NationStates Jolt Archive

Two days ago, Michael Heroin made known an open invitation to a diplomatic dinner schedchuled to be hosted on this day. Perhaps now he is regretting it, while he is not expecting many people to attend, the very act of having to play host terrifies him. Various officials and underlings make final preprtions, while Michael waits, in an air of open nervousness, in the main hall were he will soon be entertaining representatives from some of the most powerfull nations in the world. His panic floats bout him like an almost tactile thing, just ready to attack him and make him do something extremely stupid.

By his side, as always, is Ariadne, he has sufficient enough protection that he really dosn't need his personal bodyguard to protect him, but he may need her moral support, and her faith in him. She is dressed now in a smart, tailored suit which fits her body perfectly, it goes without saying that she looks better than him, and is a lot calmer to boot. She puts a hand on his shoulder and tells him (what hs become a mantra of hers recently) that he needs to relax.

"This is all about forging good will and good starts remember? What kind of first impression re you going to make if you're terrifired of them?" Ariadne is, as always, a voice of wisdom to the storms in Michaels mind, "Right now you look like you're planning on being violently sick on any visitor you might receive, so just try to cool it a little, ok?"
Michael took a deep breath and forced a smile onto his face,
"Ok, I'll try."

And still they waited.

Prince Leon walked into the main hall flanked by his aid/bodyguard. "Greetings
President Michael. I am Prince Leon of Theao, I represent my cousin King Sean at this conferency. It is a pleasure to be here." So saying Leon did a half-bow and offered Michael his hand.


ooc: pic of Prince Leon
http://www.tuxedosonline.com/images/big/polytuxhx111y.jpg

"And a genuine honour to receive you, your highness. Oh, and please, drop the title, just call me Michael."
Michael took the Princes hand with a warm smile and tried to relax a little.

ooc: smooth, he's got a definate James Bond air too him. I don't have a picture for Michael, but he's pretty scrawny in comparison...

"Alright, but only if you agree to drop my title as well." Leon replied with a smile.

Michael released a breath he hadn't even realised he'd been holding and ws suddenly tempted to ask Leon if he wanted to let various attendants sort out whoever else might turn up and go get slaughtered at the bar. This, he decided after a few minutes of thought, may not bode well for his future in politics, so instead he resorted to small talk,
"Delighted too! so how are affairs in Theao?"

"We're doing well, the few dissidents are being dealt with, no major disasters and no major internation problems, at least none that affect Theao." Leon replied, "Also the queen with child and all is proceeding well on that front."

Lord Barbarossa, fresh from his last Assembly meeting, came through the doors, a weary smile on his face,"Am I too late?"

"I see you have another guest so I shall leave you to it." Leon replied as he headed toward the food/drink table/bar.

"Sh!t." thought HoS Scheffert as he arrived to the door of President Heroin's dinner party. "I can't believe I'm running so late." He had ditched his formal white tuxedo coat and was now simply wearing the silver half vest over top of the white shirt. Promptly Matt was led into the room where the three other officials were gathered. Scheffert stopped before entering and sucked in a deep breath to steady his racing heart.

"Don't worry, I'm the worst time-keeper in the world so I couldn't hold it against you even if you wre late!" The President smiled warmly to the new arrivals "Michael Heroin, at your service, and a pleasure to receive you both" Michael extended a hand to greet the lord, all previous worry seeming to elapse under his tremendous entheusiasm and good nature when he finally realised that other politicians and world leders might just be human too...
_____________

Ariadne gave Michael a wry smile and turned to follow the Prince, Inviting people to dinner and then ignoring them tended to bee looked upon as a social faux pas to her recollection, she came to stnd besid him when he reached the table,
"You must give the queen our congratulations when you return home."

"I'll be sure to do that, Mrs. Heroin. Would you happen to know what topics your husban is interested in discussing at this conference?" He asked as he got a appitizer of somesort off the table.

Barbarossa shook the extended hand,"Thanks. You seem very tense, for such a young man. Don't worry, I'm not going to bite..Like that vampire"

In his grey suit (Armani), complemented by his cool grey eyes and short, cropped black hair, he cut a figure that was striking, and deceptively calm. No President before was a previous SHADOW agent, so he didn't need bodyguards; he was better than most of them anyway. His pistol felt comfortable under his jacket, and he felt comfortable in this position,"So, tell me, why the enthuiasm?"

Ariadne had been slightly worried that Michael was going to do something or say something that would, one way or another insult one of the more esteemed guests arriving at the conference. This however did not mean that she was immune to making some glaringly obvious mistakes herself, and she had to admit that laughing at the Prince of Theao (unless he was making a joke of some kind) was one of them.

