NationStates Jolt Archive

[ooc:] All I'm going to ask is:

1) Keep it as detailed as possible.

and

2) Learn something about my nation before you arrive (I have a few links in my signature you can look at; the NSWiki page is sadly out of date but the rest are more accurate).

My only requirements for joining this conference are a good human rights record and at least some semblance of RPing ability.... ;)

[ic:]

"You're saying what?" Secretary General Andreas Caverra, watching the other man sitting across the long oaken table in Congress Hall, leans forward, adjusting his glasses slightly.

"We've been opening up to the international community for some years now," says Foreign Minister Kari Alhoun, appearing somewhat annoyed. "Why shouldn't we hold a diplomatic conference?"

"Well, we're officially at war, for one thing..."

"So? The war isn't here, it's more than three thousand kilometers away. And with our defenses, no invading force is going to get anywhere closer than seven hundred kilometers to the Czardaian coast."

"Ah. CAMERA is fully activated?"

"According to Henrik anyway." Alhoun shrugs.

"What nations should we invite, then?"

"Make it open. Oh, of course we shouldn't broadcast it to anyone in the CAD or any known human rights violators... but just about anyone else would be fine."

"All right... but I'm still skeptical," Caverra says. "What if they try to sneak someone in?"

"Security's anyway been stepped up with the discovery of that Warmasterian strike team a few days ago. We've got helicopters patrolling the area for more dropships or any sign of hostiles. Plus our new naval forces are patrolling the area, and the Barik Class Dreadnaughts and Neptune Class Super Dreadnaughts we comissioned are complete with their own battle groups ready for action."

"Right," Caverra says. "I'll leave it to you to send out a message."

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Semi-Open Transmission (target co-ordinates specified)
From: The Libertarian Concordance of Czardas

Greetings from the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas!

With the intent of solidifying our position in the international community, we wish to extend an invitation to all nations to send representatives to a conference to be held in our capital, Czarna, to discuss trade, the establishment of embassies, and prospects for alliances or the creation of mutual defense pacts, or anything at all.

While the main business of this conference will be formal, remember to be prepared for anything. Also, try not to send someone squeamish about nudity. Thank you for your time and have a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Czardas
From: Diplomatic Corps, Xeraphian Empire

Greetings,

We are interested in attending this conference. We are willing to discuss trade and other matters of importance. Please let us know when and where.

regards,

Lt. Col. J.D. Bridgeton

To: Kari Alhoun, Foreign Minister, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas
From: Kenix Kil, President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia
Re: Diplomatic Conference

It is with great optimism that we received the Czardaian communique regarding an open diplomatic conference for all nations seeking relations with the Libertarian Concordance. With tensions around our new colony of Veritas heightening, and Czardas a like-minded nation with a colony near ours, we gladly accept your invitation. I would be honored to personally attend, and open relations with the venerable state of Czardas. I look forward to a fruitful meeting, and hope that we can come to a mutually beneficial conclusion.

Respectfully,
Kenix Kil
President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia

To: Czardas
From: Diplomatic Corps, Xeraphian Empire

Greetings,

We are interested in attending this conference. We are willing to discuss trade and other matters of importance. Please let us know when and where.

regards,

Lt. Col. J.D. Bridgeton
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Lt. Col. J.D. Bridgeton, Xeraphian Empire

Greetings from the Concordance! We are glad that you have shown interest in attending. The conference will be held in one week in Czarna, our capital. Transportation will be provided from Krîaberg Airport into the city; accomodation will also be provided for whatever length of time you can stay. Thank you.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Kari Alhoun, Foreign Minister, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas
From: Kenix Kil, President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia
Re: Diplomatic Conference

It is with great optimism that we received the Czardaian communique regarding an open diplomatic conference for all nations seeking relations with the Libertarian Concordance. With tensions around our new colony of Veritas heightening, and Czardas a like-minded nation with a colony near ours, we gladly accept your invitation. I would be honored to personally attend, and open relations with the venerable state of Czardas. I look forward to a fruitful meeting, and hope that we can come to a mutually beneficial conclusion.

Respectfully,
Kenix Kil
President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Kenix Kil, President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia

We are glad that the nation of Halberdgardia has expressed interest in attending this conference, a nation of which we hold quite a high opinion. We would also be very pleased and honored to host you, its President. The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upon the reception of the request, the Omzian Republic would be more than willing to reach out its hand to Czardas as a part of a bold endeavour to build up relations between our two honourable nations. Though we did not have too much contact with the nation of Czardas before, we are however aware of the presence of Czardas extensively, and equally we value them as an instrumental member of the international community. With new unrests flaring up in the [Hogsweat's colony] region, and with a cloud of instability eclipising over the world today, we would officially like to announce our intention to attend this conference for the benefit of both the Czardas and Omzian peoples.

Office of the President,
Omzian Foreign Affairs Ministry

To: Kari Alhoun, Foreign Minister, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas
From: Kara Maddox, Secretary of State, The Armed Capitalist Republic of The Silver Sky
Re: Diplomatic Conference

As we hope you remember, we already have a representative in your nation, but if you'd like to meet with me personally I'd be glad to come.

Your ally,
Kara Maddox

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima

Dear sir,

In the interest of promoting trade and good relations between our countries, we would be most honored to attend Czardas' Diplomatic Conference. With your permission, we would like to send one of our representatives, Severin Solei, to meet with your representatives and with representatives of all other esteemed countries in attendance on the appointed day.

Cordially yours,
Anatole Solei

Upon the reception of the request, the Omzian Republic would be more than willing to reach out its hand to Czardas as a part of a bold endeavour to build up relations between our two honourable nations. Though we did not have too much contact with the nation of Czardas before, we are however aware of the presence of Czardas extensively, and equally we value them as an instrumental member of the international community. With new unrests flaring up in the [Hogsweat's colony] region, and with a cloud of instability eclipising over the world today, we would officially like to announce our intention to attend this conference for the benefit of both the Czardas and Omzian peoples.

Office of the President,
Omzian Foreign Affairs Ministry
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Omzian Foreign Affairs Ministry

Greetings from the Concordance! While we have had little contact with the Omzian Republic ourselves, we have long viewed it as a possible ally, especially after its entry into the Council of Air Powers, of which Czardas is also a member. We would be honored to accept the Omzian Democratic Republic to this conference. The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Kari Alhoun, Foreign Minister, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas
From: Kara Maddox, Secretary of State, The Armed Capitalist Republic of The Silver Sky
Re: Diplomatic Conference

As we hope you remember, we already have a representative in your nation, but if you'd like to meet with me personally I'd be glad to come.

Your ally,
Kara Maddox
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Kara Maddox, Secretary of State, The Armed Capitalist Republic of The Silver Sky

Greetings from the Concordance! We were in fact aware of Skyian presence in Czardas ([ooc:] at least ICly :headbang: ;)), but we would be honored to meet with you in person, if it will be possible for you to attend, to solidify the already strong ties between our nations. The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima

Dear sir,

In the interest of promoting trade and good relations between our countries, we would be most honored to attend Czardas' Diplomatic Conference. With your permission, we would like to send one of our representatives, Severin Solei, to meet with your representatives and with representatives of all other esteemed countries in attendance on the appointed day.

Cordially yours,
Anatole Solei
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima

Greetings from the Concordance! While we as yet know little of your nation, we would be honored to accept representatives of your nation to Czardas.
The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima

Greetings from the Concordance! While we as yet know little of your nation, we would be honored to accept representatives of your nation to Czardas.
The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima

Our sincerest thanks for your acceptance. We will make arrangements immediately. Your caution that those who are offended by nudity should not attend did not escape my attention. Are there any other customs or traditions you would like our representative to observe, or any taboos we should make a note to avoid?

Cordially yours,
Anatole Solei


((OOC: My apologies for the deleted post - this computer is shared, and I didn't realize it automatically logged me in under my roomate's nation))

~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Anatole Solei, Chief of Diplomatic Relations for Kageshima

Not really. Czardas is a mix of many diverse cultures; the caution was because relaxed public nudity laws have led to a moderate number (approximately 13%) of people who choose to go around unclothed. Cultures that find public displays of affection or dissent are also cautioned.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Kenix Kil, President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia

We are glad that the nation of Halberdgardia has expressed interest in attending this conference, a nation of which we hold quite a high opinion. We would also be very pleased and honored to host you, its President. The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~


To: Kari Alhoun, Foreign Minister, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas
From: Kenix Kil, President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia
Re: Conference

I am honored to hear that a nation such as Czardas holds the Imperium in such high esteem. I will be arriving via Gulfstream private jet, flight designation VHF-601. As is required by the Presidential Protection Protocol, I will be accompanied by four Secret Service agents, each armed with a silenced Model 100 submachine gun (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9835717&postcount=78) and a .50AE Desert Eagle pistol as sidearms. If this found to be objectionable, then we can make accommodations; we do not wish to offend our gracious hosts. Again, I look forward to attending.

Respectfully,
Kenix Kil
President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia

To: Foreign Minister Kari Alhoun, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas
From: Her Eminence the Foreign Minister Lady High Grand Cardinal Heather Gilda

The High Ecclesiarchy of the Holy Empire of Xirnium would be honoured if allowed to attend a conference with your most esteemed nation. Though we have not had much official contact with your renowned nation, your staunch belief in liberal civil rights is something that Holy Xirnium admires. The High Ecclesiarchy hopes that this conference may facilitate greater communication between our nations and strengthening diplomatic and trade ties.

Should our presence be acceptable, we look forward to meeting. The High Ecclesiarchy hopes that this might be the forging of a long and fruitful diplomatic relationship between our two most noble states.

[Signed]
Her Eminence the High Lady Heather Gilda
Grand Cardinal and Foreign Minister of the Patriarchate of His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Holy Empire of Xirnium

~~~~~~~~~~~~
We do not find this objectionable in any way. With occasional riots breaking out in Czardaian sectors due to somewhat over-enthusiastic protestors, it is common for government officials to go around with armed bodyguards, and I'm sure the citizens will understand. Your flight will be landing in Terminal F of Krîaberg International Airport, where all foreign affairs flights are directed.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

You don't have to RP them getting into the plane, flying to Czardas, getting out of the plane etc. if you don't want to. It'll quicken things up a bit. (Conference will begin probably tomorrow IRL, as I'm going to sleep pretty soon.)

You don't have to RP them getting into the plane, flying to Czardas, getting out of the plane etc. if you don't want to. It'll quicken things up a bit. (Conference will begin probably tomorrow IRL, as I'm going to sleep pretty soon.)

[OOC: Rog, wilco. You can just say my flight arrived if you want. I'm headed off to bed too, so I'll (hopefully) be able to make a post tomorrow, assuming homework permits.]

To: Foreign Minister Kari Alhoun, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas
From: Her Eminence the Foreign Minister Lady High Grand Cardinal Heather Gilda

The High Ecclesiarchy of the Holy Empire of Xirnium would be honoured if allowed to attend a conference with your most esteemed nation. Though we have not had much official contact with your renowned nation, your staunch belief in liberal civil rights is something that Holy Xirnium admires. The High Ecclesiarchy hopes that this conference may facilitate greater communication between our nations and strengthening diplomatic and trade ties.

Should our presence be acceptable, we look forward to meeting. The High Ecclesiarchy hopes that this might be the forging of a long and fruitful diplomatic relationship between our two most noble states.

[Signed]
Her Eminence the High Lady Heather Gilda
Grand Cardinal and Foreign Minister of the Patriarchate of His Most Worthy High Ecclesiarchy of the Holy Empire of Xirnium
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Her Eminence the High Lady Heather Gilda, Xirnium

Greetings from the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas! While we have had little contact with Xirnium ourselves, we have long followed its rise into prominence in the international community and would be honored to open diplomatic or trade relations with Xirnium. The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

[ooc:] Right, I'll probably post that tomorrow. Tonight it'll just be official messages, I think.

To: Kari Alhoun, Foreign Minister, the Libertarian Concordance of Czardas

I would be glad to come, I'll be boarding the next flight to Czardas right away and will be there soon (OOC: 10 RL minutes). I will be accompanied by 5 bodyguards from our 1st Special Forces Battallion armed with SOC-65A1 Special Operation Carbines.

Thank you,
Kara Maddox

[OOC: Just pretend she's already there]

[ooc:] You'll have one NS week to wait... Ah well, I'll just pretend the day of the conference's start has finally arrived. Besides, everyone will need a few days to see the sights of Czardas, party, and have fun before we get down to business, I suppose.

[ic:]

~~~~~~~~~~~~
That is acceptable, a delegation will transport you to Czarna as soon as you arrive. I take it you're already aware of Czardaian customs and traditions, so we'll be waiting.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We're getting lots of responses," Alhoun calls across the clean office separating his desk from that of his assistant (more of an associate) Lorin Dax.

"Good," Dax says without looking up. "How soon are they arriving?"

"The first one's expected here in a few hours," Alhoun says a bit mischievously and watches as Dax starts up.

"Good God... how many nations are responding to this?"

"Skyian top dogs are coming over, along with Hal's president, the Xirniumites, some Omzians, and ... " Alhoun was interrupted by the strickenlook on Dax's face. "Oh, they're not all coming at once. The Skyians will be coming over to Czarna first, followed probably by the Halberdgardian President."

"Ah, I see," Dax says, still a bit white. "Are you going out to meet them?"

"Are you kidding?" Alhoun laughs, looking over the next message as it comes in. "We've got enough work on our hands to supply the Foreign Office for a month!"

"Right. I suppose you've rung up the limo service."

"As always. They're on their way to the airport right now, in fact."

Several hours later

The limousine bearing Skyian Secretary of State Kara Maddox, accompanied by an armed patrol of Czardaian SpecOps atop motorcycles, rounds a corner along the highway and comes into full view of the valley containing Czarna, while not the largest certainly one of the most dramatic sights in the country. From atop the high point (itself more than 3000 feet up) the spires and towers of Czarna's oddly jagged skyline rise more than 120 stories into the air, while below the great metropolis sprawls up around hills, split around the great river bisecting the city. The limousine and patrol begins to descend along the highway, turning off on the nearest exit, which brought it onto a broad boulevard that moved onwards in a continuous one-way stream of traffic. (The other side had been fenced off for a protest of foreign involvement by the Czardaian Isolationist Party, but it is not a particularly impressive one as that party has been reduced to approximately 50 members throughout the nation, the vast majority of which are old veterans in wheelchairs.)

