NationStates Jolt Archive

The last few years had been years of change for what was now the Confederated Peoples. It seemed, however, that the Confederal people had finished redefining themselves so fundamentally for the time being. Endless changes as to the form of government had ended and it was now time for the government elected in the recent elections to actually govern. It was the end of the process of constitutional rearrangement but it was also the beginning of the new system and the prevailing mood at the opening of the new Confederal Agora where the new government was to work. In the eyes of President Kairis and many Confederals, the construction of the Agora set the current system in stone (literally) and would symbolize the return to stability under the new system and the re-entry of the Confederated Peoples onto the international stage as one nation among others.

The Agora was a great circle with a seven mile diameter. It followed a theme well-established in many of the Confederal Members already, that of a large public place containing the central institutions of government in a relatively open environment. While access to some areas was restricted, most visitors went through security checkpoints upon entering the Agora and did not have to go through a security check again during their visit and security within the Agora itself, while thorough, was also relatively unobtrusive. Of course, only a select few were allowed to bring cars inside and most visitors had to walk or take one of the public trams that serviced the area. The entire set-up allowed Confederals to feel that their government was open to them while also feeling secure.

The layout of the Agora was like that of a great wheel with many spokes. An outer road led around the circumference, just inside the fence. At the four gates leading inside, one at each of the compass, there was an open area containing souvenir shops and food stands. The outer road also went past a few stately residences used as official guest houses by the government and a number of important institutions, including the Bank of the Confederation, the Library of the Confederation and a whole host of museums, galleries and monuments. There were also debating halls, public boards and other ways in which citizens could more directly express themselves.

From the outer road, 129 roads ran towards the center. Each of these roads was dedicated to one of Members although they were financed by the Confederated Peoples and financed equally, allowing even the smallest and poorest Members to be represented well in the Agora. The roads all contained more specialized museums, libraries and galleries as well as the offices of the Members delegations to the Chamber of Delegates and the Senate and the offices of the Member government. Although the Member governments had no official role to play in the Confederal Government, they still had their own interests for which they lobbied intensely. They also used these offices to inform outsiders about their Member and to seek to attract tourists. The Member roads were also lined with much else that varied from one to the next but included restaurants with distinctive local cuisine, gardens, music halls, houses of worship, monuments, memorials, parks, animal exhibits and a few other things. Generally, the structures along the 129 roads leading to the center represented the finest architecture of the various Member styles.

Near the center, there was another circular road which largely served to merge the 129 roads coming in from the circumference into the twelve roads which would lead into Union Park. One of these twelve ran between each of the buildings surrounding the park. At the four points of the compass, the four most majestic buildings in the Agora faced into the park: The Confederal Council, the Confederal Assembly, the Confederal Supreme Court and the Confederal Palace (the Head of the Commonwealth’s New Amsterdam residence). Between these buildings stood the seven Government Departments and the Office of the Chancellor where the civil service was based.

Union Park itself was largely lawns and gardens but included a large duck pond, paths for pedestrians and cyclists alike, an open area for public gatherings and demonstrations, a food stand, a picnic area and countless benches and trees. It also contained a large monument dedicated to all the lives lost in all wars. At the center of the park was a large marble circle surrounded by the proudly waving flags of all the Members with the flag of the Confederated Peoples flying from a higher pole in the very center of the Agora.

For the grand opening of the Agora, most nations with whom the Confederated Peoples had any contact had been invited to send a representative. No Heads of State or Government had been invited and friendly nations or nations which wished to be friendly were expected instead to send a representative above their regular ambassador but below the level of a head of government. High King Owain, President Kairis and the Confederal Council were mostly expecting to receive foreign ministers and members of royal families along with dozens of domestic dignitaries and thousands of citizens who’d managed to secure the difficult to obtain invitations to the event.

Somewhat earlier the day before the event the Princess Ameria Wasterin (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ameria_Wasterin), Lady High Chancellor and sister to Crown Prince Damoen Wasterin (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Damoen_Wasterin) whom was Acting Head of State had arrived on her private jet. The 130 foot luxuriously appointed jet had arrived at the international airport along with another jet carrying more of her entourage.

She had an tour of inspection of the Royal Embassy of Aerion in New Amsterdam (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Royal_Embassy_of_Aerion_to_the_Resurgent_Dream), and greeted the staff. On the morning of the event she had awakened, and prepared.

Princess Ameria sat across from Royal Ambassador Dedrick Sauuf in the back of the limousine which now flew the Aerionian flag at the front on one side, and the personal standard of the Princess which was differentiated by the style of the crest and markings on the other side.. It had replaced the normal Ambassadorial flag, which was flown usually on this black limousine. The limousine had an black SUV behind it, with guards armed as to what the standards were or unarmed if that was the requirement of the event. In front of the limousine were two escort motorcycles, escorting as far as they were allowed into the Agora.

In the back of the Adinas Star Coach limousine Princess Ameria was being briefed by the Ambassador, and the Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Ashten Vecryz. The Ambassador explained the current political situation, and the Minister-Counselor interjected comments though gave more close details of the political climate. The Princess was shown on a flat screen digital display pictures of various personages she may encounter, and these pictures were downloaded to her Lady-in-Waiting’s mobile data device. The Ambassador’s personal assistant was also made aware, as it was expected numerous officials from across the Confederacy whom the Ambassador may not have yet met would be at the event as well.

The Ambassador reminded the Princess, “There are several heads of states as it were that will be present, as heads of members of the Confederacy who can be considered in their own right heads of their own countries. Of course you know of High King Owain, the new Confederal President is Viscountess Kairis.”

Princess America nodded, sighing slightly, she was tiring of her schedule as chief diplomatic officer of the Kingdom Lady High Chancellor. She had been used to a life of slightly more leisure time. She remarked snidely “It was too bad my brother was unable to make this event….of course maybe he is off on one of his Buddho retreats again.”. She sighed, as she glanced at the mirror once again checking her makeup. Her personal makeup artist and hair stylist had came along with the rest of her entourage.

As they approached the inner wheel of the Agora, the Princess looked out of the windows interestedly at the various newly built government buildings. They were very large, though the buildings were very grand in Aerion, with several government offices located in former palaces, they had not needed to be built large enough to accommodate several member governments as it were or to serve as the capital of an confederation.

Upon the limousine pulling up to the appointed location in the are of Union Park, Princess America Wasterin, her Lady-in-Waiting , Royal Ambassador Dedrick, and his personal assistant stepped out of the limousine along with Royal Guard Captain Daerin whom was the handsome African-Aerionian captain of her guard, and another Royal Guard both wearing dark burgundy uniforms. The personal aide to the Ambassador carried two gilded golden boxes, with elaborate motifs.

Royal Ambassador Dedrick, Ambassador of Aerion to the Resurgent Dream was an Eastern Aerionian (appearance similar to mixture of Italian and Arabic) man who appeared to be In his early fifties, with striking green eyes. He wore a more conventional black tie attire.

The Princess, an Eastern Aerionian of striking feature in the appearances some would say of a model wore her deep purple evening gown with long purple evening gloves, and heels.

Princess America, accompanied by the Royal Ambassador, and the Aerionian entourage proceeded through the reception line toward the High King.

Politics of the ruling elite in Iesus remain a confusing combination of faith, power and paranoia.
A debate of sorts had been held over what stance if any Iesus should take towards this event. It was true Iesus had an Embassy with the confederal peoples yet this didnt mean the ever changing Ambassador attended many functions...the ambassador being a whipping boy of Iesus domestic politics...

The group debated long into the night.
"Democracy is Decadence!"
"....its a sign of faith in peace...."
"...PEACE! PEACE! There can be no peace with them..."
"Decadence!!!"
"...that we can build a better future without bloodshed..."
"..SIN! We msut build a new world with the old world washed away with blood.."
" We need stabiltiy! Only through this can we gain stability and rule!"
"...Peaceful ties and perhaps full trade would help all aspects of Iesus life.."
"HOW DARE YOU! To want peace with these people is TREASON.."
"...with peace and trade we can perhaps influence them...."
"NO PEACE WITH THE METAHUMANS AND THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONS!"
"God is with us..."
"There is no God but us!"
"BLOOD FOR LAMB! THE BLOODY GOD"
"HERESY!"
"TRAITOR!"
"...economic benifits and the stabiltiy bonus outweigh dangers..."


The new ambassador Patrick James Seller wore his black evening suit. He'd have prefered to wear his old army uniform but word from the top was to play up the civie aspect...
His limousine waited to take him to the opening. It promised to be an interesting event if nothing else..he was sure he'd be snobbed by everyone except maybe the Finarans.
"Jolly Good driver...lets make a move!"

Javad Zarif, the starian ambassador, had walked so many times around the compound of the embassy that the security guards now knew his exact routine and greeted him, grinning at the easy to guard ambassador he had sent legions of letters, had had dozens of meetings, and countless telephone conversations. accompanying the application were work references, personal references, character references, even moral references.

This early cold day, he’d be putting matters in motion. Nearly two months had passed since first darkening the doorway of the embassy and he seemed no nearer my goal. But today was the day, stepping out and meeting with the locals with the blessing of she-who-is-blessed-by-god.
Javad Zarif walked back inside as the phone buzzed, It was the secretary of she-who-is-the-goddess-of-reality : 'We are ringing to inform you, ambassador, that you are allowed to attend the ceremony at the agora in the name of she-who-rules-the-stars”
Waasita. everything is about contacts. Javad Zarif was attend and hopefully build many new honorable contacts for the realm.

