NationStates Jolt Archive

A graveyard, Somewhere on the Shield, Iansisle

The aerodyne had softly touched down outside of the towering stone walls of the graveyard, the grass under the hovering vehicle swayed back against the hard wind of the morning.

Inside the graveyard a man stood before one of the largest mausoleums in the area. He held his black overcoat around himself tighter as the wind whipped up, cutting into him and blowing his aurburn hair against the slate grey skies.

The man stood there and looked at the name cut deep into the stone.

Tri

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small medal of a star, hanging from a silken cord.

"I never got to give you this, old man," he said with a soft smile as he looked at the building, before his eyes hardened again.

And I still haven't found Ashtonbury he added silently. One of the best intelligence forces in the region and we can't find one god damn man.

He'd heard about what had happened to Richard Tri, First Sea Lord of Iansisle with a title longer than his. He'd been keeping up with what had happened in the country, unable to return because he was shackled down with his own country's problems. Terrorists, attacks from traitors and parliamentarians (not that he could tell the difference at times) and an escalating corporate war kept his time filled and his patience short.

Phone calls to Dun Adien went unanswered, messages never passed on at the C.C.P. Between trying to get in touch with James, and trying to find out what happened with Jill after the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Palace he'd found himself under attack from Parliament, not spending enough time watching out for his own country, too busy trying to "hobnob with his friends", he remembered the press saying. Like trying to find out what happened with Ann's funeral was one big party.

Then when he turned his eyes back to Larkinia, he'd heard about the events here, in what had become his adopted home. Regardless of the speeches he gave to support James and the people of Iansisle, he was unable to help the ones he cared about when they needed him.

Just like old times... a voice in the back of his mind purred. Not quite, it wasn't like James to vanish for all this time. All those messages and no response. Brood? Yes. Sulk? Maybe, but not vanish.

How long had it been? Eight short months? Felt more like eight years to him. But he found an excuse to return to Iansisle, State Meeting with the Government. He didn't think the new government was that bad, then again he didn't have enough information to know either way.

His thoughts were interrupted with a beeping in his ears. He felt the cybernetic phone click into being.

"It's time to go sir, it's still not safe here" one of the suited men standing outside the aerodyne said into his ears.

"Right."

The man ended the call and laid the medal at the base of the mausoleum.

"I'm sorry Richard, but I'll find him eventually." he said standing up.

He turned and walked back to the front gate of the cemetary and turned back to look at the mausoleum one last time.

"Come on sir," one of the security guards said, leading the man back into the car.

Larkinian President Sir Jeff Williams sat down in the aerodyne and watched as the security guards entered and closed the doors behind him. He walked over to one of the seats and sat down.

"Take me home."

The aerodyne slid back into the sky, banked and headed to a familiar manor house on the outskirts of Ianapalis.

"Sir?" It was the words of a young lieutenant. No one important, just someone watching a screen. A screen that was now flickering back images of movement. The label under teh screen read KVm22. An officer approached from behind.

"Yes," he said, rubbing some sleep out of his eyes. It was more of a question than an afirmation. "What is it?"

"We have activity. Kay Vee Em Two Two. Looks like a vehicle and some people."

"What number was that again, he asked, moveing towards a computer bank."

"KVm22, sir." The superior officer stopped.

He walked across the room to a red phone, a direct line to the First Speaker's private comunication. He picked it up, and began to talk. "Yes. This is Gen. Forstall. I dont care, wake her up. Its important. KVm22"
______

Anna Fratelli rolled over, grabing the phone next to her bed. " 'Ello," she asked, speaking quietly. She looked at her clock, it was 2:02am. "Whats up? I dunno, why the hell would you call me?"

She listend to the explination from the other side of the phone. Appearently, in the previous administration, KVm22 had been stationed over Iansisle, waiting. The order had been placed that should any major activity show up on the satalite. And, should anything happen, that the First Speaker be contacted imidiately.

That would have been Fortier.

She hung up. She pulled a cell phone of the desk, and dialed up a number. "Fortier? It's Anna. Yeah I know its early. I gotta question. Whats with KMv22?" The phone went dead.
______

Fortier rolled out of his empty bed, and pulled on a piar of jeans. He grabbed a black Tshirt, and jogged to his garrage. He opened the door, and jumped in his black M3, starting it instantly, and speeding out onto the street.

The drive was quick, but any ride at one hundred and fifty miles an hour would be. The car slowed as it pulled into another drive way, and Fortier jumped out. He jogged across an empty lawn, and knocked on a door. After a good minute, a light came on, and the door opened.

A rough looking man answered the door. He looked at Fortier. "I never told you were I lived, how the hell'd you find me?"

"I was and operative with ICI and the INSA. I was the First Speaker for two years before getting shot. You think it would be hard for me to find you?"

The man nodded. "Yeah, I guess that works. Nice car. So what brings you to the other side of the tracks?"

"We got something on KMv22. Hes back."

"Bout time."

OOC: Yeah, it is about time. Lol, I was just telling someone about you, welcome back, ya gonna stay awhile this time, hehe?

OOC: Yeah, it is about time. Lol, I was just telling someone about you, welcome back, ya gonna stay awhile this time, hehe?

((OOC: Thanks! LOL, hopefully it was all good stuff, or stuff I can at least deny ;) Yeah, I'll be here for good I think. School's been abusing me this semester, but it's starting to gear down in the final stretch, so I've got some more time))

A rough looking man answered the door...

((OOC: *double take* Wait a second... is this who I think it is?)) ;)

To the Nation of Larkinia,
The campaign staff of President Jefferson has been notified that your grand nation has been a stalwart ally of the people and rightful rulers of Iansisle. We woudl like to thank you for your support and direct your attention to rolling these ruffians back and fighting for the people and thier rightful rulers.

Respectfully,
Campaign Chief Karl

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

ooc: here's a link if you care to check. been told you're a great Rper. hope to have a blast with you
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=344574&page=2&pp=15

((OOC: *double take* Wait a second... is this who I think it is?)) ;)

Yup...;-)

ooc: here's a link if you care to check. been told you're a great Rper. hope to have a blast with you
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=344574&page=2&pp=15

((OOC: No worries, I like the thread! I hope to live up to whatever reputation I've got here. :) Jump into this thread further if you have the time! ))

Jeff read the forwarded message with a smile before he began typing. He always had an annoying way of dealing with messages and problems as much as possible instead of letting his staff.

Dear Campaign Chief Karl,

Thank you for your kind words, I am looking forward to further dealings with you. Perhaps President Jefferson would be available for a breakfast meeting in the near future.

Sincerely,
Jeff Williams.

((OOC2: Imi, heh heh heh, oh it's been far too long ;) ))

((It was kinda inconvenient for Iansisle and Larkinia to do their falling apart at the same time, wasn’t it? ;)))

Downtown Ianapalis

Three knocks - two short bracing one long. William Ashtonbury scrambled to his feet and grabbed a pistol from the end table as the door opened. Not that the people he’d have to use it against would have knocked, naturally.

“Glad to see you’ve managed to outwit the hangman for another day, Bill,” said the man who had walked through the door. He hung his scarf on a peg and collapsed in a filthy easy chair.

“What news from Jameston?” asked Ashtonbury, only now moving his finger from the trigger.

“Madders’ tribunal has found the Executor guilty on all counts. He’s sentenced to be hanged tomorrow.”

“Of course they have,” muttered Ashtonbury. “And the body count for today?”

“Three. All of them were RM&M enforcers; I didn’t recognize any names. There’s more, too - a rumor going around that Williams is in the country.”

“You mean Jeff Williams?” asked Ashtonbury sharply. He was still standing.

“You’ve met his before, haven’t you?”

“Once, at Dûn Ádien.”

“And? How did the great national hero of Iansisle and seven other countries strike you?”

Ashtonbury shrugged and changed the subject. “I have to get out of Ianapalis - off the Shield, preferably. If Williams is wandering around, the sooner the better - God forbid if he should meet up with that Agrigentian boy that’s been tailing me.”

“Damn it, Bill,” replied the other with a sigh. “What do you think I’ve spent the last eight months working on? Getting in and out of Ianapalis isn’t as easy as one-two-three these days. All the streets are being watched, and even if we could sneak you past the harbor guard, you’d never make it past the blockade in the Straits. And where would you go? After Thortraia’s example, the Javian Kingdom won’t touch corporates; the Dominions are more or less being run by the UBC; Wyclyfe’s even worse, if that’s possible, than the UK; and Tharia’s refusing all Shieldian shipping. There’s nowhere to go and no way to get you there.”

“Calm down,” snapped Ashtonbury. “I can’t damn well stay here with someone like Williams running around. And there’s only one possible destination - Gallaga.”

“Gallaga?” laughed the other man. “Good luck! One - you can’t get out of Troobodia Bay; the RIN has it sealed up too well. Two - once you’re in Gallaga, what the hell would you do?”

“I already have a plan on both parts,” smiled Ashtonbury. “But I’ll need your help to pull it off, Sam.” He picked an unmarked envelope off the end table. “Under no circumstances may this go to anyone but the intended recipient, do you understand?”

“And who is the intended recipient, if I may be so bold?” Sam hated it when Ashtonbury thought up a plan and refused to share even the most rudimentary details.

“Captain Lord Philip Clayburgh,” replied Ashtonbury, “the commander of His Iansislean Majesty’s Battlecruiser Queen Jessica.”

“You have a contact in the RIN?!” marveled Sam, “and a capital ship commander, nonetheless?”

“And the brother of the Lord Commander Home Fleet,” smirked Ashtonbury. “Sam, you’ve been loyal to me this entire time. Nothing waits for you in Ianapalis but a trip to the gallows. Will you come with me to Gallaga?”

“Of course I will, Bill,” he replied, standing and shaking the older man’s hand. “Of course I will.”

-------

“President Williams?” asked Bradsworth, looking over the sheet of paper at Ben Rinehart, Iansisle’s Director of Foreign Relations.

“His Grace the Duke of Williams, while he’s in Iansisle,” replied Rinehart.

“Yes. What brings him to this neck of the woods?”

“Officially or unofficially?” asked Rinehart.

“Both.”

