NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: This is for those people who signed up here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541200)

It was only some time ago that Prince Sébastien had sent a notice out to the nations of the world that he wished to visit their nations as part of his world tour. He was thankful to know that some nations had opened their doors to him visiting: Barronia would be the first nation he would visit. He had been in correspondence with Amelie St. Clare, a female official of the Barronian nation. After packing up some goods to bring with him, he went to the private jet he owned and boarded it, not before saying goodbye to members of his family.

A diplomat of Skamania and Duloc, Roger Carpentier would also accompany the Prince in case the nations the Prince visited would desire to have diplomatic relations with his beloved nation. Carrying nothing more than a briefcase filled with items such as papers and notes, he took his seat on the plane and began looking over some of his papers.

Prince Sébastien's private jet was one that was typical of the jets owned by royalty. It was entirely first class and filled with all the amnenities such as a mini luxury bathroom, comfortable cushioned chairs and high-definition televisions. Prince Sébastien sat on his personal chair, sometimes looking out the window as he read a report about world news, he was quite interested by what was going on in our world. All sorts of technology appealing to the wealthy modern traveler could be found and seen on the Prince's private jet.

The first nation on the Prince's list was Barronia and he contemplated how his visit to this nation would be while other people on his plane went to do their own routine. The Prince thought about meeting the leaders of Barronia and express an inclination towards meeting Amelie St. Clare, whom he had sent letters to days earlier. He was pleased to know that Barronia was willing to take him in and was sure he would see a lot of things in that nation, he hoped he would. Every nation, he knew, had its history, its culture, its own layout and he hoped to simply learn about everything Barronian and learn everything he could during his world tour, which Sébastien was thinking could have a length of a couple of months or more.

"Sir, subject is entering Magisterial airspace."
"Affirmative. Send up the Cardinals, give them an escort in."
"Aye sir."

Within 15 minutes, as the Prince's flight was flanked by two FA/15 Cardinals, designed to ensure the Prince's safety as he entered the country - the last thing Barronia needed was a fly in the ointment.

They would be escorted to St Johns Intercontinental Airport in Misenae, a sprawling expanse of terminals, runways and hangars. As one of the largest airports in The Arab League, it was usually used as a receiving point for visitors of distinction, and today was no exception. Amelie was pacing the Magisterial Lounge, the first port of call for visitors of the state. Royal Blue and Silver adorned the furniture, and a butler was on hand in the next room. With a luxurious spa, bar, dining with personal chef, and all host of other facilities, it was truly a king among airport facilities.

On the table near Amelie was the Prince's itinerary for his stay, including a tour of Misenae, dinner with the Chancelloress and Magistrates, a front row seat for a military parade of Barronia's finest, an opening of the new wing of the Misenae Grand Museum of Science and Technology, the largest of its kind in Barronia.

As the Princes aircraft appeared over the horizon, Amelie just paced all the more. This was royalty. This had to go perfectly.

After a while, the Prince's plane landed safely on the tarmac and out came Sebastien and his accompanying diplomat, Roger Carpentier who were both dressed in the finest clothes avaliable to them before they came. Looking around for a moment, they were greeted by officials and soldiers of Barronia, some of whom were anxious to show the visitors their beloved nation. When Amelie saw Sebastien, she saw a man who still retained his youth but as for Roger, he was a bit aged but roughly in his early 30's. "Miss St. Clare, it is an pleasure to finally meet you in person." Prince Sebastien said to Amelie before Roger gave his share of greetings too. As they walked away from the plane and towards the building, Sebastien inquired as to what the itineary was to be like while Roger carefully kept notes to form a record of the trip so far.

"Miss St. Clare, I am sure you have a lot planned for me on my tour of Barronia."

After a while, the Prince's plane landed safely on the tarmac and out came Sebastien and his accompanying diplomat, Roger Carpentier who were both dressed in the finest clothes avaliable to them before they came. Looking around for a moment, they were greeted by officials and soldiers of Barronia, some of whom were anxious to show the visitors their beloved nation. When Amelie saw Sebastien, she saw a man who still retained his youth but as for Roger, he was a bit aged but roughly in his early 30's. "Miss St. Clare, it is an pleasure to finally meet you in person." Prince Sebastien said to Amelie before Roger gave his share of greetings too. As they walked away from the plane and towards the building, Sebastien inquired as to what the itineary was to be like while Roger carefully kept notes to form a record of the trip so far.

"Miss St. Clare, I am sure you have a lot planned for me on my tour of Barronia."

"Prince Sebastion. An honour to have you here." Amelie curtseyed, not particularly sure of the customs in his nation. "We certainly do have plenty planned for you, first beginning with a tour of this city of cities, our beloved Misenae, concluding with meeting the Chancelloress. That, along with dinner, should allow you an early night, before we begin the real itinerary for tomorrow, where you'll meet people from across our nation."