As the foreign representatives arrived, they were greeted by an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and ushered to a set of reserved boxes near the stage. The domestic dignitaries had boxes on the other side and others who had, for whatever reason, had managed to secure a proper seat were in the long line of seats between them. On their way, the representatives could see people working in the various buildings, preparing to open their doors as soon as the Agora as such was opened. Behind the seats, they could see a huge crowd spread around the park, looking with interest at the new design and at the buildings facing in and generally giving the whole area a vibrant, lively atmosphere before things really started. The band had been playing to keep the crowd entertained. They were performing a variety of popular and patriotic songs from throughout the Confederated Peoples. When the Starian ambassador arrived, they were just finishing "God Bless Our Endeavor" and starting to play "The Fields of Camlann." On the stage sat High King Owain, the Confederal Council, the Presidents of both houses of the Confederal Assembly, the Confederal Chancellor and the Chief Justice of the Confederal Supreme Court. They seemed rather relaxed and were talking quietly while waiting for things to begin in earnest.

The chief dignitaries of the Pantocratorian delegation were Monseigneur Hugh de la Morée, the Pantocratorian Ambassador to the Resurgent Dream, and Demetrios Raoul, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Neither man liked the other very much, and both passed the time waiting for things to get underway with fairly stilted and awkward conversation, broken up only occasionally by Raoul slipping away to some place appropriate to light up a cigarette, which he smoked like it was going out of fashion. In many places, in fact, smoking was going out of fashion. It was good for Raoul, then, that he had never cared very much for fashion. After dragging out his cigarette breaks from de la Morée for as long as long as he possibly could, Raoul would begrudgingly trundle back to the Ambassador's side in the foreign guests section.

After another ten or twelve minutes, when most of the guests had arrived, the Confederal Chancellor, Ang Hai-xia, rose from her seat and approached the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to think you all for coming here today. This is not an inauguration or a coronation nor a state opening of the Confederal Assembly. All of these events have already taken place. Nonetheless, today is a day which captures the same feeling of new beginnings for today we open the Confederal Agora, an area of our capital which shall be the working seat of our government. We have struggled to make it beautiful, to make it representative of the many cultures which come together to form one Confederal people, to make open but at the same time secure. We have sought to create a place where the atmosphere shall be vibrant and lively, not a cold and monumental structure which can only be observed from afar but the living heart of a lively democracy, integrating public accessibility with security, functionality, aesthetics and the dignity of office. We hade made sure to include the Members, for although their relationship to the Confederal Government has recently been redefined, they remain the constituent parts of our federal democracy. I would like..."

Ang continued her speech for several more minutes, mostly speaking about the virtues of the Agora itself and how it manifested the political values of the nation and its constituent parts. As her speech continued, it became less general and more specific, touching on a number of particular buildings and their inspiration, function and design.

The Embassy of the Eternal Republic of Xirnium in New Amsterdam

The splendid building exuded a sense of self-satisfied arrogance. It was bold as no embassy had a right to be, a true piece of art where most merely blandly imitated national cultural flavours. It was the work of one of the most controversial architects of the Xirniumite avant-garde, Dr Félix Välmänor. Although undeniably postmodernist, the embassy spoke in the language of neoclassicism. A centrally planned, elegantly lawned and gardened court limited by the surrounding structure evoked the essence of the great theatres of antiquity. The columnar architecture was gargantuan in scale, urban in spirit; taking neoclassicism to exciting new limits.

Her flesh was the sickly colour of a pale corpse. White as bleached bone, whiter even than the fragrant-smelling foam of her luxurious bath, a bath of milk and delicately perfumed waters. Her hair was long and raven black, its lank, straight strands flowing to well below her narrow waist. Tall and exceedingly thin, she was an insubstantial wraith. She was of course the Lady Zsófia Făvârin-Sevrâthíl, margravine of the blood-soaked House Vesänyär, most infamous of the ancient noble families of Xirnium.

There were aromatic candles at the side of her bath, with clusters of slender tapers placed carefully throughout the splendid bathing room. Soft rose petals lay scattered over the bubbly foam. Zsófia played at sticking her wrinkly toes out of the water and wriggling them; covered herself in perfumed lather and then sunk languidly beneath the water. She told herself fanciful stories, amusing herself with partially remembered conversations. In no real hurry, she passed idly from one daydream to another. Gathering up the white, frothy foam in her slender hands, she brought it close to her cold lips and blew it across the tub.

No, she really couldn’t stay in the bath any longer; not another minute. Emerging from the tub she examined her naked, willowy form in a splendid floor-length mirror. Yes, bathing in milk was really working, her skin was looking healthier already, her cheeks less pallid. Of late she appeared young and vibrant, free from anaemic languor; her features no longer seemed tired and drawn from overwork.

‘Good day, President Kairis,’ Zsófia practiced liltingly.

This last scion of House Vesänyär tried again, and then again, varying her inflection each time. It should be more dignified, she told herself, statelier. It should be much prouder.

‘Good day, President Kairis.’

What jewellery should she wear? She tried a wide diamond and pearl choker. Not that one, perhaps the other one. Yes, this one; it flattered her lovely translucent skin. The parure that it belonged to was especially exquisite, its earrings delightfully decadent. But first she needed to choose an outfit. There was no time, however; she would have to select the first gown in the wardrobe.

Doing so took the better part of half an hour. In the end Zsófia chose an extremely close-fitting couture dress in pale amaranthine silk taffeta, with attractive lapels, long tight sleeves and an elegant high neckline that was boned at the sides up to the ears. Its long, narrow skirt was floor length and quite restrictive to walk in, especially constricted around the ankles, with an immensely long train that dragged behind her along the ground. Ornamental goffered frills and pleated ruching trimmed both the hem of her underskirt and the slightly flared cuffs around her delicate wrists. Its long and somewhat rigid corsage was incredibly slim, accentuating her slender waist. The overall effect was one of proud grace and fey elegance.

Would there be anything to eat later on? Not likely; and, in any case, Zsófia was a notoriously fussy eater. She was meticulous about her diet, so many different foods after all were dreadfully unhealthy. And how could she guarantee that her hosts had taken the proper hygienic care in preparation? No, she would have to eat something now to last her the rest of the day. Tearing the luxurious deep purple foil off a box of extremely expensive Northern Amestrian sweets, she chose a small, interestingly shaped fondant. It was as white as her skin; no, her skin was even whiter, she decided with a delicate frown. Zsófia murmured with pleasure as she took a tiny bite out of the light-textured sweet. She then went to the sink and brushed her teeth fastidiously, flicking out of the way of her face a number of wayward, glossy black strands of hair. Rinsing her mouth, she considered finishing the fondant. But no, then she would have to brush her teeth all over again.

When Zsófia finally emerged from her private chambers into the echoing marble reception hall of the embassy, the first thing that struck Lady Eléanor Sabëlinà was the deathliness of her pallor. The nervous creature was as pale as a ghost, paler even than when last she had seen her. Zsófia smiled friendlily, her darting eyes passing to her colleague. The ambassador’s private secretary fidgeted with the seals of a pocket watch’s elegant silver chain, looking from the deputy culture minister to Eléanor.

The relatively short journey to the Agora was spent without the uttering of a single word. Eléanor had been very curt with Zsófia for taking so long to get ready, and the latter was still smarting in sullen silence. The countess was quite happy to let her sulk; if they were late, it would be entirely Zsófia’s fault, after all. Eléanor took snuff from a delicate tortoiseshell box and brushed away a few carelessly scattered grains with a fine cambric handkerchief. Knowing full well how much it tormented her colleague, the countess of House Numêsalquó then produced and lit an opium-laced cigarette, bringing it to her scarlet lipstick-coated lips. The opening ceremony would be long and boring, of that she was certain, and the foreign minister would require some pleasant distraction to endure the tedium. For her own part Zsófia pictured herself slowly torturing the insufferable creature, imagining the countess shrieking in agony. She tried not to give Eléanor the satisfaction of hearing her cough, even though she felt she must choke from the blue-grey smoke.

It was not until the two emerged from their luxurious and sleek, gleaming silvery grey limousine that Zsófia felt it safe to clear her throat. The clean air brought about a brief fit of asthmatic coughing, however, and the foreign minister glanced briefly at her colleague with a look of savage triumph. Zsófia seethed with icy fury, a pale hand held over her mouth as the coughing died away, but only the sparkling of her eyes indicated any emotion.

‘My dear creature, are you quite alright?’ asked Eléanor, concern flashing across her lovely countenance and momentarily shading her euphonious voice.

‘Pray don’t worry yourself, Countess Sabëlinà. I am perfectly fine,’ replied the margravine, her voice calm and dreadfully bored as only a Xirniumite aristocrat could make it.

Having spent a rather uncomfortable drive in the same limousine as the two feuding parliamentarians, Ambassador Erzsébet Nienindë was quite grateful to finally reach the Agora. She suggested that if they hurried their lateness need not be unduly commented on, and together the various dignitaries of the Xirniumite delegation made their way to their allotted seating.

The Taraskovyan delegation comprised His Excellency Anton Kerbishev, the Taraskovyan Ambassador to the Confederated Peoples, and His Royal Highness Viktor Shakhovskoy, Archduke of Taraskovya, along with his wife Irina.

