NationStates Jolt Archive

<TRANSMISSION Opens: Diplomatic Encryption>
<TO: DREAD Lady Nathicana D'Aquisto dal Lupo, Dominion>
<FROM: SECOND Ambassador Bruce Reynolds, FSP>

Dread Lady,

Perhaps you recall our meeting, though perhaps you do not. I am Bruce Reynolds, Second Ambassador of the Federation. We met at the wedding of the Imperial President.

I contact you know at the bidding of the President, as we seek to renew relations with your nation; relations which, to our sadness, have disentegrated since the Federation left the Triumvirate of Yut.

We seek now to restore relations with you, to the fullest extent you believe we are worthy of your trust. If nothing else, we request an ambassadorial meeting to discuss possibilities for trade between our nations. We have heard of the renown of your wines, and we would perhaps like to enquire as to a trade deal concerning them, as our own wines are quite poor.

http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/bruce.jpeg Bruce Reynolds, Second Ambassador, International Relations Directorate
The Federation of Sentient Peoples (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/)
Federation Roleplay Policy (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/rppolicy.html)

<TRANSMISSION Terminated>

To my dear Ambassador Reynolds,

I do indeed remember, and fondly. We were of course distressed to see your government withdraw, and admitedly, remain a touch confused as to the reasonings, however, we recognize and respect your right to do so.

As for trade, of course we're always looking to expand our shipping. Please, accept this case of assorted wines with my compliments. Perhaps it will give you an idea of the quality you can expect from the dominion.

Once you've had the opportunity to sample and savor, do drop me a line and we'll see what we can work out, if you're still interested of course.

With regards,

http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/Nath7.jpg
--Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion

Bruce grinned somewhat stupidly at Arthur, sitting across the conference table.

Arthur grinned back.

Bruce began to laugh, and Arthur caught on quickly.

After a few minutes, the laughing died away into hiccups as Bruce examined the dozen or so empty bottles. "Which one these did we drink first? I liked that one the best."

Arthur shrugged, and poured himself and Bruce some more wine. He raised his glass. "To the Federation!" Bruce completed the toast with a chuckle. "May she long be federated." That was the joke toast, of course. There was an official toast to the Federation, but they both had had a little too much to remember it.

It was Bruce's turn now. "To the Dominion!" Arthur began to laugh, and finished the toast. "Long may it be dreaded!" With chuckles shaking them both, they tossed back the remainder of the wine.

Bruce shakily refilled the glasses, and lifts his again. "To Nathicana!" Arthur raises his his. "Damn she's hot." They both toss back full glasses of wine as if they were vodka shots.

Carefully, they both stood, having finished their fourteenth bottle. Well sort of they stood. It was more of an upright leaning action.

Bruce pulled out his knife and began to chop up the package the wines were sent in, and made it into a lopsided new package for the last bottle as Williams collected up the empty bottles and put them in the recycler, tossing them across the room underhanded.

Fortunately, none broke.

And then, leaning against each other, arms on each others shoulders, they headed out into the night to find a bar and pick up women. Or try at least. It was, after all, Friday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

<TRANSMISSION Opens: Diplomatic Encryption>
<TO: DREAD Lady Nathicana D'Aquisto dal Lupo, Dominion>
<FROM: SECOND Ambassador Bruce Reynolds, FSP>

Dear Lady Nathicana,

Thank you very much for the wine. I believe we can come to some sort of arrangement for further trade.

Perhaps Commerce Minister Williams and myself should swing by the Dominion, and we can discuss further trade opportunities face to face.

I hear the Dominion is nearly as lovely as yourself this time of year.

http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/bruce.jpeg Bruce Reynolds, Under-secretary for Alliance Relations, International Relations Directorate
The Federation of Sentient Peoples (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/)
Federation Roleplay Policy (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/rppolicy.html)

<TRANSMISSION Terminated>

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Arthur looked at Bruce. "Do you think you should have sent the reply while you were still drunk?"

"My, my, my ... I do think we made an impression."

Nathicana chuckled to herself, reading over the reply, smiling. There was no real reason why not to accept. Business, after all, was business. STill, ever vigillant.

She made a note to have a fine selection always on hand during the visit. Not that she ever had less.



DSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic
To: Bruce Reynolds, Under-secretary for Alliance Relations, International Relations Directorate
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Nathicana D'Aquisto - Dominion


Why don't you boys do just that, and drop by? We can have this as relaxed or as informal an affair as you feel neccessary, though truth, I do enjoy a more intimate setting rather than the cold halls of the government offices to discuss business transactions.

I have an opening coming up in my schedule - do check with yours and we'll see what we can arrange. I don't know what you think flattery will get you with me, my dear ... but please, don't let that stop you from trying. It -was- rather sweet.

I'll keep a few bottles appropriately chilled or no, shall I?

With regard,

--Nathicana D'Aquisto

End Transmission

D'ron examined the single bottle labelled from Dominion vineyards that had magically appeared overnight, or so it seemed, outside his residence door.

He turned the remnants of what had obviously been a larger package over in his hands, examining it, and then began to chuckle. It was part of the diplomatic shipment from the Dominion. Part of the label was still intact.

Ah, well. I imagine Arthur and Bruce put the wine to good use.

He took the last bottle inside. It'd go well with dinner tonight.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Arthur glared at Bruce. "I told you sending the reply while still drunk was a bad idea."

Bruce glared right back. "Yeah, you did. After I sent it."

Arthur nodded, conceding the point. "Well, we better reply, somehow. Maybe you can salvage the situation."

Bruce nodded in turn, thoughtfully. "At least she took it well."

"True."

They both cleared their schedules according to the dates that the Dread Lady had sent. The President had said anything, after all.

Williams though for a moment that he hoped no major crisis arose in the next week or so, as 4 of the 6 coucil members dealing with external affairs would be out of the country.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

<TRANSMISSION Opens: Diplomatic Encryption>
<TO: DREAD Lady Nathicana D'Aquisto dal Lupo, Dominion>
<FROM: SECOND Ambassador Bruce Reynolds, FSP>

Lady Nathicana,

We can of course come on those dates. And we'll leave the tone of the meeting up to you, your nation, your rules. If you want the meeting informal, then informal it shall be.

As for my earlier comment, it was nothing more than the truth, though I believe the wine you sent us allowed slightly more of the truth to be brought to light than I had intended.

I look forward to seeing you again, Lady Nathicana, and Minister Williams looks forward to meeting you, as he did not get a chance at the wedding, due to your, ah, early departure.

I look forward to sampling some more fine tastes of the Dominion when we arrive, though.

With high regards,

http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/bruce.jpeg Bruce Reynolds, Second Ambassador, International Relations Directorate
The Federation of Sentient Peoples (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/)
Federation Roleplay Policy (http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/rppolicy.html)

<TRANSMISSION Terminated>

DSMIT Broadcaster
Encryption: Standard
Broadcast type: Diplomatic
To: Bruce Reynolds, Under-secretary for Alliance Relations, International Relations Directorate
Return transmission band: Open
IDENT: Nathicana D'Aquisto - Dominion


Then let us go forward thusly - I'll have a limo waiting to pick you up at the airport. We'll get together for lunch at a little place just off the Piazza San Bernardi, Giaccomo's. There's a great view of the Piazza, and the Canale from there, absoultely divine atmosphere. Quite charming. We can take the time to tour a bit, do some sightseeing if you like, perhaps visit the vineyards? We'll leave the schedule open, lets say.

We'll be having dinner up at my villa - I've plenty of guest rooms, as D'ron can tell you, so you're more than welcome to stay there. I find too many 'state visits' and such to lay too heavy an importance on pomp and hubris. Tis a friendly visit, lets keep things on a friendly level. Time and place for everything, yes? Do bring casual clothes and trunks if you're up to it, as I've a pool, and the bay is absolutely wonderful if you're in the mood for a sail.

I look forward to showing you some of our nation's hospitality and charm. I'm certain my ministers look forward to meeting you as well, Evangelista Ravenelli and Bernardo di Medici in particular, my Public Relations and Trade ministers, respectively. They will of course be attending.

And please - no need for apologies. I hope you do find the Dominion both charming and beautiful. I'll do what I can to live up to my surprising reputation.

With regard,

--Nathicana D'Aquisto

End Transmission

A small Ealge-class Diplomatic Courier shuttle lanced across the open sea, deftly handled by the three man crew as the ambassdor and the minister gazed out the windows.

The shuttle followed a standard aircraft approach pattern into Devras International, as opposed to one of it's kindred's standard more ballistic approach.

Landing legs extended as the wings folded in, anti-grav field kicking in as the drive field died.

With a soft groan of metal, the shuttle settled onto the tarmac outside the diplomatic wing of the Airport, and a boarding ramp extended.

Bruce and Arthur descended the ramp. Bruce, his characteristically rugged features emphasized by his light weight trench coat and jeans, hanging loosely on his lean frame. A polo shirt peaked through the open coat, and he carried a light bag in his hand.

Arthur was attired just as comfortably, in khakis and a short sleeve dress shirt, with a short, military style jacket hanging loose on his somewhat heavier frame. He brushed his thinning hair back with one hand as the breeze stirred it, and he carried a similiar travel bag in his hand.

Nathicana stepped out of the waiting limo to greet them both with a firm handshake each, and a charming smile. She wore a loose red blouse worn off the shoulders paired with a long, straight black skirt, slit up past the knee on both sides. Sandals with thin straps that wrapped up past her ankles completed the simple outfit, and she wore her hair swept back from her face, trailing down her back in soft curls. "If you gentlemen will accompany me, we'll get right to some sightseeing."

The driver took their bags, placing them in the trunk after opening the doors for the small party. Once everyone was situated, he closed them again, getting behind the wheel, and driving off in the direction of town.

As they drove along, Nathicana pointed out bits of interest, and spots of the city visible from the winding mountain road. The view across the bay was as always, beautiful. The colorful splash of sailing ships dotted the clear blue waters, white lines from their wakes spreading out in graceful lines.

Once in Devras, they abandoned the car at the edge of the old city. Due to the nature of it, having been built up over the years on pilings driven down into the mud, pedestrian travel was the preferred method. They wove their way through the labrinthine streets, her pointing out bits of architecture, statuaries, and places of note along the way.

Devras was an illustration in the history of the Dominion. Varying building and art styles of Byzantium mingled with classic Italian Gothic, which then flowed into Renaissance met by Romanesque, with many areas showing a strong Muslim influence denoting past invaders' influences. They walked through comfortable campos, courtyards, many with trees, fountains or gardens within their open areas, their floors usually paved in red or grey brick.

She led them down into one of the many gondolas as they reached a canal, directing the gondolier to take them the via the long scenic route to the Piazza San Bernardi. She took the opportunity to talk about the rich history and heritage of the Dominion, skirting around its less pleasant aspects, though illustrating its tumultuous past. Tales of triumph and tradgedies, the rise and fall of leaders, and the social revolution of the Renaissance were related with an obvious tone of pride.

At the Piazza, she took her time pointing out the many buildings looking out across the wide expanse of the paved open area, and onto the Grande Canale that they had just poled through. She lead them across the way, herself seeming to dismiss the crowds of bold, expressive, though seemingly pleasant people.

Stopping at one of the traveling vendor's stands, she treated them to a simple but filling lunch of gyros - a dish more of Dominae to the north, but rather popular in the Dominion, especially of late. Engaging in the usual small talk, she studied them both, making mental notes of things they said, manerisms, etc.

After they'd finished, she first led them through the San Bernardi Basillica, an impressive structure showing again the blending of historical elements. As they entered through one of the five cupolas, she pointed out the bas reliefs, the detailed mosaics, and intricate frescoes depicting religious stories and themes that dominated the building. Gold leaf was everywhere it seemed, as were carvings and statues. Their steps echoed through the largely empty halls loudly as she directed the tour this way and that, letting them soak in the magnificence and beauty of the place.

Next came the Doge's palace - another oppulent illustration of splendor and admittedly, the overbearing arrogance of it's builders. Room after room of detailed carvings, architecture, and furnishings again pointed to the Dominion's rich and powerful history, which Nathicana seemed well versed in. She explained which leader had added what, who were the stronger of those who'd built here, and so forth as they walked.

The Torretta delle Ore, a breathtaking clock tower depicting the astrological signs of the zodiac around its large clock face, and sporting detailed carvings along its facade, came next. And after that, other historical buildings were pointed out, each with new differences and things to see - all variations on a theme.

As the sun began to set out across the bay, flooding the Piazza with warm light, even as the lamps were being lit, she brought them to the ristorante, Giaccomo's that she had mentioned in their talking. Leading them inside, she picked her way through the room to a more secluded section in the back, carefully kept clear just for them, and free from listening ears, shielded somewhat from prying eyes by decorative room dividers.

As they approached, Evangelista and Bernardo rose to their feet, offering greetings. Sitting next to Bernardo was some pretty young thing Nathicana did not recognize - typical, she figured. How unlike him to be without a companion. And knowing his discretion, she had little to fear from the girl. Business could be discussed at leisure. He introduced her as his friend, Cerci

"Well, now that we've all made aquaintances, lets order, shall we?" Nathicana says, taking a seat and smiling.


Evangelista Ravanelli - Minister of Public Relations
http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/evangelista.jpg

Bernardo di Medici - Minister of Trade
http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/bernardo_di_medici.jpg

Cerci
http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/Cerci.jpg


(edited for visual refs - yay)

Bruce helped the Dread Lady with her chair, and Arthur, Evangelista. They took their own seats then, and cracked open menus.

After glancing over them for a moment in silence, and arriving at an unspoken agreement, Bruce spoke.

"What would you recommend, Lady Nathicana?"

Nathicana ponders for a moment. "Well, to start, I think perhaps a nice tray of antipasto for the table," she says, glancing at the others.

"Quite," replies Bernardo, nodding. "The seafood risotto is excellent," he says, perusing the menu, the younger blonde woman peering over his shoulder with a smile.

