NationStates Jolt Archive

Velma looked over at Sulla and said,
"Shouldn't you be over at the debate floor boss. Cobdenia might need support for this one. The yammerheads might come out."

"I've already taken care of than,my dear. I had an aquarium set up and am letting some of the Naval dolphins debate. Besides the scenery is better here", said the good Senator as he gave her a roguish ogle.

"Are you nuts, Horatio! Those foul mouthed creatures will cause a panic. Most of the UN thinks dolphins are cute, cuddly, and beloved by children everywhere!", Velma said very alarmed.

"My dear, you worry too much. The UN delegates richly deserve the dolphins. However that did remind me of one thing. I'll be back.", he said as he stood up.

Then the good but unwholesome senator made his way to the Kawaiian Shrine, and nodded politely to the shrine maiden.
"A thousand and sixty-nine pardons ma'am. But I think you should advise your Nuncio and the other kawaiians, that for this debate I've sic'ed the dolphins onto the General Assembly."
Giving the lady a smile, he handed her a small offering of greenbacks for the shrine out of politeness, and made his way back to his table.

He then eyes the ambassador from Vulpes Vixenis warily from the corner of his hood, as if sizing up a threat a wolf poses to a hunter.

She returns his appraisal, quirking a brow, but decides it best to keep out of the conversation. This is quite obviously none of her business. She calls her brother over.

"Jakart, do you think you'd be open to... a little experiment?" she inquires, attempting to broach the subject lightly.

He grimaces in response. "Am I going to lose any fur this time? It took three months for my tail to grow back all the way..."

"Oh, no, no, nothing like that," she soothes. "The Archoillean ambasador and I were discussing the possibility of awakening magical potential within our people, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in becoming the test subject. And I do appologize, ma'am, I seem to have missed your name? Nor, I believe, have we given ours... I am Queen Vaela Dorn, and this is my brother, General Jakart Dorn."

The male gives a nod of greeting. "I don't suppose that'd be such a bad thing. Probably hurt less than a few of your other ideas."

OOC: At least, pretty sure didn't do introductions. Posts are a bit confuzzled.

Markas looks at the demon and yells to it, 'Draken, what in the hell are you doin here!?!? i didn't summon you yet and therefore, you should not be here." As Markas spoke, the daemon turned to face him and morphed right before everyone's eyes. He transformed into a creature of about 6 and a hafl feet tall. His skin was a reddish-hue and it had horns growing from its head. It also had big, black wings and reverse-jointed legsending in taloned claws.

It kneeled before Markas and spoke saying, "No master, you did not summon me, but I have this message." It removed a case made of human bone and handed it over to Markas. Markas then replied saying, "Very well. Please, stay here, but over in the corner near the portal..."

Drakin replied, "Very well Master. I shall remain nearby."

Markas then turned twords the ambasador from Vulpes Vixenis again saying, "if you are trying to discover the sparks of magic within your people, we would be glad to help." He then turned back to the table and began reading the note Drakin delivered whil the daemon went to stand in the corner from whence Markas came.

Longclaw studiously ignores the demons right next to him knowing smokefur would take care of them if need be and says to Markas, "Wow that was rather unnessesary you could have just used holy water or something." Then turning to Evander, "whats up Evander, Its just these two (Sadrin and Markas) bickering about some stolen stuff again."

Markas replies to Longclaw, "Why would I want to kill my servant. He will be punished, but he is my only servant, bound to this plane by my magic. He is my familiar, and quite handy with that balde suspended between his wings." At that moment, a two-handed longsword appeared in Drakin's hands. It was almost as tall as the daemon himself and was made of some fel metal. Its hilt was made of human bone wrapped in human veins still coursing with blood from some fel magic. At the cross-section where the blade met the hilt, there was a human skull and down the blade ran blood-red runes that matched the ones on Markas' robe.

"Now Sadrin, about our deal..." went on Markas to Sadrin.

"Neville's got it wrong, of course," he told Sammy. "Serve him right for being so matey with our President -- she always gets the bull by the tit. It's Ardchoilleans, Normal Status. Because we're Ardchoilleans too, and we should have normal status, but we don't. Despite the fact that we're the ones who're normal human beings. Where d'you stand on that, laddie?"Mr. Kelly arrived pretty quickly, but so did the beer. Sammy had already finished half of his Double Bastard by the time Kelly had ambled over to introduce himself and ask where his loyalties lie. Lucky for the Kennyite, half of 20 ounces wasn't enough to impair his hearing.

Unlucky for Mr. Kelly, half of 20 ounces was enough to impair his judgment.

"What'd you say about my mother?!" Sammy demanded in a drunken slur as he swung his left fist at Kelly's face, missed completely, whirled around, and fell backward into the activist, bringing them both to the floor in a tremendous crash. Having already succumbed to gravity, the men immediately succumbed to their male impulses, rolling about on the floor, attacking each other with terrible fury.

Sammy thought he'd gotten a few good punches in, but the slight pains (sure to increase in intensity once the adrenaline wore off) in his chest, neck and chin suggested Kelly was no lightweight either.

One of the duties of the ambassador to Ardchoille is to name possible Ardchoillean candidates for honorary citizenship, and even as the twain continued to writhe on the floor, beating the holy hell out of each other, a faint thought occurred to Sammy that Kelly just might fit the bill as an honorary Kennyite. He certainly knew how to brawl like one.

Hoshiko remembered the briefing they received before they left the ship and the information they picked up from the historical database.

These people would have been from the people collectively known as 'Aussies' and they were mostly harmless as well as looking like a lot of fun to be with.

So while the lady Ambassador drank at the bar her comm badge chirped. The comms officer told her that the UN had approved their membership and she passed this message onto her colleague.

Now she was free to talk to the Bruces and Shelia's so knocking back her sake she walked over to them. The uniform flattered her figure and the small woman with long dark hair strolled over to the people who looked like being a lot of fun.

"Hello" she said to the Sheila in accented but clear English. She was more used to dealing with other women rather than men although.
"G'day. I'm Sheila. What brings you here?" as she spoke her eyes lit up , it was good to talk to another sheila, even if she was a foreign one.

"You bruces shove off, go look at that Barbeque or something."

and at that comment the three Bruces looked at Dazza hoping for the go ahead.

Hoshiko chuckled and softly replied "Hi Sheila, I'm Hoshiko Sato from Neo Kirisubo. We've just been admitted into the NSUN."

They couldn't have looked any different and Hoshiko vowed to start wearing the red kimono's she'd been issued with. They looked even more flattering than the standard fleet uniform.

"So what do us girls do for fun round here?" she curiously asked wondering just what fun they could get up to. She could think of a few ideas coming from a nation were 90% of the population was female.

Markas replies to Longclaw, "Why would I want to kill my servant. He will be punished, but he is my only servant, bound to this plane by my magic. He is my familiar, and quite handy with that balde suspended between his wings." At that moment, a two-handed longsword appeared in Drakin's hands. It was almost as tall as the daemon himself and was made of some fel metal. Its hilt was made of human bone wrapped in human veins still coursing with blood from some fel magic. At the cross-section where the blade met the hilt, there was a human skull and down the blade ran blood-red runes that matched the ones on Markas' robe.

"Now Sadrin, about our deal..." went on Markas to Sadrin.

IC:Alan having downed his drink in his human form couldn't but help but stare at the new comer's sword. With a quick thought and some hand movements the sword flew out of the daemon's hand and with a resounding thud came to rest upon the wall..Alan then walked over towards Sadrin and introduced him self to the Raven lord delegate...No offense....but Big people with big swords make me uncomfortable...he said whist taking a sip out of his glass.

Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby IV trundled back into the bar, unable to remember precisely when he actually left. He dismissed the thought, turning back to his book he'd been reading in the GA.

"If someone attempts to gift you with a small land-locked nation, make sure to get a receipt and return policy first. When invisible bi-planes attack the internet, retaliate with jam, not jelly..."

Markas, with that dangerous gleam in his eyes, chants some words and Alan goes flying against the wall next to the sword. "Sadrin, if you would give me that amulet now, before I call this deal nulled, and I know you definately want this deal. Ill give you the gold anyways, just give me the amulet!" Markas speaks over his shoulder to Sadrin.

He then turns to face Alan as Drakin walks up to his sword and pulls it off the wall. He then sheathes it between his wings again and, sensing his master's thoughts, grabs Alan by the throat and throws him accross the room, smashing a table and a couple chairs.

"Let that be the end of it! You have no dominion over MY fammiliars as I do over yours!" yells Markas from accross the room. He throws several gold coins to the bartender. "For damages done." says Markas. Then he walks over to Alan, dazed but getting to his feet. He then takes out some gold coins and presses them into Alan's hand saying, "If we would form an alliance, there is more where these come from, friend."

Markas then walks back to his seat with Drakin standing ever closer now. He then uncorks his flask of blood and pours some into a wine cup and takes a long drink.

There was no mysterious whoosh of air, or a darkening of lights as two figures entered the bar. Novels tended to over-dramatize anyway. The two robed men stood briefly in the doorway before walking further into the bar, their features illuminating as the backlight weakened and the doors closed, shielding the pub from the harsh hallway lighting.

They took a seat uncomfortably, stilting as they pulled chairs and sat down, as if they hadn't had to do such a thing for a long time and were just experiencing it for the first time again. It wasn't far from the truth- it had been a long time since Prince Tang and Landaman Pendankr had been in the Stranger's Bar. Almost a lifetime, but there was time for that.

"Jimmy, my boy... two Imperial Brandies, if you still have some left." the former ambassador said. "Probably haven't had any shipments in a while."

If the lines on a face were a measure of years, Pendankr was undoubtedly older than the soil. His smile was lacking, and his trimmed beard seemed wispy and thin, matching his graying robes. The Prince's fair features were much the same, a virtue of some unknown power, but his deep blue eyes had a new dimension of thought and experience, deeper than the deepest ocean trench and hiding twice as many mysteries.

They looked at each other for a moment, then looked around the bar at their drunken former colleagues.

"Where do we start?" the old man whispered, neither to himself nor anyone else. "Where do we start again?"

As the two figures enetr the bar, Markas turns slightly and overhears their plight. Markas gets up and walks over to them, Alan still trying to recover from the throw in the corner. "Excuse me, gentlemen. I heard of your plight about the Imperial Brandies and, well, I thought I might be able to help with that. For some extra cash and favors, I might be able to help you transport it, or anything else for that matter..." says Markas, deliberately leaving the ending open for insertation of other items.

She turned to the new arrival ordering his dinner and giving him a soft gentle smile softly said to him in the slightly accented English "hello. Is anything wrong?"
Jawey turned slowly towards the female voice. "Greetings ma'am. Everything is quite fine, how kind of you to ask. I know that none of the things that happen here are real, and that the world turns on as normal, so all is right in the world. I know that shortly that sword for instance will suddenly change into something utterly benign and that such an event is quite normal for it is not real. Forgive me, I'm being rude" He bowed and held out his hand, elucidating every syllable. "Gohn Jawey, the Gaffaen ambassador, who do I have the honour of speaking to?"

ooc: UGL. How charming of you to ignore what I said. I must make a note to ignore what you say.

ooc: Pah. I might as well post with this account. This place needs more mayhem.

ic: A portal opened in the back of the bar, within the empty kitchen. A belagoured delivery boy in Randomean tribal dress hops out, swearing at the heavy crate he dragged through after him.
"Deliveree for a Mister Chamberpot! Meeeester Chamberpot?!" The kitchen remained silent. Shrugging the boy hopped back through the portal.
The crate was not amused at being left alone. First it shook, then it bounced then finally it let out a burst of blue flame in frustration.

As the two figures enetr the bar, Markas turns slightly and overhears their plight. Markas gets up and walks over to them, Alan still trying to recover from the throw in the corner. "Excuse me, gentlemen. I heard of your plight about the Imperial Brandies and, well, I thought I might be able to help with that. For some extra cash and favors, I might be able to help you transport it, or anything else for that matter..." says Markas, deliberately leaving the ending open for insertation of other items.

Pendankr stares for several seconds at the newcomer, then chuckles. His laugh isn't forced, though, as if he is genuinely happy someone had the gall to ask such a silly question.

"My dear boy, after all that has happened the only place Imperial Brandy is ever likely to be found is in this very bar. I would wager that Neville has a few cases in the back there- and unless Gurgle ate them, which is highly unlikely, they should be one of the last remaining stocks of Imperial Brandy to be found anywhere in this universe or the next."

Tang broke in with a wink and a conciliatory tone. "Very true. Even if he has a few cases of the stuff they are probably worth millions- or billions, depending on the currency you use."

The lined face of the old man stretched into an even wider grin, some of the age falling off his face as he got working. "Think of the profits one could make selling it! Why, there are probably some even rarer items stocked in my office, if it hasnt' been ransacked by robotic hares or that drug-addled Kennyite duo."

The last sentence silenced both men, because they realized how long they had been away. It had only been a few months since the Imperial delegation disappeared from the United Nations, the Antarctic Oasis, and everywhere else, but with the unusual habits regarding their dimension and this one, thousands of years had passed. Where the two had been was another question.

Jawey turned slowly towards the female voice. "Greetings ma'am. Everything is quite fine, how kind of you to ask. I know that none of the things that happen here are real, and that the world turns on as normal, so all is right in the world. I know that shortly that sword for instance will suddenly change into something utterly benign and that such an event is quite normal for it is not real. Forgive me, I'm being rude" He bowed and held out his hand, elucidating every syllable. "Gohn Jawey, the Gaffaen ambassador, who do I have the honour of speaking to?"

ooc: UGL. How charming of you to ignore what I said. I must make a note to ignore what you say.

Sakura shook the offered hand and bowed before gently saying "I'm Ambassador Sakura Yamamoto from the Neo Kirisuban Federation. You are forgiven Jawey san and I noticed that my Starfleet aides phaser and ceremonial dagger changed as well once we entered the bar.

I suppose a lot of unusual things go on in here. Could I get you a drink?"

Markas, with that dangerous gleam in his eyes, chants some words and Alan goes flying against the wall next to the sword. "Sadrin, if you would give me that amulet now, before I call this deal nulled, and I know you definately want this deal. Ill give you the gold anyways, just give me the amulet!" Markas speaks over his shoulder to Sadrin.

He then turns to face Alan as Drakin walks up to his sword and pulls it off the wall. He then sheathes it between his wings again and, sensing his master's thoughts, grabs Alan by the throat and throws him accross the room, smashing a table and a couple chairs.

"Let that be the end of it! You have no dominion over MY fammiliars as I do over yours!" yells Markas from accross the room. He throws several gold coins to the bartender. "For damages done." says Markas. Then he walks over to Alan, dazed but getting to his feet. He then takes out some gold coins and presses them into Alan's hand saying, "If we would form an alliance, there is more where these come from, friend."

Markas then walks back to his seat with Drakin standing ever closer now. He then uncorks his flask of blood and pours some into a wine cup and takes a long drink.


IC:Bloody hell mate that was a fu*k*n cheep shot...Alan then transformed into his laax form....how bout we settle this in a gentlemanly manner mister...erm..your name is Darkin i take it? Speeking towards the Raven lord delegate's Fammilliar. Hmmm how bout i make it more interesting?
Hey Sadrin are you up for a Wager? Alan shouted to the Ice forge delegate....then turning to speak to Markas...If i win you will have to comply with sadrin's demand...But if your familliar wins Sadrin will have to comply with your terms...
And no offence...i just dislike people who carry big swords....So what about it Markas? your familliar up for a friendly challenge?.......Just then Alan's communicator rang shrilly..only one person in the whole UGL has that number...Alan reluctantly answered the beeping communicator....Yes mr president?
DAMN IT ALAN WHAT'S THIS IM HEARING ABOUT YOU CAUSING A COMMOTION IN THE STRANGER'S BAR?! HELL YOUR SUPPOSED TO BE A UN REPRESENTATIVE!! NOT SOME BLOODY WARFREAK...GET YOUR HEAD STRAIGHT ALAN OR YOUR BLOODY ASS IS FIRED!!! And with that last remark the communicator ended the president's transmission......Alan sighed...I never get to have any fun anymore...*reverts back to human form* looks like you gent's would have to settle this between your selves....Alan then turned towards a booth and sat down lost in thought...

