NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Evening all. This is my first post and I hope that you’ll be kind.
IC:

Yesterday

The heavy chud of the helicopter blades startled the young men. Sitting in a popular café in Pennick the sounds of helicopters were not unusual, they were also not welcome. Looking up the men confirmed with their eyes what they already knew from previous experience. A crown helicopter had taken position over the neighbouring block. Tossing change on the table one particular young man began to exit the penned in sitting area of the café. That action was all it took to set the tone. The women and older men began diving for door ways and what have you, while simultaneously the young men in the café’s open area did their best to provide a screen to mask the escape of our person of interest. Drawing small arms and some rifles they had little time to react as the crown helicopter, a black hawk variant, opened up with dual mini-guns. The peaceful scene erupts in sprays of blood, gravel, bone, plastic, drywall, and glass. In a sort of serene manner no one is saying anything; they are ripped from life with nary a word. It takes less than two minutes of constant firing before the man in question is shredded like the vendor’s stall he dived behind.

There’s a mechanical pop, a metal on metal sound that signifies that the barrel is no longer on the feed loop. Guns still primed and spinning the chopper gains altitude and then exits as quickly as it came, the pilots knowing that the locals will have RPGs in the area soon. Below the silence is broken by the screams, some in pain, and some in sorrow. Now tears join the mosaic of discard currently being trampled by the first responders.

Six hours earlier

It was early morning and our person of interest was on the move. Interest; not for being unique but for being topical. The man’s ingenuity should be lauded however because in an effort to be head and shoulders above his peers this man will inadvertently incite the crown’s fury to the point where they will resume their air raids on the pagan population in Otares six hours hence.

Cruising down the busy boulevard on his moped he watched the light ahead of him turn red. Pulling left, to the driver’s side, he began to pass cars . As hot as the day was most of the people here had their windows down. Older model foreign cars mostly without air-conditioning.

The first one exploded before anyone realized what had happened, idling at a red was not where many were on their guard for terrorist activity. Especially since any of the terror groups in Otares had been reduced to nothing more than delinquent criminal associations.

The second car in line exploded as well. It took a second to realize as the moped was so far ahead of the destruction, but by the third explosion most have some idea of what was going on. As the man on the moped drove by the driver’s open window he extended his hand and let a military grade fragmentary grenade drop into the driver’s lap. Clearing the line of traffic, it still exploding behind, this man opened the throttle and sped away, loosing the surplus explosive as he went. A bustling downtown artery was now clogged with death, black smoke pillars clutched at the sky letting everyone else know that something was amiss here.

A week before

The police rounded the corner in a dead run. They were getting nervous now. This was the Pagan part of town and no self respecting Christian would be caught dead here and while these police men had jobs to do it wore on their mind nonetheless. Weapons draw and sprinting down dark alleys they were losing sight of the suspect. Hearing a door slam they came around another corner to find two doors, both locked tight. With a nod between the two the police fired on the lock and kicked the door in. Inside a group of youngsters smoking and drinking underage, obviously not who they wanted, but the situation was tense and before the door had yet slammed into the wall it was hinged on the youth began to scatter. The police on edge and most likely biased opened fire, three died immediately, one would die within the hour as the ambulances to this sector of town were slow, and another would nurse his flesh wound in a hospital harassed by the colleagues of those who murdered his friends. This young man would commit mass murder himself in a week’s time.

Present Day

The crown prince descended the curling stone stairs slowly. Pausing for a moment he lay his hand on the stone that his grand father had ordered laid. After the conversation with his father Alark felt heavy, as if the weight of the world or two was balanced deftly on his shoulders. Not, the world, only a small part of it. He thought darkly. Continuing down the gold trimmed masonry, something Alark had always seen as excessive considering the peasantry out side still didn’t eat if there was a bad harvest, Alark could hear his advisor chittering to himself at the bottom. His advisor always chittered on like this whenever Alark did something that flew in the face of the monarchy. His advisor always chittered.
“How is your father majesty?” Alark was not even off the stair before the older man started in.
“Better, though he is having trouble accepting that he will never walk again.” The advisor visibly winced, whether at that or at what he said next is unknown.
“And when”
“Not your concern.” Alark looked at the older man with a scowl. He knew that the man did not approve of him on the throne. Softening slightly Alark tried again.
“The doctors have not yet taken him out of critical condition, until the bullet shifts off his spine the doctors can’t remove it. If it were to shift the wrong way it would kill him. We can do nothing but wait for his recovery.” And deal with those who seek to benefit in his absence. “Now I assume that the attack helicopter was successful?”
“Yes my lord.” The old man didn’t think he had it in him, Alark wasn’t sure he was wrong. The chopper raid had been a calculated maneuver. Enough force to get the point across and please his own, but hopefully not the kind of overkill that would reignite the civil war.
“Mi’lord if I may.”
“You will anyway.”
“Yes. Well no, but. I noticed that you’ve made use of the scribes. May I ask who you plan on contacting?”
“The world at large.” *smirk*
“My lord?”
“The message is an invitation to any nation who accepts. I want to hold a conference to try and get another person at the table.” The old advisor went about as white as Alark’s ailing father.

The message sent on all diplomatic channels

Greetings from the Holy Crown Prince of Otares, The Supreme Commander of the Crown’s Forces, High bishop in our lord’s house, Duke of Cali, Duke of Penson, and twice blessed man Alark the third.

I The Kingdom of Otares find myself ready to relieve myself of my former isolation. Mineral rich and desiring modernization I am more than happy to accommodate your interests. To these ends I propose a conference where I might address any interested in my proposal. Without spoiling the planed festivities I will elaborate only this far. Attending delegates, with whom negotiations are successful, will be able to return to their governments with guaranteed tariff freezes, exclusive mining rights, and be involved in a shaping me in a way that could one day have me as more than a developing market but as an equal trading partner.

"Prince James," The MEA said
"Yes Minister Lenam?"
"There appears to be a nation that is looking to host a diplomatic and trade conference."
"Ah, send someone, it may be interesting."
"Alright, have a nice day James."
"See ya later Rick."

To: Otares
From: Theao, Ministry of External Affairs
We shall be sending a representative to the conference. We hope it leads to profitable and beneficial relations. When and where is the conference, in addition, are there any major cultural, social, or religious issues that should be avoided?

ooc: Very nice first post.

I shall send an envoy as well, but my questions are the same as the ones above.

Our Envoy Richard DeHavilland will attend the conference along with a small contingent to observe Otares and provide a balanced view of your nation.

The Red Star Federation sends only a warning, foreign investment is parralel with foreign imperialism. Remember to watch that those nations that join do not step over the thin line between the two.

Marcus Boar
People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs.

"Duke Long, nation of Otares has offered to host a trade and economic alliance conference and I suggest we attend" said Lady Firebhrand Long, the Duke's wife and advisor.
"I noticed that, this would be a good opportunity to get our foot in the door in an area of the world where the families aren't represented either. Hmm, find out where and when the conference is and send Don Kathleen Prizzi as our representative and have Don DaVinci and someone from the Contrina's go along as well. Have Kathleen do the face relations and negotiations with Don DaVinci, have the Contrina rep. make the real contacts we need to expand the family's interests."
"Got it Huey, I think that's a good idea, I'll get on it."

With that, The Syndicated Families of Norleans began preparing to make a few offers that Otares couldn't refuse.

We will send a representative

we would like to aid you as an equal nation

we will help you modinise your primary and tertiary industries

we will also extend military and medical aid

are you interested in comming into our sphere of influence?

Response to all interested so far.
“This is a first draft of the conference itinerary. Should there be something you wish to discuss specifically please respond with some details. Conferences like these are more functions of the state wherein good relations are created and networking takes place, as apposed to the initial feelers. By working towards creating a mutually acceptable itinerary there should be no cultural differences in the conference itself. Also a list of delegates you plan on sending will be needed before the final touches are put in place. Trivialities like who will sit where, allergies, dietary restraints and of course numbers are all that slow the process now. Experts here are already preparing presentations to brief your delegates on the situation in Otares. While the it is your discretion who to send there are several business opportunities we hope to discuss and owners of capital would be well received.”
Conference Itinerary
Day One
08:00 – 09:00 A light breakfast where some of the finest performers of Otares will showcase our performance art to those present. The breakfast will consist of eggs (Quail is recommend as a chief specialty), bread products (the bakery can take requests), and an assortment of breakfast meats (the butcher can be availed for specialty items.) To drink a light sherry as well a collection of freshly squeezed juices (some indigenous and unique to this country) will be proffered.
09:15 – 10:30 Delegates will be taken to a conference room where they will be given a brief overview of Otares and the current socio-economic and political it finds itself in. This overview will give the delegates an opportunity to understand the local laws and how they’re nationals can hope to be treated here. Expanding on this the current problems regarding the peasantry as well as the emergence of horizontal, as apposed to vertical, stratification will be outlines. To close the current economic opportunities will be outlined as the current trade deficit, mineral base, employable population, levels of education, energy production, tourist receptions, and domestic commodity demand levels are explored. This session is not designed to begin brokering deals but to show what Otares has to offer and allow your delegates to order their thoughts and responses for later when they will be asked to comment.
10:30 – 11:00 A break where refreshments will be made available. This break will allow the delegates to ask questions of their hosts about that not covered in the previous session or to elaborate on areas of interest. This will also see an opportunity to size up the other delegates as, to be bold, we hope that there will be enough interest in our situation to breed competitive offers.
11:00 – 13:00 A reenactment of some of the recent historical turning points in Otares over lunch. The play will detail the crown’s rise to power as well as the centralization of government. It is a tale of Christianity taking root in an otherwise savage land. This will also be an opportunity to sample some local cuisine as a full kitchen will be made available.
13:45 – 16:00 Travel time from the capitol city to the seat of the crown. This castle will be where the negotiations take place this time will also see delegates assigned rooms for the remaining days.
16:00 – 21:00 Personal time to explore the grounds, check in with respective bosses and the like. This time should also see the delegates familiarizing themselves with the amenities as well as preparing for the gala function in the evening.
21:00 - ? A ballroom function including a concert band as well as dancing. Minor refreshments will be provided as well as well as a complete bar offering the full array of Otariet spirits and wines. The function will see the delegates leave enthused about further dealings with the crown prince.
Day Two
*Guests will be served in their rooms for breakfast ala room service.*
09:00 – 15:00 Otariet mineral extraction. Talk here will begin of what is expected and if any of the delegates represent interested parties. These includes talks on contracting out mining rights, training domestic interests, selling more advanced machinery to local producers, securing foreign markets, setting up an appropriate tariff systems, and allowing for foreign exploration of new finds. The six hour session will be punctuated with periodic breaks to allow the delegates to converse as well as allow them to contact their interests abroad. Lunch will also be served towards the end.
15:00 – 16:00 Recess from proceedings.
16:00 – 21:00 Otariet military modernization. Crown forces while an outstanding example of valour and courage are becoming increasingly outdated. Corruption and staffing issues are major considerations. While the officer’s school offers more than proficient tactics training they are tactics designed on a flawed premise; Assuming a position of superiority as well as that of immediate re-supply and short life lines. The last major restructuring of the military was in the early eighties and reflects the realities of the day. That said the point of this session will be to gauge interest in modernizing the military, both in technological usage but in mindset. It is hoped that foreign interests might also offer sensitivity training as Otares seems to be entering into a time when domestic military use will begin to rise. The break schedule will be similar to the earlier session in the day.
Day three
09:00 – 15:00 Cultural Exchange. Our universities, while exceptional considering are lacking in many departments. Faculty exchange programs as well as museum tours are to be the topic of these sessions. This will also be the opportunity for foreign media enterprises to import their programming to local stations.
15:00 – 16:00 Recess from proceedings.
16:00 – 21:00 A frank and open discussion about foreign aid. Otares is a developing country still struggling with its own civil strife and developing infrastructure. While partnerships and trade as equals is the tone of the conference overall the crown prince recognizes that refusing to accept the generosity of others is a folly of the past and must not be repeated. While tradition can be bent in Otares by asking for assistance some things are not to be considered. While foreign observers and analysts will be asked to come and offer opinions about the current pagan peasant revolts and other hot issues no offers of foreign police will be entertained. Otares is a small nation with sizeable problems but pride and tradition would see any foreign force as invaders, despite good intentions.
Day four
* Day three is the last official day of the conference but day four and beyond will see the entertainment of the delegates in a less ordered style. Discussion of opening foreign consulates, embassies and the like will be entertained. This will also be the first opportunity for early bids on contracts and items discussed during the conference. By noon of this day delegates will be moved back into the capitol city where they will be welcome to stay for as long as it is convenient to all parties.

The Red Star Federation sends only a warning, foreign investment is parralel with foreign imperialism. Remember to watch that those nations that join do not step over the thin line between the two.

Marcus Boar
People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs.

Commissar Boar;

I appreciate your sage warning and it will take it to heart. As a kingdom built in a land viewed as less civilized by outsiders we have had our share of imperial machination levied on us. In fact your warning bolsters many in my court, some to the point of questioning my decision to entertain foreign delegates.

Again your advice is wise offering an ideal that is not done justice by your words given human history, both in the modern area of corporate expansionism and in that past age of kings. I am afraid however that despite the agreement we share I must ask you to kindly cease. I will take your warning in the good nature I am sure it was intended and I hope that you take this message as it was intended, an assurance that the crown prince of The Kingdom of Otares knows how to deal with unwanted interposers.

We will send a representative

we would like to aid you as an equal nation

we will help you modinise your primary and tertiary industries

we will also extend military and medical aid

are you interested in comming into our sphere of influence?

I am afraid that I must not have caught a clear meaning of your intentions. Perhaps it was a faulty receiver on our end but the message as it was relayed to me, the crown prince of a sovereign kingdom in which there is much sentiment against foreign imperialism, was one of an exchange. While we could of course benefit greatly from any assistance you might offer we are not willing to exchange one lick of influence within our borders for it. As the crown prince we must appear as infallible as God incarnate to my followers and, more pressingly so, my court. So as your message is worded we must refuse any association with you.

We await the clarification as we can only proceed on the knowledge currently available to us.

bump

Marquess Leon shall be attending at the representative from Theao. He shall arrive the day before the conference is planned to begin.

(OOC: As I am so new I do not forsee much more interest so I plan on making the post of me waiting for delegates to arrive tomorrow night. It will be before the actual conference and if any of you are thinking more in advance (like Theao) speak up before then.

Theao my next post will take me up to where you come into the capitol in a plane.)

(As a note for any of you coming in. The country side is mostly undeveloped with a few highways cutting through pastoral country side, very rural environment with a few patches of grey, small towns. Coming into the capitol you will see a certain dichotomy. One side the steel and glass of a modern, albeit 1970’s looking, city with the other very drab and brown looking more like a town in former soviet Russia, the kind that only existed on government hand out and has gone to pot since they dried up. There is a very definitive line where the development ends, you will of course be landing in the developed side of the city.)

OOC: Assume this is the da the Delegates are supposed to arrive.
IC:
The Mondoth Air VC-227 Touched down smoothly, the gold stripes glinting int he wamr afternoon sun throwing the deep red into a fiery light. The Aircraft had been designed by Shrak aeronautics to impress possible customers, a sleek intercontinental passenger jet with its two high performance turbofans integrated into the fuselage giving the plane the appearence of a deadly fighter. The paint job was designed to impress the foreigners the plane visited, the 24kt gold gilding on the leading edges of the aircraft sweeping back dramatially over the wings and fuselage, giving way to the Imperial red, the other color Of the Mondothian Flag. The Airplane was one of the Modnoth Air DIplomatic fleet, the sleekest passenger aircraft painted in the gold and red of the Mondoth flag and piloted by the very best retired airforce pilots. as the plane nosed up to the terminal and the door opened, out stepped Mr. DeHavilland followed by a pair of security experts (Body guards) and his aide Hanah Gillman. the quartet strode smoothly off the plane towards the official greeter while the plane unloaded the rest od its passengers, several minor aides and diplomats as well as trained 'spies' whose job it was to observe the realities of life in Otares as Mondothian delegates in the past had found that what a nations government told them about their situation and wha their situation actuall did not always mesh.

In the Garden of Thousand Tears rain gently falls onto the orchards. The rich aroma of the flowers fills the air. The heat of the day still so strong that the cool rain forms a mist about ground.

Statues of marble line the path depicted warriors long since forgotten and poets without names. Vines grow accross the feet and encircle their torso. Allowed to grow just enough to please the eye.

In a rare moment of the peace the most powerful man in the Empire and Republic sips tea gently. Both Crown Prince and people's President, his hectis life begged the pardon of one moment of pure relaxation.

An eledery man approach with a tray on which sat a letter of some seeming importance. A Royal Seal clearly visable.

The Prince takes the letter and hand and ushers away the disturber of his peace. Taking from the table an envelope knife he makes a quick swipe at the letter. The paper allowed to be taken off by the wind.

With mild interest the letter is held in hand and read silently.

"...Michael..." The Princes voice carries accross the lawn. "...have the Vice President attend this little gathering..."

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

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UAAAAHoYuffqhQzlfRajlXC3kp!9ab9BRO6899qu9Tr97isdpOHj2eGfuiI9IkGLSIsmkVHvbWfueE1PmtnI0aDe6Ul!xOrdb2J 8ygiDDyzwoE!jbjwQJQAAAAAAAAAA/RotoviaSeal.GIF?dc=4675526566356376902

To whom it may concern,

Her Honour, Vice President Julia Aptiva shall attend to represent the Constitutional Republic of Rotovia and shall be accompanied by His Grace Lord Marcus Aptiva to represent The Empire and Subordinate Territories.

[signed]
Dr Sarah Hours
Secretary to the Office
of the President of Rotovia
Acting Minister for The Republic

"We have recieved your invitation to attend this conference, and shall be sending Sofie Ulrika who will act as our diplomatic representitive, as well as Colonel Frazier Alasdair who will fulfill the roll of bodyguard for miss Ulrika as well as see how we may assist you in the modernization of your military assets. They should be arriving presently.

President,
Lars Frode

The Plane carrying kathleen Prizzi, Don DaVinci and Contrina family lieutenant "enforcer" Pauli Contrina, and 4 members of the elite Gator Guard arrived without incident at the airport in Otares. As they flew in to land, Don DaVinci looked at Pauli and Kathleen and said "I see some great opportunities here, judging from the air, this place needs a little "modernization." All 3 of them smiled in the way the co-conspirators do when one of them cracks an inside joke in public.
Kathleen looked out the window and then said, "Don DaVinci, looking at this itenerary, it looks like you and I need to go off for the introductory sessions, etc. However, if possible, Pauli, I want you to go on with two of the security detail to the palace on the pre-text of ensuring it is ready and properly outfitted for our arrival there with the rest of the delegates later. You know what to do beyond that, and I assume you brought the right "gifts" for people as you explore the city and meet palace personnel."
"No problem Don Prizzi, I know what to do and the "gifts" are all ready.
"Good, we'll be touching down soon so lets all stay on our toes."

As they exited the plane after landing and were escorted to the waiting Limos for transportation, Kathleen turned to one of the hosts and asked if Pauli and two of the guards could be escorted on to the palace as it was his job to inspect quarters and go ahead of the delegation for social reasons.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2999/noaa1232020023ta.jpg

(I am online this is only taking longer than I thought, stay tuned.)

(OOC: [Okay as no one has been specific I’ve arranged the flight arrival times. I don’t think it makes a huge difference but if I make a mistake pip up ASAP.]

Theao The afternoon before the conference, one (plus two courtesy holds)
Carthago Deuce The afternoon before the conference, two (plus two courtesy holds)
Flightopia early morning of conference, one (plus two courtesy holds)
Mondoth early morning of conference, four (plus twelve courtesy holds)
Rotovia early morning of conference, two (plus two courtesy holds)
Norleans early morning of conference, Seven (plus two courtesy holds)

That’s the list as I have it, others may jump in midway so long as the RP is not slowed down to badly. The numbers of courtesy holds are inferred from the wording of your posts and nothing more; i.e. contingent vs. no mention at all.

The posts are all below to save RL time but I sincerely doubt any of you would coincidentally hit the same time frame on the runway. So the happen in the timeline expressed above.)
IC:

(this is the general description for all of you coming in.)
The flight into the specified airport was uneventful. The first view of Otares was a sparkling Island on the ocean, a welcome break to the eye of the pilot who had nothing to look at on this gorgeous cloudless day. So removed from anywhere of note it’s not hard to imagine that this island kingdom had time enough to develop undisturbed since the age of colonization when, by fluke storm, all record of its existence and subsequent settling were lost to time.

It took a few quiet minutes before the authorities of the island responded to the approaching plane. With no detection abilities beyond line of sight and an outmoded infrastructure the country’s air traffic service was less than sub par. To be frank the six planes expected for this conference effectively doubled the amount of passenger air traffic to this sleepy kingdom. The response itself was an indication of the current way of doing things. A static buzz came over the AM radio bands, were it not for an alert pilot it might have been dismissed for radio static. Dialing the tuner the pilot brought the sound of air traffic control’s voice into his headset.

The voice was that of a nervous teen. Unbeknownst to the pilot this was the first none practice landing he’d directed. While well trained and prepared the sheer lack of experience dictated a lack of professionalism and auditory confidence that left an odd feeling in the pilot’s stomach.

The plane lowered to the ordered altitude, a point that offered the passengers a brilliant view of the port city below. A quick partial cyclorama unfolded of mothballed ship yards, mostly abandoned industrial sites, and very active rail lines. As the plane cleared the city leaving its dusty towers behind the passengers could notice a railway mirroring their course. Well maintained, active and with several lines it did not do the crude highway justice. It would seem, from quick glance, that the railway offered more reliable commuting than the barely two lane winding road that passed for a highway. In fact if their eyes did not deceive the passengers could spot a few boroughs with no roads to speak of built out from a central train station.

The plane’s flight path followed the railway, joined intermittently by the less than direct snake of a highway. Coming over the last mountain the capitol city of Otares, Rocksville, lay out before them. Instantly the dichotomy that was Otares was presented to them in a symbolism that might be hard to shake. To the right side of the plane one could see a dirty dusty city that offered no attempt at the amenities, a city that housed the destitute and the disenfranchised. People that had been pushed so hard that the only response that they could muster with any force was an angry spittle of rage and violence. And indeed it did spit at the image offered on the left side of the plane. While the right side sported towers of black smoke, monuments to violent protests, the left side sported monuments to the apostles, Christ, modern development, the crown, and every other thing one might imagine. Open green parks dotted the developed areas on the left while areas of desolation occupied the right. To the left commercial office buildings that would compete with most developing nations, one the right collapsing tenements. Perhaps the best symbol was that of the sixteen foot concrete wall dividing the two pieces of the city, showing what a real ghetto this was.

Theao

When Marquess Leon stepped onto the tarmac, no walk way was offered, he was greeted by an unrolling of a long red carpet a line of statue straight soldiers at attention. Striding down the red carpet as quickly as the young men unrolled it came the Otariet head representative for this function. A thick built man with pale skin and a closely cropped beard the Otariet did not look like he belonged in a fine suit, as he now sported. The suit was of simple design but obviously expensive, if one had an eye for these thinks. The embroidery around the cufflinks as well as the expert darts in the easy fitting pants were tell tale signs, the obvious customizations to the suit were also signs. Finding a suit off the rack to fit a man with wider shoulders than inseam would be next to impossible. Lastly to offset the suit was a dark purple cape about the man’s shoulders, as was the style. A heavy material that looked to be a wool/polyester blend the cape somehow seemed more fitting to a man who looked like he should be wearing the garments of a Mongol or Hun warrior.

