NationStates Jolt Archive

Emperor Cyan Barack I, and his wife, Jasmine Barack, stood on the spiral staircase in the main hall of the Grand Palace, patiently awaiting the arrival of the delegates from their allies. Today was the grand ball celebrating the final defeat of Fozcria, a shadow that had terrorized Dectubech and many others for as long as some could remember. Now, the dark nation was gone, and peace could come.

At the palace gates, 25 Dectubech Secret Service Agents stood. They were assigned to make sure only confirmed guests came in, and to make sure that their parties weren't too big. Agents had the palace completely surrounded. No one could sneak in. They were constantly doing security checks to reassure themselves that the building was safe.

Most parties that came through the door were just checked to be sure that they were within specified requirements. The Miroxian delegation, however, was going to be thoroughly searched for bombs and other inappropriate weapons. The Emperor did not condone this behavior, but the secret service remembered the last meeting with Miroxia, when Gerhard Lutzov had ripped up the treaty of Roland, the Emperor had almost been killed by the crazed Ipon Shao, and Karfka had almost been blown to high hell by a bomb planted by the Mrioxians. They weren't taking any chances this time.

King Andrew William III and his fiance, President Marzipan Cougar, walked off their private jet quickly and got into their rented limo. Tonight they would celebrate the defeat of Fozcria and honor those who were killed by the evil nation. As Keneth Marsh, the one and only bodyguard, drove down the finely pathed road, the king and queen-to-be could only wonder how they would be persecuted.

"It's not really our fault," Marzipan started. She growled, "Darn the Durant Adams. To think he'd even want a treaty with those dumb old Fozcrians. And darn the Miroxian-Grestonian Alliance."

"We're not their ally anymore, dear," the king quietly said.

"I don't wanna hear it! You invaded Islay by Grestonian command!" Marzipan yelled. She flipped her blonde hari out of her face, then rested her head on Andrew's shoulder. Andrew could only sigh.

When they arrived, Keneth stepped out and opened the king's door. Marzipan and Andrew climbed out, and as soon as they got within 15 feet of the mansion gates, 10 guards rushed to them and thoughly searched them. They all went through five metal detector tests before finally being allowed to walk into the palace.

They were marvalled at the beauty, then noticed Emperor Cyan Barack and Jasmine Barack standing on a magnificent spiral staircase. "Why hello," Andrew called, knowing that Cyan would know nothing about him. Figures. The dictator gets you known for a bombing and future leaders take the blow. "I am King Andrew Williams III, and this is my fiance, the president of Miroxia, Marzipan Cougar." Cyan and Jasmine then started to walk down the stairs.

"Greetings, Sir William and Madame Marzipan!" Called the Emperor as he and his wife descended from the steps. "My son and Karfka shall be joining us shortly."

"I trust you had a pleasant trip?" inquired Jasmine politely as she and her husband left the staircase and walked towards Andrew and Marzipan.

ooc: Isn't Marzipan some type of food? No offense, I just remember The Amber Spyglass and the doctor talking about eating something with a similar name.

"Yes, it was pleasant. Cyan, you run a lovely country," he said, extending his arm. They shook hands, then proceeded to talk. "So," Andrew started out, "the final fall of Fozcria." He smiled, "Hail to Corossia!

"We've never met, so I'm Andrew Williams the Third of the Miroxian Reformed Monarchy. About a month back, the Royalists and the Republicans made a deal in which Miroxia would become a senatorial monarchy. My job, as king, is to govern international affairs, while the president, Marzipan here, rules nationally. We don't know what will happen after the marriage, as Miroxia has held several different elections for our leader in just a year.

"So, about yourselves; I know Durant spoke about you, but his whereabouts are unknown after leaving office."

ooc- yeah, but if you've ever been to www.homestarrunner.com, you'd know

Meanwhile, Emperor Marcus Constantine, his wife Julia, and their son Augustus were on their way to the ball. Augustus was at the age of 22 and was the Commander of the Air Force. The Rchanian Empire's pride was in the Air Force and Augustus was an accomplished tactician and strategist. Accompanying them was the Commander of the Army, Alexander Romanov, his wife, and his two children. Coming along for protection were 18 Secret Service Agents.

