NationStates Jolt Archive

"Please roll up the windows, your Excellency." said the security officer.
General Schlabel, newly elected Chancellor, looked at him in surprise. "But this is the progress of my election to government." It was so customary that he felt stupid with astonishment.
"Yes Excellency." sitting across from him was the sallow faced Baron Shein, who interrupted himself with a wrenching smoker's cough. "However, the Lammergeier district is, though not one of the poorest in Hofburg, become one of the most dangerous. Many of its sub-electoral zones voted communist in the election."
General Schlabel adjusted his eyepatch and sat back, frowning. "If they're malcontent...well, there's nothing for it. The promises of my government must work. My promises to the Empress..." he said, half to himself.
What he saw outside, the cortege of sleek government cars in contrast to shabby previous century brick and dreary apartments, made him feel sad. Here were many to whom the promises of Lavenrunz had been distant indeed. And the result of the Christian-Nationalists' adventurism had told on the people of the working and middle classes terribly. Taxes had leaped up. Everything had changed.
There were barricades leading from the district to the commercial district of Linz; he could see armored cars, Statspolizei with leather coats and submachineguns. Those not moving the barrier aside saluted him as he went through.
"Chancellor," said Shein quietly, "I'm afraid you've come into power with a most degenerate state of affairs: debt, low morale, and of course Helga Dresden across the floor of the Volksraad."
Schlabel glanced at him and said firmly, "We've faced worse, my old friend, and this too will be weathered."
He could see the height and magnificence of the Chancery and the Volksraad dominating Government Row as they drove on.

OOC: Woohoo! Welcome back to an old ally. How much of this would other nations (IE Tsaraine) know?

OOC:
Jojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojojo!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 1111oneoneone
*gives thread 5 stars*
*makes a note to remove Lavenrunz from this 'historic nations' categories in NSWiki and KIST*
*reads*

noted

*promptly tags the thread*

She's not fat, and she hasnt Sung! Hit us back , Jack!

OOC: Hi everyone! The general state of Lavenrunz is knowledge available to anyone who had diplomatic or economic ties, or who could justify having journalists or tourists there.
IC:

"The main difficulty," Aurora von Konigsmark said, "Is that there's a domino effect on the economy. With the rise of taxes, prices went up. With the rise of prices, standards of living became more untenable. So when we go up before the Volksraad to present a budget, the big question on many minds is going to be: where will we start making cuts?"
The tall slender elegant woman looked around, her dark blue eyes grave. Schlabel nodded, concealing his worry.
"One of the last things that the Christian-Nationalists managed to pass through the 'raad was that anti-inheritance tax bill." grumbled Admiral de Goethe. She shook her head. "That will have to be repealed, hard as it is for me to say. The nation is not a feudal state anymore, hasn't been for two generations. When we have the territory to govern we do, the international responsibilities we do...it's insane to worry about the aristocracy's money versus the price of maintaining the military."
Schlabel nodded. "Well, we have a week. If possible, Shein," he said, turning to the Information Minister, "I should like to have a report on what we might have to face internationally...we may have to make military cuts anyway."

The memory of that recent conversation was in Chancellor Schlabel's head as he sat down at the desk that had in the last decade been the seat of many different people: Prince Ivarr, relic of another era; Claudia der Waal, the new breed of conservative aristocrat; Count Mirbach, would be dictator; and now himself...the first commoner in two hundred years to hold the position. Born to a family who were traditionally skilled workers, the need for new minds in the military had drawn him to a higher education his family would neither have been able to afford nor been welcomed in. Pilot's wings, decorations and staff college had made him one of the highest risen officers in the Imperial Air Force. And now...
He looked out the window. Across from the Chancery was the neo-grecian colonnade of the Justice Ministry. A parade of Imperial Carabineers, respendant in their silvered breastplates, plumes and cloaks, all on dark horses, rode slowly as drumsticks clicked on the brims of snare and kettledrums.
There was a knock on the door, and at his instruction to enter a well built young fair haired man walked in. He smiled; like himself Hermann Gottlieb, his 26 year old secretary, were a bit uncomfortable wearing civilian clothing, however well made. Tugging at his jacket, his private secretary approached the desk and presented a box of papers. "This is for you to review, Excellency, and sign. Most of the civil service stuff is looked after by the Vice-Chancellor, apparently."
He nodded. It was good to have Gottlieb around; like himself he was of common background, like himself was Imperial Air Force--in fact, he was actually here on secondment. "And what's next on my agenda?"
"Arranging to meet with some of the ambassadors, Excellency." Gottlieb replied.
That was a question. What would the foreign allies think of this state of affairs--Mirbach out, his party wrecked by the financial scandal--and himself in with barely a mark in the coffers?

Jooooooooooooooooooo! *CLINGS*
Welcome back! IC post pending.

Despite a little bit of local upheaval, the Hack would like to extend its welcome to the new Chancellor of Lavenrunz. We have always valued our relations with Lavenrunz, and offer the new Chancellor any asistance he, or the people of Lavenrunz, require.

Again, a warm welcome to the world stage to Chancellor Schlabel. The doors of our embassy are, as always, open.

- Elisa Day, Speaker for the Oligarchy
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack

The black sedan cruised through Katerinburg District, heading towards Glorious Humanity's embassy. It looked like any other car of its design, with the sole exception being a mini GH flag flying from the radio antenna. Inside though, it was much different from standard cars. The chassis was reinforced with extra structural bracing to prevent crumpling in the event of a crash, and the doors and the ceiling all had ceramic armor plating under the normal steel. The windows were all made of bulletproof glass, and all but the driver's side and the windshield were tinted dark enough that it was impossible to determine how many people were really in the vehicle.

Inside the sedan was plushly decorated, no surprise since this particular armored car was the personal transport for Jarret Sargos, Glorious Human Ambassador to Lavenrunz. The Ambassador was sitting in the back seat, flanked by two Internal Security men. The driver and passenger in the front seat were also Internal Security. All of the men except the driver were carrying submachine guns, and the driver had a pistol. It was a lot of protection, but with the current problems in the country one couldn't be too careful.

The embassy was changed as well. The parking lot was now fenced in by a high chainlink fence, and there was a metal bar across the previously unblocked turn-in. Three guards were standing around the turn-in, two on one side, and one on the other. These were not Internal Security, their urban camouflage uniforms, as well as their assault rifles and other tools of the military trade, gave them away as professional soldiers. There were ten total, Jarret knew, and they had just arrived the previous week, along with the new equipment for the standing security staff. Just a single squad of soldiers and better-armed security, but hopefully enough to keep trouble away from the embassy in the event of civil disturbance.

The sedan pulled up in front of the bar, and one soldier stepped forward to verify the driver's identification. It was really a formality, there were only two drivers for Jarret's car, and the soldiers knew them by face. If anyone else had driven up in this car, they would have been detained no matter what identification they presented. After the guard went through the motions of looking at the ID card, he turned and waved at someone near the embassy's front door. This person waved back, and pressed a button near the door. The bar rose, allowing the car into the parking lot

As soon as the car stopped in its appointed space, the guards got out first, one holding the door for the Ambassador. As Jarret climbed out and approached the double glass doors into the embassy, Thomas Pierce opened one of them and held it for him.

"Hey Tom, anything interesting happen while I was away?" he greeted the young man, who'd been serving as his assistant for a while now. Four months? Five? How long has it been?

"Got a couple messages," Thomas answered. Though Jarret had a secretary that took messages for him, the Ambassador had long since started trusting Thomas enough to let him see most communications that came through. Thomas routinely checked just about everything, and understood it, which impressed Jarret. Then again, given who the boy's father was, was it really surprising that the kid spoke legalese fluently?

"From?"

"One's from home, a 'thank you for the report you send every month but we feel the need to thank you anyway' note. Other's from the new Chancellor, he's settling in and wants to have some kind of chinwag, probably about what we're all doing next," Thomas answered, falling into step beside Jarret.

"You know, I like those notes. It reminds me that they care," Jarret answered lightly.

"How'd the Statspolizeiskommissioner meeting go?" Thomas asked.

"He was fine with our upgrades to security. He understands why we want more good men around us," Jarret answered with a shrug. "No mail for you today?"

"Nope, dad's busy with some negotiations, and I think Aurora's got other things on her mind right now." Thomas shrugged. "They'll remember me, eventually."

The two of them were climbing the central staircase in the lobby, heading for the second floor where the offices were. All the floors were carpeted in blue, the standard color for Glorious Humanity government buildings, while the walls were a warm kind of white that reflected the light from the flourescents overhead to give the area a bright, inviting feel. At the top of the stairs, on the back wall opposite the main doors, was a giant painted GH flag that looked down on the lobby. Thomas and Jarret made a right at the flag, heading out of the lobby and down a quiet hallway.

"Any word on the next arrivals?" Jarret asked.

"The new security chief and another batch of supplies are due by the end of this week," Thomas told him. "The manifest and exact date are in your office. The new guy's related to you, isn't he?"

"How'd you know that?" Jarret raised a brow.

"His name's on the paper, of course." Thomas rolled his eyes. "Ein Sargos. Your family's surname isn't so common that I'd really expect there to be a Sargos that isn't related to you somehow. Oh yeah, and his attached bio mentions that he's your brother. So there."

"You really need your own office," Jarret joked. "If I let you continue to work in mine, you might end up knowing more than I do." Actually, he thought. Thomas may have his own office soon. And he's only just about to turn sixteen. Thomas's birthday was only a few weeks away; Jarret made a mental note to find something to get him next time he was out in the city.

"Well, care to keep me company while I review reports?" Jarret asked as they reached the door to his office. "I might even come across one you haven't peeked in yet."

"Not likely, but sure, I'll stick around," Thomas answered with a small grin.

OOC: Ah. How nice. Hmmm...

"It is a pleasure to be able to echoe the words of our Hacker allies in issuing our sincere congratulations to Chancellor Schlabel upon his ascencion. Lavenrunz is a valued ally of the Greater Ascendancy, and should the Empress or the Lavenrunzian people require our assistance, we will always be willing to give it."

~ Ambassador Sekhat tsaKell
Tsarainese Ambassador to Lavenrunz

OOC: Sorry for nothing longer ... I sat down to write this and found the words had fled. Come back, words, come back! By the by, what's the capital of Lavenrunz called? I keep thinking "Chopinburg", but that's the Eurusean capital.

OOC: The Lavenrunzian capital is Hofburg. And Jo, you need not keep the Virgin Islands flag - Mirenburg (sp?)'s still has L's flag if you've lost it. :) And this (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6931227&postcount=3) might make the this post more understandable.

IC:
To Her Teutonic Majesty, Aurora von Sachshausen, Empress of Lavenrunz,

Greetings and salutations on your nation's return to the international realm! I myself was saddened when your country went "silent", and am delighted to hear of its resurgence.

The Republic of Syskeyia and the Teutonic Empire have enjoyed a long and historic relationship with each other. I hope and desire to reestablish that relationship and resume diplomatic relations at once.

Joachim Chunghow, the Republic's venerable ambassador to your nation, shall return to Hofburg as soon as possible.

From the Citadel, Federal Region of Syskeyiapolis, on the feast of St. Martin of Tours, being the eleventh day of November, in the year of our Lord 2004, the second of my Consulate,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/sukosig.gif

(earlier)
As she watched the cortege of black government cars, escorted by statspolitzei on motorcycles, Magda Pfommer felt a dark bitterness nearly choke her. There was a sense of triumph in it. The Chancellor didn't dare show his face in Lammergeierburg; he huddled afraid of the people in his limousine. Let him hide, he couldn't hide for long!
"We messed up." commented Jurgen Lutz, her companion. A thin, intense man with the habit of barely moving his mouth, he still bore the marks of his long prison term.
"How?" Magda asked.
"Should have had the crowds out cheering for Helga Dresden, with the CPL flags." he said with a rather toothy grin.
Around them, the crowds were barely aware of the cars for the most part, though they could see some angry gestures among members of a youth gang who were swaggering down the street.
"Skinheads." snorted Magda. "How ironic, they miss Mirbach."
"You're in a fine fettle today." commented Jurgen. "Everything ready for the meeting?"
"Yes. You know, getting everyone out today would be a waste of energy. Wait until the opening of the Volksraad: the city will be aflame." Magda felt her head aching to nearly splitting; she had visions in her head of the people's justice.
"I'm hoping you're speaking metaphorically." he commented drily as they headed into the public library that was also their meeting hall.

Catherine Ravon looked out from the corner of the window of the Treznor embassy and surveyed the ancient city from her vantage point. Her mission, as described to her by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Emperor himself, was to investigate the current economic and social crisis rising against their Teutonic allies, and offer aid to Chancellor Schlabel and Empress Aurora. It wouldn't be the first time the Empire of Treznor had opened its coffers and markets on biased terms, and it wouldn't be the last. The Emperor took his alliances seriously.

Catherine's mouth screwed up as she reflected on the Emperor's attitude toward Iraqstan. She couldn't imagine why he refused to cut that obvious liability loose, but it was his call. If it had been her, she would have had Quil'raya quietly terminated long ago.

In the meanwhile, she had her job cut out for her. Anti-government sentiment was clearly visible, and hostility toward foreigners was rising. She had to be careful whenever she took to the streets to gather information. It took all her skill to blend in and remain under the radar. What she had learned so far had her worried, and she suspected there was far more to it. It would be a while before she could make a complete report; in the meanwhile, the Ministry of Intelligence would just have to be satisfied with the dribs and drabs she could give them.

In the meanwhile, she had a series of formal meetings to prepare for.

http://www.ganglandnews.com/Southerlyn.jpg

A letter sent to the new Chancellor:
To: Herr Chancellor General Schlabel
From: Prime Minister Lady nos Círdan

Herr Chancellor,

First of all I would like to congratulate you with your election as Chancellor of the Teutonic empire of Lavenrunz. I was personally delighted to see a competent man such as yourself be elected into this high office, and my cabinet stands convinced that you will do well to serve the Empress Aurora.

The Dutch Democratic Republic is proud to call itself a friend of a strong Lavenrunz and it recognises the special ties binding us to the Teutonic Empire. Our policy has always been one of enduring friendship. This is why the Knootian government would like to push for a renewal of ties between our nations, beyond the bilateral treaties already binding us such as KIST. The progress of VERITAS negotiations in this light is most pleasing. While we recognise the strength inherent in Lavenrunz, we also understand that the economic situation of your nation may face some difficulties in the coming period. If your new government were to request cooperation or assistance of any sort in this policy area, we are open for discussions.

On behalf of the Dutch Democratic Republic,

Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan

OOC: Ah. How nice. Hmmm...

Very actually
Dominican tag
\

OOC: Tags and secretsnuggles:)

In one of the few office towers of Hofburg, the board of Gestalt-Fabricken met around a sleek table. The faces, mostly above designer suits except for one or two military uniforms, were grim.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said Hans von Kleist, the President and Chairman, "We are entering a period of crisis. The fact is: the government is in all likelihood going to renege upon certain agreements at some point. My contacts in the new government have stressed that this is a necessity. But what are we to do? Without those contracts we are going to have such losses that..." he shook his head. "We could not continue to guarantee a profit to the stockholders."

"Let me stress something else." added Maxine Fruven, one of the senior investors. "We have more than a responsibility to just the stockholders and the company. This is Lavenrunz's largest private corporation. If we fall, the country could fall. We have been one of the largest employers outside of the Government and the Imperial Family for the last two generations."

"There's only one thing for it." the Chief Financial Officer said quietly. "We need foreign investment. The question is, from whom?"

A letter sent to the new Chancellor:

Dear Prime Minister nos Cirdan

Many thanks for your letter of congratulations. It is my intention within the week to announce a budget plan to the Volksraad. It would be beneficial among other things to perhaps make an arrangement for the reduced sale of military equipment in order to cover certain costs so we would not have to make budget cuts in that area. As Knootoss is an historic ally this would be well received.
Assurances please that our nations' friendship will remain and indeed will hopefully strengthen during my Government.

most cordially
Hans Schlabel
Chancellor

To: Chancellor Hans Schlabel
From: Prime Minister nos Círdan

Dear Chancellor,

I am pleased to inform you that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and defence has entered negotiations with the Confederation of Sovereign States whom require a new source of arms. While many contracts have already been given to Knootian corporations they will do a good word on your behalf as well.

We will also consider arms purchases from the Teutonic Empire in the future, should the need for them arise.

Yours,

Galadriël Táralóm nos Círdan

From: Emperor Nosirin
To: The New Lavenrunz Government

I welcome you back to the world stage, though it has been a while since our last encounter, and last time a ill-act from a traitorous officer caused much mayhem, yet I hope that relations may be restored between our nations.

I wish you good luck in your adventures, and a long life.

~Emperor Nosirin

To the Esteemed Chancellor General Schlabel,

First, let me congratulate you on your recent election. If I am not mistaken, you have set a landmark with this appointment. Please know that we stand ready with offers of support and assistance should you require it. Which of course brings me to my next point.

It has come to our attention that Lavenrunz may indeed have some economic needs that may be difficult to solve internally without some support. While not knowing all of the details, I would imagine there is much that could be speculated, however such is not my intent.

As your allies, and hopefully friends, are concerned and would ask what if anything we might do to assist. I am certain if your needs were outlined in more detail, that myself and my Ministers could coordinate with you in finding some possible solutions. Perhaps there is something you could present to the NDA as an alliance? We have after all, had a fairly good record of support, and it would be a readily available and reasonable resource to tap, so to speak. We do try to take care of our own.

We look forward to your response. In the meantime, our best wishes, and again, congratulations.

--Nathicana D'Aquisto, Dread Lady and first Imperatrice of the Dominion


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


Aurora -

It has been simply ages since we last spoke, and I have been concerned that all might not be well. Please, if there is anything you stand in need of, do not hesitate to ask. I will do what I can to assist.

You have accomplished so much in such a relatively short time, and against such odds. I have watched you carry yourself with strength and honor in the face of adversity, and have been infinitely proud, as silly as that may seem coming from a fellow leader. I am confident that you will successfully lead your nation through this crisis with that same strength of character and love of your people that you have constantly shown. While you have my support as a leader, which I have relayed through your Chancellor, I wanted to send this more personal note simply as a friend.

May God watch over and guide you in the days to come.

--Nathicana

Day One:

What I do I do for the sake of posterity--not for my own vanity but for a cause. Accordingly, this journal shall be anonymous, and shall ideally not be associated with anything of mine save my deeds.

Today is one I associate with squalor. Not the squalor of my surroundings, which are near as I can tell merely the natural occurance of the poor under tyranny, but rather the depraved feelings of those who would protest their tyranny. They wish to mewl like curates at some comfortable so called Church, following the rules set by their tyrants!

I have learned however that a demonstration is planned...and that opportunity will strike at that time.



He put the journal away and stretched wearily. He had spent a lot of his day walking or taking tedious public transport that seemed well designed enough but were plagued by the abominable lack of smoking laws in the country. He felt sick and tired, too tired to eat the canned stew or sealed sandwiches he had purchased. Instead he made sure the place could not be entered easily, and that his poison pill was in place in his shirt lapel before he went to bed and sank into an exhausted sleep before he had said his prayers.

The black sedan again approached the gate, and again was admitted with no hassle. This time though, it did not carry the Ambassador. When the vehicle pulled into its assigned space Jarret and Thomas were already standing outside the doors, waiting. The sedan's doors opened, the usual squad of Internal Security men stepped out, then one of them turned to help the sedan's passenger out. Jarret couldn't help grinning a little as he saw the guard step back, obviously having been waved off by the occupant. Then Ein Sargos climbed out of the car, carefully, and using the door to pull himself up. As he came around the door, Jarret and Thomas came forward.

"Well, you took your sweet time," Jarret greeted his younger brother. "I thought you were walking the whole way."

"Believe me, I would if I could. The exercise would be great," Ein answered, shutting the door. His uniform was no longer black; Jarret knew that his injuries had finally forced him to leave the military. Ein now wore Internal Security blue. That wasn't the most obvious sign of the damage done to him in the Revolt though. The most obvious damage was evidenced by the cane he now used to walk. It looked expensive, polished oak with a beautifully carved hilt made of gold that resembled a pair of spreading wings. The wings were the insignia of the Human Angels, the elite unit Ein had been part of before his transfer to the President's Guard. An item like that looked more like a decorative piece, the kind of thing a gentlemen from a time gone by might have complemented an expensive outfit with. The way Ein leaned on it, however, indicated that it most definitely was not for decoration.

"Nice piece," Jarret commented in reference to the cane. "Almost looks like art."

"My old unit all threw some in to get it custom made for me," Ein answered. "A nice little retirement gift." The irony was heavy in his voice.

"Isn't it nice to know you're still loved?" Jarret asked with a grin. "Now, are you going to hug your brother or not?"

"Of course I am," Ein replied, and put his unoccupied arm around his brother's shoulders. Jarret responded with both of his.

"It's good to see you're still here, little man," Jarret said softly, sudden emotion jumping into his voice.

"Nice to be remembered," Ein replied, his voice just as thick. Then the moment passed, and both men were buisinesslike again.

"Ah Ein, may I present Thomas Pierce, the son of Minister Frank Pierce, and my personal assistant in the day-to-day buisiness of keeping this embassy from blowing itself up," Jarret said with mock formality. "Tom, this my brother, Ein, our new Security Chief."

"I think we've met before, actually, though we didn't really have time to get properly introduced," Ein noted. He offered his hand. "Good to formally meet you, Mr. Pierce."

"Nice to meet you as well," Thomas replied, shaking the offered hand. He tilted his head, thinking back. "You were on the rescue team, weren't you?"

"Yes, I was part of the rescue force. I commanded our side of the team," Ein answered.

"Thought you looked familiar. Alright, from now on, 'Thomas' or even 'Tom' is fine." Thomas released Ein's hand, and the three of them turned to go inside.

"We'll walk you to your new office," Jarret informed his brother. "Then I've got paperwork to tackle. A message just came from home, and I have a proposal to relay to the Chancellor."

"Fair enough," Ein replied. "I'll get settled in."

"It's a nice office too," Jarret chuckled. "Second floor corner office, with a window that gives a great view of this part of the city. I've taken the liberty of putting in a few of the standard amenities, ask your secretary for your computer password."

"Secretary?" Ein asked.

"Secretary," Jarret nodded. "Don't worry, I didn't get you some short-skirted fluffball to take your messages. He's very competant, and-"

"Uh oh," Thomas cut them off.

"What?" Jarret asked, then looked where Thomas was looking. "Oh."

Ein stared steadily at the grand staircase leading up to the second floor. "Where did you say my office was again?"

"No problems," Jarret replied quickly. "There's an elevator behind the stairs. Come along." He led them around and behind the large staircase. Sure enough, tucked away in a recess was a standard personnel elevator.

"It's a health idea," Jarret explained as they got into the elevator. "When our architects renovated this place, it was thought that if the stairs were in plain sight and the elevator was not, the staff would get more exercise. I suppose it works to some degree, I have noticed a lot of people using the stairs. Of course, once the elevator has been located the lazy can still summon the strength to take the extra ten steps to reach it."

"Well, it's a little more exercise," Ein commented.

The elevator let them out on the balcony overlooking the lobby. They exited the lobby to the left instead of the right, and headed down a short hallway identical to the one leading to the Ambassador's office. The door they stopped at this time though, had a small gold nameplate that read "Security Chief".

"Well, enjoy yourself," Jarret said. "I must get back to work. We can meet up and catch up in the cafeteria later, or if you feel up to walking, there's a little eatery just down the block that's rather good."

"I'll keep that in mind," Ein replied. Goodbyes were exchanged, and Ein was left alone in the corridor. He pushed open the door to his office and walked in.

A young man in fatigues immediately stood up and saluted. "Sir, you are Chief Sargos?"

"Yes, I am," Ein replied, returning the salute.

"Specialist Tanner, sir. I am at your disposal."

"At ease soldier," Ein chuckled. "You don't have to be so formal. I'm not a soldier anymore."

"Once a soldier, always a soldier sir," Tanner replied, falling into the "at ease" stance. Ein noted that the man had a sidearm strapped to his belt.

"Return to your duties," Ein replied. "I'll be inspecting my office."

"Yes sir. Here is your computer access." Tanner handed over a slip of paper with Ein's login name and password. "You sidearm has been issued to you and is waiting on your desk."

"Thanks. That'll be all." Ein continued into his office as Tanner took his seat and resumed typing something on his computer. He looked around, then sat down behind his own desk. Sure enough, a pistol was waiting in a holster sitting on his desk. Nice to see that they still trust me to shoot.

He stared at it for a while, then decided not to put it on his belt yet. First, he needed a few minutes just to let his leg settle down. All that walking had irritated it.

**********************************************************

To Chancellor General Schlabel, greetings,

I received your message regarding a meeting, and I think it is high time we followed through with that. I have just received a message from my homeland outlining the basics of a potentially enormous purchase from your country. I would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of this purchase, as well as other ways by which my country may assist our friends.

Ambassador Jarret Sargos
Ministry of International Relations
Federation of Glorious Humanity

The wonderful nation of Vegana greets Herr Chancellor Schlabel, may you make the blossom that is Lavenrunz bloom again and thousandfold. We know the relations between The Reich and Lavenrunz have been pending between love and hatred, but the wonderful nation of Vegana has always stood loyal at the side of her brethren in Lavenrunz and remebers her promises. I hope we can establish a stable and long term relation as has always been our objective. This is not a time for struggle but for prosperity and you should never have to walk alone down the winding path of hardship that your rise to glory will be.



~The benevolent Jaar, Through Countess Lenore, Ambassador in Lavenrunz

Hasbun Allah wa ni'am al-wakil
Chancellor Schlabel
Much has changed since our nations last had high level discussions .
Our nation is now a honorable example of the rewards that national socialism and the almightys provide for the faithful -Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un!
It would be our honor to resume a high level diplomatic relationship with your government. Ma sa Allah.

~Sultan Hatusu. on behalf of the council of faith.

"They're back you know..." On aide spoke with another walking down the long halls of what used to be a subway tunnel but now served as the military and diplomatic nerve center of the Republic. Stretching down second avenue from 125th street all the way down to Houston Street the Tunnel was about five miles long. A small tram system running its length carried people back and forth from one area to another. They spoke now of the resurgence of Lavenrunz. It was skeptical to say the least. Nations which has passed into the night had made breif showings before and then headed back into the night once more. This made the diplomatic corps nervous in dealing with countries who popped up once more. No one was entirely sure whether or not to tell the President.

A message had went out awhile ago stamped with the signature of Gregory de los Santos but it hadnt come from him. It was just the typical sort of message given out in the past. Sooner or later a copy of that letter would reach his desk. When it did heads would roll in the Tunnel. However until that time folks in the Tunnel didnt know how to classifiy Lavenrunz anymore. There would be no further comment from NYNJ until those people in Lavenrunz probed about further themselves and crossed paths of NYNJ.

A group of picketers were outside both the Foreign and Trade Ministries; some were old fashioned groups, a bit worn and weary, veterans of many such events, parade like donkeys on treadmills with their signs saying "Bad Resources Out of Lavenrunz!" "No Friendship with Dictators!" and holding up statistics of Iraqstani atrocities and the like. The last government had a very bad record indeed of making friends with nations like Iraqstan, North Star and other virtual dicatorships for economic reasons. Recent publication of a letter from the Sultan of North Star and the response:

To his Majesty Sultan Hatusu

It is with great pleasure that I received your letter of congratulations and promise of friendship. Indeed, Lavenrunz had not ceased, in my opinion to seek such furtherance of amity. It might be a good idea to arrange a diplomatic visit and perhaps an exchange of embassies to formalize our nations' relationship.
My congratulations in turn to your Majesty for your achievements, which are especially impressive given the refiner's fire through which your country has gone.

respectfully
Chancellor Hans Schlabel


Helga Dresden had already denounced this response as being a demonstration of how the current government had a situational morality.

The more radical protesters were entirely naked, their bodies in some cases painted with letters so that they themselves were signs of protest.

Reichspolizeiskommissioner Rosenburg watched from a helicopter as state police monitored the protests. This sort tended to be harmless...in fact he had to admit he was downright appreciative, watching a group of young folk including some very attractive young ladies stripping to join their friends. However, there was always the chance a neo-fascist gang or a group of conservative workers might lay into them with clubs, causing the protestors to wield their signs in defense, which might turn into a bloody riot. So he had riot squads on standby. In a sense he was disgusted; allowing this sort of thing was seen by a couple of previous governments as harmless, but in the old days, when he had been a young patrol commander, it would have been firmly dispersed.
In the meantime, he had security for the opening of the Volksraad to plan. It was going to be a nightmare; he recalled grimly how he had spoken with members of the Communist Party about it. There again: in the old Emperor's day, before Empress Joanna and all her liberal advisors, they would simply have been sent to the Marsh Islands or the Fortress of Matthew and Mark.
Helga Dresden and the rest had insisted that their followers had every right to make public demonstration. He had tried to warn them: Chancellor Schlabel had instructed him to make sure that the streets were safe and that there was no violence; provocative public action might be dangerous, and it would be better if they coordinated such actions with the police.
Well. Nothing doing.
What he had done was to make sure he had lots of backup, but it was hard. There were going to be, apparently, similar demonstrations in Mirenburg, in Zwoll and in Carlsbad. So thus he had to do something he dreaded...he had to call on the Army.
From the helicopter he could see the trains unloading units from the 8th ("Blut un Ehre") Infantry Division, which was closest and had riot trained troops.

The wonderful nation of Vegana greets Herr Chancellor Schlabel, may you make the blossom that is Lavenrunz bloom again and thousandfold. We know the relations between The Reich and Lavenrunz have been pending between love and hatred, but the wonderful nation of Vegana has always stood loyal at the side of her brethren in Lavenrunz and remebers her promises. I hope we can establish a stable and long term relation as has always been our objective. This is not a time for struggle but for prosperity and you should never have to walk alone down the winding path of hardship that your rise to glory will be.



~The benevolent Jaar, Through Countess Lenore, Ambassador in Lavenrunz



To his Excellency the Benevolent Jaar

It is high time that the relationship between Vegana and Lavenrunz was solidified, not through vagaries and promises and concerns about the rest of the Reich but through genuine ties being forged. According, I would like to send an ambassador to Vegana, if that is acceptable, to discuss how we can further benefit one another from our countries' amity.

Many thanks for your kind words and congratulations.

yours sincerely
Chancellor Hans Schlabel

Schlabel quietly sat back in his chair and closed his eye. He had the feeling that he was truly flying into unknown territory.

Schlabel woke up and realized his secretary was standing over him. "Herr Chancellor," he said, "The Ambassador from Glorious Humanity has arrived. Shall I have him delayed?"
"No more than a minute or two--offer him some refreshments while I, er, freshen up." He had not realized how exhausted he was...he was hardly a youthful air force officer anymore. As he slipped into his private bathroom and inspected himself, he realized he hadn't been for some time. His hair had a lot of grey in it--it was still cut short enough that it still showed much gold, but his face was lined. Adjusting his eyepatch after he had washed his face and quickly brushed his teeth, he had a glimpse of the scar tissue and had a vivid memory of the sparks flying in his cockpit and the agony in his head just moments before the explosive bolts released him and set him up and out of his dying plane...
Shaking himself, he straightened his jacket, made sure he was neat, and stepped out to his office. His secretary, who was in the antechamber, heard his footsteps and said to the Ambassador (who had been offered coffee, mineral water or some tea) "Your Excellency, the Chancellor will see you now."

