NationStates Jolt Archive

It had not been that long since Prince Drake had attended the Gala held by Queen Andrea that the King announced that Fourhearts would be holding it's own International Ball.

Prince Drake was not amused.

"Why are we holding such a pompous event? We're at WAR! And why are you having me host it. I should be commanding troops!"

The King smiled patiently at his son. "We are indeed at war. That's why we're having this ball. It lets us put on a brave face and...if you care to take a look at the guest list...coordinate with other nations that are at war with Kraven.

Drake still look skeptical.

"I see your point. I assume that's why you have 1st King listed as 'guards' when you know good and well they're an extreme ops unit. I guess security isn't going to be much of an issue.....Do you think a lot of people will come?"

The King was signing the invites. "I'm don't know, but I think it's worth a shot. It will be interesting nevertheless to have everyone in the same room. Certainly the conversation will be most intriguing and perhaps even productive. The press will love it, and you might even find yourself a nice girl."

"FATHER!"

****

The invitations were sent out to each nation on fine parchment and were handwritten.

Dear [Your National Leader]

The Kingdom of Fourhearts invites you to our international ball for a night of celebration and enjoyment. Dinner will be served and there will be music and dancing for you and your guest. We look forward to your reply.

Signed,
King Drake,
King of Fourhearts

The Emperor read the letter, looking over it carefully.

"Well, sir? Are you going?"

The Emperor looked up from the fine piece of paper before him, and looked into the eyes of the Head Director with a look that could kill.

"We're at war. Having us all gather in one place makes us extremely easy targets."
"But it will improve relations, sir..."

The Emperor pondered for a moment.

"I'll type up a response."
"Of course, sir."

The Emperor sat down at his computer, seeing as it was much faster than sending a letter back, and he typed up a small message.

Dear King Drake,

I am considering attending, but I am very leery about having the leaders of the coalition nations gathered in one area. Therefore, I would like to assist in providing security. I would very much like to assign Omega squad of the Imperial Guard to assist your own guards in security, along with my own personal detatchment of Guardsmen. I guarantee that the Omegas will remain unseen, and will help coordinate defense plans with your own personell. They are our elite, and will ensure that nothing gets in.

Looking forward to seeing you there,
Emperor Craven
Democratic Empire of Cravan

Emperor Craven,

We welcome you and your men to Fourhearts. You can rest assured security will be very high for this event.

King Drake

I accept your invitation to the international ball. Howver, the "attitudes" of several nations leads me to sending 3 guards to the meeting. Hopefully it wont be a burden.

-High Drakose of Roubus
Jestyer Ropherts

Emperor Craven,

We welcome you and your men to Fourhearts. You can rest assured security will be very high for this event.

King Drake

King Drake,

Excellent news. We will be there ASAP.

-Emperor Craven

Already preperations were being made. Imperial One was prepped, along with its escort of six F-80 Phoenixes. The Emperor's personal detatchment of guards prepared for a trip, donning their usual business suits. Meanwhile, Omega squad donned their black combat gear, ready to move at a moment's notice.

OOC- When should this little shin-dig be startin'? I assume as soon as some others respond?

I accept your invitation to the international ball. Howver, the "attitudes" of several nations leads me to sending 3 guards to the meeting. Hopefully it wont be a burden.

-High Drakose of Roubus
Jestyer Ropherts

Dear High Drakose Ropherts,

In the world we live in, it is expected that bodygaurds are a nessisity. You may bring your gaurds, but be assured the security at the ball will be very tight and your gaurds may not be premiitted to carry loaded weapons into the Great Hall. This is for security reasons. We look foward to meeting you.

King Drake
Kingdom of Fourhearts

[OCC: The ball will start once more nations respond. I will post the opening]

~~~~~~~~~~~~
To: King Drake IV, or whatever number it is

Hey Drake... or whatever your official title is, I'm far too tired to remember... you probably have no idea who I am, and how dare I refer to you by your first name, right? Anyway, I fully expect to come with no security whatsoever, except for my guest, Vice-Director of National Intelligence Airya Wong, who is fully trained in ikari.

And before you say anything... expect the unexpected. Hey, you invited a Czardaian, didn't you? ;-)

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

Kari,

We welcome both you and Airya and fully expect you to be the life of the party.

- Drake (The 4th)

~~~~~~~~~~~~
It really depends what you mean by 'life'.....

Anyway, we'll be arriving as soon as it begins, depending on how soon we can find a sober pilot.

~K.A.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

TO: King Drake of Fourhearts
FROM: Prince Vlad of The Grey Phoenix

Your Majesty,

On behalf of Emperor Alaric Tan'it of Xeraph, I wish to thank you for the invitation to this gathering. As you may or may not know, Xeraph and a few of it's allies have a large stake in the Lands of Arterus, wherein Kraven is alledgedly on the move. We are most interested in garnering the perspectives of those attending this ball.

The Emperor will personally attend, as will I. We will be arriving via a DawnStar Class Scientific/Exploratory Star Ship, where we will transbeam down to the ball. As an FYI, we may be accompanied by several other national rulers: King Ricala of Auralinia, Lord Sethanis of Black Shadows, and Teii of Vhammpyr.

Our security team will consist of two AI Spiders and two of the Emperor's personal bodyguards, the Brujah. The Star Ship will be continually scanning the premises for undesirables.

Regards,

Vlad, Prince of the Empire, Regent of The Grey Phoenix, in the Name of the Emperor.

Dear Prince Vald,

We are pleased that you and your freinds can attend. Particularly the representative of Vhammpyr. While we have not always been the best of freinds with your escorts, we can certainly put the past behind us in hopes of a brighter future. A peaceful future that is free from Kraven.

Best Regards,
King Drake, Kingdom of Fourhearts

OCC: Fourhearts fought against Vhammpyr at one point. I don't think they'll be any hostilities as we understand there has been a bit of a regime change there.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/Xirnium/arms3.gif
Official Viceregal Memorandum, Office of the Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Ad Vitam Aeternam! – For All Time!
To:

King Drake IV
Kingdom of Fourhearts

From:

Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium


Dear King Drake IV

As Viceregal Head of State of the Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium, it is both my pleasure and honour to accept your most cordial invitation to attend the international ball to be hosted in the Kingdom of Fourhearts. I look forward to it with all enthusiasm.

Please be advised that I will also be accompanied by a small personal retinue numbering no more then ten state dignitaries.


[Signed]

Her Excellency
Lady Victoria Seriende
Vicereine and Head of State
The Eternal Republic of Holy Xirnium

Dear Prince Vald,

We are pleased that you and your freinds can attend. Particularly the representative of Vhammpyr. While we have not always been the best of freinds with your escorts, we can certainly put the past behind us in hopes of a brighter future. A peaceful future that is free from Kraven.

Best Regards,
King Drake, Kingdom of Fourhearts

OCC: Fourhearts fought against Vhammpyr at one point. I don't think they'll be any hostilities as we understand there has been a bit of a regime change there.


ooc: that's correct. Lord Feratu was executed and now Lord Teii is ruling Vhammpyr. As a side note, I don't know if you remember General Azulun of Vhammpyr or not, but Comatica captured him, he got away, and is now in hiding in the region of The Pagan Borderlands.

[OCC: I might as well get this party started. Any freindly nation is free to arrive at the door]

Security was the word of the day.

Sure, there was pomp and circumstance. Yes, there was good food. The region of Texas was famous for it's food and Fourhearts aimed to please. Indeed, there was dancing as the King had ensured for every male guest, there would at least be one pretty lady.

But there was mostly security.

The Kingdom of Fourhearts had dispatched Airship Fleets all over the world. There were 7 Fleets Currently deployed. What most of the World did not know, was that Fourhearts had 21 Fleets, most of which was sitting directly above the City of Juliana. While Fourhearts had kept a policy of keeping it's full military might a secret, there was not much point to it now.

The Kingdom was an airship Kingdom. When the guests arrived at the Airport, they would be greeted by Airships of all kinds. The Fireship Class, which was the mainstay of the Armada. The Wolf - Type and the High Speed Transports. From the airport they would be taken by AirCab to the Sky Palace, where the King and Prince Drake were waiting.

Once the guests stepped out of the AirCab, they would be greeted by a company of the King's Men. These elite soldiers were standing in two lines and as the guests walked towards the great hall, the men would form an arch with thier gunblades in respect.

Airships and Raven Fighters could be seen criss-crossing the sky firing off the occiasional fireworks display.

Once inside, the guest would notice the fine food and fine women. They wouldn't of course notice that some of them worked for the Fourheart's Intellingence Service, but that was beside the point.

Once inside the spacious Great Hall, the careful observer would notice that more King's Men were inside. Some were even serving guests. There were two King's Men at each door.

The orchastra was here as well playing both classic and contempory music. Most large bands in Fourhearts contained an electric guitar section as well as drumline.

"Greetings and Welcome to the Ball!", The King called out.

Lady Diamond walked gracefully into the room. She was dressed in a tight fitting black dress and wore a necklace of blue diamonds. To the guests, she would appear as just another one of the fine ladies that were eager to dance with them. Secretly, she was part of the Fourheart's Intelligence Service.

Since no one had arrived quite yet, she deciced to ask the Prince for a dance. The boy did seem like he needed to loosen up a bit.

President Marcellus Valens walked into the ballroom, alone. He was an imposing, elderly man dressed in military fatigues. Like most Kahanistanian officials, he went without his bodyguards. His head of security had offered to accompany him, but he had told her that her services would be better used protecting the other officials of the government in the Presidential Palace.

The seven-foot tall man strode over to where they were serving drinks. "Something strong, thank you," said the President.

Drake had just finished his dance with Lady Diamond when Marcus Valens entered the room. The two had met briefly during the evacuation of Kahanistan. Now, the former general was the President.

"My word! It's General...I mean President Valens! How have you been?"

The bartender, seeing the Prince approach, immediatly set two strong glasses of whisky out on the bar.

Erzi Traveski peered into the building, as he made his way into the ballroom.

God damn. Why am I even here? I put in a request to travel, so they send me to some country I've never heard of, as a dignitary...

Erzi was known more commonly in chellis as General Traveski, one of the three heads of the airforce. He wasn't a typical general, however. He had no love of war, of death; he was just one of the most brilliant strategists to come out of chellis since the glorious revolution. He could have turned down the job, but it was very prestigous, and jobs like that brought certain benefits.

However, downsides as well. Erzi was only allowed to leave Chellis to attend an incredibly high security event. Chellis had been meaning to become less isolationist, and also to support the anti-kraven movement.

Erzi didn't care. He wanted to see what the world outside chellis was like. Satelite photo's of opposing countries just didn't count.

He strode over to the bar. He found an empty stool, and sat down. "Barkeep... I would like... how say... Aberstine? I think... Vodka? Yes, I would like some vodka, please. Nothing added, just regular my friend."

Lady Victoria Seriende, newly appointed Head of State of the Eternal Republic, elegantly sipped a tall glass of red varietal wine as she conversed quietly with one of the members of her entourage. For the moment, the Vicereine was content to remain mostly unnoticed – diligently observing the Fourhearts ball as it unfolded.

Dressed in a long, flowing chiffon evening gown of magnificently regal crimson and gold colours, the remarkably attractive Xirniumite dignitary appeared quite stunning. In addition to her dress, Lady Seriende also wore long, opera-length gloves, various items of expensive jewellery, a short, satin cape around her waist (complete with opulent lining and trim), and high-heeled stiletto shoes.

The Vicereine herself veritably exuded a dignified and stately aura. Aged in her mid thirties, she was quite tall, with blue eyes and long, wavy black hair.

Ahh, I see our host has just met the Kahanistanian President, thought Victoria as she carefully regarded the various personalities gathered in the splendid hall.

"Here you go sir, compliments of the Prince"

Lady Victoria Seriende, newly appointed Head of State of the Eternal Republic, elegantly sipped a tall glass of red varietal wine as she conversed quietly with one of the members of her entourage. For the moment, the Vicereine was content to remain mostly unnoticed – diligently observing the Fourhearts ball as it unfolded.

Dressed in a long, flowing chiffon evening gown in magnificently regal crimson and gold colours, the remarkably attractive Xirniumite dignitary appeared quite stunning. In addition to her dress, Lady Seriende also wore long, opera-length gloves, various items of expensive jewellery, a short, satin cape around her waist (complete with opulent lining and trim), and high-heeled stiletto shoes.

The Vicereine herself exuded a dignified and stately aura. Aged in her mid thirties, she was quite tall, with blue eyes and long, wavy black hair.

Ahh, I see our host has just met the Kahanistanian President, thought Victoria as she carefully regarded the various personalities gathered in the splendid hall.


Lady Diamond could spot many things from across the room. A peice of fine jewelry, a nice man, a concealed handgun, and very fashionable dresses. So, when the Vicereine arrived she took notice fairly quickly and strolled over.

"Welcome to the Kingdom of Fourhearts. I'm Lady Diamond. I must say, I love your dress!"

The President picked up one of the glasses of whiskey and drank it in one gulp. "Not too well," he replied stiffly. "We came under attack from the Kraven Corporation, though we are holding our own. I fear that war with AMF is likely, we are rescuing victims of Dreadfire's fury in former Kraven territory."

He did not say so, but the only reason he had chosen to attend the ball was to take his mind off the troubles of the nation.

"Another, please." His vast size meant that he could drink far more than an average person before becoming affected, at 310 pounds (141 kg) he was probably the largest person in the room.