Turning to Roger, she flashed her best smile and held out her hand. Immediately attracted to him, he presented himself well without pompousity, mild-mannered, well-spoken...and attractive, to say the least. "Mister Carpentier, a true pleasure."

Leading them to their car, a modified VLT L8, complete with Barronian and Skamanian flags on the bonnet, she pointed out to the visitors some of the interesting features of St Johns.

"If you'll look to the left, you'll see the control tower through the glass dome - one of the largest in the known world. St Johns is an exceptionally large airport, with 7 seperate runways, and over 15 helicopter landing spots. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of manpower to maintain.

So, gentlemen, how was your journey? Tell me a little about yourselves."

Roger smiled at Amelie as they began to walk towards the car. "That is alright with me, Miss St. Clare. All of the parts of my tour of Barronia seem quite interesting and it would be a pleasure to meet the Chancelloress." Sebastien said as they looked left to see the airport's control tower, it seemed to live up to the reputation Amelie said it had. As Sebastien got into the limosuine, Roger opened the door for Amelie and helped her in before he took his seat inside. As the vehicle's driver began to drive the vehicle away from the airport and into the city, Sebastien began to tell Amelie a little about himself: "Born as the youngest son of King Louis II and Queen Henriette, I have an interest in traveling to other nations in the hopes of expanding my knowledge and I live in the countryside, in a manor house I was able to obtain, I can tell you it is quite nice."

Roger also told Amelie a little about himself after his royal traveling companion was finished. They spent most of the time talking and learning about each other as the car found itself driving through the streets of the city.

The car began to wind its way through the traffic, the view down Verona Boulevarde providing an astounding look at just how big Misenae was.

As they made their way through the traffic, flanked by their guards, driverless buses glided past, and Allanean Arms Spearheads roared past, more than one carrying great Nakil tanks, freshly purchased from Kriegzimmer.

"Hmm...seems the military is out in force today...we've got a military parade planned for you, your highness, some of Barronia's finest. Ah, if you'll look to the left, Barronian Imperial Groups headquarters are just coming up."

She motioned to a glass-walled building, over 80 stories tall. Outside in a quite frankly huge courtyard was a steel, full-size replica of the Douglas DC-3.

"This is a rather unusual building to say the least. Underneath our very feet is the main bus station for Misenae, one of four or so dotted about the city. Our buses are driverless - it confuses me sometimes about how they get around so efficiently!

Ah, driver, would you care to take us through the bus depot and to the new Embassy district? From the we can head on to the Residency."

"Yes ma'am."

The driver shortly took a right, before taking another down into the bus depot. Passing through, the prince was given a chance to see the buses close up - silver and glass appeared to be a common theme in Barronia, and these buses were no exception (see http://www.joakimoscarsson.com/project/r_o_n/index.htm). With their giant doors, and pod-based driving wheels, they looked more like shortened train carriages than buses.

The car left the station, heading out toward the new embassy district, and to the Residency. Amelie decided to keep the conversation going.

"So, tell me about your nation. It's cultures, influences, peoples. There's so much I'd like to learn!"

"Quite the large city, Your Highness." Roger remarked as he looked out his window to see Misenae. They looked at everything they could see and Roger documented the sighting of Nakil tanks, who he thought seemed to live up to their reputation. "A military parade? Interesting." Sebastien remarked as he looked to see the Barronian Imperial Guard headquarters.

"Your buses are driverless but yet they are efficient in transporting citizens? That sounds quite interesting." Sebastien said as he looked at one drive past the limosuine. After looking at a driverless bus up close, Sebastien gave some information about his beloved nation to Amelie:

"While Skamanian and Dulocan culture is still strong, expect to see the residue of interaction with Europeans which would include our use of the French language, the descendants of European settlers, and our monarchy, which has dynastic links with the House of Bourbon."

After Sebastien finished, Roger gave some more information before they decided to let Amelie continue with the tour.

"Quite the large city, Your Highness." Roger remarked as he looked out his window to see Misenae. They looked at everything they could see and Roger documented the sighting of Nakil tanks, who he thought seemed to live up to their reputation. "A military parade? Interesting." Sebastien remarked as he looked to see the Barronian Imperial Guard headquarters.

"Your buses are driverless but yet they are efficient in transporting citizens? That sounds quite interesting." Sebastien said as he looked at one drive past the limosuine. After looking at a driverless bus up close, Sebastien gave some information about his beloved nation to Amelie:

"While Skamanian and Dulocan culture is still strong, expect to see the residue of interaction with Europeans which would include our use of the French language, the descendants of European settlers, and our monarchy, which has dynastic links with the House of Bourbon."

After Sebastien finished, Roger gave some more information before they decided to let Amelie continue with the tour.

"Our military parades are second only to the Khamalians, your highness. Certainly a sight to see. General Strom will no doubt bore you silly with his anecdotes of the wars, ha ha!

