NationStates Jolt Archive

The rain slowed to a halt, and soon, the full moon broke free of the clouds. It was just another lovely night in Imitora. At the rate it was going, it wouldnt take long until the rainy season was offcially over. Of course, then, it would be the lovingly dubbed 'too friggen hot' season. Imitora, a land of extremes.

But it was not the cool weather that brought Amy Reoch to the balcony of the Executive Villa, well, it was. She stood in a bra and panties, leaving the night gown to the bed, letting the cool air and soft breeze caress her skin. She looked back into the bed room, and noted that the soon to be First Speaker, was already asleep. That didn't take long she thought, letting a giggle escape. She returned back to the room, and sat at a large oak table, and removed a pen, and began to write.


To all nations of the world~

It has come time again to inagurate the newly elected (OOC: Thats a joke...elected my ass) First Speaker into his position of deligated power. As an act of goodwill and diplomacy, all nations are hereby cordially invited to send a member or members of their chosing to attend the ceremony and following gala at the Northampton Diplomatic Center. Dress will, of course, be formal, and dinner will be served. Please alert us to any discrepencies in diet, and our cooks will do their best to meet any and all requirements. Accomodations, as few embassies are found in Imitora, will be provided for. I personally look forward to meeting all who present themselves, and hope that further relations of a peacefull nature may be formed at this gathering. With the upmost respect and best wishes,

Amy Reoch,
Cheif of Diplomatic Affairs and Representation


She then faxed over the letter to the head diplomatic office, who coppied, translated it where needed, and sent it off to all nation that would recieve it on a open diplomatic signal. A hand written and sealed letter was personally deliverd to Iansisle, and all other nations that were, with the upmost due respect, 'lacking' in ways of technology. Nations of the Pantheon were also sent hand written and sealed invitations.

OOC: Anyone who wants in can join, although skip the long drawn out entrances, and just arive at the inaguration. Security, as always, will be tight as hell, and even cerimonial weapons will have trouble getting through (locks on blades, magazines confiscated from firearms). Otherwise, jump on in and have fun.

Crimmond declines to attend for reasons of political mistrust.

OOC: meaning the Black Staff has your nation on several lists for types of invasion, in case one of us leaves the APTO.

We respectfully understand.

OOC: Try it, youll get your ass kicked, and I already left.

"Robert Fortier..." President Jain Granger read. "Wasn't he one of the candidates to marry you, Halvent?" Granger asked her Vice President, who twitched slightly and bobbed her head. "So I won't ask you to go..." There was a small cough.

I can go. The young blonde woman 'said' using American Sign Language. You're pretty well set now, so this particular 'Executive Aide to the President' isn't really needed. Please can I go? The woman asked, continuing in sign language.

"Sure, KD. Bring us back souvenirs." Granger smiled and the woman left.

OOC: Katie Del Polo, Adejaani representative, Executive Aide to the President (http://home.iprimus.com.au/quincyw/katedelpolo.gif)

And in case anyone missed it, she's deaf. She has a bionic ear, but she prefers Sign Language. She can also read lips.

OOC: Hey... you're right. But it would have to wait untill all the crap going on in my nation is over. Oh and... I'll let you have your thread back now. :wink:

The Water Tiger, one of the most historically visted hotels in Imitora's history, was again being thrown into action. Each diplomat was given a 'royal suit', a room that, at price, would cost just over $900IC (Imitoran Credits, 1IC~6USD) a night. The rooms were large, with three small bedrooms, a visiting room, a tv room, and a hot tub. Each room also was graced by a gift basket full of some of the finest fruits, cheeses, wines, and other niceties of the Imperial Domain.

Certain higerlevel diplomats of certain nations previously wronged in many ways (i.e. Iansisle) were given full floors for their stay, as well as a full complimentry wait staff, transportation, and anything else they desired.

The NDC was also being set up, and the Inagurational room was being set up with CCTVs, chairs at large oak tables, and waiters preparing glasses of wine, 'champain' (to be true champain, it must come from the champain region of France. This is Imitoran 'champain') and other drinks that would be requested.

I could get used to this... Katie "KD" Del Polo smiled slightly as she leaned back. The military version of the Learjet seated only eight passengers, but the seats were far nicer and plusher than the ones she had in her small apartment. And this is a jet for me, a low ranking desk jockey not even of high government rank!

