NationStates Jolt Archive

Larkinian Presidential Palace, early evening

The sun, not quite set behind the volcanos to the west, twinkled off of the marble in the ballroom as the catering staff finished the last of their alterations.

Jeff and Katherine walked into the ballroom, and quickly looked around at the last-minute changes.

"Things didn't sound so good last night, with dad vanishing for a while and all that," Jeff said as he checked the security and made sure the meat was far, far away from where the Hell Bovinian delegates would be seated.

"Master Jeffrey," Jeeves said as he walked into the room, "the guests are scheduled to arrive shortly. And this is a black-tie affair."

Jeff looked down at the t-shirt and jeans, "Yeah, that's a good point. We'll meet y'all back here shortly."

Niven excused himself from his very entertaining and relaxing conversation with Tri, " I hate to break this up, but I have to go get ready for Jeff.....I mean President Williams inaguration. I hope to see you there."

Niven returned to his room and prepared his tux. Slightly drunk from his time at the bar with Tri, he had some trouble deciding which tie to wear " Bow tie, or long tie ?" Finally he pitched the whole idea and pulled out a new out fit entirely. "this ought to shock the lad..."

http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/he/photo/movie_pix/oscars/75th_academy_awards_press_room_photos/sean_connery/oscars6.jpg

"Yes, that should do nicely"

:TAG: For later...

((Very interesting outfit, I'm sure Jeff will have a couple of quips for him when he gets there. ;) Back in a few, going to lunch ))

The aerodyne driver opened the door for Dr. Niven as he stepped in and sat down.

"To the palace sir?" he asked as the vehicle lept into the sky and circled towards the mountains.

"Yes, please. It is time for the next generation to take the reigns." Niven reclined in his chair and closed his eyes..Oh I remember my first inaguration, I hope Jeff handles it better than I.

He watched as the land scape slipped away Larkinia is such a lovely country, I should really get out and see more of it. Perhaps I will have the chance, since I am going to change my primary residence to be closer the the children. I think I shall by the children horses, and get myself a ranch. I am going to have to retire at some point.

He watched as the palace came into view.

((Doc Niven can't retire! It'll be so boring then ;) ))

The palace shimmered in the evening light, Niven saw the landing pad coming up on the left as the aerodyne streaked in towards the palace.

The aerodyne landed with a soft bump as it made contact with the ground. Jeeves opened the door for Dr. Niven and bowed as he exited the car.

"Congratulations Earl Niven," Jeeves said, "You're the first guest to arrive. Where can I direct you?"

"Some place comfortable, I know Jeff is very busy right now so I will wait to bother him." He steps down and greets Jeeves.
"Any chance I could hire you away ?"

"I think very busy would be an understatement, at last count he'd prepared to abdicate the presidency 18 times, the last one to that dreadful Earl of Dirwisham in Iansisle," Jeeves said as he opened the door to the palace for Niven.

"As for hiring me away, the first time Master Jeffrey takes me into a war zone with him, I'm all yours."

((sorry about vanishing last night. I came home, made that one post, then collapsed on my bed. On the other hand, I think this is the first time I've see seven o'clock in the morning from the 'right' side in some while. ;)

Anyway: ))

"Of course, of course," replied Sir Richard, walking only slightly tipsily down the corridor to his room. A steward had laid his full dress uniform out on the bed. Tri bared his teeth in displeasure at having to put on the ridicously archaic costume and sought frantically a way to avoid the humuliation. Aha!

“Parkins!”

“Yes, sir?”

“You haven’t properly starched my cravat!”

“I - my pardon, Admiral. That was terribly sloppy of me.”

“I simply cannot wear a limp cravat - I’d be the laughing stock of all Ianapalis.”

“Of course, Admiral - I’ll just go...”

“Damn it all, there’s no time now. I suppose I shall just have to go in mess dress.”

“As you wish, sir,” replied Parkins while packing up the full dress uniform. He’d been through this routine a thousand times before. The only time Tri actually wore his full dress uniform was in meetings with a dozen other naval officers, where mess dress would be the exception, or in the presence of political superiors who actually cared, like Baron Linhower or Tarriff.

Thus it was that Grand Admiral Sir Richard Tri, First Sea Lord of the Royal Iansislean Navy, appeared at the Presidential Palace in a tastefully cut deep blue blazer adorned with only the strictly necessary medals - his blue and green badge, which denominated him as from the Empire of the Shield (interestingly, an Admiral’s cut badge has been made for every Dominion and Gallaga, but only the green and blue has been issued), Ian’s Cross (first class), and the elaborate star of the Imperial Order.

OOC: You would do this when Im in the middle of my own election and cant send anyone...lol. Let me think of something. Oh, and Iansile, my buddy says thanks. Hes in a Limp Bizkit cover band, and couldn't think of a good name. Then he saw Limp Cravat.

((It's all good I-man))

"Hello Admiral," Jeeves said as he opened the door to the limo as it stopped. "Welcome to our little soiree, or as Master Jeffrey keeps referring to it, 'home away from home'."

As Jeeves escorted Niven towards the ballroom, they were met by a red-head walking down the twisting staircase in a black gown, "Well well well," Katherine said with a grin "What do you say you and I get out of here stranger?"

" I never turn down the chance to sneak off with a lovely lady." He says with an outragous wink.
" I hope your husband doesn't find out."

"Oh, he turned about in so many directions at once, I'm sure he won't even notice. The last time I checked he was getting scolded by Jeeves about wearing his military uniform to the ceremony."

Jeeves cleared his throat, "I was just informing Master Jeffrey that, considering the man ruling the country before President Katana was a military officer, it might not be the best idea that he remind the public and the diplomats here of that past.

"And I wasn't scolding him, I was... convincing him."

"Hello Admiral," Jeeves said as he opened the door to the limo as it stopped. "Welcome to our little soiree, or as Master Jeffrey keeps referring to it, 'home away from home'."

"Thank you," said Tri. He opted to carry his crowned cap under his arm rather than hand it off to a servant. "And where is the President-elect now?"

"The President-Elect is in the master bedroom switching out of his uniform and preparing for the ceremony. Would you like me to escort you there?"

Damien checked his watch, and idled meaningless in the hotel lounge. "A glass of port, if you will." He said to the barman.

"Well of course." He offers his arm. " But you know how people will talk." He says with a laugh.

"The President-Elect is in the master bedroom switching out of his uniform and preparing for the ceremony. Would you like me to escort you there?"

"No, no," laughed Tri. "I suppose I can content myself with the other guests until he sees fit to make an apperance."

With a sigh, he swooped up the glass, and carried it out to the official transportation. "Driver? To the site of the inaguration..."

"Well, people will talk regardless, so let's not start too much of a scandal on Jeff's first week in office," she said linking her arm through his and walking into the ballroom with Niven.

-----

"Yes, your majesty," the driver said , closing the door after him and pulling out on the road to the palace.

-----

"Yes Admiral," Jeeves said as he led Tri into the ballroom.

"So," continued Tri, attempting to make conversation. "What sorts are we expecting at this little get-together?"

"Well Admiral, Dr. Niven will be here, as will the Duque and Ambassador Blackspots from Hell Bovines. Prince Damien Black from Roania will attend. And there is still a chance that Ambassador Matebian from the Tanah Burung embassy will show up," Jeeves replied. "Did his majesty not travel here with you?"

"Ah.."

That was a point Sir Richard wasn't too eagre to bring up.

"I haven't seen His Majesty in quite some while," he continued at last. "I fear he may have started back for Iansisle alone. But - you say Ambassador Matebian may be in attendance? I certainly hope so - if my experiances at the Conferences have taught me anything, it's that Tanah Burung makes superb diplomats!"

"I haven't seen His Majesty in quite some while," he continued at last. "I fear he may have started back for Iansisle alone...."

"I see," Jeeves said.

Oh dear, Master Jeffrey's not going to be happy to hear that

"Yes, I've heard the same thing sir," Jeeves continued after the Admiral paused. "Tanah Burung does seem to have wonderful diplomats, it must come from dealing with the group of presidents they have leading them. It must take a skilled hand to keep everyone happy."

Another limo pulled up to the palace's main doors, a butler standing next to the red carpet opened the door and bowed as Damien walked out. He escorted the prince to the ballroom.

-----

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Jeff had just finished the final touches on his tuxedo. He straightened the long tie, and tucked it under the vest and quickly shot the cuffs as the phone rang twice.

God damnit all...

"Hello?" he asked, listening intently. "And this couldn't wait until after the ceremony.. Christ I'm not even President yet... I see... How many crates are missing? How many?? How in the hell do you lose that many weapons? Who was the CIC? Admiral Tanaka..."

Same one who signed on to the court marshall... why doesn't that surprise me.

"All right Lieutenant, follow with your investigation, find Tanaka... he's been on vacation how long? Oh you're kidding... his ID card was sitting in his office? Then carry on, call me after the ceremony tonight."

Jeff set the phone back in the cradle and finished straightening the tie one last time, At least things are getting off to a f***ing slow start and I can ease my way into office.

Damien looked around, distastefully. "Why is this nation called a Principality? Where is the Prince?" He asked the air, rhetorically.

"I see," Jeeves said.

Oh dear, Master Jeffrey's not going to be happy to hear that

"Yes, I've heard the same thing sir," Jeeves continued after the Admiral paused. "Tanah Burung does seem to have wonderful diplomats, it must come from dealing with the group of presidents they have leading them. It must take a skilled hand to keep everyone happy."

"Mmm," agreed Tri. "If only federalism could make diplomats of the Shield!"

He was just trying to pass time until the other guests arrive.

((hint hint :P))

((Well, he's in the ballroom with Katherine and Niven and Damien. ;) And I'll send someone else after deadline passes ))

((Well, he's in the ballroom with Katherine and Niven and Damien. ;) And I'll send someone else after deadline passes ))

(( :oops: ))

"Well, Dr Niven, it has been a long time," exclaimed Tri, walking over to him and abandoning Jeeves. "And Lady Katherine - I swear you grow more beautiful with every passing day!"

((No worries man, I figured I might not have been clear (that's usually the case I find) and I'll have Jeff show up right after he finds out why Tanaka's been selling Larkinian military hardware to terrorists... er... 'freedom fighters'. ))

"Tri, you old dog, long time no see," Niven winked.

Katherine hugged Admiral Tri, "And you look so dashing in your uniform, I swear between you two I might just leave Jeff!"

She looked around quickly, "Where are James and Christin? Did they not come with you?"

"I do my best to please," replied Sir Richard, doing his best to strut while standing still.

However, the Admiral's old face fell a mile and a half at the next question. He had - perhaps unreasonably - hoped to avoid it all night. "I - I don't know. I assumed they'd be coming by themselves, but..." He shrugged.