As the Duchess and her secretary entered the ballroom, Priscilla glanced quickly around the room, and, seeing no overt danger at the moment, turned and nodded to the black-clad guards, two of which stood on either side of the doors, and the third following the ladies at a discreet distance.

'My, what an eclectic bunch', she thought. " Jan, do you see that older gentleman over there? Yes, the one in combat fatigues. I can't recall his name, but he's a rather big deal in his country."

She saw many women on the arms of their mate. As she stared at one particularly happy couple, Jan asked, " Thinking about him again m'lady? You know what kind of mood that puts you in. He's not here. You know that his is not his type of thing."

" Yes, I know....but I can always hope, can't I? Let's get something to drink."

snip
‘Ahh, thank you!’ replied Victoria, beaming cheerfully. With a momentary flash of a meaningful glance she dismissed the individual beside her, leaving Lady Diamond and the Vicereine alone. ‘Your dress is simply gorgeous, it compliments you most flatteringly,’ added Lady Seriende with all earnestness.

‘I’m Victoria Seriende, the Vicereine of Holy Xirnium,’ explained the Xirniumite, offering her hand in a friendly gesture of greeting. ‘It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms…?’

The President picked up one of the glasses of whiskey and drank it in one gulp. "Not too well," he replied stiffly. "We came under attack from the Kraven Corporation, though we are holding our own. I fear that war with AMF is likely, we are rescuing victims of Dreadfire's fury in former Kraven territory."

He did not say so, but the only reason he had chosen to attend the ball was to take his mind off the troubles of the nation.

"Another, please." His vast size meant that he could drink far more than an average person before becoming affected, at 310 pounds (141 kg) he was probably the largest person in the room.

Drake nodded, I guess I shouldn't ask things like that. The whole world's a mess. I don't think you'll have to worry about another AMF invasion. Just a gut feeling. Your nation is a whole lot better off though. You're running it now." Drake patted the worried man on the back and set off to greet other guests.

"Ah, Duchess Priscilla from Elyria-Lorain. It's a pleasure to meet you! Would you care for a dance?" asked the Prince.

On the other side of the room, Lady Diamond was also conversing.

"Lady Alexia Diamond, at your service" she said with a charming smile.

The air shimmered softly, a high-pitched whine could be heard, and a fiery blue oval appeared. Out of the oval stepped some of the most powerful men on earth.

King Ricala of Auralinia, Director of the Xeraphian Space League, Lord Sethanis, King of Black Shadows, Prince Vlad of The Grey Phoenix, second in command of the Xeraphian Empire, and the Emperor Himself, Alaric Tan'it, in all his barbaric glory.

Clad in his usual black battle suit, swords and Glock 9mm at his side, long black hair held in place by a simple iron band, his bare arms covered with esoteric, swirling tribal tattoos, he was quite a sight amidst these somewhat dandified revelers.

The last to step out of the oval were the vampires. Lord Teii of Vhammpyr, newly selected as ruler after the execution of Feratu. And then there were the Brujah, Alaric's personal bodyguards. They stood about 8 feet tall, draped in a coarse woolen robe that hid most of their features......which was probably a good thing, for they were far from a common sight. All most people knew about them is that you should stay as far away from them as possible. If you wandered too close to the Emperor, you could very well wind up writhing on the floor in excruciating pain, blood pouring from every opening in your body.

As he glanced around the room, Sethanis said, " OK, first round's on me! What's everybody drinking?"

As usual, the answer was the usual "BEER!" and so Sethanis wandered over to the bar.

Alaric was quite pleased at the ratio of females to males......damn near three to one. Just as he was contemplating a slender form off to his left, his eyes found and locked onto Priscilla's. ' I'll be damned! What's she doing here?', he thought.

The Duchess, who had turned red, wondered the same thing.............

Drake nodded, I guess I shouldn't ask things like that. The whole world's a mess. I don't think you'll have to worry about another AMF invasion. Just a gut feeling. Your nation is a whole lot better off though. You're running it now." Drake patted the worried man on the back and set off to greet other guests.

"Ah, Duchess Priscilla from Elyria-Lorain. It's a pleasure to meet you! Would you care for a dance?" asked the Prince.

On the other side of the room, Lady Diamond was also conversing.

"Lady Alexia Diamond, at your service" she said with a charming smile.


Priscilla managed to tear her eyes off of Alaric for a second, and became aware that the prince had asked her for a dance.

" Of course, sir. I'd be honored."

She threw an imperious glance over at Alaric, and proceeded to look as if she were having a good time.

Drake, being slightly intuitive, quickly deduced that there was something going on between the Duchess and the new guest.

"Something wrong m'lady?"

OOC: I hate living in the UK sometimes... bloody time zones...

Dearest King Drake IV

I am Alan Brooks PM of Northford, a country that is an active member of an anti-Kraven alliance. I would be most delighted if I would be able to attend this ball.

Seeing as we are small country, and other nations (Cravan) accuratly represent our interests, I have a rather unusual request: I am allowed to dress in Fourheard Attire.

This would act as a good safeguard to my security, and allow me to attend the event without the pressures of trying to represent such a small country on such a large stage

Regards,

Alan Brooks,

Northford.

Drake, being slightly intuitive, quickly deduced that there was something going on between the Duchess and the new guest.

"Something wrong m'lady?"


Priscilla was mildly surprised that her consternation was at all obvious. " No, m'lord. I just saw someone I wasn't expecting to see. A bit of a surprise....that's all."

Drake smiled, "Well, tonight should be full of suprises then"

As the dance ended, Drake made a mental note to keep an eye on those two as this would ethier be very entertaining or somewhat disasterous.

[OCC: Northford, don't worry you're good. Did you mean to say Fourhearts attire? If you did that's fine, you can just walk right on in. ]

"Lady Alexia Diamond, at your service" she said with a charming smile.”
‘At my service, hmm?’ repeated the Vicereine with a mysterious smile. ‘Well it is splendid to meet you. This is actually my first ever official visit to a foreign nation in my capacity as Holy Xirnium’s Head of State, it's quite exciting. I must confess, you’ve a most beautiful country.’

Lady Seriende was briefly distracted by the sudden and unconventional entrance of the Xeraphian dignitaries. The individuals that particularly attracted her attention, however, were the enigmatic Brujah bodyguards, people whom the Xirniumite Chief Minister had apparently encountered on a previous visit to Reloria (but which Victoria herself had never seen).

‘Tell me, Lady Diamond,’ the Vicereine continued, turning back to the woman beside her, ‘that is, if I am not being overly presumptuous, of course. What is it that you do?’

"I work with the Ministry of External Affiars. Which means when I'm not attending international events I breif Parliment and the King on matters regarding external affairs. As you can imagine, with the war going on, I'm quite busy. Although I am honored that we are your first outing as head of state!"

‘At my service, hmm?’ repeated the Vicereine with a curious smile. ‘Well it is splendid to meet you. This is actually my first ever official visit to a foreign nation in my capacity as Holy Xirnium’s Head of State. You’ve a most beautiful country.’

Lady Seriende was briefly distracted by the sudden appearance of the Xeraphian dignitaries. The individuals that particularly attracted her attention, however, were the enigmatic Brujah bodyguards, people whom the Xirniumite Chief Minister had apparently encountered on a previous visit to Reloria (but which Victoria herself had not previous met).

‘Tell me, Lady Diamond, if I am not being overly presumptuous, that is - what is it that you do?’


Alaric smiled to himself. 'This may be quite a night', he thought. He then became aware that an extremely beautiful woman.......vaugely familiar......was looking over at him. Or, from the slightly pale shade of white she was turning, she was probably looking at the Brujah. Seriende.....Victoria....ah, yes, the thing at Reloria. He caught her eye, gave her a small nod and a wink, then turned his attention to the pint of Bass Ale that Sethanis was trying to hand him. Sethanis, the usually enigmatic persona gone, was weaving ever so slightly. Apparently he had had a couple of drinks on his way back to the Emperor's side. He whispered in Alaric's ear, his voice a bit slurred, " Lotta nice tail here tonight. I saw a redhead over by the bar that had to have painted her dress on......"

Alaric, however, was engrossed in a peremtory search for the Duchess of Elyria-Lorain............

An attractive young blonde in her mid-twenties approached the two Xeraphian with an equally attractive brunette lached to her arm. The blonde was wearing a low cut blue dress, while the brunette wore a dress that showed off quite a bit of cleavage. They were dressed classy mind you, but it was still enough to get any man's attention.

The blonde spoke first to Sethanis, "Hi, I'm Elizabeth. Would you and your freind care for a dance?

OOC: Yeh, sorry, I did.. Fourhearts Attire was what I meant.

Brook's walked through the entrance to the Ball, dressed in formal Fourheatian clothing (which is? I have no idea lol), and proceeded to a nearby waiter.

"Water, please."

He took the glass, and proceeded over to a nearby table.

"Hi", he started....

He then became aware that an extremely beautiful woman.......vaugely familiar......was looking over at him. Or, from the slightly pale shade of white she was turning, she was probably looking at the Brujah. Seriende.....Victoria....ah, yes, the thing at Reloria. He caught her eye, gave her a small nod and a wink, then turned his attention to the pint of Bass Ale that Sethanis was trying to hand him.
Lady Seriende’s heart skipped a beat as the rather formidable (perhaps even savage, though certainly at least fearsome) looking Xeraphian Emperor winked at her.

Calm yourself… silly girl, the Vicereine reprimanded herself silently. Victoria recovered sufficiently to return a dazzlingly disarming smile to Alaric, her eyes lingering on him for a moment before turning away with deliberate coyness.

Having returning her attention to Lady Diamond, the Xirniumite caught the last several words of the woman’s sentence. ‘Yes, it is quite a momentous historic occasion,’ replied Lady Seriende. ‘Of course, as a non-Executory Head of State I have little else to do but attend various delightful social functions - both at home and abroad,’ joked the Xirniumite with lighthearted, droll self-mockery. She exaggerated, of course, but not by much.

He was greeted by a young dark haired girl who was wearing a glamorus skyblue dress with sparkle in her hair. She was a Fourheartsmen, but she could tell this gentleman was not. After all, he was wearing the Order of the Feather. (This was only to let people from Fourhearts know that he wasn't really from Fourhearts. Nobody else there would no the difference.)

"Hi, I'm Allyson. Nice to meet you"

"The pleasure's all mine", replied Brooks, softly shaking her hand, taking in the beauty of her dress.

He took a sip of his water, "There's been an awfully big turn out, hasn't there? I didn't know quite so many people disliked Kraven....." he stated, looking round the room at the people gathered. There must have been over a hundred people there.

An attractive young blonde in her mid-twenties approached the two Xeraphian with an equally attractive brunette lached to her arm. The blonde was wearing a low cut blue dress, while the brunette wore a dress that showed off quite a bit of cleavage. They were dressed classy mind you, but it was still enough to get any man's attention.

The blonde spoke first to Sethanis, "Hi, I'm Elizabeth. Would you and your freind care for a dance?


Alaric took a swig from the mug of beer, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, looked the two women up and down, and said, " Ladies, forgive me. I hadn't any idea that the women of Fourhearts were so beautiful. I think I'd rather sit down over there and get to know you better." Sethanis' eyes were no longer glassy....as a matter of fact, they were wide, and getting wider. " Alaric, I'm not sure, but isn't that the Duchess from Elyria-Lorain? Your'e old buddy's grand-daughter? Good Lord, and she's headed this way! Alaric....the Brujah!"

The Duchess was indeed making a beeline for them. She'd seen enough. Those two hussies weren't going to get their claws into the Xeraphian emperor if she could help it.

Problem was that she was getting much too close to him. The Brujah were turning towards her, hands extended............

Alaric barked a gutteral order just in time. Another second or two, and the Duchess would have been turned into a pile of bloody, screaming meat.

She didn't appear to notice how close she had come to dying. She stood facing Alaric, hands on her shapely hips, glaring at him. " So, m'lord Emperor....we meet again!"

Alaric, a blonde on one arm, a brunette on the other, looked at Priscilla.....and laughed out loud. " Why, it's m'lady d'Avignon-Elyrie! So good to see you again. Although, the last time we saw each other I wound up in a coma....."

'Yeah', she thought, 'and if you don't let go of those women right quick your'e gonna wind up in another one'. That's what she was thinking. However, what came out of her mouth was a bit different. " Why, your Majesty! So good to see your'e fully recovered! I'm SO happy for you."

They stood staring, one at the other. Then almost as if it were choreographed, they burst out laughing and hugged each other..........

((OOC: God damn I hate time zones! I wanted to RP the landing of the plane and all that fun stuff, but no time now.))

IC:

The Emperor of Cravan walked through the door, the Empress on his arm. He was dressed in a fine black three piece suit with a red velvet tie. Meanwhile, the Empress was wearing her white Cravanian silk ball gown, and had an expensive looking diamond necklace on. They were both, of course, followed by four men in black suits, all of them with earpieces in and looking around cautiously.

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

Meanwhile, Omega squad walked up silently to one of the guards, nearly making him have a heart attack.

"We've been sent here to help out with security. Where would your commander need us?"

The four men of Omega squad were dressed in jet black combat gear, and they were locked and loaded, ready to go at anytime.

OOC:

Cravan, I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to ask you ICly in a couple of post's time to represent me when people "Start getting down to business". I'm basing it on the fact that I'm only a small nation, and as a member of the GASN, if people start talking stop, it would be better to hav one big voice than several small ones...

