NationStates Jolt Archive

Michio was already waiting when the limousine pulled up to the front entrance of Luozao Palace; he opened the door for Premier Suun, who climbed out and yawned loudly.
"Michio, I'm going to bed for a while."
Michio bowed. "Very good Your Excellency." Suun went inside without waiting for Tian Yao, who exchanged a concerned look with Michio before following the Premier. Tian went into the master bedroom for a few minutes, then headed downstairs to the main lounge.

Michio was surprised to find Tian sitting alone; there was definately something strange going on.
"Master Tian?"
Tian looked up. "Michio, I've told you before. Just call me Tian."
"Apologies. Is there some trouble between the young master and yourself?"
"No, it's nothing like that. I think it's this whole business about Mikada being buried. Chiisu visited his mother's grave earlier today, and ever since then he's been quiet. Too quiet. I've tried asking what's wrong, but he just says it's nothing."
Michio sat next to the bodyguard. "Master Chiisu being quiet is indeed a strange thing. Perhaps resting for a while will clear his mind."

Later that evening, Tian took Chiisu his tea while Michio busied himself tidying the study. He knocked and entered; Chiisu was dozing peacefully. Tian smiled to himself, then picked up the discarded clothing on the floor and draped it over a nearby chair. He sat down on the edge of the bed, then leant forward and gently kissed Chiisu's forehead; the dozing Premier murmured then slowly opened his eyes, yawning loudly.
"What time is it?"
"Eight. You've been asleep for the past three hours."
Chiisu sat up and groaned loudly. "Anything important going on?"
"Nope, everything's fine. Except you, that is. You're not one for keeping secrets from me Chiisu, what's wrong?"

"I miss my mother. Not that I really knew her, since she died giving birth to me. I just look at all my achievements; becoming Premier, overturning my father's mistakes, leading Marimaia to prosperity, and I wish my mother had been here to see it. Then I start questioning whether she would have been the mother I imagine her to be. Was she a kind woman, or was she like my father?"
Tian gently put his arms around him. "Well, I'd say she was kind. You definately didn't get your personality from your father, I know that. I used to wonder what my parents were like, but I don't see the point anymore. I have more important things in my life now."
"Like what?"
"Well, I'm currently holding the most important thing in my life."
Chiisu smiled and kissed Tian's cheek. "You always know what to say."
Tian chuckled. "I also know what to do." He stood up and quickly discarded his clothes, then joined Chiisu under the covers.

Later, as they lay contentedly in each other's arms, Tian whispered something which startled his partner.
"Let's get married."
Chiisu's eyes widened. "Married?"
"Yeah. We've known each other for thirteen years now; admittedly we've only been an item for about six months, but I'd say it's been long enough."
"If we get married, the entire country will want to know it. You can't have the beloved-by-all Premier getting married in secret; there'll have to be a big celebration. You'll have to smile in public; are you up to that?"
Tian smirked and pulled Chiisu closer. "I think so. I just want to show every citizen of Marimaia that I love Chiisu Suun mind, body and soul."

OOC: er, congrats?

The Next Morning

"You what?!"
"I'm marrying Tian."
"You're what?!"
"I'm marrying Tian. He proposed last night, and I accepted. Why, what's wrong?"

Information Minister Dianyun Liu shook his head. "Nothing's wrong, I just wish I'd had more warning. I mean, this is big. The MPIN's going to have to come up with documentaries, interviews, not to mention live coverage of the big day itself. Have you two set a date?"
Suun laughed. "Dianyun, the proposal was last night. We can't pluck a date out of the air in less than a day. Anyone else got any concerns?"

The rest of the cabinet looked at each other until Vice Premier Liang stood up.
"I think I speak for everyone here when I say we're happy for you two. Congratulations. Although it will be a bit strange for the people to see you marrying your bodyguard, but they'll be fine with it I'm sure."
"I hope so. Tian, when should we announce it?"
Tian pondered it for a moment. "Why not tonight? It'll give everyone a chance to get used to the idea of you being involved with someone before you go out and get married."