As the man closed on Marquess Leon he extended his left hand for a vice like clasp of the forearm just below the elbow as well as meeting Marquess’ own right with his in a firm shake that could have hurt had it lasted any longer.
“Good day comrade you are the first to arrive.” Said the Otariet in a jovial voice. One look at the man’s smile and twinkling eyes would easily disarm any problems Marquess might have had with his forward nature or overpowering handshake. Continuing in his accent that clipped the niceties of his voice but left a gruff intoxicating drawl in the throaty pronunciations of the language the man introduced himself. “I am third advisor to the crown prince, Baan Dorchest. I greet you in the name of the crown. You must be tired from your journey, please allow my staff to help you with your possessions. I would like to see to the formalities of customs as quickly as possible so I can get you a drink and a bed. You are smart to come the day before my friend, I can arrange some samples of the local tastes for you if you’d like.” Looking back over his shoulder Baan locked eyes with a man carrying a leather attaché case. The man stepped forward and Baan smiled again. “This man will be assigned to you until after the conference. I’ve arranged a diplomatic satchel for you so that your more private possessions can skip the customs process. Come we must get you out of this dastardly sun and into a smoke filled room. HA! I joke, but seriously red carpets and tarmac a fun place they do not make.”

Carthago Deuce

As earlier Baan Dorchest approached the plane, this time containing the delegation from Carthago Deuce. Almost bounding his enthusiasm was not lessoned by doing this again, nor by the thought that it’d happen a few more times. Baan looked at the two people disembarking the plane, his shining eyes taking in but not offering recognition to the Colonel. Striding confidently towards Sofie Ulrika he took her smaller hand in one of his meaty paws once he was less than a foot from her centre mass. Not clasping but gently cupping the woman’s hand he offered a grace that would not seem to be present at first glance of the man. Genuflecting he bowed his head, brushing his lips lightly against the back of her hand. Still cupping her hand he looked up to her face from his position on one knee.
“Baan Dorchest third advisor to the crown prince wishes to inform this vessel of beauty that she is most warmly welcomed by both Otares and its third advisor.” Standing, a smile on his face he nods with a quick, “Miss Ulrika” Before turning his attention to the Colonel. Grasping the man in the same bear like hand shake he’d give the man from Theao he spoke through a wide smile in an almost booming voice.
“Colonel Frazier Alasdair, the officer charged with protecting a treasure that would not be fully appreciated if all your divisions were ordered so.” Releasing the Colonel’s hand Baan smiled and stepped back slightly as he realized that he might be crowding the diplomats in his enthusiasm. “Ah my apologies your arrival has made off with my professionalism like the raven with his prize. As I have said I am Baan Dorchest and I would be very happy were you to allow me to offer you my hospitality.” Motioning for another man with an attaché Baan smiled. “This man will be assigned to you while you are here for this conference. I’ve taken the liberty as this diplomatic satchel will allow you to forgo customs for your most personal items. But if you please I would like to show you the amenities we can offer.”

Flightopia

It would seem that not even early morning would dampen the spirit of the indomitable Mr. Dorchest as when the flight from Flightopia came in he was just as enthused as ever. Greeting the women of the Flightopia delegation with flattery and gentleness while the men with hearty handshakes and both with the promises of hospitality and a quick time in customs, via the diplomatic satchel. The only difference was a sense of urgency to be on time for the breakfast. Beyond that the mood was light and hospitable.

(no info given on delegation.)

Mondoth

Mr. DeHavilland was immediately recognized coming off the plane and given the same welcoming assault as every other delegate. Locking the man in his crushing grip Baan smiled, his eyes flitting over the plane behind the people from Mondoth.
“Mister DeHavilland I must welcome you to Otares on behalf of the crown prince. I am Baan Dorchest third advisor to Otares and I much appreciative fan of you chariot. I must say you’ve definitely come in on that which would make Apollo envious.” Releasing DeHavilland Baan then look past the two security guards to DeHavilland’s assistant Hanah. Stepping towards her he parted the security with a good natured “Excuse me both gentlemen.”

Taking Hanah’s hand as he did Miss Ulrika’s Baan looked into the woman’s eyes. Bending at the hips this time he brushed his lips ever so lightly on the back of her hand as well. Straightening to address her he spoke softly staring into her eyes. “And you must be Miss Hanah Gillman, while I am honoured by your presence I am afraid your position does not allow me the amount of time required to properly greet a woman of your grace.” Then in a deep whisper that, while not meant to go unheard, suggested intimacy Baan offered conspiratorially “I would of course offer myself fully to be better acquainted with you at a later time.”

Then as if light switch had been flicked the wide grin was back and the voice returned to its booming chorus. Turning to first one and then the other security officer Baan greeted them almost as warmly as he did DeHavilland, though obviously more restrained.
“Gentlemen I greet you both and while I am afraid your names were not forwarded I assure you that you are no less guests of our crown prince.”

Finished his greetings Baan stepped to the front of the group to address DeHavilland once again.
“Comrade I’ve taken the liberty of acquiring a diplomatic satchel for you to privately fast track customs.” At that another man with an attaché identical to those offered to the earlier delegations stepped forward. “This man has been assigned to your delegation for the duration of the conference.”

Looking back at the activity about the underbelly of the impressive jet Baan raised an eyebrow.
“I mean not to pry comrade but it appears to me that some of your passengers look more like rubbernecks than diplomats. Do they require supervision in the city or are they to check up on us?” Waiving his hand to dismiss any ideas that he might be offended Baan elaborated. “Our country has not had many foreigners and they will stick out like sore thumbs. They are more than welcome to explore Otares, I merely ask if you wanted their protection assured.” Pausing to consider that might sound off Baan tried one last time. “I am sorry as you might be able to tell English is not the first language I learned. All I meant to say is that as you probably saw from above our nation is having problems right now,” this was accompanied by a gesture towards one of the plumes of smoke visible from here, “a guide would be able to keep them from inadvertently endangering themselves.” Satisfied that he’d done well enough elaborating he waved both hand as if to dismiss the issue. “It is no matter, once you have decieded I will have it arranged and we can have you enjoying some theatre and breakfast as per the conference itinerary.”

Rotovia

Despite the regal air the arrival of the delegation from Rotovia brought it did nothing to hamper the enthused welcome that Baan offered. Coming up to the vice president, his own frame inches from hers, Baan took her hand without even looking at it. His eyes never breaking from hers he spoke in a respectful tone,
“Mi’Lady.” This before the deep genuflect and backwards step. This maneuver, a well practiced art form in the Otariet court brought the centre of Baan’s forehead inline with the vice president’s now extended wrist. His body, the measure of symmetrical pose now, saw his spine straight, with his bulky frame supported by his left knee and right foot. “The third advisor to the crown prince Baan Dorchest greets the right honourable Vice President of the Constitutional Republic of Rotovia.” Lifting his head for the obligatory brush of his lips on the back of the vice president’s soft hand he looked back up into the woman’s eyes, a warm smile across his face and the ever present glint of mischief in his eyes accompanied his next felicitation. “And I very much do so enjoy my duties when it involves being able to welcome someone such as yourself into our modest country.”

Standing he gave a slow release of the VP’s hand. Turning to Lord Marcus Baan paused. Looking mildly sheepish Baan turned his palms right side up on either side of him.
“Mi’Lord I am afraid I do not know how to properly greet you. If you were a lord here in Otares I would drop a knee and press myself you your signet ring. Yet you are a foreigner and I do not know what your title signifies. So before I embarrass myself I must ask if you are of the Rotovian court or have at least three levels of stature on within a system of fealty.”

Norleans

With seven people to meet Baan was a flurry of social niceties and formal greetings. He shook, hands, knelt and kissed where applicable. Explaining the offer of the diplomatic satchel he was surprised by the questions regarding early entrance to the castle.
“Oh! Sorry, of course comrade your more than welcome to send your men to the castle before your arrival. On the trip to the castle we were going to explain the security measures in detail but should you like I can have someone prep a chopper and they will be explained en route.” Smiling compassionately Baan did his best to accommodate the request. “As it is such an important site for the crown you must understand that the security in that particular building is par excellence. In fact we do not even allow the diplomatic satchels in past the courtyard as we can not be too careful.” Then speaking quickly Baan tried to explain. “We of course will still respect your diplomatic satchel, we will merely not allow you to bring anything concealed past the courtyard. Should there be things in said satchel that need to be used in concert with amenities we will accommodate, but anything that is not be searched in the satchel and is too sensitive for our eyes cannot come into the castle. Oh, I am afraid my words do not do well here. It will all be rightfully explained on the chopper, shall I have it prepared for you? How many are coming into the limo to the breakfast now?”

(sorry if that was a little short Norleans I just wanted to get it up there, but I think you should have an idea of how Baan acts.)

"You flatter me Mr. Dorchest . . . should we address you as Mister or do you have another title? replied Sofie, "I mean you no offence if you do. In any case any amenities you might offer would be quite appreciated, it has been a long flight."

"You flatter me Mr. Dorchest . . . should we address you as Mister or do you have another title? replied Sofie, "I mean you no offence if you do. In any case any amenities you might offer would be quite appreciated, it has been a long flight."

Beaming Baan continued in mirth, his laughter restrained as if caught his eyes.
“Ah my Miss Ulrika there are a good number of things I’d like you to address me as. My heart would be overjoyed were we in a state of affairs were you might be able to call me Baan.” Shaking his head slightly, as if bemused by his own comment he continued dramatically feigning a deep personal injury, “Alas duty binds me.” Settling into his role a bit more Baan nodded as if to shoe off his own excessive joviality. “It is proper to address me titled as Third Advisor, Minister, or Master. Mister is a title reserved for those who have found bliss in matrimony. I, to my own determent I’m afraid, am still very available.

“As for my hospitality I am afraid I must leave you in privacy for but a moment so that I do not see what you place in the diplomatic satchel. A safe room has been prepared in the terminal if you’d be so kind as to follow me.” Motioning towards the building Baan lead the way. “Once you are settled with our protocols though there are a few splendid options available for cuisine. Though I must show you to your hotel first for I would not want to run you ragged and have you unable to properly attend the conference tomorrow. Come come, protocol then room and then talk of further plans.”

(We can, if you’d like assume entry into a posh secure hotel and what have you. I don’t mind either way. You just have about a day more IC time than most everyone else. Did you want to have more character stuff as above or are you in it for the conference?)

After placing several documents containing rather sensitive information about Carthago Deuce, and how it might expand its relationship with the Kingdom of Otares, in the satchel Sofie Ulrika and Colonel Alasdair followed the Advisor to the secured portion of the terminal; thus allowing their minimal luggage to be offloaded and their aircraft to taxi away to its designated residence.

"Third Advisor, I'm curious about the rather ill maintained section of your capital. Why is it segregated?" asked the Colonel as they made their way inside the terminal.

(We can, if you’d like assume entry into a posh secure hotel and what have you. I don’t mind either way. You just have about a day more IC time than most everyone else. Did you want to have more character stuff as above or are you in it for the conference?)

(OOC- More character stuff would be good.)

“Ah.” It was one of the few moments Baan ever had a dour look on his face. He figured that the question was going to come, especially since the rather prominent plumes showcasing the latest riots rose above the capitol. His face brightened again, though not to its full former glow. “To be honest it was the primary motivating factor in calling this conference. Otares has a sizeable pagan population that the crown has had little success with. To be truthful they were the original inhabitants of this land and we’ve been attempting to ‘civilize’ them.” The word left a bitter taste in Baan’s mouth and he was sure his distain emphasized that word. The Pagans were fully able to function on their own and had been doing so for years before they got here.

“I won’t try to give you a history lesson but as it stands there are two types of Pagans in Otares, those still clinging to a disappearing way of life as nomads in countryside of the kingdom and those whose ancestors urbanized. The ones who are urbanized are established in fenced in ghettos. The reason for that and why it is so poorly maintained is up for debate. The crown position on the matter is that their committees of self governance are ineffective and the ghettos need to be maintained because otherwise that sort of violence and decay will spread to the rest of the country. This is defended on everything from non-assimilated disruptive cultures to poor genetics. Harumph.” Looking over at the woman beside him Baan tried to judge her reaction to what was being said. Then reestablishing eye contact with the colonel he continued.

“Off the record the new crown prince does not share that thought pattern. He sees a need for change but recognizes that court holds too much sway for him to do it alone. He hopes a lot of these deals will offer opportunities for the pagans, bring other stabilizing forces into effect in the country. Some as straight forward as employing more to end the poverty in the ghettos, others as Byzantine as the cultural exchange to bring in academics will slowly be able to offer logical arguments to counter ones currently circling through our academies about eugenics and faux breeding.”

It was about this time that they were on the street and Baan motioned her into a limo bearing the national flag from small flags on all four corners of the vehicle. Stepping inside was like settling into a pool of luxury. Plush leather seating, full bar and expensive television adorned the interior. Climbing into the limo behind the delegates Baan continued after giving a quick serious of directions to the driver in a choppy guttural dialect that obviously had no real similarities to English.

“While I am sympathetic to the plight of these pagans I do not think they realize what the crown prince is risking by doing this. If this conference fails to bear fruit then the court will move in on the prince. With no way to defend him his supporters will stay silent.” Baan begins to pour a drink, a dark distilled alcohol, and offer some to his guests.

“I confide because it would not serve us for you to be here under false pretenses. The others will learn most of this in the conference. It’s another reason why the castle is being used for the majority of the conference, free from the influence of court. To be frank while Otares has never been great on personal freedoms it’d be easy enough to connect the dots from the press that is active here.”

After easing into the limo and "melting" into her seat Sofie accepts the offered beverage, while the Colonel refuses. "Regulations state that military personnel are not permited to consume alcholic beverages," he explains, "But thank you none the less."

"Would you say there is much discrimination against the pagans on a personal level?" Sofie asks as she sips her drink.

“Oh but would I spit onto your regulations for they refuse my hospitality.” Moving the glass from his face so that the delegates could see that he was still in good humour with that comment he added an addendum. “But to be serious, there is ice water or orange juice here as well. I’d offer you coffee but by the time the unwieldy thing was in operation we’d be there.” Cocking his head to the side he thought for a moment “I could order the driver to make a stop if need be.”

“Discrimination on a personal level? I should say. The pagans are treated as if they might go wild at any moment. People will forbid their children from playing with the little pagan boys. There is, wait a moment actually.” Turning to the driver he lowered the dividing glass and spoke in his native tongue once more. The driver responded and Baan nodded looking back to his guests.
“A quick jaunt down a commercial sector, it’s not too much of a detour.” As if to prove the point made the limo turned onto a side street and began a slower pace to match traffic.
“It is almost assured I can find three separate types of pagan oppression here.” The first one was easy to spot, and was all too common. Small white placards with a foreign writing and a cross on them adorned store windows in an alarming frequency. Baan explained that those merchants belonged to a group that refused Pagans, it was a fairly informal group but the point was made nonetheless.

The next was a blatant stereotype and easy to notice. Two uniformed men were apprehending a young pagan male. While the car did not slow long enough to ask why the young man, who was not resisting, was being arrested it was obvious that he had at least two obviously broken bones by the time he got ‘helped’ into he back of the patrol car. In a grim voice Baan spoke again.
“We are not always so obtuse. There has recently been a rise in the terror attacks and our people are being reactionary. While it’s never been good for pagans in Otares it’s not been this bad in a long time.” It took a moment more of driving before Baan spoke up again.
“I suppose not knowing what to look for you missed it eh comrades?” Breathing deeply Baan felt uncomfortable bring so much about his beloved kingdom to light. “We passed three street sweepers, two prostitutes, a beggar, and the garbage man. All were pagan. Conversely if you notice the drivers of the cars in traffic you will be hard pressed to find any pagans.”

“But I shall instruct the driver to forego anymore delays.”

[The drink is a Smokey sweet that leaves the tongue dry. While obviously alcoholic it belies its true strength. If one were to compare it a blend of teas and berries might be the closest description. As a note if either were able to read the bottle they’d see the drink to be 130 proof.]

Leon wore a polyblend suit, with the a deep, deep blue and the shirt a deep red. The suit had an understated elegance to it that drew the eye more than a much flashier and fancier suit could ever hope to match.

He returned the shake with equal force and vigor. He nodded in acceptance of Baan Dorchest's statements. "Shall we proceed then." He said

Colonel Alasdair begins to scowel until he realizes that Baan was joking. "Ice water would be exellent, thank you." he replies.

Noting the otherwise good humored man's dislike of the depressing subject Sofie decided to change it. "Would you mind telling us more about the yourself?" she says with a smile, sipping her drink again. Its taste was pleasant, though based on how it was affecting her (she hadn't eaten in several hours) it seemed to have a higher alcohol content than she prefered.

Leon wore a polyblend suit, with the a deep, deep blue and the shirt a deep red. The suit had an understated elegance to it that drew the eye more than a much flashier and fancier suit could ever hope to match.

He returned the shake with equal force and vigor. He nodded in acceptance of Baan Dorchest's statements. "Shall we proceed then." He said

The delegate from Theao was clasped warmly on the shoulder to be lead forward into the terminal.
“We have set up a secure room so that you might transfer the contents you wish to remain confidential into the specified satchel. Come comrade once this is done we can get you moving towards the hotel.”

Colonel Alasdair begins to scowel until he realizes that Baan was joking. "Ice water would be exellent, thank you." he replies.

Noting the otherwise good humored man's dislike of the depressing subject Sofie decided to change it. "Would you mind telling us more about the yourself?" she says with a smile, sipping her drink again. Its taste was pleasant, though based on how it was affecting her (she hadn't eaten in several hours) it seemed to have a higher alcohol content than she prefered.

“Ice water it is then. I should hope that I need not ply you with the sprits to have your heart warmed to us eh?” The act of pouring the ice water was an interesting one. Holding his glass in one hand and motioning in the other Baan had apparently decided, sub consciously at least, that both were too important to stop. So pinching the glass between his thumb and index finger saw to the ice water poured and served with the middle, ring, and pinkly fingers. Meanwhile he saw to answering Sofie’s question.

“But what is there to tell? I am afraid the Dorchest family is not one of nobility. Indeed my appointment was merely by the crown prince, and he had to pull some strings to make it happen. My life has been here except for a six year jaunt abroad. I was born the son of a merchant but god willing I might die the son of a parliamentarian.” Waving off that thought Baan smiled again. “Forgive me the drink makes me forget my tongue, Otares has nothing of the sort and can’t hope to for a long time coming. And the two of you? We’ve tried digging up some information on you but it is extremely hard for isolationists to do that.”

(OOC: Sorry early morning tomorrow guys. I hope to toss another post on tomorrow night once I’ve time away from flattering the girl friend’s family.)

The delegate from Theao was clasped warmly on the shoulder to be lead forward into the terminal.
“We have set up a secure room so that you might transfer the contents you wish to remain confidential into the specified satchel. Come comrade once this is done we can get you moving towards the hotel.”
Leon nodded and after transfering a few items, exited and headed out to meet his guide.

Upon hearing the Third Advisors question Colonel Alasdair took a drink from his glass and answered first.

"I joined the CCF, or Carthaginian Combined Forces, right out of school at the age of sixteen. After the fifteen weeks of basic training I was ordered onto a bus along with one person from each of the other training platoons, and was sent southwards destination unknown. It turned out that we had all qualified for the 'Werewolf' special infantry, and we about to be given the opportunity to prove that we deserved the title." he takes another drink, "Over the course of the next twenty-five weeks eighty percent of the original group of thirty either quit or was permanently injured. We remaining six were awarded the special infanty badge." he indicates a pin shaped like the profile of a wolf which wears over the left breast of his utilities. "I celebrated my seventeenth birthday during the Werewolf A school two weeks later. Flashing forwards seven years I found myself a part of the Second Autonomus Werewolf Brigade, heading for Frooba. It was there that I was made a lieutenent through meritorious commision, for 'action above and beyond the call of duty' which lead to the capture of around 250 Narfnonian personnel by my Troop of 48 Werewolves. I have spent the intervening nine years as a peace time officer, who has occupied himself with martial arts and sailing." he turns to Sofie, "I was assigned to Miss Ulrika because it alowed my country to kill two birds with one stone. You'll understand that the higher ups did not feel that she would be particularly threatened by anything durning her stay, and my presence alowed someone who had actual experience in such matters see what we can do to assist you in improving your military assets while still ensuring her security."

"I am the second of four children, who were born to a judge and the now ex-mayor of my hometown." Sofie chimed in shortly after the Colonel finished. "Through-out my schooling I always had a vested interest in government and politics. After graduating from highschool at seventeen I spent my obligtory two years of military service in the maritime arm of the CCF, and went on to the University of Draocia with a military scholorship upon my release. During my six year stay there I studied political sience, international law, and psychology. Three years ago I began working for the government, and was able to secure my present position as a foreign diplomat not six months ago." She concluded, taking a final sip of her drink before deciding to discreetly put it down, just more than half-full.

(OOC- Goodluck with your girl friend's family, by the way.)

Kathleen shook Mr. Dorchest's hand firmly and said "it is a pleasure to meet you Mr. Dorchest. These are my associates, Giavani DaVinci, CEO of NOOGIES, the Norleans Offshore Oil & Gas Investment and Extraction Systems company and this is Pauli Contrani, V.P. of Norleans largest international shipping company, TIPS - Trains & International Planes & Ships, Ltd. These other 4 gentlemen are members of our diplomatic security team. I am assuming you have your own high security in place, but I don't travel without them." She said, smiling in that disarming way and speaking with a pleasant, but decidely neutral north american accent born in the black hills of South Dakota.
Thank you for honoring our request, Pauli and 2 of the guards will go with him to the Palace - he wants to check it out with the security forces and then he wishes to just "roam the city" as it were and get a feel for the general populance. I have the official diplomatic satchel with me, he and the security team only have their own luggage and personal effects. I assume that quarters for our flight crew are nearby as well." she continued with her pleasant and disarming smile and charm.

OOC: just to speed stuff up, your man wouldn't know this, but the pilot and co-pilot of the plane are Navy SEAL type special forces personnel - they won't do anything other than watch and maintain the plane though unless there is trouble - it is their job to make sure if the shit hits the fan so to speak that the entourage escapes safely.
When Pauli and the guards get to the palace and your security there checks them out you'll find they have 2 normal laptops, clothing and Blackberry style PDA's and cell phones. You will not discover that these devices also have the ability to scan for electronic bugs and evesdropping devices. You'll also find that Pauli has a checkbook and the checks indicate they are drawn on the account of the Norleans State Department Diplomatic Fund. The guards also have laser sighted .40 caliber, semi-auto Glocks with 15 shot clips and Pauli has a Colt .380 semi-auto pistol. You'll note their nice watches, you won't note they have GPS tracking devices in them (everyone in the delegation has them). I'll leave it up to you to decide if you find the small quantity of hashish, heroin and cocaine that Pauli has hidden in his suitcase (though if you let him get it in through your security, we'll have a fun RP as he walks the streets and meets the people of your country in local bars and pubs).
Remember, while from all appearances you're dealing with a real diplomatic entourage interested in opening legitimate trade and other relations with your nation, these people also have a secret agenda in that they are corrupt to the core as members of an international, organized crime syndicate. You just don't know that. They want legit business and diplomatic relations, which they can use as a cover for illigitimate ones. Oh, and here is Kathleen Prizzi (quick, 10 points if you know where her names derives from).

http://www.bogdana.net/photo/normal/0457_1.jpg

The Mondothian ocntingent reacted to the warm greeting equally warmly but were quickly down to business.

"Feel free to gice the 'rubberneckers' a guided tour if you wish but before the conference ends they must have enough time away from government officials for an 'unbiased' report on conditions here. No offense but in past negotiations with nations in your status we have found that the government does not always truthfully represent their conditions to us, I assure you that our people have been sufficieanlty trained and prepared for operating in nations similiar to yours."

Leon nodded and after transfering a few items, exited and headed out to meet his guide.

“Oh hold on comrade. I have not spoken clearly it seems. I am to be taking you to the hotel. As for not noticing the man assigned to follow you with the satchel, well I will say that he is doing his job splendidly then yes? He is to follow you like a shadow, but be as obtrusive as one.” Baan motioned for the limo and lead Leon to it. Once the driver was instructed in the native tongue where to go the bar was revealed.
“It is too early in the morning for a proper drink but I was going to have some wine if you were interested.”

snip

(OOC: thank you. It went well. Her mother seems to like me but I think the fact that we’re living together threw the grandmother through a loop.)