Sometimes however, there's just no stopping it,
"Mrs Heroin? Oh Please excuse me Prince Leon, you seeem to have misunderstood! My name is Ariadne Lexxburg, I'm his bodygurd, and his friend, but seriously, Michael?" She shook her head, "He is definately not my type. Sorry, I'm ignoring your question, I think he's intersted in establishing good trade links, but I think he's mainly intending to play it by ear"

"You'll have to forgive me President Heroin, I am the first Head of State since the unification of Kassyyk under one banner. These past few days since the elections have seemed a total blur. I do suppose it will pass though."

"It was my mistake." Leon replied with a laugh.

ooc: do you have pictures of both Lexxburg and Heroin?

Michael's smile faded a little, "I take it you're reffering to that incident with the protester..." He shook his head, a little sadly, "...I may have acted rashly then, but I can't in good conscience ignore these things when they unfold before my eyes..."

He brightened a little, turning to the other man, "Don't worry about it, the world constantly seems to be two steps ahead of me, so I can relate to a sence of disorientation, as for my entheusiasm..." He looked back to Barbarossa, nd shot the man a grin, "...That's just me trying to catch back up with the world."

Ariadne flashed the prince a wide smile, "I'm not surprised, We spend a lot of time togeether so it's a pretty common mistake".

ooc: Ariadne's pic: http://mitglied.lycos.de/tombraiderpics/Downloads/Pics/Lc/LucyClarkson/lucy_clarkson_b_010.jpg

Michael looks something like this, his hair's darker though: http://www.goldenbeaus.com/d_luna/images/diego_luna02_jpg.jpg

Picture of Head of State Scheffert = http://www.rivieratuxedo.com/images/perryellismystic.jpg

Michael's smile faded a little, "I take it you're reffering to that incident with the protester..." He shook his head, a little sadly, "...I may have acted rashly then, but I can't in good conscience ignore these things when they unfold before my eyes..."

He brightened a little, turning to the other man, "Don't worry about it, the world constantly seems to be two steps ahead of me, so I can relate to a sence of disorientation, as for my entheusiasm..." He looked back to Barbarossa, nd shot the man a grin, "...That's just me trying to catch back up with the world."

"Don't worry about it. I've been in charge of Snake Eaters for nearly ten years, and it still unnerves me, going to these things. Now, I saw you drinking, would you care to join me for one? I just got out of a meeting with the Assembly ((Cabinet)), and could do with one"

"So how is life here?" Leon asked as he grinned at Ariadne comment.

OOC: http://www.phpbasket.co.uk/example/images/grey_suit.png

Barbarossa

"Best idea I've heard all night! What's your poison?"
Michael asked cheerfully, nodding towards the bar before glancing to the Kassyyk representative, "Will you indulge with us Scheffert?"

"Absolutely. I must be more out of shape than I thought, the short run from the car to your door has left me a bit dry in the throat."

My poison? Oh, vodka. Drink of kings... if its done right

"To be honest, slightly abstract. Everyone seems to be happy, and Michael loves his people even more than they love him, but...well," She laughed again, "It's really a very strange place to live! There are pumas everywhere, and the people do the strangest things in their free time..."

Michael walked with the two men towards the bar, "Ahh, a slave to the Russian prince? How do you take it my friend?" he glanced back to Scheffert, with a grin, "I'd tease you, but with my beer gut people Ariadne's always expecting me to give birth to a keg! What'll it be?"

Barbarossa grinned,"Ever since I first tasted the stuff. Straight, on the rocks!"

"What would you say are the best and worst aspects of Michael Heroin, the land not the man?" Leon asked as he headed bar-ward.

Matt laughs before speaking. "I'll just take a beer, though preferably not one from your gut. Whatever brew you have will do greatly"

The Drinks came quickly from an efficient bartender, and Michael managed to resist pretending to pull Scheffert a pint from his gut, instead ordering himself a martini, dry. Supplied with alcohol, he seemed to pause for thought for a moment before saying,
"I suppose I should start the actual meeting now that there are a few people here shouldn't I?"

Ariadne walked beside Leon, expression thoughtful,
"The best point is probably the loyalty of thee people, the nation was formed by Michael offering sanctuary to anyone who needed it, you have to earn that kind of loyalty, and when no one else stood up for those people Michael did...and the worst point...Probably our military, We're a very peacefull nation and michael doesn't beleive in Chemical or Nuclear warfare. We hav ways of defending ourselves of course, but I don't knwo how effective they'll be if michael Isn't prepared to sacrifice some of his morals..."

