NationStates Personification [IC, MT]

[Almanianian Union]

(OOC Thread located here.)

Building: Briefing Room 3, Capitol Building
Location: Galt City, Galt Province, Almanianian Union
Date: January 1, 2013
Time: 10:59:00

"As for tax reforms, we need to consider actually lowering taxes for the year. We have a very large surplus and I doubt we need all that money."

I looked around the rotunda and noticed that many of the officials were listening absolutely entranced on the entirety of the presentation on possible budgetary concerns for the coming fiscal year. I lazily looked over and noticed a close friend Jordan Lennon (son of the previous President) and his friend Yuri Kerechev Roosevelt (son of the current President) boredly playing on their laptops. Nearby was the Prime Minister Julia Churchill and the President, Wilson Tyler Roosevelt, working as hard as they could to stay awake. I was lazily typing on my laptop and trying to not fall asleep as the Chairman of the Budget Committee in the Senate continued to drone on. I slowly stopped typing and thought on the previous year.

Yawn. That's all I had to say about this year opening meeting. We had it at the beginning of every year, where all members of Parliament, the Cabinet, the Prime Minister, and the President were required to participate and be at the meeting. Failure to do so meant one could be censured and be unable to achieve a salary for the rest of the year. By the way, I'm Alvino Castillon, and I'm the personification of Almaniania, and the main personification of the Almanianian Union. It's a nice nation with a lot of wonderful parts and people. The nation may be a variety of people, but we share a strong cultural and political bond that is hard to look past. As a personification, I didn't actually have to go to the meeting... until Parliament thought it would be a wonderful idea for my image if I did. They threatened to complain if I didn't, so here I was. However, I was getting pissed. This meeting was boring the two boys and one of them definitely had somewhere to be. Jordan was trying to get out so he could take a trip to a nearby nation and meet with his girlfriend to celebrate the vacation. Yuri wanted to leave so he could go back to practicing the violin and besides... this meeting was boring.

"Mr. Lennon and Mr. Roosevelt. You two should be paying attention." The two boys looked up at the Chairman. Chairman Joseph Carmichael had quite a damn ego on him. He once said "Without me, the country would be running the largest debt in the region." I gave him credit... he knew his stuff. He was brilliant with finances and has saved the country billions of dollars while streamlining a number of processes However, he needs to shut the hell up and stop being a prick... something he can't do. He liked to be called Chairman Carmichael... but he only heads the Committee on Finances.

"You two boys always seem to be causing trouble. Why can't you behave for a single moment, huh?" He continued as he completely forgot his current discussion on his tax deductions proposal and started to chastise the two boys directly. "It is because of you children that I fear for the future of this country." Jordan looked up in pure annoyance, while Yuri looked down in utter hatred of himself. I realized he was flashing back to memories of a time before he was adopted...

...And that's where I'll cut the Chairman's rant.

"That shall be enough Mr. Carmichael." I said as I rose up from my seat. In an instant, the silence that occupied the rotunda turned into gasps and murmurs of my outburst. I saw him get really annoyed. He hated being called anything else other than Chairman Carmichael after all.

"Stop critiquing these two. For Alma's sake, they're still CHILDREN. Trust me on this... your presentation? It's boring. It's an utter waste of my time." Gasps conquered again and the banging of a gavel silenced the room. I rolled my eyes and groaned. "Let me put it this way then... it is the first day of the New Year, and we should all be out having a good time and enjoying ourselves. Instead, I'm stuck here because you all think for some reason, holding a meeting the very first day of the year is a necessity. Have you guys ever thought... I dunno... HOLDING IT THE SECOND FUCKING DAY INSTEAD?" I snarled around the end as the Chairman clearly became infuriated.

"I motion to move to recess for twenty four hours... and I motion to give Mr. Lennon and Mr. Roosevelt here a leave of absence." Angry looks appeared as I made my motions. I looked over at the President and the Prime Minister. Mrs. Churchill gave me a slightly neutral expression but it was clear she was in agreement with me. President Roosevelt however, looked very amused and actually started to chuckle.

"Mr. Castillon... as usual, you fail to understand that you have no powe-"

"Don't make me use Personification Law." I said simply. The murmurs died down and stares of anger turned to horror. "I'm serious. I used it last time. I will use it again. Let these two leave... and let's just enjoy ourselves today... because if not, I will find a way to torture you all." I smirked in malicious humor as I finished my threat. They knew in an instant that anything they say will not work to stop this motion.

"...Motion seconded." Chariman Carmichael replied, clearly with disgust and defeat in his eyes. I chuckled as I sat down.