OOC: A Prussian TAG

[tag]

OOC: No response to Sukothai's letter? :(

To his Excellency the Benevolent Jaar

It is high time that the relationship between Vegana and Lavenrunz was solidified, not through vagaries and promises and concerns about the rest of the Reich but through genuine ties being forged. According, I would like to send an ambassador to Vegana, if that is acceptable, to discuss how we can further benefit one another from our countries' amity.

Many thanks for your kind words and congratulations.

yours sincerely
Chancellor Hans Schlabel

In a luxuriously furnished room Lenore read the telegram by the light of a candle at her table, right by an open fireplace, she knew what to answer, she had been instructed accordingly and she returned the prepared answer immediately.

The wonderful nation of Vegana is delighted to reopen the Lavenrunzian embassy in Vegana City. The building has been taken care of with outmost efficiency and sealed since you so hastily left us. We are sure that a meeting can be arranged once you have settled in again. We are looking forward to strenghten our ties with your people.

~Yours in Faith, The Benevolent Jaar

She smiled when she saw the answer, she always wondered how he could foresee peoples reactions, but then again, there were four more prepared answers at the table. She threw them into the fireplace without further due.

OOC: The Lavenrunzian capital is Hofburg. And Jo, you need not keep the Virgin Islands flag - Mirenburg (sp?)'s still has L's flag if you've lost it. :) And this (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6931227&postcount=3) might make the this post more understandable.

IC:
To Her Teutonic Majesty, Aurora von Sachshausen, Empress of Lavenrunz,

Greetings and salutations on your nation's return to the international realm! I myself was saddened when your country went "silent", and am delighted to hear of its resurgence.

The Republic of Syskeyia and the Teutonic Empire have enjoyed a long and historic relationship with each other. I hope and desire to reestablish that relationship and resume diplomatic relations at once.

Joachim Chunghow, the Republic's venerable ambassador to your nation, shall return to Hofburg as soon as possible.

From the Citadel, Federal Region of Syskeyiapolis, on the feast of St. Martin of Tours, being the eleventh day of November, in the year of our Lord 2004, the second of my Consulate,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/sukosig.gif

To his Excellency Benedict Michael Sukhothai

It would be our pleasure to continue the excellent good relations between the great nation of Syskeyia and Lavenrunz. Please do send your envoy and we will receive him with gladness.

My apologies for a lack of a swift reply, but I was travelling a great deal when your letter came and did not till recently have a chance to respond to it.

Yours in friendship

Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

(ooc: welcoem back to one of the greats!)

In an envelope scented faintly with lavender and bearing the watermark of St. Theresa of Avila, a letter arrived addressed to the new chancellor:

Esteemed Chancellor,

What a joy it is to hear the name of Lavenrunz spoken internationally once more. It gladdens my heart, and I know in that heart that your country has not only a great past, but a great future.

Dear Chancellor, that future lies open before you. It has been a time of trouble for many nations of late. I hope that we can re-establish diploamtic relations with Lavenrunz. Indeed, my current post being of little value these days, I hope that I myself may once again visit your fair country.

I know that in this time you may be considering turning to foreign investors. The decision is your own, of course, but I know all too well what foreign ownership of a country's economy can do. Perhaps you may wish to consider joining an association where such things do not matter? I feel sure the International Fair Trade Agreement would welcome Lavenrunz to its ranks. I know it would make me happier than I can say were such a thing to come to pass. But I shall not press the case, merely lay it before you as a possibility. You know your people's needs better than I can.

To you, to Lavenrunz, to the Empress: the very best of wishes.

Violeta Bi Bere
Ambassador-at-large

"Thank you," Jarret answered, standing up and tucking the folder he'd brought with him under his arm before picking up his coffee cup again. He had taken it black to get the caffeine full force; an alertness boost couldn't hurt after all. The hot drink warmed him up as well, and he needed warming. As much as he liked Lavenrunz, it was too blasted cold around here. Idly, he wondered how much it would cost to buy some kind of heavy coat, something made in this country and suited to its temperatures. Maybe he could buy Thomas one for a birthday present too.

Putting those thoughts aside and returning to business, he finished off the last of his cup as he followed the secretary into the office, and then set it down to bow to the Chancellor.

"Thank you for seeing me, your Excellency," he greeted Schlabel. "My government conveys congratulations on your election, and hopes that you and her Majesty can guide your nation back to its proper place in the world. We are ready to help any way we can, and I think I have a way that we can do so." He waited to be offered a seat before saying any more.

To his Majesty Sultan Hatusu

It is with great pleasure that I received your letter of congratulations and promise of friendship. Indeed, Lavenrunz had not ceased, in my opinion to seek such furtherance of amity. It might be a good idea to arrange a diplomatic visit and perhaps an exchange of embassies to formalize our nations' relationship.
My congratulations in turn to your Majesty for your achievements, which are especially impressive given the refiner's fire through which your country has gone.

respectfully
Chancellor Hans Schlabel

Chancellor
Your congratualtions echo the joy of our people since we have entered the islamic golden age. Still honor belongs to God and no other.
Al-hamdulillah 'ala kool ahal.[Praise Allah in all circumstances]
It would prosper us all to ensure peace between our peoples, so such a exchange of embassies appeals to me greatly.
There is much mending to do and peace to make.
Bismillah[In the name of Allah]. Peace and honor.
~Sultan Hatusu


The council of faith was in a up roar over Hatusu's letters to the Lavenrunz government.
U.M.B clerics on the council raved during the next meeting - it took all of the strength of the sultan not to walk out on her nations government.
Mular Vikram spoke for the U.M.B radicals.
"I must tell you the evil Lavenrunz will never be accepted in peace.
They raped and plundered everything, and still oppress Islam.
They tried to destroy our country and filled our cemeteries. They and the Sultan ruined our country's economy. The projects the carried out in the name of progress, pushed the country towards decadence. They suppressed our culture, annihilated people and destroyed all our manpower resources. We are saying they , the Lavenrunz government, are all illegal. If they were to continue to stay in power, we would treat them as criminals and would try them as criminals. We now have our own government. I shall slap this government in the mouth if it turns back to our enemies. I shall revolt against any allies of satan, including this government with the backing of this nation, because this nation accepts me.
Aoothoo billahi meen ash-shaytan ar-rajeem!"["I seek Allah's protection from Satan the accursed]
Hatusu had expected nothing less. Vikram was a jihadist radical, yet he held alot of public support and alot of sway in the U.M.B. His war record was impressive.
Still Hatusu was pleased to see many of the ministers looked displeased, they all knew that if Vikram had his way the nation would be engulfed in civil war and then perpetually at war with dozens of nations. People were nervous with the blood and honor laws - it would be chaos if Vikram had his way.
Hatusu stretched her legs under the table, and purred softly to herself. Protests aside, she would get her way in the end.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, as usual, sent a missive via e-mail

To: Chancellor Hans Schlabel
From Theleb Kanaan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

Chancellor Schlabel I would like to congratulate you on your election to the post of Chancellor. I hope that your government rules wisely and has much success in the difficulties facing Lavenrunz and I sincerely hope that you will be able to overcome them.

If you can think of any aid that the Free Republic could render to your government, please let me know.

Theleb Kanaan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

"Thank you, Herr Ambassador." said Schlabel pleasantly. "Please sit down. I'm very glad to see you, and grateful for your words of congratulation." sitting down himself, he and Jarrett were both profile to the view of the ancient spires of the churches and palaces of Hofburg--here and there a tower of modern steel and glass among them. The sound proofing of the shielded glass of the window kept out any sound, so that all that was heard was the sound of a clock ticking on the mantlepiece. Schlabel glanced at it and at the fireplace, and smiled. "Gas fire I'm afraid--security prohibits the old fashioned fire places it used to have. It always reminded me of growing up. I'm from simple origins, you know. I was born at the right time and with the right opportunities, which I made the most of. So although this is a hard time for my country, I have assured the Empress that the very best is possible. You said, Ambassador, that you had a proposal for me, and I am eager to hear it."


(in an email sent in response to the note from Ilek-Vaad)

To the Right HonorableTheleb Kanaan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

It is most pleasing to receive this note of congratulations, fellow member of the Treaty. Please extend my warmest regards to your head of government and also accept them yourself.

most amiably
Chancellor Hans Schlabel.

"That's the way of the world, despite what some may say," Jarret noted with a small smile. "People may always rise with the right opportunities, they just have to be taken."

He opened the folder and set it on the desk, turned towards the Chancellor so that the other man could read the contents as Jarret explained. "We wish to make a substantial purchase from you. As your navy probably noticed while they were hanging around our coastline scaring the rebels into being good, our own naval power is not much more than a coast guard with carriers. We're looking to change that, especially as it seems our role in the world is going to become more and more active whether we like it or not. Progress is, I suppose. We are not the world's best shipbuilders, and furthermore we've had plenty of chances to see your vessels in action, and we're impressed."

He paused periodically to turn the page in the folder to the next one. "Last budget time the Navy was approved a huge boost in funding, and they're planning to put it into bringing our sea power up to something respectable. That means ships, and who better to get the ships from than an established maritime power whom we hold the deepest respect and friendship for? I believe the idea of purchasing ships has been bandied around a couple times before among lower officials, but now the Navy has money and is ready to use it. I don't have a full list of everything they'll want, but I have been told to mention that we're looking at getting at least six Lost Vegas class carriers, as well as support ships, destroyers, pretty much everything a modern fleet needs."

"Our own shipyards will be working as well, and we'll be making smaller purchases as we go to fill in the gaps in our own production. So, a huge contract, possibly followed by several small ones. Billions of marks, and construction would take several years, so your workers would be busy for a while. The constuction will also require a lot of people, creating job security for your workers in the industries that will be involved in the construction, and right now a little assurance that jobs are safe, even in only one or two industries, would likely go a long way towards making your people feel better."

"When all is done, we will have our fleets, you will have a lot more money in your economy, and we will all have a cooperative achievement to be proud of. We can only grow closer together from this proposal, and we both stand to gain a great deal."

He leaned back in his chair, settling back to let the Chancellor review the details in the folder again if he so chose. His pitch finished, he waited for a response. The folder contained a more detailed overview of the planned purchase, estimated prices for all the items currently on the list, a payment plan based on the estimates, and a few reports on what Glorious Humanity was planning to produce in the coming years, probably so that some of the blank-filling Jarret had talked about could be planned. Notes on all the pages reminded the reader that these were rough drafts, and would be polished over the course of negotiations and haggling, but the scale of the project was just as big as Jarret had said.

Schlabel raised his eyebrow. "Well...that is a good offer, I must say. And you are an ally of course...indeed so staunch an ally that I cannot imagine there being any protest even of the carriers. Perhaps we could begin to work out some of the details with the military chiefs...?" he suggested.

Inside however he was crowing, doing wild aeronautics, plane or not, and crying out, "Saved, saved, saved!" like an enthusiastic evangelist.

TO: Her Teutonic Majesty Aurora von Sachshausen, The Most Sovereign Empress of Lavenrunz
Hofburg, Lavenrunz

FROM: His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Emperor Andreus
New Rome, Pantocratoria

Your Majesty,

Most sincere and fond greetings to you, August Sister! It is with regret that we note that we have not yet established an embassy in the city of Hofburg. We find this distressing indeed, and sorely wish to remedy the situation.

As a consequence, we propose that Your Majesty exchanges ambassadors with us. We propose to establish an embassy in Hofburg, and propose that Your Majesty establishes an embassy in New Rome, so that our respective governments may more easily make contact with each other.

It is with hope that we await Your Majesty's reply,

Andreus
Emperor of Pantocratoria, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, et al.

TO: Her Teutonic Majesty Aurora von Sachshausen, The Most Sovereign Empress of Lavenrunz
Hofburg, Lavenrunz

FROM: His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Emperor Andreus
New Rome, Pantocratoria

Your Majesty,

Most sincere and fond greetings to you, August Sister! It is with regret that we note that we have not yet established an embassy in the city of Hofburg. We find this distressing indeed, and sorely wish to remedy the situation.

As a consequence, we propose that Your Majesty exchanges ambassadors with us. We propose to establish an embassy in Hofburg, and propose that Your Majesty establishes an embassy in New Rome, so that our respective governments may more easily make contact with each other.

It is with hope that we await Your Majesty's reply,

Andreus
Emperor of Pantocratoria, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, et al.

To His Imperial Majesty Andreus, Emperor of Pantocratoria, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, et al:

We are very grateful for Your Majesty's kind words and congratulations. It would be most excellent to have Pantocratoria exchange embassies with us. In fact, We commend You for this wonderful idea, which should stimulate trade and greater amity between our nations.

If possible, We would also like an explanation of Your Majesty's title: Equal of the Apostles.

with warmest regards
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen

To His Imperial Majesty Andreus, Emperor of Pantocratoria, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, et al:

We are very grateful for Your Majesty's kind words and congratulations. It would be most excellent to have Pantocratoria exchange embassies with us. In fact, We commend You for this wonderful idea, which should stimulate trade and greater amity between our nations.

If possible, We would also like an explanation of Your Majesty's title: Equal of the Apostles.

with warmest regards
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen

Your Majesty,

It is with pleasure that we dispatch our ambassador, Sir Henri Angelus, Knight of the Order of the Pantocrator, to Lavenrunz on our behalf. We eagerly await the arrival of Your Majesty's representative to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator.

Our title Equal of the Apostles is derived from the Greek, isapostolos, the title of Our Imperial Ancestors the heirs of the Emperor Constantine the Great, for whom the title was first created.

Most August and Sincere Regards,
Andreus
Emperor of Pantocratoria, King of France and Navarre, Caesar Augustus, Equal of the Apostles, et al

Chancellor Schlabel,

Congratulations on your rise to the office of chancellor. It is certainly my belief and hope that under your calm and guiding hand, as well as that of Empress Aurora, Lavenrunz will recover from the damage wrought by the Mirbach administration to return to her rightful place of greatness.

However, we have become aware that Lavenrunz is in something of a budgetary pickle. As you know, Lavenrunz and Menelmacar have a long history of friendship; further, many Menelmacari businesspeople have long had a strong presence in Lavenrunz. It is thusly in everyone's interests that Lavenrunz be prosperous.

With that in mind, the Menelmacari government and several large corporations have put together an interest-free loan package for the Teutonic Empire of Lavenrunz. This may seem strange, but we have always been a people of foresight, and in the long run, the benefits a stronger Lavenrunz outweigh the costs of such an arrangement. We are also a people loath to abandon a friend in need.

So, I respectfully ask that you and the Empress consider our offer in the spirit in which it is made, and together, we can build a stronger and wealthier Lavenrunz. You can feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Sincerely yours,
Lady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of Menelmacar
---
Letter sent to Hans von Kleist at Gestalt-Fabricken

Mr. von Kleist,

It is my understanding that you are looking for international investors. I believe that Fëanor Holdings Group can be that investor. We have substantial cash reserves and diverse investments in many industries. FHG believes that G-F's business model is essentially sound, its current troubles largely a result of the Lavenrunzian government's cutbacks of defense acquisitions.

With FHG's cash reserves and business presence in scores of nations, we believe a strategic partnership between G-F and FHG would be mutually beneficial to both corporations. G-F would benefit from an infusion of cash to get through its current crisis, hopefully stronger than before. Further, FHG's existing infrastructure would be very helpful in expanding and diversifying G-F's business.

FHG would be interested in acquiring a stake in Gestalt-Fabricken, somewhere in the range of 20% of outstanding shares. We are prepared to pay one credit per share above market price. If such an arrangement would be agreeable to you, please contact me at your convenience.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Anariel nos Eärendil
Chief Financial Officer, FHG
---
Letter sent to Aurora:

Dearest Aurora,

It fills my heart with warmth and pride to see Lavenrunz returning to the international stage, to reclaim her place of honor and greatness. Though yet young, you too have made me proud, as you have blossomed into a fine ruler indeed. Know always that you are ever in my thoughts, and if there is ever anything I can offer in friendship, you need only to ask.

Yours in dearest friendship,
Siri
---
Around this time, Sirithil and FHG have already started purchasing G-F stock.

“Still nothing,” Bernardo di Medici asks carefully, casting a quick glance towards Cesare Calabrese, though his question is directed to the raven-haired woman across the table from him.

“No, not so much as a whisper,” she replies, her brow furrowed. “Our sources say they have received other visitors during this time, and that none of the missives sent by NDA nations have been acknowledged.”

Cesare nods, returning the other man’s glance with a meaningful one of his own before pressing the point. “One might consider it a political statement, in and of itself,” he offers, shrugging slightly. “I realize you have a more personal investment there, Imperatrice, but the facts do seem to point to that. First a quiet withdrawal, then a lack of communication upon returning. Indiastan had its reasons, however odd it may have seemed. Perhaps Lavenrunz too wishes to sever ties, or place them elsewhere?”

Nathicana looks up from her portcomp and scowls darkly at her Chancellor. “Perhaps,” she admits reluctantly. “It is something to bring up with the Council at the very least. I dislike surprises. Still, concerns and all aside, they are, as are all nations in the NDA, free to choose as they will when it comes to membership. If the Empire has found that our agenda does not suit them, so long as we retain our key tech and secrets, then so be it. They will be missed, and we will carry on, with no hard feelings between us.” The last is said with a definite finality, making it quite clear that any repercussions outside the usual drawbacks of cutting formal alliance ties, would be frowned on mightily.

“Perhaps they are not so in need as they have seemed?” di Medici offers, one brow arched. “That or they have found other more pleasing sources of assistance.”

“Whichever the case, I imagine we will know soon enough. Now, what’s next on the agenda?” Nathi asks, not wishing to take the conversation farther. “I believe you were saying something about the olive growers to the south …”

In the Imperial Library, Aurora was signing a few papers and being advised about the new policies of the Government by Chancellor Schlabel when she had a thought. "Why hasn't there been any reply by Lady Nathicana to my letter?" she asked. Schlabel said, "I'll check, Your Majesty, and paused a moment to step outside to ask his secretary to do so, careful not to turn his back on the Empress.

They were discussing the possible loan and implications of it vis a vis Menelmacar when there was a tap on the door. Baroness Toll went to it and announced the Chancellor's secretary, who came in, bowing, and whispered into Schlabel's ear.
The Chancellor reddened and said, "Majesty...there was some sort of difficulty and apparently it was never sent."
Aurora sighed. "How awful...and she sent me such a lovely note. Chancellor, was there anything else?"
Bowing, he replied, "At the moment, nothing conclusive, Majesty."

Aurora nodded to him, and as the Chancellor withdrew she picked up the phone and asked the switchboard to put her through to Nathicana's residence.

Nathicana picked up her direct line as she continued typing out a response to a recent budget request sent up the line from the Ministry. "Buon giorno," she said pleasantly, wondering idly who it was calling. The list of people with her direct number was, after all, a rather short one.

With an intake of breath and fighting her embarassment--for a Lavenrunzian of any rank to be found in discourtesy was mortifying, she said, "Good morning, Nathicana. This is Aurora."

"Aurora! Il dio, I am so pleased to hear from you! I hope all is well? We have been concerned," Nathi said, pushing aside her portcomp and sitting up in surprise.

Aurora felt a pleasant flush come to her cheeks, and realized all might be well. "Thank you very much...first of all I apologize for not replying to your letter, some mistake was made apparently and my response didn't get sent. But all is indeed well; I just got back from a state visit to Menelmacar and I've been in daily meetings with my new Chancellor. How are you?"

"Quite relieved to hear it was nothing more than a hiccup in delivery is how I am," Nathicana said warmly. "I had hoped we had not managed to somehow offend, but thought it best to give you more time to reply, given that you have seemed to have your hands full with state matters. Believe me, I know how hard it can be. I would imagine you have been overwhelmed with responses and demands on your time."

Aurora felt an urge to confess all to her, had such a need for a friend to talk to it made her ache. "Oh well..." she sighed softly. "It has been...difficult. But I think we will pull through. Nathicana, I also wanted to congratulate you on your coronation: I believe that God blesses your nation through you."

Nathicana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I believe that God blesses our nation in spite of me, Aurora. Still ... things are well here. Given that, how can we help you? More to the point, how can I help you? If there is one thing I've had to learn the hard way over the past few years, it is that our friends are there to do just that. Don't keep yourself from an offered shoulder if you need it. Like I said, I know how hard it can get sometimes," she said in a concerned voice.

Aurora hesitated just a moment, but she had never found that she had reason to distrust Nathicana, who had risked her very life for her. "This will sound stupid probably...but I'm getting sick to my stomach...all these policey meetings and sometimes I don't even know what they're talking about."

Nodding to herself, Nathi thought for a moment before answering gently. "You were cruelly cheated out of having all the instruction you should have had with your mother, God rest her soul. Aurora, you have done an admirable job so far, especially considering the rough start you were given. It will be alright, believe me. You have experienced advisors that you can trust, yes?"

"...yes...there's Toll and Chemnitz of course...and Schlabel was always loyal to mother..." she said, thinking of them.

"Excellent. So long as you know you can trust them to give you good advice and council, use them. Even I rely on my Ministers and their experience. No one of us can stand alone, when it comes right down to it, as much as we might like to. If there are areas you feel you have need of extra instruction, they would be good people to quietly ask. They, or others whom you trust to instruct you," Nathi said simply. "Avoid entanglements or allowing perceptions of any outside powers 'tainting' or controlling your rule, of course ... but there is nothing wrong with looking outside your circles for some quiet, private conversation and advice when you wish it."

Aurora felt a smile coming to her lips; for the first time in a while she felt as if things might be alright. "Thank you so much...I feel better, knowing there is something I can do. Nathicana, I should go, but I'll be in touch with you. Again, thank you very much."

"Take care of yourself, Aurora. Let me know if there is anything we can do to assist Lavenrunz during this time of economic hardship. As for yourself - you know you are always welcome here, and as we've shown today, you have my number. God be with you, Empress," Nathi said, smiling a bit herself.

"God be with you as well." Aurora said in her soft voice, and placed the receiver down. She got up out of her chair and with resolution walked towards the door.

Catherine Ravon stepped out of the sleek black limousine that transported her from the Treznor embassy to the steps of the Lavenrunz Parliament House where she planned to meet with Chancellor Schlabel. In her left hand she carried a briefcase detailing her orders and the intelligence she had gathered so far on the state of affairs in Lavenrunz.

She was not adverse to meddling. Although the Empire's policy was not to meddle, her dual role ultimately required her to meddle. In the case of Lavenrunz, her orders were to step very lightly. Their Prussian allies could be very touchy about such things. She would present her findings, likely nothing they didn't already know, and offer the Empire's support.

She crested the steps and strode confidently into the ancient building. She wasn't too worried about it. Once word had arrived that she could meet with a representative, possibly the Chancellor himself, she knew she could make her case.

Thomas again held the door for Jarret when the Ambassador returned from his meeting. "Well?"

"I would hazard a guess that he liked it," Jarret said with a smug smile. "Actually, I would wager he danced a jig on his desk as soon as I left the room."

"You didn't exactly have to work hard to sell it," Thomas commented.

"Yes, I know," Jarret replied as the two started up the main staircase. "But I'm going to gloat a little anyway. A negotiation this big will look very good on my record."

"Yeah, yeah, just don't let it go to your head too much," Thomas grinned. "You're not even going to be involved in most of the details."

"What makes you think that?" Jarret asked as they reached the top of the stairs. The Ambassador paused for a moment, then turned left instead of right towards his own office. He wanted to check on Ein.

"How much do you know about ships?" Thomas asked.

"They float," he answered.

"Guns? Crews? Anti-sub measures? Construction costs? Expected lifetimes?" Thomas continued

"Not much of that," Jarret replied. "Then again, neither do you."

"Of course not. So I'm not going to be in on the details, unless I'm occupying a seat just to be there. Likewise, you will just be there to sit and listen while the Navy reps figure things out," Thomas finished. "Neither of us will have a lot to say from this point on, besides the usual reports and pleasantries."

"You and your father have a bad habit of taking the fun out of things, Thomas," Jarret accused.

"Family trait," Thomas answered. Then they both laughed.

"Anything interesting happen while I was away?" Jarret asked.

"Nope, unless you count the note I sent to the Empress," Thomas answered.

"Got tired of waiting for her to remember you, eh?"

"Just a little." They'd reached the Security Chief's door. Jarret raised his hand to knock, but before he could the door opened, and Ein stepped out, looking over his shoulder as he said something to his secretary. Jarret and Thomas jumped back just in the nick of time. A bit of stumbling followed before everyone was steady again.

"Well, didn't expect you back for another two or three hours," Ein commented.

"As Thomas has been telling me, there wasn't a whole lot I could do once we'd agreed to go ahead with the idea," Jarret noted. "Now I call home and tell them we're good, so the nuts and bolts talks can begin."

"Okay then," Ein replied. "What now?"

"Now, I make that call. Thomas is probably going to help out. Where are you headed?"

"Nowhere in particular," Ein shrugged. "Just going to get my bearings of this place, maybe stop off in the cafeteria for a bite if anything's cooking."

Jarret checked his watch. "Looks like it's getting close to supper time, so something ought to be cooking. Maybe we'll run into you down there. Stick around, we should be down in twenty minutes or so if not before."

"As fast as I move nowadays, that'll probably be about when I get to the cafeteria," Ein noted with a wry grin, moving his cane a little.

"Good point," Jarret nodded. "We'll see you there then."

**********************************************************

To Her Teutonic Majesty, Empress of Lavenrunz, or as I prefer to think of her, my dear friend Aurora,

I know you've got your hands full with lots of matters of state, so I won't take up too much of your time. I just thought I'd send you a little note to let you know I'm still thinking about you, and just remind you that I'm still here. Not much is happening except of course for the big deal our Ambassador just made with the Chancellor, so I'm getting a chance to sit and think a lot.

I think I want to try going to church again, after all that's happened. Maybe I missed something the first time, and is an undeniable fact that SOMEBODY has been looking out for me in the recent months. I think I ought to find out who.

Sooner or later we ought to take some time to catch up, practice diving (read: I practice, you giggle), or do something besides look at papers all day. You would be a lot more pleasant to look at than another stack of reports.

Wow, I've rambled for a bit. I guess I'll stop here then. I look forward to your reply.

Affectionately,
Thomas

Catherine Ravon stepped out of the sleek black limousine that transported her from the Treznor embassy to the steps of the Lavenrunz Parliament House where she planned to meet with Chancellor Schlabel. In her left hand she carried a briefcase detailing her orders and the intelligence she had gathered so far on the state of affairs in Lavenrunz.

She was not adverse to meddling. Although the Empire's policy was not to meddle, her dual role ultimately required her to meddle. In the case of Lavenrunz, her orders were to step very lightly. Their Prussian allies could be very touchy about such things. She would present her findings, likely nothing they didn't already know, and offer the Empire's support.

She crested the steps and strode confidently into the ancient building. She wasn't too worried about it. Once word had arrived that she could meet with a representative, possibly the Chancellor himself, she knew she could make her case.

The Volksraad had pillared halls with mirror shining marble floors, and was imposing. Members, and more often civil servants went to and fro. Soldiers in dress uniforms but with very real FLIR headsets and weapons were on duty. When she asked some instructions from one of those she passed, she received a polite bow and was informed that the President of the Volksraad's office would indicate whether or no the Chancellor was in or at the Chancery itself.

Fortunately one of his secretaries was, and announced that the Chancellor would be meeting with Party members shortly. Thus it was that about half an hour later the Ambassador from Treznor and Chancellor Schlabel met in the Members' lounge, which had discreet soundproof rooms where private arrangements could be made, but also a fine and well appointed dining room where the Chancellor said,
"If you like we could meet here, or if what you have to say is sensitive, Ambassador, we could meet in a private room. In any case allow me to provide you with refreshments or better still lunch in exchange for you giving me your valuable time." he said in a friendly way, his one eye bright and observant, his smile genuine.

Catherine meets Schlabel's good eye and smiles in return, making an effort to be as charming as possible. "My Lord, I've spent several weeks gathering intelligence around your nation in order to determine how my Empire may best assist you. I must stress that I have not attempted to probe into any secrets, but I've been able to make an assessment on some of your economic and intelligence needs.

"With regard to your economic and industrial status, I believe we can offer some public and privately funded assistance in the form of trade and corporate agreements. That is not necessarily sensitive information, and I have a summary outline prepared for you." She pulls a folder out of her briefcase and offers it to him.

"In the case of intelligence, I am seeing some disturbing trends among the populace, and even among some of the aristocracy. I don't know how much you already know, and I don't have a lot of details. Nor do I know how much you want me to pry, which is why I'm here now rather than digging deeper. In either case, I can present to you what I have now and let you decide whether you wish to continue this conversation in private, or if you want me to simply drop the matter and let you handle it internally. As a member of the NDA it serves us to keep abreast of what is happening among our allies, but to honour their right to handle things as they see fit."

She waits before pulling out the intelligence folder, to see what reaction she gets.

Schlabel led her into one of the private rooms, which had comfortable chairs around a small table as well as a sitting area with couches. He pushed the occupied button as the door closed and said, "Please sit down, Ambassador, and tell me what information you've obtained."

OOC: I found this image on a desktop recently, and I think Jo may like it:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/lavenrunz.gif

OOC: Welcome back Jo! Great to see you again. God Bless.

OOC: Thanks Will for the welcome back :) good to see you too.
And thanks Ben-Mike for the flag!
IC:



Dear Thomas

It would be lovely to see you again. I'm glad you've come back, and with a position you doubtless deserve. There are a lot of things on my mind and I am very busy but I can certainly set aside some time for a friend. I will let you know in the very near future when that time would be.

be blessed
Aurora

Catherine seats herself in one of the comfortable chairs across from the Chancellor and sets down her briefcase. After a moment she removes the intelligence folder and lays that on the table. "This document contains a record of where I've gone and what I discovered, with time stamps for observations and conversations.

"I've learned that the Communist and Fascist parties are apparently maneuvering to take advantage of the recent difficulties your nation has experienced. Every Christian-Nationalist I spoke with wants Count Mirbach released, and foreigners violently removed from Lavenrunz. They appear fairly well organised based on the minimal research I performed, but they strike me largely as more of a political nuisance than a real, physical threat. Empress Aurora's tolerance of political expression tends to distress the NDA Council, but they bent the rules to grant membership to Lavenrunz so I'm told they're not going to make an issue of it.

"The real threat, I believe, comes from the Communists. I don't know that I was able to speak with any members directly; everything I heard was strictly second or third hand, gossip from a friend of a cousin. But I heard whispers that certain areas in the city and countryside should be avoided, marked on page twenty-one here. I also heard one rumour that this party is actively gathering weapons for an uprising, hoping to disrupt government activities long enough for them to take power. My Lord, if your people don't have agents already in place among them, it may be too late to begin. I was able to trace arms sales shipments through a double-blind from my Empire to Lavenrunz, and I believe these people may be in possession of them now. The details of those shipments are listed on page twenty-eight."

She sits back and regards Schlabel solemnly. "I don't know how much of this is news to you, but it's certainly news to my Emperor. He has authorised me to place the Empire's resources at your disposal to counter this threat. We have long experience in quelling uprisings before they begin. You have only to ask. Lavenrunz has been declared a priority, both economically and for our intelligence community."

Schlabel was disquieted; thus far policey had been directed towards an opposite sense of what was happening than what the Treznorian woman indicated.
He had developed good instincts as a commander and later as a diplomat and politician, now they were definitely sending bells of alarm ringing in his head as he examined her evidence.
"Thank you very much for presenting this. Before we continue our discussion, I should like to know who else knows about this report, and who else is likely to see it."