The party was aboard the Imperial Family's private modified B-1. There was not much time before they would be touching down at the designated airport. Following them was a C-5 with two armored limos and 5 Cadillac Escalade Secret Service vehicles to escort the limos to the Grand Palace.

"Marcus, does this dress make me look fat?" Julia asked in usual fashion.

Oh great, not this... Marcus thought. He then said, "Of course not dear... Can you just sit down and stop fussing? We will arrive shortly."

"Ahh, yes, Durant. He was the one who tried to blow us up," laughed Cyan in joking voice, grinning. "An interesting character. Your system of government appears to have good potential. Those people who believe that democracy alone will actually work are pure fools."

"As you said, we've never met. I am Emperor Cyan Barack the First, great-great-great-great Grandson of Varon Barack, the man who first united Dectubech into a country, using the power of money. And we continue to use capital resources to great effect. You see, I am the Emperor of a Business. Dectubech is trying out a completely new form of government/economic policy. A cross between capitalism and communism. It's been running for the past fifteen years or so, and as you can see, it works quite nicely. Ah, there's Cyan and Karfka!"

The Crown Prince was a tall, haughty individual, with nothing but contempt for the lesser class. His parents worried about this attitude slightly, but believed that he would have it beat out of him by the time he came to rule. He was about 18 years old, and he certainly took advantage of the fact.

Karfka was average height and size in general. He had ice-cold blue eyes, and raven black hair. The man was a sort of legend in Dectubech, both feared and respected.

"How do you do?" questioned Karfka quietly, letting a small smile appear on his face as he shook the King's hand. It never reached his eyes.

"Greetings," said Cyan pleasantly, as he inclined his head slightly in respect. He may have been contemptuous, but when it came to people in his class, he was very polite.

"I'm doing well, Karfka," the king said, letting his hand shake back.

"Yes," he continued, "I remember that. What's done is done though, right? So Communism and Capitalism...sounds interesting, but Miroxia is sop used to changing government types more than they change their socks, they probably want us to stay as we are for now."

Sir Jonathon Codenski arrived at the Dectubech Grand Palace in his usual black limo, accompanied by yet another new girlfriend, this one named Michelle. The two stepped out to the palace's main entrance.

"So we're going to go dancing right?" she asked.

"Sure, sure. Whatever..." he responded

After them came Taylor Mandan and his wife, also Taylor Mandan. It was just sad coincidence that they both had the same first name.

"Hopefully it's an open bar here." said Taylor.

"Relax, I brought my own just in case." Taylor, opened his jacket to show a bottle of Jack Daniel's in a pocket.

A few of the guards at the front door just had to comment on the scene.

"So, we have Druggie Mcdoogiesmoker and his wife, and then we have the ruler of an entire country playing gigolo for the night..."

"Pretty much seems that way."

"This is going to be one hell of a night."

"Hmm... it seems Codenski has arrived," sniffed Karfka disdainfully. He had little respect for Codenski, who probably changed "girlfriends" more ofter then Miroxia changed governments.

"It would appear so," murmured Jasmine, grinning slightly at Karfka's reaction.

Meanwhile, Cyan and Andrew remained ignorant as they continued their conversation. "I understand how you feel," responded Cyan sympathetically. "One of our colonies, Diplomatic Enterprises, had coups almost daily before we took control. That was a short, yet bloody takeover. Almost 700 of our most prized and decorated soldiers killed by those annoying Neo-Nazis."

OOC: You mean "Mcdoobiesmoker", right?

IC:

The Aircraft arrived at the airport and the vehicles were unloaded from the C-5. The guards got in their SUVs and the two families each got in their own limo. The motorcade was two SUVs, the Constantine's limo, an SUV, the Romanov's limo, and the other two SUVs at the back.

The motorcade left the airport and started towards the Grand Palace.

"Are you sure this dress doesn't make my butt look big?" Julia asked one more time.

"Yes, I'm sure, now stop asking. That was like the tenth time in the past half hour." Marcus said in a pissed-off manner. "We should be their in five minutes. Now Augustus, Cyan Barack II will be there. I know he's a little younger than you, but you should get to know him. One day you guys will be leaders of allied nations."