KD smiled for the cameras as she got off the tarmac. More than one reporter looked a bit surprised. She wasn't a known member of the Adejaani government (Presidential aides aren't part of the hierarchy), but fortunately the Imitoran drivers had been expecting her and she was soon whisked off to the NDC.

Inside the NDC and her suite, she looked around. It was really beautiful and the Imitorans had pulled out all the stops. I could really get used to this.

The men in black suits and crimson ties were ever present, on the streets and in the hotel and NDC. They had all been briefed, several times, on security, and the ISS overt unit, dressed in the ever fashionable tactical black, with full assault kits, sat waiting on roof tops and near by safe houses, waiting for a call. The orders for the following days were fairly simple. One, make sure nothing happened to teh Iansisleanians, and two, if any APTO delegates started acting up, tehn take them down quick, hard, and fast, without killing them. Many a bridge had been burned, and no one wanted an incident.
_____

When KD arrived, the official 760il limmo took her to the hotel, and a bellman carefully brought her luggage to her room on the 8th floor. He refused any tips, and, in rough, but manageable sign language, managed to tell her that if she needed anythgin, just ask, and it would be taken care of.

When she arrived at the inaguration, she was personally greeted by Reoch, who also attempted, less succesfully, to greet her in sign language, and had an aide help her to her table, where he offered her a choice of many drinks.

KD thanked the aide and ordered a chilled mineral water with a slice of lemon. She herself had an aide (also female), mostly just another set of eyes, ears and hands. But also, Katie noted wryly, to ensure that she not embarrass herself. After about ten minutes of sipping and drumming her fingers, Katie got up and walked back over to Reoch.

"Hi." Katie managed, speaking out loud a little awkwardly and using fluent sign language at the same time. "I appreciate your attempts at making me feel welcome. And on behalf of my government, thank you and we wish the new First Speaker well..."

Katie paused and took a breath. "I know our two countries have never gotten along. Well, probably ever. However, it is still our intention to try and rectify that somehow. Perhaps if the inaguration goes well, it might finally be a step forward between our two countries."

Amy spoke this time, still not quite sure what she had said earlier. "We'll, its simply a difference in opinion, and that can always be trouble. We will always try our best, and who knows, maybe one day things will be better."

Katie nodded. "Actually, things can get better right away... President Granger was saddened to see Imitora leave. She genuinely was. Despite the 'bad blood' between our nations, she genuinely cared about Imitora. But... Since Imitora left APTO... We really want to start fresh. We can begin with a standard Non Aggression Pact. We'd, rather, everyone, would be foolish to attack Imitora."

Certain higerlevel diplomats of certain nations previously wronged in many ways (i.e. Iansisle) were given full floors for their stay, as well as a full complimentry wait staff, transportation, and anything else they desired.

((ooc: CA-ching! "You - bellboy! I want the head of your first born son on a silver platter!"

An actual response coming later ;)))

OOC: Iansisle-YES SIR, Right away sir *runs off with a knife*

IC:

"Yes, that does sound like a good idea. It was a difficult decision for Imitora to make, but we feel that it was the better for everyone. I'm sure that proper arangements and the like can be made ready once the inaguration is over. I'm sure First Speaker Fortier would be more than happy to set up such an arangement."

(("Fool! This is a gold platter! Go bring me your second born - and do it right this time!"))

I actually have an ooc concern. I was typing up my response when it hit me - I don't know who I'm sending. I just killed off Inswick the Younger in the Star of the Northern Order (he was slated to be the ambassador to Imitora.

I can basically see two options - one, this thread is before Lark's inauguration (Inswick is still alive) or two, sometime before Niven and Tri reach Iansisle, a new ambassador is appointed. What's your preference?))

"Excellent." Katie agreed. "Also, we should consider setting up an exchange of embassies and working towards normal relations." She paused to smile politely as she got another chilled mineral water with lemon.

"So how did you get into politics? Is it really fun, dealing with other nations and block headed representatives and diplomats like me?"

It would be better to have a new one apointed, only because Amy officially invited Jeff in Larks inaguration, and if Fortier had been FS at that time, he would have gone himself, not send anyone else.

