped off."

He finished his drink and caught a glimpse of Jeff's eyes as he saw the two of them talking. Why not play it up?

He shook Richard's hand warmly, "I apologize, but I must be going. Duty calls."

"As good a drink as I can think of," smiled Sir Richard, clinking glasses with the man.

"Perhaps we'll have a chance to converse later?" asked the Grand Admiral, shooting a friendly grin in Jeff's direction.

"Of course Admiral Tri," Tanaka said with a smile, "I hope to be back later tonight."

Tanaka walked out of the ballroom with a spring in his step, then walked toward the cars in front of the Palace. If he looked closely, he could still see the burns from the firefights during the coup attempt...

"What was that?" Admiral Barilla asked.

"Nothing, just engaging in some light-hearted banter."

Admiral bid his farewells, then lounged back against the bar, sipping his brandy. He was starting to wonder what was keeping James - surely, they weren't disregarding Jeff's advice?

Katherine kissed Jeff on the cheek and walked over to Richard and picked up a glass of wine.

"Hi Richard," she said with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. "How are you?"

Tri smiled as he set down his brandy. "Why, Lady Katherine, how nice to see you again. I'm doing all right for myself, thank you. I trust the same on your end?"

He glanced towards the door. "I was actually just enjoying a conversation with one of the other naval officers present, and starting to wonder if we shouldn't check on their majesties."

"Things are all right for Jeff and I, little by little. The children are keeping us busy, when he's not stuck in the hospital."

Katherine looked over to the hallway, "I could go check on them, give them that soft touch to see if they are all right."

"Things are all right for Jeff and I, little by little. The children are keeping us busy, when he's not stuck in the hospital."

Richard wasn't quite sure if that was a joke or not, and decided that holding any laughter in would probably be the best policy. "I'm glad to hear that...you just had another ... Connor, if my failing memory serves me right? I offer you my warmest congradulations."

Katherine looked over to the hallway, "I could go check on them, give them that soft touch to see if they are all right."

"If that's what you think would be best...I'm just worried about young James and his wife."

Richard wasn't quite sure if that was a joke or not, and decided that holding any laughter in would probably be the best policy. "I'm glad to hear that...you just had another ... Connor, if my failing memory serves me right? I offer you my warmest congradulations."

Katherine smiles and hugs Richard, "Thank you. Yes, Connor Hunter Williams. I feel so bad leaving them alone tonight."

"If that's what you think would be best...I'm just worried about young James and his wife."

She nods, "Why are you worried? It'll be all right, I'll go check on them. Back in a bit."

She slipped out of the ballroom and to the northwest bedroom. Waiting a moment, she knocks on the door gently.

Katherine smiles and hugs Richard, "Thank you. Yes, Connor Hunter Williams. I feel so bad leaving them alone tonight."

"Ah, but it was all for a good cause," smiled Richard, nodding at Jeff. "I'm sure they'll understand when daddy shows them his shiny new medal."

She nods, "Why are you worried? It'll be all right, I'll go check on them. Back in a bit."

She slipped out of the ballroom and to the northwest bedroom. Waiting a moment, she knocks on the door gently.

Richard shrugged. "No reason in particular, but the Duchess seemed quite upset. I was just assuming that it was bad news of some sort."

It takes a couple seconds for the door to open. When it does, James quickly slides around it into the hallway, closing it gently behind him. There's a large wet patch of fabric on his right shoulder. He smiles softly at Kate. "Hey," he whispered, "is everything all right?"

"Ah, but it was all for a good cause," smiled Richard, nodding at Jeff. "I'm sure they'll understand when daddy shows them his shiny new medal."

"Yes," she grinned, "And I'll have a new thing to harass Jeff about for a long time."

It takes a couple seconds for the door to open. When it does, James quickly slides around it into the hallway, closing it gently behind him. There's a large wet patch of fabric on his right shoulder. He smiles softly at Kate. "Hey," he whispered, "is everything all right?"

"I believe that's my question," she said softly to James. "Are you two all right? We're getting worried about you."

James grinned softly, but it really wasn't a humor-filled expression. "There's just no getting around you, is there, Lady Katherine?"

He glanced back at the door, as if he could see through it. "Cris is a right mess," he whispered bluntly. "She made me promise not to tell anyone, but that Yarrum guy reminds her of ... someone from her past. I can't really say anymore without breaking confidence." He shrugged. "Is the party getting on all right? I'd like to stay with her a while longer."