OOC:Alan is more tougher than that..he is part laax part protoss part human and all bad ass :)

ooc: UGL. How charming of you to ignore what I said. I must make a note to ignore what you say.

Whoops.....what where u talkin about? i lost track in all the exitement...

Whoops.....what where u talkin about? i lost track in all the exitement...

OOC: If you spent more than a nanosecond or so looking back up the thread for Gaffa posts, you'd notice the request for you to use something to distinguish spoken text from description. I recommend these nifty things called "quote marks" that we have in English. Ellipses, on the other hand, are not your friend.

I've got a different beef. You, Raven Lord and co. are all ignoring the general tenor of the bar (despite some hefty hints from the regulars) and the rules about weaponry (despite being unequivocally told to STOP ARSING ABOUT). You, collectively, are coming close to being the first people I've put on IGNORE in a year of playing on this forum.

Behave, children.

"What'd you say about my mother?!" Sammy demanded in a drunken slur as he swung his left fist at Kelly's face, missed completely, whirled around, and fell backward into the activist, bringing them both to the floor in a tremendous crash. Having already succumbed to gravity, the men immediately succumbed to their male impulses, rolling about on the floor, attacking each other with terrible fury.

Sammy thought he'd gotten a few good punches in, but the slight pains (sure to increase in intensity once the adrenaline wore off) in his chest, neck and chin suggested Kelly was no lightweight either.

One of the duties of the ambassador to Ardchoille is to name possible Ardchoillean candidates for honorary citizenship, and even as the twain continued to writhe on the floor, beating the holy hell out of each other, a faint thought occurred to Sammy that Kelly just might fit the bill as an honorary Kennyite. He certainly knew how to brawl like one.

The good but 50% more unwholesome Sen. Sulla looked on with amusement as Sammy and Mr. Kelly beat the bejaysus out of each other. He took a drink of his Wild Turkey and said to Velma,
"Five bucks says Sammy takes him."

"You're on boss. theres no f'ing way. Sammy couldn't even take HIH Jhessan's elbow drop.", replied Velma.

"But you have to admit though. Her Hotness still has the best damn elbow drop in the Palentine Joshi Wrestling Federation. Speaking of that. Too bad Her Hotness isn't here. Neville might hire her on as a bouncer, to help deal with some of the episodes going on.", said the Senator.

Markas, seeing what just happened, walks over to Alan and sits down in front of him, "Alan, I know our nations together would be quite powerful. Sadrin and I are working on a joint-military program. Besides being one of the most powerful nations here, economically and militarily, we are looking for allies accross the world. We would be honored to lend you our support in exchange for an alliance...We have some of the best mercenary troops around, but our biological weapons diviosion is somewhat lacking. I am authorized to admit this because the message I recieved was a communication from our king asking for an alliance now. Here are the terms:

1) Economic and military support for all nations involved.

2)Special trade rights with our nations.

3)Joint experimental weapons programs between our nations.

4)We get a base of operations in your country to protect our assets in the area.

5)We also provide political support by whatever means (black market contacts, some of the best assassin's around, ect...)

These are our terms, I think you should relay them to your president." Markas then leans back and, as if on que again, Drakin picks up the document on the table in front of Sadrin marked with his country's seal and gives it back to Markas. He then speaks loudly to Sadrin saying, "You don't get these unless we make the same deal."

Markas replies to Longclaw, "Why would I want to kill my servant. He will be punished, but he is my only servant, bound to this plane by my magic. He is my familiar, and quite handy with that balde suspended between his wings." At that moment, a two-handed longsword appeared in Drakin's hands. It was almost as tall as the daemon himself and was made of some fel metal. Its hilt was made of human bone wrapped in human veins still coursing with blood from some fel magic. At the cross-section where the blade met the hilt, there was a human skull and down the blade ran blood-red runes that matched the ones on Markas' robe.

"Now Sadrin, about our deal..." went on Markas to Sadrin.

longclaw interupting ongoing negotiation "who said anything about killing anybody? I just came in for a drink so calm down and stop flipping people all over the room." Longclaw then calls for an ale and walks off to a less deadly part of the bar with smokefur trailing in his wake. Then turning back to Sadrin, "Hay, You want to get out of Markas' war path too and have a normal non-deadly or threatening conversation over here with me?"

Mixing a comforting hot toddy for Prince Rhodri, Neville covertly eyed the demon, wondering how its situation fitted with the anti-slavery laws – and did it have any “human” rights? He was interested to see its sword had become brittle praline. Rather a sticky thing to have between your shoulders.

Funny, he’d never thought to enquire what happened to weapons after their owners left the bar. If Violet had eaten them, for example, did they ever return when the owners went outside? Did the Acme machines steal another version of it from another timeline and substitute that? Ah, the world was full of deep philosophical questions. Such as …

“What the hell is that?”

Dazza the chef and his bevy of curious Bruces had been heading through the kitchen to check out the barbie. True chefs are able to deal with almost anything in their kitchens, where they are as gods. But a bouncing, blue-flaming crate was a bit beyond the norm. Warily Dazza seized a fire blanket and edged close enough to read the address: Mr Neville Notthatone Chamberpot, Strangers Bar, UN HQ.

“Oh, NEV-ille,” he carolled, snickering and winking at the Bruces so they wouldn’t give the game away, “Special delivery out here! You’ve gotta sign for it!”

Meanwhile …

<snip brawl with Sammy> Kelly just might fit the bill as an honorary Kennyite. He certainly knew how to brawl like one.

Kelly, sitting triumphantly upright on his opponent, blew the hair out of his eyes. “One!” he crowed. But there was no acknowledgement, and the brawl was on again. “Dammit, that was no dog fall!” he yelled indignantly. “What’s wrong with you, Kennyite?”

Logical thought wasn’t usually on the Kelly agenda during a fight, but the total lack of understanding on his opponent’s face – and a very convincingly argumentative kidney-punch – made him realise that he wasn’t getting through.

“Well, by Ceridwen Herself!” he gasped, ducking just in time to avoid a heedless haymaker. “It’s a bloody pig-ignorant mob you are! I bet you lot’ve never even heard of Cumberland wrestling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_and_Westmorland_wrestling)!”

Exasperation giving him unexpected strength, he began an explanation, at the same time doing his best to rearrange Sammy in accordance with his notions of proper conduct.

“See, we’ve gotta sorta cuddle each other, like this,” (haul) “with your chin on my right shoulder, and my chin on yours,” (scuffle, lurch) “and your right arm over my left, and mine over yours, and then … hell, we’re supposed to have our shoes off! And our coats! Y’wanna stop for a bit?”

Disengaging himself, he stepped to one side and began hauling his coat off, at the same time kicking off his shoes and calling to Neville, “Nev, give us a coupla pints before we go on, willya? It’s thirsty work!”

It seemed he had suspended any ill-will he might feel towards his once and, apparently, soon to be again, opponent. “That’s a nice headbutt you’ve got there,” he approved. “Course, with a head like that, it’s not surprising, I guess.”

The Bruces where just standing there looking at the Box.

"What the Flaming Strewth is that?"

"Dunno, Bruce. Could be a Boxing Kangaroo there Bruce. They jump around like that."

"I've never seen those Blue lights there Bruce."

"I dunno Bruce, they look like they could be Min-min Lights."

"Yeah, but what are they doing over here, Bruce, are there Min-Min Lights here?"

"How the Heck, would I know Bruce, Ask Dazza."

"Dazza?"

Meanwhile Sheila and Hoshiko where having their little

"No clue Hosh, mind if I call you Hosh? We've just joined ourselves, want a cuppa or something?"

Markas, seeing what just happened, walks over to Alan and sits down in front of him, "Alan, I know our nations together would be quite powerful. Sadrin and I are working on a joint-military program. Besides being one of the most powerful nations here, economically and militarily, we are looking for allies accross the world. We would be honored to lend you our support in exchange for an alliance...We have some of the best mercenary troops around, but our biological weapons diviosion is somewhat lacking. I am authorized to admit this because the message I recieved was a communication from our king asking for an alliance now. Here are the terms:

1) Economic and military support for all nations involved.

2)Special trade rights with our nations.

3)Joint experimental weapons programs between our nations.

4)We get a base of operations in your country to protect our assets in the area.

5)We also provide political support by whatever means (black market contacts, some of the best assassin's around, ect...)

These are our terms, I think you should relay them to your president." Markas then leans back and, as if on que again, Drakin picks up the document on the table in front of Sadrin marked with his country's seal and gives it back to Markas. He then speaks loudly to Sadrin saying, "You don't get these unless we make the same deal."

Hmmm mused alan....I think The UGL maybe able to spare a thing or two about biological weaponry...infact we're currently working on a new project..that's under wraps..im not exactly sure what the scientists are working on.but im sure it has something to do with causing who ever that enhales that bio weapon goes crazy and attacks anything in sight..regardless of alliance..or affiliation..Alan leaned back in his chair...The UGL has a large reprotire of Biological weapons...From deadly viral agents to mind effecting chemicals...along with a stunning array of acids,venoms and various other chemicals...Now...what does your country have to offer? As in what are you willing to trade that the UGL doesn't have...Hmmm we're currently at war with a stubborn dimension that we have cristened "Warcraft" it's denizens are proving to be quite the challenge for our supperior technology...i think you can see where im going here? If your nation subdues this dimension and bring it under the fold of the UGL i think our nations can come into terms with alliances...*alan turns to the waiter and ordered a medium rare steak*
all this commotion is making me hungry....i'll forward your terms to the president after you show me what your nation is willing to trade...knowledge? Technology? i am curious...

The Bruces where just standing there looking at the Box.

"What the Flaming Strewth is that?"

"Dunno, Bruce. Could be a Boxing Kangaroo there Bruce. They jump around like that."

"I've never seen those Blue lights there Bruce."

"I dunno Bruce, they look like they could be Min-min Lights."

"Yeah, but what are they doing over here, Bruce, are there Min-Min Lights here?"

"How the Heck, would I know Bruce, Ask Dazza."

"Dazza?"

Meanwhile Sheila and Hoshiko where having their little

"No clue Hosh, mind if I call you Hosh? We've just joined ourselves, want a cuppa or something?"

Hoshiko smiled and gently replied "Sheila, Hosh is fine. I normally get my name shortened anyway on board ship.

Something like you would drink in your nation would be nice. I've got an idea although.

Have you ever seen a holodeck programme before? We use them to relax with and some of them are a lot of fun."

She also had an idea of which programme could work the best if Sheila took up the offer.

snip...

Sadrin cocked his head for a moment, seeming to listen to something, then nodded to himself before turning to the dealing delegates. "I'm sorry gentelman, but im afriad that i have recieved word that this "alliance" was not ratified by the Imperial Council. As such, i bid you a good day." Without saying another word, Sadrin walked away to the bar and, ordering a Demon-blood merlot, began casting his gaze about to find something else while being quite thankful to escape the crazed Raven Lord.

OOC: If you spent more than a nanosecond or so looking back up the thread for Gaffa posts, you'd notice the request for you to use something to distinguish spoken text from description. I recommend these nifty things called "quote marks" that we have in English. Ellipses, on the other hand, are not your friend.

I've got a different beef. You, Raven Lord and co. are all ignoring the general tenor of the bar (despite some hefty hints from the regulars) and the rules about weaponry (despite being unequivocally told to STOP ARSING ABOUT). You, collectively, are coming close to being the first people I've put on IGNORE in a year of playing on this forum.

Behave, children.

OOC: *cringes from where he sits* Um, just so you all know, im sorry for tipping off Raven Lord about this thread.... i honestly had no idea he would do as he has started doing. I only really meant for Saldaens to come and im pretty sure that he backed off once he was made aware of the Barlordian accords. Again, sorry to have invited in.... the rabble (and no i DON'T mean the assorted Kennyites and drunks=) )

She returns his appraisal, quirking a brow, but decides it best to keep out of the conversation. This is quite obviously none of her business. She calls her brother over.

"Jakart, do you think you'd be open to... a little experiment?" she inquires, attempting to broach the subject lightly.

He grimaces in response. "Am I going to lose any fur this time? It took three months for my tail to grow back all the way..."

"Oh, no, no, nothing like that," she soothes. "The Archoillean ambasador and I were discussing the possibility of awakening magical potential within our people, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in becoming the test subject. And I do appologize, ma'am, I seem to have missed your name? Nor, I believe, have we given ours... I am Queen Vaela Dorn, and this is my brother, General Jakart Dorn."

The male gives a nod of greeting. "I don't suppose that'd be such a bad thing. Probably hurt less than a few of your other ideas."

OOC: At least, pretty sure didn't do introductions. Posts are a bit confuzzled.

OOC: hmmmm, now here are people who i won't be threatened by!

IC: Sadrin, looking about as he nursed his drink, eventually caught sight of the Vulpines talking with the Ardchollian. Curious as to what they might be speaking of, he made his way over.

"Pardon me, my fine delegates, but could i possibly join the conversation? I am hoping that by being with others i may avoid the Raven Lord and get some good conversation in as well."

The commotion behind the bar grabbing his attention, Sir Bodsworth notices blue flames...over thataway. Realizing the bar area was not safe any longer (as if it ever WAS), he got up and trundled off to a mostly empty table. Coincidentally, his protege was also sitting there. Sir Bodsworth placed a little sign on the table reading: 'The Neutrino's Guide to the Impossible, on sale now!' Marvolo noticed the sign and scoffed.

"Not that drivel, Rugglesby! None of that stuff will ever happen!"

Sir Bodsworth glared across the table and loudly declared, "Son, this book just happened to cover TWO, note TWO, incidents I encountered in the General Assembly earlier! There is also a section that notes blue-flaming, bouncing crates are less trustworthy than Greek horses, and I'm inclined to agree! Besides, the Neutrino admits this stuff is impossible, but then again, his existance is impossible as well! Now shut your mouth and help sell!"

Marvolo sighed, and pretended not to see his boss across the table.

Right, then!

*rubs hands*

What goes with the game; brandy perhaps? No, too early yet. Gin and tonic then.

Now: what will be our stakes?

Stakes in Chess???

OOC: This humble person requests forgiveness for his trangressions. Srry if I get on a trip of watever like that. I just get to having fun like that and the boundaries kinda dissolve. Again, srry.

IC: Markas turns to Sadrin, "Lets put it this way; If you do not comply to our terms, then your weapons information will fall out of your hands and we will se what can be done with it ourselves. After all, I think your workers would enjkoy a monetary bonus working for us (despite the 100% income tax, government workers are above any tax). I wonder what The Raven Lord himself shall think of this. Also, I think he may even consider this an act of war not to accept, considering the proximity of our nations..." Markas puts the document bound for Sadrin into the bone tube and gives it to Drakin who disappears through a separate portal in the middle of the room.

He then turns back to Alan saying, "If you sign this treaty, you will gain our economic assisstance and, only then, will we subdue this plane of existence dubbed Warcraft. These are the terms, set in stone. Take 'em or leave 'em."

Sir Albert in a rare and brief moment of lucidity, stands on the table, falls off, and then decides it's best just to lean on it. "ah'd like to reinforce the chat about them there weapon thingies in this bar. There be two reasons we don't have them, one is that they get immediately rendered useless on entry, and secondly repeat transgressors will have the only allowed security in the bar come and sit at a table with them...and if tha doesn't know who they are...", Sir Albert turns and looks to the dark and foreboding shadows of the UN bar, "ladies"........