----------------------------------------------
"People's Daily News" evening bulletin:

"Some breaking news which I am honoured to report to you all, Premier Suun is to get married! Apparently he will be tying the knot with his long-time bodyguard Tian Yao in the near future; no specific date has been set for the big day, but we'll keep everyone updated as we receive more information. May we here at People's Daily News be the first to congratulate the Premier and his companion."

(OOC: Should anyone actually want to send any representatives to the wedding, feel free to say so. The wedding's a while off yet though)

Tag

Day Two: Public Reaction

Premier Suun groaned and threw his clock across the room as the alarm sounded; getting up at seven was the hardest thing he ever did. He got up, pulled on a robe and inspected the clock; it was still beeping. He switched it off and put it back on the bedside table, then walked to the window to open the curtains. As he drew them open, he quickly drew them shut again.
"Tian. Tian! Wake up!"
Tian's eyes snapped open and he leapt up, expecting some emergency.
"What is it?"
"Out there. Have a look. Just don't open the curtains too much or they'll see you."
Tian frowned as he stuck his head through the gap betwee the curtains.
"Who'll see...holy crap. I didn't think there were that many people awake at this time of the morning."

Outside Luozao Palace, the crowd had started gathering since four o'clock that morning; it was now getting on for a hundred thousand strong, and still more people were arriving.
"..was that movement? Up there..." "..why'd they keep it secret until now?.." "..my uncle's friend said that it's happening next week.." "..I said we should have come at five, but no, you said there wouldn't be anyone here yet.."

Michio knocked and entered to find the two of them sneaking looks out of the window.
"Anything wrong Your Excellency?"
"When were you going to tell us about that?"
"About what? Oh, the crowd. I gave the first arrivals some tea, but then too many of them arrived. So I contacted the Proletarian Guard commander, and he's had military caterers deployed since about five-thirty this morning."
"Is it hostile?"
"No, the crowd's just curious. Asking all about you two; I think there's a reporter down there."
Tian snuck another look. "Correction; the Breakfast Marimaia mobile studio has arrived."

Premier Suun couldn't help himself and switched on the tv.
"Good morning everyone! I'm Honji.."
"..and I'm Miho!"
"Welcome to Breakfast Marimaia! This morning we come to you live from outside Luozao Palace, where we hope to get a glimpse of the happy couple! This is exciting stuff, eh Miho?"
"Oh indeed! We haven't seen this kind of enthusiasm since, well, ever! It's a truly great crowd here today; what do you all think about the engagement?"
The loud cheer almost deafened the two presenters. Honji grinned at the camera.
"We'll be here all morning if we have to be!"

Tian tapped Chiisu on the shoulder. "I don't suppose your father built any secret tunnels in this place, did he?"

Honji and Miho were interviewing members of the assembled crowd when the producer relayed some information to them, so they quickly made their way back to the mobile studio.
"Everyone, we've just been told by our producer that His Excellency will be joining us for an interview very shortly!"
The crowd erupted yet again.

A throng of Proletarian Guard soldiers began ushering crowd members back and soon formed a corridor between Luozao Palace and the mobile studio. A group of security agents escorted Premier Suun and Tian to the mobile studio, while the crowd cheered loudly. Suun waved to everyone as the two of them sat down with the talk show hosts, who were beaming with glee.

"Your Excellency, it's a pleasure to have you on the show again! Now everyone wants to know, when's the big day?"
"Ah, we haven't decided yet. Can I just say that I'm a bit overwhelmed by this response to the announcement; I didn't realise that it would get this kind of reaction."
Honji shrugged. "Well, you're the most popular leader this nation's ever seen, so it's not surprising that so many turned out to congratulate you."
The crowd erupted in cheers until Suun gestured to keep it down. Miho turned her attentions to Tian, who looked a little uncomfortable with all the attention.
"So, Tian, what's it like living with the Premier?"

The interview went on for about twenty minutes, during which time the cabinet had snuck into Luozao Palace through the back entrance. Once the interview ended, Suun and Tian returned to be greeted by applause from the cabinet members.
"Best handling of the situation I've ever seen."
Suun smiled. "Thanks Dianyun. Has anyone told Kichi yet? They won't have covered this in East Islandia."
"It's all taken care of, I've already told him. He'll be back as soon as he can."
"Thanks Fanrong. Well, the people seem quite happy, so we're okay there. Tian, you handled yourself pretty well for your first ever interview."
"First and last if I have my way. Listen, can I have some time with Chiisu alone please?"