OOC: Go for it. I'm too lazy to go back and read all those posts from earlier, so I need someone to interact with me.

"The pleasure's all mine", replied Brooks, softly shaking her hand, taking in the beauty of her dress.

He took a sip of his water, "There's been an awfully big turn out, hasn't there? I didn't know quite so many people disliked Kraven....." he stated, looking round the room at the people gathered. There must have been over a hundred people there.

Before she had a chance to respond, Alan Brooks saw something that caught the corner of his eye...

He walked slowly and casually over to the Emperor of Craven, who was now starting to mingle with other members of the party.

"Greetings, friend".

Before she had a chance to respond, Alan Brooks saw something that caught the corner of his eye...

He walked slowly and casually over to the Emperor of Craven, who was now starting to mingle with other members of the party.

"Greetings, friend".

The Emperor motioned to his wife to go about the party and meet some people. He then turned to Alan.

"Well hello there! I believe this is the first time we meet in person, is it not?"

He held a glass of champaigne, and took a sip.

"So, what's new with you?"

Lady Diamond smiled, "Historic indeed, a pity that historic times often are marked by war. If you'll excuse me I must greet the other guests."

The King's Men that were approached by Omega Squad were given small earpieces. These would allow them to speak to the other King's Men. They were told to stick by thier national leader and if anything happened they would be sure to know.

Nodding friendlily towards Lady Diamond as she left, the Vicereine suddenly found herself standing alone in the great hall. Victoria looked around rather aimlessly for one of her fellow colleagues from the Eternal Republic, but they were all either engaged in animated conversation or too far away.

Twirling the empty wineglass in her hand, Lady Seriende formed a vague intention to get another drink, and slowly began to make her way towards the bar.

As the Veicerine sat at the bar Prince Drake strolled over to to Victoria.

"Why Lady Seriende, you look much to lovely to be sitting there all by your lonesome. Would you care for a dance m'lady?" asked the Prince bowing slightly.

The Empress walked about, a glass of champaigne in her hand. She mingled with some people, and walked about for a little while. She seemed cheerful and happy. But there was something nobody could tell, masked by her outward appearance.

She utterly despised diplomatic gatherings, simply because she hated politics. But, she knew what she was getting into when she married the Crown Prince of Cravan and entered the Imperial Family. She loved her husband, but she despised the position she was put in when she married him. And she couldn't wait until the day they could retire to the Imperial Retreat in the mountains of Cravan.

But, for now she had nothing better to do than mingle with these politicians and aristocrats...

"Would you care for a dance m'lady?" asked the Prince bowing slightly.
Victoria blushed slightly at the Prince’s invitation. ‘Why, I’d be delighted,’ Lady Seriende replied with an affable smile as she accepted the Fourheartsman's hand.

The Vicereine placed her mostly full wineglass on the bar’s counter and eagerly stood up to dance with Prince Drake. As the two walked onto the dancefloor the last song ended and a new, livelier and more spirited, song started up.

~ The Kingdom of Fourhearts

An airplane descends from the sky like some giant bird of prey, long, white, and streamlined, touching down gracefully like a feather and spewing forth its passengers in a slow stream before exploding.

The Foreign Minister of Czardas fails to bat an eyelid at this new development, murmuring to his companion only, "Oh, dear. It seems the plane has exploded again."

Airya Wong glances at the airfield, then back at him. "Oh well. They'll send another one to pick us up, I'm guessing."

In Czardas no distinction is made between formal and informal dress, only clothes and the absence thereof. As this is a formal occasion, all of the Czardaians have chosen to wear clothes, although they immediately betray the nationality of the Concordance.

Kari Alhoun is a middle-aged man of fairly average height, with his dark hair tinged with spots of a distinguished silver, his grey eyes twinkling with humor. He is clad in a navy blue jacket, unbuttoned and showing a stiff-collared whiteish shirt; his tie is neon blue and green striped and is suspected to glow in the dark. His trousers are standard khakis with the Czardaian dragon symbol [ooc: see our flag] inscribed above the knee.

The woman accompanying him, Airya Wong, is a rather short and thin Asiatic woman in her mid-thirties, with a protective cap of close-fitting black hair symmetrically distributed across her shoulders. She is wearing a schoolgirl-style pleated skirt and an open blouse revealing nothing more than a Metallica T-shirt. Strapped across her back are a pair of 2m poles, imperceptibly sharpened to keen paoints, which she always keeps on hand when traveling sans security.

They are followed by a porter in a bunny suit, carrying a large box of records and wireless transmitting equipment. And that is all.

The airships carry them to the site of the ball, where all three exit, the porter in the bunny suit going into an anteroom with the box while the dignitaries enter the main hall, waving friendly greetings to everyone and chatting with those they already know. ~

A man in a black military dress uniform walked over to the table occupied by Emperor Craven and the man from Northford. The man had a sword at his side and various medals pinned to his chest. He shoulder boards indicated he held a high rank given the stars.

"Good evening, I'm Air Commander Maverick. It's an honor to meet you sirs."

A man in a black military dress uniform walked over to the table occupied by Emperor Craven and the man from Northford. The man had a sword at his side and various medals pinned to his chest. He shoulder boards indicated he held a high rank given the stars.

"Good evening, I'm Air Commander Maverick. It's an honor to meet you sirs."

"Good evening to you, too, Commander Maverick. Please, sit down and have a drink."

Victoria blushed slightly at the Prince’s invitation. ‘Why, I’d be delighted,’ she replied with an affable smile as she accepted the Fourheartsman's hand.

The Vicereine placed her mostly full wineglass on the bar’s counter and eagerly stood up to dance with Prince Drake. As the two walked onto the dancefloor the last song ended and a new, livelier and more energetic, song started up.


The Prince smiled brightly as he took her gloved hand and began to dance. As much as it had annoyed him as a child, the Prince had taken many painful hours of dance lessons. However, they were now paying off as Drake was able to keep up with even the most vigorus of dances.

"I'm impressed M'lady! You are a very fine dancer indeed."

Indeed Drake was impressed. He had never understood the nessisty or the practicality of high heels and it amazed him that she could walk in such things. Perhaps Drake was just too practical for high fashion.

"Good evening to you, too, Commander Maverick. Please, sit down and have a drink."

"Forgive me for talking shop, but it's not often I get to speak with so many of our allies on a one on one basis. I was curios as to how your troops were doing?"

Maverick hated these things, but one of the goals of this event was to try and coordinate attacks and somebody had to bring up the topic somehow. Might as well be the military man.

The woman accompanying him, Airya Wong, is a rather short and thin Asiatic woman in her mid-thirties, with a protective cap of close-fitting black hair symmetrically distributed across her shoulders. She is wearing a schoolgirl-style pleated skirt and an open blouse revealing nothing more than a Metallica T-shirt.

As they walked into the Great Hall, Airya was immediatly set upon by a young woman wearning a shimmering pink dress with glitter in her hair.

"Oh my GOD! I love your outfit! Its soooooo cute! Where did you get it?!....Oh..I'm sorry, where are my manners. I'm Lizzy of Fourhearts."

"Forgive me for talking shop, but it's not often I get to speak with so many of our allies on a one on one basis. I was curios as to how your troops were doing?"

Maverick hated these things, but one of the goals of this event was to try and coordinate attacks and somebody had to bring up the topic somehow. Might as well be the military man.

The Emperor sighed.

"We haven't gotten the chance to launch an offensive in a while. We lost our island in Arterus to Kraven, and we've prepared a defense for Orezia. We've got 200,000 troops dug in on the coast, there. I doubt casualties will be low...

"We've been having some victories, though. Our newer fighters are working wonders against Kraven aircraft, and we've deployed Imperial Guards in Zukariaa to assist the resistance movement there. Other than that, the fronts on our side of things are silent."

Air Commander Maverick nodded.

"I'm sorry to hear about Arterus. We've been deployed to Orezia and should be attacking the Kraven Fleet within the hour. Hopefully we'll be able to knock out most of their landing boats before they reach the shore.

I've lost one of my fleets to Neo Kraven in Kahanistan. It seems all the aircraft in the region are in the air for that battle. They appear to have contributed too many resources in the iniatal push. 20 million soliders and 5000 aircraft. It's a logistical nightmare that my Fireships are taking care of.

What I really want to know is where that damned Command Relay is."

As they walked into the Great Hall, Airya was immediatly set upon by a young woman wearning a shimmering pink dress with glitter in her hair.

"Oh my GOD! I love your outfit! Its soooooo cute! Where did you get it?!....Oh..I'm sorry, where are my manners. I'm Lizzy of Fourhearts."
Airya grins. "Pleased to meet you. Airya Wong of Czardas, if you couldn't guess. As for this stuff--" she glances over it-- "I don't even remember really, it's been such a while... probably at one of the specialty shops in Czarna. Which reminds me, the new speciality shop laws are incredibly restrictive... I mean, come on, banning necrophilia-themed stores? I swear the FDP is gaining power these days..."

As they chat, Kari Alhoun looks around for a familiar face, spotting Xirniumites, Xeraphians, Cravanians, and Fourheartsmen intermingling freely.

Meanwhile, the man in the bunny suit turns on the mobile set of speakers in his box and begins blasting what sounds a lot like hard rock into the main ballroom, creating cacophony in tangent with whatever other musics happen to be playing at the same time. A man who appears to have been following the Czardaian delegation all the time excuses himself and goes off in pursuit of the interloper as the dances slowly begin to change.

[ooc:] Yeah, so I'm insane, sue me. ^_~

The Emperor motioned to his wife to go about the party and meet some people. He then turned to Alan.

"Well hello there! I believe this is the first time we meet in person, is it not?"

He held a glass of champaigne, and took a sip.

"So, what's new with you?"

"Not an awful lot I suppose", replied the PM, "We've finally gotten things straightened up at home, Red Bridge is doing great, and, with the exception of a freak ice storm, the weather has been great. What about you?"

Before the Emperor had a chance to respond, however, A man in a black military dress approached them.


"Good evening, I'm Air Commander Maverick. It's an honor to meet you sirs." he said.

"Evening" replied PM Brooks, along with the Emperor of Cravan, who replied with something similar.

They quickly got "Down to Business", something which somewhat worried the PM, who was, quite suprising, enjoying the sparkling water.

Commander Maverick was talking to the Emperor:

"I'm sorry ..........Arterus. We've ............ to Orezia and should be attacking the Kraven Fleet .......... Hopefully .............. they reach the shore.

I've lost one of my fleets to Neo Kraven in Kahanistan. It seems all the aircraft in the region are in the air for that battle. They appear to have contributed too many resources in the iniatal push. 20 million soliders and 5000 aircraft. It's a logistical nightmare that my Fireships are taking care of.

"

PM Brooks wasn't really listening to the conversation until this. Kahanistan? How many places were the Kraven fighting? He only knew about Orezia, and the recent bombing by a country known as AMF in the Kraven homeland.

"Sorry to interupt Captain, but what exactly is going on in Kahanistan? My country, Northford, is relatively small, and has mostly been involved in the fight against Kraven by supplying medical aid. I'm afraid to say, I'm a little lost...."


OOC: Sorry for the wait... I'm kinda cutting and pasting bit's of pieces of other conv's to make sure it all makes sense. If thats a prob, tell me.

Certainly...

The Coalition was preparing for an invasion of Whytica, one of Kraven's main slave states. However, before we could begin our invasion Kraven's forces invaded Kahanistan, which is where we are now. There is also a sign Kraven might be moving towards Czards, but it's just skirmishes right now. For all the fighting going on, it would appear that Kraven's stretched pretty thin. Making it easy for Automagfreek to take down whomever he feels like."

Empress Serena after getting the Invite soon headed to her Own Battleship The Empress Serena to head off to Fourhearts to join The Ball.

She was coming in Style.

"Blimey", remarked the PM... this was news to his ear,"I never knew that Kraven's thirst for resources was so pervasive. Just as well we've decided to form our first expeditionary army, I suppose. It's nothing big mind you, only about 50 000 strong, but judging by things, it seems every little helps.

The Commander nodded in agreement, "The crazy part is that Father is just a computer program. I thought when AMF invaded thier capital city that Father would be dismantled, but when they got there he wasn't there. Nobody knows what happened to him, but obviously he's back."

Erzi stared at his drink for about thirty seconds. It didn't smell too bad, but he didn't trust drinks from other countries. He had had imported drinks before, but they never quite tasted as good.

He downed a shot. It wasn't horrid, but not nearly as smooth as Chellian Aberstine, or Vodka. He just wanted a drink though.

He began looking around again. Nobody he knew, nobody he really even wanted to know. Chellis had been isolationist for too long, he concluded. A strong nation couldn't hide in a hole for eternity, even if anyone who decided to jump in would be kicked out.

He drank another shot. Drinking always made him more sociable, as long as he didn't over-do it. He usually didn't, either.

" Well, m'lady, it's good to see you again. What have you been up to?"

Priscilla shot a wicked glance at the two women who were holding onto Alaric, who said, " Ladies, if you'll excuse me, I have some affairs of state to tend to. I'll see you both later." And with a slap on the butt of the brunette, he turned back to the Duchess, who was not amused.

"Affairs of state? Hmmfff. Indeed." Her green eyes were flashing, her face was flushed......she was quite beautiful when she was angry.