"I've always been partial to the lamb," Evangelista murmurs, then sips from her water glass. "And of course, any of the pasta dishes are excellent, including the lasangna."

Nathi chuckles, leaning over to point out several options as well. "The chicken scaloppine is a good one, and the scampi ... truth, it all depends on your taste."

The Dominion group waits for their Federation guests to order, the unassuming waiter stepping out with pen in hand.

Bruce sits quietly for a moment, considering, while Arthur orders. "I'll have the lamb, please. And a glass of water." Lamb was one of Arthur's favorite dishes.

Bruce frowns. So many choices. So little time. "And I'll have.... the.... chicken scaloppine. And a glass of water as well." Might as well pick whatever the Dread Lady first recommends. He suppressed a smile at the thought, not really approriate to the circumstances.


OOC: For reference.
Bruce Reynolds:
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/bruce.jpeg
Arthur Williams:
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/williams.jpg

Bruce shifts his leg under the table and bumps it into Arthur's. Oops.

After the guests have ordered, the Dominion folk place theirs as well. When they've finished, the waiter nods and smiles, "Very well, Signori e Signore, the wine and the antipasti will be right out." And with that, he retreats back into the kitchen, only to return a moment later with a large tray full of cold meats, breads, cheeses, flavored oils, fruits, and vegetables, all in the Dominion style. Two others pour the wine for those who wish to partake, and with an approving nod from Nathi, they retreat into the kitchen again.

(played out over IRC)


Nathicana takes a slow sip of her wine, settling back in her chair and smiling pleasantly. "So, gentlemen, I hope you have enjoyed your trip thus far?"

Bruce Reynolds spears Arthur with a look in the middle of reaching for some food, and returns his gaze to Nathicana. "Yes, milady. The Dominion is as exquisitely beautiful as I had heard, and we could not have hoped for a better guide."

Arthur Williams tries not to let his dismay show on his face, but remembers to allow the host to sample the food first, and then he nods in agreement with Bruce's assessment of the journey.

Evangelista Ravanelli delicately reaches for a bit of crostini and the tuna. "We've grown rather fond of it," she says with a smile.

"Quite - and thank you, Bruce. It was my pleasure. I've always thought the Dominion had its own unique charm to it," Nathicana says, gesturing to the tray. "Please, help yourselves."

Bernardo di Medici wastes no time, sampling the prosciutto-wrapped melon, and savoring with a content smile, offering a bite to his companion. "Now, about this trade you mentioned ..."

Arthur carefully reaches out, and takes a small sample of the cheeses, eager to compare them to what they had at home in the Federation. Chewing a bite, he looks questioningly at Bruce, who nods to follow the Dominion's lead. He swallows, and smiles briefly, liking what he tasted. "Well, trade would depend I imagine, on what you need, and what the Federation can supply. Unless you'd rather discuss the broader part of our offer first?"

Bruce simply smiles, willing to let the trade gurus hash it out.

Bernardo gestures broadly to Arthur. "Why don't you start there, eh? Broader is always good. We can define as we go along."

Nathicana chuckles, leaning over to Bruce. "Here," she says quietly, fixing up some crostini with a bit of lamb and seasoned oil, then holding it out to him. "Try this."

Arthur nods. "Well, firstly, the Federation would like to extend to the Dominion 'Favored Trade Status,' which currently only Menelmacar and the Empire of the Eternal Dawn hold. This is indicative of the Federation's opinion of the place the Dominion will play on the world stage in the near future."

Bruce responds equally quietly, after tasting the bread. "Thank you, milady. It is quite good." He smiles shyly, not really used to face to face discussions with foreign leaders, much less beautiful ones, and so, off balance ever so slightly.

Bernardo nods and smiles, gesturing for Arthur to continue as he samples from the platter of antipasto. "A generous offer, that."

At the interplay between Nathicana and Bruce, Evangelista shakes her head ever so slightly, sampling her own wine and watching the proceedings carefully.

Nathicana however, winks at Bruce. "Please, we're in a relaxed, casual setting here. Nathicana or Nathi will be fine," she assures him.

"Well, favored status would result in the elimination of any and all tariffs and import duties applicable to imported goods from the Dominion, and quiet government encouragement for Federation companies to invest and do business in the Dominion," says Arthur.

Bruce barely keeps from choking on his food as Nathicana says this, on the other hand. "Of course, my ... Nathicana." He keeps his voice quiet, even as he forcefully corrects himself.

"And in return, you would be wanting ...?" Bernardo says, sipping his wine with a confident smile.

Nathicana reaches over under the table to give Bruce's knee a gentle pat as she smiles across the table at Bernardo, for all the world looking as innocent as can be.

Arthur smiles in return. "Nothing but a new export market, Minister, as our current trade is almost non-existant, and we're always looking for new friends to sell things to."

Bruce shifts uncomfortably in his chair, and takes another bite of the crostini. This was not how he was accustomed to national leaders acting. Friendly, sure, but... Bruce visibly swallowed and reached for his water glass.

Evangelista coughs lightly, covering with another sip from her wine, and glancing at Nathicana. "Interesting proposal, Arthur," she says. "What sort of businesses and products are the Federation interested in investing and purchasing? And for that matter, selling?"

Nathicana settles back in her chair, bringing her hand back and reaching again for one of the appetizers. Gracious, I didn't think he'd be so easily flustered. It's been simply ages since I got a reaction like that. Too entirely entertaining. Wonder just how far he'd let me take it ...

"Indeed, Arthur," Bernardo says, nodding to Evangelista, even as he puts an arm around his companion's shoulders. "A few details would be good to know."

Arthur shifts his gaze from di Medici to Ravanelli briefly. "Well, there are certain things, items of technology if you will, that the President has authorized for limited external test markets. Firstly, nanoweave fabrics, also called 'smart clothing.' Maintain constant temperature, or nearly, and have color changing abilties, as well as simulating any natural or other synthetic fabric. The majority of Federation clothing is nanoweaves."

Bruce feels his face return to normal, and pays better attention to the conversation as Nathicana withdraws her hand, as he is fully conversant in econ-speak, even if it is not his field.

All three look interested at the fabric proposal. "I could see several advantages to uniform construction," Nathicana says, nodding. Not to mention other military uses.

"Not to mention the designers," Evangelista adds, trailing her fingertips idly along the smooth fabric of her dress.

Bernardo nods, clearly weighing and measuring. "Sports as well ... in fact, I could see the lot of them interested in such technology. Now would you be selling the material itself, or the tech to process it on our own?"

Bruce speaks up now, as the limitations on distribution of the fabrics were not economic in nature. "For now, we can only promise the fabrics themselves, though I'm sure after some trust has been built, the technology might be forthcoming, though you would have to ask the clothing companies themselves, once the President decided that such technology could be sold. It is still on the monitored technologies list, after all."

Arthur frowned slightly, not liking it when politics and security got in the way of business, but he covered it quickly.

"Oh, I'm certain we could work things out along those lines," Nathi says, flashing Bruce a radiant smile. As she speaks, the food is brought out, and each person is presented with the dish of their choosing, laden with generous portions, and artfully arranged. The aroma is simply delicious.

"Understandable," Bernardo said, nodding to Bruce. "I'm certain we'd feel the same way were our positions reversed." He looks up with a grin as the food is brought out. "Ahhh ... most excellent."

Evangelista flashes Arthur a smile in turn, nodding to his dish. "I think you'll enjoy this," she says, folding her napkin neatly in her lap.

Bruce is meanwhile fighting back a grin and fighting down a blush at the attention Nathicana sees fit to bestow upon him. Damn it man, get a hold of yourself. You're representing the Federation, and she is the leader of a foreign power. And married. Ignore the fact that she is beautiful, intelligent, and powerful. Eat your damn food. Bruce followed his own advice, after closing his eyes to pray briefly.

Arthur looks down at his food with a grin. As evidenced by his slight weight problem, it was one of his favorite things in life. And with the travel and the long day behind them, he was quite hungry. After he finished his first bite, he sighed happily. Lamb was rare in the Federation, and no restaurant he'd ever been to had done this well with it.

Nathicana notes the pause by Bruce, seeing it for what it seems to be, and arches a brow. When he's finished, she asks quietly, "Man of faith, are you? How interesting."

"Man of faith? I suppose, though I am hardly a shining example of it. Probably just force of habit, more than anything, now." He shrugs slightly before beginning to eat.

Bernardo and his companion set to their dishes with a relish, she on occasion laughing softly at a whispered comment between the two. "At any rate," he says between bites, "I think we would indeed be interested in these materials. Wtih a bit of research, I'm certain we could come up with more solid numbers. As for what you want of us?" he asks, washing down another bite with his wine.

"Well," Arthur began, having swallowed another bite of his lamb, "as we mentioned in our orginal communication, we'd like to look into importing more Dominion wines. I have to say, having had both, that the elves just can't do it as well." He chuckles. "And the Federation can't do it at all." And then a grin. "And I must say, we could do with importing some of your chefs as well, if they average a tenth this good."

Bruce smiles at Arthur's last few statements. While he enjoyed wine, his poison of choice was usually a bit harder. But the chef was very good. Bruce wasn't even sure if D'ron's chef was this good, though D'ron wasn't particularly fond of Italian, so it might be an unfair comparison.

"I'm certain we have chefs who would love the opportunity to ply their trade abroad, don't you think, Bernardo?" Evangelista says before savoring another bite. "As for the wine, it -is- rather one of our largest exports."

Nathicana nods quietly to Bruce, again reaching over to pat his knee familiarly. She smiles at Arthur however. "I've always thought our labels to be among the best," she says with pride. "As for chefs, no doubt. We have several find cooking schools here in the Dominion. If a broader market were to open up, more of those excellent graduates would have the opportunity to ply their trade."

"It seems we have at least a couple of areas we can benefit each other so far," Bernardo says with a smile. "Most excellent."

Arthur swallowed his current mouthful of food and smiles in return. "Mutual benefits. Yes. As I like to say, trade creates better friends than mutual enemies. Bruce here doesn't believe me, though."

Bruce briefly flashes Nathicana his lopsided smile, and winks at her, before slipping another bite of food into his mouth, before swallowing quickly, in case a need to defend himself came after Arthur's pronouncement.

"What, not one to believe in the power of trade, man?" Bernardo says with a grin, obviously teasing Bruce a bit.

Bruce smiles. "Not really. Brothers in arms have a stronger bond than partners in trade, in my opinion, though I'm quite confident trade creates bonds between people and nations."

Bernardo nods and chuckles. "Well, I suppose that's true enough, though outside my required time, I'm afraid I've never been much of a military man. Business, now ... " He raises his glass to Bruce, then takes a long, slow sip before returning to his dinner.

"There are all manner of bonds through which nations and people may grow closer," says Evangelista, smiling at the exchanges. "Trade and fighting are but two of them."

"Quite," says Nathicana, agreeing with both. "I think we at least have something to work with here, yes? I'm actually quite pleased that we've been able to find some common grounds in this."

Bruce acknowledges the points with a nod. "As am I, Nathicana. Common ground, whether mutual friends, enemies, or benefits is always the best place to start."

"As I may have mentioned before, we were ... concerned with your withdrawl from the Triumvirate. I'm pleased that D'ron has seen fit not to sever ties completely. And pleased as well that he appointed you as one of the negotiators," she says to Bruce. "We never did get much time to talk at the wedding, after all."

Bruce smiles slightly in response. "The President never wanted relations to fall to this poor a level, it was just that the Triumvirate and the Federation no longer seemed compatible anymore. So he sent me out to fix it. I'm just doing my job. As for the wedding, I'll freely admit a Kalessini Prince is more interesting than a second level civil servant."

Arthur just prevented himself from arching an eyebrow at Nathicana's last statement, but is unable to do so as Bruce finishes his response. Due to the requirements of government, he'd actually been the one coucil member not at the wedding, though he had heard rumors.

Nathicana laughs quietly, her eyes alight with amusement. "Ah, my dear, at that time our nations were already allies, and the opportunity to make contact with an Ardan nation was simply too good to pass up. Politics, you know. Never let a good opportunity get away from you," she says, smiling over her glass of wine, then taking another sip, never blinking. "The 'more interesting' I'm afraid, never really was an issue. Business before pleasure."

"Well now, nothing wrong with a little pleasure mixed with business when one can manage," says Bernardo, meaningfully giving Cerci a squeeze. She of course says nothing, but grins back at him between bites.

Bruce manages to stop his smile short of a smirk now. "I've heard rumors that Cavile's business is pleasure, Lady Nathicana. And were it not their arrogant attitudes and generally racist policies, I'm sure we'd get along fine with the Ardan nations."

"Oh, he's an interesting one to be sure," she says with a smile, "Still, I never noticed this 'arrogance' you speak of. In all my dealings with those few nations in Arda that I have had via my NDA ties, I've found them to be most cordial. The racism, I suppose, is a problem, if you are one of those races they tend not to like overmuch, but as you can see, we in the Dominion don't have that problem."

Arthur, for his part, cannot believe where Bruce went with that, and suppresses a shudder as the conversation wanders a bit far a field from it's origin. And so, he attempts to drag it back on course. Clearing his throat, he asks "How would you like to confirm the trade deal? I'm sure the President would like us to return with something tangible, like a signed agreement." He looks meaningfully at Bruce, as this was why he was present.

Bernardo clears his throat, picking up a bit of the vibes going back and forth there. "Confirmation. Now that -is- something we need to discuss. I take it you have a rough draft perhaps, that I could look over?" he asks Arthur, casting a sidelong glance at Nathicana and Bruce.

Bruce, for his part, looked slightly abashed, and spoke quietly to Nathicana. "I meant nothing more than the arrogance inherent in racism, Nathi." He had meant more, but he was a trained diplomat, and stretching the truth came as natural as breathing to him.