It's great to be the personification of the Union... and great to have a lot of power as well.

[Phantomizier]

Building: Cafe Roselia, Ochard Avenue
Location: Ferentzalle City, Capital of Rottgarde, The Serene Rottelian Empire of Phantomizier
Date: January 1, 2013
Time: 10:15:39

"Like I said, I was outside in the garden when it happened. Didn't realise that I fell into the fountain, until some sad bloke pulled me out. Must've been the strong whisky they were passing around."

The tea rippled happily into the cup as the teapot poured lazily. The sun had a gentle glow to it as I took a sip of the heavenly brew of rose flavoured tea leaves. Yes, it was morning. A very early morning in fact, for me. I do not know how the rest would feel, but what I can stand firm on is that I hate waking up at dawn. Across the table from me was my leader, His Royal Majesty King Aaron I. He was apparently in the midst of regaling me with the latest occurences last night at the Countdown party in the square, while I was buttering my toast. For some reason or another, I felt more than happy to listen to his upbeat voice as I ate. Perhaps I was too accustomed to listening the drones of sonorous voices belonging to my past leaders.

A grin. From the king. You know, this man proved to be quite an exceptional one. Contrary to what I first thought of him, he was actually quite a very talented young man. Yes. He's 27. Apart from that, he doesn't live in a palace, although there is one. Instead, this man actually lives in an apartment and wears what a normal young adult wears - a polo shirt, bermudas and a pair of sandals. On top of that, he's a pretty respectful and caring guy. And I have to admit, even though I was slightly ruffled when he called me an old uncle, I still felt quite at peace and happy to know him. Yes, he called me an old uncle. Right at the moment when I introduced myself during his coronation. I mean, I don't look that old, do I?

Oh, how impertinent of me. Let me introduce myself. I am Charles Everitt Foxshire, the personification of The Serene Rottelian Empire of Phantomizier. It's quite a nice kingdom, to be honest. I don't mean to brag, really, but its people are just so nice and friendly and even the landscape seems to wave at you. Seems. And to date, I can definitely assure you that I have been with the current King for most of his leisure outings, along with his adviser and lover [I assume], Alexander. There hasn't been any bloodshed or turmoil for the past decade or so, but trust me. When things go down, it usually doesn't mean a good thing for me. Always.

But enough of that.

"You really should attend some of the parties, Ritter. It'll do you some good to socialise. Cooping up at home isn't the answer to everything, you know."

"I do go out riding you know."

"What? You talk to your horse, Ritter. I should join one of your rides next time. At least you'll have company."

"Point taken."

Of course, our conversation lasted through the rest of the Tuesday. We were somewhat like brothers on that day. I didn't know he had a profound sense of fashion. By the time night had fallen, I was clad in the lastest haute couture, looking quite elegant in my appearance, a stark contrast to the shabby attire which I had on earlier. Even the shoes complimented the suir. I guess its true what they say. No, I'm not going to mention what they said.

Well then, I guessed I could start to participate in some of the festivities. And let His Majesty join on the horserides around the countryside. There's no harm in it, right?

- Ritter

[The New Lowlands]

Batavia, Java, the New Lowlands.
The impressive yellow and beige state house gave an imposing view of the clear, bright sky through the tall windows which were set into the wall. Inside, the wooden floor was cluttered with objects; sheets of paper with long paragraphs of writing, various schematics, a few metal models of various vehicles, and behind the fancy, old, green-leather topped desk, Anya sat working quietly, the thin fabric of the white vest top letting in a relatively cool breeze from the green fields outside. The young woman groaned and crushed another piece of paper, letting it clutter to the floor among the stack of intricate designs of anaerobic diesel engines, sighing and rubbing her temples as her phone started to ring.

She snapped as she pressed it to her ear, not even bothering to check who was calling. "Yeah, what?!"

She also could've sworn that she heard a marching band play the Estates-General's March in the background as the sonorous voice of Maria De Meer, the Stadtholder.

"Good afternoon, miss Veldt," the Stadtholder responded in perfect calm.

Almost instinctively, Anya stood to attention, bumping her chair backwards slightly. "Miss Stadtholder, ma'am!"

"I trust everything is all right over there?" the Stadtholder continued, maintaining her aura of perfect calm.

"Yes, miss Stadtholder, ma'am!"

"Good. Then listen up, miss Veldt, I've got a job for you." Anya could almost hear the smile on the Stadtholder's face.

"W-what, ma'am?" Anya responded nervously. The last three times the Stadtholder had called her up for a job had not gone particularly well... even if they occurred under different Stadtholders.