Alaric thought to himself, 'Just like her Grandfather. Wears her heart on her sleeve.' " So, m'lady, would you care for a drink?"

" Yes, thank you. And make it a double."

And neither was the brunette, who just happened to be a Fourhearts Intelligence Agent. Although by her appearences, she appeared to be just another pretty face. The Agent, trained in four forms of martial arts, was tempted to slap the guys face. However, from the look of the lady that just walked up, it was better if they just made thier way back down the bar to where Erzi was sitting.

[i]"Hi, what's your name?"

After a minute or two of chit-chat, the waiter brought them their drinks. Alaric held his up and toasted his pretty companion. " To Xeraph and Elyria-Lorain, m'lady. May they grow and prosper for many years." They clinked glasses, and walked over to a vacant table. Alaric was very aware that since the initial phase of the ball was over, some national leaders were getting down to business......Kraven.

"Your Majesty, you seem preoccupied."

He glanced at her. " Priss, drop the 'majesty' crap, at least for now. This dinner was not arranged for the hell of it. There is a major problem brewing down in Arterus, and I have to determine what to do about it."

Priscilla sat straight up. " Arterus? Where The Kraven Corporation is running amok? What are you doing getting mixed up in that? It's not your style."

" Yes, but Xeraph was sort of sucked into it by aligning itself with a new nation, The Black Warrior Cult. It seems that the Cult was given some territory in Arterus, and shortly after they started building their bases, Kraven started rolling over various land-holdings of other nations. The Cult asked for some help, and the response was fairly large. Xeraph, Auralinia, the Grey Legions, the Katanas, Black Shadows, and Vhammpyr sent massive aid to the area. Bases were put up at record speed by our AI Engineer Corps, hundreds of naval, air, and armored units are deployed and at high alert.........and we wait. Kraven has made no move towards the Colony, even though it borders it."

" Alaric, I have a bad feeling about this. These Kraven people are soul-less, mindless, emotionless killers. They don't give a flip about anything except assimilation of any and all nations in their way. Can't you get out of it?"

" Priss, you know better than that. The Cult is an ally. They asked for help. We are giving it to them. GAPTS is now involved. Even Kraven will have second thoughts about screwing around with GAPTS."

The Duchess downed the drink in a single swallow, held up the empty glass, and received another shot. " Yeah, you, and Vlad, and Ric, and whoever else just have to play war every once in a while. As stupid as that is, I understand it. But this is not your normal enemy. Remember Xaltotun? A prime example of someone you shouldn't have gotten mixed up with. You almost lost everything that time."

Alaric remembered. His capitol in ruins, half of Xeraph had turned against him, his subject-nations under attack, Elyria-Lorain invaded. He had been attacked by a group of assassins and wound up in a coma for a month. Came out of it just in time to push back the Horde.

" Don't worry, m'lady. There are a lot of leaders here who are very competant military men. I'll get around to talking to them and we'll figure something out."

Priscilla glared at him. She had seen the nod and wink given to that woman from Xirnium. Bastard!

"Indeed"

The voice belonged to the King who took a seat at the table.

"We've just recived a report that Samotonia has entered the war against Kraven. He's sent a fleet to Arterus to deal with the Kraven Naval Forces. One could assume this is a prelude to Automagfreek since the two are close allies."

Two sheets of parchement paper was given to the King. He read over it and signed the bottom page quickly.

"All around the world the fires are burning. Ursea-Jason is evacuating thier nation after the fallout from the nuclear attack. We're sending aid, but they've got to rescue 100million people. It's not going to be easy. Hell, this could all be over quickly enough if we could just find out where Father is hiding"

Alaric watched her over the rim of his mug. He was getting a little tired of her possessiveness, especially since she had no reason to be possessive. He was not the marrying type, indeed had never had a relationship last more than a few months. He was of the House of Tanith, a very long-lived group of rulers and nobles. He himself was 277 years old, though he didn't look a day over 30. All of the nations of the Empire, with the exception of Vhammpyr, were ruled by members of the House of Tanith. And Vhammpyr's present ruler was over 4,500 years old, so the effect was the same.

He knew how she felt about him, being the best friend of her grandfather, Eric Valtane of Verboten Lufftewaffe, long since dead. If she wanted a good time, he'd be her man. But that's not what she wanted, and so this little game would have to end.

He gave her one of his long, slow grins and said, " Permission to speak freely, ma'am."

Uh oh, she thought. No good can come of this. " Please do, your Majesty."

"OK, here goes. I know what your'e after, and right now, it's not gonna happen. As you know, I've never ben married, mainly due to the fact of my longevity. Anyone I marry will grow old and die in the natural course of time, and I'll hardly have aged at all. That's not fair to either you or myself. Also, I can't run an Empire AND deal with a wife. Neither would get the attention it deserves."

She stood, slowly....very slowly. When she could bring herself to look at him, she spoke softly, her fury actually calming her down. " Of all the unmitigated gall! You dare to assume that I would want to marry the likes of you? Your'e nothing but a barbarian, uncouth, barely civilized. You and your disgusting family aren't fit to rule a taco stand, never mind an Empire. I wouldn't be wed to a member of the Taniths if they were the last people on earth!" With that, she turned on her heal, and hurried out of the room.

Alaric sighed. Well, she asked for it. He finished the beer and strolled over to the bar for another. He noticed that the ruler of Xirnium was there, alone for once.........

Quickly, very quickly, Lizzy and Alexia went to go comfort the Duchess. Or calm her down. Or whatever needed to be done. Fourheartsmen were sensitive to other people's feelings and somebody who was emotionally upset would in turn, bother the Fourheartsmen.

At the same time, behind a very good poker face, Drake was not exactly happy with Alric. While he could sympathise with his position, it was just in bad form to dump somebody at a party like this. Or announce it isn't going to work. Or whatever. Not to mention he had gotten a little to freindly with one of the girls. He was getting close to losing his quick temper. However, the King would be furious, so he kept it to himself.

[bump]

Quickly, very quickly, Lizzy and Alexia went to go comfort the Duchess. Or calm her down. Or whatever needed to be done. Fourheartsmen were sensitive to other people's feelings and somebody who was emotionally upset would in turn, bother the Fourheartsmen.

At the same time, behind a very good poker face, Drake was not exactly happy with Alric. While he could sympathise with his position, it was just in bad form to dump somebody at a party like this. Or announce it isn't going to work. Or whatever. Not to mention he had gotten a little to freindly with one of the girls. He was getting close to losing his quick temper. However, the King would be furious, so he kept it to himself.


ooc: hey..there was never anything between those two. it was all built up in her head. and anyway, somewhere way down the road, theyr'e going to get together.

ooc: hey..there was never anything between those two. it was all built up in her head. and anyway, somewhere way down the road, theyr'e going to get together.

[OCC: eh, I know. It's just Drake thinking. I mean she did blush when he walked into the room, so Drake just assumed. It makes my thread much more interesting though. Thanks! Now perhaps Alric will give us some insight on the war perhaps?]

The Emperor was in a bit of a foul mood. The news from Arterus wasn't good. Samtonia was on the move, which meant that AMF would be involved sooner or later. But still no sign of an attack on the Cult's colony by Kraven.

He glanced up and saw Sethanis and Teii heading his way. " Alaric ", said Sethanis, " Word's out that Kraven isn't attacking the colony because it's stretched too thinly across Arterus and doesn't want to mess with such a concentrated force as what we've assembled there. Hell, we have millions of Clones and Spiders, never mind over a million human, troops there. We're dug in really well, too. The navy and airforce is constantly patrolling the seas and skies, and the terran bases are at high alert."

Alaric spoke up. " Yeah, and now Samtonia is in the picture which means Dreadfire isn't far behind. Looks like we're going to sit this one out."

" Well, that's not a bad idea right now, 'cause I just heard some more interesting news."

" I'm all ears, Seth."

It was Teii who broke the news. " Well, m'lord, we've discovered that a couple of the former Black and Grey nations are alive and well and have hooked up with a couple of the LOKI nations in a new region. The Pagan Borderlands. And they've recruited a few new buddies, including your newest ally, the Black Warrior Cult. And here's the real kicker: Azulun is alive and hiding somewhere in the region."

Alaric was pissed. " I had heard that the former Vhammpyrian general escaped. I didn't know he was there. Friggin' great."

He was half tempted to abandon the colony, but a lot of forces were gathered there....might as well stay.

"Get word to Prince Khitann that I'm going to stop by and have a word with him. I'll straighten this out."

Drake replied, "You know if they get knocked back in one place, they'll just pop up in another. It's like a damn Hydra you knock off one head and it just grows another. The key is to strike at it's heart. Problem is nobody is exactly sure where that is. We know Whytica has alot of Kraven resources, but I suspect they're also hiding someplace else"

The "message" light on the commscreen blinked on and off several times before the ensign acknowledged it. As he blearily read the message, he became progressively more awake, finally jumping up and contacting the captain.

" Sir, sir, wake up. There's a message for the Prince!"

Captain Cook rubbed his eyes,and growled. " So, what are you telling me for? Go inform the Prince."

"It's from Alaric of Xeraph."

Cook stared at the ensign. " Uh oh. What's HE want?"

" He wants to know why our country has aligned itself with a region who is largely antagonistic against the Xeraphian Empire. And he wants someone named Azulun turned over to him at once."

" Get this to Prince Khitann at once! It's not my place to answer this message."
____________________________________________________________

"I'm impressed M'lady! You are a very fine dancer indeed."
The Vicereine curtsied graciously at the Prince’s compliment, extremely flattered by his words (though they were, of course, entirely deserved). ‘Thank you, my lord, you are too kind,’ replied Victoria, flashing Drake a charming smile which showed off her flaweless white teeth. ‘You weren’t so bad yourself,’ she added with a grin, slightly out of breath after the energetic dance.

‘If you will excuse me, Prince Drake,’ Lady Seriende explained courteously, taking her leave of the Fourheartsman. A little flushed from exertion, the Vicereine retreated to the bar where she might retrieve her wineglass.

Most of the foreign dignitaries at the ball were now conversing about the Kraven situation, a topic that did not overly interest the Xirniumite Head of State. The Eternal Republic had not been engaged in declared hostilities with the fiends of the Kraven Corporation (or, indeed, with the armed forces of any nation) since the latter’s invasion force had been soundly routed and utterly crushed at the very gates of Holy Xirnium itself, so many long years ago - during the final, epic battles of the Xirniumite-Kraven War. In any case, as a mainly ceremonial Head of State, Victoria was not formally involved in the formation of foreign policy anyway.

Lady Seriende therefore merely watched the other guests quietly, mildly amused by the rather heated (and not inconspicuous) verbal exchange between Emperor Alaric and the lovely Duchess of Elyria-Lorain. As the two seperated and the Xeraphian Emperor approached the bar, Victoria smiled alluringly at Alaric.

And neither was the brunette, who just happened to be a Fourhearts Intelligence Agent. Although by her appearences, she appeared to be just another pretty face. The Agent, trained in four forms of martial arts, was tempted to slap the guys face. However, from the look of the lady that just walked up, it was better if they just made thier way back down the bar to where Erzi was sitting.

[i]"Hi, what's your name?"

Erzi looked up, and was surprised to see somebody talking to him, not to someone simply near him. "Ohh, hello madam. My name? Its gene... Its Erzi, Erzi Traverski" he said, smiling. "I find it interesting, that you come to a strange man at a bar, and introduce yourself. But I have yet to even get your name, miss...?"

"I'm Allyson", said the dark-haired girl.

"And I'm Elizabeth" stated the blonde. "And you couldn't be that strange if you invited here."

"I'm Allyson", said the dark-haired girl.

"And I'm Elizabeth" stated the blonde. "And you couldn't be that strange if you invited here."

Erzi chuckled at the notion. "I suppose so... Well, it is very nice to meet the two of you, Allyson and Elizabeth. Sit down, have a drink or something. I have to admit, I'm from chellis, so I am quite unfamiliar with this part of the world... I don't believe I've heard of any of the nations attending this ball, to be honest... which is sad."

The Vicereine curtsied graciously at the Prince’s compliment, extremely flattered by his words (though they were, of course, entirely deserved). ‘Thank you, my lord, you are too kind,’ replied Victoria, flashing Drake a charming smile which showed off her flaweless white teeth. ‘You weren’t so bad yourself,’ she added with a grin, slightly out of breath after the energetic dance.

‘If you will excuse me, Prince Drake,’ Lady Seriende explained courteously, taking her leave of the Fourheartsman. A little flushed from exertion, the Vicereine retreated to the bar where she might retrieve her wineglass.

Most of the foreign dignitaries at the ball were now conversing about the Kraven situation, a topic that did not overly interest the Xirniumite Head of State. The Eternal Republic had not been engaged in declared hostilities with the fiends of the Kraven Corporation (or, indeed, with the armed forces of any nation) since the latter’s invasion force had been soundly routed and utterly crushed at the very gates of Holy Xirnium itself, so many long years ago - during the final, epic battles of the Xirniumite-Kraven War. In any case, as a mainly ceremonial Head of State, Victoria was not formally involved in the formation of foreign policy anyway.

Lady Seriende therefore merely watched the other guests quietly, mildly amused by the rather heated (and not inconspicuous) verbal exchange between Emperor Alaric and the lovely Duchess of Elyria-Lorain. As the two seperated and the Xeraphian Emperor approached the bar, Victoria smiled alluringly at Alaric.


