Phonencia Day Parade (MT, Open,)

[Libertarian Governance]

Robert seemed to perk up as the conversation begin to discuss slavery. Slavers, the only thing more vile and disgusting then a communist. Though, I take issue with you Matthew. The Lyrans cavort with all sorts of slavers selling them weaponry and washing their money.

Slavers, are the most vile criminals and thugs running around the planet. He raises an eyebrow towards the Emperor. Of course, some can and do see the wrong of such an institution though most We will deal with any and every slaver by the sword, eventually. Whereas the Lyrans will talk to such thugs and trade with them the Free Republic has nothing but death and retribution for such... Robert lets his words trail off. He smiles at his host and the other people present. Perhaps the Lyrans view diplomacy a bit differently.

[Post War America]

Emperor's Box

"Hmm... I wouldn't mind buying Lyran Weapons, of course, it's not my responsibility." Castillo remarked vaguely watching the Parade take place below. Wondering what was actually going on. However, he was more intent on continuing the conversation.

The Urbania Inferior

"Oh, you are, don't make me use the technique." O'Leary replied.
"Ya know, traditions change, let's start that trend shall we". Hotchkiss, now on his second slice replied, "Hey, Lieutenant, how 'bout you eat some pizza before it's all gone.", he pointed at the pizza.
"Yeah, I know.", she grabbed a piece and tried to eat it seductively, failing miserably. At this point Svenson took a piece after his commanding officer had a chance to eat.

[Phonencia]

Emperor's Box

"Yes...quite."
The Emperor replied to Stratton, arching an eyebrow,
"I personally admire the Lyrans' martial prowess and sensibility. They've decimated plenty of slave nations before but only the ones they have to. Look around you Robert. Would you want ME dead because my great-great-great-great-great-great granddaddy decided we should have slaves and no one ever bothered to change that? I wanted to abolish slavery for quite a while but I had trouble getting political support for the motion. Lyras stepped in and made it more profitable to abolish slavery than to keep it. So, between the 50% of the Imperial Congress and Senate that were leaping with glee over the idea and the 30% that were pissing themselves at the thought of incurring Lyran wrath, I got the majority of votes i needed and just like that slavery was abolished. Not just abolished, stamped out completely. A portion of our navy budget is devoted to Slavery Interdiction Units."
he yawned and slowly stood up, stepping onto the balcony and waving happily to the crowd as the last of the floats passed.
"Thank you ladies and gentlemen, Happy Phonencia Day and Deo Et Patriae!"
he shouted, the crowd erupting into cheers as he stepped off the podium and shrugged into a long, black fur cape provided by a Guardsman.
"Alright gents, lets drink."


Suburban Fort Shelton

Alvin rolled his eyes,
"Puh-lease, you're in Phonencia now, our traditions haven't changed since the 1290s."
he said with a smirk, glancing at Svenson and Jenna.
"Huh. That was kinda cool."
he mused,
"Svenson didn't eat until after his superior had, much like in a wolf pack. Jenna's my Alpha Female and Svenson...well I guess you'd be the Omega. AKA the pack's asswipe."
he chuckled and grabbed a slice of pizza, taking a massive bite out of it and devouring the entire thing in under a minute, finishing off by gnawing off the end of the crust and sucking the melted cheese out like a vampire...or cheesepire...

[Libertarian Governance]

Emperor's Box

Profitability can be shown two ways. One by the money you make from abolishing and two by the losses you suffer for keeping. We prefer to show the losses. When people lose enough they get it in their head that slavery isn't such a good idea. But anyway, let's go drink. Thomas and Ryan, my sixteen year old son. Come along.

Both Thomas and Ryan stood and prepared to go out. Ryan's stomach growled audibly and was followed by an exasperated sign.

I told you to ask that servant for some snacks.

It's ok. Maybe they will have something where we're going.

[Capisaria]

Emperor's Box
"I wasn't aware slavery was legal." said Vugo. That had significantly changed his opinion. "But good to know you banned it. Props to you."

