Republic Day Celebratory Dinner (IC Thread)

[Geilinor]

The Ambassador was embarrassed a bit due to the mistake he said, but he quickly recovered and spoke again.

"I apologize for that mistake, Ms. Walstein. I'm getting old and well, my eyesight isn't that great anymore!", he said with a smile, while getting his eyeglasses from his pocket. He put them on and spoke again.

"And what about Geilinor? what is their foreign policy? are you against any type of political system?", he asked, this time, more serious, before taking a spoonful of some rice pudding.

"Geilinor will seek foreign relations with all nations that act in a friendly manner to us. We believe in individual rights(being a WA member) and democracy, though we will try to expand relations with dictatorships," Walstein said. "Economic systems only make a difference when it comes to trade."

[Teddy Bear Republic]

Seeing that the Greater Aryan Race delegation was busy, Buckle returned to his own table, where he found that the starter course was waiting for him. Shaking his head to his wife, indicating that contact had not been made, he decided that he would see them later - after all, the GAR had been one of their first allies outside of the immediate region, with the two nations even fighting a war with each other in the early days. It was only a common courtesy to greet their delegation. Perhaps he would find time after dinner, and before the celebrations.

Sipping the soup - it was a little spicy for his tastes, but it wasn't overwhelmingly hot - he once again thought back to how well the Metropolitans had planned this event. It was indeed a nice touch to include other cultures from their nation, and thought of how closed off his own life was. Although there was a lot of immigrants and refugees in recent years, he had never really experienced another nation's culture during his childhood. Indeed, he had never really been interested in other cultures until he took the Foreign Office course. He did recall that the new school syllabuses was more internationally aware, and he wondered if he should send a message to the Ministry of Education as a tip when he got back to the embassy after the celebrations. While draining the last few drops from his dish, Buckle mused the potential awkwardness that would occur if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ever hosted a dinner on solely Teddy dishes, considering that they subsided mostly on a diet of protein.

He looked over the table, wondering which other delegation in his vicinity he ought to approach next. Sipping the cold lemonade, he was again pleased at the meticulousness of his hosts - he recognized the taste as belonging to the Iorekian Mountain family, a classic yet somewhat rare lemonade drink, and appreciated the effort.

[Namor]

President Chen, after finishing his conversation with the Radiatian ambassador, suddenly saw the Minrozian delegates talking to each other in the other side of the building. He was about to walk over towards the Minrozians when a bowl of soup spilled on his pants. "Aw, by the eyebrows of Chrono!*" he cried as he grabbed a napkin and tried to wipe the spilled soup off.

Tzo Chin grabbed a napkin and helped Chen wipe it off. Chen smiled sourly. "I won't be giving you too much trouble if you go over there and greet the Minrozians on my behalf?"

Tzo Chin gulped. He was not good at speaking with other people, especially important people like the Minrozian Prince. He stared at the President.

"Or should I find someone else to do the job?" Chen asked again.

"Oh, not at all!" Tzo Chin waved his hands and protested. "Your wishes are your commands, President. I will follow your command at once."

He walked towards the Minrozians as Chen continued wiping the soup off his pants. "So, how's the dinner tonight?" he asked, trembling slightly. "President Chen sent me to say hello on his behalf."

"By the eyebrows of Chrono" is a way in Namor to express frustration or surprise.

[Minroz]

“It’s great, it’s great and all good sir,” Ozgol reply lazily, busy eating his meal “This nation is interesting enough to throw the banquet for us delegates.”

“Oh, I think its wonderful Mr Chin,” Mohammed greeted happily “Really, I think I love the food here especially their tea, reminded me of my ancestral homeland called Malaya (Iclamian equivalent of Indonesia and Malaysia).”

“Oh my we haven’t introduced our names,” the Muslim prince exclaims in embarrassment “I’m Mohammed of the Yogyakarr Clan, Prince from Minroz and a scholar.” Gesturing to Ozgol “and this is my friend Crown Prince Ozgol of the Merrmesh Clan, son of my Emperor obviously. Although…” watching Ozgol licking the plate for any leftovers.