The Emperor certainly did notice the the Vicereine, Lady Seriende of Xirnium.
How could one not notice a truly beautiful woman. " Ah, my lady Victoria. Would you care to join me in a drink?"

Victoria smiled smugly, supremely pleased with herself at having at last attracted the overt attentions of the Xeraphian Emperor.

‘It would be my pleasure, Emperor Alaric, to join you for a drink,’ declared a cheerful Lady Seriende, graciously offering her hand to the redoubtable looking man.

‘That was quite an, umm… emotive disagreement that you just had with the Duchess of Elyria-Lorain,’ noted Victoria - the barest hint of conceitedness colouring the Vicereine’s voice despite her pretended concern. ‘I do hope everything is quite alright,’ added Lady Seriende with false sincerity, ‘the poor Duchess seemed terribly flustered.’

[ [ B U M P ] ]

OOC: It's 7 am in London right now... I'll have a post done by this afternoon.

Sorry for my delay.

Victoria smiled smugly, supremely pleased with herself at having at last attracted the overt attentions of the Xeraphian Emperor.

‘It would be my pleasure, Emperor Alaric, to join you for a drink,’ declared a cheerful Lady Seriende, graciously offering her hand to the redoubtable looking man.

‘That was quite an, umm… emotive disagreement that you just had with the Duchess of Elyria-Lorain,’ noted Victoria - the barest hint of conceitedness colouring the Vicereine’s voice despite her pretended concern. ‘I do hope everything is quite alright,’ added Lady Seriende with false sincerity, ‘the poor Duchess seemed terribly flustered.’


Alaric gave her a long stare, then said, " Well m'lady....may I call you Victoria?...the Duchess is actually the grand-daughter of an old friend, now deceased. We met almost by accident a few years ago when she was in the process of forming her nation. She was looking for allies, and I, not knowing who she was, responded. Long story short, we 'discovered' that old Eric Valtane of Verboten Lufftewaffe was her grand-dad.....and he and I were virtually inseperable back in the days when we were carving out empires in the wilds of what is now the region of Mercenary Lands.
She apparently has a notion that there is a connection between us......a notion that I do not agree with. She's young......and as my father was fond of saying, 'everybody's young and stupid at some point in their life.' Truer words were never spoken.

But enough about Elyria-Lorain, and enough about me. Tell me about you...."


Before Victoria could respond, Lord Teii, Priest-King of Vhammpyr, gave them both a short bow and asked, " Please excuse me, Lady Vicereine, m'lord Emperor, but I have some news." He turned to Alaric, and spoke in the gutteral language of the vampire. Alaric's visage darkened momentarily, but he recovered in an instant. " Thank you, Teii. Keep me updated as necessary."

"Now, Victoria, where were we?"

The "message" light on the commscreen blinked on and off several times before the ensign acknowledged it. As he blearily read the message, he became progressively more awake, finally jumping up and contacting the captain.

" Sir, sir, wake up. There's a message for the Prince!"

Captain Cook rubbed his eyes,and growled. " So, what are you telling me for? Go inform the Prince."

"It's from Alaric of Xeraph."

Cook stared at the ensign. " Uh oh. What's HE want?"

" He wants to know why our country has aligned itself with a region who is largely antagonistic against the Xeraphian Empire. And he wants someone named Azulun turned over to him at once."

" Get this to Prince Khitann at once! It's not my place to answer this message."
_______________________________________________________


The Prince broke into a sweat when he read the note from the Xeraphian Emperor. He hadn't known that there were several nations who had rebelled against Xeraph in his adopted region.

" You! Yes you! Cut the shit and get your ass over here. I've got a serious problem with a powerful nation, and all you can do is sit there and drink that swill! Now listen. I want a delegation put together of the six most important nobles in our country. And include me. I'm going to arrange to have a meeting with the Xeraphian Emperor."

The short, fat, smelly.....thing.....replied, " But sir, we don't have six nobles. We don't have ONE noble. You executed them all last month."

" Oh...right. Well, get hold of the first six army officers that can read and write, and tell them that they are now my Ruling Advisors. They are going with me to Xeraph. Got it?"

" Got it, sir."

"Now, Victoria, where were we?"
The Vicereine had been rather bemused by the abrupt interruption of Lord Teii - a creature whom Victoria would never before truly have believed might exist (notwithstanding the existence of numerous rumours which suggested quite the contrary). Despite this, Lady Seriende appeared entirely unperturbed, and merely smiled politely to the vampire, allowing him to relay his message to Emperor Alaric. Although she suspected that the news might, in some way, revolve around the Kraven Corporation (a topic which seemed irritatingly popular at the Fourhearts ball), Victoria had absolutely no real idea what the vampire king might had said. The Vicereine considered asking the Xeraphian Emperor about it, but instead contented herself with merely raising a quizzical eyebrow after the Priest-King of Vhammpyr had left, and did not seek to press the question.

‘I believe, Alaric, that you had just asked me about myself,’ replied Victoria pleasantly, addressing the Xeraphian Emperor in the familiar form (as he had done with her). The Xirniumite was unsure whether she would rather have preferred to gossip about the Duchess of Elyria-Lorain, but either topic was quite amenable to her.

‘Well…’ began the Vicereine, brushing several annoying strands of long, raven hair away from her lovely eyes and behind her ears, ‘I suppose, to begin with, I can tell you that I am the single head of the Seriende family, one of the most ancient and distinguished patrician families of Holy Xirnium,’ explained Victoria, her dignified pride clearly evident. ‘Under the old Xirniumite peerage system I would be a Marchioness, though now of course noble ranks are conferred only by Parliament and the old system has been abolished.’

‘My office, that of the Viceregal Head of State, is a newly created one, intended to be the permanent Constitutional replacement for the Monarchy, which was dissolved several years ago by Parliament. The interim arrangement, which saw the Houses of Assembly and Councillors, as a whole, collectively acting as stewards of the Eternal Republic was deemed to be plainly unsuitable, and my current position is the ultimate result of that verdict. I was…’ Victoria continued, though her voice trailed off. Lady Seriende blushed embarrassedly and looked away in a curiously demure manner. Watching the various other dignitaries present at the ball for the moment, Victoria picked up her wineglass and drank deeply.

‘Of course, Alaric, I wouldn't want to bore you with all the minute political details,’ explained the Vicereine offhandedly and with a shrug of her delicate shoulders. Victoria had returned her look to the Xeraphian Emperor and leant forward slightly, a smile playing at the corners of her full lips. ‘What was it in particular about me that you wanted to know?’ she asked innocently.

" Well, Victoria, I get the distinct impression you preferred life under the old-style government....with you as a ....what was it...a Marchioness. Forgive me for being blunt, but it seems that your present title elevates you to the status of a figurehead with little or no real power."

'And what a figure', he thought. " Not to change the subject, but what is that scent your'e wearing?"

Once again, they were interrupted. Prince Vlad, who was actually second in command of the Xeraphian Empire as well as head of his own nation, stood discreetly off to the side, looking intently at the Emperor. Alaric noticed, saying, " Please excuse me one last time, m'lady. It seems I cannot escape responsibility for even a minute. Be right back."


He strode over to Vlad, who had a sheet of paper in his hand. They pored over it, pointing now and then to a particular heading. Alaric signed the paper, and headed back to the Vicereine. "That should be the last bit of business for the night." Seeing a thinly veiled look of inquisitivness on her face, he continued.

"As you may recall, at the end of the Black and Grey War of Rebellion, the chief Vhammpyrian general, by name of Azulun, had been captured by Emperor Celmateus' people, but somehow he escaped to aid my Uncle, Ghengiz, in a second rebellion. The LOKI wars ended the same as the B & G situation, but Azulun escaped yet again and has recently been found in hiding in the region of the Pagan Borderlands. The Prince had drafted a memo for me to sign stating that Azulun was a traitor and a threat to national security. All efforts, diplomatic first, then military, if necessary, are being pursued to ensure the capture of this beast. He is directly responsible for the deaths of millions of people in the nations of Comatica, Fourhearts, NYC, and Xeraph. This creature is alive and well, and I have to assume that he is up to no good. He must be captured, once and for all."

Once again, forcing a smile he did not feel, he raised his glass to the Vicereine. " Now......you were saying?"

"Well, Victoria, I get the distinct impression you preferred life under the old-style government....with you as a ....what was it...a Marchioness. Forgive me for being blunt, but it seems that your present title elevates you to the status of a figurehead with little or no real power."
The Vicereine sighed. Emperor Alaric’s observations had been remarkably astute and incisive, giving Victoria much cause for thought. ‘It’s not so much that I preferred it, per se,’ clarified Lady Seriende pensively, ‘but rather that I’ve a certain nostalgic longing for… I suppose, various specific elements of those times. Of course, reform to the peerage system in the Eternal Republic was both necessary and inevitable, but I can’t help but feel that something essential was lost in our departure from this (very significant) historical link with Xirnium’s proud past.’

From the manner in which Lady Seriende spoke, the Xeraphian Emperor perceived that he had touched on a rather contentious issue within Xirniumite politics. ‘That said, however,’ Victoria added, ‘the aristocracy in Holy Xirnium had long ago recognised the inevitable ascendancy of Parliament, and has backed their rise resolutely since as far back as the sixteenth century. Indeed, one of my very ancestors, Lord Cuileruve Seriende, Marquess of Tyavecilme, fought with the Parliamentarians against the Royalists in the Golden Revolution of 1624 (along with a great many other nobles), and led one of the most famous cavalry charges of that civil war.’

‘Your description of my office is accurate enough, Alaric, it is true that I do not have any significant legal power, even theoretically,’ continued the Vicereine with a distant smile. ‘To be quite honest, however, I don’t begrudge this fact overly much. I have served a term in Government, as a Member of Parliament during the XPDP-CSDPX Grand Coalition era, and I must say I was quite frustrated by the incessant scheming and constant political manoeuvring that I witnessed. I’m sure, my lord, that you can sympathise with me.

By contrast, my current role as Vicereine allows me to be non-partisan and entirely removed from the conventional political process. My popularity with the Xirniumite people is, thus, unrivalled. And I do wield political influence, irregardless of my Constitutional status.’

Victoria suddenly giggled self-consciously, briefly showing off glimpses of her dazzling white teeth. ‘But there I go again, rambling on. How tedious for you. You really should stop me when I begin to bore you with my self-absorbed monologues, Alaric,’ explaind the Vicereine, flicking several more strands of her hair out of the way of her lovely face.


'And what a figure', he thought. "Not to change the subject, but what is that scent you’re wearing?"
Victoria began to answer, but abruptly cut short her reply when she noticed the Xeraphian Prince (a man she immediately recognised as the deputy leader of the Xeraph Empire) hovering nearby expectantly - clearly intending to speak with Emperor Alaric. Once again, Lady Seriende merely smiled with infinite politeness and good courtesy towards the source of the interruption, though she was by now becoming quite frustrated by these constant disruptions.

The Vicereine was certainly not a woman who liked to be kept waiting, and entirely expected (perhaps, one might argue, even demanded) that she be paid fawning attention to.


”Once again, forcing a smile he did not feel, he raised his glass to the Vicereine. "Now......you were saying?"
Victoria carefully slipped off her left glove and shifted her chair over a little to the right, nearer to the Xeraphian Emperor. Leaning in very closely to Alaric, the Vicereine nonchalantly offered her exposed, svelte wrist to the man - inviting him to sniff the alluring scent that she wore.

‘Do you like it, my lord?’ she asked, smiling pleasantly. ‘I think its called Órë vaxë laira, a gorgeous soliflore floral fragrance from Xirnium,’ explained Lady Seriende.

‘Anyway, I sincerely hope you manage to capture this… Azulun creature that you seem to be having so much trouble with, Alaric, and I wish you the very best of luck,’ continued the Vicereine with all earnestness, pulling her long satin glove back on again. ‘I’ve heard much about him, nothing of which is particularly pleasant, and the sooner that someone apprehends the monster and ensures that he cannot cause any further harm, the safer it will be for all.’

Message courtesy of Kurbanai messaging service.

Fourhearts,
I would be honoured to attend the international ball. It sounds like it's going to be a grand event, something everyone would love to be a part of.

sincerely,
Alvin L'Hirondelle
Prime Fuhrerminister of Kubra

(ooc: yes I've talked to Fourhearts about this, this has been arranged)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/berrik/ANLogoLarge.jpg

Across Fourhearts and other Anti-Kraven nations, the Axis Nova flag flashes onto all TV screens, replacing whatever's being viewed at a time, and a man begins speaking. His face is not shown, however... nothing but the flag remains in view.


"Hear ye, enemies of Kraven. Why do you persist in your futile efforts? All your fumbling attempts to remove the invincible Kraven from existence continually fail, and just cause Kraven itself to become stronger. Even the destruction of Kravonika has simply given new resolve to your enemies and caused many to fear the dread Freeks as much as Kraven itself."

"As long as we, the Imperial Realm of Axis Nova, remain, Kraven will have our support. And as long as Kraven has our support, it can never truely be eradicated from this world."

"Look now to the skies, weak ones, and tremble in fear. For your much-vaunted AMF is not the only one that can rain destruction from the sky..."


Onboard Axis Nova's natural resource satellite, one of the cargo mass drivers intended for launching things to Peacekeeper Heaven at L1 swivels around, aiming along a different orbital path than normal. At the same time, a spherical ovoid of nickel-iron about 50 meters in diameter is loaded into the end, drifting slightly until the magnetic fields grab it with invisible hands.