[Phonencia]

"Alright then,"
The Emperor replied, leaning against the door of the ancient stone building,
"But I thought you said Ryan was 14..."
he arched an eyebrow and smirked playfully,
"Legal drinking age is 16, but as long as you give consent..."
Joseph yawned and headed for the door,
"We going or what?"
he asked, descending the flights of stone stairs until he reached the large black limosuine parked outside.
The Emperor slid inside as did Joseph, Octavio, Drew, Raul, and Alfonzo, the limosuine still fairly roomy thanks to its large size. A small minibar and a few snack tables were inside along with a small television hung on the wall.
"Is nice yes?"
Octavio asked in a sarcastically thick spanish accent, smirking as he grabbed a candy bar and devoured it.
"Driver, take us to Mel's Bar on 6'th Street please."
the Emperor called through the tinted window dividing the passenger's compartment from the driver's seat.
"Right away sir."
a light british accented voice called back.

[Capisaria]

OOC: I assume joseph is my guy, his first name is Joseph.
IC:
Vugo got inside the limousine, although he didn't really like it. He always thought of them as prententious and for business executives. He relaxed when he got inside.

"What's the sound system like in this?"

[Phonencia]

ooc: actually I meant Joseph the 16 year old commando but your dude can come too

Emperor Shelton grinned slyly and said through the narrow window,
"Driver, Ray Stevens classics, Track 3 please."
there was a pause and some clicking,
"There you are sir."
the british-sounding driver replied.
Irish-esque flute music filled the entire limo at just the perfect volume and a man's voice came through the speakers,
"Okay this is a song about an Irishman who had a little bad luck, and I've been told this is a true story too!"
there was a pause as the music picked up then the man began to sing slowly, like he was reciting poetry in an Irish accent.
"Dear sir I write this note to you to tell you of me plight. For at the time of writing I am not a pretty sight, me body is all black and blue, me face a deathly grey, so I write this note to tell you why I'm not at work today..."
The Emperor grinned almost smugly as the song continued,

While working on the fourteenth floor, some bricks I had to clear,
But to toss them down from such a height was not a good idear.
The foreman wasn't very pleased, he is an awkward sod.
He said I'd have to cart them down the ladders in me hod.

Now shifting all those bricks by hand, it was so very slow,
So I hoisted up a barrel and secured a rope below,
But in me haste to do the job, I was too blind to see
That a barrel full of building bricks is heavier than me.

And so when I untied the rope, the barrel fell like lead,
And clinging tightly to the rope, I started up instead.
I shot up like a rocket, 'til, to my dismay, I found
That halfway up I met the bloody barrel comin' down.

Now the barrel broke me shoulder as to the ground it sped,
And when I reached the top I banged the pully with me head.
I clung on tightly, numb with shock from this almighty blow,
And the barrel spilled out half the bricks fourteen floors below.

Now when these bricks had fallen from the barrel to the floor,
I then outweighed the barrel and so started down once more.
Still clinging tightly to the rope, me body wracked with pain,
Halfway down I met the bloody barrel once again.

Now the force of this collision halfway down the office block
Caused multiple contusions and a nasty state of shock.
Still clinging tightly to the rope, I fell toward the ground
And landed on the broken bricks the barrel had scattered 'round.

Well I lay there groaning on the ground, I thought I'd passed the worst.
But the barrel hit the pully wheel, and then the bottom burst.
A shower of bricks rained down on me, I didn't have a hope,
For as I lay there bleeding I let go the bloody rope.

The barrel, being unsecured, then started down once more,
And it landed right across me as I lay there on the floor.
It broke three ribs and my left arm, and I can only say
That I hope you understand why Murphy's not at work today.

[Capisaria]

Vuo secretly had hoped for something i bit more like Deadmau5, but this worked too. He was open to new music and hummed along to the tune. It wasn't his favorite but it was okay compared to most music he heard in Phonencia.