Archduke Viktor was the eldest cousin of Mikhail II, the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya, Shokath-Kshas, King of Dreamreach, King of Nyi-Gardarika, High Duke of This, Duke of That, Prince of Whatever. Compared to his cousin, Viktor had a much shorter list of titles and an even shorter list of responsibilities, sitting on the Board of the Orlov Jewelry House. There was one detail that could be considered important about him: unless contrary dispositions of the reigning monarch, which would overturn the default succession “laws”, Viktor was currently the second in line to the Taraskovyan “throne”.

Compared to the current ruler, who had a tendency to switch girlfriends on a rather regular basis (even if he held out a year already with his current one), Viktor offered a much more settled private life, with a wife and two children. He had his fans among the Taraskovyan population, who saw in him the worthy continuation of the royal line. But he did not bear any dreams of holding the title, or if he had, he never made such plans public. Even if Viktor was a “worthy continuation”, Mikhail was a popular and loved ruler.

Viktor was not particularly impressed with his cousin’s mission on representing Taraskovya at the event. The Confederated Peoples to him seemed too much a grotesque and heavy structure, with way too much bureaucracy and redundancy. For an efficient economist and manager as he was, the Confederal mixture of Republicanism and Monarchism was a strange idea to put into practice. But then again, the current neo-feudal structure of the Taraskovyan Empire In Denial did not impress him much, either, but at least it was deeply Monarchist down to its roots. Which was no wonder that the Archduke was one of the most active proponents of the “Imperial Reform”.

But all of these thoughts were just that – thoughts. To everybody outside his head, Viktor was a charming and polite man, ready to share a good and intelligent conversation over a good drink.

Ambassador Zarif paid close attention to what was being said. This land and many of its goals and concepts were alien to the realm and the empress must know of confederation would be a friend or enemy to the islamic realm.
with an inward smiled the ambassador mused “the music isn’t as harmonious as our islamic or tribal music but isn’t unpleasant. The power of God and the holy empress plainly visible in the natural world, and it was entirely fitting that immortals should reveal themselves in these wonders here today – the voices of men and the birds in the sky for example.” yet not wanting to be dishonorable the ambassador mused in silence.
In practical matters, it is necessary for the empress-of-eternity to delegate most of her duties, yet this event wouldn’t pass through the bureaucracies of the starian realm. She who commanded all starians:every person, from field hand to royal kinsman, wished to know personally what happened here today. she-who-is-the-maiden-of-God-through-who-all-things-which-heaven-flows was a mystery but holy.

Ambassador Helena Frewin had watched the change to the Confederated Peoples with interest, from her vantage point within the nation. Having been the appointed ambassador since the beginning of ties between the Empire of Tartarus and The Resurgent Dream, she felt more than comfortable in her role and offered a good link between the two nations. A tie that was strengthened by the marriage of the current Empress’ cousin to High King Owain.

It was a surprise to the Ambassador that the Empress had chosen not to send either one of Marissa’s siblings to attend the function. Instead she had sent Lady Serena Stratton, youngest child of Emperor Erebus’ eldest sister and current holder of the position of third in line to the throne.

Lady Serena was accompanied by Nicholas Rayne, a member of the diplomatic services and her escort for the evening. The last member of the Tartarian delegation was James Clarke, a colleague of Ambassador Frewin’s, who was acting as her escort. The four found themselves settled in the venue, listening to Ang speak.

There had been no Iansislean ambassador to the Confederated Peoples, or any of its constituent states, for as long as anyone in the Foreign Office could remember, even Mr Alexander with his seemingly eternities-long tenure. When the old Empire imploded and reform swept through even #3 Jameston Place, one of the most stubbornly inefficient departments of the government, a bureaucrat-level decision was made that perhaps the Shield ought to have diplomatic representation in the rapidly consolidating multinational state.

However, as the regicidal young republic struggled with the consequences of its own revolutionary enthusiasm, the Confederal issue was laid on the back burner and the man eventually selected to lead the mission was perhaps less ideal than it might have been. Iansisle knew -- if did not accept -- how poorly its colonial regime in Gallaga was viewed worldwide and how it tended to be as much an impediment to losing its pariah status as the execution of King James. Unfortunately, the only man available for the mission was one Henry August (formerly Sir Henry August, KR), who was owed a debt of gratitude by the Republic after testifying against James and several other ‘reactionary traitors.’

In his younger days, before the revolution, August had ridden in the Presidency of Fort Ash with the Orissa Native Lancers while serving John Company. There, he had enforced the Sirkar’s will where the Iansislean Raj’s southern frontier rubbed up against both the Maratha Confederacy, the last great native state, and the northern boundary of the Calarcan empire. The Lancers were often called out to checkmate a Calarcan advance into the Confederacy or to make their own thrust in a delicate game played out equally by frontier cavalry, political agents in Indore, and diplomats in both imperial capitals.

After the Revolution, the Honorable East Gallaga Company had been nationalized by the Jameston government for its role in the Corporate Yoke and its lands converted into a crown colony. Although the King of the Shield had also been the King-Emperor of Gallaga since the mid-eighteenth century (when the Company, turning itself from a trading interest into a colonial government, needed a figure of authority to collect taxes in the name of), the Raj was now officially an integral part of Iansisle. It soon became obvious that certain Marathi lords were allowing anti-colonial groups, such as the famed Rumbiak Brigade, to operate within their borders, debatably with the permission of the central government. The decision was taken to occupy the Confederacy and depose the Maharaja, despite vehement protests from Calarca. During the conquest, in which the Lancers played a prominent role, August took a bullet in the left arm and had to have it amputated. Further adding to his sense of being unable to participate in the Gallagan game, August’s wife of seventeen years -- herself a Gallagan -- died of dysentery trying to follow his camp into the Confederacy. Brokenhearted, he was invalidated back to the Shield, where he had not been in twenty years, with a knighthood.

Back on the Shield, August ran afoul of the King when, being presented at court, the fact that William Ashtonbury -- the man who had murdered Markus Rumbiak, Sir Richard Tri, and made an attempt on the King’s life -- had been a subaltern in August’s unit ten years before. August, either ignorant or dismissive of Ashtonbury’s subsequent infamous career, made some careless remarks and was promptly expelled from Dun Adien in disgrace. Fortunately for his career, James just two weeks later fled north and attempted to raise a rebellious army in the foothills.

August, who had the reputation of a famous horseman despite his missing arm, immediately renounced his knighthood and accepted an emergency commission as a lieutenant of hussars as part of Ranalte’s Army of the Daldon. When the Army of the Daldon met and defeated the royal army at the Wonwich Gap (pursuing it to Duckbury), August was the first officer on the scene when three enlisted men discovered James pinned beneath his horse. In the subsequent legend built up around the event, August had been thrown (likely, considering he was attempting to wield a saber with one hand and control an ill-trained and unfamiliar mount in battle with just his knees) but picked himself out of the mud and, regaining his sword, cut the horse out from under a foothillsman, then turned, pulled his revolver, and shot another out of his saddle while the rest of his unit pursued the fleeing royalist infantry north. How much of that story is true is a great subject of debate behind his back, although there is no doubt that August arrived to see the fallen king with a filthy tunic, a bloody saber and an empty revolver.

At James’ sensational trial, August was on hand to give evidence against the ci-devant King (and make some unkind comparisons between the quality of the royal cavalry and what he had seen on the southern frontier). At the trial, he also made some references to the fact that he would be useless as a military man in the Jaizar, but that he still wanted to serve the Republic. That was just about the time de Fenne was looking for an ambassador to the Confederated People and, despite his misgivings about August’s lack of foreign policy experience,decided to appoint the grizzled veteran.

Still just six months into his appointment, August is tapped by an over-stretched government to attend the opening of the Agora due to the unavailability of higher officers. Now pushing into his fifties, August looks every bit the part of a former Gallagan Army officer. His hair is black, laced with grey, and his face is hardened and creased by the sun. August does attempt to play the role of his new civilian occupation, dressing in the Bradsworthian nondescript brown suits now fashionable in Iansisle. His empty left sleeve is usually stuffed with straw and attached to his jacket pocket in a causal pose.

August listens to the speech with half an ear -- he had heard similar rhetoric too often before -- but spends most of his time scouting out the various other missions present, especially those friendly or hostile to the revolution.

((ooc: assuming this is open))

Chief Justice Au Ah-cy next rose and walked to the podium. He smiled slightly as he took a moment to look out over the crowd. “I am not a politician and I have never been much of a public speaker. Nevertheless, I have been asked to say a few words here today not because I, Au Ah-cy, have any great personal merit but because I, unworthy as I am, have been granted a sacred trust in this great nation as ours. I have been called to sit on the bench of the Confederal Supreme Court and to preside over its sessions as Chief Justice.

“The Chancellor has said a great deal about the Confederal Agora, the magnificent center of government which we are opening today and I think that her comments were most illuminating. However, I would like to speak not about this new place but about what we intend to do with it, about the work of the nation and especially about the work of the nation’s judicial system.

“What I think is one of the greatest things about this nation and something that many of us take for granted is that this is a nation under the rule of law. To say that a nation is under the rule of law, at least in so far as Confederals understand it, is to say a number of other things. I know that some of our foreign guests here today do things differently and I want to make clear than in praising what I find worthiest in our jurisprudence, I mean no insult or offense to any other nation or people. But to say that a nation is under the rule of law in the Confederal sense of the term is to say a number of specific things.