Ah, the Embassy District. We're nearly there. This is our most recent development to the city. 100 Acres of land per embassy, and what is more or less free rein on non-military buildings. Rather nice area to be honest. And between you and me, earmarked as a new home for yours truly. Just don't tell the rest of the department, ha ha!"

The trip through the embassy district took 10 minutes, before they left through another checkpoint. Heading back into heavy city, they began to make their way to the other side. Soon, The Residency came into view. It was nothing less than a palace. Arabesque architecture dominated the building, even on the security walls outside.

As they entered the main gates, the two Nakil tanks flanking the gates appeared. The commanders leant in the turrets immediately saluted - being a minister usually brang some sort of ceremonial military post - Amelie, although only holding a private pilot's license, was an Admiral with the Aerial Navy, the fleet of Barronian Airships. Although nothing ever came of such a position, it was one of those formalities that one could never escape.

"Ah, your highness, we're here. We'll escort you to your bedroom before dinner, and the driver will bring in your clothes and goods. You'll meet the Chancelloress in the south-facing reception room at five, and you'll have a chance to chat before dinner in the west-facing dining room on the first floor. Should provide an excellent view of the sunset. On second thoughts, someone will meet you outside your room at five. Roger is welcome to join us for dinner if he should wish, your room will be next to the prince's. The driver will show you in, and two of our men will bring your clothes."

The car began to slow down as they reached the end of the driveway, and the prince had a chance to view the gardens they had passed as the driver opened the door. Luscious grass, with hedges, streams, and more than one golf cart driven by gardeners spanned across from wall to wall.

"That....that would be the British influence on our Chancelloress. And yes, it does take as much watering as it looks."

"I am sure the anecdotes of General Strom will be alright." Sebastien said as the limosuine entered the vicinity of the Embassy District, with the eyes of Amelie's two foreign guests getting a look at everything they could. The architecture was quite nice, Roger thought, before he looked at the two Nakil tanks.

"I would be honored to meet the Chancelloress and I thank you for your assistance and for escorting me to my guest room, etc. From what you have told me, you seem to have everything planned out." Sebastien said before he and Roger exited the limosuine, but not before Roger offered to help Amelie out of the limosuine by extending his hand to her.

They entered the Residency and Sebastien was reminded of the mansions that could be found in Skamania and Duloc, occupied and inhabited by people who were like the Chancelloress: wealthy and quite powerful. While Sebastien was looking around, Roger thought he could talk to Amelie for a while before being sent to his room. "Miss St. Clare, thank you for the tour you have given us." Roger said to his tour guide before he and Sebastien went to their guest rooms, which they thought looked like the rooms of wealthy people in Skamania and Duloc with all the amnenities and luxuries.

While Roger looked over his notes in his room, Sebastien was focused on the meeting with the Chancelloress. What would she be like? He contemplated the dinner with her in his head for most of the day, hoping that there would be no problems. He also knew that Roger would probably come to the dinner with him. Soon enough, Prince Sebastien would be eating dinner with the head of state of Barronia: The Chancelloress.

"I am sure the anecdotes of General Strom will be alright." Sebastien said as the limosuine entered the vicinity of the Embassy District, with the eyes of Amelie's two foreign guests getting a look at everything they could. The architecture was quite nice, Roger thought, before he looked at the two Nakil tanks.

"I would be honored to meet the Chancelloress and I thank you for your assistance and for escorting me to my guest room, etc. From what you have told me, you seem to have everything planned out." Sebastien said before he and Roger exited the limosuine, but not before Roger offered to help Amelie out of the limosuine by extending his hand to her.

They entered the Residency and Sebastien was reminded of the mansions that could be found in Skamania and Duloc, occupied and inhabited by people who were like the Chancelloress: wealthy and quite powerful. While Sebastien was looking around, Roger thought he could talk to Amelie for a while before being sent to his room. "Miss St. Clare, thank you for the tour you have given us." Roger said to his tour guide before he and Sebastien went to their guest rooms, which they thought looked like the rooms of wealthy people in Skamania and Duloc with all the amnenities and luxuries.

While Roger looked over his notes in his room, Sebastien was focused on the meeting with the Chancelloress. What would she be like? He contemplated the dinner with her in his head for most of the day, hoping that there would be no problems. He also knew that Roger would probably come to the dinner with him. Soon enough, Prince Sebastien would be eating dinner with the head of state of Barronia: The Chancelloress.

It was not long for 5 O'clock to arrive, and the Prince soon heard a knocking on the chamber door. Outside, an entirely British butler was stood.

"Sire, I'm informed you are to meet Her Excellency. If you'd like to follow me, your compatriot will meet us there. The Chancelloress should be referred to as "Your Excellency", "Ma'am", or "Madam Chancelloress" unless she states otherwise. It may seem draconian, your highness, but she has her rules." the butler sighed.

Leading them to the reception room after a walk that seemed to take forever, he opened the door.

"Presenting His Highness, Your Excellency."

"Ah, Prince Sebastian. A true pleasure to meet you."