The streets of Czarna are a strange sight in any time. Sidewalks are clogged with people in all manners of dress, from suits and ties to Indian silks to wetsuits to nothing. All roads are somewhat larger than usual because of the two bicycle lanes, which are also rather full. Signs in at least five different languages can be seen decorating various stores, some flashing brightly with animated neon colors, others announcing their purpose with bold clarity... advertisements tacked up on the sides of tall buildings, some more than 100 feet long. Everywhere are buildings under construction, even along this main street. However, after a time it gives way to grander, more imposing buildings: banks and office buildings, courts... Finally the car comes to rest in a vast, cobblestoned plaza, lined with nine statues of lions pawing the air in bronze, surrounded by huge buildings. The car stops in front of an imposing set of granite steps, and one would look up from there, past two Corinthian columns of marble lining the doorway, many windows closed on high, a gracefully arched roof... Congress Hall, informally known as "the Brown House", home of the Czardaian Governing Council...

TO: Kara Maddox, Secretary of State, The Armed Capitalist Republic of The Silver Sky
FROM: USNSEA Minister of Foreign Affairs
SUBJECT: Diplomatic Conference

Dear Mrs. Maddox,

The United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia while it has heard little of Czardas, we admire her record as an excellent nation and for it's highly liberal laws. I shall be attending the conference myself, and will be arriving with tight security.

Yours Truly,
His Excellency,
USNSEA Minister of Foreign Affairs
Joshua Lin

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Sir Chairman Gary Girardi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Past Chairman
Re: Conference

Minsiter,

The Commonwealth of Saint Fedski will be attending this conference. Representing the Commonwealth as a whole and the Republic of New McFarland will be myself. The Republic of North Saint Clair has notified me that they will send their Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paul Martin. If you can give us a recomendation for the size of the escort soon, we can have it ready sooner. If it is not a problem, we would like to hold a small conference on the side with yourself, and the delegations from Southeast Asia, The Silver Sky, Halberdgardia , the Omzian Republic and maybe a few others that we feel necessary to talk to.

Sincerely,
G. Girardi

The air shimmered, a soft, high-pitched whine came and went. A blue oval appeared on the floor of the government building, and when it was gone, three people stood there.

The delegation from The Empire of Xeraph was, to say the least, a curious sight.

The two guards that flanked the delegate were armed to the teeth. They were Marine Knights, of which only 25 existed in the Empire. They each carried AK47-II rifles, a Glock 9mm sidearm, and their katanas. One Knight was from the Kingdom of Auralinia, the other from the Dominion of the Grey Phoenix. Each were clad in the Imperial Armor...black leather and Kevlar from head to foot.

The delegate to the conference, General Louis "Mad Dog" Donofrio, was similarly dressed, but he was not carrying a rifle. A black cape made of the hide of the black lion of Xeraph hung over his shoulders, the four stars on his collar indicating his rank.

In his gloved hand he held the papers that would hopefully open trade and military deployment. He had other reasons for being here, also..............

It is with great interest that the Confederacy of Monte Castello views your invitation. To this end, Monte Castello will be sending our Minister for External Relations, Lydia Freeman, to attend this diplomatic initiative. We hope that this will aid in building a future relationship between our two great nations.

Ministry of Information Broadcast 19/12-12/5
Government of the Confederacy of Monte Castello

~ A nation for all, a nation secure

Anatole straightened Severin's collar, ignoring the impatient sound his eldest son made as he squirmed in the heavy clothes.

"Why," he wondered dryly, "do I have to wear all this cloth, again?"

Anatole's sharp gray eyes fixed on him severely. "Because," he said just as dryly, "I could be mistaken, but I presume that if you attend a diplomatic conference clothed in our native dress, the other representatives will imagine you are a savage, and treat you as such. It would be a poor way to represent Our Lady's interests."

"Surely there is a more palatable compromise between 'nearly naked' and 'smothering'," Severin protested as the woven screen slid aside and Natalya stepped into the room, carrying a leather satchel and setting it open on the bed.

"I wouldn't complain, she said, looking Severin over with a smile. "You look very dashing."

"I look like a poncing git, but thank you," he said with a long suffering smile.

"Oh, not at all," she reassured him. "That color... or lack thereof," she amended, shooting Anatole a sharp glare, which to which he replied with a blandly innocent look, "... suits you very well."

"Looking good in gray is a family trait, I suppose," Severin said with a little more cheer, running his hands down the front of the heavy, woolen coat. It was made in the style of fifteenth century France, with flared cuffs and dark bronze buttons at the cuffs and lapels. Beneath it he wore a simple, white linen shirt and a gleaming medallion on a short thread around his neck. They'd had a lengthy rebate over whether or not he ought to wear his cutlass, but when their intelligence had reported that other diplomats would likely be going armed with far more dangerous weapons, Anatole had cast his vote in favor and that had been that. That was not, of course, the only weapon he would be taking - the turned-down tops of his knee-high boots concealed a set of flint knives, and his blowgun and a wallet containing darts and a poison sac were tucked into his coat. Doubtless, no one else at the conference would consider any of these archaic weapons a threat, but Severin didn't anticipate violence, so he wasn't overly concerned. It was simply that his Papa's people had always taught him to be prepared for any eventuality, and besides, going unarmed would have rankled the Dylani.

"It's hot," he sighed, picking at the fabric, "but I suppose it's not tropical where I'm going."

"No," Anatole confirmed as Natalya packed a change of clothes and a few essentials into the satchel. "It will most likely be colder than anything you have experienced up to this point."

"Including Evendar?" Severin wondered, sticking out his tongue.

Anatole smirked slightly. "Well, perhaps not THAT cold."

Natalya rolled her eyes at them as they chuckled over their shared joke. "Here," she said brusquely, shoving the satchel at Severin, who caught it. "You should get going. We've gotten you a flight out of the Draconian islands, and when you land, Czardas will have someone there to help with changing planes. You'll be a day or so early, so behave yourself."

"In other words, don't act like your father," Anatole chimed in, earning himself another affronted glare from Natalya, though she looked like she was struggling not to smile.

"Lady forbid," Severin returned, smirking also, then balking as Natalya took that opportunity to shove him.

"Ferry! Go! Move!"

"I'm moving!" He let himself be hustled through the halls and down the Cloister steps, switching to his own steam when Natalya and Anatole left him at the top of the stairs.

"And don't you dare let that sarcasm out to play!" Natalya called after him, and he offered her a noncommittal wave before setting off for the ferry.

***************************

Severin Solei cut an impressive, if rather eccentric, figure disembarking from the plane. Though he wasn't wearing his weapons at the moment (airline regulations and all), he still resembled nothing so much as a pirate prince. He was on the short side, 5'6" in boots and slender, with sharply handsome features that were almost elfin, sun-browned skin, and silken black hair to his waist held back in a loose tail. He moved with a collected sort of grace that was nearly predatory, and gave the overall first impression of hawkish intelligence.

He allowed himself to be guided by the Czardaian envoys, as most of the technology they employed was foreign to his homeland, and spent the rest of the day making certain his quarters were secure while he waited to be summoned to the conference.

(( OOC: Anything you want to add here, be my guest.))

TO: Kara Maddox, Secretary of State, The Armed Capitalist Republic of The Silver Sky
FROM: USNSEA Minister of Foreign Affairs
SUBJECT: Diplomatic Conference

Dear Mrs. Maddox,

The United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia while it has heard little of Czardas, we admire her record as an excellent nation and for it's highly liberal laws. I shall be attending the conference myself, and will be arriving with tight security.

Yours Truly,
His Excellency,
USNSEA Minister of Foreign Affairs
Joshua Lin
[ooc:] Did you mean to send that to me or TSS? ;)

No matter. If it was for me, consider it approved; too lazy to write up my own response now.

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Sir Chairman Gary Girardi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Past Chairman
Re: Conference

Minsiter,

The Commonwealth of Saint Fedski will be attending this conference. Representing the Commonwealth as a whole and the Republic of New McFarland will be myself. The Republic of North Saint Clair has notified me that they will send their Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paul Martin. If you can give us a recomendation for the size of the escort soon, we can have it ready sooner. If it is not a problem, we would like to hold a small conference on the side with yourself, and the delegations from Southeast Asia, The Silver Sky, Halberdgardia , the Omzian Republic and maybe a few others that we feel necessary to talk to.

Sincerely,
G. Girardi
~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: Sir Chairman Gary Giardi, Commonwealth of Saint Fedski

Greetings from the Concordance to our allies in the Commonwealth! I would not find it a problem if you wished to meet with me separately during our conference; as for escorts, bring whatever you normally use—security in Czardas is being taken care of already. The conference will be held in one week's time in Czarna. Transportation from Krîaberg International Airport will be provided, as will accomodation. Once again, the Concordance collectively sends you its greetings and wishes you a pleasant day.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

The air shimmered, a soft, high-pitched whine came and went. A blue oval appeared on the floor of the government building, and when it was gone, three people stood there.

The delegation from The Empire of Xeraph was, to say the least, a curious sight.

The two guards that flanked the delegate were armed to the teeth. They were Marine Knights, of which only 25 existed in the Empire. They each carried AK47-II rifles, a Glock 9mm sidearm, and their katanas. One Knight was from the Kingdom of Auralinia, the other from the Dominion of the Grey Phoenix. Each were clad in the Imperial Armor...black leather and Kevlar from head to foot.

The delegate to the conference, General Louis "Mad Dog" Donofrio, was similarly dressed, but he was not carrying a rifle. A black cape made of the hide of the black lion of Xeraph hung over his shoulders, the four stars on his collar indicating his rank.

In his gloved hand he held the papers that would hopefully open trade and military deployment. He had other reasons for being here, also..............
Foreign Minister Alhoun has done his research on the Xeraphian Empire and knows something of their modes of transport, but he is still slightly shocked when the delegation simply materializes in the ornate lobby of Congress Hall, where he has been told to expect them. Alhoun has rarely seen anything like it before, but...well.... he was prepared for anything, after all?

As though it is the most natural thing in the world and people are appearing and disappearing daily in Congress Hall, Alhoun rises from the comfortable armchair in the lobby and introduces himself shortly with customary politeness, a slight smile hovering just out of sight on his face.

"Greetings! My name is Kari Alhoun... the Czardaian Foreign Minister. I take it you're from the Xeraphian Empire? Welcome to Czardas."

The smile appears in partial view now, somewhat slyly. "I don't know how much of it you saw on your way here, if any..."

[ooc:] As an FYI, Czardaians in general are a very sarcastic and witty people, so you'll be in good company. :p

Severin Solei cut an impressive, if rather eccentric, figure disembarking from the plane. Though he wasn't wearing his weapons at the moment (airline regulations and all), he still resembled nothing so much as a pirate prince. He was on the short side, 5'6" in boots and slender, with sharply handsome features that were almost elfin, sun-browned skin, and silken black hair to his waist held back in a loose tail. He moved with a collected sort of grace that was nearly predatory, and gave the overall first impression of hawkish intelligence.

He allowed himself to be guided by the Czardaian envoys, as most of the technology they employed was foreign to his homeland, and spent the rest of the day making certain his quarters were secure while he waited to be summoned to the conference.

(( OOC: Anything you want to add here, be my guest.))
Ten Czardaian Special Operatives meet Solei at the plane, betraying no surprise at his appearance, despite its presence at a very influential conference. The Special Operatives are the elite of Czardas's military, impeccably armed, their blue-and-silver uniforms shining in the light; The leader, a Lt. Fedor Novanskiy of the 9th Special Operative Division—his shaved coffee-brown head glistening, bare in the winter sunlight, and very white teeth showing when he smiles—introduces himself in a few terse words and motions Solei to the waiting car, getting on his motorcycle outside and calling to the other patrol.

After a little under thirty minutes, the car emerges into the streets of Czarna, following the same route as that taken by the Silver Skyian delegation earlier that day. Passing through the streets (see description above), it finally comes to rest atop the great hill overlooking Democracy Plaza and Congress Hall, where the residences are located, and the SpecOps guide Solei into the building, exchanging playful banter among themselves and telling Solei a little about the history of Czarna...

The conference will begin in a day's time...

At the far end of the lobby of Congress Hall, two men in almost all-black entered. Dressed in black sport jackets, black slacks, white shirts, black ties, and black reflective sunglasses, they looked the part of the stereotypical government bodyguard. With an air of authority, they calmly scanned the room, then looked back and nodded at an unseen figure. Two more identical bodyguards entered, followed by President Kenix Kil (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/neotheone175/NationStates/Modern%20Tech/Kenix_Kil.jpg) himself.

Dressed in a fine black suit with thin, dark gray pinstripes and matching pants, and a white shirt, Kil cut a dashing figure. He towered over most other diplomats at six-foot-three, and had a slightly slimmer-than-average frame. He stood tall and straight, but not arrogantly so. His skin had a healthy, but not overly so, tan that implied a love of the sun and a many a tropical vacation. His face was creased with the hints a few wrinkles -- probably stress-induced -- an unusual feature for a man who was hardly thirty years old, some fifteen years younger than his predecessor, ex-President Kir Kanos. But his most striking feature was his eyes. It was once said that "the eyes are a portal to the soul," and never was this more true than in the case of Kil. In his bright blue-green, intelligent eyes, one could imagine that one could see his years of experience in the realm of diplomacy and politics, the toll the Presidency was beginning to take on him -- but above all, his total dedication and love for his country and the people he served, all laid out before one.

It was this multifaceted man that now stood upon Czardaian soil for the first time, prepared to clinch not one, but two of the biggest diplomacy coups of his Presidency.

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Republic of Molynia Dept. of Foreign Relations
Subject: Diplomatic Conference in Czardas

While this is short notice, we accept your invitation of attending this conference, and will be sending a pair of senior diplomats. They will be escorted by a team of diplomatic guards, numbering 10. This team will arrive via private jet to Krîaberg Airport within 10 hours of this message arriving.

We look forward to your conference.
The Republic of Molynia

From within the lobby, Lorin Dax rises up and walks unhurriedly towards the Halberdgardian president, brushing past Alhoun and the Xeraphians engaged in conversation. Kenix Kil stands several inches taller than Dax, but the Foreign Minister's chief associate cuts an imposing figure himself, with very short black hair, alert eyes hinting at his uncanny ability for deadpan sarcasm, and an intelligent, clean-shaven face (unlike Alhoun's own three-day stubble from long nights of work). Dax shakes Kil's hand and says cordially, "Good afternoon, President Kil of Halberdgardia? Yes, I thought so. I am Lorin Dax, Alhoun's chief assistant... the Foreign Minister himself is over there. Welcome to Czardas!"

Severin turned out to be a very sharp individual with a ready, dry humor and an easygoing charm. He showed interest in whatever his escorts wished to tell him, comitting it to memory, as he had the feeling his Papa was going to maintain him as diplomatic envoy to Czardas.

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Republic of Molynia Dept. of Foreign Relations
Subject: Diplomatic Conference in Czardas

While this is short notice, we accept your invitation of attending this conference, and will be sending a pair of senior diplomats. They will be escorted by a team of diplomatic guards, numbering 10. This team will arrive via private jet to Krîaberg Airport within 10 hours of this message arriving.