"OK father, I understand... This is probably going to be the worst ball I've ever been too..." Augustus said as he buried his face in is hands. he looked up and said, "At least Commander Romanov brought his sons."



A similar conversation was being had in the Romanov's limo. Alexander's two boys were 17 and 19. They were both well mannered boys and were happy that there would be other kids around their age at the ball.

Andrew's eye twitched at the word "Nazi". "Dirty racists, those darned Nazi's! But that's why we're here, right? To celebrate Fozcria's fall!

"So, I notice most leaders are bringing their children," he said, feeling a bit left out, yet embarrassed at the same time. Oh well; six months to go.

His Majesty the Most Excellent Pharaoh Yohance I exists his new Bentley convertible. His Majesty is escorted by his girlfriend Jane the most beautiful girl in The Empire of Pharaoh Yohance. He walks down the red carpet with Jane in his Royal Attire including his diamond studded crown said to be worth over one billion dollars, his royal crook and frail a sign of and Egyptian Pharaoh, his royal mink cape, and his black tuxedo. His Majesty and his girlfriend are surrounded by his most loyal guards. He enters the main hall of the Grand Palace.

“Jane, I am so glad that you could be here with me tonight,” said Pharaoh Yohance.
“Dear you know I would not miss this” she replied.
“You will make an excellent queen” he whispered to her.
“Ah, thank you I love you so much”
“I love you too, do you see Cyan he and I just signed an alliance”

"Ah, welcome Pharaoh Yohance!" exclaimed the Emperor, turning to greet the man. He shook the man's hand. "Glad to have you here. Do you know of anyone else from your region who might be attending tonight?"

Karfka turned to Andrew and murmured, "Six months to go, eh? Enjoy it while you can. If my parents are anything to go by, children don't become a blessing until they turn 18 and move out." He gave a colorless chuckle and turned to stalk over to the refreshment tables which had just been wheeled out. They were piled with assorted wines and punches. And of course, there was seafood, the emperor's favorite food, there as well.

Karfka poured himself a glass of white wine and bit into a delicious shrimp from Seafear City.

The Emperor's motorcade arrived at the palace and the party exited their limos. The guards exited their SUVs too, but each car was left with one person to guard it. Although the parking at the palace was secure, the vehicles were the most important thing. It was paramount that they were not tampered with.

Augustus walked over the The Romanov boys, Blake and Frederick. "Blake, Fred, I'm so glad I will have someone to talk to. I should have brought a date..."

"Me too," Blake replied. "If only..."

"OK, boys, let's go..." Marcus said, "Everyone is waiting for us."

They entered the hall of the Grand Palace. The boys just made a triangular circle and started talking again. Julia went to talk to Jasmine, who she was excited to meet. Alexander and his wife just stood there and waited fro someone to talk to them.

Marcus went over to talk business with Cyan and the Pharaoh. "So, is King James going to be showing up? I heard he would, but I don't see him here now."

OOC: yeah, I did mean Mcdoobiesmoker. Oh well.

IC: Codenski went over to the other leaders, trying to at least sound relevant.

"Hello all. Wonderful idea for the party Cyan, I have to say. I'd like you all to meet my now finace Michelle. I've given up on my old ways with that sort of thing... Anyway, I'm sure King James will show up soon. His plane just must have hit turbulence or something."

The Mandans were making their way over to the bar, not exactly taking their time.

"You might want to cut them off quickly." Codenski wispered to Cyan.

OOC: "to the other to the other"? You need to slow down your typing or at least proofread or something...

IC:

"Well, I guess..." Constantine replied. "And yes, cut him off in like two minutes. He sneaked ecstasy into one of our meetings..."

Andrew rolled his eyes. Marzipan had wandered off and was chatting with Jasmine and Julia. He smiled. He then went over to the wine counter and got a glass of red wine. He sipped it slowly chewing on a shrimp cocktail in between sips. When he was finished, he went over to Cyan, who was talking with the other rulers. He felt out again. He was 25.

ooc: 25? Really? Cyan's 60.
ic:

"Don't worry," responded Cyan to the comments about the Mandans. We've got some sensors over there. If someone begins to over-indulge, they'll get a rather nasty surprise." As he said so, one of the men by the table, who was literally shoving food into his mouth, suddenly let out a great yelp and leaped into the air as the table gave him a brief electric shock. Cyan grinned slightly.