A few seconds later, the projectile blurs out of it's launcher.

It's target?

The Sky Palace, in Juliana...



(over to you, Fourhearts)

The Vicereine sighed. Emperor Alaric’s observations had been remarkably astute and incisive, giving Victoria much cause for thought. ‘It’s not so much that I preferred it, per se,’ clarified Lady Seriende pensively, ‘but rather that I’ve a certain nostalgic longing for… I suppose, various specific elements of those times. Of course, reform to the peerage system in the Eternal Republic was both necessary and inevitable, but I can’t help but feel that something essential was lost in our departure from this (very significant) historical link with Xirnium’s proud past.’

From the manner in which Lady Seriende spoke, the Xeraphian Emperor perceived that he had touched on a rather contentious issue within Xirniumite politics. ‘That said, however,’ Victoria added, ‘the aristocracy in Holy Xirnium had long ago recognised the inevitable ascendancy of Parliament, and has backed their rise resolutely since as far back as the sixteenth century. Indeed, one of my very ancestors, Lord Cuileruve Seriende, Marquess of Tyavecilme, fought with the Parliamentarians against the Royalists in the Golden Revolution of 1624 (along with a great many other nobles), and led one of the most famous cavalry charges of that civil war.’

‘Your description of my office is accurate enough, Alaric, it is true that I do not have any significant legal power, even theoretically,’ continued the Vicereine with a distant smile. ‘To be quite honest, however, I don’t begrudge this fact overly much. I have served a term in Government, as a Member of Parliament during the XPDP-CSDPX Grand Coalition era, and I must say I was quite frustrated by the incessant scheming and constant political manoeuvring that I witnessed. I’m sure, my lord, that you can sympathise with me.

By contrast, my current role as Vicereine allows me to be non-partisan and entirely removed from the conventional political process. My popularity with the Xirniumite people is, thus, unrivalled. And I do wield political influence, irregardless of my Constitutional status.’

Victoria suddenly giggled self-consciously, briefly showing off glimpses of her dazzling white teeth. ‘But there I go again, rambling on. How tedious for you. You really should stop me when I begin to bore you with my self-absorbed monologues, Alaric,’ explaind the Vicereine, flicking several more strands of her hair out of the way of her lovely face.



Victoria began to answer, but abruptly cut short her reply when she noticed the Xeraphian Prince (a man she immediately recognised as the deputy leader of the Xeraph Empire) hovering nearby expectantly - clearly intending to speak with Emperor Alaric. Once again, Lady Seriende merely smiled with infinite politeness and good courtesy towards the source of the interruption, though she was by now becoming quite frustrated by these constant disruptions.

The Vicereine was certainly not a woman who liked to be kept waiting, and entirely expected (perhaps, one might argue, even demanded) that she be paid fawning attention to.



Victoria carefully slipped off her left glove and shifted her chair over a little to the right, nearer to the Xeraphian Emperor. Leaning in very closely to Alaric, the Vicereine nonchalantly offered her exposed, svelte wrist to the man - inviting him to sniff the alluring scent that she wore.

‘Do you like it, my lord?’ she asked, smiling pleasantly. ‘I think its called Órë vaxë laira, a gorgeous soliflore floral fragrance from Xirnium,’ explained Lady Seriende.

‘Anyway, I sincerely hope you manage to capture this… Azulun creature that you seem to be having so much trouble with, Alaric, and I wish you the very best of luck,’ continued the Vicereine with all earnestness, pulling her long satin glove back on again. ‘I’ve heard much about him, nothing of which is particularly pleasant, and the sooner that someone apprehends the monster and ensures that he cannot cause any further harm, the safer it will be for all.’


Alaric was immensely pleased with this beguiling woman. Good looking, smart, well-spoken.......and all woman. " So, m'lady, the perfume, if I translate the horticultural name correctly, has been concocted from the sunflower. It is absolutely the most magnificent scent! And perfect for you.....a bit heady, but subtle." He looked around, almost seeming nervous. " Victoria, would you care to talk a walk outside? I understand there are extensive gardens, and a breath of fresh air would do me a world of good."

~ It is about now that Airya Wong receives a call on her satellite cellphone. It is one of her top aides.

"Airya, while there should be no cause for alarm, Axis Nova is threatening destruction to all anti-Kraven nations as I speak. For example..." The aide puts his end by the TV and the final words of the Axis Novan's speech play into Airya Wong's ear.

She sighs. "Damn... they would. Destruction from the skies, eh? Keep a close watch on their orbital assets then."

"All right."

A few seconds later, as Wong is about to hang up: "We're picking up readings from one of their satellites. It's turning on an orbital path towards Fourhearts."

"Stupid fools... broadcasting their intentions to the world...meh. What ships with the Mark 98C do we have near Fourhearts?"

"Just one, a Metallica Class SSBN."

"What's it armed with?"

"ASATs and a few ICCMs."

"Oh, perfect. Have them fire the ASATs on an intercept trajectory to knock that satellite out..."

"Yes, ma'am."

A moment later: "They're being fired now, but we've also detected a large high velocity projectile coming from the satellite itself."

"Great. Have them change the missile trajectory to intercept that instead."

The ASATs, which produce a large explosion while showering the target with high velocity tungsten carbide and artificial diamond flechettes to disable sensors, will either succeed in knocking the projectile off course or rip it apart. That is, if the targeting computers have done their job and calculated the correct position approximately 100,000 feet above Fourhearts where the projectile is estimated to hit. Trust in computers can be a dangerous thing. ~

While the ASATs fired by the Czardas ship do indeed manage to hit their target, flechettes can't do much to a sphere of nickel-iron 50 meters in diameter, massing many tons.

As such, it plows through the cloud of flechettes like a giant wrecking ball, some small scratches the only signs of it's passage as it continues onwards towards the atmosphere...

Priscilla stood out on the veranda, fighting back the tears. He was right. She WAS acting too possessive. She shouldn't be acting possessive at all. There had never been a hint from him regarding any sort of romantic interest. If she had tossed out any more hints, she would have been embarassed. Men! Thick-skulled morons!

Jan walked up and stood next to her. " You know, Priscilla, that your'e coming on way too strong, don't you?"

"I do now. Have you any idea how embaressed I am right now? That sonofabitch has for all intents and purposes made a fool of me!"

Jan gave her a hard stare. " No, m'lady. You made a fool out of yourself. Alaric Tan'it is one of the most powerful men on earth. And as casual as he acts, he's not a little boy to be trifled with. He has the responsibility of governing and protecting over 20 billion people in eight nations and another 200,000 million on 6 planets. You can't go around treating him like he was one of your subjects! Flirting is one thing. But expecting a serious response from a man his age towards a girl your age is expecting a bit much. Hell...he's 220 years older than you, despite the fact that he looks like he's thirty! He's been around the block more times than you ever will. And he's right.....he'll outlive you, your children,and your grandchildren. You know about the House of Tanith. Very long-lived due to the touch of vampire and elf blood in them. That uncle he was talking about....Ghengiz was it?....is damn near 600 years old! Vlad, Sethanis, and all the rest of them will be ruling the Xeraphian Empire long after your'e gone. Give it a rest for now. Your'e just going to drive yourself crazy!"

The Duchess hung her head. Jan was right. She had no business meddling in the life of one such as Alaric of Xeraph........

While the ASATs fired by the Czardas ship do indeed manage to hit their target, flechettes can't do much to a sphere of nickel-iron 50 meters in diameter, massing many tons.

As such, it plows through the cloud of flechettes like a giant wrecking ball, some small scratches the only signs of it's passage as it continues onwards towards the atmosphere...
"It looks like that didn't work," one man comments, glancing at the screens and the ever-increasing IR signature of the object. "There's only one way to solve this." He crosses ominously to the weapons screen and stares at the missile tubes. "Nukes."

"But we don't have any nukes," an aide reminds him.

"Damn, I forgot," the man slaps his forehead. "But we do have plasma ICCMs."

"Whatever." Rather than questioning the merits of an untested technology he fires the half-a-dozen intercontinental cruise missiles, which ascend into the atmosphere and begin their cruise at Mach 3.8, reaching the projectiles in a matter of seconds and leaving the submarine almost completely empty of missile armament.

The missiles are propelled by chemical energy, which creates a plasma inside the warhead, propelling it to high speeds. Upon reaching the target, the plasma is released, causing a massive explosion that in turn ignites the fuel-air gases inside a second warhead, creating a vacuum and sucking in and crushing even objects the size of a large bomber. Such technologies have been adopted from a Doomingslandi air-to-air missile, except on a much larger scale.

Of course, no-one knows if they will work on a solid mass such as the projectile in question, but it's the Czardaians' last hope, and they intend to cling to it however they can. ~

New Alamo
Texas Regional Space Station

ALERT! ALERT! LAUNCH DETECTED! LAUNCH DETECTED!

Aboard the New Alamo, the crew acted swiftly ordering it's high velocity railguns into position.

"Object confirmed...Trajecotry confirmed..target locked...FIRE!

The captain radioed Fourhearts High Command. The projectile was much larger than the missiles that it was designed to take down.

"Juliana, be advised: Reccomend Evac ASAP. Over

****

At the ball, several King's Men raced up to the King and the Prince informing them of the dire news.

"Sir, we need to evacuate...now sir."

"Yes...I suppose so...make it happen..get everyone inside"

****

Outside in the garden, Victoria and Alric were walking when 12 King's Men approached them and told them in no certain terms that for saftey reasons they needed to be inside. Now.

If they would have looked, they would have noticed several people running into the Great Hall. And a slow rumbling beneath them.

****

In the skies above Juliana, airships began to evacuate the area, flying fast and far away from the cites center. Raid sirens began to sound and the people of Juliana began to rush into the shelters.


[OCC: Your characters will be safe, even if attempts to shoot down the projectile fail.]

Already, in a few swift words, Airya Wong has informed the Czardaian Foreign Minister of the problem.

Alhoun carefully sets down his karaoke set and follows the mass exodus into the Great Hall, following the Fourheartsmen guards in a silent and unhurried fashion. The porter in the bunny suit comes running shortly thereafter to join them in safety.

As the projectile enters the atmosphere over Juliana, a superheated cloud forms around it while it plows it's way into the soup.

The assorted countermeasures employed either are fended away by the superheated cloud of molten metal surrounding it (the missiles), or simply have no effect as they prove too small to affect it's gigantic mass (the railguns).

It is clearly visible over Juliana now, a baleful comet in the sky as it rushes in at a 45 degree angle.

Sky Palace

Kingdom of Fourhearts....

Long ago, the Kingdom of Fourhearts was located in Four Islands in the Pacific. As the world strained under the weight of humanking, Mother Nature began lashing out.

A great storm had threatend to wipe out everything on the Four Islands, and the King had decided it was time to evacuate.

The King's Cross, the largest airship in the world, led the Kingdom to it's new home.

Those inside the ballroom would notice a great rumble.

Prince Drake spoke up, "Ladies and gentleman. It is my regret to inform you that we are under attack and take proper measures. Please stay where you are.

The lights dimmed and Fourheartsmen were racing around the ballroom collecting wine glasses, bottles, anything that could shatter or break. If one were to look outside, it would appear that the prestine gardens were...moving

When the Fourheartsmen came to Texas, they constructed Sky Palace around the King's Cross.

The Fourheartsmen love of the sky was evident, as they kept the King's Cross fully functional. The King's Cross slept.

But now it would awaken.

A King's Man walked up to the Prince, Everyone is inside. We're ready sir"

"Let's go

And then...the Sky Palace itself rose into the air and began to fly.

(ooc: effects calculated with the Impact Effects calculator)

As the projectile flies in over Juliana, every window in the city shatters from the sonic boom, and fires start in it's path as a result of the great heat emitted by atmospheric re-entry.

This, however, proves slightly irrelevant, as less than a second later, it passes right through an unfortunate airship and strikes the foundations of the palace before the ship can even explode.

The sound created by the impact shatters both ears and windows for miles in every direction, and the Palace itself simply ceases to exist, reduced to pulverized dust under the force of the impact. A crater a kilometer in diameter forms from the force of the impact and a magnitude 5.1 earthquake rolls outwards, as 3000 mile per hour winds rush outwards in every direction, swatting airships like the fist of a giant for dozens of kilometers in every direction and flattening a large portion of the city along with anything even vaguely vertical, killing anyone not in a shelter almost instantaneously.

Due to a fluke eddy in the winds, the flying component of the Palace is not destroyed by the horrid, rushing winds, but instead is buoyed, flung far away... though not without damage, as the winds still twist and turn it in midair, spinning it around like a child's top before it comes to rest dozens of miles away.

Kari Alhoun is treated to a pair of violent shocks in short order.

First, the Palace takes off into the sky. This itself is a bit surprising, considering that one normally doesn't expect to fly away in the middle of a party, and Alhoun feels the sudden and unpleasant effects of inertia in his ribcage.

Then, the projectile hits the foundations, buffeting the airship around like a paper airplane in a tornado.

Alhoun is thrown against a wall, sent flying into one of the speakers, and is bounced across the airship several times, along with the other Czardaians and undoubtedly the rest of the people in the airship. He closes his eyes and grabs onto a beam. Eventually the airship comes to rest and he discovers himself hanging from the roof upside down, descending carefully to examine the rest of the delegates and make sure the ship has evaded undue harm. ~

HANG ON!!!, shouts the Prince!

http://photos-910.facebook.com/n22/144/114/34400103/n34400103_30547910_4803.jpg

As if the entire palace had been kicked swiftly the airship tilts dangerously propelled by the dust and debie.