The chancelloress was a great lover of formality, and today was no exception. Dressed in one of her best dresses, a flowing, multiskirted design in white and red, she stood to meet him, holding out her hand to be kissed.

Sebastien listened to the butler's advice before he met the Chancelloress. Taking her hand and giving it a kiss, he smiled and said: "Madam Chancelloress, it is an honor to meet you. If I may say, you look quite beautiful tonight." He stood calmly in front of the Chancelloress, briefly studying her as Roger was preparing himself for dinner, contemplating the question: "Would Amelie be there?"

Sebastien listened to the butler's advice before he met the Chancelloress. Taking her hand and giving it a kiss, he smiled and said: "Madam Chancelloress, it is an honor to meet you. If I may say, you look quite beautiful tonight." He stood calmly in front of the Chancelloress, briefly studying her as Roger was preparing himself for dinner, contemplating the question: "Would Amelie be there?"

"Hmm, we have a charmer in our midst. We shall have to keep our eye on you, shan't we?" she replied jokingly. "So, good sir. A little about yourself, perhaps? We've not a long wait before the dinner table is laid. We can discuss what you wish to do over dinner - whilst our Amelie will have given you some idea of what to expect, we're fairly flexible on the issue. Perhaps I may join you - it's been a while since I spent a little time wandering."

Sebastien smiled at the Chancelloress before he replied to what she say to him: "Your Amelie has given me an idea of what to expect, Chancelloress, and I would not mind you joining me in some wandering before we are called to eat dinner." Sebastien looked at the Chancelloress for a moment before they began to walk together.

"But of course. I must show you the gardens, certainly before dinner. They'll look fantastic when the sun sets - west-facing dining rooms always have such a wonderful appeal." Looking behind her, she adds "Oh, and Amelie will be down shortly. She's just changing into her dinner dress."

Heading toward the french doors that lead out onto the grass, giving a spectacular view of the garden.

Leading Sebastien onto the grass, the Chancelloress began to ask questions about his homeland - the land, the people, the culture.

"This garden looks like it has been regularly managed. I am sure you always have people tending and managing the garden, Chancelloress." Sebastien said as he walked through the garden with the Chancelloress, soon finding himself answering questions about his nation. "Skamania and Duloc was formed by the union of the nations of Skamania and Duloc." They were still wandering around and talking to each other when they were told that dinner would be ready. As they came inside, they saw Roger complimenting Amelie in her dinner dress.

"Why thankyou Mister Carpentier! It's always nice when someone notices..."
"Ahem..."
"Your Excellency...Roger was just complimenting me on my choice of dress."
"Amelie, you are far too jumpy. Would you escort Mister Carpentier into the dining room for me?"
"Of course, your Excellency."
"Sebastien, through here, if you will."

They entered a marble-floored dining room, where a table that looked as if it could seat 30 people was stood. Footsteps echoed about the room as they entered. Amelie, in one of her best evening dresses, a red number that tightened at the hip before widening out into a more flouncy skirt, was showing Roger where he would be sat - right next to her.

Santina showed Sebastien to his, before taking hers next to him. The waiters began to bring in the meals, slipping silently across the floor, before presenting them to the diners.

OOC: You may as well choose what the Prince is having - no sense in giving him something he doesn't like!

Sebastien and Roger took their seats at the dining table and began to recieve their meals. Sebastien asked a waiter for food that was from Barronian cuisine while Roger asked Amelie what meal she recommended. After recieving their food they began to eat and enjoy each other's company.

Seeing that Roger seemed to be talking to Amelie, Sebastien looked at Santina and smiled. "This food is delicious, Chancelloress. You must have five star cooks in your kitchen but that is typical of people like us." He continued to eat for a while as he listened to Roger talking to Amelie while he ate his food. Tonight's event was not having any problems: everyone was enjoying themselves.

"What do we have planned after dinner, Chancelloress?" Sebastien asked Santina.

"Thankyou, Sebastien. The chef will be pleased to know that you appreciate his food so much. An honour to serve, and all that. As for after dinner, I'm sure Amelie could enlighten us - she's made a sterling effort of organising your trip so far. Amelie?"

"Of course your excellency. Your highness we have a fairly quiet evening planned, an over-tour of Misenae in one of our Magisterial Transport airships. Her excellency is particularly fond of them, especially for state events. You'll have an exellent view of the sunset over Misenae, and we'll return here in time for a nightcap and bed."

"You are welcome. The chef has made delicious food and it is good to give praise when it is due. I admit that I look forward to gazing down upon Misenae from an airship, it should be a good sight to see. Shall I assume that we will be going on the airship after dinner?"

"That is correct your highness. The airship designated to us is the Spirit of St Paul - unfortunately the Santina Verona-Barron is in for her maintainence, but she is equal in all but name. You'll have your own attendant, and we'll be sitting in the viewing cupola, which is a lowered section of the main gondola - completely made of glass."