Arthur reached into his pocket and extracted a piece of paper, folded lengthwise into thirds. "Here is what we had come up with." He extends it to Bernardo.


For the intent of better relations, the Commerce and Transportation Directorate of the Federated Commonwealths and Dominions of the Federation of the Sentient Peoples hereby upgrades the Trade Relationship with the Dominion of the Dread Lady Nathicana to Favored Trade Partner.

As a result, all tariffs, taxes, import duties and fees associated with the importation of Dominion goods into the Federation are hereby waived. In addition, the Government of the Federation acknowledges the Dominion as a friendly power, and will hencefoth encourage trade between Federation Companies and the Dominion.

In return, the Dominion will fully open its markets to Federation Companies and Goods.

As for the Primary Specifics of the Trade Relationship, the Federation, by authorization of the Imperial President, and a reflection of his Trust in the Dread Lady of the Dominion, hereby allows the exportation of nanoweave fabrics into the Dominion, through authorized violation of the Laws regarding Monitored Technologies.

This will be in return for an increase in the Dominion Wine Trade to the Federation.

"Of course, we might want to flesh out the sections concerning the Dominion." Arthur continued. "We weren't all that clear on how you would like it worded, hence the lack of details."

Bernardo looks over the document, nodding, brow furrowing in thought, then hands it over to Nathicana.

She in turn looks it over, sipping at her wine, then taking out a pen and tapping it thoughtfully against her lips. She reaches out and neatly crosses out the 'fully' in the 'Dominion will fully open its markets' sentence while murmuring, "Why don't we let the market decide how fully it wants to open to Federation Companies and Goods? For my part, I promise not to erect any barriers to trade."

Nathicana looks up from the paper, flashing first Bruce, then Arthur a dazzling smile, again quietly reaching over under the table without seeming to, then lightly stroking her fingertips along the inside of Bruce's thigh, trailing dangerously high on his leg.

Bernardo nodded, smiling broadly at Nathicana. "I think that sounds about right. We will need to ease in and see what our respective markets need, and work to balance things accordingly."

Bruce reacts with the blinding speed of the enhanced, especially the full military enhancement all senior government officials receive.

Without any visible change above the table, other than a slight tightening of the shoulder, he grabs Nathicana's hand. His grasp is firm enough that she would probably have to make obvious effort to break it, but not enough to cause pain or injure.

Arthur is oblivious to Bruce and Nathi's under the table activities, though. "That change is fine, Minister, Dread Lady." The meeting might be informal, but Arthur, as ever, was.

Bruce shifts his leg to press his toes into Nathi's foot, and simply smiles, holding her hand in his lap as he nods, approving of the change as well.

What the hell ... far too fast, boy. Far too fast. How ... delightful, she thought with a grin. Augmented too, are we? And eager to play?

Beyond a slight widening of her eyes, which she helps cover with a smile, and a sincere "Well, I couldn't be more pleased with how things are working out, mi amicos," Nathicana showed no outward sign of surprise. She did however shift her leg against Bruce's, and give his hand a brief return squeeze, for no reason in particular.

"Bravissimo," Bernardo says, rasing his glass in a toast, the other Dominion folks soon following. "To a mutually profitable future between our great nations." The sentiment was echoed, with at least one "Salute" thrown in, smiles all around.

[OOC: Tag for future reading.]

"The Future." Bruce and Arthur responded, and then as was their custom, respond with their own toasts.

Arthur went first. "To the Federation and the Dominion, forever strong and well."

Bruce, responds properly to that toast as well, and hooked his foot around the Dread Lady's ankle, as his right eye closed in what might almost be a wink in Nathi's direction. Let's play, shall we?

"To Nathicana, Evangelista, and Cerci. May their beauty shine forever."

He squeezes Nathicana's hand in return as he does so, raking a fingernail across the palm and pressing his leg back against hers, all under cover of the table of course. His face betrays nothing, now, anyway.

He is very different from earlier. More intune with the setting and the game, perhaps?

The ladies all laughed delightedly, Evangelista looking rather self-conscious, blushing lightly though she smiled just as much as the other two. Bernardo took the opportunity to whisper something to Cerci, who shoots him a scandalized look, still laughing, though she puts a hand delicately to her lips.

Nathicana meanwhile gave Bruce a brief sidelong glance, slowly slipping her hand away to rest lightly atop the table though she made no move to remove her foot. She shifted slightly in her chair, seeming to accidentally brush her knee against his, her own expression not giving away a thing.

"Dessert, anyone?" she asks, looking around the table.

Growing bolder, is he? Not drink ... encouraged? Oh, you poor dear boy ... almost too easy.

Arthur's eyes brighten at the mention of dessert. "Dessert, should it match even a third the excellence of the meal, could quite probably be the best dessert I have ever had."

Bruce, on the other hand, is someone what entranced, but still functioning. And unlike normal, it isn't alcohol, for he and Williams had purposely ordered water to drink. The single glass from toasting was at all likely to affect him through his enhancements.

What is it about her? I'd never be his bold with another woman this beautiful. Is it because I know it isn't going anywhere? Probably. That which I can't have is safe? I think so. I hope so.

He brushes his hand against her leg as he brings it up to sit on the table as well, setting it far closer than normal to the Dread Lady's. He looked her dead in the eyes, and said, with a perfectly straight face, and a normal voice. "I'd love whatever dessert is being offered, Nathi."

Nathicana gave no hint that she caught any hidden meaning to his words, though she smiled brilliantly, waving to the waiter with a delicate hand.

"Let us see just what's being offered, shall we?" she said, breaking eye contact only when the waiter arrived with a tray full of sample deserts, enough for all. Tiramisu, various biscottis, a light chocolate mousse, stuffed canoli, amaretti cream, almond cake, and a blackberry frangelico torte, each sort with ample individual servings prepared for the table.

Evangelista grinned at Arthur. "I can see at least one person will be anxious for a few of our chefs to set up shop in the Federation," she said with a smile.

Bernardo and Cerci exclaim in pleased tones at the tray, she directing him to select just the right morsels for them to sample. Evangelista prudently samples one thing at a time, never overindulging, though obviously enjoying herself.

Nathicana takes one of the stuffed canoli, and glancing over at Bruce proceeds to savor it in a rather provocative manner, all with an air of innocence.

Bruce felt his hand brush against the Dread Lady's as he had reached for canoli at the same time.

It was of course, purely by accident. His enhanced reaction time and movement speed had nothing to do with it. Bruce uses the motion to shift his body, though, rubbing his leg against Nathicana's. When she makes eye contact, Bruce does his best to hold her gaze with his own, and smiles slowly at her as she eats her canoli.

Screw it all. Let's see how far she'll go.

Arthur meanwhile smiles happily at Evangelista, as he reaches for some of the biscotti. "Yes, I am quite eager for that. This style of food is one of my favorites, though there are few places in the Federation that make it well. I'd hire one of the chefs, but even a government minister probably won't be able to pay them what they would make in business for themselves." He proceeds to quickly sample all the desserts, in smaller than even the sample quantities, though, giving enough time to each to savor and settle, before he decides on the blackberry torte.

Bruce, on the other hand, nearly makes a fatal error, distracted as he is. "I'll have Nathicana..'s choice" He sincerely hopes the pause isn't over long. "Assuming she is willing to share." His eyes flash wickedly, but as his gazed is focused on the Dread Lady, is was doubtful anyone saw but her.

Evangelista chuckles at Arthur's remarks. "And what makes you think that several would not jump at the chance at being the personal chef to a foreign dignitary? It isn't always about the money after all. I'd wager we've more than a few who hold their pride and creativity above mere monetary concerns. If you were to make a respectable offer, I have no doubt you would find those both willing and skilled enough to serve in such a capacity."

Bernardo nods in agreement, himself and Cerci seemingly rather busy sharing desserts. His sharp eyes miss nothing however, and having quietly been watching reactions and guaging words, he notes Bruce's slip. His smile widens, though from the attentions of his partner, it seems an easy enough leap that this is what he's paying attention to, not his cohorts.

Nathicana in the meantime, finds herself at an impasse. She was of course enjoying the play, as always. She'd judged him an easy target, what with his earlier fumblings, but his later enthusiasm now had her wondering if it hadn't all been an act. She had what she wanted, for now. Will taking things farther offer up more of an advantage, or will it complicate things? Interesting ... not that it couldn't be fun. His reactions there ... must be auged. That adds a bit of spice to the mix.

She is rather amused at his level of distraction though, noting all to easily the pause and the fumbled recovery. "I was taught at a young age that sharing was good," she says, flashing him a ravishing smile. Still, she reaches for another canoli, rather than offer hers, holding it out for him, just teasingly out of reach, making it neccessary for him to either take it, or lean in to have a bite.

Dessert first. Playtime, if any, later.

Bruce feels himself melting, slightly, at Nathicana's smile, and takes her up on her challenge. He bends forward, mouth slightly agape, and closes his mouth on the canoli offered in Nathi's hand, making sure to correctly judge distance, and feels his lips lightly brush her fingers as his teeth bite down.

Arthur's eyes catch the beginings of Bruce's movement, though, and it draws his shocked attention, and his mouth falls open. Just as quickly, though, he snaps it shut, and says nothing.

Bruce is my friend. If he wants to play for something he won't get, I'm not going to stop him. After all... fun comes after business, and business is completed.

His thoughts, though somewhat disguised, play out on his face, so great is his shock.

He drags his attention back to Evangelista, and replays her comment in his mind, it having flown out quickly. "Perhaps you are right. A matter of honor it would be, I suppose. Perhaps we can make discreet enquiries before we leave tomorrow." He keeps his gaze away from Nathicana and Bruce, and away from Bernardo and Cerci, for a moment.

Bruce swallows the bite he had taken, eyes gleaming. He speaks softly. "You were taught well, Nathi, for sharing that which you are blessed with is a wonderful trait." He does notice Arthur, barely, out of the corner of his eye. He ignores him, though.

Arthur continues, now. "I believe we could sign the documents in the morning, if you wished to have your legal people make up final copies over night. Perhaps up at the Dread Lady's villa, as I seem to recall her mentioning something about guest rooms in one of the communications." The word 'guest' is slightly stressed, hopefully to break into Bruce's mind. Arthur considers it unlikely, though."

Nathicana meets his eyes, not blinking, an amused smile playing across her lips. She hands off the remainder of the treat to Bruce, going back to gingerly finishing her own, for all the world as if nothing were amiss as she makes idle small talk with the others.

Soon, appetites sated, the Dominion folk push back from the table, one by one, still chatting contentedly, though the convo ha slowed appreciatively. With a glance at Nathicana, and a brief nod from her in return, Bernardo rises, offering Cerci his arm. "I believe, now that business has been taken care of sufficiently, that we'll be bidding you all bouna serra - a good evening. It was a pleasure meeting you both," he says, putting out his hand to shake theirs, both Bruce and Arthur's, firmly. "I'll have my office take care of the paperwork, and have it delivered, as you suggested Arthur, in the morning - complete, of course, with my signature. A pleasure doing business with you, gentlemen. I look forward to continuing our work in the future."

And with that, he led the blonde through the still busy ristorante, and out into the night air, mingling with the already present crowd. Evangelista in the meantime, turns to Arthur. "I'm certain we could drum up some likely candidates, though it might take time."

Nathicana rises to her feet as well, stretching just a bit. "Well then, as your humble host I must ask, where you would prefer to go next? I do indeed have rooms prepared at the villa."

Both men nod as Bernardo and Cerci depart the tablem speaking a soft agreement with his sentiments over the business conducted.

After Evangelista speaks, Arthur reaches into his pocket with a smile, and places a small stack of his business cards on the table. "Thank you. That's much appriciated. Just give them one of these, if they seem interested." He turns his attention to the tables other beautiful woman, as she stands. Arthur comes to his feet as well, Bruce rather more leisurely does the same thing. "Well, Dread Lady, I myself am rather tired from travel and your wonderful tour, so I would love to take you up on the offered room at your villa."

Bruce smiles lazily, his grin somewhat confident and assured, but not overly so. "I'd like to see some of your beautiful capital by night, Nathi, perhaps from a gondola, before retiring to the vill myself. New, different places have a tendency to excite me."

Evangelista took the cards and nodded with a smile. "Not a problem. I'll see that they're distributed." As she made her goodnights, Nathi asked her to wait.

"Could you perhaps accompany Arthur to the car, and on up to the villa, 'Lista? I'd appreciate it. I took them on rather a tour today, and I'm certain they're all turned around. Arthur, it's been a pleasure. You'll find your room has been prepared. Should you need anything, Gianni and the staff will see to it."

"Of course," the woman says witha smile, holding out her arm to Arthur. "Shall we?"

Nathicana in the meantime, turns to Bruce. "Devras by night, is it? Well, I suppose we could manage something. The gondolas have always held a certain charm, and the crowds fun to watch." She also holds out her arm expectantly, giving him a little smile, and nodding to a gentleman sitting at a table just outside the area they'd been eating in. He in turn, stands, as do several others throughout the main eatery, as nonchalantly as can be, still talking with those they've been sitting with.

Arthur takes Evangelista's arm, in the manner expected of him. "Yes, we shall. And thank you for your assistance."

Bruce meanwhile, has a gleam in his eye. "I suppose we could watch the crowds for a bit, and then ride in a gondola. I've never done that before. And if you find them charming, then they must be quite special, Nathi." He takes her arm gently, displaying no evidence of his enhanced strength in his careful touch. "And then we can retire to your villa for the night, once it become late."

Nathicana watches Evangelista and Arthur make their way through the crowd, noting as well those who break off to casually tail them. Seeing all is well, she smiles at Bruce, taking a step to follow after. "Well then, lets be on with it. Plenty to see, after all."

Bruce smiles back. "I'm sure there is." He allows his eyes to roam more openly, now that they are 'alone,' for he has noticed the guards, good though they were, but this is the first time all day, and he slowly has his eyes roam over Nathicana, as he moves with her, to follow her.