“Well, you can guess he’s not much of a royal,” Mohammed continues “In fact he’s more a soldier than a prince, a rough one at that. Please excuse his bad manners, he’s not big on formatlities.” Putting his untensils down on the table.

"Anyway, please tell President Chen that we said hello too, if you don't mind." he said

[Namor]

"That I will do," Chin replied with a sour smile. He then realized that talking with foreign delegates wasn't so difficult, so he relaxed himself. "So, Honorable Prince Mohammed, tell me: how are things going on in Your benevolent Empire? I sure hope things are going well ever since we established relations, no?"

[Minroz]

"That I will do," Chin replied with a sour smile. He then realized that talking with foreign delegates wasn't so difficult, so he relaxed himself. "So, Honorable Prince Mohammed, tell me: how are things going on in Your benevolent Empire? I sure hope things are going well ever since we established relations, no?"

“Call me Mohammed, your Excellency,” the Muslim prince smiles “Anyway, back in Minroz It’s going well as usual as always. I’m hoping we can approve relations between my motherland and Namor. However…” he sips his tea.

“If you’re aware, we’re technically at war with our Southern Neighbours, they are Xoraine and Omaska, both superpowers in my homeworld. Both are warmongering states, Xoraine is an Empire whose culture centres on human sacrifices to appease their bloodthirsty gods and they continually wage wars to gain more sacrifices and territories. Omaska is a constitutional federal republic ruled by the Machiavellian oligarchy known as the Eleven Families, this republic used to be bastion of liberty, overtime became a military dictatorship. Not to mention, our new elected chancellor is a Nationalistic Maniac who believes Minroz deserved to rule the universe,” Mohammed continues soberly “That’s worries me. My Emperor work hard trying to maintain peace with our Arch-rivals and believe it’s not an easy process he committed. Our enemies are very stubborn lot too.”

“Our new chancellor will f*ck up the peace,” Ozgol interjects “He’s part of the faction that favours war against our Southern Neighbours. Trust me, you had no idea what our enemies are like when it comes to battle.”

“I’m apologize if our news makes you uncomfortable,” Mohammed assures “Shall we change subject? Say, what did you think of this banquet?”

[Namor]

"So, Minroz is at war," Chin replied, biting his lips. He did not know what to say. If President Chen had been with him, responding to this question would've been easy. He racked his brain, thinking of what Chen would say if he was with him. "Well....this really is disturbing," he began. "The President won't intervene in Minroz's affairs....even if the Southern Neighbors are as evil as the Lord Prince says it is...not like we disagree with you or anything..."

He finally found the right words to say. "I do wish Namor's government will organize some kind of peace talks between your country and your vices."

The Minrozians, seeing that Chin felt uncomfterable about the subject, changed to another one, asking about how the dinner was.

"Good, good," Chin nodded in approval, then looked at his watch. "Damn, it's late. I do hope the Council-shen would....wrap up quickly."

[Phing Phong]

OOC: I'll wrap this up later in the week, when I'm back at my computer.

[Phing Phong]

Great Hall

As the guests finished their desserts and talked amongst themselves, the Council-shen once again gave a nod to Nuealuan Chararampol. Noticing his signal, she arose from her chair and walked up to the lectern, adjusting the microphone in the process.

"Honoured guests, I hope you all enjoyed the meal and celebrations of Republic Day. We have greatly enjoyed entertaining you. For many guests, this was their first time visiting Phing Phong, and their presence here has increased the ties not only between our two nations, but also between the guests themselves. As it nears midnight, and our proceedings draw to a close, may all of you have pleasant memories of your reception here. Our attendants will escort you to the waiting transport when you so desire. The fireworks display is due to commence in a few minutes time, and all are invited to view it from the balcony of the Council-shen's personal quarters."

After giving the assembled guests, she returned to her seat, and resumed conversation with the guests either side of her.

[Namor]

Tzo Chin returned to President Chen from his conversation with the Minrozian delegates.

"So, how did it go?" Chen asked.

"Fine, fine.....it's just that the Minrozians keep talking about this war between them and their southern neighbors, I believe," Chin replied. "I'm not the President, and I had no right to respond to international events, but since you sent me...."

"What did you say, Chin?"