Baan nodded at both stories.
“Hmm, a born diplomat and a born soldier. I must say that I’ve had my time as both but feel intimidated in the presence of people with such a congenital skill sell. But to be frank, we did asses your two bird mission as such Colonel. We also appreciate the honour you show us by sending a security detail of one. Reviewing some of those roosters who include those planning on coming tomorrow, one might think they consider our security to be incompetent.” Smiling again he cracked another joke towards the two, “Unless of course you are a drunkard and you are not as valuable as your government lets on. Ah I must stop that. If I am not careful you are liable to take me seriously and I will have to be hung to regain lost face.”

Arriving at the hotel within moments of that Baan looked surprised, almost upset that his conversation had been cut short. The hotel was a large grey building with many ornate statues about it. On either side of the two story archway were large heralds, their trumpets level with the fourth floor windows. Standing as a monument to Christendom itself the grey building sported a carving which depicted the original sin; incredibly detailed and amazingly well maintained considering its nine story height. Walking into the stoned archway one would find themselves bombarded with a colourful mosaic. Each tiny piece was a shard of a precious metal. Smelted, bent, or chemically treated these tiny stones depicted an amazing portrait of what, could only be described as, different levels of heaven. The peak of the arch depicted a shining sun, most likely a gold and platinum composite, with rays shooting down either side and towards the heralds and the door itself. Before entering the archway Baan crossed himself and muttered something in his native tongue.

Stepping into the lobby was breathtaking as the small door gave way to a spacious room that could have easily been dodger stadium. The room spanned out and an easy four hundred feet could fit before hitting the back wall. Looking around the delegates would have been assaulted but the sights. Above them hung a full restaurant and kitchen supported by woven steel cables. The walls were all wooden paneling with a dark trim that matched the twin triple wide staircases that closed about the room like a mothers arms.

The room itself was fairly however and only a handful of people offered up muffled echoes of voices and the slight clattered of the overheard restaurant.
“Come we will pick up your room keys and give you time to freshen up.”

[The volume the glass supported would be roughly eight drinks worth. I say drinks in the 1 drink = one beer = 1 glass of wine = 1 shot = ½ a shot of this stuff sense. So at just under half consumed I’d guess three eights i.e. three drinks.]

snip

Baan nodded immediately slipping into a more professional mood as while the tone was light the subject matter was not. His ever present smile now more of a cocked grin listened mental putting together what would be involved in the request from this delegation.
“Fine then. We will have you come with me into the airport where you can transfer what have you into the diplomatic satchel. We will then ride in the limousine as your plane was the last to touch down and we must get you to the hotel for breakfast and the performances. That and security has less hernias if we are not on time.” Baan cracked a wider smile at his comment.

“Pauli and his security detail will need to step into an airport office then. We were going to make a gift of clothes to the delegates when they traveled to the castle. While the clothes were to be beautiful they also served the purpose of an added control for castle security. These are the first of the security features I was mentioning. Once your all measured you’ll be off to learn more. Again I most tell you the castle is the more secure spot in our nation, you will be the first to enter it that is not family in a long time.”

“Yes, the flight crew is welcome to stay in the airport hotel. We do have suites paid for them.”
“And as an aside the title Mister in this country is reserved for married men. Though a woman as beautiful as your self is welcome to it, it would have other implications for us. *grin*”

(OOC:
Pilot and such, kk.
Cell phones are confiscated at the castle.
They get a laptop or blackberry (one data entry device each.)
Bug scanners, they could’ve asked and we would’ve let them in.
Guns confiscated.
Watches confiscated.
Jewelry confiscated.
Narcotics confiscated (The people they are found on are taken aside and told that while they do have diplomatic immunity they hope that it will not be taken advantage of when their possessions returned to them upon exit.)
Kathleen Prizzi http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089841/ (Half points for google.)
Travel time is a bit less than two hours. Some of that is transport arrangement.
Everything confiscated will be returned when they exit.
Signals cannot penetrate the castle walls (normal masonry this is not.)
They walk through a narrow cylindrical corridor (full spectral scan)
The clothes are not as nice as the hosts would have hopped due to the short nature.))

Snip

Baan opened his mouth to say something for a moment and the closed it. Hardening his jaw and pausing to swallow his eyes ceased twinkling for a moment. Then almost as if a switch were snapped his demeanor clicked back into the very happy go lucky sort it was in just a moment ago, though his eyes still smoked.
“Of course comrade. We will leave your agents to our capital and if they truly wish to see how barbarous we can be I recommend they scale the sixteen foot cement wall. We will not observe them or alert local law enforcement to their presence, they are free to take in the country as any foreigner without crown protection might. Perhaps when they make their report it will sound something to the tune of they are ghettoizing a portion of their population and terribly discriminating against them. It would be even funnier if they recommended a conference in which the host nation Otares admitted the existence of a problem and asked for help solving it.” Baan let out a dry laugh and motioned to the secure area in the terminal.
“We can pack up the satchel here and then get you in the limo yes?”

(OOC: Tsk Tsk cultural taboo. Sorry I’m just trying to give my nation a touch of flair.)

“Oh hold on comrade. I have not spoken clearly it seems. I am to be taking you to the hotel. As for not noticing the man assigned to follow you with the satchel, well I will say that he is doing his job splendidly then yes? He is to follow you like a shadow, but be as obtrusive as one.” Baan motioned for the limo and lead Leon to it. Once the driver was instructed in the native tongue where to go the bar was revealed.
“It is too early in the morning for a proper drink but I was going to have some wine if you were interested.”
"Alright then, lead on." Leon replied, "As to my shadow, it would be rude to notice him when he is doing his best to remain concealed."

As they got in the car and the bar was revealed, and Baan offered a drink, "I must decline, alcoholic beverages do not do well in my system."

“Ah that is truly a pity for I believe it was an American politician who said “The best audience is one that is intelligent, well-educated, and a little drunk.” Ah two out of three is a good average yes?” Baan chuckled at his own humorous reference. Then he motioned to the other choices in the car he asked. “Was there another more abstaining drink I might offer you?”

The hotel was a large grey building with many ornate statues about it. On either side of the two story archway were large heralds, their trumpets level with the fourth floor windows. Standing as a monument to Christendom itself the grey building sported a carving which depicted the original sin; incredibly detailed and amazingly well maintained considering its nine story height. Walking into the stoned archway one would find themselves bombarded with a colourful mosaic. Each tiny piece was a shard of a precious metal. Smelted, bent, or chemically treated these tiny stones depicted an amazing portrait of what, could only be described as, different levels of heaven. The peak of the arch depicted a shining sun, most likely a gold and platinum composite, with rays shooting down either side and towards the heralds and the door itself. Before entering the archway Baan crossed himself and muttered something in his native tongue.

Stepping into the lobby was breathtaking as the small door gave way to a spacious room that could have easily been dodger stadium. The room spanned out and an easy four hundred feet could fit before hitting the back wall. Looking around the delegates would have been assaulted but the sights. Above them hung a full restaurant and kitchen supported by woven steel cables. The walls were all wooden paneling with a dark trim that matched the twin triple wide staircases that closed about the room like a mothers arms.


Stepping into the hotel both Sofie and her escort were very impressed by the majesty of the architecture, for by comparison most any building in Carthago Deuce was uninspired.

”Minister,” said the Colonel ”I have never seen such a grand, lovely building in my life. I am at a loss for words.”

"I must agree with the Colonel." said Sofie, looking around then turning to Baan, "It seems that since the conception of our nation all of the architects we have produced are more engineers than artists who, unfortunatly, care more about creating a robust structure than a visualy appealing one. And even when they try for elegance it always seem to end up looking very much like bad modern art." she commented to the Third Advisor. Noting the suspended resturant she suddenly realised just how hungry she was.

"Not to be rude, but may I inquire about dinner? Due to a malfunctioning refrigerator on the plane neither I nor the Colonel have eaten since we left Carthago Deuce and I am not quite so hardy as he is."

Edit: (OOC- Colonel Alasdair brought a service pistol (he is acting as security) and his dress sword and side-arm (an ornate version of the old Carthaginian service revolver) which he would wear with his dress uniform. Would any of those be confiscated?)

"Of course, we understand completely but even the nations such as yours who admit problems do not always admit the full extent, or they overemphasize to seize more aid than is needed. As I sadi, we mean no offense to you or your nation but we have been bitten in the past, I am fully confident in their ability to survive in your nation and accept full responsibilty for their actions. (OOC: We can do an RP here if you want but I think I get the idea of your nations condition)
No, enough of the unpleasantries, I believe we were about to embark on some sort of journey to accomadations, or at least to leave this rather dull airport, we can hel witht hat you know, don't even need to have a problem beyond a bad airport, we can come in here, repave the runway, vamp the control tower electronics and structure, build additional terminals and beef security. All we ask is limiter free access and that the airport be at all times in compliance with Mondothian Health and Safety codes. We'll even use native labour. As for your diplomatic satchel..." He motioned to his guards who quickly removed various small electronic devices and placed them in the satchel.
"That should be everything customs would have a problem with. Now on to whatever is next."
(OOC: The guards are unarmed but one will be required to stay with the party's luggage at all times until it is in the room, then a minor electronic security system comprised mostly of pieces that were placed in the diplomatic satchel will be set up to monitor the room. As for the airport offer as it stands No aircraft would be allowed to return directly to Mondoth from your country as you do not have the proper medical facilities for it. One advantage of trade with Mondoth is a surge in healthcare, Mondothians are institutionally paranoid about infectious disease)

snip

Baan looked amused at the reaction of the two delegates. He himself had grown up in one of the more ornate cities in Otares and while the capital was stunning, it at least combined form with function. Baan’s home town had towering structures that had no purpose but to beautify the city. Then suddenly an idea struck him.
“If you enjoy the architecture here I do have a tour in mind for you later. My home town is quite the chock-full of magnificent architecture.” Then taking a moment to think about the time table Baan smiled again and nodded. “Yes dinner can be arranged. There is the food above, room service or shall I take the two of you out for a night on the town?”

(OOC: Right now nothing has been confiscated from the two of you, when you go to the castle that will not be the case. Exceptions can be made for both the sword and the gun if need be but step would have to be taken to make them more inefficient. I figured we’d get to that more once we were actually going to the castle but the sword, if it were to be kept, would be dulled to an ornate utility only and the revolver would have the firing pin and possibly have a copper insert put into the barrel so that it could not be fired.)

snip

(OOC: Either way is fine I don’t mind. Considering the timeline it would be running parallel to the conference. For clutter sake I might start another thread.)

Baan turned quickly on his heel and motioned towards the door. Walking briskly he took care of a few last formalities.
“We have brought around two limos to accommodate your entire party. And as to the standard of the airport; I apologize that my strife torn nation of isolationists has not kept their otherwise unused airport up to a standard you approve of.” His voice lessening a bit he continued. “Any aid at all would be welcome however.”

The limos came around and Baan stopped to open the door of one of them.
“Would you mind terribly if I rode with you, or shall I bring another car around for myself?”

(OOC: Since you’ve arrived the morning of the conference your luggage is going to be loaded straight into the train that will take you to the castle. The guard is more than welcome to stay with it should he choose.

In reference to the airport offer, the government will be interested indeed. Right now Baan is merely a little miffed because you broke a cultural taboo regarding how guests are supposed to act. He’s a generally good natured sort so he will get over it.)

“Ah that is truly a pity for I believe it was an American politician who said “The best audience is one that is intelligent, well-educated, and a little drunk.” Ah two out of three is a good average yes?” Baan chuckled at his own humorous reference. Then he motioned to the other choices in the car he asked. “Was there another more abstaining drink I might offer you?”
Leon chuckled at his host's joke, "If you have water, I'd prefere that." Leon replied

"If you are sure that it would not be to much of an imposition, I would enjoy dinning with you this evening." said Sofie to the Third Advisor, then turning to Alasdair "What do you think Colonel?"

"I think I should ask what to wear, Miss Ulrika. Formal or informal Third Advisor?" he replied.

"As to the tour, it would really have to depend on when it is to take place." Sofie added after thinking for a moment.

(OOC- The sword is 1/8 of an inch thick, with a rounded edge, so no dulling required. Would it matter that the Colonel wouldn't have any ammunition for the revolver?)

Leon chuckled at his host's joke, "If you have water, I'd prefere that." Leon replied

“Water it is then good sir.” After pouring the ice water Baan settled on a more serious tone for his next question. “I must ask you, if only to smooth over the conference later. Is there anything that you were expecting from this conference, or something that has caught your eye? I ask so that I might be able to be more direct with my offers when the time comes.”

"If you are sure that it would not be to much of an imposition, I would enjoy dinning with you this evening." said Sofie to the Third Advisor, then turning to Alasdair "What do you think Colonel?"

"I think I should ask what to wear, Miss Ulrika. Formal or informal Third Advisor?" he replied.

"As to the tour, it would really have to depend on when it is to take place." Sofie added after thinking for a moment.

(OOC- The sword is 1/8 of an inch thick, with a rounded edge, so no dulling required. Would it matter that the Colonel wouldn't have any ammunition for the revolver?)

“Splendid!” Baan looked as if he might jump for joy as he clasped his hands together. Extending his hands out to the shoulders of the two delegates he smiled widely.

“I have a cottage an hour outside of the capital and I would love to have the two of you for dinner. I will inform security so they might know what we intend and I will be able to cook a home meal for the two of you. Ah who am I kidding the way I drive it will be thirty minutes tops.” Beginning to walk away excited Baan stopped and turned to his guest again and spoke excitedly. “I will be but a moment I need to have my car brought around as well. And informal Colonel. And pop into the restaurant for a moment should you so desire.”

(OOC: The sword is fine, and it depends on what type of ammo it would take if it was loaded. As an aside he will be watched more because of these accommodations but it will not be a problem.)

“Water it is then good sir.” After pouring the ice water Baan settled on a more serious tone for his next question. “I must ask you, if only to smooth over the conference later. Is there anything that you were expecting from this conference, or something that has caught your eye? I ask so that I might be able to be more direct with my offers when the time comes.”
"No, no specific agenda for the conference." Leon replied as he took a sip of the water, "More to see about general economic possiblities."

Baan nodded immediately slipping into a more professional mood as while the tone was light the subject matter was not. His ever present smile now more of a cocked grin listened mental putting together what would be involved in the request from this delegation.
“Fine then. We will have you come with me into the airport where you can transfer what have you into the diplomatic satchel. We will then ride in the limousine as your plane was the last to touch down and we must get you to the hotel for breakfast and the performances. That and security has less hernias if we are not on time.” Baan cracked a wider smile at his comment.

“Pauli and his security detail will need to step into an airport office then. We were going to make a gift of clothes to the delegates when they traveled to the castle. While the clothes were to be beautiful they also served the purpose of an added control for castle security. These are the first of the security features I was mentioning. Once your all measured you’ll be off to learn more. Again I most tell you the castle is the more secure spot in our nation, you will be the first to enter it that is not family in a long time.”

“Yes, the flight crew is welcome to stay in the airport hotel. We do have suites paid for them.”
“And as an aside the title Mister in this country is reserved for married men. Though a woman as beautiful as your self is welcome to it, it would have other implications for us. *grin*”

(OOC:
Pilot and such, kk.
Cell phones are confiscated at the castle.
They get a laptop or blackberry (one data entry device each.)
Bug scanners, they could’ve asked and we would’ve let them in.
Guns confiscated.
Watches confiscated.
Jewelry confiscated.
Narcotics confiscated (The people they are found on are taken aside and told that while they do have diplomatic immunity they hope that it will not be taken advantage of when their possessions returned to them upon exit.)
Kathleen Prizzi http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089841/ (Half points for google.)
Travel time is a bit less than two hours. Some of that is transport arrangement.
Everything confiscated will be returned when they exit.
Signals cannot penetrate the castle walls (normal masonry this is not.)
They walk through a narrow cylindrical corridor (full spectral scan)
The clothes are not as nice as the hosts would have hopped due to the short nature.

Pauli said a silent "shit!" to himself when the guards discovered his small cache of drugs. However, understanding they would be returned when he left, he assured his hosts that he understood their concern and that he would take care not to break local laws regarding their possession. He had fully expected the guns to be taken and didn't concern himself with that issue. When the limited him to either a blackberry or a laptop, he chose the laptop. When they went for his jewelry and watch he stopped them:
"sirs, the two rings are wear are just that, rings and nothing more, you are more than welcome to inspect them all you want, but I do not wish to remove them from my person. One is my college graduation ring and one is my wedding ring and I would ask that you respect my right to wear them. They pose no threat of any kind to you or your people. Secondly, as to my and my guard's watches, they contain GPS signalling devices which broadcast the name of the owner and his whereabouts only and you are more than welcome to verify that as well. This is a safety feature that enables our government and our pilots to always know where we are and is a safety and security measure, nothing more. If our watches are confiscated, there may be diplomatic issues regarding security. We have no doubt your security forces are well trained and of the highest caliber, but our government requires us to wear our watches so that it can track our whereabouts at all times. Again, they pose no threat to you or your security forces and will not compromise the intergrity of the conference or the palace and I'd ask that you permit us to keep them. As to our cell phones - I'm curious as to why they are being taken. I'm I not to be allowed to have a phone with which I can reach Ms. Prizzi? I assure you that the device is a phone and nothing more than a simple, motorola cell phone - it doesn't even have picture taking ability. Again, feel free to verify my claim in that regard."

OOC: Ok, 1/2 points, you done good :D 2nd, if your guys check out the watches and the cell phone you'll find Pauli is telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (don't you think taking watches and jewelry is a bit much anyway - verify they don't contain bugs, etc. and fine, but to take a man's wedding ring?). 3rd, you may have let us have a bug scanner, but we didn't know that and its not in our nature trust that we are not being bugged. A little paranoia is to be expected in our business.
*********************************************
As Pauli and his escort left to head to the castle, Kathleen spoke to Baan - If "Mister" is innapropriate then, may I call you Baan? and you may call me Kathleen and feel free to call Giavani by his given name as well. she said as she smiled pleasantly. The small joke was not lost on her, but she did not deem it necessary to respond in any other fashion than to offer up a first name basis. She found in her years of working for the families that first names also tended to put people at ease with each other and make dialouge so much more pleasant than when using formalities. I'm looking forward to getting to learn more about your country and it's history and leadership and Giavani and I also look forward to learning how what we have to offer can be of benefit to you and your people and how we might exchange things on an economical and political level in such a way that both our nation's benefit. However, by all means, let's get to the meeting. I could use a little breakfast.

OOC: Oops, It's is just the Dehavilland is one of our more... direct representatives. and the airport thing is nothing to worry about, its just that Modntohians for the most part institutional afraid of disease and that airports serving Mondoth are required to have a certain level of hygiene and the ability to administer certain blood tests to determine if passnegers carry infectious disease before Reaching mondoth. Infact, trade with Mondoth will likely benefit local healthcare and medical practices imensely.

IC: No no, don't bother You can ride with us if you wish. We can discuss further arrangements for seeing tot he areas of your nation Most in need of repair. Or we can just relax and let you tell us the situation, whatever your pleasue I suppose, it is your country after all.

"While you are procuring the transportation, we shall get our room keys. Could we meet you here in the loby in about fifteen or twenty minutes? I would very much like to take a quick shower before we eat." said Sofie.

"I also will be needing a moment. Unfortunatly, I am required to change out of my utilities and into my half-dress as we are no longer being trasported any great distance." Colonel Alasdair said, "And whyever would I go to a resturant when I'm expecting a home cooked meal? Which I thank you for, by the way."

(OOC- He'll only be wearing the sword and revolver when in his full-dress uniform, which means the only time anyone will be seeing them is at the ballroom function. The revolver's ammunition is your basic 10mm AUTO cartridge, but the casing is rimmed and 1/4 again as long. The only people who have ammunition for the weapon are the honorguard units back in Carthago Deuce.)

(OOC: My apologies all I got a little tied up in RL. I’m also going a little slower to see if the other people *ahem* flightopia, Rotovia *ahem* are going to jump in at any point.

Here’s what I’m thinking though. Theo and Carthago have a full day to RP out before the trade conference, while Norleans and Mondoth (love the Cajun dialectal BTW) would be at the conference as soon as their limo ride was done. Add to that the fact that at some point Baan needs to leave the Theo character so that the RP with Carthago fits into the timeline. So to make sure everyone is still doing something as the thread progresses I was thinking:

Theo: If there was something that Leon would like to do I could assign another guide to him and we can continue there. We can also just assume he chills if you don’t enjoy the character RP, I want to make sure you as a player are still being involved in an enjoyable way is all.

Carthago: I think this is obvious, continue with the Baan interactions as your flight was the last to come in on the day before. Baan won’t have to leave you until it is time to sleep and then he needs to be back at the airport for the early flights of the others.

Mondoth: As yours would end at the limo ride we can work out the character RP in the limo, get Baan back in a better mood. It is early morning perhaps the commute is slow. (and time in RPs are so fluid anyways :D )

Norleans: We have a limo ride ahead of us as well as an arrival at the castle. The trip will take some time but as there is not likely to be any interactions between your two groups for awhile we can run them simultaneously so we fudge the couple hour trip to the castle and extend the limo ride to work on the character RP between Baan and your diplomats.

Now this is all just me thinking out loud. Perhaps I’m odd as I notice other threads don’t seem to run like this but as an RPer in RL (I DM a DnD game) I want to make sure no one is starting to check out. If there is anything wrong with the above say so, its freeform right? So we have to be partners in its creation.

snip

Baan nodded watching the man take a sip of his drink. In the amount of time it took for that quick sip Baan had an extensive inner monologue.
He seems very guarded with his responses. Perhaps his government is very non-committal and this is more of a recon than anything. Then again mayhap I’ve set him uneasy with my ways. No he has laughed at my jokes so I cannot be so terrible to him. But what sector of the economy, oh to remember my briefs. Think. They are much larger than us, something to the tune of a billion and a quarter. Hmm, yes they have union problems. Perhaps they are looking for offshore opportunities to relieve some of their domestic stoppages. Not that we could do it now, but with the prince’s ambition who knows. Cheese, there was something about cheese. No that’s a bad one leave that be. Uranium mining, Gambling, and publishing were the big three industries. Perhaps we can do something in those areas, not gambling though. Sinful as it is. They’ve nationalized gold mining, perhaps all precious metals? Maybe. I can probe along those lines then yes.

Clearing his throat Baan took a presumptive leap.
“Well, Otares does have quite a few resource opportunities and while I cannot comment on it officially I think the crown prince might be auctioning off resource rights in certain fiefs to the tune of complete monopolies. Something perhaps your government might be interested in or your corporations?”

snip

The guards looked uncomfortable when confronted with this new information. After a few moments of dithering between the two in their native tongue they fetched a superior officer. It wasn’t but a minute before a solid slab of a man in an ornate uniform walked into the room. Standing 6’5, though seeming even more imposing with his perfect posture, the man was picture perfect the stereotypical Otariet military man. He had pale skin, white but not unhealthily so, the blush of life was still present in him. His hands were darker than his face, showing that he worked out doors, but did not darken easily. He sported a neatly trimmed moustache that was only slightly longer than his mouth; as per regulation. His brown hair was in the standard ‘military cut’ or as it was affectionately referred to, the flat top. Trimmed on the sides of the head some coiffure was left on top, but obviously done with an electric razor. Perfectly shaven besides the moustache the man offered a baby faced look that would have been cute, were it not attached to the man it was. As it was this dichotomy was merely another aspect of this common behemoth that might set foreigners at unease.

The uniform, a standard officer’s dress, was not the most formal garment the Crown forces offered but it did have a certain flair that most run of the mill militaries lacked. The headwear was a dark navy coloured beret with a yellow insignia of the crown that sat above the officer’s left eye with the floppy material thumb rolled over the right side of his head.

The jacket was done up well enough per regulation but a light blue undershirt peaked through. In reality it was the standard issue full sleeve sweater but blue was all that showed. Indeed the white dress shirt it protected only had its tight starched collar poking out and that was given cover by the heavier jacket collar. Making it impossible to see the entirety of his rank marking, not that it’d do any good as Ruddy Chief was not a rank held in most organizations.

The jacket was a lighter navy colour than the beret, almost dusty in its appearance. Trying to be dark but not succeeding, merely tinting the monochrome jacket. It was cut tightly around the man and the military pressed creases seemed to make him almost statuesque, more marble than flesh.