"Honey, after being around Jeff as long as I have been, I have to pick up on everything," she winked.

"Is she going to be all right? We'll give you as much time as you need, we were just getting worried."

"Is she going to be all right? We'll give you as much time as you need, we were just getting worried."

"I...I think so. I may have to take her home early, but..." He trailed off, his eyes unfocusing momentarily. "I hope it doesn't come to that." He paused again, then smiled. "Thanks for your concern, Kate. I think we're going to be just fine: Cris just needs some more time."

"If it does come to that, then it's fine," Katherine smiled softly, "we all know what's important, she's a lot more important that any damn party. You know where we are, we can get a car for you two to go back if you'd like."

"Thanks for understanding, Kate," smiled James softly, and a little less forced than his first grin. "I hope we won't need that, but, should it come to it..." He shook his head, then pulled the door open slightly.

"Say 'hi' to Jeff for us, please, Kate," he said, looking at where Christin was sitting on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry to be missing his day."

Katherine nods and winks at the two of them. "You got it, I will. And don't worry, you're not ruining anything. We'll be out here."

She walked back into the ballroom and over to Richard at the bar, "It'll be all right, Christin's not feeling well, she just needs some time."

Katana noticed Constancio moving in Jeff's direction. He walked over to him and asked as they headed toward Jeff, "If it is all right with you, Ambassador, I don't believe you've met the Captain yet. Please allow me to introduce you to him."

"It would be an honour," Constancio replies. "I did have a little something to give to him. I enjoyed your speech a great deal, by the way. We all love a good speech, back in my country."

James shot her one last smile and slowly closed the door.

Back at the bar, Richard gave Kate a questioning eyebrow raise, listening to her relate the story.

"Well, that's no good!" Richard exclaimed quietly with a look of concern. He glanced at the bedroom door. "I hope she recovers quickly. Did she tell you what was wrong?"

"It would be an honour," Constancio replies. "I did have a little something to give to him. I enjoyed your speech a great deal, by the way. We all love a good speech, back in my country."

"Well," Takeo started, thinking of Javin, "Maybe not every speech is a good one.."

Jeff turned to meet the two approaching. "Jeff, this is Ambassador Constancio Matabian, from Tanah Burung."

Jeff smiled and bowed to Constancio, "Then it is indeed an honor to meet you, Ambassador."

James shot her one last smile and slowly closed the door.

Back at the bar, Richard gave Kate a questioning eyebrow raise, listening to her relate the story.

"Well, that's no good!" Richard exclaimed quietly with a look of concern. He glanced at the bedroom door. "I hope she recovers quickly. Did she tell you what was wrong?"

"She... He... She'll be all right, she just needs some time with James tending to her," Katherine said. "She didn't say anything, but she was looking in no means ready to come back out. I may just take them back to the Pyramid Hotel tonight to rest."

"I always feel so sorry for people coming to the Shield," commented Sir Richard, seemingly randomly. "In too many cases, they simply aren't prepared for our diseases, which are far too many, or our health care system, which is far too poor. It makes me glad that she chose to get sick in Larkinia rather than Iansisle."

"Yes, although I think it was her trip to Larkinia that made her feel unwell. I'll try to keep an eye on them tonight and make sure they head back if they need to. You just relax and enjoy the evening."

Sir Richard smiled back at Kate. "Thanks; I'll try...heh." His terrible jokes got funnier the more brandy he drank.

"So, I haven't had the chance to meet young Connor yet. I was wondering if the blushing mother might want to expand upon her accomplishment?"

"Well," Takeo started, thinking of Javin, "Maybe not every speech is a good one.."

"Oh, it's the art, not the substance. A good speech is theatre. Although of course, it's always nice to have decent content too."

Jeff turned to meet the two approaching. "Jeff, this is Ambassador Constancio Matabian, from Tanah Burung."

Jeff smiled and bowed to Constancio, "Then it is indeed an honor to meet you, Ambassador."

Constancio mouths the usual: "The honour is all mine." But he actually means it: he had answered a dozen calls from home before joining the party, and expected to see Jeff's acquittal as front-page news the next day.

"If you'll forgive the formality," he says with a nod to the others gathered about the hero of the hour, "I've been asked to give you a gift on behalf of my government." He hands over a miniature statuette, which appears to be a replica, in emerald, of the Venus de Milo. "It's a symbol of pacifism," he explains.