"You're going to fix our international image."

If there was one legacy of the Anderszoon administration (besides a small rise in national obesity) it was the state of the New Lowland's international relations, which had been entirely wrecked by the efforts of the previous Stadtholder. This task was of Herculean proportions; it required wit, humour, and good faith in other people.

None of which Anya felt she had. Nonetheless, the Stadtholder smiled in her voice again and continued;

"You can start by talking to the other personifications. Tot kijk, Miss Veldt!"

And with that, the Stadtholder hung up. Anya sighed, shoving the phone into her pocket, and going through the halls of the state house to the downstairs TV room, glancing inside to look at the room's sole occupant; a boy in his mid-teens, seventeen at most, quietly grappling with the controller of a console as he stared at the TV.

"Philippe, I'm off to go fix our international relations. There's leftovers in the fridge."

The boy nodded quickly. "Bye, ma!" he said, without taking his eyes off the screen.

Anya sighed at this as she departed. "Call me if you need anything!"

[Almanianian Union]

Building: Briefing Room 3, Capitol Building
Location: Galt City, Galt Province, Almanianian Union
Date: January 1, 2013
Time: 11:10:00

"Well played as usual Al." I looked up from my notes and noticed Mr. Roosevelt towering over me with his signature smile, cane, and top hat. I grinned in reply and shut my book. Once I forced the motion to the floor, most of the people there were either as exhausted as me with this pointless meeting or were more than terrified of my threats to make Hell for everyone. A few people objected (Mr. Carmichael), but in a hilarious twist of fate, Jordan Lennon shut them up and blasted them by making note of how pointless this meeting is on a day when half the people there were fairly hung over. After that, opposition crumbled and the damn meeting was ended.

"I figured it was a fairly good time to deploy political power." I responded, as I gathered my papers. "It was clear that Jordan was getting ticked and Yuri was going to break down into tears." I looked over at Yuri who was chatting with Jordan and smiling brightly... and to think, this was a child who about four years ago, was barely saved by what many would call a miracle and was then adopted by a man who would become the most powerful man in the Union. At that time, he survived what was possibly considered a disaster of epic proportions... one that I could claim fault for. Now, he had flourished mentally and physically, connected with others, and has become a close confidant of myself... something I've been slow with others about.

"I agree." Wilson helped me put some papers together and handed them to me. I smiled and placed them into my book. "This meeting really is pointless. Half the people here are hung over, and the other half are bored out of their damned minds!" We both began to laugh and toned it down to a snicker as Mr. Carmichael walked by with an irritated look on his face. He truly did hate Personification Law... especially when I used it against him. However, from the look he gave me, he knew I was right. There was no point in holding this meeting at this time and it would work better tomorrow. I stood up and stretched a bit as I grabbed the last of my papers. Mr. Roosevelt yawned and watched the two boys curiously.

"So... what do you think you're going to do for the rest of the day?" He asked me, without giving me a second glance. I shrugged and put my stuff into my bag.

"Since the meeting is over, I have nothing left to do for the day... I think I'll go home and have some hot cocoa." I said to Wilson, as I put my stuff away. I noticed him nod out of the corner of his eye and nodded in exchange. I wasn't really planning on anything else to happen today. However, I had a lot of work to catch up on and preparations to make for tomorrow when this session of Parliament comes to a conclusion. It was a good thing I had a little more time to complete this work or I could have wound up in trouble.

"Yeah you could do that... or you could actually decide to do that."

...Fuck. I groaned as I recognized that voice in a mere instant. I looked up at the ceiling and noticed him hanging from it, one of the tiles on the top removed. I glared silently at him while he smirked in return. Wilson looked over at him with amusement and chuckled.

"So Eita... how much work does he owe?" I started to rub my forehead as Mr. Roosevelt grinned. Eita snickered and dropped down from the ceiling. In one swift motion, he somersaulted, landed on the table in a crouching position, pushed off the table, and landed in a chair. I rolled my eyes and leaned against the table. Same old Eita showing off as usual it seems.

"Not too much." He replied. "Most of it got handled... it's just some stupid bureaucratic stuff... Weiss said he'll handle it." I breathed a sigh of relief as once again, Weiss saved my ass from a bureaucratic nightmare. "Besides, my brother seems to have some other things to worry about." I looked up with confusion in my eyes and he smiled in response. He pulled out his tablet and began to tap quickly. "Apparently, the New Lowlands is trying to repair their prestige in the world." I leaned back against the table and listened curiously.