"Excellent. We have plenty of space, as embasies are rather limited." She her self ordered a '96 Chianti from one of the smaller vinyards, and quickly directed to an ISS agent towards a man outside who seemed to be urinating on the side walk.

She then took a sip of the newly arrived wine. "Well, I was more or less apointed. Robert wanted someone with a more cheery disposition than himself to handle major problems, so he created my position, then put me there."

"Well I think you're doing a good job." Katie smiled. Her hands were getting tired anyway, so she gripped her glass and just spoke. "I'm in a similar position. My degree is in psychology. That, plus because I'm deaf, I tend to see things that others don't. President Granger keeps me around because I'm more attuned to body language and subtle gestures than others."

"Yeah, it always helps to have someone who can do that around." She snapped her fingres, pointed, and another ISS agent was off to deal with a reporter who was starting to act up. They were on their feet tonight, and offering good response time.

"I swear, these people need to learn how to hold their liquor."

Katie twisted her head to look around then turned back. "You'd be surprised. I remember being at the wedding of Emperor Meridius of Elara... As I recall, Mark Bunker and Charlie Burke didn't wake up for days. And Annie Ryan was physically rendered ill and needed her stomach pumped, as did President Harrington..." Katie stopped and started crying.

*tag* while I come up with a post

Amy nodded, and looked at a watch. He shoulda been here by now, she sighed. She looked up, and noticed KD crying. "Are you ok, can I get you anything?"

"Yeah..." Katie blew her nose on a handkerchief. "Morghan Harrington was the most darling person. The people of Adejaani practically worshipped her like a God. We owe everything to her... And some stupid fanatics had to blow up the capital city and destroy the great leader..." She put her sleeves to her eyes and dried them.

"I'm sorry. She and I were very close..."

"I understand. Of course, I assume you dealt with the terrorists...apropriately, so to say? After all, instill enough fear in a man's heart, and even the greatest resolve wont allow him to carry out his mission."

A man entered the back of the room, and quickly walked towards Reoch and KD. He whispered something in her hear, and she nodded, and watched has he left. She looked at KD, and gestured towards the back of the room. "Would you like to meet the First Speaker?"

"The group directly responsible blew themselves up. It was a massive nuclear blast... However, the others responsible... Yes. We scattered their ashes across all the points across the compass. And yes, please, I would." Katie rubbed her eyes one last time and mustered her best smile.

"Excuse me, I would love to meet the First Speaker." Merton Eidner said, intruding on the conversation.

She probably is wonder who is this man, and who invited him . . . heh.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am General Eidner of the Great Army of Gowanshi. We are pleased to attend this function within such a wonderful nation as Imitora."

He stepped back and smiled.

This better work . . .

Amy tunred, and eyed the man up. She looked over his shoulder, although the angle made it look like he was looking directly at him, and nodded. And ISS agent at the back of the room gave her the thumbs up. She then looked at Eidner, and gestured towards teh back. "Amy Reoch, and right this way General, Miss Del Polo."

She lead them through the hall, past other guests and reporters, and she signaled another ISS agent, who moved towards the door in order to greet guests.

Reoch opened a door, and three ISS Agents stood, their sidearms, UMAC made versions of Glocks, at the ready. They nodded when they saw her, and sat back down, save one. He walked over to a wall pannel, and then pressed his fingers against an ID pad, and a door slid open.

Robert sat behind a desk, and stood as Reoch entered with the guests. He wore a slightly form fitting Crimson shirt and black pants that hung outside a black pair of boots. His black 'coak', for lack of a better word (I cant think of the name for the actual piece of clothing) hugged his body, and tappered off slightly towards the bottom. A saber was hung from his left hip, and an obviously cerimonial hand gun on his right.

"May I present General Merton Eidner from Gowanshi, and Executive Aide to President Jane Granger, Kaite De Polo."

Robert walked around the desk, and extended his hand in a very casual greeting. "Pleasure's mine."

"Ah thank you Speaker. It is a pleasure to meet you. Our Leader is quite fascinated with your nation, and is saddened that he himself could not be here. He would like me to pass on the message that he is very interested with conversing with you. I of course, have other messages that he would like to pass on, privately of course."