She picks her way through the restaurant, and out the door onto the brick-paved street outside, paying no mind to those around them who are there for quiet unobtrusive protection. The night air is warm, and the sounds of music, laughter, clinking glasses and tableware, water and the crowds all waft along it in waves as they walk. "So, what would you like to see first," she asks, pretending not to notice his looks.

Bruce smiles. "I always enjoy the music of street musicians. I suppose some of them might be a good place to start."

Nathicana nods, and smiles, leading the way through the crowd farther in to the Piazza where the music is playing. The music is at times, fast and lively, sometimes slow and heart-wrenching, but always seems to carry a warmth and sultriness to it. The small group of players, one with a mandolin, another an accordion, yet another with a violin along with two who seem to have various percussive instruments play the crowd. Their hats and instrument cases are out, and already have been gifted with both coin and cash from the appreciative onlookers. No few people are dancing, enjoying the atmosphere and the music.

Bruce notices the people dancing approvingly. Excellent. Just as I figured. After listening for a moment, he lowers his head to hers, and speaks softly. "Shall we dance to a tune or two?" She arches a brow, looking at him in surprise. "What, me? Dance ... here?" she says, looking mildly nervous for a moment before she gathers herself. He grins. "You're not afraid, are you?" This was most unexpected.

Nathicana snorts derisively. "Of course not. It's just that ... bah. I dance seldom for one thing, for another I'm not accustomed to the more rustic forms, and yet another ... I prefer not to draw too much attention to myself in public," she says, more quickly perhaps than she needs, her blue eyes flashing in challenge, one brow arching up.

He chuckles softly. "These people are enjoying themselves too much to notice us," he says in his trained diplomat's voice. But his eyes tell a different tale. She afraid. Just a little bit. But afraid, nonetheless "And how would you get accustomed to the more rustic dances if you don't ever do them?" Don't push your luck if she refuses again, though. His chuckles fade into a questioning smile.

She seems just a little flustered, glancing about the crowd, briefly biting her lower lip. "I ... well, perhaps one, maybe ... wouldn't be completely amiss ..."

Bruce smiles gently. "I know you'll be better at the dance than at least one person here. I don't know the slightest thing about Dominion folk dances. Let's go." He says the last quickly, before she can change her mind, and takes her by the hand, dragging her towards, but not into the group of, the dancers awaiting the next song to begin.

Nathicana gives him a sidelong glance, allowing herself to be led. "Bah ... you owe me for this one, boy," she murmurs softly as the music starts, slow and sultry. He smiles gently, enhanced ears easily picking up her soft comment. "I look forward to an opportunity to repay you, Nathi." He glances at the other dancers, and begins by imitating their positions together, and then, attempting to imitate their moves as his gaze returns to his partner. Needless to say, he isn't very good at it.

She chuckles softly, first looking down, then letting her eyes move along the lines of his body til they meet his own. There being some who dance in the old style, and others who don't, there doesn't really seem to be a set way to the dancing. She doesn't seem to mind, moving her body and sandaled feet in time with the rhythm set out by the players, starting slow, then increasing in pace, the violin standing out above the rest.

Bruce begins to feel the music, and his motions become more fluid, and enthusiastic, as the pace increases. He locks his eyes to Nathicana's; no matter how fast and wild the movements become, he doesn't break eye contact. She flashes him a brilliant smile as she moves and spins, careful not to give away her augs with anything out of the ordinary, but letting her reflexes help compensate for her own fumblings, smoothing her movements.

Bruce smiles back, happily, at the moment, he is nothing more than a man dancing with a beautiful woman, not diplomat, not representative. He begins to laugh with joy and fun as they spin and dance, giving into the moment.

Nathi finds herself enjoying being able to relax a bit, smiling more genuinely than she has in some time. As the music ends, she laughs delightedly, pushing back some errant strands of hair from her face, remembering to appear a touch breathless. "Well," she says between breaths, still smiling. "That was something I didn't expect." She applauds with the rest of the crowd, noting with relief that they'd not drawn more attention than the others.

Bruce isn't breathing heavily at all. Enhancement, to an extent, is common knowledge in the Federation, after all, so he sees no reason to hide it. "I'm glad," he says with a broad smile, still looking directly at her. "It is always good to try new things." The beauty of her slightly heavy breathing, her barely mussed hair, and her laughing smile was intoxicating, and Bruce hoped he would remember not to do anything stupid as he applauded.

She drops her eyes for a moment in a coy gesture, again brushing a strand of hair back from her face out of habit, as she looks back up at him from under dark lashes. "Well, boy, you've had your dance with the Dread Lady," she says teasingly. "What would you like to do next? I am but your humble hostess while your stay lasts."

Bruce suppresses a growl in his throat at the image she is projecting at the moment. I know what I'd like to do next... Down Bruce, down. And humble? Riiight. He gives her a lopsided grin. "I hear the gondolas are charming this time of year."

Nathi grins, glancing towards the Canale and back. "The gondolas are always charming, voi uomo cattivo. Would you like to take the more scenic route back to the car, then? The walk, as you remember, is slow enough. The path by water takes more time."

"The scenic route will be fine with me. I'm in no hurry, are you?" Thank god for translation software. I think she likes me. He extends a hand to her, to lead her out of the dancers before the next song starts, while his other hand retrieves some of the Dominion money he'd been provided with on leaving from his pocket and deposits it in the closest hat. A third of the money they gave me, about. Probably 100 is a bit overly generous, but it's not like it is my money. Making eye contact again, he smiles. "Where to the closest gondola?"

She gestures towards the Canale Grande out across the lamplit square. She arches a brow curiously at the money he carelessly tosses away, chuckling softly. He has no idea what he just gave them, does he? "This way. There's always more than a few waiting along the Canale." She takes the lead with an unhurried pace, occasionally dodging around people who cross their path.

Bruce follows leisurely, watching the people, the light, and the city as they went by. He picked out a couple of the guards in the crowd, but they were damn good. As they draw upto a gondola, he looks at it, and concludes, given the high usage of the craft, it can't be as unsafe as it looks, though he definitely stops, and doesn't get in.

Nathicana arches a brow, keeping hold of his hand as she gingerly steps in with a practised air. "It's just a little boat, Bruce," she says with a mischievous smile. "The Gondolier will hold it steady and you've got my hand as well."

Bruce couldn't show fear, of course, not after teasing her about the dancing. He took a confident step forward, felt wood under his foot, lifted his other foot and let go of Nathicana's hand with amazing quickness to avoid pulling her in as well as he slipped into the Canale. Bruce, you idiot. he thought as his head broke the surface. He pulled himself out of the water, swinging into the gondola, and climbing to his feet, a sheepish grin on his face as he removed his dripping wet trench coat, as the nanoweave reacted invisibly to the influx of water, rivulets of water tracing the lines of his face down from his short hair.

The Gondolier lets out a cry of surprise and dismay, while Nathicana puts both hands to her lips, eyes wide ... and muffling her laughter. Trying desperately to keep a straight face, she and the other man reach out to try and assist Bruce in getting back in. "Maledizione, boy ... what the hell?" Her shoulders still shake from her restrained laughter, eyes sparkling with mirth. "Here, lets get you dried off a bit."

The man hands Bruce a blanket from under his seat, and she promptly starts to wrap it around him, rubbing and drying as she can, shaking her head. "Best sit down before you go in again," she says, herself taking a seat.

Bruce feels the dampness leaving his skin as the nanoweave sucks it away, depositing it in the towel that Nathi is helping with as he sits. He runs a hand through his hair, brushing the water back and out of it. Still wearing the rather stupid grin, and grateful he didn't hurt himself, he says, "Whoops. Guess I should pay less attention to the scenery and more to where I put my feet."

"Damn straight you should, boy. Devras is something, I'll admit, but christ - you could have knocked your head against the sone there, or half drowned, so help me. What the hell would I have told D'ron?" she asks, still chuckling softly, at least seeming to be oblivious to the compliment.

"The truth always seems to work... he seems to know when you're not telling it, anyway. It's sorta scary, in fact," he answers with a smile. "But nothing harmed but my pride, though, Dread Lady, so don't worry over what ifs." His clothes are drying quickly, though, colors lightening as they dripped dry.

Nathicana gives him a curious look, noting the odd reaction of his clothes as the gondolier pushes off with his long pole, slowly guiding their way down along the canale. "The fabric you mentioned?" she asks, head tilted slightly.

Bruce smiles and nods. "Yes. Can't keep you comfortable all the time if it soaking wet, can it? We make nearly all our clothing from some degree of it. Took less than a year to completely take over the market, once it was introduced. As I'm sure you noticed earlier, the jeans feel just like regular denim."

She grins at that. "I did note," she says, nodding. And that's not all I noted, boy. "I think the designers will be most pleased." As they come up under a particularly large bridge, she looks up with a slightly haunted expression that quickly fades. "Behind our government offices," she murmurs, eyes studying the bridge. "The Bridge of Tears, leading on to the Prigioni Scura. Of old, the last brief glimpse prisoners saw of the outside world was through those latticed windows." She surpresses a slight shiver as they pass under the shadow of the bridge, quickly moving her gaze to the other buildings.

Bruce notes the way her eyes linger, and listens to her explanation. "Just of old, huh? Well, I suppose not much use for that kind of place in the civilized world. Simpler and cheaper to shoot them." He shrugs, divesting the towel from his now dry back. He glances at the government building. "Which office is yours? Or can we see it from here?"

She says nothing at first to his comments, her mind back on a rainy day some time ago, making her own walk across that bridge, and back. Gesturing back in the direction they'd come, to the corner of the building that isn't blocked by the ones across the way, she nods. "Up there, with the view," she says simply when she finally answers.

Bruce smiles. "The exact opposite of D'ron's, I suppose. His office is in the lowest building in Griffin, in the middle, with no windows."

Nathicana wrinkles her nose in distaste. "I agreed to the bulletproof glass, but I'll be damned if I'm going to hole myself away like that for security's sake. I will not live in fear." She snorts derisively at the thought. "Nor will I give up my view," she finishes with a grin. "Besides, when I can, most of my serious work is taken care of in my office at home. Damnably convenient, that."

He nods. "I understand. My office overlooks Griffin Central Park, from about two and a half kilometers up, looking out on the sea. I'd not give up the view for anything, except maybe one a little higher up in the same tower. D'ron's office is in his house, though. He hates the office, though."

Nathicana arches a brow again, though she nods. "Hates it, does he? Rather have time with Leslie, no doubt," she says with a quiet sort of smile. "And you. Still single and jetting around, or is there someone back home waiting for you as well?"

Bruce snorts. "I'm sure he would rather spend time with Lesley, though one rarely sees them apart, except in closed meetings. And as for me?" He pauses, a bit dramatically. "No one for me. But I've got some time... only lived a tenth of my expected lifespan." His mouth snaps shut then, like he's said something he shouldn't. And he has, though his face nearly hides it.

Nathicana deftly avoids notice, for his sake, acting as if she'd not caught that last bit, attempting to distract him with one of her winning smiles. "No one at all? I find that hard to believe, boy."

Bruce is thoroughly distracted by her mere presence, after all, he shouldn't be letting things like that slip. But Nathicana is far too intoxicating to simply leave at this point. "No one at all. Sorta a free spirit I am. Carefree, without obligations. Much better, with me being out of the country much of the time."

Nathicana nods thoughtfully at that, herself rather distracted, though for other reasons. She looks out across the water, still thoughtful, idly toying with the ring on her finger. "Freedom ... always a good thing to have. Obligations can weigh a person down." She shakes her head softly, then looks back at him. "Still, as a leader, I have many obligations. It comes with the job, I'm afraid."

"All jobs come with obligations and rewards, costs and benefits. For example, what else could I have done in the Federation and gotten to meet you? Definitely a benefit. I wouldn't want the top job, though, whatever the perks. Minister Currey, Minister John, and Lady Lesley all used to have it, and got rid of it when they felt they could, and still make the best decision. It's what formed the Federation, after all."

"Trade, or the progression of jobs there? Or perhaps, the teamwork aspect?" she says with a smile, this time acknowledging the compliment with a wink.

"No no. Each of the Dominions and Commonwealths was at one point an independent state, until just a few months ago, in fact. But that's a rather unpleasant story, all told, and not at all appropriate to such pleasant company and surroundings." He reaches out to tentantively to take her hand and give it a squeeze, made a bit uncomfortable by the way she'd been playing with her ring a moment earlier.

Nathicana squeezes back, still smiling, for all the world having forgotten entirely about any previous uncomfortable thoughts. As always, mercurial in nature. "Indeed - time enough for more in depth history lessons later, yes?" The quiet sounds of the water and the creak of the boat seem to soothe her. With a contented little sigh, she trails her other hand in the water, enjoying the company, and the ambience of the Old City as they drift through it.

Bruce smiles now, matching her mood, though a little behind. He holds her hand lightly. "Perhaps over a glass of wine at the villa, if you still wish the story." He shuts up then, simply watching her, obviously content and safe here, and her beauty only emphasized by that contentment and happiness, as they both relax in silence for a moment.

She nods quietly in response. Old Devras slips by, as do the minutes, Nathicana enjoying the night air and the company, her thoughts for now, remaining her own. They finally reach the landing, the gondolier bringing in the boat with a steady, practised hand. He helps first Nathi to shore, then Bruce - the both of them taking great care that he doesn't fall in again. "Thank you," she says quietly.

"I hope you don't mind a bit of a drive. My villa is a ways up the hillside." The Bentley is waiting, complete with driver. If they have been watched along the way, it wasn't obvious. Certainly there had been people seen, but they had all seemed casual enough. Even here, where the Old City ended, and the new began, all seemed to belong.