“A state meeting with the government, officially,” replied Rinehart with a snort. “But I think that the New Highlands states are just trying to exert their influence in Iansisle. We saw it with Imitora; I have no reason to expect otherwise of Larkinia.”

“And your proposal?” Bradsworth smiled. “Come on, Ben. I know you too well. Don’t look at me like that. What do you think we ought to do?”

“Well, we can’t just send him back,” admitted Rinehart. “But he’s still very popular with the mob; I suspect he might try something - counterrevolutionary while he’s here.”

“Well, Ben,” said Bradsworth, “I can think of a third reason why Williams has decided to grace us with his presence.”

“Oh?” replied Rinehart, annoyed.

“He’s here to try and talk to our esteemed King. Which, I believe, presents an opportunity to hit three birds with a stone - we assure Larkinia of our noble intents, we make Williams feel wanted, and we keep him well away from the Mob. Let’s invite him to a state dinner in Dûn Ádien.”

((Fult: I PROMISE that I will have that thread posted sooner or later. I've just been terribly lazy ;).))

((OOC: No worries, I like the thread! I hope to live up to whatever reputation I've got here. :)

((Shouldn't that be 'quietly hide', not 'live up to'? :P))

((Shouldn't that be 'quietly hide', not 'live up to'? :P))
((LOL, either/or at this point ;) *looks around suspiciously*))

OOC: Oh yes it has....

IC:

Fratelli, now awakened from her sleep, strolled over to a window. She looked out at the stary night, the sky obscured by downtown Northampton. What the hell is KMv22, and why the hell do we care? she asked herself. Her slim nightgown, made of silk, reflected the light from the city, ten miles away from teh more suburban part of Northampton. She looked at a clock. It was now 2:30 in the morning, and she wasn't going to sleep anytime soon.

She crossed her room, and picked up another phone, this one a direct line to the operational shift director at the ICIA. "Yes, this is the First Speaker. Tell me everything about KMv22."

The convorsation was long, and rather detailed. The man she was speaking with told her all about Imitora/Larkinia relations, and read her the entire file of a one Jeff Williams. He sounded like Fortier, a well monied adventure seaking former everything. A playboy had been her exact words. There was a Deazeman conection, which she all but cringed at. After all, wiping an entire nation off the planet, while impressive, wasn't always something you should brag at. Then there was the Iansisleanian connection, and with a decent sized merc force over there, it was intresting.

After a good four hours of talk, she hung up the phone. The sun wouldn't be up for another two hours in Imitora. However, Fratelli wasn't tired anymore. She dressed quickly after a warm shower, and crossed into the First Speakers primary office. She sat at her desk, and started up the computer. An ISS agent entered the room, handed her the morning breifing from the ICIA, and a cup of coffee. She thanked him, and took a long gulp of the coffee. Between meeting with representatives from other nations, dealing with the situation in Aubania, and trying to keep Fortier out of trouble, life was suprisingly hard.

She placed the briefing aside, and began to type up a message for this Jeff Williams.
______

Sir Williams,

Recently, we have noticed an amount of activity from your esteemed nation. I am glad to see a long lost ally re-apear, as from my understanding, your great nation has been quiet for far to long. I hope I'm not to bold in directly contacting you, forgoing foreign ministry services. Acording to my files, our two nations were once great allies, and I would like to re-open these relations, and possibly renew our strength. I wait eagerly for your response, and hope we can meet in person. I wish you and your peoples the best of luck in your renewed growth. With respect and reverance

First Speaker Anna Fratelli

((It was kinda inconvenient for Iansisle and Larkinia to do their falling apart at the same time, wasn’t it? ;)))

((No kidding man ;) ))

“You mean Jeff Williams?” asked Ashtonbury sharply. He was still standing.

((In the flesh bitch, and your ass is mine now! Oh wait, that's his line when he gets his hands around Ashtonbury's throat ;) "Come to me... my pressshus!" :P ))

“President Williams?” asked Bradsworth, looking over the sheet of paper at Ben Rinehart, Iansisle’s Director of Foreign Relations.

“His Grace the Duke of Williams, while he’s in Iansisle,” replied Rinehart.

“Yes. What brings him to this neck of the woods?”

“Officially or unofficially?” asked Rinehart.

“Both.”

“A state meeting with the government, officially,” replied Rinehart with a snort. “But I think that the New Highlands states are just trying to exert their influence in Iansisle. We saw it with Imitora; I have no reason to expect otherwise of Larkinia.”

((Now would they do that? ;) ))

“And your proposal?” Bradsworth smiled. “Come on, Ben. I know you too well. Don’t look at me like that. What do you think we ought to do?”

“Well, we can’t just send him back,” admitted Rinehart. “But he’s still very popular with the mob; I suspect he might try something - counterrevolutionary while he’s here.”

((Looks at the ceiling innocently and whistles))

“He’s here to try and talk to our esteemed King. Which, I believe, presents an opportunity to hit three birds with a stone - we assure Larkinia of our noble intents, we make Williams feel wanted, and we keep him well away from the Mob. Let’s invite him to a state dinner in Dûn Ádien.”

Approaching the Duchy of Williams, outskirts of Ianapalis

The aerodyne roared as the manor house appeared on the horizon. God, it'd been a long time since he had been there. He could still remember the day James gave him the title for it, it was one of the happiest days of his life.

Jeff looked down at the streets of Ianapalis, he'd like to walk through the city again, it had been a while since he'd done that. Although it might be hard to blend in with his security entourage.

He looked back as they zoomed towards the house in the distance. He could see lights twinkling through the windows at the aerodyne approached the landing pad.

Kate and the children got there in one piece, that's good.

He hated having to travel like this, sending out how many aerodynes just to avoid any more assassination attempts? As long as his family landed and were safe, he was happy.

A soft bump was all Jeff needed to realize they had landed. The doors opened and he walked out after his security and quickly jogged to the house.

"Daddy!" three voices met him at the door.

"And how are my darlings doing?" Jeff said as he picked up the children and hugged them.

"We're fine," Marcus said.

"We're glad to be back home!" Julie added.

"I am too," Jeff said as he sat the children down and followed them into the parlor.

"Have a nice trip?" his wife Katherine asked behind twinkling green eyes.

"As nice as it could have been."

"I know," she replied.

"But it was something I had to take care of, it was important," Jeff said as Jeeves walked in with Jeff's PDA

"Message for you sir. An invitation from Bradsworth for a state dinner at Dun Adien."

"Nice timing," Jeff muttered, "Damn he moves fast."

Katherine nodded, "Well you can't turn him down."

"Of course, it's why I came to Iansisle."

"Officially."

"Of course, officially." Jeff said as he started to type a reply in. He was caught off guard by the message light again.

"Hmmmm, from the First Speaker of Imitora?" he asked himself as he saw the intro line.

Dear President Bradsworth,

Thank you for your kind invitation to a state dinner at Dun Adien Castle. It's my great honor to accept your invitation. I am looking forward to seeing the castle and everyone in Iansisle again. I am looking forward to seeing you and your staff on an official basis after all of this time. I will be visiting the Larkinian Embassy before dinner and Ambassador Davison will be sure to accompany me, you know him.

Jeff Williams.

Jeff sat back after sending the message. He flipped through the intel files he'd read in the past eight months.

Self-righteous twit. Probably wants to keep me sequestered like a Scott Peterson juror... he thought before turning on the new message.

Sir Williams,

Recently, we have noticed an amount of activity from your esteemed nation. I am glad to see a long lost ally re-apear, as from my understanding, your great nation has been quiet for far to long. I hope I'm not to bold in directly contacting you, forgoing foreign ministry services. Acording to my files, our two nations were once great allies, and I would like to re-open these relations, and possibly renew our strength. I wait eagerly for your response, and hope we can meet in person. I wish you and your peoples the best of luck in your renewed growth. With respect and reverance

First Speaker Anna Fratelli

Jeff smiled at the message from the new Imitoran First Speaker, he had to admit with all of the chaos in Larkinia, he was glad he wasn't the Imitoran leader, they seemed to go through them like Javin Katana went through consorts, or "friendly" ambassadors at a Developing Nations Conference, Jeff hadn't decided which yet... ( ;) )

Speaking of Imitorans, I wonder how Robert and Hoot have been doing.. it's been a while.


Dear First Speaker Fratelli,

Thank you for your message, like you I am anxious to reopen ties between Imitora and Larkinia. And I am also glad that you decided to contact me personally, since foreign ministries can be too cumbersome at times. A meeting with you would be most welcome. I am currently in Iansisle and can fly to Imitora at your convienience, I am looking forward to meeting you and visiting Imitora again.

With respect and sincerity,
President Jeff Williams

Dear President Bradsworth,

Thank you for your kind invitation to a state dinner at Dun Adien Castle. It's my great honor to accept your invitation. I am looking forward to seeing the castle and everyone in Iansisle again. I am looking forward to seeing you and your staff on an official basis after all of this time. I will be visiting the Larkinian Embassy before dinner and Ambassador Davison will be sure to accompany me, you know him.

Jeff Williams.

President Williams,

Of course. I look forward to seeing both you and Ambassador Davison again. It does seem a long time since I was recalled from Golden Agate.

I have heard of the troubles afflicting Larkinia and wish to let you know that you have the entire country's sympathy. If there is anything we may do, please just let us know.

Meanwhile, we look forward to receiving you promptly at eight o'clock this evening. I have arranged transport at the Jameston dock.

C. Bradsworth
Premier Interim of the United Kingdom of the Shield
In the name of HM the King

Just as Bradsworth said, there was a boat waiting for Jeff and Ambassador Davison (and anyone else along for the ride) waiting at the dock outside Jameston Place.

Late that afternoon, the aerodyne slowly slid through the streets of Ianapalis on the way to the Larkinian Embassy. Jeff looked out at the masses of people in the streets. (any reaction from the Mob? ;) )

-----

As the 'dyne hovered into an official parking space, Jeff strode out and entered the building.

"Mr. President! " one of the aides said standing and saluting. "It's an honor to..."

"Is Nick around?"

The aide was caught off-guard, why would the President want to talk to Nick Jackson, one of the liasons, before the ambassador... of course, the Ambassador was in a weekly meeting and Jeff wanted someone friendly to talk to.

"Right this way sir," she said as she led Jeff into the basement.