Katie blushed slightly as she shook his hand. "I bring you warm welcomes from President Granger of Adejaani. I convey to you my nation's happiness and hopes for a brighter future for us all." Katie managed, her pronounciations as a deaf speaker, plus getting tongue tied at the memorised speech made it sound even more awkward.

Robert shook KD's hand. "Again, the pleasure is all mine, but if you'll please excuse me," he then gestured towards the open seat infront of the desk. He took the seat behind it as Reoch led KD out of the room. When the General sat, Robert removed some cigars, and a bottle of scotch. He offered both to the General.

"So what can I do you for, General Eidner, what can I do for ya?" he asked, casually, sitting back in his chair, and lighting a dark cigar.

"Interesting man, your First Speaker. Definite power and confidence. Very competent, a brilliant mind." Katie said when she and Reoch were back in the reception area. "You've got a good leader there, I'd think."

"Thats what everyone says. He literally exudes power and confidence. Hell, you could say it oozes from him," she chuckled. "It comed from his military time. One of the longest enlisted service records on the books. Led more men in combat than most of the officers in our military."

She rounded a corner, and led Amy back to the main recpetion area. "So, enjoy your stay so far?"

The general inspected a cigar, lit it with his chrome lighter, and took three long puffs.

"I don't know if you watched our Leader's public address today, but he's interested in a fight, a fight against Socialism. You see Speaker, our nation's history is not a great one. After becoming a "democracy" almost 300 years ago, we were ruled by parties that held on to ancient traditions, religious fanatics that kept us out of the modern world. Then, about 100 years ago, a new party emerged, the Progressive Party. The people elected the Progressives, and Gowanshi began to enter the modern world. The Progessives have ruled for a solid 50 years, until the recent election of Leader Rubin. As time went on, the Progressives were trying to make Gowanshi into a Communist land. Many of us now have a bitter resentment towards the policies of Communism, and sympathy for those oppressed by it. Leader Rubin would like to know if you're willing to try and bring Imitora into an active fight against Communism abroad and at home. He would like to create a multi-regional coalition or league, and he would like to give the honor to Imitora of being the first member. This league will fight Communism diplomatically, politically, and will attempt to stop its spread, militarily if necessary. We are also willing to take military action against Communist nations that commit major atrocities. I am to report back to Leader Rubin if you are interested in discussing such a coalition or league. But I shall thank you for your time Speaker, even if you choose not to join Leader Rubin in his fight."

The general relaxed, took two more puffs of the cigar, and was relieved that he made it through his "script" without error.

"Very. Imitora is a fascinating country. I wouldn't mind coming back under less official circumstances. Find a nice guy, start a family..." Katie winked.

Amy laughed. "That would be a nice hunt. Nice guys around here are few and far between. The ICMC does something to guys, and all of the sudden, they become these fight hunting testastarone crazed fools. Of course, the ICMC Enlisted and Officer manuals contain a near 200 page section on manners, no better gentlemen than someone from the Corps."
______

Robert allowed the words to roll around in his head for a brief moment before speaking. "I understand your desire for this conflict. I will not hide the fact that I personally orderd the execution of the Communist candidate in the most recent elction."

"However, the problem is the total amount of Socialist and Communist countries in the world today. Even a large alliance would have difficulties from a number stand point, however I do not doubt the ability of a well trained force being able to whup those Godless bastards back to the stoneage. After all, for the most part, their technology is back water, and their tactics as old as sin."

"The other problem is that Socialism and Communism are nothign more than ideaologies. You cant go to war with an idea, or an economic system. To truely go to war, as you say, with Communism and Socialism would be to simply assist other countires in fighting the evils and faults of said ideas. You know, helping small countries choose a capitalist or democratic system of government."

He paused, and took a sip of the scotch. "However," he continued, "that is not to say that this is a bad idea. Not at all. It is simply in need of serious organization. Politically and militarily are not the ways to fight these bastards, you have to sink to a new low. Economics. Several Imitoran agencies have already began the process of counterfitting currency of many a socialist nation, and flodding the markets with it, dropping the value. Our military corporation undersell most by at least 20%, and we have stolen a few contracts from Communist and Socialist nations."

"I did indeed see your leaders speech, I found the man to be well spoken and eloquent. Please, deliver the message that I would be more than happy to accept his offer in this alliance. Further, I noticed that you spoke of rebuilding his military. We have been facing a, situation, so to say, in one of our smaller colonies. Local govenor is starting to act up. Maybe you would like to give your troops some training, live fire if it be, and see some of the world?"