Bruce snags his jacket on the on the way out of the gondola, it also drive by now, and calmly, watching where he puts his feet, gets out without any trouble. He fishes out another third of his slightly damp money and hands it to the gondolier. He turns to Nathicana as they approach the Bentley, and listens to her. "A bit of a drive? I'm sure it will go by all too quick, Nathi." His gaze directs the driver back into the car as he opens the door for her. Once she is inside, he follows, sitting next to her in the seat, considerably closer than is needed, but not quite touching.

Bruce casually puts his arms on the seat backs, though, stretching behind her, again, though, not touching, and looks the Dread Lady, illuminated only by the soft light of the moon.

Nathicana thought for a moment, then relaxed back in her seat, leaning her head back against the headrest, and smiling quietly as she watched the buildings of New Devras roll by. "There are far more things to see than we could possibly cover in a day," she says quietly, looking over to Bruce. "I hope at least you've been given a taste of what we have to offer."

Bruce smiles. "Indeed. And a wonderful taste it has been. Perhaps one day I can see more, Nathi. I think if I didn't love the Federation the way I do, I'd probably move here."

Nathicana smiles. "You're always welcome to visit, you know. It needn't always be politics and trade deals."

Bruce laughs. "I wish I had time for a vacation. It was all I could do to get today and tomorrow cleared."

"Lord, don't I know how that goes. No rest for the wicked. Nor the politician," she says with a soft chuckle.

"And which are you, Nathi? The latter?" Bruce grins, eyes gleaming, as he shifts his leg against hers. "Or the former?"

Nathicana gives him a decidedly sly grin. "Both, of course."

"Always good. Always good." Bruce glances about the inside of the car and spots the mini-bar. "Shall we?" he asks, indicating the mini-bar with the hand which was not almost around her shoulders.

Nathicana nods, her smile increasing. "The Delacourt, if you don't mind," she says, indicating that he should pour. "It is what its there for, after all."

Bruce reclutantly removes his hand from the seat behind her, as even enhancement wouldn't let him pour something into a glass he was holding in the same hand as the bottle. He pulls out two glasses and extracts the bottle carefully, eyes widening at the exact vintage. Wow, I've never even seen one of these. He pours it carefully, almost reverently, before handing Nathicana a glass, and stowing the bottle, resumes his previous position.

Nathicana arches a brow curiously. "Private reserves, that. I didn't realize it was such a rarity for you." She takes the glass with a nod of thanks, and a murmured 'grazie', first enjoying the bouquet, then sipping just enough to savor, which she does contentedly. "Excellent."

Bruce imitates her. Only certain people are wine snobs in the Federation, and he was not one of them. But he was a diplomat. "Good wine is a rarity in all the Federation, which is why this will be an excellent deal we've brokered today. Now, I believe I'd offered you a history lesson over our next glass?"

"That you did, Bruce. Please," she says, gesturing delicately with her hand, "Say on."

He ponders silently for a moment, sipping the wine. "Well, I suppose the only place to begin is at the beginning. Long ago, lost in the mists of time, if I wish to be dramtic about it, a group of people banned together, elves, men, and other races, and went to find a place where they would all be equal. They called it the Empire of Racial Toleration." Bruce paused for a moment. "Soon, however, there was internal strife, mostly over the role of the government, and religion... there were no national conflicts, at first, as everyone belonged to the same nation. But the civil wars were bloody, and long."

She nods, quietly sipping her wine, all too familiar with her own nation's bloody past.

"Eventually, the Empire began to break apart. Nations began to peel away. And once it broke up enough, the First Federation of Sentient Peoples was formed, as the country carrying on the ideals of the Empire, though under a new form of government, basically, an elected Dictator, hence the title 'Imperial President' that remains to this day."

"Slowly, though, the country became a bit more democratic, though the countries formed from the civil wars fought endlessly with each other. Ideaology creates the strongest fractures among people, unfortunately."

Nathicana chuckles. "True enough, that."

"Dor Lomin was basically a blood bath for nearly three hundred years, though the last hundred have been the most peaceful, with only twenty bilateral and multilateral wars." Bruce sighs, shifting through some files in his memory implant. "As it is, the nations began to forget why they were fighting, and simply fight with each other, though some people maintained the reasons. The last war was 12 years ago, though, between Sentient Peoples and another Dominion, that of Barry Manilow, of all the names."

Nathicana arches a brow and chuckles at that last bit. "One of the reasons we have in the past many years run as a dictatorship is on account of all the infighting and warmongering within our borders. Due to the nature of our decidedly ... opportunistic people, we have gone this direction rather than that of Empires, Kings and Queens. It has been ages since the Dominion was passed on to the progeny of a leader."

Her eyes are thoughtful at that, and a tiny grin touches her lips. "Our nation requires a steady hand. It always has, and I believe it always will. Unification was neccessary. I see the same was true of yours."

Bruce nods. "Very true. Unified once, and then broken. D'ron led the military, in an experiment, since ended, when he was young, to victory in five and a half years of fighting with the Manilowans. His parents died in the first attack. That victory brought him to national prominence, and he was elected vice-president, destined to succeed the Imperial President when he retired."

He sighs then. "Which should not have been so soon. Less than six months after D'ron was elected, the Imperial President at the time, William Jackson, was assassinated, we presume by Manilowan loyalists, after their country was absorbed into the Federation."

Nathicana nods quietly. "Succession often takes the same road here as well. The previous power is removed, the next steps in. Only, of course, without the elections. No wonder D'ron is so ... protective of his family," she finishes quielty, half to herself.

Bruce nods, but otherwise ignores the interruption, deep in story-teller mode. "D'ron made it his mission, then, to end the fighting that plagued Dor Lomin. He created the Regional Alliance, just in time for the All Elves conflict to erupt, in which he managed to convince the other leaders to intervene. The Alliance remained stable for five years following that, until it was betrayed internally, by the leader of Palpastine. That betrayal cost hundreds of millions of lives, as the man, with carefully placed agents, stole fifty of the Combined Military's most powerful nuclear weapons. He used them to piece by piece pick apart the Alliance, destroying nations when they did not withdraw immediately from the Alliance. He even went so far as to kidnap D'ron's sister to try and get him to break the Alliance."

He takes another sip of his wine, then glances, surprised, at the empty glass, which he's been drinking in between sentences. He reaches over for the bottle to pour himself another glass, and holds it up in offer to refill Nathicana's glass. She nods, and brings her nearly empty glass forward. "Grazie," she murmurs. "I take it they got her back safe and sound?"

Bruce pours, and nods. "Yes, she was returned, rather violently, but unharmed. Special forces do have their uses, after all." He sets the bottle back in a secure place as the car cruises along, and settling back on the couch, gets back into story-telling mode. "Soon afterwards, D'ron, along with several other leaders were attacked directly, during an evening in Griffin Central Park, this time with the intent to kill. Fortunately, though they were all injured, D'ron managed to subdue the attacker, and information was extracted."

"Using the combined military, the remaining members of the Alliance went after Popil, whose life D'ron claimed as forfeit under the old law of Dor Lomin. This led to a war, without fortunately many deaths, due to prolific use of ortillery by the Alliance, when the Palpastine forces decided to defend Popil, their leader, rather than remain true to the Alliance. Popil escaped in the confusion generated by the suicide charge he left in his capital city, killing nearly 500 million people. After a number of days, again, under the old law, Popil challenged D'ron to single combat, the only way out, as he'd be tracked down eventually. D'ron killed him, rather messily, as I understand it. That ended it."

Bruce allows his arm to slip onto Nathi's shoulders as he drinks about half his glass, taking a break for a moment from his story. She nods firmly. "A proper way to end it, if I do say so myself." She notes his arm shifting position with a soft chuckle, sipping deeply from her glass. The lights along the drive of her villa could be seen through the darkness, winding their way through the trees and greenery that hid the house.

He notes the lights from the villa, and figures he ought to bring the story to an end. "It turned out that the populations of Vanderhill, Peitha, and The Halo all agreed with you, and their leaders shared D'ron's dream of a peaceful, unified Dor Lomin. In an overwhelming vote for it, the four nations unified into the current Federation, absorbing all the destroyed nations into it as well, with D'ron, Hero, as their leader."

"Then it was all effort well spent, wouldn't you say?" she asks, leaning in just a little. Bruce nods, and drinks a bit more wine. "Yes, eventually, though the loss of life was horrible." He tries to focus on what he's saying. "D'ron made the leaders of Vanderhill and The Halo his top ministers... and he married Lady Lesley." Bruce shook his head slightly. His toxin implant didn't seem to be working right. He felt light headed. Is it the wine, and the implant isn't working? Or is it Nathi? Bruce thought, finding it hard to concentrate, his eyes wandering. Both, the little voice in his told him. "Lady Lesley was the Elected Empress of Peitha," he explained.

She nods, draining her glass and setting it aside as they pull up to the house. "I didn't know that Empress could be an elected title. Interesting." The driver gets out, opens the door, and offers her his hand. She accepts it, looking back at Bruce with a smile. "Feeling alright, boy?" she asks as she steps gracefully from the car, with only a slight wobble.

Bruce climbs from the vehicle, the alcohol only affecting his mind, at the moment. "I'm fine, Nathi, how are you? What a stupid thing to say. The implant must have crapped out on me. They do that, after all, and everyone says they die when you need them most. He extends a hand to take her arm again, to be led inside.

Nathicana chuckles again, slipping her arm around his and nodding to the driver. She leads the way up the low steps in the front, opening the front door quietly. Gianni of course, greets them, inquiring quietly in their native tongue about her needs for the evening. "Nothing, thank you Gianni," she says with a smile. "I can take care of myself for the night." He nods, bids them both goodnight, and heads off to his quarters.

The interior of the villa may or may not be quite what Bruce expects. The decor is tasteful, but not oppulent, done in earth tones for the most part, with the occasional splash of rich, dark color. The entryway is paved with tile, as is most of the flooring in the villa, covered here and there with soft rugs.

A room off to the left contains several leather couches, and a fireplace, though at this time, it is not lit. The windows look out onto what seems to be a courtyard of sorts, and an open hallway leads off to a door in that direction. The dining area is off to the right, set off by a decorative divider, and past that, behind doors and a shuttered window area, lies the kitchen. Ahead, the stairs leading up, and another hallway leading to other rooms of the house.

"Well, Bruce, welcome to my humble home."

He notices the decor, and the dismissal of the servant. Tasteful and attractive, just like everything about her. "Very nice," he comments. "Though not too humble." Imperial House is decorated more sterilely than this, except in those places where functions occur, and of course, Bruce has never been to the Residence Wing. He smiles. "It is a lovely home to compliment a beautiful woman, though."

She shrugs and smiles. "Grazie, mi amico. It's a far cry from many of the official residences of leaders I know, but I never could bring myself to live in such ... ridiculous oppulence. I enjoy nice things. I do not enjoy gaudiness." She bends over and unties her sandals, one by one, kicking them off, then methodically setting them on the mat beside the door. "Don't mind me - comfort. Now, would you like to see your room, or ..."

"Or what, Nathi?" he askes, a smile creeping across his lips.

She smiles right back. "Or what would you like to do, Bruce?" she says, cocking her hip to one side a bit, and gently resting her hand on it.

"I seem to recall you mentioning a pool, and I've always enjoyed swimming at night." He grins wryly. "Though I prefer warning, and choice, unlike earlier."

Nathi chuckles and nods. "Aye, right out past those doors," she says, nodding down the hallway that lays straight ahead. "It's a warm night, and I always have towels available. Shall we?"

Bruce grins. "Alright. But you'll need to show me where they'd have put my bag, unless you wish me just to strip down and swim." He arches an enquiring eyebrow.

"Well, whatever makes you comfortable, I suppose," she says with a teasing smile. "The guest house is out across the courtyard to the left, here. This way." She gestures to Bruce, her bare feet padding quietly over the tile.

Bruce follows the Dread Lady silently, watching her walk, and move, in this, her native enviroment. Down the hallway, and through the wooden door she walks, all with a decidedly enticing sway. Onto the veranda, and down another set of low stairs she walks quietly. The columns supporting this and the balcony above are twined with vines. A curved set of stairs runs up to the upper balcony and a line of windows, and a paned door at one point. The pavers in the courtyard are still warm from the heat of the day, and the surrounding gardens and interspersed trees give off a soft, pleasant scent.

The shadows are deeper near the guesthouse, and the night is quiet. She carefully opens the door, and nods for Bruce to go ahead. "Your room is the second one on the right, just up the stairs. Arthur is directly across the hall," she says quietly.

Bruce nods, and ducks inside. He turns around though, just inside the door. "See you in a few minutes, then, at the pool." With that, he vanishes into the darkened guest house, silently.

Nathicana grins. Oh, he should be able to find it well enough, she thinks. "As you wish - I'll see you there." And with that, she turns, taking out the clip that's been holding up her hair, shaking it loose with a contented sigh.

Once in his room, from his travel bag, he retrieves his swim trunks, blue and black, just above the knee, and his towel, government issue, that looks like the Federation flag. He glances in the mirror after changing, and rakes his hand through his hair. Considering the amount of paper pushing and desk jockeying Bruce did, he was in excellent shape, lean athletic body, neither thin nor fat, and not bulky, but with defined muscles.

She makes her way back into the house, and down the other hall way, pausing to pick up her seldom-used suit from the little washroom at the back of the house. Without a care, she casually strips down, carefully folding each article of clothing, and laying it aside on one of the chairs back away from the pool. She sides on the bottoms of the simple black bikini, then works to tie on the top, muttering under her breath.

Bruce pads silently back out of the guest house, on bare feet, and cocks his head to find the the pool by sound, traveling in the direction in which he hears gentle water movement. Finding the pool, he sets his folded up towel down on a nearby chair, and comes upon Nathicana making final adjustments to her bikini, and he stands silently, watching her, until she looks up at him, at which point, he grins slowly, as his eyes move over her form.

"Mind helping me with this?" she says, her brow furrowed a bit, though she shoots him a wry grin. "I can't seem to get this tied right. Truth, don't usually swim with it."