Lastly a matching pair of dress pants kept the creases going right down to the perfectly polished steel toe and heel jackboots that began at the man’s calf.

Accessorizing his military garb the officer had a chest of metals adorning his left pectoral. While it wasn’t a grandstand the delegates could make out at least eight different accommodations, all of which were just inside a decorative purple cord with a gold wire wound into its construction. This cord appeared from under the epaulet of the jacket and disappeared under the man’s arm.

With a broken grunt that the delegates could only assume to be his last name the man said
“Crost.” Eyeing up the situation Crost began to speak in a broken English. “Place jewelry in dish, we inspect then you have back. It not leave your sight. Watch, no GPS. You give to us or we is block signals.” Taking a step forward, one that looked menacing but was really to get his thick frame fully into the room, the man continued. “Cell phone not work anyway. No towers in this country, as well we block signals where we going. We give you phone access on secure line. This all good?”

Meanwhile Baan was smiling at the absolutely pleasant experience he was having with Pauli, something about her voice was inviting. Perhaps he was simply thinking wishfully.
“You are more than welcome to call me Baan when we are in an informal setting such as this sweet girl. Once the conference starts I am afraid that our repertoire will have to stay somewhat official. My titles are Master in lieu of Mister, Third Advisor, and Minister. Now come Pauli, Giavani let us see what I might offer you from the limo bar…

snip

Once the limos were fully loaded and Baan was in one of them with Dehavilland he relaxed a bit helping himself to an ice water. Looking across to the others he offered politely
“Would anyone like something from the bar?” As it stood now Baan merely served who wanted what and waited to see if the delegate had something specific on his mind or was reeling from Baan’s cool tones.

Snip

“Of course meet me in *points* that corner by the mini lounge when you are ready. The desk is there obviously *points.* I will get going I want to get you suckling the juices from my roast duck as soon as possible.” With that he took off towards the door you’d just come in.

(OOC: Next one better, so tired right now,…)

"Thank you, Third Advisor." replied the Colonel, imediatly grabing what little luggage they had and escorting Sofie to the front desk to get their room keys and numbers. Having aquired the aformentioned, they made their way to their rooms.

"What do you think of Mr. Dorchest, Miss Ulrika?" the Colonel asked as they ascended the flight of stairs up to the third floor.

"I rather like him. If all of the officials we meet here are so gregerious and open to foreigners we shouldn't have any real problems here. Unfortunatly this probably won't be the case." Sofie replied then, after thinking for a moment said "I must admit I'm a little confused about how they can discriminate so freely purely on the basis of religion. It seems like something that would be too easy to hide, or change. It's odd, really."

By this time they had reached Sofie's room. Alasdair brought in her luggage and fullfiled his responisbilities as security, checking for bugs, explosives, and shower-cams. As expected the room was clean, so he left her to her shower after reminding her that he would be just across the hall if she needed anything. After he left she stripped, picked out a new outfit, and then began showering.

Across the hall Colonel Alasdair went through a similar process, though the shower took only about a third as long. After his quick shower he put on his uniform. White skivvies under a very black tunic and equally black pair of trousers. The tunic had a truely simplistic elegence. Five well polished brass buttons down the front (each with a little castle on it), along with four slightly smaller brass buttons, each located in the center of a pocket flap, two breast pockets, two lower ones. The black was sharply contrasted by the pure white one and three quarter inch stock collar, button down sholder tabs (though the sholder buttons were ivory), dress gloves, and fairly simplistic aiguillette with a single braid coming up under the armpit (secured under the tab) and two additional looped strands, one outside the arm, one in with the braid. These two strands were actually a single piece of cord, which ended hanging down over his left breast tiped with a brass piece. Under this was his special infantry badge, and a modest collection of ribbons (he'd have more but the extrordinary is common place in the Werewolves). After he had these in place he put on his hard polished dress boots, which came up to just below his knee. As a final touch he put his, also pure white, web pistol belt (with brass furniture) around his abdomen (between the sets of pockets on his tunic) and securing it with a large brass 'buckle', 'pon which was emblazened the same wolf's head in profile as the badge, though it was encircled in writing here. Above was the national motto of Carthago Deuce, and below that of the Werewolves.

He was about to step out of his room to check on Sofie when he realized that he had forgotten his cover. He returned to his luggage and retrieved his kepi(forage cap), which was just as black as the tunic and had a little gold tarpan head inbetween the edge of the top and the brim/bill, and placed it on his head. Dressed as such he met Sofie outside her room, and they made their way down to the lounge which had been indicated to them.

(OOC- In my attempt to distract from the fact that I know absolutly nothing about female clothing I made up for your short post, I think.)

Theao: If there was something that Leon would like to do I could assign another guide to him and we can continue there. snip
ooc: He'd be interested in seeing the sights/exploring the city.

snip
Clearing his throat Baan took a presumptive leap.
“Well, Otares does have quite a few resource opportunities and while I cannot comment on it officially I think the crown prince might be auctioning off resource rights in certain fiefs to the tune of complete monopolies. Something perhaps your government might be interested in or your corporations?”
"Depending on what kind of resources were being offered, I can say that there are a number of corporations that would be interested." Leon replied "Do you have any information of the resources being offered?"

snip

(OOC: lol touché)

Baan was waiting in the lounge as promised. Taking in the two of them he smiled and nodded approval to both. While another might have left it at that non verbal recognition Baan was not another.
“Colonel I must say your version of informal looks very impressive indeed. And Miss Ulrika, well I simply do not have the words. Perhaps my English is not as good as I had thought for I now find myself struggling.” Baan stood up, his mannerisms offering no sign of discomfort. Putting his hands on either of his soon to be guests he lead them, gently, towards the door they entered from. “Now but for a moment of seriousness, security does have some misgivings about you taking a quick jaunt out to the country with me. We’ve had words and as a matter of formality they want you to sign out the diplomatic satchel and sign it back in. Something to the effect of if you blow us all up it is my fault and none of them should take heat for it.” Looking between the two he appraised their reactions. “I assure you I have no intentions of looking at whatever boring papers and electronics you are attempting to get into the country. I may be accused of having ulterior motives for being nice to a beautiful woman or a genuinely interesting man but they are far less insidious than espionage.”

Coming outside the building the limo was no where to be found. With a gesture Baan pointed out their transportation. Smiling with pride he began to speak with a braggadocio that only an openly well intentioned personality such as his could get away with.
“That is my car, an Aston Martin Vanquish v12 model. This car can reach speeds in excess of three hundred kilometres an hour and it takes the first sixty miles per hour in 4.7 seconds. Perhaps more a statement of my country than my car it has to have fuel specially imported as the leaded diesel that is common here does not have a high enough octane to run this beauty. Now colonel I would like you to get into the driver’s seat and make yourself comfortable as you are the only one of we three who has decided to abstain today. Miss Ulrika if you’d turn this way we have a young security officer who’d like your signature please.”

snip

Baan nodded slowly. He knew exactly what was on the table, he also knew that he could only reveal so much right now. The point of the conference was to give these people opportunities at competition and favoritism this early in could hurt Otares more than help it.
“Well, I do have some ideas of what is on the table. I cannot be too in depth of course, a certain amount of discretion is required.” Licking his lips he continued in a lower, almost conspiratorial voice. “A lot of the more modern resources need to be tapped and this is a very mineral rich country. Things like Alumina, petrol, radioactives, and there is some talk of auctioning off electrical generation rights.” Baan leaned back and watched for the other man’s reaction, seeing what he cast off in his face.

"Of course I understand you can not reveal what you have too early, it's bad for buisness." Leon replied, "I'm sure there are a number of items that both govermental interests and buisnesses would be interested." Leon took a drink of water, "What is there of interest in the city?"

"Water please, actualy, I don't drink." replied Dehavilland. "Hanah, want anything?" He continued when she didn't immediately reply.

"No thank you." She said suddenly as if just looking up from doiijng something.
"WHat are those smoke plumes in the city? they don't look industrial."

"Well Minster Dorchest, I suppose it is a bit showy for simply dinning at the home of a new friend but the powers that be say I must." replied the Colonel to Baan's comment.

"Why thank you Third Advisor." Sofie said. (OOC- That was funny because I didn't have the words either :))

Walking out of the hotel they were introdueced to the third advisor's impressive automobile. Upon hearing that it would be his responisbility to drive this fine example of automotive engineering his eyes lit up, and he moved almost imediatly to the driver's seat, as Sofie signed for the satchel. He was about to drive away when he realized that he was completly unfamiliar with Oteriet traffic law.

"Ah, Third Advisor? Are you sure I should drive? I know nothing of your traffic laws, and as such probably should not be driving. Would it be possible for you to call someone else? Or should we eat somewhere closer?"

(OOC: I’ve been reading some previous posts and I hope that those of you who are enjoying my country’s water have had their shots. I’m not trying to be a prick but it’s a country that is obviously undeveloped and unexposed to the world. ;) )

snip

Baan looked at the apparent nonchalance of the man in front of him. Leaning back into his seat and taking another sip from his glass he considered his company and allowed the wine to linger at the top of his throat more to appreciate the full taste of it swallowed with a few thoughts as well.
He seems very reserved for the amount of information I gave him. I must find some way to needle him a bit more but stay unobtrusive. Interests in the city eh? Yes I know who I can set him up with. If he doesn’t react to me then perhaps Anaya will have better luck as she guides him around. Once the wine passed his throat he spoke in his normal jovial tones that reminded some of a bass chorus.
“The capital is a beautiful place. It offers such sights and a decent cross section of the Otariet culture. This city offers anything one might desire, I need merely to know whether you desire culture, luxury, cuisine, sights, or vice. While we have certain expectation for our citizens no stop will be heeded in our drive to entertain our guests.” Baan ended the sentence with a motion towards Leon implying that he was the subject of the implication and let said implication stand without feeling the need to quantify that which was better left unsaid.

snip

Baan poured the water with ease, helping himself to a glass of wine. He was cooling down a bit over what Dehavilland had done. Baan tried to console himself with the fact that these were foreigners and not fully aware of the insults they so blithely tossed about. He would have to replace their escort. The reason he gave, if asked, would be one in relation to the health of the last one. It seemed obvious to him though that these particular delegates needed baby sitting and a young inexperienced aide would not suit the need. Baan feared that if these delegates were to offer their mannerisms up so bluntly in the conference then the nobility, whom were looking for any excuse, would dredge up the national xenophobia and cite these people from Mondoth as examples of what foreigners would bring; rudeness.

When queried about the smoke Baan attempted to be as polite as possible, after it was not this Hanah that had been rude. It would not be fitting for him to respond in anything less than mannered poise. He only wished that they picked a less touchy topic.
“Ah the smoke. As I mentioned earlier, in a manner I am apologetic for, part of our population is ghettoized. The ghettos, while never friendly places, in Otares are particularly bad. The Pagans have been recently rearmed and incised. It is one of the reasons this conference was called was to bring some stability to our country. I digress from your question my apologies. That particular plume is from a helicopter gunship that was dispatched over the area. They responded with a barrage of missiles at a crowd of protesters when gunfire struck the helicopter. The incident is currently being looked into but it is our hope that this will be the worst of it and with the help of countries like yours we will be able to work out an agreeable compromise to facilitate a peace.” Once Baan was done his little spiel he offered an out from the conversation. He didn’t want to shut the conversation down in the least but he did want to let these people know that their presence was more than welcome, despite their cultural differences. “Actually we were hoping that Mondoth, public or private sector, might help us out with our industrial advancement. We were more than willing to make it worth the interested party’s time.”

snip
(OOC: Well you see the proper usage of meta gaming is humour ;) )

Baan looked at the Colonel. He appraised the man for but a moment. He had caught the man’s reaction to his car and it delighted him to know that he could make the colonel a very happy man. Thinking how to phrase it properly Baan laughed and spoke with a quick retort.
“Ah Colonel you have no reason to fret.” Motioning to the small flag on the back which sported the crown on a field of purple he continued with a smile, all the while closing the distance between them. “That signifies that this car is directly involved with court and as such most every citizen in Otares knows to give it a wide birth, some of the nobility are not as kind with their mercy and desire to avoid vehicular manslaughter as I. Besides I will be right beside you to translate signs and offer direction.” Once the distance was closed and Sofie was no longer in ear shot Baan spoke in a quiet voice that showed an honest concern for the colonel.
“If you would be more comfortable it can be arranged but I assure you it will not be a problem, and to add ease to your mind there is very little traffic on our highways.” Adding in a touch of humour Baan smiled. “Landed serfs, indentured servants, and oppressed minorities don’t have a long commute.”

snip, oh and yes he has by the way.
A faint smile seemed to pass over Leon's lips, thought it could well have been the simply a trick of light. "I'd be interested in seeing all," And here he place a slight emphasis on the word 'all', "Of the areas you've mentioned." Leon glanced out the window, "Shall you be guiding me throught the tour, or shall I be assigned to another?" He asked

snip

Baan nodded knowingly, his smile deepening (as it was already a wide beaming grin.)
“I think for what you’re looking for Anaya, one of my associates, would be better suited. If you would give me a moment.” At that Baan opened another small compartment in the limo, this one revealing a radio. Primitive by the standards of the modern world the radio was the cutting edge of Otariet technology, actually possessing FM capability. Popping the mouthpiece off of the unit Baan dialed a frequency in and began to speak in his native tongue to the operator. After a moment of the guttural dialect Baan smiled again and looked at Leon. Shaking his head and quickly finishing up the conversation Baan replaced the well hidden unit and nodded deeply to Leon.
“I must apologize for my rudeness but all should be copasetic once we arrive. Anaya will be able to help you with what ever it is you need. I for better or worse have to be back at the airport later today to greet more delegates.”

"I shall be interested in meeting Anaya," Leon commented as he watched Baan return the radio set to it's compartment. "I also understand completely, it's the bane of diplomates everywhere.:

snip

“Or third advisors in a country with no diplomatic core.” Baan smiled again keeping the mood light. Tossing back the wine he began replacing the glass. “We are about at the hotel, is there anything else that I might answer, or arrange for you?”

"Not at present, but perhaps later during the conference." Leon replied with a nod as he shook Baan's hand and exited the limo.

"So long as I don't threaten anyone by driving I haven't any problems with it." said Alasdair, "But before I begin could I trouble you for directions to the freeway, and which side of the road I should drive on?"

snip

Baan nodded and smiled at the man. He considered a less formal goodbye such as an embrace but the tone was set and far be it for him to ruin the flow. Baan consoled himself with the fact that Anaya would be taking very good care of him.

And indeed Anaya had every intention of taking good care of him. In fact it started a little sooner than she expected. With the way that the representative from Theao exited the car, shaking hands with Baan and turning to exit, he nearly walked into her. Having enough poise not to bowl her over Leon did however end up nearly doing a face plant in the woman’s ample bust. Barely avoiding that embarrassment, but getting quite the eyeful, Leon was not given the chance to feel embarrassment. Stepping back to accommodate the man’s presence Anaya extended her hand in a gentle motion that left her soft hand nestled on Leon’s.

Leon, as most men, took in Anaya in a certain perception. A blond to boot the Scandinavian genetic contribution could definitely be noticed. Standing five eight, with the assistance of a four inch spiked heel, Anaya could be imposing to a man who was not absolutely sure of himself. That did not matter though because even the intimidated could appreciate this natural beauty. From top to bottom she sported a hairstyle that left but a small stand of her bangs over her face, the rest of it being drawn into a neat pony tail over her back that ended between her shoulder blades and just above her dress. Her face offered a cute upturned nose that complimented her slight smile. They were however just decorations for her deep eyes. Green pools of emerald beauty offered the depiction of a sharp woman, an intelligence that was lost on most as she played coy. This coy behavior was not a testament to her true nature, but to the necessities of her politically sensitive job. Perfectly white straight teeth peeked from behind her tiny part of an otherwise remarkably nonporous face.

Her perfect complexion continued down her slender neck, the view unfettered but for a single thread of gold. That artfully woven gold came to a small crown that sat just above a sinfully tempting cleavage line. That line, so taboo but so welcoming, dared to make its presence known but was interrupted by a tight band of chromatic green fabric. Indeed the shiny material, so daringly drawing attention to the wearer, seemed to scintillate from all but unnoticed sources of light.

Anaya’s dress, made of the same material all the way down, was cut close to the body. This style of cut made the dress skin tight at the hips where her obviously feminine body curved ever so desirably. Adding to this tease of what was a perfect hourglass of a sexual silhouette was the slit in the dress. Beginning at the right side on the exterior of her thigh, centimetres below the lowest curve of her tight posterior, this sight offered a tantalizing view of a slight silky smooth leg that was muscled but decidedly feminine.

The dress ended in a discrete flair just above a cute pair of open toed stiletto pumps that offered a view of toes painted in a green that complimented both Anaya’s dress and her eyes.

Once Leon had taken in Anaya, a process much quicker than its narration implies, she introduced her self, not releasing her hand until she was sure he was done lingering over it.
“Representative Marquess Leon I presume? It is a pleasure. My name is Duchess Anaya Puska.”

snip

Baan chuckled a bit.
“We don’t really have a freeway to be honest. We have a bit of an intercity interchange that merges into our largest boulevards but that’s the extent of it. You’ll have to clear the city limits before you can really open it up.” Stepping back from the colonel for a moment Baan looked down the road, as if considering where to direct the colonel.
“I think the easiest set of directions I can offer is to come left onto this boulevard and then head straight. There is a serious of intersection but the leftmost land is eventually required to get onto a single lane ramp. This come onto a four lane controlled access highway. That highway exits the city and then slims into two lanes.
“Oh and you will want to be on the right hand side of the road.” Pausing to consider if there was anything else to offer the colonel Baan added.
“Red lights are stop, yellow are cautionary or yield usually signifying an imminent red. Illuminated blue arrows signify right away, as blue light signify ‘go’. Hmm, red octagons are stop. Oh, and there is no test to drive in Otares, it is merely a matter of purchasing your license so there may be some as unfamiliar with the law as you so do not worry.”

snip
Leon took in the stunning beauty, and had he been less of a gentlemen, noble and consmate diplomate would have burst out in laughter. As it was, he took a step back, slid his hand under hers and bowed deeply. When he reached the low point in the bow, he planted a kiss, a few centimeters above her hand.

Returning to his upright position, a smile playing along the edges of his mouth, he replied, "It is an honour to meet you M'lady."

snip

Giving a gracious smile Anaya nodded. With a flick of the wrist she waved off the limo and turned on her heel to put her self on Leon’s arm. She smiled a little more widely and then spoke in her soft sultry tone that smacked of her native tongue. Yet the way she clipped her hard sounds and rolled her extended vowels left Leon, if he had any imagination at all, thinking thoughts that probably didn’t suit ‘a gentlemen, noble and consummate diplomat’.
“Shall we check you into your hotel room? My favorite restaurant is expecting us soon. I imagine you are hungry after such a long trip.”

snip
"I would enjoy taking such a lovely lady to dinner." Leon replied, as the naughty thoughts were chased around by training and nature in his head. If anyone had been able to get a pictographic representation of his thoughts they'd see impossibly perfect women in bikinies and such getting chased around by old ladies weilding rolling pins. "Thought it would be best to check in first." Leon said

(OOC: righto last post before lights out.)

The check in was quick and painless. Leon was taken to his room and Anaya waited inside, but in the sitting area. Once he was satisfied with his arrangements they two left, arm in arm, to the government luxury sedan awaiting them. The ride was a short one, indeed not even eight blocks. It was however eight blocks of stunning towers, statues and monuments to both god and country.

Anaya, for her part, stayed close to Leon’s side. She pointed out monuments of note and explained the significance of each. Quite knowledgeable and, if Leon cared to note, insightful about the current affairs of the nation Anaya offered a tour that not even the paid guides could match. The tour itself ended at the restaurant when Anaya explained that this restaurant, with its high ceilings and its old world oak, was the first European building designated to business constructed in Otares. Beyond that it was the decedents of the first proprietors that now operated it.

(OOC: The city is gorgeous and has a lot of old world influences. Beyond its ornate nature there are a noticeable number of plazas and gardens that beautify the city. Adding to the comfortable feel of the city most of the buildings have courtyards, with parking mostly underground to accommodate ascetics. The city is also very green as the dividers on the boulevards are usually planted trees. Park benches adorn the sidewalks and city workers scurry about to keep the large sections of soil (left intentionally in the side walk) watered as they sport beautiful blooms of flowers.)

snip
Leon listened intently as Anaya explained and pointed out places of interest and historical/cultural signifigance. He listened with particularly intent interest when she brought up political information and commented on the current affairs. He was quite impressed with the beauty of the city, as well as the knowladge of his guide, and made sure she knew it. He was the perfect visitor, expressing genuine pleasure and enjoyment of the architecture and city.

With that Alasdair signaled and pulled out at tenitively accelerated, doing his best to match speed with the sparse traffic. After around fourty-five minutes he had brought them to the city limits without incident, and then accelerated.

"Please tell me when I should get ready to turn, Minister." the Colonel said as he steadied off at 205 kph.

"Mr. . . I mean Third Advisor Dorchest, would you mind describing the no doubt delicious meal you will be serving?" asked Sofie expectantly, and glad that the Colonel was going as fast as he was.

"Really, is that sort of overkill commonly used against protestors? Obviously your government does not condone such actions but sometimes such things are encouraged by the actual unit comanders, if so then its a serious problem. I believe that we can have a training team here within a week to begin regularizing and disciplinging your interior security forces." replied Dehavilland he thought that Hanah had been acting a little odd lately and was attempting to cover for her in this instance. Maybe it was jet lag. Anyway, he had other things to worry about.
"As for industrialization, our premier naval contractor is tooling up for a new set of desgns and is looking for nations to continue building the old models. Obviously it would recquire an update to the infrastructure to support a large shipyard facility but I'm Confident that Wuller&Farthing will also pay for that."

snip

(OOC: Since you expressed interest.)
From what was mentioned Leon would be able to gather that institutionally speaking the person who sat on the throne held ultimate political power. Currently the King was incapacitated by an assassination attempt, a fact that invoked Anaya to gesture with her thumb and two nearest fingers a cross. Because the eldest son was killed and the king unable to rule the position fell to the King’s other son. A product of the King’s second marriage the crown prince, the title he would use until his father’s death or abdication, was not the staunch traditionalist his fore fathers were. Indeed schooled abroad there are some rumours that he might actually be flirting with the idea of a democracy.

This greatly displeases the nobles who, while holding no institutional power per se, are this country’s de facto land owners. These modern nobles are the descendants of the original nine backers of the crown. Without the contribution of these original nine Otares would most likely be a land still ruled by the nomadic tribe, sparsely populated, and having few permanent settlements.

These nobles control large fiefs of land and the loyalty of their serfs is divided between the crow and their local lord.

snip

Baan nodded to show that he had heard the Colonel. He then turned to Sofie to answer the question posed.
“Ah my lady I have such a treat in store for you. My cottage sits on the foothills of the great mountain range you now see laid out before you.” And indeed there was a truly massive mountain range that seemed to ring the horizon in either direction. Virginal and untapped the range was a purple hue of exposed minerals where an impressive growth forest failed to cover it. The tree groupings themselves were almost self contained ecosystems in and of themselves, having sprouted up in the areas safe from avalanche during the winters. This left large snake like tracks of the purple mineral wreathed earth.

The top of the mountain range was a bevy of snowcapped peaks that those in the back seat had to strain to see the tips of. These tips were obviously windswept and offered little trace of civilization. It also offered little trace of observable nature as the windswept peaks were ill suited for anything but the heartiest ever greens.