Of course, Admiral Prokon chose that moment to walk in. He was one of the late assigned guests. A famous actor would most likely be showing up later as well. Prokon waltzed over nonchalantly to the group of leaders and gave a greeting.

"Ah, Admiral!" cried Cyan as he arrived. "Gentlemen, meet the new Supreme Admiral of the Space Fleet, Jyran Prokon!" Prokon glared at CYan quickly as he mentioned his first name, but he was all smiles again quite quickly.

Meanwhile, Cyan II had wandered over to Augustus and the Romanov boys, taking out a deck of cards as he did so. "Anyone up for blackjack?" he called to them, shuffling with the bridge technique from one hand to another.

"Gentlemen I would like to introduce you all to my new girlfriend Jessica" said Pharaoh

"Good evening sirs" said Jessica with great respect for the other monarchs "Emperor Cyan have you seen your wife I would like to speak with her. I can tell she must have planned the decorations they are so beautiful" she exits

Pharaoh mumbles to himself, "Ah, I think I may make her my queen" he returns to the conversation, "Cyan this is wonderful you and your wife know how to plan a ball. You and Marcus have helped me greatly. I am glad that I have another alliance. As you know well Nation States can be rough. I have not seen King James either I sent him a telegram but my servant said he has not replied. He did not show up at my court to day either usually we have time to talk in my palace He is a very busy man. Codenski, do you still have a nation in my region. I have not spoken to you in a very long time. Oh Marcus before I forget I have been talking with Rome. It is a very nice region as you know I have an alliance with them as well. I am trying to get them to join the IDO."

OOC: Constantine's 45-ish.

IC:

"Ow," Marcus started, "That looks like it really hurt. I'll be sure to limit myself on the champagne... Also Pharaoh, that would be good. We should expand our alliance to other regions."

Augustus, Blake and Frederick (or Fred) accepted Cyan's offer. "Are we betting or just playing to play?" Augustus asked, "Either way, I don't want to get wrapped up in that boring conversation." He pointed at his father.

Over in the women's circle, they were talking about the latest clothes, etc. Alexander's wife, Isabella, ditched him and headed over to talk to the them. Alexander didn't want to stand there alone and look like an antisocial retard, so he went to talk to Prokon, whom he was familiar with after many joint military operations.

OOC: Pharaoh is around 35-37

"What looks like it hurts? asked Pharaoh, "Yes, exactly Constantine that is what I thought. We should try to get as many regions to join the IDO as possible. I think we should look for regions like us. YOU know around our size and things of that nature so that we will have things in common and it would help if they were our sixe because no super-region could sway the votes their way. So Constantine how is everything going with your nation. I hope all is well. And how long was this war between Corrsia and Fozcria" said Pharaoh

As he said so, one of the men by the table, who was literally shoving food into his mouth, suddenly let out a great yelp and leaped into the air as the table gave him a brief electric shock. Cyan grinned slightly.

"All is well in R539 and the Rest of the Rchanian Empire." Marcus replied. "Also, Zinaire recently left New Caribbean. I thank that maybe we should open up relations to them as well. They don't have that many nations, in fact, they have less than us."

Andrew walked up to the group of blackjack players and smiled. "I'm pretty good over in Miroxia. We play an altered style, Miroxian Black Jack, but I can grasp it pretty well. I'll play, too, if that's okay!"

ooc: Epic Enterance... :)

Ic: Soon after, the Zoingonian delegation pulled up in a rediculously long limo with its own searchlights waving in the air. The limo itslef almost couldn't fit in the palace's driveway, and had to be drive in very carefully as to not hit anything. As soon as it pulled up, a steward stepped out and a red carpet rolled out and went all the way to the palace door, hopefully it did not run anyone over.....