Bruce nods a yes, and steps forward to help her. His hands gently run up her back, brushing her hair aside, and he deftly, though slowly, ties it. "If you would rather swim without it, I can't say I would mind, Nathi. If it is your custom, I'll go with it." His eyes light at the thought. "When in Rome, and all that."

She laughs softly, shivering at his touch in a good way. "It matters not. Truth is, I'm usually alone, though I've never been uncomfortable about my body. We've a fairly relaxed take on such things in the Dominion, though it's more a private matter than a public penchant for nudity."

Bruce chuckles, delighted at her reaction to his touch, though not a hint of it crosses his face. "D'ron legalized public nudity in the Federation a while ago, but amazing, not all that many people wander around that way." His voice is dripping with sarcasm. "I can't understand why, though. It's not like the UN ranks us in the last percentile for best weather or anything." He sets his hands on her shoulders, still behind her. "I must say, though, Nathi, you have absolutely no reason to be uncomfortable about your body." His voice contains no sarcasm, and little playfulness, for he is perfectly serious.

Nathicana turns to face him, slowly, smiling up at him mischievously. "You obviously aren't uncomfortable with it," she teases right back. He smiles down at her, smirking. "Not at all." He makes no move away from her, now that she is facing him, mere inches away.

She trails a fingertip from the waistband of his trunks all the way up along his stomach and chest, ending with lightly tapping his chin. "So, are you going to swim or not, boy?" she murmurs quietly.

Bruce shivers, then grins. He steps back once, and then, spins, diving in the pool with the grace of a striking falcon, retrieving a fish. As he swims under the water for a short moment, it probably becomes obvious how he keeps in shape.

Nathi grins, walking to the edge of the pool, stretching, then simply stepping off the edge to quickly slip into the warm water, coming up and brushing the water from her face, dark hair fanning out behind her. "Less cause to worry about you in the canale than I thought, hmm?" she asks, smiling.

Bruce smiles too. "Oh, if I'd hit my head, it'd have been bad, but without injury, I was fine." He moves closer to her in the water, treading water slowly, short dark hair glistening in the pale light. "though what would you have done if I couldn't have swum, and it became needed?"

She snorts quietly. "Gone in to get you, of course. What, do you think I'd sit there and watch you drown?

Bruce laughs softly. "One can never tell, Nathi." He moves a little closer, now within arms reach.

Nathicana makes no move to distance herself, still grinning mischievously at him. "Enjoying your stay?" she asks softly, herself lightly treading water.

He nods slowly. "Very much so. Though some parts are especially enjoyable." His hands dart forward with all his enhanced speed to push her underwater playfully.

Nathicana reacts quickly, her own hands darting out, and whipping down his trunks. She swims back away as best she can, popping back up out of the water, and laughing, brushing her wet hair back from her eyes, one hand over her mouth. "You bastard!" she says, obviously not offended in the least.

Bruce reaches under, and tosses his trunks to the side of the pool, obviously not bothered at all by his nudity. He swims towards her, stopping at the same distance as before. "Now, I believe you have me at a bit of a disadvantage, though."

She arches a brow, certainly not having expected quite that result. She grins a bit more, a mischievous glint in her eye, and nods. "If that's how you choose to view it," she says. "Though just what you're going to do about it is beyond me."

He chuckles, and then, breathing deeply, slides under the water to swim down towards the other end of the pool, moving smoothly.

Nathicana watches him move with an appreciative eye, then leans back into a gentle backstroke, enjoying the feel of the water, and the starlight sky, keeping her ears open and occasionally glancing in his direction, keeping an eye on him.

Bruce casually swims back in her direction above the water, his motions making little in the way of splashes, as he alternates swimming styles, pulling into a back float near her, watching her move through the water, mind hungrily consuming ever detail he can see, and its activity obvious on his face, though not elsewhere.

Nathicana pauses in her strokes, rolling over in the water back to her upright position, treading slowly again, looking at him with a curious expression. "Something on your mind, boy?" she asks softly.

He rolls upright to face her, again, somehow, not splashing the water. "Oh, just observing you, and wondering how much I should put in my report." He swims closer. "After all, does the fact that you stripped me in your private pool really need to make that report?" He stops less than a foot away from her.

Nathicana laughs lightly. "I did no such thing, boy. That was a defensive maneuver - one I'll note, usually works by giving me an escape whilst the man nervously attempts to redress himself properly. Shameless little imp, aren't you?" She again, doesn't seem phased or offended in the least. "As for your report, well now ... that depends."

Bruce feels his eyes sparkling, as he drifts a tiny bit closer to her, nodding to acknowledge the imp comment. "Depends on what?" he asks, his voice somehow different, huskier.

"Depends on what all you plan on doing, and how much you think really needs to make it back home," she says, watching him closely, still smiling.

Bruce drifts closer still, now about six inches away, his legs and arms touching Nathicana's as they tread water. "I plan on doing whatever I can. And what makes it home will depend on what gets done." His eyes, locked with hers, make his desire clear, though.

She watches him closely, her expression unreadable for the moment. He certainly got over whatever his hesitation was earlier. This time, however, I'm certain it's very much the wine lending him a bit of boldness. Ah, girl, play the games and sooner or later ... still, I wonder.

Nathi draws her fingertips up along his arm, brushing across his shoulder, along his neck, then up to his cheek, still watching him. Then she lets her hand slip back into the water, swimming back away from him with a smile.

"It is late, and you have had rather a bit of wine, Bruce. And you have a big trip in the morning. Perhaps bed would not be amiss?"

Bruce shivers as Nathicana ran her fingers over his skin, despite the heat of the blood coursing through his veins at the moment, and he smiles ruefully at her comment.

I guess I might have pressed it a bit too far. Well, it can never hurt to be certain.

He swims over to the side, and hoists himself out of the water, one handed, leaving no question to his enhancement at his point. As he wraps the towel he’d brought around his waist, and picks up the swim trunks from the ground next to it, he smiles at her. “It’s not the wine I am drunk on this night, Nathi. But as you say, it is late, and I feel a bed calling to me, though I do not wish to use it for sleeping.”

He walks over to the pool edge and offers his hand to help her out of the water.

She watches him, her expression now one of weighing and measuring, nodding as he confirms her earlier suspicions of augmentations, even as her eyes follow the lines of his body appreciatively. His words however, take her by surprise for some reason, and she arches a brow, a hint of suspicion lighting her eyes.

He's actually working for this. What is he after? I got what I wanted - a lucrative trade. Negotiations are over ... possible ties for the future? He mentioned his report. Why? Blackmail?

Swimming to the side, she reaches up slowly to take his hand, her eyes locked on his.

"And when you've had what you desire, boy ... then what?" she asks. "You won't be the first man to seek my bed for various reasons, not all merely a bit of pleasure. I'm certain you won't be the last. You seem to hail from a nation that values frank talk, so tell me ... what is it you're looking for?"

Bruce grasps Nathi's arm between the elbow and the wrist, smoothing pulling her from the water, and pulling her against him, bodies touching for a moment, before he steps back, keeping eye contact, though.

Bruce sighs softly, and smiles. "A number of things, Nathi. Pleasure, of course, was first and foremost in my mind, amoung other places." He grins briefly, chuckling, before he returns to a serious contenence, but still smiling. "Also, in the Federation, we view a leader as representative of their culture, their nation, and part of my assignment was to find out everything I could about both you and the Dominion, by whatever means required. A diplomat is first and foremost an intelligence agent, after all. If there was mutual fun and pleasure from my doing that, I wasn't going to complain."

He breaks eye contact, and paces away, then turns back. "I enjoyed your company today, and was hoping to make your night as enjoyable as my day. If I have offended you, I apologize."

Nathicana simply watches him, at first not answering, though her expression is thoughtful. She walks over to the poolside shower, and pulls the handle, slowly washing the chlorine from her hair and body. She works to untie the top, rinsing it out, then hanging it on the nearby rack, then does the same with the bottoms, completely unashamed. She pushes the handle back up, wrings the water from her hair, then casually, she walks over to retrieve a towel, first drying her face, toweling through her hair, the starting to wrap it around her body.

"You haven't offended," she says softly. "No need for apologies."

Bruce watches her, awaiting a response, eyes memorizing every detail, images that will likely inhabit his dreams for sometime to come. He stands silently, patiently, wanting to hear the words she says next. Relief, and no small amount of happiness, is evident on his face at her words, though, trained actor he might be.

"Of that I am glad, Nathi." He smiles somewhat, still expecting more of a response.

She finishes wrapping herself up in the simple white towel, tosses her damp hair back over her shoulder, then walks over, looking up at him. "It has been a ... difficult time of late, Bruce," she says, hesitating as if unsure quite how to proceed. He looks down at the Dread Lady, and attempts to smile encouragingly at her, willing her to continue.

Nathi shakes her head slightly, irritated with herself. Dammit woman, what is wrong with you? Perfectly nice piece of ass right there, and you're hesitating? She knew the answer of course, and her hand went instinctively to her other, toying idly with her ring, twisting and rubbing it as was her habit. It's over. Has been for a long time now. Just haven't admitted it. "Bruce, I ..."

He pauses, a look of concern passing across his face. "What is it, Nathi?" he asks softly. He reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder, then hesitates, and lets it drop again, sensing this might not be the right time.

The dark-haired woman reaches out to take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She starts walking forward, slowly, looking back at him over her shoulder when it becomes necessary for him to either turn and follow, or let go.

Bruce allows himself to be led along, gently holding onto her hand, padding after her quietly, waiting for her to continue, if she chose to do so.

She nods, leading him up the short set of stairs then back along the veranda to the curving tiled stairway leading to the upper floor of the villa. She doesn't say a word, simply walks along, leaving wet footprints along the brick and tile. He trails behind, his bathing suit still crunch up in one hand, adding a dripping counterpoint to their silent walk. He has no idea where they are going. Well, no. He has an idea, but he's not sure why. For now, he is simply content to play by her rules.

Nathicana continues to lead, stepping onto a vine-covered upper balcony that wraps around the back corner of the villa. She walks to the door, turns the handle, and steps inside to her private room. Next to the window overlooking the bay is a desk and chair, all neatly arranged, as is the rest of the room. A large comfortable-looking bed is against a windowless wall off to the other side, opposite from the door leading out to a hallway, and to the adjoining master bathroom. The room is tastefully, yet simply decorated, again in the earth tones predominant, a soft, thick carpet throughout.

Bruce_Reynolds glances around quickly, suspicion confirmed. He notes the exits, and the positions of the furniture as a matter of course, his memory implant making a quick map of the room, should he need to move about in the dark for any reason. But still he remains quiet. He is, in fact, a bit stunned by the turn of events, and that helps him stay quiet. It is not often he meets a woman who can put a trained diplomat at a loss for words.

She leaves the door open, the soft moonlight pooling on the floor from there and the many-paned windows. Stepping softly, she leads him to the bed, turning back the covers, then letting her towel drop to the floor. She turns to face him, her eyes focused on his face, her expression unreadable. Seeming to come to a final decision, she lets go of his hand, and slips slowly onto the bed, sitting up slightly on one elbow, patting the bed beside her with the other, beckoning.

Bruce allows his towel to drop to the floor, and drops his swimsuit on top of it, carefully. He sinks onto the bed, making eye contact with Nathicana, but somewhat nervously all the same. Gazing into her dark eyes, he adopts a similar position to hers, though not identical, and he reaches out to caress her cheek, testing the seeming unreality of it all. No matter how much he'd played, in his heart, he'd never expected it to go here. But not a trace of it showed on his face, as his eyes burned behind a thin veneer of civility.

"You said you wanted to make my night as enjoyable as your day was," she says quietly, her eyes still focused on his face.

He smiles carefully. "Yes, I did say that, Nathi." He runs his hand down from her cheek, tracing the curve of her neck, shoulder, the gentle swell of her breast, the fine line of her side, the curve of her hip and the smoothness of her thigh. Then, with both enhanced arms, he pulls her gently to him, lips closing on hers, tongue tracing their softness, as one hand cups the back of her head, the other, her lower back.

Nathicana shivers gently at his touch, her breath catching. She half resists as he pulls her close, her expression conflicted as she softly kisses back, eyes still studying him. Finally breaking off with an almost inaudible sigh, she murmurs quietly against his lips. "Then ... for now at least ... per favore ... just hold me?" Her voice is oddly uncertain, her unspoken need and the request mirrored in her eyes.

Bruce smiles gently, perhaps it could have been mistaken for love in another setting. It was friendship, though. He accedes to her request, and wraps his arms around her, drawing her against his chest, hand stroking lightly through her hair as he shares his warmth and strength with this strong, yet strangely vulnerable, woman.

Nathicana nestles in close against him, her own mind still racing, yet taking comfort in the fact that at least this night, she won't be sitting up with a bottle, staring out across the bay. "Grazie," she whispers, letting her hand wander idly along first his chest, then side, then on down along his hip as she shifts closer.

He glances down at her, eye contact broken by her closeness, and runs his hand gently along her back, in time with his even strokes of her hair. He softly kisses her forehead, and whispers back to her, words hot against her skin, "My pleasure, Nathi."

Bruce watched the beautiful woman in his arms as she snuggled against him, wondering again why he did what he did. He slowly, through enhanced hearing and touch, felt and heard the change in her breathing as Nathicana fell asleep. He shifted his gaze to her, watching her sleep in his arms for a long time, before eventually, the day caught up to him, and his eyes drifted closed, and his dreams were pleasant indeed, though not overly so.

Hours later, she stretched gently, rubbing her eyes with a quiet yawn ... and noticed strong arms around her. Glancing in a moment of early morning confusion, she glanced back over her shoulder and saw Bruce, sleeping peacefully. She paused, mind quickly running over the events from the night before as it all came back. She closed her eyes, relaxing for a moment and simply enjoying the feeling of security. True, she didn't know him all that well. That sort of thing had never really mattered though. Even so, he'd not protested, nor had there been any accusation in his eyes. He'd been there for her when she needed, in a way most men she knew wouldn't think of when faced with a similar situation. For one night at least, she'd felt safe, and slept. She was at a loss as to what she should do next.