"Lowlands, Lowlands... I think I remember her." I replied. "Yes. I believe I do remember her. What does that have to do with me?" I'm curious to know what Eita was planning. He isn't usually big on foreign relations and meeting old people again.

"We could use this to our advantage?" He replied questioningly. I looked away and coughed a bit. This was not a good idea I think.

"I... I dunno. We had issues last we met and I doubt it'll go over well." I heard a cough and I looked over at my Boss. He raised an eyebrow and smirked a bit. I stared at him curiou-

...Oh Alma no.

TO: Stadtholder Maria De Meer
FROM: Eita Castillon, Director of the Almanianian Intelligence of the Almanianian Union
SUBJECT: Relations and the Like
ENCRYPTION: Medium

Ms. De Meer,
Good morning to you. I am Eita Castillon, one of the Four Personifications of the Federal Republic of the Almanianian Union. You may or may not have heard of us before from your own Personification... I believe we were mentioned as part of a debacle of a meeting on the Environment. That of course, is besides the point.

I have received word that you seek to improve relations with other nations. Seeing as my brother (Alvino Castillon) is fairly bored out of his mind and absolutely loves to build foreign relations, we would like to offer to extend our hand in friendship and discuss an improvement of relations between our two great nations. I understand if you may be hesitant to consider our offer, but if you do decide to accept, we would be elated.

If you wish to speak to my Boss (President Roosevelt) and validate this message, I have provided his contact information in the attached document. I am sending it on his behalf since he is currently in our annual End of Session Meeting. I hope to receive a speedy reply.

Sincerely,
Eita Castillon

[The New Lowlands]

TO: Eita Castillon
FROM: Maria De Meer
SUBJECT: Re: Relations And The Like
ENCRYPTION: Moderate

Mr. Castillon,

I am delighted to say- on behalf of wrecking Ms Veldt's personal life- that I am willing to accept your offer.


Regards,

Maria De Meer

Batavia, Java, The New Lowlands
The Merc G tumbled along the concrete road, between the sprawling green fields of rice that characterized New Lowlandian agriculture for a large part, and inside, Anya grimaced as she read the text which bore her flight number, destination, and departure time. The information did not make her happy, not at all, and she placed the phone back into the in-car charger, turning on handsfree.

"Call Sugarcheeks," she ordered the phone, and it started to ring, complying. Someone picked up, and a voice emerged from the other line;

"Ann! What have you been up to?"

"Oz," she answered, "Can you do a favor for me, you old leathery wallaby?"

"Jes' tell me what an' I'll get it sorted!"

Thus it was, that when Batavia Airlines flight number 62338 to the Almanianian Union departed with one Ms Veldt on it, Anya smiled to herself. This could turn out to be fun.

[Equatorian Isola]

The Palace of Alexander, The Estate of Rivera

*Walking through the Palace Halls of Alexander in a Peaceful morning, The Personification of Equatorian Isola: "Alex" went straight to the Princess's Study and as always in the Morning, He gives her a "Moonbrink Rose Flower" and as always, The Princess smiles and gives him a thank you then telling him to head to Her Brother's Study: The Prince Alexander Rivera the First of the Principality of Equatorian Isola.

Approaching the Door to the Office, He knocked and entered the Room then greeted the Prince with a nice "Hello" and then said bowing;

"Mornin' Your Highness! Hows the State and it People? Anything new? Anything new with your Love life?

The Prince replied with a Laugh;

Well, Certainly no news in my Love life as I have no interest in it, But, I will have something to do for you today as a Personification instead of being a Pervert and a Lover boy teasing women in the way and not to mention "sleeping with them" so..you will have to meet with other Personifications to improve relations with other nations as we are just a New Nation...And this is for your well being so that you will not be busy with other non important things all the times and so now you will and do it whether you like it or not!
*The Prince said with a grin and a condescending tone at the end, Alex then said:

"Whats with the Harsh words and what am I doing is spreading love! not perversion, and I agree with your proposition and I would now say...Yes...and NO...

Alex said while the Prince face palmed himself*

[Woodstovia]

Petyr sat in his chamber looking out of the window, his people were on there way to work or simply shopping, soldiers policed the streets enforcing his law onto all who would dare to betray him. I've built a perfect nation he thought to himself, no crime, no opposition and no fear of an outside attack from any other country. I have saved them from the meek however some still wish to defy me... there were still underground communist and democratic movements hoping to destroy his monarchy, there were still those who secretly plotted to overthrow his figurehead but these were not new thoughts. As Petyr sat thinking he was suddenly aware of a man knocking at his door, Anton he thought, the "leader" of Woodstovia designated by Petyr to rule after his death, he wasn't dead but the people didn't know that.