“These include the presumption of innocence, the prohibition on ex post facto laws, the prohibition on double jeopardy, equality before the law and the sacred and inalienable right of habeas corpus. But they also include less abstract principles and it is these which have, for me, been an issue in our own recent history and it is these which have been greatly improved by the recent constitutional reforms.

“The first of these is that the law should be easily accessible and, as far as possible, intelligible, clear and predictable. A person who wishes to follow the law should be able to do so and not find themselves subject to lawsuit or criminal prosecution because of an act they could not reasonably have known was illegal. This was hardly the case before the recent reforms. Because sovereignty was entirely vested in the Members, because legislative powers were vested in intergovernmental unions between Members of which the constitution took no cognizance and because the legislative powers of the Congress of the Confederation were unclear, it was hard for someone to know what the law really said or even whose law really was law before the reforms. Moreover, because the Confederal Government then had no meaningful law enforcement powers, even a person who knew the law might not always be able to have recourse to it against the will of local authorities. There was certainly no meaningful recourse to the law during the riots of several months ago.

“The next of these principles is that questions of legal right and liability should ordinarily be resolved by recourse to the law and not by the exercise of personal discretion on the part of the judge. This principle was not ignored on a structural level before the reforms but it was made difficult in practice by precisely the problems I just mentioned, competing claims as to what exactly the law is arising from ambiguities in the nature of legislative authority…” Au’s speech continued to list those traits which he identified with the rule of law and how they were compromised prior to the constitutional reforms, which he crediting with restoring (or perhaps establishing) the rule of law throughout the Confederated Peoples. He reminded the audience that this had, indeed, been the original motivation for the reforms which were provoked by the lawless riots which had occurred several months before.

Princess Ameria Wasterin (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ameria_Wasterin) sat in the reserved box reserved for the various representatives of foreign governments with Royal Ambassador Dedrick Sauuf to her right. Despite appearing to be attentively listening, in actuality the Princess was bored, she would much have preferred to be at the spa in the Royal Baths at the Royal Palace back at home.

Ambassador Sauuf on the other hand, was very attentive of all the speeches. It was his purpose to be attentive, and to stay aware of major political events in the Confederation People. Though the Minister-Counselor of Political Affairs, and the Political Affairs Section kept a daily eye on political movements throughout the Confederation and because of it’s many members had a specialist and possibly other officers for almost every Confederal Member of the Confederated Peoples. The Confederated Peoples was a unique case, and the Political Affairs Section of the Royal Embassy was one of the largest of any other of Aerion’s embassie’s Political Affairs sections elsewhere.

The Ambassador was also very pleased with the opening of the Confederal Agora, for it would be a great convenience to him, and other embassy officers with all Confederal government buildings in an easily accessible simple location. It was most certain the Ambassador and Minister-Counselor of Political Affairs would be visiting the area often, especially the major Confederal buildings. Though they, and other officers would also be striving to meet the many Confederal Member delegates more often, and observe proceedings of the Confederal Assembly.

The Ambassador, for now however, listened to the speeches. He was exhausted by this Royal Visit from the Princess. His staff would undoubtedly make the many necessary arrangements for meeting with various members in the future, it was the Ambassador’s role to be the figurehead of the Royal Embassy, and to attend the appropriate functions and key meetings though much of what went on was carried out by other embassy staff.

For now he at least listened to the speeches, but he undoubtedly knew he would have to really explain to the Princess what went on earlier as his staff sometimes had to explain to him, though in his case it was because he was busy, in the Princess’s case it was undoubtedly her laziness.

Countess Vologdov applauded politely at the speech made by Chief Justice Au Ah-cy. They were fine words, to be sure, but with the Knootian parliamentary elections looming closely there were other things first and foremost on her mind.

Femkes four years as Foreign Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic had seen a time of peace - and she surely was the first ever Knootian minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence who had not needed to order soldiers to fight and die anywhere outside the Knootian Federation. The price for peace had been isolation; and the most "successful" foreign minister in terms of preserving the peace had simultaneously been the least glamorous. Despite bold promises of a new era of international cooperation, her country had turned inward.

At it could be said that Knootoss had made some new friends - Atlantic friends - and the Resurgent Dream first and foremost amongst them. Hailing from a relatively new democracy, its speakers were filled with an almost youthful idealism about how democratic institutions could be used to make things better. Chief Justice Au Ah-cys lecture was perhaps a bit patronising, considering how distinguished the guests were, but then these kinds of speeches were never really intended for the audience actually present at the time. They were intended for posterity, or (in Knootoss) to be processed into soundbytes in the KNN political editing room.

When did I lose that idealism?, she wondered. When did it become almost an act?. The truth, she resolved, was probably somewhere in the middle. The transformation from being an idealistic young politician to being a grey-haired piece of furniture in a politically useful but utterly predictable event had been gradual. All too gradual.

Henry August fights to keep his face straight during Au Ah-cy’s speech about the importance of legal rights. His large panel of foreign policy experts -- assembled by de Fenne to keep the former Gallagan lancer in order -- insist that he must never be drawn into a discussion of Iansisle’s poor human rights record (from the mass hangings in Gull Flag Square, the kangaroo court assembled to try King James, the gassings in Dianatran, or the fire bombing of rebellious villages and wholesale execution of mutinous ringleaders in Gallaga). After all, Iansisle is a modern, thoroughly democratic and fair country ruled by law, not by men -- August is fairly sure it says that almost exactly word-for-word in the Constitution.

Not that anyone in the National Assembly or the cabinet pays much attention to the Constitution these days. Five years of almost constant war complicated by the plots of royalists all but did away with due process on the Shield and it never really existed in the extra-Shieldian colonies.

Still, August applauds as politely as those around him at the end of Ah-cy’s speech -- or at least he slaps his one hand against his thigh as good-naturedly as possible. He also steals a few covert glances about him, just to make sure there’s no giant red sign hanging over his head reading ‘hypocrite’.

Patick James Seller felt like Lazarus the leper..

Even if the host had intended no offence he felt it...still...all things being equal he liked the confederals..generally..even if they were painfully moral and kinda odd...
Jurisprudence..presumption of innocence..inalienable right of habeas corpus. Patrick suppressed a laugh, the confederals had such a platonic concept of justice as an ideal form it was funny. Law this, law that...law was what man made of it nothing else and the sooner these people understood that the better.
Paddy avoided looking at Monseigneur Hugh de la Morée as justice was discussed, the matter with Mr Graves was still in the balance and Paddy breaking into laughter when presumption of innocence was mentioned most likely wasnt a good idea...

Viktor only half listened to all the overflow of Legalese that came from the tribune. He was a businessman, not a lawyer. In fact, he wasn’t even a that much of a political figure in his own country.

“Thank you, Cousin, for the thrilling assignment,” Viktor thought to himself, remembering the Grand Duke with a series of very “fond” words.

But none of his thoughts were obvious to the public, as his face wore a neutral mask, showing neither disdain nor huge interest to what the speakers were saying. His wife adopted a similar mask, glancing around to have an idea of other dignitaries present at the event and memorise some faces.

Cahana Edulbehram, the President of the Chamber of Deputies rose from her seat next. “The foundation of this Agora has been called a fresh start and in many ways it is. It is the start of a new center for our nation’s public affairs. In a sense, in fact in a literal sense, it sets in stone the recent reforms and we have decided that, to an extent, it will represent our return to the world stage. It will symbolize that we consider the great constitutional maneuvers which drew our attention almost entirely inwards over the last several decades to be a thing of the past and that we are now again in a position to govern domestically and act on the international stage in the normal fashion. This is a great thing.

“However, this is not the advent of some new and untested system but merely the creation of a more durable and more appropriate center for a government which has already been hard at work and which has already accomplished a number of important legislative goals. Our first priority has been to address the security inadequacies of the old system and towards that end we have passed the Marine Security Act, the Anti-Smuggling Act, the Criminal Act, the Anti-Terrorism Security Act, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act and the Human Trafficking Victims’ Rights Act. Although the situation remains imperfect, this legislation has gone a long way towards securing our borders and keeping our citizens safe. Our trade laws are now more easily enforceable and, from our best analysis so far, they generally being enforced. The illegal trade in material from countries with whom this country does not trade has been cut in half. Terrorist networks in this country have been disrupted. Human trafficking networks have been disrupted, many of their members have been convicted and their victims have been rescued and established in safety, security and freedom. Pirates have been captured and prosecuted and their ill-gotten gains recovered. Important leaders in the world of organized crime have been brought to justice.

“We have also given a high priority to making sure that the rights of all of our citizens are guarantied in practice as well as theory. This is why we passed the Social Security Act to guarantee the social safety net. It is also why we passed the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act to make sure that local authorities or private interests would not be able to suppress the rights of Confederal citizens based upon race, color, creed, sex or for any other reason.

“I do not want to spend too much time about the legislative accomplishments of the first Confederal Assembly or upon the accomplishments of the Confederal Council, law enforcement and the civil service in giving life to our legislation. However, I cannot stress enough that simply ending the constitutional discord that recently plagued us is in and of itself nothing but a starting point and that the real work, which shall never be finished but shall always remain a living process, lies in the day-to-day work of the Assembly, the Council, the Court, the civil service and the Head of the Commonwealth to…” She went on in a similar vein for several minutes more, speaking of the important legislative work to be done and the important work that still had to be done. Her speech was in accordance with the concordance system and represented not a partisan perspective but the general view of the Chamber of what needed to be done still and what had already been accomplished.