“This mountain range is teaming with wildlife and the cuisine offered in my kitchen reflects the natural bounty about us. Served for a first course I am thinking of sautéed salmon and fiddleheads, both simply delicious served with a garlic butter sauce. The second course should include a baked potato, a local staple it would not serve to send you from our land without letting you try it at least once. This will be served with a grated cheese made from goat crème as well as shredded bacon. Hmm what else should I offer. OH! I have some moose that I have not yet committed to freezing. Yes and the propane man was by earlier so we can in fact have a barbequed moose steak. Oh it will be splendid it has been marinating for the last two days, I was about to put it into the freezer to eat out of season but I can pick some up in the market. Yes and I do have some corn on the cob that we can boil to be served as well.” Baan smiled. He had to admit to himself that now that he had conjured the image he was salivating himself.
“Turn here Colonel.” Baan said motioning to the quickly approaching right turn road. As an afterthought he added. “This road dips into a valley; it is very fertile land so there are many homesteads and farms. This means that there many weaves so if you plan on keeping this speed you may want to activate the HUD to compensate for the fog and use the LCD screen left of the steering column to set the automatic traction settings to your preference.”

The Colonel, for his part, was speeding through gorgeous countryside that still offered very real artifacts of this nation’s colonial origins. Small white boxy churches dotted the side of the highway while the homes were set kilometers back from the highway. Spacious and obviously devoted to agriculture the area was bright sunny and calming. Minutes from the capitol where civil insurgents threaten the crown laid this simple life of idyllic, peaceful, hardworking people.

It always amazed Baan how quickly the city fell way to the country. Having traveled abroad he found that most countries had, or had the beginnings of, a suburban area. Otares, due to certain political realities of a still active feudal system, had no such suburbia. A simple line on an ancient map had dictated two modern economic realities, cheap farms on the plateau and inflated land values in the capitol.

The road itself, while decently maintained, would offer certain clues to those with any knowledge of engineering. Older material the roads were obviously patched recently. More to the point the road contoured to the land and not vice versa. Instead of building a well banked and artificially graded highway the Otariet had apparently slapped an almost tarmac like material onto the land and called it a highway. And on more than one occasion the Colonel’s speed made the car feel as if it was floating, riding more in the air than directly on the suspension.

The valley the Colonel was directed to turn into contained a bit more civilization than the empty countryside and Baan informed anyone who cared that this was the township of Ebb. The road here not only followed the contours of the land but occasionally hair pinned away from a historic building, which was most likely a church and if not a justice building.

The change in altitude in the valley was immediately noticeable. There was a definitely perceivable line the fog would not cross, a function of air density. The car descended into the small township that was apparently having a completely different day than the fields they had just left. While the plateau was sunny and offered no cloud in the sky the trip down changed the weather from perfect, to foggy, to a gentle drizzle.

Watching the foreigners’ reaction to the sudden change to inclement weather Baan chuckled.
“Ebb is the last point on the Stormy Valley. Weather systems can roll straight up from the ocean, not having enough force to climb to either the snow peaks or the plateau. My cabin is built above the typical storm front line. Depending on how bad this storm front gets I may have a beautiful view to offer you both with dinner.”

snip

Baan made a throttled gurgle as he choked his indignation down, his eyes bugged slightly as a testament to this effort. Baan gave Dehavilland an incredulous look as he took a moment to think what to say to what, in Baan’s culture, was the epitome of social butchery. Baan reeled at the implications of letting this man anywhere near the court. Dehavilland might as well have been hurling his own defecation about the limo for all the poise he had in deliver what Baan hoped was a good intentioned offer.
Dear God in Heaven. Father, I hope that your creation Dehavilland has a good heart because he was not given grace.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling it through his nose Baan looked at the man, watching very closely to see the reaction in the man. He needed to know whether to send him home right this minute or if this was merely a cultural misunderstanding they could work past. In a tentative tone Baan started.
“Good sir I must air something I am afraid to give flight.” Baan licked his lips, slightly nervous, “We seem to be having what might be best described as a, to put it delicately, cultural misunderstanding.” Still watching the man to see that he understood Baan tried to quantify that statement with his own grace at its apex.

“To take your words by their literal meaning I must conclude that you are a well meaning man representing good natured people. Literally speaking you have just offered my country military aid, specifically the aid which we have expressed interest in. More so the aid we have more interest in than any other military aid. In the most literal sense you are a God send. You’ve offered first medicine then to teach our armed forces a virtue of the lord. As a third olive branch you offer the economic partnership we seek.

“And yet, with the up most respect, you do it in such a way that makes me balk and want to discontinue the conversation. This is worrisome as I was chosen for my open and accepting nature. Indeed were you to present yourself, someone we desperately need to speak to, in this way to the court. Well I shudder to think. So if you forgive my forwardness, are you unaware of our custom in this way or merely -- flippant.” Baan hesitated on the last word. He knew he himself had trouble with the stodginess of court but this manner of presentation, well to be honest with himself Baan though Dehavilland’s tone denigrated the crown. Perhaps there was time to give the man a quick crash course in Otariet etiquette. Baan shudder at the thought but his friend, the crown prince, had personally picked him for this job so he must.

snip
Leon was intrigued at the political structure, which reminded him somewhat of Theao's organisation, and more closely one of Theao's neighbours.

"So Otares is a feudal nation?" Leon asked with interest, "Do you support the Prince's idea to turn Otares to a democracy?"

It was then that hanah spoke up.
"And this is where I come in." She said calmly. "This is in fact AMbassador Dehavillands first diplomatic mission to a non ally and to be fair we have precious little data on your nation and culture. It doesn't help that he has a rather direct attitude that confines him to work in friendly nations. This was to be a crash course in a questionable diplomatic situation but is is clear that He won't be 'passing' this particular test. As I am in fact the senior diplomat on this mission I hope you don't mind if I take over negotiations from this point." Through out this presentation Dehavilland bowed his head humbly.
"Forgive me, I did not mean insult but I do truly believe we can help you, If I have offended you or your nation I did not mean it and I will do everything I can back in the government of Mondoth where I obviously belong to get as much help for your people as we can offer."

Anaya was about to answer that question, getting so far as to form the first syllable with her lips, but she stopped her self and looked slightly concerned. Trying again she began.
“To be honest I had not thought of it. Were the crown prince to decide to bring in democracy I would have to go along with it as he has the authority to do so, and is the rightful ruler. I would think however I would petition said democracy to reinstate the monarch.” Waving off the question she smiled.
“Besides it would be suicide to try in this climate. I think the most the crown prince could bring into effect would be elections at the municipal level, and peasants are generally better suited to interact with peasants. It might simply be an issue of streamlining.”

“Oh but your first question; to be honest the question of the feudal nature of Otares has been a debate. We are indeed a monarchy to be sure, and the first king did indeed need the original nine nobles to create his domain and they were granted ruling privilege. However the second king did not recognize the rights of the nobles, while the third one did. Now we will see if the crown prince has enough clout to rule without court or if the dance shall begin anew.”

snip

(OOC: oh a twist? Have this planned from the beginning ;P)
At the presentation of this information a look of relief washed over Baan. He even forgave the lie and the fact that his honour had taken a small ding when he did not properly introduce himself to the truly senior diplomat.
“Mister Dehavilland good sir. You have garnered much information about what I am sure is a strange culture to you. This might prove invaluable to the rest of your team and while I was a bit taken aback no one of court, but myself, was privy to this. So I can pass this incident over secure in the knowledge that it served a purpose.” Baan offered the man a reassuring smile and hoped that he would not be too severely disciplined.

Baan then regarded the woman before him. Pausing for a moment he nodded his head in assent and then smiled.
“Is there anything else about my peculiar little culture you’d like to know?”

"Ah, if the prince were to make it a democracy, the best form for it would be, based on what you told me, a democratic monarchy." Leon replied, "Our system of goverment would appear to fit quite well with the political situation."

"With a few alterations to deal with the differences of course." He commented

snip

“Oh insofar as better public perception of our relations or does alterations imply something more -- pervasive.” Anaya’s features while still light held a certain dichotomy to her now probing eyes.

"Actually, what I meant by alterations was dealing with the cultural differences." Leon replied, "As some of what would work with our nation, would be impractical or impossible to incorperate in another nation.

snip


Anaya nodded her assent, pleased with the diplomatic answer. Normally it would call for another reply but it would seem that the time had past as they were pulling up to the restaurant.

“Ah it would seem as though we are here. I must warn you the server will insist that their merlot from ’82 is the best but I think they are too attached to the year, as apposed to the wine. If possible I’d recommend the ’79 Chardonnay, even if it does limit your dining options.” With that the door was opened by the restaurant’s valet service. A young man in a red outfit his deep red matched the doors, and carpet, of the building.

Pausing for Leon Anaya crocked her arm so that she might be lead into the establishment. The large red doors with black wrought iron trapping were opened and the couple strode into an antechamber of sorts. Booths of a dark hard wood adorned either side of the room. Each booth possessed a door for privacy, though few took advantage of it. Inside the booths were well to do merchants and the like those rich few who were able to come here but were not nobility. Anaya, from her submissive position, lead the two of them towards the podium at the front of the room near a door that looked to be identical but at half the size to the entrance. As the two approached the woman behind the podium curtseyed with her long dress and did her best not to gush too much over the two. By the end of the transaction Anaya had fished out a hundred and fifty bits, in two bills, and passed it to the woman. The young woman smiled and nodded as if this was a common occurrence.
“A small door charge my dear sir. Now the young woman would like to know if we wanted to go the restaurant, the cocktail lounge, or the floor where they currently have a fantastic concerto playing.”

night all!

snip
Leon got out and took Ayana's arm, as they entered and examined the decorations. As Ayana asked where he would like to sit, he smiled, "I shall bow to your choice Ayana, you may choose where you'd like to go."

Upon entering the fog Alasdair decelerated to 50 kph, preferring not to use the available electronic aids. Driving fast in a straight line was one thing, but he particularly enjoyed driving on a more complicated road; the practice, unlike comparatively hypnotic straightline driving, had a Zen like quality (and positive g-forces) to it that he appreciated. He often found that it confused his friends, the pleasure he took at driving fast, when he was simultaneously infatuated with sailing slow and lazy just off the small sandbar of an island his brother and sister-in-law owned as a summer retreat.

“That sounds delicious, Third Advisor. Do you mind my asking how moose came to inhabit an island so remote as Otares? Carthago Deuce has several kinds of deer, but none of them are native. In fact the only large mammal native to our islands is the Tarpan, and no one can say for sure how it got there.” Replied Sofie to Baan’s description of the coming meal. “Your countryside is lovely by the way.”

Not long after the car entered the fog there was a loud report from the rear-left area of the vehicle, and the car shuddered. The Colonel swerved momentarily (thanking whom ever it was that put them on a fairly straight portion of the road) before regaining control and decelerating further as he pulled over to the side. Assessing the situation, and deciding it was safe, he left his seat and found that the rear driver’s side tire had blown.

snip

Anaya nodded to Leon and turned back to the young hostess. Quick exchanges in their native tongue lead to the hostess motioning for a server to seat them. As the server prattled on in the native tongue Anaya leaned in closer to Leon to speak quietly to him.
“We’ll be in a private box above the floor. This will give us some privacy and an enjoyable view of the stage.”

The décor was obviously upscale. Dark carpets were illuminated by discrete lights mounted on the wall. To maintain the mood however the majority of light was cast by various flames. Some attached to candles while others from beautiful hardwood mantle fire places.

This flickering light made the already inviting red walls seem soft and cozy. When the two sat in their booth it was the same red colour, but with a gold design inlaid into it. The design, as Anaya pointed out, was a depiction of the night sky during winter. Pointing out a few of the constellations she stopped once Leon saw it.

Below the box, as promised, was the stage where a duet was currently being played. The two musicians offered a sweet melody that Anaya explained was supposed to represent two lovers. The cello represented the man; baser, more powerful, but unable to catch the full scale of note offered by the woman. The violin represented the woman; slight, beautiful to hear, swifter and grasping more complex pieces, but unable to get the same force behind the notes as the cello.

The two musical instruments seem to play further and further apart from one another until their operators appeared as frenzied lumberjacks sawing and stabbing more than playing. Anaya leaned towards Leon to whisper, and pass a wine list.
“The lovers quarrel. As each instrument attempts to move towards the other they find themselves unable to match their partner’s specifics. They attempt but fail. If you notice there were certain calculated mistakes in the scale. They then overreact, embracing what comes easiest to them. So much so that for this piece you need to listen to the violin or the cello. Together it is merely noise; independently they can be appreciated as beautiful pieces. You should hear their harmonious reconciliation.”

Anaya opened her menu and began to read it, this was more of a formality as she knew what was on it. Suddenly a realization dawned on her.
“Oh my pardon me. The menus are written in Otariet, please would you allow me to translate. What do you feel like?”

snip

(OOC: Interesting but I will bite.)

Baan nodded and thought for a moment. He supposed it was off for foreigners to see moose her but it had always simply been.
“Moose were one of the animals our European colonizers brought with them. Four ships brought just over a hundred moose, which were released into the wild. Left alone for a few centuries they’ve developed into quite and interesting species as a result of the indiscriminate manner they were taken from their natural habitats. They brought some from Europe and some from their North American colonies, leaving us with a unique…” at that the car blew its tire. Perhaps more instinctive than anything Baan cover Sofie’s body with his own positive that the next sound would be that of his beautiful car breaking his bones.

When the colonel saved the car Baan immediately right himself and began apologizing to Sofie.
“My apologies Milady, it was simply a quick reaction. I meant no offense.” Looking outside the car at the colonel appraising the damage Baan looked back to Sofie and nodded. “I suppose I should go help the Colonel. Again I did not mean to be presumptuous, if you would blame it on a lapse in judgment or a flash to my army days I’d be much obliged.” Baan realized he had just let a little more of his past slip but left it at that and joined the Colonel.

Back to smiling and joviality Baan put his hand on the Colonel’s shoulder.
“I must say, the drive to my cottage has never been quite so exciting as this. What has happened?”

(OOC- Nothing too grand, just something a little more eventful than just driving to his cottage while making small talk.)

"It's quite alright, I appreciate the thought." replied a smirking Sofie, "I'm sure the Colonel would appreciate an extra hand."

"It would seem that I've run over a misplaced surveying spike. It's still lodged in your tire." said Alasdair, chuckling to himself, "Oddly enough this isn't the first time something like this has happened to me, though the last time I ran over one of these I ended up with a punctured gas tank."

Once the tire was changed they returned to their seats, Colonel Alasdair resumed his driving, and Sofie continued her conversation with the Third Advisor.

"Would you mind saying what their motivation was to bring moose to the island?"

(OOC: Fair enough you reply next post I’ll bring them to arrival, describing said cottage.)

Baan chuckled at that thought.
“I think once you taste my moose steak the question will be answered. But to be serious they found the climate similar and the hunting lacking. We actually have a number of imported species here.”

"Carthago Deuce is similar to Otares in that way. The only animals that we have that are actually native are the Tarpan and several kinds of birds and insects that were miraculously blown in by storms. And a rather large species of bat that arrived in the same way." said Sofie. "What other sorts of species were imported?"

The rain picked up slightly but before it got bad the car was already on its ascent out of the valley. As promised the car began to leave the storm front. It was more gradual than anything, indeed to the perspective of those I the car it looked as if the storm was merely dying off. The colonel, with rear view mirrors, would still see the dreary weather behind them. It would have been odd for the foreigners Baan was sure. Having a cool sunny day laid before them and showers playing out behind them.

Baan thought for a moment and then gave a slight shrug.
“To be honest I am neither historian nor zoologist. From my own limited memory I can remember pigeon, several species of horses, a lot of your standard domestic farm animals, as well as falcons, hawks, dogs, and foxes. A few species of bear were introduced back in the early 1600s as well. Our ancestors took their bear baiting to be a very serious sport and wanted all the variety they could get. Our national animal is not your ordinary grizzly bear. It’s slightly diminished in size but has more powerful bone crushing teeth. Not to mention the fact that it seems to be able to run down a bull moose for food.” Baan shook his head. “Quite a fearful animal, there is little wonder the first king wanted it’s likeness to be so prevalent on our armies.”

Baan looked back at the road to see the colonel’s progress at this point. As close as they were Baan took a moment to direct the colonel as the driveway was quickly approaching.

The road up the mountain itself straightened a bit with gradual S turns to compensate for elevation. Baan explained that this was because the domestic automobile market did not generally carry cars with very impressive horsepower. It was one of the reasons he chose to import his car.

Soon Baan was able to point with a laugh the location of his ‘cottage’. Turns out that the cottage Baan spoke of was more akin to what most would consider a ranch. Sporting about five thousand acres of grazing land the cottage seemed to have a Bevy of horses, and stable hands. Baan nodded with approval has the colonel eased the car onto the long dirt road that was his driveway.

“I raise about a thousand horses on my property. Mostly race horses I also dabble in breeder studs and what have you.” Looking about his property Baan looked back at his guests.
“Please do not worry I do have a cottage here that is separate from my ranch. I find it refreshing to be able to come here and have solitude. Now the walk is only slight. Parking by the ranch and the walk way to my cottage is about half a kilometre.”

The ranch section seemed to be six buildings of various construction placed in a semicircle around a central ‘parking area’ which was nothing more than a dusty cleared area. Several barns and stables dotted the area away from the cottage; they themselves had the same dusty trail servicing them, which looked more like ground that had the grass worn off it. The walk up to the cottage was a natural stone pattern, laid by main, to create a natural feeling as one walked up the green pastoral slope to said cottage.

Once the car had stopped Baan stepped out and stretched, his stocky frame giving off a mild creak and crack noise. Before he was done a man on a horse was already near him calling down from the magnificent animal. The horse was a through bred to be sure, but its breed was not readily recognized by the foreigners, it being a native to the island. Brown with a white underbelly the horse could have quite possibly been a new breed created by the early colonial species importation Baan spoke of.

The man on top of the horse, for his part, looked similar to Baan. His upper body was just as meaty but his torso seemed extended as were his legs. More interestingly though was the fact that the man wore the same necklace the Pagans inside the capitol wore.

The two men laughed as they continued in their native tongue. After a moment Baan gave the horse a slap on the ass and watched as the man rode off. Still chuckling he looked at his guests.
“Roma was just filling me in on some of the things that have happened to the property while I was away. Ah but I am distracted sorry. Should we be off towards my cottage?” With that he motioned towards the white colonial building looking over the property.

snip
Leon listened to the music spending periods on the violin and on the cello, as he listened to Ayana's description of the music. The blending and clashing being absorbed and enjoyed.

As he opened his menu, and noted the language, Ayana asked if he'd like a translation. "If you would please."

"How large is your property, Minister Dorchest?" asked Sofie as the three walked towards the indicated building, "And is it land owned by your family or is it connected to your position as Third Advisor, if you don't mind my asking."

"And would you be willing to show us more, after we eat? Or maybe introduce us to some of your horses?" added Alasdair. Though he himself was not particularly fond of horses typicaly, his brother was and had been all his life it seemed. If the example he'd just seen was any indication, his brother would be quite interested in the handsome new breed.

snip

Anaya laughed a little at that. Looking up at Leon again she smiled.
“Is there something in particular you had in mind or shall I start reading and you can stop me?”

snip

“None sense, I do my best to be as forthright as possible where possible. Not only do people find it endearing.” Baan smiled and looked over, seeing if they appreciated the joke. “But it fosters honest communication on which trust is built.”

“The property is about five thousand acres of grazing land, three acres of development spread across the property, and about fourteen thousand acres of a nature preserve. Unfortunately my position offers me nothing in way of land. While it does have benefits like expense accounts and what have you I am held up to a higher standard due to my common heritage. Some of the property has an ancestral history to my family, there’s a family chapel and cemetery further east and higher up the mountain. The good majority of it however has accrued in the last few generations as my family has done well for itself and slowly bought out neighbouring plots.”

Turning to the Colonel he smiled.
“But of course Colonel. I will however have to grab someone more knowledgeable. Affairs of state do not give me as much time for my personal endeavors as I might like. Roma will probably be free later.”

The walk up the pathway was uneventful. A slow stroll from the activity of the ranch saw the return of nature. Songbirds were more prevalent here, confident in their distance from the noisy humans below. The songbirds seemed to be several species of jays, all going about their business.

The cottage door was not locked when Baan walked up to stroll in. Immediately greeted by the smell pine the group was given a barrage of images and sensory inputs. The smell of pine was from the obvious wood moldings about the ceiling joints. Pine paneling on the lower third of the wall accounted for both the floor joint molding as well as the chair rail.

To the left of the front entry way was an amazing looking living room. Sporting the same hardwood floors and pine paneling it also possessed a hardwood fireplace mantle and many bookshelves of matching design. The fireplace built into the mantle was one of small well placed stones adhered with a mortar. The stones offered a colour lighter than standard brick, more tan. On closer inspection the fireplace rocks had imperfections suggesting perhaps that these were naturally formed as apposed to being a trick of masonry. The fireplace rocks also made up the floor piece directly in front of it. Rather than being so bulbous and natural though these were grinded flat and well buffed. This interesting looking fireplace floor expanded out about four feet in an odd Rorschach ink blot like pattern; though some would swear it was a butterfly.

(I'll keep pumping out descriptions of the cottage but this should keep us moving.)

snip
He was pleased at her laughter and smile which he returned(The smile). "What would you recommend?" Leon asked, "And you don't have to worry about allergies."

To the right of the entranceway is a kitchen. Here the hardwood floor is replaced by a series of large flat stones that have been buffed and laminated. Some the colour of the mountain that the ranch is built on while others were darker, some possessing a green tint. The same material has been crafted for the counters and island tops of the kitchen as well.

The cupboards themselves resemble the same darker hardwood that adorned the living room. The kitchen walls were a dark blue ceramic tile with a white mortar. An observer would not see much of those tiles though as the kitchen was opened to the world in a serious of picture windows allowing an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. From this altitude the rain storm, now sporting thunderclouds, could easily been seen in the valley below. Baan himself pointed out how one could see the clouds arc between themselves, as they were viewing them from the ‘wrong side’.

A hallway divided the house in the centre. The left side of the hallway rose into a staircase, the rungs of which doubled as busts of famous Otariets. The stairs were adorned with a dark carpet, centred to allow one to view the hard wood on either side. The hall way itself saw no such adornment but sported many portraits of the surrounding landscape.

At the end of the hallway laid the bathroom. Built to mimic a natural grotto walking into it was like moving a few thousand miles closer to the equator. On closer inspection some of the fauna in the bathroom looked like it may have indeed been South American.

The stairs lead into a holding room of sorts. More of a perfectly square hallway the stairs rose into the centre of the room. This room had a double archway on one side and five closed single doors about it. The single doors were that of the upstairs bath and the four bedrooms. Standing on either side of the single doors were statues in mythic poses, the base of which was inscribed in Otariet.

As one’s eyes rolled clockwise, from twelve, about the room they would take in a well muscled shirtless man breaking his chains with a look of rage on his face. Next stood a man, looking strikingly like a member of the crown’s guard, standing at perfect attention sporting a halberd. Following him were two maidens that could have been mistaken for duplicates if one did not look carefully.

After the maidens knelt a man in a shaman’s headdress, as if in communion with some sort of divine power. Next stood a man with not impressive features, beyond two discrete horns, yet this statue was crafted with much more care and concern. As if it and it alone was the room’s centre piece. The eyes seemed so lifelike, so beckoning. Yet he only offered a slight smile, a passive stance, and a foreign inscription as explanation.

Next stood a statue of a young woman, beside her an older version of herself pregnant and beaming, and then once again as a distinguished woman.

Ending this assorted collection stood an old man, standing with the aide of a cane. Wise and slightly scarred he seemed out of place compared to the natural beauty of the others. While their features offered a natural strength or feeling, this one made the observer feel heavy by looking at it.

The last room, lying just beyond the double archway, was a solarium. This room offered a beautiful view of everything except the side of the house that was attached to it. The walls of this room were more glass than any other material. And if one was not assured of this room’s purpose by the stunning view than the Jacuzzi, bar, and assorted lounging chairs should assure them.

snip

“That’s very good to know. It hints at proper breeding.” Anaya smiled again to keep the mood light before taking one more view of the menu.

“Some are convinced that you must choose your wine based on your meal. To compliment what you are eating. I find this to be wholly unenlightened as do many other Otariet. It is much more desirable to decide what you are drinking and make your meal compliment that. Perhaps it is a statement of opulence but having the wine as the compliment suggests that you have a taste for luxury, while the reverse suggests a sort of hedonism that lets others know you are an individual of means.