Catherine maintains a professional demeanor, but the delicacy of the question isn't lost on her. "Myself, my two assistants, the undersecretary of my intelligence division, the Treznor Minister of Intelligence and, of course, the Emperor himself. My offer to you comes from his Imperial Majesty directly.

"The Council of the NDA will be made aware of the contents of the report you now hold, but the Emperor reminds me that this is an internal matter for Lavenrunz, and they are bound by treaty to leave it alone unless specifically invited by you or your Empress. Otherwise it is to be kept confidental, strictly need to know. The Empire of Treznor and the Non-Democratic Alliance will make no further investigations or take any action unless you say so. The information we currently have will go no further."

She maintains an alert, upright posture as she makes her speech, watching the Chancellor for signs of distress or displeasure. Thank the gods Grant wasn't here to bungle this. Gods only know what he'd say to them.

OOC: *waits for an answer on her proposals*

Chancellor Schlabel said gravely, "I of course respect that, and I am very grateful to you for coming to me with this. However, I would like to remind you that the NDA has recently got some new members. So with that in mind, I'd like you to hold off on telling the NDA about this just yet. I've found that no matter who you are trusting with intelligence, leaks at some point are inevitable. Now: I have a general proposal for you, the details of which may have to be worked out with some of Shein's people. I would like to request that you continue to monitor this situation. Since you are a foreigner and whoever your informants are are not yet noticed by the Communists, you are likely to gain still more information. Would the Emperor be agreeable to this?"

To Her Eternal Noldorin Majesty
Sirithil nos Feanor, Elentari of Menelmacar

I would be glad to discuss the ideas that you have put forth, Sirithil, though I have talked to my advisors and to the board of Gestalt Fabricken and we all feel that this is too complex and serious a proposal to deal with through our ambassadors. So I have decided that we should have the relevant people meet in a general conference to deal with the matter. I'm very grateful for your offer, and I hope it means we can be as closely allied if not more than you and my mother were.

with the greatest affection

Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

Catherine smiles and nods, relaxing somewhat. "My Lord, you have my word it will go no farther. I cannot stop the NDA Council members from receiving this report, but as I said it will be dealt with on a need to know basis. No one outside the Council formed by Emperor Treznor, Fuhrer Quil'raya and Empress d'Aquisto will be informed unless you approve it.

"As for our involvement, we are willing and ready to continue to observe and relay our findings. Unfortunately, I believe it may be too late to infiltrate their organisation, but we can keep an eye on the elements we have already identified. We will not directly interfere with the Communists or the arms shipments without your authorisation. You may contact me directly through our embassy or through a drop point of your choosing. I leave those details to you."

She leans back in her chair and closes her briefcase, prepared to answer any further questions that may be forthcoming.

Schlabel reflected a moment. His features were calm though concerned, and he was putting aside his horror and natural desire to panic. No, he could not let the scope of his responsibility daunt him, this was at its most basic like leading a squadron into action or like making a decision about a design for a new project or any of the other things he had done before.
"Do not interfere with the shipments." he said at last. "For it is my intention to have them place their necks in the noose of a trap. Thank you very much for this information, we will be in touch further, directly through myself or Baron Shein. And by the way--the Lavenrunzian title is 'Excellency'--I have no title of Lordship, since I am a commoner." he said with a smile. "Again," he rose, straight backed, evincing every confidence and determination, which he now felt as he knew what he must do, extended his hand foreign fashion.

"Very good, Excellency," Catherine says as she smoothly rises to meet his hand with her own. "I look forward to assisting you in resolving this matter. I have no doubt we'll be able to stem the worst of the bloodshed they plan against their own people."

She picks up her briefcase and prepares to leave the room. Before she exits, she turns and smiles. "I'm sure the matter of your nobility is merely an oversight on the Empress' part."

He trudged along, in stained coveralls, beneath the city, passing thick rubber cables and under lights at intervals held in metal cages. The sound of machinery, of water rushing through the sewers beneath him, and the hum of trains moving through tunnels grew ambient.
His mind was on a higher plane of purpose. He did not permit distraction or worry, or anything but reading the map he had been given carefully.
This was plan B. Plan A had been aborted, for it was found that the tunnels in the original target area were now heavily guarded. There were patrols in other places, but the underground of the city was large and they had yet to fully establish them. The fact that they would soon enough made it all the more necessary to act quickly.
He had at last arrived, and looked at the red and yellow warning signs, and smiled faintly.
Taking his duffle bag off his shoulder, he took out a metal briefcase and popped it open. Now he began to sweat, aware of the power he held. Above the warning sign was a panel of thick metal, which required a special key to use.
He had such a key, and used it to open the panel. Behind it was an emergency control system. He placed the device within the panel, set the timer carefully after checking his watch, and then locked the panel again.

Time to go.

To their Majesties Empress Nathicana and Emperor Devon Treznor

I am sending you this message as a fellow NDA member. I would like to meet with both of you at the earliest opportunity and convenience to discuss certain matters of state. Where we meet is not entirely relevant, though since I am the one recommending the meeting I would be happy to be hostess.

in friendship
Empress Aurora von Sachshausen

The young Empress smiled as she finished reading the letter, glancing up at Chancellor Schlabel, who smiled in return. "Excellent, Majesty. A copy will be sent to both of course."
"And thank you for helping me compose it, Chancellor. I like your letters better than Count Mirbach's." she said happily.

To: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen, Lavenrunz
From: Devon Treznor, Treznor
CC: Imperatrice Nathicana D'Aquisto, Devras

It would be my pleasure to accept your invitation. I have my schedule cleared for the meeting (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=378426) with the S-14 PanNorm Hive in three days. If you are able to join us on that trip we can kill two birds with one stone; otherwise I can head out the day before to enjoy your gracious hospitality.

Devon

To: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen
From: Imperatrice Nathicana D'Aquisto
CC: Emperor Devon Treznor


I would be happy to take the time to meet with you, Empress. Given the suggestions already put forward, I will wait to hear what arrangements suit you best and see how my schedule meshes there. Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I am available, and look forward to the visit, whatever your needs happen to be.

--Nathicana

Banners were raised, and crowds of people waving red flags and carrying slogans (Power to the people! Dresden for Chancellor! Down with the Warmongers!) began to increase in numbers as people came down side streets to join them. They were watched warily by leather coated Reichspolizei officers. Defiantly, people deliberately placed intermittently in the crowd began to lead people in singing the Internationale.

Many of these people were those poor and out of work who resented their lot, but others of their own class derided them; a group of auto assembly workers boarding their bus for work shouted obscenities at them, calling them filthy traitors and damned reds. "Go to SeOCC you bastards!" shouted one of them, hurling a half full bottle at them which smashed at their feet.

A brawl broke out as a band of White Eagles, those street kids who violently upheld the Christian-Nationalist party of the jailed Count Mirbach, rushed a group of communist supporters, grabbing at their signs, kicking with their heavy boots. The band attacked, which included mostly university students, were initially taken aback, until one of the local organizers, shouting a furious oath, swung a sign at the head of the White Eagles' leader, sending him flying to the pavement, spattering blood. Soon fists were flying and screams and shouts were heard.

The Reichspolizei, who despised both groups, lost no time in shrilling whistles and charging into them. A mounted group arrived, swinging batons, the hooves of the dark horses thundering, and the brawling crowd, terrified, scattered.

Near the Volksraad itself, the sleek cortege of the Chancellor arrived. Mixed cheers, silence and boos were the response. Some Lavenrunzians simply regarded him as the man in the chair, and remembered that he was a war hero. Others hated the party he represented, whether as a compromise meant to please foreigners or as yet another party of the wealthy and the military.

The arrival of the Empress was greeted with cheering. Even many communists cheered; the Empress was youth itself, hope for the future, and had been in everyone's hearts since her mother's horrific assassination. With a fanfare from gorgeously decorated Imperial Bandsmen, she stepped out, Thirty Camelias slinking at her feet, courtiers bowing as the girl on the edge of womanhood, in the lovely blue and gold of the Imperial colours made her way up the grand steps of the Volksraad.

Catherine Ravon steps out of the embassy limousine, flanked by a squad of bodyguards. She tugs briefly at the jacket of her formal attire before striding quickly toward the steps of the Volksraad. The presence of so many people makes her nervous, particularly given the threat she'd outlined to the Chancellor. She is, however, the official representative of the Empire of Treznor to Lavenrunz. Whether or not there is danger present, it is her duty to be there.

She just wishes she couldn't feel crosshairs on the back of her neck. I wish we could crack down on these people the way we would under the Emperor's rule.

Some light brown liquid dropped onto a document, a wrinkling hand tried to brush it off, all that achieved was smearing it.
‘Ah Sh-‘
‘Sir?’ the young man dabbed the document with a handkerchief.
‘Thank you Bratcher.’ Replied the disgruntled middle-aged man. ‘Sodding plastic lidded tea cups! Bloody useless the lot of them!’
The small black car bounded happily along the streets, heading towards the Volksraad building.
‘You you daft prat! Slow down! What are you trying to do? Spill my tea everywhere and kill us?’ barked Daniel Dyer, who was still trying to read the document he had just spilt his tea on.
‘It’s just a basic brief on how Lavenrunzians act sir, very hospitable and what-not.’
‘Ah right, jolly good, sod that then.’ Daniel flung the document aside and slurped some more tea.

The car bucked to a stop, then turned and slowed to a crawl.
‘You bloody stupid id-’ Daniel began to bark.
‘We’re here sir.’ Bratcher replied softly.
‘Yes, yes.’ Daniel grabbed his bowler hat and got out, he looked up at the impressive building.
‘I say, rather nice, isn’t it?’
Bratcher got out with him, and promptly put his hand just inside his grey coat.
‘Oh don’t be stupid Bratcher, stiff upper lips stop bullets you know.’
Bratcher smiled slightly and allowed his hand to drop back to his side, one thing he did like about Dyer was the fact that he didn’t seem to care for his own personal safety, even in a nation that seemed to have… slight turmoil within them.

Sighing and shaking his head as he looked at the mess of the car behind him, the driver cursed the old diplomat.
‘Stupid old fart, always drink tea in my car.’
He continued to grumble as he got the cleaning materials out of the boot of the car.

OOC: Me and Jojo did this on IRC.

IC:

The Menelmacari gravship Gilthoniel descends towards Hofburg's airport, as it has on more than a few occasions in the past, with Elentári Sirithil aboard. Just as she always has, the Menelmacari destroyer looms through the clouds, an elegant and mighty shape in the sky, her intricately detailed hull soon setting down - despite her great mass - with a feather's touch upon the tarmac of the airport. The boarding ramp descends, and with the usual ritual, a pair of soldiers descend first, setting a Menelmacari flag at the base of the stairs, and saluting their ruler, who appears shortly after.

The airport's tarmac glitters with an array of honor guards from the Imperial Carabineers, the Jaegers, the Imperial Air Force and Navy. The bandmaster poised to begin the fanfare of the Menelmcari anthem. Empress Aurora, dressed in an Athenian gown of green, looking frail and lovely, waits among a group of courtiers.

Sirithil herself appears at the doorway, clad in a robe of her usual style, though just as usual for the Elvenqueen is the intricate decoration of it; it is sky blue with white trim, decorated all over with absurdly intricate hand-embroidered clouds, in which hundreds of colors of thread are used, ever so slightly different shades of blue and white and grey, with almost photo-realistic detail, giving the Elentári the appearance of being clad in the sky itself. On her head, set on her shimmering golden hair, is the Daggerstar Crown, elegantly interwoven with gold and mithril, beset with diamonds and a great ruby in the shape of a daggerstar. In her hand is Tauravandil, the mighty mage-staff gifted her by the dwarves of Moría, and her runeblade Dant'harthad is sheathed at her side. And on her face, that warm and glorious smile for which she is famous.

She descends the stairs slowly, followed by her son and heir Maglor, and the troika of her three most powerful ministers: Prefect of State Túrelio nos Fingolfin, Prefect of Defense Serendis nos Fithurin, and Prefect of Trade Serindë nos Eärendil, themselves no less resplendently attired and appointed.

As Sirithil descends, the band breaks into the anthem with glorious fluorishes, and the troops present arms with swift and precise gestures, bayonets flashing. Aurora steps forward, Thirty Camelias prowling beside her, and holds out her hands. "Welcome." she says simply.

Sirithil smiles. "Empress Aurora, it is a great honor and pleasure to see you again..." and with that, Sirithil bows slightly, though noticeably, visibily more than she does for just about any other ruler or leader she meets with. She takes Aurora's hands gently in her own, saying, "Lavenrunz and Menelmacar, Menelmacar and Lavenrunz. May this one of the greatest of friendships never again wane." At the same time, the others with Sirithil bow their heads as well.

Aurora looks up at Sirithil, who is like a giantess almost from her perspective. The sound of Lavenrunzian heels clicking and the accompanying sight of bemedaled officials bowing is seen. "Yes, Elentari, I agree." her smile is as glorious as her mother's, seeming to light up the air around her. Empress Aurora gestures to where an armored limousine awaits, and says, "Will you accompany me to the Linderhof Palace, Elentari? I think we and our advisors have much to discuss."

"I would be honored, Empress. After you...?"

After they get in, the limousine and cortege of other vehicles, including the Reichspolizei on motorcycles, sweeps away from the tarmac. They can see people behind barricades waving Lavenrunzian and Menelmacari flags, cheering faces. There are also little red communist flags here and there, and some of the flags of the Christian-Nationalists, bearing a white eagle on black.

Sirithil smiles brightly and waves to all the Lavenrunzians along the roadside, even the ones that don't like her.

Aurora also waves, and a great cheer breaks out; they can see Reichspolizei linking arms to hold them back.

Sirithil continues in much this vein for the length of the ride, waving happily to the people, adoring or not.

The Linderhof Palace is the smallest of the Imperial Properties, being about the size of a bank or a school, and actually in the city of Hofburg itself. However, it is a lovely building of dark stone which is trellised with ivy and vines, surrounded by greenhouses and gardens that have been dismantled for winter.

It is indeed a very pretty place, and Sirithil's eyes look it over, taking in every detail.

Inside, it is warm; the floors are patterned in a checkerboard fashion of what Sirithil realizes is exquisitely cut wood. Count von Chemnitz, resplendant in his white and gold uniform, bows and offers the Elentari and her entourage a chance to freshen up before discussions if they wish it.

Sirithil smiles, gazing about at the palace. She smiles to Chemnitz. "That would be lovely... where shall we go?"

Count Chemnitz, bowing again, leads them to a set of guest rooms which have adjoining Lavenrunzian baths.

Sirithil thanks him politely, as do the others, and they proceed to freshen up as much as they like.

Following this, they are all in a sitting room facing a small lake. They can see that in spite of the cold and snow there are geese and ducks in the water, feeding. Aurora and Sirithil each have almost throne like chairs of elegantly carved wood, and Sirithil sees that the chair she had as regent was saved, with the elf runes of her name and title embroidered on the velvet.

Sirithil smiles a bit as she recognizes the chair, ahh, memories. She wipes a little tear from her eye, quite touched by this gesture.

Present with Aurora are: Chancellor Schlabel, Herr von Kleist, Aurora von Konigsmark, and Prince von Eisenhart. And of course Thirty Camelias.

Sirithil smiles and nods to each of them, with the exception of Kleist, and perhaps Eisenhart, she has met them all.

Eisenhart is a sharp cheekboned man, with chiseled features, a hawklike nose, pale blue eyes, who makes Sirithil think of Rohirrim warriors, leaving the elf smiling just a bit at the thought.

Aurora begins. "Thank you, Elentari Sirithil and noble ministers for coming to us. We are grateful for your friendship and this chance to reestablish trust between us. Let it be said that it was circumstances and not intention on either part that led to our sad time of distance."

Sirithil nods. "The thanks are all ours to make, for the gracious invitation that brought us together here today. None would agree more than I that circumstance was at fault for our time of division, but it fills my heart with joy that today we bring that time to an end."

Aurora smiles at her warmly and says, "Then...let us come to business. We would like to hear your proposal in detail, please."

Sirithil gestures first to Serindë, who speaks. "Essentially, Majesty, we wish to aid Lavenrunz in her time of financial difficulty. The Menelmacari government and business community have put together for Lavenrunz a package of interest-free, guaranteed loans, on the basis that a prosperous Lavenrunz is beneficial to the people of both our nations. In this way you would be able to right your fiscal ship without having to worry about long-term debt."

Anáriel speaks up next, addressing primarily von Kleist. "Additionally, Fëanor Holdings Group wishes to invest substantially in Gestalt-Fabricken. G-F, from what we can see, is a fundamentally strong and sound company, fallen on hard times as fallout from the similar hard times of its largest client. We believe that given means to survive and even thrive through those hard times, that fundamental strength will assert itself once more, bringing added prosperity to both companies' shareholders and most importantly the Lavenrunzian people themselves.

Serendis speaks up next. "Further, Menelmacar is interested in re-cultivating the historical close relaitonship between the MIDF and the Lavenrunzian military. Our two nations were almost synonymous with each other in the past when it came to military alliance - when one thought of Menelmacar, one thought also of Lavenrunz, and vice-versa. Our common foes knew that to anger one was to anger the other, and this averted all by itself more than a few wars."

Túrelio speaks up finally. "In short, via this multi-pronged initiative we propose to restore the close friendship between Lavenrunz and Menelmacar that so greatly benefited both our peoples during Empress Joanna's reign and afterwards. Mirbach's followers did great damage to this relationship, and we believe it needs to be repaired, through the actions of both our governments."

Aurora says nothing at this moment, but Chancellor Schlabel replies, "Let us meet this point by point. First of all: we are overwhelmed by your generosity with regard to the loans...is it our correct understanding that we will have no involvement from you in the rebuilding of our economy beyond this?"

Serindë nods. "Not unless you wish it, no." A safe answer; it had been accused by some in Lavenrunz that Menelmacar had been too... hands-on in areas of economic policy, yet Serindë was not entirely sure whether this was what the Chancellor referred to, or if he meant additional aid. Thusly, she spoke such as to cover both angles equally.

With a nod, Schlabel glances at Von Kleist and Eisenhart. Eisenhart says, "On what basis will these loans be applied?"

The Prefect of Trade replies, "There would be a grace period of a number of years following the forwarding of the loans. Following that time there would be an amortization schedule over which they would be repaid. However, there would be no interest applied and all payments would be applied directly to the principal. I can make available to you the necessary documents at your convenience."

Eisenhart nods and makes some notes. Von Kleist says, "One of our biggest losses was investment in North Star oil. We are hoping that perhaps other joint investments with FHG might work."

"We were actually hoping to purchase a minority stake in the company," Anáriel replies, "as per my initial communication. On the order of twenty percent...? Strategic alliances in any number of industries would also be an excellent idea."

Von Kleist considers. "That would place you on the board, but not give you a controlling interest over myself. As to strategic alliances--we need to consider that in effect our companies make possible our nations' strength as you said, so I would like to meet with you further to discuss details of that."

Anáriel nods. "An excellent idea. While Lady Sirithil is controlling shareholder in FHG, in practice I have day to day control of the company to prevent conflicts of interest. As for further discussions, I'm available at your convenience both during this visit and afterwards."

"Excellent." says von Kleist. He moves closer to Anáriel to confer with her about details quietly. Anáriel likewise shifts over a few chairs so as to sit with Kleist, and she lays several datapads and other files on the table for easy reference.

At the same time, Aurora von Konigsmark says, "It is a pity...right now we have Admiral de Goethe managing the affairs of our fleet approaching Syskeyia. But I have been talking with her, and she has stated," she lifts a folder, "That we can easily re-introduce our mutual training and exercises program."

Serendis nods to von Konigsmark. "Excellent. Our Warlords have likewise been maintaining the infrastructure of that program in hopes of its reinstatement, and they will certainly be pleased to hear that it can be done."

Chancellor Schlabel and Aurora exchange smiles. The young Empress says, "Well, this is very good. Chancellor Schlabel was planning to announce all this in the Volksraad opening tomorrow, and I think we should make a general agreement now unless anyone has any objections."

Sirithil nods. "I'm pleased that this has gone so well," she says, smiling brightly at the Empress. "I have no objections..." she glances about for a moment "and neither, it seems, does my staff."

Schlabel says, "Also, Majesty, it would aid in reconciliation greatly if you were to address the Volksraad yourself."

Sirithil blushes a bit, and smiles. "I would be immensely honored," she says. "Thank you for the gracious invitation."

Aurora rises; Thirty Camelias opens her mouth in a cavernous yawn, displaying great white teeth. "It is we who are honored," says the Empress. "And now, I hope you will dine with me tonight, you and your staff."

Sirithil nods. "Again, we would be honored, and we will definitely be there."

'Shit, shit, shit!' Althalon fumed, the paper in his hand slowly crumbling as he parses the information he's just read. They were at it again--those goddamn Elves, mucking around in foreign affairs, pretending to understand and identify with Humankind. He scowls, and thumbs the rim of his glass. 'If Aurora gives in to those lop ears....' he thinks, shaking his head.

He sits in silence for a time, wondering just what to do. With the civil war going on, and with different interests pulling him in what seemed like a dozen different directions, he found little time to devote to matters of state and foreign interest. Both he and Morgoth had some time ago noticed the return of Lavenrunz, however neither them nor the rebels had the time or the resources to get in touch with them. He couldn't help but wonder what had happened to that treaty drafted by his Marshals--it all seemed to horribly long ago with Aurora's ascent, and Mirbach, and... everything.

With a sigh, he heaves back his head and empties the remnants of his scotch down his throat, knotting his brows and heaving that satisfied sort of sigh people give when they've just finished a hard drink or a shot. Standing, he meanders over to the conference room window, and clasps his hands behind his back, simply looking out, squinting as the sun peeks out at him from behind a nearby Battlecruiser. Solutions must be found, and the damage must be assessed. Unfortunately, now was not the time to ponder foreign policy, as before him was arrayed the largest Aerospace Fleet ever fielded by his country. In every ship there was at least 12 marines waiting to hear from him, crews that may or may not assert their loyalty to one faction or another, and Commodores who may or may not choose to acknowledge their destiny. Time would tell.

[/plug]

"...Oh how I weep for Lavenrunz...again I fall to my knees and pray for her and her children.....Oh Lord have they so soon forgotton that the Elf and the other Christ haters are the cause of their current misery! It was turning from God and embracing pagan nations that lead Laverunz to war and ruin...Lord remind your people of this!
Let them not forget that by siding with those who hate God, they commit high treason against Christ the King, who is God over all. Let them not give away their Sacred right of self-government for coin!
The Lavenrunz people must recall the bravery of their founding spirit, that spirit that forged a country that would feared and respected....a country that all Christians felt joy in...a country that never backed away from holding high the cross...and as they did not falter in the face of barbaric witchery at their birth,as they did not falter from their duty to God for generations...they must not falter now when that same enemy comes in false guise!
In the name of the loving Christ, may the Lavenrunz people have the resolve to live according to their princibles and may they know that we, their Christian family..always shall leave a door open for them...for a house divided can never stand..."

Matthew Iesus. Radio Speech "Lavenrunz the brave"

OOC: Just fyi to all, the post Siri made takes place the day before the opening of the Volksraad. And thanks Siri.
IC:

The Volksraad building's interior was marble floored, with great vaulted ceilings. In the main gallery, paintings could be seen of Chancellors and other statesmen, the most recent being Prince Ivarr, Claudia der Waal, and Count Mirbach. A painting of Aurora von Konigsmark presiding over the Conference on Religious Warfare was recent, showing prominently the delegates from Iesus Christi, Aerigia, Menelmacar, Lost Vegas, Terraus, Constantinopolis, Tsaraine and so on.

Hidden among the observers were members of the Reichspolizei's secret security unit, which were dressed as innocuously as possible. Hidden microphones in clothing enabled them to communicate to the crisis center.
Visibly on duty were the Imperial Jaegers under Colonel von Paderborn, guarding all entrances. Those at the public entrances made a concession to ceremony in their handsome dark full dress uniforms.

As visitors made their way to the gallery the members of the Volksraad, the Court and the Church proceeded with ceremony into the Chambers. Empress Aurora along with Count von Chemnitz, Baroness von Toll, the Archbishop of Lavenrunz and other personages of importance made her way to the Throne, sitting down as the Imperial Herald announced her presence.

"Loyal subjects. I am proud to preside over this new session of the Volksraad, which will by God's grace usher in a time of increased prosperity and strength in our land." said the young Empress. Beside her, Thirty Camelias growled and lashed her tail. "It is my pleasure to confirm in office General of the Air Force Hans Schlabel as Chancellor."

The one eyed veteran, in the formal blue and black robes of office, walked up and knelt before the Throne. Aurora smiled and took the chain of office from a purple cushion held by the Chamberlain, Count Chemnitz, and draped it over Schlabel's neck.

The Empress began to clap, which was responded by the Chambers applauding as well. Helga Dresden's communists did so politely but without enthusiasm. The bespectacled thin Dresden did not smile. The Populists did so without restraint, conceding that Schlabel was at the very least an honorable and patriotic man.

Turning and moving towards the red carpeted center of the Chambers, Chancellor Schlabel began to announce the intentions of his government.

"We are hereby requesting permission that we may send an envoy to your nation so that relations may be improved. We would respectfully request a prompt answer as our time is most valuable."


Czarina Alice Fabus

"We are hereby requesting permission that we may send an envoy to your nation so that relations may be improved. We would respectfully request a prompt answer as our time is most valuable."


Czarina Alice Fabus

To her Majesty Czarina Alice Fabus

You are most welcome to send an envoy to Lavenrunz. We would like in return for the acknowledgement of Baroness Anna Bennigsen as Our Ambassador to Communist Mississipi. May God bring our nations closer together according to His will.

with warmest regards
Aurora von Sachshausen, Empress of Lavenrunz

To her Majesty Czarina Alice Fabus

You are most welcome to send an envoy to Lavenrunz. We would like in return for the acknowledgement of Baroness Anna Bennigsen as Our Ambassador to Communist Mississipi. May God bring our nations closer together according to His will.

with warmest regards
Aurora von Sachshausen, Empress of Lavenrunz




"Very well, the Baroness may be granted that right, although I should probably inform you, we're not sure where she or Curtis Fabus is, they were in a MiG-41 that was shot down north of Brazil..."


Czarina Alice Fabus

Aesa Erikson smiled as she showed her diplomatic ID to the guards and moved inside to listen to the presentation. Her nordic looks made her fit in rather well in Lavenrunz, and she had completely adopted the local fashions and had even noticed a bit of a Lavenrunzian accept creeping into her speech. She supposed it was to be expected considering how long she'd been living here.

She applauded polietly with the chamber as the introduction was brought to an end, and listened intently as Chancellor Schlabel outlined his plans. It was her job, of course, but she was rather interested in where the country would be heading. She'd made quite a few friends, and was interested for their sake too.

Catherine stood and clapped as the new Chancellor was confirmed, but her attention was clearly drawn to the watching peers.

Nature abhors a vacuum. The same was said for power. The arms being smuggled in to the insurrectionists were being funded by someone with deep pockets, and more often than not that spoke of nobility in a nation like Lavenrunz. Although why a landed noble would seek to undermine the aristocracy was beyond her. If the Soviet revolution in 1917 taught anyone, it was that the nobles were always first against the wall.

Perhaps a lesser noble hungry for more power? Her eyes scanned the crowd, noting who supported the Empress' appointment and who merely did their duty. Most of them were Christian Nationalists, Mirbach's supporters.

Her eyes narrowed. And if Mirbach were to fund the Communists, only to betray them later...

She took out her datapad and composed an urgent message to her staff. The Christian Nationalists were to be scrutinised much closer than before.

Also applauding were three elderly gentlemen from Knootoss. Dressed in the attire fit for lesser nobility of Lavenrunz, they too fit in remarkably well with the crowd. When they spoke, their high-German accents inherited from their native Dutch language did much to improve upon this image.

Then again, Prince William of Knootcap (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/William_of_Knootcap) had fit in equally well during his younger years in Hofburg - if not better - and the external similarities of history and race were by no means a guarantee for good relations.

The Knootians were at this moment untroubled by the domnestic situation in Lavenrunz. This situation had been difficult for years and with the confirmation of their entry into the VERITAS alliance and with this new cabinet things seemed to be looking up. Any atmosphere of crisis was, indeed, lost on these men.

To the contrary, the Knootians were confidently awaiting any addresses that were about to be made, assured as they were now of Lavenrunzian support for their cause in Tanah Burung. Support which they were sure would be announced any moment now...

The Mississippian Federation sent as an envoy, the governor-general of Kentucky, Peter Stahlecker. The man stepped off the plane and tossed his cigarette aside on the ground, a servant immediately picked it up and tossed it into a trashcan.


Peter moved forward and got into a waiting limousine, stopping only for a second to adjust his suit, which was a bit uncomfortable since he wasn't used to wearing this sort of armored suit, it was new technology though, and much more light-weight than the old concealable armor he'd worn before. The only problem was this new material made him itch, at least it didn't weigh a whole lot though, no more than three pounds.

He checked his shoulder holster, his PPK was still there, firmly held in place.


He stepped into the limousine as four of his guards stepped in through other doors. Two SUVs accompanied the limo as it pulled out of the airport, one in front and one in the back, each carrying three guards.


About twenty minutes later, he arrived at the Volksraad. The limousine door was opened by a guard, he stepped out, tossed yet another cigarette on the ground, which again was promptly picked up by a servant. He then made his way inside, stopping again to adjust his suit one last time, and making sure his tie was on straight.

That done, he walked up to the front door, stopping one last time and looking up to take in the awesome sight of the structure. He had seen only a few buildings that were as eye-catching as this one, and most of those were in Mississippi or the Commonwealth, particularly Mississippian Egypt. But this building ranked up there, he smiled a bit and proceeded inside.

Evangelista Ravanelli stood and applauded as Schlabel was officially sworn in. She was here officially to show Dominion (and indeed, NDA council) support, for himself, the Empire, and for the young yet capable Empress Aurora. Adjusting the short jacket of her modest yet attractive ensemble of Dominion design, she scanned the crowd for signs of familiar faces.

Several of the Lavenrunzians she recognized, either from brief meetings or from files. The Elentari could hardly be missed, of course. Catherine Ravon of Treznor, yes ... there were things in motion there that she had no intention of interfering with. Such operations were outside her scope and purpose. For herself, she was meant to be a pleasant public face, a contact point. She didn't envy the others their tasks. There were others that caught her eye to be sure, but far too many present to readily be identified.

She fervently hoped that the murmurings she had been informed of would be put down and silenced, for the greater good of all. The last thing that was needed now was for Lavenrunz to spiral into chaos. Were it not for the current discussions with the PanNorm, Nathicana herself would have doubtlessly been present. It was well known she held Aurora in high esteem, some even going so far to hint that there was a soft spot for the young woman in the Dread Lady's heart, whether that was over the tragic loss of her parents and brother, the events of the Winter Ball, or other factors.

So long as it all comes together. That will be enough. First, the economy ...

The times, they were a'changing ... Again. As always.

