NationStates Jolt Archive

Those nations concerned with Lavenrunz' recent establishment of claims to the continent of Antarctic may address those concerns at a conference to take place at the Autumn Palace in the capital city of Hofburg.
Delegates are advised that while personal security is acceptable, armaments are not. The hospitality of the Empress will be provided, as will amenities to provide for the stay of any representatives from any nations.
The general aim of this conference is a peaceful resolution of the matter at hand.
(ooc: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=151712&highlight= )

"Well... NWA's job..."

"So? Mollari?"

"For gods sake, No! I guess... eh..."

"Esmeralda?"

"Mhm... Why not... Yes, yes this works. Make sure we organise something with NWA, I would prefer to have her fly together with them."

"Beware, she might seduce Spike..."

[poorly post written as some sort of tag]

Isaac's high-tech doodad in his jacket pocket beeped urgently at him. He reached into the pocket and drew out the gadget. The latest Government product, it was a beeper-come-PDA-come-Phone-come-one-come-all-step-right-up for all his modern needs. It also allowed the Lord-Protector to contact him at any time.

###MESSAGE RECEIVED...####
From: LP
To: IC
Subject: Antartica Conference
Text: Isaac, I want you to go to the upcoming conference in Lavenruz about the situation in Antartica, ASAP. They must not get away with this, for the time being at least. Project Horizon needs time to get out of our facilities. Stall them.
And Isaac? Don't fail me.


He'd have to leave immediately of course. The Lord Protector's comments had not been received well in Lavenruz and it's allies. As Foreign Minister it was his job to stall them? He hadn't gone into politics for this.

Within moments his Special-Forces Security Detail had arrived at his door, notified, of course, by their own gadgets.

As he stepped out of the door, Minister Isaac M.C. Chisoko's security men looked at each other. One smacked the other in the arm.

"Tag, you're it."



OOC: This is a handy thread for my way back into the RP after i missed 3 pages in a day.

A normal passenger jet landed on an airport near Hofburg and several Knootian diplomats made their way to the conference. Tim de boer came along with an elderly man with grey hair.

"So, what do you think?", asked the boy-diplomat who had just returned from the Lassic conference.

The grey-haired man looked thoughtful as he walked along the streets of the Lavenrunzian capital. "Its an opportunity to be sure. If the Crown of Lavenrunz gets to claim the empty parts of Antarctica..."

"...which is a completely baseless claim...", interjected Tim.

"Yeah... but that’s besides the point. If she shares it with allies then no doubt this means KIST allies too. If we play it right, she may exclude others from its use."

Tim furrowed a brow, remembering the Telegraaf newspaper headline.. "Claiming the continent for capitalism?"

"I guess", the older man replied with a snicker. "Though I think that is seeing it a bit narrowly. It should be emjoyable, anyways."

(even poorer introduction/tag post. Purple (everything) is in Dutch. )

While The Emerald Heights of The SLAGLands has no vested interest in the acquisition of Antarctica--provided, of course, that environmental concerns are addressed--we nonetheless are concerned about the controversy surrounding this decision on the part of the Empire of Lavenrunz. The seizure of territory can indeed result in much tumult, and we have observed it even in these early stages of the Lavenrunz acquisition.

With this in mind, I will be personally attending the Antarctica conference in an observational role. I have little to say with regard to this matter at this point; however, I am interested in what will come of this seemingly hostile situation.

As per all of my visits, no major arrangements are required; just put me in a cheap room, and I'll be perfectly fine.

http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload5/wololo.jpg
Wololo
Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Emerald Heights of The SLAGLands

ooc tag

Lady-Commander of the Order, Calleis Ymirson, nodded to her aide as she jogged towards the Chopper Pad. "You think they'll actually let us have that little chunk of nowhere, no questions ask? I know normally the Lavenrunzians are rather stable folk, and this is the craziest thing they've ever done, but it's a bit far fetched that they'd be willing to just let us have a chunk of land without at least knowing what we're up to. Particularally since they know we'll obviously want to base a fleet out of there, just to guard things."

The aide nodded. "Yes ma'am, I know its crazy, but given our history with them, they should at least let us have a token force there, as well as continue our research. At least, given their history and this whole crazy 'we're taking antarctica' thing they're on."

"You got that from an anylist didnt you. "

"Ma'am, the General places high hopes in your ability to solve this before theres a confrontation, at least on our end."

Calleis stopped to take her flight helmet from the soldier standing next to the Hawk's Beak, the Order's only AdTech attack chopper left, as well as taxi-service. Putting it on, she turned to the aide. "My brother has always had high hopes that I could solve this or that more peacefully than him. Thats why I was the contract negotiator and he was the soldier. In this case, though, I realistically cant see us getting away with concealing the Time-Manipulation/Recovery Project AND getting the plot of land for our unlimited use. Damn thing's a fool idea anyway, likely to land us in a world of trouble."

The Aide handed her the breifcase as he climbed aboard the chopper behind her, and took a seat across from her. "Ma'am, I realize that, but it's still our objective."

"And what happens if we fail, and they move in on it?"

The chopper lifted off, and the aide was silent for a moment.

"Well, ma'am....then I guess we'll have to fight our way to recovering it."

The rest of the first leg of the flight was made in silence.

TAG

TAG

Joint Statement from Imperial Marshals Marius and Janos Hasek,
To Her Excellency Empress Aurora of Lavenrunz

The Imperial Dominion has no quarrel with the claim, and we will stand behind Lavenrunz in this matter, more than likely. We are concerned, however, with the growing tensions directed towards your administration for this claim. We feel it would be prudent to attend this conference, and indeed we would be honored to attend personally.

Surely this conference will help clarify to the misguided opposition and will hopefully bring a peaceful resolution to this situation.

Marius and Janos Hasek
Imperial Marshals
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload6/the_haseks.JPG

"Excellent," Nathicana murmured, smiling a bit as she read over the news of the impending conference. Now to see if I can't speed things here and make it. Perhaps Dev can keep me updated in the meantime ... damn, but there is always too much and never enough hours in the day to attend to all the details I wish. I hope this goes well for her.


(yes, tag since I'll be out of town. >_<)

Ambassador the Honourable James Grant steps onto the tarmac of the airport and sniffs the air with pleasure. He turns to face his subordinates and favours them with a broad grin. "Lavenrunz! The last time I was here, Empress Joanna was still alive, may the Lady grant her soul peace. They have the most wonderful chocolate here, did I mention that?"

"No, Ambassador," replied Charles Bishop for the eighth time. He strained slightly under the load of documents the Ambassador had deemed "critical" for the journey. Most of them were romance novels. His boss had some fairly peculiar habits, in his opinion.

"Did you get to meet Empress Joanna?" asked Catherine Ravon for the sixth time. She'd played second seat to Grant for years, and the chore of keeping the Ambassador focused on the job was something she and Charles had turned into an art form.

"Oh no, we weren't nearly so important back then. But I look forward to meeting her daughter, Aurora. A delightful child, from what I hear! Has her mother's stunning good looks! I bet she's got her mother's sharp wit, as well." Grant trundled ahead of the others, flanked by bodyguards and chattering away as was his wont.

Charles exchanged a quick glance with Catherine before hefting his load and following as closely as possible. Once again, the Ambassador had clearly not read the briefing notes in full. Treznor Intelligence, including a first-hand account from the Emperor, suggested that Aurora did have her mother's sharp wit, if not the same extensive experience in statecraft. Their job was to provide a public display of support, and offer any assistance the young Empress would accept. The latter was expected to be the tricky part. That didn't even count the nations showing up for the conference.

Catherine nodded to Charles as she scurried to catch up. It was shaping up to be an interesting event.

The Republic of the Water Cooler De Novo would like to send a team to the conference in order to primarily observe, how if they need does arise, participate more actively in the conference.

We will be sending:

-Foert - Head of LawSoc
-Yurt - Assistant head of LawSoc
-Grei - Head of the PengSoc

And 4 other assistants.

They require suitable accommodation and transport for the duration of the conference.

They will arrive via a private Water Coolian jet, at an airport which is closest to the conference location.

tag

tag, if you don't mind

"Who would like to fight over a big piece of ice?. The universe is full of them, go to the outer space and you'll find the biggest pieces of frozen ice than you could imagine. And please don't talk me about strategic importance. With the new weapons that most countries have now, that term is more than outdated now. I usually say that the world belongs to those who are bold enough to take it, and with no doubt the Lavenrunzian were bold enough to reclaim it. As an additional token of gratitude regarding the situation of the Non-Human Bill we will support the Lavenrunzian initiative over this matter, as long as they don't find our help and support untasteful"

Everqueen Aelosia nos Dior nos Lúthien, Empress of the Sacred Sindarin Empire of Aelosia
http://img67.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Aelosia/th_AelosiaAliria.jpg

[*presses the fast forward key*]

Janos peered out from the hatch of their shuttle and sighed. "I hate travelling without my piece," he lamented, starting down the ramp.

His brother climbed out of the shuttle right behind him, and started off after a brief look around. There was a curious lack of bodyguards. "Fuck it. We can take care of ourselves without them," he asserted, tucking his hands into his overcoat. They walked for a moment in silence, casually, as if it was nothing. Marius looked over to Janos as he lit a cigarette. "So are we cool on what to say?"

Janos tucked his lighter in his pocket. "Assert solidarity with Lavenrunz and recognize the claim, of course," he said, flicking bits of ash from his cigarette. "Keep the peace if we can, but promise any would-be agressors that we will have a vested interest in protecting the Lavenrunzian homeland, he answers in practiced fashion, gesturing with the glowing ember of his cigarette.

Marius nodded approvingly. "Right then." He peered up and squinted. "Alright, we're almost there, so lets do this."

Marius and Janos Hasek
Imperial Marshals
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload6/the_haseks.JPG

Ambassador Sargos and Thomas Pierce were waiting outside the Glorious Humanity embassy when the special delegation sent from home to attend the conference pulled into the embassy parking lot. A security guard ran to get the door, and saluted the man who stepped out.

"Good to see you Minister," Sargos spoke first, stepping forward warmly to clasp Frank Pierce's hand. Thomas greeted his father with a hug.

"Good to see both of you," Pierce replied, smiling at them. All three walked to the embassy. "Now, before you ask, the reason I'm here instead of some lower diplomat is because the President asked me to handle this personally. He thinks it'll show everyone we're serious about supporting Lavenrunz if I handle this myself."

"Good enough," Sargos nodded. "You'll certainly add a little luster to our delegation."

"I hope so," Pierce nodded as they walked through the front doors, past a couple more guards who saluted, and headed up the stairs to Sargos' office. "Now, Ambassador, you and I will be going, along with a couple of guards for show-"

"And me," Thomas interjected.

"Not you," Pierce shook his head. "Sorry Thomas, but you're not quite ready to negotiate something like this. In a few months maybe, but-"

"But nothing," Thomas cut him off firmly. "Dad, I know these people a little better than you do. You've never been here before."

"Meanwhile, Thomas, you've been here a bit, and you're practically dating the ruler," Sargos noted.

Thomas ignored that. "Now, I don't think I'm anywhere near understanding their customs and culture yet, but I'm learning, and I certainly know more than you do, Dad. I also know firsthand about most of what's been happening here."

"That so?" Pierce looked at his son with a raised brow.

"It's so," Sargos nodded. "He's read all the messages that have come to me, and he's gone with me to everything Glorious Humanity has attended in this country."

Pierce sighed. "Fine, fine. But don't speak too much, we don't need to be embarassed here."

"Whatever you say Dad," Thomas grinned. Sargos smiled faintly.

They had reached the ambassador's office by now, and they devoted their time to discussing everything pertaining to the conference until it was time to go to the Palace.

[tag while I figure out if I need to actually do a real post]

Autumn Palace, Hofburg, Lavenrunz

The last time a tsaKell had been to Lavenrunz had been decades ago, attending the Conference on Religious Warfare, and Schaden had had to leave unexpectedly following the Obsidian Event which rendered the Commonwealth into a glowing ruin.

Sekhat tsaKell, accompanied as usual by Rukine Knights and Ea, hoped that Fate would not be tempted to repeat the event, not now the Wastes were irradiated no longer.

He was suprised that his father hadn't taken the opportunity to come himself; Schaden had always wanted to return to this country. An Arkhreif's duties were heavy, though, especially those of the Arkhreif of Security and Intelligence.

So in the end only Sekhat and his staff could attend, and that was only because they were already in the country; he was the Tsarainese Ambassador to Lavenrunz, after all. But Lavenrunz, in the opinion of Arkhreifane Ekina of the Exterior, needed the support, as did Lavenrunz-Tsaraine relations, in the private opinion of Ambassador Sekhat tsaKell.

Diplomatic Communique
To: Laverunz diplomatic channels
From: Sketchian DiploCorps
Re: Antarctic claims
Msg:

The Holy Order of Sketch wishes to send a representative to the Antarctic conference in order to dicuss certain topics regarding the claims to the icey continent. We are particularily interested in the details of the so-called 200 mile exclusion zone. We believe that a mutually benefitial agreement can be reached without much trouble. The Sketchian DiploCorps looks foward to your prompt reply.

As Anton Slavick got off his private jet, the finest in Brotherhood aviation technology, he quickly went through Kane's demands. "The Brotherhood will recognize Lavenrunz's claim if the Brotherhood's base in the area will be left alone". That was made clear and Lavenrunz seemed willing to accept. Fair enough. The territory around the base was another point. Kane made clear to Slavick that he did not want anyone near the base in a twenty-kilometre radius, which might prove problematic. And the communications with the rest of the Brotherhood would need to be more secure than before with all recent activity there.

"That base is costing is more every day this soap continues". He sighed and went to the delegacy waiting for him to bring him to the conference site.

*tag* for now.