From the shadowed edges of the room a detachment of the dread inspiring, almost fabled Bahgumian Mother in Law Security Squad slides into view, the dim light just enough to see the permanent dissaproval etched on their faces, a hush gathers over the bar as a couple of disgusted scowls are let loose, just out of habit. Those closest sensing the quivering knarled hands giving tell to the barely held back need for the mother in laws to interfere in everybodies business.

"As you were ladies" whispered Sir Albert, and mercifully they sank back into the darkness, "there, tha can tell ya friends, they do exist, you've seen them. Anyway, drinks are on Bahgum, sorry to worry you all", smiles Sir Albert and throws Neville a wink. Hopefully the bar should behave itself for a while now.

Even the crate stopped bouncing as the shadow of a Mother-in-Law crossed the doorway. A loud "grrack!" sounded from inside the crate and a silver eye looked out from between the charred slats. A nearby steak was toasted in blue fire to perfection and the aroma reached whatever was inside the crate.
"GRRACK!"

She returns his appraisal, quirking a brow, but decides it best to keep out of the conversation. This is quite obviously none of her business. She calls her brother over.

"Jakart, do you think you'd be open to... a little experiment?" she inquires, attempting to broach the subject lightly.

He grimaces in response. "Am I going to lose any fur this time? It took three months for my tail to grow back all the way..."

"Oh, no, no, nothing like that," she soothes. "The Archoillean ambasador and I were discussing the possibility of awakening magical potential within our people, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in becoming the test subject. And I do appologize, ma'am, I seem to have missed your name? Nor, I believe, have we given ours... I am Queen Vaela Dorn, and this is my brother, General Jakart Dorn."

The male gives a nod of greeting. "I don't suppose that'd be such a bad thing. Probably hurt less than a few of your other ideas."

OOC: At least, pretty sure didn't do introductions. Posts are a bit confuzzled.

IC:Longclaw, also interested in the awakening magic in his people (and letting Markas cool down) to compensate if they cannot be a wolfbrother, walks over. "I couldn't help over hearing your need of test subjects. In our nation most are born wolfbrothers but those who are not could use the extra abilities so I'm sure we could find you some willing subjects as long as its not to dangerous."

OOC: sorry about earlier infrigements, I backed off after a couple of hints though. Well don't hesitate to tell me if I'm doing anything else wrong, I don't want to make people angry.

The Guardian trio (having obligingly slipped out as their author was busy awhile) re-entered the Bar and located Their Table. Kyle, having had a birthday since leaving, was now several inches taller than his boss/pseudouncle, Wolfgang, and, contrary to the ways of most Guardians, actually selected an alcoholic beverage. The three leaned back in their chairs and settled in, continuing to perform their official functions by remote.

OOC: Hi. No, I'm not dead. Life has been bothersome.

OOC: *cringes from where he sits* Um, just so you all know, im sorry for tipping off Raven Lord about this thread.... i honestly had no idea he would do as he has started doing.
OOC: not problem. I understand all about Embarrassing Little Brother syndrome, even when they aren't little, or indeed brothers :-)

IC: nursing the hot toddy that Neville had thoughtfully thrust upon him, Prince Rhodri stared in bemusement as Sammy and the person he had previously thought of as the most sane of the Ardchoilleans started first wrestling, ineptly in his opinion, and then... er... wrestling. And then taking their clothes off. Probably ineptly, though Rhodri was no expert on the subject. It was probably telling that his Permanant Undersecretary had shown up and started taking pictures, cheerily asking Ace and Rico why they weren't selling tickets for the "hot man-on-man action" yet.

Hastily looking for anything else to catch his attention, Rhodri couldn't help but hear a newcomer to the bar exclaim:
Stakes in Chess???

He wandered over and said quietly, "That might have been a little tactless, there's at least one vampire in the room."

"Call me, Shez, And never heard of a Holodeck programme, before, is that a deck where you drill holes in it so you can easily pass beers up from underneath or pass beers down? If so, a 100 k desert couldn't stop me."

Even in her semi-inebriated state(though quite with it) she was eagily wanting another beer, or ten.

"Shez, a holodeck is a computer system we use which combines transporter technology, replication technology and looks just as if you're really there.

For example you could create a programme which would allow you to see your home, to lounge round on a beach even in the middle of space or to keep your fighting skills sharp. They're really veristile systems and I could show you better than trying to explain it.

So whats your home nation like?"

Hoshiko could see how half drunk Shez was and ordered two beers from Neville since somebody else had declared free drinks. A beer would be good and she had the feeling this Sheila could be a friend as well.

OOC: This humble person requests forgiveness for his trangressions. Srry if I get on a trip of watever like that. I just get to having fun like that and the boundaries kinda dissolve. Again, srry.

IC: Markas turns to Sadrin, "Lets put it this way; If you do not comply to our terms, then your weapons information will fall out of your hands and we will se what can be done with it ourselves. After all, I think your workers would enjkoy a monetary bonus working for us (despite the 100% income tax, government workers are above any tax). I wonder what The Raven Lord himself shall think of this. Also, I think he may even consider this an act of war not to accept, considering the proximity of our nations..." Markas puts the document bound for Sadrin into the bone tube and gives it to Drakin who disappears through a separate portal in the middle of the room.

He then turns back to Alan saying, "If you sign this treaty, you will gain our economic assisstance and, only then, will we subdue this plane of existence dubbed Warcraft. These are the terms, set in stone. Take 'em or leave 'em."

IC:Hmmm...interesting as that may seem...i will have to consult with my president about this...so tell me more about your nation as i forward the message to him....Alan then takes a big spoonful of steak...*Alan shouts to the bartender* Damn Neville this is A GOD DAMN FINE STEAK!! i must get the recipe!!

OOC:Im sorry as well....i'll try to be less violent...

Hmmm mused alan....I think The UGL maybe able to spare a thing or two about biological weaponry...infact we're currently working on a new project..that's under wraps..im not exactly sure what the scientists are working on.but im sure it has something to do with causing who ever that enhales that bio weapon goes crazy and attacks anything in sight..regardless of alliance..or affiliation..Alan leaned back in his chair...The UGL has a large reprotire of Biological weapons...From deadly viral agents to mind effecting chemicals...

Invisible hands helpfully place copies of UN Resolution #204, the 'UN Bio Agent Convention' (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12864193&postcount=205) in front of both alan and Markas...

"Was that really necessary?" a voice asks.
"Want to risk somebody creating a new strain of myxie?" replied another voice.
"No!"

Invisible Wabbits;13380467']Invisible hands helpfully place copies of UN Resolution #204, the 'UN Bio Agent Convention' (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12864193&postcount=205) in front of both alan and Markas...

"Was that really necessary?" a voice asks.
"Want to risk somebody creating a new strain of myxie?" replied another voice.
"No!"

OOC: i was wondering when someone would remind them that this is the UN... ok no more OOC for a while!

Errrmmm riiiiiiiight....*respectfully pushes copies of UN Resolution #204, the 'UN Bio Agent Convention' aside and shurgs* Bio agents arn't the only weapon in the UGL's arsenal...We also have time and space manipulation,energy weapons ,energy resistant armour...the list is endless...infact...i would rewound time right now had my chronoplayer enough energy...so markas...you we're sayyyyyyyyyiiiiiiiiiiiiinggggg.....*Alan get's recalled back to the main ugl hq*

OOC:Alan has been teleported back to the UGL hq in Korhal....:eek:

With a few more drinks in her there almost wasn't anything Sheila was up for...

"I have no idea what you just said, but I'm in anyway. As for my home, the lands quite a harsh place, desert, bleeding hot in the sun, freezing cold at night and not much in between. If it wasn't for the local Black Fellas and their waterin' holes and the pubs I doubt they'd be anyone living there at all."

"So, what are we doing again, Hosh?"

"Up to my ship. And I think I know just the programme to run as well" Hoshiko cheerfully replied.

"I'm sure your men won't mind you leaving them for a while while you sample some Neo Kirisuban hospitality. Our crew is all female so its probally not a good idea to bring them.

Our homeworlds have a range of climates with our capital in a tropical zone so we're used to a range of weather anyway and not just hot and cold.

90% of the total population is female so its a womans paradise since we hold the power and crew all the starships.

I think I'll get a carry out from the bar so we can more fun. We have alcohol on board so we can have more fun as well" she added. Coming from a nation like hers she was more inclined to like girls anyway and on the beach programme they could drink, talk and catch some rays as well as relaxing.

Longclaw studiously ignores the demons right next to him knowing smokefur would take care of them if need be and says to Markas, "Wow that was rather unnessesary you could have just used holy water or something." Then turning to Evander, "whats up Evander, Its just these two (Sadrin and Markas) bickering about some stolen stuff again."

OOC: Lawl... I should make sure I get on here more often if I want to get involved. I currently have no clue what's going on...

IC: Evander had fallen into one of his dazes, unconsciously envisioning some far-off lands where bloody battles were being waged, and had only heard Longclaw's comment in the back of his mind. Suddenly startling himself out of his mild trance, he turned to see that the conversation he had been trying to enter had moved, and thus followed. As he approached Longclaw, he grew a somewhat puzzled, suspicious expression. "Excuse me, I was rude enough to not introduce myself before butting in earlier, which makes me wonder just how you knew my name, sir?" He took a sip from his now lukewarm beverage.

OOC: It's nice to see all manner of roleplay happening, but we also like to encourage debate on the topics before the General Assembly. You can do it IC if you like, but please don't spam up the Stranger's Bar or you will earn the unending wrath of the drunken denizens of the United Nations. Pop in and give your opinion on the items at vote, we appreciate it.

"Don't worry they're probably in deep discussion at the moment over what's the best cut of meat to 'que or perhaps even worse, telling fishing stories. They probably won't even realise I'm gone, Where is this ship? I didn't notice a sea or a decent-sized lake on my way in."

"Shez, we're in a parking orbit about 10K above the atmosphere and getting up there is easy. I just need to call them and transport us up.

I can lend you a swim suit or bikini when we get there. You might need it" Hoshiko softly and happily replied turning to the bar and asking for a 6 pack of lager.

IC:Exiting the dimensional rift with surprising speed amid energy discharges alan crashed into a table at the United stranger's bar somewhere near Sadrin.....He stood up quite dizzily turned towards Sadrin and said.....Damn Inter dimension transporters...always a bloody dizzying ride...and with that alan passed out...

OOC:hey you would pass out if u where traveling 1million miles per second while constantly rotating..

"Well, wow, They told me the UN would be different, but I never expected it to be this different. Okay, Hosh. I'm as ready as I'm going to be. What do we do now?"

"Shez, hang onto me once we get our beers. I'll do the rest" Hoshiko cheerfully said and asked "who is the Ambassador in your group? Ours is the Kimono wearing woman at the bar"

The 6 tins of beer arrived having left the bar staff to pick them this looked like this trip would be fun. Shez was good looking but she had to remind herself not to let her bi-sexual feelings get her into trouble. This was a visit from another NSUN delegation even if it was informal.



ooc: Sheilas and Bruces do you want to run this a closed RP in NationStates?

The Guardians watched the reentry of the UGL delegate with mild disbelief. Kyle, without actually thinking about it opened a gateway to his refrigerator at his quarters back in the frozen Commonwealth and pulled out a nice strong drink. He stood, walked over to the collapsed man, and arranged the drink in the man's hand.

The thought that Hosh might be attracted to her physically never even crossed her mind. She smiled "Alright, I'm Ready," She'd clasped onto her arm, despite not being as physically fit as her male colleagues she had a strong grip none the less.

OOC: Alright, You want to create the thread?

ooc: I'll start something and keep the link here. http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13383899#post13383899

ic:

Hoshiko tapped her comm badge and spoke briefly in Kirisuban.

The familiar column of light which formed a transporter beam formed round them and three seconds later they had dissolved heading up to the 'Empress Midori'.

Ambassador Yamamoto smiled figuring this was going to be the first visit by a NSUN member to a Neo Kirisuban starship.

OOC: i smell a good thread.....*erection compleated* :D

IC:Alan woke up in time just to see a pillar of light envelope the Kirisubo Delegate along with another female....alan stood up quite shakily and found a bottle in his left hand. Staring at it for a minute Alan pondered how it got there....finally curiosity got the better of him and he drank the whole bottle in one gulp.....Damn thats a fine Beer he said to no one in particular and proceeded to pass out again..to dream his dreams....which oddly enough contains the Kirisubo delegate and her female companion...


OOC:I'll leave u guys to guess what he's dreaming about ;)

Wolfgang grinned, then summoned the components of and then actually concocted a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan_Galactic_Gargle_Blaster), and semi-covertly placed this in the delegate's hand. The trio then silently set up a pool for how long he'd be out this (and the next) time.

IC:Alan woke up to find yet another drink in his hand...this time he wasted no time in drinking it....he then turned to walk towards Sadrin right after 2 fire balls erupted from his ears barely missing several Un delegates before crashing into the wall...He then began to speak to sadrin.....Sooo Sadrin...what did i miss?

Sakura Yamamoto looked over from her conversation at the bar to see Alan pass out, wake up and find another drink in his hand.

She was still having a charming conversation with her fellow Ambassador but she did feel a little sorry for the man and the hangover he was bound to get later on.

Lars, Lars Inki. Archon-elect of Minyos. Yes that disgusting socialist nation...the bar looks almost full, and the lights are pulsing. Cluich looks so inviting...the craggy sardonic looks, the illicit thrill of capitalist seduction...but so what? Tequlia...triple gins?

Lars puts on an extra-thick coating of Chanel Vamp (see footnote) and moues at the handsome yet disturbing figure. Lars mouths "I'm back" and wanders off, wiping off the lipstick nonchalantly, in search of some real intellectual stimulation...

Lars...forever.

PS Chanel "Vamp" is a classic combination of blood-red and black, named "Vamp" in the US and "Rouge Noir" elsewhere. Obtainable in lipstick and nail polish.

PPS The "Freedom Fries" stall seems quite deserted, Lars inhales some falafel instead.

IC:Alan stares at the newcomer with apparent disbelief yet another crazy joins the UNSB he then reverted his attention back to the bar tv to watch a very interesting cartoon...not even noticing a floating disturbance in the air...


OOC:Raven lord the RP to Subdue the Warcraft dimension is this link....
The Conquest of Azeroth (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13390027#post13390027)

IC: Evander had fallen into one of his dazes, unconsciously envisioning some far-off lands where bloody battles were being waged, and had only heard Longclaw's comment in the back of his mind. Suddenly startling himself out of his mild trance, he turned to see that the conversation he had been trying to enter had moved, and thus followed. As he approached Longclaw, he grew a somewhat puzzled, suspicious expression. "Excuse me, I was rude enough to not introduce myself before butting in earlier, which makes me wonder just how you knew my name, sir?" He took a sip from his now lukewarm beverage.

Longclaw turns to Evander curiously, "don't you remember the territory wars a while back? well lets just say that I was in a little trouble with the king brother's daughter and.... yeah, you get the point. So I sort of had to get out of there fast so I joined the war which was convieniently very far a way from my homeland. I thought you were there too if I'm not mistaken or else I'm just going a little insane thought you were somebody else. That war really messed me up for a while."

OOC:hey you would pass out if u where traveling 1million miles per second while constantly rotating..

OOC: It depends a lot of the physics of the situation. Were you to accelerate to that speed instantly, the G forces would rip you apart, literally. Also, it'd probably be safer to do it in a drag-less, friction-less enviroment so those would not rip you to shreds or cause you to self combust.