"First and foremost, it is the intention of the Government to introduce new military contracts for the Army, Navy and Air Force as well as the Imperial Space Agency. This new War Budget will enable us to employ more people, further the causes of the Teutonic Empire and fully embrace our involvement in the VERITAS Treaty. The contracts will be as follows.
1. To build a set of Lost Vegas class carriers and escort vessels for our ally, Glorious Humanity.
2. To build a new submarine squadron for our own Fleet.
3. To build two Naval Air Stations, locations as yet undisclosed." Chancellor Schlabel paused, and said, "As well as this, there will be an increase in military supply and infrastructure budgeting of 25%."

"There will be substantial increases in public transportation, specifically with regards to inner-city trains and bus services, which is going to require fees to go up by fifteen pfennig." he added.

"The Government respectfully maintains its position that it supports the Christian and Catholic Crown and Church of Lavenrunz, and announces in tandem with the Archbishop and Primate of Lavenrunz that the appointment of a successor to Heinz Wittmar, our current Cardinal-Archbishop will be forthcoming."
There were murmurs of agreement about this; indeed, the old Archbishop, wispy haired, watery eyed, was a relic from old Emperor Frederick's time, and had been seen to fall asleep during long hymns.

"The Government is pleased to announce our intentions of raising the wreck of the Herzog Ludwig, which was discovered recently after being sunk in the Knootian War of Independance. This ship, which was a treasure ship from the Region of Africa, contained what will amount to nearly two hundred million marks."
In Lavenrunz, at any rate, this had been a national television special, the exciting sight of deep water submarines showing the ghostly wreck.

"In Foreign Affairs: first of all, we shall uphold our currently standing treaties with the NDA, VERITAS, the IMC and KIST." Schlabel cleared his throat and continued. "Second, we will be upholding the sovereignty of Syskeyia against the invasion by forces from the Reich, though our main emphasis shall be on a negotiated peace. Third, we will be standing by the Republic of Knootoss in Tanah Burung within the guidelines of the International Mediation Council."

Schlabel then looked round the room significantly. "A last item: the Empire of Lavenrunz has received a ten year interest free loan from the Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar. This loan will include such arrangements as will enable Lavenrunz to rebuild our economic structure and lower our taxes over that period."

A few mutters were heard. From the Populists area, Arvid Pluskat folded his arms and scowled. The Christian-Nationalists were of similar demeanor, Von Effner striking a defiant pose. Helga Dresden quirked her mouth in a smile and looked disdainful. Deliberately, the Constitutionalists rose and applauded, but they were the only party that did so.

Peter stepped forward and when the speaker had paused for a few seconds, he shouted, loudly but politely, "Excuse me sir, you seem to be mentioining loans and various other financial matters... If you're in that much need of money, well my family has for as many centuries as anybody can remember, been a major banking family, we would gladly loan you some money."

Aesa nodded silently as the speech went on, before blinking in surprize at the mention of the Menelmacari loan. Interest free? She made a quick note to inquire about a similar action. Partially because she didn't feel like being upstaged by the elves, but also because Elisa had promised financial support. Besides, it was only fitting to help out an ally. VERITAS and NDA relations aside.

There was a shocked silence.
This had NEVER happened before in Lavenrunz. Count Chemnitz nearly had a seizure on the spot. Even Helga Dresden paled with surprise.

Chancellor Schlabel paused and said, "My dear Sir, if you would be so good as to wait until the session is over, I will be happy to meet with you. Your offer is most kind."

In the Government section of the Volksraad, Prince Eisenhart leaned over to Aurora von Konigsmark and whispered, "Whoever's that?"
She muttered back, "That...is the Foreign Minister from Mississipi."

Peter had almost erupted with laughter, Curtis and now Roger had always been willing to stop and talk to people if there was a lull in their speech, but that was in Mississippi, maybe people were high and mighty here. He shook his head, quietly muttering, "Nah, that's Mississippi too, just friendly there..."

He sat back down and then took out a pouch of tobacco, gently pushing a handful of leaves into his mouth as he started to chew it.

Empress Aurora did not visibly react, but as Chancellor Schlabel resumed his speech she whispered something to Baroness Toll.

Nearby Peter, a rather handsome featured man in his middle years, wearing a walking-out uniform with many ribbons, whispered to him, "You must understand, your Excellency, that this is an important ceremony. I'm sure you didn't know that." In spite of his politeness, there was a rather stern air to this man.

Chancellor Schlabel continued, saying, "The Government, finally, will welcome the input of its allies and all political parties, all of which are urged to schedule time with myself and the Council of Ministers. Together, we will advise the Empress and lead the people in making the wise decisions necessary for the good of our nation."

At this applause (almost in relief) began, the parties rising as he bowed, ending his speech.

Peter stood up, said, "Bout time, eh? Where do we go?" to the man next to him, before he spat a stream of tobacco juice into a small spittoon one of his guards had brought for him.

The man's lips tightened and he said sharply, "Is it your habit, Sir to insult the country of your hosts?" looking Peter directly in the eye.

At the same time as this, the Empress rose and all began to bow in her direction as she and her entourage made their way towards the doors. Thirty Camelias caused even those who might have dared come close to give wide berth, her teeth flashing. The young Empress smiled and had a murmured word for a person here and there.

Peter was shocked, he had no idea what he had done to be insulting, this was how folks got along in Mississippi, he was just doing what he'd always done. "What? What... What do you mean? Are you saying I have bad manners? Oh that's it, we're dueling, get your pistol..."

The man looked at him with irritated contempt. "Get my pistol? And be accused of shooting an envoy? Calm down. Why don't we start be introducing one another? Clearly your protocol department might be in error here,and you yourself, obviously a gentleman of importance in your own country, were not adequately prepared by them. I am Prince von Seydlitz, a Field Marshal in the Imperial Army. Whom do I have the honor of addressing?" in spite of his politeness there was nothing unctuous or obsequious in his tone, rather he had the attitude of an army commander willing to do his duty but ordered to avoid unecessary conflict.

Peter suddenly started looking around back and forth, his heart racing, he shook his head, and moved back, "No... No... AHHH!" (as he motioned as though he was shooting his pistol) flashing back to his time in the Parachute Recon Commando when his unit was overrun and he was captured (only temporarily). He fell over as he back stepped into a chair, he picked himself up and ran out of the room, around the first corner he saw.

He sank to the ground and started to hyperventilate as he cried, cursing himself not only for the Recon Commando fiasco, but the fall of Angola in July of 2004, which most Mississippians blamed him for which was why they often threw rotten vegetables at him.




Ooc- He is a bit emotionally fragile.

Immediately security were reacting as a scene took place: the remaining cabinet ministers in the Chambers were rushed out by Reichspolizei while Imperial Jaegers charged in, people yelling and screaming and falling to the floor. Prince von Seydlitz, however, was close enough to recognize the symptoms, and said quietly, "You're relieved, soldier. It's alright, son. The medics are here."

Peter was just sobbing, "It's all my fault... All my fault... Why... Why..."

Two of the guards sent to accompany him came by and lifted him up off his feet, holding him up. A third came by and smashed his fist right into his stomach, shouting, "You're a disgrace to our nation and our people! Come, we're taking you back to Mississippi you worthless sack of trash..."

Peter shook his head and tried to dig his heels into anything, but the floor was perfectly smooth. He sobbed weakly, "No, I don't want to go back, no... They won't stop me from exposing them, telling the truth about Angola, I won't keep quiet any longer, not any longer."


One of the guards smiled nervously at the other guests before striking Peter over the back of the head with his pistol, saying, "He was hysterical, we need to get him back to Mississippi..."


They proceeded to drag the unconscious man towards the door.

Aesa had a look of shock mixed with abject horror on her face as she put as much room as possible between herself and the Mississippian "delegate". She shook her head as he started to flip out, mutting softly to herself. A man with no concept of protocol and prone to flashbacks. Why the fuck would they send him? Surely they have someone more... sane...

She moved even more quickly as security ran in. This is not shaping up to be a good day.

Ambassador Georgina Bryde had been watching silently, wearing her black military dress uniform. Her left eye glowed faintly as it always did as she rested her hand on Aesa's shoulder.

Secret IC:


Back in Mississippi, Hans Stahlecker picked up the phone as it rang, it was Dieter Thaller, he immediately said, "Hans, are you there... Your son, Peter, he is causing too much trouble for us, we can't get rid of him by sending him to other countries, he makes scenes, and we can't keep him quiet forever... Unless, there is one way..."


Hans almost exploded with rage, "No, not my own son, I won't let you..."

Dieter shook his head, "There is no alternative Hans, everything we worked for, it could be lost because of him, besides, you have other sons."

Hans sighed, "Do what you must, but I don't want to hear about... And make it quick..."


Dieter nodded his head in affirmation, "Yes of course, don't worry, he won't know what hit him, I'll have them make it look like an accident so none of those conspiracy theorists who talk about how Angola's collapse was engineered, have any added ammunition... It is such a shame though isn't it?"

Hans was confused, "What do you mean? How so, aside from the fact you are going to have my boy killed, what is a shame?"

Dieter sighed, "He was such a promising young man, polite, well-mannered", he emphasized the next words, "Always sober", before continuing, "But that was before Angola... You might say we ruined him..."

Hans frowned, "I don't want to talk about it Dieter... Do what you think you must..."

He then hung up.

"HALT!" shouted Colonel von Paderborn. The bodyguards could see a group of Jaegers, pointing G-11 assault weapons at them. The soldiers looked grimly determined. Field Marshal von Seydlitz stepped forward and said, "There are doctors here. You will let them treat him. This is not acceptable behavior, gentlemen--I am sure your government would be shocked to see how you are treating your envoy." He beckoned brusquely and a medic came forward, kneeling by Peter, and administered a sedative.

Evangelista's brows nearly disappeared into her hairline they rose so alarmingly at the uncultured lout's brash commentary and utterl disrespect for decorum. Il dio, who could that ... person possibly represent? Lavenrunz has always been known for the quality of company they keep. Who is this? The local equivalent to the village idiot?

She shook her head, tossing her long brown hair back over her shoulder, trying to put the incident aside as she continued to listen to the speech. The revelation of Menelmacar's generousity was most definitely a surprise, though not she supposed, out of the question. The elves had been desperate to regain ties ever since the fiasco of the Winter Ball and subsequent lessening of such dealings afterwards. Money was what they had, money was what they did. The Minister did wonder idly whether they would choose to avail themselves of the offers from the Dominion. No such instructions had come down the line as yet, at least.

Ah, there it is. It would seem some arrangements have been made behind doors, and others, need be made with the good Chancellor and his council now. It would seem my work is cut out for me. Best get to it then, I suppose.

Evangelista applauded the completion of the speech, watching Aurora make her exit, only to find herself distracted yet again by the selfsame idiot from earlier causing yet another scene.

Oh for the love of God ... where is security already?

This of course was answered nearly before she had even completed her thought. She instinctively shrank up against the wall, ducking down to make herself a less obvious target, while keeping an eye on the exits, and the center of the current bit of chaos.

There was one thing you could say about Lavenrunz, to be sure. There was never a dull moment.

"HALT!" shouted Colonel von Paderborn. The bodyguards could see a group of Jaegers, pointing G-11 assault weapons at them. The soldiers looked grimly determined. Field Marshal von Seydlitz stepped forward and said, "There are doctors here. You will let them treat him. This is not acceptable behavior, gentlemen--I am sure your government would be shocked to see how you are treating your envoy." He beckoned brusquely and a medic came forward, kneeling by Peter, and administered a sedative.


One of the guards shook his head, "No, this is our problem... We must deal with it in our way, if you let us go, our employers will be most grateful, and they know how to return a favor."

Colonel von Paderborn shook his head. "We want you on a plane and out of here. Now." he made a gesture and the troops began to escort them out, where a group of armored vehicles were waiting to take their vehicles to the airport.

Field Marshal von Seydlitz snorted and departed, feeling most irritated, and wondering how such savages had been permited to enter the Empire.

Peter came aronud a bit, stirring out of his unconscious, shaking his head as they dragged him, mustering his strength shout, "Don't let them take me back to Mississippi!"

Chancellor Schlabel, in his private chambers, sighed with relief as a servant removed his robes. In his underwear he was still a very fit man, and he was pleased mildly by the image in his mirror. Dressed once again in his neat formal suit, he walked out, escorted by his bodyguards, greeting those envoys still present.

On the way an aide-de-camp whispered into his ear, informing him that the carrier groups had nearly arrived at Tanah Burung. He nodded and continued on his way. He felt relaxed for the first time in days.

Paul Stahlecker had heard about what happened, since for the Stahleckers, and Thallers, who had eyes and ears almost everywhere, news seemed to travel fast.


He decided to immediately call the Imperial Chamberlain of Lavenrunz, and so he did.


Once the other line picked up, Paul immediately introduced himself, "My name is Paul Stahlecker, Foreign Minister of Mississippi, I must first say how terribly sorry I am for what happened involving my brother. I hope your nation can forgive our lapse in judgement in sending somebody with emotional and mental issues to such an important conference. If you will permit it, I will apologize to the empress over the phone and then in person. I would like to come to Lavenrunz to get my brother safely back to Mississippi... If this would be permitted, I would be greatly in your debt and I would be most grateful."

The Chamberlain, riding in his car behind the Empress', listened to the voice on the phone, and considered that the man must have been watching the televised account of it. Shameful!
"Well, Herr Minister. I am Count von Chemnitz. " he said quietly. "I am surely grateful for your thoughtful words, and will naturally convey them to Her Majesty. You must understand that an incident of this kind is...shocking. However...I can understand how things can happen. It would help a great deal if you were to have your government in some capacity make a public statement."

The Chamberlain, riding in his car behind the Empress', listened to the voice on the phone, and considered that the man must have been watching the televised account of it. Shameful!
"Well, Herr Minister. I am Count von Chemnitz. " he said quietly. "I am surely grateful for your thoughtful words, and will naturally convey them to Her Majesty. You must understand that an incident of this kind is...shocking. However...I can understand how things can happen. It would help a great deal if you were to have your government in some capacity make a public statement."


Paul detected the contempt in his voice, he shook his head but kept calm and remained polite, "I know what you're thinking. No I wasn't watching it on the news, if I had time to watch the news, I would have instead come myself. I heard about it after the fact, from some friends of my father. And yes, the Czar and the Czarina will make statements about the matter shortly... I must ask that you not let my brother be taken anywhere without my authorization, he is in a great deal of danger. I dare not say more over the phone. If you will permit it, I will be in Lavenrunz in a matter of hours."

Georgina smiled at Aesa, 'Well, that was certainly...Interesting...'

Aesa nodded, looking visibly more relaxed at being near Georgina, "What the Hell was that? My invitation didn't mention a floor show."

A bit earlier
The Knootians were shaking their heads, musing in their native language at an exited tone.

"That was, quite possibly, the single most retarded individual I ever met."

"In the middle of a fucking adress to the Volksraad!", one of the younger ones exclained, frowned upon by the other two for the profanity in such esteemed company.

"Who did this madman represent anyway?", a third chimed in.

"And what took security so long to remove him."

A Lavenrunzian Duke walked past the trio at a fast pace, drawing pityful stares from the Knootians who felt the 'replaced shame' brought upon them by the akwardness of the sitation.

Catherine frowned at the ill-mannered foreign representative. It surprised her little when the man was forced to be carried from the floor. He never should have been allowed to attend in the first place. She trusted that Schlabel would make certain the nation who sent him would never have an opportunity to be so disruptive again.

She pondered the implications of the Menelmacari loan. A ten year interest-free loan, in an amount that no doubt included a lot of zeros behind it. I suppose it's easier than the economic package we offered. Once the loan is paid off, all obligations are finished and they can reassess their relationship at the end. Investment tends to be more long-term. She made a note to do a little digging and find out what else might interest the Lavenrunz.

Once the assembly was over she went to make her appointment with Schlabel. She would mention her idea about Mirbach and the Communist threat later, when she had more information to confirm or deny her suspicions.

Sirithil applauded happily as Schlabel was announced, and then periodically throughout his speech whenever other folks did.... but she was just as shocked at the Lavenrunzians at the interruption from the representative of "Mississippi". She leaned over to Mephet'ran, who had come to join her here. 'Who the hell does he think he is?' she sent to him telepathically, so as not to disturb anyone else around. She watched impassively as the matter continued to cause a disturbance, and eventually just buried her face in her hands, hoping it would just be over soon and the Volksraad session could return to some degree of sanity... of course, this was unlikely to happen, as Reichspolizei rushed the Cabinet folks and the Empress out of the room.

Sirithil looked down at the datapad in her hand, on which was her speech. It would have been a very good speech. She frowned.

"Well... shit."

'Rather good, an airforce man huh?' Mused Daniel.
'Yessir.' nodded Bratcher.
'Who was that boody moron in the middle of the announcement?'
'Someone from Missippi, rascist country.'
Daniel grimaced.
Another porcelin cup was handed to him, the tea steamed slightly.
'Ah lovely.' he sipped it and watched over the Volksraad.

The Emperor also applauded, in as dignified a manner as possible. He didn’t glance at his fiancée but shifted a little closer to her. ‘Perhaps I should send someone to suggest that he be imprisoned until he sobers up? But, seriously Elacet, that is a man with some fairly hefty mental problems… added to the fact that he probably wasn’t born too smart, and I’m talking about smart by spider standards here’ – though given that Menelmacar was rumoured to have semi-sentient giant, well, large, spiders descended from those of Greenwood the Great in the sewers, as New York was rumoured to have Alligators, this wasn't entirely outlandish – ‘as for who he thinks he is, Napoleon* I suspect.’

* Metagaming note, as some people acknowledge RL history as existing, and some do not (I myself am undecided on the matter), replace this with something appropriate to your own paradigm.

Speaks English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, Flemish, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Arabic, Latin, Chinese, Japanese, Afrikaans, Serbian, Albanian, Croatian, Hungarian, Finnish, and Ukrainian.

No room left for manners after twenty one languages huh? ;)

OOC: Some people with Downs syndrome are very intelligent. Also, Flemish and Dutch are NOT a seperate languages you fool of a took. (Edit) and neither is "Chinese". But I digressify. [/last OOC post (hopefully)]

As Paul Stahlecker was waiting for a reply, the man's "call waiting" activated, he was being contacted by the Czarina, Alice Fabus, so she could make arrangements for a personal apology. She nervously tapped her fingers on a nearby desk as she waited for the man to answer.

2) Dutch and Flemish are separate languages. Flemish is a specific variant of Dutch. Thus they are different languages.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_language Flemish is the belgian variant of Dutch.

ooc: You're telling a Dutch guy, who knows his stuff this...why exactly?


IC:
Sitting and looking around the volksraad building Daniel sighed again.
'Well, what next Bratcher?'
'Er, not to sure sah.'
'Lovely building isn't it?' Daniel mumbled out to no-one in particular.
'Yes sir, lovely architecture, quite impressive, you can feel the power drip from the walls almost.'
'Mmmm' Daniel nodded, and continued to admire the building, sipping his tea as he did so.

OOC: Minor note. As a moderator, I'd very much like to wipe out these OOC posts as they disrupt the flow of the thread, but I can't do that unless Lavenrunz asks me to. So, Jo, just so you know, the option is open.

Game on.

OOC: DA is actually not a bad guy, and I've talked to him, and he was very polite in response.
IC:

Seeing the disappointed Elentari as he was going by, Archduke Amadeus, Aurora's handsome second cousin, in his striking blue and gold uniform, made his way to her...frankly happy for an excuse to admire one of the loveliest women in all the Nations, and bowing said, "Majesty, I am looking forward to hearing Your speech tomorrow, as I am sure are all those who were present today."

In the car, the Chamberlain shook his head as he hung up the phone. What chaos that nation seemed to be in. The very idea that a person had in effect managed to pretend to be an official envoy was disgraceful. He began to phone the members of the civil service who would be able to set up a meeting between Aurora von Konigsmark and the Minister from Mississippi.

Each envoy had received an invitation to the reception to be held at the Chancery, which was two hours after the opening of the Volksraad. Outside, the protests and supportive groups had been organized and were now safely behind police lines. A light flurry of snow was falling softly over the city, and the old gothic buildings seemed more beautiful than ever.

OOC: credit to DecA for his contribution to this MSN created post
IC:

Count Chemnitz heard another ring on his phone as the car began to drive along the outside walls of the Autumn Palace, and picked it up. "Count Chemnitz." he said quietly.

Alice was a bit nervous as she spoke, but hid it well, "Hello" she started, "This is the Czarina, Alice Fabus, of Mississippi, calling about, well I'm sure you know why I'm calling... This is Count Chemnitz yes? I'm so glad to have gotten through to you sir. You see, I heard about what happened and I was just so speechless and outraged, and I didn't know what to do, but then I spoke with Roger and we've decided one of us should go to Lavenrunz and make an official apology, but he is ill and I am pregnant and have to run the nation. We would be most grateful if you would send a representative to Mississippi for us to issue the apology to."

"Well, of course these things happen." said Count Chemnitz pleasantly,nodding as he received a salute from the guards at the gate, the cortege rolling along the road past the snow covered gardens and statues. "I am sorry for the illness of your husband, and I hope I am not too late to congratulate you on the felicitous expected birth of your child."
The Chamberlain paused and reflected a moment. "As to the visit: I must inform you, noble Lady, that this decision does not lie with me, though I will refer it to Her Majesty of course."

Alice nodded her head and continued to talk, "I understand perfectly, and I thank you for your kind words about my husband and myself, they are most appreciated. I hope that the incident early in the day has not mared your image of Mississippi or our people. It most distressed me when I heard of it because we pride ourselves on proper etiquette."

The Chamberlain couldn't help but think...You're kidding, right? but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. "Rest assured, Madam, that the reputation of your nation remains in the stature it formerly held. And i am sure that Her Majesty will be very glad to hear of your call. I will communicate it to her at the swiftest opportunity. Again, thank you very much for your call, and I hope the blessings of God smile upon you."

Alice wasn't satisfied, perhaps her nation was held in low standing to begin with, and that is why he could honestly say nothing had changed, she let out the slightest sigh and then said, "Honorable Chamberlain, are you certain that your nation will accept our most sincere apologies, and not let any past unpleasantness stand in the way of future relations?"

The Chamberlain replied carefully, "Madam, as I have said, I am not a maker of policey. Your heartfelt apology and good will are most apparent, and I will convey them so to Her Majesty. I am sure if the visit of your Foreign Minister goes well, and I can see no reason why it should not, that all will be well. Please rest assured that if it is possible it is the intention of Her Majesty to have good relations with your country."


Alice smiled, happy with his recent statements, "Very well sir, I shall eagerly await reply from your royal empress."

"Thank you very much for your call, my dear Lady." said Count Chemnitz. "Good day to you." and with that he hung up just in time to get out of his car and bow the Empress into the Palace.

Lenore walked out into the frisky night to sort out what she had heard and seen. So even the proud Lavenrunz could be bought? She had known that their economic situation was bad, but never THAT bad. Surely anyone could see that an interest free loan surely had some kind of price. Her contacts would be very interested to hear about that. But then again, that elf had always run her country as her private little shopping bag, maybe she was mad enough to not have a political agenda? Anyway, the price was payed, she wondered what the standing price for a huge nation like Lavenrunz was today? She shook away a shiver along her spine, No! There must me more to this! She refused to believe that the empress was so gullible, or Von Schlabel for that matter. She continued to walk, looking over her shoulder if there were any more crazed people like the hill-billy that stole the show earlier. They proved to be great entertainment.

Unlike many others attending the event, Ambassador Kayla Harmone hadn't noticed Decisive Action's faux pas... they weren't deemed important enough for her to be paying any attention to their actions in this event, secure in the knowledge that unlike the people of Decisive Action, Lavenrunz knew how to run security properly and efficently.

Meanwhile she listened to the speach and simply relaxed for the time being. As a member of the NDA, the Iuthian Diplomatic Corps had decided to take an interest in Lavenrunz affairs and support them in these troublesome times. Iuthia wanted to strenghten it's relations with it's allies they hardly ever had contact with... though so far things had gone well with them.

Kayla's security was light at best, her security being little more then a security consultant who was to liaise with Lavenrunz security to address any concerns. Otherwise the Iuthian Ambassador trusted them to the security... afterall, Lavenrunz has an excellent reputation for diplomacy. Meanwhile Kayla's attendance was relatively low key and as such she doubted most would notice Iuthian presence.

Ambassador Harmone relaxed and continued to watch the proceedings.

A group of people were heading home in various ways. Demonstrators from one of the communist groups were shouldering signs and rolling up banners. They were cold and looking forward to a hot meal at home, relaxing and maybe soaking in a hot tub. A young woman with her baby in a pack was gratefully accepting a ride home from a friend. A few people coming home from their jobs in the city, at banks or shopping centers or government departments wearily filed onto buses or moved towards a train platform. A pair of Reichspolizei officers, rubbing gloved hands, watched the communists with satisfaction, making sure there were no more fights and keeping an eye on things.

A junior bank executive, Heinrich Muller, commented to the girl with the baby who was standing by as her friend scraped her windshield, "Say..."
She looked up, a somewhat dark haired pretty girl who looked tired, her clothing rather careworn.
"I can't help but notice you wear a war widow's badge. Why are you messing around with a bunch of Reds who only mess up our economy?" he asked earnestly.
"Look." she said.

That was all she said.

Their world was ripped apart by a vast explosion that tore up the street, gasses boiling with fire, oxygen torn out of the area and then replaced by billowing fire and hurled debris.

From other areas of the city it was felt as a vast crump that for a moment made the air stand still, then had dust falling all over Hofburg, a great evil dark cloud rising in the air.

From his office, Chancellor Schlabel, who heard sirens beginning to go off, rushed to the window, gaping at the smoke. "Mother of God..." he whispered.

Inside the Volksraad, Sirithil smiled brightly to Amadeus. "Thank you," she says. "I look forward to giving the speech, too... it was a great honor for her Majesty to invite me to address the Volksraad; one for which I'm very grateful..."

Her voice trailed off. For a moment, she wasn't sure why. But... well, her ears were tingling. An unbidden thought... Something is horribly wrong.

And then a loud whump-booom filled the air, the ground shook underfoot, and some dust settled down from the ceilings... Sirithil exchanged glances with Amadeus and Mephet'ran... "What was that?" ...her gaze wandered upwards, to the windows... where was framed a vast column of smoke, and the terrible red glow of a great fire... and the echoing sounds of sirens, as first responders swung into action.

She glanced at her lover, her eyes determined and compassionate. "I have to get down there..." Barely even waiting for an answer, and pausing only to pull on her fur cloak, she was off and running already, ignoring the protests of aides and guards alike, rushing out the door of the Volksraad into the blowing snow... picking a limo, any limo, she cared not a whit which one. "Please... take me to the fire, and quickly!"

Through the smoke and haze of dust and debris, wrecked and burning vehicles, and smoking corpses were seen by those farther away, who were covered in dust and blood if they weren't half buried under rubble or ripped up by broken glass.
A shocked man called Albrecht who had been about to catch up to his friend Muller to perhaps have a game of squash and then discuss the new government after realized that that maelstrom and ruin had been where he was. He crossed himself reflexively and sobbed like a child...he tried to walk that way but the flames from the vehicles, and the slow burning from the gas main drove him back with their heat, and he turned round, wondering if the city remained. Through the haze he saw buildings, and he heard sirens. "Help!" he screamed.

Empress Aurora, who was dressing in her chambers in the Autumn Palace, gasped and was frightened as she saw her bodyguards suddenly rushing into her room to cover her. Thirty Camelias roared, crouching at her feet. "What is happening?" she gasped.

Major Erika von Fischer, who was on duty near the Volksraad, blanched and ran for an RTO, grabbing the receiver from the pack on his back. The Jaegers were crouched down, as if this had been an airstrike, but she knew that didn't feel right. "What the hell is going on?" she demanded of her superior, General Mondorf.
"An explosion that seems to have been a gas main." he said quietly. "Major, no time for explanations, but you must get your unit to Lutzen and Friedland immediately."
"Yes General." she said, sighing inwardly. In other words, what her old sergeant major was wont to call the NBK code. "Nobody Bloody Knows". She nodded to her executive officer and said, "Let's go Jaegers, I want the whole company rolling! Get us in contact with a helicopter unit for observation--I don't if it's Reichspolizei, but do it!" She saw several fire trucks and a haz-mat truck rolling by, and thought, "Here we go to the Xikuangese fire drill..."

The small black car was rumbling along a street, Daniel and Bratcher were drafting the report for the journalists, and Thaddeus at home.

'Our first thought on the Lavenrunzians are that of great wealth and power, they are freindly and prone..'

The report was never finished as the small black car was thrown onto its roof, its glass shattered and fell to the floor like a million diamonds, the airbags blew a few moments to late, the driver was dead, crushed under the roof of the car as it finally slid to a stop, sparks flying as it did so.
Daniel coughed a little as he came to, he blinkd a couple of times, then carefully rubbed his eyes. Bratcher moaned grogilly.

'Bratcher? you alright lad?' Daniel yelled hoarsley over the car alarm.
Bratcher was sporting a few cuts but was otherwise unharmed.
Daniel crawled out of the vehicle, and stood. He winced as he realised his leg was, at the very least fractured. By now Bratcher was on his feet, his small secuirty pistol drawn and looking around at the scene before him.
'Bloody hell! The tea!' Daniel realised with horror and looked inside, the set was smashed far beyond repair.
'Blast it!' yelled Daniel and he slammed his fist down on the bottom of the car, the alarm stopped abruptly.
'Sir the driver is dead.' Bratcher said quietly, he had gone pale as he stared at what was left of the driver.
'Stop bloody staring, get the first aid out and look for people who can a least be helped!'
Daniel picked up the small green box and threw it to Bratcher, who promptly glanced around at the smoke and carnage.

OOC: if this isn't ok, just say and I'll deat :)

Just stepping off his plane which had a few minutes ago landed in Hofburg was Paul Stahlecker, accompanied by his wife, Eleanor Fabus.

Paul was a bit worried, his brother was quite likely in grave danger, and he really didn't want Eleanor to be here if there indeed was danger, but she was always one to insist on accompanying him everywhere since she seemed to be unable to bear being apart from him for any length of time. And he was never one to refuse her anything, so here she was, with him. Although he had been most insistent she way concealed body armor, and so she was, as was he.

He had a Walter PPK pistol as well, tucked in a shoulder holster totally concealed under his suit jacket.

A few SRG had been sent as well, they were wearing black suits, dark sunglasses, and had no visible weapons, but in actuality each of the four men had a 1911-A1 tucked in a shoulder holster under their overcoats.

He looked around a bit, trying to figure out who was supposed to be meeting him and where they were.

Paul could hear sirens from the interior of the city, and saw a pall of smoke over it. A group of Lavenrunzians near a cortege of limousines and sleek jeeps was there, and a tall, craggy faced man with fair hair, wearing a sky blue uniform with silver wings on his lapels, approached, and said politely, "I am Archduke Carl, Her Imperial Majesty's uncle, and I welcome you, Excellency, to Lavenrunz." As he said this, a small honour guard in formal dress flashed swords in salute, and the anthem of Mississippi was played very correctly with fluorishes.

Paul politely snapped to attention and saluted the man, "Paul Stahlecker, Foreign Ministry and Federal Defense Army."


Eleanor smiled at the man and courtsied, saying, "Eleanor Stahleckr, previously Eleanor Fabus, Ministry of Education."



Paul looked up and over at the smoke, "Sir? What exactly is going on? Is there a fire in the city?"