Nathicana glanced at the clock, and cursed quietly. Already after eight? Christ ... She shifted slightly, trying not to disturb him.

Bruce shifted slightly in his sleep, obviously still deep in a land generated in his own mind, bare skin rubbing on bare skin, as he muttered something unintelligible, even breaths stirring Nathicana's hair. She couldn't help but smile, shifting gently once again, moving to scoot out and away from him, ever so slowly, again trying not to wake him. Looks so tired ...

He grunted in his sleep softly as Nathicana pushed against his arms, and tightened his hold slightly, apparently subconsciously not ready to let her go yet. The arms were still loose, but it would a little more effort to get clear.

"Going to have to let go sometime, boy," she murmured softly, reaching up to gently stroke his cheek. She once again shifted after it seemed he'd settled back in.

He blinked sleepily as Nathicana shifted a third time, enhanced senses finally registering her movement, touch, and her voice. Yawning, he turned his gaze on her, and when he saw exactly who was in his arms, all vestiges of sleep left his eyes, which widened considerably. His mouth opened to speak, and then snapped shut as he recalled the night before. "Good morning," he said, clearly, but softly, loosening his hold, but not letting go yet.

"Morning," she murmured, still smiling. "Sleep well, boy?" She watched him, noting his hesitancy to break contact. Truth, she couldn't blame him. It was the best she'd slept in weeks, and it was rather ... comfortable laying there close.

Bruce nodded silently, dark eyes glancing about the room for a clock, then widening slightly as he found it, and widening again as he noticed the still open door. "I suppose we should be getting up." Bruce made no move to do so, though, as his mind raced. Arthur is an early riser... he'll be wondering where I am. Damn it all. Hell, it was worth whatever flak I catch.

She nods, still watching him thoughtfully. "Yes, we should. Usually out for my morning run at six," she murmurs. "The staff will have long had breakfast ready, and served if Arthur isn't one to sleep in. Still, nothing to worry about. There's always ample food in this house."

Bruce nods slowly, still thinking. "Well, then." Just then his stomach rumbles. "Food is probably a good idea." He says with a chuckle, and he slowly, almost reluctantly, unwraps his arms from Nathicana's body.

Nathicana watches him as he moves back, she in turn rolling away onto her back, stretching slowly, and yawning just a bit. She eventually sits up, swinging her legs out over the edge of the bed, and standing, stretching again as she unconsiously brushes her hair back from her face. She makes no move to cover herself as she walks over to the armoire and takes out a short red kimono-style robe, pulling the silken garment around her with a shiver.

He rolls out of the bed, landing in a crouch before standing slowly and turning his gaze on Nathicana. Watching her, he bends down again and picks up his dry towel and swimsuit from the floor. As he wraps the towel back around his waist, he asks, "Cold, Nathi?"

"The material," she said in explanation, smiling as she turned to look him over. "Need a robe?" she asked, opening up a drawer and gesturing to the contents, one black men's silk robe in particular. "I'm afraid the other things here might be a bit on the ah ... short side, for you."

Bruce stands, and let the towel and swimsuit fall to the floor again, before scooping up the robe and shaking it out with a flourish. He slides one arm into it, and his eyes widen slightly, his only acknowledgement of her comment on the material. He ties it with a smile, and then begins to chuckle softly, nearly to himself.

"Something amusing, Bruce?" she says, grinning. She rummages about for a moment before finding a pair of loose silk boxers, a deep crimson, with the raised designs of little oriental dragons on them. She slips them on, still watching him. "Propriety," she says simply.

He continues chuckling for a moment as he picks up his swim trunks again and slides them on. "Well, I just thought about Arthur's reaction if I trotted back into the guest house, early in the morning, dressed in a bath robe. While it would be entertaining, it isn't one I'm looking forward to. Especially after last night's dinner." He winks at her, as his stomach rumbles again.

Nathi grins impishly. "So, what are you going to tell him?" she teases, walking over to the door that leads into the hallway. He follows her, picking up his towel quickly. "I'll probably duck back in the pool before I get back to the guest house. Tell him I woke up early to swim."

She laughs at that. "Ah, you silly boy. Get your ass downstairs and have some breakfast. No doubt the man's been up and asking after you already." She turned, her shoulders still shaking slightly with laughter as she padded down the hall, pausing at the head of the stairs to look back over her shoulder.

Bruce follows directions, following Nathi down the stairs, his gaze drifting back to her again and again, as he forced himself to concentrate on breakfast. Breakfast, damn it Bruce. Breakfast. What you did last night was better for both of you than what you're considering now. So get yourself under control. She takes a few steps down, again casting a glance back over her shoulder, then pausing for a moment. "Something wrong, Bruce?" she asks quietly, realizing well enough the decided awkwardness the situation tended to present.

He shakes his head. "No, Nathi. Just hungry," he claimed, as his stomach growled loudly. It had been a long time since dinner. His face was a study though when he made a brief eye contact with her, as he rarely had to put on his diplomat's face this soon after waking, and was slightly out of practice. She nods, thoughtful for a moment. Without explanation, she climbs back up the stairs til she stands level with him, her eyes fixed on his. Reaching out with one hand, she cups the back of his head, pulling him in close for a slow, lingering kiss. She finally draws back, smiling softly. "Grazie," she says, "For last night. I don't expect you to understand, but ..." she trails off, gaze dropping briefly, then returning to regard him quietly.

Bruce returns Nathi's kiss with no small measure of surprise, and holds her eyes with his when she looks at him again. A man of words, trained in the art of speaking, Bruce was at a loss. Finally, after a long moment of simply gazing into her eyes with his own, he responded, pulling a soft grin onto his face. "Anytime."

She smiles, trailing her fingertips down along his neck, shoulders, then arm as she moves to continue back down the stairs. "Gianni," she calls out, a voice from the kitchen shouting back a muffled 'Si, Signora?' "If you would, do put some water on to boil, and check the coffee, dear. On my way down."

Bruce turns to follow Nathi's shapely, thinly clad form down the stairs, as his mind raced, trying to figure out, from what he knew of her, what her problem could be, the one she thought he would not understand. She reaches the bottom of the stairs, walking quietly across the tiled hall to a set of swinging double doors. Pushing the left one open, she disappears into the kitchen, breathing in the smells of breakfast with a contented smile. "Ah, Gianni, as always, your people do an excellent job." She reaches over to steal a sausage link from a tray sitting on the island.

The shutters at the far end of the kitchen, looking out onto the dining room, are open now, showing place settings and breakfast fixings already laid out for them on a long table with room for ten. Bruce snags an orange as they pass through the kitchen, and puncturing it with his thumb, crushes the juice out into his mouth, enhanced strength not leaving much of the orange at all as he pulls out Nathi's chair for her.

Gianni goes about finishing the tray, setting the small teapot gently in the middle, then snagging the pot of coffee as he followed the two out. He busied himself with laying out the tray, asking each what they'd prefer to drink, noting that juice and other beverages were available, as well as a light breakfast wine, should Bruce desire. Nathi accepted Bruce's offer with a smile and quiet 'grazie', sitting down gracefully and settling in.

Bruce smiles, and requests a cup of coffee, a glass of orange juice, and a glass of chocolate milk. For the coffee, he also requests four sugars, as he sits down across from Nathi, watching her. She smiles in return, taking the tongs from the tray to serve herself up a skillet-style dish of eggs, spiced sausage, and various other ingredients, definitely in the Dominion style, as well as some simple sweet waffles. She went about preparing those with the fresh strawberries and cream already set on the table. Gianni, in the meantime, retrieved the requested beverages for Bruce. "Gianni," she said, "Has Aurthur been taken care of?" He nodded in return. "Earlier this morning, my lady."

Bruce meanwhile, piles his plate high, getting about half again as much food as the Dread Lady, definitely aiming for high carbohydrate content foods. He drank down the juice without a word, and then smiled at Nathi. She chuckles, eating slowly, but steadily, her own intake more than would perhaps be considered 'normal' for a woman, though she hides it fairly well in spreading it out, taking a bit more here and there before finishing what's on her plate. Misdirection at work once again. "So where do you suppose he's gotten off to, Bruce?"

He quickly and steadily eats, not like dinner the other night, which had been a leisurely affair. Between mouthfuls, he responds. "Probably reading something or other. He's a fairly quiet, businesslike person." He quickly finishes the food on his plate, and takes another helping, nearly as big. "So, you've not found a way to run enhancements without extra energy either?" He smiles, not at all fooled by her 'misdirection.'

Nathi shoots him a wry grin. "I've a healthy appetite," she says, admitting nothing. "High metabolism, you know. Have to keep the energy levels up, eat well, and often to avoid burnout."

He chuckles as Nathicana does not confirm or deny his assertion about her enhancements, but he knew an enhanced person when he saw one. There was something subtly different about the way they moved, especially if you got them distracted. He continues eating quickly, as dinner was a long time before.

"I think the agreements went well," she observes, sneaking some more sausage, quietly sipping the tea she'd started earlier. "I'm sure they will have the paperwork over this morning." He nods, and swallows his current bite, washing it down with his coffee added sugar. "That'd be good." He glances down at their current state of undress. "We might wish a bit more clothing before then, though," he observes with a small smile.

"Well, ah ... true, I suppose," she says with a grin. "At least you, eh? I'm used to working from home. Still, would hate to scandalize poor Arthur any more than he may well already be." He smiles. "True, too true." He continues, muttering, "The dude could use a little scandalizing now and again, though." And then in a more normal voice, "Well, I've just the thing for you to wear, too."

Nathicana arches a brow at that. "Well now, I hardly think we've reached the point in our relationship for you to be telling me what to wear," she teased with a wry grin. "All the same, what's on your mind?"

Bruce chuckles. "Well, we did happen to bring a sample of one type of the nanoweave fabrics. I can hardly think of anything more appropriate for you to wear, though I'm afraid I'll have to show you how to use it."

She looks at him in surprise. "Show me ... how to use it? Gods man, how complicated is this stuff?" Bruce chuckles. "This one is special. It's a memory tunic. It takes a little getting used to. Most of the nanoweaves you can just wear, though. And I imagine you could probably figure it out on your own, but it will go faster if I help."

Nathi pushes back from the table, and grins. "This ought to prove ... interesting," she says, standing up. "Lead on?" He pushes back as well, finishing off the last of his milk. "I'll bring it up to your room, if that's alright?"

"Not a problem. I'll be waiting," she says, giving him a wink. "Gianni, if you would, call down to the offices, and check on the progress with the trade papers for the Federation? Grazie." And with that she walked back through the kitchen, out the swinging doors, and up the stairs, pausing in her office to take care of some business.

Bruce returns to the guest house, still wearing the robe, having forgotten all about Arthur. He makes it inside, Arthur apparently distracted by whatever he was reading. Bruce quickly showers, and dresses, and pulls out the plastic incased fabric from his bag, whistling idly as he returns upto Nathi's room, about twenty-five minutes after departing the table. He finds her laying on her stomach on the bed, still in her robe though now sans the boxers, typing idly on her laptop, her feet crossed at the ankles. She looks up with a smile. "Ah, there you are. All well?"

He nods. "Yes. Arthur was so deeply engrossed in his reading, he didn't even notice me." He holds up the package. "Here it is." She quickly finishes and saves whatever document she's working on, closing the laptop and setting it aside. She stretches, then gets up off the bed, walking over and taking the package with a curious look.

When Nathi extracts the fabric from the package, she finds a black fabric, with what appears to be gleaming jewels sewn into it. She takes the time to shrug out of her robe before appreciating the tunic’s soft feel against her skin. When she puts it on, it is simply a loose, short-sleeved tunic, that falls to just below her hips.

Bruce smiles as the nearly silken fabric drapes loosely over Nathi's form. "Now, the fun part."

"What are the jewel bits?" she asks, turning, examining the material. He grins. "Little solar panels. Body heat doesn't provide enough energy for what this fabric does. And what it does, is this..." He steps around behind her, and smoothes the tunic against her body with his hands. And it stays there. Then he stretches the hemline to the floor, and again, it stays. On the other hand, it is quite possibly too tight to move in.

Nathicana looks at him with a brief flash of panic in her eyes. "I ah
... Bruce, if you could ..." Don’t panic. Don’t panic.

Bruce smiles. "Of course. The key now is pressure, where you want the breaks." He presses the tip of his finger against her right hip and runs it all the way down her leg to the hemline, and the dress splits along the line he drew. "It'll do that anywhere on the fabric."

She shivers lightly at his touch, her eyes widening as the fabric simply parts. She puts her leg out to the side experimentally, noting the way the fabric moved and reacted. "It usually is easier to use with a second person, but I'm sure you'll have plenty of help, should you need it. It'll assume any length you want it to, and will reseal on contact with itself. You could make it into a jumpsuit, if you wanted, or angle the hemline, or drop the shoulders. The choice is yours," he says.

Nathi experiments with it a bit, tweaking the neckline to be more revealing, stopping just short of scandalous. "This stuff is amazing," she says. "You know some of the less unsavory industries will be clamoring for it, especially the ones dealing with, shall we say, 'alternative' crowds?"

Bruce laughs loudly. "Only if those crowds are rich."

"You'd be surprised, Bruce. La Famiglia's have their hands in many areas, and they do have money," she says, grinning wryly as she made a slit down the other side of the by now, dress.

He laughs again. "You're wearing a quarter million Federation credits at the moment, Nathi. I doubt even they have that kind of money to burn on clothing."

Nathicana stops dead in her movements, looking to him sharply. "Did you say a quarter ... million?" she asks, trying to cover her surprise.