Nick Jackson's office was located deep under the "official embassy", with most of the other lower level liasons. But the aide led Jeff to his office and left him with Mr. Jackson.

"Nick," Jeff smiled as he shook the man's hand.

"Mr. President, how are you today?"

"Fine, and you?"

"Just sunny and splendid."

Room safe, no listening devices.

Jeff got serious, "OK, what do you know?"

"He's still in the city. It's like a prison around here, hard to get out."

Jeff nodded, "but you can't find him."

"Our guess is he keeps moving around, and with you coming here, and knowing how close you are to James, and were to Tri, he'll be looking to get out fast. So he'll take risks to get out, he might make mistakes."

"What kind of 'connections' do you have here?"

Nick blinked, "enough, your money has gotten me well off with the underground, shadier groups."

Jeff thought a moment, "slip the word out, as quietly as possible. Get Ashtonbury, an 'anonymous' doner is willing to pay handsomely for him."

"It'll cost a lot to...."

Jeff interrupted him as he made out the calculation, "I'll pay 25 million Generals, payable in Gold Bullion or Blood Credits. 25 million to collect him."

Late that afternoon, the aerodyne slowly slid through the streets of Ianapalis on the way to the Larkinian Embassy. Jeff looked out at the masses of people in the streets. (any reaction from the Mob? ;) )

((Why the hell not? ;)))

Ianapalis was no longer split along a strict east-west line to segregate the rich and the poor, but integration was proving harder than anticipated. Many buildings around MacDunn Street had been heavily damaged in the fighting, and the money simply wasn't around to rebuild them. Many of the aristocrats and all of the corporates had fled from the revolutionary government and those who remained had quickly bought up all the suddenly vacated property.

Other than that, however, Ianapalis looked much as it had before the Revolution. The lights still burned in RM&M and IanCorp's headquarters, even if the employees now technically worked for the state. And many people were walking along the streets when they heard the president's aerodyne fly overhead.

They hadn't seen one of those in months, and everyone knew it could only mean one thing.

"The Larks," they cried, pointing and gaping. "The Larks are back! Jeff Williams is back!" A cheer rose from those under the jet.

((Isn't that the truth? ;)))

Jeff interrupted him as he made out the calculation, "I'll pay 25 million Generals, payable in Gold Bullion or Blood Credits. 25 million to collect him."

HIMS Queen Jessica

She guarded all the smaller craft crowded into Adie Bay like a mother wolf. However, also like a mother wolf, Jessica was a predator. Compared to the five capital ships building at various shipyards around Ianapalis, she was getting a little long in the tooth, but was still 36,000 tons of stout Iansislean steel. She was a fine command for just about any post-captain.

Any, that is, except for Lord Philip Clayburgh, the younger brother of Admiral the Marquess of Westergate. He sighed and clenched his hands behind his back, gazing silently over the black water at the dim lights of Ianapalis. A figure appeared behind him on the quarterdeck and saluted; Clayburgh didn’t have to turn around to know who it was.

“Yes, Mr Mitchell?” he asked without bothering to turn around or return his first lieutenant’s salute.

“Begging the captain’s pardon, sir, but a letter arrived for you from shore.”

Clayburgh turned around and took the envelope. He knew what it was just from its weight and material. He snapped it against his palm twice while considering Mitchell’s curious brown eyes.

“Dismissed, Mr Mitchell.”

“Sir?”

“Dismissed, Mr Mitchell.”

“...Aye aye, sir,” replied Mitchell sadly. He had dearly wanted to know the contents of the mysterious letter. However, he saluted - again it wasn’t returned - and left the way he had come.

Clayburgh went back to gazing at the city. At last - a chance to do something for the Navy. A chance to do something to make my brother proud.

OOC: To bad Hoot was banned from Iansisle on Pain of Death...but it did die already...eh, I'll live it to Iansisle to hunt down Ashtonbury.

IC:

Anna didn't look up from teh desk. She continued typing a response, despite the presence of the former First Speaker in front of her. "So, you gonna meet with him?" he asked.

She stopped for a moment. The room was quiet, and lacking of ISS agents. "Yes, and your not comming." Fortier almost dropped his cup of coffee.

"What?" He was astonished. "Its my doing that your even meeting with him at all. And I am the Master Ambasador. You've sent me all over the world to meet with foriegn dignataries, talk treaties, whore myself out at possible marriage compitions. Why wont you let me meet Jeff, I mean, President Williams?"

"Thats why," she said. "If you want to meet him on your own terms, take hium out on the town, afterwards, you can. But the last thing I need are two playboy buddies tooling around in one of my jets discussing international politics and what nation has the best strip clubs."

"We wont discuss that. We already know that Imitora has them, and..."

She cut him off. "Yes, I know, I read the article in the World News Report. You think its easy explaining to a suddenly irate people why their Master Ambasador has, and I quote, sampled some of the best strip joints, and knows for a fact where the good stuff is? And you want this Hoot character to meet with us too? The files dont even show any info on him at all. I've never even heard of him."

"He's just a buddy of ours, and I wouldnt expect there to be any info on him, he used to be the guns on the ground," he said, knowing that the non INSA operative First Speaker wouldn't get it.

"Listen Rob, your ICIA contacts get you out of trouble on a daily basis. You've dodged more bullets than Neo, and been shot more times than a bad guy in a Arnold movie. The fact that you are still alive after what you've been through, the ICMC, ICIA, INSA, the assasination attempt, the car crashes, the death of your wife..." she trailed off. She didn't like thinking about the fact that, at one point, the former First Speaker had been married.

She would be the last one to admit it, but she did have a sort of school girl crush on him. That was half the reason why she had stationed that Lutz girl in Imitoran held Hodgania for her ICIA posting. "Listen, Robert, your a gret guy, and you've done alot for me personally. But, I think I need to try one of these on my own. I picked up enough ques from you when we met with the guys from Darzee, I think I can handle it on my own."

Robert nodded. "Ok, I'll just let him know I'm still around, and if hes free, I can meet up with him. Take him and Katherine out to dinner." Fratelli nodded.

"Thats a good idea. I'll make sure to give him your number after we're done speaking."

Fortier nodded, thanked Anna, and left. Once he was clear of the room, she picked up her phone, dialing direct into ICI headquarters. "I need you to run a name and number, and put a watch team on a citizen. A one Seargent Ryan Howard Gibson, ICMC, also goes by Hoot. Four four five six five six one two. Thanks." She hung up, and finished her comunique to Jeff.
_______

Fortier pulled on his sunglasses as he exited the building. He walked towards his modified BMW M3, and as he neared his car, his coat pocket began to vibrate. He hated meeting with Anna officialy, only becuase he had to wear a suit. However, Anna was more than just a smart girl, she was a looker, so to him, it was all good. He pulled the vibrating cell phone out of his pocket. "Fortier speaking."

"Rob, its John, I got the info you wanted.

"Hey Sushi, thanks for calling. Whats the word?"

"Its twenty five and six ohs. Pretty nice out here. Of course, thats what Jimmy's telling me. Why the q?"

"Oh, no reason man. Just need to keep my ears open is all. Don't get to much word now that I'm out. So how's Lizzy and Ash? Meet with Jeff yet?"

"Gotcha. Lizzy's great, and Ashley just turned 8. Haven't met with Jeff yet, but I'm sure I'll get to it. We still need to see James, haven't seen him in a while, and Lizzy's getting a bit anxious."

"I feel ya there," Fortier said. He was now on the road, the BMW speeding along nicely at 90mph. "Tell Ash Uncle Rob said Happy Birthday, and next time you talk to Franko, tell him if he's right about the two five six oh, I'll make sure he gets a top position. If he finds out where its comming from, I'll get him the head of Foreign Intel."

"Gotcha man, I'll keep my ears open. Stay frosty."

"You to man," Fortier said, then hanging up. He pulled out onto the exit, and pulled into the drive way of his house in the Bayview area of Northampton.
_______

President Williams,

I understand that at this moment, you may be busy, so I invite you to come whenever you feel ready. After all, Mi cassa es su cassa, so to speak. Your presence will always be welcome in Imitora. Presently, fall is fading into winter, and Northampton has always been beautiful this time of the year. Again, you are welcome to visit whenever your ready, as I will set aside as much time in my schedule as nesacery for your visit. I too look forward to metting with you. With respect,

First Speaker Anna Fratelli

Jeff watched the crowd suddenly cheer like they hadn't in a long time.

What the f... so things have been a little rougher than they wanted to lead us to believe.

Jeff looked up at the driver. "Land."

"What??"

"Land the 'dyne."

"But sir, we don't have a perimeter set up."

Jeff chuckled, "So."

The dyne slowly dropped to the street and Jeff looked out at the people while security worked out a quick protection plan.

-----

((Oh, oh he can't get away that easily ;) ))

Jeff nodded to Nick and left the man's office while Nick called one of the other intel officers in Ianapalis.

Jeff walked back up to the main level of the Embassy. "Still busy?"

The aide nodded.

Jeff looked out the window a moment while he dialed a familiar number on his internal phone.

Come on Q, I know you guys are there.

The dyne slowly dropped to the street and Jeff looked out at the people while security worked out a quick protection plan.

An aerodyne landing in the middle of an Ianapalis rush hour wasn't quite a usual sight, but - somewhat amazingly - no Iansisleans managed to get themselves killed by doing something stupid. They all waited outside the craft with baited breath.

((Oh, oh he can't get away that easily ;) ))

((We'll see, my pretty...yes, we'll see!

However, I'm going to start working on that post I've owed Fultonia for three years or so right now. ;)))

Jeff ended the call. No answer from Dun Adien, at least that was a little different.

He looked down at the buzzing PDA and saw the new message from First Speaker Fratelli. He typed out a message as the aerodyne landed.


Dear First Speaker Fratelli,

I am looking forward to meeting you in Northhampton when affairs in Iansisle have been discussed. I'm sure it is wonderful at this time of year and that your company will be as well. I look forward to fruitful discussions to restart strong relations between out nations.

Respectfully,
Jeff Williams

Jeff looked up as the doors of the dyne opened and he saw the Iansislians surrounding the aerodyne. Never one for too flowery words in this situation Jeff started to speak.

"So how y'all been? Missed me as much as I missed y'all?" he asked with his old grin.