Barbarossa changed instantley, becoming buisness like,"Why not?"

"We might as well."

"It's important to hold to your morals, but thier are times when you have to be willing to bend." Leon said as they got to the bar. To the bartender. "Do you happen to know how to make a BlackJack?"

Michaeel smiled sharply and took a sip of his Martini, turning his attention to Prince Leon, who was in th process of beig served at the bar, "Leon, I was just about to call you over, we're just going to start in a moment"

Ariadne gave Michael a playful nudge, "so you're going to have a shot at acting like a professional for once?"

Barbarossa couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He knew of only one pair who acted like that, Colonel Cougar and his diplomat wife. And these two were not married

After Leon had gotten his drink, he headed toward the conference table.

Michael set off towards the conference table after Leon, and, noticing Barborassa's expression as he passed he gve a ruefull smile,

"I know that look, we get it all the time and I can assure you that whatever you're thinking is quite inaccurate. To my immense dissapointment."

Ariadne rolled her eyes and gave Michael a light punch on the arm before they proceeded to the conference table and waited for everyone to be assembled.

Leon sat down at the conference table and sipped his drink while watching and examining the other delegates, he knew his cousin would be most demanding on detail.

Scheffert took his glass of beer over to the confrence table and sat down, for the first time that day he was starting to feel at ease. Maybe Kassyyk wasn't in such bad shape with him in control.

"And well it should be."

Barbarossa sat down at the conference table,"Now, what matters do we discuss here today?"

Michael stood up casually, addressing the diplomats with a charismatic ease that had previously escaped him entirely,
"I will be honest with you, my primary reason for hosting this affair was no more complex or cunning than merely to offer the hand of friendship to some of my international neigbours, and to get to know some of the people who I may some day be building trade routes, good terms, and hopefully some day, strong alliances with!"
He shot the various delegates a friendly smile,
"As it is Our Nation had only very recently opened itself up to the international community, as I beleive is the case for you Mr Scheffert is it not?"
Michael gve the man a quick nod, but chose not to dwell on the subject,
"Our People have many great talents, and our nation no shortage of resource, and I feel that not only do we have gret deal to offer other nations in material wealth and trade industries, but we have a great deal to learn and to teach on the culture, life, and politics of our nation and on the many nations out there in the world. I beleive that by helping one another can we become, richer, wiser, and have a better understanding of this world, both friends and foes."

This said, Michael gave a nervous sort of cough,

"Erm, so, anyone intrested?"

Barbarossa leaned forward,"I hear that your nation is not a highly militaristic one? I propose the basis for our alliance be a mutual pact. I will provide you with defensive forces, and I'm sure we can find something you can offer"

"We'd also be interested in working out somesort of arrangement, most likely more economic than our counter-part from S.E." Leon replied

Matt took the oppurtunity to stand and address the four men gathered at the table.

"As is the case with this wonderful land, my nation of Kassyyk has only recently become united as a people. As their first elected leader I feel that it is my duty to forge as many friendships as possible with other people across the world who are like us. We have very little to offer at this point in the way of trade as our economy is controlled by basketweaving and tourism industries. We will offer whatever we can in the way of a home away from home or in the unfortunate need, a refuge, for the peoples of the lands gathered here today. We Kassyykians are a people of rich history and culture, and it would be my honor to share it with your people."

Matt takes a quick look around the table then sits back in his chair.

"Excellent!" Michael smiled enteusiastically, "Barbarossa, you must know that what you have proposed is exactly what Michael Heroin needs right now, for while I know tht my nation needs protection, I do not know that I am a strong enough man to offer it. As it happens, I tend to leave military affairs In the hands of Aridne, god-knows they're more capable on such things than mine are. Leon, economics is far closer to my strong point than any military affairs, and I am certain that we can come to a situation that will benefit both of our countries!"

He turned finally to Scheffert, giving a slightly wistfull smile,

"And Matt, it seems to me that we have a great deal in common, at this time at least. So whether or not we can organize trade links or any other economic arrangement, I assure you that you have my friendship. And that, at least cost's nothing."

He glanced back around the table,
"Now, I'm quite unfamiliar with proceedure after this point, do you wish to talk this over now, or shall we go attack that buffet, have another drink (or ten) and you each go home to disguss this with respective governments, and telegram me with any updates?"

In that case, may I speak with you Aridna?

Ariadne nodded and rose, "We'll talk it over at the bar," she shot the other men a smile, "no offence to you sirs, but It would seem impolite to flaunt the details of another nations deal in front of you".