We look forward to your conference.
The Republic of Molynia
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Very well. We will await your arrival eagerly.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
~~~~~~~~~~~~

From within the lobby, Lorin Dax rises up and walks unhurriedly towards the Halberdgardian president, brushing past Alhoun and the Xeraphians engaged in conversation. Kenix Kil stands several inches taller than Dax, but the Foreign Minister's chief associate cuts an imposing figure himself, with very short black hair, alert eyes hinting at his uncanny ability for deadpan sarcasm, and an intelligent, clean-shaven face (unlike Alhoun's own three-day stubble from long nights of work). Dax shakes Kil's hand and says cordially, "Good afternoon, President Kil of Halberdgardia? Yes, I thought so. I am Lorin Dax, Alhoun's chief assistant... the Foreign Minister himself is over there. Welcome to Czardas!"

Kil nods to his four bodyguards, who back off and give him enough space so as not to seem over-protective, but remain close enough to act quickly should something happen.

Kil turns back to Dax, and smiles, taking the shorter man's hand and shaking it firmly.

"Yes, that is what they call me," Kil says with a chuckle. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dax. It is good to finally be on the ground instead of cooped up in a plane for hours on end."

Kil briefly glances at Alhoun and Xeraphians, then turns back to Dax, a new question coming to his mind. "Speaking of Minister Alhoun and the other delegates, who else will be in attendance?"

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Annette Mathias, Prime Minister of Lyriana
Subject: Czardaian Diplomatic Conference

Greetings from the recently formed nation of Lyriana. Our small nation would be interested in attending the conference in your esteemed nation. I regret that I cannot attend personally, but I shall be sending Frederick Martins, Minister of Foreign Affairs.He shall, if it pleases you, depart tommorow. We hope to establish a positive relationship with Czardas.

The 12 members of Diplomatic Team 2 exited the small jet and met the reception committee at the end of the jetway. The team consisted of the 2 diplomats, Daniel Semdir and Julie Kimdell, as well as the 10 members of the diplomatic guard team, the "Messengers". They were armed like a light infantry team would be in battle, except for their official uniform and less prominent weapons. There was no need to intimidate anyone here. Protection was the Messengers purpose, and they did it well.

Kil nods to his four bodyguards, who back off and give him enough space so as not to seem over-protective, but remain close enough to act quickly should something happen.

Kil turns back to Dax, and smiles, taking the shorter man's hand and shaking it firmly.

"Yes, that is what they call me," Kil says with a chuckle. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dax. It is good to finally be on the ground instead of cooped up in a plane for hours on end."

Kil briefly glances at Alhoun and Xeraphians, then turns back to Dax, a new question coming to his mind. "Speaking of Minister Alhoun and the other delegates, who else will be in attendance?"
"I agree," Dax says, with a confidential air. "Never understood why everyone else seemed to want to go into the Air Force like Minister Alhoun, myself. I always felt safest on the ground..."

Dax thinks for a moment. "We're expecting Silver Skyian Secretary of State Kara Maddox in a few minutes, along with Severin Solei of the islands of Kageshima... then the Omzian Republic's planning to send someone, and we've got Chairman Giardi of the St. Fedskian Commonwealth... the rest of the delegates probably won't be arriving until tomorrow."

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Annette Mathias, Prime Minister of Lyriana
Subject: Czardaian Diplomatic Conference

Greetings from the recently formed nation of Lyriana. Our small nation would be interested in attending the conference in your esteemed nation. I regret that I cannot attend personally, but I shall be sending Frederick Martins, Minister of Foreign Affairs.He shall, if it pleases you, depart tommorow. We hope to establish a positive relationship with Czardas.
[ooc:] From this point on, everyone who hasn't received a message in response from me is automatically validated to come to the conference. It'll just save time.

Foreign Minister Alhoun has done his research on the Xeraphian Empire and knows something of their modes of transport, but he is still slightly shocked when the delegation simply materializes in the ornate lobby of Congress Hall, where he has been told to expect them. Alhoun has rarely seen anything like it before, but...well.... he was prepared for anything, after all?

As though it is the most natural thing in the world and people are appearing and disappearing daily in Congress Hall, Alhoun rises from the comfortable armchair in the lobby and introduces himself shortly with customary politeness, a slight smile hovering just out of sight on his face.

"Greetings! My name is Kari Alhoun... the Czardaian Foreign Minister. I take it you're from the Xeraphian Empire? Welcome to Czardas."

The smile appears in partial view now, somewhat slyly. "I don't know how much of it you saw on your way here, if any..."



General Donofrio was vaguely aware that someone was speaking to him. He glanced down at the man who was standing next to him, and the man's eyes grew large and he stepped back a pace or two. It was a common reaction, and the General was somewhat used to it.

Standing 6'4" tall, Mad Dog Donofrio weighed in at 265 pounds. His rock-hard physique and supercilious demeanor set him apart almost as much as his physical appearence. What actually made others wary of him, however, was his face.

A veteran of many battles, Mad Dog's face was criss-crossed by many scars, including one that started over his eyebrow and ran down to his jaw. It was the latest one, aquired from the recent rebellion in Koth.

But it was his eyes that made people do a double-take. The pupils were feline, and blood red. His ears ended in a point, his hair pulled straight back, tied in a knot, cascading down his back. His incisors finished the picture...all two inches of them. Donofrio was the product of the union of an Elven King and a Vampire Queen, as were a number of the military leaders of Xeraph. This was as a result of the Xeraphian conquest of the Kothite Empire some centuries past, that hellish land where the supernatural was common.

" Minister Alhoun", he rasped. " I am Gen. Donofrio, of the Empire of Xeraph. I have instructions from the Prince to offer you any and all aid you require."

His leather creaked as he moved. " Sir, if you will look these over, I'm sure you'll find everything in order. You may ask what you will. All we ask in return is a parcel of land on which to build a base of operations. We have many such bases throughout the world, which enables us to respond to a threat against our allies in a more efficient manner."

He looked at the minister as if to say 'you'd better not waste my time'. He then gestured to the Knights, grunted an order, and the Knights began a sweep of the room, as if looking for something, or someone, in particular.....

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Ernest Klein, Secretary of External Affairs, Kramden of West Cedarbrook
Re: Conference

Dear Minister Alhoun:

The Kramden of West Cedarbrook would be most interested in attending this conference. We share your nation's Libertarian outlook, and believe there would be much to gain by establishing relations. Upon your approval the Department of External Affairs is prepared to dispatch Amb. Andrew Carey to the conference.

General Donofrio was vaguely aware that someone was speaking to him. He glanced down at the man who was standing next to him, and the man's eyes grew large and he stepped back a pace or two. It was a common reaction, and the General was somewhat used to it.

Standing 6'4" tall, Mad Dog Donofrio weighed in at 265 pounds. His rock-hard physique and supercilious demeanor set him apart almost as much as his physical appearence. What actually made others wary of him, however, was his face.

A veteran of many battles, Mad Dog's face was criss-crossed by many scars, including one that started over his eyebrow and ran down to his jaw. It was the latest one he aquired was from the recent rebellion in Koth.
Alhoun looks over the man somewhat warily—his face betraying no hint of his emotions—and repeats his greeting, sensing somehow that the taller man has not quite heard him. Alhoun himself is fairly tall, standing 6'2", but also a good deal thinner, and with twinkling grey eyes that always seem to have a note of humor in them.

To: Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister
From: Ernest Klein, Secretary of External Affairs, Kramden of West Cedarbrook
Re: Conference

Dear Minister Alhoun:

The Kramden of West Cedarbrook would be most interested in attending this conference. We share your nation's Libertarian outlook, and believe there would be much to gain by establishing relations. Upon your approval the Department of External Affairs is prepared to dispatch Amb. Andrew Carey to the conference.
[ooc:] Assume you've received approval... it'll make this a lot faster. You can just post your envoys arriving in Czardas if you want.

Severin let his guides lead him into the Congress Hall, smirking and joking quietly (he was very softspoken) with his guides as they approached two men who positively dwarfed him, already stationed in the lobby. One was massively built, with the look of a grizzled warrior about him, and the other was more slender, but both of them towered over him by nearly a foot. None the less, his stride was easy and relaxed as he approached, an expectant sort of half-smirk lingering in the corners of his mouth, sandstone-gray eyes appraisingly narrowed. He was polite, so he waited for his escorts to introduce him, standing easily with his hands in his pockets.

The SpecOp escorts point out Foreign Minister Alhoun and the Xeraphian general to Solei, waiting for the pair to finish so they can introduce the newcomer. They also motion towards Dax and Kil in conversation nearer the entryway, explaining in an undertone who they are.

All was going well, until a commotion started at the door to the Hall of Congress. The security personnel hurried over to find a half-dozen burly warriors wrapped in animal skins face-to-face with the Congressional Guards, who were obviously outmatched, but nonetheless holding their ground.

The biggest of the warriors was about to pull both his sword and his pistol when he heard a booming voice from across the room.

" So, Ghengiz sends his dogs to fetch the General of the East,eh? About time you got here, worms!"

The skin-clad warriors whirled, drawing their weapons, when Donofrio laughed and strode over to the bunch.

He stood toe-to-toe with the big one, and they glared at each other for a good 10 seconds. Then they both roared with laughter, and pummeled each other's shoulders with blows that would have killed a normal man.

" Chang, you old goat! I wouldv'e thought that you would have retired by now!"

" Retired? Why you grey-haired pig, your'e 128 years older than me! The only reason I don't kill you now is that I was taught to respect my elders!"

They laughed again, and told the security people to buzz off. They were more than happy to do so.

Chang asked, " What news of the Emperor?"

" Same. Nothing's changed, except as we speak, the wizard has attacked Xeraphia. That's why we're here...we knew you'd show up for the free food."

" He's attacked the capitol? He's got balls, that wizard. What're you doing about it?"

Donofrio said, " Not a hell of a lot. We need to gather all our forces, and those of our allies, to fight this one. And speaking of allies, what's the deal with you guys moving to AMF's new region?"

Chang looked down. " I don't know whats gotten into Astran. He's still a Tanith, but it looks like he's throwing in with Dreadfire."

Mad Dog saw minister Alhoun heading towards them. " Here comes that little man again. Stick around, it might be fun."

Severin eyed the sudden conflict in the doorway with interest, eavesdropping subtly on the conversation. The barbarians in animal skins were of particular interest to him - sour interest, but not because of anything they'd done. He looked vaguely put-out, folding his arms and muttering quietly to himself, "...TOLD Papa I could have worn normal clothes..."

The air around Severin grew slightly warmer, and a fiery blue oval grew in front of him. Out of the now-disappearing oval stood a man the likes of which had not been seen outside his nation for over a thousand years.

He was clad in a dirty white robe, cinched at the waist with a cracked leather belt. In his left hand he held a staff of cypress, studded with small copper tacks, symbolic of the men killed by the staff. Severin lost count after a minute.

In his left, the man held an ancient Book. It looked like it was falling apart.

His name was Brother Ambrosius Mellingion. He was the chaplain of the royal family of Auralinia, the Taniittas. King Ricala was the director of the Xeraphian Space League, and he sent Mellingion to get the other two Taniths to sign the Book.

Mellingion glanced at the boyfor a second, smiled, and headed towards the part of the room where Chang and Donofrio were still yelling at each other. He stopped, turned around, and pointed at Severin. "Don't go too far. I'll be done here in a moment, and I want to talk to you." He turned back to his destination..............

Severin swept Mellingion a flourished bow. "I wouldn't dream of it. After all, this seems to be where all the excitement is." He straightened and flicked his hair back over his shoulder, resting an elbow on the leather messenger bag that hung from his slender frame. In it rested everything he'd brought to ensure that this conference would be success, both for him personally and for his country - brochures, files, documentation, census results, communication transcripts, and his own personal notes, along with the appropriate identification papers proclaiming him as a member of Kageshima's Diplomatic Team, should anyone ask. While the others were involved, apparently meeting and greeting old friends, he took the time to get the layout of the lobby, picking out entrances, exits, and air passages, idly taking in the ultilitarian splendor of the construction.

The Molynian diplomats arrived at the Hall of Congress to find that many other groups had already shown up. The Molynian diplomats started to mingle, finding out about everyone else, while the guards stood ready, evaluating the threat levels presented by everyone in the room. They noted that everyone was unusually heavily armed, and with archair weapons as well. It was curious to say the least.

Brother Mellingion strode up to the two Tanithians, and tapped Donofrio on the shoulder.

" OK you two, shut up. There's work to be done, and your'e wasting time."

Chang and Donofrio bowed deeply to the monk. Their respect was evident. The crowd wondered what it was that caused these two warriors to defer to the dirty little man in the dirty robe.

Mellingion was a 6th level initiate of the Community of the White-Robed Monks. They were officially classed as an Imperial Province in Xeraph, although they observed no laws and did pretty much as they pleased. There were about 10,000 monks throughout the world, mostly living in lands where Xeraph was an ally.

As a 6th level monk, he was looked upon with a kind of awe. As with most Xeraphians, he was old by normal Terran standards, 281 to be exact. Unlike most Xeraphians, he was blood-kin to the Emperor, making him also of the House of Tanith. There were approximately 200 monks who were related to Alaric Tan'it, the Emperor of Xeraph.

" Gentlemen," he said somewhat sarcastically, " I need you to sign this book. In blood, if you will."

" What's so important in that book that I have to sign it in blood?", asked Chang.

"If you must know, this book is the history of the House of Tanith. Woven amongst the names written here are numerous spells that have been added over the centuries to protect the Family from occult harm. This pain-in-the-ass wizard who is presently attacking Xeraphia will be prevented from harming any of us for a fortnight if you two sign it. Now...get to it! I haven't got all night."

When they had signed, he snapped the book shut and said, " If I were you two, I would high-tail it out of this tea party and get all of the Family as possible together as you can. This Xaltotun is a cut above the others we've dealt with, and we all need to figure something out fast." He turned on his heel, and made a bee-line towards Severin.

" C'mere, boy. Come on, I won't bite. Tell me something. In your country, is there a branch of your state/majority religion that delves a little deeper into the mystical side of worship? If so, I'd like to send one of the monks there to study and confer with your wise men."