At the head of Amestria’s delegation was Dominique de Villepin, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Duke of Vignerot, and prominent political personage.

He had not really looked forward to attending the Agora’s grand opening, an event he felt was of the purest self-indulgence, understandable but fairly unimportant in the great scheme of things. The prospect of a lengthy trans-Atlantic flight from Northwestern Amestria to New Amsterdam, and possible jetlag, were additional reasons for his private lack of personal enthusiasm. Oh, the toils and tribulations that came with power. No matter, he quickly determined he would make the best out of what promised to be an unpleasant diplomatic chore. To that effect, Dominique invited his daughter Victoire, 18 years old and the youngest of his three children, along with him.

She had been almost as unenthusiastic as her father, but Dominique had pressed her.

“You need to see more of the world,” he had explained. “It’s not healthy to have too many Amestrian ideas floating around in your head. You’ll end up like Liscel, obsessed with our history and inward looking.”

In the end Victoire was persuaded. She liked to indulge her father, keep him company, and flatter him with simple affection. Marie and Arthur often teased her for saying yes to him far too easily, but she contented herself knowing she was his favorite.

Like he was with his son Arthur, de Villepin was grooming Victoire so that she could one day be a Minister, Prime Minister, and possibly even President. She had just enrolled at the Université de Ardenne, from which three of Amestria’s last five Presidents had graduated (the exceptions being President Charles Liscel and his daughter). From there it would be a simple step to the École Nationale d'Administration or the École normale supérieure, post-graduate schools that had together produced four of those five Presidents, three and one respectively. To ensure Victoire’s acceptance into either grandes école, de Villepin already had Joseph René Floquet, a former Prime Minister and high level bureaucrat, serving as her private tutor. Attending international gatherings, gala events, and witnessing public diplomacy firsthand were additional aspects of her education.

******

Along the way they enjoyed a two day stopover at the Dependent Overseas Territory of Ambalieva, a self-governing region of the Xirniumite Domain that had been granted limited autonomous administration and a written constitution by the Naèräthian Parliament in the early eighteenth century.

Minister de Villepin’s plane arrived in Ambâlieva’s capital of Vargárlaith on a glorious spring day when not a single cloud marred the perfectly azure sky. Located beyond the city limits, Neúschmâlien International Airport was a pristine, gleaming facility of shinning steel and polished glass; its boldly-conceived architecture quite defiantly modernist in its celebration of the spirit of technology, and yet with a subtly discernable, playful postmodernist twist. Acutely angular forms harmonized well with interpenetrative planes; thin, transparent glass walls defined open, uncluttered interior spaces; structural support was given by modern columns of slender iron. Although still spring, the airport bustled with activity and the arrival of foreign tourists.

After some brief rest, Minister de Villepin met with the island’s head of state, Chief Minister Séverine Nyädriel, the very independently minded parliamentary leader of the Social Greens, and Viscountess Lieselótte Madelgarde Althëldwën of House Ehrënyârwën, the Eternal Republic’s Minister of State at the Office of Foreign Affairs and for Xirnium Overseas. Although Minister Althëldwën was ostensibly visiting Ambâlieva to discuss changes to the oceanic fishing and licensing laws, she had in reality arranged for her trip to coincide with de Villepin’s scheduled stop over. She apparently was not comfortable with Chief Minister Nyädriel meeting with Minister de Villepin unsupervised.

The trio briefly discussed tourism, fishing stocks and quotas, fishing rights, fish tariffs, and the expansion of the Amestrian consulate over a lunch of delicious creamy fish soup, one of the masterpieces of Ambâlieva’s haute cuisine; a delightful medley of bony rockfish, whiting and mullet, spiny lobsters and crabs, mussels, clams and scallops, ham, almonds, white wine, and saffron. A wide variety of provocative local hors d'oeuvres were served in addition to the meal, including mountain smoked hams, shrimp cooked in olive oil with garlic, cold braised conger eel in tuna mayonnaise, and sautéed cod roe, all served with a pale dry Southwest Amestrian sherry. Minister de Villepin complimented the fish soup, claiming it to be the best he had ever savored. The talks were very productive.

When not involved in political discussions or photo ops, Dominique spent much of his time learning about the island’s mythology and surveying the buyers market for beach front property. Ambâlieva’s history, he learned, was curious in that it had already secured a place in the popular imagination of the Xirniumite people before its discovery and colonization in the mid-fifteenth century. In pagan mythology it was the legendary Ambârda, the Isle at the Edge of the World, final sanctuary of the Lady of the Sea, the goddess Anphândriel. Those who set foot upon its charmed shores were granted an immortal life of bliss, and any afflicted by pain or weariness could be nursed back to perfect health by the Lady’s fey sisters, the twelve nymphs of the trade winds. Ambârda was identified with Ambâlieva after the latter’s discovery by Xirniumite explorers in the early Renaissance. An aura of enchantment had hung over the island ever since.

The island’s climate seemed to fully live up to its legendary reputation. It was oceanic and gentle, with only minor variation in seasonal temperatures and not infrequent fog and rain. Warm North Atlantic currents kept the harbors free of ice, and meant that summers were warm and winters mild. Most of Ambâlieva was high and rugged with perpendicular cliffs, heavily forested or grassy with mountain bog, although sheltered, long sandy beaches lined coasts deeply indented with fjords, thousands of seabirds of which nested in their high white cliffs. It was all very peaceful. The beaches in particular interested de Villepin and he quickly decided that the island would be a fine place to purchase or construct a family vacation home. Ambâlievan property seemed an excellent investment, he would have to look into it more fully on the way back.

Victoire meanwhile spent her two days in Vargárlaith happily sightseeing and shopping. She was quickly drawn to the north central district of Esgálthôrn, an extremely stylish locality that included perhaps the most renowned up-market shopping in Ambâlieva and attracted profligate spenders from around the world. Along Gärth Row eminent tailors and couturiers made some of the world’s finest designer clothing. Just alongside Lindólin House, home of various learned societies including the Antiquaries Association and Astronomical Society, was the Lindólin Arcade, one of Vargárlaith’s most luxurious shopping areas, housing dainty cafés and elegant shops under its gleaming nineteenth century glass-roofed promenade. Beyond this was Myrilaúm Street, with its internationally recognized art dealers and exclusive boutiques. It was here where Esgálthôrn’s most famous museums were to be found, including the Gwëthërn Gallery of Modern Art, with its exciting outdoors exhibits and imaginative approach to natural lighting. Surrounded by so much temptation, Victoire quickly burned through the allowance her father had given her, filling two large bags with off the rack designer wear, expensive perfumes, and high quality cosmetics. Being able to afford so little of so much was disappointing, but she knew better then to ask her dad for additional funds. All she would get was a lecture.

Once their two days were up, the pair departed with regret.

******

Arriving in New Amsterdam a day before the grand opening, de Villepin made straight for the Amestrian Embassy, where he then had to endure an interminable, tedious, and sycophantic briefing from Ambassador Louis Puchot. As he listened to him go on and on, de Villepin had to make a determined effort at staying awake and resisting the urge to study the paintings on the wall. Then, after resetting their natural clocks with a night of drug induced sleep, Dominique and Victoire prepared for the gala.

******

That evening Victoire was absolutely stunning in an exciting and slinky new design by Xirniumite couturière Angélica Eithênuial. Well known in the world of haute couture for her unorthodox creativity, Angélica’s works frequently combined a delightful streak of eccentricity with stylish simplicity, trim neatness of cut with bright, almost flamboyant color. Current high fashion in Xirnium favored an elongated line and graceful verticality, so the ensemble greatly flattered the slender young Amestrian. Indeed, along with her gold filigree earrings and gorgeously high coiffured blonde hair, it lent Victoire an aura of unattainable elegance.

Vividly embroidered in shimmering gold, black and scarlet satin chinoiserie, the gown evoked the extremely popular Oriental craze of eighteenth century Europe, instilling notions of the romantic, the sublime, and the exotic. Strapless and form-fitting, the dress’ ankle-length hem and décolleté neckline were trimmed with glamorous brightly dyed mink fur. The long, sinuous gown went with a flowing, brilliant carmine sash in soft, fine tulle silk, matching coral bracelets, and lovely gold colored high-heeled shoes.

Minister de Villepin wore a formal black redingote, with silk faced lapels, a white low-cut waistcoat, black trousers with two stripes of satin, black dress shoes, white gloves, a white cravat in plastron knot and tie pin, his forest-green sash of Ministerial office, and his families 400 year old ducal small sword.

“You look positively Presidential,” Victoire whispered to her father as they were ushered to their reserved box. Dominique merely sighed in response and his daughter then wished she had said nothing.

Ambassador Puchot was dressed in a formal and unexceptional black evening suit, as was Samuel, his aide, who helped the Ambassador propel his wheelchair up the ramp and maneuver it into place.

Due to the fairly open public setting, the Amestrian delegation was accompanied by several muscular well-dressed bodyguards. The Foreign Minister had thought Confederal security “a little too careful and urbane” to be truly effective and had taken what he felt were appropriate precautions. Slight though it may be, there was always the chance that a member of the Eastern Liberation Front or Silhouette could be present and attempt the taking a shot. De Villepin wasn’t worried about his own safety, the guards were mainly there for the benefit of his daughter.