She gave a small bow and headed barwards

"I have the authority to do any necessary negotitations. If you want to we could do it now, or over drinks and food, which ever one you would prefere." Leon replied

Michael reclined back in his seat and gave Leon an open smile, "You're the Guest, I'll leave it to your disgression, but the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned."

"Then how about now, since you know what you need, I'll let you put your offer on the table first, so to speak." Leon replied

"Sounds reasonable," Michael nodded, "Our country is strong agriculturally, and our scientists are some of the best in the world, but the materials we can mine or harvest from the earth, oil, and minerals, we have them in abundance, but wee lack the technology to refine them on any kind of scale. My people won't starve, and they're unlikely to die young as we have a strong medical service, but we need to advance technologically, we need the materials to fly higher and go deeper than we have in the past, but unless we can refine these materials then they're useless to us." Michael caught Leons eyes, "do you understand?"

"So if I understand you correctly you are looking for both manufactured goods as well as the foundation for manufacturing your own goods?" Leon asked

Michael gave a curt nod. "correct."

ooc: The english time frame demands now that I love you and leave you now. later.

"As we have far more area devoted to factories than most nations would consider pratical based on the necessity of food growth, we would be more than able to aid you in manufacturing as well as providing manufactured goods." Leon replied "What kind of minerals and organics can you mine/harvest? Also what kind of goods are you looking for?"

The leader of Kassyyk stays in his seat, not in an attempt to eavesdrop on the conversation at hand, but rather to watch and learn how best to approach negotiations somewhere down the line. It is a lesson he knows that he must learn quickly.

Ariadne nodded and rose, "We'll talk it over at the bar," she shot the other men a smile, "no offence to you sirs, but It would seem impolite to flaunt the details of another nations deal in front of you".

She gave a small bow and headed barwards

Barbarossa rose, nodding at the others, before following Ariadne to the bar. He looked to the barman,"Scotch, if you please"

One he had recieved his drink, he sat down at a table, and looked pointedly at her,"I will be frank. My nation has not had time to do a tactical assesment of this one, and as such I am ignorant as to the state of your armed forces at this time. Maybe you could fill me in on the details?"

Matt silently excusesed himself from the confrence table and walked over to a large picture window looking out over the presidential lawn. The perfectly manicured green grass made him silently long for his home.

A knock at the door caused all heads to turn. A butler opened it, and an older looking gentleman stood in the doorway. He was about five-foot ten-inches tall, and all could see that at one time he had been very muscular.
Dressed simply in a royal blue tunic, cinched at the waist with a curious belt embossed with "X"'s, he bowed ceremoniously and spoke.
" Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Ricala, King of Auralinia, and I am here at the behest of my Liege-Lord."

Matt's eyes immediatly left the window when the door was flung open. The shorter man had a very regal appearance and air about him. From what he had gathered about the assembled guests he chuckled to himself a little. The four that had been there had stopped using titles and it would only be a matter of moments before they welcomed the new gentlemen in much the same way.

Ariadne met Barabossa's eyes head on,
"We're reasonably equipped, we have a fair artillery, enough bombs to show some kind of force, and an army of seven-million. It may not seem like that much, but if we're ever threatened you can count on a good half of the population voulenteering to fight, probably more. Michaaels main problem is that his conscience won't allow him to try manufacturing nuclear or chemical weapons. That's why he put me in charge of the military. He knows it's his weakness."

She paused for a moment,

"I guess I should tell you this as well, if it did ever come to a war then It's not our army that would save us, it's black ops. Our base of covert operations is amongst the strongest in the world, we could destroy nations from the inside out if it ever came to that..."

_______________

Michael gave a nonchalante shrug,

"The earth provides well for us, we harvest tons of grain every year, there's fruit that grows in abundance here which grows no where else in the world, corn, potatoes, the climate's good for most vegetables, and our farming methods are rotary, so we aren't draining the earth of minerals. We mine a great deal of Iron ore, and various steel carbonates."
The President paused for a moment, almost cautiosly,
"We've recently discovered uranium stores that we could mine..."
It was at this point that Ricala entered,
"I'm sorry Leon, you'll have to excuse me for a moment."
Michael stood up, to greet his new guest smiling warmly,
"A pleasure to meet you my leige."
He gave a sweeping bow to the man.

bump

The King visibly relaxed at the obvious, slightly mocking, greeting from Heroin. He instantly liked the man.
" Mr. Heroin, the name is Ricala. My friends call me Ric. And most of my friends have been made at the bar. Can you point the way to the beginning of our friendship?"
Straightening from his bow, Heroin cocked an eyebrow. A King called Ric, eh? This should be interesting, he thought....