"Announcing the arrival of His Excelency Martin Dalons, Prime Minister of Zoingo; Sir Gustav Ichendorf, Head of Zoingo World Merchanting Inc.; and the Archbishop of Racklonfeild." the steward announced. And then played Zoingo's national anthem.

Out stepped Martin first, carrying a stack of papers with him, as soon as he got out, he hit the steward on the head with them.

"What did I do!?" the steward cried in terror.

"First off, we shouldn't have been in a limo that long, in fact, a taxi would have done alot better, even when the king is here he wouldn't ride in that monstrosity. Second, the red carpet, the announcement, and the anthem were far to exaggerated. Third, you arn't even supposed to be here!" Martin explained in a explanatory yet firm tone.

".It...wont happen again sir..." the steward replied.

"Good, now can you please take this....thing...back to the shop and exchange it for a small one." Martin pointed to the limo.

As the steward got back in...out also stepped a 60 year old man with brown hair, a monocle, and a golden cane.

"On the bright side, this carpet is increadibly smooth." Gustav said cheerfully as he tapped it with his cane.

"Ah well, this was God's will to bring us here like this, hopefully God's divine will will take us back in something less extravagant." Archbishop Halton sighed, who was wearing his full robes, mitre, and carrying his staff.

The trio walked up to the front door, still on the red carpet.....

"Oh yes, of course you can join us for a few rounds." Blake said politely. "I didn't think any kings would like to play."

"Ugh, that guy had the assiest entrance ever, not to mention being late." One of Augustus's many guards said. He was playing blackjack with the others. He was young for his job and they invited him to play. The rest of the Secret Service detail just watched. Occasionally they would look around the hall and at the entrances.

ooc: Someone has a flair for the extravagant.

ic:

"A smart move, attempting to bring new regions into the fold, Pharaoh," interjected Cyan. "If New Caribbean wants help, Dectubech will endorse any action aiding them. But only if they want it. As for the war, the first Interimo New Caribbean war must have been thirty years ago, at least. Fozcria's first aggression was probably thirty-five to forty years ago. Oh, and look, the Zoingonian delegation has arrived."

At the poker game, Cyan II began to deal. "Your welcome to join us, King Williams. I"ll be dealer. And I think we can afford to bet on this. We're all from wealthy families after all. Let's make a limit though."

At the refreshment table, another man was shocked, this time much more violently.

Jasmine had pulled out some pictures from a fold in her dress, and was now showing off her hand-maidens' exquisite fashion designs.

Overall, the ball was going very good.

ooc: yes :p, but fully read my post, it wasn't supposed to be that extravagant.

As Martin, Gustav, and Archbishop Halton approached the main doors, Martin kicked the red carpet back down the steps. The carpet rolled itself up again and landed, all rolled up, at the enterance to the limo, the steward picked it up and put it in the limo.

"Nonsense." Martin said as he picked up his papers and put them in his pocket. Then they approached Cyan Barack.

"Ahh Cyan Barack!" Martin greeted and extended his hand. "So nice to finally meet you in person, ever since we joined Corroisa its just been telegram after telegram, my a bussy streek... I am Martin Dalons, Prime Minister of Zoingo...this is Gustav Ichendorf...."

"An honor," Gustav bowed.

"He is in charge of the largest merchanting company in Zoingo and represents all international trade affairs." Martin explained. "And this is Father Halton, Archbishop of Racklonfeild."


"A pleasure to meet you sire," Halton tilted his head. "may God light the path for the future of our 2 nations diplomatic stance."

"Greetings, Martin Dalons, Gustav Ichendorf, and..." Cyan looked quizzically at Father Halton. Dectubech was a bit of a crazy country when it came to religion. The citizens believed in the existence of multiple gods. Actually, the prior existence. They believed that the Gods had created the Universe, and since then had destroyed themselves to fuel the growth of life. Therefore, they thought that Gods didn't exist. So, talking with a priest was no easy task.

"May god be with you," he stuttered hesitantly.

OOC: Dect, aren't we playing blackjack....

IC:

"Limit at 1 mill?" Augustus asked.

Over at the group of leaders, Marcus asked, "Well, it is nice to meet you. I was wondering if we can move the capital of Corrosia backe here. Are you still having civil tensions here Barack?"