Mephet’ran didn’t so much hear as feel the blast. As a glorified energy leech, bursts of heat and radiation were the first things he had learnt to recognise, in the past. Long ago, before he had even known of concepts like gravity, solidity, resistance, anger, fear or love, he had known, in an almost primal way, that energy was life, and lack of it was death. At first, long ago, it had taken him time to come to the understanding that this wasn’t entirely true of organic beings.

However, he knew more than that now, and so he followed his fiancée into the car without question. Far more than her, it would be remiss of him to stay away from such an event. He would get expelled from his (partially honorary, but not entirely) place in the Imperial Doctor’s Association after all. At least in theory. Far more pressing was the quiet distaste at the idea of letting the elf queen go anywhere dangerous without him.

Paul politely snapped to attention and saluted the man, "Paul Stahlecker, Foreign Ministry and Federal Defense Army."


Eleanor smiled at the man and courtsied, saying, "Eleanor Stahleckr, previously Eleanor Fabus, Ministry of Education."



Paul looked up and over at the smoke, "Sir? What exactly is going on? Is there a fire in the city?"

"Well...there has been an explosion. And we don't yet know why." Carl seemed a bit irritated by this admission but shook it away like a horse shying at a fly. "Well. Would your Excellencies care to accompany me to the Foreign Ministry?" he sugested.
Paul noticed that the airport was rather well defended; there were anti-aircraft emplacements and ample ground security, all of which were clearly on alert at the moment. From where he stood, the city looked a startling contrast to the smoke and sirens; it was full of tree lined avenues, had lovely buildings in the old germanic fashion and snow lightly covered everything. He also noticed not too far away several helicopters being fuelled up.

In the limousine, seeing the exotic couple leap in but especially the towering and lovely Elentari, the driver stepped on it immediately, exclaiming, "At once Your Majesty," and unable to take his eyes off her in his wonder, he nearly slammed into a lampost, barely swerving in time.

Bratcher and Daniel found that they had managed to avoid being in the direct path of the blast, which had ripped a great hole in the street and caused two nearby buildings to collapse. Fires leaped and flickered, and they heard a man screaming for help. A man holding one arm, shivering, bloody robed, evidently a priest, moved towards one of the bodies, that of a woman smashed down by falling rubble, and knelt beside her, making the sign of the cross. They could hear sirens.

From relaxed to alert, Kayla heard the distant sound of the explosion which had demolished a street some distance away. Already the atmostphere of the event was desending into chaos as everyone reacted to the event in their own ways... some were suddenely leaving, others simply gossiping about it with others or contacting people through various methods of communication.

The ambassador was confused for the moment, with little information was currently available and everyone around her were just as lost as to what had just happened. Not wishing to add to the confusion, Kayla sat down and contacted her security consultant who's proximity to the Lavenrunz security would have been gathering information about what had happened along with the possible threat to the Ambassador.

"Mike, whats the current situation?" She asked, keeping calm. Her breathing had slowed down as she had been taught by the IDC, it didn't help to lose your head in these situation.

"The little information I'm being told down here is that there has been an explosion somewhere in the city... it's not too close to your location and we're being told that you are safe were you are. Beyond that they are rather busy at the moment so I can't really ask much more... just say where you are and I'll update you as the news comes in."

"Thanks Mike." Kayla put her phone down and sat down to leave things to the professionals.

Paul smiled at the mention of the Foreign Ministry, he loved to see what the foreign ministry buildings in other nations looked like, a bit of a hobby of his.

He nodded his head and replied, "Yes that would be great, we have much to discuss..."

He motioned lightly with his hand at the gun emplacements, "Tell me, is your airport always like this? I find it a pleasant reminder of home."

Sirithil did not even notice Mephet'ran was behind her until he dove into the car next to her... she smiled, and kissed him passionately. "Thank you for coming, love..."

Already the car was under way, and Sirithil opened her comm and dialed her son in Vinyatírion.

"Yes, mother?" came the response... surprised, even. "I thought you would be addressing the Volksraad right now?"

"Something came up, Maglor... actually, there's been an explosion, here in Hofburg... I'm on my way down there now to see what I can do... Alert the rest of the government to the situation, I want the full resources of Menelmacar put behind any aid and investigation that can be offered."

"Yes, mother, I'll do it right a-- you're what? Please reconsider..."

"No," Siri replied firmly. "I have to do this. Please do as I asked."

Maglor sighed. Sirithil was a stubborn woman when she got something in her head, and there was nothing he could do to dissuade her; this much he knew. And the more he thought about it, the less he wanted to try. He nodded; Sirithil broke off the connection.

Archduke Carl, as he led the two visitors into the car, said, "Yes, this is normal but we will probably go to a higher state of alert." with a smile, he said, "You have both been invited to stay at the Linderhof Palace, which is in a safe location."
Inside the limousine, it was comfortable and slightly old fashioned, with a leather of very high quality, wood paneling and fine metal trimming. "Would you like to go there directly?" he asked. "Or is there some place you would like to visit? I should be glad to be your guide."

Paul smiled, "That would be excellent, how very kind of you and your nation to allow us to stay at such a lovely place. I've read about it, it sounds wonderful."


Eleanor smiled and added, "Yes, and your generous offer to be our guide, we most graciously accept."


Paul then frowned a bit, as he remembered one of the main reasons he was here, "Hmmm, I must ask though, if we could see my brother shortly, in a few hours, I'm very eager to see him and make sure he is well... He hasn't exactly been normal since Angola fell, and he was already a bit unstable from being wounded and captured in battle a few years before then when he was a commando... You see, after he was seriously wounded, he developed an addiction to painkillers, and after the fall of Angola, another addiction, to the bottle..."

Mephet'ran kissed Sirithil back with the same passion, of course.

Sirithil peered out the window as the car neared the disaster, trying to determine the scope of it... the fire seemed huge, massive, from here... it would not be long before the car was as close as it could get.

"Mmm. Big fire..." Mephet said, trying not to sound insensative.

Without warning, however, a group of military vehicles crossed in front from another street. They could see an officer 'standing tall' from the hatch of one of the eight wheeled Vogelhunds, who frowned at them.

It didn't seem like they were going much further, so Siri thanked the driver profusely, and got out of the car, her hair billowing in the wind, of which there was plenty, between the snowfall, and the conflagration sucking oxygen in from all directions. She approached the soldiers, glancing back a moment to see if Mephet'ran would also emerge.

The woman seeing Sirithil emerge, saluted and then climbed down, forcing the irritation from her face. Sirithil recognized the redheaded woman as one of those who had been decorated ages ago for the raid in Iesus Christi against the CLA... she had, also, been in command of the Jaegers during the joint Jaeger/Mornahossë counterattack at the Winter Ball the previous winter that had ended the hostage situation there.

Siri's lover meanwhile stood by the car.

"Majesties." the woman said as she approached. "I'm afraid this road is blocked off." She stood quite calmly as a pair of hum-vee ambulances arrived and began to unpack equipment.

"Please, you have to let me by... I can help..." Sirithil pleaded with them. And recognition clicked. "Wait, I know you... Erika von Fischer, yes? You saved my life last year. At the Winter Ball."

Mephet said nothing, letting Siri, better known, if not well thought of in all areas, here do the talking.

"Majesty, could you please be more specific?" Erika, a special forces officer, was nothing if not pragmatic but she was always wary of vagary, and had trained enough with the Mornahosse not to be awestruck by elves, no matter who they were.

"I was one of the hostages. The Jaegers and the Mornahossë stopped Adendorff and his men... please, you must let me by, people are dying down there. I want to help."

Mephet'ran spoke up. "I think she means, how can you help, dear. If it helps, I at least am a doctor..."

Erika felt exasperated and showed it only by narrowing her blue eyes, keeping her hands behind her back. "Your Majesty...I might be endangering you by permitting you to go by."

"Oh, right..." the Elentári blushed, slightly embarrassed for a moment. "My magic, Major von Fischer, I have great power to heal. I'm aware it is dangerous, but... please..."

Erika sighed. "Very well, but I insist that you have an escort then." she said firmly, and said, "Captain Brandt! You will please accompany these princes with a squad." The Captain said, "Yes Major."

The Captain quickly counted off a set of names and Jaegers formed up. He said politely, "Will Your Majesties be kind enough to follow me this way?" as he began to move between two of the APCs.

"Thank you..." she said brightly to Erika with a smile. She beckoned to Mephet'ran, and marched on between the APC's behind Captain Brandt.

She heard the blast and hurried along the roof to get a better view of what had happened. An explosion this close to the centre of power? She halted at the edge and looked out over the streets, she saw a group of soldiers barring the way of some cars and someone talking to the soldiers. She froze and felt cold hatred running down her spine when she recognised the figure.

Oh! if she only had had a rifle she would gladly sacrificed her life to get a shot on the she deamon. Watching her own fingers clenching the bar she slowly came back to her senses again. Yes, it would surely have costed her her life to fire away, even from here. She could clearly see several security people guarding the area. Oh but to give her life for the greater sake of humanity!

Not tonight Lenore She thought Not tonight

Catherine listens to the reports with a sinking feeling. The attacks have begun, and she still doesn't know who is ultimately behind them. Nor does she have the resources she needs to play an effective part in this tragedy.

Which isn't to say that she can't try. "Get me Chancellor Schlabel's office," she tells an aide. "If the Chancellor is serious about letting me help, I'm going to need his."

She assigns another task to another aide. Find all of the critical points in the city: water, power, transportation and service. All of the fire departments, all of the police stations, any and all military installations. All vulnerable to attack, and all needing investigation. There was no way she would have even close to enough manpower, even if Schlabel were willing to assign a platoon of troops to her. But she could identify some of the more critical junctures. She rolls up her sleeves and gets to work.

While Georgina's bodyguards weren't so alarmed as to throw her to the floor, for a moment hands reached inside jackets as the two men, a human and a Kitsune, glanced around. The Kitsune, Haruhiro, rested his thumb on the safety of his pistol; in deference to diplomacy he'd taken nothing more, though in deference to the fact that he wasn't a bloody fool it was cocked already. He paused, listening.

'Too far away to be an immediate threat, Ambassador Bryde...' he muttered, 'But I'd recommend we return to the embassy for the time being. There could be more...'

Georgina couldn't help thinking of the stories about the Winter Ball as she considered, 'Yes. We can make apologies later, but I'm sure they'll understand.'

Haruhiro nodded, touching his earpiece and calling for the armoured limousine. Georgina tapped Aesa on the shoulder, 'It's safest if you come along too.'


OOC: If the armed bodyguard isn't appropriate I can edit.

Un nemico è troppo e cento amici non bastano ...*

Evangelista could see the smoke, could hear the sirens. The explosion had shaken her to be certain, though with the reports Treznor's agents reported of unrest, she couldn't say it was altogether unexpected. The council had been informed of a bit more than that, and in turn, some of what they knew had been passed on to her. Her instructions had merely been to offer support, keep an eye out for trouble, and stay out of it if she could. Those better equipped to handle the situation, were.

No, it was unexpected. I had hoped the efforts to track down the dissidents would have been more successful is all. Dear God ... the innocents ...

Tapping into the local Spook channel, she requested safe transport back to Dominion HQ, giving them a detailed run-down of her location and status, recieving ETA and instructions in return, as well as what information was available on the explosion.

"And Gino - do what you can to get in touch with any other NDA representatives or contacts in the local area. We need to present a united front, and to do so, we need to meet up and discuss just what we can and will do to assist in the current situation. Make it happen."

She nestled back against a wall, not wishing to attract any undue attention, and settled in to wait for their forces to arrive, her brow furrowed with concern as the minutes ticked by.




* One enemy is too many and a hundred friends aren't enough.

Sekhat tsaKell had been kept from the Chancellor's inauguration by a sudden and severe bout of influenza, sending instead junior Diplomat-Commandant Andrine tsaKelhai. This was not Maraldi, where the Ea held power in their own right; Eridhien-Aira ea Seingult was a mere Operations Commandant, relegated to staying behind with the Ambassador.

Now, with sirens blaring in the not-too-distant air, and smoke rising from nearby, Andrine had nobody to turn to; her superiors were elsewhere.

Ai, vokh, she thought, Ai, Ruki Aestrakhor! Ai, ara! What do I do?

The explosion had been heard elsewhere in the city, however, and her inconspicuous q-link earpiece buzzed.

"Yes?"

"Andrine, this is tsaKell."

She could tell that by the congested sound to his voice.

"We heard something ..." the Ambassador continued, "Some explosion? What's the status of the Empress and the Chancellor? Inform me!"

"Uh, they - they're okay, I think," Andrine replied. "The blast is up the street a ways. I think it is. Sir, what do I do?"

She could hear tsaKell muttering profanities under his breath. "Can you see the Treznorikh representatives? What about the Hackers or the Marshall Islanders? The Devracians? They usually know what's going on. Stick with them - and keep me informed!"

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

"Don't thank me - do something!"

The connection closed, and Andrine made her way over to the Dominion's Foreign Affairs Minister.

"Uh, Minister Ravanelli*?" she asked, "I'm Andrine tsaKelhai, junior Diplomat-Commandant at the Tsarainese embassy here ... do you know what's going on?"

OOC* I hope I spelt it right, but I can't be sure...

To The proper Authorities of Lavenrunz:
From: Vegana Embassy, Charge D'affair

Considering the political situation we have experienced an increased threat to our employees. We hereby requests permission to have armed personell accompanying our employees outside our facilities.

Kind Regards

Sylvia Moran


She never thought it would go this far. The explosion was probably only the first of many acts from disgruntled people. Duchess Lenore had already received special instructions from Vegana but she hadn't come back from the reception yet. Sylvia thought about sending a unit to search for her but discarded the thought. The ambassador was well able to take care of herself and she had her driver there as well, she was probably just sitting it out somewhere safe.

Aesa yelped slightly as she heard the explosion. After all, she was a diplomat, not a soldier. As she had always lived in Chiba, she never even gone through weapons training. To call her jumpy would be an understatement. Consequently, she nodded quickly when Georgina suggested they leave together, "Um, yeah... I think that's a good idea. Thanks."

"Ambassador, we're receiving communications over Channel Spook," reports the aide Catherine had assigned to liaise with the Chancellor's office. "The Dominion and several other NDA allies are present in the city, and the Dominion recommends gathering to present a united front."

Catherine looks up from her work and frowns as she considers this. That was fairly SOP for Alliance protocol, but the Lavenrunz were touchy people and had never cared to participate to such a degree. Now was not really the time to put it to the test. On the other hand, it still didn't hurt to present the image, but she chafed at the delay. "Invite them all here. We're fortified well enough, at least until we hear from the Chancellor. Maybe Evangelista can accomplish what we haven't. In the meanwhile, what news?"

"Nothing, Ma'am. The government has not responded to your request."

She swore under her breath. "All right, the only other people who know what we know are Evangelista's people. Send out the details of my intelligence brief to all allied nations presently in the city. Use only secure channels, of course. I'll deal with the Chancellor if he complains. The cat's out of the bag now, and they'll need to know what they're up against. David," she turned to the majordomo. "I think it's time to prepare to evacuate any non-essential personnel. The Empress will just have to forgive us, but I'm not going to put anyone at risk who doesn't have to be here."

David brushed his fingers through his gray, thinning hair. "And yourself, Ma'am?"

"My staff and I are staying behind to do what we can. I'll need as many of the troops as can be spared from the evac. We still have a job to do."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The phones were ringing off the hook in the Chancery; Schlabel had several diplomats calling in, which was understandable but not an immediate priority. He got in conference with the ReichspolizeisKomissioner, Admiral de Goethe, General Mondorf and Baron Shein and made sure they had their heads on straight, that they were all doing their jobs.
One thing he had decided when becoming Chancellor was to run things to some extent the way he had the Ministry of War; which was 'not to keep a dog and bark myself' as he put it to his personal staff. The heads he had just talked to were those he had wanted in the jobs, and so he let them do it and once off the conference contacted the foreign ambassadors who'd called.
First on the list was Catherine. He ordered the switchboard to connect him to the Treznorian Embassy immediately.
"What about this one from the Veganans?" he was asked by one of his aides, who looked pale and uneasy.
"Tell them no." he said shortly as the operator connected him. "Politely. And tell them to stay in their embassy. Damn it, this is just an incident so far."

Baron Shein, in his own Ministry, was smoking and looking thoughtfully out the window, waiting for a particular phone call.

Empress Aurora had been briefed by the Chamberlain, Count Chemnitz, following his own call to Schlabel, and was waiting in a lower room of the Autumn Palace. Her state helicopter was warming up outside. She stroked the muscular dappled hide of Thirty Camelias and shivered.

"Ambassador, I have Chancellor Schlabel on the line."

Catherine nods sharply. "Patch me through." She waited impatiently while the connection was made. "Chancellor, thank you for your time. Sir, I've identified critical junctures in the city that need to be watched and reinforced to prevent the terrorists from further endangering or disrupting operations. No doubt you've already come to the same conclusion, but I can share our intelligence with you.

"As for the terrorists themselves, I'm afraid we just don't have enough information. We have specific indivuals that can be rounded up, but fanatics are a difficult lot. All I can advise is to declare martial law and round up as many as we can find until we can get enough information out of them to formulate a better plan.

"In the meanwhile, the NDA has called for a show of solidarity to support you during these troubles. I'm evacuating nonessetial personnel, and am opening the embassy to allied nations. You'll have a single point of contact to reach all of us. I trust they'll all be here within a couple of hours.

"Sir, we all stand ready to assist you. My government has been alerted to the crisis and is willing to provide as much or as little support as you request. All you have to do is tell us what you want."

Schlabel nodded to an aide as a report was brought in and placed on his desk. "Thank you for your offer of assistance. Organizing our fellow allies is an excellent idea. In fact, I would very much appreciate it if you could please make sure that everyone goes calmly and quietly to their embassy. At the moment, this is a single incident, and while we want to do things properly, you must understand that unless something else develops we will still have the reception tonight.
If your intelligence people would like to cooperate directly with Baron Shein, that would be sufficient. We want to avoid a panic, and I will be making a public statement shortly."

Saint Stephen's Hospital was located in a pretty neighborhood with tree lined boulevards, all frosty in the winter, and brick and stone houses with yards white hedged with snowmen and ice sculptures in them. Signs also pointed to the Hofburg Zoo and the North Hofburg Mall, the biggest in Lavenrunz.
Inside, the Mississippians and the Archduke were sycophantically greeted by the administrator, Doctor Himmelstoss, who bowed extravagantly and led them to an observation room where they could see Peter, greatly sedated, lying in bed. A Reichspolizei officer stood from his chair as they came in. They had seen guards in the hallway as well.

As Sirithil and Mephet were escorted past the cordon, they found a street where ashes and dust hung like a shroud in the air. The scent of smoke, burning fuel and metal and death was very present. People, ragged, dust covered, shocked, bloody, were being approached and tended to by paramedics. As they went by they saw a truck unloading a group of dogs and handlers. Overhead, a helicopters rotors thundered and the dust swirled in the air. Broken glass and shattered brick lay on the street, and they could see farther down that it had to be worse.

Catherine grimaced visibly, but nodded her assent and kept her tone modulated. "Yes, Sir, as you wish. Good luck, Sir. I hope this remains an isolated incident."

But if the terrorists are smart, it won't be.

She hung up and turned to the aide who had connected the call. "Connect me with Baron Shein's office. And get in touch with Evangelista and the others over Spook. We've been asked to stay in our own embassies for now, so that's what we'll do."

Saint Stephen's Hospital was located in a pretty neighborhood with tree lined boulevards, all frosty in the winter, and brick and stone houses with yards white hedged with snowmen and ice sculptures in them. Signs also pointed to the Hofburg Zoo and the North Hofburg Mall, the biggest in Lavenrunz.
Inside, the Mississippians and the Archduke were sycophantically greeted by the administrator, Doctor Himmelstoss, who bowed extravagantly and led them to an observation room where they could see Peter, greatly sedated, lying in bed. A Reichspolizei officer stood from his chair as they came in. They had seen guards in the hallway as well.




Paul and Eleanor both hated sycophants, but were diplomatic enough not to show it. They smiled and followed the man forward to the room, Paul did the talking, asking, "Is he conscious now? May I speak with him?"

Doublepost edited.

Piet wasn't much concerned with diplomatic events. At the moment, he was sleeping next to his good friend Marlene. Dreaming quite pleasantly, of hot skies and tall grass that hardly existed anymore, scent of prey in his nostrils.

It is the conclusion of this board that the reformed KG Lavenrunz may be strategically of great importance, but is socially just as important; it provides an excellent opportunity for TAF personnel to be exposed to non-Territorial baseline humans.

Marlene rocks slightly back toward the hard body behind her - a pleasant diversion from her personal work ethic. Cute, fun, and she likes the slow, hot breath against her neck as she sleeps. She hardly notices as he comes instantly awake.

senkei: emergency call-up. detonation and fires in your vicinity. proceed according to orders packet and make yourself available to local authorities

Piet moves quickly, efficiently, slipping his khakis on and stretching as the gelsuit envelops him - a vague sense of green as a thousand tests are run. He smiles at Marlene, face worried, as she wakes up quickly with no machine assistance.

And furthermore, I like these people. I bloody hate some of them, but we're not leaving. There's a place for beancounting, this isn't it, and we'll make it work. <untranscribable snarl>

Later, hers is the smell he lets himself remember to chase away the smells of the dying and the dead. He'll collapse into sleep, much later, after many hours hunting by scent and sound for stricken humans and hidden followup charges.

She was walking in a quick pace over the street. What had happened to Peter? Her driver had been nowhere to find when she left the building and she had decided to sneak out and back to the embassy as quick as possible. Someone might recognise her car as a Reich car anyway and blame them as the bombers so maybe this was a safer way to get back.

She pulled up her shawl to make her harder to recognise, not that she thought anyone would recognise her anyway. She had been quite anonymous lately and made sure that she wasn't a too public figure, that could prove fatal if the wrong person recognised you at the wrong time, armed with the right thing.

The administrator exclaimed, "No, no, he's still sedated...I was hoping however that your Excellency might be able to clear up a little...well...not to put too fine a point..."
"Get on with it, man." growled Carl, glaring at him.
"Ah, yes, yes, Highness. The red tape from your country about the medical records of this patient, something about security..."

In Baron Shein's office, the air was wreathed with cigarette smoke, and on the walls hung paintings of predecessors, all the way back to the point lace wearing bewigged Count Ostermann, who had served the Emperor during the time of the Knootian rebellion.
His phone rang, and he picked it up, laconically saying "Shein here."

Leonore heard and saw a blaring rumbling group of fire trucks roar by. In their wake, a number of people generally looking like labourers, in overalls or smocks, some still carryign signs, came hurrying along, looking anxious. Nearby a bookshop owner peered out, and seemed to be about to close his store.

The administrator exclaimed, "No, no, he's still sedated...I was hoping however that your Excellency might be able to clear up a little...well...not to put too fine a point..."
"Get on with it, man." growled Carl, glaring at him.
"Ah, yes, yes, Highness. The red tape from your country about the medical records of this patient, something about security..."




Paul shook his head, "I'm afraid not, his medical records were classified by order of Imperial Decree, one of the last things Curtis did before he retired in 2004... So if there is anything you need to know, ask me and I'll consider telling you so long as it doesn't go contrary to Curtis's orders, he is still considered an authority in Mississippi, regardless of his current retirement."

Catherine spoke quickly. "Baron, I'm Ambassador Catherine Ravon of the Treznor Embassy. We've got some limited information about the terrorists behind this attack, and Chancellor Schlabel requested I speak with you. I don't know if the Chancellor has already provided you with the data we gave him, but I can send that to you now over a secure link if necessary. I also have some suggestions on sensitive areas in the city that might require additional protection, if you haven't done so already."

In the cold dark water, the crates detached from the hull of the small North Star submarine.
Divers from the summarine swum around the detaching crates, and after much manhandling attached them to the motorunits.
Then with great care, the divers propelled themselves and their cargo closer into land. These divers had a mass of prior diving training and field experience, the personnel knew their task.
After travelling through murky colored waters for some time, they arrived at the preset location. With great care they detached the crates from the motorunits,and fixed them to the cable wire that held in place the buoy floating above. This was the key to the entire plan, Reich personal would never come ashore, instead the insurgents would picked the weapons up from below prearranged fishing buoy markers. It was a tactic that had been used before and required vast resources to effiecently stop.
The divers left , and swum back to their distant vessel. All that was required now was a trawler or other boat to pick up the prize.

Having been immersed in listening to the latest coming in over Spook, Evangelista jumped and let out a quiet eep of surprise as Andrine spoke, quickly trying to cover it up as she launched into a reply. "I -- that is, I mean -- yes. No, well, yes. There's been an explosion, gas line has blown. Not many other details are available just yet. We had hoped to gather together for a meeting at the Treznor embassy, but apparently our Lavenrunz allies would prefer we all make our way calmly back to our own compounds, if available. If you lack accommodations, I would be happy to offer our hospitality. It seems they intend to carry on with the reception, oddly enough. I suppose we could try and gather there, though I admit, all things considered, having us all there in such an open spot makes me ... uncomfortable."

She breathed out a slow sigh of relief as the armored SUV sporting Dominion markings pulled up to the curb, black-garbed soldati exiting with quiet efficiency, taking up protective positions around the two.

Baron Shein said, "I think that would be most helpful, Ambassador. What I would like to suggest for my part is perhaps that you and I--and other allies if available, get together to discuss some things. Perhaps you could come to the Ministry of Information and I could brief you more clearly on the situation."
He drew on his cigarette and awaited the reply.

The Administrator said to Paul, "Ah, then, Excellency, if possible I should like to know if...begging your pardon...this gentleman has a history of insanity..."

Lenore heard and saw a blaring rumbling group of fire trucks roar by. In their wake, a number of people generally looking like labourers, in overalls or smocks, some still carryign signs, came hurrying along, looking anxious. Nearby a bookshop owner peered out, and seemed to be about to close his store.

She pressed herself to the wall as the fire trucks came by. This must have been bigger than she first thought She looked at the people following the trucks, they probably were up to no good, she tried to read what the signs said. She decided against seeking refuge in that store, as it looked now she probably could get home by the streets and noone had recognised her yet. She cursed herself for not staying at the embassy awaiting help, but since she were out on the streets anyway she might as well gather some information of what really was happening. She increased her pace and followed the people in the overalls.

The Administrator said to Paul, "Ah, then, Excellency, if possible I should like to know if...begging your pardon...this gentleman has a history of insanity..."


Paul shook his head and whispered to the man, "No, but he was captured by tribals in Africa and that can't possibly be good for one's mental health..."

He hesitated and then finally decided to tell him, "And he knows something about Angola, well I guess he knows it, nobody believed him, not even me, but I guess I have to believe him now, it makes sense. I'll tell you later in private, okay?"

Catherine blinks, thankful that her expression can't be seen over the phone. "Of course, Baron. We'll be happy to accommodate you. I'll pass the word to our NDA counterparts, if you'll be so kind as to have escorts ready for us. We should be ready for you in fifteen minutes."

I know the way to your office, but I don't know how many of the others do. I hope they'll forgive me for yet another change in plans.

Order was being swiftly restored, with roadblocks set up, ambulances and the fire brigades dealing with casualties and with the destruction. The city of Hofburg's public works department was also on its way along with the Imperial Corps of Engineers detachment.

Lenore found herself virtually alone on the street suddenly, and realized people were hurrying towards buses...and they seemed excited but not disturbed. A group of people in fox headresses approached her, whooping and waving small flags before they got onto a charter bus.

In the hospital, the Archduke said, "Well...I think we can at least concede for now that he is in good hands...perhaps it might be best if we went to the Linderhof Palace now and got you both settled. You have had a long journey." this was not said unkindly, but he was trying to suggest discreetly that nothing more could be done for Peter at the moment.

In the hospital, the Archduke said, "Well...I think we can at least concede for now that he is in good hands...perhaps it might be best if we went to the Linderhof Palace now and got you both settled. You have had a long journey." this was not said unkindly, but he was trying to suggest discreetly that nothing more could be done for Peter at the moment.

Eleanor whispered to Paul for a few seconds, Paul nodded his head and thought in silence for about thirty seconds. After that, he walked over to the unconscious Peter, kissed him on the forehead, whispering, "I'll be back brother, don't worry, nothing will happen to you."

He turned and said to the Archduke, "Yes, I am ready now, we may go, lead the way, please."

The Ministry of Information building was a rather solemn one, with a simple carved stone and masonry arrangement and small windows mostly higher above the ground level. It was in a virtually open square, but the arrivees were aware that it had two large barracks flanking it. Upon arrival they were respectfully ushered up through a guarded elevator to where the Minister awaited them.

Catherine clutched her bag under one arm, making her way with as much haste as could be managed gracefully. She fumed quietly at the delay, chiding herself for such impatience. Years of training, and she still can't wait for an elevator.

Evangelista looked around, quietly smoothing her jacket and brushing a strand of hair back from her face with a nervous gesture. She nodded at Catherine, murmuring a soft greeting as they make their way to the meeting.

Baron Shein welcomed them, and they realized that he was inviting them into a glass room inside his office as he beckoned towards it. The office itself was hung up with pictures of former ministers, and had reek of cigarette smoke. By contrast, the glass room, and glass desk and steel chairs inside it, had a pristine look.

Nodding in recognition, Evangelista followed, her eyes darting this way and that as she took in the details of the room and her surroundings, choosing for the moment to remain silent.

Catherine glanced around the room quickly, then reached into a coat pocket to slowly bring out a packet of cigarettes. "You don't mind, do you? It's a very stressful day."

"Please go ahead." said Shein. He offered the use of a heavy looking old fashioned lighter. "I thought we'd talk in my secure room if that's alright." he said, his eyes glinting.

Catherine accepted the light and breathed in the smoke gratefully. "Thank you. And yes, that's fine with me."

Shein led the way in; they heard a hiss as the glass door slid open, and a fine mist began to spread out, at which Shein explained, "do not be concerned, this is merely an anti-contaminant mist."
"Right then," replied Evangelista, flinching slightly at first, though following right along.

The door sealed shut behind them, and Shein beckons to them to sit. He says, "I apologize for the abruptness of this, but I needed to make some things plain to you." he paused and said, "We set the bomb."

Brows raised sharply at that, and Evangelista took her seat less comfortably than she usually would. "I suppose then that you intend to tell us your reasons for that, given your admission?" she asks calmly.

"To set the communists and the Christian-Nationalists against one another. In order to remove them." he replied calmly, with a small smile.

Catherine blinked slowly, then took another drag on the cigarette. "Ah...um. That is unexpected. Naturally, you'll have my confidentiality in the matter. But I am also eager to hear your reasons, if that's allowed." It would also explain a great many other things. I wonder if you're also behind the arms sales for the Communists?

"Basically we do not have enough official evidence--not that would not embarass certain members of the Imperial Family." he added grimly. "So the Christian-Nationalists, who are a threat to national unity and our Monarch, must be swept away. But the Empress has insisted that there should be no direct use of force...it is Her belief that it would undermine Schlabel's government and ultimately Her as well. As for the communists...they are rabble rousers, turning the common people against their rulers. They also have to go."

Catherine takes a longer drag on her cigarette before speaking. "How much of the information I presented to Chancellor Schlabel was orchestrated by your people?"

Evangelista frowns quietly at that, fingertips tapping lightly against her knee as she ponders. "I admit, I do not understand some of the complexities here. Either the government is in charge, or it is not. How would it undermine the authority if you were to bring down your hand on those who are creating problems?" She nods to Catherine, indicating this is something she is curious about as well.