Jeff ended the call. No answer from Dun Adien, at least that was a little different.

((um, well, ever since Quinton died, things have really gone to the dogs. Yeah, that's it.

What? No, I certainly did NOT miss the reference! How dare you say such things!? :P))

Jeff looked up as the doors of the dyne opened and he saw the Iansislians surrounding the aerodyne. Never one for too flowery words in this situation Jeff started to speak.

"So how y'all been? Missed me as much as I missed y'all?" he asked with his old grin.

Perhaps struck dumb by such eloquence, there was no response for a few seconds. And then the gathered Iansisleans went wild with cheering. Paper and pens for autographs were being waved above heads; someone even had a Hunter's Hunter poster, for God knows what reason.

"How fickle are the passions of the Mob," observed a bloated aristocrat from the steps of a nearby tailor. "I wonder how the government will reply to this spectacle?"

His companion made a grunting noise and puffed on his ivory-handled pipe.

((um, well, ever since Quinton died, things have really gone to the dogs. Yeah, that's it.

What? No, I certainly did NOT miss the reference! How dare you say such things!? :P))

((LOL, yeah yeah, I gotcha ;) ))

Perhaps struck dumb by such eloquence, there was no response for a few seconds. And then the gathered Iansisleans went wild with cheering. Paper and pens for autographs were being waved above heads; someone even had a Hunter's Hunter poster, for God knows what reason.

"How fickle are the passions of the Mob," observed a bloated aristocrat from the steps of a nearby tailor. "I wonder how the government will reply to this spectacle?"

His companion made a grunting noise and puffed on his ivory-handled pipe.

Jeff chuckled at the silence, "Dear lord I've lost my sense of humor!"

Then suddenly there was a rush of people with pens and pads and a poster.

"Damn, I haven't seen a poster like this in a long time," Jeff said as he quickly signed it.

The security men kept an eye out for more trouble. They were concerned at the rush of people, but they figured there was no damage that could really be done with a pen, unless Jeff was signing new laws again.

Jeff's hearing picked up the comment by the aristocrat and Jeff looked at the pair quizically for a moment.

...no damage that could really be done with a pen, unless Jeff was signing new laws again.

((LOL...been having some problems? *pulls out that pen from Goldeneye* ...clickclickclickclickclickclick))

The source of people who wanted an autograph from the famous Jeff Williams seemed absolutely indefatigable.

"I'm so glad to learn that you're all right, Your Grace," said one middle aged woman, clutching Jeff's signature to her chest. "It's been so long!"

"Capital show with those Gallers," said another before being pushed to the side.

"Thank'ee, Mi'er Williams!" said a young boy, whose mother quickly reminded her son of how to address a duke and pulled him off spewing apologies.

However, a policeman had also found his way to the front. "I'm afraid, Your Grace, that I'll have to ask you to move this, uh, contraption," he said, actually sounding very apologetic. "It's blocking traffic, y'see..."

((Heh heh, well no more than usual it looks like ;) ))

"I'm so glad to learn that you're all right, Your Grace," said one middle aged woman, clutching Jeff's signature to her chest. "It's been so long!"

"Capital show with those Gallers," said another before being pushed to the side.


"Thank you ma'am. It has been," Jeff said with a smile before nodding to the other man, "Thank you sir."

"Thank'ee, Mi'er Williams!" said a young boy, whose mother quickly reminded her son of how to address a duke and pulled him off spewing apologies.

"That's all right ma'am," Jeff told the mother, "I'm a regular person, just like anyone else."

Jeff turned to the police officer, "Yes sir, I apologize." he said before turning to the crowd, "I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, but he's right we are blocking the road. I have to go to this boring state dinner, is there anything you want me to pass on to Jame.. er.. His Majesty or President Bradsworth for you?" ((No, he's not one to stir up stuff..) ;)

((OOC: "it is time brothers and sisters! Throw the chains of your commie oppresors and follow me to freedom!!!" er.. maybe he'll say that later.. ;) ))

"No!" someone shouted. "Don't go yet! You haven't signed mine!" Many seemed to share that sentiment, but few actually forwarded any complaints.

((sorry...so tired...sleeeep...))

((Yeah, me too... can't come up with response... zzzzz...))

"No!" someone shouted. "Don't go yet! You haven't signed mine!" Many seemed to share that sentiment, but few actually forwarded any complaints.
((Damn them! Damn them for not complaining! ;) ))

Jeff smiled at the crowd, "I'm sorry everyone, but I have to get to the embassy to meet with the ambassador and then this dinner at Dun Adien. However, I'll be back in town later, and I'm looking forward to seeing Ianapalis again."

As the aerodyne took off one of the security guards turned to Jeff, "Sir, I'd like it if you didn't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because as we found out two months ago when someone tried to kill you, you're not, in fact, invunerable."

((Damn them! Damn them for not complaining! ;) ))

((Well, in general, everyone's pretty happy-to-apathetic about the Revolution. Bradsworth's actually turned out to be very moderate and is only really disliked by the radicals at either end of the political spectrum. Also, the nationalization of most of the major corporations on the Shield has meant more employment, shorter hours, and higher wages - so far. We'll see if they can keep it up over the long run :).

Of course, there are a few people in high, influencial places that think the Revolution has gone too far/not far enough. Hopefully, we'll be hearing from them soon.))

Jeff smiled at the crowd, "I'm sorry everyone, but I have to get to the embassy to meet with the ambassador and then this dinner at Dun Adien. However, I'll be back in town later, and I'm looking forward to seeing Ianapalis again."

There was even louder cheering at the prospect of a return visit. From the amount of people chattering about "telling Auntie - she loves Jeff Williams!" one could gather that there would be a significantly larger crowd the next time around. Even the policeman tipped his tall hat to the aerodyne as it took off.

"Because as we found out two months ago when someone tried to kill you, you're not, in fact, invunerable."

((All right, who's the wise guy? *pounds fist into hand* I'd likes to treat him to a little chin music.))

Of course, there are a few people in high, influencial places that think the Revolution has gone too far/not far enough. Hopefully, we'll be hearing from them soon.

((Heh heh heh, oh I'm sure they will ;) ))

There was even louder cheering at the prospect of a return visit. From the amount of people chattering about "telling Auntie - she loves Jeff Williams!" one could gather that there would be a significantly larger crowd the next time around. Even the policeman tipped his tall hat to the aerodyne as it took off.

Jeff smiled at the crowd as the aerodyne lifted into the air and moved towards the embassy again.

"Now I'm sure you were joking about that not being invincible thing," Jeff said with a grin.

The guard just rolled his eyes and shrugged, "Well you're not the one who has to explain to your family why you're back in the hospital again."

The aerodyne gently touched down at the Larkinian embassy and Jeff walked into the building...

*times passes. Did you see it? There it went! ;) *

Ambassador Mike Davison bounded out of his office, his stout body moving with a quickness that belied his 55 years.

"Mister President," he said as he shook Jeff's hand. "It's been a while, and how are you sir?"

"Just fine Mr. Ambassador," Jeff replied with a grin. "Now sir, I believe you need to get me up to speed on what's been going around here. Tell me on the way to Jamestown Place."

The two men talked as the aerodyne deftly handled itself in Ianapalis and touched down at the docks.

Jeff turned to the pilot before the doors opened, "Leave the engine running, if anything happens I'll be expecting you to land in the middle of the main hall."

The two men and the security entourage exited the vehicle and walked onto the boat to Dun Adien.


All right, who's the wise guy? *pounds fist into hand* I'd likes to treat him to a little chin music.))

((LOL, well it's a long story with terrorists, biological weapons and some explosives... ;) ))

Jeff and his party was met by the usual assortment of nobodies, all of whom were dressed in the ludicrous garb of the Revolution. They welcomed him heartily, bowing and 'Your Grace'ing themselves almost to death.

The ride out to Ian's Island was short and relatively painless. As they approached the towering granite cliff on the north end of the island, they got a splendid view of Dûn Ádien. The castle perched upon the rock, managing to look as forlorn as a building possibly can; the blue and green Cross of Adie, not the red and white of the Gull Flag, flew above her ramparts.

Bradsworth himself was there to meet Jeff after his small boat docked at the cove.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, President Williams," he said, extending a hand for shaking.

((LOL, well it's a long story with terrorists, biological weapons and some explosives... ;) ))

((Ah, the best kind, then! :)))

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, President Williams," he said, extending a hand for shaking.

Jeff looked at the flag a moment as the boat approached Dun Adien, he still couldn't get used to seeing it up there.

The party disembarked the boat and Jeff walked up to Bradsworth, "And you President Bradsworth," Jeff said to the man as they shook hands. "I'm sure you remember Ambassador Davison."

Jeff looked around the grounds a moment, "Some things never change," he said with a smile.

(Hey, that reminds me, who's left of James' KIG crew?)

(Hey, that reminds me, who's left of James' KIG crew?)

((Just Weathers (couldn't lose him! ;)) and Lawrence, I think. That one dude (whose name I can't remember...it started with an 'S', right?..Severson?) was killed in Effit and Princeton sold out during the Corporate Yoke.))

The party disembarked the boat and Jeff walked up to Bradsworth, "And you President Bradsworth," Jeff said to the man as they shook hands. "I'm sure you remember Ambassador Davison."

Jeff looked around the grounds a moment, "Some things never change," he said with a smile.

((Premier, not President ;)))

"Of course. Ambassador, a pleasure as always," said Bradsworth, shaking Davison's hand.

((Davison, Davison...that sounds like a name I should know but I just can't place it.))

He led the way up the stone staircase to the castle's southern ramparts. "We've tried to keep as much of the Old Regime as possible," he said, leading them into the courtyard. "There was a great deal to be admired about the Grand Empire, truth be told."

Bradsworth paused. "I assume, Mr President, that you'll be wishing to see His Majesty as soon as possible?"

((Premier.. President... Grand Pubah... Great Whipper of Corporate Ass... you know what I mean. ;) ))

((Davison, Davison...that sounds like a name I should know but I just can't place it.))

((Cue Jeopardy Theme))

Jeff looked around as they walked, "Yes, yes there was," he said quietly. "And some things that are better left unturned."

He snapped back when Bradsworth mentioned James, "Yes, I think I would like to see James, and pull him out of that damn Honeycomb," he chuckled.