Shocking what happened to Viscount Inswick, thought Sir Bernard Alexander. He was standing on Iansisle’s private floor of the Water Tiger surrounded by the dozens of bureaucrats, secretaries, and official personages that made up an official Iansislean mission. It was only hesitantly that Sir Bernard thought of himself as the first Iansislean ambassador to Imitora since the Razing - that posting, through the time-honored system of nepotism, was supposed to have been Lord Inswick’s. And then his aeroflyer was accidentally shot down over Larkinia. Simply shocking.

Sir Bernard had been the posted ambassador to Healdsburg when the Imitora slot suddenly opened up. With an event as major as an inauguration upcoming, he had little choice but to fly straight from the People’s Republic to Imitora while his replacement rushed out from Ianapalis.

“Managed to get those cufflinks fastened yet, dear?” Suddenly, his wife appeared out of the chaos of the hotel wing.

“Almost,” he smiled. “And you, dear, look simply smashing.”

“Do I really?” asked Lady Emma distractedly. “The latest style from Great Walmington - Norah turned me on to it when we were in Ianapalis last. Still, rather revealing, don’t you think? I rather fear my ankles will be uncovered should I have to ascend any steps!”

Lady Emma’s tone was, as ever, curt and brisk, and Sir Bernard inhaled deeply. His stomach, which was rather larger than it used to be, filled his corset and threatened to rip it from his body. With a slow, reluctant sigh, he let the breath out. There was nothing worse than knowing your wife loathed you - knowing she loathed you, and you couldn’t help but love her.

“I do wish you’d stop that God-awful heavy breathing, Bernard,” she said curtly as they walked to the elevator. A sharp glance in his direction made his heart melt, even if had been meant to reprimand him. “Can’t you breath through your nose like everyone else?”

“Of course, dear.”

“Good. See that you do. This is a very important night, for both of us.”

He knew he was a disappointment to her. Her cousin was an honorary viscount and the heir apparent to one of the oldest earldoms in Shadoran. But her mother had married poorly and disgraced Emma’s part of the bloodline. Emma’s mother had tried to compensate by marrying off her children into good houses. She had found a baron for Emma’s older sister, the daughter of an earl for her older brother, and a baronet with a Vice Admiral’s commission in the RIN for her younger sister. But poor Emma! All she’d been able to find was a young knight, not even a baronet. And what’s that! A Knight of the Order of the Cliff, a Wyclyfer. Wyclyfe had always been the weakest of the Seven Kingdoms, and her more powerful neighbors hadn’t exactly treated her - or thought of her - well.

He knew that Lady Emma was disappointed by her low social standing, especially compared to her siblings. Sir Bernard tried hard every day - as hard as he could, anyway, without letting Lady Emma know why he tried - to win himself favor in the eyes of the kingdom and the empire, but every new attempt ended in failure. He would probably never repeat the diplomatic success he’d had as assistant in Healdsburg that had won him the knightship to begin with.

If only he’d gone into the Navy instead of the foreign service! Between the Linhower Plan and the war, there were promotions galore being handed out - and noble titles! Not just a knighthood, but baronetcy or even a barony! Why, hadn’t that one admiral even earned himself an earldom? The prospects for social advancement were unbounded - but so were the prospects for having a limb blown off, or worse.

These same thoughts played tag across Sir Bernard’s head as he and Lady Emma entered the ballroom and took stock of the other guests.

"What a fascinating dichotomy..." Katie observed. "So you're saying... They're all well trained animals?"

"Yes, exactly. For example, you see these ISS agents moving around. They could give the most well trained ICMC Officer a run for their money when it comes to mannors and what not, but you point out a threat, and well...get out of their way. Imitoran Marines are very hard. Baptism by fire and," she was interupted by her phone ringing.

"Hello? Yes. I'll be on it presently." With that, she bowed slightly, and exscused herself from KD.

Unbeknowst to Alexander and his wife, a multitude of long range sniper rifles were trained on them. An ungodly amount of true covert ops ISS agents, dressed as bike messengers, repairmen, even street skate boarders, kept thier eyes open. The code "Watch the egg," had been given, and the imidiate response was "All the kings men are on humpty dumpty with a trampoline." In other words, the Iansisleanians were on their way, and the best agents were on the job.