Having quietly taken their seats just before the end of the final song, Dominique, Victoire, and Puchot listened politely to the various speeches made by Chancellor Ang Hai-xia, Chief Justice Au Ah-cy, and Cahana Edulbehram. Simple platitudes and self praise, a veritable laundry list of principles, legislation ,and accomplishments sophistically praised so as to best please everyone in the current government; it all meant very little to the Amestrians, and they soon became tired and bored. The Foreign Minister absentmindedly played with his gloves, the Ambassador toyed with his silver watch chain, and Victoire regretted all the more the fact her father had forbidden her from bringing a comic book.

Minister Skerro wasn't an exemplary Sakkran by any stretch of the imagination. He had neither the psychic powers of the Grass-Walkers, the immense physical presence of the Deep Ones, nor the manual dexterity and propensity to stick to most surfaces like the Burrowers. He stood at seven feet even, which was slightly below average for them, and wasn't exceptionally muscled, toned, honed or any other phrase that would apply. Be that as it may, his one distinguishing feature was the light rust-colored scales he bore; a rarity among the reptilian people. His scales also did not change color depending on the temperature. His dress was a simple brownish leather waist-wrap and sash, with his badges of office and position on his chest.

He also was a rarity among the Diplomatic Ministers. He really didn't care much for large throngs of beings and would rather conduct his business by tele-presence at home rather than jetsetting all over creation. This was shown by his fully-raised crest on his neck, and his eyes darting about in a nervous fashion. He tried to seem like he was glad to be here. He really did. It was a herculean effort on his part. But if he's not in the safety of the Herpetological Empire, he gets real jumpy.

He nearly jumps out of his skin as they disembark their transport that brought them here when his aide taps him on the shoulder. "By the Pantheon, Sessta! You know better!" The female Sakkran holds a hand to her mouth as she chuckles. "Yeah, like I could resist the chance. You're so nervous you're causing small temporal fluctuations. Relax a bit, will you? I'll save you from whatever 'bogie-men' might lurk about." As a rule, the females were denoted more towards roles that required strength and stamina, and it showed in the full head-height she had over Skerro at 7'8". She was built like a tank with a black-leather evening dress draped over it; her copper badge of office pinned to her left breast and a silver scaled belt that acted as a sash around her waist. She was playing the part of Skerro's personal aide and bodyguard.

After a brief time, one of the local transports arrived and ushered them to the opening of the Agora. With more than a few 'pardon-me' and 'excuse-me' exchanges, they found their way to their seats. Skerro looked about at the sheer size of the thing, and the numerous Confederacy flags. "Those are all member nations of the Confedercy? How do they keep track?"

Sessta looked at Skerro with one eye. "The same way the DiploCorps keep track of the numerous Imperial holdings, I wager. Are you sure you're a diplomat?"

Skerro chuffed a bit. "Fuh. I'm used to dealing with AI sentiences and holographic representations. This is all too 'Real Life' for me. Pardon my inexperience!" If the last utterance could drip with more sarcasm, it would coat a four-meter square area. "Now shush. I desire to hear some of the speeches. It may come in handy some time to know how things work in these parts."

Harry Ramadge, the President of the Senate, next stood to address the gathering. “This is truly a moment of national celebration and, I think, we might forgive ourselves if we seem to indulge in some measure of self-satisfaction. Even as we recognize the many problems which remain in our nation, we can take satisfaction in the reconstitution of that nation and in the happy resolution of our recent profound constitutional crisis. I know I do.

“It seems like there is so much to say and yet at the same time like everything has already been said. I do not want to speak of abstract principles or of specific legislation. I do, however, want to speak of the history which led us to this point. It is a history which is in many ways dark and chaotic. It is punctuated by war. The Danaan Civil War to defend High Queen Agwene’s reforms cost many lives within recent memory. My own brother was lost at Narich, fighting under the Duke of Tasat. Likewise, we have been on opposite sides of the battlefield during two world wars, the Lanerian Civil War, the Marlund Civil War, both Ambaran wars and the Lanerian Revolutionary War. We have also seen the recent strife in Finara and in Gandara.

“Yet it is this very history division which has provided the basis for our unity for we are bound together by common losses and by common tragedies. We have seen where the madness of racial, religious and sectional hatred ultimately leads. And we have sworn never to repeat this past. That is why these Confederated Peoples, both divided and united by painful historical wounds, needed to come together and why they have come together to heal the injuries and the hurts of the past and to form one united, strong nation, able to hold its head up high among the nations of the world.

“It is not a history of union. It is not a simple national history. It consists not of a clear process of unification but of a complex pattern of both division and unity which has nonetheless bound us together in a common and, I believe, a bright national destiny. It is these shared struggles and the shared values we have gleaned from them, our shared experience of strength in the face of adversity, that forms the backbone of our national character. So yes, this is a time of celebration. The painful and lengthy series of wars and civil strife which marked gradual emergence of the Confederal nation are now and forever at an end and we stand ready to march with hope, with confidence and with vigor into the dawn of our new day.”

Alfred Marriott, Fiefdom Ambassador to the Confederation, stood in his office with a pair of binoculars. The object of his scrutiny, for no other discernable reason other than being nosy, was the Xirniumite Embassy on the next street.

"Bloody Xirnium," said the Ambassador out loud, "They always have to make a fuss, don't they?"

The Ambassador scrutinised the gardens, the walls and the odd-mixture of avart-garde and neoclassical in a way only the Eternal Republic could achieve.

"Bloody show-offs," scowled the Ambassador as he put his binoculars, wilfully ignoring the ornamentation of the Fiefdom Embassy, or its own landscaped gardens. A knock came at the door, interupting the Ambassador as he prepared for another lone rant against his neighbours.

"Come," he said, scowling one more time for good measure before turning away from the window.

It was, of course, Tetl his private secretary.

"The Minister is waiting for you in the hall, Comrade Ambassador, and is concerned that we might be late."

"'Might be late' indeed," grumbled the Ambassador as he adjusted his bow-tie, "Does he not think I've been to these sort of things before? I was attending gala functions like this before he had moved onto solids. And don't just stand there, man, fetch my jacket."

In the hallway downstairs, Ahexotl Michin paced the floor.
"Where is that old fool," he muttered to his aid, "We should have been there by now."
Both men, despite their Communist background, wore Dinner Jackets. Or should have been, if Marriott could find where he put his.

"Oh this is insufferable," exclaimed the Foreign Minister, "We shall have to go on without him, the old duffer I knew he didn't have the energy for a job like this."

"The energy for what?" said a voice behind him.

Michin turned to find the face of the Ambassador.

"Oh nothing, nothing. But I really think we should be going."

"So I have heard," said the Ambassador coldly, as he made his way out of the main doors. The Zagreb limousine had already been ticking over for quite some time and, before the occupants had even had a chance to sit down properly, were pulling away at some speed.

"Good heavens," cried the Ambassador as he was propelled into the Foreign Minister, a sight which took all of Tetl's courage in not bursting into laughter.

The car roared as it made its way to the Agora. They may have been late, but Marriott took great pleasure in noting that the Xirniumite car had yet to leave.

Princess Ameria Wasterin continued to observe the proceedings with what appeared to be interest, but her actual feeling of boredom was becoming obvious in the way she glanced around herself at the others present though not so much as to attract too much attention or appear rude. Royal Ambassador Dedrick, on the other hand, hung on every word of the speech. He sat there in his black tie attire appropriately listening to each. He especially seemed attentive to Harry Ramadge's speech, wishing to meet the man soon if he had not already. His aide somewhere nearby with other aides was taking notes.

Royal Guard Captain Daerin stood by where it was appropriate wearing his burgundy uniform. He stood in formal stance.

Princess Ameria remained in her somewhat attentive stance, one leg crossed properly over the other in a ladylike manner, with her hands resting in her lap. Her deep purple evening gown draped over her in some art-like quality, and evening gloves accentuated her arms.

Lady Serena Stratton listened to the speeches as closely as possible, although there were times she could feel her mind wander, but she managed to pull her thoughts together quickly. She sat very rigidly on her seat, back straight and legs crossed at the ankles, not that anyone would notice her feet under the gown that she wore.

Sharing similar colouring to her brothers, though closer to Val than Damien, Serena had chosen a deep red gown. At the front, the dress cascaded in layers of material, beginning on the right side of the dress, each one pulled up to a small cluster just below her left breast. In contrast, the back of the gown was simpler, with a low back that dropped straight down her body, before tapering into a small train. The square neckline was cut modestly and small sleeves finished off the dress. The material shimmered as she moved, due to the tiny gemlike stones that were sown onto it in subtle patterns.

Beside her, Helena too was listening to the speeches, with slightly more interest than Serena, as it was her job to make sure that she was versed in all that was happening. The ambassador had chosen something a little less elaborate than her companion, settling for a black gown that had detail along the neckline and hem. The straps of the gown appeared to be two strips of diamonds.

Their two male companions were simply dressed in dinner suits of black. All four sat in their box, talking only when something of interest caught their attention or some information needed clarification.

Viktor's attention was captured the moment Harry Ramadge spoke of unification and division. His own country was going through a continuous unification process, sometimes stepping back only to move forward again. Nowadays, the Grand Duchy and its numerous dominions were about to become a well organised Empire, ushering in a whole new era.