((um...um...former financial advisors for $400, Alex!))

"How did he know that His Majesty was in the Honeycomb?" asked one tagalong in a whisper.

"Because that's where he always is," replied someone else.

"Of course," said Bradsworth, opening the door to the Honeycomb.

The eerie golden glow was still there, but the room had changed since last Jeff visited. All the furniture and bookcases had been shoved off to one side or another to clear a large space in the center. There, James was fencing with someone Jeff didn't know.

"Two, three - good, Your Majesty! Watch your footwork! Good thrust, a little quicker next time."

"We thought it would be better if your visit was a surprise," said Bradsworth.

Weathers, who was watching the goings-on, smiled over at Jeff and cleared his throat. "Premier Interim the Right Honorable Charles Bradsworth and President His Grace the Duke of Williams!"

James froze and looked over, not even noticing when his instructor's foil bent harmlessly against his chest.

"Jeff?!"

"We thought it would be better if your visit was a surprise," said Bradsworth.

"Not a bad idea," Jeff winked, "I know how much James loves surprises."

James froze and looked over, not even noticing when his instructor's foil bent harmlessly against his chest.

Jeff smiled back at Weathers and winked at him. "Ya know," Jeff said looking back at James, "You're gonna have to work on that footwork some more, cause he's got that pigsticker bent outta shape worse than Hillary after Monicagate.."

"Jeff?!"

"In the flesh, well, as much as I have left."

Weathers decided to ignore the 'pig-sticker' comment, but he did grin broadly.

"In the flesh, well, as much as I have left."

"It's great to see you again!" exclaimed James. "It's been - what? - eight months? Are Kate and the kids here? What brings you around? How are things in Larkinia? and the New Highlands? I - oops, maybe I should let you answer a question before moving on to the next," he smiled.

"Wow, where to start! Yeah, it's been about eight months. You really need to check your messages more often and return them, cause your sis-in-law and I have been calling and calling and leaving messages. And finally we have to resort to a visit," Jeff chided him with a happy grin. "Yes, Kate and the kids are here, they're at the house right now, I'm here on Official State Business.

"Things in Larkinia are ... well, living up to what I expected, more or less. The New Highlands are all right, keeping everyone busy from what I can tell. Now what have you been up to?"

"Official State Business?" asked James. "Jeff, this may be the first time you've ever done anything official in your life." He clapped his friend on the shoulder.

"Yeah," he added, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm really sorry about all those phone calls - it's just, y'know, the phone service isn't very reliable on an island.

"Anyway! - I've been keeping busy." He glanced at Bradsworth, who bowed. "As you can probably tell, there's been a few changes. But I manage to keep busy regardless."

"Well there's a first time for everything, and it gave me a chance to get outta town for a little while," Jeff grinned. "So I see you're letting Premier Bradsworth do some of the heavy lifting for a while and you're getting some sword work in. I could tell you've been working out."

"Speaking of that phone system you have here. James, you have to get out of the 18th Century. I think a new sat phone would be perfect for you."

"So I see you're letting Premier Bradsworth do some of the heavy lifting for a while and you're getting some sword work in. I could tell you've been working out."

"Well," said James, scratching the back of his neck again, "maybe just a little. I figured, y'know, it couldn't hurt. Besides, Mr Bradsworth is more in tune with the people than I am."

"I like to think so, anyway, Majesty," smiled Bradsworth.

"So!" continued James, "What's that official business that brings you all the way out to the eighteenth century?"

EDIT: I'm off to befud myself. Catch you later, Lark!

"Well," said James, scratching the back of his neck again, "maybe just a little. I figured, y'know, it couldn't hurt. Besides, Mr Bradsworth is more in tune with the people than I am."

"I like to think so, anyway, Majesty," smiled Bradsworth.

"So!" continued James, "What's that official business that brings you all the way out to the eighteenth century?"
Jeff chuckled a moment, "Well.. I really don't need a reason to visit do I?"

Other than to wrap my hands around Ashtonbury's throat and pop his head like a big zit.. Jeff wryly thought.

"Of course not," smiled James.

"We're preparing dinner in the Great Hall to welcome President Williams," said Bradsworth. He glanced up and down James' sweaty clothes, not saying anything but clearly implying it.

"Right," said James. "Jeff, it's damn good to see you again. I'm going to change into something a little less smelly; I'll meet you in the Great Hall." He turned and waved to his instructor. "Great lesson, Robert. Same time tomorrow?"

"As your Majesty wishes."

"Great." James clapped Jeff on the shoulder. "See you soon, right?"

"Of course," Jeff said, "The sooner the better."

Jeff smiled as the men walked out of the Honeycomb and James headed back towards his home in Dun Adien.

Jeff then turned and walked with Bradsworth, "Well it looks like Iansisle has finally turned a corner with you looking after her people," he said as the pair walked into another part of the castle.

((And it's my turn to take off, I gotta get some sleep before tomorrow, I have a test to take care of. See you tomorrow!))

Jeff then turned and walked with Bradsworth, "Well it looks like Iansisle has finally turned a corner with you looking after her people," he said as the pair walked into another part of the castle.

"I'm glad that you think so," said Bradsworth while he led Jeff throught the courtyard. "We have made a lot of progress, and I hope to make a damn sight more. With, of course, His Majesty's help and acceptance."

He held a door open for Jeff and they walked into the Great Hall. "I trust that these changes are not unwanted in Golden Agate? I've been thinking about petitioning for reentry into the New Highlands for some time now."

((And it's my turn to take off, I gotta get some sleep before tomorrow, I have a test to take care of. See you tomorrow!))

((HA! My four-day weekend and I gloat at you! God bless..whatever holiday that was that we just celebrated! ;)))

"I'm glad that you think so," said Bradsworth while he led Jeff throught the courtyard. "We have made a lot of progress, and I hope to make a damn sight more. With, of course, His Majesty's help and acceptance."

Jeff walked with Bradsworth and nodded, "I think you'll have some help from him. With all of the time I've known James, he's always had concern for the people of Iansisle foremost in his heart."

He thanked Bradsworth as he walked through the door. "The New Highlands would be elated with a petition from Iansisle to return. The Ambassadors were caught off-guard with the sudden departure by the previous regime."

((HA! My four-day weekend and I gloat at you! God bless..whatever holiday that was that we just celebrated! ;)))

((Feh. :-P ))

[QUOTE=Iansisle((HA! My four-day weekend and I gloat at you! God bless..whatever holiday that was that we just celebrated! ;)))[/QUOTE]

Yeah, well I hit a deer last night and cuased about 5 grand in damage to my car, and just bombed a Political Theory test, so HA! Wait...

Bradsworth smiled slightly. "Yes. Well, sometimes events get out of all of our control."

"Is that Mr Bradsworth's voice I hear?" called a woman from one of the side hallways. Again, the Premier smiled and clasped his hands behind his back as a blonde, slightly overweight woman of perhaps about twenty five appeared.

"Mr President, may I present Dame Anna Tri? Dame Anna, please allow me to present His Grace President the Duke of Williams of Larkinia."

((Feh. :-P ))

((Anything I can do to make myself feel better at your expense. ;) How'd that test go?))

Yeah, well I hit a deer last night and cuased about 5 grand in damage to my car, and just bombed a Political Theory test, so HA! Wait...

((Sorry to hear about that, dude! Is insurance going to cover it? (and, if so, how'd you get insurance on your Political Theory class, and why haven't I heard of such a thing?!). Hope your weekend turns out better!))

Bradsworth smiled slightly. "Yes. Well, sometimes events get out of all of our control."

"Is that Mr Bradsworth's voice I hear?" called a woman from one of the side hallways. Again, the Premier smiled and clasped his hands behind his back as a blonde, slightly overweight woman of perhaps about twenty five appeared.

"Mr President, may I present Dame Anna Tri? Dame Anna, please allow me to present His Grace President the Duke of Williams of Larkinia."

"That's very true," Jeff replied before the introduction.

"Dame Anna," Jeff said quietly with a bow before taking her hand, "I'm so sorry about what happened to your father, he was very close to us."

((Anything I can do to make myself feel better at your expense. ;) How'd that test go?))

((*grumble grumble* feh feh feh... ;) ))

(and, if so, how'd you get insurance on your Political Theory class, and why haven't I heard of such a thing?!).)

((Well someone took their smartass pills today ;) Sorry to hear about the car Imi, that's what you get for going deer hunting without a rifle.))

"That's very true," Jeff replied before the introduction.

"Dame Anna," Jeff said quietly with a bow before taking her hand, "I'm so sorry about what happened to your father, he was very close to us."

"Yes, well..." she shut her eyes briefly and then tried to smile.

"I've heard quite a bit about you, Jeff, from my father and James. It's an honor to be able to put a face to the name at last. From what I've been told, I'm glad you're on our side."

Bradsworth coughed. "Yes. Iansisle's been lucky to have such a constant friend in President Williams. Er, I trust the preperations have gone well?"

Anna smiled at him. "So to speak. I don't know if these kitchen will ever function the same way since we lost Quinton."

Just then, James walked in. He was dressed in clean, if hardly regal, clothes.

"Oh..uh, Anna..." His eyes darted from her to Jeff to Bradsworth and back again. "I suppose you've, er, met Jeff then?"

((Well someone took their smartass pills today ;)))

((They're just so yummy!))

"I've heard quite a bit about you, Jeff, from my father and James. It's an honor to be able to put a face to the name at last. From what I've been told, I'm glad you're on our side."

Bradsworth coughed. "Yes. Iansisle's been lucky to have such a constant friend in President Williams. Er, I trust the preperations have gone well?"

Jeff was afraid that had been the wrong thing to say, but hadn't known how else to phrase it, but with that out of the way now they could move past it to happier discussions.

He was caught off guard by Bradsworth, and in the back of his mind he noted to keep an eye on things.

"Oh..uh, Anna..." His eyes darted from her to Jeff to Bradsworth and back again. "I suppose you've, er, met Jeff then?"

"I believe we have," Jeff winked to Anna before turning to James with a grin, "Well you almost look presentable. So where did you move the bar to?"

James smiled. "That's the best part about this new set-up." He clapped twice and a servant appeared with a platter of wine glasses. "I found it to be much more convinient this way."