After giving Anton his commands for the day Petyr merely sat in his chamber thinking, it had been a while since he last left his palace he knew but he had no desire of changing that fact, "if there is ever a problem I am here with my sword, let the communists or democrats try and ruin my country" he muttered to himself nobody was there or were they? Petyr found himself looking around for cameras for an hour before relaxing on his bed feeling happy that his search had been through enough, or was it? Petyr found himself checking his room for another ten minutes before finally convincing himself that no traitor could have hid them anywhere he could not find. As the day passed by Petyr merely sat honing his sword, honing his sword.

[Almanianian Union]

Eita Castillon
"EITA CASTILLON, YOU ARE A DEAD MAN!" I ran as fast as I could, still laughing hysterically at the situation I put him in. He was close behind, swinging his usual weapon of choice around... but just barely missing thankfully. He was pissed. There was no doubt about that. The question is, how pissed is he... enough that he could be reasoned with, or worse than that? I smirked and jumped on the walls as I ran outside in the cold rain. I listened as he followed me down the driveway. Our shoes splashed in the large puddles that formed in the small depressions in the road. I took a deep breath and leaped up. Somersaulting back, I swung around and kicked the Staff out of his hand, and landed right behind him. Just as I was about to swing around, I felt my legs get knocked out from under me...

And down I went. I groaned as I turned onto my back... to look up at the face of death himself. I gulped and gave a sheepish smile. Damn... I might die.

"...You little shit." He started coldly. I realized this was my chance to explain myself... or I was so going down.

"Look. I feel the time is now for us to look beyond our borders for allies." I rapidly fired back. "The point is simple. If we don't have allies, we will look weak. You remember your experience from two weeks ago, right?" Al growled at me. He told us not to remind him of that... but I knew it was the only way. "Look. I know you didn't want me to remind you as well... I promise it won't go disastrously. I swear it." He stared silently at me, studying me with an ever watchful eye. I watched as his fist was positioned, ready to come down upon my face. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

"...I swear on my father's grave. If this goes wrong... you will suffer." Slowly, I felt him move away from me. I opened my eyes and looked at him with concern. He was always like this. I never understand why.

"...Why are you so against this?" He stopped as gasps rang out in the air. Everyone around us seemed to halt in time... fear descended around like a shadow. The moment seemed to stretch on forever. Finally, I broke the silence again. "It's always like this. You're always against exploring. Why exactly?" Murmurs passed through the crowd as shock plastered across their faces. Was I really that far in the dark? Did... something happen.

"...Eita..." Al said silently. His voice was cracking. Something did happen. I was right "Trust me when I say this... I love to explore. It... it was my passion. Things changed in those times." I looked up and saw Al staring right at me. "Things sometimes happen the way you don't want them to. Dreams burn away... and reality hits stone cold."

"Shall I cancel?" He looked away and sighed.

"...No. I'll make sure to meet her at the airport... but you are coming with me."

[The New Lowlands]

Galt City International, Almanianian Union

"Batavia Airlines flight 62338 from Batavia, New Lowlands is now disembarking at Gate B12."

The chime of the computerized airport voice spoke as Anya Veldt walked quietly past border control. As per usual, BatAir had decided to launch their planes early, once again throwing international airport schedules into disarray; delays were much easier to handle than early arrivals after all.

With her little brown passport stamped with a visa (seven days, business) she picked up her bag from the conveyor, moving through the airport with an accustomed swiftness. She had been to Almaniania once before, and mentally she brought up the memorized map of the airport, darting quickly towards the departures building. According to the information she'd been given, she was supposed to be picked up.

By who had not been made clear. Anya sighed as she straightened her shirt slightly.

[Almanianian Union]

Alvino Castillon
I sat silently next to the driver and stared out the window of the passenger side. My eyes were staring up at the sky... and the falling rain. We were on our way to pick up Ms. Veldt from the airport for a day of improvement in relations between our nations. It was basically a goodwill mission... known to me as fucking up my life. I sighed and tapped my finger against my check. I was concerned with this job honestly. I didn't know what exactly I was going to be doing in this regard, or if I would even pull this off correctly.

This was the first time I was going to be re engaging in foreign relations since the disaster a few months ago. It was not going to end well if the weather continued like this... I mean, I could always plan out a different agenda in my mind, but I was intent on going with my proposed agend-

Ouch! My head slammed into the dashboard, as the car stopped right out of the lot. I looked over to the driver... who was getting out of the car?