[Phonencia]

The song eventually ended and the Emperor called,
"Play the Warrior Song now please."
there was a pause and some clicking then the loud, heavy metal/rock sound of The Warrior Song began blasting through the speakers.
I've got the reach and the teeth of a killin' machine with a need to bleed ya' when the light goes green, best believe I'm in the zone to be from my yin to my yang to my yangtze."
Joseph smiled and nodded along to the beat, Octavio joining him as he quietly began singing along to the Phonencian Military's theme song. The Emperor smiled and leaned a bit closer to Jacques, talking slightly quietly so as not to interrupt the song for the others and explained,
"The Military adopted this as their official song not long ago. It pretty perfectly describes them too and it's catchy so I'm all for it."
"Forged in a fire lit long ago, stand next to me you'll never stand alone, I'm last to leave but the first to go, Lord make me dead before ya' make me old! I feed on the fear of the devil inside, of the enemy faces in my sights, aim with the hand, shoot with the mind, kill with a heart like arctic ice. I am a soldier and I'm, marching on! I am a warrior and this is my song!"
Outside the tinted windows, crowds of people, cars, restaraunts and bars flashed by as the limosuine drove surprisingly quickly towards its destination, perfectly smooth and civilain looking despite it's concealed weaponry, medical supplies and thick armor.

Glancing down at his medieval outfit the Emperor considered changing back into his suit but decided it would be a waste of time. Besides, he quite liked the black fur cape/cloak and the public would want to see him in the traditional garb of their leader.

[Libertarian Governance]

Ryan just tried to mask his utter horror at the going on in the limo. He pretended to ignore the whole scene as he looked for the limos cooler in hopes of finding something to snack on. He didn't like state functions at all and liked wearing a suit and tie even less. Of course, he had been in Phonencia before during some dinner or other that he recalled with absolute horror.

Robert eyed the Capisarian suspiciously for a moment wondering if it would be terribly offensive to beat his ass in the bar. Then he just laughed out of the blue. Thomas smiled at his cousin. What's so funny?

Oh, nothing I was just thinking about something. Hey, Emperor Shelton, my friend the city seems to prosper. Good.

Thomas turned towards the Capisarian. You know Prime Minister there is always an opportunity to bridge differences when people talk. Would your nation be open to an exchange of ambassadors?

Edit cause I meant to add this earlier

[Post War America]

suburbs

Svenson looked offended.
"No, I'm simply a delta that knows his place, unlike Hotchkiss. I'm the Lieutenant's favorite, isn't that right"? O'Leary smirked,
"Yes you are, Hotchkiss you're the new Omega". He wasn't paying attention, too busy trying to put down another slice of pizza.

[Capisaria]

"I see. Thats fine several of the anthems of provinces in Capisaria have chosen out of the ordinary songs. One of the northern states chose a house song by Deadmau5, and another has an indie rock song."
said vugo. He then noticed the Libertarian eying him.

"You got a problem?" he asked.

[Libertarian Governance]

Thomas smiled his cheerful smile at the minister.Yes, I was saying when people have disagreements it is the adult thing to talk. Countries are sometimes similar and I believe we should have a dialog and start that by exchanging ambassadors. Thomas then glanced over at his cousin who seemed not to be paying much attention to the conversation but was instead having a conversation with his son.

We have a number of friends of socialist leaning. Well, there are any number of countries we freely trade with, coordinate anti-slave efforts and other things. We should exchange ambassadors so you can enlighten us and we can work like adults on solutions.

Robert did seem to hear the last of his statement noticeably shaking his head before looking at Thomas with a frown.

[Capisaria]

Vugo smiled at Thomas.

"I think your idea is wonderful. Give me the information I'll relay it to my Foreign Minister now." Vugo got out his phone. "We have plenty of relations with nations more Capitalist than you are."

[Libertarian Governance]

Tom reached into his jackets inside pocket and withdrew a small silver case. Popping it open he withdrew a business card and handed it to the Ambassador leaning towards him a bit as he did. Your Foreign Minister can reach me directly and I will be happy help work through the details. I'm sure we can find a very nice place for your embassy in Liberty.