"Just...Namor won't intervene, that's all." Chin shrugged, hoping that he had given the right answer to the Minrozians on his country's behalf.

"Chin," the President patted the overseas leader's back, "That was what I would have said if I was there. You sure do know a lot about diplomacy, and you are a true non-interventionist, unlike Wolf out there." Both Chen and Chin chuckled.

"Mr. President, I am flattered," Chin replied with a red, embarrassed face, and then said in Thai, "I'm flattered!"
"Oh, that was no embarrassing statement, wasn't it?" Chen replied softly. "If it was, I apologize."


President Chen and the Namorese delegation settled down as the Council-shen gave the Phing Phong Foreign Affairs Minister permission to speak.

"The fireworks display!" said Madame Chin. "I've been looking forward to that for years!"

"Yes, so have I," Chen replied. "But first, one thing I must do."

He raised his cup of wine. "Friends, it's been a pleasure for me, on behalf of the Namorese people, to visit this wonderful land known as Phing Phong. 89 years ago, the great man we all know as Deua Theow Phon led Phing Phong's people to independence. On this wonderful and blessed night---I salute him----and those who have continued to make Phing Phong a great place. It's also been a pleasure meeting all the wonderful guests here, and I hope that relations between Phing Phong and her allies remain strong, with Namor being no exception. And so I give a toast to everyone. Cheers!"

[Central and Eastern Visayas]

Eugene O. Lee
Great Hall

"Cheers!" Eugene followed. He was alone at this point--Allyn and Leroy had gone to a private room to change the baby's diapers.

"And if I may add, may Phing Phong be prosperous in this time and in the times to come!"

[Teddy Bear Republic]

Buckle thanked the attendant who had escorted him to the transport, and reflected on his evening thus far. It hadn't been particularly productive, as he had hoped to meet many more delegates, and hoped that there was a chance later in the evening just to catch some delegates following the fireworks display, make small talk, and generally make the TBRE known to those who didn't know about it already.

Then again, he had met the delegation from Geilinor and the Namorese delegation, who were clearly very influential in this part of the world. He'd also kept his ear out for new information - not necessarily snooping, naturally, for he had no intention of taking advantage of his honorable hosts, but it was very difficult to ignore a shouting match that had occurred in the ceremonies just earlier before. He jotted that down in his notebook now that he had a quiet place to think to himself.

After being escorted to the balcony, he took in the night life. Independence Square was looking particularly spectacular from this high up, and he savored the moment, knowing that in the future he would only have the chance to view the square from the ground up. The nightlife in Phing Phone was particularly busy today, no doubt in anticipation of the dazzling fireworks display that was about to follow in a few minutes.

President Chen had just toasted, and Buckle said "hear, hear!" along with his wife with the lemonade his hosts had provided. He had managed to pour it into a flask that he took along with him just in case. It would have been a pity to have just let it go to waste, when clearly it was both expensive and a reminder of the meticulousness of his hosts. He didn't take any alchohol, since too much would make him tipsy: like most bears, their biological structures didn't allow the intake of alchohol too well. With the toast finished, he looked around for any delegates he could make small talk to later, and settled in for the rest of the evening.

[Falsea]

"That is excellent, Ms. Walstein. Truly exemplary to see nations such as yours that do not have bias for nations that are on the left spectrum. I've been seeing too many crazies declaring war just because of that little reason. Hopefully, such a terrible thing finally ends.", said Ambassador Wright, before excusing himself back to his meal. His plate was almost clean by now, and only the soup and his last cup of tea remained. He tried to finish it quickly, and he did, just in time before the Foreign Affairs Minister stood up to announce the most awaited part of the celebration.

"The fireworks, let's go see them!", said Mrs. Wright excitedly, clapping her hands and turning towards the ambassador.

"Haha, i haven't seen you like this since the victory of Premier Everett. Alright sure, let's go and see. A trip to this country, or any country for that matter isn't complete without a final touch.", replied the Ambassador, smiling back as he finished the last of his tea.

The two quickly wrapped up the rest of their meal, and proceeded towards the Balcony to observe the fireworks. The two weren't completely late, and it seemed everyone, whether foreign delegates standing with them in the Balcony or common citizens in the area around the Palace of the Republic, were tingling with sensation and excitement.