Katherine saw the look on Tri's face, "What's wrong Richard? I haven't seen that drastic a change since Jeff found out there's no Easter Bunny."

Katherine saw the look on Tri's face, "What's wrong Richard? I haven't seen that drastic a change since Jeff found out there's no Easter Bunny."

"Well - I hate to say it, Kate, but I don't think Their Majesties will be attending."

"What??" Katherine asked.

"Why not? This is crazy," Niven added. "I've half a mind to go get them myself."

"I don't know," admitted Richard. "I haven't seen either one of them since that night - James still has my sword, as a matter of fact." He glanced at the equally fine sabre hanging at his side. "Well, my lucky sword, anyway."

Damien sighed as he entered the ballroom, and looked upon all the conversation groups. He looked around for James. If he's still as incompetent with that sword as he was that night, I could skewer him with one hand tied beyond my back...

Not that he had a choice, he thought ruefully, looking at his left-hand briefly. The skin had grown back, but beneath that skin was a hole through which he had once been able to see sunlight.

At that moment, a white limmo pulled up, and a younger woman stepped out of the vehicle. She was pretty in that other worldly sense, with medium length flowing black hair, a stunning body, and a face that wasn't hot, but more cute. She looked around briefly before following someone into the ball room.

She was dressed in a formal black dress, with a mid height slit, and elegant black pumps. She had her hair done up, and was carrying a small, black sequined purse, wither her wallet and a phone in it.

She approached the bar, and ordered a glass of chardonay, and waited for whomever she was supposed to honor, bow down to, or other wise flatter at this function.

"He does?" Niven asked concerned.

"Wait, what sword?" Katherine asked.

-----

The waiter walked over to Damien and offered him a glass of wine. "Can I get you anything else?"

-----

The bartender caught a glimpse of the woman in his eye and hurried over with her drink, "Here ya go. What else can I do for ya?"

"He does?" Niven asked concerned.

"Wait, what sword?" Katherine asked.

"Er..." Now Richard was VERY glad he had a loose collar to tug at. "My other sabre - James took it the other day (this evening? I'm a little confused as to the time) and went for a walk. I'm not sure why.."

"Oh, no, I'm fine," she said, handing him the money, and telling him to keep the change. She leaned against the bar, and sipped at the wine.

"He did? That's.. unlike him." Katherine said. ((It woulda been the night before)) "And you two just let him go like that?"

"No thank you, that will be all," Damien said, looking around once more. He saw the new-comer, didn't recognise her, decided she'd be missed, and yearned to return home.

"He did? That's.. unlike him." Katherine said. ((It woulda been the night before)) "And you two just let him go like that?"

"I didn't see what else we could do," said Tri. "He was pretty adamant. That's the last time I've seen him."

(ooh! Sorry about the extremely huge delay! This week has been an RP-er's nightmare for me. My internet connection broke and I've been very busy with problems and tests and all. Anyway, could anyone please summarise me what happened int he other thread? thanks!)

The black limo, carrying the flag of Hell Bovines at its sides, parked elegatly at the Larkinian Presidential Palace. From inside the vehicle, the duque descended, accompanied by the usual escorts.
He had to replace his usual robe with an XXL tuxedo, something he was not very used to wear. Still, he was carrying his "royal" staff and silver crown with him.

He went straight to the ballroom, eager to improve relations witht he people present there. As he walked, he tried to remember what had happened last night, but he couldn't. Was his memory lousy or he had a hangover? quite frankly, it might be the latter....

(( No worries HB, i'll probably have the swearing in either tonight or tomorrow ))

The butler escorted the Duque to the ballroom, where he introduced him to the assembled diplomats and staff.

Baron Zeeland, a smallish man with a long face, brown hair now almost completely grey and blue eyes stood in the traditional uniform of a Royal Envoy and looked about the room. The dark wood paneling seemed a bit archaic but Baroness Winton had always been more of a traditionalist. He finished buttoning the high military collar and was shifting on the red jacket when someone knocked on the doorway.

His eyes looked at the woman who stood there. All he knew was that she was called "Jill" and was carrying a small stuffed tiger in the black purse she was carrying. At that she filled out the black backless dress she was wearing quite nicely.

"Miss Jill, I have no idea what you want to talk to Jeff about but..."

"Don't worry, this is personal buisness, and I very much doubt that you will want to be offically involved..."

"But..."

"Your predescesor left a bit of an untidy mess...I happen to be the clean up crew..."

clean up crew?... passed through his head as the security officer pushed into the room and nodded that the car was ready....

The limo was escorted to the Presidential Palace, Jeeves opened the door for the Alconian delegation, he was momentarily caught by surprise (rare for him) at seeing Jill, "It is a pleasure to see you again madam."

((May I cut in late?))

As was usual, Danny arrived quite late. His car, adorned with his tartan, fluttered in the breeze formed by his motorcycle, a Royal Enfield. He leaned forward, tense, as he sped along.

"Puteinio! I'm so late!"

The Baron looked at what he assumed was the footman and back at Jill with a startled look. "A thank you good man..." was said in a polite automatic tone of someone who had spent his life with servants.

Jill grinned at Jeeves with a twinkle in her eye. The kind that said she was being playful or a naughty girl. "Well hello, Jeeves isn't it? Well how do you like your master's new postion? I think I created a monster."

The Baron was now slightly agape at the woman by his side. "Yes, Baron you see I unfortunatly suggested that Duke Williams run for office by not running for office...why is above your payscale..."

"Until now I didn't think there was a level above mine..."

"Yes...there is..."

Jill grinned at Jeeves with a twinkle in her eye. The kind that said she was being playful or a naughty girl. "Well hello, Jeeves isn't it? Well how do you like your master's new postion? I think I created a monster."

"To be honest Madam, it is going to be quite interesting for him. He's been trying to figure out who to abdicate the position to if he wants to spend more time with his loved one, so far no names have come up,' Jeeves said as he escorted them into the ballroom.

-----

Jeff was on the phone again, he was so close to actually exiting the room he could taste it.

"The SeOCC delegation is WHAT?? revoking our trade deferment with Tanah Burung and Hell Bovines? Because of what Minister... God damn it! OK Takeo, you go to Tanah Burung and see if you can deal with it, I'll join you after the ceremony, remind me to fire him, thanks."

((*ding ding* Lark has a TG!))

Jill sweeps into the ballroom and looks about with a confident air. One that the new Royal Envoy is a bit miffed about. He stands in complete ignorance of what is going on. As though thrown off a diving board into the deep end of a pool of quicksand...

Her eyes lock on to Dr. Niven and Kathrine. She just mumbles..."So quickly I'm replaced am I? Hmph..."

((Actually I don't think Niven replaced her, I thought they were supposed to meet up here again anyway as the plan. ;) ))

Niven saw Jill as she walked in, "You have to meet her," he said to Katherine, "She's one of the ones that helped Jeff out with the Antony situation."

Niven and Katherine walked over to Jill, "You're looking as lovely as ever," he said to her, "Jill, I don't think you've met Jeff's wife yet, this is Katherine Williams," he said, just happening to forget all of her titles, "Kate, this is Jill, Goddess of... well anyway."

((*ding ding* Lark has a TG!))

((Ohhh! I love mail!! Now you've got a TG! ;) ))

((*zips a response back* We should work for the post office! But I don't work in the snow, motto be damned.))

Sir Richard backed away from Niven, Kate, and Jill. He was glad of the respite.

Once in the elegant ball room, the duque begun to walk around, looking for something interesting to do. He saw the elegant sofa, the curtains and...a piano! How tempting it looked. He almost felt like going there and playing a great song. Bah, perhaps later.

He walked torwards the bar and ordered one of his typical tequilas. "Boy, I must have an iron liver", he thought, as he saw the delegations entering the room....

((Snow?? what's that?

And back at you))

Niven looked around to introduce Tri to Jill, but saw he looked tired and probably wanted to spend some time on his own.

-----

meanwhile... back in the bat cave

Jeff was on the phone... again. He was sooooo close to getting out, just a few more feet.

"What do you mean you didn't mean that?? For Christ's sake Hunter we're about to get steamrolled out of our trade agreements with Tanah Burung and Hell Bovines because of those hotheads in the SeOCC government. OK, I'll look into that, you on the other hand, go home, get some sleep, and come back when you're a little more level headed."

((return!))

Sir Richard ended up next to the Duque at the bar. “Brandy,” he ordered firmly, before turning to the Hell Bovine.

“Hello again, Your Grace. Ah, you probably don’t remember me - I was at the Conferences - but let’s just say you have an unforgettable face. Richard Tri, from Iansisle.”

Only once his hand was extended did Tri wonder how on Earth a hoofed mammal proposed to shake it.

Jill raised an eyebrow at the mention of "Jeff's wife" Her smile seemed to increase in sparkle at those words. "Please don't refer to me as a Goddess, one might be listening and get spiteful. I prefer not to have golden apples lying about the place..."

She turned to her companion, "This is Baron Zeeland, Royal Envoy to the New Highlands Alliance. Your Lordship, this is Dr. Niven of Celeborne and Her Grace, Duchess Williams, First Lady of Larkina."

The Baron gave a short military bow to the Doctor and one also to Kathrine combined with a small kiss to the back of her hand. "I can see that his Grace is indeed a lucky man with such a beauty as this by his side. Although I wonder does your son...ah Conner take after you or your husband in charming foreign Heads of State?"

Jill gave a small smile and stood next to the Doctor. "Can I have a word with you dear..." she whispered into his ear.

((And back at you I-man))

Katherine blushed at the compliment, "thank you Baron," she said. "Ummm, Conner?" she asked, caught off-guard a moment, "Probably he would take more after Jeff. Most of our children take after their father, actually."

Niven excused himself from the group and walked to one of the windows with Jill, "Yes my dear? What's wrong?"

-----

Jeff had just put the phone down and finished the final swipe on his shoes when..

*ring ring

Just don't answer it...

Jeff picked up the flashing phone, "Hello? Yes Lieutenant... Tanaka was what? Seen with one of the Tanah Burungian delegation to the Peace Picnic after the riots? Any idea who? OK, you go to the embassy and ask them. No.. Not now. for the love of god let me get sworn in at least."

((one more back - remember, 'hey, stupid!' is the word ;)))

((LOL, gotcha, and back again.))

Jeff finally put the phone down and quickly bolted out of the room. He took a few steps into the hall and looked at his tuxedo for a second when his enhanced hearing picked up...

*ring ring*

"Of course I remember you, friend", the duque replied with a smile.
"Luckily, we Hell Bovines seem to have good memory, besides our unforgettable faces"
He extended his half-hoof/half-hand and shaked it with Tri's hand.