The cabinet filed out with Michio for drinks while Tian sat Chiisu down.
"Listen, I'll admit it. When you said a big celebration, I was a little nervous, but I was prepared to deal with it. That I wasn't prepared for."
"Join the club. Although I think Dianyun probably had a hand in Breakfast Marimaia turning up; he'll be desperate to get as much propaganda material as he can out of this."
"Yeah well, just remember; it's our wedding. If Dianyun wants publicity stunts out of us to help promote the wedding or any crap like that, tell him where to go."
"I can handle Dianyun. I'm more worried about how much of a deal the people want to make of this."

(It was two days after the massive gathering had taken place; there were still crowds occasionally gathering outside the palace, but thankfully nothing on the scale of the first one. The Proletarian Guard had kept their catering corps deployed to service the crowds, and several fast food vans had also arrived to take advantage of the situation. Unfortunately for the Marimaian Postal Service, people were now sending cards.)

Chiisu Suun watched as another mail van arrived.
"How many cards is that now, Michio?"
"We have about a million envelopes and growing unopened downstairs; we've drafted in volunteers to help open them all. At this rate, you and Tian will reach your first anniversary before we finish. Perhaps a kind statement thanking everyone for their cards while asking for communal cards would be wise."
"You're right. Oh well, at least Mihaka Greetings Concern will be reporting bumper profits this year."

Tian walked in with a smile.
"Michio, I think they're ordering out for lunch down there. You should go down and place your order."
Michio bowed and left, leaving the two alone. Chiisu dropped onto a nearby couch and buried his face in the cushions.
"What's wrong with you?"
Chiisu looked up at Tian. "This might sound ungrateful, but my people love me too much. They're more excited about this than I am."
Tian laughed and sat next to him. "Well, when a Premier loves his people, they'll love him back. You've only got yourself to blame. Anyway, just to let you know that Dianyun's got a camera crew downstairs filming the mail volunteers; I think he's got a documentary planned."

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

Meanwhile, the cabinet was meeting at the Palace of Governance.
"I'm getting them a picture frame."
Everyone gave Defence Minister Kong a dirty look.
"It's practical!"
"Not to mention cheaper than dirt. You love spending money on the military, but the Premier's wedding causes your wallet to seal up."
Kong scowled at the Education Minister. "Well what are you getting then?"
"I haven't decided yet. We've got at least a month before it happens, so I'm looking around."

"What is this?"

The overworked Foreign Minister looked wearily up at the incandescent temporary administrator of his country. After a period of anarchy due to the complete collapse of government following a vote of no-confidence in the then President Jeb Jeremiah the remnants of the last official government had been all too willing to accept MicroCorp International's help in pacifying the so-called "hardcore anarchists" and returning the state to something vaguely resembling democracy. Thomas Capstan, the CEO, had argued persuasively that he should be allowed to help because the state of anarchism had been unprofitable to his company but was finding it hard to live in the political reality of being the only recognised authority in a gaping power vacuum.

The thumping of the newspaper on the desk brought John Foreigner out of his reverie and he looked at the paper disinterestedly.

"It's a newspaper. You buy them at the corner store; or on street corners these days."

"Why was I not aware of this?"

"Because you're a spoiled brat with no idea of the harsh realities of the real world. You sit in your ivory tower firing of edicts whilst allowing my department to fix your vastly accruing errors despite the fact that home affairs aren't my job you bloated tub of lard. Though even I find it incredible that you are unfamiliar with the concept of a newspaper."

"Can I sack you, minister?"

"No. I have seniority and you have no actual governmental authority - people are just obeying you because of the fact that the only thing vaguely resembling a head of state has gone AWOL. Of course you were supposed to be RECOVERING him from the location our agents TOLD you he was. I'm sure that will happen ANY time now, right?"

"Contingency plans are being put in place. BUT I was talking about the story on the front page."

The foreign minister read in silence for a while; occasionally sipping his coffee and rifling through paperwork elsewhere on his desk. At the end of the article he frowned and looked up.