Matt Scheffert, the leader of the smallest nation at the meeting and by far the one with the least experience, was set at ease once more as Ric changed from formality to the more relaxed mood that the room had held. He feared that he would have to interact with an uber-formal diplomat, something he had never had the patience for.

" Ah, Mr. Scheffert. Pleased to meet you at long last. The Emperor has a special request of you. If you'll give me a minute or two to disengage myself from these introductions, I'll relay his message to you."

"With pleasure sir. I believe I had the honor of meeting the esteemed Emperor at Americanicus' ball."

The two walked over to a corner of the room at sat down at a small, unoccupied table.

Michael Gave The King a cocky grin,
"If it's to be Ric rather than my lige, then it must also be Michael rather than Mr Heroin, and If most of your friendships re made at the br, then that is where this one shall be made also, I'm afraid you've come just as I was ironing out the details of a trade agreement with one of our other esteemed visitors though, so if you'd rather speak with Matt first then please do so!"

ooc: I'm sorry, I'm a little confused as to the nature of the reltionship between Xeraph and Auralinia, is there a delegate from both, or are two people using one computer and getting log-in's confused or what?

Michael Gave The King a cocky grin,
"If it's to be Ric rather than my lige, then it must also be Michael rather than Mr Heroin, and If most of your friendships re made at the br, then that is where this one shall be made also, I'm afraid you've come just as I was ironing out the details of a trade agreement with one of our other esteemed visitors though, so if you'd rather speak with Matt first then please do so!"

ooc: I'm sorry, I'm a little confused as to the nature of the reltionship between Xeraph and Auralinia, is there a delegate from both, or are two people using one computer and getting log-in's confused or what?

OOC> hopefully, your question will be answered in my response to Matt...

"With pleasure sir. I believe I had the honor of meeting the esteemed Emperor at Americanicus' ball."

The two walked over to a corner of the room at sat down at a small, unoccupied table.

" Yes...the Novum Arcanus gathering. It seems that Alaric cannot go anywhere these days without someone dying. Anyway, to business."
" Many years ago, centuries, in fact, the Emperor started a tradition that stands today. That tradition states that every ten years, a nation is offered full alliance privileges to a nation that the Emperor deems is worthy of it. Over the past 332 years, over thirty nations have been offered this alliance. Eleven accepted, nine are still part of the Empire. The other two were destroyed in the Kothian Wars. Alaric made me the offer 90 years ago, and I accepted. I have never regretted the decision. In just 90 years, Auralinia has gone from a small, vulnerable nation to the 3rd largest in the Empire, and in addition is the Directing Nation of the Xeraphian Space League."
"No doubt your'e thinking that you will have to give up your sovreignty, or some other condition will apply. Rest assured, there are no strings attached. You are free to rule your nation as you see fit, so long as it doesn't interfere with Xeraphian law. You seem like an intelligent man, so I don't see that as being a problem."
"Let me add one more thing: of all the nations who were offered this alliance, eleven accepted, and the remaining 20-odd who didn't have either been destroyed, absorbed, or have fallen into ruin due to their own ineptitude. Not one survives to this day. Let me reassure you once again. There are no conditions, no strings attached. We just want to help...and perhaps in the
process, you and Xeraph can become friends, as well as allies."
Ricala wasn't sure that Scheffert was aware of what was being offered here.
Instant protection, instant guidance....instant wealth. And, knowing Alaric, he'll let them make their their own mistakes....as he had, almost 90 years ago..........

Michael ran a rand through his hair and let out a soft sigh, before returning to the table where Leon sat to continue their discussion,
"What we need are re-inforced steels, a way to refine fuel so that it's actually useful. A lot of my people are scientists, they want to build submarines that can brush the sea bed, they want a space program that goes further than just sattelites, and I want to give it to them, but we need certain materials to do that."

ooc: I understnd the link, it's just the aaccound swapping that bothered me, I couldn't teell if it was ric underr the Xeraph name, or if a Xeraphian had randomly arrived and started talking...

Michael ran a rand through his hair and let out a soft sigh, before returning to the table where Leon sat to continue their discussion,
"What we need are re-inforced steels, a way to refine fuel so that it's actually useful. A lot of my people are scientists, they want to build submarines that can brush the sea bed, they want a space program that goes further than just sattelites, and I want to give it to them, but we need certain materials to do that."

ooc: I understnd the link, it's just the aaccound swapping that bothered me, I couldn't teell if it was ric underr the Xeraph name, or if a Xeraphian had randomly arrived and started talking...