Frederick International Airport was heavily guarded. It was late spring, and tree lined boulevards, old fashioned iron wrought streetlamps and gothic, eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings were still in good condition in many places, still standing. The delegates or dignitaries were greeted formally by members of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps and by military bands playing their national anthems, and were then escorted to the Klefburg Hotel, where arrangements had been made, including top security, for their stay, though the actual conference would be at the Autumn Palace.
The presence of cameras and public address systems nonwithstanding, there was an elegance, a sense of an older world to the ancient capital. Elements of modern life intruded rarely. In fact, there were few fast food restaurants beyond the occasional Porkwich’s, and the larger churches and palaces still dominated much of the city’s skyline.

A special reception had been planned, to welcome everyone and to make the hospitality of Lavenrunz plain. The Imperial Chamberlain, Count Chemnitz, in a splendid white and gold uniform embroidered with golden keys, was to welcome everyone at the main doors. The guests were to arrive through the garden entrance, where geometrically shaped arrangements of flowers, fountains shaped like heroes and mythic beasts, green checkerboard lawns were terraced and where marble stairs flanked with Cavalier Guards were seen along the way. The faint sound of roaring leopards in the menagerie could be heard.
Once inside, the situation was splendid but informal. A buffet style dinner of cold lobster, giant prawns, oysters, quails roasted with white grapes, stuffed eggs, water chestnuts roasted with bacon and scallops, fresh fruit from as far as Tanah Burung or Glorious Humanity (mangoes, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, plums and grapes). There were liquors and wines of great rarities and the customary strawberry and peach wines and liqueurs served during the Lavenrunzian spring.
A chocolate fountain burbled in splendour between a leopard and a swan carved of ice, at a dessert table rich with the cream and pastry confections much loved in Lavenrunz.
Quietly, a string quartet played to set a pleasant and peaceful ambience.
Present were the Empress Aurora, her ever present leopard companion, Thirty Camelias, Baron Ehrfurt her Equerry, Baroness Toll her Press Secretary, acting Chancellor Ludwig Schnorr, Foreign Minister Karl von Effner, Chief of the Imperial General Staff Colonel General Artur von Baden, Colonel Zimmermann the Imperial Censor, Archbishop Heinz Wittmar the Cardinal-Primate of Lavenrunz.
White gloved Imperial Pages were quietly on hand to provide service or direction. The palace was well guarded, but those straying away from the immediate area of the conference hall were immediately confronted politely but firmly by Imperial Jaegers in full combat gear.

Ambassador Meva Sunder was duely notified of the impending conference, and had his secretary RSVP and reserve him a seat at the table. Before long, the file containing the latest intel on the matter, and what the government's stance was, sat on his desk. "We will support Lavenrunz, as a show of NDA solidarity. We are interested in establishing water processing plants there, and having the area controled by a friendly state would facilitate that greatly."

In a shuttle, near Lavenrunz's airspace

"So, this is another normal mission?", asked the courtier, seeming to be considerably eager and nervous, playing with his hands over the arm piece of the elaborate wraithbone seat of the diplomatic vessel. The man in front of him just directed him an icy glance, as his hand played over the flamboyant hilt of a sword lying at the side. His movements, however, were very different from the nervous tickling of the courtier. They were calmed and slow, as he was fondling the piece of gold and mithril of the hilt.

"Alas, I'm so nervous. This is my first mission as a courtier, and to think that I'll face important people from all over the world to treat over such a delicate matter as a takeove of an entire continent by...", started the courtier again, almost trampling over the words before...

"Shut up, you fancy charade of a diplomat!. You're going to translate everything I say into the delicate words of the politic language, that's all. Is that understood?", said the man visibly enraged by the continous courtier's chatting. As he turned, the courtier's face grew pale, and he lowered his head. Kithail Hyral, the former ShadowPrince, still had a good degree of intimidation, due to both his personal charisma and his former past as an almost absolute ruler. even as he spent the last months in prison after the former Everqueen Aelosia was freed from her imprisoment and took over the leadership of the Sindarin people.

But he had been liberated after some time, and now he was still appointed as the Supreme Sky Marshall and ArchDuke Admiral of the Fleet. After all, even the Everqueen recognized the man's supreme knowledge and talent in warfare, his well known reputation amongst the soldiers and his natural leadership. It was rare that he was appointed as the envoy to a diplomatic mission like this one, but alone his presence was a message in its own.

It means that we're ready to support our position in this issue even using military force...I'm wondering why the Everqueen is willing to enter in a human argument with such force. It looks like she likes Lavenrunz anyway, after what happened with that non human bill. Is a coincidence that she sent to this mission the elf that tried to approve a Human Banning Decree in Aelosia?. I don't think so, although Everqueen Elúrin sometimes acts like a crazy woman, she is completely sane, and more cunning than any of us aelosian courtiers. She doesn't do anything with no significance, again she's sending a message, a subtle one, of course, thought the courtier as, after asking for the proper permissions, the shuttle came down to the gathering point.

Isaac looked around the diplomatic reception. Coming from Starblaydia's more spartan surroundings, this was exuberance indeed.

His two Venator bodyguards flanked him in their suits, one seemed like he was wandering around trying all the food on offer, but Isaac knew he was doing his job. The man at his elbow was also prompting him with names and information of the relevant dignitaries. Was this one a diplomatic clerk or a deadly killer? He'd never met one who was both at once.

Isaac went back to looking around the room for poential allies. You couldn't come to a place like this and get backed into a corner on your own. His bodyguard looked out of the window and snorted, bringing Isaac's attention back to security matters. They had one of their Jaegers outside, probably.

"Don't feel too confident in their lack of abilities, Jaehaerys," Isaac warned quietly, "there are more of them than you."

The Starblaydi Foreign Minister received a somewhat amused grunt from the protection officer behind him, so Isaac went back to trying to remember which nations, like his, had a quarrel with Lavenruz's actions.

The Glorious Human diplomats arrived and were greeted by Count Chemitz, then after some polite words they moved on into the main hall. The two security men trailed along behind impassively, well aware that they were around more for formality's sake than any real need to protect their charges.

While they waited for the formal meeting to begin, they sampled the buffet. Actually, it would be more accurate to say Minister Pierce and Ambassador Sargos sampled. Thomas, true to his male teenage nature, wolfed down some of just about everything.

"Didn't you eat at all today?" Pierce asked his son pointedly.

"Sure," Thomas answered. "But lunch was a few hours ago."

"Careful, some of those things could cause bad breath," Sargos warned. "Wouldn't want to knock out the Empress when you greet her, would you?"

"I've got mints in my pocket," Thomas answered instantly. That drew a hearty laugh from Sargos.

"Lots of people here," Pierce noted. "Most of them we don't know. Some of them must be the opposition camp."

"Well, Starblaydia's definitely one of the 'bad guys'," Thomas noted, having finished his snacking and joined the grown men again. "They're right over there." He discreetly pointed towards the diplomats from that nation.

"Well, that's one. There was a whole gaggle of protestors though," Sargos noted. "Ah well, I imagine the Lavenrunzians will be starting the real party soon enough."

"Party?" Pierce asked with a raised brow.

"Lavenrunzians turn every diplomatic function into a party," Sargos grinned. "I rather like that about them."

[OOC: taged, of course.]

Calleis watched out the forward canopy as the Hawk's Beak set down on one of the reception Helipads. The City appeared to be decked out in it's seasonal finery, no doubt preparing for the arrival of the negotiators. Almost like home, back in that time far away, when the festivals in the streets encouraged good humor, friendship and kindess. Back before the war....She shook her head and unstrapped her harness, the Pilots already having begun their post-flight check.

Stepping out of the helicopter into the bright day, she could see other's arriving and the attentive looks of the (heavily) armed security. She laughed to herself as she pulled her flight helmet off and nestled it under the crook of her arm.

"Mister Simons, You dont look as if you enjoyed the flight very much." She said, smiling at her aide, who's face was matching the color of her flight suit. Luckly, the airsickness didn't extend to manifesting itself upon his (now slightly rumpled) suit.

"Ma'am. I hate flying. Ma'am." Was all he could really say as he gripped his breifcase in a white-knuckled grip. "Ma'am, baggage arrangements have been made, so you dont need to worry about that. If I might suggest us stopping off at the hotel..?"

"Of course. You look like you might as well be poured out of that suit." Calleis looked around, eyeing a few of the other represenatives disembarking. "Well, I do say I should probably change out of the flight suit myself, shouldn't I. I daresay I'm rather underdressed compared to everyone else."

"Yes ma'am, we've got your uniform sealed in the baggage, it'll be waiting in the hotel for you."

Calleis frowned in thought and then shook her head. "No. I cannot go to this in uniform. It'd be screaming our militant nature, and would likely give them the wrong impression about our requests. No, I think I should like to stop off and buy myself a festive dress, something to go with the atmosphere here..."

A slightly intimidated look crossed Simons' face as her voice trailed off. "Ma'am?"

"Yes, I should like to go get a proper dress. A uniform, while quite traditional of the Kestrels, would definately make negotiations more difficult. A dress, yes..."

The look solidified on his face, his mind falling into the male anti-shopping reaction.

Calleis tucked her flight helmet under her arm and fussed with the hair bun on the back of her head. "Yes, and I think I'll have my hair done too!"

The look transformed to sheer horror as the Lady-Commander carried on, plotting her assault upon the Lavenrunzian retail establishment...



(Whats with all this tagging? I dont understand what the heck this 'tag' thing is!)

A conference, huh?

-Make sure we have a representative, and so does our NRA. We must resolve that penguin-hunting issue. Lavenruns must start issuing penguing tags.

What the Subject says.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

In the Ebony Palace

Louis: So, Lil' Miss Aurora has finally deigned to explain herself. At least that's how it looks from this.

Jones: So do i go to this conference, Sire?

Louis: No. Who would you suggest lead our team to the conference?

Jones: I suggest Patrick Steward, Sire. He's our best negotiator, and i'm confident he can shake Lavenrunz.

Louis: Do it.

http://www.n00bstories.com/image.fetch.php?id=1256798144

Patrick Steward, Chief Negotiator of Atros

3 days later, in Lavenrunz
The Atrosian diplomatic jet landed at the international airport of Lavenrunz. Out steps Patrick Steward, Chief Negotiator of Atros, and the representative of the Gothic Underworld. His team, all dresses in black suits, surround him. Together, they make a menacing, yet suave image.

Now for the conference.......

One Day, three hours, two malls, a dress shop, a shoe store, a hair stylist and a nail shop later, a deeply satisfied Calleis Ymirson stood at the gates to the Autumn Palace with her pilots and Aide behind. She was glad she requested that no pomp was made regarding her arrival-she saw the fanfare others had arrived to and she knew she couldn't go through with that.

And while she was in a (stunning) emerald civilian dress and her aide was in a deep blue suit, her pilots who were also serving as her impromptu 'party' were in full military finery. Being from the ranks of the Original Kestrels, their uniforms were particularally fancy in comparison to the regular Kestrel recruited in the Order, and stood out as a beacon.

Calleis smiled, knowing now her entourage was sufficiently balanced to produce the proper image, and touched the spot where her wedding ring would hang around her neck, wishing her husband could be there. And then she abruptly realized that it was still hanging there. Laughing to herself, she reached up and pulled her dogtags from around her neck and removed the ring from the chain.

"Get so used to wearing these things..." was all she said as she slipped the tags into her purse and slid the ring around her finger. She reached up and adjusted the stylized kestrel hairpins holding her hair back from her face and then set her self to look at the gate itself.

"Well, gentlemen, lets go see if we can't stop another war."

(We're officially in the party now, so, those of you curious about who the hell I am, go, ask!)

The two Marshals rounded a corner, and they gazed at the decadent reception. As if in practiced unison, the two men lifted their brows, and Marius let out a low whistle. "This Aurora sure knows how to welcome a cadre of envoys, does she not?" asked the Dunlending, shooting a sidelong glance to Janos as he pulled what remained of his cigarette out of his mouth.

Squeezing the cherry off the tip of his dying cigarette, Janos nodded concurrently. "So it would seem," he answered quietly, starting forward, towards the liquor and wine display. Marius followed in short order. "Too bad they fed us on the flight," he lamented, perusing the selection.

Marius nodded and looked around once more, peering at those around him, trying to decide if he knew anyone. Seeing no one, he turned once more to his brother and slugged him on the shoulder with a chuckle as Janos fixed himself a vodka tonic with an unusually heavy amount of vodka. "Getting right to it, eh?" asked Marius.

Janos grunted. "Piss off you wanker," he quipped. "I'm sure you'll be right behind me," he said, lifting his glass and sampling its contents.

Marius pursed his lips and looked down at the liqour table, his fingers drumming against it quietly. His eyes shot from his brother to a nearby attendant, and he shifted his jaw. Slowly his hand found its way to a bottle of whiskey. He made a show of trying to stop himself, but Janos knew him too well. "See?"

Marius grinned as he poured himself a hit. "Piss off wanker."

Marius and Janos Hasek
Imperial Marshals
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload6/the_haseks.JPG

[in case anyone is curious, Janos is the one on the left, and Marius is the one on the right.]

North-West Antarctirca would prefer to discuss the exact terms of our territory conflict with Lavenrunz in private. (ooc: the sisgardia board is nicer than this one :P) However, we do plan on attending this conference, even if merely to observe other territory conflicts.

“Sweet Jesus. He wants me to do what?”

“You are to proceed to the Lavenrunz conference and voice the official position, with your usual latitude and delegated authority,” repeated the computer.

“Shit,” Sam said, repeatedly, “Only time I get anything that could even potentially be interesting, it turns out to be inane and facile discussion of a potential scrap over an ice sheet.”

“There is land under the ice,” the sub-sentient organiser said, in a horribly helpful tone, “if that helps ma’am.”

“Oh shut up and schedule a ‘flight,’” she snapped, “and be less patronising in future.”