Irina, however, was not as thrilled as her husband. While her face did not reveal her mind wandering off, she was already quite far away. Not that she found all of this unworthy of attention. It is just that she would have preferred to be told all that in a small circle, around a table, sharing a good discussion. Listening to orators was a skill, and she lacked it, unfortunately.

The woman crossed her hands on her lap, giving a glance at the skirt of her blue gown that went down to the ankles. As usual with dresses worn by female members of the Shakhovskoy family, Irina's gown was decorated with golden Taraskovyan motives.

Archduke Viktor and Ambassador Kerbishev, for their part, wore black dinner suits, like many other male members of the audience.

Flora Haber rose next, moving up to the podium. She received the most mixed reaction of any speaker so far, rather than the polite applause from all the guests received by the other speakers. A significant body of those present applauded wildly when she stood up but many others were rigidly silent and there were even some scattered boos from the unofficial part of the audience. When the boos were heard, the enthusiasm of Haber’s supporters increased to drown it out and there were a few screams of enthusiasm. Haber just smiled and allowed this to go on for a few moments before holding up her hands and allowing the crowd to die down.

Haber began to speak in a clear voice used to large crowds. “We are gathered here today to celebrate what we have recently achieved. It is nothing less than a fundamental reform of our basic democratic institutions and it is indeed a cause for tremendous celebration. Others have already spoken at length about democracy, about the rule of law, about legislative progress in creating a unified Confederal superstructure. None of this can be overstated.

“However, in our celebration, we cannot lose sight of the problems we still have to face. As head of the Department of Justice, I am certainly aware of some of the areas where our greatest work remains to be done. We continue to have a high recidivism rate in all of our correctional facilities. This varies from Member to Member but the Confederal average is 68%. This is unacceptable. We need to create more effective rehabilitation programs and to provide the social services former convicts need to reintegrate themselves into society. We need to stop criminalizing those who suffer from mental illness or incapacity or from other health problems such as drug addiction. We need to provide honest opportunities for those who have served time and end the ostracism, especially in employment, from which former convicts often suffer.

“We need to provide more effective remedies for the victims of sexual and domestic violence, who are all too often let down by our judicial system. We need to establish them in freedom and safety and to secure their legal rights to their property and their children. We need to end the mindset that says marital and acquaintance rape aren’t really rape. We need to make it clear that the rule of law doesn’t end at the door of a family residence or at the door of a religious community. We need to crack down on organized and nearly open violations of the law such as the theocracy now being tolerated in Canaan, Aravana or at the New Messiah Complex in Sonora.

“We also need to seriously face the challenges posed to our current extradition by overly broad treaties signed in the past. While we have withdrawn from the Intelligence module of VERITAS because of the provision requiring us to extradite anyone accused of a crime in any signatory state, regardless of whether or not the act they were wanted for was a crime in this country or even whether or not it was the sort of thing which usually allowed an application for asylum, we continue to have a number of outstanding extradition commitments which are far too broad to be compatible with Confederal principles of justice or with current policy towards extradition agreements. One of the prime responsibilities which my Department will have to undertake along with the Department of Foreign Affairs is renegotiating our extradition agreements along narrower lines, either traditional list-treaties or dual criminality treaties…” Her speech continued, addressing serious problems including disparities in the criminal justice system as it related to racial, ethnic and cultural minorities, drug policy, the death penalty, plea bargaining and evidentiary rules. It was, by far, the most negative speech so far, focusing on problems that remained rather than on recent achievements. However, it was optimistic, expressing hopes for radical reforms in the judicial system.

The speeches continued in that vein until every member of the Confederal Council and the Head of the Commonwealth had spoken. The speeches were idealisticm of course. They covered over a few sticky or embarrassing points of policy concern and generally painted a celebratory picture of how things were progressing. That didn't mean they weren't useful. For one thing, they weren't false so much as they were idealized versions of the truth. For another, they showed clearly how Confederals saw themselves and how they thought their system ought to work. After all the speeches had been made, the Agora was declared open. At this point, most of the guests went exploring, seeing all that the Agora had to offer. However, a few hundred invited guests, including all the foreign diplomats, were ushered to a formal reception in the Confederal Palace. They were led to the Narich Ballroom, a large, elegant room where finely dressed staff moved around catering to them and they were able to talk in a luxurious but relaxed environment. President Kairis and her husband took seats on one side of the room and the Head of the Commonwealth and High Queen on the other. The rest of the Confederal Council sat to one side.

President Kairis crossed her legs with the sort of casual elegance that came from a lifetime living among the Bilbtorian gentry. It was a natural gesture, as far from the stiff formality of an Amorene gentlewoman as it was from the familiar manner of a Lanerian society matron. She took her glass of wine, Hesperia's finest (or so Deputy Pacelli assured her), with the same easy manner. "The turnout is rather fortunate," she commented. "I do have a reputation to protect."

Colonel Karamanlis smiled at his wife as he sat opposite. He was a bit stiffer, wearing his dress uniform and sitting with the stern formality of a man used to military discipline. He knew how to behave at these receptions but he was not at home in them and he seldom allowed himself to relax. Still, he smiled, "I wasn't worried for a moment. Now we just need some sort of concrete policy to work on in foreign affairs. It seems we have the luxury of no immediate crisis."

Kairis nodded slightly, her eyes surveying the room. More than a few of the foreign delegates posed interesting challenges. Iansisle posed all sorts of problems of human rights and national self-determination and racial justice and the like but it also offered the strongest serious opposition to slavery on the high seas. Taraskovya was going through important changes which no one outside the country completely understood yet. Tartarus now had Western Atlantic interests. The Fiefdom was shifting from totalitarianism to democracy. The Sakkrans were just plane interesting and were the only predominantly non-human nation to show sustained and active post-Shattering interest in the Resurgent Dream. The Confederals were currently hammering out a controversial treaty with the Amestrians. The Iesians...the controversy there needed no explanation. Aerion was just odd. The Knootians had been extremely inactive recently. The Pantocratorians were crisis free for the moment but...it was always nice to see a friendly face.

Kairis brought the fine crystal to her lips, taking a soft sip and setting it down on the table. For the moment, at least, she would see which among her guests first sought her conversation. She reached one hand over to lightly touch her husband's arm, "At the least, it should be an interesting evening."

Henry August stirred himself, slightly painfully, after the end of the speeches. He spent enough time in the saddle to be used to extended periods of sitting still, but that had been before the onset of arthritis. Strange to think that he, the Lancer, was bound to grow old, just like other people. When the rest of the crowd went exploring, he allowed himself to be ushered towards the Narich Ballroom. He was at least a little chagrined that Jones, the politico Ianapalis had insisted on saddling him with, was allowed to tag along; he had hoped that the reception would exclude him.

Once in the ballroom, August was a bit lost. This was his first major reception as a representative of the Republic and he was not certain how to proceed. However, Jones at his elbow kept up a running log of the dignitaries. After tiring of August’s grunts and shushes, Jones even went so far as to suggest moves.

“That’s President Kairis. She’s head of the Confederal Council. It would befit the ambassador of the Republic to present himself.”

“She’s the head of state?” August whispered back.

“Well, sort of. There are other bodies which function as head of state, but none of them are just one person.”

August nodded, then left Jones behind to approach where Kairis and her husband were sitting.

“Madame President,” he said, bowing -- a bit of a ludicrous-looking gesture with his straw-stuffed sleeve still clasped in his jacket. “A pleasure. I am Henry August, Ambassador from the Republic of Iansisle.”

"The pleasure is mine, I'm sure," she said with a surprisingly bright smile. It made her briefly look about ten years younger. "This is my husband, Colonel Karamanlis. Please, have a seat."

"Colonel?" asked August, arching an eyebrow at Karamanlis. "You'll forgive me, sir, professional curiosity -- former army myself -- but what sort of unit were you with?"

“Thank you, madame president,” he added, taking a seat.

"I was in command of the Royal Bilbtorian Horseguard, actually an armour regiment by the time it saw active service. I served under General Bakirdzis during the Civil War, helping to secure Bilbtoria for Her ... for freedom. I did owe the general quite a lot," he said with a sly grin at Kairis.

August himself grinned. “Sometimes I think that Iansisle is the last country in the world where cavalry units still ride horses. More an anachronism every day, it seems. I was a colonel in John Company’s army, with the Orissa Native Lancers, and then a captain with the Dorchet Hussars at the Wonwich Gap.”

He noticed the glance between Karamanlis and Kairis, which reminded that he had not come to exchange reminisces with another veteran.

“Madame President, it is truly an honor to be here for this seminal event. I’m to communicate my congratulations to you and your government from the National Assembly -- but I’d like to express my own more so. The speeches today have reinforced my belief that, without a doubt, this new Confederacy is a step towards international amicability.”

Hopefully that red flashing “Hypocrite!” wasn’t still flashing above his head. August did have a great deal of experience bluffing, from his days as a semi-diplomat on the southwest frontier, and here he at least had the advantage of speaking his native language.

"I appreciate it. I had worried an Iansislean might not appreciate the broad variety of perspectives represented in our government," she said with the same polite smile she'd been wearing.

“On the contrary!” said August, his cheerful face and ebullient voice a mask as well. “Our republican movement is all about finding unity in diversity. Why, in one act of the assembly, we have doubled the franchise -- the ancien régime did not permit women to vote, as barbaric as that is to think today. While it is true that the Constitution prefers a centralized government to a federal one -- well, I suppose we all have differing methods in pursuing the same goal, which is a voice for all people.”