Amy was waiting at the entrance, and she personally made sure that the Ambasador and his wife were in no way even shown a security table. Amy approached, and bowed from the waist. (OOC: Hope I say this right...)"Sir Alexander and Lady Emma Bernard, I, Amy Lee Reoch, humbly welcome you to The Imperial Domain and Lands of Imitora. I hope that you find your stay most pleasent, and feel free to ask for anything. If you have any problems at all, feel free to tell me about them, and I'll make sure they are handled quickly and properly."

A waiter was upon them almost instantainously, offering them their choice of a drink from the large selection of wines, liquors, beers, and other drinks. Another tray was brought by holding finger foods such as stuffed olives, grape leaves, and other hours'devrs (God I wish I payed attention in French class...).

"First Speaker Fortier is currently engaged with another guest, but as soon as he is done, I'm sure he would like to meet you in person."

General Eidner smiled.

"I couldn't be more pleased Speaker. I will return to Leader Rubin and inform him of your wonderful decision. I have listened to this wonderful man for years, and took the risk of losing my rank by supporting him in the election. You two will be getting along well."

The general shook the Speaker's hand and exited the room. He phoned for his car, and smiled once again.

((oops...think you have it wrong. It’s Sir Bernard and Lady Emma Alexander. Sorry if I was confusing - I’m rather tired as I’m typing this, so I may not be the most clear person in the world ;)))

“Thank you, Ms Reoch, for your kindness. My staff greatly appreciates the extra living quarters while they go about the business of setting up an embassy proper. Indeed, your country has been nothing but the most gracious hosts that have ever extended their hospitality to one of the King’s representatives.”

Sir Bernard selected two drinks and handed one to his wife. “Please, though, don’t bother the First Speaker on our account. I’m perfectly willing to meet him with the rest of the guests if needs be.”

Katie nodded politely as Reoch left. "I wonder if those Imitoran men can cook..." She then headed over and wondered if she could find something to eat...

Reoch nodded. "If you insist, however, I'm sure he will make some time for you should you wish to see him. And tell your staff that anythign they need will be taken care of as well. We are here to serve you."

Over on the other side of the room, the wandering KD couldn't help but attract a small amount of attention. One of the ISS agents, clad in the black suit, black shirt, and crimson tie that dignified them as the elite, adjusted his ear piece, and approached her. "Excuse me, miss, can I help you with something?"

"Yes," Katie turned to face him. "Any chance I could possibly have a snack or know when you serve... Dinner? I really could use something to eat before I collapse. Sorry, I know I'm being a pain."

The ISS agent held up a hand, and a waiter came over with a tray of stuffed Imitoran olives, bruschetta, and other itallian style finger foods. "Help yourself miss," the agent replied.

Reoch nodded. "If you insist, however, I'm sure he will make some time for you should you wish to see him. And tell your staff that anythign they need will be taken care of as well. We are here to serve you."

“Yes, er, well - You have both my thanks and His Majesty’s,” said Sir Bernard, stammering slightly at the beginning. “The kindness shown by the Grand Domain during our visit has been extremely generous. Please pass my compliments and thanks on to the First Speaker if you see him before I do.”

Lady Emma turned to the main body of the party. “Rather small crowd so far. I take it more are arriving soon?”

"I will be sure to do that. And we are hoping for more to show up. Due to recent events, some nations are, well, how do you say, less than willing to open their arms to us. Policy of not being afraid to call people out, as well as the situation with Dyelli Bebby. However, I assure you, you are quite safe here."

Meanwhile, Robert paced his office. "I swear, I knew I would have to make difficult decisons, but this is the hardest ever. I mean, its a matter of more than life or death, its about respect, and power."

His aide simply nodded.

"Its about making the first impression, the first act. Really, I have no clue what to do." He looked at the aide, and then shrugged. "Tell me, should I wear the black tie, or the red tie?"

"Red sir," he responded, sighing.

Katie nodded. "Thank you." She said to the agent and then politely picked one up to taste. "This is very good. My compliments. You have excellent chefs."

"Oh my!" exclaimed Lady Emma, bringing her hand to her mouth. "Well, that certainly does sound most dreadful!"