Samara Neja, Vicereigne of Sentinel Two.
http://67.18.37.17/584/140/upload/av-17.jpg

OOC:
Would it be acceptible for a major Kanuckistani corperation to send a representitive? Kanuckistan doesn't have any interest in Antarctica, but Uniphase Armouries Interversal does, and the government isn't about to defend corperate interests when the company in question won't even tell their own government what and where said interests are.

Double post of d00m :shock:

Anton Slavick sighed as he entered the halls, in full uniform and obviously bored. Another idiot reception he thought. Can't we just get to the point and be done with it? I have better things to do than hang out with a bunch of dumbf*cks from every tiny patch of land in the world. And this terrible fairytale music...

He ate some of the meat, after carefully examining it and watching
others who already ate it. Then looking around the room he spotted some likeminded people at the liquor table. Although he'd do nothing rather than drink this reception away, he had to stay sobre until after the conference. But maybe the Melkorians were people he could talk with.

"Enjoying the conference?" he said, grinning, as he walked up to them. "Or are you just as bored as I am? What is Melkor's interest in Antarctica anyway?"

[Sorry Jo, taking slight liberty with layouts and such. If it's no good, let me know, and I'll change as needed.]

Aesa Erikson stepped of the small jet, having landed on a private airstrip outside of Frederick International Airport, greasing the needed palms to avoid unwanted questions. Her long blond hair was pulled back, and an expensive pair of designer sunglasses covered her blue eyes. She was quite attractive, but her cold, hard face discouraged conversation, and betrayed her Norse heritage. She pulled the coller of her coat taut around her neck, and gracefully stepped into a waiting car. She spoke in a voice as smooth and cold as ice, much like her appearance. Her voice was soft, but it carried well, "Autumn Palace. Then drop off my things at the embassy. Keep it low key."

--

She was dropped off a couple blocks from the Palace, rather disdaining all the pomp and curcumstance of such affairs, but willing to as was required. She subtly showed her ID to the palace guard, and slipped inside, finding a buffet as opposed to a conference table. She sighed inwardly, accepted a glass of wine, and did her best to be ignored.

It wasn't just that she was largely a bitch, she was also more than a little jet lagged, and mildly pissed at people complaining about the seizure of what was little more than a block of ice.

Count Chemnitz discreetly ground his teeth as Anton Slavik walked by--and as he saw yet another delegate, this one from Hack, walk in with a look that suggested she had better things to do. Lavenrunz was increasingly surrounded by barbarians who would prefer just to snarl at one another over tapwater while they hashed out an agreement as quickly as possible.

Karl von Effner recognized the two representatives of Lord Melkor and went up to them with the belligerent but friendly energy of a terrier, gesturing with his cigar as he bowed and said, “Well met, friends, well met! Ah, you’re chosing one of the best Milesian whiskeys there, my dear fellow. Very good to see you both. I’m afraid in general we have our work cut out for us, but such scope and Majesty has this work that I for one am happy to be a part of it.” He said somewhat obscurely. Both saw the young Empress glance their way and smile briefly before turning to listen to something the Archbishop was saying. Von Effner went on to say, "And you, Herr Slavnik, are most welcome as well. I hope you had a pleasant journey."

The lovely and buxom Baroness Toll, in a low cut evening gown that enhanced her charms and her pale blond hair came to where Sargos and Thomas were standing, and with a smile said, “What, gentlemen, are you too busy gazing around to try the buffet? Ambassador, it is wonderful to see you again, and you as well, Herr Thomas. Tell me—is there any hopeful news from your country?”

OOC: Kanuckistan, it is quite fine if you want to send reps of a corporation rather than a country provided the distinction is made clear.

Cirdani Diplomatic Concorde, Somewhere Between Cirdanistan And Lavenrunz

There had been much debate going on about who should go to the conference; first it was about wether the Praesident of Foreign Affairs should go in person or should a delegate be sent, then about wether it should be a political nominee or a civil servant, then it was about how exactly should the individual be chosen, then again about whether the Praesident should go himself. In the end, a compromise was reached: Praesident fo foreign Affairs Saluki wouldn't go, but he got to choose a political nominee to go in his stead.

That was how Ambassador-at-large Säerùn Wainwright found herself in a diplomatic Concorde bound for the Hofburg at twice the speed of sound, listening to her staff give her an intensive briefing about one of the most ridiculous international incidents she had ever heard of: an almost global dispute over a giant inlandsis with attached ice shelves. Hardly the most valuable plot of real estate in the world, although ,as one of her aides kept pointing out, interesting from a scientific viewpoint as a laboratory for the study of global warming and various forms of life, including exremophile organisms-whatever those were. She yawned, and almost wished someone else had been assigned. But Fouad Saluki had heavily insisted on the importance of this conference before she went, and she respected his judgment. Besides, from what she had heard of Lavenrunzian diplomacy, it might be enjoyable from a personnal as well as professional standpoint. She sighed, relaxed into her chair and handed her PDA to one of the aides with instructions to load the key files into it's memory.

Roughly an hour later, she emerged from the plane at Frederick International, dressed in grey flanel pants and a white flanel shirt, with black leather round-tipped shoes. As a concession to the capitalist dress code, she had replaced her parka with a short lightweight jacket of grey suede, left unbuttoned. Her platinum blonde hair hang loose to her shoulders, framing a lovely face and grey-blue eyes that held all the strength of well-tempered steel.

She took a few cautious steps away from the Concorde, followed by an aide and a pair of bodyguards, breathing in the fresh spring air, before breaking into full stride and pruposefully availing herself of the appropriate means of transportation to the Palace.

A surprised [and lightly overwhelmed] look dominates the Marshals' faces as they're approached in turn by Anton Slavick and Karl von Effner. Marius smiles as von Effner as he approaches. "Ah, hello sir," he says with a grin. He stepped aside sligthly, revealing the other half of his brother. "This is my brother Janos, you may have heard me mention him before." He grinned slightly as Janos leaned forward and offered von Effner his hand. "Well I brought him this time."

Janos grins and shoots a sidelong glance to his brother. "Brought nothing, you silly sod," he retorts with a chuckle. "I brought myself." Turning his gaze back to von Effner, he hikes his chin. "Hello," he says through another chuckle.

Of the two Marius alone recognized the Minister on sight, though they both knew Slavick. Janos nodded to Slavick as he lifted the glass to his lips, nodding with a slight grin at the Lavenrunzian Foreign Minister's comment about the whiskey. "Our interest in this matter will be mainfest once the talks begin," he asserted, lowering the glass with an approving nod to von Effner. "Suffice to say, the Imperium has of late been attempting to establish more.." he pauses, gesturing with his glass. "Favorable relations with this great nation. I'm sure you can understand," he said with a friendly smile.

Marius, meanwhile, was preoccupied mostly with the Lavenrunzian foreign Minister, but he found himself glancing over to Janos and Slavick, compulsively trying to keep tabs on their conversation as well. "If there's one thing my brother can do well every time, it's pick the best whiskey on the table," he said, with a shake of his head. Looking back to von Effner, Marius cracked a grin. "Still, you'll constantly be hearing men from my country raving about the whiskey out of Dunland: it's widely accredited as the finest liquor in the Five Kingdoms," he said, sipping his own drink. He inhaled sharply, the air hissing for a moment as he drew it in. "But at any rate, it's good to be back. I'd like to request an audience with yourself or another appropriate agent, so myself and my brother can expound further on our position." He crossed his arms, his glass dangling from his fingertips, already nearly halfway emptied. "And I'm sure we can find...other things to discuss as well, no?"

Marius and Janos Hasek
Imperial Marshals
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload6/the_haseks.JPG

Cirdani Diplomatic Concorde, Somewhere Between Cirdanistan And Lavenrunz

There had been much debate going on about who should go to the conference; first it was about wether the Praesident of Foreign Affairs should go in person or should a delegate be sent, then about wether it should be a political nominee or a civil servant, then it was about how exactly should the individual be chosen, then again about whether the Praesident should go himself. In the end, a compromise was reached: Praesident fo foreign Affairs Saluki wouldn't go, but he got to choose a political nominee to go in his stead.

That was how Ambassador-at-large Säerùn Wainwright found herself in a diplomatic Concorde bound for the Hofburg at twice the speed of sound, listening to her staff give her an intensive briefing about one of the most ridiculous international incidents she had ever heard of: an almost global dispute over a giant inlandsis with attached ice shelves. Hardly the most valuable plot of real estate in the world, although ,as one of her aides kept pointing out, interesting from a scientific viewpoint as a laboratory for the study of global warming and various forms of life, including exremophile organisms-whatever those were. She yawned, and almost wished someone else had been assigned. But Fouad Saluki had heavily insisted on the importance of this conference before she went, and she respected his judgment. Besides, from what she had heard of Lavenrunzian diplomacy, it might be enjoyable from a personnal as well as professional standpoint. She sighed, relaxed into her chair and handed her PDA to one of the aides with instructions to load the key files into it's memory.

Roughly an hour later, she emerged from the plane at Frederick International, dressed in grey flanel pants and a white flanel shirt, with black leather round-tipped shoes. As a concession to the capitalist dress code, she had replaced her parka with a short lightweight jacket of grey suede, left unbuttoned. Her platinum blonde hair hang loose to her shoulders, framing a lovely face and grey-blue eyes that held all the strength of well-tempered steel.

She took a few cautious steps away from the Concorde, followed by an aide and a pair of bodyguards, breathing in the fresh spring air, before breaking into full stride and pruposefully availing herself of the appropriate means of transportation to the Palace.

OOC: You may have missed that the delegates would be greeted by members of the diplomatic corps. I shall give a demonstration of how others would have been met and greeted.
IC:

Ambassador Wainright had got no more than a few steps when she realized that the group of formally dressed troops--with scarlet plumed shakos, dark blue uniforms with shining brass buttons--were presenting arms at a shouted command, and that a band in even more gorgeous uniforms were playing an anthem appropriate to Cirdanistan. A small group of Lavenrunzians in formal dress placed their hands over their hearts during this. When it came to an end, a balding gentleman wearing a formal tunic with decorations came forward and bowed pleasantly, saying, "Excellency, I am Erich Uhlman, from the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, here to welcome you and your entourage to Lavenrunz. There is a car and a police escort waiting for you; the reception has already begun but if it is necessary you can be taken to the Klefburg hotel immediately. It is my understanding, Excellency, that you may be Cirdanistan's envoy to Lavenrunz, in which case before the conference begins tomorrow you may if you wish have a meeting with the Foreign Minister." he seemed a little out of breath after this speech.

At the Reception

Von Effner listened gravely, though he chuckled now and then at the banter with the Haseks. "I'm sure we'll find a great deal to discuss." he told Marius. "For instance--perhaps we might go to the balcony rather than have me shed cigar smoke all over the buffet--have you tried these by the way? Quite good, it's a brand from Roania. Extraordinary, no?" he offered one from his pocket. "You've heard about Mirbach, eh? Such a pity that he was not able to serve the Empress better. If you'd met poor old Schnorr, the new Chancellor...well...he was largely chosen so as not to be a threat to Mirbach." Von Effner's eyes gleamed as he said this...

"He's late again."

"You know the Ambassador. He learned the Emperor always makes a late entrance, so he's trying to emulate him."

"Yes, but the Emperor has the charm to actually get away with it."

"Hush now. You know your job."

"Yes, and part of my job is to keep an eye on those two. They've already been mingling with various VIPs while we cool our heels waiting for the Ambassador to get his hair just right. There are times when I'd rather babysit a crocodile with a sore tooth."

Charles regarded his counterpart gravely. "Keep that up, Catherine, and your boss just might oblige you. Lavenrunz may be allied territory, but it's also contested territory. You know better than to talk where people might hear you."

Catherine snorted derisively. "Nobody's paying attention to us. You know me better than that."

Charles shrugged eloquently and took a sip of his ale. He made a mental note that he was already on his third, and would have to make this one last; the conference was far too important for him to act a drunken lout, especially with the Ambassador's increasingly erratic behaviour. He made a note to check with his superiors about Grant's fitness for duty. The man seemed to think himself bulletproof, acting the idiot with perfect aplomb as though everyone would accept it as civilised behaviour. Charles sometimes shared Catherine's sentiment: babysitting the Ambassador was an unpleasant chore at best. He couldn't think of a single mission where the man hadn't managed to embarrass someone at some point, usually his own people.

"Ah, there you are!" Grant's voice made both of them jump slightly; they hadn't heard him come up from behind. "Loitering around, I see. Not a good idea, very unsociable. It gives people the wrong impression, and we certainly don't want to do that here!"

"No, Ambassador," Charles responded dutifully. Noting the Ambassador's freshly showered and shaven demeanor, he quickly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away a few leftover spots of shaving cream. He can't even dress himself without supervision!

"Oh, do stop clucking over me like a mother hen," Grant grumbled, pushing at the hand with the kerchief. "I can take care of myself, you know."

"Of course, Ambassador," Charles replied guilelessly, but didn't stop fussing until he was satisfied the other man was fit for presentation.

"I see they've started without us," Grant observed with obvious pleasure. "Excellent, I believe I'm just in time. Come, Catherine. Charles, put that abominable thing away. Now, smile and let me do the talking."

"Yes, Ambassador," Charles and Catherine replied in unison, then fell in step behind him. Catherine threw Charles an accusing look, but he ignored it.

It was their job, after all.

"Thomas has already sampled just about all of it," Sargos told her after the two of them had bowed to the Baroness. "Was the first thing he did when he got here. Minister Pierce and I lack his endless youthful appetite though."

"Which is too bad," Thomas put in. "The cooks here are very talented. As to your question, well, we're cleaning up. Glorious Humanity owes Lavenrunz a great debt for your assistance. Speaking of that, sort of, my father came here to be part of the Glorious Human delegation." He waved to Minister Pierce, who was a little further down the table. The other man saw who they were talking to and immediately came over.