All the better Robert thought to himself. The country was already beginning to over extend the military with the war against slavery. No less than two active invasions were underway and there were literally hundreds of covert operations going on. Another ally in that war was a good thing. Better a thousand communist then one slaver and if the Capisarians were truly anti-slave then almost anything could and would be overlooked. Welcome to the freeworld sir. Robert exclaimed with his own smile and nod to the Capisarian leader.

[Capisaria]

"And welcome to the sphere of Capisarian relations. Slavery is an old blasted institution that victimizes the workers in the worst way possible." said Vugo. He looked forward to meeting him again as he took his business card.

[Phonencia]

The Emperor smiled and whispered something through the window then leaned back to his friends.
"That's more like it guys, friendly and polite like civilized leaders should be."
he praised, Why Can't We Be Friends abruptly playing through the speakers behind him.
He stifled a snicker and continued,
"All this time I've been worrying that my alliance with Finorskia, America and Capisaria would put a strain on my relationship with the Libertarians. I look forward to a prosperous future where Socialists and Capitalists can work together."
The limo slowed a bit as it neared its destination, Mel's Bar.
After a few moments of silence the Emperor observed,
"We have the leaders of three super powers in the same vehicle...better hope the terrorists are taking a day off."
at that Joseph snickered and Octavio's lips twitched a bit as he fought a smile.
The limosuine came to a gentle stop and Octavio and Joseph stepped out first, standing on either side of the door as the trio of national leaders slowly filed out of the vehicle, then together they all entered the small, two story building that was Mel's Bar.
The Emperor went straight to the bar, nodding or waving politely as the patrons noticed him.
He settled onto a bar stool and a large, overweight man in his 50s lumbered over, wiping out a shot glass with a towel.
"Howdy Shelton, what'll be?"
he asked, sounding loud but friendly.
"Whiskey."
The Emperor replied as Octavio, Joseph and Marquess/Lieutenant Soraf sat on the stools adjacent to his.
"Whiskey."
Joseph and Matt Soraf said in unison.
"Vodka."
Octavio chimed.
Mel nodded and quickly poured everyone drinks.
On the wall behind the counter were several framed pictures of Mel in his younger days, most of them taken at different air force bases across the country. One depicted a young Mel standing on a ladder and painting a scantily clad young woman onto the nose of his B-52 while waving to the cameraman.
As Vugo, Robert, Thomas and Ryan sat down Mel gestured to the bar with a sweeping motion of his arm,
"What'll it be gents? Scotch, Whiskey, Wine or women?"
rather abruptly the lightly dressed young women hanging around the pool tables and dart boards became more visible, occasionally waving flirtaciously at the group of soldiers and politicians.

[Libertarian Governance]

Ryan sat down and let his eyes take in Mels Bar and its patrons. I'll take that bitch right there. He exclaimed while pointing to one scantily clad female. First though, I'm hungry and do you have anything to eat here? Steak would be nice.

Both Robert and Thomas ordered sodas to start. Neither man was much of a drinker with Thomas seldom drinking at all. I don't know why you would worry about voluntarily associating with your communistic friends. So long as it IS voluntary we have no problem with your action Emperor. We are just concerned for your freedom and prosperity and defense. Of course, slavers would be another matter. Robert smiles a little. Do you hang out here much?

[Capisaria]

Vugo ordered a Sprite, himself also not a big drinker. He himself was a smoker of...substances not legal in Phonencia, so he had left his 1 oz. of pot at home. He had been opened to the idea of capitalists being anti-slave. He liked the libertarians, although he felt that their economic policies were flawed. He stayed away from the women, as his girlfriend wouldn't be very happy.

"You know, our social policies are very libertarian." he stated. "Its our Economic Policies that often get attack by you and your other friends." said Vugo. "And I'll pass on the women" he chuckled.