"Sir. You'll be taking up driving from here. Is that fine?" He asked me. I muttered a bit and groaned. I figured this was the combined doing of Eita and my Boss... no matter. I nodded, slipped over on the driver's side, and closed the door. I handed the driver money from the window to take a taxi home and started to drive.

"Eita. Keep an eye out for Ms. Veldt. From our sources... she's arrived early apparently, so we'll be barely on time. Got it?" I noticed him nod from the rear view mirror and he began to look out the window. After a few minutes of us looking, he finally started to grin.

"Found her." He said. "She's in the building over there." I nodded and drove over to the side. I parked the car and opened the door. Slowly, I got out and approached the departures/arrivals building. I slowly walked in and walked right into her line of sight. Quickly, I adjusted my fedora and put on my best smile.

"Well well... it's always a pleasure to see an old friend." I said with a hint of joy in my voice. "Welcome back to the Union Ms. Veldt. I assume you have bags coming in from the plane?"

[The New Lowlands]

Anya glanced up at the approaching figure and gave a small nod.

"Already took care of it," she murmured, giving him a very small smile as she lifted the dark grey duffel bag with one hand. "Mister Castillon, if I haven't forgotten."

She straightened herself, extending a hand towards him, her smile widening slightly.

"I'll be frank, I've no idea what the plan is. Do you?" She raised a brow, keeping her hand extended.

[Torsiedelle]

Another parade....

Missile Trucks and Chinese Tanks rolled down the main road of Torsiedellious, celebrating another victory in the civil war. From outside her window, she could see the procession, below the giant Soviet and Chinese flags that flew over the road.

This was Torsiedellious, the Capitol of Torsiedellious province, and main capitol of the Confederacy. Beyond the Gothic and Romanesque architecture lay a modern city, beyond that lay the flat plains, and beyond that the mountains which separated them from the rest of East Europe.

The door opened, and a young woman entered the room.

"Serina, you have a job to do..."
"Right right, thanks Dimitrus."

Serina got up and walked through the palace, thinking. She had a job to do for international imagery and what-not. She was headed to the airport for god knows what.

[Almanianian Union]

I grinned as Anya held up her bags. Excellent... we wouldn't have to waste time looking for her luggage. I simply nodded as she remembered my last name. Even after all this time too? How nice. This makes things easier. Of course, then she asked a very good question which I couldn't answer for a very simple reason...

I didn't even know if there was a plan. I blinked and felt my grin turn into a sheepish smile. I extended my hand in response and shook her own.

"Honestly? I don't really have a clue." I responded, still sheepishly smiling. "I mean, do you have any ideas of what you'd like to do? I'd assume you don't want to spend time at some boring old meeting, and I personally find that a waste of time." I thought back to the last meeting... that was absolutely a waste of time. Suddenly, a thought popped into my head and I realized this could be a chance to show off my culture and hopefully impress someone. That would be awesome.

"I have an idea." I said with a grin. "Care to go on a tour of the Capitol? I'm sure it would be fun." In the back of my head, I knew that there was serious risks to this. Hopefully I wouldn't have to worry about that...

[The New Lowlands]

"Oh good God no not a meeting." Anya blurted out, a horrified expression crossing over her features. She quickly calmed down, though, shrugging her back over her shoulder.

She considered the proposal for a moment, quietly rocking on her heels, then gave him a quick nod.

"Alright, lead on." she answered, starting to head out of the terminal. "I should warn you, though, that I'm expecting a friend sometime later today." A weak smile crossed her lips again.

"If you meet him, try to avoid murdering him within five seconds."

[Almanianian Union]

I laughed as Anya blurted out her displeasure of going to a meeting. I snickered a bit and finally got control.

"Ha... don't worry, no meetings. We'll just tour the city. The rain should end very soon, so we'll go to one of the Museums in the meantime.. Hope that sounds good." I snickered as I remembered that last meeting we were both in. Damn, that was a miserable disaster of a meeting, though my PR Firm was able to spin it into a "rousing success." I mean, it failed miserably on a political level... but I made a few friends during the meeting. I watched as she rocked on her heels and finally agreed to... a friend? I raised an eyebrow as she stated her warning.

Oh dear Alma, what has she done? I smiled sweetly in response and started to walk towards the car.

"Oh... I don't think I'll murder him within five seconds." I responded with a smile. "I'm sure it should be fine." Meanwhile, my head began to churn out a number of questions. Who was he? Where was he from? Was he a prick? Is he going to insult my culture? Can I stop asking a ton of random questions of paranoia? I sighed and bit my bottom lip. No matter... I would be able to handle it on my own home turf.