The sound of shrapnel hitting the airships can be heard...almost like rain.

The King was sitting down with his hands in his face, he was visibly distraught. Wrecked with agony, even as the airship rocked violently, the King took no notice.

My people....my people...

The windows break as the force of the impact is felt througout the airship.

The King's Cross groans under the strain. Dust and debris clog up it's engines. Shrapnel traveling at high speeds cut into the airship. The King's Cross begins a slow and painful desent.

Miles away from Juliana, the King's Cross prepares for a crash landing. Pilots vailently try to keep the huge airship airborne as the ship travels over the forest. It they can just get the Airship across to the plains....

Boom!

"Sirs! We've lost our right engine!

The airship begins to spin as the pilot shuts off the left engine and attempts to stabalize the airship.

Losing altitidue!

The final flight of the King's Cross ends in an open feild, miles away from Juliana. The King races to take a look at his beloved city.

And sees ruins.

With an awful rending crash, the King's Cross touches down, dislodging Alhoun and sending something rather spiky through his side. Burning pain shoots through his body swiftly and he twists around to see a pool of blood rapidly forming around a jagged portion of the crossbeam where he had impacted.

He groans slightly as the full blast of the pain begins to throb in his neurons and manages to roll away amidst the wreckage, his eyes meeting the broken windows, the burning ruins of the city beyond, only despair.

Then, mercifully, he passes out.

The porter in the bunny suit takes charge. "Do we have a medic around here? At least one injured!"

Juliana had suffered greatly.

http://www.final-fantasy.it/deranged_midgar_1.jpg

While several thousand had made it into the shelters, Juliana was a city of millions. The death toll was going to horrendous.

Fourhearts had suffered greatly.

The deaths of thousands now rest upon the King's heart.

And, under the wieght and strain, it started to break.

"ah..", The King muttered as he gripped his chest.

The two King's Men that were gaurding the King noticed right away, "Sir! Are you allright!?!"

"Sir?!"

"MEDIC!"

Three of the girls rushed to the King's side and began checking his pulse. One of the pulled out a medical bag.

"He might be having a heart attack"

With an awful rending crash, the King's Cross touches down, dislodging Alhoun and sending something rather spiky through his side. Burning pain shoots through his body swiftly and he twists around to see a pool of blood rapidly forming around a jagged portion of the crossbeam where he had impacted.

He groans slightly as the full blast of the pain begins to throb in his neurons and manages to roll away amidst the wreckage, his eyes meeting the broken windows, the burning ruins of the city beyond, only despair.

Then, mercifully, he passes out.

The porter in the bunny suit takes charge. "Do we have a medic around here? At least one injured!"


Lizzy rushes over to the man's side.

"You're going to be allright. I'm a doctor. At least half the girls here are.

Lizzy pulls a pair of gloves from her purse, in reality a medic's bag, and begins to check over the man.

"It looks like you broke a bone. The beam cut you up pretty good too. You're going to be fine, but it might sting when I put the disinfective on."

Lizzy pulls out a bottle of disinfective and pours it over the wound. Alhoun, still passed out doesn't even notice. Poor guy. Lizzy quickly bandages up the wound and begins to check to make sure nothing else is broken or injured.

The porter in the bunny suit joins Alhoun and the girl/medic/intelligence agent. He surveys the prone body balefully and glances at her. "Erm... thanks..."

He squats beside Alhoun's body, extracts a bottle of icy water from his suit, and splashes it over the Foreign Minister's face; this recalls him from unconsciousness and he wakes up to an even more stinging pain, if possible. The porter discreetly murmurs, "Don't try to move. You've got a broken bone and some other nasty-looking injuries."

Alhoun closes his eyes once more, remaining fully conscious this time, and waiting for the stinging yet strangely refreshing pain in his side to abate. He manages to weakly ask the medic, "How are the others doing? Any other major injuries, or am I the only one making a fool of myself around here?" ~

"The King appears to have suffered a heart attack. Prince Drake is attempting to establish communication with the Armada. The Queen's Cross should arrive shortly to pick us up.

Alaric and Victoria rushed back into the ballroom where he looked for Sethanis, Teii, and Vlad. He spoke into his wristcomm. "Mr. Delaney! Locate and lock onto four in this group, Lady d'Avignon and the Brujah in group two! Total six to beam up!

Three seconds later, the six appeared inside a fiery oval aboard the orbiting starship DAWNSPEED. " Commander Springfield, get us out of here", barked the Emperor. " All hands, red alert! Man your battle stations! Track, lock and fire on any hostile units! Photon torpedoes and battle-lasers!"

Alaric rushed to the bridge, " On screen Mr. Delaney."

The images were horrifying. The city of Juliana was in ruins, fires blazing out of control, tens of thousands of bodies strewn about like chaff. The Kings Cross had been hit, but was apparently being manuvered into a field some miles away from the blast site. They watched it crash, forming a massive gouge in the earth. As it began to burn, people started pouring out of the ship, running towards the relative safety of the forest.

He turned to the group behind him. A bit battered and bruised, but none the worse for wear.

" Vlad, get hold of Ricala. I want a half-dozen heavy battle cruisers deployed here immediately. Whatever is up there, whoever did this, is gonna pay.....big time!"

He stepped to the commscreen, punching in a specific code. He began speaking: "This is an emergency broadcast to the members of GAPTS. The nation of Fourhearts has come under attack by forces presently unknown. All members are to go to high alert, immediately mobilize your forces. As soon as we have more details, you will be informed. Xeraph out."

" Ensign Demetri, would you please escort the ladies to sick bay and have the doctors check them out, then assign them quarters appropriate to their rank. Seth, Vlad, Teii......come with me. We're gonna find out who did this. Then we're gonna make 'em pay!"

[The current Kraven Conflict is PMT. However, the resource astroid that fired the projectile is in orbit. If you click back a few pages, you'll notice Axis Nova claimed responsiblity for the attack.]

[The current Kraven Conflict is PMT. However, the resource astroid that fired the projectile is in orbit. If you click back a few pages, you'll notice Axis Nova claimed responsiblity for the attack.]


ooc: yeah, I know. I just wanted to create some kind of background story, keep the flow going. I posted a new thread about the attack.

The Queen's Cross
Personal Flagship of His Royal Highness
Prince Drake V of the Heart Family

The Queen's Cross had been making a stop at Ft. Arrow when the attack occured, so the airship was unscathed from the Axis Nova attack.

"FASTER GOD DAMN IT!", yelled Master Chief Titan who was in command. The King, the Prince, and all those other guys might be hurt!

The pilot shouted back, "I'm already going as fast as I can! Any faster and she'll come apart!"

The airship broke through the clouds, engines set on overdrive were roaring loudly. As the airship desended altidude, the burning city of Juliana could be seen.

"Oh my god.......PILOT! SPEED THIS ***** UP!"

ping

"We've locked onto thier signal sir. We should have visual soon."

The Cheif scanned the distance ahead for the crash site.

"They're they are! Let's land this sucker!"

As soon as the Queen's Cross landed, the King and all those attending the ball were quickly placed on board and given medical treatment. The airship would fly directly to Ft. Arrow.

ATTENTION ON THE BRIDGE!, a gaurd announced as Prince Drake walked in.

"Carry on. Cheif, Status Report

The Cheif shook his head, "You're not gonna like this sir. Juliana is gone. Theres a big hole where the Palace used to be and everything around it for miles has etheir been demolished or heavily damaged. Most of the Armada got out, but everyone sustained some sort of damage. Every fleet stationed at Juliana has lost ships. The Dragon's Cross didn't make it. We're still getting a count on everyone, but it's going to be ugly sir. And that's not even looking at all the destruction that's wrecked the capital.

Drake sat down...

"Are you allright sir?"

Drake shook his head. All those lives lost.

"Commo, do we have long range coms?"

The Commo officer answered in the affirmative.

"Prepare to make a broadcast announcement on all channels."

The Emperor and Empress stood with the others on the Queen's Cross. They had only suffered a few scratches, since they both had taken cover. Some of the Imperial Guardsmen suffered broken limbs, but luckily no serious injuries had been sustained.

"Sir."

An Imperial Guardsman in combat attire from Omega squad walked over to the Emperor and slauted. He slung his M2C1 rifle over his back, and proceeded to speak.

"All of us are accounted for, sir. A few casualties, but overall we're fine."
"Good to know, Jim. Any idea how quickly I can get back to Cravna?"
"You'll have to ask the Fourheartians. Are you armed, sir?"

The Emperor removed a 9mm pistol from a concealed holster in his suit jacket, loaded and ready.

"Good. We should be safe here, but you never know."

He looked to the Empress.

"Are you okay, ma'am?"
"I'm fine, Jim. I'm just worried about all those citizens... Axis Nova... Kraven... Those fuckers..."

The Imperial Guardsman would be shocked under more normal circumstances to hear the Empress use that language, but this was different.

"All right... I'm gonna go check with the Fourheartians. You two stay safe."
"Will do, Jim."

The Guardsman walked away, looking for someone of authority in the Fourhearts military.

Axis Nova, Kraven, Zukharria. And so it starts.

Alaric was hoping, perhaps a futile hope, but hoping nonetheless that Xeraph could have avoided conflict. But no more. It was apparent that the Kraven nations would not stop until they were completely destroyed. Very well, if that's the way they wanted to play, Xeraph would play.

He turned his attention to the ladies in sick bay. " Commander, status report on our guests."

" Theyr'e both alright, sir. Bumps and bruises, nothing more. I ordered up a hot meal and a change of clothing for them. Those ball gowns weren't holding up very well."

" Where are they now?"

" Vicereine Victoria is resting in her quarters. The Duchess is on her way to the bridge."

On her way here? Why?"

" You know her, sir. A 'hands-on' type of woman."

" Hmmm...yes. Very well. Czardas has launched an attack on the orbiting satellite that started this mess. And it HAS been identified as belonging to Axis Nova. I want a secondary launch of STS frags to the coordinated of the satellite. That should finish off whatever Czardas may have left. Set coordinates for Auralinia. I'm going to beam down to check with Ricala about our orbital defenses."

" Sir, don't forget about the Black Warrior Cult. Prince Khitann is arriving at the Palace to speak to you about the Pagan Borderlands."

"Let him cool his heel for a while, Commander. I have bigger fish to fry at the moment. Make sure every square inch of the Pagan Borderlands is scanned 24/7. One fuckin' move out of any of those nations, and I'm gonna glass 'em. Got it?"

" Yessir, got it."

[OCC: I'm kinda shifting things over to the Broken Hearts thread, but I can get you all home using this thread.]

Prince Drake had left the bridge after making his announcement. He saw the Emperor looking for somebody.

"Looking for me?

[OCC: I'm kinda shifting things over to the Broken Hearts thread, but I can get you all home using this thread.]

Prince Drake had left the bridge after making his announcement. He saw the Emperor looking for somebody.

"Looking for me?

[OOC: Then I shall move over there. To the Cravancopter! Dananananananana! I'll just respond here and move on over.]

IC:

"Actually... Yes. Do you have any idea if we will be getting back to our respective nations anytime soon? I understand you have quite a... Well, I'll be blunt, you have a shitload of work ahead of you. However, things are probably equally chaotic minus the destruction back home.

"In any case, know this: Cravan will not abandon you in this time of need. I've already begun calling home for aid workers to be deployed and assist in the recovery efforts of the city. We will help you in any way we can."

"Fort Arrow has an airport that you can fly out of. We should be landing there shortly."

Drake starts to walk away, but turns back and says, "Thanks.




[OCC: That pretty much wraps this thread up. Assume all your characters make it home safe, ect ect ect.]

[OOC: Well... quite a lot seems to have happened while I was gone. Allow me to just wrap things up from my side.]

Alaric was immensely pleased with this beguiling woman. Good looking, smart, well-spoken... and all woman. "So, m'lady, the perfume, if I translate the horticultural name correctly, has been concocted from the sunflower. It is absolutely the most magnificent scent! And perfect for you... a bit heady, but subtle." He looked around, almost seeming nervous. "Victoria, would you care to talk a walk outside? I understand there are extensive gardens, and a breath of fresh air would do me a world of good."
‘Oh, certainly, my lord. Let’s go somewhere where we will not be disturbed by all this idle chatter - and where we can speak more privately,’ suggested the enchanting Vicereine, beaming cheerfully. Draining her wineglass, Victoria gracefully uncrossed her lovely legs and stood up from the chair, elegantly offering a slender arm to the Xeraphian Emperor.

‘Lead the way, Alaric.’

Lady Seriende was immeasurably delighted that the fragrance she wore had so ensnared the senses of this daunting Xeraphian. ‘I’m quite impressed that you were able to translate the meaning of my perfume’s name, Alaric,’ explained the Vicereine as she walked, arms linked, besides the Emperor, leaning almost imperceptibly lightly against the man’s powerful frame. Lady Seriende’s high heels clicked loudly as the two made their way towards the gardens.

‘The phrase “Órë vaxë laira” is Ancient Xirnian, a dead language,’ explained Victoria didactically. ‘Alas, there exist very few fluent speakers of it left anywhere in the world, though some of the oldest noble families of the Eternal Republic still take the effort to learn it, as do various Xirniumite academics.’ Victoria remembered that Alaric was over two hundred and seventy years old, and wondered if perhaps he might know a similar archaic Indo-European language to Ancient Xirnian.