"Baroness Toll," Thomas said formally. "May I present Minister Frank Pierce of Glorious Humanity's Ministry of International Relations, and also my father. Father, this is Baroness Toll, Press Secretary for Her Majesty, Empress Aurora."

"Guten Abend Baroness. Es ist eine Ehre, Sie zu treffen," the elder Pierce greeted her, making a letter-perfect bow.

Thomas made a face. "This is my father's first visit, and he can converse in the language," he commented ruefully. "I'm living in this country at the moment, and I still don't know more than ten words."

"It'll come to you eventually," Sargos replied to Thomas with a chuckle.

OOC: The Tsarainese people aren't coming in by plane, so I'm assuming they don't get all the diplomatic fanfare? If they do, I can edit accordingly.

"How is it," Sekhat wondered, "That we can manage to be almost late, when we have the least distance to go of anyone?"

Beside him, Eridhien-Aira ea Seingult shrugged eloquently; the Ea didn't contemplate such things much, being entirely too literal-minded. Sekhat regarded that as a failure, somewhere in the upbringing of the First Five Hundred of the Communion; others had other opinions. The Rukines got on quite well with the Communion (though that might have been because both groups were geneered, of course).

They were admitted to the Autumn Palace without the usual Lavenrunzian fanfare, that being reserved for the delegates at the airport (OOC: See above OOC bit... if this is wrong I'll be happy to change it). Sekhat gave the room a quick glance, noting the various representatives scattered around. It was amazing, the Lavenrunzian ability to get opposing (in some cases, actively hostile) nations to sit around a table and be more-or-less pleasant to each other.

"Ah, there's Ambassador Grant. It is good not to be the only NDA member present. And that must be Ambassador Erikson from the Hack. Not so lonely after all."

Eridhien nodded, but said nothing. Ea didn't waste words, either, or at least this one didn't.

Lenore slowly lifted her head and looked up from her papers with weary eyes. She promised herself that she WOULD find time for this special conference. She sipped some water, rose up and called her servants to call her entourage to get them to the place of the assembly. Ten more minutes then her chauffeur would be parked outside, waiting to bring her to the meeting. She looked at her computer, her last encrypted mail suggested that someone unusual might tag along, she hoped he wouldn't disturb the talks.

Calleis took a deep breath, enjoying the various festive scents of the palace; food, wine and flowers. Smiling, she looked back to her pilots and aide. "Alright, men, We need to start hunting. You see any potentials?"

The pilots looked confused and were obviously searching out another military uniform, just for the sake of something in common to talk about. Calleis expected that and instead was more focused upon her more politically inclined aide; of course, she had no real intention of following his suggestion beyond mild consideration.

"Well, ma'am, I'd suggest the Lavenrunzians over there talking to the other gentlemen, by the alcohol table."

Raising her eyebrows, Calleis followed his gaze to the indicated people. What do you know...he actually got me on one...Ah well. Must be infalliable! Calleis chuckled lightly at her private joke and nodded. "Just my thought exactly. You gentlemen all remember not to get yourself's too tanked. Can't make a bad impression, after all."

Leading the entourage, Calleis closed in on the cluster around the alcohol table and waited for a break in conversation. When one presented itself, she introduced the group. "Hello and good evening, I am Lady-Commander of the Order and Colonel in Kaerion's Kestrels Calleis Ymirson, and these are my associates, Mr. Eric Simons, Chief Warrant Benjamin Kane and Master Chief Warrant Vernon Hill. A pleasure to meet you all."


(Anyone remember us?

OOC: Is this thread dead or something?

A converted Water Coolian PeopeintheSkyMover 757 lands at the Lavenrunzian airport.

Before getting off the plane Ambassador Ojo Bloom puts the finishing touches on a 'authentic' letter from Water Cooler De Novo.

He hurriedly puts it in a document case, and seals it, making sure to place the 'wax seal' on in just the right way.

Getting of the plane he smiled at the gaily dressed Lavenrunzians.

After the intially pomp was over he asked to be taken to the Buffet post haste. He then asked waving his hand behind him, that his aides be taken to the Water Coolian ((If we don't have one, I'm sure a tempoary one can be found)) Embassy to begin preparing the arguments for the conference.

I wonder if they will have salad He thought, patting his rather large stomach, through his creased dress shirt.

Karl von Effner recognized the two representatives of Lord Melkor and went up to them with the belligerent but friendly energy of a terrier, gesturing with his cigar as he bowed and said, “Well met, friends, well met! Ah, you’re chosing one of the best Milesian whiskeys there, my dear fellow. Very good to see you both. I’m afraid in general we have our work cut out for us, but such scope and Majesty has this work that I for one am happy to be a part of it.” He said somewhat obscurely. Both saw the young Empress glance their way and smile briefly before turning to listen to something the Archbishop was saying. Von Effner went on to say, "And you, Herr Slavnik, are most welcome as well. I hope you had a pleasant journey."

"Most certainly, Mr. von Effner. It is a long journey from Cairo all the way to Lavenrunz, but my private jet did it fast enough. I'm afraid the Brotherhood has not been paying much attention to this fine nation of late, though. How is business around here?"

Esmeralda was a bit late, finally tired of waiting for the NWA delegates... if there would be any, it seemed like they preferred the more... private talks in NWA.

Which sort of made her presence here superfluous, but meh... There would prolly be a few nice people to be met here.

It was a bit chilly, for her, Spring in Lavenrunz... Well, she would survive it, despite her rather... skimpy clothing. Well, actually, one could get lost in her cleavage.

But she didn´t really care. Being an immigrant do DA, and in her end- twenties, she was surprisingly high, already being an ambassador... It worked for her, though quite a few people claimed that she got her position more by way of her physical charms, rather than her actual capabilities... incidentally, this people were wrong.

Showing off her long, black hair, she arrived, exotic, yet a little bit threatening... Seductive, but certainly not 'cute'.

She gave the Brotherhood delegates an odd look, like most Angstians would, having worked with both of their sides, the profitable partner and the deadly enemy, then joining the crowd, not too active, being merely interested in listening... The result of her superiors complete ignorance for the antarctic, 'cept for their allies holdings.

Von Effner was amused by the way half the arrivals had flocked to the bar. He bowed to the Lady-Commander, saying, "Ah yes, of course." turning to Slavik, he said, "Speaking of business, Herr Slavik, the BlackWolf Order and Lavenrunz worked on a submarine carrier system meant to convey power suited troops for underwater raids. During Empress Joanna's time. And now I understand that both the Brotherhood and the Order have bases in Antarctica. Between you and me, Lady-Commander, Herr Slavik, Her Majesty is mostly just concerned with the details, but it is best to work these things out formally." He went on to suggest, with panache and enjoyment, some excellent whiskeys or if the Order's representatives preferred, wine or other liquors. "I wonder if anyone--" he glanced at the group of foreign dignitaries, "Is aware that some CACE nations and others are getting rather up in arms in the UN about all this...."

Baroness Toll bowed politely to Pierce. "It is an honor to make your Excellency's acquaintance." her eyes twinkled. "Do I detect a Der Angstian accent there, Excellency?"
"Speaking of Der Angstians," mentioned a nearby Guards officer with a faint note of astonishment, nodding in the direction of the envoy from Der Angst.

Colonel-General von Baden, craggy faced, handsome, with an air of quiet strength, strode up to Ambassador Grant. His demeanor showed nothing of his thoughts. Unbeknownst to all, he had had a meeting with the Empress that still chilled him to the bone. She knew. She knew everything. And Mirbach was at the Fortress! Yet they were all constantly watched. All of his...fellow conspirators. It was now only a matter of time. All he had left was duty and honor, a chance to save it. A last chance for loyalty.
"Excellency, I doubt that you know me, but I'm General von Baden, Chief of the Imperial General Staff,and I wanted to welcome you to Lavenrunz. I was just saying to the Minister of War the other day that it would be a fine thing for the NDA to have some kind of joint strategic planning sessions...would it be possible to work something out like that through yourself?" as he spoke he tried to lead the ambassador over to the envoy from Tsaraine...since they were all NDA member nations...

In fact the worthy Tsarainese had been approached by a lugubrious, long faced man with an amiable but diffident manner. He bowed politely and said, "Hello. I am acting Chancellor Ludwig Schnorr." he considered a moment and added in their own language, "I sings tractors. Turnip? Buttocks?"

At the buffet table, Ambassador Bloom found himself near an elderly wispy haired priestly gentleman, who appeared to have had the same thoughts, and was arranging on his plate slices of melon, pear, grape bunches and lightly spiced tomatoes from a section devoted to succulent looking fruits and vegetables with intriguing looking dressings.

The angular, 144 meter long form of a StarScyth corvette bearing the marking of Uniphase Armouries Interversal's Corperate Gaurd came in low and slow over the perscribed landing area at Frederick International, skimming fifteen meters above the ground at no more than ten kph when the rear-orianted boarding hatch opened, and a winged figure descended through the air; it's passanger thus delivered, the vessel departed for other duties.

The being that softly touched down stood no more than five feet in height, feminimity self-evident from her full-figured form. Her species wasn't quite so normal, atleast as far as this country would likly be concerned; the ebony-furred woman's large amber eyes looking past a vulpine muzzel, her velvet furred bat-like wings held at a casual half their four-meter span, while a plush vulpine tail, no less than half her height in length, swayed behind her.

Her clothing was also unusual - a halter top of aparently spun mithiril adorning her torso, exposing plenty of clevage and just short enough to leave the very bottom of her furred bust visible; UAI's corperate insignia embroidered over her heart in black silk and spun gold, while a metalic saphire and gold coloured pauldron, engravd with intricate, softly glowing emerald runes, covered her left shoulder and upper arm. Contrasting this expense were a pair of mundane blue jeans, cut off mid-thigh, and dipping below her tail in the back, tho leaving nothing indecent visible; a pair of leather belts sat upon her hips at an obvious angle, the lower right side holding a somewhat large holster and scappard loop, both of ebon fullerine, while a fairly large, ridged black nylon pouch sat on the oposite hip. Her footware was unusual by necessity, shortly-clawed toes exposed in the sandal-like arrangment her digitigrade paws rested upon; ribons of blue silk criss-crossing the raised legnth of her foot and around an ankle that wasn't designed to touch the ground; a velcro-like binding holding the legnths of silk fast behind her lower calves.

Jewelry is also abnormal, starting with a marble-sized emerald resting upon the base of her muzzel, just below her eyes; fine threads of platinum connecting it to four legnths of fine gold chain - two hanging to frame either side of her muzzel, while the other two run upwards, hanging where a hunam might expect to find eyebrows, and running behing her large fox-like ears to dangle just above her shoulders, glittering with fine saphires along their final length. The second adornment is far more mundane, consisting of five rings of silver upon each finger of her left hand, connected by a web of fine chain. Finally are fine threads of gold and silver, woven through the fur of her tail, forearms, and wings; all but invisible, glittering here and there as the light catches them.


Glancing about, Ch'cye Kitesfear breifly wondered if her superriors had informed the natives as to her species - doubtful, she instantly concluded; it would be ammusing to see how the Lavvies reacted upon realising her wingspan would make it impossible to fit her into a car without major surgery, and they would be getting a full record from her neural lace later.

As her eyes settled upon the reception, her thoughts shifted to what 'anthem' the company had provided the Lavenrunzians with; they usually chose something esoteric, loud, and often requioring either an electric guitar or synthisizer; sometimes both. Last time they'd lifted it directly from the Halo 4 soundtrack.

"Well," Pierce replied. "I didn't learn it from Der Angstians, so any resemblance is just an accent-dent of language I guess." He said that with a perfectly straight face. The other two Glorious Humans groaned appropriately, then looked in the direction the Guard had indicated.

"Did she come for a negotiation or to hit night clubs?" Sargos wondered out loud, looking at the Angstian woman's garments, or lack thereof.

"Your guess is as good as mine," Pierce shook his head, then turned back to the Baroness. "Does her arrival cause any trouble, besides of course the clothing one? Glorious Humanity does have a rather large interest in Antarctica, given that like Lavenrunz we have set up a colony there."

In fact, the Kanuckistani found, as the Corporation was not a sovereign nation, the Lavenrunzians instead played a stirring Elgar march in greeting. An open air car was provided which was low slung. The Lavenrunzian diplomatic corps officer present advised that the reception had already begun, and that they had better hurry if they were to be in time for the Empress' arrival.

Baroness Toll was slightly embarassed. She herself was wearing a somewhat low cut evening dress, though hardly with the microskirt that the Der Angstian was wearing. "Sometimes Der Angstians like to shock people." she said with a sigh. "Incidentally...I'm told your folk are mostly interested in marine research. What kind, do you know?"

"Not offhand, but pretty much studying everything," Pierce replied. "Our country has always been fond of knowledge. Of course, that's not all we're interested in, however for the moment we're sticking just to science while we wait for the outcome of this conference. After the conference we may expand our interests, particularly in the directions of mining and tourism, but right now we think it better to wait to see what gets agreed on here before making any further plans."

Von Effner was amused by the way half the arrivals had flocked to the bar. He bowed to the Lady-Commander, saying, "Ah yes, of course." turning to Slavik, he said, "Speaking of business, Herr Slavik, the BlackWolf Order and Lavenrunz worked on a submarine carrier system meant to convey power suited troops for underwater raids. During Empress Joanna's time. And now I understand that both the Brotherhood and the Order have bases in Antarctica. Between you and me, Lady-Commander, Herr Slavik, Her Majesty is mostly just concerned with the details, but it is best to work these things out formally." He went on to suggest, with panache and enjoyment, some excellent whiskeys or if the Order's representatives preferred, wine or other liquors. "I wonder if anyone--" he glanced at the group of foreign dignitaries, "Is aware that some CACE nations and others are getting rather up in arms in the UN about all this...."