Severin listened carefully to Brother Mellingion’s inquiry and pondered it for a moment before responding. “Aye, my race does possess magic, if that is what you’re referring to. It’s more of an oral tradition than anything religious, and I don’t think it’s as formalized as anything you’re looking for. However, we’ve got some powerful Spellsingers who I’m sure would be happy to sit down with some of your order and chat about metaphysics.” He cracked a smile. “If your country would like to establish an embassy, I’ve got the necessary contact information for my Papa over at our Foreign Affairs Office.” He patted his messenger bag significantly. “Or if you’d rather simply send one individual, I’m sure we could arrange diplomatic immunity and accommodations. What did you have in mind?”

"I agree," Dax says, with a confidential air. "Never understood why everyone else seemed to want to go into the Air Force like Minister Alhoun, myself. I always felt safest on the ground..."

Dax thinks for a moment. "We're expecting Silver Skyian Secretary of State Kara Maddox in a few minutes, along with Severin Solei of the islands of Kageshima... then the Omzian Republic's planning to send someone, and we've got Chairman Giardi of the St. Fedskian Commonwealth... the rest of the delegates probably won't be arriving until tomorrow."

Kil nodded. The Omzians he knew of -- indeed, he was planning to speak with the Omzian representative as soon as they had some off-time -- but the attendance of Kara Maddox was a surprise, as was Saint Fedski's Giardi. Kil idly wondered if Giardi would be the right person to reveal Halberdgardia's involvement in the Torontian insurgency against Amestria and Yallak to.

"Thank you, Mr. Dax. If you'll excuse me for a moment?"

He began to make his way over to Alhoun, his bodyguards tightening up around him as more delegates arrived, not all of them appearing to be savory characters. They loosened up as Kil reached Alhoun and extended his hand, smiling.

"Foreign Minister Alhoun? A pleasure to see you in person at last.

"Some of the delegates, er, materializing inside the Hall here seem to be quite the...characters, wouldn't you say?"

OOC: Sorry Czardas for my absense, but I will no longer have too much time from this point on until the next weekend. In the end, my own president (Loran Vansare) will be attending, and both you and Hal can assume that he is already there... the only thing I would still need to RP out are the acual convo, and that will probably come within these few days.

Sorry for this OOC post.

"Oh, I'd definitely agree," Alhoun smiles and nods, shaking Kil's hand. "Although we did warn you to be prepared for anything...At any rate, I'm quite pleased to meet you as well, Mr. Kil."

He looks over at the burly skin-clad men, then the ancient monk who appears to have materialized in the same fashion as them, and is trying to halt a dispute between their apparent leader and the Xeraphian delegate, who apparently have met before....

Meanwhile Dax wanders through the lobby, meeting and talking to various people who are assembling there.

OOC: Sorry Czardas for my absense, but I will no longer have too much time from this point on until the next weekend. In the end, my own president (Loran Vansare) will be attending, and both you and Hal can assume that he is already there... the only thing I would still need to RP out are the acual convo, and that will probably come within these few days.

Sorry for this OOC post.
[ooc:] Ok. Just post when you have time. I suspect it'll take the actual IC business a few days to get down to anyway, so you've got time.

Mark Lorber was looking at the latest dispatch, dreading the prospect of more diplomatic tensions cropping up or other brush fires he'd have to put out. He looked at one and it turned his mouth up into a smile.

"Diplomatic conference, huh," he said out loud. "This I can live with."

He typed out a brief note saying he would attend the conference in person, with Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis staying home while Sarzonia and Pacitalia look to solidify their restoration of relations, which was looking like a formality after both nations looked out over the ledge and saw the cliff.

The Incorporated Sarzonian Government is pleased to attend this conference. We look forward to the furthering of diplomatic ties between us and Czardas.

Mark Lorber
Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

He clicked send and began to plot the contents of his suitcase for the conference.

The Xirniumite delegation, having just arrived, watched the proceedings with detached interest. Unlike most, they usually preferred to keep to themselves, and conversed amongst themselves in whispers in one of the corners of the lobby. They were by nature generally introverted, an ironic reflection of Holy Xirnium’s own foreign policy doctrine of splendid isolation.

‘It’s quite warm here, isn’t it?’ asked the Grand Cardinal, tugging at the collar of her cloak, its style and colour (a red so dark it was almost black) instantly marking her out as a member of the senior High Ecclesiarchy.

‘Most nations are, your Eminence,’ explained Lady Inquisitor Hertha, her own cloak wrapped tightly around her as always. Perhaps Lady Hertha is using her remarkable Inquisition-learnt mental abilities to consciously regulate her own core body temperature, lowering it deliberately to avoid this infernal heat? mused the Grand Cardinal. It certainly wouldn’t surprise the Grand Cardinal very much, it was just too bad that she couldn't do it. ‘It does make one appreciate the wonderful cold-temperate climate of Holy Xirnium though,’ continued the Lady Inquisitor, ‘especially when one’s duties must take one away from the Holy Empire for long periods.’

‘I can imagine,’ replied Grand Cardinal Gilda pensively, ‘though as a member of the Patriarchate I almost never get to leave Holy Xirnium. In fact I am only the third Grand Cardinal to travel abroad while in office this century. To be frank I’ve been looking forward to this trip very much. It should be quite interesting to see Czardas, they are a wonderfully diverse people.’

Reaching inside the folds of her cloak, the Foreign Minister removed a sheet of paper, putting her glasses on to examine it critically. ‘My understanding is that we should wait here to be greeted by the Czardians,’ the Grand Cardinal announced.

[ooc:] Sarzonia, you're approved (see my other OOC notes in this thread).
The Xirniumite delegation, having just arrived, watched the proceedings with detached interest. Unlike most, they usually preferred to keep to themselves, and conversed amongst themselves in whispers in one of the corners of the lobby. They were by nature generally introverted, an ironic reflection of Holy Xirnium’s own foreign policy doctrine of splendid isolation.

‘It’s quite warm here, isn’t it?’ asked the Grand Cardinal, tugging at the collar of her cloak, its style and colour (a red so dark it was almost black) instantly marking her out as a member of the senior High Ecclesiarchy.

‘Most nations are, your Eminence,’ explained Lady Inquisitor Hertha, her own cloak wrapped tightly around her as always. Perhaps Lady Hertha is using the phenomenal learned mental abilities that all Inquisitors possess to consciously regulate her core body temperature, lowering it deliberately to avoid this infernal heat? mused the Grand Cardinal. It certainly wouldn’t surprise the Grand Cardinal very much, it was just too bad that she couldn't do it. ‘It does make one appreciate the wonderful cold-temperate climate of Holy Xirnium though,’ continued the Lady Inquisitor, ‘especially when one’s duties must take one away from the Holy Empire for long periods.’

‘I can imagine,’ replied Grand Cardinal Gilda pensively, ‘though as a member of the Patriarchate I almost never get to leave Holy Xirnium. In fact I am only the third Grand Cardinal to travel abroad while in office this century. To be frank I’ve been looking forward to this trip very much. It should be quite interesting to see Czardas, they are a wonderfully diverse people.’

Reaching inside the folds of her cloak, the Foreign Minister removed a sheet of paper, putting her glasses on to examine it critically. ‘My understanding is that we should wait here to be greeted by the Czardians,’ the Grand Cardinal announced.
As the Xirniumite delegation enters, Lorin Dax notices them and walks over to meet them, smiling slightly. They, like most of the others in the lobby, are unique and easy to identify. Dax extends a hand to the Grand Cardinal and says, "Welcome to Czardas! My name is Lorin Dax; I am the chief assistant to the Foreign Minister Kari Alhoun. I take it you are the Xirniumite delegation?"

Severin listened carefully to Brother Mellingion’s inquiry and pondered it for a moment before responding. “Aye, my race does possess magic, if that is what you’re referring to. It’s more of an oral tradition than anything religious, and I don’t think it’s as formalized as anything you’re looking for. However, we’ve got some powerful Spellsingers who I’m sure would be happy to sit down with some of your order and chat about metaphysics.” He cracked a smile. “If your country would like to establish an embassy, I’ve got the necessary contact information for my Papa over at our Foreign Affairs Office.” He patted his messenger bag significantly. “Or if you’d rather simply send one individual, I’m sure we could arrange diplomatic immunity and accommodations. What did you have in mind?”


Brother Mellingion stared at the boy for some seconds. He didn't know if he should slap him or hug him. Impertinent, yet briliant. Not a good combination.

" No,no diplomats just yet. I'd like to arrange for either myself or one of the other brothers to go to Kageshima for a 48-hour period, and I'd like it ASAP. Normally, we monks don't do anything fast, but we have a nasty situation in Xeraph and we need the wisdom of hitherto unknown mystics. Preferably mystics who have an understanding of the darkest sorceries. Do you think we can get in to Kageshima without stirring up any interest in ourselves?"

OOC: Yeah, Impertinent but Brilliant is a great description of a child of Anatole an Afriel. *sweatdrop*

Brother Mellingion stared at the boy for some seconds. He didn't know if he should slap him or hug him. Impertinent, yet brilliant. Not a good combination.

" No, no diplomats just yet. I'd like to arrange for either myself or one of the other brothers to go to Kageshima for a 48-hour period, and I'd like it ASAP. Normally, we monks don't do anything fast, but we have a nasty situation in Xeraph and we need the wisdom of hitherto unknown mystics. Preferably mystics who have an understanding of the darkest sorceries. Do you think we can get in to Kageshima without stirring up any interest in ourselves?"

He hiked one slender eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twisting upward sardonically. "Darkest sorceries? Aye, you'll be wanting Dylanae SummerStorm, then. He's the most powerful Spellsinger in the Islands by far, and a demon if ever there was one. I could tell you stories, but there are ladies in the room. It's easy enough getting in contact with him if you have magic, I suppose - he's a pirate, serves as First Mate to Sorielei the Blooded, Captain of the GhostSong and, incidentally, my grandfather. My Papa's got a line to him, if I'm not mistaken. There's only one problem - I'm not authorized to give diplomatic clearance to enter Kageshima's territory, and before Papa or Our Lady will give you that, they're going to want to know exactly what you're doing there and keep an eye on you the entire time." He paused, mostly for effect, then said thoughtfully, "Of course, there could be another solution.... not strictly above the board, but I may be able to work something out...."

OOC: Yeah, Impertinent but Brilliant is a great description of a child of Anatole an Afriel. *sweatdrop*



He hiked one slender eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twisting upward sardonically. "Darkest sorceries? Aye, you'll be wanting Dylanae SummerStorm, then. He's the most powerful Spellsinger in the Islands by far, and a demon if ever there was one. I could tell you stories, but there are ladies in the room. It's easy enough getting in contact with him if you have magic, I suppose - he's a pirate, serves as First Mate to Sorielei the Blooded, Captain of the GhostSong and, incidentally, my grandfather. My Papa's got a line to him, if I'm not mistaken. There's only one problem - I'm not authorized to give diplomatic clearance to enter Kageshima's territory, and before Papa or Our Lady will give you that, they're going to want to know exactly what you're doing there and keep an eye on you the entire time." He paused, mostly for effect, then said thoughtfully, "Of course, there could be another solution.... not strictly above the board, but I may be able to work something out...."


Great. Another deal. Well, he had to get into Kageshima, so however this child could make it happen, so be it.

" Very well, boy. Whatever we have to do to get in and out of there undetected works for me. What's the plan?"

ooc: last post for tonite. see ya tomorrow.

Great. Another deal. Well, he had to get into Kageshima, so however this child could make it happen, so be it.

" Very well, boy. Whatever we have to do to get in and out of there undetected works for me. What's the plan?"

ooc: last post for tonite. see ya tomorrow.

Severin wasn't terribly happy with the title of 'boy', but he didn't show it. "Dylanae isn't, strictly speaking, in the employ of, or in alliance with, the Lady of Fate. He can move freely between the borders if he wants to - that's the freedom of having a ship - so, if you can convince him to meet with you, it's easy enough to take the GhostSong outside Kageshima's waters into the neutral stretches between islands and meet with you or one of your brethren there."

As the Xirniumite delegation enters, Lorin Dax notices them and walks over to meet them, smiling slightly. They, like most of the others in the lobby, are unique and easy to identify. Dax extends a hand to the Grand Cardinal and says, "Welcome to Czardas! My name is Lorin Dax; I am the chief assistant to the Foreign Minister Kari Alhoun. I take it you are the Xirniumite delegation?"

‘Yes indeed we are Mr Dax, and I am Heather Gilda, Foreign Minister of Holy Xirnium,’ spoke the Grand Cardinal graciously, accepting the man’s friendly handshake and inclining her head towards the Czardaian in a bow of sorts, ‘it's a pleasure to meet you. On behalf of the High Ecclesiarchy of the Holy Empire of Xirnium we thank you for your magnanimous welcome.’

High Lady Gilda flashed a charming smile at the Czardaian Foreign Minister's chief assistant as she thoughtfully chose her following words, regarding the man carefully with her lovely green eyes, ‘I'm delighted to finally be in Czardas, I’ve heard only great things about your nation. Your commitment to liberal civil rights is inspiring, especially for a nation such as Holy Xirnium which not so long ago was a virtual autocracy. The High Ecclesiarchy only has grand expectations for this conference.’

Sighing, the Grand Cardinal's eyes narrowed as she gazed around the Congress Hall, noticing that it was quickly filling up with foreign delegates. ‘Security is unusually tight, isn’t it?’ the Grand Cardinal commented. ‘I almost feel out of place here, maybe I should have brought along a company or two of Acolyte guards to try and fit in?’ High Lady Gilda suggested, grinning as she laughed cordially.

Apart from Lady Inquisitor Hertha, the High Lady was accompanied only by two other aids, and no guards, clearly the Grand Cardinal was supremely confident in her surroundings. Perhaps it was arrogance, but surely no one would ever dream of attempting to harm a Xirniumite Grand Cardinal at a diplomatic conference?

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Government of Kahanistan is most interested in sending an ambassador to your nation. We share your nation's concern for human rights, and have in fact fought wars with many human rights violators, including Jenrak, Neoma, the Kraven Corporation, and Automagfreek.

While our military is not what it used to be, we believe that we may yet be a formidable ally, depending on who your enemies are.

The man we have chosen as ambassador is Lieutenant General Hamed bin Jamal. He will depart as soon as our request for relations is approved.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

High Lady Gilda flashed a charming smile at the Czardian Foreign Minister's chief assistant as she thoughtfully chose her following words, regarding the man carefully with her lovely green eyes, ‘I'm delighted to finally be in Czardas, I’ve heard only great things about your nation. Your commitment to liberal civil rights is inspiring, especially for a nation such as Holy Xirnium which not so long ago was a virtual autocracy. The High Ecclesiarchy only has grand expectations for this conference.’

Sighing, the Grand Cardinal's eyes narrowed as she gazed around the Congress Hall, noticing that it was quickly filling up with foreign delegates. ‘Security is unusually tight, isn’t it?’ the Grand Cardinal commented. ‘I almost feel out of place here, maybe I should have brought along a company or two of Acolyte guards to try and fit in?’ High Lady Gilda suggested, grinning as she laughed cordially.
"Thank you," Lorin Dax bows slightly, smiling. "Yes, we were also very pleased to hear of Xirnium's transition into liberal civil and political rights, which—as you probably know—Czardaians value highly."