"How are things going on at home? Fine, I hope"

Damien blinked in amazement at the sight of a strange cow-man shaking...shaking... "Blast it..." he muttered. Plastering a smile on his face, he walked over to the group. "The... Duque de Hell Bovines, I presume?"

Tri laughed at the joke. "And a wonderful sense of humor to boot!"

At the mention of home, however, his smile became a little more fixed. "More or less the same, thanks," Tri replied. "And you? I trust Her Grace is well?"

EDIT: Tri watched as Damien came up and introduced himself to the Duque. That's the problem with not being a world leader, he thought, I get pushed to the side as soon as any show up.

((And back at you I-man))

Katherine blushed at the compliment, "thank you Baron," she said. "Ummm, Conner?" she asked, caught off-guard a moment, "Probably he would take more after Jeff. Most of our children take after their father, actually."

Niven excused himself from the group and walked to one of the windows with Jill, "Yes my dear? What's wrong?"

-----



The Baron smiled, "Yes...well now I know to never get to far away from my prepared breifs with him. You see, I have an gift from the Overlord of the Lords of War to Conner, and trying to figure out how your child managed to get such a gift out of that recluse has baffled me these past few days. As well as a few other items..."

Jill gave Niven that 'smile' the one she used in the bedroom. "Can't I pull you away from your daughter-in law for a few moments? Hmm, really...no it sounds as if my idea has backfired a bit on poor Jeff. Ah where is the man of the hour anyway?"

Tri laughed at the joke. "And a wonderful sense of humor to boot!"

At the mention of home, however, his smile became a little more fixed. "More or less the same, thanks," Tri replied. "And you? I trust Her Grace is well?"

EDIT: Tri watched as Damien came up and introduced himself to the Duque. That's the problem with not being a world leader, he thought, I get pushed to the side as soon as any show up.

"Yes, the great duchess Fussyball is as well as always. Very happy, by the way, making use of the new silver hamster cage I gave her as birthday present."

He then turned to the amazed Damien and shacked his hand.
"Yes, indeed, I'm Mooo IV, duque of Hell Bovines. Whom do I have the pleasure to be speaking to, if I may ask?"

"I am Damien Alexander Black, Dark Prince of the Divine Imperium of Novar Ohan and the Western Isles," He bowed low, "I present to you the greetings of my mother, Her Imperial Highness Kaiserin Malissa Lucille Black."

Katherine looked a little nervous, "A gift? For Conner? From the Overlord of the Lords of War? Well, he's been fretting ever since Ann's tiger vanished, he feels so bad about that."

Niven looked towards the staircase, "Well he should be down already, he was up in the master bedroom changing for the ceremony. I think we should probably head up and visit him, see if everything's OK."

-----

Back on the phone again..

"So the Liberation Tigers funneled part of the weapons away to.. Christ there's a name I hadn't heard in years. Look, if they come close to dropping another dirty bomb in Golden Agate I'm going to bomb those m------ f---ers back into the stone age."

Jeff slammed down the phone and tried to disconnect it.

-----

A beep went off in Jeff's personal security officer's earpiece. He quickly ran up the stairs just ahead of Niven and Jill. Making it to Jeff door he quickly flung it open, looking to draw a bead on the person trying to disconnect the emergency lines....

"Oh.. it's you Mr. President. I'm sorry about that sir. Um... sir, you can't disconnect the e-lines."

"Not even for a moment's peace?"

"No sir, welcome to the presidential Palace sir."

"Oh! It's truly a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. And your mother too. I would be honored if you sent her my greetings.", the duque said.
"As the leader of a socialist country, I have no title other than duque of the people, but it's always nice to meet someone of the nobility", he winked.
"I've heard many wonders of the exploits of Roania and its people and I'm really glad to finally meet someone from such illustrous country"

"But of course, Duque..." Damien looked over at Tri, and his fake smile grew even wider. "And...who is this fine gentleman? A Shieldian Admiral?"

Baron Zeeland shrugged for a moment and then said..."Well I'll let you decide how to tell an absolute monarch not to give gifts to young boys. I'm just to deliver it, perhaps you'll stop by the Embassy tommorow with Conner to pick it up?"
***

Jill put her arm under Nivens and followed him. She watched the security guard run and took off herself. She stood in the doorway behind the conversation and raised an eyebrow...

"Of course we will, we'd be honored to," Katherine said with a smile as she wondered what to get the twins.

-----

"Jeff what in the hell is going on here?" Niven asked.

"I was just.. well trying to disconnect the phone so I could get a moment's peace and come down to the party," Jeff said with a sheepish smile. "Hi Jill, how are you doing?"

"So what's up yourself...war break out suddenly?"

"Nope.. well not yet at least, I'm trying to keep that from happening. Everytime I turn around that damn thing's ringing," Jeff said as he escorted the group back into the hallway, "Let's get outta here before it rings again."

"Ah Jeff shouldn't your Chief of Staff be handling some of those calls?"
She looked at Jeff with the sudden realization that he had no clue what he was doing around here.

Not receiving a response from the Admiral, Damien turned back to the Duque. "One does wonder, how is it that a socialist such as yourself should have noble title?"

"Ah Jeff shouldn't your Chief of Staff be handling some of those calls?"
She looked at Jeff with the sudden realization that he had no clue what he was doing around here.

"I had to send the Minister of State and Chief of Staff to Celdonia, apparently our trade exemptions with Tanah Burung and Hell Bovines are under attack because Finance Minister Matthews is talking with the Knootians about signing onto the KIST treaty," Jeff said as they walked, "Plus there's a report of several missing weapons crates down near the desert that might have fallen into the hands of less than savory characters."

"You see, it's kinda complicated.", the duque explained,
"I'm not a noble, as a metter of fact. According to Hell Bovines political system the duque is the head of state of the nation, elected democratically for all his life. I do have authority to make minor decisions, but I must ask all major decisions to my populace through referendums.
So, as you see, my title is, more than anything, ceremonial. My real pourpose is to represent the nation on international events and take some small decisions, but nothing more. Hell Bovines is a country ruled by its people."
He took a sip of tequila and continued.
"Now, I'm the one intriged. If I may ask, how does Roania's political system work?"

"As for you, great friend Tri, come and join us, I'll buy you a glass of the finest tequila in the house", he said, trying to invite the shieldian to the conversation.

"Ah, you sent your XO off to a foreign nation?" Jill just looked at Jeff with the kind of look one gives an errant school boy.

OOC: Really, that's a loser of an idea...the Cheif of Staff is (usually) there to keep minor items off the President's desk and have them delt with by the appropriate staff member...and get the major items fully fleshed out before they wind up on Jeff's desk so it's not comming in peice meal...

"But of course, Duque..." Damien looked over at Tri, and his fake smile grew even wider. "And...who is this fine gentleman? A Shieldian Admiral?"

Grand Admiral Tri nodded and mumbled "At your service." It didn't seem as though Damien heard him.

((sorry about that - RL concerns. I'll have to shove off again in ~15mins))

"As for you, great friend Tri, come and join us, I'll buy you a glass of the finest tequila in the house", he said, trying to invite the shieldian to the conversation.

"I'd be honored," replied Tri. He had never heard the Hell Bovine government system explained and wondered if 'Your Grace' was really an appropriate title. Well, the Duque had never complained, so he decided to stick with it.

"I'm not really used to something with that much kick," he continued, "but this old body is up for anything."

"Yeah, I had to send him because he'd chaired the Developing Nations Conference here, and he worked out the trade agreements, and he actually knew what he was talking about," Jeff replied.

OOC: I know, things were going all right, Katana was going to be here for the handover of power, then SeOCC got a bee in their bonnet.

As he pulled up to the grand building, Danny cursed in English, Welsh, and Spanish. "Damn! Puteinio! Caramba! Shit shit shit!" He whipped off his pants right there and quickly strapped on a kilt and claymore, and walked in at a fast pace...

...Arriving just in time to order a whiskey.

Daniel was handed a glass of whiskey as the guards approached, "Ceremonial weapons only sir," one of them said.

"Ah, well so where is your Assistant Cheif of Staff? I only say this because running a school is something like running a beuacracy, the moment you lose your enforcement and gate keeper you will be inindated by things that shouldn't reach your desk at the moment, or people looking for answers on things when you need to be given options to chose. For instance, while you've been playing phone tag the Duke of Hell Bovines has been sitting at the bar at your party...a one two puch opportunity you haven't been taking. Jeff, if I'm anyway responsible for you getting into this mess I'm sorry." She looked at Jeff with a bit of sadness in her eyes.


OOC: Are you a member of IFTA?

OOC: Seems like evil SeOCC has ruined the RP? :?
I hope we can continue without Katana. If not, send him back and replace the delegate at IFTA with a low-class ambassador :D

IC:
"Great!", the duque exclaimed. "Then two glasses of Jose Cuervo tequila for us!", he ordered the bar tender, who seemed to be a bit tired of the delegates' incesant drinking.

Jeff looked around a moment, "Yeah, that's a good question, where is my Assistant Chief of Staff?" he mused. "The Duque is here?" he continued as they reached the top of the staircase.

He chuckled and smiled at Jill, "It's not your fault Jill, I mean, none of us actually expected I'd win. Trust me, I was the last person who thought I'd win the campaign, even if someone" he said peering at Niven, "gave the campaign a lot of money suddenly."

Niven just looked at Jeff innocently, "ummm, you said you had something else to mention to him?" he tried to change the subject.

Edit: OOC, no I'm not in the IFTA, I have some trade exemptions with their members that are under threat now.

IC:
"Great!", the duque exclaimed. "Then two glasses of Jose Cuervo tequila for us!", he ordered the bar tender, who seemed to be a bit tired of the delegates' incesant drinking.

((No worries, the bartenders here never get tired of non-stop drinking ;) ))

"This weapon is ceremonial," he said smoothly, unsheathing it. Across the blade danced scenes of battle, drink, and love, as well as complex knot patterns centered around a single word - "Urddas" "See this 'ere? Battle of Brixton. And this? Tavern me grandpa lost in the war. And over 'ere, obligatory love scene - mam and pa posed for that years ago - and this word means 'Honor.'" He flipped the weapon, catching the blade in a mail-gloved palm. "These stones here - emerald stands for the home we lost, ruby for the fire that burns at the heart of every Cymro, and amethyst for the royal crest of me family. I'm Daniel David MacAllister, by the way -" he added, as he sheathed the impressive blade - "Prime Minister of Ciwdod Cymraeg."

The guards looked at the blade a moment, "I guess we can allow it, the weapon will have to remain in the scabbard, locked," one guard said as the other pulled a locking mechanism out of his pocket, the same one on Tri's sabre. "Sorry Mr. Prime Minister, but those are the rules."