"CACE is a joke. Don't tell me Lavenrunz takes those commies seriously." Slavick replied, laughing grimly. "And the UN is so divided it couldn't save it's own...rear-end, should it come to it." He wanted to say a lot more about the UN, but diplomacy required he didn't.

"But the submarine system sounds very interesting, mr. von Effner." he continued. "I think the Brotherhood would certainly be interested in it. Perhaps a business deal could be arranged? The Brotherhood has many exportable technologies that might be of interest to Lavenrunz and the Order. You may have heard of the Banshee fighter-bomber? It is extremely fast and agile, and it's dual plasma cannons rip trough nearly anything. It's only weakness is it's low armour, but increasing it would dramatically decrease the Banshees' speed and agility.

And Antarctica, well, the Brotherhood's only concern is our base there. As long as Lavenrunz and the other parties involved recognize the base and a small area around it, the Brotherhood has no interest in not recognizing Lavenrunz' claim to Antarctica."

Sekhat carefully schooled his face into immobility at the Acting Chancellor's rather ... remarkable gaffe.

"Very pleased to meet you," he replied carefully in Lavenrunzian German. His mastery of that tongue wasn't perfect, but it was certainly better than Schnorr's Sekhel. "I am Ambassador tsaKell, of course, and this is Eridhien-Aira ea Seingult, Operations Commandant of the Ea Communion. I don't believe we've met before?"

He didn't introduce the two Rukines, who were doing their best to be silent and unnoticed (although, being seven-foot hulking black-skinned behemoths of men, that best wasn't very effective).

Then, of course, he noted the Treznorikh ambassador being sheperded towards his little party by yet another uniformed Lavenrunzian. That was a suprise; getting Grant to go in the right direction was like herding cats, Sekhat knew from prior experience.

>>LOST@Eridhien-Aira ea Seingult: It's Grant and he's coming this way. Ainra kal Ruki!

<<LOSTfrEridhien-Aira ea Seingult: Whatever do you mean? The existence of Ruki Aestrakhor has yet to be conclusively proven.

>>LOST@Eridhien-Aira ea Seingult: ... Nevermind.

(OOC: The "LOST@" stuff is Line-Of-Sight-Transmission. 'Tis radio wave thingies, so it can be jammed if you happen to have a radio wave jammer in the area, or decrypted or whatever)

Lenore swept through the room glancing at the people around her acknowledging some with a little nod and a smile. By her side was the towering shape of a high Inquisitor, cleanly shaved and moving with a grace that you couldn't believe of a man of his size. His face was a mask, disguising any emotions he had about the surrounding crowd. Lenore tried to ignore him as best as she could when she socialized and moving through the crowd towards her intended target, the buffet table.

In fact, the Kanuckistani found, as the Corporation was not a sovereign nation, the Lavenrunzians instead played a stirring Elgar march in greeting. An open air car was provided which was low slung. The Lavenrunzian diplomatic corps officer present advised that the reception had already begun, and that they had better hurry if they were to be in time for the Empress' arrival.


Ch'cye Kitesfear instantly knew the selection played was something selected by her superriors; by the music's end, she had surmissed the reason, and also concluded that UAI would be declaring itself a sovereign state at some point in the near future if the suits reached the same conclusion.

Polite greetings were then exchanged, and when the lateness of her arrival noted, she made the typicly vauge diplo-speak excuse and apology, then followed the officer to a car that, tho decidedly uncomfortible thanks to her added apendages, was nevertheless quite functional at conveying her to the prescribed location.

Finally arriving, Ch'cye spent a moment to work the kinks out of her back befor entered; tail twitching as she paused to momentarily survey the croud and room, befor casually making her way past the gathered parties and following her nose to the strawberry wine she'd detected from the car.

The shock hit Calleis in two waves; The first, Emperess' Johanna's time? Could it be she was dead? Calleis mulled it over in her mind-an obvious failing on behalf of her aides and intelligence in making sure she was fully informed of the current structures of power in a government...she was just thankful the Lavenrunzians hadn't forgotten their past working relationships.

The second shock came more directly to the mission at hand. How did they know about Base NOMAD? Did they know about the TMRP? That would be a great disaster just waiting to happen...But from the tone of the gentlemen's voice, it was almost suggested that they had a fair chance of securing Base NOMAD in a more 'legitimate' way. Vance would be relieved by the news-he wanted a war with Lavenrunz about as badly as one would want to be shot. Which, incidentally, wasn't very much at all.

The suggestion, however, of a possible war brewing lest this conference smooth some ruffled feathers was quite unpleasant. It reminded her that they were no longer merely an un-tied down mercenary outift, but a full fledged nation...complete with the treaties to be honored to go with it.

She was abruptly brought out of her reverie by Slavick's mention of the Lavenrunzian/Order SeARMOR project. Furthermore surprised by the mention of Plasma Cannons manufactured outside the Order.

"Pardon me...Mr. Slavick...but I must ask. How did you come across the technology to create a plasma cannon?" she tried to keep any real emotions from registering in her face, but she knew he could tell she was caught off-guard. Up until this moment, the Order had operated under the happy knowledge that it was the sole owner of the plasma cannon, the only weapon (aside from large tanks, bombs and missiles) capable of taking down the heavier suits used by the Kestrels.

Yet ANOTHER failure from intelligence. Calleis was starting to get rather put out by them.

Continuing, she said "You see, sir, as far as we know, we've been the only ones around with that sort of weaponry, and the Kestrels took every last piece with them when we left on our long sojourn. Of course, on the same note, the SeARMOR mentioned by our Lavenrunzian compatriot here, has almost entirely also been a monopoly on our part." She managed to twist some humor into her voice. "From the sound of things, you're starting to encroach upon said monopoly...heaven knows you might actually force us to start having to work for a living again!" Calleis was able to let out a genuine smile, although she could feel the questions gnawing at the back of her mind. This was, she had that feeling, going to be a rather interesting and informative series of debates.

Slavick's face showed confusion for a short moment, then, on his guard, he spoke to Calleis. "Well...we researched it. I do not know the specifics of the project, but initial research into plasma weaponry started around thirty years ago, a decade or so after the First Tiberium War. Since then, there have been numerous improvements and the first Banshee prototypes were manufactured around 2020, and then became a standard section of our airforce a few years later. The huge amounts of funding directed towards military R&D caused the quick implementation of the technology over the years. But there are many cases in history of technology being invented in multiple places by multiple persons, this is probably just one of the many."

Wombat News Report (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=153815)

Those nations concerned with Lavenrunz' recent establishment of claims to the continent of Antarctic may address those concerns at a conference to take place at the Autumn Palace in the capital city of Hofburg.
Delegates are advised that while personal security is acceptable, armaments are not. The hospitality of the Empress will be provided, as will amenities to provide for the stay of any representatives from any nations.
The general aim of this conference is a peaceful resolution of the matter at hand.
(ooc: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=151712&highlight= )

You can have it...oh, but be warned: the 7,000,000+ people of Twoacrestan swung by & peed all over your newly-claimed continent.

As the saying goes, "Don't eat the yellow snow!"

[OOC: a thousand apologies for delay in responding, but was kept busy by exams. These self-same exams also somewhat hasted my orginal reading of the thread, not to mention monopolising my sense of logicalities, so please also excuse my mistake as to the fanfare. Argh, and can't i get invovled in an RP without the threat of an ignorefest due to tech-levels varying popping-up? i'm not a strict present-era freak, and there are some things i'm willing to live with, and some things in advance of what you'll see in 2004 i use myself, but plasma cannons? please(unless, of course, you can explain the scientific and technical basis to me using present scientific knowledge). Hoping the issue won't get into the way of RP, L, I suppose Ulhman is talking in English or whatever passes for a diplomatical lingua franca in NS?unless actually typed in German or noted otherwise in the text, please assume Säerùn is speaking the lingua franca, which i presume is english. Just for clarity's sake, and yes i admit to being a stickler for details. ]

Säerùn was nearly surprised by the reception, but she kept from showing. The 'nearly' was the difference between a qualified Ambassador-at-large and a second-class diplomat(Säerùn knew some who'd have thrown a screaming fit upon being refered to as 'Excellency'), and she was most definately the former.And to say that in Aperin we're usually regarded as formalists...Bowing was not altogether standard behaviour in Cirdanistan, but it was polite to follow the customs of one's hosts, so she dropped Uhlman a clumsy bow.

"Gefallen, um Sie zu treffen, Herr Uhlman. I am Säerùn Wainwright, Ambassador-at-large for the People's Revolutionary Democratic Republic of Cirdanistan, and your undertsanding is most correct; but please, do not call me Excellency. If it as acceptable to our hosts, of course, then i would wish to first settle in at the hotel, and, if there is time afterwards, attend the ongoing reception. In any case, an opportunity to talk on a bilateral basis with your Foreign Minister prior to the beginning of the conference would be most valued; thus must I thank him for having found a time frame within which it is possible, and take up his offer."

The Knootians, meanwhile, waited a bit in the lobby for the chatter to end and the conference to begin.

Uhlmann smiled, bowing again. "I believe his Excellency the Foreign Minister will be delighted at a chance to converse with you, Sir, in regard to the matters to which you allude." He did not quite herd Cirdanistan's delegation to the cars, because he was a member of the diplomatic corps and knew how to do these things properly. "In fact, a reception at the Autumn Palace has begun, and it is likely that you will be able to meet him there."

As Duchess Lenore went up to the table several of the Lavenrunzians bowed politely. Count Chemnitz and Kainz both noted her with admiration and approval.
Von Effner, seeing her, said to Slavik, "Ah, yes...we do not use plasma weapons, you know...find they tend to overheat too much. No, good uranium tipped autocannon are good enough for us. But certainly your nation is preeminent along with others," he bowed to the Haseks, "In the area of weapons manufacture--in fact, Lady Commander, with the four of us here we could have good representation for an arms show! Yes, we have much to talk of in that regard...please excuse me a moment."
He whispered something to a nearby aide, who nodded and walked over to where Duchess Lenore had begun to peruse the tables. Von Effner turned back politely to the conversation.

"Your Grace," the aide said quietly, "The Foreign Minister wished me to request that you meet with him at the earliest opportunity following the reception today." bowing to Lenore.

"No," said Schnorr. "I don't think we have met before. Ah, your grasp of my tongue is better than my--mine of yours." he smiled, unblushing. "But you have been in Lavenrunz before then? Ah--here comes Ambassador Grant! The Ambassador is to the point but never punctual..."

The Knootians were approached by an Under-Chamberlain who politely asked them why they were hanging around in the entry hall of the Palace if they didn't intend to come to the reception. Or would they like a ride back to the hotel?

OOC: let's not have a tech debate. rule of thumb is that if people are rping in the same universe they have something of compatible tech, and don't worry about it too much.

"Yes, yes, we are coming," replied the older gentlemen somewhat annoyed at being disturbed by the Under-Chamberlain. They followed the Lavenrunzian to the reception and stood in a corner a bit, discussing local issues amongst themselves in Dutch, just as they had been doing in the lobby.

"It can be a difficult tongue to learn," Sekhat said. "But yes, I have been in your fair nation for some short amount of time now; I am the Tsarainese Ambassador to Lavenrunz, under the NDA.

"Ah yes, I have met Ambassador Grant before. A ... unique experience."

OOC: Eew, short. Many apologies.

OOC: If people would like to post asides of what they might have said or done at the reception, they may. Unless there are strenuous objections I would like to move on to the conference.
IC:

(the following day, in the Autumn Palace)
Count Chemnitz had carefully studied previous conferences in Lavenrunz: the religious warfare one, the first major SATO meeting, the International Mediation Council. This one was very different, and it must be so, to his thinking. The Empress in part set the tone, and thus it was that the delegates found themselves in a large, beautiful room whose walls were decorated with patterns of leaves and animals, whose rugs were set with patterns of colors that were meant in fact to suggest those of a lavenrunzian garden in bloom. Each group had as many chairs as they required, and small writing desks, in a semi-circle facing a larger chair with smaller ones grouped around it.
No journalists or extraneous persons were permitted in. A small buffet in the next room, which faced the garden, was kepted chilled or warm as need be, and was in fact guarded heavily. It was noted that the servants were polite but that their Lavenrunzian was oddly rustic. In fact, they were all from an extreme southern estate belonging to the Empress, and had served the Von Sachshausens for centuries, even before they had assumed the Throne.
As each delegation came in, they noted that the Empress was not present, though von Effner and Kainz both were.

The Haseks strode confidently into the hall, unconsciously falling into step with one another as they did. Janos stopped walking as Marius continued on.

"..until you've got to call a doctor to come around and pull it out again," said Marius, turning to his brother. Noticing he wasn't still next to him, Marius turns around. Janos stood still, looking around the room, his expression indicated he was pleased with his surroundings.

Noting the lack of an Empress, Janos frowns. "Aurora's not here," he observes, folding his arms behind his back as he started walking again.

Marius laughed. "Come now, we dignitaries are still filing in. She's got to make her grand entrance," he says with a firm nod.

Janos nodded his head concurrently. "Aye. You're probably right. There's no way on either side of hell she'd not show up here today," he asserts, glancing around the room for the biggest chair.

Marius cocked a brow at his brother as the two sat down, brushing their blindingly white cloaks over the back of the chair in practiced fashion. "We still square?"

Janos nodded with a grin. "Always were," he answered. He winked. "Don't you know it."

Marius crossed his arms. Janos rolled his eyes, and levelled a finger at his brother. "Don't give me that glare shit, Marius. You can't exactly pull rank on me, so you can take that authority you think you have and stick it right up your arse. I know what we're here for. I know where the Imperium stands, and we've been over this enough." He exhaled sharply, and shook his head. "I just want to ge tthis damned conference out of the way so I don't have to deal with your bitching and badgering. Christ, you're worse than a pregnant woman sometimes."