The lovely Xirniumite thought carefully for a moment before continuing. ‘Hmm, maybe you might understand the following expression then, my lord? Rempa haloitë caimasan sië teo, hérë ninwa telpina ré tam, oer már ainu mitta cenvéla, sae sar raeta ettë lanat, soica orosta nú lis,’ recited Victoria with a mischievous smile, translating the first famous sentence of Miguel de Cervantes’ best-known Spanish classic into Ancient Xirnian.


Alaric and Victoria rushed back into the ballroom where he looked for Sethanis, Teii, and Vlad. He spoke into his wristcomm. "Mr. Delaney! Locate and lock onto four in this group, Lady d'Avignon and the Brujah in group two! Total six to beam up!

Three seconds later, the six appeared inside a fiery oval aboard the orbiting starship DAWNSPEED. " Commander Springfield, get us out of here", barked the Emperor. " All hands, red alert! Man your battle stations! Track, lock and fire on any hostile units! Photon torpedoes and battle-lasers!"

Alaric rushed to the bridge, " On screen Mr. Delaney."

The images were horrifying. The city of Juliana was in ruins, fires blazing out of control, tens of thousands of bodies strewn about like chaff. The Kings Cross had been hit, but was apparently being manoeuvred into a field some miles away from the blast site. They watched it crash, forming a massive gouge in the earth. As it began to burn, people started pouring out of the ship, running towards the relative safety of the forest.

He turned to the group behind him. A bit battered and bruised, but none the worse for wear.

"Vlad, get hold of Ricala. I want a half-dozen heavy battle cruisers deployed here immediately. Whatever is up there, whoever did this, is gonna pay.....big time!"

He stepped to the commscreen, punching in a specific code. He began speaking: "This is an emergency broadcast to the members of GAPTS. The nation of Fourhearts has come under attack by forces presently unknown. All members are to go to high alert, immediately mobilize your forces. As soon as we have more details, you will be informed. Xeraph out."

"Ensign Demetri, would you please escort the ladies to sick bay and have the doctors check them out, then assign them quarters appropriate to their rank. Seth, Vlad, Teii......come with me. We're gonna find out who did this. Then we're gonna make 'em pay!"
Victoria felt a little disorientated after having been suddenly, and with little warning, TransBeamed aboard the Xeraphian starship Dawnspeed - which hung serenely in the eternal night of space, miles above the Earth. Though she had received some minor scrapes and bumps, Lady Seriende was more or less completely unharmed. Indeed, the Xirniumite Vicereine continued to look as spectacular as ever, and did not fail to maintain an elegantly noble radiance about her.

It had all happened so quickly. No sooner had Victoria entered the beautiful palace gardens with Emperor Alaric than she had been alerted by panicked royal guards of an imminent attack underway against Juliana, capital of Fourhearts. The last thing that Lady Seriende could recall before she saw the blaze of brilliant blue light that heralded her instant arrival aboard the safety of the Dawnspeed was of the greater part of the very palace itself, (evidently an airship of some kind) lifting away from the doomed city.

On the whole, reflected Victoria drolly, I was probably much better off having taken my chances with the Xeraphians and their inexplicable technology, rather then that flying contraption.

As the shock over what had just happened gradually melted away, it was replaced by a host of other, quite different, emotions. Chief amongst these was rage - a burning, livid fury at the sheer audacity of such an attack. It was inconceivable to the Vicereine that any would dare threaten the life of a Xirniumite Head of State, that they would resort to such dishonourable and shameful tactics as an undeclared terrorist strike against a civilian target. Oh, how terrible will be the wrath of the Eternal Republic!

‘M’lady?’ repeated Ensign Demetri, this time a little more forcefully.

Victoria dimly became aware of the fact that a Xeraphian officer was asking that she follow him to the starship’s medical bay. Personally, the Vicereine did not think she required any care, however Lady Seriende reluctantly agreed to the ensign’s request - though only on the condition that she first be allowed to check on the rest of her delegation, ensuring that they had all been TransBeamed aboard safely and were entirely unhurt.

At present the Xirniumite Secrete Intelligence Service would be deployed in a frantic search to ascertain the whereabouts of Lady Seriende, though they would be notified soon enough.

‘An entire city destroyed, million’s killed, it’s obscene!’ remarked the Vicereine’s chief of staff, his expression one of outraged disbelief. ‘What barbarous, uncivilised conduct!’

‘It seems that, in this modern world, civilisation rarely extends beyond the frontier of our Eternal Republic,’ remarked Victoria with uncharacteristic sombreness.

The Emperor didn't notice when Priscilla arrived on the bridge. She would have been far more noticable had she still been wearing her ball gown, but now she was wearing the uniform of an ensign, 3rd class. " M'lord Emperor, may I have a word with you?" she asked in as imperious a voice as she could muster.

" Priscilla, what are you doing here? Do you feel alright? Have you eaten? I...."

" Never mind all that, Alaric. I want to know just what in the hell happened down there. One minute I'm sipping a whiskey, talking to Jan, and the next thing I know, I'm 1700 miles above Fourhearts."

Alaric looked grim. " Look for yourself." He was pointing at the main screen.

The Duchess gave forth an audible gasp. The death and destruction was too much for her. She fainted.

"Commander, get her off this bridge and back to sick bay. I don't have time for this."

" Aye, sir. Er, m'lord, I have received a message from the Vicereine. She was wondering if you could spare a moment?"


" Please inform her that I will be down to see her as soon as I can."

"Aye sir."

Most of the preliminary work was done. Alaric was tired. It had been over 30 hours since the attack, and he and his people had been at it non-stop. Glancing at his "to do " list, there was one more thing on it.

" Commander, take the bridge. I'm going down to see how the Vicereine is holding up."

Aye, sir."

_______________________________________________________________


Alaric found his way to Victoria's quarters and hit the button announcing his presence. He heard "come in", and walked through the opened door. As he looked around, he couldn't help but notice that scent of sunflowers......

OOC: Fourhearts, where is your Capital and is it Inland or Coastal?

coastal

Alaric found his way to Victoria's quarters and hit the button announcing his presence. He heard "come in", and walked through the opened door. As he looked around, he couldn't help but notice that scent of sunflowers......
Alaric noticed Lady Seriende by the far side of the room, her delicately feminine back facing towards the Emperor as he closed the door quietly behind himself. With arms folded across her chest, Victoria gazed in brooding silence out of the starship’s porthole, her mind lost in a tumultuous sea of thoughts. As always, the Vicereine maintained her impeccably regal appearance to the highest of standards, seeming to rise elegantly above all of the chaos that had manifested itself these past several hours – indeed, to remain almost entirely aloof from it.

‘How ironic, isn't it, my lord, that such beautiful a thing can also harbour creatures of such malevolence, such murderous hatred?’ ruminated Victoria aloud, admiring the magnificent golden spectacle that was a sunrise seen from the celestial vantage point of high orbit. Of course, the gorgeous Xirniumite had never before been on a starship, and could not help but find the sight of her own little planet, suspended in the limitless void of space, quite awe-inspiring.

Lady Seriende slowly turned to face Alaric, her lovely visage brightening as she looked at him with her enticing blue doe-eyes. Quite delighted that the Xeraphian Emperor had, at last, come to her, Victoria’s lips broke into a warm, tantalisingly seductive grin. ‘Oh, you needn't have come to check on me personally, Alaric. I’m sure you have much work to do,’ explained the Vicereine with an alluring smile. ‘Indeed, I myself will probably need to return to the Eternal Republic fairly soon, though I’ve no doubt that your government can arrange for that at a moment’s notice.’

‘Alaric, I didn't get a proper chance earlier on to thank you,’ continued Victoria, suddenly reminded of something that she had previously planned to do. The Vicereine leant forward slowly and gave Alaric an impetuous kiss, fleetingly pressing her soft lips against his cheek.

‘My entourage and I are most grateful for your assistance,’ Lady Seriende explained, blushing furiously.

The Empress Serena soon came to the Port City that was Fourhearts, even through it was a Battleship, it was not here for Conquest........but to be a show of Hatarian Might and to be Empress Serena's transport to The Ball.

The Imperial Limo soon was unloaded and Empress Serena soon was heading for The Ball.

The Empress Serena soon came to the Port City that was Fourhearts, even through it was a Battleship, it was not here for Conquest........but to be a show of Hatarian Might and to be Empress Serena's transport to The Ball.

The Imperial Limo soon was unloaded and Empress Serena soon was heading for The Ball.

OCC: I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Juliana has been destroyed. Axis Nova used a Mass Driver to send a 50m ball of nikel straight through downtown. If you'll flip back a few threads you'll see what happened.

A transmission was sent to the DAWNSPEED from the Fourhearts High Command. It was a request.

DAWNSPEED, DAWNSPEED, this is Fourhearts High Command. We've traced the latest transmission to a sattalite near orbiting XXX.XX.XXX. If you could perhaps recover the sat, we'd be enternally greatful.

[OCC: I know that we can't use any FT methods of tracing the transmission, but rather than send a Space Shuttle up there and grabbing it ourselves, which is MT, the DAWNSPEED could just as easily recover it. Therefore, we're not going beyond our tech level to get a hold of the sat]

A transmission was sent to the DAWNSPEED from the Fourhearts High Command. It was a request.

DAWNSPEED, DAWNSPEED, this is Fourhearts High Command. We've traced the latest transmission to a sattalite near orbiting XXX.XX.XXX. If you could perhaps recover the sat, we'd be enternally greatful.

[OCC: I know that we can't use any FT methods of tracing the transmission, but rather than send a Space Shuttle up there and grabbing it ourselves, which is MT, the DAWNSPEED could just as easily recover it. Therefore, we're not going beyond our tech level to get a hold of the sat]


FHC,

we have located the satellite and are presently assessing our options. The satellite is apparently unarmed, no longer posing a threat. We will keep you posted.

Ricala, XSL

Alaric noticed Lady Seriende by the far side of the room, her delicately feminine back facing towards the Emperor as he closed the door quietly behind himself. With arms folded across her chest, Victoria gazed in brooding silence out of the starship’s porthole, her mind lost in a tumultuous sea of thoughts. As always, the Vicereine maintained her impeccably regal appearance to the highest of standards, seeming to rise elegantly above all of the chaos that had manifested itself these past several hours – indeed, to remain almost entirely aloof from it.

‘How ironic, isn't it, my lord, that such beautiful a thing can also harbour creatures of such malevolence, such murderous hatred?’ ruminated Victoria aloud, admiring the magnificent golden spectacle that was a sunrise seen from the celestial vantage point of high orbit. Of course, the gorgeous Xirniumite had never before been on a starship, and could not help but find the sight of her own little planet, suspended in the limitless void of space, quite awe-inspiring.

Lady Seriende slowly turned to face Alaric, her lovely visage brightening as she looked at him with her enticing blue doe-eyes. Quite delighted that the Xeraphian Emperor had, at last, come to her, Victoria’s lips broke into a warm, tantalisingly seductive grin. ‘Oh, you needn't have come to check on me personally, Alaric. I’m sure you have much work to do,’ explained the Vicereine with an alluring smile. ‘Indeed, I myself will probably need to return to the Eternal Republic fairly soon, though I’ve no doubt that your government can arrange for that at a moment’s notice.’

‘Alaric, I didn't get a proper chance earlier on to thank you,’ continued Victoria, suddenly reminded of something that she had previously planned to do. The Vicereine leant forward slowly and gave Alaric an impetuous kiss, fleetingly pressing her soft lips against his cheek.

‘My entourage and I are most grateful for your assistance,’ Lady Seriende explained, blushing furiously.


Alaric shared in her embarassment. Here were two grown adults, leaders in their respective nations, acting like school children. Love may be a many splendored thing, but it as confusing as hell.

" M'lady, I want to thank YOU for helping me endure what is a terrible situation. Your bright smile and upbeat attitude was a tremendous help." he hesitated for a second, then continued. " Victoria, you and I have been 'growing closer', so to speak. In a normal situation, I would be very happy to pursue our relationship. However, my dear, we are not in a normal situation. With the Kraven/Nova war now upon us, and some disturbing reports from an enemy region, I do not feel that now is a good time to be involved in a romance. You and I are responsible for millions of our citizens, and we must each put our own desires aside.....for a while, anyway."

She looked like she was about to cry. 'Dammit', he thought, 'I know I'm gonna regret this, but...' He walked over to her, grabbed her gently by the shoulders, and when she looked up at him, he pulled her close, kissing her cheek, then her neck, hesitating for a moment before he crushed her lips to his.

The moment seemed to hang forever, but presently, he broke away and looked into her eyes. " Au revoir, mon cherie. 'Til we meet again....." With that, he turned and left the room, heading for the bridge and whatever destination life held.................

FHC,

we have located the satellite and are presently assessing our options. The satellite is apparently unarmed, no longer posing a threat. We will keep you posted.

Ricala, XSL


OCC: Did you ever recover the sat?

If they do not want to recover the sat. I could dispatch the H.D.S.S. Vycrass to do the job. The Vycrass is one of three mars mission ships. I could have it do a low orbit pass and pick it up. I will have it checked first to make sure their are not any nasty surprises.

ooc: I believe the satellite was rendered ionoperative. Do whatever you want with it.