"Yes; well; it took them long enough. You CAN'T be surprised, can you? You DID read the intelligence we collected on the Marimaians didn't you? I mean, jeez, their relationship has been the big buzz throughout government in Marimaia since they came back from their holiday. Our embassy has had a betting pool on the date of this announcement ever since."

"IT'S BEEN TWO DAYS SINCE THEY ANNOUNCED IT AND NOBODY TOLD ME!"

The CEO shouted slamming his palm down on John Foreigners desk. The minister put his coffee down slowly and deliberately and glared at his hand until the CEO removed it from the desk out of sheer embarassment. The temperature in the room lowered a couple of degrees as the weary minister answered in a flat toneless voice.

"I put it in a departmental memo; we sent an official letter of congratulation from our embassy. You were made aware of this. Do not question my competence, Mr. Capstan. We are awaiting the official invitation our country well doubtlessly get and I am deciding who will attend on behalf of this nation."

"It should be ..."

"You will NOT be attending, Thomas. You will be extracting President Jeremiah and keeping the lid on the continuing violence incited by these anarchists. I will not be attending because somebody has to ensure this government will continue to run. Mr. Bradley cannot attend because IF you ever decide to extract President Jeremiah I want him extracted ALIVE and Mr. Bradley would consider it a personal affront if someone were to even TOUCH the President. If I must have a political nightmare on the government staff who is seemingly compulsively violent I will at least make good use of him."

"Then who ..."

"Matters will be arranged, Mr. Capstan. It will be, I assure you, the most senior member of government we can afford at this time. Now will you please return to your office and actually let me do some work. Thankyou."

The foreign minister returned to his work as the CEO fumed over him. After about fifteen minutes the foreign minister signed off the document at the top of his pile and looked up.

"You're still here. Why?"

The CEO opened his mouth to retort but instead just shrugged his shoulders and walked out. The foreign minister put down his pen quietly and waited a few minutes listening intently. Scooting around his desk he opened his door ajar and looked up and down the corridor outside before returning to sit on his desk lifting the hook of his phone and dialling a number.

"Jim Bradley, please."

The foreign minister waited twirling his fingers in the phonecord and looking at the door.

"Yeah; hey Jim; John here. I urgently need a list of ministers we've recovered and ... what the hell do you mean 'classified' ... Jim, stop pulling my ..."

The minister checked his anger and swallowed hard.

"Jim Bradley; this is a direct order from the Foreign Minister of Last Saloon. I want you to listen very carefully and not question any part of this order; nor do I want you to take any initiative in the pursuit of this order. Deliver, to my government office, the most senior member of government you have so far been able to recover. This is a diplomatic consideration and I guarantee you that national security will be preserved."

(a muffled response)

"Oh please no, not him. PLEASE, anyone but him. No, it's fine, Jim. It might work out to be oddly appropriate."

The minister walked around and sat back down at his desk flicking quickly through his documents. The Finance Minister, Paul Mathers, huh? An eccentric billionaire whose conservatism in financial matters was only matched by the flamboyancy of his own life. The minister who famously took the whole month of June off to take each local minister for finance out to a six-course slap-up meal at his own expense and whose personal capricious spending had eclipsed his stern government spending regime in the public mind.

Groaning deeply to himself the minister reached into his bottom draw and for a moment the only sound in the room was the reassuring glug of Last Saloon whiskey being imbibed.

The cabinet finally decided on who would give what as a present then headed out to continue preparations. Rongyi was surprised to find Michio waiting in his office.
"Anything I can do for His Excellency?"
"He would have come himself, only he's trying to secure Hirota Botanical Concern to do the flowers. His Excellency would like you to send this invitation out."

Rongyi glanced over the message and nodded.
"No problem. Anyone specific in mind, or just send to everyone?"
"Send to everyone. Thank you for your time, minister."
"Before you go, I just want one answer. Are the Luozao staff giving him a present?"
"He instructed us not to, as our hard work in helping to prepare is all he wants."
"Damn. Not that he could tell his cabinet that, but there we go."