Marius laughed, and gave his brother a quick jab on the shoulder. "God, I love f*cking with you," he said with a grin, choosing to ignore the extended middle finger of Janos. He rapped the table twice with his hand and gave a half-nod. "Let's do this."

Marius and Janos Hasek
Imperial Marshals
http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload6/the_haseks.JPG

Aesa was much more alive, and far less bitchy the next morning, having gotten a good night's sleep, enjoying the hospitality of her hosts, having opted for one of the nearby hotels, as opposed to crashing at the Hack's embassy. She arrived at the Autumn Palace early, whistling softly to herself, still in a good mood from various conversations she'd had with the hotel staff before arriving.

She greeted both vonEffner and Kainz as she arrived before heading inside, stopping by the buffet to nab a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever hot beverage was handy. She blinks at their accents and dialect, tactfully inquiring about it, her German flawless.

Having left the Rukine Knights at the Tsarainese Embassy, Sekhat and Eridhien-Aira entered the conference chamber. As always in Lavenrunz, it was well-appointed, and in far more subtle a display then such a thing would have been done in Tsaraine.

Leaving the Rukines behind, however, sat uncomfortably in his mind; it was a breach of several different regulations, but it was also sound diplomatic necessity. But who knew when something like that Winter Ball affair might occur again, in Lavenrunz?

The Tsarainese desk was marked with a little flag, the vexila eridhinra that had replaced the old vexila aseiravda. The Ea and the Tsa took their seats behind it, DNI systems projecting note files onto their retinae ... there were few notes of a policy nature, Tsaraine's policy in this matter being more or less simply to "support the allies", but there was a lot of collateral data - names, facts, personality reports and the like that could be gleaned on the other attendees, as well as the likely positions of their governments.

The three Glorious Human diplomats, having gotten a good night's rest, arrived for the actual conference now, with fresh suits similiar to the ones they'd worn the previous night. Thomas was starting to become more accustomed to wearing a suit on a regular basis, and was also starting to get a feel for looking dignified in one.

"Think your stomach's up to stuffing itself again?" Ambassador Sargos asked the younger man as they found their seats among the chairs and desks and settled into them. Sargos took the leftmost desk reserved for the Glorious Human delegation, Minister Pierce the center, and his son the right hand one.

"No, not really. I ate breakfast this morning, and besides, we're being serious now," Thomas replied. "This is negotiation, not party." Minister Pierce didn't say anything, though he smiled a little and nodded approvingly at his son's words.

"Wise man," Sargos approved as well. "Speaking of the buffet though, I see they have coffee, and I do want some of that. I have a feeling we'll all need a little alertness boost." He stood, Thomas standing with him, and the two of them went to the buffet and presently returned with three cups of coffee. Thomas set one in front of his father, and he and Sargos retook their seats and set their own cups down.

"No Empress I see, and the only Lavenrunzians in here are already talking to people. I guess we just sit boredly until further notice," Sargos remarked.

Von Effner, gesturing with his cigar, suggested quietly to Marius that they take a stroll in the gardens just outside. In spite of his being shorter than the Marshal, he quite easily kept pace, so energetic was his stride. The smoke seemed to trail behind him as if he were a steam-ship. Amidst the artful arrangements of watergardens and geometric floral arrangements and hedges, he stopped. Looking pointedly to Marius, he sighs. "I am all ears, my dear sir."

Marius nods to von Effner with a warm smile, speaking in hushed tones. "Ah, Master von Effner yes, we have much to discuss." He tugged at the cuffs of his uniform, each hand alternately. "I'm trying to avoid talk of the Imperium's official position on this until the conference actually starts," he begins thoughtfully. "I just wanted you to know that Dor Daedoloth is behind you one hundred percent." Hasek continues, gesturing with his hands. "But I'll not be so blind as to not take this for what it is: a very bold move. I've no idea who here plans on supporting or disputing Lavenrunz, as the case may be, but Lord Melkor and the Imperial Legion promises to make good on their promise to Lavenrunz."

Von Effner took a deep breath. "Well, that is very good of you...and your Master. Her Majesty will, I am sure, be very glad to hear of it. This will be a very clear demonstration of Lord Melkor's good intentions."

The Dunlending takes a quick look around and then shakes his head. "Only problem is that High Command isn't too happy with the idea of possibly having to coordinate two major military operations at the same time." His tone was very low now. "I'm fairly certain that Field Marshal Sergoyan will soon destroy a Thelasi base on Callisto. With this in mind, I feel it necessary to remind Lavenrunz that our protection ends at your existing boarders. Territories that have been annexed but not taken in force will not be disturbed by us on your account. We'll only lend support if the Lavenrunzian homeland is under direct and immediate threat."

The Marshal crosses his arms, and levels his gaze at von Effner, his face was stern yet he was genuinely concerned. "Is it?"

Von Effner drew on his cigar thoughtfully. "Not so far as I know, Herr Marshal, but you really never know sometimes what the future holds." The fiery Foreign Minister pauses. "But of course you will be kept informed of the situation. Your moral support, at the moment, is the most significant thing."

Marius' hands begin to fumble about his pockets, and after a brief search he comes up with a cigarette and a lighter. "Of course. We feel that in most instances, our support alone will deter most would-be aggressors." He lit the cigarette, and winked. "It usually does. At any rate, your moral support may prove useful in reducing international backlash.." he gestured broadly with his hands " about this Thelas thing. The Marshal purses his lips. "To be honest I'm not even one hundred percent sure this is going to boil over, but given the volume of the egoes in question, I'd say it's a distinct possibility. It's a shame Althalon is on Earth, or else this might be administered with a bit more finesse."

Von Effner nodded. "Well...it seems a clear case of defending territory on your part. Is that it?"

"Pretty much. But if Thelas continues this charade, action will be taken: quite possibly pre-emptively. And if you think those guns aren't aimed at Aurontel, you've got another thing coming." He took a hit from his cigarette and stood in pensive silcence for a few seconds. "I wish I knew what those idiots were thinking." He ashed his cigarette. "Probably nothing."

With a short laugh, von Effner replied, "These are the folk who use destroyer squadrons to gather intelligence. They aren't bad people as long as they realize you'll hit them with a big stick if they bother you." he chuckled some more. "However...don't you suspect another pair of sharp ears behind this action?"

The Dunlending tightened his jaw. "Quite possibly. Though to be honest, the Noldor seem to be reducing their international presence as of late. Thelas is one of those states that has everything to prove, and under the circumstances we tend to think of it as an autonomous decision. Sirithil may not even know anything about this." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Though we certainly havent ruled it out." Peering through a cloud of cigarette smoke, he frowns. "Nonetheless, Lord Melkor will of course hold the Thelasi responsible and they will be punished as such. If they want a war, they sure picked the right people to start one with."

Von Effner gave him a firm nod. "Very well...of course this must be submitted to Her Majesty, but I assure you I will advise that we support you...in particular in that you have as far as I understand already given due warning to Thelas."

Marius nods. "Of course. Field Marshal Sergoyan has initiated dialogue with the Thelasi on the matter, and they're asserting that our equpiment is malfunctioning," he rolls his eyes. "Or some crazy nonsense to that effect. Claim they don't know what we're talking about."

With a chuckle, von Effner said, "They're learning, you must give 'em credit. Well, may it do them little good." he saluted ironically with an imaginary wine glass. "Shall we go back in, my dear Marshal?"

Marius extinguishes his cigarette on the heel of his boot, and tucks the butt into his pocket. He grins wryly. "Of course, Master von Effner," he said with a bow. "I just wanted to get on the level with you before the talks got going. If we're to work to create a closer friendship, establishing trust is a good first step."

[OC: this post is a bit out of place: this conversation goes on during the initial reception.]

The Knootians checked in for the meeting and headed immediately towards the conference room without any small talk. Tim was carrying several thick files and a laptop. The elderly gentlemen carried nothing. Upon entering they nodded friendly to the representatives from Glorious Humanity.

Double posts are evil

Ch'cye Kitesfear, the lone member of the Uniphase Armouries Interversal deligation, had little difficulty picking out her apointed place after only the most cursiory of glances about the conference room upon entering; and so it was with errect ears helplessly eves-droping upon the conversations of others present that she made her way to the prescribed location.

Reaching the associated desk, and sparing the breifest of glances to check clearance, she loosed a jaw-splitting yawn, while stretching her befurred wings their full four meter span; jet lag was obviously getting to her more this trip than she expected, she mused internally, and found herself cursing herself for neglecting to bring any stims to combat the fatiuge she now faced. Indeed, she even contemplated chancing the foul brew she scented in the next room, however breifly; how coffee had become so popular she would never understand.

It was only then that she chanced a glance at the chair that had been provided; between wings and tail, a hunam-made chair could become an instrument of torture in the long hours she likly faced this day...

OOC: I will not be able to RP for the next four days, unfortunately. I'm going on a field trip to a remote corner of the country tomorrow.

Colonel Calleis Ymirson, Lady-Commander of the order, had switched hats the very next day. No longer did she look like the gentle civilian woman that had been at the reception last night. She tugged the deep blue Infantry braid properly around her arm and shoulder, pulled on jacket bottom of her Military Dress Greys, and then nodded to her aide. He opened the door for her to enter the conference room and followed her inside to their two chairs.

The pilots, who had been with her last night, were today pre-flighting the Hawk's Beak for flight, in case they required to beat a hasty exit. Calleis doubted such a thing would ever be required-Lavenrunz was notoriously levelheaded when it came to politics, but others...might not be so sane.

Yesterday was a day for show of finery, kindness and friendship. Today was a day for the show of power, and one could never know what form the power could be hidden in.

(Sorry about the accidental tech debate there, Lavenrunz. You know how much of a technophile I am and hafta go running after my tail in circles to comprehend such things : P)

Esmeralda was now wearing a different dress... though it looked kinda like the old one. She smiled at various delegates, seemingly enjoying their... reactions, the whole trip being not much more than extended vacations... Well, for her.

And she enjoyed it. Being a member of the 2% 'normal' minority in DA, being under so many apparently 'normal' people was kinda reassuring... Will have to have my vacations here... if they just weren't as conservative as they are... Well, maybe I'm able to change that. A grin. Yes, yes, she would certainly be able to change that.

He whispered something to a nearby aide, who nodded and walked over to where Duchess Lenore had begun to peruse the tables. Von Effner turned back politely to the conversation.

"Your Grace," the aide said quietly, "The Foreign Minister wished me to request that you meet with him at the earliest opportunity following the reception today." bowing to Lenore.


Lenore looked at the aide and smiled: "You can tell the minister I will be delighted to. I will just present High Inquisitor Stadex to some people and then I will join you." Lenore looked up at The Inquisitor who clearly was not interested in meeting any people at all. "I am sure The High Inquisitor, wont mind me leaving him for a while as I take care of the tedious matter of small talk, would you High Inquisitor?" Lenore only received a grunt as an answer and after giving Stadex the name of some of the people and telling them his name she slowly straddled further and further away from the looming hulk of the High Inquisitor.

Uhlmann smiled, bowing again. "I believe his Excellency the Foreign Minister will be delighted at a chance to converse with you, Sir, in regard to the matters to which you allude." He did not quite herd Cirdanistan's delegation to the cars, because he was a member of the diplomatic corps and knew how to do these things properly. "In fact, a reception at the Autumn Palace has begun, and it is likely that you will be able to meet him there."
Säerùn answered:
"Excellent, i will then hasten to the recpetion once my staff and I are setlled in at the hotel. And please, just call me 'miss' or 'Ms'."

At the Reception

She arrived fairly late in the reception, and started to discretely mingle with the crowd, sampling the champaign(which she found to be excellent) and noting the attitudes of other nation's representatives, and who they talked to. After all, it wouldn't have done to march immediately up to von Effner as soon as she entered. Noticing him drag several people aside to talk to them, she waited until he wasn't occupied with anybody else before siddling up to him.
"Guten Tag, Herr von Effner.Ich würde, als Repräsentant von Cirdanistan wünschen, für eine private Diskussion über die zur Hand Angelegenheit."

Once they were in the garden, away from the crowd [OOC: im assuming that's where von Effner would choose to site the talk, given that's where Nod had his, but feel free to correct the location.]she turned to the Lavenrunzian minister of Foregin Affairs.

"You know, we have really no idea why you grabbed the Antarctic in the first place, but what you've been doing there is already worrying us. We don't really mind if you want to plant a flag on the South Pole and draw lines around the Antarctic continent in your maps, but we do object when you start declaring territorial waters that interfere with many nations' maritime supply routes, threatening to expel scientists-which, might i point out, goes against UN resolution #2, although i give you it lacks any real obligations and enforcement-from one of the most important climatological and zoological study areas in the world. We are also concerned that you or your allies will carry out environmentally dangerous operations on the continent, and about possible risks to the Antarctic ecosystem; notably we heard rumours that you have begun importing species, and i don't think you need reminding about what happened in past centuries when foreign species were imported to many locations around the world. Global biodiversity has already suffered massively from such folly, and it is hoped you will have the wisdom to avoid repeating past mistakes."

The diplomatic jet dipped slightly as it passed through turbulence miles above the far off ocean. Inside, no one really noticed. Most were absorbed in doing their own thing. Many of the diplomatic team were sleeping, others were listening to music, and just a few, including the Director of the Drakonian Diplomatic Corps. Diana Minerva, were worrying. She herself was worried over several things, only one being their tardiness in arriving Lavenrunz for the Antarctic Conference. She was more worried about the special passengers traveling along on the flight. After Recent Events (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=152513), she worried for their safety and their health.

In the aircrafts cockpit the pilot sounded off to the Lavenrunzian International Airport they would be landing at. "Lavenrunzian Air Traffic Control, this is Drakonian Diplomatic Flight 759. Nightingale enroute, transmitting global coordinates, and confirming arrival over Hofburg one hour, over."