Shein replies, "You must understand that these are difficult times. If we simply attack the Communists openly we will lose the sympathy of the people. If we do so with the Christian-Nationalists we will do so with the aristocracy. As to the information...I'm afraid that you have been seeing to some extent the actions of agents provocateurs."

Catherine nodded "This is, naturally, the best way. Make the Communists and the Christian-Nationalists the villains, with the government stepping in to restore order. Very well, Baron. My information is probably of no use to you, then. How can we help, other than to smile and nod for you?"

With an understanding sigh Evangelista said, "Ah, the ever-present problem of 'the people' and their will. An unfortunate but understandable complication here. Given the circumstances, I would have to agree. How can we assist?"

Baron Shein covered his mouth for a hacking smoker's cough...he looked rather grey, and in fact was no longer even a middled aged man...he was getting old. "Well, principally in the way you have been. It is hardly your fault, Ambassador, that your information was incorrect. The Christian-Nationalists for instance were able to find friends among the NDA easily enough. Perhaps simply by keeping an eye on them, maintaining contacts that already existed?"

Cahterine asked "What safeguards to you have in place, to make sure neither side can capitalise on this too much? They could use this cover to do even more damage to the city."

Evangelista nodded, still looking concerned. "Indeed. And the possibility of it spreading, spilling over if it gets too out of hand."

"We have a couple of contingency plans in place." answered Shein, stubbing out his cigarette butt and lighting another one. "And really...there has been steady but quiet replacement of all troops in the main garrisons with loyal ones. All potentially disloyal officers have been either arrested on whatever charges were necessary..."

Evangelista replied, "If you haven't already, I would suggest ensuring the security of some prime locations. As I said before you'veprobably already done so, but it's always worth double-checking." She reaches into her bag and pulls out a datapad. "Beyond that, we'll be pleased to help you in any way you require."

Eleanor whispered to Paul for a few seconds, Paul nodded his head and thought in silence for about thirty seconds. After that, he walked over to the unconscious Peter, kissed him on the forehead, whispering, "I'll be back brother, don't worry, nothing will happen to you."

He turned and said to the Archduke, "Yes, I am ready now, we may go, lead the way, please."

The Linderhof Palace is one of the smaller palaces of Lavenrunz, and is right in Hofburg itself. What is popularly called the Park District is really the Imperial Hofburg Park, and includes a memorial park with several cenotaphs, ever burning torches and flags of the Empire. There are also walk ways, riding paths and the river flows by, with picturesque stone bridges crossing it to an island which has several restaurants and amusement areas.
The palace itself is made of light grey stone, and has beautiful arches that seem to flow out of the stone itself. It is most well known for its greenhouses and garden, which are open to the public at certain times, though not in winter. During winter, the festivals and ice sculpture contests are the main entertainments in the area. Several such sculptures, in the forms of fish, prowling beasts, rhinoceros, flowers and ancient warriors were already up along the frozen riverbank.

Paul and Eleanor found themselves ushered into a comfortable large room with a roaring fireplace. Outside they could see flurrying snow. The chairs were well carved and upholstered, small tables of rosewood were seen here and there, and on the walls were paintings of ancient days in Lavenrunz.

An under-chamberlain in traditional garb, with a powedered wig, embroidered coat and red hose bowed them into the room.

Paul smiled, the warm fire was a welcome change from the freezing snow. Having been born in Mississippi, spending his youth in South Africa, and finally the last twenty or so years in Mississippi, he hated the snow, partially because he probably just wasn't used to it.

As they entered, another under chamberlain opened another door, and in walked a tall slender woman with grave and handsome features, wearing a formal gown that showed off her slender figure. The other was a man with almost classical nordic features, sharp cheekbones, a hawklike nose and pale blue eyes, wearing a black formal morning coat with a gold chain of office and a blue sash.

The woman smiled and said, "Excellencies, so good of you to come to meet with us...I do hope you are both well settled in?"

"Forgive me! Permit me to introduce myself--I am Aurora von Konigsmark, the Imperial Foreign Minister, and this gentleman is Prince Reinhard von Eisenhart, the Minister of Foreign Trade."

Paul nodded his head, and lightly bowed before his hosts, Eleanor curtsied, she said, "It is an honor and a pleasure to be here, your nation has been most generous and kind to us."

Paul quickly added, "Yes, and we are most grateful for it."

"Please do sit." suggested von Konigsmark, doing so herself. Eisenhart signaled one of the servants and said, "Would you care for any refreshments at all?"

Eleanor slowly sat down, Paul quickly sat by her side, he was a bit nervous, this being his first time in Lavenrunz. However, with Eleanor here, he was a bit more relaxed, her presence always seemed to have a soothing effect on him.

She shook her head, "Oh nothing for me... Well, perhaps just a glass of water, please."

Paul wanted a glass of brandy, but Eleanor had been nagging him about cutting back on drinking and he didn't want to upset her, he smiled as he said, "A glass of orange juice for me would be wonderful, thank you."

Von Eisenhart nodded to the servant who walked quietly to a sideboard and efficiently poured and then brought the drinks, bowing as this was done in smooth motion. Having done so, he withdrew and the doors were both closed. Von Konigsmark, who had a cup of tea, and Von Eisenhart, who also had orange juice, sipped at their drinks.

Paul drank a healthy amount of the glass down, he had been quite thirsty, Eleanor just took a few sips from her water before she let the glass rest in the grasp of her hands. Paul also held tightly onto his glass, he didn't want to drop or spill anything.

Paul was about to yawn, but quickly covered his mouth and instead started to speak, "So, ma’am, tell me, what exactly does your government want to do about the incident involving my brother? I trust they will allow him to personally apologize?"

Aurora von Konigsmark laughed softly, and it was a pleasant sound. "I assure you, Excellency, that if we got on a high horse every time there was a diplomatic gaffe we would never stop being at war. As it is, your visit shows how great your nation's courtesy can be. An apology would be good, but the Empress and the Chancellor hope that it will be one that will better our relations somehow."

He nodded his head, very pleased with her response, "Yes, that is great, that will work excellently. My Czar will be overjoyed to hear this."

"Our nations are very different, but that is no reason why we cannot have trade and friendship." suggested von Eisenhart. "Is it?"

Eleanor decided to answer that question, "Correct, indeed, very correct. My brother... I mean the Czar, is most interested in friendship and trade with your nation."

“Then perhaps we could discuss a few details. Your oil is most attractive to us, and tobacco as well. Now: would you be interested in our uranium, hafnium and manufactured products?" asked von Eisenhart.

Paul knew Roger had no use for more uranium, but they could always sell it to non-governmental groups looking for quality material, he also knew that Roger was always keen to get more products, but preferred domestically made things. He thought to himself for a few seconds, wondering if perhaps the lesser industrialized Commonwealth nations in Africa would need the products. After about ten seconds he nodded his head and said, "Yes, yes we would."

"Furthermore, you have several less developed territories under your sovereignty...we were wondering if it would be possible for us to lease factory operations there or some similar thing." said von Eisenhart, making a note in a little electronic pad.

He shook his head, he knew Roger wouldn't go for that, "I'm afraid not, you see, the Czar feels very strongly about not allowing foreign owned and operated industry into our lands. He is big on self-sufficiency and that all wealth in our federation stay in our federation... I'm sorry, although perhaps he may make a few exceptions, I honestly don't know right now."

"I quite understand. You can't blame us for asking, I'm sure." said Eisenhart with a grin.

Paul grinned back, "Yes, you're exactly right, we can't blame you, not at all..."

Aurora von Konigsmark smiled and said, "About sovereign relations...can we propose to our heads of state a mutual agreement of respect for our national boundaries, and acknowledgement of sovereign territories?"

Eleanor smiled and whispered to Paul, asking for permission to speak, Paul nodded his head and said, "Yes dear, go ahead..."

Eleanor turned to Aurora and said, "Yes, the Czar would be most pleased by that and would immediately agree, pending his reading of the actual details and terms."

"Good...I must inform you that our Government is considering joining your anti-communist treaty as well, but we are reviewing the members and so on at this time. But it is being seriously considered."

Aurora took a sip of her tea and said, "furthermore, we would like to exchange ambassadors. Would your Czar be willing, do you think, to consider this?"

Eleanor let Paul answer this, since he was the Foreign Minister and it was obviously his field. He took a quick gulp of juice to moisten his dry mouth and then said, "Yes, of course, our nation is always looking to exchange embassies with noble and honorable states."

Von Konigsmark and Von Eisenhart exchanged smiles, and she said, "Well...were there other things you wished to discuss, Herr Minister?"

Paul frowned, not happy to go into this subject, "Yes, my brother, what happened to his so-called guards? I want them kept away from him at all costs, could that be arranged? I would be eternally grateful."

"They've been arrested for resisting the authority of the Imperial Guard." replied Aurora, her eyes flickering a bit. "Does this present a difficulty?"

He shook his head, "Nope, none at all... You can return them to Mississippi at you leisure. There are..." he leaned in a bit closer before continuing, "There are intrigues against my brother, he knows things, things people don't want leaked to the public..."

"You've hinted at this before..." said Aurora von Konigsmark thoughtfully.

Paul nodded his head, "In July of 2004, when Angola fell into anarchy and millions died, my brother had been forced to go along with all that, by the forces of the Mississippian Illuminati. We later reclaimed Angola, but that wasn't the point, they wanted a little immediate chaos to shock and scare people into supporting their policies."

The Lavenrunzians looked surprised but said nothing. "And...that's it?" said von Eisenhart.

He shook his head, "Not quite. You see, the Federal garrison in Angola was purposely moved to Libya, to leave Angola weak. The Colonial garrison, well their force movements were given to the guerilla armies. The guerillas knew all the convoy routes ahead of time, it was murder..."

"So in other words, he was duped into betraying his people." said Von Konigsmark sadly.

Paul sighed whilst frowning at the same time, "I wish it was that, he actively got involved and went along with it. Nobody duped him, they wanted his help, and he gave it, but he was probably pretty much intimidated into it."

"It is best that this doesn't get out." decided von Konigsmark. "Good heavens, if it did...it would make things even worse."

Paul was about to say something when Eleanor chimed in, in a solemn tone, she said, "Yes, it must never leave this room, Paul has taken you into his confidence, although I don't feel we must worry about you telling anybody."

They both crossed themselves, Von Eisenhart saying, "It is a secret for us too. It will not be mentioned."

"And now..." said von Konigsmark, "We will be in time to go to the Chancellor's reception, if you would like us to accompany you there?"

Paul stood up, helping Eleanor up after he was up, then he looked to Konigsmark and said, "Yes, that would be good, shall we then?"

Lenore found herself virtually alone on the street suddenly, and realized people were hurrying towards buses...and they seemed excited but not disturbed. A group of people in fox headresses approached her, whooping and waving small flags before they got onto a charter bus.

Strange... Lenore went into one of the buses with the people. She had no clue what was happening. She had been in Lavenrunz for quite some time now but never encountered anything like this. Is it a government demonstration? How come all these people are assembled here and how come they look so excited even when that awful thing had happened? All this intrigued her and she felt this really was something she needed to understand.

Lenore got onto the bus and was applauded by several of those there, saying, "Wilkommen, mein Dame!" One of them handed her a banner that had the head of a fox on it.
"Fuchs, Fuchs, Fuchs Fuchs uber alles!" chanted the people on the bus. The bus rolled away towards another part of the city altogether. The bus driver was smoking a cigarillo and grinning, she was a burly woman with carrot red hair and a rough but pleasant face. Then she heard something on the radio and turned on the little televisions that were at intervals placed throughout the bus.

An extended family, grandparents nearly sleepy on a couch, kids playing snakes and ladders, the parents relaxing after supper and washing up.

A late supper of potato pancakes and sausage being made by a weary housewife whose husband was away on an oil rig.

A group of female students sharing a room with books and notebooks scattered, talking about their day.

A few people doing late shopping in a mall pausing at an entertainment store.

Shaven haired cadets at the Imperial Army's Academy.

A group of fishermen at a cafe.

All these and more heard the message of the Empress.

The image of the young Empress came into view. She had behind her a banner showing the crowned leopard of Lavenrunz. Speaking directly to the camera, she said:
"My beloved subjects.
A disaster took place today in Hofburg. A bomb was set by terrorists who made a gas main blow up. Eighty two people were killed, and nearly two hundred were injured. The list of those wounded or dead is growing, but not so fast as it was, for which I thank God.
For them, and for their families, I deeply grieve. This horrible act has wounded us, and we weep that it happened.
I urge the bereaved not to go to emergency centers yet: at this time it would merely interfere with helping the injured or identifying the slain. Let the authorities do their work to help them, and you will be informed of all that you need to know in a day's time.
One week from today we will have a national day of mourning for those who died.
After meeting with the Archbishop, the Court and the Council of Ministers I have determined that a full investigation will take place, headed by Baron Shein, the Minister of Information. This act will not go unpunished.
Rest assured, all that can be done is being done to deal with this awful event.
God Bless you all."

Lenore accepted the banner and examined it closely. A fox?!, I thought the symbol of Lavenrunz was the leopard? She looked around herself more than a little confused and absently waved the banner along with the others. Who were these people? Apparently I have entered some strange party bus, or maybe its some kind of sports fanclub? She decided to follow the bus and then call her embassy from her protected cell phone and get them to pick her up whenever this bus stopped. She felt in her pocket and froze. Damnit! I must have lost my phone on the roof! Well there must be a phone booth somewhere in the vicinity when they stopp. She leaned back and tried to enjoy herself with the other fox fans.

The First Republican's Chief of Staff moved to the side of the First Republican in a break during the Council's last open session before elections, he quietly slipped him a transcript of the Empress of Lavenrunz's televised address and a brief synopses of events.

As the Council reconvened the First Republican took his feet and spoke.

"I have just been informed that a terrorist attack has taken place in Hofburg, Lavenrunz. It is during events like these that the Free Republic reasserts it's loathing of terrorism and of sectarian violence. We in the Free Republic express our sincerest condolences to the People of Lavenrunz for their grieveous loss.

I would also like to extend an offer for assistance, should the Teutonic Empire require it.

We in the Free Republic do not condone Imperialism, but terrorism is not a valid tactic for bringing about change of any type in any state. We will never see eye to eye with the Teutonic Empire and it's retention of Imperial trappings and possessions, but we will not condone terrorism in any manner. The People of Lavenrunz have the support of the People of the Free Republic agianst terrorism."

Statements like this were best made in open session, which were always televised. The First Republican had taken a series of strong stands recently , most viewed it as a way to shore up his parties popularity in the looming elections, but it was just as likely that he was sincere.

Chancellor Schlabel took a sip of port, and glanced up as an aide came in, bowing and saying that the reception would begin soon. He snorted before switching off the screen of his desk computer. "The People of Lavenrunz. Who are they?" With a shake of his head he went out of the office, switching off the lights as he did. Nevertheless, he had sent this message:


To the First Republican of Ilek-Vaad

The Empress has requested that I convey to you our sincerest thanks, and our request that your intelligence agencies keep an eye out for people who might be acting against our country. Please rest assured that we will not forget your kind and generous offer.

with the deepest respect
Chancellor Hans Schlabel


As the ministers, members of the Volksraad, military officers, clergy, courtiers and other notables began to make their way towards the Chancery for the reception, the bus carrying Lenore arrived at Hofburg's Olympic Stadium, where people were waving banners carrying either fox or stag heads. She could see out the windows a group on another bus, waving stag heads, press bare buttocks against the windows, at which the foxheads on her bus jeered. Then the busses came to a halt, and people began to disembark, heading towards the ticket lines. Music could be heard from within the stadium. Someone was passing out cheap but vivid looking pamphlets and asking that people give to the victims of the bombing; they were wearing a badge that apparently was some kind of license.

Lenore looked around, she needed to find a public phone now. But she couldn't really stop and look for one. All the people formed a formidable force whose current brought her into the stadium. She sighed Well, I might as well watch the game

Lenore was bustled along with others and was sold a ticket. In the stands, there were actually Reichspolizei, the largest and most formidable that could be found, dividing the different teams' fans. Out on the field, a group of mascots in the headress and costumes of the teams were performing a dance. A brass band was playing enthusiastically, and this seemed to soothe the jubilant crowd just a bit, as they joined in the singing of a popular song.
Nearby her were a family, with excited kids bouncing up and down, and their father somewhat pompously explaining about how the stadium was set up--though pompous in a kindly way. There were also a couple of people from the bus, who were loudly placing beer orders with a friend going to the concession stand.
Then a hush came, and then wild cheers as the teams began to run out onto the field, kicking the football before them. The Hofburg Foxes in blue, the Mirenburg Stags in green.
There was a moment of silence for the victims of the bombing. A priest came out and blessed the players.
The teams lined up and the national anthem was played with great solemnity by the band, which was from the Imperial 82nd Fusiliers.
"God save the Empress! Preserve us and protect us! Just and most generous..." sang the crowd, hands over hearts, unified in the moment.

The Chancery's reception was well guarded; in fact those worthies attending found that their cars had to go through two checkpoints. FLIR helmeted snipers watched the approaches from rooftops, and a pair of helicopters circled overhead. In spite of this, the picturesque colonnades of the Chancery building, made more stark and grand by the swirling snow, were inviting lit and the more ceremonial guards in their blue-grey greatcoats with their plumes dancing in the wind made an impressive looking sight.

Inside, finely woven rugs laid an avenue to a reception room with a vaulted roof and tables laden with splendid food and drink.
There were lobsters, mussels, oyster stew, hot slices of excellent lean rare Lavenrunzian beef, small quails roasted with spiced butter, delicious small tomatoes, radishes and little carrots carved into flower shapes from Claudia der Waal's greenhouses, little muffins baked with cheese and other edibles. Wines, crisp and dry, sweet and light; the rather syrupy port preferred by Lavenrunzians; the excellent ice brandy from Sarbruck, and also many non-alcholic drinks for those who preferred them.
A band was quietly playing bach as the dignitaries began to arrive.

Paul stepped out of the limousine as it pulled up to the front of the building. He was smoking a cigarette which he promptly extinguished and tucked into a small plastic bag in his pocket for disposing of cigarette butts to avoid littering. He then turned around and opened the door wider, holding it for Eleanor and the others as they stepped out.

He held his coat above the opened door so Eleanor could get out without getting snow on her. She walked toward the building with Paul holding his coat over her to keep her from getting wet from the snow. She was very fastidious when it came to keeping her hair from becoming messed up, and Paul knew this quite well.

When they got to the door, he folded his coat over his arm and opened the door for her and then held it for the prince and the foreign minister.

OOC: Paul WOULD have opened the door but for the uniformed soldier who opened it for him, while those in ranks flanking him under the colonnade stiffened to attention. Which is the same treatment all foreign ministers, ambassadors, etc get when arriving.

'Ruddy ridiculous, that was my favourite travelling set!' Daniel growled.
'Perhaps a little consideration for the driver? You'll have to write to his relatives.' Barker sighed and shrugged, he winced a little as his shoulder hurt.
Daniel stopped and rested on his crutch for a second.
'Mmm, yes, yes get it done when we go back..'
He picked up an Oyster from the table, peered at it, sniffed it, then knocked it back into his mouth with a quiet slurp.
'Hrm, nice, not quite a Vrakian oyster, but still, delicious.' he commented, then picked up another and offered it to Barker. 'Want one?'
Barker wrinkled his nose. 'No ta.'
'Hrm, suit yourself.' he muttered as he slurped another down.
'I'll try some of the beef I think instead.' Barker mumbled as he grabbed a plate and placed some on his plate, aswell as a few other bits and peices, Daniel did the same, before trying some of the Lavenrunzian port.
'Hrm, rather odd, yet very nice, very nice indeed, should see about importing this on the odd occassion.'
He put the plate down onto an empty table and pulled the chair out with his free hand, then sat, letting his crutch fall to the floor, before he pushed it under the table so it was out of the way. Barker sat next to him and chewed on a slice of the beef, they sat in silence enjoying the atmosphere and food for a while, then Barker spoke.
'Been a bloody exciting trip though eh?' he grinned.

As Paul was stepping through the door, he noticed his cell phone light was flashing, he had a call, it was from Curtis, he could tell by the number... He excused himself to take the call and quickly stepped back outside. Eleanor had already gone through the door and didn't want to wait outside, so she waited right inside the door for him to finish the call.

Curtis sounded rather anxious and nervous, saying, "Paul, you're in Lavenrunz, right..." before Paul could answer, he continued, "Good, I need a favor, go talk to somebody and make sure it's okay for me to come there, I need an audience with the empress... So drop whatever you're doing and get on it, okay, thanks."

He hung up before Paul even had a chance to reply.

Paul put the phone away, sighed, and then walked back into the building, he looked to Eleanor, whispering, "Your father just gave me a task to handle... I'll be back in a while, okay?"

She kissed him lightly on the cheek and said, "Okay, I'll be around talking with some of the people here."

Paul walked over to where the Prince and Foreign Minister were, he whispered to one of them, "Excuse me, I need to ask a favor, if I could, I'd be most grateful..."

Aurora smiled and inclined her head. "Of course, Herr Stahlecker, what can I do for you?"

He smiled back, answering, feeling a bit awkward for asking for Curtis, he'd rather Curtis ask for himself, but then again, Curtis wasn't here, so it made sense, so he asked, "I'd like to know if Curtis Fabus could have an audience with your empress... How would he go about arranging that?"

Aurora looked polite but puzzled. "He is your former head of state, yes?"

Paul nodded his head, "Yes, yes indeed he is."

She glanced at Prince Eisenhart, who looked benign but neutral. Then back at Paul. "Well...may I ask why he wants an audience?"

Paul honestly didn't know, Curtis hadn't told him, but he figured it had something to with the baroness he'd heard about, but not being one to speculate, he just said, "I don't know... He didn't say."

Aurora von Konigsmark said firmly, "Of course a person of importance is likely to receive an audience, but really...Herr Stahlecker, you must understand that one doesn't ask for such a thing lightly. Would it be possible for him to see Archduke Carl or Chancellor Schlabel instead?"

Paul shook his head, "He sounded most insistent upon meeting with the empress."

The Foreign Minister nodded, and smiled as a steward in livery came by with a tray of drinks, taking one for herself. "I will pass on the request to the Imperial Court." she replied, "And then I will let you know what the decision is. Will that be satisfactory?"

Paul accepted that, it was fair and quite satisfactory, although his answer was short and to the point, "Yes, of course."

He was quick to add, "Thank you."

"You are most welcome, Herr Stahlecker."

'Ruddy ridiculous, that was my favourite travelling set!' Daniel growled.
'Perhaps a little consideration for the driver? You'll have to write to his relatives.' Barker sighed and shrugged, he winced a little as his shoulder hurt.
Daniel stopped and rested on his crutch for a second.
'Mmm, yes, yes get it done when we go back..'
He picked up an Oyster from the table, peered at it, sniffed it, then knocked it back into his mouth with a quiet slurp.
'Hrm, nice, not quite a Vrakian oyster, but still, delicious.' he commented, then picked up another and offered it to Barker. 'Want one?'
Barker wrinkled his nose. 'No ta.'
'Hrm, suit yourself.' he muttered as he slurped another down.
'I'll try some of the beef I think instead.' Barker mumbled as he grabbed a plate and placed some on his plate, aswell as a few other bits and peices, Daniel did the same, before trying some of the Lavenrunzian port.
'Hrm, rather odd, yet very nice, very nice indeed, should see about importing this on the odd occassion.'
He put the plate down onto an empty table and pulled the chair out with his free hand, then sat, letting his crutch fall to the floor, before he pushed it under the table so it was out of the way. Barker sat next to him and chewed on a slice of the beef, they sat in silence enjoying the atmosphere and food for a while, then Barker spoke.
'Been a bloody exciting trip though eh?' he grinned.

A man with rather hawklike features, angular cheekbones, blue eyes, wearing black formals with what appeared to be a blue sash of office approached, smiling and said, "Gentlemen, you seem to be enjoying the Chancellor's buffet. May I introduce myself...I am Prince Karl von Eisenhart, Minister for Foreign Trade. And you must be the envoys from Midlonia?"

Evangelista stepped out of the car, adjusting her comm piece and giving the guards who had accompanied her a nod to let them know all was in working order. She glanced around as the rest of the NDA motorcade pulled up one by one, after getting through the checkpoints, making sure each was accounted for. It had been decided that a show of unity, however quiet, was appropriate here, and so had made arrangements to arrive together. The Minister pulled her heavy coat around her a bit more firmly as she waited for the others to make their exits, the one guard she had allowed to escort her, holding an umbrella over her to try and keep some of the snow off.

"Grazie, Bertoli," she murmured, shivering in spite of it all. As the others stepped up, she greeted them each in turn, smiling pleasantly.

"Well my friends, they seem to have things well in hand. Let's go in and make a good impression, shall we?" She waits for any replies, concerns, or clarifications, then heads into the building.

Lenore smiled and raised her fox banner over her head, enjoying the roar of the crowd and getting the same feeling as when some great demagogue was playing the audience. She hadn’t been to a game since her father brought her as a small kid, the thought of her father made her smile freeze. She remembered her father, a big hearty man, always close to laughter, some had thought he was too good humored to be sent as an ambassador to Zhikav. She shuddered and forced the memories away waving her fox banner with tears in her eyes.



From: The Veganian Embassy Unit, Lavenrunz
To: Foreign ministry of Lavenrunz

We feel it is our duty to inform you that none in our delegation sent to your reception has reported in after the event. They have also been unreachable when our employees have tried to call them on their communication units. We would be very grateful if you could confirm their good health and safety in light of the unfortunate event that occurred earlier today. We also repeat our request to increase security around our employees when they are working outside embassy premises.

Aesa exited the Federation limousine, glancing around a little nerviously, the explosion still fresh in her mind. She wasn't a fighter, that was to be sure. She smiled at the guards before stepping inside.

She quietly took her seat, listening to the music.

Catherine nods to her bodyguards, then politely to Evangelista and Aesa. She gives a quick tug at the hem of her short skirt and checks her makeup. "Okay, I'm ready. On with the show!"

The great cities of Tsaraine had been located deep beneath the earth, their climates minutely controlled, for decades now. So the snowfall reminded Andrine not of Tsaraine (where snow fell out of sight and mind), but of Szekedan to the North, where it had snowed all through the sunless midwinter days ...

That was neither here nor there, however, and once inside the Chancery it was bright and warm, despite the snowflakes melting in her hair.

Andrine's two bodyguards - loaned from the Embassy's small squad - were quiet, unobtrusive men, not the Rukine Knights assigned to higher-ranking diplomats; in the greater scheme of things, Andrine was very minor, but tsaKell had worried about further bombings, despite the Teutonic Empire's security measures (there were only two kinds of paranoia, after all).

Behind her polite smile, Andrine tried not to be nervous - the NDA had arrived all as a group to show solidarity and support for Lavenrunz. With tsaKell still sick at the Tsarainese embassy, she hoped she'd do all right.

OOC: Akh! Ungood post, I fear.

A man with rather hawklike features, angular cheekbones, blue eyes, wearing black formals with what appeared to be a blue sash of office approached, smiling and said, "Gentlemen, you seem to be enjoying the Chancellor's buffet. May I introduce myself...I am Prince Karl von Eisenhart, Minister for Foreign Trade. And you must be the envoys from Midlonia?"

‘We most certainly are your highness.’ Bratcher stood and bowed, but Daniel remained seated.
‘My apologies for not standing your highness, we had a little accident earlier, I think most people heard it. A rather loud bang? We were headed back to our hotel to change and such, when. Well…never mind, I have a few scratches and a bruised leg, that’s all. Must say our first visit has been, rather, entertaining.’ Daniel chuckled and ate another piece of the beef.

Prince Karl smiled, thinking Ah yes, Midlonian understatement "Well, I'm glad gentlemen that you escaped more...drastic injury. And may I say on my country's behalf that I am very glad you attended. How are things in your nation currently?" (OOC: hint hint, here you can also link me to interesting stuff if any going on with you)

As the other envoys came in out of the cold they found that people were mingling and eating from the buffet and enjoying themselves. As Lavenrunzian affairs went this one was 'casually formal' in that there was not a constant etiquette governing all things. In fact as Schlabel made his entrance, there was applause, and he shook some hands, smiling, looking relaxed.

Elsewhere, Claudia Dresden made a public announcement over local television--which a few satellite stations picked up as well.

To the People of Lavenrunz

This recent tragic and horrible attack is nothing less than war declared on the People of Lavenrunz by those tyrants who want to keep us down. I have information to the effect that Christian-Nationalist extremists have been plotting against us for some time. How long will our so called government dither and debate before taking action against these terrorists! I will demand such action in the Volksraad but also on the streets, on the airwaves, wherever it is needed! The dead shall not have died in vain, but will be martyrs for the cause of freedom! The Communist Party of Lavenrunz will prevail!"

Lenore smiled and raised her fox banner over her head, enjoying the roar of the crowd and getting the same feeling as when some great demagogue was playing the audience. She hadn’t been to a game since her father brought her as a small kid, the thought of her father made her smile freeze. She remembered her father, a big hearty man, always close to laughter, some had thought he was too good humored to be sent as an ambassador to Zhikav. She shuddered and forced the memories away waving her fox banner with tears in her eyes.

As the game kicked off, the crowd cheered with enthusiasm, and saw the first gallant offensive of the Foxes rush at the defensive zone of the Stags, the passes neat as acrobatics.


To the Charge d'Affaires, Veganan Embassy

You may rest assured that we are going to do all that we possibly can to find her Excellency, and that no resource shall be spared.

respectfully
Heinrich Klipspringer
Undersecretary for Reich Affairs
Foreign Office


Officers entered casualty stations and began to look at the unidentified injured, glancing at the picture they carried with them. They all rather hoped it wouldn't be them.

The North star submarine came towards Lavenrunz again, still undetected , She ran under complete silence as the sleek submarine edged closer to the imperialist nation. Eventually, she had come to a complete stop some many miles from the coast -in the same location she had before. Now, arrangements for a rescue/retrieval party were being organized. The clerics and many others in the reich were very keen to talk with whoever was opposing the Lavnerunz liberal government.
The plan was again simple, the submarine waited, while divers headed to the surface to contact and the bring the 'agent' back to the submarine. The North star submarine wouldnt risk surfacing anywhere near lavenrunz.
“How long do you think we'll have to wait, Skipper?” the second officer asked with a glance at the charts he held in his hand. The captain gave a shrug while looking at the compass in his hands. "Lavenrunz security isnt a joke. we'll wait till the guest arrives"

Naval Intelligence Section, Atlantic Fleet Headquarters, Zwoll, Lavenrunz

One of the operators for the vast ring of sonar microphones hanging in the sea around the Lavenrunzian coast made notes as the same anomally was picked up again. He frowned and went to his section leader, who ran it through the computer and tapped the screen thoughtfully.
"This could be a Reich submarine--one of a couple of possible types."
The lieutenant sent the information to the Intelligence Section sub-director, who requested that a tail be set up.

Admiral Keyserling, who was interrupted during a meal, asked her Operations staff officer, "What resources are currently up and running?"
"Well, Excellency, we have two maritime patrol craft in the air right now, though neither are in the immediate area. We have of course some coast guard ships out. Frigates Meissen and Hesse are undergoing night exercises and could be deployed. Currently our submarine squadron has two boats farther out to sea that are not in the area and two that are undergoing repairs. The Naval Air Stations--"
The Admiral held up a hand. "Get one of those patrol craft in the area, and divert the frigates to cut off the submarine if they can. As well, have a flight of anti-submarine helicopters from one of the air stations ready to support. But do nothing for now. Also: alert the local Seelow Commando unit and have them get a platoon ready."