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

Dear __________________ (insert country name),

You are cordially invited to send representatives to the wedding between Premier Chiisu Suun of Marimaia and Tian Yao. The ceremony will take place at the House of Proletarian Thought in the Marimaian capital of Heiphong in one month's time. If you wish to attend, please contact Rongyi Bei, Minister of Foreign Relations for further information.

Princess Aliria D'Hyru, Heir to the Everqueen, will be delighted to attend to the wedding. Best wishes from the people of Aelosia.

The jet gently touched down at Heiphong International Airport and came to a stop. Kichisaburo Yoshida had been enjoying himself at the East Islandian CTC, but the impending wedding was far more important in his mind. He was greeted by security agents and taken to Luozao Palace in his armoured limousine.

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

"We'll have Fanrong performing the ceremony if that's okay."
Tian nodded in agreement. "Makes sense. It's a state wedding, and he's the highest-ranked state official available. So the flowers are booked, the House of Proletarian Thought is booked, we've got an official. So far so good."
Chiisu added another tick on the list. "Maybe so, but we've still got a lot to get through. I.."
Michio knocked and entered. "Your Excellency, Minister Yoshida is here."
"Send him in!"

Yoshida walked in and was instantly grabbed in a hug by Suun.
"Hiya Kichi!"
Kichi patted him on the back and squirmed a little. "I came back as soon I heard. Congratulations to you both."
"So how are the Islandians?"
"Oh, they're fine. How can I make myself useful?"
Tian gently disengaged Suun from Kichi and tousled the Premier's hair.
"If you want to, you can start by agreeing to be my best man."

Kichi was gobsmacked to say the least. "I'd be honoured, although I am a little surprised. I didn't think you liked me that much."
"Chiisu's already picked Kangtian as his best man, and I don't really socialise with the cabinet that much, so I thought I'd pick someone that Chiisu would approve of."
"Am I allowed to plan a bachelor party for you, or is that too much of a risk?"
"Considering that the only person I have any sort of relationship with is Chiisu, it'll be a very quiet party."

Chiisu suddenly perked up. "Why don't you two come with me and Kangtian? We were going to meet up with the rest of the cabinet and go to Hellfire for the evening."
Kichi grinned broadly. "Excellent idea! That way I can have my fun and you two can sneak off if you want to. Anyway, apart from being Tian's best man, anything else?"
"Well, you can start by overseeing the security arrangements. We have a rough idea of what we want, but we need you to set it all up."

OOC: Further details sent about attendance -

It is advisable that dignitaries arrive at Heiphong International Airport, where there is a section set aside especially for the arrival and departure of diplomatic guests. Attendees can either stay at their nation's embassy or Marimaia will put them up in the Suunist People's Hotel (ultra-classy very expensive hotel in the heart of the capital). Dignitaries can bring their own security detail or trust in Marimaian security personnel, who will be on high alert anyway.

If you want to just say you're sending a character and just leave it at that or if you want a bit of RP for your character, it's entirely up to you.

Nations confirmed as sending dignitaries: Aelosia, Last Saloon

The Foreign Minister stood nervously in the vast ungerground car park beneath the temporary government offices in the corporate building of MicroCorp International. Despite the knowledge that all entrances to this car park were highly secured he felt sufficiently exposed to have brought some of Capstan's troops with him. The fact that Jim Bradley the "Weapons Acquisition Officer" had offered to accompany Paul Mathers personally gave him at least some reason to relax.

The red thunderbird almost flew down the tight ramps winding through the various stories of the car park; behind a light infantry vehicle followed taking the curves considerably slower and wider. As the cars thundered onto the ministers level he took a step back; a step that proved absolutely necessary as the thunderbird skidded towards him screeching brakes as it locked into a spin. John Foreigner closed his eyes and braced himself against the wall as the car stopped with a good two feet to spare. The military vehicle stopped someway back and a few seconds later a grim looking Jim Bradley disembarked.

The Foreign Minister exchanged nods with Jim and crossed his arms across his chest whilst glaring at the driver of the car in front of him. Eventually the driver, a gangly blonde, casually flipped off the engine and stepped out of the car tossing the keys carelessly on the seat. The Foreign Minister groaned to himself.

Moments later the Finance Officer had been frog-marched up into the office complex leaving Jim Bradley alone to smoke his ghastly cigar as he leaned on his vehicle. Sneering he made sure to flick as much ash as possible in the direction of the thunderbird.