As the pilot waited for a reply, the jet aircraft flew on inexorably over the ocean. The code signal had been given, indicating the special passengers aboard the aircraft. The Lavenrunzians would know what to do.

During the Reception

Von Effner listened to the remarks from the envoy of Cirdanistan with occasional nods, polite noises and the like, aromatic heavy clouds of cigar smoke around his head. He smiled at the end of it and said, "Rest assured, Madame, that Lavenrunz will be guided with the greatest wisdom by our Empress, by the collective representation of the best minds of the Volksraad, and by our international friends. For instance, Glorious Humanity, our noble ally, has set up a marine research institute, which we will be collaborating with entirely in our efforts. As to charges of importing species--this is simply not true. You could argue that humans are an 'imported species', but in fact we are attempting at every instance to adapt. Dear me, it would be...a tragedy were the flocks of penguins and...er...pods of seals and so on be wiped out by some virulent disease or excessive hunting..."

Two hours previous to the conference.

When Duchess Lenore arrived at the foreign ministry, von Effner greeted her effusively, bowing her to a chair and asking her after her health and that of the Benevolent Jaar. After offering coffee or tea and making other pleasantries, he sighed as if deeply regretful of what he was about to say.
"My dear Duchess...it seems that Iesus Christi is gathering troops across the border from North Star and has been funnelling in supplies. This seems to run counter to our agreements regarding the situation in that part of your region."

The Conference.

Baron Ehrfurt, resplendent in silver and black, came to the door and stood straight, his heels coming together with a sharp click. "Ladies and gentlemen, Her Majesty the Empress."
The young fair haired girl, wearing a simple blue dress, a beautiful necklace round her slender throat, her ring of office, walked in with lithe energy, closely paced by the rumbling she-leopard Thirty Camelias. When she sat down, the rest of the Lavenrunzians did at a nod from her.
"First of all." she said, "I would like to thank all of you for coming. I know that it was a great distance for some of you." she smiled at all present. "Now, first of all, let me say this: there is so far as I can tell only one nation with any claim to sovereignty over a large area of territory in Antarctica, which is North West Antarctica. That nation has agreed to recognize the territories we currently claim which exclude its own. We are also recognizing smaller territories occupied by the BlackWolf Order and by the Brotherhood of Nod. Glorious Humanities territories have been negotiated as being contiguous with our own. Are there any questions so far?"

Emperor Frederick International Airport

Security was already tight at the airport, but all outposts and positions were confirmed by having them report into the command center; a quick check with the Internal Security and Military Intelligence made it plain that all was well before an “All Clear” was sent to the plane from Drakonian Imperium.
Once the plane had landed, the arrivees were treated as if they were minor functionaries to the public eye. An officer, the most senior person who could be found, Air Force Brigadier-General Gebhardt, sat in the limousine. His first words were, after a respectful bow of the head, “I apologize for this almost negligent greeting, Majesty...but the Empress felt that discretion was better under the circumstances. Welcome to Lavenrunz.”

The UAI representitive had, upon discovering her chair's solid back, taken the simple measure of turning it around; and so it was she took her seat a moment after those around her.

Arms crossed casually across the seat's back, wings held to half their four meter span, the black furred vixen silently observed the room with a casual gaze; the Empress' query regaurded her outlining just prior thereto, and didn't seem to concern the intrests she was to represent, and so she was for now unspoken.

Despite the much lower profile of this particular diplomatic mission (due to it's dual purpose), the Drakonian arrival was it's usual spectacle, made more so by the increased security. As the massive jet had boldly made it's national heritage clear as it rolled down the runway. The jetliners escorts roaring by overhead.

The Drakonian Diplomatic Jetliners were as one foriegner had noted impressive, this one was no different. It was large, with a shining white silver hull. There was a grouping of chromatic stripes vertically along the massive jet from nose to tail; a core line of gold, flanked by a pair of thin black, then a pair of red, and finally bordered by black. The tail and wingtips bore the circular Dragon Seal of the Imperium, featuring an impressive greyish purple Dragon.

The exiting of the goliath diplomatic transport was similarly impressive and clearly carried out by a high trained honor guard and security specialists, the Praetorian Guard. Walking in formation a pair of Praetorian Guards ascended the ramp and stood at attention after taking flanking positions. The Full Dress Uniforms of the Guardsmen were jet black, trimmed with highlights of royal purple and gold. Both Praetorians were fully-armed assualt rifles, each tipped with a bayonet. As well at their sides were sidearms and the traditional Gladius short swords. Everything was well thought out and carried out with perfect ceremony.

Another pair of Guardsmen exited the aircraft leading the group that made up the diplomatic party. Leading it was a rather disgruntled man being rolled in a wheelchair. Another wheelchair followed (this one containing a beautiful dark-skinned woman) being rolled by none-other-than Diana Minerva (who had insisted overruling the attending Praetorian). The second pair of Praetorians marched forward taking flanking positions halfway between the Lavenrunzian transportation and the large jetliner. In perfect unity they turned inward to face each other, both as well standing at attention. At the same moment the first pair slapped their right fist to their hearts in salute of the group passing. The same salute was offered as the group passed the second pair of Praetorian Guardsmen. Following the first group out of the aircraft was, Director of the Drakonian Diplomatic Corps., Diana Minerva's personal staff a couple of diplomatic attacheés.

All in all, it was a basic diplomatic arrival for the Drakonians, excepting the high alertness of the honor guard and the added security. It was almost impossible to tell that the Praetor of the Drakonian Imperium, Augustus Drake, and his wife the Queen of Trinidad and the Imperium, Jolené Sutherland had arrived in Lavenrunz (as it was planned).

Nathan Lamb had only been partly joking when he had said in his letter to the Empress of Lavenrunz that it had taken the entire medical staff of the Grand Praetorian Palace and the Praetorian Guard to keep the Royal Couple in their bed. It was partially true, both Augustus and Jolené had been more than a handful to take care of since their recoveries had begun.

In Augustus' case this was clearly true as the husband and wife were wheeled from the large diplomatic aircraft. "I am perfectly capable and able to walk, by myself. As your Praetor, I order you stop at once," Augustus demanded of the Praetorian Guard wheeling him out in a wheelchair.

"Sir, you know I can't do that," the man said patiently.

"Augustus," his wife called from her own wheelchair. "Leave the poor man alone." Her voice was more subdued than it's usual self, but then it had been since the attempt on her and her husband's lives. Still it carried it's usual weight with the Praetor and he stopped haranguing the man rolling him out of the aircraft.

It was not apparent at first, the Couple seemed full of life and strength despite their infirmaties, but then one caught glimpses of the effects of the recent attempt. The lively and ageless look of the two had seemed to slip and time seemed to finally begin it's slow inexorable journey to the bottom of the hourglass; both seemed older. It would have gone unnoticed and unrealized to someone meeting them for the first time, someone who had not beheld their youth beforehand, but it was there. And, if one looked carefully, one saw it in their veiled tired looks, terse words, and most of all in their silence.

Despite this they seemed themselves. Jolené was ever radiant, lucurious wavy black hair cascading from her head, eyes glowing amber, skin the color of a light milk chocolate that shines in the light of the sun, and a spirit that exuded a great kindless all contributed to a grace all her own. Augustus seemed ever the mighty leader and warrior of honor. His light tan skin shown in the sun, his face resolute holding those he looked at with jeweled purple eyes, and his head covered in thick light and dark brown hair. Both were would be considered attractive, even with the dark cloud that seemed to hover always just at the edge of perception.

They had come to Lavenrunz secretly with the Diplomatic Mission to the Antarctic Conference for one purpose. To heal, wounds both physical and mental.

Emperor Frederick International Airport

Security was already tight at the airport, but all outposts and positions were confirmed by having them report into the command center; a quick check with the Internal Security and Military Intelligence made it plain that all was well before an “All Clear” was sent to the plane from Drakonian Imperium.
Once the plane had landed, the arrivees were treated as if they were minor functionaries to the public eye. An officer, the most senior person who could be found, Air Force Brigadier-General Gebhardt, sat in the limousine. His first words were, after a respectful bow of the head, “I apologize for this almost negligent greeting, Majesty...but the Empress felt that discretion was better under the circumstances. Welcome to Lavenrunz.”

Augustus, still brooding at not being able to walk, simply nodded. Jolené gave a diplomat's smile. "No apology necessary, Herr General. It is as was planned, I believe."

Diana (being quite tardy) would of course need to head to the Conference, but for the moment she stayed with her friends. She was a woman of moderate height, of approximate age as Jolené (being a thirty-something), with dirty blond hair and a quite manner that seemed to conceal wisdom. There was a concern visible in her manner and by the way she had personally wheeled her close friend and Queen from the aircraft. She wanted to make sure they would be alright, yet her duty called her elsewhere.

Two hours previous to the conference.

When Duchess Lenore arrived at the foreign ministry, von Effner greeted her effusively, bowing her to a chair and asking her after her health and that of the Benevolent Jaar. After offering coffee or tea and making other pleasantries, he sighed as if deeply regretful of what he was about to say.
"My dear Duchess...it seems that Iesus Christi is gathering troops across the border from North Star and has been funnelling in supplies. This seems to run counter to our agreements regarding the situation in that part of your region."


Lenore flashed a stunning smile at Von Effner and sat down in the chair he offered.
"Why Thank you, The health of the benevolent Jaar is as always great, I have been choked with work lately but I hope to take part in the diplomatic community in a greater extent. I got the reports from North Star and I must say that both I and the benevolent Jaar is greatly disturbed by the development. North Star is part of The Reich and rumbling forces within the Reich has started to question the rights of the Lavenrunz intervention as I feared and as I warned you before you left to root out the rebels in North Star. I think it would be mutually beneficial if you could reach a quick closure of your campaign over there. What is your opinion of the situation?" Lenore leaned back and listened attentively.

in Von Effner's office

Von Effner drew his brows together. "Madame. The United Moslem Brotherhood slaughtered 300 Lavenrunzian civilians and bureaucrats at the Ministry of Interior with a bomb. Others have been attacked as well. We had an agreement which Iesus Christi with typical arrogance flings aside. And the UMB gives us no guarantee of cessation of attacks. What will we have accomplished if we withdraw? Nothing! So kindly do not suggest such things. Having Iesus Christi's forces and ours, their aircraft and ours in what now appears to be a border clash could ruin everything. This is going to become a major war Madame Duchess unless sensible people prevent it. But we are not going to back out of a situation so pertinent to our general security."

in Von Effner's office

Von Effner drew his brows together. "Madame. The United Moslem Brotherhood slaughtered 300 Lavenrunzian civilians and bureaucrats at the Ministry of Interior with a bomb. Others have been attacked as well. We had an agreement which Iesus Christi with typical arrogance flings aside. And the UMB gives us no guarantee of cessation of attacks. What will we have accomplished if we withdraw? Nothing! So kindly do not suggest such things. Having Iesus Christi's forces and ours, their aircraft and ours in what now appears to be a border clash could ruin everything. This is going to become a major war Madame Duchess unless sensible people prevent it. But we are not going to back out of a situation so pertinent to our general security."

Lenore touched Von Effners hand and looked into his eyes, "Your Excellency, I know what the terrorists did, and you got my deepest sympathy. You also know what my nation offered to do for you after that terrorist deed, an offer you refused. You are talking about being sensible, do you really want the sacrifice of 300 innocent lives to result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands? That would be a logic I could expect from an elf but not from a man such as yourself. Let us try to solve this situation in a fashion that both can guarantee the safety in your nation from these terrorists as well as keeping an all-out war from happening. You have to understand that you are the invader here, and us letting you go in in the first place is unprecedented in Reich history. We let you do this because you had our sympathies and we believed it was rightful revenge to root out those creatures. But if this prolongs much further your intervention might be seen in a different light.

Please don't get me wrong, but we really need to see an end for this operation, set up an end-date and finish it. What are your objectives? What are your targets? So far our intelligence tells us of limited success, I repeat the offer I made to you before you went into North Star. Don't you think the blood of the rebelscum you already have spilled is enough revenge for your innocent deads?

Take my offer, withdraw your armies and leave observers that can go with a Reich army. This way you can still be able to see that the rebels are kept short but we do not risk outright conflict."

Baron Ehrfurt, resplendent in silver and black, came to the door and stood straight, his heels coming together with a sharp click. "Ladies and gentlemen, Her Majesty the Empress."
The young fair haired girl, wearing a simple blue dress, a beautiful necklace round her slender throat, her ring of office, walked in with lithe energy, closely paced by the rumbling she-leopard Thirty Camelias. When she sat down, the rest of the Lavenrunzians did at a nod from her.
"First of all." she said, "I would like to thank all of you for coming. I know that it was a great distance for some of you." she smiled at all present. "Now, first of all, let me say this: there is so far as I can tell only one nation with any claim to sovereignty over a large area of territory in Antarctica, which is North West Antarctica. That nation has agreed to recognize the territories we currently claim which exclude its own. We are also recognizing smaller territories occupied by the BlackWolf Order and by the Brotherhood of Nod. Glorious Humanities territories have been negotiated as being contiguous with our own. Are there any questions so far?"

"I would like to know, my dear Empress, if the twenty-kilometre radius around the Brotherhoods base will be guaranteed by Lavenrunz. Normally this was never a problem, but now that Antarctica is actually being claimed we feel this must be established more formally" Slavick said.

Vegana will u hire me in protecting your land with my very powerful military i will do anything to ensure that your nastion will not be harmed?