((No worries, the bartenders here never get tired of non-stop drinking ;) ))

Great! that means they are normal people. :P
But the question is, do they have anything left to sell? :wink:

((This is Larkinia, they always have more alcohol. But it's free here. ;) Put it on Jeff's tab. ))

"Not a problem, of course." He took the lock and tried to fit it on. "Minor problem 'ere, this thing's too small, got one bigger? I really can't go about without the family sword, it's a symbol of honor, and besides it's blessed."

The other guard spoke into the mouthpiece a moment and a third guard arrived with the proper lock.

"Enjoy yourself at the party, Mr. Prime Minister," the guard said as he escorted him into the Ballroom.

"Yes, well I seem to have gotten into a good deal of hot water with the board running off to London...so if you need any help I'll be playing the lady of leisure right now...The Winton Estate awarded me a pension..."
She shook her head. "Well things in life change, I guess you just roll with the punches."

OOC: Ah I was thinking about trying the same thing...with the very same nations...but I doubt a member of the UTP trying that would be allowed considering the response of SeOCC to KIST (which I am also a member...)

OOC: HB, do you have an hour or two for me to explain it?

"Ah, good thing, too!" Danny grinned and drew off his mail gloves, depositing them in some pocket, and joined the Duque at the bar. "Good day, good sir."

Jeff and Niven stopped in their tracks, "They.. fired you?" Niven asked surprised.

"Did they give you a rationale? Do they even need to?" Jeff asked, "Well, at least Ann's estate is seeing you're taken care of."

"Like they would have needed to anyway," Niven said.

Jeff looked down the stairs and saw a peek into the ballroom, "yeah, rolling with the punches. By the way, did you ever hear about what happened with her tiger? Conner keeps asking me about him."

OOC: Has Jeff been sweard in yet? And has anyone approached my character?

OOC: No, he hasn't yet, he will be in a little while (schedule at work permitting, or when I get home tonight.

OOC: Is it that long, roania? :shock:
Ok, do as you wish. I was thinking more like a sum up. Hell Bovines' political system is much more complicated than what I wrote. Of course, if you are interested, you can always check my homepage (www.cozumelandia.8k.com)

IC:
"Hello friend", the duque replied to Danny's joyful salutation.
"It is a pleasure indeed to see you here again. Shall I order a tequila glass for you too?", said the duque as he smiled.
"Boy, I was really missing this international meetings"

"Hmm, well leaving my charges hanging about without me or any of the faculty around and only the Proctors in charge was a bit out of line. And I was already on thin ice as it was...they dismissed me as my services were found to be lacking in the proper discipline." She grimiced and shrugged.

"Hmm, oh well let's say I need to talk to you about the whole Ann's Estate buisness. I need someone with a bit more weight to ask a few questions for me."

"Actually, sir Eidion, I'm not sure we've met. Danny MacAllister, newly-sworn PM of Ciwdod Cymraeg in the tradition of my fathers."

The Imitoran woman leaned over to the bartender. She held up her half empty glass of chardonay, looked at it, then back at him. "Is this regular, straight, chardonay? Or is that really a William Wallace imitator and a giant cow?"

"William Wallace? William Wallace? An outrage, good lady, an outrage! But, yes, I'm fairly sure this good man here fairly approaches a cow - or, more appropriately, a bull. Don't you, sir?"

"Oh! I might have confused you with your nation's ambassador.
Anyway, I'm Mooo IV, duque of Hell Bovines. And I may assure you it's an honour to meet you"

The duque laughed...."Yes, I suppose you could consider me a sapient bull, but we prefer to be refered to as Hell Bovines, you know?"

"Why, you seem positively angelic, good sir." Danny took a swig of the beer he had mysteriously acquired. "As for that lady, I don't like these William Wallace cracks."

The Imitoran woman leaned over to the bartender. She held up her half empty glass of chardonay, looked at it, then back at him. "Is this regular, straight, chardonay? Or is that really a William Wallace imitator and a giant cow?"

"Yes ma'am," the waiter said, "That's a Hell Bovinian and ... well, I'm not sure."

-----

"Hmm, oh well let's say I need to talk to you about the whole Ann's Estate buisness. I need someone with a bit more weight to ask a few questions for me."

"Sure, what's wrong? We can talk about it now or after the ceremony."

"As to what I am, I am Daniel David MacAllister, fourth PM in the MacAllister line, darts champion ten years running, of Ciwdod Cymraeg."

OOC: Is it that long, roania? :shock:
Ok, do as you wish. I was thinking more like a sum up. Hell Bovines' political system is much more complicated than what I wrote. Of course, if you are interested, you can always check my homepage (www.cozumelandia.8k.com)

IC:
"Hello friend", the duque replied to Danny's joyful salutation.
"It is a pleasure indeed to see you here again. Shall I order a tequila glass for you too?", said the duque as he smiled.
"Boy, I was really missing this international meetings"

OOC: Let me see...4 semi-independent countries united in a federal empire...each state has its own Head of State, except for Altara which is a communist republic, and Roania, whose Prince(ss) is also the Kaiser(in) of Novar Ohan; each state has its own premier, though the Premier of Roan is also the Prime Minister of Novar Ohan and the premier of Altara is called the CRO... I can't explain it without pointing you to my factbook, and even then it's imperfect...besides, Damien doesn't *really* know. No one knows! It's a miracle the system works.

IC: Damien laughed, a bit, and then he tried to change the subject. "Yes, maybe later. What do you think of Jeff?"

"Right," she replied, nodding at the duque and PM. She went back to sipping her wine, and leaned back against the bar. "So," she asked, looking around, "anyone know when this shindig is to start?" She flipped some stray hair out of her face, and adjust the fit of the dress on her body.

"I think after the ceremony would be a better idea...after all you have to butter up a cow right now don't you?"

OOC: lol, Roania. Thanks for (trying to) clearing that up. I guess I kinda understand it. :D

IC:
"So you like to play darts, huh?", the duque asked Daniel David McAllister.
"That happens to be a very popular game in Hell Bovines! I'm not very good at it though. It must have something to do with my lousy pulse!"

He then turned to Damien
"As for Jeff, I think he seems to be a noble man. I certainly hope he will bring a great future to Larkinia. What do you say?"
The duque took a sip from his glass of tequila and looked around the room, also anxious for the political chit-chat to begin quickly.

"Never met the man...I certainly hope he sees fit to bring pressure upon the Shieldians in the Imperium's favour, though." Damien looked a bit disgusted. "Darts? A frightfully common game..."

((Well, it's interesting that you mention that Imitora ;) ))

"I.. er, yeah. Butter up a cow. I'm so not following that up," Jeff chuckled as the group walked down the stairs and headed towards the ballroom.

"Umm, Mister President," the security officer said, "we need you up here for the balcony and the official ceremony."

Jeff smiled to Niven and Jill, "I guess it's time."

Another security man walked up to Niven and Jill, "if it's all right, I'll escort you to your table."

(sorry guys, but I really gotta go to sleep. It's 1 am over here and I'm extremely tired. Good night to you all!)

The Imitoran emmisary/ambasador looked up, and pointed breifly. "Looks like its about to start. Security just went up about 30% in its attention. A couple dissapeared too, so I'd give it five minutes. And yeah, darts can be fun."

((No worries HB, g'Night!))

As Katherine is escorted to the table with Niven and Jill, various security officers and catering staff approach the delegates and offer to escort them to their tables.

((Lark...before you start with this, I order you to go post on my thread... and shouldn't you wait for HB anyway?))

"Never met the man...I certainly hope he sees fit to bring pressure upon the Shieldians in the Imperium's favour, though." Damien looked a bit disgusted. "Darts? A frightfully common game..."

"Common!?" Daniel's face became more livid with every word. "Common? Darts are the sport of Kings and peasants alike! Why, King Louis the 14th was known often to engage in my game! It is the game of the bowless archer, the great game, which shows the foresight of any ruler! Hesitate to insult another's hobby, asyn gwyrw."

"Never met the man...I certainly hope he sees fit to bring pressure upon the Shieldians in the Imperium's favour, though." Damien looked a bit disgusted. "Darts? A frightfully common game..."

"Common!?" Daniel's face became more livid with every word. "Common? Darts are the sport of Kings and peasants alike! Why, King Louis the 14th was known often to engage in my game! It is the game of the bowless archer, the great game, which shows the foresight of any ruler! Hesitate to insult another's hobby, asyn gwyrw."

"There is only one sport of Kings, and that is fencing, hund," Damien retorted. "Any game which allows a peasant to claim himself the better of a king is not suited for the nobility."

((Roania, you got it, I'll get one up shortly. A Jabberwock huh? I'm gonna intimidate it by blowing it full of holes. :P ))

"Better? Why, yes, many kings have been horrid at my game. But then, you seem to be a more pompous type, aren't you? The common men, my fellow cymro, as they are called, are often better men than royalty - this was shown when my men were forced from our homes by the resurging British royalists, who simply wanted a piece of our land."

His hand twitched. "You're lucky my blade is locked, trychfil."

His hand twitched. "You're lucky my blade is locked, trychfil."

((*puts head in hands*))

The Imitoran simply looked over at the arguing diplomats, and sighed. "Like boys with toys. Always trying to see who is bigger." She accepte the waiting arm of one of the escorts, and thanked him for his assitance with a simple, elegant kiss on the cheek, and a decent tip in the hand.

"Better? Why, yes, many kings have been horrid at my game. But then, you seem to be a more pompous type, aren't you? The common men, my fellow cymro, as they are called, are often better men than royalty - this was shown when my men were forced from our homes by the resurging British royalists, who simply wanted a piece of our land."

His hand twitched. "You're lucky my blade is locked, trychfil."

Damien sneered. "And you are lucky mine is in my lodgings, scotsman... a Teutonic Nobleman never steps down from a challenge..." he kept his eyes on Daniel, and snapped his fingers. "Servant, is there a dart board on the premises?"

((Roania, you got it, I'll get one up shortly. A Jabberwock huh? I'm gonna intimidate it by blowing it full of holes. :P ))

((Wow...making a loud noise that draws worse monsters even closer? Brilliant plan!))

((LOL, thanks, I thought so ;) ))

"Oh, yes, do find one." Daniel drew an ornate silver case from a well-hidden pocket and produced fine aluminum darts, each fletching created in the pattern of the Donald tartan. "So, you find yourself debasing yourself to the status of a commoner, eh, pompous one?"

"I will try my hand at your sport, and, then, if it amuses me to do so...I will have you try a hand at mine. But first, your name?" Damien asked. "I would know the name of one who so rises above his station..."