"It is good to know that we will have a good airship and I am sure that the glass of the viewing cupola is not the average glass but a special kind of glass that is sturdy and resistant when needed. I look forward to seeing the city from the airship, it is a good event to start the tour with."

"Ha ha, rest assured it is well-reinforced glass. It can be a little disorientating at first, but it is well worth it, I guarantee. If you're finished with your dinner, I can have the car brought round to the front?"

"I am sure that we will have no problems with the airship's glass. Yes, I am finished with my dinner and I think we should have the car brought round to the front so we can go to the airship and prepare for our flight over the city. I look forward to my aerial tour of the city of Misenae, Chancelloress."

Sebastien stood from his seat and looked at the Chancelloress before he smiled at her. "Shall we walk to the car now, Chancelloress?"

bump.

OOC: My bad. Got caught up conquering Africa.

"Hmm. I'm sure that can be done. Amelie, would you care to get hold of the driver?"

"Of course ma'am."

Amelie leaves the room, presumably in search of the garage, or at least someone who was able to get hold of it.

By the time Prince Sebastien and the Chancelloress reached the door, the car was outside, waiting to leave, Amelie waiting inside.

---

The Spirit of St Paul. A behemoth of an airship, she was used as a replacement for the S V-B when it wasn't available. Her rigid hull was well-armored, despite the natural tendency of airships to be resistant to small-arms fire. She carried a contingent of Guardsmen, the Chancelloress's car, as well as two escort vehicles, VLT M6s. Her crew were ready for their arrival and saluted both the Chancelloress and her companions.

"Ma'am, your chambers are ready. Your Captain today is Vice Admiral Hubert Norman. Your highness, I trust you'll find everything to your satisfaction aboard our vessel."

OOC: My bad. Got caught up conquering Africa.

"Hmm. I'm sure that can be done. Amelie, would you care to get hold of the driver?"

"Of course ma'am."

Amelie leaves the room, presumably in search of the garage, or at least someone who was able to get hold of it.

By the time Prince Sebastien and the Chancelloress reached the door, the car was outside, waiting to leave, Amelie waiting inside.

---

The Spirit of St Paul. A behemoth of an airship, she was used as a replacement for the S V-B when it wasn't available. Her rigid hull was well-armored, despite the natural tendency of airships to be resistant to small-arms fire. She carried a contingent of Guardsmen, the Chancelloress's car, as well as two escort vehicles, VLT M6s. Her crew were ready for their arrival and saluted both the Chancelloress and her companions.

"Ma'am, your chambers are ready. Your Captain today is Vice Admiral Hubert Norman. Your highness, I trust you'll find everything to your satisfaction aboard our vessel."

"I am sure that I will find everything to my satisfaction aboard this massive vessel that you have here. Do you know when the aerial tour of Misenae will start?"

Sebastien looked at the Chancelloress and smiled. "Have you used this airship before, Mademoiselle?"

"I am sure that I will find everything to my satisfaction aboard this massive vessel that you have here. Do you know when the aerial tour of Misenae will start?"

We'll be ready to tether off in less than 15 minutes, your highness. You'll be able to see the process from the observation deck - very little manpower involved in the process now."

Sebastien looked at the Chancelloress and smiled. "Have you used this airship before, Mademoiselle?"

"Many times. I prefer it to my namesake, in a way. It does seem rather pompous to arrive in an airship named after myself!"

One of the crew intervened:

"Ma'am, if you'd like to board, the captain is awaiting you in the observation deck."

"Ah, right, well, of course."

They boarded the aircraft via a walkway, and turned left inside. The gondola itself was a full 500 metres long, and some 40 metres wide - allowing for everything that one could possibly wish for some 50,000 feet in the air. Today, however, the Spirit would be taking a low tour across the cityscape of Misenae, to view the sunset over the desert territory.

After what seemed like quite a walk, they reached the observation capsule. The captain was waiting for them, sat in one of the chairs.

"Your Excellency, Your Highness - Hubert Norman at your service. If you'd like to take seat, we'll be able to begin. You'll get an excellent view of the launch proceedings."

We'll be ready to tether off in less than 15 minutes, your highness. You'll be able to see the process from the observation deck - very little manpower involved in the process now."

"Many times. I prefer it to my namesake, in a way. It does seem rather pompous to arrive in an airship named after myself!"

"Thank you for the information, Sir. It is nice to be in this airship to see the city of Misenae and what I am sure will be a beautiful sunset...and if I may say, I will see the beautiful sunset with a beautiful woman."


"In Skamania and Duloc, there is a ship named after one of my ancestors, King Louis I (OOC: King Louis XVII of France). It was him who brought the European, and in my family's case, French influence to my nation. My father, the King, is named after him."


One of the crew intervened:

"Ma'am, if you'd like to board, the captain is awaiting you in the observation deck."

"Ah, right, well, of course."

