Zaheran
03-12-2008, 21:00
The Gulfstream G650 belonged to the Zaheranian government and was one of the aircraft used for official state visits. It was a comfortable way of travelling. The luxury aircraft had a full kitchen and bar, so the passengers could enjoy first-class meals and drinks during the journey, instead of the dull food severed on commercial airliners. The service was better, too, with all personnel being Air Force staff in full uniform, always smiling and helpful. The entertainment choices were limitless, the airplane had everything from wireless internet to a media library with hundreds of books, movies and CDs.
The two men currently travelling with the aircraft, however, had other things to think about than how to entertain themselves. They were sitting in front of a computer screen, going through their instructions for the visit to Cloverford. Johann Reichhart, the Finance Minister of Zaheran, was one of the men. The other, Max Pemsel, was a senior diplomat and would represent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the visit. The two men knew each other well, having worked together on several occasions. Both still had the looks and physique of a professional soldier, like many of the high officials in the Zaheranian government. After all, it had not been a long time since they were soldiers, rebellling against president Cato's corrupt government. But much had changed since then. Zaheran had become a global empire, with territories all over the world, and the soldiers had become ministers and diplomats.
Finally, Reichhart shut down the laptop and put it back into its bag. He looked at his watch. They had been in the air for about five hours. He did not like flying, suffering from mild fear of heights. But at least it was comfortable to fly with this airplane, much more so than on a regular airliner. The space was very generous, especially when there was only two passengers on board, and the service was really excellent, as was the food. Suddenly the pilots voice came through the loudspeakers.
"Mr Reichhart and Mr Pemsel, please return to your seat and fasten your seatbelts. We are going in for landing."
The Finance Minister swallowed and sat down, trying to keep thoughts about what would happen if they crashed out of his head. The possibility was minimal, he knew that, and the pilots were the best of their kind. But still, the irrational fear kept hanging around in the back of his head. The plane seemed to keep descending for an eternity, and his hands became pale as he clutched the armrests. But then, he finally felt the light bump that signalled that they had landed. With a sigh of relief he unfastened his seat belt and stood up. The Air Force major in charge of the plane told him to wait while the ground personnel arrived with the stairs. He then opened the door with a stylish salute. Reichhart and his companion walked out with polite smiles on their lips, looking for the welcoming committee.
The two men currently travelling with the aircraft, however, had other things to think about than how to entertain themselves. They were sitting in front of a computer screen, going through their instructions for the visit to Cloverford. Johann Reichhart, the Finance Minister of Zaheran, was one of the men. The other, Max Pemsel, was a senior diplomat and would represent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the visit. The two men knew each other well, having worked together on several occasions. Both still had the looks and physique of a professional soldier, like many of the high officials in the Zaheranian government. After all, it had not been a long time since they were soldiers, rebellling against president Cato's corrupt government. But much had changed since then. Zaheran had become a global empire, with territories all over the world, and the soldiers had become ministers and diplomats.
Finally, Reichhart shut down the laptop and put it back into its bag. He looked at his watch. They had been in the air for about five hours. He did not like flying, suffering from mild fear of heights. But at least it was comfortable to fly with this airplane, much more so than on a regular airliner. The space was very generous, especially when there was only two passengers on board, and the service was really excellent, as was the food. Suddenly the pilots voice came through the loudspeakers.
"Mr Reichhart and Mr Pemsel, please return to your seat and fasten your seatbelts. We are going in for landing."
The Finance Minister swallowed and sat down, trying to keep thoughts about what would happen if they crashed out of his head. The possibility was minimal, he knew that, and the pilots were the best of their kind. But still, the irrational fear kept hanging around in the back of his head. The plane seemed to keep descending for an eternity, and his hands became pale as he clutched the armrests. But then, he finally felt the light bump that signalled that they had landed. With a sigh of relief he unfastened his seat belt and stood up. The Air Force major in charge of the plane told him to wait while the ground personnel arrived with the stairs. He then opened the door with a stylish salute. Reichhart and his companion walked out with polite smiles on their lips, looking for the welcoming committee.