Also, the body can withstand five g's without passing out.
So in a hypothetical enviroment that wouldn't dash you to bits for trying, you could accelerate at 5gs for around 100 minutes and arrive at a million miles an hour. Accelerate any faster and you'd probably die before you reached your goal.

This moment in science is brought to you by the Catawaban Science Council's Department of Contemplating Silly and Absurd Things. Now, onto our feature presentation.

IC:

Hayden Seigfried staggered in from the cold. He shrugged off his long trenchcoat and drapped it over his arm. He threaded his way through the tables between the door and the bar with stalwart, yet resigned trudge. He threw his coat on a stool, took off his hat, and added it to the pile on the stool. He flopped down onto the stool next to his clothing. He motioned to the bartender. "Barkeep, glass of port please."

Without noticing the bartender's reaction, Seigfried placed his head down on the bar and grumbled to the varnished wood, "Why did I let Errant convince me to come to this bastion of insanity...I could have retired to Goldsboro, began writing...but nooo."

ooc:ok sure...

IC:WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PAAAAAAAAAAAARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY...Alan shouted apparently drunk as a sailor....he began to walk tipsily towards the bathroom and colided with the door...he tried to again to towards the bathroom door..but to no avail...finally he crashed through the door and colapsed for yet another time in the stranger's bar.

OOC: Aww..sithspit, I was wrong. You'd have to accelerate at 5gs for much longer than a 100 minutes. Sorry, I forgot to chance the standard measure measurement for g from feet per second squared to mile per hour squared.

The apology has been brought to you by the Catawaban Science Council's Department of Owning Up to Careless Mathematical Errors. We would just like to let you know that the Department of Contemplating Silly and Absurd Things has been sacked. Again, we apologize for the error.

Now back to our scheduled posting.

IC:

Seigfried turned around on his stool to face the rucous. Well, UN ambassadors did let themselves go after hours. He shook his head. This was an ominious sign for his tenure here. Seigfried got up off his stool and strolled slowly over towards the collasped heap on the floor near the bathroom.

As he arrived over the heap, he recognized the Ambassador from United Gaming League. He extended a hand to man on the floor. "Need some help, friend?"

The Count slowly opened the doors that seemed to have been well used, and even showed signs of some past abuse. Entering the bar, he wondered at the amount of people in it, and the obvious state of some of them. Ah well, there were worse things. All work and no play does make Jack a dull boy, after all.
Unbuttoning his greatcoat, he approached the bar and ordered a glass of claret, and glanced around the bar.

Dr. Hodz walked into the bar and looked around, crooking an eyebrow.

"This place has seriously fallen since I've left." he remarked, sitting down at a table.

Prince Rhodri nodded to Dr Hodz. "And that's saying something," he agreed.

OOC: Aww..sithspit, I was wrong. You'd have to accelerate at 5gs for much longer than a 100 minutes. Sorry, I forgot to chance the standard measure measurement for g from feet per second squared to mile per hour squared.

The apology has been brought to you by the Catawaban Science Council's Department of Owning Up to Careless Mathematical Errors. We would just like to let you know that the Department of Contemplating Silly and Absurd Things has been sacked. Again, we apologize for the error.

Now back to our scheduled posting.

IC:

Seigfried turned around on his stool to face the rucous. Well, UN ambassadors did let themselves go after hours. He shook his head. This was an ominious sign for his tenure here. Seigfried got up off his stool and strolled slowly over towards the collasped heap on the floor near the bathroom.

As he arrived over the heap, he recognized the Ambassador from United Gaming League. He extended a hand to man on the floor. "Need some help, friend?"

IC:Oooooh a TIT MAN THE APPLES OF FREEDOM HAVE BLESSED MY ASS ON THIS DAY!! alan yelled...Come and Hit my but for Enlightenment!!! (thats his way of saying help me up!!)

Holding his half finished glass, Cornelius stared at the UGL ambassador, shaking his head, before he finished it in one draught. "Why didn't I respectfully decline the NSUN mission? I could have been at court now..."
Then, remembering the mess the duke of Zernitz had made of the last official reception, he sighs, and turns to the bar to order something stronger.

Prince Rhodri nodded to Dr Hodz. "And that's saying something," he agreed.

"Ah! A familiar face!" Hodz said jovially. "Albeit, not one that often agrees with me." He shrugged. "You'll do for now. What's happened since me extended... erm... vacation... ?"

Longclaw turns to Evander curiously, "don't you remember the territory wars a while back? well lets just say that I was in a little trouble with the king brother's daughter and.... yeah, you get the point. So I sort of had to get out of there fast so I joined the war which was convieniently very far a way from my homeland. I thought you were there too if I'm not mistaken or else I'm just going a little insane thought you were somebody else. That war really messed me up for a while."

"Excuse me?" Evander was a little confused. "Of course I remember the territory wars, but that doesn't explain anything, it's not as if I were shouting my name around the battlefield." He mused about how ridiculous that scene would be. Running around in the midst of flying arrows, shouting his name at the top of his lungs. He couldn't help but giggle. As for Longclaw's claims of loss of sanity, it certainly explained a bit about his persona. Not that Evander was exactly on an even playing field himself... He fingered the little pendant ocarina hanging around his neck; an idle habit...

"Ah! A familiar face!" Hodz said jovially. "Albeit, not one that often agrees with me." He shrugged. "You'll do for now. What's happened since me extended... erm... vacation... ?"

"Aside from the normal idiocy in the chamber?" Rhodri asked. "Generally, we think it has been a fairly agreeable time. The dear ambassador of Brutland and Nordland gave birth to twins in here, much to the consternation of the serving staff we understand. Ambassador Faisano and his fiancée put on quite an amorous show, though we do worry somewhat about the propriety of the poor boy's subsequent behaviour. And we seem to have had a brief invasion of largely ineffectual demons, and some rather enthusiastic newcomers boorishly drawing their weapons all the time without ever noticing what they've been turned into.

"Business as usual, in other words."

The three Bruces finally returned to the main pub after dealing with the bouncing blue fire and admiring Dazza's quite impressive.

"An impressive setup he's got. Wish I had a barbie like that at home."

"You wish you had a barbie at all Bruce that thing you've got is more like a dust-collector than anything."

"I know what we should do Bruce!"

"What Bruce?"

"I forgot Bruce, hey where's Sheila?"

"Anyone see where she went?"

Ambassador Yamamoto couldn't help but hear the Bruce's and chuckled slightly as she sipped her drink at the bar.

She knew Hoshiko was showing Sheila their starship and it was the first diplomatic task they had.

"Aside from the normal idiocy in the chamber?" Rhodri asked. "Generally, we think it has been a fairly agreeable time. The dear ambassador of Brutland and Nordland gave birth to twins in here, much to the consternation of the serving staff we understand. Ambassador Faisano and his fiancée put on quite an amorous show, though we do worry somewhat about the propriety of the poor boy's subsequent behaviour. And we seem to have had a brief invasion of largely ineffectual demons, and some rather enthusiastic newcomers boorishly drawing their weapons all the time without ever noticing what they've been turned into.

"Business as usual, in other words."

"This place has gone to the dogs." Hodz said, facepalming. "At least my office wasn't ransacked. Though it shouldn't have, since we never left the UN, but just the building."

Dr. Hodz looked for a member of the waitstaff and loudly communicated his desire for a glass of chocolate milk.

Calling over to the Bruces she said "I know where Sheila went to."

She then walked over drink in hand taking the little steps you needed to use when wearing a kimono.

Siegfried's eyes few wide as saucers. "Riiight, you sir, are a bit deep in your cups." The Catawaban leaned down to help Alan up.

"Chocolate Milk?! Here come on have a proper drink" said a Bruce plomping down on a chair next to the doctor handing over a beer that he had.

"I'm Bruce by the wat, nice to meet ya, mate." Bruce extended his hand and ready to give Dr Hodz an obviously vigorous shake.

The other Bruces where more interested with the Neo Kirisubo ambassador.

"No, really, chocolate milk is fine." Hodz said, cautiously shaking the stranger's hand.

"Now, it's a wonder I have seen any old friends here. Besides Prince Rhodri. I should think at least Faisano would be in here..."

*Bursts into the bar* Greetings Fellow Representatives!
Great day for a pint ehh? *Lifts glass in a toast and takes a drink and proceeds to find a seat in the corner of the room*

Wolfgang had been listening to the good doctor. "We're here. Don't we count, herr doctor?" he asked, grinning as he sipped his own chocolate milk.

Elen having kept watch on her younger brother alan while completely cloaked and hidden from view decided she would get a drink as well..She dropped her invisibility and strode over to where alan was standing. Politely nudging her way past the man who helped alan up..She administered something into alan's arm and a few seconds later Alan was completely sober.....EL!! Exclaimed alan. What brings you here in this room of crazies?

The Wolf Guardians;13404895']Wolfgang had been listening to the good doctor. "We're here. Don't we count, herr doctor?" he asked, grinning as he sipped his own chocolate milk.

"Huh? Oh." Hodz said. "I swear these are the worst pair of glasses I've ever owned."

"And we're still here, too, Doc," says a friendly-sounding voice from what had seemed to be an empty space. "Buy you a drink?"

"Chocolate Milk?! Here come on have a proper drink" said a Bruce plomping down on a chair next to the doctor handing over a beer that he had.

"I'm Bruce by the wat, nice to meet ya, mate." Bruce extended his hand and ready to give Dr Hodz an obviously vigorous shake.

The other Bruces where more interested with the Neo Kirisubo ambassador.

This left two Bruce's for Sakura to deal with as she could easily see their eyes practically popping out of their heads.

"I'm Ambassador Sakura Yamamoto, Neo Kirisubo. Whats your names?"

She'd tell them soon enough Sheila was on her starship but they had time to talk as she sipped her latest drink. A small glass of white wine.

"Oh, I'm Bruce, and this is my workmate Bruce."

"hey" the second Bruce doing a brief little head nod.

"Were from the Free Lands of Shielas and Bruces, what drink d'ya have there?"

Meanwhile with Dr Hodz...

The handshake as a hard clusping, squuezing painful hand shake, he certainly had some hand muscles...

"Don't be silly, only kids Drink chocolate milk, here let me get you a real drink, my shout."

Violet was buzzing around keeping with the needs of the Bar, cleaning tables taking glasses away without even making it known, as to not interrupt the train of though.

"Hey, sheila, can you get me 2 beers please darlin'? thanks"

And soon enough there were to beers on the table infront of Bruce, the staff were very efficient, infront of Bruce, He pushed one over to the Doctor while started on his own.

"Now, it's a wonder I have seen any old friends here. Besides Prince Rhodri. I should think at least Faisano would be in here..."

"Ambassador Faisano was here a little while ago, engaging in a little horseplay with one of the Archoillean delegation," Prince Rhodri said in faintly disapproving tones. He craned his head, trying to catch a glimpse of Sammy's cheap suit. "We can't see him at the moment, perhaps he is continuing his liaison work in private."

Elen having kept watch on her younger brother alan while completely cloaked and hidden from view decided she would get a drink as well..She dropped her invisibility and strode over to where alan was standing. Politely nudging her way past the man who helped alan up..She administered something into alan's arm and a few seconds later Alan was completely sober.....EL!! Exclaimed alan. What brings you here in this room of crazies?

Seigfried jumped aside as the woman suddenly appeared and nudged past him. He half cursed something about Togovian mothers before he stifled himself. He stood there one hand on his racing heart and the other under his coat, clutching at his concealed holster which was strangely filled with delightful Catawaban highland wildflowers at the moment. He took a moment to calm himself.

He further siezed upon that moment and decided to return to his waiting glass of port at the bar.

"Oh, I'm Bruce, and this is my workmate Bruce."

"hey" the second Bruce doing a brief little head nod.

"Were from the Free Lands of Shielas and Bruces, what drink d'ya have there?"

"I'm pleased to meet you both but dosen't it get confusing when you both have the same name?

I've got white wine. Its much better than the synthahol that served on board my starship" she softly replied in what to their ears might sound like Japanese accented English.

The Neo Kirisuban's had a very similar language to the Japanese but they used mostly English when not on board their starships. Sakura was totally fluent in it as well as good looking and still young at 31.

So Alan...what was all the commotion i've been hearing about you? mused Elen.Alan struggled for a witty comeback.Well...he began. I was drunk let's leave it at that. Alan.....Your dragon hatched today i hope you know what your gonna feed it....Elen told her brother. Of course i do Alan replied. I'll just feed it some T-bones and it's satisfied. Now would you care for a drink?

Haggis is a very old Scottish dish, which combines meats, spices and oatmeal to create a very rich, unusual, but none the less delicious feast. The factual and historic description of Haggis is sometimes off-putting to people who have not tried it. Fortunately, modern techniques in the preparation and presentation of Haggis make it an acceptable delicacy to almost everyone's palate. In fact, its simply delicious. If you haven't tried haggis …..authentic Scottish Haggis…..you must !

In the olden days the preparation of a Haggis went something like this :-

Take the liver, lungs & heart of a sheep and boil them. Mince the meats and mix with chopped onions, toasted oatmeal, salt, pepper, and spices. Take one properly cleaned sheep's stomach. Stuff the cleaned stomach with the prepared contents. Sew up the stomach (leaving enough room for expansion to avoid a large messy explosion) and boil. Serve and eat. Lovely !

Okay!, now you've returned from the bathroom, be reassured that modern Haggis prepared here in Scotland is not so gruesome. The best meats are selected, (including tripe and offal) and prepared with finest oatmeal and spices…..but served in a synthetic skin which is representative of the old technique. The quality manufacturers of Haggis here in Scotland pride themselves in their guarded secret recipes and prepare the Haggis to exacting standards. Haggis has a higher quality of content than your average "sausage"…..and is extremely healthy…..so please don't be put off.

As the delegate of The Disputed Territories of Haggis Neep and Tattie I would like to submit samples of traditional haggis therby the good patrons of the Strangers Bar can make there own mind up and back me in a resolution to outlaw any forms of haggis not compliant to the tried and tested recipe.

Hopefully with enough support I can get a resolution to the UN banning synthetic haggis and all derivatives thereof.

Sakura Yamamoto looked round to hear the honourable delegate making a short speech in the bar area as they extolled the virtues of the traditional haggis.

She had advised them to come here to drum up support and to organise a tasting so she was curious what it actually tasted like. she was sure samples would be provided once Neville got talking to him.

Invisible Wabbits;13405136']"And we're still here, too, Doc," says a friendly-sounding voice from what had seemed to be an empty space. "Buy you a drink?"

"Oh, er, sure..." Hodz said, hoping he was making some sort of eye contact with the invisible voices.

"I'm out of touch with the UN. I suppose I should write a resolution so I can get back in touch."

The old nekomusume minding the Shrine of the Manifestation listened curiously to the HN&T delegate's speech on haggis, and commented, "You don't put eggs or milk in it, do you? It sounds like a dish our people could use in these trying times."

"Can you put it on a barbie? or under a griller?" One of the Bruces asked their attention drawn away temporarily from Sakura, before returning, "oh, no, we don't get confused but foreigners do they always ask the wrong Bruce, I never got that."

"and wine, pfft, a good beer will do us anyday."

Sakura couldn't help smiling at the comments that were already starting to surface.

Things the delegate from HN&T would have field.

Anyway back to the Bruces.

"Bruce I'd take sake if I could get it but we do a local beer as well. It called 'Dragonfire' and its quite strong. I doubt theres any plans to export it yet but theres always that possibility.

I do like wine although and always have. It good to have when you're watching the rugby matches back home" she softly replied.

The old nekomusume minding the Shrine of the Manifestation listened curiously to the HN&T delegate's speech on haggis, and commented, "You don't put eggs or milk in it, do you? It sounds like a dish our people could use in these trying times."