They boarded the aircraft via a walkway, and turned left inside. The gondola itself was a full 500 metres long, and some 40 metres wide - allowing for everything that one could possibly wish for some 50,000 feet in the air. Today, however, the Spirit would be taking a low tour across the cityscape of Misenae, to view the sunset over the desert territory.

After what seemed like quite a walk, they reached the observation capsule. The captain was waiting for them, sat in one of the chairs.

"Your Excellency, Your Highness - Hubert Norman at your service. If you'd like to take seat, we'll be able to begin. You'll get an excellent view of the launch proceedings."


"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Norman." Sebastien took his seat and smiled at Santina before he waited to see the launch proceedings. "Santina, it is nice to be here on this airship to see the city of Misenae, I believe it is a good event to start my tour of Barronia."

While he waited to see the launch proceedings, Sebastien began to think about Santina. He thought she was a nice and beautiful woman who was not a rude snob because of her high position on Barronia's social ladder.

"Mademoiselle Santina is a good woman....I like her."

"Thank you for the information, Sir. It is nice to be in this airship to see the city of Misenae and what I am sure will be a beautiful sunset...and if I may say, I will see the beautiful sunset with a beautiful woman."

Santina turned red, and a small smile crept across her face.

"Sebastien! Anyone would think you were attracted to me!"

Norman merely allowed a smile to flicker across his face, before regaining his composure.

"In Skamania and Duloc, there is a ship named after one of my ancestors, King Louis I (OOC: King Louis XVII of France). It was him who brought the European, and in my family's case, French influence to my nation. My father, the King, is named after him."

"Indeed! Such a lineage! My father was a scientist, in all honesty, I've certainly come from humble beginnings - he was the leader of the revolution that allowed Barronia to flourish to what you see today"

""It is nice to meet you, Mr. Norman." Sebastien took his seat and smiled at Santina before he waited to see the launch proceedings. "Santina, it is nice to be here on this airship to see the city of Misenae, I believe it is a good event to start my tour of Barronia."

While he waited to see the launch proceedings, Sebastien began to think about Santina. He thought she was a nice and beautiful woman who was not a rude snob because of her high position on Barronia's social ladder.

"Mademoiselle Santina is a good woman....I like her."

"An honour to meet you, sir. I assure you, you will not forget the views we shall offer you tonight. Now Sirs, Madams, if you'd like to look to the front of the airship, we're detethering."

To the front, two large metal clamps could be seen slowly rolling toward the capsule, with the airship itself slowly rising, straining against the ropes. Eventually, the ropes were released, and the nose of the airship rose slightly as the gas was injected into the bags.

A humming could be heard as the engines kicked in, and the airship began to pull away from it's mooring point.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll now have to attend to my duties. I do hope you'll enjoy the trip. Angelique and Carmelia will now be on hand to serve you."

He gestured to two young ladies in aeronavy uniform, who smiled and curtseyed.

Santina turned red, and a small smile crept across her face.

"Sebastien! Anyone would think you were attracted to me!"

Norman merely allowed a smile to flicker across his face, before regaining his composure.

"I do think she is beautiful.....that is why I told her."

Sebastien watched Santina turn red and then looked at Norman. He thought about what Santina said before he listened to her talk about her father, which he thought helped him know more about her.

"Indeed! Such a lineage! My father was a scientist, in all honesty, I've certainly come from humble beginnings - he was the leader of the revolution that allowed Barronia to flourish to what you see today"

"A scientist? Did he have a particular field of research? Yes, King Louis I did bring European influences to my nation. I have researched about my family's history in my spare time. Also, I am sure that your father was a good man, Santina."

"An honour to meet you, sir. I assure you, you will not forget the views we shall offer you tonight. Now Sirs, Madams, if you'd like to look to the front of the airship, we're detethering."

To the front, two large metal clamps could be seen slowly rolling toward the capsule, with the airship itself slowly rising, straining against the ropes. Eventually, the ropes were released, and the nose of the airship rose slightly as the gas was injected into the bags.

A humming could be heard as the engines kicked in, and the airship began to pull away from it's mooring point.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll now have to attend to my duties. I do hope you'll enjoy the trip. Angelique and Carmelia will now be on hand to serve you."

He gestured to two young ladies in aeronavy uniform, who smiled and curtseyed.

Sebastien watched the airship detether with Santina and watched as the airship began to pull away from the mooring point, rising into the air. It would be nice, he thought, to be able to see the city of Misenae with Santina. After he watched Norman leave, he looked at Angelique and Carmelia and smiled at them.

"It is nice to meet you both. As you must know, I am Prince Sebastien....and I am sure that you know that this beautiful and charming woman with me is the Chancelloress."

OOC: Shall we continue?

OOC: Sure, I've been working on some other posts and a presentation at the same time - I'll get something up tonight.

OOC: Can we continue?

"I do think she is beautiful.....that is why I told her."

Sebastien watched Santina turn red and then looked at Norman. He thought about what Santina said before he listened to her talk about her father, which he thought helped him know more about her.