The fireworks soon came on, and Katherine clapped loudly at the statement by the Namorese President. The Ambassador, on the other hand also raised his cup of wine, which he got as a replacement for his now cold tea. He followed on after the Visayan and Teddy delegation.

"Cheers! May Phing-Phong continue to flourish and thrive under the blessings of their independence!", he said, before drinking the contents of the cup and just observing the fireworks that lit up the beautiful night sky.

[Namor]

I repeat again: the elections were still going on during the Dinner, so no one at that time knew the results of the Namorese elections. Just to let you know, Falsea.

After toasting, Chen went up into the balcony with the rest of the Namorese delegation for the fireworks. He saw the fireworks cover the whole of Phing Phong Island, a magnificent sight indeed. It reminded Chen of when Cathay was reverted to Namorese control back in 1995. Fireworks covered the whole area.

The Dinner was pretty much over. Chen said good-bye to the Council-shen and other members of the Phing Phong government.

"The Dinner was great, thank You," he told the Council-shen. "I do hope your administration host great banquets like this in the future. And even if I lose the elections, I will still try to attend more Republic Day Dinners in the future."

He then went to Ambassador Buckle of the TBRE, who was apparently leaving and was also jotting down notes, possible for the Teddy Ministry of Foreign Affairs or possibly MINAHIK--who knows.

"It was nice talking with you, Ambassador Buckle," he said. "I might not see you again, but I'm positive that this banquet has strengthened relations between the peoples of Namor and the TBRE."

He had Tzo Chin go to the Falseans to say good-bye as well.

"I see that You are the Ambassador to Phing Phong," he told Ambassador Wright. "And since I reside in Phing Phong we may meet each other again."

It was an awesome banquet, despite the fact political tension was sometimes on the rise.

[Minroz]

“Well, everyone is heading for the fireworks.” Mohammed finishes his dessert.

“Fireworks, their sounds remind me of explosions and artillery barrages back then.” Ozgol said sarcastically, already done with his meal.

“Lighten up Ozzie, we’re in the national celebrations. Appreciate the local’s hospitality, we’re lucky to have such a banquet in foreign lands. Rarely it happens.” The Muslim prince reasoned

“Alright.” Ozgol sighs in defeat. He doesn’t want to offend his friends whom he considered family. The crown prince wants to be a family man like his father.

Following the rest of foreign delegates, the Minrozian princes observe fireworks like the others. They’ve seen it a lot during the national celebrations back home in Minroz and this is no different for them. Still they appreciate the fireworks display, watching people got excited about it.

“Cheers! May the great nation of Phing Phong enjoy its prosperity and peace in the new era, by the will of the Heavens.” Mohammed raised his cup of tea in the air, while Ozgol follow suit quietly.

[Teddy Bear Republic]

Buckle put down his notes, stood up with his wife, and bowed deeply to Chen. "It's been an honor meeting you, Mr. President. My nation certainly looks forward to participating with yours more often and frequently in the future. Have a good night." He bowed once more and smiled.

As he walked the President walk away, Buckle once again glanced around. Perhaps he could catch the GAR delegates in a bit - they didn't seem to be particularly in a rush. He settled in to watch the rest of the fireworks, determined to enjoy what was left of the night - he knew that tomorrow, there would be reports to write, documents to settle, files to open and close. Thus was the life of a bureaucrat in the efficient machine that was the TBRE government.

As he observed the night sky light up once more in an array of colors, his naturally academic mind - like most other teddy bears his age who had grown up with a strong emphasis on learning for the sake of learning - turning back to his secondary school level Physics. But his mind did not focus long on equations, and he couldn't help but smile as he came to a sudden realization, and he stepped back from his work and absorbed himself in the moment, putting his anxious, cynical side away, red and green lights streaking across his face. Life meant so much more than paperwork. As a diplomat, he had seen the joy of an impoverished child given candy, the thanks of a family receiving their first fresh water supply, and now this at this dinner: the unity of nations, no matter their background.

Life was good. He was glad to be a part of it.