[Phonencia]

"Hey punk, watch your mouth!"
Mel grunted,
"My girls are to be treated with respect or I'll throw your ass outta' here!"
Emperor Shelton watched in silence, deciding to let Ryan work out his own problems with the management.
He turned back to Robert, pretending to not notice the despute between old bomber pilot and Ryan,
"Everything we do is voluntary. I'm not afraid of Capisaria, Finorskia or America. We could probably kick each of them's individual asses although it'd be fairly difficult. Now, all three at once? That'd be difficult but do-able as long as we stayed within our borders and stuck to defense. Fortunately though, we're all on good terms...well I don't like Finorskia's government and leaders that much but I wouldn't kill them if given the chance."
he smirked but was cut off before he could reply,
"Oh he comes here alll the time."
cooed a feminine voice from behind.
Possibly the oldest woman in the bar, she was in her early-40s but was still very attractive, with long, silky black hair, brown eyes and flawless fair skin. She wore a low-cut, strapless black dress that was slit up the side, stopping at her thigh with a large, fake red flower and a red sash of sorts that wrapped around her thin waist, fluttering a bit as she sauntered over to the bar and stood next to Robert.
The dress hugged her curved body tightly and emphasized how thin her waist wast was compared to the slight curve of her hips.
"Hello there,"
she said with a seductive smile.
Emperor Shelton rolled his eyes,
"Violet, what a pleasant surprise."
he greeted.
The woman smirked playfully,
"Me and the girls have been bored out of our minds all night, then I noticed these gentlemen sitting her with you and thought I'd introduce myself."
she turned back to Robert, Thomas, Ryan and Jacques who sat in a row to her left,
"I'm Violet, the...madame I suppose. Mel's the boss but I organize and help out the girls. I offer my services as well but there is a slight price increase compared to my co-workers. Mainly I just help men find the specific flavor of girl they're looking for. Chocolate or Vanilla, slutty or sweet, dom or sub, I've got 'em all. What are you boys in the market for?"
she asked in a sultry voice.

[Libertarian Governance]

Ryan laughed at Mels retort. He begin to say something then looked quickly at his father while making a small grunt as Robert's foot found his shin. Yeah, yeah like I said I'll take that one over there but first do you have some food? I'm starving.

Spinning his chair to face Vugo Thomas smiled and looked the man in the eye. I see. Our own economic system is a free economy. I'm sure you would agree with me, that groups end up controlling the economy. In so called capitalist systems government is invariably controlled by some gang. The same is true for systems like your own where the government gang controls the economy. Our solution believes that the greatest good comes from no one controlling the economy.

Everyone is free to join in and that's partially due to our governments inability to violate inherent rights. Our economy is booming. Now, there are very very poor in our country and very very rich. Most people though have a very good living. Even our very very poor own land.

[Phonencia]

Emperor Shelton decided to chime in now,
"Robby-boy's got a point Jacques, I agree with him. See what I think is a big difference between your political system and ours is that yours tries to help the poor as much as possible while ours tries to prevent poverty. A man with a good job can only become poor of his own free will. As long as he has that job he can't become poor unless he mismanages his money. That's one of the things our system emphasizes. Lots and lots of good jobs. Here, if nothing else you can join the military. Basic Infantry Pay for a DHEP Army Private is about...T$15,000 Tiberiums per month. That's equal to about..."
he pulled his Marathon cell phone from his pocket and did some quick typing then finished,
"$30,000 Universal Standard Dollars. A lot huh? See, Section 8 of our constitution mandates that no member of Imperial Congress can recieve a higher salary than that of a basic DHEP Infantryman. Unlike numerous other nations, we treat our soldiers like the heroes they really are. They make a several year commitment to us, we make a lifetime commitment to them. If they're disabled during their service they get a check every month to help 'em out for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, because of this Officers are paid a bit less than the international standard. It's still more than enough though."
Mel went to a small window behind the bar that led to the kitchen and shouted through,
"One T-Bone steak,"
he glanced at Ryan,
"Rare?"
he asked.

[Capisaria]

Vugo chuckled. "Good to know that even though we are all on friendly terms, you still think about what a war with us would be like".

[Phonencia]

Emperor Shelton grinned,
"We're safe only because we believe we are not."
he quoted, taking a sip of alcohol.
"My brother said that once."