"A scientist? Did he have a particular field of research? Yes, King Louis I did bring European influences to my nation. I have researched about my family's history in my spare time. Also, I am sure that your father was a good man, Santina."

"That he most certainly was. A geneticist by trade, born to British parents during the colonial times. Rather unusual makeup for a politician, I must say, but I should think the ability to think logically is something he held in high regard.

He fought with General Strom in the revolution, an excellent man - lost an eye for his trouble, but the most loyal man I have in my government, bless him so. You'll note he accompanies me on most state visits - it's often useful to have a man who knows his stuff with you on a meet-and-greet!"

Sebastien watched the airship detether with Santina and watched as the airship began to pull away from the mooring point, rising into the air. It would be nice, he thought, to be able to see the city of Misenae with Santina. After he watched Norman leave, he looked at Angelique and Carmelia and smiled at them.

"It is nice to meet you both. As you must know, I am Prince Sebastien....and I am sure that you know that this beautiful and charming woman with me is the Chancelloress."

The two ladies smiled. They were used to being flirted with by the crew members - they knew attraction when they saw it. Maintaining their professionalism - losing control in front of state guests was a surefire way back to kitchen duty - they curtseyed.

"An honour to meet you your Majesty. Is there anything we can get you? Your Excellency?"

Santina was the first to answer.

"Ah, let me see...do we have some of the Colonia Munatiana Cabernet Sauvignon on board?"

Angelique nodded. "A glass, ma'am?"

"Well guessed. Sebastien?"

"That he most certainly was. A geneticist by trade, born to British parents during the colonial times. Rather unusual makeup for a politician, I must say, but I should think the ability to think logically is something he held in high regard.

He fought with General Strom in the revolution, an excellent man - lost an eye for his trouble, but the most loyal man I have in my government, bless him so. You'll note he accompanies me on most state visits - it's often useful to have a man who knows his stuff with you on a meet-and-greet!"

"A geneticist? That sounds interesting, Chancelloress. I must say the ability to think logically is important to a politician....but sometimes politicians do not have this ability and that can lead to disasterous consequences for themselves and their citizens.

General Strom sounds like a good person, Chancelloress. I may meet him during this tour of Barronia, which so far has been a pleasure....especially with a charming woman like yourself. You are a good person, Chancelloress....and I think that is good to know."

The two ladies smiled. They were used to being flirted with by the crew members - they knew attraction when they saw it. Maintaining their professionalism - losing control in front of state guests was a surefire way back to kitchen duty - they curtseyed.

"An honour to meet you your Majesty. Is there anything we can get you? Your Excellency?"

Santina was the first to answer.

"Ah, let me see...do we have some of the Colonia Munatiana Cabernet Sauvignon on board?"

Angelique nodded. "A glass, ma'am?"

"Well guessed. Sebastien?"

"I think I will try some of the wine that the Chancelloress has asked for, Angelique. Thank you."

Sebastien smiled at Angelique before he looked at Santina. "Chancelloress, what do you have planned for us tomorrow? I assume that we will be in the Palace until the next day after this tour is finished."

"A geneticist? That sounds interesting, Chancelloress. I must say the ability to think logically is important to a politician....but sometimes politicians do not have this ability and that can lead to disasterous consequences for themselves and their citizens.

General Strom sounds like a good person, Chancelloress. I may meet him during this tour of Barronia, which so far has been a pleasure....especially with a charming woman like yourself. You are a good person, Chancelloress....and I think that is good to know."

"Thankyou Sebastien - being told that you're a good person by yes-men is one thing, but by another leader is another entirely. We don't get much good press here in Barronia - socialism isn't exactly widely accepted with most nations, and we're forever having to be wary of ACID and the CA- that's "Against Communists in Defence" and the Corporate Alliance - both rather anti-left organisations.

It's unfortunately true that politicians can often find themselves at the bad end of public opinion - hopefully not so in this country. We try to make sure that the government works for the good of the nation, not the good of the government, and we ensure the people know that. You may have seen some of the government messages on the side of our buses in Misenae Metropolitan Area. We are rather proud of those - models of modern design."

"I think I will try some of the wine that the Chancelloress has asked for, Angelique. Thank you."

Sebastien smiled at Angelique before he looked at Santina. "Chancelloress, what do you have planned for us tomorrow? I assume that we will be in the Palace until the next day after this tour is finished."

"Tomorrow? Well, we had better ask Amelie. She's in charge of our itinerary - Amelie, what's on hand for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, your Excellency? We have the morning train out to the Airbase near Parthenopolis - General Strom will meet us there. I believe he has a military parade and war display planned for us - the full works. You're rather lucky, your Highness - it's very rare for anyone to get a full display. Someone must like you." Amelie smiled knowingly, trying not to let on.

"Thankyou Sebastien - being told that you're a good person by yes-men is one thing, but by another leader is another entirely. We don't get much good press here in Barronia - socialism isn't exactly widely accepted with most nations, and we're forever having to be wary of ACID and the CA- that's "Against Communists in Defence" and the Corporate Alliance - both rather anti-left organisations.