Meanwhile, in the office complex itself ...

"Congratulations, you have been chosen to go to the wedding of the century in Marimaia, Mr. Mathers."

"But I ..."

"Shut up. Tomorrow morning you will be escorted by Mr. Bradley to the nearest military airbase where your car will be impounded until your return. You will not deviate from his prescribed route; you will follow any orders he gives you. You will board the plane and be flown straight to Heiphong International Airport where you will be discharged into the care of Marimaia's security team. You will not attempt to charter your own airplane to enter or leave Marimaia; you will not go anywhere declared unsafe by either our or Marimaia's security teams. You will stay in the Last Saloon embassy during your time in Marimaia where you will become directly answerable to the security team stationed there. You will obey any and all orders issued by either security team immediately and unquestioningly. Do you understand?"

"Yes; though I must protest that ..."

"Shut up. You have the night to shop for a present for Chiisu Suun and his ... husband? ... please stay within whatever the budget you allocated for this eventuality was. Do not cause an international incident. You will report to me immediately on return and report to my office immediately after this interview for briefing. Do you understand?"

"I ..."

"Good. Questions?"

"Are there any further limitations to my personal freedoms you intend to enforce?"

"No; that's all for now. I'll call you with any more I come up with. Oh; that reminds me - you will leave you mobile phone active at all times and respond immediately to any calls from my office unless doing so would cause an international incident."

"Can I at least ..."

"Sure. Fritter your money aware any way you like. Neither me, my department nor this government give a damn. You will, however, remain sober for your entire time in the country of Marimaia. You are representing this government and any action that reflects badly upon us will be punished severely on your return. Your membership of the party is still revokable."

"Yeah; yeah; fine."

"You may go."

edit: (oops; wrong Suun for a minute there)

Interior Minister Hengren Yuan studied the security plan in front of him. As the police force fell under his jurisdiction, Security Minister Yoshida had sent a list of requests concerning officer deployment for the wedding day. The police chiefs had agreed to all requests and the security plan now seemed complete. Hengren decided he was satisfied with the plans and arranged a meeting with Yoshida to finalise everything.

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

"So we've got the major details pinned down then?"
Tian nodded. "Looks that way. When will they be here?"
"Any second now, I should think." Chiisu smiled as he heard screaming outside the palace. "Oh yeah, they're here."

A few minutes later, Michio made his way in. "Sakano are here to see you, Your Excellency. Shall I send them in?"
"Yeah, yeah, don't keep them waiting."
Michio bowed and left, then ushered the three members of Marimaia's legendary pop band. Chiisu leapt up and hugged flamboyant lead vocalist Xuhao Shi, who eagerly hugged back.
"Hiya Xuhao!"
"Hiya Chiisu! Congrats! I knew you'd get your claws into him that deep! Hiya Tian!"
Tian waved with a bemused smile on his face. "Hi there yourself."
After the hugging was over, they got down to business.
"Please please please be the wedding band."
Xuhao looked at his bandmates who both grinned, then turned back to Chiisu. "We thought that was why you asked us over. We'll do it!"
Tian ticked another point on the wedding list. "I think that's everything."

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

"People's Daily News" Evening Report:

"Well, we have received confirmation that Sakano will be performing at the upcoming Premierial wedding. A spokesman for Kesaiba Productions Concern stated that 'Sakano are overjoyed that they can once again serve the nation with their musical talents'. Although a playlist has not been disclosed, it is believed that one of the songs they will play is the hit 'For Your Smile Again'.
In other news, it was announced today that the Catholic Church in Marimaia is splitting from mainstream Roman Catholicism. Archbishop Reihan Wei stated that the split had become necessary after he was pressured to denounce the Premier's wedding as being 'immoral and against the will of God'. Wei also stated that he would dearly love to bless the wedding in his capacity as Pontiff of the newly-named 'Church of Marimaia'. This now means that the heads of all Marimaian religious groups have endorsed the marriage, and will be in attendance on the big day.
Finally, today saw the start of a surge in tourists visiting our beloved nation. It is believed that citizens from other nations are hoping to join in the fun and celebrations; we of course welcome them with open arms. Security has been increased at entry points across the nation to ensure that no problems occur. Well Miho, how's the forecast looking?"