Dax notes her comment on the security. "Yes... although there is a reason for the high security around here. Just a few days ago, an intelligence team from a known hostile nation—The Warmaster—was discovered attempting to infiltrate Czardaian military buildings. While the team was swiftly .... neutralized," Dax's eyes twinkle, "we believe that they may be planning to return, which is why we have stepped up security to prevent terrorist attacks or more infiltrations. It's really nothing to be alarmed about.

"Besides, with the number of demonstrations and party wars going on in Czardas daily... some of them may have wanted to experience that unique phenomenon," Dax adds, a bit mischievously.

DEMOCRATIC SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KAHANISTAN
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Government of Kahanistan is most interested in sending an ambassador to your nation. We share your nation's concern for human rights, and have in fact fought wars with many human rights violators, including Jenrak, Neoma, the Kraven Corporation, and Automagfreek.

While our military is not what it used to be, we believe that we may yet be a formidable ally, depending on who your enemies are.

The man we have chosen as ambassador is Lieutenant General Hamed bin Jamal. He will depart as soon as our request for relations is approved.

Signed,
Margaret Delray,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
[ooc:] You're in. (See my other OOC comments in this thread.) Just post your ambassador arriving at Congress Hall, it'll quicken things up a bit.

The aging General walked up to the steps of Congress Hall. He was a tall man, mid-seventies, still robust. He stood at attention, his posture extremely rigid, his expression cold and humorless. He waited for the Czardaians to meet him, still holding the thick manila envelope containing the terms the President had given him for the possibility of an alliance. Kahanistan could always use new allies, there were too many dictators out there.

The general brought no guards or other security with him, his only protection his 9mm Beretta service pistol at his belt. He would stick out like a sore thumb with security, but in uniform he was just another officer to the untrained eye.

Dax notes her comment on the security. "Yes... although there is a reason for the high security around here. Just a few days ago, an intelligence team from a known hostile nation—The Warmaster—was discovered attempting to infiltrate Czardaian military buildings. While the team was swiftly .... neutralized," Dax's eyes twinkle, "we believe that they may be planning to return, which is why we have stepped up security to prevent terrorist attacks or more infiltrations. It's really nothing to be alarmed about.

‘I can understand, certainly Holy Xirnium herself is no stranger to the need for tight security,’ the Grand Cardinal responded broodingly, partially lost in her own thoughts.

‘Indeed,’ High Lady Gilda continued, ‘at this current point in time we are engaged in our own counter-terrorism operations. As we speak the Inquisition is rooting out a Kraven terrorist cell which seems to be preying on innocent civilians in southern Xirnium,’ the High Lady explained. At the mention of the foul Corporation the Grand Cardinal’s voice had hardened. The barely hidden loathing and revulsion with which she had spoken the word “Kraven” surprised Lorin Dax.

‘It is only a matter of time before they are all found and liquidated, your Eminence. Though cowardly they leave a trail, as all criminals do,’ explained Lady Inquisitor Hertha.

‘Oh, I’ve no uncertainty of that,’ answered the Grand Cardinal, laughing harshly and without mirth, before turning back to the Czardaian, ‘the High Ecclesiarchy has never doubted the Inquisition’s capabilities in the slightest. Certainly not after they managed capture and spirit away 43 warcriminals who had been in hiding in Torontia to face trial before the High Supreme Court of Xirnium. Our retribution against the Kraven Corporation will be terrible indeed, as indeed it was following the abortive launch of their pitifully inept invasion in which they all perished.'

'In any case we wish you well, Lorin Dax, in your just trials against the Warmaster,’ the Lady High Grand Cardinal announced, smiling encouragingly. ‘We hope that you can find the strength needed to prevail against these warmongers and fools who would attempt to bring conflict to your sacred shores.’

OOC: Yes, I meant you. Damn! :headbang:

The aging General walked up to the steps of Congress Hall. He was a tall man, mid-seventies, still robust. He stood at attention, his posture extremely rigid, his expression cold and humorless. He waited for the Czardaians to meet him, still holding the thick manila envelope containing the terms the President had given him for the possibility of an alliance. Kahanistan could always use new allies, there were too many dictators out there.

The general brought no guards or other security with him, his only protection his 9mm Beretta service pistol at his belt. He would stick out like a sore thumb with security, but in uniform he was just another officer to the untrained eye.
A fist of Special Operatives descend the vast stairs of Congress Hall, to where the limousine is departing, and meet the General, escorting him past the twin columns, through the doors, and into the swiftly filling lobby. Foreign Minister Alhoun, who is reading through the list of names of delegates attending, quickly comes over with a cordial (although somewhat haggard) smile, extending a hand as he introduces himself: "I take it you are the General from Kahanistan? Welcome to Czardas. I am the Foreign Minister, Kari Alhoun."

OOC: Yes, I meant you. Damn! :headbang:
[ooc:] That's ok. You're in.

‘I can understand, certainly Holy Xirnium herself is no stranger to the need for tight security,’ the Grand Cardinal responded broodingly, partially lost in her own thoughts.

‘Indeed,’ High Lady Gilda continued, ‘at this current point in time we are engaged in our own counter-terrorism operations. As we speak the Inquisition is rooting out a Kraven terrorist cell which seems to be preying on innocent civilians in southern Xirnium,’ the High Lady explained. At the mention of the foul Corporation the Grand Cardinal’s voice had hardened. The barely hidden loathing and revulsion with which she had spoken the word “Kraven” surprised Lorin Dax.

‘It is only a matter of time before they are all found and liquidated, your Eminence. Though cowardly they leave a trail, as all criminals do,’ explained Lady Inquisitor Hertha.

‘Oh, I’ve no uncertainty of that,’ answered the Grand Cardinal, laughing harshly and without mirth, before turning back to the Czardaian, ‘the High Ecclesiarchy has never doubted the Inquisition’s capabilities in the slightest. Certainly not after they managed capture and spirit away 43 warcriminals who had been in hiding in Torontia to face trial before the High Supreme Court of Xirnium. Our retribution against the Kraven Corporation will be terrible indeed, as indeed it was following the abortive launch of their pitifully inept invasion in which they all perished.'

'In any case we wish you well, Lorin Dax, in your just trials against the Warmaster,’ the Lady High Grand Cardinal announced, smiling encouragingly. ‘We hope that you can find the strength needed to prevail against these warmongers and fools who would attempt to bring conflict to your sacred shores.’
Lorin Dax has learned something of the widespread Xirniumite hatred of Kraven following the invasion some time ago, but he is still somewhat surprised to hear it still inherent... He begins to go over what he knows of that conflict in his mind...

He returns to reality in time to hear the Grand Cardinal's words on Warmaster. "Yes... well, as you may know, we launched long-range airstrikes on them after they refused to stop committing human rights violations, and in return they've all but promised to invade us. That's also why so much of the military is mobilized now," Dax explains. And turning to the Lady Inquisitor, he adds, "...And I wish you good fortune in bringing the Kraven terrorists to justice—personally, from what I know of the place, more than they deserve. In combination with the skill already present it will lower the chances of failure to far below zero."

OOC: Bah, I loathe arrival posts, but I'll do them anyway just to verify my position.
IC:
The three SUVs were of Demogade origin, arriving from the Czardian international airport in the capitol. All were dark painted, and used by the Southeast Asian Foreign Affairs Ministry to protect their ambassadors from potential dangers like assassinations and kidnappings.

But the person that was inside one of those transports was much more well known than any Southeast Asian ambassador and had much more authority. It was Joshua Lin - head of the foreign affairs department.

The Libertarian Concordance had spoken out to all countries that desired diplomatic relations with Czardas to a conference: one of those being the Union. What's more, there were several other delegates from countries that actually had relations with the Union - like Kenix Kil, Secretary of State during the Kanos Administration and now President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia, and Mark Lorber, Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia.

Even better, was the Xirniumite delegation. The public was now getting a better image of Xirnium. What a perfect oppurtunity. Xirnium's leadership, like the founder's incumbent cabinet, were a collection of liberals. Soon the negative public statements would be dropped.

Czardas, was a huge believer in free speech: so did the cabinet. He smiled. If the glass of the SUVs weren't tainted, he would be seen as a slightly below average in height, Asian man that possessed genuine honesty.

He looked forward toward the conference, watching the protestors as the SUVs rolled on.

Severin wasn't terribly happy with the title of 'boy', but he didn't show it. "Dylanae isn't, strictly speaking, in the employ of, or in alliance with, the Lady of Fate. He can move freely between the borders if he wants to - that's the freedom of having a ship - so, if you can convince him to meet with you, it's easy enough to take the GhostSong outside Kageshima's waters into the neutral stretches between islands and meet with you or one of your brethren there."

" M'lord Severin, I'm sure that I can convince him to meet with me, and if he's concerned about being found out, I can simply Beam to any coordinates he desires. How do I contact him?"

" M'lord Severin, I'm sure that I can convince him to meet with me, and if he's concerned about being found out, I can simply Beam to any coordinates he desires. How do I contact him?"

Severin was inwardly amused at the idea of Dylanae SummerStorm being afraid of anything, but he kept it to himself and unbuckled the brass clasp of his leather messenger bag, fingers dipping into one of the pockets and withdrawing a smokey sphere of quartz crystal. "Resonant Crystal," he explained matter-of-factly. "I'm sure you're already familiar with the magic involved, it's rather simple, really." He tapped the sphere and said something in a musical, rapid-fire language. A few words seemed familiar, but mangled, but the message as a whole was incomprehensible. He talked for a moment, then fell silent and closed his fingers around the sphere. He seemed to be waiting for something, though whatever it was didn't make itself clear for another several minutes. Then the sphere flashed twice. Severin tilted his head and listened to something only he could hear, gripping the sphere tightly, then nodded once and offered it to Mellingion. "I'm sure you already know how to use it...?"

A fist of Special Operatives descend the vast stairs of Congress Hall, to where the limousine is departing, and meet the General, escorting him past the twin columns, through the doors, and into the swiftly filling lobby. Foreign Minister Alhoun, who is reading through the list of names of delegates attending, quickly comes over with a cordial (although somewhat haggard) smile, extending a hand as he introduces himself: "I take it you are the General from Kahanistan? Welcome to Czardas. I am the Foreign Minister, Kari Alhoun."

"I am Lieutenant General Hamed bin Jamal, Kahanistan Imperial Marines." The general took Minister Alhoun's hand.

"I eagerly await the meeting, when do we formally establish relations, construct embassies, et cetera?" he asked, removing some files from his dossier.

Severin was inwardly amused at the idea of Dylanae SummerStorm being afraid of anything, but he kept it to himself and unbuckled the brass clasp of his leather messenger bag, fingers dipping into one of the pockets and withdrawing a smokey sphere of quartz crystal. "Resonant Crystal," he explained matter-of-factly. "I'm sure you're already familiar with the magic involved, it's rather simple, really." He tapped the sphere and said something in a musical, rapid-fire language. A few words seemed familiar, but mangled, but the message as a whole was incomprehensible. He talked for a moment, then fell silent and closed his fingers around the sphere. He seemed to be waiting for something, though whatever it was didn't make itself clear for another several minutes. Then the sphere flashed twice. Severin tilted his head and listened to something only he could hear, gripping the sphere tightly, then nodded once and offered it to Mellingion. "I'm sure you already know how to use it...?"


The monk accepted the sphere from Severin, and looked at it for a minute. It was different from the scrying glass he was familiar with, but he was sure the premise was the same.

He constructed a temporal sibilance in his mind, a word-picture if you will, ran his index finger in a counter-clockwise motion around the sphere without touching it, and chanted what grew in his spirit.

Silence.

Then, a soft glow emanated from the orb, gradually growing in intensity until it lit up the space they were in. A voice........

" I am SummerStorm", came a most unearthly, but not menacing, voice. " What is it you seek of me?"

Again, Mellingion formulated a mental image of what it was he desired, sang in the spirit, and then grew quiet and waited.

" What you ask," said SummerStorm, " is something I know but little about. The ancient sorceries of Acheronn have been so long hidden that they are not readily comprehended by our mages today. Yes, it is magic and necromancy of the darkest kind, and there are spells that will set some parameters around it. But the demons and minions of Hell itself are behind the power wielded by Xaltotun, and this power can only be defeated by both temporal and spiritual forces combined. And the way it will be done is through one man whom the gods will select for the journey. For it is a journey, one that will take him through many lands and adventures until the culmination of the work he started. That man is alive today, though barely, and he will need a few good companions to achieve his quest. He will lose a kingdom, and gain it back, and more. More than this I cannot tell you."

The globe's light gradually diminished, then was extinguished.

Mellingion handed it back to Severin, and with a bow said, " I thank you sir for the use of your Crystal. I now need to return to my Province and report all that has occured. May I remain in contact with you? For I feel that somehow you are involved in this Quest."

" I am SummerStorm", came a most unearthly, but not menacing, voice. " What is it you seek of me?"


OOC:/ For the record, Dylanae is MY character, and that isn't how the resonance crystals work at all, nor is that how he talks. Please don't godmode in this regard. When Severin said he was sure Mellingion already knew how to use one, he was being a brat - subtle revenge for Mellingion talking down to him.

"It's like this," Severin explained after the first attempt. "Tap it twice, say the name of the person you're attempting to contact, and then deliver your message. When the crystal flashes twice, you'll be able to hear the reply by gripping it tightly."

OOC:/ For the record, Dylanae is MY character, and that isn't how the resonance crystals work at all, nor is that how he talks. Please don't godmode in this regard. When Severin said he was sure Mellingion already knew how to use one, he was being a brat - subtle revenge for Mellingion talking down to him.

"It's like this," Severin explained after the first attempt. "Tap it twice, say the name of the person you're attempting to contact, and then deliver your message. When the crystal flashes twice, you'll be able to hear the reply by gripping it tightly."


OOC: check your TG's

OOC: check your TG's
OOC: Done, and I formally apologize for correcting you in thread. I'll remember that in the future, but the issue's never come up before, which is why I didn't know.

OOC: Done, and I formally apologize for correcting you in thread. I'll remember that in the future, but the issue's never come up before, which is why I didn't know.


OOC: no problem...and I apologise for commandeering your character. I should have asked first....

"I am Lieutenant General Hamed bin Jamal, Kahanistan Imperial Marines." The general took Minister Alhoun's hand.

"I eagerly await the meeting, when do we formally establish relations, construct embassies, et cetera?" he asked, removing some files from his dossier.
"The formal conference is to begin later today, and that's when we'll begin. We will meet in the Marble Conference Room in..." Alhoun glances at his watch. "An hour or two. We're still waiting for everyone to show up."