"Oh, it's the art, not the substance. A good speech is theatre. Although of course, it's always nice to have decent content too."

"I'll try and remember that," Takeo said, "Theater without substance... Hmmmm, sounds familiar."

Constancio mouths the usual: "The honour is all mine." But he actually means it: he had answered a dozen calls from home before joining the party, and expected to see Jeff's acquittal as front-page news the next day.

"If you'll forgive the formality," he says with a nod to the others gathered about the hero of the hour, "I've been asked to give you a gift on behalf of my government." He hands over a miniature statuette, which appears to be a replica, in emerald, of the Venus de Milo. "It's a symbol of pacifism," he explains.

Jeff smiled as he looked down at the statuette, "On behalf of Tanah Burung. This is beautiful..."

He nodded to Constancio, "Thank you very much, this is a wonderful gift. And a wonderful sentiment, maybe someday we'll see that."

Sir Richard smiled back at Kate. "Thanks; I'll try...heh." His terrible jokes got funnier the more brandy he drank.

"So, I haven't had the chance to meet young Connor yet. I was wondering if the blushing mother might want to expand upon her accomplishment?"

Katherine smiled at Tri, "Well, he's just adorable. His blue eyes staring out at us, at everyone around him, his little tuft of auburn hair... I can just think this must have been what Jeff looked like as a baby.

"Marcus and Julie have taken to trying and taking care of their baby brother, with some minor success. He's not sleeping through the night yet though, so we're still up all hours."

The Grand Admiral smiled and nodded, but there was something distant about his eyes.

"Richard?" Katherine asked, "Are you all right? You're not feeling down also are you?" she added as concern crossed her face.

He shook his head quickly. "No, Kate, just thinking." He smiled. "Connor reminds me a lot of my son, Robert, when he was younger. I miss having my children being young." Mainly because they grow up to be great lugs who haven't said a word to their father since their mother died.

Katherine nods slowly, "I understand," she said trying to work her way through the uncomfortable silence. "I'm sure the children would love to see you if you can get away from the office."

Richard smiled. "I..I'm sure. I shall have to make the effort soon." He glanced about the room. "I'm sorry, Lady Katherine. I didn't mean to bring you down with my ramblings. Shall we go check on your husband?"

"No, I think I'm the one who needs to apologize," Katherine said as the two walked towards Jeff.

Jeff smiled at them as they walked up. "Ambassador Matebian, this is my wife Katherine, and our dear friend Admiral Richard Tri, from the Royal Iansislian Navy. Richard, Katherine, this is Constancio Matebian, Ambassador from Tanah Burung."

Katherine smiled and shook Constancio's hand. "It's great to meet you Ambassador."

Sir Richard paused for a moment to wonder if a salute or handshake would be better. Considering Tanah Burung's anti-military stand, he decided the handshake would probably be best. As he leaned ever so slightly over to shake Constancio's hand, his medals and the superflous decorative elements on his uniform made a great rattling. He winced. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ambassador Matebian."

He paused with a frown. "I hope you'll forgive me, your excellency, but I've had a hard time placing names tonight. Still, yours seems most familiar."

Constancio is unsure about how one greets a lady in Larkinia, particulalry one of such distinction, but decides to risk kissing her hand as she shakes his. The worst that can happen, usually, is that the gesture is seen as "charmingly old-fashioned." And who could be angry at a man in a wheel chair? "Peace and propsperity to you," he says.

A face-full of medals from the Admiral startles him, but he shakes the extended hand regardless. "Matebian is one of the capitals of Tanah Burung," he replies. "It just hosted the Third World summit, as a matter of fact. The independence flag was raised there first, and i'm afraid that in the full flush of revolutionary days, my mother named me for the city. We're a coastal family from Ukun Rasikan, though. I used to sit for hours and watch the fishing fleets come and go. But Admiral, you'll be used to much grander ships, i'm certain."

A face-full of medals from the Admiral startles him, but he shakes the extended hand regardless. "Matebian is one of the capitals of Tanah Burung," he replies. "It just hosted the Third World summit, as a matter of fact. The independence flag was raised there first, and i'm afraid that in the full flush of revolutionary days, my mother named me for the city. We're a coastal family from Ukun Rasikan, though. I used to sit for hours and watch the fishing fleets come and go. But Admiral, you'll be used to much grander ships, i'm certain."