“Since I suggested the Chardonnay if we are to be having that then I would say we should have an order of Chakhokhbili for our main course. For an appetizer I would suggest ykra served on a baguette. We could perhaps have a glass of the house Cuvee for that, something to prepare our palettes for the Chardonnay. Once we are done that I would say we can pick out desert as the fancy strikes us.”

snip
"That sounds like it will be excellent." Leon replied, "It appears that Otares holds a different philosophy then is commonly held at home. Many people tend to choose a wine that clashes, rather than compliments the meal. It is a somewhat national behavior but no one really know why it is." Leon commented

snip

Anaya gave Leon an incredulous look.
“Surely you jest?” Shaking her head and waiving her hand, limp beyond the wrist, she retorted to her own question. “It is merely one of those things we will have to learn about each other I suppose.”

As soon as Anaya closed the menu the server appeared again. Smiling Anaya ordered quickly in her native tongue and shoed the young man away. Looking back to Leon apologetically she began just that.
“I am sorry for not continuing to converse in English but until our sudden interest in renewed contact with the outside world it was a dying language here in Otares. But only a few of the well educated spoke it fluently, and I most confess I do find myself limited only being able to speak in three tenses. I find it hard to believe that English has become the lingua franca with only thirteen ways to express an action.”

“But I do digress. I don’t believe that you have come to my country in an effort to discern our language. Tell me Marquess Leon, what is your interest in Otares?”

snip
"That it is, for I jest not." Leon replied, "That is perfectly understandable and acceptable." He paused for a second as the two musicians hit a discordent harmony.
"My interest, or Theao's interest?" He asked, "Mine is simple, it, and it's people interest me. Theao's is more complicated, as it's both a political and economic interest."

"snip"

“The music is a pendulum swing, the reconciliation will begin soon. They focus more on the story of their music than on the sound of it.”

Anaya thought for a moment at Leon’s question. It was a legitimate one and as an actor of the state she found herself torn in interest as well. It was refreshing to speak with one such as this Leon who understood the difference, or more to the immediate point, acknowledged it.

“To be honest with you I would have to dissociate between who is asking. Anaya the socially refined woman of Otares who is desperate for a breath from what can at times be a stuffy existence in the Otariet court would love to hear more about the personal thoughts of the man before her. Unfortunately for her I am to be entertaining you as a dignitary of the state, therein the Duchess Puska must ask the question as I am honour bound to certain obligations tonight. So I must for better or worse inquire about these political and economic complexities.” With a smile, and almost as if an observer would add. “Hmm. I suppose I can take consolation in the fact that I do have an interest in the political economy, it was the topic of my dissertation.”

snip
"Ah, I understand, perhaps later you may be able to ask as Ayana rather than as the Duchess Puska." Leon commented, "The economic interests lie in the realm of markets for goods and gaining access to increased mineral wealth. The political interests lie in establishing further diplomatic relations across the world."

"snip"

Anaya smiled at that comment.
“Indeed. Perhaps when this conference is over we can get better acquainted personally. But on the matter of increased mineral wealth, should definitely have something to talk about there. It seems the world has all but passed us by and our mineral wealth is one of the few bargaining chips we are left with. From what early intelligence we can gather we are three some times five decades behind the general level of technology in other nations.

“Were there specific resources that Theao was interested in?”

snip
"Now that would be tipping my hand too early." Leon replied with a grin. "I can tell you we have no interest in oil reserves thought, and James has no objections to aiding in techie growth."
He glanced at Ayana, "As to getting to know each other better, I'd enjoy that."

OOC: it wasn't planned that the switch of responsibility would actually take place, but unless I specifically mention the seniority of the diplomat its a safe bet that they're not the senior person on the job, just a little trivia.

IC:

Dehavilland responded gravely, only the look in his eyes betraying that he knew he had failed his mission, the only consolation was that the situation was being handled by someone who would NOT screw up.
"It would be an honor to learn about your culture whatever you think I should know to avoid such an incident in the future."

"If this is a cottage, what constitutes a mannor?" asked Colonel Alasdair, who was smiling in a friendly way, "In any case, your home is lovely."


The stairs lead into a holding room of sorts. More of a perfectly square hallway the stairs rose into the centre of the room. This room had a double archway on one side and five closed single doors about it. The single doors were that of the upstairs bath and the four bedrooms. Standing on either side of the single doors were statues in mythic poses, the base of which was inscribed in Otariet.

As one’s eyes rolled clockwise, from twelve, about the room they would take in a well muscled shirtless man breaking his chains with a look of rage on his face. Next stood a man, looking strikingly like a member of the crown’s guard, standing at perfect attention sporting a halberd. Following him were two maidens that could have been mistaken for duplicates if one did not look carefully.

After the maidens knelt a man in a shaman’s headdress, as if in communion with some sort of divine power. Next stood a man with not impressive features, beyond two discrete horns, yet this statue was crafted with much more care and concern. As if it and it alone was the room’s centre piece. The eyes seemed so lifelike, so beckoning. Yet he only offered a slight smile, a passive stance, and a foreign inscription as explanation.

Next stood a statue of a young woman, beside her an older version of herself pregnant and beaming, and then once again as a distinguished woman.

Ending this assorted collection stood an old man, standing with the aide of a cane. Wise and slightly scarred he seemed out of place compared to the natural beauty of the others. While their features offered a natural strength or feeling, this one made the observer feel heavy by looking at it.

The last room, lying just beyond the double archway, was a solarium. This room offered a beautiful view of everything except the side of the house that was attached to it. The walls of this room were more glass than any other material. And if one was not assured of this room’s purpose by the stunning view than the Jacuzzi, bar, and assorted lounging chairs should assure them.

"May I asked whom these statues are of, or what do they represent?" asked Sofie.

snippety

Anaya blushed a little at that. She looked up at Leon and locked eyes. Holding a coy smile she nodded letting him know that she appreciated the sentiment and there was an element of reciprocation there. Too professional to allow herself to be sidetracked however she continued on, her language not recognizing the light flirtation.
“So Theao has removed itself from reliance on fossil fuel then?”

snip

Baan nodded. He was sensitive to the man’s dishonour. He was also recognized the fact that his culture that this man wanted to learn about dictated that he should completely disregard the man and only address his superior. Indeed if he had to address him he would be short and to the point. Even harsher was that it would not be frowned upon by his peers to ask that he be removed from Mondoth’s diplomatic attaché.

Thinking how he might be able to conciliate the current situation Baan paused for a moment.
“Well Mister Dehavilland as you are aware we were looking to engage in certain cultural exchanges and if it would be all right with Mrs. Gillman I could arrange for you to tour one of our finer finishing academies. While your agents scour the capital to see how the other half lives you could be shown how members of our society who have means are schooled.”

snip

Baan looked at the colonel with an amused look.
“Colonel you misunderstand me. This is what would be best described as a cottage. My home is indeed a manor but it is located in my hometown of Kitomos.” Smiling to keep the mood light he chuckled, “And I assure you the bathroom is as big as Texas and the driveway as long as the Soviet Union.”

“Ah the statutes. They are a privilege of my wealth I suppose. They depict several important figures in the Omma mythos.” Going on to explain a little more of each the following was revealed that;

The well muscled shirtless man breaking his chains was a representation of the Omma sky god, in his youth. In this scene of the mythos he is escaping from a prison in the war of the gods. In his expression of passion he accidentally creates human souls. It is this infusion of divine exuberance and blood that apparently makes humanity what it is.

This Sky God, Onus, is also the horned man. Here he is equally as powerful but instead of the headstrong youth throwing his might about he feels a sense of responsibility and duty. It is this form that represents fatherhood and matrimony, or at least the male half. Here he is the provider, and the disciplinarian.

Onus is also the haggard old man. In this depiction he is weakened from his exertions; first in his youth as he is selfish and boastful, then in his dutiful middle age as he exhausts himself in provision for his wards.

The depiction of a soldier is that of Dems. Originally faceless demons, relics of the war of the gods Dems took on more and more Otariet characteristics as Europeans colonized this nation. And subsequently formed Otares.

The woman is Rala, partner of Onus. It is she who first adhered human souls to flesh, as represented by her pregnancy. Human souls in limbo are blessed with the power and passion of gods, as imbued by the young Onus, but lack the wisdom and prescience to direct it. By being granted mortality human beings are able to learn wisdom and foster those traits that better serve them as powerful beings.

The twin sisters of Onus are Alpo and Opo, who administer the universe. These two, almost identical in appearance, provide the balance needed for human beings to exit. Human beings are assumed to be incredibly powerful beings and the sisters are the counterpoint to this. All effort must encounter resistance for the universe to exist and that is Alpo and Opo. This resistance is provided out of respect for their brother so that humans have the consequences necessary to learn the lessons of Rala.

Once he was done explaining Baan looked at the two. Motioning back to the stairs he spoke in his booming voice.
“Come I am sure you have more questions but I have not yet discovered a way to cook moose without using my hands. Come we can take the moose around back to the barbeque, the patio door is in the kitchen. One of those windows is more a door. We will continue this conversation while we husk corn.”

snip
Leon returned her smile with one of his own. "While not completely independent of of oil, we have no need of fossil fuels." He commented, "Oil is used to form certain plastics thought the demand is fading."

ooc: Sorry about not replying sooner

snip

(OOC: lol that’s funny because I was just thinking to myself that you are one of the more rapid repliers here. Even compared to me and I started the thread.)

“So I must ask then, why do you want to expand your knowledge economy into Otares, short labour supply, regulatory avoidance, or something else? Please don’t misunderstand me though, we are very appreciative of what ever comes our way.”

"None of those things." Leon replied, "The reasons are James decided he wished to. He has a reason, but what that is, I do not know. The best guess is that it will benefit Otares, which will also benefit Theao, but that's only a guess."

Anaya nodded taking that tidbit in.
“So you are a monarchy first and a capitalist second, yes? I suppose it would be that way here too if the crown prince did not have to bow to internal political pressure.” Placing her hand in front of her mouth she looked like she was deeply embarrassed.
“My apologies I meant pay heed, take serious consideration. Oh. Forgive my English, if you’d like you can take it as a compliment that you fluster me.” Smiling and trying to shrug off her slight indiscretion Anaya tried again.
“Sorry. You were saying that Theao’s doctrine regarding my country is under the direct purview of the crown.”

snip
Leon smiled, "We all make mistakes, I occasionally get things wrong in english as well, and it's one of my primary tounges." He commented, "We are a Constitutional Monarchy. I am primarily representing the crown, but am also representing the three mega-corps. Where it gets confusing is that James is the majority shareholder of one of the corperations and a major shareholder in the second." He paused "The political aspect is dictated by the crown, as well as some of the, but not all of the, economic interest."

“I see so more in tune with say corporatism? I must try not to be so nosey but as we are new to the world our intelligence agency is all but none existent and our dossiers lie empty.” Anaya looked sheepish for a moment.
“To be frank I think intel sharing is going to be brought up on Day two during the second period.”

It was at about this point that the server appeared again, meals in hand. Setting up a small cart in the booth with the pair, there was ample room, they offered a full array of drinks to go with their appetizers. Of course the cuvee was brought out with the ykra. The server differed to Leon by opening the bottle in front of him and presenting the first glass and the cork for his inspection.

"Ah." Leon replied, as the server arrived. He nodded to the man, "Thank you." He said to the waiter.
"Intel sharing, what do you mean by that?" He asked

Snip



The two delegates followed Baan, the Colonel removing his white gloves as they went. The corn and moose both safely cooking, Sofie asked a follow up question.

"Third Advisor, why person of your stature have statues of the native pantheon on display in his home, instead of politicaly . . . safer religious icons?" she asked, doing her best not to insinuate anything potentialy offensive.

Once the server had left Anaya continued doing her best to answer the question.
“Well this is all tentative of course, but we were going to raise some issues at the conference like creating a database of known fugitives as well as dossiers on certain nations. We admit that it would be fairly one sided at first but with so much input into the creation of our intelligence services it would quite possibly be an investment in espionage as we would need advisors with experience…” Anaya let her sentence trail off and the implication lie.

snip
"That may be possible," Leon replied, "Thought it would be limited, secruity reasons you understand."

snip

“I suppose I should tell you, one of the other nobles might mention it anyway.” Baan continued working away at the food, making sure all was prepared. “I said I was the son of a merchant? That’s true now but it was not always the case.” Hesitating and seeing the look of confusion on the faces of his guests he looked sheepish.
“The pagan outside, Roma? He is my half brother. My father had his title stripped from him when he fathered a baby not approved of by the church. Roma’s mother would not repent her Pagan ways, so they burned her at the stake.”

snip

"Of course. The details of which would be worked out at the conference anyway.

"Was there something you wanted to do after dinner?"

snip
"Where do people usually go after a excellent meal with an attractive lady?" Leon asked

Sofie went pale at what the Third Advisor said. "Are such practices still carried out?" she asked with a knot in her stomach, "I hope that exposure to the international community will bring them to a swift end if they are."

Deciding that death by buring (especialy that of relations) wasn't the best topic to converse about right before eating barbque, the Colonel attempted to change it.

"Minister, would you mind telling us about the Crown Prince? I'm afraid the information we were given was very slight.

Hanah Nodded. "Your offer is most gracious, We are always looking to find ways to further educate our less experienced diplomatic officers, perhaos that is something that might also be discussed. But later, what do you have in mind to discuss now?"

Bump

(OOC: Before I begin I would like to offer an apology to you all, this weekend as but very hectic and I’ve been able to barely look at my issues let alone draft a post. That said I should slide back into my comfortable rut now and be able to keep going at a good pace.)


snip
Anaya smiled at that comment. Pausing to reflect she offered Leon a choice.
“Well there is the club scene, albeit just coming about. For a more refined taste there is the Opera.” Anaya shrugged once she had realized that there were countless options available in the capitol.
“To be honest they are too numerous to count. I guess it depends on what you felt like doing and I could narrow it down from there.”

snip

Baan grimaced slightly. He personally was not familiar with his step mother, but he’d seen the torn emotions on his half brother’s face. And while he could not relate personally to the anguish he had a good idea of the demons Roma dealt with.
“The crown prince has used his authority as leader of the state to stop punishing heretics. Because the church still hold’s that his majesty the king is the highest authority they’ve resisted change. So there is detention, prosecution, and then a fine.” Baan paused not what sure to say next. When the colonel interjected and changed the subject Baan was secretly relieved, though he tried not to let too much of that be revealed.

“Hmm the crown prince.” Baan turned on the tap while dicing the onions to relieve some of the tearing effect. “The crown prince is probably the only friend progressive foreigners have in this government. It has been said that he has supporters in court but they have yet to reveal themselves, probably for fear of retaliation.

“The Holy Crown Prince of Otares, The Supreme Commander of the Crown’s Forces, High bishop in our lord’s house, Duke of Cali, Duke of Penson, and twice blessed man Alark the third.” Bann chuckled a bit at the title. Looking up at his two guests he spoke with a tone that he’d not offered them yet. It held very little effort, no pretense, and was possibly a little tired.
“What I say next is only because I feel that we might have the beginning of a friendship on our hands. Were you to say that your information came from me I’d deny it and while the son of a heretic holds little weight in court I assure you that foreigners carry much less.” Speaking a lower tone, the conspiratorial whisper that people seem to develop when they know they are doing something wrong, sharing what they shouldn’t, Baan continued.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard of the last assassination attempt on the King. It was a rocket attack and it killed the King’s first son, as well as gravely injuring him. Alark has always been removed from politics, a mutual distain had developed. Alark himself spent some time abroad and when he returned home he was not quite so found of the current system.

“Regardless as the next inline for the King he had to step in. He’s used this opportunity to start pushing his views of government onto court. He has taken it as far as he can without making someone break, so now he is bring the international community in to continue his slow bending process. It is very ironic that the most progressive man in our nation is an iron fisted dictator that is forcing the system into a more tolerant position.”

Baan regarded the two for a moment before asking,
“Was there something specific that you were looking for though?”

snip

Baan winced at that comment.
“I meant no disrespect, only that there was still tasks that Mister Dehavilland would do well with.” Giving a mild sigh he looked back to Hanah to try and respond to her query.
“To be honest the ball is really in your court. I will admit that we are interested in knowing what parts of the itinerary attracted you. Or if there were specific topics we should be clear and elaborate on, but really this limo ride was to be an informal networking and fact finding operation.”

(IIC: Yeah it is not the best but I am exhausted now and sometimes avoidance of stagnation is just as good as a literary masterwork.)

snip
"I enjoy club dancing, as well as listening to opera." Leon replied, "How about you surprise me with the activity of the evening?" Leon commented with a rougish grin on his face.

ooc: That's alright, we, or at least I understand.

snip


"Nothing really specific, general information such as what you just gave us is fine." replied Sofie, then quickly added "It's good to hear that such cruel forms of persecution have been ended."

"Where did the prince travel when he was abroad?" asked the Colonel.

OOC:Gah! I wanted the ball in YOUR court, now I have to do some more creative thinking.
sorry for absence, my hands and a gravel track got into a fight and the track won so I couldn't type much of anything for a little while. better now though.

(OOC: As a note to anyone following this thread I am going to start another thread soon detailing some disturbances between the armed forces and the pagan nomads. Since those involved might be paying special attention to my country I thought I might mention it here so your foreign services or intelligence agencies have a chance to react.

It might also contain information your diplomats can bring to the conference as we are going to be good hosts and allow you secured communications with your homelands.

The thread, whose link I will toss up either tonight or tomorrow, will be happening a little before the conference so that you might have the information and reports compiled thereon.)

snip

(OOC: Thanks.

This post is a bit of a filler I know, reason being is I wanted to see if there was anything else you wanted out of Anaya in this venue before I did a scene change.)

Anaya smiled at that comment as she began planning her night.
“I do have some ideas but I must say that they are not exactly official events, so you’ll have to forgive me if there are some impromptu wrinkles.”

snipp.

(OOC: The reason I am answering this in more of an OOC fashion is more of a lack of my own knowledge as apposed to anything else. I have not yet decided what country he was living in. Something with more western ideals of individual freedoms of course but as yet I don’t know.

If you’d indulge me and say that the question is answered I plan on having these countries be ‘better’ allies later. Depending on the type of relationship you and I develop OOCly he may have even stayed in yours, if you want the RP to flow that way.

As consolation I can offer you when as apposed to where. He’s been in country for the last three years, he’s twenty seven, and he started traveling at age fourteen. As an FYI the age of maturity in Otares is fourteen. The government considers you a responsible adult at that age.

Another interesting aside with the age of maturity at fourteen and a mandatory military service in effect there are a fair number of child soldiers in Otares. Alark has as the commander and chief dictated that no one under the age of eighteen can be sent into combat though.)

snip

(ooc: heh, sorry about that. The problem is that after this limo ride your at the conference, where the other countries would already be in attendance having either stayed at the hotel or been brought in early from Baan’s.

So if we go at a slower post pace so that the others rectify in timeline that’s fine I just don’t want you to loose interest either.)

snip
"Unofficial events tend to make the most enjoyable type of events." Leon replied with a grin. "Might I ask what you might be planning or would you prefere to keep it a surprise?"

ooc: Nothing else out of this scene.

OOC: well, I'll be ready for the conference whenever you are. I just need a little time to get my game back on after that skillfull block of yours. And today has been rather busy.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9565561#post9565561

This is happening after the announcement of the conference but before your arrivals. By the time I get to ‘today’ that will be the first day of the conference.

(OOC- I would be honored to have had your prince stay in my country. More IC later, it's 02:24 here and I don't have time at the moment to post more.)

"That moose smells incredible." commented Sofie, "How long until it is done, would you say?"

(OOC: Have you ever lost a day? Well I just have and I can’t blame it on the booze (I jest). But seriously I got a migraine and went to bed for an afternoon nap and woke up thirteen hours later. So that whole plan of throwing up another post went out the window. I must apologize, seems like I am doing this too often, apologizing that is.)

snip

The rest of the meal was eaten with little interruption. Leon might have wondered about the server’s ability to know when to come and to never hover, but his questions were answered when Anaya pointed out the small concealed camera above them. A quick explanation assured Leon that it was a practice of the restaurant for better service and not an attempt at espionage.

When the meal was over Anaya promptly lead Leon out to the awaiting car. When she was asked about where they were going she returned her own devilish smile and spoke for the need of a good cocktail.

The car ride was a slightly longer one, as it took them off of the traffic calmed boulevards and into the downtown streets. It was another interesting mutation. From the bright, well kept boulevard with its four lanes and showy establishments to clustered in buildings on streets scarcely wide enough to fit two compact cars beside each other. Adding to the congestion seemed to be the fact that this particular side street seemed to be packed with expensive foreign cars. In this street alone Leon could make out at least three Ferraris, a Lamborghini, and a few porches. Without more time to appraise it looked as if there might be more automotive value here than there was infrastructure in some of the poorer areas of the city.

Before one could think about the possibility of crime however one’s gaze would be forced across an armed patrolling security officer. These men who bore modern looking assault rifles as well as impressive looking hand side arms did not seem to bear any sign of the crown. They were obviously uniformed and paramilitary but Leon got the sense that these men were in fact not government.

Anaya for her part did not seem phased by their presence. Indeed when she left the car she greeted one of them with such warmth that told Leon that these two were acquainted. Speaking in their native tongue their conversation went above Leon’s comprehension. When Anaya turned back to Leon smiling she switched back into English.
“This is Brusk he is a soldier for the local lord. Come he watches the cars while we enjoy the club.” Taking Leon’s hand she began to move towards the door, explaining what to expect within.

“This club is a lot of dancing but the have a cocktail lounge. There you can see how the nobility spends a party night. It may be a little crowded but security is very good.”

(OOC: Quick chance for reply before club come on.)

snip

(OOC: I understand all too well. Anytime you are ready. As an aside you are more than welcome to just take this time to deal with RL as I’ve just got this character interaction for you thus far. Some info gathering if you want it.)

snip

(OOC: I put all of my instant messengers up (in my details) so you can get a hold of me should you want to actually have had my crown prince in your nation. )

“I think about now would be right, after all steak should bleed just oh so slightly. It will be so tender I can’t properly express it.” It took another fifteen minutes or so before Baan had everything on plates ready to be consumed but when it was there it was a meal to behold. Lightly seasoned the entire meal was naturally flavorful and the condiments were meant only to compliment the existing flavors, not adding anything new.

Baan apologized profusely for making them sit about his kitchen island, but offered the patio as well. This house was not where he entertained usually he explained. Once the guests had chosen their preference of drink Baan lit the fire, smiling he said that the frost was going to be coming in soon. Finally settled Baan looked about his cozy house and smiled.
“What might I answer you next? I do understand that you need all the information you can get about our country. I want only to help.”

Though Sofie heard the Third Advisor, one wouldn't have thought so. She was ravenous in a delecate sort of way, using proper table etiquette though not attempting to disguise her hunger. The fact that she had fallen in love with her steak didn't hurt, either.

As his ward was occupied Colonel Alasdair spoke up.

"What could you tell me of Otares' military? Orgainizational structure, chain of command, standard weapons or calibers, things of that nature. Oh and operational doctrine, mustn't forget that." the man asked, almost in one breath (but not quite), then taking a bite of steak.

(OOC- It won't let me see any of your info :confused: )

snip
"So this is the dance club of the nobility?" Leon asked, "It'll be enlightening to see how the nobles get down and funky. Thought many of them see to have good taste in cars"

(OOC: It should be the small coloured icons just below my post count. But irregardless:
MSN: semi_equal@hotmail.com
AOL: OtaresN
YI: semi_equal_1984
ICQ: 84368598 )

Baan nodded watching Sofie eat. He was amused that she devoured his meal so quickly, it was quite a compliment. It was good to see because a lot of superstitions were held about intermingling with outsiders once again. Everything from how anorexia was contagious to how they would spit on and revile the Otariet culture.

When the colonel broke in with his queries Baan looked over to him, granting his full attention.
“What can I say about the Otariet military?” Pausing a moment to gather his thoughts, and a bit of excess marinade with his meat, Baan began.

“The Otariet military is under the direct purview of the crown. Navy, airforce, and land forcers have been streamlined into one organization. Ideally to provide perfectly combined forces. The idea was that it would make joint operations much smoother.