Prince Karl smiled, thinking Ah yes, Midlonian understatement "Well, I'm glad gentlemen that you escaped more...drastic injury. And may I say on my country's behalf that I am very glad you attended. How are things in your nation currently?"

'Quite Quite. Hrmm, well, current affairs, let's see, oh do take a seat, shouldn't have royalty standing around chatting to us mere mortals.' He laughed. 'Well, this little adventure in Lavenrunz, trying to get out of the diplomatic isolationism, we've been expanding relations and beggining them with nations such as Lavenrunz, and Koscheva (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=391351). Then there is the Neo Tyr Occupation (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=372027), and the diplomatic spat in Euroslavia (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=388835) we're keeping an eye on.' He chuckled. 'The Midlonian Diplomatic and Economic corps hasn't seen this much action in a long time.' He then took a sip of the Lavenrunzian port and let out a gratified sigh. 'The food is simply remarkable.' he muttered.

After the previous incidents in the city, the Iuthian Ambassador, Kayla Harmone had joined with her allies from the Non-Democratic Alliance while her security consultant liaised with Lavenrunz security to keep the Ambassador informed of the situation at all times.

Generally Kayla was keeping to herself, allowing the others within the NDA group of diplomats to do their thing. Iuthia's connections with Lavenrunz were mostly down to the recent entery of the NDA, so Kayla wasn't as experienced with the intricacies of Lavenrunz politics, however she had gotten some briefing and with any luck the additional information from the Non-Democratic Alliance will help the IDC with it's future briefings. At least she was in good company.

Kayla had arrived at the The Chancellor's Reception with the Dominions Public Relations Minister, Evangelista. Of course, Ambassador Kayla Harmone arrived in her own car as part of the NDA motorcade, pulling up behind the car carrying Catherine from Treznor, Kayla joined Evangelista in others for a show of solidarity.

"Well my friends, they seem to have things well in hand. Let's go in and make a good impression, shall we?" She said, wating for any replies.

Catherine checked her make-up before joining the group. "Okay, I'm ready. On with the show!".

Kayla nodded, she was assured by her consultant that the reception had some excellent security measures, so her concerns were laid to rest. With a simple nod she joined the group in the the Chancellor's Reception.

The Iuthian Ambassador was wearing her traditional white dress, she was past her period of mourning so wearing she decided against wearing a Kimono, it would send mixed messages about Iuthia's culture which wasn't close to that of Japanese culture. Still, it's a nice enough garment. Kayla set forth in the hope to enjoy this despite the mess they left behind.

The Submarine lay silent in the water, onboard the crew of IRV A'ishahcarried out their duties in silence. The captain looked up at the clock and compared it to his wristwatch.
Still no contact with any insurgents, it was starting to appear they where a total no show.
The First Officer nervously smiled at the captain. In a whisper the captain spoke "another 30 minutes, can't hurt. tell the agents after that we cant wait"
The First officer nodded. The two reich liaison officers wouldnt be happy, but ship saftey came first.

The diver swum to the surface, bopping up and down he looked around. This appeared to be pointless, no sign of whoever it was he'd bring back to the submarine.

Aboard flight 849, the Laverunzian marine patrol aircraft, the crew were drinking hot rich coffee and doing routine checks when the orders were received through the scrambler by the communications post. The young woman handed the flimsy to the commander, who along with her confirmed it in the code book and then ordered the plane to swivel back south towards the general direction of Zwoll. Suddenly, they were all excited, at the possibility of action.
The plane, about the size of a DC-10, had a crew of twelve, and carried several anti-submarine torpedos.

The two frigates, receiving similar signals, dropped their wargames.

"The submarine has made its move already." reported the operations chief to Admiral Keyserling. She frowned, and said, "What about the Seelow Commandos?"
"Well..." the operations chief said "The thing is, they are ready to go but they'd have to move carefully to make sure the trap is not sprung right away. I'm wondering: should we activate the offshore mines?"
Keyserling shook her head and rose, hands in her pockets, staring out the window at the night sky. "No. You will order the Commandos to proceed as previously instructed."

Commander von Burslau, who was at a mobile command post, had a satellite view of his units, moving on various screens to cover the possible landing sites. He was also connected with local toll areas and roadblocks that had been set up by local marine reservists. It was irritating that this had happened at such a time, and that the swift mobilization had not enabled the reserves to be fully integrated or to simply bring in an infantry unit from the regulars. Instead, he had these damned dressed up fishermen and students and farmers who admittedly were well drilled on a monthly basis but were hardly Imperial Marines. He was relieved that he had his Seelows, albeit only one hundred and fifty of them, to do the real job.

Along the marsh grasses of the rather soggy Zwoll beachheads, the Seelow Commandos arrived and with the second point people using motion dectectors began to do their sweep.

The Chancery

Chancellor Schlabel said, in a clear voice that somehow did not require shouting, "Royal Highnesses, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have a moment of your attention. I am most grateful to all those who attended the opening of the Volksraad. Many of you have offered help to our country in our time of need, and have made your friendships plain. To all of our guests, to my colleagues and the other members who have graced this evening with their presence, I welcome you. I hope that you will enjoy the relaxation of this evening and will have fond memories of Lavenrunz to come."

The time ticked away, and at last the captain made up his mind. " Contact report?"
The watch officer gave a negative.
"Recall the divers, the rebels arnt coming. I want to be ready to leave the moment the divers are back"

More time ticked by, but finally the Executive Officer gave the word that they divers were safe on board. The captain sighed in relief and gave the orders "Plot Course, best route out of these waters. Ahead 1/3. Run silent, Run deep."
He ran fingers over the coordinates., but was stirred from his pondering by the raised voices behind him. The voice of the leading 'contact offical' cut across the bridge."captain why are we leaving the location? we havent made contact!"
"The saftey of the ship is more important. We cannot wait forever"
The Iesusian snapped "Retreat in the face of the enemy! Cowardice. I shall personally inform your commanders of this when we arrive in dock."
With a quick look at his watch, the captain conceded the point - he had no desire to be challenged by the new Admiralty "We can wait another 30 minutes, but nothing more"

As the game kicked off, the crowd cheered with enthusiasm, and saw the first gallant offensive of the Foxes rush at the defensive zone of the Stags, the passes neat as acrobatics.


Lenore found that her memories caused the game to be more painful than entertaining, so she rose from her place excused herself as she pushed herself out towards the entrance. It took quite a while and the massed people almost made her feel claustrophobic, she dodged two drunk young men singing some kind of theme song for their team and squeezed herself by a fat lady drinking beer and having popcorn.
I need to find a phone and get a pick up. I don't want to stay here longer than necessary.

"Comrade? Comrade!"
Justinian suddenly realized he had been daydreaming for quite a few minutes. He turned away from the window and looked at the young man standing in his office.
"I thought this news might interest you, comrade", the young man said. "It concerns Lavenrunz..."
"Lavenrunz? There hasn't been any interesting news from there since... why, since I was Chairman!" He laughed. "Alex is up to date on the situation, yes?"
"I wouldn't know, but it seems reasonable to assume that the Council is aware of all important developments in countries that we've had contact with. Besides, I am not delivering any kind of secret information... Some of it was on the news just last night, actually."
"Alright, let's hear it then."

OOC: Here's a very late welcome back Lavenrunz from yours truly. :) I don't have the time to read through all 14 pages of this topic, though, so can someone summarize them for me?

Btw, you should know that, in my timeline, 10 years have passed since the last time Justinian was leader of Constantinopolis. He is now a rather old man, aged 67, and has pretty much retired from public life.

Junior Lieutenant Morel crept past some sedge grass, much of his black assault uniform slick with marsh mud now. He signalled for his section to fan out and follow him. Moving in a deceptively scattered formation, they continued their sweep.

Behind them, in the water, the North Star commando team heard an exhalation of air and the sound of something dragging on the beach.

OOC: Thanks Constantinopolis :) many fond memories indeed. I'll telegram you a summation later.

On the submarine suddenly things changed. "sonar contact. Mark 315!"
"identify" The captain remained cool, his voice the opposite of what he was feeling.
"Unknown captain. but high speed screws and displacement would suggest warship"
The captain cursed "sound action stations. Ahead full flank".
The small submarines engines kicked into life, pounding at full speed out of lavenrunz waters - all attempts at stealth thrown off. The captain now was desperate to flee, and hide the reason for the mission "prepare to purge and dump cargo"

The commando halted[all 4 of them], the squad leader turned to see what had created the sound. fear gripped the now marooned soldiers.

Morel sent an encrypted signal back to the command post, at which orders were sent to the naval air station a few kilometers away.

Admiral Schellenburg Naval Air Station, Coastal Lavenrunz

Lieutenant-Commander Schweinburg had to laugh, as she was reading the article while on the can. It said that "Women serving in the Lavenrunzian armed services are, unlike those of nations like for instance Reichskamphen or Mississippi free from prejudice." True it was less prevalent than it had been when she was at the naval academy. And one of her female instructors, who had been one of the first women cadets, had told her that the words "token ****" had appeared on her door her first day. She herself had often had to put up with rude comments from her first crew, and had steeled herself during the day and wept quietly at night because they were so hateful.
There was a rapping on the door, and her copilot, Luhrman, was shouting, "Hey, Skipper, get the hell out here, they want us in the air!"
She cursed.
"What the hell...I'm on reserve duty tonight, what about Gerbhardt and Richenau?!"
"You won't believe it--they had some new tailgunner and he pulled a pin off a gas grenade by mistake."
She couldn't believe it, but here she was, rushing out of the bathroom, cursing and grabbing for her helmet and other gear and running with him out to where the ground crew were waiting by their bird. Another one was already taking off.
"What a clusterfuck." she grumbled as she scrambled into the pilot's seat.

The helicopters winged their way into the air and headed for the beach, flying low as they could at first so that the sound and signals would not carry so easily.

The Fifty Mile Mark, Lavenrunzian Coastal Waters

Frigate Meissen's main focus, apart from movement, was all on the sonar command. The commander watched, hiding his tension, as the warrant officer in charge of that post connected with the sonar net to detect the submarine.
"No more whales." he ordered.
"No, Captain. But this...we have a connection to an ASW plane that says they saw them going towards this corridoor."
"Crap. That means they can just drop off the shelf...maybe in a few minutes. Let's move!" he snapped, glancing at his second in command.
"Aye, Captain." the executive officer gave instructions for the ship to move with all speed towards the area the sonar contact had come from.

"On my mark. 3. 2. 1. mark!" The crates detached from the submarine,and floated to the surace. Flashing red lights marked each of the 4 crates.
The watch officer checked his clock "detonation in 5 minutes"
Wit a nod the captain acknowledged "Get me 101 on the reactor, we need more speed." He pasued as he noticed the query in the eyss of his XO "No good running silent, if they dont know where here now, they'll sure know when the crates explode -they're rigged with enough explosives to make the contents dust, combined with the contents those crates will make a big splash"
"Sir! sonar contact. Ship is moving to intercept"
"Sound battle stations!"

Aboard Meissen, the sonar officer said, tensely, "Launch detected from the submarine."
Sensing the mood that whipped through the room, the commander ignored it and calmly walked over to look at the screen the man was pointing to. "At that range? Absurd...unless they are jettisoning cargo or decoys. Any signals coming from that...whatever it is?"
"Negative, Captain. But the flight is about to join our path." the young warrant officer explained.
"Good! Now: to general quarters, everyone. Send the helicopter up, get them tracking that thing, and put us in its path."
As the orders came through to the engine room, the frigate sliced through the waters like a great grey knife. On its flight deck, the helicopter rolled out, engines warming up, rotors gaining speed.

Meanwhile, around the area of the beach, the two helicopters roared overhead, one heading out to the water, the other remaining near the beach itself. Lights came on, and the Seelow Commandos moved forward like eager hounds, weapons and laser sights hunting any movement.

The Captain watched his display, from behind him the Iesus diplomat[who had refused to leave the bridge] gave comment "Hopefully they'll investigate those crates and get a surprise"
Scrowling the captain replied "I wouldnt think that too likely, they are professinal" Still the captain watched the display carefully - he had no orders or desire to destroy any lavenrunz vessels.
"XO, bring up known Lavenrunz comm stations"
"confirmed sir, on your display now. sir that highspped target has been confirmed asa Lavenrunz frigate, it is moving to intercept."
"Plot high speed firing solution. I want 105 on the reactor. I want to get to that deep water before she cuts us off" even as he spoke he knew the odds werent with them.But he had to try.

on the beach, they had no options. pressing themsleves into the sand, they considered the unthinkable.

"Open a channel now." said the commander of the Meissen
"Aye, Captain." said the signals officer. "On open frequency?"
"Yes." he replied. When it was done, he said, "Unknown submarine: you will surface and identify yourself, or we will fire on you. You have invaded Lavenrunzian territorial waters."

On the beach, the sweep was tightened, the commandos moving swiftly over the dunes, the lights harsh and frightening as they moved under the guidance of the helicopters. Morel knew which way they generally were, it was only a matter of time before they found them.

OOC: Well, I've read through the topic, and, although I might have missed a few details, I'm now up to date on the basic outline of the plot.

IC: Alexander Nikolaev, Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars, was working late. He had to add a few final touches to a message that had been drafted during the previous day's Council meeting. It was addressed to Lavenrunz. More specifically, it was addressed to Empress Aurora von Sachshausen.

Your Imperial Majesty,

We wish to express our sincere condoleances for the tragedy that recently struck Hofburg. We would be glad to provide you with any logistical or material support, should you require it. The reason we are sending you this message, however, is to offer our assistance in a much greater and more long-term problem that your nation is faced with.

Your economic difficulties have come to our attention, and we find it amusing - if not outright hillarious - that even your closest capitalist allies could not do any more than offer you interest-free loans or advantageous business contracts. If that is the capitalist version of "helping out a friend", we're glad we don't have any friends like these.

Let us show you how communists help out their friends. We would like to negotiate an aid package. Not a loan, and not a business contract. Simply put, we are offering to subsidize your economy - no financial strings attached. What we ask for in exchange is not any kind of repayment. Rather, we ask that your government undertake democratic and social reforms; that you increase workers' rights and political freedoms, that you establish an adequate welfare system and that you take steps to greatly reduce your nation's crippling social inequality. These are only general requests, of course. More specific measures can be decided upon at the negotiations table.

We are aware of the fact that some of your allies may be deeply troubled by our offer, and could very well decide to withdraw their support if you accept ours. That is not a problem. We guarantee that our aid will exceed any loans you may lose by accepting it. Perhaps it is time for you to reconsider some of your alliances - both outside and inside Lavenrunz's borders.

In Liberty, Equality and Justice,
The Council of People's Commissars (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Council_of_People%27s_Commissars) of the Holy Socialist Republic of Constantinopolis (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Constantinopolis)

Nikolaev would have very much liked to add "Whatever Menelmacar has offered you, we'll match it, and not ask for any money back" but decided against it. It's best not to appear too generous. Also, he left the final sentence deliberately cryptic. Now was not the time to divulge his full intentions, even though they did match very well with the Empress' own interests.

Nikolaev sent the message to Lavenrunz, then made a call to Sophia Kameschenko, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs. He forwarded her a copy of the message, and said:

"As we discussed, make sure the CPL accidentaly intercepts this message. Make sure every soul in Lavenrunz knows about our offer. That will turn it into an offer the Empress cannot refuse."

"Captain, radio contact: Unknown submarine: you will surface and identify yourself, or we will fire on you. You have invaded Lavenrunzian territorial waters"
Shaking his head, the captain gave more orders "that isnt a option. XO. Prepare countermeasures. steady as we go"

The commando had been taught their duty, and none of them had a desire to be captured - they all knew the cruel nature of the lavenrunz people.
They had one duty left to God and country. The squad leader crunched his backteeth down, the sweet taste washed through his mouth, soon his stomach begain to twinge. He reached over and held the hand of his trembling fellow commando. Soon the poisen pumped through them, they both started to twitch and convulse.

Meissen, moving easily over the relatively calm surface, slashed through the waters to cut off general movements towards the plunge into the greater depths. Aboard, the weapons crews were busily at work running the last minute checks on the systems. The doors of the missile launch system went through a quick last moment test as the gunner's mates below watched the slender rockets rising up, while the launch tubes of the depth charges were readied. The Captain with a certain amount of ceremony informed the weapons officer that she was to fire on her own recognizance of target.
Across the bow of the frigate, a Seekonig ASW helicopter droned across the water.
Above, the plane had finally arrived.
"Showtime." murmured Keyserling from the Command Center in Zwoll, watching it all on screens.
One of the helicopters relayed the most recent sonar information to the ship, and the depth charges were fired into the water directly in the submarine's path.

On the beach, Morel found the foreign commandos writhing, making horrible sounds, and cursing, shouted, "Medic!" while covering them. The medic rushed up as the Seelow unit began to kick weapons away. It was difficult: they were dying as they secured them but they had to be secured...
overhead the helicopter tore up a little hurricane of sand.

"I've always thought Constantinopolis one of the nicest communist nations." said Aurora as she was walking out of the Autumn Palace towards her car. Thirty Camelias paced beside her, making a soft growl of complaint against the cold.
"This message is interesting in that it implies that we need not accept any aid from Menelmacar at all." said Chancellor Schlabel.
"Yes of course. Well, I'd like you to study the situation as soon as possible, I don't want to wait too long to make a reply. We've had too much of waiting around." she said firmly.
"Of course, Majesty." Schlabel replied with a bow. The Imperial Carabineer at the door stiffly saluted as she got in and closed it behind her. Schlabel went with his aide towards his own car as the Empress' cortege went off to meet the Queen of the Resurgent Dream.

OOC: I assume Constantinopolis already has a diplomatic mission in Lavenrunz, so appointing a new ambassador is no big deal.

IC: Alexander Nikolaev and Justinian Tiberius were talking in Nikolaev's office inside the Council Complex.

"So, Alex, what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Well, let me put it this way... I want to bring you out of retirement."
"What do you mean?"
"How would you like a position as our ambassador to Lavenrunz?"
"Lavenrunz? Now that's what I call a coincidence!", he said on a genuinely surprised tone. "Just a few days ago I was wondering whether you or the Council had any interest in the situation over there."
"Oh, we do, Justin, we most certainly do. Let me tell you what our policy is..."
Nikolaev explained about the message he had sent to the Empress, and the plans he had for the future. Justinian liked what he heard. Then Nikolaev asked:
"So, do you know Aurora von Sachshausen?"
"The last time I was in Lavenrunz, she was five years old. We do share a common acquaintance, however..."
"Ah, yes, the late Empress Joanna. Well, that's why I chose you for this job. You are our foremost expert in all matters regarding Lavenrunz."
"Thank you, Alex." He smiled. "So, when am I scheduled to leave?"
"As soon as you are ready."
"Excellent."

"Sir, detonation at 210 yards!"
The captain mopped his face. "Prepare to Rig for silent running . crew stand down battle stations"
"Sir, detonation at 170 yards. Sir, 130 yards."
The Iesus officer started to grow edgy "Fire! kill them before they kill us"
"I can not open fire. I have no order, now please be quiet"
"50 yards."
The sound of the Destroyer was easily heard through the hull of the submarine as the ship passed close, otherwise, everything was silent.
The submarine rocked violently from the force of the detonations. The crew were shaken, as wave after way of explosive hit nearby.
"damage report!"
"Severe leaking in torpedo bay and engine house. Sir the boat was never made for this kind of action. we're sinking"
The captain gave a slight smile and looked over the reports. "Emergency surface. crew to prepare to escape hatches. Setting primary charges " He eyed the Iesus offical "my first duty is to my crew, I suggest you get into another uniform." he then turned to his XO "you too.Something loose and ratty" the XO nodded, she had heard what they did to women.
The small submarine crashed through the waves to the surface, hatches where blown and lift raftst hrown into the water. Speed was essential -the clock was ticking.

The commando hadnt prepared any surprises, they just lay dying. Of course the lavenrunzers didnt know - all they knew was the Starian and reich tradition of horrid surprises.

"Lower boats." The Lavenrunzian Captain said, keeping the excitement from his voice, acting as calmly as though it were an exercise. "Have Lieutenant Klopfer lead the away team. Get the helicopters to cover that sub, and make sure they bloody well surrender."
The XO happily nodded, "Aye Captain" and gave the instructions.
As they saw the submarine surfacing, the boats were lowering into the water, motors activated and the four inflatable launches moving out to cover the submarine. From the lead boat, Lieutenant Klopfer, who was a 'poster boy' Lavenrunzian naval officer, with a square chin, blue eyes and yellow hair, shouted through a megaphone, "Foreign Submarine! We demand your surrender or you will be fired upon!"

The medic cursed and said, "It's poison, Lieutenant. We need to get them to the hospital at once. Poison, I'm sure of it!" she pointed to the convulsions and the muscular spasms.
"Do it." said Morel, cursing. However, he also took a very close look at them, trying to figure out what nationality they could be. On an off chance, he ripped the sleeve off one of them to see if there were any tattoos. Stretchers were put together and the helicopter, signalled, began to land.

OOC: As soon as Aurora is finished with the queen of Resurgent Dream, I'd like to RP Justinian's arrival in Hofburg. By the way, I'm thinking of presenting Aurora with a sword as a gift. Would that be well received, or does she care little about weapons? And finally, don't forget to answer to my offer of aid and RP the fact that the CPL intercepted my message. Thanks! :)

Schlabel blinked as he saw Helga Dresden jump up like a jack in the box, a paper in her hand.
"The President recognizes the Leader of the Opposition." stated the President from his chair.
"Thank you, Mr. President." she said calmly, adjusting her glasses. She was a thin, rather scholarly looking woman but with fiery eyes and a very well modulated voice. "Mr. President, I would like to know when the Government will respond to this proposal from the nation of Constantinopolis. This nation has always been friendly to ours, even though views have not been shared, and now opens its hands with a generosity scarcely imaginable in these cynical times. I quote:
("O God, storytime." murmured Von Effner to Von Hentzau in the Christian Nationalist seats)

Your Imperial Majesty,

We wish to express our sincere condoleances for the tragedy that recently struck Hofburg. We would be glad to provide you with any logistical or material support, should you require it. The reason we are sending you this message, however, is to offer our assistance in a much greater and more long-term problem that your nation is faced with.

Your economic difficulties have come to our attention, and we find it amusing - if not outright hillarious - that even your closest capitalist allies could not do any more than offer you interest-free loans or advantageous business contracts. If that is the capitalist version of "helping out a friend", we're glad we don't have any friends like these.

Let us show you how communists help out their friends. We would like to negotiate an aid package. Not a loan, and not a business contract. Simply put, we are offering to subsidize your economy - no financial strings attached. What we ask for in exchange is not any kind of repayment. Rather, we ask that your government undertake democratic and social reforms; that you increase workers' rights and political freedoms, that you establish an adequate welfare system and that you take steps to greatly reduce your nation's crippling social inequality. These are only general requests, of course. More specific measures can be decided upon at the negotiations table.

We are aware of the fact that some of your allies may be deeply troubled by our offer, and could very well decide to withdraw their support if you accept ours. That is not a problem. We guarantee that our aid will exceed any loans you may lose by accepting it. Perhaps it is time for you to reconsider some of your alliances - both outside and inside Lavenrunz's borders.

In Liberty, Equality and Justice,
The Council of People's Commissars of the Holy Socialist Republic of Constantinopolis
Amid rumbles of disapproval from the Constitutionalists and Christian Nationalists, there were mutters of agreement from the Communists--and to Helga's hidden surprise, the Populists. She removed her glasses and said with a calm and reasonable smile, "The Empress, I do not doubt, is awaiting the advice of Her elected Government. I would like to remind all present that we are part of the Government, and therefore propose the acceptance of this loan."
It was like a steeplechase, but a slightly protruding splinter on Schlabel's chair caught his coattail, while Bruckner, Helga Dresden's critic for Foreign Trade, leapt up like a hare, shouting, "Seconded!"
In the uproar that followed, the President called for silence in his stentorian voice. "The Communist Party of Lavenrunz has called for a general vote that the Empire accept an aid package from Constantinopolis. The Volksraad will divide, ayes to the right, noes to the left!"

Imperial Letter from Mississippi

From: Czar Roger Fabus

To: Empress Aurora Von Sachshausen


Imperial Majesty,

I has come to my attention that your nation is, how shall we say, in need of financial assistance and possible military assistance in matters of internal security. To this end, I am making you an offer, from one monarch to another. I will give your nation two trillion dollars in Mississippian currency and in gold bars, from my personal accounts. Also, I shall authorize the Federal Defense Contractors to sell you two trillion dollars worth of weapons at no cost, the cost will be absorbed into our government budget and we will handle it.

If you agree, there are but a few terms. Firstly, we would wish that you would permit, for a time of a few years, the SRGIO to operate in Lavenrunz, in conjunction with your intelligence, for the purpose of cracking down on leftists who are hostile to both of our nations and governments. Secondly, we would like to open a dialog for the possibility of discussing a military mutual defense alliance. Though by agreeing to the dialog, you would in no way be agreeing to an eventual alliance, just agreeing to discuss the possibility of such an alliance.

I most respectfully await your reply.

Sincerely,

Roger Fabus

Dear Czar Roger Fabus

I am very grateful for this offer and scarcely know how to reply to it save by this: it seems strange that after offering us an excellent oil arrangement and then reneging on it that you would then offer to send your forces into our country. Communists or no communists, they operate under the law, which is more than apparently your security forces do.
If you are interested in having dealings with my nation I would suggest that you might first want to consider that the laws of Lavenrunz are not so easily destroyed. Nor do we turn on the Holy Mother Church simply upon whim.
If you would like to renegociate things please let me know.
sincerely
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

Dear Czar Roger Fabus

I am very grateful for this offer and scarcely know how to reply to it save by this: it seems strange that after offering us an excellent oil arrangement and then reneging on it that you would then offer to send your forces into our country. Communists or no communists, they operate under the law, which is more than apparently your security forces do.
If you are interested in having dealings with my nation I would suggest that you might first want to consider that the laws of Lavenrunz are not so easily destroyed. Nor do we turn on the Holy Mother Church simply upon whim.
If you would like to renegociate things please let me know.
sincerely
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz



Imperial Majesty,

Know that I am greatly sorry for the failure of the oil deal, but negotiations were not pursued as well as they ought to have been. And then combined with the oil crisis in Kahta, we had to provide 1/5 of our daily oil output to help Kahta. Now however, the issue there seems to have lessened. To show our regret for the failure of the previously offered deal, we will give you 10 million barrels of oil, and sell you 100 million at half cost. Then we will, agree to sell you, 25 million barrels per day at our regular low cost of just 10 dollars per barrel.

The oil barrels we offer to give, shall be given freely and without consideration, but the oil deal for the daily sales, we wish to enter into specific negotiations over those. Will you accept our gift of 10 million barrels and our offer to more negotiations?


I respectfully await your reply.


Sincerely,

Czar Roger Fabus

"The communists are doing what?" President Andrew Yang said at a raised voice as he looked at the details of the aid package that was being offered to Lavenrunz. It was all there, in front of him, in black and white, put together by the Department of State, "We've been out of the loop for far far too long" Andrew commented as he looked back at his Foreign Minister.

"I hope they know there is no such thing as free lunch." He suggested.

"Thats not the point! KIST, WBO, SATO. We've been far too dormant over the issues that our alliance is facing...And Felix dealing with thhem Iesus folks from the Reich, we have to look at the developments in Lavenrunz closely."

"You might call it personal friendship. But dont you think its time for us to face our allies instead of turning our backs and worrying about who will cause ruckus in The Heartland next? I want progress reports on this every morning, and I want us to rekindle our diplomatic relations to Lavenrunz, pronto!"

As the minister left the office. Andrew muttered to himself.

"When I attended that ceremony. I worried for our friends and allies.. Its time to stop worrying and start doing.."

OOC: According to thirdgeek, Decisive Action (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Decisive+Action) has a much lower GDP per capita than Lavenrunz (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Lavenrunz), so the whole trillion-dollars-and-10-million-barrels-of-oil thing sounds like some massive wank... Before I made my aid offer, I checked (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=Constantinopolis) to make sure that I am indeed in a position to make such an offer.

OOC:sounds like some massive wank


Ooc-
My economic data, as I RP it, is listed here.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7014001&postcount=5

My thoughts on calculators are listed below.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=389202

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=380475

If you wish to continue this discussion, we will NOT be doing so in Lavenrunz's thread. I apologize for this post, but I had to answer your charges, if you wish to continue this, my IM buttons are listed, if you have no IM, my TG box is always open. :)

As for my ability to drill oil, I've RPed massive oil rigs and major investment in oil, so please don't tell me what I can and can't do. The NS world is like what, 100 times the size of Jupiter, there is going to be a LOT of oil to be found. 500 million barrels per day is realistic for an oil crazed nation.

Besides, my leaders have trillions in their private accounts. The money would be from the Czar Himself.

"here goes nothing" The captain had watched the last of his 30 crew climbed into the rubber dinghies , and now from the last rubber boat he replied to the advancing lavenrunzers. "We request assistance. We are unarmed. Dont fire! Our vessel is about to sink! Dont fire!"
The crew paddled away from their ship and into captivity. The crew had orders to be calm and quiet, to obey their jailers as much as was honorable, no matter what rough treatment they recieved.
From under a greasy cap the XO whispered to herself "perhaps it would be mercyful if they fired". Her new uniformed was 3 sizes too big - she looked like a hobbo and would have laughed if the situation had been different.

Begin Message
TO: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen
FR: Speaker Elisa Day
RE: Current Situation
TX:

I would like to express my personal condolences for the recent events in your nation, and I hope that those responsible are quickly rounded up and punished.

In regard to pressing business, I would like to give you my personal assurances that the Hack still is more than willing to give any and all financial add that you require. Lavenrunz and the Hack have long been allies, even without the tying bonds of the NDA, WBO, or VERITAS*. While I would never be so crude as to discuss terms in a message like this, suffice it to say that most any amount would be approved, and at terms that are very friendly; as befits a true ally. Should you wish to discuss terms, I can either meet with you personally, or you can speak with our Ambassador; Aesa is well aware of the situation, and has been briefed on the degree that the Hack is willing to help.

On a personal note, I hope you are doing well, Empress. It has been far too long since I was last in your lovely country, and I rather miss it. Lavenrunz will always hold a very special place in my heart because it was my first assignment, but more importantly because of the hospitality you extended to me.

Yours in Friendship,

Elisa Day, Speaker for the Oligarchy
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack
End Message

[OOC: Hope I remembered right. You are in VERITAS, right? If not just strike that reference]

OOC: North Star, I'm assuming that these people have insignias on. If not please let me know. Aerigia, good to see you back :)
IC:

Dear Czar Roger Fabus

Recent events in the news notwithstanding--these things can always be rumors or misleading and will be investigated--my concern over your treatment of Catholics does not dwindle.
Your offers are most generous, and I appreciate them. However you must understand that to link closely with a nation so intolerant to our national religion would be entirely unacceptable.
Furthermore, there is the matter of your father's proposal of marriage to Baroness Bennigsen. If Catholics are not tolerated in your country perhaps it would be better if she married someone else.
This is not a casual matter. Your country persecutes Catholics. It must be curtailed before any further economic pursuits take place.