"I am Daniel David MacAllister, fourth in the line MacAllister, royal in blood; my title is Prime Minister but my power is that of a King - I am servant only to God, and student of Buddha - I am Verisim James 3 of the Truth's Guardian Organisation.

I'm also damn good at darts."

"And I am Damien Alexander Black, Dark Prince of the Divine Imperium of Novar Ohan and the Western Isles, Commissar of the Imperial Legions, Master of the Dark Harvest, and an heir to the Imperial Throne," Damien inclined his head in greeting.

" if it amuses me to do so...I will have you try a hand at mine."

(( :shock: I don't think he has that much blood in his body! OK, I'm driving home from the office soon, I'll be back in a bit. Assume the darts board has been set up and have a good show guys!))

" if it amuses me to do so...I will have you try a hand at mine."

(( :shock: I don't think he has that much blood in his body! OK, I'm driving home from the office soon, I'll be back in a bit. Assume the darts board has been set up and have a good show guys!))

((What the hell was up with these forums, why haven't you posted in my thread, where'd he go, and what happened to my teddy? :( ))

*cough cough* (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=147049&start=42) ;)

Sir Richard hung at the back of the discussion and lit himself a cigar. He didn't care much to get entangled in such discussions. Sir Richard wasn't a debator; he was a story teller. And no one had yet asked him to recount the days, thirty five years ago when he was just a post captain: those simple days of oak, canvas, and the stars before all this hoopla over iron, steel, and oil.

Tri puffed on his cigar appreciatively. It was a good Hell Bovines brand - Sir Richard was one of the few over whom Gallagan tobacco held slight sway - and he savored every bit. At least this was one thing that would never change, no matter how far into the modern world Iansisle was dragged.

Sir Richard hung at the back of the discussion and lit himself a cigar. He didn't care much to get entangled in such discussions. Sir Richard wasn't a debator; he was a story teller. And no one had yet asked him to recount the days, thirty five years ago when he was just a post captain: those simple days of oak, canvas, and the stars before all this hoopla over iron, steel, and oil.

Tri puffed on his cigar appreciatively. It was a good Hell Bovines brand - Sir Richard was one of the few over whom Gallagan tobacco held slight sway - and he savored every bit. At least this was one thing that would never change, no matter how far into the modern world Iansisle was dragged.

Jeeves walked over to Tri after seating the Hell Bovinian ambassador, "Admiral, we're about to begin the ceremony," he said pointing to a table where Captain Markson was seated.

"Gentlemen," another security officer said to Damien and Daniel, "The ceremony is about to begin, if it's all right with you, we'll hold the dart throwing competition afterwards."

Damien waved a hand dismissively. "Very well, show me to my seat."

Jeeves walked over to Tri after seating the Hell Bovinian ambassador, "Admiral, we're about to begin the ceremony," he said pointing to a table where Captain Markson was seated.

"Of course," replied Tri, making his way to the seat. "Hello again, Com - no, captain now! - Markson. It has been a while."

"Yes your majesty," the officer said as he led Damien to a mahogany table.

-----

"It has been a while Admiral," Chris said as he sat back and sipped his scotch. "Can you believe this fool went and got himself elected?"

"I can indeed," chuckled Tri. "Ever since we first met all those years ago, I knew young Jeffrey had the gift of gab. Even my limited experiance in politics managed to tell me how important that was; I had the feeling that he would go far."

He sighed. "Still, this does seem a good distance from the wardroom on Behemoth, no?"

"Well that makes one of us, he isn't know as 'most likely to get courtmarshalled' without good reason," Chris winked. "Still, it looks like he matured a little when he was in Iansisle.

"This is a good distance from the wardroom of the Behemoth, but I think he'd prefer to still be in there with you, Tarriff, Johnson and all of us."

Damien sat down, wishing to watch this...

"Lucky boy, aren't you," commented Daniel, dryly. He put his darts away. "Of course, you do know the rules of our particular version of saeth diBwa, don't you?" he asked Damien, with a small smile.

“Matured, in dear Jeff’s case, is but a relative term,” he laughed.

“Have you seen the wardroom on the new Behemoth?” asked Tri. “All teakwood and mahogany. Spared no expense. Ol’ Westergate’s got her right now. But I don’t think Jeff’s the only one wishing we were all back there right now. Even Nummie.”

"Absolutely not...do you know the rules of Dark Harvest Fencing?" Damien asked, drily.

"Don't say I care to, as it sounds singularly evil. No, it's quite simple - winner takes a forfeit from his opponent. It's our answer to a duel, and is its own form of fencing."

"Nummie?" Chris asked, "Oh yeah, Baron... what's his name. Whatever happened to him?"

(keep talking guys, I'm finishing up the post now)

"von Nummerhammer," replied Tri. "Or, that's our best try out of the original hollywack. He's in exile right now - Ryansisle, if I remember correctly. I'd have had him strung up in the gallows, but James is too easy on them. Like D'Analia."

"Don't say I care to, as it sounds singularly evil. No, it's quite simple - winner takes a forfeit from his opponent. It's our answer to a duel, and is its own form of fencing."

"I see...of course, since I agreed to play your game of darts, it is only fair that you should play my own game... winner takes all. Money, blood, body, soul... of course, since you haven't offended me that much, I'd be glad to learn of your style."

OOC: Roania, stop acting like a bad ass, I could bitch slap you blind folded. And just ask Daezmen (CC) about it, he knows from expierience. This is Lark's thread, his inaguration, so let him do his thing. Then you can cock fight all you want.

IC:

It was at this point that the Imitoran Ambasador/Emmisary, Amy Reoch, stood, and looked at the two men, the PM and Prince. "For christs sakes, will both of you put your dicks back in your pants and let the man be inagurated. Your like little boys with toys, always trying to see who is better. Now, both of you SHUT UP AND LET THIS MAN ASSUME HSI RIGHTFULL PLACE OF POWER1"

She sat back down, admist the cheers of others, and turned to face the stage, sipping her wine.

OOC: Imitora, I strongly suggest you not only edit that, but in future you stop interfering with other people's conversations. I assure you, I could crush you and your allies, but because I find RPing with you in a peaceful setting excruciatingly annoying, I doubt I'd be willing to tolerate it in a war setting. Now, shut the hell up.

"von Nummerhammer," replied Tri. "Or, that's our best try out of the original hollywack. He's in exile right now - Ryansisle, if I remember correctly. I'd have had him strung up in the gallows, but James is too easy on them. Like D'Analia."

"He's the one that tried to kill King James isn't he? James must really be understanding," Chris started as the music started. "I think this is it."

"He's the one that tried to kill King James isn't he? James must really be understanding," Chris started as the music started. "I think this is it."

"Too understanding," agreed Sir Richard before settling back to watch.

OOC: Imitora, I strongly suggest you not only edit that, but in future you stop interfering with other people's conversations. I assure you, I could crush you and your allies, but because I find RPing with you in a peaceful setting excruciatingly annoying, I doubt I'd be willing to tolerate it in a war setting. Now, shut the hell up.

OOC:
1. Make me
2. I doubt that, but your more than welcome to try.

A band played the Larkinian national anthem as the group of diplomats and guests were seated for the formal swearing in. The moon glistened in through the windows from its place above the mountain peaks, like an soft eye watching those in room. The moonlight gently glinted from the marble floor of the large room.

Above them was a balcony looking out on the room, and on the people below them. As the music swelled and then vanished, an older man in a clergyman's robe walked to the dais on the balcony.

"My name's Tony Verdeschi, I've known this man since he was just a wee lad, and I'll share the more embarrassing of those stories later if any of the dignitaries here are interested," the man said to laughing in the crowd while Jeff winced.

"Since the government is still working out the best way to transfer power, Jeff asked me if I would be willing to swear him in. And it'd be my privilege to do that. Get up here Jeffrey."

Jeff stood from his table and approached the dais (falling off the balcony and breaking his neck when he landed. :P ), standing next to Minister Verdeschi before he rose his right hand.

"Will you, Captain, Duke, Sir, Jeffrey Matthew Williams, the Honorable," Minister Verdeschi said, drawing out his statement to make sure he got some of Jeff's title in as Jeff chuckled. God, at times he hated all these titles.

"...Swear to execute the office as President of the Principality of Larkinia? Will you protect the values of the Constitution of Larkinia, uphold the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all people under the Larkinian Constitution, protect the weak, enforce the rule of law, give comfort to those in need of aid and defend the country from enemies, domestic and foreign?"

Jeff nodded, "I will."

"Congratulations Mr. President," Minister Verdeschi said with a smile and a handshake.

"Thank you, Minister Tony," Jeff said quietly. He turned to sit down, but Minister Verdeschi wouldn't let go of Jeff's hand.

"You have a speech to give now, Jeff... I mean, Mr. President."

Crap

Jeff winced slightly at the thought before turning to look at the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen... His eyes picked up the Hell Bovinians and other non-humans in the crowd, OK, that'd go over like a pregnant pole vaulter...

He looked at Katherine and winked at her before beginning.

"Ladies, gentlemen and sentient beings of the world…"

That didn't sound so bad

"I would like to thank you all for coming today, I'll try to keep this short, they've just informed me that the new crates of alcohol have arrived and are being opened for the party.

"When I started running for President, I didn’t think I would have a chance of winning. I was running against one very capable opponent in President Katana, and the best I’d planned on was coming in second. Katana was a very strong man, with a lot of backing. I’d like to thank him for agreeing to remain on as the Minister of State. He can’t be here tonight, he’s out of the country.

“It’s said that everyone’s life boils down to a few, select moments. This is one of those moments. All I can do is promise to try and be a just man, a strong and compassionate leader and try to live up to the enormous responsibilities I’ve been given. Now I can either bore you all with more of my speech, or we can all have a drink to everyone’s health, wealth and well being for the future.”

Jeff pulled a glass of scotch from the inside of the podium and raised it, “And I think I’ll do just that. Thank you all again for coming, to you and your nations continued prosperity.”

OOC: Imitora, I strongly suggest you not only edit that, but in future you stop interfering with other people's conversations. I assure you, I could crush you and your allies, but because I find RPing with you in a peaceful setting excruciatingly annoying, I doubt I'd be willing to tolerate it in a war setting. Now, shut the hell up.

OOC:
1. Make me
2. I doubt that, but your more than welcome to try.

The one thing that's stopped me from ignoring you out of existence is that it would make Larkinia unhappy, and since he invited me to this thread (you, it appears, just popped out of nowhere) I feel I should have some respect for his wishes.

IC: Damien nodded his approval of the ceremony, and held up his glass.

((...I'm sorry, Lark. I tried - I really did. But I'm so tired right now, I...can't even make a proper analogy. Can't wait to read in tomorrow morning, though! 'Night! :())

EDIT: never mind, there it is!