“As for the organization we seem to have developed a middle thin organization. With a five year mandatory draft in this country, oh for men. It is only three for women. We seem to be well provided for in way of grunts. The three enlisted ranks swell with numbers.

“NCOs and low ranking officers seem to be in demand as promotion has been used as a way of favor pulling in the military. There are few in the higher positions which truly belong there. The only consolation is that the officer’s training school is phenomenal. The crown prince however would like to flush out the careerist nobles and have truly excellent officers as apposed to ones that start out terrible and end as passable.

“The operational doctrine though is a series of novel sized manuals that every officer is familiar with. It is however outmoded and the crown is usually left to take direct control over the operation of the armed forces. To paraphrase liberally it speaks of the need for well trained officers able to operate their units for extended periods of time without direction from the top.

“It also speaks of a flawless synchronization of movements. This would hopefully make for some of the best combination attacks with impeccable support.

“It seeks to ensure soldier loyalty through iconic imagery as well as perks not offered in other armed forces. Every man should feel that they can speak freely with their officer in private so that they are unquestioned in combat.

“Infantry are to be given heavy fire support. Acceptable loss ratios are to be very low, to the point of inflicting extraneous damage upon enemy numbers and infrastructures.

“To be frank though I am not the best to speak on the operational doctrine of our military. As for the standard weapons, they’re all locally produced. I can get the statistics for you once we are back in town but it would be a fair comparison to think of AK-47s as the standard rifle, a desert eagle as an officer’s side arm, a gloch for a grunt. Sniper rifles range from the standard 12.7mm big rifle to the more maneuverable 7.62mm rifles.

“There’s also a good amount of anti-tank rifles in the armed forces. We seem to have a preference for big guns as apposed to rocket technology. Easy to maintain the infrastructure I suppose.

“Past that I cannot think of anything very specific. I am willing to impart more of course, I need to know merely what it is you seek.”

snip

The two cleared the security relatively easily, though with a good eye Leon would be able to see armed security milling about the crowded club. Inside bodies were packed against each other to the point of spilling over from the dance floor. The women in expensive designer clothes were grinding against the men and generally giving off a decidedly un-noble aura. If one watched though they would be able to see that this was not a sign of loose women or some other easily assigned stereotype, indeed looking closely the debonair and suave men dressed in their designer suits exuded a presence of debauchery and lust.

It would seem that both genders were operating at the same primal, almost bestial, baser level. This was such a shocking contradiction to the behavior of the nobles observed outside of these establishments that one might think that two separate socio-economic backgrounds were at play.

Winding about the masses of sexually charged bodies Anaya led Leon to a more exclusive area of the club. Another velvet rope within the velvet rope, this area seemed to be calmer than the dance floor and surrounding area. Climbing the stairs behind the rope the two were brought onto a balcony. The balcony protruded slightly over the dance floor below, offering an ample viewing area in comfort.

The balcony also recessed into the wall in numerous alcoves which held comfortable seating area. These seating areas were served by discrete young women whom were obviously staff, dressed in their identical short skirts and tight tops.

The obvious dichotomy was there. In fact the air even smelled different. Below was the aromatic rancor of hundreds of sweaty bodies. Their tang and the scent of sex obviously evident while above was a cozy sweet musk. The smell was of expensive cigars and incense, a lavender if one was observant enough to note. Finally where they could speak Anaya turned to Leon to explain what he was seeing.

“Below you have those who claim lineage to one of the nine families. These are those who have blood but no title. They have been born into privilege but are so far removed from their family’s power seat that they have no hope of ever commanding recognition from court.

“Here around us you have those who control small fiefs or landless titles. They will most like never see any real power but they are high enough up that expectation is placed upon them. They want to come to places like this to socialize, to cut loose. They cannot and will not ever do so though. They instead watch the revelers below, those who are less restricted by birth.

“Oh the cars. Yes there is quite a demand for them in the nobility. Having some high end car companies in the country is one of the things the crown hopes to do by having you over.”

snip
Leon had taken in the club, both the dance floor and balcony area. "So those who are dancing are the ones who are high enought in rank to cut-lose, but low enought to not bother causing scandels. The ones up here are the bottom of the nobility structure, and are thus the ones who are touchy and believe they can't afford to do anything that might damage thier standing."
He looked up from the dance floor, "The car issue is quite possible. A new factory here would be best possible option."

snip

Anaya looked a little hurt at that comment.
“I suppose that it can be taken that way.” Looking at those around her she was drawn into Leon again by his comment.
“Good, something that might be interesting to mention at the conference.” Looking around her she leaned into Leon.
“There is another, more secluded dance floor in this club if you’d like to dance.”

snip
Leon, seeing her expression spoke up, "I'm sorry about my remarks, they were a bit of over simplification, and rude."
When she brought up dancing he asked, "Which do you prefere? I've done 'rave' dancing before and while don't mind it, it's not my favorite."

Thinking about what Baan had said for a moment (using that moment to swallow) the Alasdair replied "How do your personnel advance in rank? Do they need only to fulfill a set of requirement or do they stand before a review board once said requirements are met? Do they require a recomendation, if the later is the case, or need they only request that they be reviewed?"

snip

Anaya looked a little nonplussed when the mention of rave was made.
“Come you will see the dancing on the other floor, you can see how they move.” Anaya then began to lead Leon around the balcony to a discrete double door. This door opened into a small hallway with doors on either side, each having the ambiguous male and female silhouettes on them. The double doors on the other said laid to a nicer dance floor. This one was catered to by a live band and was decidedly less ‘hopping’ than the other. In this one some merely swayed with the music while others danced with their partners. Here it wasn’t so much a morass of hot and sweaty bodies as it was pairs of dancers. Something more intimate.

snip

“That would depend. For the first three enlisted ranks there exists a set of requirements and once met they progress upwards in rank. This stops as soon as they reach the status of Non-commissioned officer.

“For officers as well as NCOs the process requires a recommendation by your commanding officer. Then once that is achieved you are put before a review board. This in and of itself does not seem like a bad process but military culture has seen that certain undesirables do not progress in rank.

“It is our hope that we might be able to shake loose the nobility club from the officer corps when we start integrating with other nations. We want training programs put in and the crown prince thinks that loosing that distinction might be one of the things foreign military advisors comment on.”

snip
Seeing the dancing was in a style he was much more comfortable, and also found more enjoyable, he offered Anaya his arm as he asked, "Shall we dance?"

snippy
“Indeed.” With that Anaya took Leon’s hand and strode out onto the dance floor. Purposeful and confident Leon could tell that he body was relaxed against his manipulations, leaving him free to lead in a style in which he saw fit.

Leon danced, matching the music. He enjoyed dancing with Ayana and it showed.

The two danced to a few songs, some more intimate, some more quickly paced. After awhile Anaya pulled up to Leon’s ear and raised her voice over the band.
“Should we get a drink? I can introduce you to a few of the locals.”

"That'd be great." Leon replied as he enjoyed Ayana whispering in his ear.

A figure in a white suit and a red tie watched them from a discreet distance.

"That'd be great." Leon replied as he enjoyed Ayana whispering in his ear.

Anaya turned from Leon brushing against him as she did. This brush was a little more suggestive, not so much to do with the music as the man. Taking him by the hand once again she lead him back out to the balcony. Pivoting her head for a moment she seemed to find what she was looking for as she directed Leon to one of the soft couches that wrapped the interior wall of one of the recessed alcoves. This particular alcove contained about six people, three couples.

The first couple was a young man and women looking to be in their early twenties. Very comely in appearance the two seemed to carry a different air about them. While youth seems to go hand in hand with awkwardness these two seemed well versed in what they spoke about and confident in their own abilities. This was not so much a testament to their mindset as it was their very being. The possessed no nervous twitches, no bad habits, and carried themselves with more poise than most adults learn to master.

The man was thin with soft skin. In a country where automation was not yet commonplace it could be observed that he lived a life of comfort. While some men offer masculine traits like a rugged appearance or a chiseled jaw this man offer soft skin and a rounded face. Indeed the cliché boyish charm seemed to have found personification.

The girl on his arm was a dark haired beauty. While others her age might have been bubbly she offered a polished enthusiasm. Instead of her short curls ‘bouncing’ they seemed to dip and sway with a natural grace that had been refined far beyond the art form, to more of a lifestyle. This girl had an upturned nose and a quick splatter of freckles on her face, a face which always seemed to be split with a pleasant smile.

The next couple was a bit older, early thirties one might guess. Their youthful exuberance had faded into a warm pleasantness and absolute comfort. One might think that living a life of regulation and restriction might wear on someone but these two seemed to offer a polished sort of contentment that suggested balance had been reached.

The man sported a well kempt beard, waxed straight. Dark against his white skin it ended abruptly at the curvature of his cheek, likening his facial hair to an elegant goatee. The dark goatee seemed to give him a respected gaze of power when contrasted to the bits of gray that tugged at his temples.

The woman on his arm was aged equally well. With shoulder length black hair that played about her neck one’s eyes were drawn into her cleavage. Cleavage which was hidden in the downward journey by a fabric chocker built into the dress, but that reasserted itself in an elongated flesh diamond. Framed by an earthy green the pale neckline seemed to scream for attention but no one about her would dream of being so improper as to state.

The final couple was a pair of men in their late twenties. Both looked well muscled and dressed with impeccable taste. One had a light brown hair that played lightly about his face, dancing over his hardened facial features. The other sported a short military style cut that screamed officer. In the darken lounge area though it was hard to spot other tell tale features. One thing that was easily observable was the fact that the two men openly held hands above the table, occasionally moving their other hand to bask in the warmth of the communion of its pair.

As Leon’s gaze was rounding the table Anaya began to pipe in with introductions.

“Marquess these are some of my peers. The young couple closest to us here is Phala and Gra Mineski. Gra is the son of the local lord and the first inline to assume his father’s title. All of the land surrounding the capital city will one day be his. His wife Phala is current a junior lady in the court. She is recognized as speaking for the noble interest in disease prevention.

“Next we have Lord Simalla and his wife Lady Simalla. You would have flown over their fief on entering the country, theirs is a long corridor that boasts two towns and an impressive stretch of railroad tracks.

“Lastly we have General Alexander Petrov and his consort Sir Vladimir Frak. The General works in national security headquarters and is inline for promotion to the Crown Prince’s war council. Sir Frak has been knighted for his valiantly in regards to putting down some of the pagan… unpleasantness.” Anaya then leaned into Leon again to speak quietly so that only he might hear. “The General is indeed a faggot but sufferance is granted to those whom fulfill the good book’s tenant to go forth and multiply. He is married and has fathered several children.”

“Everyone, this is Marquess Leon. He is the delegate from Theao for the conference the crown prince is having. Tonight I had hoped that he might join us for a pleasant evening.”

A figure in a white suit and a red tie watched them from a discreet distance.

(OOC: I hope that you are going somewhere with this and for the sake of an interesting RP I’ll give you some leeway, based on the following points.

1) This man sticks out like a sore thumb. If you’ve ever been to a club wearing white you should realize that white becomes very luminescent under the black light. He might be trying to discrete but everyone in the bar, including the well armed security, sees him.
2) This is a VERY prestigious club in Otares, more specifically in the capitol city. This means the manner in which he entered the club should be forthcoming in the next few posts as security is just as likely to take you out back and shoot you in the head as they are to ask you to leave. In a country where certain members of society are held to a different standard than others you’d be surprised to see what happens.
3) Security does have certain surprises if something unseemly happens. We can RP you finding them the hard way, the fun way, or not i.e. you simply enjoy the club and don’t do anything foolish.
4) The country itself has been in total isolation for many a year. While there has obviously been media contacts as well as minimal trade it should be noted that I did make reference to how odd it was to see so many people from Mondoth at the airport. Meaning an extra foreigner at any road of ingress would be noticed. While this will change as I get to be more intertwined with foreign interests as yet I have an incredibly secure border.
5) Toss some more flavor into the text. Tell me what he’s thinking what he is doing specifically. Is he lusty for the skin fest downstairs or does he find it distasteful. This is the kind of stuff that makes character RPs go round.
6) Have fun and keep in good humour should something go sideways for you IC.)

OOC: IC post coming soon
BTW: is it about time for our little subplot to be hitting the conference? If so I can offer a segue to that in my next post.

(OOC: eh. Start the segue but it means I will have to hurry the other two along, unfortunate but it will be more equitable. Norleans has dropped off the face of the earth but if his name is any indication of where he lives he kind of has good reason right now.

I’ll slow you down as necessary but we can filter in the others in to rectify the timeline as needed.

As a note to Theao and Carthago Deuce if you two could hop on to any of the instant messengers I have put up that’d be great as we could coordinate and cover more IC time in less posts.)

The man in the white suit was flanked by two members of the internal security force. Not the bar's bouncers.

He seemed patient and calm though.

He did not want to intrude on what was occurring, but one of the internal security men grabbed his elbow to lead him forward steadily.

The man in the white suit was in his mid-twenties. Short wheat blonde hair shaven up the back. Well-built. Toned but not massive. A past -- or present -- stint in some military force was apparent.

The leader of the pair of security agents leaned over and murmured to the Duchess in their native tongue. They passed her his passport and diplomatic credentials.

He was, he claimed on his landing at the airport, a late-arriving delegate from Listeneisse. The operative apologized for interrupting the Duchess' late-night-entertainment, but Baan was unavailable, having taken other foreign contingents off to the countryside.

Unconcernedly speaking in his native language, he offered to take care of the late arrival. Then ambiguously clarified to mean they could take him to a hotel room until the morning or anything else the Duchess wanted.

The white-suited man, for his part, remained calm. The air was thick with noise. He was already being treated like a non-person by the crowd. A trouble-maker. Interloper. The bacchanalia continued.

He avoided eye contact with anyone but the Duchess for now, and bowed slowly when gestured at by the security operative.

"Sir Eliazar of Listeneisse," he introduced himself a bit loudly over the din. It was an unusual circumstance. He almost had to shout, "I came for the conference." The credentials matched the identity he gave.

The other guard who had escorted him from the airport leaned a bit closer, and gripped his elbow a little tighter. These were not the uniform-wearing airport security. They were wearing plain clothes. But their profession was apparent to him.

He was still not sure why they brought him here. They refused to answer his questions. They spoke only their own language when not interrogating him with brusque questions in English.

At the airport, he was assured they had not been informed to expect his arrival. Guards with submachine guns at the ready searched his luggage. They turned over what was found to the plain-clothed security men.

The private aircraft he had flown himself had been siezed. He had expected trouble from the time he had asked permission to land. While he had made sure to file his flight plans before he even left his own nation, apparently whoever he had told had not told the people who were supposed to know.

He felt lucky he was allowed to land. Then again, they had informed him not to deviate in flight path once he entered their airspace.

They had taken his mobile. A clamshell model with camera embedded in it.

They scanned his laptop and gave it back to him. A Macintosh PowerBook. But that was out in the security detail's car, along with his bag of luggage.

They took his signet ring, gold, hand-engraved with the symbol of a heraldic shield bearing a cross upon it. Carnellian crosses upon a field of white enamel adorned each side of the ring. It was not a modern piece.

The security guard showed the ring to the Duchess, wrapped up in a plastic ziplock bag like a piece of evidence.

The man in the white suit awaited the verdict.

Anaya looked at the security guards and looked at the man they now ‘carried’. It seemed to be too surreal to be actually happening. Thoughts began churning in her head as to what had happened, where the communications had broken down. More to the point it seemed she was to be the one to take charge of this little developing fiasco. She began to run the process through in her head.
The questions seems to be whether or not we got their information or if the breakdown was on their side. I don’t think that it is on our side but an investigation needs to be launched.

Right ordered thoughts. This needs to be taken care of now, but I need to see what Marquess’ preference is. Lady Simalla could probably see him to the hotel but it is going to cost me face if I need to ask her for that.

Oh my, these men seem to be rough handling our guest I will have to put an end to that. And why are they in plain clothes? Ah, probably because they would’ve been turned away at the door otherwise. These two are most likely two of the few nobles on security and their demeanor may suggest that they were not supposed to be working tonight.

After this is all said and done we will have to put some form of office in the airport for cases like this. We need to be better prepared for random diplomats, oh my if he had been a defector we might have just scared him off.”

Looking to the guard she began to have a conversation in their native tongue. It was deep and involved, as well as apparently very interesting because most of the nobles at the seating area strained to hear. After the conversation was done the man’s vice like grip on Sir Eliazar waned to a gentle resting of his meaty paw. Even that was a tentative touch, more of an assurance to the officer than something meant to speak to Eliazar.

At this Anaya smiled to the man and spoke as kindly as she could in English.
“My apologies for all of this. There was a bit of a mix up in diplomatic channels it would seem, if you could give me a moment we will go outside where we might speak without straining ourselves.” Then turning to Leon she spoke again, this time less with the professional tone of a diplomat but with a voice that battled to suppress regret.
“I am so very sorry but it seems that I must cut our night short due to the responsibilities of my title.” Anaya continued in a sad tone. “I can of course make provisions for your security and other needs if you should wish to stay here, I can also arrange for you to be taken back to the hotel. The choice, as always, is yours.”

Hearing this Lady Simalla got an almost wicked smile on her face and a glint in her eyes.
“Oh yes Mister Leon we would be so accommodating of you should you stay. We are very interested in both you and Theao.”

Anaya, meanwhile, was trying to be both an attentive listener to Leon while at the same time extract more information from the security personnel. Leon might not have been able to speak the same language as these two but it was obvious from the commanding nature of her voice that Anaya Puska had receded into the ether and only Duchess Puska remained.

(OOC: Very nice, give Theao some time to toss up a reply and then I can deal with you directly. There will be a message coming to your government soon, Anaya just has to write it yet.)

Double snip
Leon gave a 'bow' with his head to each of the of Ayana's friends, the straight and gay alike. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you."

Leon noted the new person and wondered what the deal was. He found out in short order when Ayana commented.
Hearing the fact that Ayana had to go back to duty, depressed him slightly, he was enjoying thier evening.

"I'll remain, since your friends seem to wish me to." Leon replied, "Though I'll miss you."

Anaya offered a solemn nod to this. It was mildly unfortunate for her, as Lady Simalla would lord her inability to provide for her guest over her for sometime to come. It would however be a greater insult to reign Leon in early if he did not want it.

The Lady Simalla for her part looked like the cat that’d just caught the canary. A smug smile pervaded her lips as she motioned for the young couple beside her to move closer, giving Leon room to sit on the edge of the sofa.

Anaya, in a last display of tenderness before she had to go deal with this new development leaned into Leon and offered a small peck on the lower jaw line, partially on the neck. The move was done so that it might look formal to those who were watching but it was a moment shared between the two as she lingered for a second to drink his scent. Coming away she smiled speaking to Leon again.
“The good Lady Simalla will take care of you as needed. If you’d like something to eat or drink please don’t hesitate to ask for it. The club will put anything you wish on my tab and while I might not be the richest woman at this table nothing you can consume here would harm me unduly.”

With that she disappeared off with the plain clothes security officers and the man in white.

Once Anaya and the small group was outside the club she smiled to the man in white and bowed her head deeply. While she introduced herself one of the security agents went off to fetch transport for the group.
“Greetings, I am the Duchess Anaya Puska. I most apologize for the way you have been treated here today. Our country has had something of isolationist tendencies for the last few centuries and there is no standing procedure on what to do in this instance.

“While I am sure it is of little comfort we will be doing a full investigation to see where the communications break down lies as well as setting up an office to deal with things of this nature in the future.” At about this time a limo pulled up and Anaya motioned for the three of them to get in. Continuing she hoped to assuage this man’s mind.

“We still have had no communication from your government, which we are aware of. So what I have arranged is for you to be taken back to the hotel where the conference delegates are to stay. We will provide you a room and all the other amenities we would offer guests of the crown. While you get some sleep after what I am sure was a long day I will verify your information to your government. I will have everything but your credentials returned to you and I assure you the only reason I even bother keeping those is because we want to straighten this matter out with your government without putting undue strain on you.” Anaya smiled in her calming way and the asked. “Is there anything you’d like to say or offer up in light of the current situation?”

snip
As she gave him the kiss, he wispered into her ear, "I'll miss you." He enjoyed her perfume as she leant in.

As she left, he took a seat on the sofa beside the Mineski.

snip

Once Anaya was well and gone Lady Simalla smile gregariously and leaned over to Leon to be heard.
“You must tell us all about yourself. The nobility has been kept strangely uninformed about this conference, I would hope that you might be able to enlighten me.”

snip
"What would you like to know about me?" Leon asked

(OOC- In order to speed this up I'll contact you via AIM. My user name is Eudemic.)

“Is there anything you’d like to say or offer up in light of the current situation?”"Please, my apologies for the irregularities of my arrival. It is obvious I've put you in an awkward way."

This was not the first time his passport and papers had been taken from him, and, God willing, he'd weather this mission and it would not be the last time either. The documents were only as important as he let them be. The plane was only as important as he let it be. For now, he kept his mind on the present question.

"If the interests of my goverment were not made clear, and if my personal flight plans did not go through, I'm sure our government can help investigate the cause of the miscommunication. We were only recently made aware of the conference, so my plans for travel were put together rapidly to arrive in time."

With a smile he added, "I'm used to travelling light."

He glimpsed briefly at the documents she still held in her slender fingers, "If you've read my credentials, you'll see me listed as KOTHG. An abbreviation for my rank. I'm a knight in service to my King."

"Tonight," he shot a glance at his environs and the dark government car as it rolled up, "somewhat errant."

Continuing diplomatically, he spoke, "So far my government does not even know about my safe arrival. If you could please inform them, I would be grateful. You can direct inquiries to my superior officer, His Highness, Prince Kardiez. I'll give you the number of his office. I'm sure His Highness' staff will be glad to assist you in clearing up any misunderstanding."

He then revealed his government's ostensible interest, "Our country is, like yours, learning about international engagement. Monarchies recently engaging with the wider world are somewhat of a rarity, so we're curious how Otares has done so far, and what your plans are to manage the transition in the days ahead."

Continuing, he spoke of his assignment, "My government is keenly interested in mineral extraction, foreign aid, and cultural exchange. My personal interest in the conference, and my area of specialization, is the Military Modernization session on the second day."

It sounded like he was reciting back a mission briefing.

When given his personal effects back, he opened the plastic bag first, carefully tilting it so the ring was safely deposited on his left palm. He slipped it back on his right ring finger and kissed it.

"Thank you."

Glancing at the well-guarded entrance, he assured the Duchess, "Your Grace, I understand completely if you want to go back to the party."

Ignoring the steely gaze of the operative beside him, he spoke to Anaya with a boyish smile, "I'm not much for nightlife myself. I'm sure I'll be safely escorted back to my hotel."

"What would you like to know about me?" Leon asked

“Oh everything I think but most specifically, has Theao determined what it’s official stance with Otares will be? And where does this stance arrive from, the executive or representative branches of your government.”

snip

Anaya took in all the information that he offered. It seemed that he was indeed a man of means, even if he turned out to be someone other than whom he said. This was evident by his working knowledge of the conference itinerary. This spoke well for his chances and Anaya was hopeful that his government would be able to clear this up shortly.

When he offered for her to return to the party Anaya’s face offered up what looked like a repressed wince. She very obviously wanted to be there but the damage was done and her returning now would see her commit two missteps as apposed to the one she was already guilty of. Looking up at the man she smiled and attempted to explain why this was not possible.

“I would like to but due to certain responsibilities of rank I am unable. As I said there is no protocol in place for receiving unannounced agents of foreign interests. The men who escorted you made their best judgment by bringing you to me and I cannot fault them. This however has placed me in a position of responsibility for you. I am now going to be the one contacting your government, as well as informing the crown prince. Not to mention that but I am also now responsible for ensuring that security is prepared for you when the conference moves from the hotel to the crown prince’s family castle. As well as making sure that the chefs and other providers of sustenance and amenities are aware of you and cater to you.