"Well Honji, it's looking great! Our boffins have undertaken a long-range forecast, and it should a beautiful day when the wedding takes place! The only possible problem is a nasty mass of rain that is currently heading for Last Saloon; no-one will shed a tear if it stays over them for a while!"

::Breakfast Marimaia's theme music leads into the show::

"Good morning everyone! I'm Honji..."
"...and I'm Miho!"
"Welcome to Breakfast Marimaia! Well, we're just one week away from the biggest wedding this nation's ever seen, and boy is it looking good so far! Yesterday it was announced that piano diva Migan Heng would be performing her newest ballad at the ceremony. Migan will be here live in the studio this morning to talk about her part in the ceremony, and she'll also perform the song 'Overflowing Emotion' which we all know from the hit romance film 'Yonbin Yearnings'."

"Wow! That should be great Honji! In addition, we'll also be interviewing fashion designer Tanhao Shi, who created the wedding outfits for Premier Suun and Tian. If we're lucky, we might get an idea of what the outfits look like! Firstly, let's go across to the morning newsdesk for the latest national and international news; Miyaki, what's up with the world today?"

Chiisu Suun turned the television down as he poured milk over his cereal.
"Just reassure me that everything's done. Please."
Tian smirked and took his hand. "We've taken care of everything. The wedding plans are completed, security's been finalised, the decoration of the venue is being finished as I speak, and Dianyun's sorted out the broadcast details. Now we can relax before the big day."
Chiisu squeezed Tian's hand back. "You'll be the first 'First Spouse' this nation's seen. Nervous?"
"A little. Not because we're getting married, but because the entire nation's either going to be in Heiphong for it or watching it at home."

-------------------------------------------------
OOC: Any foreign delegates who want to start arriving in the nation, feel free. There'll be security details awaiting delegations at Heiphong International Airport.

As the couple moved closer to share a kiss, Michio entered and cleared his throat.
"Forgive the intrusion, but four men have arrived and are requesting an audience with you, Your Excellency. Shall I show them to the lounge?"
"Yes please Michio; tell them I'll join them shortly."

The four visitors bowed respectfully to Chiisu as he and Tian entered the lounge.
"Your Excellency, we are honoured that you decided to meet with us. My name is Abisu; these are Shiberi, Bayu and Barinsei."
"It's a pleasure. So, what can I do for you?"
"It is more a case of what we can do for you. We are a wedding present to you from Nishio Kamisori."
Chiisu's eyes widened. "You guys are from the Kamisori Gumi? So what do you do?"
"Assassination, bodyguard work, investigation, whatever you want us to."

Tian chuckled. "So Nishio is trying to ingratiate himself even more with the government. How do we know that you four are loyal to Chiisu rather than Nishio?"
Abisu nodded to the others, then all four dropped to one knee.
"We pledge our lives in the service of Premier Chiisu Suun. We renounce all previous ties and vow to obey our Premier in all things."

Tian raised his eyebrows. "What do you think?"
Chiisu shrugged. "Well, the Kamisori are honourable in their way; they keep to their word. They've never given us any cause to kick them out before, and I doubt that they'd start now. I'd like to know more about the arrangement though."
Abisu stood and handed over a note for Chiisu for read. Chiisu nodded as he finished reading it.
"Nishio released them from the Gumi so that they can work for me. So I get to pay their wages and house them. Fair enough I guess. Welcome to the team."

Chiisu called for Michio, who soon appeared. "Yes, Your Excellency?"
"Michio, could you show these guys to the Xianshi bedroom, and have their bags taken up as well."
"Certainly. Will they be staying long?"
"They're moving in. I'll explain later."
"Very good Your Excellency."

(The big day arrives)

Chiisu yawned loudly and rubbed his eyes. In accordance with tradition, Tian had spent the night on the other side of Luozao Palace, and they wouldn't see each other until the wedding. A knock at the door heralded the arrival of Rongyi, Kangtian and Hengren, who marched in with the Premier's breakfast.
"Morning Your Excellency! Are you ready for the big day?"
"Yeah, I will be. Just let me have a shower first."
After his shower, Chiisu started on his breakfast while the three ministers fussed over him and prepared his suit.