OOC> my fault. In Xeraph, we TransBeam virtually everywhere. I try to keep the cross-posting to an absolute minimum, but sometimes I use them interchangeably. Any number of Alaric's sub-rulers are always in Xeraph for one reason or another.

ooc: don't sweat it, I just wanted to clarify :)

" Yes...the Novum Arcanus gathering. It seems that Alaric cannot go anywhere these days without someone dying. Anyway, to business."
" Many years ago, centuries, in fact, the Emperor started a tradition that stands today. That tradition states that every ten years, a nation is offered full alliance privileges to a nation that the Emperor deems is worthy of it. Over the past 332 years, over thirty nations have been offered this alliance. Eleven accepted, nine are still part of the Empire. The other two were destroyed in the Kothian Wars. Alaric made me the offer 90 years ago, and I accepted. I have never regretted the decision. In just 90 years, Auralinia has gone from a small, vulnerable nation to the 3rd largest in the Empire, and in addition is the Directing Nation of the Xeraphian Space League."
"No doubt your'e thinking that you will have to give up your sovreignty, or some other condition will apply. Rest assured, there are no strings attached. You are free to rule your nation as you see fit, so long as it doesn't interfere with Xeraphian law. You seem like an intelligent man, so I don't see that as being a problem."
"Let me add one more thing: of all the nations who were offered this alliance, eleven accepted, and the remaining 20-odd who didn't have either been destroyed, absorbed, or have fallen into ruin due to their own ineptitude. Not one survives to this day. Let me reassure you once again. There are no conditions, no strings attached. We just want to help...and perhaps in the
process, you and Xeraph can become friends, as well as allies."
Ricala wasn't sure that Scheffert was aware of what was being offered here.
Instant protection, instant guidance....instant wealth. And, knowing Alaric, he'll let them make their their own mistakes....as he had, almost 90 years ago..........

Matt set his glass down on the table during this incredible offer. The thumb and forefinger of his right hand rubbed the bridge of his nose slighty, mulling over what was without a doubt the most important decision of his twenty years.

"King Ricala, sir, this is a most impressive offer. Certainly the Xeraphian Empire has wealth, knowledge, and power beyond most and far beyond the humble nation of Kassyyk. We are nowhere near as advanced as Auralinia.

Kassyyk is a simple nation sir. We have no space program, we have only one international airport at the moment. While we do have modern cities, television, internet, etcetera; many of our people still fish the way our ancestors did centuries ago. In fact some still live in jungle villages instead of the major cities. Much of the land connecting Kassyyk to the rest of the West Pacific remains unexplored...or at least unoccupied. To many Kassyykis our history is as important, if not more so, than the future.

That being said your offer is immense. It is not something that I believe I should have the power to accept or deny outright. I will take your most gracious proposal back to Aronica to discuss with both my advisors and the citizens before coming back to you with a reply. I do hope you understand. For the first time in history the people of Kassyyk are united as one, and I do not want to put that fragile status in jeopardy.

In addition I would like to extend an invitation to you, the Emperor, and anyone in the Empire to visit our beautiful land while we discuss this matter. I guarantee that the people of Aronica and every city you wish to vist will greet you with open arms and do what they can to make you feel at home."

Ariadne met Barabossa's eyes head on,
"We're reasonably equipped, we have a fair artillery, enough bombs to show some kind of force, and an army of seven-million. It may not seem like that much, but if we're ever threatened you can count on a good half of the population voulenteering to fight, probably more. Michaaels main problem is that his conscience won't allow him to try manufacturing nuclear or chemical weapons. That's why he put me in charge of the military. He knows it's his weakness."

She paused for a moment,

"I guess I should tell you this as well, if it did ever come to a war then It's not our army that would save us, it's black ops. Our base of covert operations is amongst the strongest in the world, we could destroy nations from the inside out if it ever came to that..."

_______________

.

"A high claim. You would be hard pushed to fight our wet-works forces, let me guarntee you of that much. But anyway... nuclear or chemical weapons are a last resort. You shouldn't ever use them unless you have no alternative. Therefore, it's not a particular problem at this moment in time."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing,"Now... you say resonably equipped? What sort of weapons? Air-force? Navy? Armoured units?"

Matt set his glass down on the table during this incredible offer. The thumb and forefinger of his right hand rubbed the bridge of his nose slighty, mulling over what was without a doubt the most important decision of his twenty years.

"King Ricala, sir, this is a most impressive offer. Certainly the Xeraphian Empire has wealth, knowledge, and power beyond most and far beyond the humble nation of Kassyyk. We are nowhere near as advanced as Auralinia.

Kassyyk is a simple nation sir. We have no space program, we have only one international airport at the moment. While we do have modern cities, television, internet, etcetera; many of our people still fish the way our ancestors did centuries ago. In fact some still live in jungle villages instead of the major cities. Much of the land connecting Kassyyk to the rest of the West Pacific remains unexplored...or at least unoccupied. To many Kassyykis our history is as important, if not more so, than the future.