"All?" Karamanlis asked, fulfilling the spousal duty of saying the things the President can't directly say aloud.

August smiled knowingly. "Yes, all," he said. "Including those in Gallaga and the other colonies. When they are ready, we will gladly incorporate them into our community or let them go on their own. As I said, sir, our methods occasionally differ, but our goals are the same."

Kairis nodded slightly, setting her wine down with a light clink and folding her hands in front of her, "What first drew my attention to Iansisle was your statement during the Freestian crisis. I believe that yours was the only nation to truly and clearly uphold the policy of forceful sanctions against traffickers in persons in international waters, was it not?"

August appreciated the tact of the President, steering the conversation into less controversial waters for him.

“I’m not sure if we were the only one, madame President, but it certainly seems as if less countries these days appreciate the moral plague which is slaving. We treat it as piracy because it really is nothing more, even when entire states are involved.”

"A great many states reject the idea that anyone can do anything objectionable except stand on the principles of human liberty or international law, which seems to earn one the approbrium of many nations which consider themselves democratic," Kairis said. "That crisis taught us a great deal about who our true friends were. The rude and undiplomatic behavior or certain nations, moreso than even their actual positions, certainly left a bad impression."

"It was a bad situation," said August. "I am glad that none of Iansisle's allies forced us to question our moral stand -- I can only imagine how hard that must have been."

"No one I would call an ally," Kairis said. "Menelmacar opposed the Freestians in their own way. Xirnium refused to trade with them."
August coughed uncomfortably. His lack of preperation was showing. "Of course. I beg your pardon -- an old man has lapses from time to time." August was not actually all that old by international standards -- in his mid-40s -- but, considering the short lifespans on the Shield, he nevertheless was.

Kairis, who had at least five years on him but looked fairly youthful, smiled sympathetically, "Outright slavery is, for us at least, a fairly clear cut issue. The broader topic of human trafficking, not always the result of brute physical control, is a bit more complex..." she said, lifting one hand as though seeking his view.

“Well, madame President, our views are that there can be no moral justification for the practice of slaving. Those who transport people against their will are kidnappers; those who commit crimes, such as kidnapping, on the high seas are pirates. There’s little grey area for us, if you’ll pardon my impudence.”

August probably looked older just because of his long years in Gallaga. The subcontinent had baked his skin, giving it a leathery, cracked appearance much darker than the average Shieldian. He glanced about him quickly and realized he had been monopolizing the President's time.

"I beg your pardon, Madame President," August said, standing up and bowing. "I've don't mean to hog your time all evening. Please, once again take the congratulations of myself and my government." Once it had been accepted, he bowed again and left.

((done on AIM with TRD

--Ian))

Dominique de Villepin and Louis Puchot, upon being received by President Karis and her husband, politely extended their hands. After exchanging some minor pleasantries, the Foreign Minister then proudly introduced Karis and Karamanlis to his daughter Victoire.

Elsewhere...

“The insolence of it still gets me,” Asaid said, “we’re talking about a nation where the possession of drugs can get you a prison sentence. And they have the temerity to look down their noses,” she tossed several long hatpin sized and very poisonous needles onto a table, “at our legal system.”

“I don’t think they really thought they were doing that, so much as expressing concern about some of the other members.”

“Hah. And they couldn’t stick around long enough to suggest an alteration, protocol or colliery? Even the Knootians aren’t that bad. Infuriating. And to think, they’re one of the two nations who’ve ever been cleared to buy our drive technologies. Infuriating, that’s the word…”

“It’s not as if they left completely…” Edwin Provost said.

“No, it’s the fact that they left on some whim that angers me. And I’ve got to accompany you to this tedious celebration in a nation which even you admit is boring…”

“Now that’s not what I said. I said nothing interesting has ever happened during my previous visits. By that I mean the special kind of interesting. The kind that involves blood and death, not having that kind of interesting is a recommendation for a place…”

“Remind me again, what have we ever got out of them? We’ve practically given them one of our newest generation warships in whatever numbers they want, when they have another little terriorist oopsie, Glorfindel immediately hauls ass out there with an entire division’s worth of troops and support. And they couldn’t even do us the courtesy of informing us that they had problems… So that we could, say, do something about it.”

“I’m sure, given the static nature of their decision making, we’re just the victims of ‘new government fever’ or something.”

“Huh. And to top it all off, I’ve got to go in some damn frippery of a dress. What am I, a preening, posturing Xirniumite?”

“Well, you did want the title, Marchioness…”

“Huh. And that’s a joke. It hardly means I have to dress like the inbred sons of bitches that pass for monarchy in the benighted holes they choose to associate with.”

“Oh come on. It’s hardly as if your own home’s nobility was better.”

“True. They were moronic offspring of she-dogs too. Which makes me wonder why I even bothered asking for this one.”

“Well, it’s too late now. You’re coming and being Marchioness-y,” Provost said.

“Huh. At least you’re lucky. These societies don’t expect their men to dress like peacocks…”

The Agora

They were of course, late. Not fashionably late, but very late. It wasn’t meant as an insult, both Dr Provost and Marchioness Virenus had very busy schedules as ‘Officers of the Elenaran’ a group of the personal representatives (‘in all things’ was the vague wording used) of the head of state, but nonetheless, it could be construed as one.

Both were tall and dark haired, and today, Asaid was, much to her distaste, wearing her hair long and elaborately done, over a long dress and a shawl pinned with the gold sunburst-icon of the Elenaran surrounded by a larger laurel wreath Venturers pin. The whole, tremendously muted, all told, maroon and sea-green outfit was topped off with an elaborate emerald tiara.

Provost, looked very much counter to the stereotypical C’tan costume, in that he wore an outfit that looked rather like it belonged in the Edwardian era, with a distinctly startched shirt and long coat, over an immaculate jacket with the same golden icon badge of office on his left lapel. He even had short, greying hair.

He also looked calm, pleasant and approachable, compared to Asaid Virenus, whose pleasant but somehow forgettable natural looks were darkened by the glimmer of a frown.

"And... signed. Very good. Next item, Taj?"

Taj Johs, executive assistant to Lord High Chancellor William Kellerman, pulled an announcement from his folder.

"An engagement in the Resurgent Dream. One of the dispatches from the Foreign Ministry... it appears to be slightly late. We should probably send two delegates to the country and show our friendliness. The Confederated Peoples were in the first round of diplomatic contact."

Kellerman glanced up as he cleaned his pen. "Hmm, well alright. Delegates... who do you suggest?"

"Naam Dumuzi, Third Minister of Agriculture. He has a good head on his shoulders, very courteous, and very smart. It's past harvest time, so he doesn't need to worry about missing some important duties."

"Good, good. I like Naam. Who else?"

"Sanjun Keerashamhan, Inquisitor 13 from Jaan, Neer Dal. He's bel shahry, but would be much better for the foreign experience."

"Quite. Naam and Sanjun, then. When's the engagement?"

Taj glanced over the paper. "Apparently, now. As I said, Foreign was late in getting this to us."

"Now? Now? Good lord, then get those two and send them as soon as possible. Send up a tailor and have them take the first flight out of Sargedain."

"Yes, sir." he stamped the paper and slid it through a pneumatic tube, the order carrying out. Within three hours, the two delegates would be rushing to the Sargedain airport with hastily packed bags, loading into an official plane with a tailor and on their way to the Resurgent Dream.

* * *
Naam Dumuzi felt silly in his redingcote and damask waistcoat. He was constantly adjusting his starched jabot, nervously looking around as they approached the Agora. Bel-Ha'ad Keershaman was calmly looking at the passing country. He was used to wearing the elaborate clothing of a Aatem Nal- the Tuhran Bel was conducted in official clothing. His black under-robe poked out of his deep red embroidered dalmatic, brown fur piping around his feet. It wasn't quite cold enough to warrant the tall grey sable cap, but it wasn't hot enough to make it intolerable.

"Late, late, late..." Dumuzi muttered to himself. "What offenses we've given, damn that vohu-manar..." He cursed the Minister of Foreign Affairs under his breath. The man's incomptence was beginning to become harmful.

"Calm down, Naam. I'm sure we aren't the only ones to be late. I'm sure they'll understand- just explain that we only have one international airport. Should I be doing the talking?"

Dumuzi shook his head, taking a deep breath. "No, no. We're here as a team. You talk about the Bel and religion, and I'll talk about the Saard and agriculture. I just hope we don't come across as provincial."

Sanjun just laughed.

President Kairis and Colonel Karamanlis smiled and shook hands as the next group approached them. They warmly greeted Victoire and invited the Amestrians to sit awhile. "So this is your first trip to New Amsterdam, Minister?" Kairis asked.

She and her husband were both increasingly aware that people seemed to be almost lining up to speak to them and otherwise keeping to themselves, as though the entire purpose of the gathering was the opportunity of speaking with Kairis in particular. This was, of course, a no win situation for the President. If she remained and continued to receive all or even the bulk of the attention, she would be criticized rather strongly as though she had intentionally snubbed both the Head of the Commonwealth and the Confederal Council, who she imagined must be quite uncomfortable at this point. However, if she simply left after speaking to de Villepin, it would snub the diplomats. If only she could make foreign diplomats more diplomatic, her job would be a lot easier. Of course, that was always true.