.:BUMP:.

Severin let them conclude their conversation, and took back the resonant sphere. As Mellingion wandered off, he slipped the sphere back into his satchel and wandered over toward the largest group of delegates, asbently admiring the architecture of the lobby while listening in on the fringes of their group. He hoped Dylanae knew what he was doing, but he was fairly confident that there was no threat the GhostSong's crew couldn't handle - they were legendary, and Dylanae was, of course, a demon.

Of course, Severin hadn't told Mellingion that when he said 'demon', he meant it literally.

OOC: Let's just say that my foreign minister has arrived.

[ooc:] All right. Oh, and "bump".

"Ah Foreign Minister Alhoun" Chairman Sir Gary Girardi greeted the Minister as he and Foreign Minister Paul Martin of the Republic of North Saint Clair walked in. "How are you? I hope we're not late, we had a hell of a time leaving the country. First our plane was delayed by intense fog, then we had engine problems mid flight and had to turn back and switch aircraft, then we were delayed again by heavy rain. If we're late, my sincere apologies."

"Hello" Foreign Minister Paul Martin said politely has he outstretched his hand to out Minister Alhoun. "I'm Paul Martin, Foreign Minister of North Saint Clair and a member of the Security Council of the Commonwealth of Saint Fedski. My colleague here, Mr. Girardi, has informed me that you have agreed to meet with us and a couple other delegates at sometime during the conference, may I ask when this is expected to take place?"

Just a tad bit chilly, wouldn’t you say? Howard Winchester grabbed the lapels of the black woolen overcoat and drew them closer to his chest. Underneath his umbrella held dutifully by a now-soaked aid, Winchester stared across the rain-slicked tarmac at the small private jet taxiing over to Winchester and the gaggle of personnel standing behind him – all holding their own umbrellas. As the sleek aircraft slowed to a halt, Winchester turned his head as the large stairwell was wheeled from a nearby hangar to the open doorway. Snapping his fingers, another aid behind him grabbed his bags and with a wave from the plane’s captain the whole assembly climbed the slick stairway.

Winchester threw his overcoat across the small conference desk and watched the people mill about placing his other bags and their own at various stations in the unusually spacious cabin. I could certainly get used to this, he muttered to himself. He took the time to settle himself into the leather swivel chair and began reading over some documents on the nation of Czardas provided by the Ministry for as Deputy Minister Winchester was not fully accustomed to all the nuances of particular nations – just the Kingdom’s main allies, and enemies.

Coming from an undistinguished family of immigrants and rising quickly through the ranks of the Ministry, primarily in the colonial affairs department before it became a separate ministry, Winchester had found himself the appointed protégé of Emily Deveraux, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the UK. In time he would succeed his boss, assuming of course the Democratic Socialist Party remained in power; and part of the growth into the new job was his assignment to oversee the UK’s interests at the diplomatic conference in Czardas.

He quietly shuffled the papers back into his briefcase as the captain announced the departure and flight plan, and waved over his chief of staff who had wanted to see him once on the plane. What can I do for you, Amy?

Sir, it concerns your presence at the head of this delegation. I know we’ve spoken about it before, but I’m afraid that some people will find the presence of a deputy minister offensive.

In which case I simply explain that Parliament has several key bills coming up that require the presence of all the MPs the Prime Minister can gather. Just because there’s a conference doesn’t mean that we should hold up governing the country. He watched as his chief of staff smiled.

I agree, sir, but I just wouldn’t phrase it like that. That’s all.

Anything else, Amy?

No, sir, I believe that takes care of everything.

Brilliant. We’ve got many hours ahead of us, so let’s make the best of them.

With a slight jump, the jet began to taxi to the runway signaling the time for all onboard to settle into their seats and fasten their seatbelts. Winchester looked out the small window and was pushed back into his seat as the aircraft lurched forward, the engines producing as much thrust as possible to generate sufficient lift. He looked in childlike amazement as the streams of water that had been flowing vertically down the non-glass glass window shifted slowly to a horizontal stream. Then came a moment of levity as the tiny airframe pulled itself into the stormy skies, Winchester noting a distant flash of lightening, and within minutes the tiny plane was above the worst of the storm and speeding on its way to Czardas.

Lin and his aides were looking forward to the conference indeed. Lin's (slightly) below average frame was lost in the squad of twelve bodyguards, all racially diverse from different states.

After greeting the Czardian foreign minister warmly, he went over to the Kenix Kil, Secretary of State during the Kanos Administration and now Second President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia.

"It is a great honor to meet you, President Kil. Not only we can strengthen relations, but we can also make many more new friends."

Kil had been mostly making small talk with Alhoun and a few other arriving delegates since his own entrance, and had just finished saying something to Alhoun when he heard his name being spoken. He turned around to find a slightly shorter-than-average, sharply-dressed Asian man greeting him. For a split second, Kil wondered who this could possibly be; then it came to him: Who else could he be? We don't have too many friends of Asian descent.

"Ah, yes, you must be Foreign Minister Lin from Southeast Asia. A pleasure to meet you as well, Minister Lin," Kil said, extending his hand.

"So, what brings you to Czardas? Besides the obvious, of course," he said, smiling. "I didn't know the Southeast Asians were interested in pursuing relations with the Libertarian Concordance."

Upon arrival at the conference, Amb. Andrew Carey, a man of average height and girth, sporting a grey business suit and crewcut, and clutching his credentials was announced by the Usher. Flanked by his four attaches, he made his way to Kari Alhoun.

"President Steinberg and Secretary Klein send their greetings." he announced as he held out his hand to Alhoun.

Upon arrival at the conference, Amb. Andrew Carey, a man of average height and girth, sporting a grey business suit and crewcut, and clutching his credentials was announced by the Usher. Flanked by his four attaches, he made his way to Kari Alhoun.

"President Steinberg and Secretary Klein send their greetings." he announced as he held out his hand to Alhoun.
[ooc:] We have ushers now? ;)

[ic:]

Kari Alhoun greets the Ambassador warmly, shaking his hand as he says, "I'm honored to welcome you to Czardas today... the conference will be starting fairly soon, so please make yourselves comfortable." He shows Carey around the already crowded lobby, watching the various delegations interact and talk as the room continues to fill up.

Kil had been mostly making small talk with Alhoun and a few other arriving delegates since his own entrance, and had just finished saying something to Alhoun when he heard his name being spoken. He turned around to find a slightly shorter-than-average, sharply-dressed Asian man greeting him. For a split second, Kil wondered who this could possibly be; then it came to him: Who else could he be? We don't have too many friends of Asian descent.

"Ah, yes, you must be Foreign Minister Lin from Southeastasia. A pleasure to meet you as well, Minister Lin," Kil said, extending his hand.

"So, what brings you to Czardas? Besides the obvious, of course," he said, smiling. "I didn't know the Southeast Asians were interested in pursuing relations with the Libertarian Concordance."
OOC: Hal, actually, it's supposed to be 'Southeast Asia', but because someone took it, I chose my current nation name instead.

IC:
"Indeed we are. Do you plan on visiting the capital of the Union sometime? My colleague and good friend, Neo, is considering of visiting the Halberdgardian capitol."

Amb. Andrew Carey grabs some of the appetizers, a little famished from the long trip from Wrycova, and the drive in to the conference. He saunters up to Heather Gilda, Foreign Minister of Holy Xirnium and introduces himself.

"Heather, our commercial attache here brings notes of interest from many or our companies in Czardinian ventures. But we'd also like to arrange some discussions with H.X. about exports of technology, particularly in the database and Aircraft Systems areas. Could we arrange a get-together offsite for our attache and some of your commercial representatives?"

OOC: Hal, actually, it's supposed to be 'Southeast Asia', but because someone took it, I chose my current nation name instead.

IC:
"Indeed we are. Do you plan on visiting the capital of the Union sometime? My colleague and good friend, Neo, is considering of visiting the Halberdgardian capitol."

[OOC: Dammit, I keep doing that. Edited.]

"Forgive me for my momentary lack of memory, but where is the Union's capitol? I would be happy to visit some time in the future, if such a thing could be arranged.

"As for Prime Minister Neo, you may tell him to contact either myself or the State Department for more details on a visit to Washington."

"The capitol is the same place where Neo's parents grew up in, Singapore, now renamed Lion City. It's also where he returned to serve his country, and later toured the other areas around the (future) Southeast Asian states to unify it. Thank you for telling me who to contact, I shall inform Neo so."

The Xirniumite delegation thanked the Czardaian Foreign Minister's chief assistant courteously for his encouraging words before politely taking their leave of him, retreating to one of the quieter corners of the lobby where they could converse amongst themselves with some semblance of privacy. They were interrupted, however, by an enthusiastic-looking ambassador from West Cedarbrook with an interesting proposition for the High Lady.

‘Greetings, Ambassador Carey,’ Grand Cardinal Heather Gilda (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/Dennis134/Gilda.jpg) replied, turning from her whispered conversation to regard the delegate curiously. She was a little taken aback by the his familiar term of address, perhaps almost as much as his bold suggestion.

The High Lady extended her hand elegantly, considering the man’s proposal intently. ‘The High Ecclesiarchy would be delighted to discuss your offer with the government of West Cedarbrook and your business establishment,’ she indicated, smiling warmly. "I'm extremely interested in hearing its specific details.'

Gary Girardi and Paul Martin went their seperate ways to discuss certain matters. Mr. Girardi approached Mr. Lin of Southeast Asia.

"Good evening Mr. Lin. How are you this even?" He asked as he extended his hand. "Would I be able to speak to you privately for a moment please?" Girardi motioned to a nearby office, that was unoccupied.

Ambassador Carey thanked Grand Cardinal Gilda in return, and continued.

"I would be pleased, on behalf of West Cedarbrook to introduce our Commercial Attache Richard Markowitz", he said, motioning a tall, thin man in his mid 30's forward. "Richard is here to promote the research of several of our firms. In the field of Database Management, Advanced Data Research offers low cost solutions for both relational and object-oriented needs, with full PHP and XML extensibility. He will be glad to speak to any interested parties in the Xirnium delegation, and is prepared to open licensing negotiations."

"We also can discuss features of recent Stealth technology, from our Defense Aircraft Research Consortium", he continued. "A collaboration of several Univiersities and companies, with major involvement from Oppenheimer University and General Electric Cedarbrook are providing many advances in Stealth design, such as Vector Thrusting. Rich can begin negotiations with you, and at some point we would continue at a higher level", he offered.

'Very well,' the Lady High Grand Cardinal began slowly, 'I’m interested. I suppose I could arrange for you to give a demonstration of your database software to various interested commercial parties in Holy Xirnium, and we could then determine the merit of your products. I’ll inform Grand Cardinal Monique Kalisna, our Science and Technology Minister, and she can arrange the specifics.'

‘Your aerospace technologies sound intriguing, if more then a little vague,' Lady Gilda explained. 'The High Ecclesiarchy will need to know the specifics of your stealth technology and vector thrusting products before they reach a decision. I’m sure we could reach some agreement for their purchase if it is worth our while.'

I gotta join this somehow... :-P

OOC: All of my IC bagging on other delegates and nations is meant purely ICly, I hold no OOC resentment.

IC:

Secretary of State Kara Maddox had quietly slipped into the room unnoticed, and after settling into a corner of the room she began to attempt to identify the various delegates, after a few minutes she was glad she managed to slip into the room. Many of the delegates were from countries she or The Silver Sky weren't quite fond of.

She scoffed at the Southeast Asian delegate, after several "diplomatic mistakes" by the Southeast Asians, they were not looked on well, and their attempt to establish an embassy was purposely being fuddled and "lost in the mail". However, eventually it would have to be dealt with. (OOC: My IC excuse for my OOC inability for finding time to respond.)

She saw the Halberdgardian Secretary of State, Kenix Kil, she and the majority of The Silver Sky were not pleased at all with the Halbergardian Government, especially centering around their alliances with Leafanistan and McKagan, both nations were considered blacklisted by the government. However, beyond that, the country was treated with respect....somewhat.

'Damn, I'm thirsty, I shouldn't of had so many of those little yummy salted peanuts' Kara thought as she grabbed a drink from the punch bowl(I assume you have one). 'Hmm, watermelon-kiwi flavored, nice.'

She continued to observe the various delegates, the Xirnium's, and Kahanistan's seemed very eager to establish alliances with the Czardians, a little to eager, although she coudln't frown on them because of their rightful fight against The Kraven Corporation, and their ended fight with AMF.

However, even in all of the commotion she could think easy, as there were Silver Sky Troops throughout the whole of Czardas, guarding mines, oil production facilities and arms factories. She needed to talk to Kari Alhoun about several inovations from Silver Sky National Armaments, a few that the Czardian military may be interested in(HINT, HINT :P). However, she would make it a note to also talk to the Halberdgardian Secretary of State.

She walked to a dark corner and said in a quiet voice, "Ok Matt, you can come out now." Out of the shadows came a figure clad in The Silver Sky's Helljumper Battle Armor, it was a officer variant with ceramic inserts providing more strength, however, this version had the rare optical camoflague, it "blended with the background of the enviorment and helped to distort the outline of the body. "Why now? He asked, Matt was a Captain in the Elite First Marine Heavy Division, who also did diplomatic escort.

"Because, justed wanted to see if you were there." Said Kara, "Get in contact with the Naval and We Buy It fleets, tell them to step up patrols, I have a hunch that The Warmaster or their cronies are planning something, have them relay the same message to the land forces." Matt nodded and walked off and Kara returned to the party and began to look for Alhoun (Hint :))

Gary Girardi and Paul Martin went their seperate ways to discuss certain matters. Mr. Girardi approached Mr. Lin of Southeast Asia.

"Good evening Mr. Lin. How are you this even?" He asked as he extended his hand. "Would I be able to speak to you privately for a moment please?" Girardi motioned to a nearby office, that was unoccupied.
Lin turned around and his eye twitched. "Perhaps some time later..."

OOC: TSS, I perfectly understand the rule of 'IC and OOC things must not cross', but why do your characters hold a grudge against my nation ICly?

OOC: TSS, I perfectly understand the rule of 'IC and OOC things must not cross', but why do your characters hold a grudge against my nation ICly?
OOC: Remember you application to the Woodstock Pact and your TG to Pacitalia? Yeah, those are the reason, and since this was seen by Kara and most of the foreign relations staff, they don't really like your style of diplomacy. Anyway, this may be a chance to improve those thoughs Kara has of your nation. Good night.

OOC: Look, the Pacitalians and Silver Skyians really need to reread that letter. What Lin was trying to tell them was that Automagfreek was the last thing the Southeast Asians were concerned about. They knew that TKC was USING Automagfreek (which a foolish Reichsmarshall later revealed), so they rushed the letter toward you. Sorry if you misunderstood.