OOC: Yeah, and I bet you know all about the ANH and the really close ties I have with Lark. Youd ignore me cuz you dont have the balls to face me.

IC:
Amy raised the glass in return, and took a sip of wine. She followed everyone elses lead, when they rose to applaud for Jeff.

OOC: No, I'd ignore you because you're a bad tempered OOC <flame deleted>. I don't think I need another reason.

OOC: I'm sure.

((I'm sorry I vanished there, the dog had to go outside pretty badly. And now the forums are giving me fits, I'll catch y'all tomorrow!))

...
Jeff pulled a glass of scotch from the inside of the podium and raised it, “And I think I’ll do just that. Thank you all again for coming, to you and your nations continued prosperity.”

Tri stood and started clapping - then noticed that he was the first to do so.

Is this inappropriate?

Jill was...well let's say Jill was being a very distracting influence on the good Doctor...

Danny settled quickly into his seat, utterly calm instantly. He was not one to stay angry, even at an arrogant fool like that.

((Danny acts like he does because he acts like that - that's who he is. He's something of a prat when you get him mad.))

Jill was...well let's say Jill was being a very distracting influence on the good Doctor...

((Right, so while everyone else is clapping, Jill's hands were... busy. ;) ))

After watching with interest the confrontation between the Roanian and the Ciwdod-Cymraegan, the duque was seated on a nice table near the window and far away from the kitchen and the meat (aka "the brutally slaughtered little and innocent creatures") and there he enjoyed to carefully listen to the speech.
He smiled at the mention of alcohol and when Williams said "sentient beings of the world", he was glad that he and his people had been taken in acount.
As the speech finished, he clapped enthusiastically, though many wondered how a cow managed to clap with its hooves, and took a long sip of his tequila.
As he did so, he realised his fears about Jeffrey had dissapeared.
The man surely wasn't as great as Katana, but his country could still hope to have warm relations with Larkinia, even if the current movement among some IFTA members was trying to destroy that.
He decided he should congratulate the new president and so, he stood up and walked torwards the centre of the room, among the crowds of cheering supporters.

After watching with interest the confrontation between the Roanian and the Ciwdod-Cymraegan, the duque was seated on a nice table near the window and far away from the kitchen and the meat (aka "the brutally slaughtered little and innocent creatures") and there he enjoyed to carefully listen to the speech.

((No worries man, it was the first thing on my mind ;) ))

The man surely wasn't as great as Katana, but his country could still hope to have warm relations with Larkinia, even if the current movement among some IFTA members was trying to destroy that.

((Oooooooh!! That ... that... SeOCC!! :P ))

Jeff saw the Duque walking over to him and Katherine as he walked down from the balcony, "Ah, you must be the Duque, Mooo IV of Hell Bovines," Jeff said with a smile, "It's an honor to meet you sir, I've heard many great things about you."

((No worries man, it was the first thing on my mind )) :wink:

(I'm sure it was. We don't want another manslaughter and a minister shot in the eyes, or do we? :P )


Jeff saw the Duque walking over to him and Katherine as he walked down from the balcony, "Ah, you must be the Duque, Mooo IV of Hell Bovines," Jeff said with a smile, "It's an honor to meet you sir, I've heard many great things about you."

"I'm glad that the things you heard were the great ones", he joked, winking an eye.
"It is my honour to meet you finally, Mr.President. And let me extend my congratulations for having achieved the favour of the great Larkinian people. I'm sure you will be an excellent president"

((Yeah, that'd be bad ;) ))

"So am I," Jeff said as his smile grew, "Duque, I'd like to introduce my wife Katherine to you. Sweetheart this is Duque Mooo IV."

Katherine smiled as she offered her hand to the Duque, "It's wonderful to see you again," she said to him.

"Certainly, it is. For me too.", the duque replied, and bowed torwards Catherine.

"May I also add you two make a lovely couple", he smiled.

"Anyway, I would like to extend you this humble gift in the name of all the Hell Bovinian people, to wish you and your country a good future"

He gave Jeff a small box.
On its interior, there was a large silver medal, containing the symbols of the Grand Duchy. On the top of the medal, the words "De Bovinos Infernales hacia Larkinia, un deseo de paz y prosperidad" (From Hell Bovines to Larkinia, a wish of peace and prosperity) could be read elegantly.
"Just a small remebrance from one friend to another", the duque added as Jeff opened the box.

Tri sat back down. "Quite stirring, wouldn't you agree?" he asked of Commander Markson, for want of anything better to say.

Ciwdod-Cymraegan

OOC: Proper term is 'Cymro.' Thanks

Danny, slightly tipsy at this point, wandered over to Jeff and Katherine with a sheathed dagger in his palm.

"A gift from all Cymro - representing peace, as inscribed on the blade. The word there is 'tangnefedd' - the strongest word for it."

Chris chuckled as he sat down with Tri, "Yeah, he must have a good speechwriter that's in the back saying 'where in the hell is the rest of the speech' to one of Jeff's aides."

-----

Jeff looked down at the medal, ran his finger gingerly across the inscription in the medal and then smiled up at the Duque, "It's beautiful, and appreciated. And the feelings are mutual."

Jeff was then handed a dagger suddenly. "Well, peace... that's what I hope for in my time here. I'm sorry, we haven't been properly introduced."

Daniel bowed.

"Daniel David MacAllister, Prime Minister by Inheritance of Ciwdod Cymraeg."

Chris chuckled as he sat down with Tri, "Yeah, he must have a good speechwriter that's in the back saying 'where in the hell is the rest of the speech' to one of Jeff's aides."

"'Brevity is the soul of wit,'" quipped Tri. "Not that eloquent speeches of the old style don't have their place, but let's just say that my aging bones are glad of the length."

He stood again and stretched. "It's hard to remain sitting for any long period of time. I think I'm becoming an old man at last."

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Prime Minster," Jeff said with a small bow, "This is my wife, Katherine."

"Hello," Katherine says with a small smile.

-----

Chris laughed with Tri, "That's true, and I have to admit there are times it's better to hear less of Jeff. You wouldn't believe the times on the Defiance when he'd start talking. And on a sub, there's really nowhere to go."

He stood as Tri strectched, "Well, let's not sit anymore. I think we have a president to meet."

"But of course!" Still, Tri hesitated before setting off in Jeff's direction.

"Well, let's see if we can get through the crowds," Chris chuckled as the two men walked towards Jeff.

Jeff smiled at the pair as they walked to him. "Hey Chris," he said giving his friend a hug, "Admiral, it's an honor to see you today." he said to Tri with a smile and a hug of his own.

With a quick glance behind the Admiral his brow furrowed a moment, James wasn't behind Tri, or anywhere he'd seen during the short speech.

"Uh - umph!" was all Tri could say during the embrace. His hands reluctantly came up to pat Jeff on the back. After the embrace, Tri stood back a little and smiled.

"I just wanted to say congratulations, Jeff. Damn fine job, and a damn fine speech. I know you'll be the best president Larkinia's ever had."

"Well, thank you Richard. I don't know about the best, I certainly hope to avoid falling flat on my face if I can help it. I'm glad you were able to make it," Jeff grinned. "How have you been? It's been a while."

"And a fine woman she be! Ah, she'll be of Daezemani descent, if I read her features directly - of the branch of my family that went that way long, long ago - or am I mistaken? I'm told there are no Daezemani left?"

"It's my pleasure," replied Tri "I wouldn't've missed it for the world. I've been as well as I have any right to expect, I suppose."

((acts stupid?))

"I'm.. well yes I am," Katherine said suddenly uncomfortable talking about her country. "I'm.. well not all of them."

She turned and kissed Jeff's cheek, "I'll be back in a few minutes, I'm going to go check on the children."

-----

((Yeah, go for it ;) ))

"Well, of course you do Richard," he smiled, "I'm glad you were able to take the time away from running the Navy to come to our little ceremony."

"See, my family branched off two ways way back when - a handful went off to Daezeman, and the rest of us to Ciwdod Cymraeg. Since I've never seen 'er at the Cymro reunions, I knew she had to be from Daezeman," Daniel commented as Katherine walked off.

((Yeah, go for it ;) ))

"Well, of course you do Richard," he smiled, "I'm glad you were able to take the time away from running the Navy to come to our little ceremony."

((Just making sure - don't want to force anything on you! ;)))

"I'm glad I was able to as well!" laughed Tri. "They're running me ragged over there. Fortunately, we've got a decent delegation of power, so decisions can get made without an old hack like me hanging around."

((No worries man, I'm looking forward to it ! :) ))

"Don't worry," Jeff said, "She'll just need some time alone" Jeff said to Daniel as he turned to Richard.

"Well, as long as you can delegate to some people you trust. And I doubt you're just some old hack Richard. That place'd fall apart without you around."

Jeff leaned a little closer to Richard, "Speaking of.. is James all right?"

((ok, thanks! sorry about all the making sure - I just don't want to hijack your thread by accident ;)))

Tri tugged at his collar again. "Um - yes."

----

While the party carried on, Larkinian coastal radars would doubtlessly be watching an interesting show. A new model Bankfield transport-jet - designed as a rapid VIP carrier rather than to compete with Walmie global aerolines - tore through the air at upwards of four hundred and eighty miles per hour. Right on its tail was a MPAF-8 Spirit from the deck of the old but still dangerous mobile aeroflyer dock Salvador. Although the Spirit was only driven by a pair of Graye-Westerton high performance turboprops, it was nearly able to keep up with the Bankfield - nearly.

“Larkinian *kzzzt* -ol, this is the tran- *fffsst* -olt from Iansisle. We *kkzzzt* important courier with inf- *fsssssst* -illiams! Request permission *kzzzzz*” Apparently, the Bankfield’s wireless had been damaged earlier.

“Larkinian aerocontrol,” came a second, more collected voice. “This is Pretty Beth flying from His Iansislean Majesty’s Ship Salvador. We are chasing a dangerous and desperate felon. Request permission to enter Larkinian aerpspace and your aide with an intercept. Over.”

"Then where in the hell is he?" Jeff asked as he looked around a moment. "It's not like him to not show up, unless it's before 1 p.m. and he's still asleep."

-----

Lyone control got the audio from the two planes, "Come back, repeat your message, we did not copy."

A second controller was on the radio with the Spirit, "Pretty Beth, can you name the felon you are chasing, over?"

The commander on deck picked up a radio and punched in a code.

-----

Bridge, LSS Arkadia

Admiral Steve Rankin put the radio down after a quick discussion with the commander on deck at Lyone Control.