He offered a glass to everyone and took one himself. "Well. Care to make a toast, Jeff?"

((EDIT: I'm going to cut out, man. My ISP keeps crapping out on me. I'll see if it's being a little more cooperative later tonight. ;)))

Jeff looked around, "I... er.. a toast?" he thought a moment.

"To our wives and girlfriends. May they never meet?" ... nah, that wouldn't work.

"To a brighter future." he said as he raised his glass.

-----

((And meanwhile, Lark continues to be Lark... ;) A little more background))

West Valley, Golden Agate

Troy Walters stood outside of the warehouse, finishing his cigarette as night began to fall on the city. As the sky got darker the sounds of gunfire began to build from other parts of the valley, and if he looked at the right time he could see something he thought was muzzle flashes.

As he stubbed out the rest of his cigarette, the rest of his ten-man tean walked out of the side door in the warehouse. "Come on," he said to one of them, "We've got a courier to stop."

The team slipped into a large black aerodyne and hovered into the night sky and quickly merged with the rest of the traffic...

Meanwhile, on the ground exiting the Corporate Sector, a small car from Inoki Manufacturing was fighting the evening traffic, trying to reach the highway to the airport. A young man scanned the traffic, cutting from here to there and trying to make up time by diving through a couple of short cuts.

As the car pulled away from the main lanes of traffic the aerodyne swooped in like a stalking bird of prey. When the car turned a corner, the aerodyne dropped on it, engines roaring and throwing dirt and debris into the air. A man in the passenger seat of the car leaned out with a submachine gun and started firing at the engines of the 'dyne while two gun ports opened on the bottom of the aerodyne and started returning the fire of the car.

The driver tried to back away from the 'dyne when his body was ripped into by machine gun fire.

The 'dyne landed and the team swept out in formation, moving quickly towards the smouldering vehicle. One man opened the door and the driver's body fell out onto the pavement with a wet smack. The man reached into the car and pulled a package wrapped in tape containing a biological hazard sign on it.

"Check 1. Got it."

The team moved back into the aerodyne as it lept back into the evening sky. As the vehicle left the area, the passenger rolled out of the car, pulled a small card out of his pocket and snapped it in half before he passed out.

"To our wives and girlfriends. May they never meet?" ... nah, that wouldn't work.

((Jeff knows other toasts?! ;)))

"To a brighter future." he said as he raised his glass.

"A brighter future," agreed James, Anna, and Bradsworth as they raised their glasses to Jeff. Hardly the first sip was gone before Bradsworth decided to move things along again.

"I believe the staff will be serving supper in just a few minutes," he said, checking a pocket watch for effect. "Perhaps we had better take our seats?"

James looked at Jeff and smiled. "Well! Food already! That brighter future didn't waste its time!"

((Hey, Lark, I was wondering - how old is Jeff now, compared to when he and James met? Just trying to unwind the chonology a little ;).))

((Jeff knows other toasts?! ;)))

(LOL)

"A brighter future," agreed James, Anna, and Bradsworth as they raised their glasses to Jeff. Hardly the first sip was gone before Bradsworth decided to move things along again.

"I believe the staff will be serving supper in just a few minutes," he said, checking a pocket watch for effect. "Perhaps we had better take our seats?"

James looked at Jeff and smiled. "Well! Food already! That brighter future didn't waste its time!"

"No, I guess it didn't," Jeff chuckled as Bradsworth essentially pushed everyone in their seats. "So James, what have you been up to lately?"

(Let's see... I think Jeff would be 36 at this point, since I think Jeff's first visit was when he was 27 or so, and the children are 6,6 and 3..)

"This and that," shrugged James. "The government more or less runs itself these days - thank God we're rid of Tarriff at last - so there's not much for me to do but follow my hobbies. It's refreshing, to say the least, not to have to constantly arbitrate disputes."

James looked up as the first course was served. "And you, Jeff? I trust that the kids are growing up to be outstanding model citizens?"

((That synchs up just about perfectly, then! Hooray! I had assumed that James was about 30 at this point, and, as he was 21 during his coronation. Awesome.))

"Oh lord I hope they are too," Jeff said with a grin, "We try to keep them far away from any publicity, but ya know, they always seem to find where the news crew is and try to do something cute for them.

"Well it sounds like things are going quite well for you James, I've always thought you needed more time to relax," Jeff added. "And Premier Bradsworth, what kind of problems have you experience from the companies you had dealt with?"

James smiled at the report. "I hope they'll be able to come out soon; I've missed seeing everyone."

"We try and minimalize our corporate troubles," said Bradsworth. "The population is ready for complete nationalization and we've given it to them. Royal was the biggest stickler, but we've managed." He didn't sound eager to discuss specifics.

"Well I was hoping that you could come out tomorrow for a day on the manor house, just like hold times, kicking back and relaxing, hopefully without the demons this time though," Jeff grinned.

"Well Mr. Bradsworth, it sounds like you've wrested some control from the nobles who'd run these companies in the past. How are you able to keep an eye on what they do in other colonies overseas? Or has your centralized control of them also taken that into consideration?"

Jeff asked because a) he liked to see Bradsworth twist the slightest bit uncomfortably and b) he was thinking back to his own recent problems in Larkinia...

-----

The team moved back into the aerodyne as it lept back into the evening sky. As the vehicle left the area, the passenger rolled out of the car, pulled a small card out of his pocket and snapped it in half before he passed out.


Trauma Team, Inc. Headquarters, Corporate Sector, GA

The tall, black skyscraper, complete with the TT logo shimmering in the light from the night city, stood like a guardian for this part of Golden Agate. Trauma Team, Inc. became the primary provider of ambulance service to the metroplexes in Larkinia and other cities in the region and world, in part for their no-nonsense style of paramedic work.

In one of the monitoring rooms, a red light flashed on a map of the West Valley-Corporate Entry quarter. A dispatcher looked up at the map before calling up data on her computer.

"Looks like we've got a client down in the valley," she said to her superior. "The info we have says he's one of our Platinum Customers."

"Well then we'd better get an ambulance out there before people start selling off body parts to the black market," the supervisor replied.

The dispatcher pulled a picture of a black aerodyne on her computer screen, "Trauma 15, we have a Platinum client down in the valley, location is an alley between 115th Street and ...

A older, grizzled looking man sat behind the wheel of the aerodyne, punching in the location from the broken card's transmitter.

"Come on you lot," he said to a group of men sitting at a poker table in a room, we've got another job to pick up.

The men at the table bounded up and picked up huge bags of gear, some medical, mostly weapons however and jogged into the ambulance.

"We ready to go?" the pilot asked.

"Yeah," the team leader replied, "Let's get this up in the air, we'll strap up en route."

The dyne rumbled out of the launch bay and into the evening sky. As it hovered over the city enroute to the car's location, the medics quickly checked the medical equipment and while the guards either sat down at the door guns or the armored cannon turret on the bottom of the ambulance, the remaining guards strapped into their armor and picked up their weapons as the aerodyne slowed it's drop into the alleyway.

The door gunners swept the area as the ambulance touched down and the doors opened. The guards moved out first, setting up a perimeter before the medics were allowed to exit. When they did, they rushed over to the car and looked at the man who had the broken card next to him. They checked the picture on the card against the man and then put him on the stretcher and moved him into the ambulance, setting him on the small medical bed and beginning to stick needles inside of him while one of the guards looked at what was left of the driver.

"Come on," the team leader said to him, "We don't get paid for dead bodies."

The team crowded back into the ambulance just before the doors closed. The engine's rumble could be heard throughout the neighborhood. Some of the neighborhood kids came out and looked around as the team took off, and by the time the engines turned into a twinkle in the distance, the sounds of new gunshots could be heard from the neighborhood...

(Let's see... I think Jeff would be 36 at this point, since I think Jeff's first visit was when he was 27 or so, and the children are 6,6 and 3..)

OOC: At least I still win the age war, with fortier settling in just recently at a nice round 38. Its gonna be tough for him, 40 years old, and still street racing and doing fun spy stuff, lol.

OOC: At least I still win the age war, with fortier settling in just recently at a nice round 38. Its gonna be tough for him, 40 years old, and still street racing and doing fun spy stuff, lol.

(LOL, you're only as old as you feel, or you're only as old as the woman you're feeling. ;) )

(LOL, you're only as old as you feel, or you're only as old as the woman you're feeling. ;) )

(LOL! My roommates got a kick out of that one. ;))

"Well I was hoping that you could come out tomorrow for a day on the manor house, just like hold times, kicking back and relaxing, hopefully without the demons this time though," Jeff grinned.

"Well Mr. Bradsworth, it sounds like you've wrested some control from the nobles who'd run these companies in the past. How are you able to keep an eye on what they do in other colonies overseas? Or has your centralized control of them also taken that into consideration?"

"We've wrestled complete control," replied Bradsworth, perhaps a little smugly. "The boards of IanCorp, RM&M, and the East Gallaga Company are now appointed by the Assembly and sit only at their pleasure. I know it must seem a harsh measure, but we simply cannot have another Yoke, not in Iansisle.

"As for the colonies, the Company is now a purely national interest. We've appointed a Viceroy in Gallaga and a Council of the New Shield, directly responsible to myself and His Majesty. Without the Company holding them back, we feel that we can advance the democratization of the subcontinent and perhaps set a timetable for the enterence of Gallaga into a new Iansislean Commonwealth as a self-governing member. The same holds true with Dianatran, and all the other colonies."

"We've wrestled complete control," replied Bradsworth, perhaps a little smugly. "The boards of IanCorp, RM&M, and the East Gallaga Company are now appointed by the Assembly and sit only at their pleasure. I know it must seem a harsh measure, but we simply cannot have another Yoke, not in Iansisle.

"As for the colonies, the Company is now a purely national interest. We've appointed a Viceroy in Gallaga and a Council of the New Shield, directly responsible to myself and His Majesty. Without the Company holding them back, we feel that we can advance the democratization of the subcontinent and perhaps set a timetable for the enterence of Gallaga into a new Iansislean Commonwealth as a self-governing member. The same holds true with Dianatran, and all the other colonies."

"Interesting," Jeff said before sipping his wine. "And how do you keep the people happy? I'm sure there was no love loss when the companies lost control. But at some point the honeymoon ends."