No milk, no eggs, just good honest to goodness goodness.

Sakura couldn't help smiling at the comments that were already starting to surface.

Things the delegate from HN&T would have field.

Anyway back to the Bruces.

"Bruce I'd take sake if I could get it but we do a local beer as well. It called 'Dragonfire' and its quite strong. I doubt theres any plans to export it yet but theres always that possibility.

I do like wine although and always have. It good to have when you're watching the rugby matches back home" she softly replied.

"Beer is drink King of sports." one of the Bruces spoke...

"What type of Rugby?" one of the other Bruces asked who was obviously up on his football codes.

"Bruce, female Rugby Union usually but our men also play the game. You're more likely to see a ladies match although since our population is 90% female" Sakura gently replied as she sipped her wine.

"Perhaps the crew of my starship could form a team to challenge a Sheila team in your nation. It would be a great way of building relations between our nations as well" she cheerfully added.

"Yeah, that sounds good, we're always up for a game of union. See if we can't get Sheila on the Sat phone." he said before pulling out a clunky sattelite phone and exiting the pub to get reception, thus leaving 2 Bruces. 1 At Dr Hodz table drinking a beer with the non-beer drinker and the 3rd just standing there, with Sakura.

"Now, it's a wonder I have seen any old friends here. Besides Prince Rhodri. I should think at least Faisano would be in here..."
"Ambassador Faisano was here a little while ago, engaging in a little horseplay with one of the Archoillean delegation," Prince Rhodri said in faintly disapproving tones. He craned his head, trying to catch a glimpse of Sammy's cheap suit. "We can't see him at the moment, perhaps he is continuing his liaison work in private."In fact, Mr. Faisano was still there, enjoying his respite from the brawl with Mr. Kelly. It might have been a momentarily obstruction by demons that blocked the Gobbannaen and the Akimonadi's view, as he and Kelly continued to drink, talk, even laugh with each other, before they resumed their contest. Actually, the laughter may not have been so much with, as at, each other, and the conversation was more taunting than friendly chitchat, but as anyone knows, that's just how guys operate when they get competitive.

Sammy had one or two advantages going into the second round: he was younger, more fit, more muscular (he assumed), and more drunk. Kennyites are at the top of their game when inebriated by drink, and he and Kelly had shared plenty in the interim; surely two weeks' time was long enough for the ambassador to stack the deck in his favor? And all this without even mentioning the most fatal dart in Sammy's quiver: Kennyites' innate skill at Godmoding Ardchoilleans.

Kelly found himself quite Godmoded indeed as the second round commenced, for almost immediately, Sammy bumrushed him, sending them both to the neighboring tabletop, where Dr. Hodz and Prince Rhodri just happened to be sitting. The brawling twain rolled across the table (likely decorating their involuntary spectators with chocolate milk in the process) and slid to the floor. Instantly both were aright again, but Kelly's fist found Sammy's chin before the head that so impressed the former found its way crashing into Kelly's chest. The Ardchoillean reeled backward, tripped on a chair leg, and fell backward to the floor, giving the Kennyite a split-second advantage to use the move co-Empress Jhessan had demonstrated for him back in The 'Burgh one fateful autumn evening. All at once Sammy's formerly upright body was airborne, and horizontal, and falling; his elbow nearly knocking the wind from Kelly as it collided with his collarbone ...

Speak of the devil, at this very moment HIH Empress Jhessan chose this minute to check up on the good but slightly unwholesome Senator Sulla. Word had gotten back to The 'Burgh that he was not using as much of his Barbaric Militant Machismo(TM), in the Festering Snakepit...err General Assembly. Her eyes narrowd as she saw the Senator chating up his secretary. She made her way over to his table when she was distacted by...

The Ardchoillean reeled backward, tripped on a chair leg, and fell backward to the floor, giving the Kennyite a split-second advantage to use the move co-Empress Jhessan had demonstrated for him back in The 'Burgh one fateful autumn evening. All at once Sammy's formerly upright body was airborne, and horizontal, and falling; his elbow nearly knocking the wind from Kelly as it collided with his collarbone ...

"Spank me and call me Belinda! That elbow drop is almost as good as mine!", she thought. She was slightly taken aback when she saw it was Sammy on the giving end insted of the recieving end.
"I'll be damned, Sammy's got some potential after all.", she said to herself. Then she ran over to the two men and started yelling,
"Come on Sammy! Hit him again! Don't let him catch his breath. Suplex him!"

Sakura wasn't sure if chunky mobile phone could reach her ship but she would lend Bruce her flip top communicator if need be.

She hadn't seen the Kennyites before but they had been mentioned in the NSUN database they had been provided with.

Bruce wasn't trying to contact the Empress Midori, he was just making sure that the sheila's team knew that there was going to be a match soon, however he forgot to ask a major question.

His voice carried into the bar, he could obviously yell loud.

"Hey, when are you lot going to be coming?"

Kelly found himself quite Godmoded indeed as the second round commenced, for almost immediately, Sammy bumrushed him, sending them both to the neighboring tabletop, where Dr. Hodz and Prince Rhodri just happened to be sitting. The brawling twain rolled across the table (likely decorating their involuntary spectators with chocolate milk in the process) and slid to the floor.

Dr. Hodz flinched as chocolate milk flew across his formalwear.

"Oh, for..." he said. "I suppose that's what the office closet it for. Anyone have a towel, or a plasma-based particle destabilizer?"

Dr. Hodz flinched as chocolate milk flew across his formalwear.

"Oh, for..." he said. "I suppose that's what the office closet it for. Anyone have a towel, or a plasma-based particle destabilizer?"

"Preferrably two," Prince Rhodri added, wiping ineffectually at his clothes. The ambassadorial robes were no strangers to beer stains, and Rhodri was a firm believer that good quality clothing, like good quality carpets, needed regular feeding. There was nothing sadder than the sight of the dead brown excuses for carpeting in some of the student digs he had endured at college, when more careful previous owners had left lush greenery underfoot.

Chocolate milk was, however, something quite else. Rhodri had a suspicion that it would end up smelling like baby vomit before long, something that all politicians seeking election learned to dread.

He eyed the combatants, who appeared to be indulging in a more socially acceptable form of wrestling now. Much as he'd like to bang both their heads together, he wasn't nearly as good at fisticuffs as he was behind a rifle.

Carrying a new Universal Uncleanliness detector before him, a Guardian in the full uniform-armor of the Commonwealth Cleanup Corp walked in, and headed for Hodz' table, reading the screen on the comically large and unwieldy device until he reached the pair occupying that table, and swept it up and down each of them. It read "UU Beta v0.47" in large letters on it. He gave a sigh of despair mixed with boredom as the screen told him it was just chocolate milk. Without a word, he pulled out a canister that looked frighteningly like a flashbang and set it on the table. He turned around and intently followed the screen out of the bar to the next mess. The side of the can said, "Thank you for purchasing the MAID GRENADE, The pinnacle of CCC technology for everyday cleanup! Upon activation, a colony of nanites will blast outward in a 100% safe and virtually undetectable cloud and will clean everything to its original state, as calculated by their combined processing effort and a database containing virtually all knowledge on physical matter! Upon completion, the nanites will return to the MAID GRENADE, ready for your next personal disaster! Instructions: Place near mess. Push big red button on top of can. Witness the awesome power of Commonwealth Cleanup Corp, the most successful Guardian company in existence. Remember, for messes in those hard to reach places, try our MAID GRENADE launcher! 20 canisters, 200 yards, time or impact detonation!"

OOC: Bit long. I was bored. :D

Bruce wasn't trying to contact the Empress Midori, he was just making sure that the sheila's team knew that there was going to be a match soon, however he forgot to ask a major question.

His voice carried into the bar, he could obviously yell loud.

"Hey, when are you lot going to be coming?"

Sakura got out her own slimline flip up communicator so she could talk to Captain Sato in her own language about this matter.

She was sure they could raise a scratch team fairly easily given there was 60 crew members on board. She would have liked to play as well being a mean scrum half in her teens but she would have to sit this out and play out her diplomatic role.

bump

The Bruce that was outside, walked back in, "I told Bruce I'd ring him back when we know what time but he's getting the sheilas together and organising the team. We should be able to play whenever."

"

Sakura smiled and warmly said "I was talking to Captain Sato and she's going to organise an 'Empress Midori' fifteen.

If you can keep me informed of a venue I'm sure it'll be a good match. How about four days from now at a time convinient to your ladies team?"

"Just send your Sheilas down to Nulla Nulla, we'd have organised something by then, Want to share a drink? my shout." Bruce cheerily said as we walked over to the Bar and ordered four beers.

"I'll tell Captain Sato this and a beer would be great" Sakura gently replied as she finished of her glass of wine.

She didn't want to get plastered today but a bit of social drinking wouldn't hurt as she built relationships with other delegations.

They found a table and sat down Bruce managing to hold the 4 beer mugs between his two hands.

As he basically plonked the mugs on the table a little of the beer spilled from the glasses but not too much. It seemed to be business as usual as the beers each found their home, one for each of them.

"let's drink then... To Rugby." the Bruce merely raised his glass to about head height and so did the other Bruces after him "To Rugby" they said before they started into their beers.

"To rugby" Sakura chorused and after a sip of her beer added "I played scrum half in my teens before I joined the exploration fleet.

I miss playing the game but I'll have to work while the Neo-Kirisuban 15 has all the fun.

What team colours does your Sheila team wear? I wouldn't want us to clash."

On his way to the bar, Sir Albert was shocked to notice an occurrence of 'spillage' at the Bruces table. Luckily all was not lost, as Sir Albert reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out his emergency long straw. After a few sozzled atempts and a couple of pokes in the eye he got the straw in his lips, leant in between a couple of Bruces and hoovered up the spilt beer on the table.
'by eck', he thought, 'that was close, almost had the first beer loss event since the tripping up disaster of 96'.

Thank you for accepting the great Empire of WBW into the ranks of the UN. I am not sure if this thread goes into this forum, but I just wanted to express my interest.

The Empire of WBW is located in the Region of What Boys Want

This thread is for roleplay, but the UN is the right forum. You could introduce yourself while commenting in the General Assembly on a proposal, or your ambassador could come have a drink here ... like this:

"I'm glad the great Empire of WBW was accepted into the ranks of the UN," the new ambassador commented, accepting a free drink from Violet, as was the custom in the Strangers' Bar. "We're located in the Region of What Boys Want."

(Just take it from here. You can make up Violet's reply. She 's one of the bar staff.)

OOC: Three weeks? Three weeks? :( ... sorry about that ... catchup time!
Even the crate stopped bouncing as the shadow of a Mother-in-Law crossed the doorway. A loud "grrack!" sounded from inside the crate and a silver eye looked out from between the charred slats. A nearby steak was toasted in blue fire to perfection and the aroma reached whatever was inside the crate.
"GRRACK!"
“Dazza? Daz? Listen, mate, there’s a guy out there who wants to set up a haggis display, you wanna go talk …”

Neville was surprised to find the kitchen empty, but when the crate caught his eye, he remembered Dazza’s earlier summons. Funny, the Australian fusion chef hadn’t stuck around to see what it was all about … must have taken off in a hurry, too, leaving a cooked steak out on the counter like that … Neville Notthatone Chamberpot, indeed … seizing something that was probably a unique and valued cooking utensil, he attacked the crate at a broken corner. Sloppy delivery, fancy letting a wooden crate get damaged.

As he forced the wood back, he caught sight of a lustrous eye. Two eyes. A clawed foot helped him with the last of the demolition, and a cramped and travel-stained milk dragon uncurled itself on the spotless tiles. It snatched the steak, wolfed it down and turned to the BarLord. Neville looked up … up … to gleaming white teeth, the length of his forearm … lips being licked voraciously by a tongue the size of a national banner … the head lowered, the silver eyes focussed hungrily on him …

<<FATHER! At last we meet!>> said a voice in his head.

Sadrin, looking about as he nursed his drink, eventually caught sight of the Vulpines talking with the Ardchoillean. Curious as to what they might be speaking of, he made his way over.
"<snip>The Archoillean ambasador and I were discussing the possibility of awakening magical potential within our people …<snip> And I do apologize, ma'am, I seem to have missed your name? Nor, I believe, have we given ours... I am Queen Vaela Dorn, and this is my brother, General Jakart Dorn."
“Dicey Riley, President of Ardchoille,” Dicey returned. “And our Presidential Advisor, Bast. A pleasure, Queen Vaela, General Dorn.”

"<snip> In our nation most are born wolfbrothers but those who are not could use the extra abilities so I'm sure we could find you some willing subjects as long as its not to dangerous."
“We don’t need lab rats,” Dicey said repressively. “But if you’re capable, we’re obliged to try. So be it, then.”

Standing, she raised her arms grandly above her head and intoned the familiar words, “We stand outside the boundaries of time and space …”

And they did.

Not that anyone in the Bar would have noticed. To observers, it would seem that Dicey, Bast and the newcomers were continuing a remarkably long, decorous and downright dull conversation. Not even Ardchoillean mages can defy physical reality by being in two places at the same time, but simulacra come in handy.

(OOC: I’ll start a thread for this elsewhere and edit in the link. No probs if you want to give it a miss, though.)

All at once Sammy's formerly upright body was airborne, and horizontal, and falling; his elbow nearly knocking the wind from Kelly as it collided with his collarbone ...

... and, had it not been for many an hour explaining intricate industrial deals in windy carparks and shouting down political opponents in crumbling hired halls, Bill Kelly would have been felled.

As it was, even with the phenomenal strength of his diaphragm and the inhuman capacity of his lungs, he staggered; and, staggering, missed the worst of Sammy's onslaught. A knock-out punch went straight over his head, a knee that would have ended the debate connected excruciatingly with the corner of a table, and the younger man, hands clasped around the injured limb, fell briefly to the floor.

"Put in the boot!" was the cry; but, before Kelly could gratify the audience, Sammy was on all fours -- well, three and a bit -- and struggling to rise.

"Your trouble is, ya don' lissen," Kelly belched reprovingly. "I tol' ya, take ya shoes off! Ya coulda got me then, but now ..."

Evidently deciding there was no point in further explanation, he hoicked the Kennyite upright, then, as muscles strained and arms shook, lifted him bodily above his head. Searching wild-eyed for a suitable destination, he spun around once ... twice ... and finally, with a satisfied grin, launched Sammy on his helicopter ride ...

The maw of the Strangers’ Bar grand piano gaped wide to receive such an appetiser. As Sammy landed amid a welcoming jangle of strings, the lid closed with a satisfied crunch.

Kelly¸ giving an artiste’s bow to the Bar, walked over to the piano, flipped imaginary coat-tails out of the way, sat down at the stool, ran his fingers up and down the keys with a flourish, bent his head thoughtfully forward and passed out.

(ooc not godmoding he said i could he said i could honest)

The Bruces looked at each other, obviously confused... "um. Red's, I think."

"I thought they wore Blue?"

"or was that in League?"

"Hey guys... No, No I've got it... They were white!"

"White, Bruce?! Don't be Pommie Bastard wearing white in Sheilas and Bruces, you've got to be kidding me."

"Oh, my mistake... That's right. It's that red ochre colour, I just though it was white because all my white singlets are now that colour."

"Oh right, you are Bruce."

Sakura chuckled, drank more of her beer and then replied "In that case we can play in either all black or yellow shirts with thin black hoops and the rest black or yellow.

Our flag is red and black with a yellow sun."

Since this seemed to be settled now the business of getting to know each other could begin. Even with the wrestling and a hungry piano in the background she felt relaxed and ready to make new friends.

"Red, black and yellow sun? That's a bit odd isn't?"