“Normally I would be going beyond my role as a host to explain this to you, indeed it could be considered quite rude. I simply want to make you aware that you are blameless in this and someone would need to do this, it has merely fallen to me. Besides my responsibility over the other delegate I was with has now fallen to another very competent Lady, whom I am now indebted to.” Anaya studied the man’s face for the looking of knowing, that wave of comprehension. Assured that she had gotten the point across she looked back down at the man’s credentials, taking them in more fully.

Anaya had little time to read however as the limo sported a flashing bubble atop the car that parted traffic as if it was a divine instrument applied to the red sea. With the boulevard all but clear for them the trip down to the hotel was short and sweet. With the limo coming to a complete stop she stepped out of the car and was passed a portable radio. From it crackled a man’s voice in the guttural language that seemed to defy placement, but was that of the Otariet people.

Speaking into it momentarily she smiled back to Eliazar.
“Good sir if you would follow me to your room, and please excuse my rudeness as I make preparations for you.” Pulling the radio back up to her face the woman’s slender legs began to stride towards the elevators on the far wall of the spacious grand lobby which had so impressed the delegates from Carthago Deuce and Theo earlier.

The brisk walk across the immense room could’ve winded someone who was not in shape; Anaya cleared it as if it was negligible. Indeed looking around Eliazar would have been hard pressed to see anyone in this country who suffered from the symptoms of an excessively gluttonous lifestyle. Even those whom he was sure have never worked a hard day in their lives seemed to have at most pudge and baby fat, in general Otariets were a healthy statuesque people. One would have to suppose it was the side effect of having so many years of mandatory military service. What it took from one’s personal freedom it definitely seemed to return to their physical health.

The elevators on the other side of the lobby were too numerous to count at this quick a passing. Anaya simply strode into the one that an attentive server held open for them. The interior of the elevator offered an Oak handrail at one’s midsection height. This hand rail separated the lower half of the elevator, upholstered in a soft fabric, with the upper half of the elevator, which was a flawlessly polished mirror.

The radio went silent and Anaya smiled back at the man beside her.
“Your room has been prepared and security provided. My assistant has begun drafting letters I might want to send you your government. We will of course hold off on that because a phone call will be faster, but something will need to be officially issued you understand.” At that the elevator doors closed leaving Anaya, the plain clothes officer, and a pair of uniformed guards they managed to pick up in the lobby, to ascend the magnificent hotel.

snip
"The conference will help in deciding." Leon replied, "And the descision would come from the Council, which is both executive and representative."

Sir Eliazar simply nodded most of the time, with an occasional affirmative, "Of course, Your Grace."

He marched behind her across the lobby, taking in the architecture. He wasn't looking at it artistically. He wanted to remember the placement of windows, doors, hallways. He looked for where mobility was constricted, or points covered or exposed from various directions. He looked for security camera mountings.

Not that he expected to do anything untoward. It was just how his mind worked now.

In the car over, as she stood beside him, or as he walked behind her, he could not help notice she was beautiful.

He remained detatched and disinterested. Professionally so.

He could sense her fishing for more, unsure who or what he was. But not asking. So he volunteered something to see how she responded.

"They'll find a nine millimeter pistol and an automatic rifle, along with ammunition and a survival kit in the plane, if they haven't searched it already," he belatedly informed her, "I wasn't expecting them to clear customs, so I left them onboard. Standard issue. They want us to to go overseas prepared."

With a wry smile, he added, "I don't think they prepared me enough."

The elevator slowed with a slight bounce at the appropriate floor. He waited for the operator to open the doors.

"Security, you said. Who am I in danger of most?" he enquired.

(OOC- I'm just going to rush us through the dinner and tour of the stables, and anything else that might have been planned. Otares, what time (please state time zone) would be good for contacting you via AIM?)


"Minister Dorchest, I would like to say that your home is lovely, and thank you for being an exellent host. Will you provide transportation back to the hotel or prefer us to stay the night with you?" asked Sofie, once they had returned from their tour.

(OOC: Hey all school started this week so that’s why I’m running a few days behind. University’s going great, love those political science courses :D )
snip

The group chuckles at this and the young man next to Leon pipes up.
“Not one for republican sentiment in Theo are we Mister Marquess.” At that the Lady Simalla adds in with a scolding look directed at Gra.
“Lord Mineski, I am sure it is merely our ignorance that is to fault. Mister Marquess please forgive me I assumed there to be a division of powers in your government. I should not be so blithe. We were just wondering if the entirety of your country endorsed this conference or is there was some hesitation.”

snip

(OOC: This is a little bit of a cop out I know. I feel bad about doing it but I am going to describe the architectural information OOCly so I might save time. I feel like a heel but it’s this or wait another day, sorry.

The security cameras are of an unsophisticated design, black and white closed circuit cameras. They cover the main portals to the room, such as the elevators and the doors.

Mobility is very open except for the small gathering at the desk, the elevator, and the stairs to the hanging restaurant above you. Everything else is an open room. There is a small seating area that might be difficult to navigate at high speed but that’s about it. Any other obstructions would be potted plants.

There are no windows accessible from the floor, there are however several large windows on the front wall facing the street that start at the ceiling and extend down ten feet, leaving another thirty until the floor.)
IC:

Anaya nodded at what the man said. Responding to each statement in kind she tried to be as understanding as possible.
“…”
“Indeed. We have already found them, and that has been related to me. I thank you for your honesty. They will be returned to you once this mess is cleared up. As for not clearing customs, well not normally but we do provide out diplomatic guests with satchels for just that purpose. And I do indeed understand the desire to be prepared, it is second nature to the Otariet nobility. I wish I only found myself prepared to day.” Anaya looked a little sheepish at her own comment.
“…”
Anaya chuckled at that comment and offering up genuine understanding she spoke lightly.
“No one can expect everything, I am sure you took every precaution you could.”
“…”
“Security is provided for mutual benefit. It is as much for you as it is for us. Besides it would be inappropriate for us to portray the image that we do not care for you.”

snip

(OOC: Sunday night after supper how about. I am in AST, an hour before New York. I am thinking nine my time but if you can hop onto the messenger and give me a specific time that’d be perfect. I’ll be on then, as well as later tonight and tomorrow morning to check this thread and see if you approve.)

(OOC: Lobby overview

http://www.geocities.com/semi_equal_1984/Flobby.bmp )

snip
"Our govermental set-up is quite unique, which is where the confusion might have come from." Leon replied, "There is also a good deal of division of power. Of the council, I believe, if I remember correctly, the endorsement of this conferance was ninty-three out of a hundred and one."

ooc: Understand the University sentiment, 1st year here, heavy course load.

snip

(OOC: Third, a good part of my work is tracking down textbooks because I can’t afford them first hand. One of my classes requires seven books, how nuts is that?

What degree are you aiming for?)
(IC:)

Lady Simalla nodded at this still smiling.
“Indeed. I suppose we should feel privledged to know that your entire country seems to want to be on good relations with us.”

snip

Leon looked at her, searching for signs of sarcasm, "You could view it that way, but it is beneficial to form economic and political ties with other nations." He commented, "So how does the goverment work in Otares?"

ooc: Undeclared, but am working to change universities actually, if I can, I get free university + money for attending + 5 years garanteed employment. 7, ouch.

Sir Eliazar walked beside her after they departed the elevator.

"While I appreciate the possibility of a diplomatic pouch, and I am a representative of my government, I'm not a diplomat or a high ranking minister. I'm just here to attend a conference."

As they made their way towards his hotel room, he considered the phrasing of his next statement.

He deferred to local authority and judgement, "If it's recommended I carry a weapon, and your government properly authorizes me to carry it, I'll carry it. I'm a knight of my realm -- which to us places me somewhere between a member of the military, law enforcement and the state church combined -- I'm a pretty good shot, and I'd like to think I'm a pretty moral fellow. But there's no reason for me to lug about a gun in a satchel without good reason and without lawful assent. Especially if we're just going to be sitting in a conference room all day under state-provided security."

Wryly he quipped, "People might get the wrong impression. And I've already left a pretty bad one so far."

((OOC: Carthago I don’t see you on. I’ll be hoping in and out of the computer room to keep an eye out to see if you are running late.)

"It's okay, simply put, the whole agenda attracts us, Modnoth is in the midst of an industrial build up thats coinciding with a surge in international interest. We are in the perfect position to help you in every way and politically we can't not help you. Our industries are poised to build and our government is poised to help. I dearly hope we can build your nation into something that you can be more proud of than you obviously are now."
As Hanah finished, Dehavilland spoke up
"Isn't that where the conference is?" he said motioning to a building on the skyline, just a few minutes away.

((OOC: Carthago I don’t see you on. I’ll be hoping in and out of the computer room to keep an eye out to see if you are running late.)

Sorry I broke our arrangement, but today was very problematic and I didn't get out of the hospital until around the time I was suposed to be talking to you and really needed to take a long nap. Stuipd hospital drugs. I'll try to be on at the arranged time for the next few days.

(OOC- Just so anyone who might won't get their skivies in a bunch, I have permission (I think) to use Otares characters for this post. It is for the sake of expediency and actually getting to the conference.)


"I will submit to your preferences, Ms. Ulrika. You may stay if you wish, and I will provide you both with quarters. Or I could call a helicopter to retrive you and bring you back to your hotel." replied the Third Advisor, who though he was quite ready to retire to his bed for the evening remained cordial.

"If it isn't to much of a burden, I would like to stay here for the night." answered Sofie.

"And I, in such matters, must allow Miss Ulrika to deside for me. I will also stay if you would permit us." said Alasdair lightheartedly.

"There is a tailor here, on my estate. Would you like him to quickly assemble some sleeping attire for you? Or maybe a change of clothes for tomorrow?" offered Baan.

"If it wouldn't be to trying for him, I should like some sleepwear. As for what I will wear tomorrow, I would like to have what I'm wearing now washed if possible." asked Sofie.

"And I would like to make the same request as Miss Ulrika, if possible. My uniform is machine washable." followed Alasdair.

Bump?

Prince Kardiez glimpsed over at his adjutant, "Any word from Eliazar?"

"None yet, Your Highness."

Calculating to himself, the Prince frowned slightly, "He should have landed hours ago. It is not like him to not report promptly."

"Perhaps traffic on the way to his hotel?"

"Unlikely," the Prince suggested, "He'd have called from the airport upon clearing customs."

"So..." the knightly adjutant followed the Prince's logic, "he either did not clear customs, or had trouble even reaching the country."

The Prince also ironically suggested, "Or every public phone in their national airport's inoperable."

Nodding without smiling, the Adjutant promised to contact Air Command and find out his last disposition.

The Prince added, "Please call the country directly. See if you can reach any member of government."

Frowning, he added, "If he has landed, let them know I'd like to understand what's become of my brother-at-arms and my kinsman."

The Adjutant bowed swiftly and headed down the hall to see what he could discover.

(OOC: My apologies everyone school work has overcome me once again. I may not be consistent but I am reliable.

Now the next post might take some liberties with your characters. I am trying to be fair to the behaviors you’ve outlined for them thus far. This is just to equalize the timelines. If there is a problem TG me and we can work it out. Again I ask for a bit of leeway as the point will be simply to put your delegation into the conference at the same time as others.)

snip

“There’s been some recent disagreement on that since the new crown prince. Traditionally though the Crown rules unquestioned, with an understanding that the nobility affords him a certain amount of eminence.” The good Lady offered no trace of sarcasm, though a bit of distain of her own situation if Leon was reading her properly.

At this point Sir Frak speaks up in a mildly nasal tone. The man wasn’t immediately annoying but Leon had to wonder if any of his men ever enjoyed serving under someone who always seemed to be speaking down to you.
“Come now M’Lady we cannot speak poorly of the young prince. Perhaps when his father passes on to sit with God he will realize the gravity of his situation.” The general from his position beside the knight snorted at that.
“And perhaps not.” In a more diplomatic tone the young noble beside Leon spoke up again.
“Everyone please, I am sure that our guest did not come here to listen to us whine. We must offer up entertainment and merriment. Mister Leon, would you like a drink? I can fetch the server.”

Responding to Leon’s preference a server was fetched, even if he only desired a glass of water. Once Leon was sufficiently hydrated the group began to socialize once again. This time with less tension, as if the appearance of the server was enough of a break to settle everyone into more comfortable roles.

The conversation strayed to more local events, though the nobles gave Leon the courtesy of speaking in English so that he might stay with the conversation. This conversation gave Leon a small insight into the inner-workings of the ‘other’ side of the Otariet government. These nobles spoke of ubiquitous nepotism as if it were the preferred manner of dealing. Indeed if any of these mentioned anyone in authority a kinship seemed to exist. The nobility seemed to grasp most every aspect of official life and power, and those they did not grasp they seemed to speak bitterly of as intrusions by the crown into traditional power structures.

The conversations proceeded for some time, involving Leon at his leisure. When the Lady Simalla noticed that Leon’s interested had waned she fetched him transport back to the hotel. All the while telling him how lovely it was to meet him, giving him instructions to contact her if he ever felt the need.

Before long the same non-descript black limo had deposited Leon in his hotel room, allowing him time to sleep before the conference began. His wake up call would be at seven am local time, while his shadow would return to carry his diplomatic satchel at 7:40.

snip

The hallway was a wide one to be sure. Looking to be about sixteen feet in length it could easily accommodate two room service carts as well as two fully grown men side by side. Considering the general bone density and girth that prevailed among the men in this country that was an impressive statement.

The rooms were illuminated by brass fixtures sporting a single light bulb. The fixtures were between every door jamb, but only every other fixture sported a working light bulb. The remaining fixtures offered un-light candles, judging from the light soot stains on the calming yellow walls above those fixtures however Eliazar could tell that their disuse was not the prevailing state of affairs.

The doors themselves offered small golden characters that could only be assumed to the numerals used by the Otariet. The wood was a dark hardwood that offered a rich feeling of warmth.

The carpet was a dark red with flecks of brown thrown into the mix to offer a compliment to the hardwood doors. More of a speckled splashing than a pattern the carpet was soft to step into, so much so that it seemed to invite the pedestrians to stop their travel and sleep where they stood.

When Elizar began to protest the gift of a diplomatic satchel Anaya pursed her lips slightly. Looking the knight up and down once again she decided on a noncommittal response.
“We’ll see what your government says, we’ll base it on that.”

Eliazar then made a slight crack about his poor impression. Anaya placed a few fingers to her lips, suppressing a giggle. Looking over at the man she smiled and tried again.
“Private citizens nor tourists are permitted to carry firearms in the capitol. The right to bear arms is provided by the crown or the local lord. We can let you carry it as a delegate of Listeneisse, so you would not have to lug it about. As a courtesy you would need to relieve yourself of it for the conference.
“I should hope you possess no need for it though as security will indeed be present at any function you attend. And I would not worry too greatly, with good intentions and a quick wit such as yours past mistakes can be forgotten.”

At about this point they arrived at a door, no more specific than any of the dozens of others, where Anaya stopped. Motioning to the door she explained what would happen next.
“This is where you will be staying the night. One of two things is going to happen from here. You will sleep soundly until seven when you receive a wakeup call. At seven forty one of two peoples will be here to greet you. Assuming all went well and I was able to contact your government and clear this up it will be a diplomatic attaché, who will provide you with your diplomatic satchel. Whether or not you accept is up to you, it will be provided.
“The other persons that might arrive on your door will be in advent of our inability to successfully resolve this situation to our satisfaction. These will be uniformed security officers who will treat you with the up most respect while escorting you back to your plane. We will ensure that you have enough fuel to make it back to the nearest friendly port.” At that Anaya offered a quick smile, which was interrupted by the crackle of her radio.
“I am sorry but I must be going.” Leaving Eliazar at his door Anaya walked off responding to the radio in her gruff native tongue.

Anaya strode quickly towards the lobby. It seemed that the country of Listeneisse had already realized an error and had taken in upon themselves to contact Otares. The phone call had been bounced around a bit as it was explained to her so she imagined that this Adjutant was not too happy. The crown had managed to track her down and now the call was waiting for her in the lobby on a recently secured line.

Tapping her toes impatiently in the elevator she waited until the older styled mechanical doors open, whereon she speed walked at such a clip one might think she was jogging, if not for the maintained graceful glide.

The phone conversation itself was an interesting one. The Adjutant was indeed annoyed but to his credit he did not allow it to bleed in to the conversation too much. Once both sides had explained their respective situations Anaya was satisfied that the Knight Eliazar was who he said he was. The two arranged for the transfer of official documents and the problem was resolved with little obstruction. After the conversation had ended Anaya began to contact those needed to alter the conference to include one more.

snip

Baan nodded at the observation and in an efficient answer to both he spoke sagely.
“Indeed.”

Coming into the hotel at this time of day offered a different type of reception than those of the preceding night. While before a light smattering of people dotted the scenery this morning a bevy of who’s who and their security milled about the hotel. The limousine pulled astride the debarkation area. This time there the valet opened the limo door to a red carpet and full greeting party. The guests traveled the red carpet serenaded by local music. The red carpet ended at the entrance to the lobby where they took in the vast open space, with parted corridors for their easy passage.

snip

The attire for the two was taken care of in every perceivable detail, everything down to their preferred scent after the washing process had taken place. Once Baan was satisfied that they were happy he ushered his guests to bed, citing the morning tomorrow. He knew he himself was tired from the tour about the property on horseback.

The two guests would have awoken early to the sound of the government transport helicopter touching down near the house. When the two looked to investigate they’d find their cleaned and pressed clothes hanging on the door frames of their respective bedrooms.

Once dressed and Baan was assured that any early morning needs were met the three departed via helicopter. Baan was unloaded at the airport to await the last arrivals while the other two were taken straight to the hotel, which conveniently sported a helipad on the roof. They were instructed, once in their hotel room, that it would be a matter of minutes before their attaché returned as the schedule spoke for 7:40.

General

At seven forty the respected delegates were collected and brought to the lobby, some slightly earlier than others. Once in the lobby they could see those about them who were cleared to attend the conference as the lobby was roped into a VIP area by purple velvet ropes. These ropes contained (of course) our players as well as several other parties from Otares. These Otariet seemed to hail from all sorts of divisions, some military, some noble, some crown workers and if one had the wisdom to look some looked as if they were Pagans.

These many were brought together and then silence was called for. A young woman walked to the lead area and placed a step stool down. Standing on it she was head and shoulders above the crowd, though with some of the locals about the procession her added height matter not as the Otariet men towered above the average human height. (OOC: They are still human, and some of them are not towering. The median height for a man in Otares is about 6’4. And of course there are those above and below that.) Clearing her throat she quiet the procession and then began to speak, first in Otariet and then in English.
“…”
“Welcome everyone to the Purple Stain Hotel. I must apologize as that sounds bad but that’s as close as the hotel’s name translates into English. You are all guests of His Majesty Holy Crown Prince of Otares, The Supreme Commander of the Crown’s Forces, High bishop in our lord’s house, Duke of Cali, Duke of Penson, and twice blessed man Alark the third.”
“…”
“The scheduled breakfast and performance are about to start so if you’d come this way the valets can take you to the second floor which is cordoned off from the general public. There are thirty six elevators so we should be able to accommodate you all.”
“…”
“I am hoping that you will all be comfortable but please when you come into the ballroom set aside for this help yourself to the food for as long as the lights are on. When the lights dim we will circulate servers for your convenience and respect for those on stage.”

And with that the group was lead forward towards the elevators.

(OOC: There, tired of writing now. I will get this posting thing down into a routine I swear. This should give you times for reactions. The ballroom is very ornate, as too be expected. There is a lot of tapestries about telling tales of individual moments in history, Otariet history. I will toss another post up either tonight or tomorrow about the performance but I felt you guys deserved something.)

As Leon returned to the hotel room, he thanked each of his hosts for the enjoyable evening.

At the reception, in the lobby of the oddly named Purple Stain, Leon listened to the lady speak, as he was unable to see her. This was, in part the fact that there was a rather large native in front of him.

After the introduction and short overview he headed to the dining hall, but frequently got waylaid by the beautiful tapestries that lined the path.

After entering the dinning hall, Sofie took a seat next to a man in a suit of simple elegance; Colonel Alasdair in tow.

(OOC- Theo, mind if I sit next to you?)

Sir Eliazar called the lobby to get a wake up call for 6:00 am, then simply went to sleep.

(OOC- Theao, mind if I sit next to you?)
ooc: Not at all.

(OOC: Listeneisse it is assumed that you were woken up and brought down with the rest. I must apologize if I didn’t make that clear I was rushed.

I have class now but my afternoon is free so I hope to toss something else on before supper. So if any of you have a preference to sit with one of my characters clamour before I post. If not I will make random decisions.)

OOC: working on latest project launch, its taking a little longer than expected and I have major plans for tomorrow, so I'll be back wednesday.

(OOC: Listeneisse it is assumed that you were woken up and brought down with the rest. I must apologize if I didn’t make that clear I was rushed.

I have class now but my afternoon is free so I hope to toss something else on before supper. So if any of you have a preference to sit with one of my characters clamour before I post. If not I will make random decisions.)
ooc: Could I get Ayana beside Leon? Opposite side of Sofie(CD)

(OOC: excuse the crude drawing but this should give everyone an idea of what’s running around in my head. I realize that I don’t know any of you personally but I feel like a bit of a douche for not contributing to this more. Anyway voilia seating plan!)

http://www.geocities.com/semi_equal_1984/Seatplan.bmp

ooc: From my end at least you're forgiven, I'm learning to understand the stress of University.

Sir Eliazar was glad to be admitted to the conference the next morning, and hoped the worst diplomatic gaffes were behind him.

Taking his seat, he noticed how large the room was, and how few visitors there were.

He counted twelve tables, eight chairs at each. Enough for almost a hundred visitors. But here there were six visitors and what seemed to be two locals. Prima facie, it could mean no one wanted what Otares was offering, whatever they were offering had too high a price or cost, or everyone else was off watching World Cup instead.

His mind went back over the figures he had been briefed on.

Trade from Otares was already significant. $372 Billion in foreign exports and, the freakishly exact same amount exported. Down to the penny. It was like the nation could not make a foreign import deal unless there was an equivalent export negotiation.

He was unsure what Otares wanted to import. Tourists were obviously not top of their list.

What else had he noted? Otares had a population well over twice that of Listeneisse. But unemployment was higher by a few points.

Its tax rate and the GDP per capita were both about three fifths of Listeneisse's. Summarily, Listeneisse was not that far behind Otares economically in terms of overall GDP or foreign trade (about 60% of Otares) or government budget (about 75%).

Top budget priority for Otares? Defense. Nearly half their budget was in their military. Major industry? Arms manufacturing. Summarily, it was estimated Otares had a military budget six times that of Listeneisse. What was it for? Why maintain such a gigantic standing military? Where were their assets focused?

There should be valuable lessons to learn there. Possibly also in the realm of law enforcement (which represented about a third of their government budget). The King was still keen on reducing government waste.

He deferred to his hosts to begin the programme.

Having taken her seat, Sofie turned to her left to introduce herself to the man next to her. "Good morrow. May I ask your name, sir? And from where you hail?" she said good naturedly.

While she did this Colonel Alasdair was occupied with the person to his right.

"Good morning, ma'am. May I ask your name?" said Alasdair, standing in order to pull the chair to his right back for the local Duchess who was about to take it.


((OOC- No problem Otares.))

"Me, I am Marquess Leon, of Theao." Leon replied to the inquiry from the lady to his side, "And you?"

ooc: On both sides of Alasdair are a local Duke(not Duchess) and Sofie on his other.

((OOC- I'm just thinking that not all of the 89 local duchies (sp?) represented are headed by men.))

ooc: I'll be out of town this weekend, but back by Monday. I'll be the quiet guy in the corner for now.

;)

(ooc: Hey all. I have to apologize, I had hoped that we might be able to get a lot of posting done this weekend. Fate thought ‘not so much’ and then killed my cousin. Long story short I’m out of town for a funeral service.

But seriously Caitlin was a great kid and his death was unexpected. While he was not endeared to me per-se his passing is going to hurt my family, so I need to be there for support.

I will throw something up Sunday night when I get back, and then we should discuss plans of having a time where all the players might be able to sit down for some rapid fire posting.)

ooc: My condolences and symphathies for the loss to your extended family.

Bump