"I must ask though." I piped up after a few moments. "Who is this person, and why are you concerned I might murder him?"

[The New Lowlands]

Anya gave a nervous chuckle, and began to respond;

"Well, he's a lot of things. Another personification, for one, that of Australia, hence why he's called Oz, and..."

She paused for a moment again.

"... well, no point in hiding it, he's my ex-husband. He also isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, if you catch what I mean. Jealous, too. Don't worry, though, I'm sure you too will get along."

Continuing along, she ambled up to the car, a very, very faint blush of embarrassment spreading over her features.

[Almanianian Union]

I listened quietly as we walked out of the building. Australia huh? Sounds famili- OH FUCK. I suddenly stopped as I remembered something from that old Conference.

Oz. That damned truck. Son of a bitch.

"...Oz." I said biting my lower lip. "Now I remember... didn't he arrive with someone you know last time?" My lip biting curled into a smile as I realized this was not going to be easy. "I'm sure we'll be just fine... I'm sure we'll get along." I stood there, fake laughing.

"You're so screwed." I frowned as I heard HIM behind me. I sighed and shook my head.

"Shut up Eita." I responded sharply. "Go do something away from me." I heard a whoosh of air and sighed. I hated it when he appeared right behind me. It always causes such a damn hassle. I shrugged, opened the door, and held it open for Anya.

"Trust me... it'll be fine. As long as nothing gets destroyed, I'm sure there won't be any trouble at all." I said with a smile. I absolutely meant what I said... as long as he didn't drive in a damn truck, I'll be fine. If he does though, I'll get the pleasure of kicking his ass six ways from Sunday.

[Torsiedelle]

Sīrī stepped off the plane in Galt City, looking around curiously. Her orders were to find the rep. For Almaniania.

"Where do I find the man. Surely they could have made my orders clearer!"

[The New Lowlands]

Anya gave a faint smile back at him, folding her arms behind her back.

"Yes, he brought along my- our- adoptive son." She shook her head lightly. "Not the smartest one around, as I said."

She shot a glance at Eita, raising a brow.

"Is he new, or always that rude?" she muttered, smiling faintly again as he opened the door.

"Thanks. It's quite rare to find a gentleman these days."

As she stepped inside, she chuckled;

"Oh, something will get destroyed alright. That just seems to happen whenever more than two of our kind meet anywhere."

Dropping the bag on the back seat, she tapped her knees quietly, waiting for Alma to step in.

[Almanianian Union]

I listened as she described the situation to me. So her son is along as well... that can not be good news. Well, I mean it could be fine, but it might not be. Damn it, there's something wrong with me if I'm debating myself in my head again. I watched as she shot a glance at where Eita was and talked of him.

"Eh... he's not rude really." I finally said, after mulling it over. "He's just around and about a lot. He gets my intel, so it's okay." I nodded and smiled as she stepped in the car and listened as she basically told me I should expect something to get destroyed. I bit my lip and sighed. Well, it can't get much wor-

"Bro, we have a problem." I whipped around and jumped back as I saw Eita, clearly worried. Quickly, I regained my composure and raised an eyebrow.

"...Go on?" I said, wincing at what could be coming next. Please let it not be what I think it is... please let it not be them...

"...The personification of Torsiedelle has arrived from a plane in Galt City." He said through tightened teeth. I facepalmed and sighed. Damn it. This was turning into the bloody Conference all over again... only this time my cultural landmarks are on the line. I looked up and sighed.

"I... screw it. Go ahead and meet them directly." He raised an eyebrow, and I knew what he was about to argue. "I don't care." I stated before he could start to protest. "Just do it." He sighed and vanished. I closed the door, rushed over to the other side in the rain, and piled into the car. Quickly, I closed the door and looked over to Anya with a bit of concern.

"It appears... someone else has decided to take a trip to the Union." I said with a resigned sigh. "I can probably send one of my siblings in my place if that's fine with you... or we could meet with them. I'll leave that up to you." Personally, I didn't want to have more people than I could deal with. If my city faced chaos one more time...

Eita Castillon
"We will so get killed." I muttered, knowing what Al expects. I knew if anything happened to Galt City again, he was going to be furious. The last time, he was forced to grapple with Parliament over funds to make repairs over the last Conference... and don't even start me on that disaster of a war exercise. I appeared right in front of the woman and smiled.