With the greatest respect
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz.


"You know." she reflected to Baron Ehrfurt, who was handing her the Imperial Seal, "I'm not sure I like these people in any way shape or form. They remind me of a large, occasionally friendly but ultimately dangerous and somewhat clumsy animal. Best left alone."
The Empress' entourage chuckled.
"What about the offer from Constantinopolis, Majesty?" asked Prince Karl von Eisenhart. He was standing nearby, watched carefully by Thirty Camelias.
"Oh yes. How did things go in the Volksraad?" she asked him.
"Well, something like this, Majesty." replied the Minister for Foreign Trade.

(Flashback to the Volksraad)
The President of the Volksraad was passed an envelope by a clerk, whose tally had been witnessed by two others. He read it and nodded, handing it back. "The vote to accept the proposed aid package from Constantinopolis is tied evenly. According to this..." he removed his spectacles and rubbed his nose. "I have decided that I will abstain from voting--silence!" he exclaimed as voices began to speak up in protest from the CPL ranks. "In the interests of the common good! I have decided that it is necessary that we subject this to further debate, and propose as President that this idea be studied and negotiated, which is one of the options of Constantinopolis' proposal. Do the leading parties agree?"
"I accept, Mr. President." said Helga Dresden, smiling slightly. She was very pleased, as were her colleagues.
Avoiding showing the sour feeling in him, Schlabel rose regally and said, "Mr. President, the Government agrees. However, we propose a commission representative of all parties and of the non-elected branches of Government."
"That's right, make sure it's full of your patrons." called a CPL member.
"Silence!" demanded the President. "There will be no heckling or I will clear the room." He paused, waiting to make sure he was obeyed. "Mr. Pluskat, Mr. Von Effner?"
Both the minority leaders assented as well, since it was naturally in their interest.
"Very well. An Imperial Commission will be proposed to Her Majesty. Let us move to the next item on today's agenda..."
"Chemnitz, how does this work?" Aurora asked bluntly. "Do I get to appoint the Chair of this Commission?"
"Yes Majesty, and in fact Your Majesty may appoint any elected or appointed official, or a member of the Church or the Aristocracy." said the Imperial Chamberlain, bowing his head.
"But not till the list is made." said Aurora thoughtfully. "I see. What intrigues whirl around in the Volksraad. And now there is this letter from Elisa Day. I always liked her a lot."


To Speaker Elisa Day

I am very glad to have heard from you. I remember that long ago day when you first arrived in Lavenrunz and were such a unique and interesting envoy. Your country has always been friendly to ours, and we have never forgotten it.
The thing is, I am not so much eager to get aid as to simply get our country back on its feet. We are not doing badly so much as we are not doing superbly. One thing your nation could possibly help us with is in improving our technology in a number of areas. I am specifically thinking of in information technologies, but there may be others. Would it be possible to form a study group of some of our countries' technological corporations and procurement groups to work out what would be best? You see, this would improve the job market in my country a great deal, and also enable us to move forward in commerce as well.
Maybe that's a naive look at this, but I'm hoping it will work out well.
I hope you are enjoying life: I'm glad to see you in the sort of position you so richly deserve.
With greatest affection
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz
"Anything else?" she asked.
"This, Majesty." Admiral de Goethe said.

(actual events a few hours previous)
There wasn't much of a brig on the frigate, so a number of the crew were just made to squat on the deck--the weather was fine--and were held under guard of the Imperial Marines who were assigned to the ship. They were carefully searched...any female personnel separated during this part. In a similar situation that happened to the male crew, the XO and any female personnel found themselves stripped with cold efficiency, somewhat humiliatingly searched, and then dressed again in coveralls. Plastic ties were put around their wrists. Discipline was tight. The XO, who had been searched by two female sailors while another watched with sharp eyes, received a medic's attention, and some hot tea. The medic said quietly in Arabic, "Sorry Ma'am, but we need to take these precautions...we apologize to any affront to your dignity."
Meanwhile, markers were attached to the submarine's hull to establish where it was sinking. The SSN in the area was on its way, as well as a submersible support ship to investigate the situation.
As Admiral Keyserling phoned up the Chief of Naval Staff to report, the dying commandos were on their way to the naval air station.
Aurora was dumbfounded. "Isn't this an act of war?"
"Well...properly speaking we're in a state of conflict over Syskeyia, but I don't think they've acknowledged our presence there yet. So we need to figure out, I think, Majesty, what this means to us. And we haven't interrogated any of them yet." Admiral de Goethe replied.
"Find out." she said. Thirty Camelias growled agreement.

Secret IC:

Roger was sitting down to lunch with Alice as he was handed the letter from the Empress Aurora. He started to read it and then tore it to pieces and slammed his fist against the table and shouted, "That papist bitch! Suggesting my father isn't good enough for one of their women... Damnit, this is an insult, and I hate how she does it, I can picture her, with that smug little polite smile, concealing her hatred of us... Even after we try to be nice to her and offer her help.."

Alice was shocked at Roger's outburst, she shook her head and put her hands on his shoulders easing him back into his chair, trying to calm him by saying, "Dear, don't get worked up over it, she's just a little kid, anyway, her mother was killed when she was so young, she's probably had trouble dealing with it... You ought to be able to understand what it is like to lose your mother? Yes? Anyway, I'm sure she didn't mean to insult you... Send her a letter and ask to meet with her, you can work it out, right?"


Roger sighed, knowing Alice was right, Alice was almost always right on matters like this. He nodded his head and said, "Yeah, fine... I'll do it."





Non-Secret IC-

Letter to Empress


To: Aurora von Sachshausen

From: Czar Roger Fabus

I am deeply disturbed that you don't think my father is fit to marry one of your women... I am not sure if I should be insulted or how exactly I should respond. Perhaps I will ask that you clarify your thoughts and position on the issue of my father marrying one of your nation's nobles. Anyway, our nation tolerates Catholics, if just barely... Between you and I, I'm preparing to issue an act which will allow Catholics to privately practice their religion...

I hope we may meet in the near future to discuss matters of mutual concern.

Sincerely,

Roger Fabus

Dear Czar Roger Fabus

If you got the impression that your father is not fit to marry 'one of our women' though that is a rather casual description for Baroness Bennigsen, our former UN ambassador and current IMC envoy, you are much mistaken on our part. Obviously Curtis Fabus is a former head of state and a world leader of some importance. This does not have any significance weighed against the oppressive measures taken by your nation against Catholics. Baroness Bennigsen is a Catholic, and she recently informed me she had no intention of changing her religion simply in order to marry, however much affection she feels for the gentleman in question.
Your intention to improve relations with your Catholic population is very good to hear. It would be wonderful if you could let me know how that goes, and perhaps we could discuss further events later.

yours amiably
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

From above in the visitor's gallery, Kayla watched the ongoing democracy in process; at home only in the most mundane situations would such a system be considered, like friends working out what they wanted to do for the night or a corporate meeting where no one outranked one another. The idea that such a system could be used to run a nation was foreign to many Iuthians… Kayla on the other hand, being an Ambassador, was accustom to the idea that nations successfully ran efficiently with this process of equal votes, though it was still a little strange to watch as she hadn’t got much chance to watch it in progress.

Down below the officials from the Volksraad divided as they all walked towards either the right hand door or the left hand door, depending on whether they agreed with the notion (and went right) or disagreed with the notion (and went left). Kayla had a good view of the room from her position in the gallery, around her members of the public and allies alike were watching the process, with media crews also watching to record it for the news later. So far it was impossible to tell which way the majority of the group were voting as only a few of them so far had entered either of the rooms. The others were either deciding their choice or getting up to make it, allowing others to make their way.

Around Kayla were the other representatives NDA nations; Catherine from Treznor, Evangelista from the Dominion and Andrine tsaKelhai from Tsaraine. Each of them had accompanied one another ever since the explosion earlier today in Hofburg, now they sat together at the Volksraad to show a unified front of interest in their allies affairs. Around them were diplomats of other nationalities, members of the Lavenrunz media and interest members of the public... all waiting on the diplomatic decision of the court. Finally the decision was made to accept support from Constantinopolis, the "ayes" won out.

From the Office of The President
Palace of Jardine Hills
Aden, Aerigia

Dear Empress Aurora von Sachshausen:

I am deeply saddened by the recent economic problems that have plagued your nation, and to be honest, I have felt quite guilty turning a blind eye towards it while we dealt with our regional problems.

Aside from KIST and WBO obligations, we have decided to put together a a comprehensive aid package, worth 2 trillion Aerigian mon to aid in The Empire's fiscal policies. It is our believe that with the extra boost in the aid package (used in government spendig), will help curb unemployment; while the spending can be used to develop new industries such as electronics and information technology.

We realize that others say they will "beat" our package, but instead of paying money, we decided to implement a plan to help a close ally and friend get back onto their feet.

To stimulate export and international trade, I have implemented, over the course of the next two years, subsidies to Aerigian importers to encourage them to import Lavenrunzian beef and leather products.

Aerigia's newly appointed ambassador to Lavenrunz, Ms. Karen McCauley, will be departing for Hofburg tomorrow alongside a trade delegation to examine lucrative international trade in lucrative industries that will benefit both nations.

I give you my best wishes, and sincerely hope that you will be able to maintain stability and prosperity in the Empire.

Sincrely,
President Andrew H. Yang

Dear Czar Roger Fabus

If you got the impression that your father is not fit to marry 'one of our women' though that is a rather casual description for Baroness Bennigsen, our former UN ambassador and current IMC envoy, you are much mistaken on our part. Obviously Curtis Fabus is a former head of state and a world leader of some importance. This does not have any significance weighed against the oppressive measures taken by your nation against Catholics. Baroness Bennigsen is a Catholic, and she recently informed me she had no intention of changing her religion simply in order to marry, however much affection she feels for the gentleman in question.
Your intention to improve relations with your Catholic population is very good to hear. It would be wonderful if you could let me know how that goes, and perhaps we could discuss further events later.

yours amiably
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz


Dear Empress Aurora von Sachshausen,

The Czar is currently not well, after watching your portrayal of our nation on your national television programs; he broke his hand when he smashed the TV to pieces... It is a bit sad that he has such a temper, but it is even more sad and disheartening that you allowed such programs about our nation to be broadcast. We are not at all as your people have portrayed us. And as for the matter of the baroness changing her religions, Curtis has no intention of asking her to, nor does anybody...

As a matter of fact, Curtis only publicly converted to Orthodox to avoid the stigma of being a Catholic; he is still privately a practicing Catholic... Anyway, you must realize, with the political climate in our nation as it is, from the pope being a race-mixer, Catholicism is hated and will likely be so in the near future.

And finally, the matter of the woman reporter, it is my sincere opinion that any woman who is engaged, and partakes in what she did, basically has no room to complain or condemn anybody. As they say, it takes two to tango, and she was more than willing, so it seemed, from the most disturbing video evidence that has been released.

I hope you will not let these incidents mar your opinion of our nation or us. I still hold you in high regard as a woman of noble character and a fellow monarch and Christian.


Sincerely,

Alice Fabus

The Council of People's Commissars is in session

Sixteen men and women (the 15 commissars plus the chairman) sit on a round table in one of the meeting halls of the Council Complex. They do not have any papers in front of them; rather, they have LCD screens and keyboards that seem to rise right out of the surface of the round table. The council members appear quite relaxed. They have just finished discussing one issue and are ready to move on to the next.

After a few seconds, the Chairman is the first to break the silence.

"Alright, let's move on to international matters. Comrade Kameschenko, do you have an update on the situation in Lavenrunz?"
A short, relatively young woman with dark red hair and brown eyes began to speak.
"They seem to be taking a ridiculously long amount of time to debate our offer. It's surprising that the CPL isn't putting more pressure on the government to speed things up a little. I propose that we give them a subtle hint to the effect that they should stage a mass rally or two. The people have nothing to lose and everything to gain if Lavenrunz accepts our aid, which is why popular opinion should be our greatest ally."
"On a related note, my intelligence shows that, after we made our offer, a few capitalist nations were shamed into presenting Lavenrunz with much better deals. Chief among these was Mississippi, which suddenly decided to give an immense quantity of gold and oil to Lavenrunz. However, due to the Mississippians'... poor diplomatic skills..."
The Commissar for Defence snorted. The Mississippians have the diplomatic skills of a neanderthal, he thought.
"...their offer was rejected by Lavenrunz", concluded Sophia Kameschenko.
The Chairman seemed to be lost in thought for a few moments, then asked:
"What about the appointment of Justinian Tiberius as our new ambassador?"
"I would prefer to keep that on hold until the state visit of the queen of Resurgent Dream is over. Justinian's arrival should have Empress Aurora's undivided attention."
"Very well. So, other than waiting, I suppose the only thing we can do is to contact the CPL and ask them to move things along in the Volksraad."
"Indeed. And, for that matter, I believe we should build closer ties with the CPL. Or, to be more exact, we should build some ties with them - because we currently have none. They know we exist, but that's about it."
"I agree", replied the Chairman. "If there are no objections, we should submit your proposal to the Assembly. In the mean time, get in touch with CPL leaders to discuss the matter of our offer to Lavenrunz."
"Consider it done."
"Thank you. Now, moving on to the next order of business..."

The XO faced her ordeal alone - she was the lone female on ship. She trembled with fear in spite of herself, then frustration and anger ran through her body during the humiliating search, making her muscles tense. She watched her wardens , staring at them coldly and unwaveringly during the entire process, she wanted to scream and curse at them but didnt want to give them the satisfaction.
Hearing the medic speak, rage overcame her discipline. She spat in her face, locked eyes and hissed "I am a Officer of the Islamic peoples navy. My name is Lieutenant Commander Yasmina Durrani. Serial Number 75826"

The other officers and men acted equally with discipline, there was a air of anger during the stripping.
Within the number were several lighter skinned arabs, on mostly likely caucasian - Still this wasnt totally unusal being North Star had limited immigration and several smaller non-arab ethnic groups.
The captain tried to be friendly and calmed his men where possible. His statement to the Lanverunz navy officers had been formal.
"My name is Captain Farid, commander of the IRV A'ishah. I thank you for your help, our ship had massive systems failure, resulting in lose of directional equipment and life support. Clearly we stayed into your seazone by accident. Again I thank you for your assistance , but I do resent being treated like criminals. We have done nothing wrong."

The Lavenrunzian, a blonde man with greying hairs and a deeply tanned face, said, "Hello Captain, I am Captain Ernest Brandt. And I apologize for this measure, but you see...you came without warning into our waters. This is what is called an act of war, but it was not done under any flag. Now: we may have opposing policies in Syskeyia but there is no actual war between us yet. If it were not for your uniforms," he paused, his face hardening, his eyes cold, "You would be treated as spies. Now please: let us not stand on details but be aware that we will do all that we can for our nation's security. I would like to treat you with courtesy but if you would prefer hostility that is your choice."
This was said clearly so that all around could hear it. The medic, who had drawn away in alarm from Yasmina's venom, nodded.

From the Office of The President
Palace of Jardine Hills
Aden, Aerigia

Dear Empress Aurora von Sachshausen:

I am deeply saddened by the recent economic problems that have plagued your nation, and to be honest, I have felt quite guilty turning a blind eye towards it while we dealt with our regional problems.

Aside from KIST and WBO obligations, we have decided to put together a a comprehensive aid package, worth 2 trillion Aerigian mon to aid in The Empire's fiscal policies. It is our believe that with the extra boost in the aid package (used in government spendig), will help curb unemployment; while the spending can be used to develop new industries such as electronics and information technology.

We realize that others say they will "beat" our package, but instead of paying money, we decided to implement a plan to help a close ally and friend get back onto their feet.

To stimulate export and international trade, I have implemented, over the course of the next two years, subsidies to Aerigian importers to encourage them to import Lavenrunzian beef and leather products.

Aerigia's newly appointed ambassador to Lavenrunz, Ms. Karen McCauley, will be departing for Hofburg tomorrow alongside a trade delegation to examine lucrative international trade in lucrative industries that will benefit both nations.

I give you my best wishes, and sincerely hope that you will be able to maintain stability and prosperity in the Empire.

Sincrely,
President Andrew H. Yang

Dear President Yang

Thank you very much for your kind offer. We look forward to the arrival of Ambassador McCauley, who is fully accepted as your envoy to Lavenrunz. To renew the old ties of Aerigia and Lavenrunz will be splendid.
The raising of beef cattle is one of our country's most ancient traditions, but the market is fierce and what help you could give would be wonderful.
Again, many thanks and my best wishes to you and your nation.

respectfully
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

Dear Empress Aurora von Sachshausen,

The Czar is currently not well, after watching your portrayal of our nation on your national television programs; he broke his hand when he smashed the TV to pieces... It is a bit sad that he has such a temper, but it is even more sad and disheartening that you allowed such programs about our nation to be broadcast. We are not at all as your people have portrayed us. And as for the matter of the baroness changing her religions, Curtis has no intention of asking her to, nor does anybody...

As a matter of fact, Curtis only publicly converted to Orthodox to avoid the stigma of being a Catholic; he is still privately a practicing Catholic... Anyway, you must realize, with the political climate in our nation as it is, from the pope being a race-mixer, Catholicism is hated and will likely be so in the near future.

And finally, the matter of the woman reporter, it is my sincere opinion that any woman who is engaged, and partakes in what she did, basically has no room to complain or condemn anybody. As they say, it takes two to tango, and she was more than willing, so it seemed, from the most disturbing video evidence that has been released.

I hope you will not let these incidents mar your opinion of our nation or us. I still hold you in high regard as a woman of noble character and a fellow monarch and Christian.


Sincerely,

Alice Fabus

Dear Czarina Alice

Thank you very much for this letter. I've always admired you as well.

However, if you don't mind my bluntness, I can't figure out what you are talking about. If Curtis Fabus can't practice Catholicism--and he of all people--in your country, and if you assure me that there is no likelihood of immediate change, which incidentally contradicts what your husband recently told me, then you really can't deny that your country is hostile to people of my religion.

Seriously: think about this. Imagine that we in our place hated protestants so much that we had massive rallies to incite people to attack them and steal or destroy their property.

As much as I respect you, I'm not going to act against my country's best interests.

affectionately
Aurora von Sachshausen
Empress of Lavenrunz

"Honestly," grumbled Aurora, "Do they think I'm an idiot or something?"
"I am not entirely sure, Majesty, that they know what they want." observed Chancellor Schlabel. "By the way, Majesty, if I may change the subject, the North Star prisoners are on their way to the Fortress, and we should compose some sort of response to the Sultana. And they objected to being searched."
"Why? Aren't they basically spying on us?" she asked curiously.
"Search me, Majesty." said Schlabel.
Aurora groaned. "Oh that reeks of punnage, Chancellor. That will be all, then, get back to me when you have some idea of what to say, and I will think about it as well."

"Honestly," grumbled Aurora, "Do they think I'm an idiot or something?"
"I am not entirely sure, Majesty, that they know what they want." observed Chancellor Schlabel. "By the way, Majesty, if I may change the subject, the North Star prisoners are on their way to the Fortress, and we should compose some sort of response to the Sultana. And they objected to being searched."
"Why? Aren't they basically spying on us?" she asked curiously.
"Search me, Majesty." said Schlabel.
Aurora groaned. "Oh that reeks of punnage, Chancellor. That will be all, then, get back to me when you have some idea of what to say, and I will think about it as well."



Alice had sent her reply:


Dear Empress Aurora von Sachshausen,

I sincerely believe that the two of us need to meet in person, to discuss some very pressing matters. If you're willing to agree to a meeting, we ought to set a time and place right away... I fear that our nation's are being polarized against each other by dedicated groups of extremists in both my nation and your nation. We cannot allow this if we plan to move forward as allies, against communism.


Sincerely,

Czarina Alice Fabus

On the submarine the last charges exploded, sending the submarine rapidly to the bottom.

"I understand your desire for your own security, I also would want the same. But my men and I are victims of a tragic accident -nothing more." He gave a slight bow "but this is your land, so we will do things your way naturally. My crew and I are in your mercy, you will find we are people of honor. I pray to allah you are also. Now you have taken our XO from us, what is her condition? will she be returned to us?"[you said she was split away - if she is returned dont worry about this]
Yasmina, like all soldiers had long been schooled in the desires and horrors of the lavenrunz military.


The Royal Palace
"it was a accident" Hatusu played with her straight brown hair , as she lounged on the cushins. "If its a accident dont bother me with it. Get out"
The offical almost ran from the chamber, leaving the sultan alone with her oldest friend and advisor. She rolled onto her stomach, and stared up at him "it wasnt a accident was it?". The ruggered old fighter replied without a hint of rebuke "No Majesty. Your orders were carried out"
Hatusu sighed "I know. I was just hoping maybe . Lodge a formal request to have our crew returned."

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Frigate Submarine engagement the S.S. Neptune's Daughter finally reached the teeming port city of Zwoll. After waiting a few hours, the harbor sent out a pilot tug boat to help guide the massive container ship into dock. Of course the ship had registered its cargo as important diplomatic material. The Federal Embassy in Hofburg had placed a call directly to the Imperial Palace informing them that Archduchess Sophia had a gift directly from Gregory de los Santos himself. Below the decks in the cargo area of the Neptunes Daughter were a sight to behold. Thousands upon thousands of different colored roses. A sympony of colors washed the cargo hold of the vessel including a word spelt out amongst the colors of roses in blue. They read simply as "Sorry for the Fight."

The Captain had been given a message to relay specifically to the Archduchess should she arrive to view her "gift" which would remain in port as long as the roses were alive. Which would be for another week or so. They were kept in an enviorment best suited for longevity as they had to transverse the wide oceans to reach Lavenrunz. The flowers were as much a singular statement to the Archduchess as they were a welcome back to the international community in general. However in NYC Gregory waited for some comformation that the flowers had been recieved and recieved well. At least he hoped for a warm reception. Thinking back to the Archduchesses visit to NYC it was rather little surprise full scale warfare did not break out between the Federal Republic and the Monarchy.

However believeing in the saying, time heals all wounds, this seemed like the perfect step. Especially when trying to re-establish a potential relationship between himself and Sophia. She did come across as perfectly independent and if he could win her over, well then he could talk Satan into selling his soul. And Greg did enjoy a challenge.

Begin Message
TO: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen
FR: Speaker Elisa Day
RE: Current Situation
TX:

Empress,

Ah, I wasn't entirely sure the extent and nature of your need, and figured monetary considerations would be a good place to start. However, we are more than willing to help with your IT infrastructure. I like to think that our reputation speaks for itself, so I will simply mention that we will be willing to help in any way you need; be it telecommunications upgrades, server upgrades, training programs, or workshops. I am more than willing to send consultants, free of charge, to help your various corporations streamline and improve their profit margin.

I am also willing to offer the young citizens of your nation up to five thousand grants for further education in the Hack at our premier technological and engineering universities. These grants will pay for transportation, room and board, books, tuition, as well as a modest monthy stipend for miscellaneous expenses. The only stipulation for the grants is that they complete their education and return to Lavenrunz to help improve your nation. This way, you will have a solid base of professionals to help your country in its march towards the future. We can work out how many years these grants will be available later, but I'm thinking for about five years.

Also, there is nothing naive about your outlook. Improving the ability to raise capital is one of the best ways to improve the nation, which is why I'm so willing to help. "Teach a man to fish..." and all.

I am enjoying my life, aside from the occation assassination attempt. Luckily that is behind me, and things are going wonderfully well. I wish you all the best, and look forward to visiting.

Yours,

Elisa Day, Speaker for the Oligarchy
The Semi-Autonomous Technocratic Oligarchy of the Most Glorious Hack
End Message

---

From:Veganian Embassy Unit
To: Heinrich Klipspringer, Foreign Office

Herr Klipspringer,

Our ambassador has now been missing for more than six hours. Exaxctly what kind of measures are you taking to make sure that she is safe and can be brought back to our embassy? I assume you understand the Gravity of the unlikely event of a Reich ambassador getting hurt or worse in your nation? I expect a report of your efforts within an hour.

~Abraham Markham, Charge D'affair




He closed the envelope and posted it. He was steaming, they obviously were hiding something! How on earth could they allow terrorism in their nation and on top of that one of the most prominent embassadors to be hurt. If this was a cover up.... He glanced at the red phone and a cold shiver went through his spine, He would give them the hour, after that he had to lift that phone...

Having enjoying the Volksraad and it's interesting display of democracy in action, the Iuthian Ambassador to the NDA, Kayla Harmone, made her way to personnally congradulate Chancellor Schlabel on a sucessful session as well as to offer her nations condolances for the recent events. Aside from that she had business on her mind, especially that of finding out who to seek to in order to organise proper diplomatic relations as the two NDA nations hadn't made much efforts to really work together... Iuthia simply hadn't been in the NDA for long enough to fully complete it's communications with it's new allies. Of course, offers of assistance were always a favourite and Kayla would much rather they accepted help from an ally then an unstable nation which wanted to stick it's foot in the door.

During her walk Kalya had time to recognise the brilliant structure of the place she toured, clearly designed to be imposing and magnificent, almost making a statement about the strength of their democracy. However, the real attraction to the place wasn't the beautiful craftsmenship on the marble flooring and pillars reaching high up to the heavens... but the advanced security Kayla picked up almost intuitively, heavily equipped guards (who she noted as being helpful, if watchful, a good change from abusive guards seen in some nations) and carefully hidden security devices, anything from magnetic anomaly detectors in secure door enterances, chem sniffers reading the air for certain explosive elements to discreet camera systems watching her movements. It was clear that while this building was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, it was effcient in its security without damaging the overall effect, something Kayla admired as it gave the impression that there were modest similarities between her home nation and Lavenrunz.

Of all things, she made her way to the President of the Volksraad's office in order to see if the man himself was in.

Mount Vanaheim, Lavenrunz

Sophia walked into the lodge, her cheeks rosey, smiling and nodding to those who greeted her. At the bar she ordered a hot rum and was greeted by a laughing young woman who said, "Ma'am, have you heard? Your former paramour sent you flowers."
"Flowers?" exclaimed the Archduchess. "What are you talking about, Teresa?"
"Hang on, look at the TV. Hey, Harry, can we replay that newsclip?" she asked the bartender.
"Yes, Excellency." he replied, grinning. He waved down a group of snowboarders who were clamouring for beer and raised the remote control to replay the clip.

Antonia Chavez: The dockloaders and sailors at Zwoll's largest pier received a shock today as a ship from New York and Jersey arrived...bearing the world's largest apology.
(scene shows the flower covered ship, and people laughing and pointing in amazement and wonder.)
This is clearly an apology directed to Archduchess Sophia, who was courted by New York and Jersey head of state Gregory de los Santos with somewhat disastrous results. Nothing has been heard from the Archduchess at this time.
Sophia burst out laughing. She shook her head and said, "Well, it's certainly creative."
"I think it's a pity that all the prospects are either barbarians or degenerates." mused her friend.
"Yes. Well, I have to admit though it is a good apology. Now I will see what he has to say." Sophia said. "Meanwhile, I need some Tiger Balm and a massage."

The Volksraad, Hofburg, Lavenrunz

The President, Friederich Kammler, was just stepping out when Kayla approached. He was a balding but impressive man with a big nose and and a grave manner. He smiled politely; now he was not in his robes of black and ermine but in a three piece suit, carrying a briefcase, a pair of younger men following discreetly. "Ah, Ambassador...how do you do?" he said in a genial manner.

Imperial Stadium, Hofburg, Lavenrunz

As Lenore was leaving (and as the Undersecretary at the Foreign Office was sweating and pacing) and looking for a phone, she saw a somewhat portly but efficient looking security guard, who was patiently watching the crowd flow out, occasionally giving directions or speaking into the receiver attached to his collar.

OOC: Not ignoring you, Hack, but I had a blackout today and I have to give your post some more thought. ;)

Imperial Stadium, Hofburg, Lavenrunz

As Lenore was leaving (and as the Undersecretary at the Foreign Office was sweating and pacing) and looking for a phone, she saw a somewhat portly but efficient looking security guard, who was patiently watching the crowd flow out, occasionally giving directions or speaking into the receiver attached to his collar.


She saw the seciurity guard and waddled over with her fox mask still on, this might prove dangerous. But she felt confident in mastering the Lavenrunz accent after the years she spent there as she asked him:

-"Excuse me, where's the nearest exit and a pay phone?" It was time to get a pick up.

OOC: No news about my offer and the CPL's recent activities? Snif... :'(

"Very well, thank you President Kammler." She replied in her usual polite manner. "I would just like to take a moment to congratulate you on the sucess for the Volksraad session today reguardless of the disturbances, it's good to see the future of your nation doesn't stop for terrorism. I was also hoping that we could have a word about setting up an Iuthian-Lavenrunz embassy exchange to better communicate with our new NDA allies, I'm afriad we've been worked off our feet with the Lord General's wedding coming up and we've not gotten around to formally requesting an Embassy yet."

OOC: sorry, there was no ic contacting of the CPL. Anytime you like you may do so :)
IC:
Stadium

The stout security guard said, "That way and turn right, then there are several, Ma'am, which also include a couple of privacy booths. Hey, you kids! No spitting on the floor!"
Someone blew a horn right near Lenore's ear, while a pair of young women wearing little more than shorts, neon pasties and body paint raced by shrieking excitedly.
"Madhouse." muttered the guard.

The Volksraad

The President of the Volksraad nodded courteously. "Of course, of course, Ambassador, I understand. We all have the difficulties of our positions as well as the rewards." he glanced at one of his assistants. "Be so good as to guide the Iuthian Ambassador to the offices of the Foreign Minister, will you?"
"Yes, Excellency." he replied. "This way, Ambassador."
"It is wonderful that you saw our small attempts at democracy in action." the President said in a pleasant manner, bowing and leaving.
As he led Kayla up a flight of stairs and towards a set of offices, which were discreetly but visibly guarded, the aide remarked, "I hope this does not irritate your Excellency, me pointing this out, but I'm afraid that the President of the Volksraad has nothing to do with foreign policey or indeed any policey. His job is to preside over the Volksraad and keep it in order. Perhaps you are mixing him up with the Chancellor?"

The Fortress of Matthew and Mark, Lavenrunz

South of Zwoll there lay the Marsh Islands, which had once been inhabited by rather wretched otter hunters. The otter hunters had left a series of painted pieces of driftwood which were now in museums or decorating the office of the Governor of the Islands. Knockoffs were sold at souvenir shops in Zwoll, but no one ever went willingly to the islands except for scientists who wanted to study the otters. The otter hunters themselves vanished mysteriously a couple of centuries before the first people who would become Lavenrunzians showed up.
On the largest island was a massive prison complex which had been begun in the seventeenth century to throw Knootian rebels among others into so that they could be either held for ransom (if wealthy) or ruthlessly interrogated (if they were privateers or Calvinists). It held among others such persons as CLA members, the man from Whispering Voices who had abducted Empress Joanna, and Count Mirbach. Now it held the crew of the North Star submarine, who were being interrogated, albeit politely at this stage.

Questions were being put to them, such as:
What were you doing in Lavenrunzian waters?

What did you jettison before you surfaced?

Why did you destroy your submarine?

Are there any Iesus Christian personnel among you?

What were your orders?

Why did you come so close to the shore and then retreat out to see?

Why did you ignore orders to surface?

As these questions were being asked, Aurora was quietly ignoring any missives from the Sultan, until she knew more of what was going on.