Julia and Isabella, almost in unison, said, "Oh, those are soooo beutiful!" As Jasmine showed them the pictures.

ooc: oop, sorry.

ic: "1 mill sounds good," said Cyan. He glanced at his hand. "I bet 1 mill."

"I'm afraid we'll have to leave it in Zoingo," said Cyan remorsefully. "I'm afraid tensions have all but increased. Civil war is, I fear, inevitable. The League of Knights just will not back down, and as I blow their power back bit by bit, they become more and more desperate. We would not have so many guards if not for the threat."

"You're going all in on your first hand?!" Augustus exclaimed. "I wonder how your father will be able to trust you with the treasury..."

Marcus said, "Our armies will be devoted to your defense if anything should happen, providing you let us intervene."

Cyan just grinned, thinking 21 baby! Thank goodness for stacking that deck...

"Greetings, Martin Dalons, Gustav Ichendorf, and..." Cyan looked quizzically at Father Halton. Dectubech was a bit of a crazy country when it came to religion. The citizens believed in the existence of multiple gods. Actually, the prior existence. They believed that the Gods had created the Universe, and since then had destroyed themselves to fuel the growth of life. Therefore, they thought that Gods didn't exist. So, talking with a priest was no easy task.

"May god be with you," he stuttered hesitantly.

"Is something wrong?" Gustav asked perplexed, "You turned a bit pale..."

"It probably was just the aftershock of seeing a Archbishop actually doing something." Father Halton chuckled. "Priests are too bussy at local church, the bishops are constantly traveling around the Commonwealth, which leaves Archbishops like a figurehead that is supposed to have more religous power over the latter 2. There is no rule that states that I can't partake in some activity other than sitting at home or preaching the words of Christianity."

ooc: the following is a combined quote


Over at the group of leaders, Marcus asked, "Well, it is nice to meet you. I was wondering if we can move the capital of Corrosia backe here. Are you still having civil tensions here Barack?"

"I'm afraid we'll have to leave it in Zoingo," said Cyan remorsefully. "I'm afraid tensions have all but increased. Civil war is, I fear, inevitable. The League of Knights just will not back down, and as I blow their power back bit by bit, they become more and more desperate. We would not have so many guards if not for the threat."

"What is the League of Knights? Our Intelligence agency the Z-I-5, has little on such an organization....any information at all would be helpful" Martin asked.

Marzipan, too, loved the dress. She was having such a wonderful time. She'd never been outside Miroxia except for that one trip Tanuri. "I love those!" she said, "I just wouldn't fit into them..."

"Sure, I'll bet one mil." The king placed his cash and saw his cards, a bit disappointed with his results. But only he and Marzipan knew that he could bluff his way to the championships...

"Yes, I'm just surprised is all," recovered Cyan graciously. He turned to Martin, his face grave. "The League of Knights is the only private business in Dectubech. It's also a terrorist group with it's own mini-army. It's leaders want control over the nation. When my ancestor first founded Dectubech, he was aided by the ancestors of these men. He however, managed to get the crown, and denied them true royal authority, although they became quite rich. They feel cheated. It's taken years, but now they are weak enough that I can buy them out, or flat out destroy them. They're desperate now." He smiled. "But let us not discuss such grave matters."

"Yes, I'm just surprised is all," recovered Cyan graciously. He turned to Martin, his face grave. "The League of Knights is the only private business in Dectubech. It's also a terrorist group with it's own mini-army. It's leaders want control over the nation. When my ancestor first founded Dectubech, he was aided by the ancestors of these men. He however, managed to get the crown, and denied them true royal authority, although they became quite rich. They feel cheated. It's taken years, but now they are weak enough that I can buy them out, or flat out destroy them. They're desperate now." He smiled. "But let us not discuss such grave matters."

"Yes, maybe you would like to hear our his-" Martin started, but he was cut off by Gustav.

"The only private company?" Gustav asked.