Bruce feels the laughter leave his face at her expression. "Yes, I did say a quarter million. That dress is top of the line experimental civilian technology, at the moment. D'ron tried to keep it under wraps, but the company was insistent, and the High Court ruled in their favor. D'ron chose not to press the issue any further, though legally, he could have. Even with absolute power, one must pick and choose their battles. So you've the height of Federation fashions there, Nathi. I don't think Lady Lesley has one yet, even."

Nathicana nods slowly, her mind racing over possibilities, and implications. "How'd you get away with it, Bruce?" she asks, idly toying with the material, dividing it down across her stomach, then sealing it again, testing the play and the feel of the garment.

He smiles. "Diplomatic Slush Fund, would be the best way to put it. Or a padded expense account. D'ron told us to do whatever it took, and so Arthur and I chose to show just how much the Federation had to offer." His eyes twinkle. "Do you like it?"

She ponders for a moment, though she smiles, nodding again. "Whatever it took, hmm? And if I'd not so readily agreed, the bribes, and ..." She slowly looks up at him, her expression unreadable though the smile remains. "It begs the question, 'why is our trade so important', nevermind the 'just what all were you willing to do' if this sort of thing is so casually offered after negotiations are through."

Bruce grins slightly, picking up on a few of her implications. "The trade isn't important. Friendship is. As for what we were willing to do?" The grin broadens, and he winks. "I guess you'll never know." The grin vanishes. "But last night, that was Bruce, not Ambassador Reynolds." A smile quirks on his face. "As for the dress itself, well, 'tis our custom at trade deals to bring a sample of the wares. We just brought the best we had."

Nathi chuckles. "Very good, Bruce. Very good. Covering all your bases. Well then, if sample it is, then who am I to refuse it?" There is a mischievous gleam in her eyes, though she keeps whatever thoughts she has hidden. She continues to toy with the dress, exposing, then covering bits of flesh, adjusting lines here and there to better accentuate her figure, or loosen it as her whims dictated. "One more question, however. How does one clean it?"

He watches as Nathi plays with the dress, idly distracted. "Clean it?" He swallows, and examines his toes for a minute, then looks at the package again. His eyes light up as they find a label, which he reads. "Machine wash cold, with like colors. Line dry."

"And the little collectors, they won't come off?" she asks, pretending not to notice the effect she's having on him. A distant, muffled bell sounds, from downstairs. "Ah," she says, smiling. "I'd wager that is the paperwork we need. And Bruce ... thank you." She doesn't move to go just yet, however. "The dress, and all, of course. I've never seen the like."

Bruce shakes his head. "The solar collectors are part of the fabric. They aren't going anywhere." He shoves his hand in his pocket and pulls something small and dark out, holding it up to her. It turns out to be a sheath of sorts. "Arthur and I bought that as a thank you for your hospitality gift. The sheath will mesh with any fabric until you want it off, by pulling the little tab, which operates again, on pressure and body heat. It'll hold anything up to a twelve inch blade completely secure." He hurries through the explanation without a breath, as if he's afraid he's messing up somehow.

Nathicana murmurs a quiet explanation of surprise at the gift, clearly both confused, and pleased. "Bene grazie, mi amico," she says, moving over to a mirror, admiring the dress and more closely examining the sheath. Setting it down carefully, she takes up a brush and begins running it through her hair with long, gentle strokes. Once satisfied, she stretches again, then pulls her hair back in a simple but graceful twist. "I think that will come in very handy indeed."

Turning back to Bruce, she smiles. "Well, what do you think? Ready to snag Arthur and get those papers signed?"

Bruce smiles involuntarily when she smiles at him, as if the corners of their mouths are connected. Damn it, Bruce, get over your crush on this woman. D Section says that in addition to being married, she's likely otherwise attached as well. That may be, Brucie, but she's a hot piece of tail. Shutup. Always two sides to every argument. "Sounds like a plan, Nathi."

Running her hands over the lines of her dress one more time, she smiles and leads the way downstairs again, this time, walking out to the sitting room off to the right of the stairs. Gianni is waiting, a manila folder in hand, which he promptly passes to her. "Signora," he says with a nod and a smile. "If there will be anything else?" His gaze slides to the bottle of wine, already opened, and three glasses sitting ready on a low table.

"Nothing, thank you Gianni," she says. "Grazie." Turning to Bruce, she smiles. "Arthur?" she asks questioningly.

His eyes lose focus for just a moment, and then. "He's on his way." Nathicana arches a brow. "Implants," she asks curiously.

"A few." Bruce admits cautiously.

The caution in his voice confirms more than his words, and she smiles disarmingly. "Enough, I'll warrant. Please, why don't you make yourself comfortable til he gets here, hmm?" She sits down on one of the leather sofas, crossing her knees carefully, and taking out the papers to peruse.

He pats his pocket as he sits across from her, checking for his pen. Once seated, his eyes, though not really staring, never leave her, though they are not entirely focused either. After a few minutes, Arthur comes in, carrying both travel bags, which he sets down just inside the door. "Good morning, Dread Lady, Ambassador. Sleep well?" Bruce's eyes refocus and he nods jerkily, wondering what Nathi's response will be.

"Best sleep I've had in weeks, Arthur," she says with a smile. "Yourself? I apologize for missing you this morning. Had I not been sleeping so contentedly, I would have been there. Gianni seemed to think I needed it."

Arthur nods, smiling. "I slept well. Odd really. I don't normally adapt to strange beds so well." He looks at Bruce questioningly, who slides over, and then, Arthur sits next to him. "That the final agreement?" Arthur asks.

"We do try to keep things comfortable," she says, looking up from the papers. "And yes, these are the papers we need." She hands them over, for their perusal, having already gone over them herself.

Bruce extends his hand and reads the document quickly, noting the only change is the one agreed to the night before. He nods, passing them to Arthur, who repeats the process. Looking up, Arthur smiles. "Looks good to me." Bruce is also smiling. Yes, she certainly does look good, doesn't she, Bruce? The papers, idiot. No sign of Bruce's inner conflict is visible, though.

"I'm pleased we were able to come to the agreement," she says, leaning forward to pour each a glass of wine. She hands one glass to Arthur, the other to Bruce, then sits back, her own in hand.

Bruce nods. "Yes, definitely." And with the briefest of hesitations, he and Arthur raise their glasses together, speaking in unison. "To friends and prosperity."

Nathicana smiles, nodding in agreement. "Friends and prosperity, indeed," she murmurs, raising her glass in turn, then tilting it to her lips to seal the toast.

Bruce and Arthur drink, barely sipping. Even for an event of this magnitude, in the Federation one rarely would drink wine this early. Arthur sets the documents on the table as Bruce pulls out his pen, setting it on the table. "Shall we?" Arthur asks.

"Lead on," she gestures, indicating that they should sign. Two complete sets of documents are there, one for each government to retain for records.

Bruce signs quickly both documents with a flourish, and then hands the pen to Arthur, who signs more sedately. To Nathi the pen goes next, though it travels through Bruce's hands to reach hers.

Nathicana allows her fingers to brush against his with the slightest of lingering motions as she accepts the pen. "Grazie," she murmurs, smiling warmly. She leans over, signing the papers with her usual bold style, then offers the pen back. "And that, as they say, is that. I look forward to doing business with you gentlemen," she says, nodding to each. "And Arthur, I wish to thank you as well for the beautiful gifts. Very much appreciated."

He slips the pen into his pocket as Arthur responds. "I must admit surprise to seeing you with the dress, Dread Lady. Until Bruce called me, I thought he was still asleep, figuring you two had had a long night on the town."

"Seems you two have been missing each other this morning," she says with a grin. "I recall him saying you'd been reading or something when he stopped back over after breakfast to retrieve it."

Arthur nods. "I do like to read when it is quiet and still in the mornings. And I do tend to get quite engrosses in my books." He smiles ruefully, which slowly becomes nearly a grin. "So did you two enjoy your night out?"

Nathi flashes Bruce one of her more charming smiles. "Well, aside from an unplanned dip in the canale," she teased, trailing off.

Bruce glowers at the mention of that. "Aside from that, caused by a minor distraction, it was most pleasant, for me, any way." Arthur blinks. Bruce was one of the most balanced people he knew. A minor distraction wouldn't make him fall.

"Ah, those gondolas can be tricky. I believe the bench on that one was loose," she says in all seriousness. "It was a beautiful night last night, and the music was wonderful. My pleasure entirely, I assure you."

He chuckles. "I can let bear all the responsibility for last night, Nathi. It was our mutual pleasure, then." Arthur suppresses a look of horror just short of his face at Bruce's words, afraid of what it might imply. Bruce reaches out and carefully folds one copy of the document in thirds, before sliding it into his shirt pocket, along with the pen.

Nathicana's face doesn't betray a thing as she smoothly accepts it with a smile. "Always the best sort," she says, taking another slow sip of her wine. "I'm glad you made the suggestion. It's been a while since I'd been out on the town at night. I'd forgotten how beautiful Devras can be then."

Bruce whispers under his breath. "There was much beauty about last night." Arthur, though, speaks over him. "Well, I'm glad you two enjoyed yourselves. But now, I'm afraid, with business complete, our time in your wonderful nation is drawing to a close, Dread Lady."

"Of course," she says, her tone businesslike. Still, she does finish the wine, draining it quickly and setting the glass aside. "I'll have the car brought 'round. I hope you don't mind if I accompany you? I would be a poor hostess indeed were I to do otherwise."

Bruce and Arthur carefully drain their glasses as well, though a bit more sedately. "Not at all, Nathi," Bruce responds. "We'll be delighted to have you accompany us."

"Gianni," she calls out, then rattles off instructions to him rapidly in her native language to have the car readied, and the proper procedures to be initiated. She stood smoothly, tucking her copy of the papers back in the manila folder, and extending her hand to the gentlemen. "It has indeed been a pleasure," she says, still smiling.

Bruce waits as Arthur, technically senior of the two, shakes Nathi's hand first, and then gives it his own turn, squeezing a bit harder than is needed, to test her reaction before trailing breaking the hand clasp. Both men smile as Arthur responds, "It will truly have been a pleasure, I think, when we both see the profit margins."

Nathicana doesn't bat an eye at the squeeze, returning it, albeit gently, without any hint of increased musculature. "Oh, I think so," she replies, grinning somewhat mischievously. "Shall we, gentlemen?" Nathi gestures to the door, taking a step in that direction herself.

Both men follow, and though Bruce is slightly disappointed at the failure of his latest tactic, he is sure Nathi is enhanced, just very good at hiding it.

With a gentle sway to her hips accentuated just for Bruce, she walks ahead of them, Gianni waiting at the door to hold it open. She hands off the envelope to him, with brief, quiet instructions, then making her way to the Bentley already waiting in the drive. Accepting the offered hand of her driver for assistance, she gracefully gets into the car, and slides over on the seat to make room.

Bruce slides in first, smoothly, and sits next to Nathicana, while Arthur takes a seat opposite them, pretending not to notice just how close Bruce sat to Nathi. Both men watch out the windows as the car begins to move, now able to see in daylight what the night had previously obscured.

As the views present themselves through the trees along the winding road that leads back to the city, Nathicana takes the time to indicate points of interest from this higher vantage point, commenting at least once on how they should truly accept an extended visit some time, given the many sights there are to see, the operas, the sailing. She pours herself another glass of wine, offering some to the others, pointing out the other option in the mini-fridge if they’d prefer.

Bruce, in between sips of water, makes a promise to return one day, and Arthur agrees, though not quite as enthusiastically. Arthur makes causal small talk with Nathicana, though Bruce is somewhat quieter, simply sitting next to their host, as the car moves steadily onward.

They pass the checkpoint at the airport, driving in to where their transport is waiting. Once the car comes to a halt, the driver steps out, opening the door and offering Nathi a hand out, which she accepts. Stepping out, she waits a couple of paces off for her guests.

As the car pulls up, the boarding ramp extends front he hull, and the hatch slides open. Arthur, then Bruce, get out of the Bentley, standing smoothly, stretching slightly, in the late morning sun. A young lady, perhaps even a girl, if one didn't know of the Federation's extensive Life Len treatments, walks smoothly down the ramp and hands something to Reynolds before disappearing inside again.

Bruce and Arthur turn, smiling, to the Dread Lady. "Thank you for having us, Nathi. I'm glad we got to know one another better." Bruce extends the object, which turns out to have been a data pad. "Noting your interest last night, this contains a much more through history that I could provide last night, with accompanying holographic visuals." Bruce smiles as Arthur blinks in surprise.

Nathicana smiles warmly, taking the data pad and looking it over curiously. "I can't wait to go over it," she says, stretching up to brush her lips against first his right cheek, then his left. "Grazie, Bruce. I've truly enjoyed having the both of you as guests, and only hope that I might find a way to repay you for your gracious gifts." She turns then to Arthur, offering the same chaste kisses on each cheek, her warm smile taking them both in.

"I hope you enjoyed your stay, and that your return trip will be a safe and pleasant one."

Arthur nods. "We have enjoyed our stay, and thank you for having us in your home, Dread Lady. May the winds of fortune find you well until we meet again." With that, Arthur embarks the vessel, leaving Bruce standing on the landing pad with Nathi.

Bruce winks at Nathicana. "As for repaying us, Nathi, there is no need. I echo Arthur's thanks of sharing your, um, house with us." He grins at her. "I hope you can find time to visit the Federation again. Your last stay was much to short for our nation to be graced with you." He leans forward to whisper in her ear. "And should you decide to visit, I'll gladly offer the hospitality of my house to you."

And then, with a final wink, he spins and follows Arthur up the ramp into the shuttle, door sealing behind him. And after a mere moment, with the roar of antigravs, the shuttle breaks free of the pad and streaks to the southwest, leaving Nathicana standing on the pad in the slight breeze.

She lifts a hand in farewell, watching them fly off with a soft smile, then walks back to the car. Pouring herself another glass of wine, she drinks without thinking about it, finishing a fourth before the car pulls back in to the villa.

That was enjoyable … now back to the grind.