"Interesting," Jeff said before sipping his wine. "And how do you keep the people happy? I'm sure there was no love loss when the companies lost control. But at some point the honeymoon ends."

"Morale is as high as we can expect," replied Bradsworth with a shrug. "We're writing a constitution for Iansisle. The people are ready for something new, President Williams, and we're it."

EDIT: I'm working on a new Ashtonbury post, but it's slow going. I'm just not devious enough. ;)

"Morale is as high as we can expect," replied Bradsworth with a shrug. "We're writing a constitution for Iansisle. The people are ready for something new, President Williams, and we're it."

EDIT: I'm working on a new Ashtonbury post, but it's slow going. I'm just not devious enough. ;)

((Goody goody, Ashtonbury must be found, he's gotta be found... yessss.... precious... we wants it... we wants it... ;) ))

"Yes I agree, it's time for something new for Iansisle. Hopefully the people will appreciate not being used in wars for the companies," Jeff said raising his glass. "Here's to a new Iansisle."

"A new Iansisle," agreed everyone.

"Tell me, President Williams," continued Bradsworth after the toast. "We have heard a great many things out of Larkinia - but not a great deal about any of them. Are things as bad off there as rumors would have them?"

((Just mind your step, Lark ;).))

(( We wants it... Jeff-Um... Jeff-Um.. :P ))

Jeff took another sip of the wine before answering. "Well that depends on the rumors you've been hearing. Larkinia has had it's problems recently with terrorists, or the occasional corporation that wants to take a little more than anyone else I guess. Although they might have been stepping it up more recently."

(( We wants it... Jeff-Um... Jeff-Um.. :P ))

((All right, that's it. You're fired. Clean out your desk! :P ;)))

Jeff took another sip of the wine before answering. "Well that depends on the rumors you've been hearing. Larkinia has had it's problems recently with terrorists, or the occasional corporation that wants to take a little more than anyone else I guess. Although they might have been stepping it up more recently."

"Yes, those would be consistant with what we've heard," said Bradsworth. "Do you believe the events are connected in any way?"

"Mr Bradsworth, please," said James. "This ought to be a festive occasion."

"Begging Your Majesty's pardon," replied Bradsworth, "but it is a state dinner."

(LOL)

"That's all right James," Jeff said, "Premier Bradsworth is right, this is a state dinner, time to eat, drink, be merry and talk politics.

"Well Premier, they might be. But I don't know of any connection they have with Iansislian companies,outside of some trading connections. I guess I'm more concerned about the corporations fighting each other, because aside from the occasional assassination attempt they can take out a lot of innocent people."

James glanced from Bradsworth to Jeff and shrugged. He returned to his food, apparently content to be left out of the conversation.

"Yes, we found that to be true as well." Bradsworth smiled. "Of course, I wouldn't guess that revolution and nationalization is a practical alternative for Larkinia?"

Jeff shrugged, "not really. Many of the corporations have their own armies, and the smaller companies have aligned themselves with a corporation. Plus with the Voting Act passed before Grant left office, he allowed corporations to buy people's votes. They give them food, housing, booze, whatever and in exchange they sign their vote over to the company in question."

"Terrible," replied Bradsworth, clucking knowingly. "I assume, then, that most elected officials are in the pocket of the corporations?"

It wasn't a direct accusation, but James still cleared his throat.

((I'm off, man. Catch you tomorrow.))

OOC: I gotta remeber that one about the girl your feeling...Lark, when your ready to come over, just tell me, I'll set up a thread.

"Terrible," replied Bradsworth, clucking knowingly. "I assume, then, that most elected officials are in the pocket of the corporations?"

It wasn't a direct accusation, but James still cleared his throat.

"Well that depends on the elected official," Jeff said, "Of course there are those who might be, and those who have the strength of character to buck them. And then there are those that realize that those running the corporations have rights as well, whether you like them personally or not."

Jeff sipped his wine as he watched Bradsworth's reaction.

OOC: I gotta remeber that one about the girl your feeling...Lark, when your ready to come over, just tell me, I'll set up a thread.
((No worries man, I'm just waiting to see how things go here before we start that up, just in case I piss people off here. ;) who? me? do that?? ))

"Well that depends on the elected official," Jeff said, "Of course there are those who might be, and those who have the strength of character to buck them. And then there are those that realize that those running the corporations have rights as well, whether you like them personally or not."

Jeff sipped his wine as he watched Bradsworth's reaction.

"But at what point do their rights start to infringe on those of others'?" asked Bradsworth, "and who is to say whose rights are more important?" He smiled. "I'm just trying to reconcile that conundrum, using my morality as best I can."

((There is a good post coming sooner or later. I've just been waaay too busy so far this week. :())

((No worries man, I've had the same problem this week myself!))

Jeff nodded as he set the glass back on the table. "Exactly. One could say that is the job of the government, since the people in it were, ostensibly, elected to protect the electorate. But trying to balance the two sides is the problem, I agree."

"Sometimes," Bradsworth said, "all you need to solve a problem is a fresh pair of eyes. Many said the corporate hold over Iansisle's government would - could - never be broken. And here we are."

Raising his glass, he proposed a toast. "Gentlemen, Dame Anna: The Gull Flag."

((I'm off for sleepie-sleepie. Catch you tomorrow (hopefully with a real post ;)) Lark.))

Well i'll be dammed... even Larkinia is still alive!

Well i'll be dammed... even Larkinia is still alive!

((LOL, thanks man. It's been a while but I'm back :) ))

;)

;)

((Did you ever hear from Cele before he took off?))

((Did you ever hear from Cele before he took off?))

Yeah he emailed me... said his uni had banned NS from the system... poor guy.

Yeah he emailed me... said his uni had banned NS from the system... poor guy.

(Oh man! That sucks! Maybe he'll be able to get back on soon. I'm heading to bed, I'll catch ya on the flip side!)

"Sometimes," Bradsworth said, "all you need to solve a problem is a fresh pair of eyes. Many said the corporate hold over Iansisle's government would - could - never be broken. And here we are."

Raising his glass, he proposed a toast. "Gentlemen, Dame Anna: The Gull Flag."

Jeff nodded and rose his glass, "I'll drink to that," he said before sipping.

It IS good that the corporations have been loosed from Iansisle's neck, especially with everything they put James and his family through.

Jeff's mind went back to Ashtonbury and he reflexively tightened his hand around the stem. A small *tink* came from his hand before he realized it.

Uh-oh... I hope this wasn't the good crystal.

(I'll have another corporate post up sooner or later, this isn't really the thread for it, so the Corp. War might need to be in a new thread)

“It’s getting late, Ashtonbury,” said Sam, peering out of the window. Rain was pelting the city streets. He looked over. “I wouldn’t keep Captain Clayburgh waiting.”

“We’re not leaving with Queen Jessica, Sam.”

“We...we’re not?”

“No.”

“But...what?”

“I’ve met Lord Philip once, at a navy function. He’s a cold aristocratic bastard - but one who has always been in his brother’s shadow. He has one chance left to turn his career from the doldrums of commanding a disgraced battlecruiser into flag rank, and that’s me.”

Despite the cold, a few beads of sweat appeared on Sam’s forehead. “But...but...”

“Going down to the docks would be walking into the arms of an entire company of marines, all so some blue-blooded bastard can hoist an ensign. No, that’s not my plan at all.”

“But there’s nowhere else to go!” insisted Sam. “The north is blocked, Gadsan would turn you over, the fleet fills the entire ocean!”

“Where there’s a will, Sam, there’s a way,” replied Ashtonbury, while picking up a pillow and casually fluffing it.

“You’ll need a damn sight more than obtuse folk sayings!” snapped Sam, taking a step closer. “We won’t even get out of Ianapalis - I don’t want to hang, Ashtonbury, not on your word and nothing else.”

“Oh, they wouldn’t hang you, Sam,” replied Ashtonbury, his eyes flicking over. “Not their best little ferret.”

“Gu - huh?”

Sam never had time to articulate a word before the pillow had been slammed against his chest and the gun drawn. Ashtonbury was damn fast - the trigger pulled and, with a muffled crack, the bullet fired. Sam saw nothing but a sly, self-assured grin before he collapsed.

“Strategic misdirection, my dear Sam,” Ashtonbury said over the corpse while pulling out the wallet, “is everything in this game. Shame you never quite learned.”

---------

James heard the crystal crack. He grimaced quickly and signaled a servant to come pour Jeff a new glass.

“Something particular on your mind, Mr President?” asked Bradsworth with a low chuckle. “Perhaps you have more in common with His Majesty than even my report led me to believe.”

((There. That wasn't nearly as good as it was in my head, I promise. But I'd stalled you long enough. ;)))

((Ashtonbury's about as sneaky as I thought! ;) ))

"You're probably right Mr. Premier," Jeff said as he handed the glass over to the servant and picked up the second glass with a wink to James.

"I do have quite a bit in common with him. I guess I'm a little bit twitchy tonight, like most official meetings. So how have you dealt with those who were responsible for the military action that was necessary in Iansisle?"

"I assume you mean the leaders of the Weshielder Republic?" asked Bradsworth. "In the manner best fitting their crimes, I like to think.

"President Andrews himself was murdered before we took Fort Jackson - apparently, his girlfriend didn't like him any better than we did. Certain of those responsible for the atrocities in the 'aristocratic protection camps' - you'll remember how many innocents were killed when the camps were attacked by the Imitorans or the Fultonians - have been executed or given life sentences. Other, minor collaborators have simply been removed from positions of power."

((I'm going to be on and off, mostly off, for the next couple weeks with final projects due, final exams and all that, so I'll post when I can. Sorry dude))

((damn it, you're not allowed to do real life work! :P Get back in here this instant!

Don't worry about it, Lark; I understand. I'm starting to worry about class work myself, so it's actually perfect timing. :)))

((ooc: Good evening old friends, I'm back from a long hiatus, how goes things?))

((Hey Ag! How have you been doing?))

((howdy, Ag! Always nice to see a friendly face. :)

I'm on a bit of a hiatus myself... which still has three tests left to throw at me :(. I can't wait to get back into RPing fully in about a week!))

((Good Lord! I never thought that semester would end! Whew, well I've got a month off until the next one begins... now where were we?))