"Don't be an idiot Bruce... Their flag is red and Black with a yellow sun."

"Hang on, isn't that ours? You know Red Earth, Black Sky, yellow sun. Though I don't know why the sky is black if it's Sunrise ... or even sunset."

"The night sky at is just amazing, on a clear night, you can see the entire wilky way. It's so much better than anywhere else i've been."

Sakura smiled noting the very similiar flags as well.

"I see the night sky every time I look out my office window. My office is a starship after all and I never get tired of the sight of the stars.

I'm more used to being in space than on solid ground anyway" she gently replied.

"Thanks for the beer Shakz, but I'm afriad we're going to have to get Bruce out of here, now!"

"What?!" protested the Bruce who commented about the nice guy... "You're getting too.... poetical... Talk about the night sky? What's up with that?"

"Your too drunk Bruce and I don't want you to make a fool of yourself."

"A Bruce that doesn't know when he's had enough... Hah!" he drunk some more...

"Come on.... another round my shout!"

"Well, if you put it that way..."

"Another 4 beers thanks..."

Not too much later... One of the Bruce started singing a song, a beer song about the supposed creator of Beer Brucie Mopps

(OOC: Based on this song (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Mopps), follow the external link to the Bard's Tale Version of the song and click on "Beer, Beer, Beer" to hear an appropriate rendition [Just change Charlie to Brucie])

Beer, beer, beer, tiddly beer, beer, beer
A long time ago, way back in history
When all there was to drink was nothing but cups of tea
Along came a man by the name of Brucie Mopps
And he invented a wonderful drink and he made it out of hops

(Chorus)
He must have been an admiral, a sultan, or a king
And to his praises we shall always sing
Look what he has done for us, he's filled us up with cheer
Lord bless Brucie Mopps,
The man who invented beer beer beer, tiddley beer beer beer...

The Jury's Bar, the Clancy's Pub, the Hole in the Wall as well
One thing you can be sure of, it's Brucie's beer they sell
So come on all ye lucky lads at eleven O'clock ye stop
For five short seconds, remember Brucie Mopps
One, two, three, four, five

Chorus

A bushel of malt, A barrel of hops, you stir it around with a stick,
The kind of lubrication to make your engine tick.
Forty pints of wallop a day will keep away the quacks.
It's only eight pence ha'penny and one and six in tax
One, two, three, four, five

Chorus

Sakura couldn't help but laugh as she got a new beer. This was damn good stuff and all she usually got back home was sake or sythahol.

The drinking song cheered her up no end as well as she soaked up the atmosphere. This was a good first contact as well with the free land of Sheila's and Bruce's.

"Aye, 'nother roun.... my shhoot." The Bruces were starting to slur their words as the alcohol that was just recently drunk, started to make it's affect.

So even these Bruces' had limits.

Sakura had drank with them not quite matching their pace but knowing she couldn't down as much as they had done.

"Count me in as well" she sweetly said feeling a little tipsy herself now.

"Alright then... Ah Barmaid, milk maid, heh..." The Bruce said obviously intoxicated. "4 beeeee..." he said trailing off before finishing the sentence. He looked up into the roof, at nothing for moment before just loosing consciousness and just falling onto the ground.

"Come on Bruce" Sakura softly said helping him into a sitting position in his seat so he'd be at least comfortable.

Then she drank more of her beer glad for the experience of sake nights back home. There was no disgrace in getting drunk in her culture as long as you didn't do anything too stupid while under the influence.

She could also hold her drink as well and could manage another round or two.

Sometimes the worst thing health-wise is for a Bruce to not know, not care or forget his limitations in terms of beer.

As Sakura tried to help him up into the chair it seemed that something was wrong, Bruce wasn't moving, he was a dead weight....

"Bruce, mate, you alright?" the tone was certainly one of concern.

"Tickle me pink and throw me to the dogs... I think he's gone and got himself beer poisoning..."

"Blimey, we better make him spew up then..."

"I've got just the thing.... Here shove this down his throat." He pulled a pill out of the pocket and tossed it to the other Bruce who shoved it down the throat

"Wash it down with some beer...."

"Right..."

"And watch out..."

The Bruce on the floor started coughing and gagging, soon he was starting to heave while nothing came out... and not long after a fountain of beer spewed forth. IT just kept comming and comming and comming... However it everntually died down...

"ugh... Can we grab a mop or something?"

Scraweny pokes his head into the bar...What's wrong with that guy? Will I be ostracized if I try to go in? He walks in and sits as far away from the guy on the floor as possible.

Sakura was just as concerned as the other Bruce was as messy and icky as this situation was she wouldn't chicken out of it.

Was there a UN Gnome who cleaned this place up or was it Neville and his staff? Now she'd find out for sure.

Her concern was for Bruce.

"Hah, Bruce you had us scared for a moment there."

"Ugh, What happened" the previously Alcohol Poisoned Bruce grogily said clutching his forehead... "Got a terrible hang-over."

"No doubt, your de-hydrated as ever, here let us get some water. Come on Bruce."

The Bruces bent down, grabbed their friend under the shoulders and helped him up onto the chair. PLonking him down with out any grace, he squinced at the pain of his headache.

"Keep drinking water and you'll be fine." "Oh, that reminds me" said the other one as he went over to the bar "can we have 5 glasses of water? thanks."

What it was that cleaned up messes like the one a Bruce just provided was doing. One of the Bruce's noticed something...

"Is that a squirrel?"

"perhaps, I've never seen a squirrel before."

"Could be..."

"Let's ask him..."

...

"Hey... Are you a Squirrel?" one of them shouted to the potential squirrel siting at a table.

"You'll be all right now Bruce" Sakura tenderly said to the recovering Bruce before she noticed the human sized squirrel as well.

Nothing surprised her anymore with being in the Neo Kirisuban exploration fleet and she'd give everybody a chance. She loved talking to new people anyway.

Alan was rather surprised that much had transpired when he was gone from the UN strangers bar. He quickly scanned the sea of faces in search of some one that would recognize him and update him on what had transpired since his absence

Scrawney hops onto the bar, runs over to the group of humans, and draws himself up to his max height of 10 inches, "What else would I be, a chipmunk?"

Scrawney hops onto the bar, runs over to the group of humans, and draws himself up to his max height of 10 inches, "What else would I be, a chipmunk?"

"Well, you ain't a Wabbit, that's for sure..." replies a voice from above what had seemed to be an empty barstool.

"wabbit? who said that?"

"That would be an aluminaleporidae... Invisibile Wabbit... " said Bruce "And you would be... hah, a not so regular, regular squirell. Oh, sorry for not introducing myself... I'm the Doctor." He continued on standing up and brushing himself off having no signs of the illness that had just befallen him

"Uh, Bruce... Your not a Doctor... and sit down, you've just been sick all over the place."

Bruce paused for a moment, "so either I've regenerated without me knowing... or somehow... I'm in Bruces body... in either Case, I'm the Doctor."

The two Bruces started at the remaining Bruce... Something was indeed wrong.

Doctor, as in Doctor Who? Time-Lord, Doctor Who? Can I see your telephone booth ship? plz?

Dictator Rickards walked in and looked at the Bruce and the mess on the floor. "woah," he said to himself. He sat at the bar ond ordered a drink, all while eyeing a talking squirrel on the other side of the bar.

"That would be an aluminaleporidae... Invisibile Wabbit... " said Bruce "And you would be... hah, a not so regular, regular squirell. Oh, sorry for not introducing myself... I'm the Doctor." He continued on standing up and brushing himself off having no signs of the illness that had just befallen him

"Uh, Bruce... Your not a Doctor... and sit down, you've just been sick all over the place."

Bruce paused for a moment, "so either I've regenerated without me knowing... or somehow... I'm in Bruces body... in either Case, I'm the Doctor."

The two Bruces started at the remaining Bruce... Something was indeed wrong.

Upon hearing one of the Bruces introduce himself as the Doctor, Bob groaned. Oh geez, not again. This is what, the third time he's shown up here?

"Move, you,'' said Violet, rudely pushing the Bruce/Doctor out of the way and deliberately setting a bucket of sawdust on his toe, meanwhile just missing his eye with a broom. She cast a grumpy look toward the Ardchoillean delegation -- since they'd come out of the broomcloset about their magic, Dicey had always been very helpful about cleanup spells -- but they were paying the rest of the Bar no attention at all, being still stuck in that interminable and probably quite boring conversation (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13435454&postcount=7119) they'd been in for just a-a-ages

"And there's those two idiots passed out (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13435454&postcount=7119) in the piano ... on the piano ... whatever,'' she thought. "Ace and Rico could've at least had the decency to tidy Sammy away somewhere -- and where's Neville, anyway? Never there when there's work to be done ...''

A strong hand on the broom, another on the bucket. "Here, let me do that,'' Neville said. "If you'll just look after that for a minute ...?'' he added, nodding his head nervously towards a hiccupping baby dragon (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13435454&postcount=7119) that appeared to be in affectionate pursuit.

"By the way, you can tell Madame Reilly over there that her delegation will be obliged to meet the full cost of having the piano re-tuned,'' he added glacially.

"But Neville, Sammy's the one who broke the strings,'' Violet protested. The BarLord might be having a tiff with the Ardchoilleans' President-for-life, but that was no excuse for unfairness.

"One, Kelly threw him there. Two, we'll charge the Kennyites the full sum, too,'' Neville said, with considerable satisfaction. "Now go on, Vi, see what you can do about our little draconic visitor. I've got work to do here.''

"Little visitor?'' thought Violet, looking dubious. "Er ... who's a pretty boy, then?'' she said aloud.

"Hi" Sakura said to the talking squirrel and did a double take when she heard the Doctor mentioned.

He was known even in the Neo Kirisuban Federation and had been mentioned in the history tapes they had taken from the Kirisuban Empire prior to their journey to the stars.

Doctor/Bruce seemed genuinely confused although but where was the Tardis? That was always with him.

"Hello" the squirrel said to the nice human girl. at least I think she's human, but the Doctor is supposed to be here, so that throws all the rules out the window.


"Bartender, Could I have an acorn and a birch beer?"

Turning back to the talking squirrel Sakura introduced herself properly.

"I'm Ambassador Sakura Yamamoto, Neo Kirisuban Space Federation" she warmly said bowing her head slightly.

She sipped her beer again seeing the area round them was being efficently cleaned and all would be normal soon enough.

At least as normal as this bar got anyway.

"I am Head Squirrel of the Great Oak of the Democratic States of Regular Squirrles. It is a pleasure to meet you." *Bows body and top of the tail halfway*

OOC:In DSRS there are varying ways of bowing, showing varying levels of respect... Scrawney just bowed to Sakura as an equal.

The Doctor managed to efficiently evade the aggressive mopping techniques of Violet before raising his eyebrows in a look of slight surprise...

"Right then... my conciousness and the conciousness of Bruce, uh what's his last name?" queiried the Doctor Bruce....

"We just go by our first names, I'm Bruce, this is Bruce and Sheilas somewhere..."

"So, Bruce was here, violently expelled his stomach contents and collapsed unconcious?" Trying to get a feel of what happened just before whatever happened.

"Which means that... He's got my TARDIS, My Sonic Screwdriver and my telepathic paper..... the Telepathic PAPER, of course!"

The Doctor closed his eyes, and was concentrating, sending a message back to his body...

"Okay... now... How did our conciousnesses swap... any ideas, any one?"

Space-Time Continuum Flux?

"Nice to meet you too...I am Scrawney the Head Squirrel of the Great Oak of the Democratic States of Regular Squirrels" *bows body halfway*

OOC: this belongs below Skill Crossbones' post.

"Interesting..." Said Dave Rickards, "but what are the odds of that? Then again, what are the odds of a talking squirrel? Perhaps they are just so wasted that they think their conciousnessness has switched."

"Hello. Nice to meet you. I am Dictator Dave Rickards of Skillcrossbones. I don't know squirrels could talk. Or are you just a one-in-a-million kind of squirrel?"

"Hello. Nice to meet you. I am Dictator Dave Rickards of Skillcrossbones. I don't know squirrels could talk. Or are you just a one-in-a-million kind of squirrel?"

"You are leader of your country? O, I am sorry"

*rebows this time tail comes down with body*

"I don't know about the rest of the world, but humans are a minority in my country. And yes, most of us squirrels can talk. "

"Don't worry about it. People screw up my name all the time," said Rickards, taking another drink. "Humans are the majority specied in my country. And the squirrels don't talk. I imagine it must be hard to fit in to places dominated by humans."

"They normally don't notice me. Or at least they don't recognize me as a sentient being. sometimes it's annoying but, If I wish to be heard I am." Glad he didn't notice the indignity I gave him.

"Well, it's good that you can be heard. I have a question. Is everything in your nation like a small version of ordinarily sized objects? And if so, do you have to produce these your self? Because I can imagine the cost of having everything made specially smaller."

"Well, it's not a problem for us. We live in the trees like normal squirrels it's just we can speak some human languages and are a bit more organized. Actually it's a problem for the humans to get stuff big enough for them to use. Most of our country is Forest despite what the humans say is 'inhospitable'. the humans have a few cities and as I am hearing a lot of problems."

"At times, I think it could be an advantage to be your size. You could sometimes be a valuble ally in a war. Nobody would be suspicious because you're a squirrel. And you are so small you could like, sneak through air conditioning vents."

"Or the tops of Trees, yea. In the rare occasion the humans come to talk to us it's for this reason. Spies, that's all they see in us. It angers much of the population. Sometimes we just want to...(:mp5:) but we don't, because we know that would be suicide.

What about your country? "

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. What do you mean about my country?"

"No offense, just bad memories... I spent four months in the human army, that may not be much to a human but to us squirrels that's a lot. We don't live that long, compared to humans."

"How does your government work? You are a democracy, so I assume you have elections. How often do you hold them? Does your nation have an armed forces?

Space-Time Continuum Flux?

"Perhaps..." the doctor said pointing towards the squirrel "but I don't have the TARDIS nor my Sonic Screwdriver so I can't do anything... but perhaps there is something..."

"Sorry Violet but I need that vomit... oh, and does anyone have a Molecular Reasonance Imager, I could perhaps borrow?" The tone of the doctors voiced high, he was uncertain if anyone had it.

"Don't look at us, Bruce... uh, Doctor, ugh, Whatever your name is, we don't have the foggiest what's going on."

"Right, here's the situation, me and Bruce your friend swap bodies hopefully they'll be here any moment but without someone who knows what they're doing who knows where or how or when they'll end up..."

Meanwhile... Bruce and the Doctor's lovely Assistant Sarah Jane Smith were having problems of their own... "Do you think this'll work?"

"I don't even know what we're meant to be doing."

"Just shut up and do what I say." the annoyed Sarah spoke... The Doctor was always meant to be the Doctor and not this... this... Australian."

"Percentage of Success: 78 point 34 percent, Mistress" K9 spoke.

"Any suggestions K-9?"

"Locate the Doctor, mistress"

"Yes, thank you, K-9, that's what I'm trying to do..."

"Locate the Doctor, mistress"

Sarah paused one moment... "Doctor... I mean Bruce... What do you have on you? "

"I don't know..." replied the Doctor/Bruce

"Come on show me, what you got there..."

"Alright, not sure it'll help..."

The Doctor-looking Bruce emptied his pockets.... there were a couple of things... The sonic-screwdriver of course, the pshycic parchment and a disc, it looked like a CD.

"K-9, see what can tell me about what's on this disc." she inserted it into the electronic dog.

"Analysing...."

"Disc contains a hologram, do you want me to play it for you Mistress?"

"Yes, please K-9"

"playing"
A Hologram came to life... "Hi, if your seeing this, that means that somethings happened to me or my conciousness. If it's out there somewhere insert this Disc into the TARDIS console it will lock onto my conciousness amd transport you directly to me... Then we can figure out what we do next."