"Good morning ma'am." I said with a smile to the personification of Torsiedelle. "I'm Eita Castillon, personification of the Eita Trust in the Almanianian Union. May I ask what your business in the Union is and if there's anything I can do to help?" I looked out at the rain outside, and smirked. I could feel it... today was going to be a crazy day.

[Torsiedelle]

The girl bowed low and held out a hand for a shake.

"Serina Gregowski, representative of the Confederacy. I'm here because our old rep., Tora, is currently on another assignment. I was sent simply for diplomatic gain or whatever the weirdos in central want."

She looked the man over and smirked.

"So you're the rep. for this nation?"

[The New Lowlands]

Anya quickly shook her head.

"I'm more than aware that meeting with a bunch of personifications can be... exhausting, to say the least, so I leave it to you as to whether we meet our mystery guest."

She tipped her cap forward, letting it partially cover her face as she continued;

"Personally, though, I'm spent, so..."

Meanwhile, at Galt City Airport - Arrivals
If there was anyone who you could pick out of a crowd and call a clueless tourist, it would have to be Ozzy "Oz" Tasman. The brown-haired, blue-eyed national personification looked so white one could easily have required sunglasses to observe him, as he trailed through security, collecting his duffel bag (marked with a kangaroo crossing sticker of all things,) in his shorts with a pair of sunglasses on. You could almost hear the didgeridoos and the sound of sizzling surf and turf barbeque parties in the back gardens of Sydney when you looked at him, but not quite.

It is, of course, in the nature of clueless tourists to approach people with an idea of what is going on at the least convenient time possible, and thus it was that Oz stepped in front of Eita, behind Torsiedelle, patiently tapping his foot with a good-natured smile on his face as he glanced about the airport.

"Roight nasty weather, isn't it, mate?"

[Almanianian Union]

Eita Casitllon

I shook her hand with a smile. So this was Serina Grgowski... thankfully, Tora isn't here this time around. I looked at her quietly and listened as she described her mission. Diplomatic gains... it sounded so cold and calculated. I wasn't sure if I was okay with how it sounded really. I bit my lower lip as she asked the question.

"Not quite." I responded. "I'm one of the four... I'm not the main one if that's who you mean. If so, he's um... bus-" I shut my mouth suddenly as I saw HIM. That guy... the one who drove that bloody truck...

Oz.

"Hello again Oz." I responded with a forced smile. "It's... nice to see you again. How have you been?" I silently bit my tongue, concerned as to what was going on. Suddenly, I heard a buzzing in my ear... that could not be good. I tapped my phone once and heard the communications relay in my ear flicker to life.

"This is Overcom Omega. Be advised that another personification may be inbound for the Union. Almanianian Intel now moving to Protocol 40GDG.9 for a period of 48 hours." I bit my lower lip as I realized this was code for something awful... if a number of personifications were in Galt City, there's no doubt something was about to happen. The question is, how long will it be before it happens?

Alvino
I looked over and chuckled softly. She still remembers that nightmare. Damn... thank Alma I'm not the only one. She left it to me, but she clearly wasn't in the mood to do so. I nodded and started up the car.

"I'm in agreement." I responded with a smile. "I'm not really in the mood to have to talk to a large group of personifications again... ego and all." I put the car in drive and started to drive away from the Airpot. As I began to drive, I thought a bit.

"Shall I bring you to a Hotel so you can rest? I'm sure it's been a long flight." I flipped on the windshield wipers and waited for her response.

[Torsiedelle]

Serina chuckled at Oz's statement.

"My, my, the weather is quite nasty. Why it's barely even grey! And I haven't smelt the slightest hint of a storm....oh wait, you foreigners enjoy the "nice" weather, don't you?"

Serina gave off a sense of superiority. She crossed her arms and stood straight, watching both of the others in front of her.

[The New Lowlands]

Anya
"I didn't take you to be one with an ego," Anya murmured, smirking slight under her cap as she reclined on the back seat, ensuring that her coat was tugged on properly. "Then again, I didn't take Unicario for a Jap-lover at first."

The young Javan woman shook her head rapidly.

"If I can handle seventy-three hours at the hands of the Japs in Kyushu, I can handle a little sleeplessness," she muttered, patting his shoulder. "Besides, chances are Oz will just try to track me down again."

She chuckled again, sitting straight. "Tell me, Al, have you ever had girl troubles?"

Oz

"Can't lie," Oz drawled, happily ignorant of Serina's tone. "I do like it when the sun's out. More time for beer and barbies, an' all that."

The Australian stuck his hands in his pockets, smiling at Eita."Something gone belly up, mate?"