"Don't worry, dear," replied Sir Bernard. "If there's one place we'll be safe, it's Imitora."

"I hope so," she replied, a little more coldly. "There's nothing worse than living under the constant threat of state-sponsored terrorism, like we did in Healdsburg."

"Yes, well - everyone has their duty," mumbled Sir Bernard awkwardly. "Right, Ms Reoch?"

"Indeed," Amy replied, noting the ISS agents moving around as ordered. "If there is anywhere you'll be safe, it is here."

On the other side of the room, the ISS agent nodded, and told KD that he was glad to be of assistance.

"Well then," continued Lady Emma, "I suppose you have some sort of festivities planned for the night? Dancing, that sort of thing?"

"Dear, I'm sure the Imitoran government intends this to be a serious occasion - the swearing in of a new --"

"Quiet, Bernard. Let the lady say her piece."

"Standard inaguration fare, dinner, desert, speech, dancing, mingling, the like." Amy was tempted to tell them about teh Imitoran nightlife, after all teh dancing would be all but over no latter than 1am, and that left the entire Northampton club, race, and bar sceen open.

"See, Bernard, she didn't thing I was the least rude! - did you, dear?"

"No, not at all," Amy replied. She looked around, still noting that Robert was no where to be found, and then looked at her watch. "If you'll excuse me, I think I need to make sure our First Speaker still plans on going through with this."

"Of course, dear," smiled Lady Emma. "Come, Bernard; let us see who else graces this floor."

Meanwhile, a black aerodyne stopped in front of the Water Tiger. Two men walked out, saluted the waiting Imitoran Marines (I know how the routine goes ;) )

"I can't believe I'm doing this," new Larkinian President Jeff Williams said as he looked out the window, "God, these official diplomatic functions..."

"Are exactly what you are supposed to do as President," his wife Katherine said with a kiss.

"Can't I do something easier to handle? Like get shot?"

"This is Imitora," Katherine replied, "Don't speak too quickly."

The two walked out of the aerodyne and were led into the ballroom.

Katie decided to roam around, trying to 'spot the delegates' and accidentally bumping up against a reporter.

OOC: Gratzi Adj. I promise a post for this tommorow, a really good one. However, I have a bit of a situation on my hands, and lets just say it was a rough weekend.

OOC: Take your time, Immy. I'm just incredibly bored at 4:15 in the afternoon... :lol:

OOC: Take your time, Immy. I'm just incredibly bored at 4:15 in the afternoon... :lol:

((heh, who isn't? All this free time - I think it'll be the death of me!))

OOC: Take your time, Immy. I'm just incredibly bored at 4:15 in the afternoon... :lol:

((heh, who isn't? All this free time - I think it'll be the death of me!))
(( :lol: Yeah yeah, rub it in guys... :P ))

(( :lol: Yeah yeah, rub it in guys... :P ))

((When the Fourth comes and I'm being yelled at by people too stupid to read a map or look at signs for a ten hour shift under the blazing sun of San Pasqual, I give you full permission to mock me ;).))

((*taps fingers together* "Excellent... Smithers take a note to that end! something pithy with just the right amount of smart-ass-ism..." ;) ))

"Really," said Prime Minister Ezreal Desdinova, "I do not know why we had to go through all the trouble. It's a fine day to spend in my office back in Pustule City, and I'm here at some diplomatic function."

Ambassador Rob Calvert sighed and straightened the prime minister's collar and dress jacket. "It's important. Nobody knows who we are. At some point we have to mingle."

Prime Minister Desdinova looked at the Water Tiger with dread. "Well, I guess it's time to play with the big boys."

Ambassador Calvert shook his head. "No, there are already two cases pending against you for that. Just keep your hands to yourself this time. And don't forget the ceremonial salve and official ointment."

"Calvert, this is going to be a long night."

In a moment of near magic, Reoch all but disapeared. Anyone looking for her would have been at a loss, until the noticed why. A new man had entered the room, wearing a dark crimson shirt, black pants, and a black caisack. A elegant swept hilt hung at his hip. Amy stood at the top of a balcony.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, First Speaker Robert Fortier of Imitora."