"The only one," responded Cyan proudly. "Dectubech is experimenting with a new economic policy. The perfect merge between communism and capitalism, both of which are horribly flawed. Under this system, you can advance as you would in a capitalist society. Yet everything is completely government controlled, preventing corruption and fraud. The League of Knights tricked me out of their portion of the business. They already consider themselves a seperate nation, and at the height of their power I was forced to grant them certain individual rights to prevent the nation from collapsing."

"The only one," responded Cyan proudly. "Dectubech is experimenting with a new economic policy. The perfect merge between communism and capitalism, both of which are horribly flawed. Under this system, you can advance as you would in a capitalist society. Yet everything is completely government controlled, preventing corruption and fraud. The League of Knights tricked me out of their portion of the business. They already consider themselves a seperate nation, and at the height of their power I was forced to grant them certain individual rights to prevent the nation from collapsing."

Gustav frowned for a while as he listned, and silently walked off, "Excuse me, but I need to take a walk for a bit."

Father Halton went up to Cyan, "Its not your fault, Gustav is a devoted capitalist, he was raised in a socalist country, and saw half his family live and die in object poverty."

"Of course, our policy is agressive capitalism," Martin interjected. "We have a free and open system for anyone; but we have the Board of Economics, which overviews prices, stocks, and goods flow to see who is cheating out the system. Gustav has sat on that board for years, as well as run the most sucessful Merchanting company in all of The Commonwealth."

Martin sighed as he saw Gustav walk off.

"In fact, I don't know what Zoingo would do without merchanting.....agriculture I guess....but you have to thank people like him who provide internatonal trade worldwide in our name."

A herald enters the hall and says "Presenting His Imperial Majesty King James I of Greatest Britain,Duke of The Empire of Pharaoh Yohance and Most Noble advisor to Pharaoh Yohance".

King James Enters dressed in the Imperial Uniform of the armed forces adorned with Countless medals and honours. Amongst his ontourage were the notable Lords and ladies of Greatest Britain.Aswell as the commanders of his military.Amongst the group were a dozen body guards from the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department of Scotland Yard.King James's presence seemed to be greatly appreciated by the young ladies of the ball considering he had just been voted the worlds most eligible bachelor.

Realising his lateness King James apologises to the host and hostess and reveals a brand new Jet purchased as a present for the Royal Couple Emperor Cyan Barack I, and his wife, Jasmine Barack,.

"What a wonderful gift!" Jasmine exclaimed, going over to admire the new craft.

"King James, that really was unnecessary," chuckled Cyan. "That's not to say it won't be accepted, but really. You're certainly not the last one to arrive.

Over at the Blackjack game, Cyan muttered, "And you thought the guy from Zoingo had bad entrance..." He threw his cards on the ground. "21, baby! Pay up!"

"Wow, and I thought our arrival was bad...." Martin wispered to Father Halton.

"Yes, well, you can't put a price on an enterance....especially when the price tag is outrageous." Father Halton replied.

That Zoingo delegation had a very odd entrance, the king thought. He sighed as he paid his 1 million rupees. "Darn it," he muttered. "Another round?"

Augustus had only bet 100K Denarii, but he reluctantly paid. "You want to go over the limit? We limited it at 1 mill, but if you want to, go ahead. You are the King of Miroxia after all."

Blake and Fred Romanov each bet 250K.

Andrew smirked. "Surely I will bet more," he said. "Hopefully if I win our government can use the money," he finished, placing 345K in rupees down.

OOC: Codenski is about 34. Both Mandans are in their 40s. Sorry,. i won't make a lot of posts in the topic. Just assume Codenski's going up and down in the games, and the Mandans are drinking. A lot.

IC: "Aw, Pharaoh, so nice to see you indeed! Yes, as a matter of fact, Articoa's colony Articoa2 is in fact under our control in your region. We thank you as usual for the protection and economic help. We sell you weapons, you give us uranium for our, um, power plants. Yes, power plants."
Codenski pulled the pharaoh over behind the blackjack game to talk for a while. "So, we have some, 'extra ammunition' if you need any for defense. Our arms manufacturers would love a little more business than usual."

Both Mandans, meanwhile, had hit the open bar, sparing no time to rack up empty shot glasses.