"Sean," he said turning to one of the lieutenants on the bridge, "Scramble the Wild Cards, we've got two Iansislian planes approaching quickly, one seems to be damaged, the other says it's chasing the first."

A few moments later, an alarm sounded in the pilot's mess. The assembled pilots looked at each other with shock. A second later they were sprinting down the hallway picking up helmets from lockers and running to the launch deck.

-----

As the two Iansislian planes shot into Larkinian airspace, a squadron of F-45's launched from the deck of the Arkadia and cleared to intercept the two planes.

The Bankfield tried to repeat its message, but without much success. Even as it drew closer, each broadcast became more staticy until the transmitter finally gave out.

“Ten-four. It’s one Mr Clyde Bouchet - he’s wanted for three counts murder in Noropia, one in the Empire, and grand theft in Gadsan. Pretty Beth, over.”

Meanwhile, neither flyer altered its course. Indeed, the Bankfield seemed to be flying straight towards Golden Agate. The Spirit was unusual in that it was one of the few Iansislean flyers that carried a nose-mounted radio range-finder, but even the latest Iansislean technology hadn’t picked up Arkadia or any of its planes.

A young, energetic man walked up to Jeff and Richard, "Congratulations, Mr. President. We never doubted you could do it." he said with a wide smile.

"Richard, this is Mike Stevens, he was the unofficial campaign manager for my non-campaign, then became the official campaign manager when I actually started quasi-running. He's now one of my staff members. Mike, this is Grand Admiral Richard Tri, of Iansisle."

"Nice to meet you Admiral Tri," he said with a handshake.

Jeff put his hand on Mike's shoulder and grinned, "When I think of all the time you spent putting the campaign together, all of the hard work you did, the late nights involved in getting me elected... I could pummel your ass with a baseball bat."

-----

"Sir, the radio from the first plane sounds like it gave out. It's heading straight to Golden Agate."

The second man punched up any data the ANH Criminal files would have on a Clyde Bouchet.

"Copy Pretty Beth. We have a squadron up in the air now to intercept. Please follow course 242 to Lyone and touch down at Lyone Naval Base, over."

-----

Rankin listened in on part of the conversation from the Arkadia.

"I want both of them to touch down in Lyone, I want them kept seperate, I want to know what the hell is going on."

"And if they won't land?" Sean asked.

"Make them."

((one or two more posts, then I better shove off to bed. Bloody memorial day weekend - 13000+ people at the park yesterday and today both! I had to work eight and a half and nine and a quarter hour shifts, respectively. :( .. and tomorrow's supposed to be the busiest day AND 92 degrees!))

“Mr. Stevens,” replied Richardm with a friendly handshake. “You really did a bang-up job selling anyone like this character to the general public!”

----

There was nothing in the ANH files to cast doubt on Pretty Beth’s claims. Three different governments in the Commonwealth had warrants out on a Clyde Bouchet, Noropia and the Empire on capital crimes.

----

“Negative, control. My orders are to make sure that flyer docks and Bouchet is either captured or killed. Over.”

EDIT: meanwhile, the Bankfield did not alter course or show any sign of intending to.

((Good lord! That's one hell of a lot of people at the park!))

Mike smiled at Richard, "Well it wasn't that hard to do once he got off the plane and called out Harrison. People here had to pick either Jeff or Harrison, who they thought tried to have Katana killed."

-----

"Sh*t," Rankin said, "Tell him we will escort them to Lyone."

Rankin didn't want to start an international incident, and at the same time he didn't want to shoot down both of those planes.

"Pretty Beth, criminal files have confirmed your claims on Bouchet. Please remain on course and await arrival of F-45 squadron. Bouchet will be arrested upon touching down in Larkinia or before the plane exits Larkinian airspace. Any violation, including opening fire will be reacted to harshly. Over."

The first man was on the radio with the Wild Cards as they pulled into visual range.

"So no deviation from the first plane?"

"No sir."

He switched over to the first plane frequency, "Iansislian plane, if you are able to receive this message, please signify to approaching aircraft by waggling your wings."

""Jeff does have quite the way of cutting into the meat of an issue," laughed Richard, before remembering that the Duque was present and blushing. "Metaphorically only, of course!"

------

There was a long hesitation before Beth's reply. "Copy that. Pretty Beth, over and out."

------

For several seconds, nothing happened. Then the Bankfield wiggled its wings slightly. The flyer was trailing some smoke and looked to be extensively damaged.

(one more post...sorry to cut out on you like this, but I figure it's best before the guests learn about this and I'm holding up the RP.))

Two of the planes approached the Pretty Beth and formed up on its wings.

-----

"It did?" the controller asked.

"Yes sir," the pilot said.

"Ok, we're in business," he switched back over to the first frequency. "Unidentified plane, remain on course.."

The second man switched over to Rankin on the Arkadia "Sir, he can hear us."

Rankin looked around the bridge a minute, "OK, order the plane to land in Lyone. If it can't, have it waggle its wings twice to land in... where the hell is it going.." he looked at a map.

f*ck...

"Order it to land in Lyone, we will take the man into custody. It sounded like he wanted to talk to President Williams? He can do that from Lyone."

The Bankfield turned towards Lyone after receiving the Larkinian orders. Pretty Beth didn't show any signs of trying to catch up or disobey their instructions.

(sorry that's so short. I'm going to leave this underdeveloped so other people get a chance to RP their post-speech stuff without my interference. With that, I'm off to bed! Night, man!))

((G'Night dude! Catch ya tomorrow! ))

Noticing a break in the crowd, Amy moved forward. She gracefully danced her way past others, and arrived in front of Jeff, hand extended. "Amy Reoch, Imitora," she said, nodding slightly. "Wonderfull speach, really. I wish you the best of luck."

She noted the Cymro's conversation, and was tempted to say somethign, but didn't, for the intrest of keeping everyone happy.

Jeff bowed and kissed Amy's hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Reoch," He said as he straighened up again. "Well, I figured the less of my speech we all had to suffer through, the better. Thank you for your well wishes, I think I'll need all the luck I can get. How are things in Imitora? It's been a while since I've been there."

Amy simply smiled. "Well, I'm of course here to simply afirm relations between the Principality and the Grand Domain. Also, I'd like to extend an official invitation to the inagurational ball later this week, regardless of who wins. We may not have a First Speaker, but thats half the fun."

OOC: Looks like Lark may need to take some hints from the INAF in Air Superiority and Security...

((oh...dear...lord. Shoot the server, it's done.))

((Two and counting...))

((I don't even have anything to say for this one...:?))

((At last! Memorial Day is over! I'm free and clear until the Fourth! Hooray! Hooray!

Shall we pick up from where we left off last night? Or is more party RP in order first?))

((we can do both, split the RP again ;) And congrats on surviving the weekend! ))

Amy simply smiled. "Well, I'm of course here to simply afirm relations between the Principality and the Grand Domain. Also, I'd like to extend an official invitation to the inagurational ball later this week, regardless of who wins. We may not have a First Speaker, but thats half the fun."

OOC: Looks like Lark may need to take some hints from the INAF in Air Superiority and Security...

OOC: Well this has been in the works, I can't quite shoot them down yet ;)

IC: "It would be nice to see stronger ties between the Grand Domain and Larkinia again. As for your invitation, I would like very much to accept it, it sounds like it would be a wonderful time."

The Bankfield proceeded to the designated airstrip. It seemed almost too eager to cooperate with Larkinian authorities. As it came into Lyone, the Larkinian pilots might notice St. Patrick’s cross proudly emblazoned upon the stabilizer and the tops of the wings. The flyer settled onto a final approach pattern and extended its landing gears.

As the Bankfield touched down, her port side rear wheel’s strut snapped. The flyer, which was still traveling at a good clip, collapsed down to the runway and skidded out of control for some distance before bursting into flames.

((Not gonna make it easy huh? :P ))

The fire crews rushed out to the scene as the plane touched down, the EMT's in the group swooped in and pulled the man (and anyone else) out of the wreckage and checked to see how much medical attention they needed.

((also, major 'ups' to all my big Bovine support in dealing with SeOCC, thanks HB ;) ))

((Not gonna make it easy huh? :P ))

The fire crews rushed out to the scene as the plane touched down, the EMT's in the group swooped in and pulled the man (and anyone else) out of the wreckage and checked to see how much medical attention they needed.

((It wouldn't be any fun if it was easy :P. And three cheers for our Bovinian friends!))

There were three men in the wreckage.

One wore the bright scarlet of the Royal Iansislean Flying Corps. He had been badly abused by electrical fires, and his skin was charred a deep black. There was no pulse.

A second, from the passenger compartment, was also dead. He wasn't badly burned; however, his brown uniform was stained red and his face destroyed. There was a large hole, probably from the 20mm cannons on a MPAF-8, from right behind where the body was found. The uniform and dark skin told their own story; it was the uniform a Gallagan subaltern in the Company's army.

A third man had several large burns. His body was shaking violently as the rescue teams pulled him from wreckage. The bloody discolorations offset what had once been noble features and the edges of his fine suit were singed and melted. His left hand was clutched to his chest and closed around something. That something was about as six inches in diameter and was apparently silver under the thick coat of blood that covered it.

((Ahhh... the forums task me... they task me, and I shall have them.. ;) ))

((Holy... :shock: ))

The medics took the third man, cut away the burned clothing from him, one security officer took the silver box he was clutching (if the man's going to say anything about the box, now's the time to do it) as the EMT's put a burn blanket around the man, loaded him onto a Trauma Team (tm)aerodyne ambulance. The man was pumped full of saline to keep his body from dehydrating any more as the ambulance launched from the landing area towards Lyone University Trauma Center.

((oops...dinner. Back in a hour or so. And the silver thing is a metallic star. Sorry for being confusing! ;)))

(Thanks for the cheering and thumbing-up, Lark and I-man! :D
and for God's sake stop killing your citizens :wink:
well, accidents happen, or so they say...)

The duque stayed there listening to the conversations. He got a bit nervous when hearing about "meat cutter", but then realised that it was an expression.
Meanwhile, ambassador Bumpo Blackspots stood up from his table and decided he also wanted to greet the new president. And thank its doctors for the great eye surgery. He loved his new green eyes.
A he walked though the crowd, he accidentally stepped with its hooves on one or two feet. "sorry", he mumbled, as he reached the place where Jeff was.
"Mr. President!", he called as he made his way through the bunch of people surrounding the new larkinian head of government.

((grr...))

and for God's sake stop killing your citizens :wink:

((b...but it's so fun! ;)))

"His," croaked the young man, trying to extend his left hand. "His."

"Who's?" the security officer asked as he helped load the man into the aerodyne.

The man fainted.

((heh, sorry - you might need to get in touch with Tri to answer some of these questions.))

