NationStates Jolt Archive

The airship drifted elegantly in the wind. Onboard, the pilot sat in his control seat: it was luxurious, even though the president hardly ever flew it himself. I sat within a glass box at the front of the main gondola, with a glass floor looking down to the dark sea, a glass ceiling looking up to the gasbag above, and glass windows all around. The command and control panel was mostly chorme and walnut, with highly advanced touch-screens in evidence, humming on the power provided by the batteries onboard.

Beside him sat the president in his co-pilot's chair. His co-pilot was currently manning the landing bay, so that they could winch in the helicopter safely. There were only 5 other people onboard: a communications official who sat behind him, two ancillary staff who were making last-minute checks before the emperor arrived and two armed guards, who sat with the co-pilot in the landing bay.

"It's a nice night isn't it?"
"Yes Mr President. Though we are getting hardly any wind for the sails."
"Not to worry. We won't be going anywhere while the meeting is underway."
"Yes Mr President."

The president stood up and left, and walked through the crew area, a quite small section, into the presidential suite. A large lounge confronted him, with a wall devoted to a flat-screen television. There was also aboard the ship 4 bedrooms for him and his guests, a presidential study, the shining galley, a dining area and even a large bathroom. This was all towards the rear of the airship: the front 10 metres of the gondola and a large space within the gasbag were devoted to the water recyling systems, energy control systems and the numerous satellite uplinks.

The president sat down in his study, and began to read an article on the evening newspaper on his desk.

Sleek and silent, a helicopter took off of the Faxanavian coast at around 9:45. On board was the Imperator and his two guards. Dressed finely for the occassion in a rather fine suit, he bit his nails idly (a bad habit) and thought through what he was going to say for the thousandth time. This meeting must go without a hitch, for what happened here reflected the new Faxanavia to the world.
The helicopter came within hailing distance of the vast airship. It opened its radio communication lines and the pilot radioed out. "This is Faxanavian Military Copter 909, carrying the Imperator and 2 guard. permission to land requested, over."

"This is Olympus PRS - permission granted. Please hover underneath the opening, at a distance of about three metres below. Instructions will be given afterwards."

When the helicopter was hovering underneath, a harness was lowered from the airship opening, missing the rotors before stopping at the level of the helicopter body. Hydraulics hissed as the clamps grabbed onto the helicopter.

"Shut down your rotors now: we'll haul you up."

The rotors halted, and with a hydraulic clang, the helicopter rose into the belly of the plane. The Imperator looked through the windows of the helicopter at the ship around him. A fine example of artful ironworking and design. Surely befitting a personage such as a president, he decided. He was looking forward to meeting him, whomever he was...

The harness released the chopper once the loading bay doors were closed, and the co-pilot brought some steps up to the helicopter door. Two decurity guards flanked the access stairwell into the gondola to the front.

"Good evening emperor: if you would come this way please."

He led the emperor and his staff down through the doorway into the main lounge.

"If you would wait here. The president will be with you very shortly."

The Imperator rolled his eyes. Clearly, these Alfegosians were unaware of his true title. Still, he let it slide, and sank into one of the plush chairs, sighing contendly as the aches in his back were released. He had had a long day, and it wasn't even starting, it seemed. His two body guards flanked him, still as statues, and the Imperator waited.

The president walked into the lounge.

"Good evening, Imperator. I am President Al'liro Darrel, the leader of Alfegos. Guards..."

He motioned, and the guards stepped out of the lounge.

"I see you have taken a seat. Now, what we need to discuss is the position of Alfegos to your new Empire. I don'tmind totalarian states, don't get me wrong, unless the ruler is poor. I trust you are not a poor ruler?"

The president walked into the lounge.

"Good evening, Imperator. I am President Al'liro Darrel, the leader of Alfegos. Guards..."

He motioned, and the guards stepped out of the lounge.

"I see you have taken a seat. Now, what we need to discuss is the position of Alfegos to your new Empire. I don'tmind totalarian states, don't get me wrong, unless the ruler is poor. I trust you are not a poor ruler?"

The Imperator laughed. "A poor ruler? Sir, I should hope not. I've led the Republic party for three years since its founding. I've gotten elected Prime Minister by them. I should hope I am a good ruler." He extended a hand to shake. "Mr. President. My name is Hephaestus Blackforge. Please feel free to call me Hephaestus, if you should prefer. Now, I have no doubt we are here to discuss your nations feelings on Faxanavia's new government. I understand my descision was controversial, but I feel it was for the best of the people. Now, what questions do you have?" He beckoned forward a guard, who removed from a small cloth bag a bottle of fine rum, brough with the Imperator. Two glasses also appeared, and the Imperator poured the president a drink.

"Thankyou"

He sipped the drink.

"Well, Hephaestus, the most pressing issue is: what does this mean for the people? Are their civil rights in any way going to be affected by this?"

"Well, you must realize that in times of political flux such as this one, somethings are going to have to give. While my administration will attempt to continue Faxanavia's fine record of civil rights, assuming they do not disrupt the public good, we expect people to realize that imbuing an office such as mine with such power can lead to some political disturbances. We hope these will be minor. Please know, I have only the people in mind with this move, and I do hope that it is for the better." Hephaestus sipped his drink reflectively.

"Very good. The only other question I can think of is: will this affect your foreign relations? Will there be new expanionist wars?"

"I cannot guarentee that we will not attempt to expand. Our goals are to create a new, greater, Faxanavian empire. However, we hold no intent to do so violently. We do not wish to tarnish our good name. So, we will attempt only to gain spoils from wars which are for righteous causes. Of course, we will also work towards positive foreign relations, and continue our attempt to be an active member for the good of the world community."

"Good. I think that that is all agreable. Thankyou for your time. If you are interested, do you wish to go out onto the promenade deck? The view is always spectacular there. Then, you can leave if you wish or stay the night here while we sail into land in your nation. A fine plan?"

The Imperator smiled. "While I would be most overjoyed to stay with you longer, I am afraid I must return to Faxanavia post-haste. As I'm sure you know, a leader's work is never done." He stood, and stretched. "Still, I may have time to see the view." He turned in the direction of the Promenade Deck.

"Very well. Glad to have met you. I hope we will be able to speak with you in future."

The president stood up.

A short walk later, the two men stood, staring out across the Promenade Deck. "An incredible view..." sayed the Imperator, in awe of all he could see from up here. Faxanavia was just visible on the horizon, and the sky was a beautiful shade of deepest purple.

"It is a beautiful nation. I always think that a nation looks its best from the air."

He leaned on the rail that ran around the promenade deck, while watching the nation. There was a brief roar behind them, followed by silence.

"They rev the engines every now and then, to keep us charged up with power. Airships I always think are amazing to fly, but never are widely used by other nations. I myself have a small private airship I keep in Liberty airport. It is tiny compared to even this, but still is nice."

He looked down towards the water far below.

"I guess you will be off now. I shall see you soon."

He extended his hand.