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Tian awoke with a start to find Dianyun and Kichi standing at the foot of his bed, grinning broadly.
"Morning lazy. Come on, we won't be responsible for you not being ready."
Tian sat up and groaned. "How's Chiisu?"
"Being cared for by Rongyi, Kangtian and Hengren. Now, you get showered, and we'll get some breakfast for you."
Tian nodded slowly at Kichi. "Thanks."

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Chiisu finished dressing and stood ready for inspection.
"Do I look okay?"
"You look fine."
"Great!"
"Tian will love it!"
"Thanks guys. Now, everything's been prepared? Have there been any problems?"

Kangtian smirked. "Everything's fine. We've still got a couple of hours to kill."

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Tian looked in the mirror and nodded. "Ready."
Kichi grinned and put his arm around him. "If you weren't spoken for, I'd have you myself; Chiisu will be blown away. Now, speaking of him, I want you to look after him."
Tian raised his eyebrows. "I've been looking after him in one capacity or another for about thirteen years now."
"Yeah, well, you know what I mean."
Dianyun chuckled. "Chiisu would be touched. You're just a big softy, aren't you Kichi?"

Kichi scowled at the Information Minister. "Haven't you got some cameras to set up or something?"
"Nope, everything's in place. Once the wedding gets underway, everyone in Marimaia will be able to watch it."

The House of Proletarian Thought was packed with people desperately trying to find their seats. As neither Chiisu or Tian had any family, the cabinet members were seated in the front row. Behind them sat the military chiefs and social group leaders; after that, it was a mixture of miscellaneous guests and foreign representatives. Standing on the podium before them all, Fanrong fidgeted with his bow tie as he waited for the couple to arrive.

Outside, thousands of people cheered as Tian arrived; he gave them a quick wave and headed in. Tian and Kichi took their places with Fanrong and waited. Fanrong leant closer to Tian.
"Where is he?"
"Kangtian assured us that he was ready. He'll be here soon, don't worry."
Tian took a look around the room; the elven choir was in place, as was Migan Heng. Sakano had arrived a bit late and were finishing their set-up, but he was confident that they'd be ready. Xuhao Shi noticed him looking and gave him a thumbs-up.

A sudden loud roar outside heralded the Premier's arrival; Rongyi dashed in to take his seat, followed closely by Hengren and Kangtian. Kangtian took his place next to the podium and grinned.
"Sorry we're a bit late. The limo broke down, so the Proletarian Guard gave us a lift in one of their tanks. The crowd loved the arrival, so I guess it's not too bad."
"How's Chiisu?"
"Loving every minute of it."

At that moment, Michio walked and cleared his throat.
"His Excellency, Premier Chiisu Suun."
Sakano started playing the national anthem as Chiisu made his way towards the podium, waving at the guests. When he reached the podium, he took up position next to Tian, who smiled and nodded to Fanrong.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Premier Chiisu Suun and Tian Yao. This is indeed a joyous day for all Marimaians, and we are being watched by virtually the entire nation. Let us now begin."

After rambling on for ten minutes about the meaning of love, Fanrong gave way to Feirou Tong. The elven Minister for he Environment and Agriculture bowed deeply, then joined the choir to sing a ballad that he had written himself. Once they finished, the attendees applauded loudly until Fanrong continued with a speech about how Chiisu had made Marimaia 'a prosperous wonderland' and that Chiisu deserved all the happiness he could get.

After that speech, Migan Heng performed a Marimaian opera song before handing back to Fanrong.
"Tian, do you swear to love Chiisu, to honour him, and cherish him, and to stand with him against any adversity?"
Tian nodded. "I swear."
"Chiisu, do you swear to love Tian, to honour him, and cherish him, and to stand with him against any adversity?"
Chiisu smiled and nodded. "I swear."
"The rings?"
Kichi and Kangtian produced the rings, which Chiisu and Tian then slid onto each other's fingers. Fanrong grinned broadly.
"I now pronounce you to be married. You may kiss each other."
The guests erupted into cheers as the newly-married couple shared a kiss.