"Sir, madam, I believe you had enough. It's only been a little while and you've already gone through half a bottle of-"

The barman was quickly interrupted by an already buzzed Mandan (male). "Hey, I'm not driving *hic* home, okay? And I can handle a lot, trust me. And you *hic* know what? Just for that, I'm not giving you a tip!"

"But sir!"

"Hey, Karka, or Karfku, aw, crap, what's his name? That's right, Cyan. yeah, he's cool with it."

Codenski called over the waiter. He hurried over to the ruler of Articoa. At least Codenski was a better guest than his ambassador.

"Yes Sir?"

"You cut off Mandan, right?"

"Yes."

"Good. If you can keep him away from the alcohol, there's a big tip in it for you."

"Thank you Sir. Is there anything I can get you?"

"Actually yes. Just a smoky martini, hold the lemon."

"Would you like it shaken or stirred Sir?"

"Do I look like I give a damn? Surprise me! Do you want anything Pharaoh?"

Karfka watched the two Mandans disdainfully, and reached under the bar, grabbing a tiny remote with a power dial on it, labeled 1-10. It was currently set to four. Karfka cranked it to 10 and pressed the button.

There was a crackle and a *BOOM* and the Mandans screamed as they were tossed like ragdolls across the room and landed in a heap against the wall, groaning. Karfka allowed himself a tiny grin as he took another sip of his wine.

"Karfka!" Cyan shouted, barely concealing a large grin and holding back laughter. "What did I say about turning it to ten?"

Karfka bowed deeply and responded, "Sorry, My Lord. Won't happen again." He turned the dial back to four and put it under the table again, still smiling.

Andrew had a much better hand now. "C'mon...deal me a five...a five...a..." he got his card. A four. "Aw crap," he spoke softly to himself.

The Mandans slowly sat up against the wall. Their hair and clothes were slightly burned, fringed on their edges and ends.

The husband turned to his wife, and awkward smile growing across his face.

"What the hell did you put in our drinks? That was like our usual shot up ten notches!"

"But, honey, I didn't do anything..."

"No? Well, I'm gonna go get us some money to pay for that little experience."

Mandan ran over and sat at the blackjack game, next to Andrew.

"Is it too late to join? I have 500,000 Oreos on me to use."

"Oh yes, you may join us..." Fred said in a sarcastic manner. He was hoping to take all of the drunk fools money. Fred bet 500K. He got his hand and looked, 20, yes! "I'm gonna Stand."

Marcus went over to the bar and got two glasses of champagne. One for him and one for Julia.

OOC: Mandan needs a little confidence before he royally kills his wallet. :D

IC: Mandan laughed a little on the inside, and a lot on the outside. In his hand he held a a Jack and a Queen.

"Perfect!" he thought! "No one could have a hand this high!"

"I'm placing *hic* down 50K to start. Keep the bet small and all that. So, who here wants to get me a drink?"

"Haven't you been shocked enough?" asked Cyan laughing. He glanced at his hand. Two aces. He winced. "I fold."

"And I thought drinking alcohol was just bad in the name of God....now I know why it really isn't good for you." Father Halton spoke aloud to Martin.

"What can you expect? Always at a ball, there is someone who wants to drink." Martin replied.

"Alright, show hands." said the dealer.

Mandan threw his cards on the table with a stupid beaming smile on his face.
"I got two face cards, what now?! And really, about that drink..." The others looked with a face of both shock and annyoance.

"How the hell did he get that good a hand?" asked Fred.

It was now the other players turn to make a move.

OOC: Don't RP my characters please...

IC:

Fred revealed his ten and Queen for all to see. Also 20.

Andrew had a a ten a six and a four. 20.

ooc: You two are cruel. And I think Salva may be arriving soon.

OOC: Sorry, didn't think it was major...

IC: "Aw damn it..." said Mandan. "I thought I won..."

ooc: Should I ahh... close the ball?

ooc: Depends, do we want terrorists to blow up the palace at the last second? Or should we call the ball to order so people are not off doing random things?

ooc: Depends, do we want terrorists to blow up the palace at the last second? Or should we call the ball to order so people are not off doing random things?

ooc- don't give me any ideas...lol