He bowed deeply, and tossed a wave at Amy. "Everyone, welcome to Imitora, enjoy your stay, and feel free to ask for anything," he said, nodding again to the crowd. It was odd. No inaguration speech, no swearing in, it was just assumed, to say the least. He stepped into the crowd, surounded by gaurds.

Katie blinked and gestured to her aide. "Surely, a Speaker is meant to say a lot of things?" She raised an eyebrow and wondered what that was all about.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, First Speaker Robert Fortier of Imitora."

Sir Bernard and Lady Emma both applauded politely. Still, Emma especially looked uncomfortable with the use of the word 'republic.' That was the new "no-no" word of Iansislean high society, and Lady Emma had already suffered enough of her friends' snide remarks being in the People's Republic of Healdsburg. After all, those liberal agitators shouldn't be given any ideas - they had to be reminded that they were subjects of His Majesty the King, not citizens of some fictional God-less republic!

Sir Bernard, meanwhile, watched Fortier vanish into the crowd with the apparent inclination of following him.

"Sir, the alcohol is supposed to be for everybody. Oh, now, look what you've just done to the hors d'oevres. This is just like that reception with the Germans all over again."

"GERMANS? WHERE? I knew those miserable Huns would catch up with me!" Prime Minister Desdinova looked around and saw the First Speaker talking with some of the other dignitaries. "AH HA! The filthy Kaiser himself as decided to put in an appearance! Here is my chance for revenge!"

Before Ambassador Calvert could restrain him Desdinova stood before the First Speaker, brandishing a shrimp fork. "I have you in my sights now you one-horned devil! You will not escape this time!"

Calvert ran for the scene, hoping that the Imatoran guards had at least a rudimentary sense of humor. If so then the Prime Minister might just be returned to Scrumpox in one piece.

Calvert ran for the scene, hoping that the Imatoran guards had at least a rudimentary sense of humor.

((Bad assumption dude.. ;) ))

The ISS agents, taking nothing to chance, went right into action. One thing that Fortier had been forced to accept was that with his new position, came new responsibilities, meaning he couldnt just pull a gun and fire himself. Therefore, when the three ISS agents all but jumped him, creating a human shield of sorts, he reluctantly fell to teh ground, and allowed them to cover him.

Five other agents, all standing nearby, pulled their weapons, and eached fired at least one well aimed shot into the Prime Minister. Calvert, who had been spotted runing, too was targeted. "We got a runner!" an agent shouted above teh noise of the crowd. Several black BMW 540i's took off in persuit.

Katie kept her head down as she kneeled next to a table. She looked at her aide. Those Imitoran agents were excellent. She made a mental note: Call home, tell them to never ever mess with Imitora.

Ah, here was something Calvert was actually good at. Running.

The Republican dispute in Pustule City? Calvert was a blur. Mistress with twins? Broke the land speed record. Tax collectors? Well, he could practically look back and see himself catching up.

Somehow he made it to the airport and into the official Scrumpox Diplomatic Airliner (an old Cessna with "Nationstates Delivery" crossed out and "Scrumpox" spraypainted below).

Little did Imitora know that what was approaching was not a war, but... a "thank you" letter from King Eric I. Turns out no one liked Prime Minister Desdinova. So, instead of a declaration of war, each of the ISS agents received medals and Fortier also received a request for talks on full diplomatic relations.

Sir Bernard was too shocked to actually say or do anything as the scene unfolded itself.

"Heavens!" cried Lady Emma as Calvert streaked past them and out the door. "Jerry's not acutally here, is he?" Her eyes scanned frantically for the Germans Calvert had 'seen'.

What the guests may have not known till this point was that certain representatives had at least one ISS agent assigned to them. Sir Bernard and Lady Emma were very gently 'tackled' by five ISS Agents as the shots were fired, and covered by the Imitoran specialists. KD was brought down by her own two agents, one of them pressing her against the table, and the other poping up, and scanning the room with his side arm.

In all, the ballroom, between external and internally assigned agents, was totally secure. Robert had been ushered out, against his will, and was now secure. Despite the medals and letter of thanks that would soon arive in Imitora, a small battle fleet was being prepared for movement. Amy sadly anounced that the ball would have to be cancled, and that another event would soon be held.

Katie crossed her arms. "Uh... Congratulations, Mister Fortier!" She called out uncertainly as she was led outside.