It's unfortunately true that politicians can often find themselves at the bad end of public opinion - hopefully not so in this country. We try to make sure that the government works for the good of the nation, not the good of the government, and we ensure the people know that. You may have seen some of the government messages on the side of our buses in Misenae Metropolitan Area. We are rather proud of those - models of modern design."


"You are welcome, Chancelloress. I understand that some people may not like your nation because it believes in Socialism. Our nation is an absolute monarchy and my father is considered to be what they call an "enlightened monarch", due to his belief in the Enlightenment. As for making the government work for the good of the nation, that is good to work for but there will be those people who seek to work for themselves with disregard for the citizens.

Yes, I did see some of those government messages, Chancelloress. In Skamania and Duloc, many people still support the Monarchy. The Monarchy may be French but we do not ignore our heritage from Skamania and Duloc, the two nations who united to created my beloved nation. It is nice to be here in Barronia, Chancelloress."

"Tomorrow? Well, we had better ask Amelie. She's in charge of our itinerary - Amelie, what's on hand for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, your Excellency? We have the morning train out to the Airbase near Parthenopolis - General Strom will meet us there. I believe he has a military parade and war display planned for us - the full works. You're rather lucky, your Highness - it's very rare for anyone to get a full display. Someone must like you." Amelie smiled knowingly, trying not to let on.

As Amelie was talking, Roger looked at her with a smile on his face while Sebastien silently listened to her talk about the military parade. "A military parade sounds like it would be good. I would like to see it...since it is very rare, as Amelie said, for anyone to get a full display."

Roger continued to look at Amelie for a while before he looked out a window while Sebastien stood from his seat and looked at Santina with a smile on his face. "Chancelloress, it would be a pleasure if we could look at the city together." He extended his hand. "If you would like, you may point out landmarks to me....if you want to, that is."

Roger beckoned Amelie to him from his seat. "Amelie, perhaps you would like to talk with me? I am interested in knowing more about you and it would be nice for us: the companions of these famous people to talk to each other."

"You are welcome, Chancelloress. I understand that some people may not like your nation because it believes in Socialism. Our nation is an absolute monarchy and my father is considered to be what they call an "enlightened monarch", due to his belief in the Enlightenment. As for making the government work for the good of the nation, that is good to work for but there will be those people who seek to work for themselves with disregard for the citizens.

Yes, I did see some of those government messages, Chancelloress. In Skamania and Duloc, many people still support the Monarchy. The Monarchy may be French but we do not ignore our heritage from Skamania and Duloc, the two nations who united to created my beloved nation. It is nice to be here in Barronia, Chancelloress."

"It's an unfortunate fact of life that some care more for money than the welfare of their citizens - and some would invade us for it. Naturally, we keep a sizeable enough military handy in a primarily defensive role, but that's for Strom to enlighten you.

I suppose it's a blessing to have a more peaceful beginnings to a nation - it's all been a little bloody as far as our history is concerned."

As Amelie was talking, Roger looked at her with a smile on his face while Sebastien silently listened to her talk about the military parade. "A military parade sounds like it would be good. I would like to see it...since it is very rare, as Amelie said, for anyone to get a full display."

Roger continued to look at Amelie for a while before he looked out a window while Sebastien stood from his seat and looked at Santina with a smile on his face. "Chancelloress, it would be a pleasure if we could look at the city together." He extended his hand. "If you would like, you may point out landmarks to me....if you want to, that is."

Roger beckoned Amelie to him from his seat. "Amelie, perhaps you would like to talk with me? I am interested in knowing more about you and it would be nice for us: the companions of these famous people to talk to each other."

The Chancelloress stood, and walked over to the window.

"Of course Sebastien - once we gain a little more height, you'll be able to see a little more of Misenae."

Amelie moved to a seat closer to Roger.

"Well, sir, what would you like to know?"

"It's an unfortunate fact of life that some care more for money than the welfare of their citizens - and some would invade us for it. Naturally, we keep a sizeable enough military handy in a primarily defensive role, but that's for Strom to enlighten you.

I suppose it's a blessing to have a more peaceful beginnings to a nation - it's all been a little bloody as far as our history is concerned."

"Skamania and Duloc focuses more on the defense of the nation and we have a good military ready to defend if needed...though I hope that we will not be attacked in the future. Since you call me Sebastien, may I call you Santina?"


The Chancelloress stood, and walked over to the window.

"Of course Sebastien - once we gain a little more height, you'll be able to see a little more of Misenae."

Amelie moved to a seat closer to Roger.

"Well, sir, what would you like to know?"

Sebastien stood next to Santina as he looked out the window with her. "It will be good to see more of Misenae." He smiled at her and continued looking out the window, waiting for the airship to gain more height.

"Tell me about yourself, Amelie. I know that you are a minister in the Barronian government but I would like to learn more about you."