"Ah, that'd be it, no doubt," smiled Richard. "I didn't have the pleasure of attending the last Third World Conference, I'm afraid, though the first one was spectacular" He waved his hand, rattling the uniform again, to stop from rambling on.

He smiled at the fisherman comment. Sir Richard was the heir to the ancient Tri baronetcy, who were traditional mariners (though not fishermen). He was no different from his ancestors, though none before him had achieved the rank of Grand Admiral and First Sea Lord. "Perhaps I have, sir, though Iansislean ships are not much compared to what I have seen visiting countries abroad." He smiled at Jeff, before stepping back slightly so as not to rub his military presence into Constancio's nose.

(ooc: this may seem exceedingly random, especially in a thread like this, but what are the plans for the Third World Conference Cubed? Any yet, or are we going to wait another few months first?)

EDIT: Oh, and I'm off for the night. See you all later!

Katherine smiled as Constancio kissed her hand. She winked to Jeff, "Such manners, so polite in how he treats a woman, Jeff you might want to take notes." she teased.

Jeff winked and blew her a kiss.

"I'll have to take Richard's word that the inaugural Third World Conference was wonderful," Jeff said with a smile. "And the ships of Iansisle should take a backseat to no country, especially the original, sailing ships," he said wistfully, "They're amazing Ambassador, so... peaceful with the wind in the sails."

The Emperor and his wife paced into the Party.

"Hi, sorry we're late. what did we miss?"

Katherine giggled a little as she listened to Jeff talk, "Dear, I think you'd be happiest in some small, peaceful Japanese fishing village on the coast."

"Yeah," he said, "I might, I dunno."

President Katana walked over to greet the Emporer and his wife. "Nothing much, a boring ceremony and some tango, but aside from that not much. Welcome to the party."

"Thank you." The Emperor smiled, grabbed a drink and tried to mingle.

"Now my Larkinian friend... you never did tell me your name! Why don't you tell me of your accomplishments?"

(ooc to Iansisle: that is exceedingly random, aye. I think we're waiting a little while at least, and it's supposed to be in Xikuang if i remember right. Which the Iansisleans will love, it being an actual left-wing country and not the undisciplined, increasingly cooperative-overrun anarchy of the last conference.... I'll ask X. if she has anything in mind. And g'night.)

Constancio looks wistful at the thought of sailing ships. Sails to the wind, red sky at night, get upwind of the enemy, and a bottle of rum. And now here's the Imperial Navy. Quite a nautical party, it seemed.

(Oh man, Iansislians in Xikuang, who's gonna bring the referees? ;) And as long as it's in the city X always uses.. that's one beautiful pic... where were we... oh yeah...)

Jeff smiled as Emporer Marshall and his wife walked over. "Captain Jeff Williams, your majesty," Jeff said extending his hand then realizing he should probably bow, and ended up looking quite... foolish. "And this is my wife Katherine," he said introducing the stunning red-head next to him.

"My accomplishments? Well, I.. we," he corrected himself, "Myself and that man, Captain Chris Markson," he pointed out a broad-shouldered black man in uniform talking to another group, "led some men to rescue some refugees, and this party came about after I was found guilty of only one of the court-marshal charges against me. What was it Admiral Tanaka called it.. 'gross insubordination and refusal to follow orders', which led to me being demoted."

"Jeff," Katherine said, "you're too hard on yourself. Don't torture yourself, that's my job," she added with a wink.

The Emperor laughed as the Captain tried foolishly to bow.

Shaking his hand afterwards, he then proceeded to speak.

"My dear friend. there is no need to bow in front of me... I don't believe in that pompus ceromony crap. I'm a regular guy as far as you're concerned... So anyway, who's in charge of your country my Captain Friend?"

"Thank god," Jeff smiled, "Another regular guy."

"Our President is Takeo Katana," Jeff continued pointing out the man who had met the Emporer and his wife at the ballroom door.

"Who's the fella you keep pointing at? somone I should meet?"

"Well... I guess maybe," Jeff pondered, "He's more or less in charge of Larkinia, I think he still is, depending on what the military leaders have to say."

Jeff stopped before he started sounding more incoherent. "I'm glad you were able to make it. I believe my adopted dad might want to see you, his name's Devon Niven, he used to be first speaker of Celeborne," Jeff said looking around for Niven. "I guess he's still talking to Major Fowler, the next Mrs. Niven," he winked.

"Tell me a little bit about your country, I've never been there. What's it like?"