At the reception

Säerùn noted that, despite his assurances, von Effner hadn't been reading up on Antarctic ecosystems. It could mean nothing, or alot; but even if it meant nothing it still carried a mening, perhaps more subtle, but present nonetheless. Perhaps he had not expected issues of biodiversity to crop up, or perhaps he didn't care; both were possible and both spoke of contempt, though at different levels, subconscious and societal or conscious and decided, for the actual biodiversity. Both were worrying, though not equally so. Yet what worried her far more than the biodiversity issues-which were hardly going to threaten war-was how the Minister had avoided talking about researchers from nations not allied to Lavenrunz, and the "territorial waters" claim coming in the way of Southern Hemisphere shipping. The later, of course was unlikely to start a war, Cirdanistan only caring about it in a theoretical way. Even the most strongly principled nation wouldn't have been to eager to get into a major war over something happening at litteraly the diametrically opposed part of the globe when no actual harmed party was making itself known. Scientific research was more concretely probelmatic, although she wasn't sure how far the Praesidium was willing to go, much less how it would fare as a casus belli in the Things.

Being a trained diplomat, she avoided with casual ease the socially-instilled urge to practise her oneupwomanship on the perceived wisdom of the local ruling class-plus, she mused, they might actually be wise this generation-freak occurences do sometimes fly in the face of statistical probabilities, after all.

'Well, your Excellency" she got the impression this was the polite form of address "I am willing to take you word about imported species-other than humans, of course." She smiled; not that she found it truly funny, but she was a diplomat. "We doubt not the wisdom of your Empress and Volksraad, but you must understand our reserve about the possibility that in future your nation may not always be governed by people of such ability, and that we would not wish to contradict ourselves by saying that the Antarctic is your sovereign territory, to do with as you please, on the basis of current wisdom, and then turn around in twenty or thirty years' time, when a ruler of lesser wisdom may be doing something quite atrocious to Antarctica, and claim the right to set what's wrong in the Southmost continent to right, as it were. Similarly, i'm sure you'll understand that we wish to continue scientific studies in Antarctica, notably concerning gobal warming, without harassment or limitation. Of course, i am certain an arrangement can be reached."

She beamed a confident smile at the minister.But they're still not even hinting at a serious motivation behind all this...

Leandro Pacci, Dominion Minister of Science, wonders not for the last time, what in the hell he's doing here. Granted, he knew the actual reasons for it, but it still amazed him that Nathi would send him out to represent her in a more political than scientific capacity.

He had arrived without fanfare, and spent the time quietly observing the other attendees with interest, contenting himself with sampling the delicious food set out by the Lavenrunzians.

When the Empress made her entrance, he had risen respectfully, and waited til she and her representatives had seated themselves before he took his own seat again. He knew his instructions well enough. The Dominion had little interest in the continent, aside from those of scientific research, which appeared to not be threatened in the least. Support was to be granted, presence made known, and lack of confrontation with others to be if at all possible, avoided.

And there was this ...

Taking a sealed note from his inner jacket pocket, he got the attention of one of the Lavenrunz attendants, slipping it to him with whispered instructions that the Dread Lady of the Dominion had asked it be delivered to the Empress at the earliest possible convenience. He had no idea what it contained, but figured it had something to do with an explanation of her absence. She had seemed troubled by the fact when he had spoken with her before leaving on this unexpected trip.

Nodding in thanks, he settled back in his seat to observe.

http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/leandro_paccism.jpg





Aurora,

I hope that this small note finds you both in good health and good spirits. Please forgive my absence from this conference, but I find there are simply too many things to keep my fingers on at the moment, and only the one of me to go around.

It seems you have things more than well in hand as is - as I knew you would. You have my every confidence in this, and I wish you well.

Please accept in my stead, my Minister of Science, Leandro Pacci. He is a good man, and though he may deny it, has a sharp mind and a knack for working with people. Not only that, but he is a religious man, and I thought that you might appreciate that aspect, being a faithful daughter of the Church as well. I would think his viewpoints would be more in keeping with your own than several others of my staff, and hope that should you require it, his services would come in handy.

Again, best of luck with your endeavors. Do not hesitate to ask should you need additional assistance. While I cannot make promises, I will try and do what I can to support you.

With warm regard,

--Nathi

In Von Effner's Office

Von Effner smashed out his cigar vigorously, his eyes narrowed. "Kindly do not prevaricate, Madame. Where is Iesus Christi's good will in this? In fact, where is your own? You do not deny that they have forces in the area, or that they are siding with those who wish to overthrow the Sultan. In fact, that is I think your premier aim in this. However, in doing so you are providing aid and comfort to those who have attacked us. Iesus Christi has never in fact at any time held back the mindless fanatics they support from wreaking havoc even in friendly nations. Her Majesty is furious...but I believe that the solution lies not in our withdrawal but in the UMB being persuaded to see reason. If they do not guarantee no attacks before our withdrawal we are prepared for war."

The conference

Empress Aurora looked at Slavik with a friendly gaze. "That is most agreeable, Herr Ambassador; The Brotherhood is an honorable nation for which we have much respect. We should probably have a couple of teams of engineers actually establish that and check the maps mutually but those are just details that I'm sure can be worked out between the general staffs, if you agree."


Dear Nathi

Thank you for sending someone; the NDA's acceptance is much appreciated.
Speaking of travelling and envoys, I would like in the near future to visit your country. I don't think anyone from Lavenrunz has been there yet except for members of the diplomatic corps, and I've heard it's very beautiful.
your friend
Aurora


Earlier, at the Reception..


'Well, your Excellency" she got the impression this was the polite form of address "I am willing to take you word about imported species-other than humans, of course." She smiled; not that she found it truly funny, but she was a diplomat. "We doubt not the wisdom of your Empress and Volksraad, but you must understand our reserve about the possibility that in future your nation may not always be governed by people of such ability, and that we would not wish to contradict ourselves by saying that the Antarctic is your sovereign territory, to do with as you please, on the basis of current wisdom, and then turn around in twenty or thirty years' time, when a ruler of lesser wisdom may be doing something quite atrocious to Antarctica, and claim the right to set what's wrong in the Southmost continent to right, as it were. Similarly, i'm sure you'll understand that we wish to continue scientific studies in Antarctica, notably concerning gobal warming, without harassment or limitation. Of course, i am certain an arrangement can be reached."

She beamed a confident smile at the minister.But they're still not even hinting at a serious motivation behind all this...

Von Effner regarded her thoughtfully. "Indeed, it is very possible that an arrangement could be made. That is why you are here, is it not?" He then smiled back. "And really...we should continue this discussion at the conference tomorrow. You will find us very open minded to possibilities, I'm sure."
Somewhere in the gardens, a leopard roared.

In Von Effner's Office



Von Effner smashed out his cigar vigorously, his eyes narrowed. "Kindly do not prevaricate, Madame. Where is Iesus Christi's good will in this? In fact, where is your own? You do not deny that they have forces in the area, or that they are siding with those who wish to overthrow the Sultan. In fact, that is I think your premier aim in this. However, in doing so you are providing aid and comfort to those who have attacked us. Iesus Christi has never in fact at any time held back the mindless fanatics they support from wreaking havoc even in friendly nations. Her Majesty is furious...but I believe that the solution lies not in our withdrawal but in the UMB being persuaded to see reason. If they do not guarantee no attacks before our withdrawal we are prepared for war."


Lenore shook her head, still looking into the eyes of Von Effner. "As I am sure you are aware of there is little logic in Iesus Christi, I just thought you more easily than Iesus could see what bad will come out of this. And how dare you accuse us of being in league with those terrorist devils! If your solution out of this is insulting your allies and friends then I don't understand why you asked me to come here at all." Lenore prepared to rise from her seat.

Von Effner's Office

Von Effner shrugged. "Insults? Madame, Iesus Christi has never denied their support for the UMB. If you want to use this meeting as an excuse to run out, you may be my guest, but I warn you that that is unwise. You haven't offered a single real solution, nor a genuine denial."

Empress Aurora looked at Slavik with a friendly gaze. "That is most agreeable, Herr Ambassador; The Brotherhood is an honorable nation for which we have much respect. We should probably have a couple of teams of engineers actually establish that and check the maps mutually but those are just details that I'm sure can be worked out between the general staffs, if you agree."

"I agree. And as long as Lavenrunzian territorial waters in Antarctica will not prevent Brotherhood ships from entering our base there, I see no reason for the Brotherhood not to recognize your claim to the South Pole. I think we are agreed."

Von Effner's Office

Von Effner shrugged. "Insults? Madame, Iesus Christi has never denied their support for the UMB. If you want to use this meeting as an excuse to run out, you may be my guest, but I warn you that that is unwise. You haven't offered a single real solution, nor a genuine denial."

Lenore froze and looked at Von Effner with a cold stare. "I already has offered you a solution, twice now.. It seems as if I'm talking to deaf ears here. I am sad that you can't see it our way, and your insinuations that Vegana is somehow involved with the Rebels make me doubt your sincere will to work out a peaceful solution. I am afraid that the decision you made today will have cost us more lives, and the next time we meet your lack of understanding and your will to go to war will have brought more grief to families. Good day your excellency." With those words Lenore rose and began to walk out.

Von Effner coldly replied, "It is your country and allies who want war and are deaf. Your arrogance won't be allowed this time, Duchess. Good day, Madame."

Von Effner coldly replied, "It is your country and allies who want war and are deaf. Your arrogance won't be allowed this time, Duchess. Good day, Madame."


Lenore just looked at Von Effner with a cold stare. "My arrogance? Your pride must have been taught to you by the wrong people. WE have done nothing but trying to help you. Good day." With those words she opened the door and left.

OOC: tag for the moment. will compose something as soon as I can dream something up and the forums obey. OBEY FORUMS! OBEY THE WALRUS!

Somewhere in Vrak…

Translated from Vrakian

-They are having a conference in Lavenrunz regarding their Antarctic ambitions.
-So? It does not concern us.
-Well, we are quite certain that their allies will be there to offer support.
-Hmmm. Such as Glorious Humanity and the Land of the Drak Blokk Pakrahs?
-Yes. After all, it would be a good opportunity to gather some intelligence. Besides, our contact with Lavenrunz whom, I should add is a UE member, is limited.
-True. I suspect that they would do some plotting against the Klatch under the guise of an unrelated conference.
-Right. Therefore, we need a similar pretext to join.
-But do it carefully. We don’t know what the Lavenrunz nation political climate is like and how strong their alliance ties bind them. We could also leave the door open for bilateral exchange with Lavenrunz as well. That would further our overall plan.
-Indeed, Intelligence Director. I shall word it…most innocently.

====

To: Lavenrunz Diplomats
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
Subject: Antarctic conference

We understand that your conference has been saddled with environmental concerns. Since you are laying claim to a rather cold region, we have a particular scientific interest in such areas, and would appreciate an opportunity to present our concerns.

Briefly, we are still searching for some lost kin and, according to some of our ancient religious manuscripts, some clues point to the possibility of them actually living in the southern polar regions. That is, there may be sentient walruses living in your contested area – a lost tribe, as it were.

If we could send a small team to offer a more detailed explanation we would be most grateful.

Upon hearing the Order's interests were fully recognized and permitted, Calleis leaned back with a sigh of relief and a smile. Vance would be estatic...too bad the old Admiral Naismith would be a bit put out--In the two years since gaining the Onos He'd yet to find a chance to fire the main guns beyond the original trials and the quarterly test-fires. To an old warhorse like him, the peace would be an annoyance.

But to Calleis, the peace would be the greatest gift. As long as Base NOMAD didnt happen to blow up the continent or something equally as crazy.

To her Grace Duchess Lenore

I would like to extend my apologies on the part of my Foreign Minister Karl von Effner. Though I assure you he will do this himself, in person, I was very upset to find out that he had accused your country of collusion with terrorists.
Incidentally, I am granting you a personal audience with regard to several questions, if you remember, that have not yet been resolved.

warmest regards
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

To the Vrak Diplomatic Corps:
Your attendance at the conference would be most welcome. Please advise us of your ETA and mode of transport; we will make appropriate security measures in preparation for your arrival. The Klefburg Hotel is where the delegations are staying; the Autumn Palace is where the conference is taking place.

Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister

Lenore read the note with outmost care. She didn't like to be falsely accused and this minsiter was supposed to speak for whole Lavenrunz. How on earth could they appoint such an awful man as the spokesperson for Lavenrunz to the world. She knew what fate he would have met if he had spoken like that to an ally in Vegana. Lenore shook her head, well, she was a diplomat and she needed to sort this out. She signalled to her entourage that it was time to leave and went of for Auroras audience, all the time while imagining Von Effners head on a spike on the city wall.

To the Vrak Diplomatic Corps:
Your attendance at the conference would be most welcome. Please advise us of your ETA and mode of transport; we will make appropriate security measures in preparation for your arrival. The Klefburg Hotel is where the delegations are staying; the Autumn Palace is where the conference is taking place.

Karl von Effner
Foreign Minister

To: Karl Von Effner - Foreign Minister
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
Subject: Conference

We should arrive later today and come by way of hypersonic transport. Our emminent anthropologist Dr. Justin Kirlut along with High Monk Oruujuki of the Order of Bok along with personnal attendants will comprise the party. We thank you for welcoming us. As well, a small contigent of King's Own shall accompany the delegates. Captain Tronj will be in charge of the security and you may liason with him.

====

Dr. Kirlut was estatic that a lost walrus tribe might possibly be found and called his closest assistants together to tell them the exciting news. Although they have been on wild goose chases before, they felt that this place might be the "big one". They were less enthused when learning that a high monk would be joining them.

-Superstitious idiots! Will probably ruin the whole thing once they start chanting and calling for a damned blood sacrifice.thought the good doctor as he reviewed the equipment list that was to be loaded.

====

Elsewhere, the rebuilt temple of Bok in the capital put on a face of impassivity. If the lost tribe is to be found, then it is Bok's will. Or so the reasoning went. However, more gong banging and chanting than usual could be heard. Some of the more politically minded monks wondered about the implications if such a discovery bore fruit.