NationStates Jolt Archive

Ambassador Olivia Mirralev was less then happy. She was packing her things in the Devras embassy, complaing the whole time. Compared to her current surroundings, Hoffburg... was sounding more and more abomitable. She was from Calcutta herself, and was entirely unfamilar with the cold. But she was a civil servant like any other, and had little choice in the matter. So she packed her things, and had the embassy staff dispatch them to the airport. She also hated air travel, and was not looking forward to the twenty plus hours from Devras to Emperor Frederick Intl. in the crate of an airplane they'd assigned her. She had a mind to complain utill the damn Department would just pay for a bloody commercial ticket, but after remember that they'd almost certainly have her fly coach because they were so bloody cheap, she just sighed and finished up her packing.

The flight was a non-event. The biggest thrill was having one of the escorting Thunderbolt pilots wave to her as they buzzed right by the window, before pulling some sort of inverted diving roll. The flight crew had managed to comandeer a small TV and video player from somewhere, so Olivia's daughter Penelope could at least watch a tape or two. Of course, they hadn't thought about getting any quality entertainment, and to make matters worse, the TV had a hard time being heard by anyone over the dull roar of the engines, so that plan was a bit of a bust. After finding some earplugs stashed away somewhere, Olivia herself managed a nice, long nap. Penelope complained about missing her friends from school. But, eventually, she too fell asleep. The flight was just that exciting.

The arrival was only different from the rest of the flight because everyone has glad the damn trip was finally over. As the plane taxied up to the special private pad on the tarmac, Olivia rushed to get ready. Her senior assistant helped her make up her hair, while the junior laid out her more formal blouse and jacket. She'd been warmed that there may be a small reception at the airport, but she'd sent a letter back saying that due to the enormus amount of time it would take for her to basicly fly half way aroundt he world, any reception should be somewhat smaller then what they'd normally do. Jet lag... was a major issue. Still, she got as ready as she could, while the rest of the staff pretty much sat around and waited untill she disembarked and no one was looking. The life of the chief ambassador to a new country was a tough one.

The arrival of the new ambassador was a momentous occasion, and thus it was a disappointed Chief of Protocol who had to be informed by Karl von Effner, the Foreign Minister, that there were to be no speeches, no large crowds, and no formal banquet immediately following the arrival of the ambassador.
Nevertheless, a small honour guard was assembled, of soldiers from the Imperial Dragoon Guards, with their polished breastplates, swords, plumed helmets and gleaming riding boots, dressed as they had for field duty in the 19th Century. A band from the same regiment was drilled in the United Indiastan national anthem, and Karl von Effner and a small group of diplomatic corps officials would be present to greet them politely and welcome them to Lavenrunz.
Security was rigorously achieved by strictly controlling everything around the airfield at the airport, and by arresting even the vaguest suspects who might have some ambition to wreck things. In addition, personnel from plainclothes to concealed snipers to roadblocks were on duty, an AWACs was monitoring communications and a full company of Jaegers was ready to seize control of the Airport if need be.
As the plane came to a full stop and the Ambassador appeared at the foot of the steps, the band began a drumroll and fanfare, the honour guard presented arms with a flash of glittering swords, and the anthem was played with majesty and panache.
As it came to an end, the short, stocky Karl von Effner stepped forward. He wore a formal suit with a red sash of office, and his height was belied by his air of utter confidence, calm and authority.
"Your Excellency is welcome to Lavenrunz, in Her Majesty's Name. I am Karl von Effner, the Foreign Minister. Your cortege awaits, Madame...I hope you had a pleasant journey."

Olivia smiled as best she could for the cameras as she shook the Minister's hand, trying to suppress the shiver that she felt coming on from the blast of cool air that greeted her before Karl could. She scame down teh short ramp quickly, thankful to get into the lee of the plane. Her cotton suit jacket skirt were comfortable enough, but didn't offer much warmth. "Greetings to you Mr. Minister. My name is Olivia Mirralev, and I'm honoured to make your aquanitence. I'm told that many of the more formal events had to be postponed - I'm terribly sorry about that, but the trip was a bit of a long and trying one." She started walking down the laid out carpet towards the waiting car, complete with little Indiastani flags above each headlight. Karl kept pace, as was expected. "But the dinner is still schedualed for the day after tomorrow, correct?"

"That is indeed correct, Madame Ambassador. I imagine, after such a long flight, that you are eager to go to the embaassy and rest. However, it would not have been fitting to have at least greeted your arrival with some state...." he commented.
The Ambassador saw that it was spring, that flowers were in bloom, though there were still people wearing overcoats about. There were few really tall buildings--Lavenrunz' capital had preserved well a lot of older architecture, carved stone and cobbles here and there, iron wrought streetlamps, heroic statuary and fountains. Gardens appeared to be very popular.
The Indiastani embassy was in a general area of embassies, though in fact it was right near the Society for the Prevention of Uranium Mining Accidents and the Ministry of Public Works. Across the way was part of the huge Imperial Park, with huge spreading oak and linden trees, walkways, pavilions, waterways and amusements.

She smiled as best she could, given how tired she was. The prospect of getting to the embassy and sleeping for a good twelve hours was rather appearlling at that moment. She turned again at the car, before stepping inside. "Again, thank you for your patience. Once I can have a little rest, and the staff gets settled in, I'm sure arrangements could be made for a tour of Hofburg? I've heard that spring is the best season here..." She trailed off a bit as she stepped into the waiting car. "Untill tomorrow then, Minister von Effner."