That being said your offer is immense. It is not something that I believe I should have the power to accept or deny outright. I will take your most gracious proposal back to Aronica to discuss with both my advisors and the citizens before coming back to you with a reply. I do hope you understand. For the first time in history the people of Kassyyk are united as one, and I do not want to put that fragile status in jeopardy.

In addition I would like to extend an invitation to you, the Emperor, and anyone in the Empire to visit our beautiful land while we discuss this matter. I guarantee that the people of Aronica and every city you wish to vist will greet you with open arms and do what they can to make you feel at home."

"Very good. I expected no less. I will pass your response on to Alaric, and we'll see what we can do concerning a visit to your land."

Ariadne grinned almost ferally,
"Then let us hope it never comes to that, I do so love a challenge."
she glanced down a little, becoming serious once more,
"I'm not a big fan of such weapons either, but I can not deny their effectiveness as a deterrent. We have some range missiles, but few planes for our conventional military. Our greatest official strength is our navy, armoured ships and submarines and such. We have enough ground troups with enough training to put up a good fight, but if it came to a war against more developed nations all we'd be able to do would be to blow enough holes in them to make it a very painfull victory. Black ops and resistance movements aside."

We recently upgraded our airforce to the become mostly the latest Cobra, the Mk III Interceptors, which also complenment our space fleets. Anyway, that leaves us with any number of aircraft and weapons which I'd be glad to to sell to you. It all depends on which air-craft you are looking for. And as a detterent... we can supply you with some weapons that you may find useful.

As for your convential forces, we could supply you with enhanced armour and weapons if you wish.

OOC: The Cobra is basically a heavily modified F-16, capable of space flight, because I'm an FT nation

Ariadne nodded, "Shall we talk prices?"

Tell me what you require, and then I shall talk prices

"As to the steel, with access to iron ore we could turn it into reinforced steel. The fuel problem we could provide the methods to do so but would be unable to actually refine it for you. The submarines, you are on your own, as we have no navy, being a landlocked country does that to you. Lastly, the space program, that we could help with." Leon replied

"We have scientist who've already planned out the schematics for a few subs, but you can't live your life on paper, it's the materials to build them we need. If we have steel, and you show us how to build refineries, and it won't matter that you can't produce it for us. The same is true of the space program as of the submarines, but our schematics are far less advanced so any help would be appreciated."
Michael paused for a moment,
"But I am aware that everything comes with it's price, so what's yours
_______________________

"Armour and weapon upgrades, and planes, that's what we need." Ariadne paused for a moment, "and what kind of deterents?"

"The cost would be best paid in raw ores and unique products of this nation." Leon replied "As to an actual quantitative cost that would be if you prefered simply blueprints or engineers and skilled workers to aid in the production of the plants."

Hmmm... weaponry is easily done, as is personal body armour. Aircraft will take slightly longer. What is your nation's primary weapon currently?

"maintenance and construction workers we're ok for, and we have a great deal of very skilled engineers, although it makes sence to request a few skilled supervisors who'll know if something's going wrong" Michael shot the other man a smile "If nothing else the construction site'll help with employment rates for a little while. As for payment, just tell me what you want and how much you want of it and we'll go from there."

bump

ooc: sorry, didn't see your post

"Are you refering to small arms or major weapons?" ariadne asked.

Small arms mostly, but larger weapons can also be included

"As to payment, something on the order of the equivilent value of ore rather than standard wage for the labour." Leon replied

bump

"Our Snpers tend to use FNF Cal series guns, and our infantries are equipped with M249 Saw's" Ariadne replied.
__________________

Michel nodded, "That seems reasonable, you just want a percentage of what we ask you to refine for us?"


OOC: gun referrence: http://www.arizonagunrunners.net/Products/FNMfng/fnmachineguns/fnmachineguns.html

because I have no idea what I'm talking about here and I'm sad enough to look it up...

"Essentially yes." Leon replied

Michael shot Leon a grin, "Then I guess it's a deal!"

"Our Snpers tend to use FNF Cal series guns, and our infantries are equipped with M249 Saw's" Ariadne replied.
__________________

Michel nodded, "That seems reasonable, you just want a percentage of what we ask you to refine for us?"


OOC: gun referrence: http://www.arizonagunrunners.net/Products/FNMfng/fnmachineguns/fnmachineguns.html

because I have no idea what I'm talking about here and I'm sad enough to look it up...