((Good Lord! I never thought that semester would end! Whew, well I've got a month off until the next one begins... now where were we?))

((Just on our way out for Christmas shopping at the mall on 23 December after a day of fun manual labor, unfortunately. But after that, I think James and Jeff were having a meandering conversation that might have eventually ended up somewhere. ;)))

((Jeff... James.. Meandering.. Ah, business as usual.. gotcha ;) ))

Captain Lord Philip Clayburgh, younger brother of the Royal Iansislean Navy’s brightest star, member of the second most prestigious military family on the Shield, and commander of the battlecruiser Queen Jessica, stood shivering in the middle of a rainy Ianapalis night. Half of Jessie’s marine company scattered themselves across the street, all laying in wait for one man.

That man, William Ashtonbury, poked his head around the corner. He was taking a huge risk, coming here even after finding that traitor in his midst. Tomorrow’s light could either see him home free or in a revolutionary gaol awaiting execution. He approached the figure waiting in the center of the wharf cautiously, his blue eyes darting to either side of the road in anticipation. Each step seemed to take an eternity.

“I’m glad you agreed to take me on, Captain,” Ashtonbury said hoarsely upon reaching the other man, who could not have looked anything less like the aristocratic and overbearing Clayburgh.

“John Company looks after his own,” replied the other man with a toothless grin. “My ship, the Domina,” he added, gesturing over his shoulder at the tiny rust bucket tied against the pier.

“You expect to run a RIN blockade in that thing?” asked an incredulous Ashtonbury, feeling his heart sink into his stomach. “She doesn’t even look like she could make ten knots!”

“Eleven and a half, with a tail wind,” said her captain proudly. “But it’s not what’s outside, friend - she’s also got this.” He removed a tattered, stained sheet of paper from his pants and presented it to Ashtonbury. “We’re in the government’s pay now. The navy cannot detain us for a search.”

Ashtonbury took the paper and stared at it blankly. There was not much that could send the Company’s most talented assassin into a complete shock.

“The Gull Flaggers are rounding up every tramp they can find,” continued the captain, mistaking Ashtonbury’s silence as a gap to fill with chatter, “and loading ‘em up with ammunition and arms bound for Gallaga. They’re paying top general for a rush job, too.” He patted a full coin purse hanging by his side.

“Then we’ve not a minute to lose,” replied Ashtonbury at last, handing the sheet back. “A fair wind to Gallaga, captain.”

As the Domina motored through Ianapalis harbor, Ashtonbury spared a glance for Queen Jessica and a thought for her captain, waiting to spring a trap that would never have worked.

"I assume you mean the leaders of the Weshielder Republic?" asked Bradsworth. "In the manner best fitting their crimes, I like to think.

"President Andrews himself was murdered before we took Fort Jackson - apparently, his girlfriend didn't like him any better than we did. Certain of those responsible for the atrocities in the 'aristocratic protection camps' - you'll remember how many innocents were killed when the camps were attacked by the Imitorans or the Fultonians - have been executed or given life sentences. Other, minor collaborators have simply been removed from positions of power."


(( Why Ashtonb... *grumble grumble grumble* ;) ))

"Ah, of course," Jeff said as he sipped from a new glass of wine. "Early retirement, so to speak.

"And how are your 'foreign accounts', so to speak, fairing?"

(( Why Ashtonb... *grumble grumble grumble* ;) ))

((and he loves you too ;).))

"Ah, of course," Jeff said as he sipped from a new glass of wine. "Early retirement, so to speak.

"And how are your 'foreign accounts', so to speak, fairing?"

Bradsworth chuckled. "Holding their own, I assure you," he replied with a wry smile. "However, I take from your tone of voice that you meant that not literally? In the former Commonwealth, we are also holding our own - across the Western Marches, in Roania, and up the Jaizar in Effit, things are not so pretty.”

"Methinks the man does speak with a forked tongue," grumbled James, who was feeling rather left out of the conversation.

"I wasn't aware there were any other kinds in diplomacy, Your Majesty," jested Bradsworth in return.

Hmmm...no assasins, no vampires, no monsters, Jeff is doing fine, no ones trying to kill anyone, no dirty money is changing hands, Deazemans new nation is now in my region and were getting along fine....Something is very wrong here

Bradsworth chuckled. "Holding their own, I assure you," he replied with a wry smile. "However, I take from your tone of voice that you meant that not literally? In the former Commonwealth, we are also holding our own - across the Western Marches, in Roania, and up the Jaizar in Effit, things are not so pretty.”

"Methinks the man does speak with a forked tongue," grumbled James, who was feeling rather left out of the conversation.

"I wasn't aware there were any other kinds in diplomacy, Your Majesty," jested Bradsworth in return.

((LOL, I'm sure he does ;) And Imi, there's still that 25 mil floating around that's sitting on Ashtonbury's head, so there's still the chance of something nefarious happening... One can only hope ;) ))

Jeff winked at James, "Yeah, speaking out of more than two sides of your mouth is necessary for diplomacy I'm finding out. But what is your take on this Your Majesty?"

James chuckled, but didn't bother to correct Jeff's mispronunciation of his name. "Well, Your Grace," he said, "it's complicated - 'specially as there's hardly an opinion of my own that I'm allowed to hold anymore. I suppose that I am mostly happy about the corporate stranglehold on Iansislean politics being broken."

"Well," cut in Dame Anna, as very few well-bred Shieldian ladies would do in a conversation between males, "I think it's all a great shame. Things were going along just fine until all this agitation and counter-agitation started, and now there are bodies still laying in the street."

"They've all been buried months ago," promised Bradsworth, but Dame Anna was just getting started.

"All this crying about the corporations this, the corporations that - it's all just a cover up for weak wills and a lack of ambition, isn't it? The Empire worked perfectly for three hundred years, but one little bump in the road sends everyone flying to tear it down. A damn shame, that's what it is. I may not agree with those émigrés calling for your head, Mr Bradsworth, but they have at least identified the proper cause of all these troubles."

"Yes," said James, his cheeks slightly pink, "Well, everyone has their own opinion, of course."

Jeff watched the back and forth discussion with much interest before jumping back into the fire he started.

"Why aren't you allowed your own opinion anymore, Your Majesty," Jeff asked with a wry grin at how James hated to be called that, "after all Your Majesty doesn't have IanCorp twisting his words anymore and I would think that would allow you to spread your message to the people easier."

He then watched Dame Anna start in on Bradsworth, "Now Dame Anna, who would be calling for the Premier's head?"

He then watched Dame Anna start in on Bradsworth, "Now Dame Anna, who would be calling for the Premier's head?"

What? What? Why is everyone looking at me? *shifty eyes, then runs out to car* *sound of car driving off*

"Why aren't you allowed your own opinion anymore, Your Majesty," Jeff asked with a wry grin at how James hated to be called that, "after all Your Majesty doesn't have IanCorp twisting his words anymore and I would think that would allow you to spread your message to the people easier."

James shrugged. He hated to be called 'Your Majesty by his friends and family - but didn't mind it so much from Madders or Bradsworth. "Well, Mr President," he replied in an immature tit-for-tat, "constitutionally, the monarchy is never allowed to publically disagree with the National Assembly."

"I'm afraid we had to insist," chimed in Bradsworth.

He then watched Dame Anna start in on Bradsworth, "Now Dame Anna, who would be calling for the Premier's head?"

"The only fools greater than the revolutionaries," she replied. "Those who make life difficult for James and I - the émigré nobles, who live in foreign courts and agitate against the United Kingdom. Daily people are being incarcerated for treasonous activities because of them."

"The émigrés wish a return to the Grand Empire, with all its inequality and corruptability, 'by whatever means'" said Bradsworth. "We simply cannot allow them to stir up trouble."

James shrugged. He hated to be called 'Your Majesty by his friends and family - but didn't mind it so much from Madders or Bradsworth. "Well, Mr President," he replied in an immature tit-for-tat, "constitutionally, the monarchy is never allowed to publically disagree with the National Assembly."

"I'm afraid we had to insist," chimed in Bradsworth.

"You had to insist that James not be allowed to disagree with you?" Jeff asked dropping the fomalities. "Isn't that the opposite of what freedom is supposed to stand for? Being able to agree or disagree with someone publically, yet civally, is the basis for democracy. It looks like James doesn't have any more freedoms now than when the corporations were running the show."

Jeff leaned over to James, "Call me later, I'll show you how to comment publically and 'off-the-record'. It's amazing what an 'unnamed source close to the King' can get you," he said with a conspiratorial wink.


"The only fools greater than the revolutionaries," she replied. "Those who make life difficult for James and I - the émigré nobles, who live in foreign courts and agitate against the United Kingdom. Daily people are being incarcerated for treasonous activities because of them."

"The émigrés wish a return to the Grand Empire, with all its inequality and corruptability, 'by whatever means'" said Bradsworth. "We simply cannot allow them to stir up trouble."

"Well what kind of activities are they doing?" Jeff asked. "And by 'stirring up trouble', are you talking about violent activities or mere speech?"

"You had to insist that James not be allowed to disagree with you?" Jeff asked dropping the fomalities. "Isn't that the opposite of what freedom is supposed to stand for? Being able to agree or disagree with someone publically, yet civally, is the basis for democracy. It looks like James doesn't have any more freedoms now than when the corporations were running the show."

Jeff leaned over to James, "Call me later, I'll show you how to comment publically and 'off-the-record'. It's amazing what an 'unnamed source close to the King' can get you," he said with a conspiratorial wink.

"It is absolutely imparative that, in these troubled times, King and country be as closely united as possible. There's just too much at risk now for us to throw it away on petty differences." Bradsworth smiled. "I know it seems harsh, but with 500,000 Effitian troops gathering on the Upper Jaizar - well, there are worst fates that might befall us."

He either did not notice Jeff's words and James' sly smile or did not care.

"Well what kind of activities are they doing?" Jeff asked. "And by 'stirring up trouble', are you talking about violent activities or mere speech?"

"It varies depending on the person," said Bradsworth. "Some are content with words - denouncing the revolutionary government in foreign courts from Tilsitia to Novar Ohun. Others actively oppose our agenda - encouraging revolt in the Normarch, smuggling out corporate criminals, that sort of thing."