((Hmmmm.... ;) No worries, I'll figure something out. Is it like a medal, or is there something in a box?))

While the first man was being loaded into the aerodyne, officers also approached the second pilot in the Spirit.

"Sir, we're going to need to get a security briefing on what's going on."

-----

The security officer rode with the man back to the hospital and was stopped from going into the trauma room with him.

"Look Doc, I need to know as soon as he wakes up," he told one of the doctors.

"That's a big assumption right there," the doctor said as he closed the door.

The officer stepped outside and pulled out a sat phone and punched up Lyone Control again, "Steve, can you play the response of that first plane that crashed?"

He listened in to the radio message a few times.

“Larkinian *kzzzt* -ol, this is the tran- *fffsst* -olt from Iansisle. We *kkzzzt* important courier with inf- *fsssssst* -illiams! Request permission *kzzzzz*”

Williams... it sounded like... "his".. damn, what was it they kept calling the president over there? Something...

His Grace..

He picked up the line again, "Yeah, patch me through to the Presidential Palace, I need to talk with the president."

-----

Jeff smiled as Ambassador Blackspots approached. "From the green eyes, I'd have to say this is Ambassador Blackspots," he said with a smile. "ambassador, I'm pleased you were able to make it today. How are you doing?"

Amy stepped back, and eyed the ambasador. Thats a good cut of beef, I wonder if we could get some of these in Imitora she thought to herself, sipping a red wine described as perfect to go with beef.

((It's like a medal - a silver star with seven points. A mountain, its peak towards the larger odd point, is embossed in the middle containing a spread-winged eagle and the word 'THORTRAIA'.))

((Gotcha, you mind if I set this a little in the past? so the officer can arrive during the party?))

The security officer looked at the medal as the phone rang in the Presidential Palace.

"Hello? President Williams' office, how can I help you?" A cheerful sounding Aimee said on the other end.

"Yes, This is Kenneth Browning with the Lyone branch of Larkinan Intel, Code# 9-4-3-Alpha-6-Gamma. I need to speak with the President as soon as possible."

"I'm sorry, President Williams is preparing for the swearing in ceremony. Can I take a message for him?"

"Sorry ma'am, this is crucial. I need to speak with him immediately, Jay's Pizza Parlor caught fire."

She recognized the second part of the statement, "caught fire", a diplomatic situation was brewing. She had to double check the first. Aimee opened the file on her desk.. Jay... Jay, it wasn't Jay.. it was "J" as in James... J's Pizza Parlor - Iansisle.

Oh sh*t...

"He's not available right now. Go to the shop and pick up two sixes for tonight's party and we'll be waiting for you at the door."

((heh, cool! We have our own personal code word! Now I just have to go about saying 'J's Pizza Parlor' to confuse everyone I know ;)

Oh, and play with time however you'd like! I don't care - this can happen pretty much any time after James left but before Tri does.))

Tri pretty much had to leap out of the Duque's way. There wasn't much danger of collision, but a couple hundred pounds of walking, talking hamburger bearing down on you is enough to get anyone to move.

((Yep you do, I toiled hard on that, harder than when I used to work at my Grandfather's slave labo.. er.. Christian Lemon Grass Tea shop.. :P ))

As Tri moved out of the way, Aimee walked up to Jeff, "Excuse me Mr. President, there's someone here to meet you." she said quietly

"That's great Aimee, show them i.."

"It's important you come with me now," she said turning to Tri afterwards, "And you might want to come also. It's important."

"Can this wait?" Jeff asked.

"No sir, you asked to always be informed immediately about this."

What the f... Me and Richard? Oh crap...

"Ladies and gentlemen," Jeff said to the small group, "If you'll excuse me a moment."

Tri raised an eyebrow. "And if you'll pardon me as well," he said to the crowd before turning to follow Jeff and Aimee.

"Jeff, what's going on?" he asked in a low whisper as they walked off. "I figure it must be pretty important, to call you away like this."

Jeff leaned over to Tri after he picked up a mint julep from the bar, "I wish I could tell you Richard. There are only a few things I was asked to be told about immediately."

Katherine passed the group as she walked back out from the nursery. She kissed Jeff's cheek, "Leaving so soon?"

"Something's up, I'll be back in a bit."

Katherine walked over to the group Jeff had been pulled away from and offered her hand to the Ambassador.

-----

Aimee led Jeff and Tri down on corridor into a study where a young man was standing, looking at the map in one corner.

"Mr. President," He said saluting Jeff. "I'm Kenneth Browning, Larkinian Intel."

"This had better be good." Jeff said.

"Yes Sir... And this is?"

"Iansislian Grand Admiral Richard Tri," Jeff said. "Whatever you have to say to me you can say to him."

"Yes sir," Browning said as he handed the medal to Jeff and started to describe the chase and crash landing from Iansisle.

"Mr Browning," said Tri curtly, assuming that some sort of an introduction had taken place.

Richard listened to the conversation with a confused expression. He couldn't understand why Iansislean flyers would be chasing fugitives, how those fugitives would have acquired a government jet flyer in the first place, or why they criminals would be so eager to enter Larkinia despite the well-known extradition treaty and much better Larkinian police force.

"May I see that?" was his first question, asked indicating the medal Jeff was holding.

((Sorry, Jeff's all business here, and kinda pissed ;) ))

Jeff handed the medal to Richard. "What does that have to do with anything? Why would a criminal fly into Larkinia? He didn't say anything else?"

"No sir, he kinda ran out of time since he was burned to a crisp from the airplane crash."

((no problem; Richard doesn't really understand what's going on, so he assumed that was the right thing to do ;)))

"Interesting," muttered Tri, only listening to Browning and Jeff with half an ear while he turned the silver star over in his hand. "This is the star of the Ancient Northern Order - King Clancy's own personal knights. They're not officially recognized by the High King, though."

"Why would one of King Clancy's knights fly to Larkinia?" Jeff asked.

"He seemed insistant upon seeing you," Browning said as he pulled out the sat phone, "Play the audio file again." he said after punching in a few numbers.

Jeff and Richard listened to the exchange with the damaged plane.

"I have no idea," replied Tri. "Except to say that anything to do with Clancy or Thortraia has to do with Royal, and anything to do with Royal is trouble with a capital Tee."

He listened to the recording. "Well, that certainly doesn't seem like something a criminal would say...unless he had some sort of information he thought you'd grant him asylum for. There's something fishy about this whole business."

Tri tapped his finger to his chin. "Where are the pilots of the Pretty Beth now?*"

((*pretty much anywhere you'd want them to be ;)))

"Great... RM&M wants me..." Jeff looked at Browning, "Please tell me you know where they are?"

"They are at Intel HQ, we flew them here after I flew to the Palace."

Jeff sighed and looked at Richard, "Should we send for them?"

"Great... RM&M wants me..." Jeff looked at Browning, "Please tell me you know where they are?"

"They are at Intel HQ, we flew them here after I flew to the Palace."

Jeff sighed and looked at Richard, "Should we send for them?"

"I'd like to know just what their orders were, yes," said Tri. "The pieces in this puzzle just don't fit - why would Bouchet be flying to Larkinia? Why would they be so desperate to intercept him? Why was this -" he tossed the star into the air and caught it "- so important, and what role does Royal play in all this?"

((heh, I sound like a bad detective movie. Oh, Lark, TG!))

((*checks TG* :shock: :shock: I mean.. I know nothi :shock: :shock: and back at you)

"Right," Jeff said, "I'll have them brought to the Palace." He turned to Aimee, "Aimee, I want them here ASAP. You're right Richard, there re a lot of loose threads here."

"That's true," said Richard, "but I'm sure they can wait an hour or two." He glanced back at the door.

"In the meantime, I think we'd better attend to your party guests. The Duque looked as if he had something rather important to tell you."

"Yeah," Jeff said as he looked at the medal again. "Browning, since you're here, why not come in for a drink."

"I don't think I should."

"Let me put it to you this way, you need to come in for a drink," Jeff said as the group walked back into the ballroom.

((G'Night dude!))

(Lark, I am going to make some assumptions here with your security and the timeline, nothing drastic. I hope you do not mind. My posting time is limited right now.)

Pridemore arrives in a civilian class Aerodyne and takes a limo to the palace. "Oh, my. I hope I am not to late..."

Upon arrival at the palace he pulls a large case out of the back , it is solid steel and about 4'x2'x1' in dimesions. He places it on the wheels installed on one end and begins rolling it up to the main entrence.
When he is stopped by Larkinian security he places it on it's back and allows it to be searched. He shows the guards his diplomatic credentials. When the guards see the gift and the understanding of it begins to sink in, he is given an escourt to the main hall where everyone is gathered, and finds Niven.

"Sir, I have brought the gift."
"Good man. What took so long."
"It took a while to get it to all of the officers, and someof the enlisted insisted on participating."
A huge smile breaks accross Niven's face.
"Excellent. You are to good. "
"Thank you sir."

Niven takes hold of the case and finds Jeff.
"If I could borrow you for just a moment, Mr. President." His tone was formal.
He escourts Jeff and the case to a table where he lays it on it's side. He then opens the case. Inside is a sword, not just any sword, but a beautifly created master piece. Not overly ornate but built for war. The sword is also broken in several places and has many dings and nicks in it. There is also a huge book in the case. The book is leather bound and has the seal of the Celeborne military on it.
" I am sure that you are a little confused, so allow me to explain. The sword is a Celeborne war blade. It is only carried in times of when war has been declared. If you will look closely you will see that the blade is pitted and dented, and of course broken. Every commanding officer in the Celeborne military has sworn not to raise arms against Larkinia so long as you are president, and as a sign of thier oath they have each taken a hammer to this blade. A blade of war shall never be lifted against Larkinia by Celeborne, so long as you are president."
He takes a deep breath.
"The book holds the name of everyone who put thier muscle and oath into the breaking of this blade."
He looks at his hand and takes a ring off. The ring is a circle of platinum with an emerald on it. "This ring has been in my...our...family since the beginning days of Celeborne. It has been worn by kings, generals, First speakers, admirals, and every manner if man in your family tree, today it is yours." He hands Jeff the ring.
In a small script there is an enscription that goes around the emerald it is in elvish "The enscription says Mercy guide my hand, forgiveness guide my actions, temperance guide my tounge. It is your birthright Jeff."

Niven Gives his son a hug.

Jill tags along for that shakes her head and smiles. "You know, it is surprsing how many cultures see the blade as a symbol of war yet also instill some sense of nobility about it. Well, at least someone has your back Jeff."

She gives Niven a quick kiss and smiles at him.

((Uh-oh... it's acting up again. time to go to the woodshed... ))

*Grumble* time for a new movie, "Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Working Server"