OOC: A few points:

IC: Barbarossa started slightly,"You use machineguns as a standard infantry weapon? No wonder you need help. I can supply you with Lightweight M-8 Assualt rifles, along with L96 sniper rifles for dedicated snipers and Dragnov SVD's for the patrols, Remington 870 shotguns for urban enviroments and jungles, and you can keep the SAW as a squad support weapon. I can also supply you with heavy machine guns, such as the 7.62 gympi (GPMG), and other items such as the M203 40mm Grenade Launcher, and of course you'll need LAW's and MILAN's for anti-tank warfare... it's a fearsome amount of weaponry"

OOC: It scares me that you know all this...ah wll, at lest I'm honest in my total ignorance...

Ariadne met Barabossa's stare, "If you genuinely beleive that our troups need that much weaponry then I assure you that we'll take it. "

OOC: Hey, I'm a weapons nut. Not a gunnut, a weapons nut. I know so much about weaponry its scary even to me

IC: Barbarossa met her eyes,"Do you want to be overun?"

OOC: Nifty, I'm more into re-enactment stuff, so I could tell you many techniques for using a pole axe nd the proper way to hold a shield etc, but on guns I draw a blank.

Ariadne narrowed her eyes, "If you want my respect then don't use scare tactics on me. I have enough faith in you and enough respect for your country that if you give it to me straight then I won't doubt your word."

I'm not trying to scare you. You are a virgin nation in war, I'm just extending the hand of friendship in the best way I can

Ariadne closed her eyes and lt out a sigh,

"I know, I'm sorry, you just hit an old nerve from a time when I was over-run, beefore Michael Heroin was established." she opened her eyes again, meeting his with a hint of sadness in them, "If you think this is what it's going to take to arm our troups properly then I'm not going to question you."

He smiled softly, something he was good at,"I think you will need it. And I will make sure that there is a reduction on normal prices"

Ariadne returned the smile, warming her eyes a little,
"Thank you. I appreciate that." She paused for a moment, then added, almost in an attempt to validate her earlier statement, "I'm sorry I attacked you like that. It was a whole different fight when it happened, a protest turned riot when the police opened fire on us, just that..." her eyes faded a little, as though she was looking into a different time remembering, "....we really were overun, no other word for it, everyone panicked, stampeded like animals, there was a crush and...and all the while the police firing into the frey, killing indiscriminately...Yes...blood, and death, and panic, and then...then I met Michael." She gave herself a little shake, and seemed to come out of a trance, turning back to Barabossa.

"I'm sorry...I'm afraid I lost myself a little there" she said with an apologetic smile

"Think nothing of it. Everybody is entitled to loose themselves once in a while"

"Right" She shot him a smile, "Then I guess we're settled..."

Looks like it. I'll arrange the weapons transfer, and then we can talk prices.

"I'll look forward to it." Ariadne offered the man her hand to shake on the deal, "So, are you going to stay for another drink or just head off?"

He shook her hand warmly,"I shall stay a while longer"

"Excellent! You're drinking Vodka aren't you? Two shots please!" The Bartender rolled his eyes a little, but poured the drinks anyway, and ariadne took one, before turning to Barabossa, giving him a small salute with her shot glass and knocking the drink back.

"Impressive. I've never met a woman who liked her vodka like that!" He knocked his own drink back, as fast, if not faster than she did

Ariadne shot him a playfull smile, "you're meeting all the wrong women then! two more please." She raised her second shot to him, and quickly it followed the first.

He smiled,A drinking contest... even the SHADOW girls never drank vodka though, it was all tequila

Ariadne held her smile, but raised an eyebrow, "well? You trying to fall behind or is it accidental?"

He summoned a third shot, and downed the two straight, one after the other,"Good enough answer for you?"

Trucast Alderan (The Prime Minister of Englerica) arrives slightly late with his bodyguard and slowly makes his way to the Bar.

"Sorry i'm late, had some trouble with the unions again"

Ariadne grinned and called another two shots for herself and one more for Barabossa before imitating his action, "very good answer!"
_____________

Michael drifted away from Leon after ironing out the details of their del, bfore moving on to greet Trucast and his bodyguard with a slight bow and a wide smile, "Don't worry about time-keeping, it's certainly not my strongpoint! Michael Heroin at your service."

Barbarossa smiled. It had been sometime since he'd met someone able to match him for his drink... not since his solidering days. He picked up his fourth shot, and rose it,"To... oh hell, to you"

Ariadne laughed and ordered another two shots, one for each of them, "Ok, but the next one's going to your own good self!"

"Thank you" he said, knocking the drink back, feeling the liquid burn his throat as it tumbled down it