Soon afterwards back in the bar the sound of the TARDIS Materialising could be heard...

"Oh, great they found it..."

Sakura heard the wheeze of the Tardis landing and seen the familiar blue police box form. Perhaps now they sort out this problem they had.

Meanwhile she'd kept up with the conversation she had started with Scrawney and the one that Dictator Rikard's had.

She'd also introduced herself with a smile to him as well and being the only woman at the table made her a minority for now.

"I don't want to be rude but I'm gonna try to sneak onto that booth over there. Good bye Sakura and Dave." *bows body and tail, then scampers to the top of the tardis waiting for the door to open.*

"Goodbye, Scrawney." He turned to the woman sitting at the table. ""Hello, who are you?" He offered a handshake.

With both K-9 and Sarah Jane there was no one it could rather be than the eccentric Fourth Doctor...

"Doctor, are you here?" Sarah wondered curiously

"Sarah... I knew you'd be able to solve that problem..."

The Bruce-like Doctor went over and and hugged Sarah

"Oh, and Bruce, you better watch out there... look up."

The so he did the Doctor-looking Bruce looked up to see the Squirrel looking down upon him, for some reason it looked much bigger than he actually was and the Bruce looked up and freaked out...

"Gah, Get it away from me, get it off! Arrggghhhh..."

The other remaining Bruces looked at each and laughed... "Yep, that's our Bruce."

"Sarah have some fun and keep an eye on me."

"yeah, alright."

"So, Scrawney, want a tour of the TARDIS?"

"yes, please."

"Goodbye, Scrawney." He turned to the woman sitting at the table. ""Hello, who are you?" He offered a handshake.

"Ambassador Sakura Yamamoto, Neo Kirisuban Space Federation" she cheerfully replied accepting the handshake and shaking back firmly.

"My friends are part of the Sheila's and Bruce's delegation" she added.

"Pleased to meet you, Sakura Yamamoto." He smiled and took another drink.

"And you as well" Sakura smiled back before she sipped at her beer.

Then the usual diplomatic interuption happened. Her comm badge beeped and she tapped the gold crossed swords badge above her kimono's right breast.

The message was in Kirisuban and she listened carefully after adding something in her own language before tapping it again.

"Sorry about that but duty never seems to be far away" she softly added.

"Don't be sorry. Being busy and being in the government go hand in hand." He took another drink. "That's an interesting mode of communication you have."

The doors opened, cool air seeping in for but a moment as a tall, pale figure walked in to the room. The figure was about 6 and a half feet tall, and very lean. He was dressed in a very smooth black suit, looking slightly as though he'd just left a funeral. His eyes were a sharp steel gray, his hair as black as his clothes. His skin, having been treated to many lengthy days in an air-conditioned home, was very pale.

Slowly, the figure crossed to a lounge chair at one corner of the room, crossed his fingers, and leaned back a little, relaxing. The man smiled widely at the bartender.
"Would I be able to get a mug of green tea? If so, start a tab for me under the name 'Scelestus'."

"Excuse me," Rickards said to Sakura, and he spun around in his bar stool. "Hello." He stood up, approached the man who just entered the bar and extended his hand. "Who are you?"

Rising to meet the stranger halfway, Scelestus lifted his arm, shaking hands warmly.
"I am Scelestus Nightweave, Chancellor of Vrall, and founder/delegate of Otios Isle" he said with a wide grin, "And you are..."

"Dave Rickards, Dictator of Skillcrossbones." He smiled, a smile that was either a cordial smile or a superior smirk. "Nice to meet you Chancellor Nightweave.

Scelestus tensed slightly. He was naturally in tune with detecting things that didn't fit, and Rickards didn't fit. Not quite... There was something.... smug about him. As though he believed himself superior. Of course, it was possible he was simply pleased with a recent victory... But Scelestus wasn't sure what to make of it yet.

After a moment, he realized his own smile had fallen, and in a second it was back up, silent and knowing. Scel sat back down, accepting his green tea as someone handed him the steaming mug.
"It's a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Rickards," he said with his still-warm tones.

"So, what brings you to the bar? Just relaxing after a day of UN business?" Rickards asked while adjusting his hair.

Scelestus sipped his tea. "Primarily. I first came in to sling about a few words on my repeal proposal, but I prefer a bit of intrigue from time to time. It's the bread and butter of politics, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes, of course. Your repeal proposal is the one with the tankers, right? I've seen some info about that one. I support it."

"Yes, of course. Your repeal proposal is the one with the tankers, right? I've seen some info about that one. I support it."
"Quite correct. I actually did my own research, spotting that tankers haul more than just fuel. This is the second time I've proposed it. First time, it didn't even pass legal examination. This one is facing the ax in 3 days. Therefore, I've started a thread on it, sent out messages to a few delegates, and came here to talk about it.
"Which reminds me, thank you for your support," concluded the long-winded man with a small laugh.

"You're welcome." He took another sip. "Good luck on the new resolution."

"thank you," said Scel, nodding.

"Don't be sorry. Being busy and being in the government go hand in hand." He took another drink. "That's an interesting mode of communication you have."

Sakura smiled and said "its just a standard fleet surface to ship combadge. More advanced than a mobile phone with greater range."

Then she seen a newcomer and smiling again introduced herself.

"Hello Chancellor, I'm Ambassador Sakura Yamamoto. Your proposal did look interesting" she softly said to him.

Scelestus lifted his head once more, smiling at the new speaker. "Nice to meet you, Miss Yamamoto. Feel free to call me Scelestus," he said kindly.

The air in the barroom begins to feel cold and the lights dim. In the darkest corner of thee bar a circle of summoning fringed in ancient and arcane magics opens up, admitting two creatures. One is about six and one-half feet tall, wearing a flowing black robe and hood fringed in midnight blue runes. His face is deathly pale and his irises of his eyes are blood red. Two fangs can be seen protruding from his mouth and his red eyes scan the room. The second figure is a seven-foot tall daemon with orange-tinted skin and horns and eyes to match the first figure's. He has large demon wings and suspended between them is a giant sword as tall as the daemon. It is a blade with a ruby set in the pommel of the hilt and the blade. The crossguard holds a human skull and the hilt is wrapped in human skin and in place of leather is human veins enchanted so blood continually runs through them. Up the blade is running midnight-blue glowing runes.

The first figure whispers to the daemon and it departs back through the circle of summoning, the portal sealing itself back up behind him. The black-clad figure, now alone, surveys the room and walks up to the bar. "Bartender, blood-wine of the Desolace please, you may put it on my tab." He then recieves a wine glass with the blood-wine and sits himself down in the corner of the portal, alone at a table.

After a couple sips, he surverys the room again and says, "My, I had forgotten." He then starts to laugh manically and shouts, "Markas the Nightsworn lives...again!!!"

Wolfgang tilted back in his chair and looked back, upside-down, at the newcomers. Dramatic, eh? he transmitted to IX and Kyle. Falling back towards his table, he growled softly. "I really wish we could get a intelligent species' rights thing through, instead of tackling one race at a time," he said, causing his cohorts to nod. In defiance of his programmed ways, IX generated a drink in his hand, and raised it. "To politics." Kyle and Wolfgang repeated it, raising their own drinks.

The air in the barroom begins to feel cold and the lights dim. In the darkest corner of thee bar a circle of summoning fringed in ancient and arcane magics opens up, admitting two creatures. One is about six and one-half feet tall, wearing a flowing black robe and hood fringed in midnight blue runes. His face is deathly pale and his irises of his eyes are blood red. Two fangs can be seen protruding from his mouth and his red eyes scan the room. The second figure is a seven-foot tall daemon with orange-tinted skin and horns and eyes to match the first figure's. He has large demon wings and suspended between them is a giant sword as tall as the daemon. It is a blade with a ruby set in the pommel of the hilt and the blade. The crossguard holds a human skull and the hilt is wrapped in human skin and in place of leather is human veins enchanted so blood continually runs through them. Up the blade is running midnight-blue glowing runes.

The first figure whispers to the daemon and it departs back through the circle of summoning, the portal sealing itself back up behind him. The black-clad figure, now alone, surveys the room and walks up to the bar. "Bartender, blood-wine of the Desolace please, you may put it on my tab." He then recieves a wine glass with the blood-wine and sits himself down in the corner of the portal, alone at a table.

After a couple sips, he surverys the room again and says, "My, I had forgotten." He then starts to laugh manically and shouts, "Markas the Nightsworn lives...again!!!"

Dictator Rickards stood up and in a most calm fashion strode across the bar and greeted the newcomers. "Hello, Dave Rickards, and you are?" He extended his hand and smiled.

OOC: Sorry for the delay

IC: The Bruce-like Doctor opened the door, "come on in." He entered, laying on the TARDIS console was an open bag of Jelly Babies. "This is the TARDIS Control room, Do not touch anything... oh, and want a Jelly Baby?" he asked picking up the bag, obviously having a moment of trouble where the pockets were. "This is the heart of the TARDIS... though there is much, much more....

Scelestus smiled wryly, looking over at the demon-followed figure who had sprouted in the corner. Demons, extraterrestrials, vampires, and clearly much much more.

He had a sudden feeling he would like it much much more in here. Standing up, Scelestus returned to his old arts- well-practiced energy-manipulation. With little effort, Scel bounded high into the air, landing easily on the beams between floor and ceiling. He crouched there, looking at the crowd more closely. HE smiled, almost glad he still carried his black blades. He wouldn't use them, not yet, perhaps never, but they reminded him of his roots, of his origins...

Mr. Jinnai had come to the bar today ordering simply a plain glass of water and took out his notebook looking around and jotting down some notes. Today he was just here to do research, assuming no one interrupted him. Knowing this might happen he wrote all of his in cryptic lines he hoped no one would understand. Problem was, he sometimes didn't remember what they meant when he studied them later.

Great idea!

Most clubshave trophy cases, don't they? We could have cups for "most often attempted overworked issues", such as abortion, gay marriage, and abolition of religion.

Hmm, it smells good; fine food, cigars, and aged drinks perfume the air.

I believe I'll have some broiled red snapper with capers and a spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette.

*wanders over toward the billiard s tables while the order is being prepared*

noting that you can smell cigars is a huge problem in a UN Pub because smoking in pubs has been banned

Mr. Jinnai had come to the bar today ordering simply a plain glass of water and took out his notebook looking around and jotting down some notes. Today he was just here to do research, assuming no one interrupted him. Knowing this might happen he wrote all of his in cryptic lines he hoped no one would understand. Problem was, he sometimes didn't remember what they meant when he studied them later.
The Dictator walked over to this newcomer to the bar , extended his hand and said, "Hello, I'm Dave Rickards, and who are you?"

noting that you can smell cigars is a huge problem in a UN Pub because smoking in pubs has been banned

OOC: When did we do that?

OOC: We didn't, that I can recall. But you have to hand it to him; that's post No 2 he's quoting. Congratulations on (a) reading the thread and (b) the oldest gravedig the Bar's ever had, Minimetros.

For what it's worth, if the great Founders of the Bar said we had it, then I reckon we've got it. We've certainly got a trophy case, a piano, billiard tables and a Fine Dining section, and a room full of one-armed bandits where you can park bodyguards. Check the Drinkers' Guide in my sig for more detail.

The Dictator walked over to this newcomer to the bar , extended his hand and said, "Hello, I'm Dave Rickards, and who are you?"Jinnai puts down his pen and looks up, taking the man's hand after a moment of pause, mostly trying to realize why he was extending it as he wasn't used to this custom. Then he remembered the talks about how some of the other countries had unusual (to him) customs for greeting. "Good day to you fine sir. My name is Katsuhiko Jinnai." he let go after shaking the mans hand and stood up and gave a respectful bow for greeting.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Jinnai. What brings you to the bar?"

With the dramatic apperance of the Raven Lord and meeting Scelestus today was proving most fruitful for Sakura.

She also introduced herself with a bow to Mr Jinnai saying "I'm Sakura Yamamoto representing the Neo Kirisuban Federation."

He did seem to come from a similiar culture to hers as she was asian and wore a red kimono today.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Jinnai. What brings you to the bar?""I am here simply to observe, at least today. It is one of my passions in life." He pauses, "Although I am not a stringent man. I can easily change my itinerary."

He gestures to a seat, "If you want, we can sit."
With the dramatic apperance of the Raven Lord and meeting Scelestus today was proving most fruitful for Sakura.

She also introduced herself with a bow to Mr Jinnai saying "I'm Sakura Yamamoto representing the Neo Kirisuban Federation."

He did seem to come from a similiar culture to hers as she was asian and wore a red kimono today.Jinnai then notices someone else appear near him, this time a woman from a similar culture. He turned and returned the bow, "As I was saying to Mister... Rickards? Yes?" He looked over to confirm he pronouced the name right, "My name is Katsuhiko Jinnai representing The Dominion of The Popoton."

He also gestured for Sakura to take a seat if she wished.

"Correct." He sat down. "You're just watching and recording what goes on? I've always wanted to do something like that. But, now I don't have the time, and even if I did, I could never write fast enough."

"That is where discretion and advanced writing techniques come in handy. However, at times it becomes a hassle. I've tried with some PDAs,but they haven't adapted one that can handle my writing very well, so I'm stuck with pen and paper."

"Correct." He sat down. "You're just watching and recording what goes on? I've always wanted to do something like that. But, now I don't have the time, and even if I did, I could never write fast enough."
Scelestus chuckled from his little haven by the ceiling. "I'm quick, especially thanks to my ability to slow time, but I've never exactly been patient and focused enough to slow time and take notes. I focus on one, I lose the other," he said to Rickards below.

Markas shakes Rickard's hand and replies, 'I am Markas, known as the Nightsworn. I am the ambassador and voice for our Desolace of The Raven Lord. Would you care to join me for some blood wine? It was bottled from ionvaders to our land twelve years ago.

A squirrel appears with a flash of bright blue light and a popping noise, and falls to the counter. It moans and then sits up. "Last thing I remember I was sitting atop the Tardis...What happened?" *falls over*

Jinnai then notices someone else appear near him, this time a woman from a similar culture. He turned and returned the bow, "As I was saying to Mister... Rickards? Yes?" He looked over to confirm he pronouced the name right, "My name is Katsuhiko Jinnai representing The Dominion of The Popoton."

He also gestured for Sakura to take a seat if she wished.

Which she did beside him. It did seem to her that female ambassadors were rare round here which was quite the reverse to her own culture. Normally it was a lot harder to find a male on their homeworlds.

"Perhaps the Doctor's popped away away" she also gently suggested to Scrawney and sipped at her beer again.

"So what is the Dominion of the Popoton like?" she also gently asked.

*regains councesiousness at sound of his name* "What about popoton?" *gets a nice strong tea to recover brain function*

Scelestus watched the light-trailing squirrel with curiosity. After a moment, he spoke again. "So who or what might you be? I'm Scelestus Nightweave."

Markas shakes Rickard's hand and replies, 'I am Markas, known as the Nightsworn. I am the ambassador and voice for our Desolace of The Raven Lord. Would you care to join me for some blood wine? It was bottled from ionvaders to our land twelve years ago.
He grimaced slightly at the blood wine. "Er, no, thank you. When you came in, you said you live again? What does that mean? Did you, die, and then magically come back to life or something?"

Scelestus watched the light-trailing squirrel with curiosity. After a moment, he spoke again. "So who or what might you be? I'm Scelestus Nightweave."

"I am Scrawney head squirrel of the Grand Oak of the Democratic States of Regular Squirrels." *bows with body and tail*

Sir Albert looks over to the squirrel, which for a chap with double alcohol double double vision is no mean feat. Anyway, having totally failed to focus on the squirrel, he shouts to Neville. "ere lad, i saw one of them there irregular squirrels once, reminded me of my old mate Picasso, funny bloke,always liked to paint after he'd had a few, rather than down a bag of greasy fried food".