"Ah, very good!" answered an enthusiastic Carey. "If you please I'll have Rich make contacts here to arrange for a presentation of our technology to interested parties. In Defense Technology, I'll e-mail the Department of External Affairs to proceed with a presentation at your government's convenience"

Before the High Lady could get a chance to respond to the West Cedarbrook delegate, an aid approached the Grand Cardinal and whispered something quietly into her ear. Heather Gilda beamed smugly, as if a great wrong had been righted. It would appear my political manoeuvring has proven successful once more, she thought with delight.

Turning back to Carey she tried to force this new piece of news from her mind and return back to the issue at hand, though she still grinned uncontrollably. ‘Excellent then, Ambassador Carey, I look forward to attending the demonstrations personally,’ indicated High Lady Gilda. 'If you will excuse me, however, I must unfortunately take my leave. It seems a matter has developed which requires my attention.’

With a brief, disarming smile the Grand Cardinal nodded her head slightly towards the man in the formal salutation of the Xirniumite people, turning quickly to discuss the latest development from Holy Xirnium with her entourage in soft murmurs.

Winchester smirked at the sight of protestors, free speech does have its drawbacks, he muttered to himself. He caught his chief of staff glance over with her perked eyebrows asking the silent question. Nothing important. Although a member of a liberal party, Winchester disliked chaos and anarchy instead preferring rigid law and order that created stable societies – and he knew that Deveraux knew this, and she still had decided to send him on this mission.

It took a few minutes, but the small convoy arrived at the conference with Winchester entering the hall with as little fanfare as possible to the deference of all the dignitaries of higher rank than himself. An assistant led the way to the Czardian foreign minister while Winchester waited for an opening to introduce himself.

Mr. Minister, it is a pleasure to meet with you; I am Howard Winchester, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in His Majesty Michael I’s Government. If I may, sir, Czardas appears a truly beautiful country in both its natural and political landscape.

Alhoun is standing in the doorway, greeting the newcomers as they arrive and conversing with various delegates and security guards at the door. From below, as the clouds of protesters begin to disperse (having finished their shift protesting the new abortion laws) and more protesters begin to arrive to protest the gay rights, he sees Winchester's car pull up to the door of Congress Hall.

Alhoun greets Winchester warmly. "I am honored to meet you, Mr. Winchester. I will have to agree with you there...both the natural and political landscapes of Czardas contain very varied terrain and climate." He raises an eyebrow, knowing something of Azazia's authoritarian leanings. "But some do not find such rugged terrain beautiful... eh? Come in, Mr. Winchester; make yourself at home. The conference will be beginning momentarily."

As Alhoun and Winchester enter the main lobby, an aide rushes up to Alhoun and hands him a scrap of notepaper with a few words hastily scrawled on it. Alhoun begins to read, and his face visibly pales as he tries to take in the enormity of what is written on the sheet. Agitated and white, he excuses himself and walks hurriedly and distractedly off through the room, searching for Kara Maddox.

On finding her, he says authoritatively, "Good afternoon, Ms. Maddox. Would you mind coming this way?" With little further explanation he pushes open a side door and leads her unobtrusively up a stairwell towards one of Congress Hall's intel briefing rooms...

Kara was approached by Alhoun, she was surprised by his tone of voice didn't like it at all, but she masked her slight anger and irritation.

She followed Alhoun into a room, and said "Ok, you mind telling me what this is all about, I assume it's something about The Warmaster or another of your enemies. Otherwise you would have told me in public."

Alhoun leads Maddox into Intel Briefing Room #31, above and behind the rest of the other delegates. Vice-Director of National Intelligence Airya Wong, and several of her fellow officers, are also waiting within the room. As Maddox asks the question, Alhoun motions to Wong to answer.

"Yes, Ms. Maddox. But this is very severe... we didn't want to alarm the other attendees."

Wong turns on a video screen nearby, showing footage from the Aurdania Naval Command Centre, of a Warmasterian commando team infiltrating through withering losses into one of the command rooms.

"A Warmasterian commando team managed to infiltrate one of Czardas's top military bases and disable a portion of the Czardaian missile defense system," Wong explains. "This means that the coast of the Aurdania spit—" a picture of this area appears onscreen with the affected area shaded in orange—"is undefended and open to attack. With the Warmasterian mobilization, we believe that they will try to invade us, either via sea or amphibiously... and we thought you should know about this."

"There's more, too," one of Wong's aides goes on. "We've intercepted transmissions between Warmaster and other nations—Parthia, Doomingsland, Banduria—and although all of the encryption is top-end, and we haven't been able to decode any of the messages, we're suspecting that Warmaster isn't going to be exactly without support for this invasion.

"Do you think we should cancel the conference...?"

Ambassador Carey identifies Lieutenant General Hamed bin Jamal, head of the Kahanistani delegation, and pulls him aside for a brief conference.

"General bin Jamal, I am Andrew Carey, head of delegation for West Cedarbrook. Our Secretary of External Affairs, Ernest Klein and Cheif of Staff Yehoshua Ben Zvi-Eliezar have asked that I contact the Kahanistani delegation at this conference, if possible."

"I'm here primarily on a commercial mission.", he explained. "But External Affairs would like to explore, if possible, closer military ties with Kahanistan. We believe it would serve mutual interests in the region."

Kara nodded and watched the video, although her expression remained netural for the most part her mind raced. After listening to Alhoun and the others, Kara thought for a few seconds before coming to a decision.

"I say, cancel the conference, you probably don't want any foreign diplomats dieing in a war they don't know about. I can get some fighters to fly CAP over airports and air corridors and escort any diplomats who request it."

After looking over the map again she continued, "We have 50,000 Combat Troops with a half a day of the area on the map, plus two Air Defence Division in your nation, and We Buy It Inc. has another 25,000 spread out in the country around their holdings. If you allow us to, we can set up some SAM and SSM sites along with some large railway and stationary guns on the coast if you let us.."

"We also have 600+ ships in the area around where the system went offline, and WBI has another 163 ships along the southern shore, we also have an Air Group here. These along with your forces could easily whip anything the Bandurians, Warmasterians, and Parthians could muster." She paused for second before continuing, "However, as a safe guard, with your permission we would like to put a Regular Naval Fleet on standby for deployment, and deploy 2 more Marine Heavy Divisions, an Air Defence Division and a second Air Group to bolster defences in the whole of your nation."

[OOC: TSS, just FYI, Kil is no longer Secretary of State; after my first President, Kir Kanos, finished out his second six-year term, Kil ran for President and won the election, so he's President now. Also, provided that there's a safe place for him, Kil wouldn't mind sticking around to confirm an alliance with the Czardaians and the Omzians. Yes, Czardas, Omz and I arranged over TG for a little "dealing on the side," so to speak, between our delegates at the meeting, so we were planning on finalizing an alliance between ourselves as well. Would you mind if Kil stayed, so long as there's a safe place for him?]

Alhoun nods. "Whatever you can bring in will be useful—we'll be fighting against a coalition of nations twice our size. General Ogden's ordered all 7200 planes of the domestic air force on standby, so in air power we'll be well-defended, but as you know in naval power we're somewhat... lacking. That would be where CAMERA comes in... but now that the Aurdania sector is offline, the spit is open to attack, so we should concentrate our defenses around there.

"I'll have a message broadcast to the lobby where the rest of the delegates are waiting, so they'll know about this and can choose their path."

Alhoun jots a few words on a sheet of paper and passes it into a fax machine under the table. A few minutes later an announcement blares throughout the lobby, surprising all into silence.

"For all delegates: A portion of the missile defense system defending the Czardaian coast has been shut down by enemy operatives, whom we believe are planning an invasion of Czardas. The whole nation is on high security alert, but we fear that a conference such as this one might become a target for terrorist activities. Therefore, delegates who do not wish to remain in Czardas with this new threat will be escorted to the nearest airport to return to their home countries. On the other hand, for delegates wishing to continue the conference nonetheless, there are security bunkers deep below Czarna that can be opened up for use if need be. Thank you and we are sorry for the inconvenience."

[OOC: TSS, just FYI, Kil is no longer Secretary of State; after my first President, Kir Kanos, finished out his second six-year term, Kil ran for President and won the election, so he's President now. Also, provided that there's a safe place for him, Kil wouldn't mind sticking around to confirm an alliance with the Czardaians and the Omzians. Yes, Czardas, Omz and I arranged over TG for a little "dealing on the side," so to speak, between our delegates at the meeting, so we were planning on finalizing an alliance between ourselves as well. Would you mind if Kil stayed, so long as there's a safe place for him?]
[ooc:] Read my message above.

[OOC: Ah, I just copied what someone else posted. :P And that's really up to Czardas, if he has a safe place then go ahead, I was just giving advice to him. I assume he has someplace safe in the mountains to the capitals east.]

[OOC: Ah, I just copied what someone else posted. :P And that's really up to Czardas, if he has a safe place then go ahead, I was just giving advice to him. I assume he has someplace safe in the mountains to the capitals east.]
[ooc:] Yes, there are plenty of bunkers and safe spots lying around, protected from attack. Kil can have his pick. ;)

Gen. Donofrio, Brother Mellingion, and Chang all stood off to one side, silently watching the little cliques, and the double-dealing that was undoubtedly occuring.

" My brothers," said Mellingion, " we are indeed fortunate to be kin. The Taniths need not ever fear each other."

" Aye, " said Chang, " no back-room deals will ever hold us captive to one another."

Mad Dog Donofrio gestured to his Marine Knights. " Brothers, we must go now. Alaric is in dreadful danger, and many allies are lining up to fight this sorceror." He waved at Alhoun. " Sir, we need to depart this conference, as pressing matters of the Empire await us. Please look these propositions over. We will get back to you once our little war has been settled."

All of the Xeraphians bowed.......and disappeared, beamed to a Issa'k Class Vector Cruiser orbiting far above Terra..........

At the news of possible threat to the convention, Kil's bodyguards immediately drew their Model 100 SMGs (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9835717&postcount=78), linked to the miniaturized CPU modules in their sunglasses, which projected a HUD with targeting information onto the inside of the lenses.

Two of the bodyguards grabbed Kil, one seizing each of his arms, and two more muscled their way in between Kil and Foreign Minister Lin.

"Sorry, sir, but we must get the President to safety," one of them said to Lin as they pulled Kil away.

One of the two bodyguards remaining confronted Alhoun.

"Minister Alhoun, where is the nearest safe house? If there is a threat to the President's safety, we must get him to a safe location."

Alhoun says to the bodyguard, "Several SpecOps cars will escort you to a bunker underneath Czarna where we will attempt to continue the conference if any other delegations wish to remain within the country."

Outside, as President Kil and his guards enter the car, the SpecOps arrive around them and take off towards the bunker. Leading the way down the main boulevard, they turn left on a side street ascending towards the top of a hill, turn on a street with a sign marked "Do Not Enter" and descend into a tunnel, where the leader swipes an ID card and types in a numeric password, causing one wall of the tunnel to slide out, revealing another passageway. The Special Operatives guide Kil's car down a longer passageway deep underground and through another set of blast doors. The cars park and arrive at a heavily guarded blast door surrounded by guards in dark uniforms. Only a few flickering torches light the walls, and the only sound that can be heard is the drip-drip-drip of water from an unknown source. Eerie lights and sounds permeate the inside of the cave as the SpecOps lead Kil and his associates along a passageway within the doors, reaching another set of doors. The guards admit the group, and the lead SpecOp flicks a master switch.

The bunker blazes into light immediately, far underneath Congress Hall, and even those who have been there before may gasp in amazement at the sight. The inside of the bunker has been decorated much like a Victorian-era mansion, with ornate woodwork, a fireplace, exquisite pieces of art—sculpture and painting—everywhere, enough food to feed six hundred people for a month, and a large conference room with an ornately painted ceiling in replica of the Sistine Chapel. The SpecOp captain leading the team explains, "We moved a lot of the best artwork in Czardas to bunkers during the Scellian War to prevent its destruction at enemy hands, and I guess the High Command liked it, so they decided to keep it here. Welcome. We'll be resuming the conference soon if anyone else shows up."

What they cannot see is the elaborate control room in the bunker, controlling hundreds of SAMs, lasers, terminals, cruise missile emplacements, and EMP devices stationed strategically around Congress Hall... but that, of course, is irrelevant...

Ambassador Carey identifies Lieutenant General Hamed bin Jamal, head of the Kahanistani delegation, and pulls him aside for a brief conference.

"General bin Jamal, I am Andrew Carey, head of delegation for West Cedarbrook. Our Secretary of External Affairs, Ernest Klein and Cheif of Staff Yehoshua Ben Zvi-Eliezar have asked that I contact the Kahanistani delegation at this conference, if possible."

"I'm here primarily on a commercial mission.", he explained. "But External Affairs would like to explore, if possible, closer military ties with Kahanistan. We believe it would serve mutual interests in the region."


General Bin Jamal looked down at the Cedarbrook ambassador. "Perhaps we can discuss this issue later... there are so many things that we would need to know about your nation's policies, military position, and why they want an alliance with us as opposed to a larger military power, such as AMF, Kraven, Parthia, et cetera."

"You can write the Kahanistan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margaret Delray, at this address." The general hastily scribbled an address on a piece of blank paper.

"We are a democratic state, ethnically diverse, though we were not always so, we used to be swarmed with extremists... but that is ancient history now. We maintain a strong military to fight for the human rights of the world's people... we can always use democratic allies."

Kara approached Alhoun and asked, "Is their anyplace I can use to relay commands to my forces? That might be helpful."

OOC: Czardas, should I get my delegation to a bunker or stay? Because he's confused and doesn't know about the Warmasterian commando units.

OOC: Czardas, should I get my delegation to a bunker or stay? Because he's confused and doesn't know about the Warmasterian commando units.
[ooc:] That's ok, we're not releasing too many details to anyone. You should probably go to a bunker; they're planning an invasion of Czardas so it'll probably be safer.

[ic:]

Alhoun says to Kara: "You can either accompany the rest of the Governing Council and delegations to the command bunker below Czarna, or you can go with General Ogden, Marshal Karlsen, and the other members of the High Command to our top high-security complexes outside Czarna... there are control rooms in both that can connect you to your forces."

Lin was confused as he saw the POTDIH (President of the Democratic Imperium of Halberdgardia) get carried away by his bodyguards and out to a safety zone.

Then his political mind came to him.

The Czardians must be taking the delegates to a safety zone. Perhaps it involves this Torontian -