"Well, 98% of the Imperial Population is exceedingly wealthy, while the remaining 2% are in the Imperial Army. Our main produce is agriculture and mining. We have several colonies, a large spacefleet, which I must remark are currently having a problem near Neptune, and..."

"Dear, I think you're going on a bit much..." Emperess Ronchester was obviously quite angry.

"Err... yes my dear wife. I'm very sorry... My wife doesn't like small talk. But I must ask, do you still have a spacefleet?"

"Yes we do," Jeff said. "Chris is the one you'd want to talk to about that. He was in command of the LSAC Defiance for quite a while before being rotated back into the regular navy. He'd been out on quite a few trips. Involving some kind of... Mynarii Kiithid or something like that."

"I'll do that, thanks."

The Emperor left his wife talkingt to Jeff while he walked over to Chris.

"Hi Chris, i'm the Emperor of The Imperial Navy. Jeff over there has told me so much about you. I herd you were involved in the Mynarii Kiithid campaign. My father was involved in that too!"

Markson turned as the Emperor approached him.

"Yes sir, we were the only Larkinian Spacecraft in the area at the time to assist your fleet," he smiled. "Your father was so kind as to let us have a couple of the ships they'd defeated. Since then we've been able to break them down and speed up our own fleet development.

"In fact I remember meeting your father once, a little while back. His ship was under attack from some kind of Imperial Rebels or something and he was forced into an escape pod. We were en route to assist them and were able to pick up his pod and escort him back to Freeport 2."

"If it wasn't for you my father would have died that day. Here."

The Emperor pressed a card into his hand.

"This is the card that'll give you access to one of our G'rnack class Heavy cruisers. I hope that helps your development further."

The Emperor was again joined by his wife.

"Ah, dear! meet my fathers savior."

"Ooh. How do you do?"

The Emperor saw that "look" in her eyes.

"err, Ahem! Thank you for your time, but I need to have a word with my wife."

He dragged his wife outside the building. for a few minutes afterward, shouting could be herd.

Yarrum II found himself admiring Katherine's hair before he stopped that train of thought.
'I really should stop drinking,' he thought, sipping his pina colada. 'A peg-leg, a parapalegic, and a man with one hand. Seems I am in good company.'

As the Emperor left, he took his left wrist out of his pocket, raised it, and asked the remaining guests, "I've been thinking of getting a hook, do you think that'd be too morbid? Nothing sharp, just a metal hoop to hold things, really."

"A hook. Sounds good enogh for me", said the duque, who seemed to had just woken up from a standing up nap.

"You will look like Bluebeard, a famous hell bovinian pirate who fought against the spaniards. Except that without the horns", he winked.

Jeff chuckled, "You know, I could ask my father about finding a replacement hand for you. He's very connected to the medical and cybernetics world in Celeborne. I'm sure they could find you something that would work."

-----

Chris took the card from the Emperor with a smile, "Thank you, sir. This is most greatly appreciated."

He then watched as the Emperor 'escorted' his wife outside. With that and the 'discussion' going on, he was glad he was a bachelor, this seemed to recommit him to staying that way.

(ooc to Iansisle: that is exceedingly random, aye. I think we're waiting a little while at least, and it's supposed to be in Xikuang if i remember right. Which the Iansisleans will love, it being an actual left-wing country and not the undisciplined, increasingly cooperative-overrun anarchy of the last conference.... I'll ask X. if she has anything in mind. And g'night.)

(ah, beauty. I look forward to it, especially with the Liberals trying to pull us into the CACE's circle, the Conservatives trying to pull us into SATO's, and the Centrists and crown trying to maintain our neutrality. ;)

Hey, maybe that could be the event that triggers Iansisle's French-style revolution at last! Of course, I can't do that until Germany is brought to its knees (or the other way around ;)) and more liberal literature finds its way into Iansisle. I do so look forward to roaming about the countryside lopping the heads off noblemen though..,

*Glances about* Er, right, the party!)

Admiral Tri, like any proper navy man, arches an eyebrow at the Duque's pirate reference, but doesn't say anything. He just grins at the new, one handed man. "Sir, I don't believe we've yet had the pleasure. Richard Tri, Are-Eye-Enn."

damn double posts

I do so look forward to roaming about the countryside lopping the heads off noblemen though..

(Yeah! Off with their hea.... *remembers Jeff's getting made a nobleman*.. now let's wait a damn minute here... :P)

See Below.