Sir Albert looks over to the squirrel, which for a chap with double alcohol double double vision is no mean feat. Anyway, having totally failed ot focus on the squirrely, he shouts to neville. "ere lad, i saw one of them there irregular squirrels once, reminded me of my old mate Picasso, funny bloke,always liked to paint after he'd had a few, rather than down a bag of greasy fried food".

*looks at drunk man confused*

"So what is the Dominion of the Popoton like?" she also gently asked.Well, right now, it is going through some major changes. Our esteemed ruler, has some grand visions and had to move quite rapidly to implement them. This has naturally caused quite a bit of turmoil recently, but things should hopefully be settling down soon.

What your country?

*looks at drunk man confused*

Sir Albert chuckles, 'job done'.

"I am Scrawney head squirrel of the Grand Oak of the Democratic States of Regular Squirrels." *bows with body and tail*
Without much difficulty, Scelestus jumped to the floor, and, facing Scrawney with respect, bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Rickards walked over to Scelestus and said, "I endorsed your proposal earlier today." He turned and looked at Scrawney. "Ah, I see you've met Scrawney, verry interesting fellow. Can I get either of you drinks?"

"Jinnai San, we're a space faring nation. Our home worlds are in the Federal Union and we're a constitutional monarchy with an Empress as our head of state.

Also only 10% of the population is male and our planets are mainly tropical zoned with some temperate and colder areas" Sakura softly replied.

"We've also got a diplomatic starship in orbit which is my office and quarters and its quite easy to commute up and down to work from it" she added.

Rickards walked over to Scelestus and said, "I endorsed your proposal earlier today." He turned and looked at Scrawney. "Ah, I see you've met Scrawney, verry interesting fellow. Can I get either of you drinks?"

"It's rare that I drink anything more than some tea. Suffice it to say, my nerves were worn thin over a few short years," said Scel almost mournfully

Rickards walked over to Scelestus and said, "I endorsed your proposal earlier today." He turned and looked at Scrawney. "Ah, I see you've met Scrawney, verry interesting fellow. Can I get either of you drinks?"

"Thank you, but I'm good." *takes sip of black extra-sweetened tea*

"Jinnai San, we're a space faring nation. Our home worlds are in the Federal Union and we're a constitutional monarchy with an Empress as our head of state.

Also only 10% of the population is male and our planets are mainly tropical zoned with some temperate and colder areas" Sakura softly replied.

"We've also got a diplomatic starship in orbit which is my office and quarters and its quite easy to commute up and down to work from it" she added.Jinnai raises an eyebrow, "Indeed. We haven't explored much into space. We have mostly been experimenting on developing new life forms so space travel has been limited. We mostly experiment on creating human hybrid, but some other unusual things have been developed."

only 10%...so how does your race survive?

only 10%...so how does your race survive?

Smiling, Scelestus spoke to his new furry friend, "Most likely through massive sperm banks or something to those effects. Am I right?"

or a 9:1, wife:husband.

"It is possible that the latter proposal is correct. Our humanoid animals have a similar make-up and they have a high breeding rate. In addition twins are not uncommon." He pauses for a moment considering something, "Although, the fact that the scientists made them able to procreate with normal humans to have offspring may also account for the population."

The talk of massive sperm banks and having 9 wives to one husband made Sakura smile and she gently replied "its actually simpler than that. Every woman is expected to have at least two children and our men are expected to either donate sperm or have sex at special hotels every week.

Children usually grow up knowing two adoptive mothers rather than having a normal mother/father relationship but it works for us."

She smiled softly and drank more of her beer.

"Seems rather complex." Jinnai said shrugging. His theory had been wrong, but he didn't seem to mind, "You haven't thought about changing your genetics so that such a complicated system can be removed?"

Sakura shook her head.

"This dates back to the first landings where not all the ships made it. Our scientists also considered cloning as well as genetics but in the end we decided to keep things as natural as possible.

So the laws and customs that keep our population at a viable level have been in place for nearly two hundred years now" she gently added.

"I see..." Jinnai frowns, "I do understand the reasoning behind why you initiated such a project then, but it seems to me that it could be easy to damage should something happen to the 10% of the male population, but I guess I can't say much, considering our situation."

He leaned back and took a long drink from his glass of water.

Sakura gave Jinnai a soft smile still curious about the human hybrids he mentioned previously.

"So Jinnai san. These human hybrids you mentioned earlier. Are you allowed to tell us more about them or is it a classified matter?" she asked sounding curious.

Curiousity was a major factor in Sakura's life given she was a former starfleet science officer.

"Hey Bruces... I'm not myself." said the Doctor-like Bruce obvious confused as he would never wear a scarf not any sort of long coat (The weather just wasn't suitable for such things at home in his native land)

"Hey Bruce, what's it like being in someone elses body?"

"Down right bloody weird, I'm dreading taking a shower. anyway, where is he, the guy with my body. I haven't seen him after he put a jelly baby in his mouth."

"Don't know Bruce, and who's that sheila that came with your new body?"

"Oh, some friend of the Doctor, she seems nice but be-careful she's got a nasty left hook if she uses it."

"Hey watch it, I can hear you, you know..." sarah-jane Comment "Yeah and why is he taking so long, I'm going to check on him."

"You know he did say to keep me, company."

"Yep, that's right I did." the Bruce-looking Doctor "and Bruce, how much beer did you have before coming here?" he trollied out some beer of his own, it was perhaps

"I dunno, perhaps 10-12..." reported Bruce

"More like 25, Bruce you were chugging them down faster than we could say 'Blimey, What's that'"

"Aha, Just I thought... an electrolyte alcohol fuel cell, combined with the natural effects of the Strangers bar, and poof, a transidental memory manipulator."

"Basically the tremendous amounts of alcohol in your system provided the power for a collection of seemingly inconspicuous objects to swap our memories making me you and you me."

"We've got to re-create the levels of alcohol in this system..."

"Doctor, he nearly killed himself he had so much alcohol i his system, how do Timelords process Alcohol anyway?"

"Doesn't matter, I've got to do this as bruce... I hope you got the same vomiting drug ready.. everything needs to be exactly the same, hence why I got plenty of Brucian beer. I had it under the shelves way, way back."

Scelestus shrugged, smiling wryly, "Well, can't be right every time (or any time for that matter)."

Sakura gave Jinnai a soft smile still curious about the human hybrids he mentioned previously.

"So Jinnai san. These human hybrids you mentioned earlier. Are you allowed to tell us more about them or is it a classified matter?" she asked sounding curious.

Curiousity was a major factor in Sakura's life given she was a former starfleet science officer."The methods we use to create them and control their genetic offspring are classified, but beyond that they aren't. Right now they are mostly mammilian in origin. This origins of the experimentation are quite complex, too complex to really go over and I am certain historians will still unconver more reasons, but suffice it to say that it had to do with the damage we did to our enivroment and it's impact on us and the rest of the animal populations, plus other stuff..." he trailed off, obviously not wanting to talk anymore on the subject of origins.

"Suffice it to none of us from The Popotan are completely unaltered humans, except a small minority who have been allowed to maintain themselves on a small island. We expect those to die out within 3 to 4 generations because of lack of genetically sustainable population, which is at least the official reason for the human animal-hybrids were deemed necessary. I am not an exception. My DNA has been infused with some, however, it only slightly altered my genome, mostly so that I can procreate with the human-hybrids. Most of them, both those created from human offspring and those created from non-human offspring look relatively close to human. The mannerisms of those created from mammillian population though do more resemble their parentage and their is usually a couple of distinguishing features, like tail, different ears, eye shape and color, etc. Not much though, at least in 98% of the population. there is 1% that are completely human in appearance and another 1% who are almost animal-like. Both of these populations are genetically sterilized and the rates of these anomalies are being reduced every generation.

Currently 25% of mammals will be adapted to fit into the program in some way. Right now the gender ate is 97% female but is set to increase by 1% each generation until it stabalizes at somewhere around 80% or so on average.The generations right now are also artifically enhanced to age more rapidly to puberty to enhance this project so that we can more readily make adjustments. Once we get that stabilized we might consider adapting more creatures, if needed.

We have also done long-term environmental impact studies and one of the major reasons for choosing this method is the general consensus that some of the genome models would help connect our society more to nature thus reducing the long-term risk of a repeat."

He finished this long lecture with gulping down his glass of water and ordering some more before realizing he might have bored everyone with his explanation, "Um sorry about that long-winded speech there."

"Um sorry about that long-winded speech there.""Not at all, at all, begorrah," brogued Neville, fakely Fenian. "But, sure, lad, d'ye not know what day it is, an' all?"

Adroitly pinning shamrocks on customers wherever he could (not easy with squirrels, and even worse with Invisible Wabbits), he whisked away everyone's drinks and replaced them with a suitably Hibernian equivalent.

"Has anybody here seen Kelly, K, E, double-L, Y?" he carolled, tipping a black felt hat with a buckle insanely askew on his emerald-green-dyed locks. With generous hand he distributed chocolate "gold coins" from a large black pot from which emerged -- or in which ended, depending how you looked at it -- a patently fake LED rainbow.

"Kelly? Kelly?" croaked a voice from the piano. "A Kelly will always answer the call! Tell 'em I died game!"

Hauling the still figure of Sammy Faisano from the interior of the instrument, Bill Kelly set him upright, put an arm round his shoulders and hugged him generously.

"That was a lovely row, lovely!" he told the Kennyite enthusiastically. "Now, who's next? Ya reckon we could take those blokes with the funny accents? Ah, you've been a pleasure to do business with, y'know, Sammy-me-lad! Not a stuck-up bone in yer body ... Bruce is a bloody silly name for a bloke," he added, fixing a passing Bruce with a steely glare.

Serifina Karin enters the bar once more and settles herself at a table, dropping her briefcase on top of it. She looks around the room, then shakes her head, deciding the place has gotten even stranger since her last visit, which she wouldn't have believed before. She looks around briefly, then shrugs to herself, and orders a glass of wine. As long as no one from home saw her, she was fine.

"That was a lovely row, lovely!" he told the Kennyite enthusiastically. "Now, who's next? Ya reckon we could take those blokes with the funny accents? Ah, you've been a pleasure to do business with, y'know, Sammy-me-lad! Not a stuck-up bone in yer body ... Bruce is a bloody silly name for a bloke," he added, fixing a passing Bruce with a steely glare.

Don't look at me, I'm not really a Bruce, but it is a name derived from the French language, It means woodlands." the Bruce-Like commented as he looked towards the other Bruces.

"'ey, we didn't want to know that. Our names derived from bloody France... great!" the three actual exclaimed at the same time with slight deviations from said statement.

"Well, how about some more beers then... help you forget."

"Well, for a know-it=all, your not to bad doc, got some more Jelly Babies?"

"Of course... the extra sugar will do you good... in this case." The Bruce-like doctor deft threw the Jellie Babies onto the table in the middle of the real bruces. Passing the Doctor-like Bruce a mug they both toasted each other before they started drinking."

After he had drunk some the Doctor-like Bruce exclaimed "I've drunk from out of here and it's still as high as a hot air balloon."

"What, it's still full, Bruce?"

"Yeah, Bruce..."

"Great Bruce, you've got a never-ending mug of beer, Every Bruces dream..."

"Wow, thanks Doc."

They continued to drink.

Serifina Karin enters the bar once more and settles herself at a table, dropping her briefcase on top of it. She looks around the room, then shakes her head, deciding the place has gotten even stranger since her last visit, which she wouldn't have believed before. She looks around briefly, then shrugs to herself, and orders a glass of wine. As long as no one from home saw her, she was fine.

"Hi, Dictator Dave Rickards, and who are you?" He smiled and extended his hand.

"Hi, Dictator Dave Rickards, and who are you?" He smiled and extended his hand.

Serifina gives his hand a brief, gentle shake. "Lady Serifina Karin, from Karianis. A pleasure. I wouldn't have thought a Dictator would come to the UN himself. I rather would've thought you'd be busy at home."

"Actually, I did Rickard," replied Markas, "sadly though, it happens to all my people at one point or another. I ran out of bloodwine and my daemon was having some issues and alongside that some slkirmishing was going on along the border to which I had to return. It's a long story, but needless to say I got lost in my own desert and died. Since it was natural, though, I live again."

Noticing Serifina Karin enter the bar, Markas turns to her and bows, "Welcome, my Lady." He then extends his hand to her and says, "I am Markas, known in my Desolace as the Nightsworn...Delegate, if you will, of The Raven Lord. Who might you be?"

Serifina gives his hand a brief, gentle shake. "Lady Serifina Karin, from Karianis. A pleasure. I wouldn't have thought a Dictator would come to the UN himself. I rather would've thought you'd be busy at home."

"Well, I'm not a stereotype evil opressive dictator. And the UN didn't reject my application." He scanned the room, looking at all of the beings in the bar. "And if I do say so myself, a dictator is hardly the most abnormal creature here. There's quite a gathering of unique people in this place. Take Markas for instance," and motioned towards him.

*snaps head at sound of "abnormal creature"*

"What???"

Sakura found a shamrock pinned on her and her beer replaced with a green beer while she listened to Jinnai san's interesting explaination. It didn't bore her in the slighest.

"You didn't bore me. Do you know what these green plants are for that the gentleman just pinned on us?" she asked.

They didn't have St Patrick's day where she came from.

Another woman was nearby so she nodded a greeting to her as well.

"I think it has something to do with a place called Ireland, and snakes! i remember the Snake story. Wish the guy would come to my home...we could do without snakes."

*snaps head at sound of "abnormal creature"*

"What???"

"Oh, Lady Karin was just remarking on how odd it was that a dictator would be a member of the UN, and I replied that there is a very wide variety of different beings in the UN. Sorry, I didn't mean any offense by it." He took another drink of his now green martini. He adjusted the shamrock on his lapel and offered one to scrawney. "Would you like one?"

"Is it edible?"

*his head rose in interest"

"Er, it's made of plastic, so I don't think it has any nutritional value, and I probably wouldn't eat it anyway. You can probably order some real ones at the bar. I don't know how they taste, though."

*orders an order of shamrocks*

"Wonder if it tastes like walnuts."

OOC: Squirrel equivelent of chicken.

Rickards raised an eyebrow at Scrawney's comment, then asked "how does it taste?"

A huge bulgy man lodged into the door, followed by a tall and skinny man with a golden ring and several golden buttons on his jacket that said "Rithic Native". He sat down and ordered a cup of beer, unaware that many eyes were staring at his bodyguard.

Rickards moved over to these newcomers. "Hello," he said to the bodyguard. He looked at the skinny man. "Nice jacket," he said. Rickards extended his hand and then said, "Hello, I'm Dictator Dave Rickards, who are you?"

Rickards raised an eyebrow at Scrawney's comment, then asked "how does it taste?"

"Walnuts or Shamrocks? Walnuts taste like a certain animal called the chicken (at least to us it does), Shamrocks taste like dandelion leaves."

Rickards moved over to these newcomers. "Hello," he said to the bodyguard. He looked at the skinny man. "Nice jacket," he said. Rickards extended his hand and then said, "Hello, I'm Dictator Dave Rickards, who are you?"

The bodyguard almost looked like he was about to make the man fly to the end of the building with his finger... but the skinny man stepped in. "Hello, I'm Kordan Permai of Rithian. Nice to meet you. I'm kind of stressed out at today's UN meeting trying to make it look like a nation in a civil war can actually make a honesthearted well thought and decisive decision in a council of hundreds of nations from around the world." And with that he ordered some nuts.