His handful of bodyguards had also caught word of trouble, and four of them had drawn out Desert Eagle pistols and surrounded Lin and his aides. They were to be escorted to an underground shelter....

Severin blinked, leaning casually against a wall, as chaos promptly broke out and people began to hustle here and there. As various bodyguards began loading their weapons and taking defensive formations, he felt a bit left-out... he hadn't brought any bodyguards along on this trip, as no one had anticipated violence. Besides, he could defend himselt just fine. He muled over his decision for a moment - it certainly wasn't safe to remain in a war zone, but at the same time, he had his own way out if he required it - and eventually pushed off the wall, falling in with the group who were gathering in preparation to head to the bunkers. He followed along with them on the fringe of the group, no expression on his sharply handsome features, hands in his pockets as he quietly took in the tension and murmurs. He wanted to speak to Alhoun, but now was really the furthest thing from the best time, and long patience was the birthright of the Soleis. He would watch, and he would wait, and if there was a way for him to help, he would do that too.

Grand Cardinal Gilda sighed, clearly irritated by the Czardian public announcement message. She was not particularly concerned about the security threats to the conference, but was supremely annoyed at its having been disrupted like this.

‘Your Eminence, perhaps we should end the diplomatic visit at this point in time and return to Holy Xirnium?’ asked Lady Inquisitor Hertha respectfully, the barest hint of unease in her voice. The Inquisitor was eyeing the various delegates' guards who had taken to brandishing their weapons and waving them around recklessly with the greatest suspicion, and the High Lady wondered if Hertha was gripping her own firearm tightly beneath her dark cloak. No doubt… she thought ominously.

High Lady Heather Gila frowned, considering the suggestion carefully. She wasn’t particularly thrilled at the prospect of spending time in an underground bunker. Furthermore, if too many nations’ delegations left Czardas the conference might be cancelled anyway, resulting in a waste of time for the Grand Cardinal that she could better have spent elsewhere. Then again, if the conference was still salvageable it would be a mistake to leave.

‘I suppose we will remain for now, though this is a most bothersome turn of events,’ the Grand Cardinal decided.

‘But, your Eminence, surely the threats of terrorist acts against -’ Lady Hertha began to argue.

‘Nonsense. No nation would dream of so brazenly attacking a multinational summit, it would provoke an absolute political firestorm,’ explained High Lady Gilda gravely. ‘Simply inform the High Ecclesiarchy of the latest turn of events and we will continue as planned.’

Their decision made, the Xirniumite delegation turned to follow the rest of the leaving delegates from the now largely empty lobby room.

Winchester tilted his head back and finished his first glass of water, a simple but still elegant drink. He had witnessed Alhoun wanning as he read the slip of paper, noting it as significant but deciding not to take any particular action over the incident. Instead, he found a glass of water and sated his thirst.

He listened attentively to the announcement and frowned. He had come so far only to be distracted by some bloody terrorists and a nuisance of a war. Finding his chief of staff, Winchester snapped his finger and brought her over. What do you think?

It depends, Mr. Minister. We’re looking for a better relationship with Czardas and there’s no better impetus for friendship then providing aid during times of crisis – but I also don’t know exactly how much aid Imperium would be willing to fork over as we’re already pretty strapped.

You’re right, of course, and I personally don’t see us contributing much if anything other than diplomatic support. But anyway, I agree, and so we’re going to head off to a bunker. Although this is not how I intended my first foreign trip to develop. He nodded solemnly at his chief of staff before walking off to find someone to escort him and his staff to a bunker.

Kara, after a short but speedy walk, found herself in a mostly empty command room, except for her bodyguard and a few Czardian Techs. She quickly settled into a Comm station. After fiddling with the frequencies she made contact with Admiral Eva Bock.

"Admiral, this is Secretary of State Kara Maddox, part of the Czardian CAMERA defence grid has gone offline in the area of Aurdania, we need to concentrate your naval forces there, We Buy It will handle the south. I've already contacted the 3rd Naval Fleet to deploy and move into position, it shouldn't take more then 2 days as they were already in a readied state. I've also deployed the rest of the 3rd Air Force, with planes from the 4th ready for long range strikes against invasion fleets."

"Is that all Ma'am?" Asked Fleet Admiral Eva Bock.

"Well, transport planes and ships escorted by fighters and the 3rd Fleet will arrive within 3 days, for a total of 150,000 troops arriving, this will to boost our forces to 921 ships, 200,000 combat troops, and 2640 planes, plus those from the naval fleets. Enough to totally outclass the enemy forces."

"Yes ma'am." Said Admiral Bock as the transmission cut out."

"We're just in time," Kari Alhoun says grimly, looking over the computer monitors showing the assorted delegations entering the bunker, then towards the long-range RADAR screens connecting to satellites positioned far over the sea, displaying hundreds of blips representing massive Bandurian (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10097832&postcount=198) and Warmasterian (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10133687&postcount=207) fleets approaching Czardas from both sides. "This is going to be one hell of a fight."

The chief general at the bunker is sitting by him at a terminal, scanning RADAR movements. "Right. We have Silver Skyian reinforcements inbound in three days, but I'd put the enemy fleets incoming probably even sooner... and that's discounting the Parthian and Psovian fleets we saw entering Warmasterian waters a few weeks ago."

Alhoun sighs. "And this has to happen in the middle of our first diplomatic conference... Nathaniel, what naval forces will be backing up the Silver Skyians outside Aurdania?"

The general, Nathaniel Leodamas, says, "We have 45 destroyers, a handful of cruisers, twenty frigates, and four or five carriers—a total of 1728 planes of our mobile air force."

"All arsenal?"

"Do we have any combat ships that aren't arsenal?" Leodamas smiles.

"True." All of the ships in Czardas's navy and Coast Guard have the capability to carry aircraft as well, providing air support for the main Silver Skyian naval powerhouse. "What about the southern coast? The Warmasterians are incoming from there."

"Another fifty destroyers, plus the rest of the cruisers, battleships, and both of the new superdreadnaughts... a few carriers as well... about 1800 planes."

"Good. I think that'll be enough," Alhoun says. "Keep everything we've got on red alert. We're going to need it."

General Bin Jamal strode into the bunker. All he knew of Banduria was that they had defended Neoma during its purge of non-Coordists, which had provoked an attack by Kahanistan naval forces.

He knew nothing of this Warmaster, though... but he was here to gain an alliance with Czardas...

[bump]

OOC: Czardas, do you mind if my delegation shares a bunker with the DIH, yourself, and TSS?

OOC: Really, it's most convenient if we all share a bunker.

OOC: Really, it's most convenient if we all share a bunker.
[OOC: And convenient enough for several missile strikes to kill all our delegations. :rolleyes: ]

OOC: Point. I was thinking of efficiency, not safety. So we're going to wait until after Czardas plays this whole thing out before actually going on with the conference?

OOC: Southeast Asia, on the sharing a bunker thing, no, because I have my character in a mility bunker commanding military forces, if you were in their I'd have to have my guards remove you, due to the possibility of exposed secrets.

OOC: Fair enough. But do you mind sending an aide to Maddox to share a bunker? Perhaps we can come to something...

[OOC: And convenient enough for several missile strikes to kill all our delegations. :rolleyes: ]
[ooc:] Actually, they don't know that we've relocated to this bunker, and it's very well defended (and quite far underground, too). It's perfectly safe from everything except WMDs, which they're not supposed to use anyway.

[ic:]

"So is that everybody?" Alhoun looks from the list to the monitors showing the delegations gathering in the bunker.

"Ought to be," says one of the many Foreign Office aides helping prepare.

"Right. Broadcast message IAC3. War or no war..."

As the message is played, Alhoun glances at the nearest radar screen. The Czardaian shore (in blue) is protected by huge numbers of green dots, representing over 4000 Silver Skyian and Space Unionist ships. The green lines stand between the red masses (Parthian, Warmasterian, and Bandurian fleets) slowly pouring towards Czardas. The war will never reach Czarna with the kind of defense the shore is planning to put up.

Across the intercoms and loudspeakers built into the walls, a voice booms out. "Attention all delegations. Despite this terrorist attack, the conference will continue. Will all delegates please move into the Conference Room #3? Czardaian SpecOps will guide you in. Thank you."

The Special Operatives guarding the bunker escort the delegates into the conference room, which is one of the largest. Alhoun is already sitting at the head of the conference table, waiting. At the seats are interpreters and guards. The room itself is quite a sight -- a high vaulted ceiling, the walls replete with murals and tapestries, two Cvarken-era suits of armor standing guard over one door, their halberds and scimitars crossed. The light is gentle and unobtrusive, but still allowing for enough visibility.

The Conference is beginning.

[ooc:] Anyone who wants to have private meetings can wait until after the main meetings now. We're starting, terrorist attacks or not.

OOC: Fair enough. But do you mind sending an aide to Maddox to share a bunker? Perhaps we can come to something...
[ooc:] Maybe you can meet with TSS's other guy in Czardas (I keep forgetting his name).

OOC: Fair enough. But do you mind sending an aide to Maddox to share a bunker? Perhaps we can come to something...
OOC: Maybe after the war, and Czardas, you have a TG.

Joshua Lin was the first person to enter the conference room. He had addressed his aides, whom towered over his his five foot, six inch frame to stand back and observe the conference, take a few notes or two. He hobbled over to the right-hand seat, closest to the Foreign Minister of the Libertarian Concordance.

Alhoun must have been busy chatting with another state representative, so perhaps he didn't hear me greeting him. Time to make sure he hears me. thought the Chinese Malaysian man.

"Greetings Mr. Alhoun," he smiled, warmly extending his hand, "while our two states have had little to no contact, on the behalf of the people and the cabinet, I would like to correct that, and I hope that the Concordance and the Union shall prosper."

Severin wandered in shortly after and gracefully settled into one of the seats along the wall, lounging as much as it was possible to lounge and otherwise biding his time.

[ooc:] You could have read the thread more carefully. Alhoun is male... and unmarried. ;)

[ic:]

Alhoun turns towards the voice. It is a bit unfamiliar, and he clears his head... Ah yes. The Southeast Asian delegate. He shakes Mr. Lin's hand just in time, returning the greeting.

"Mr. Lin, yes? I'm quite honored to meet a representative of Southeast Asia. I hope we can improve relations between our countries swiftly."

From the corner of his eye he sees other representatives beginning to file in...

After the announcement that the conference was to be resumed was made, Kil motioned to two of his bodyguards, who followed him into the meeting room. Their Model 100 SMGs still pointedly drawn, they flanked Kil as he entered and took the other seat near Kari Alhoun, also close to Southeast Asia's Joshua Lin.

"I'm glad to hear that the conference is to be continued despite the attack, Minister Alhoun," Kil said as he sat. He also leaned forward to look at Lin.

"I apologize for my bodyguards' roughness, Minister Lin. Presidential Protection Protocol, you know," he said with a smile. His bodyguards weren't too happy at the jab, but their eyes were hidden behind their reflective sunglasses and their faces remained impassive.

Kil settled back into his seat, reached for the glass of water that was already set before his place before his arrival, and took a drink from it, waiting for the other delegates to arrive.

[ooc:] You could have read the thread more carefully. Alhoun is male... and unmarried. ;)
[OOC: Damn it. Edited.]

"That's understood, Mr. Kil." replied Lin in fluent English, "Mr. Alhoun, may I please get something else other than water? I'm in the mood for orange juice.

Ahhh, looks like the conference is finally about to start, thought Lady Gilda cheerfully as she entered the quickly filling room, noticing its lavish fittings. The Foreign Minister let one of her aids take her dark carmine red cloak, the infuriating heat finally having got the better of her. She chose a spot not too far away from the Southeast Asian delegate, though the Grand Cardinal decided against greeting Mr Lin for the moment.

Surveying the rest of the representatives carefully, the Lady High Grand Cardinal leaned straight back in her chair confidently, crossing one leg over the other. With any luck, this diplomatic meeting would be beneficial to the Holy Empire. It could certainly do with some wine, though, Lady Gilda thought dourly as she lit a cigarette, looking at the large jugs of water with something resembling suspicion.

"Orange juice? There ought to be some over..." Alhoun's voice dies out in his throat as he sees a blank patch of wall where he had ordered the trolley of refreshments at least an hour ago. "Just a minute." He quickly gets up and goes behind, looking for the men ordered to prepare refreshments.

He finds them still arguing over the eternal question of Czardaian tavern-goers: red wine or white? The two men are from opposing camps, one holding that red wine is superior, the other just as fervently declaring white to be the better kind. Alhoun, a neutral to the conflict, simply seizes the nearest bottles of both kinds, piles them onto the trolley, and instructs them swiftly to take it out before an awful fate reaches them (namely, that the taxes they have failed to pay -- like about half of all Czardaians -- over the past six years will be billed to their bank accounts).

After a few minutes, Alhoun returns to his seat fully satisfied, and the large trolley bearing refreshments is pushed into the room. It contains primarily a large assortment of small cookies, assorted nuts, pretzels, crackers with various toppings, and fruit on one side, the other one containing bottles of every size, shape, and variety with many types of drinks available for consumption.

Alhoun says as audibly as he can, "Sorry about that. It isn't considered a breach of etiquette around here to eat during the conference -- I am not sure what the customs are in your nation -- so you may take whatever you wish."

A mobile phone rang from Minister Lin's senior deputy. Before answering it, he asked the Czardaian interpreters not to translate Hokkien to English. They agreed, and Senior Deputy to the Foreign Minister Tun-jen Ong answered the phone.
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ONG: Yes, this is Tun-jen Ong. I assume it is something important?

OFFICE SECRETARY: Yes. There's another round of peace-talks regarding the former New Order Republic of Torontia. This time, it's been held by the Democratic Imperium of McKagan. They have been inquire whether we send a delegation there, who should we send there and why.

ONG: What parties are attending the conference?

OFFICE SECRETARY: Let's see, according to the reports from the DIM, there's a Xirniumite deputy to Heather Gilda. Our long-time friends, the Allied States of The Lone Alliance, and long-time enemies of the former Torontia, have sent the representative that was present in the talks involving Red Tide. The State of Amestria has sent a General and their Foreign Minister. The Saint Fedskians are attending, and of course, as the hosts, the McKagan delegate is present.

Ong nods and then swiftly moves to his superior. He asks Lin (still in Hokkien) who would be appropriate.

MINISTER LIN: Perhaps our ambassador to The Lone Alliance would be most suitable.

ONG: Thank you sir.

OFFICE SECRETARY: Did I hear that Ho has been nominated?

ONG: Correct.

OFFICE SECRETARY: So be it. Goodbye Mr. Ong.

ONG: Farewell.

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Ong hangs up and continues to observe the conference.

Alhoun says as audibly as he can, "Sorry about that. It isn't considered a breach of etiquette around here to eat during the conference -- I am not sure what the customs are in your nation -- so you may take whatever you wish."
"Thank you," Lin smiled, then he hobbled over to the table to serve himself a glass.