Battleground: Legonia (CLOSED)

[Vibrosestan]

OOC: Only open to those involved in the Border Skirmish at the Vibrosestan-Legion border.

IC:
The Second Battlefleet of Vibrosestan, led by Knighted Admiral James R. Falstaff, floated on soft waters in the Bay of White Shadows. on the horizon, they could make out the edge of a landmass.

The Darkened Legions.

The Admiral sighed and rolled his neck to get out an ugly kink. He had been in the Navy since 1979 and had served in only one battle in that whole time. The Battle of Angel Island. It seemed like his spotless record was about to be tarnished. The Darkened Legions had attacked a civilian area and now he sat in his office on the Howldan-Class Assault ship White Elder, floating just out of their waters, waiting on word from forward scouts as to whether or not the Legions had launched their ships.

There came a shard rap on his door. "Come in," he allowed.

A communications officer dashed in, saluted and then stood at attention.

"At ease," said the Admiral. The officer relaxed. "What is it?"

"The first of our forward scouts has sent back word."

"Mmm," the Admiral leaned back, "good news?"

"Strange news."

"Continue."

"It may be best if you simply read it."

The communications officer handed over a folded sheet of paper. The Admiral unfolded it and began reading.

Have come in contact with SHIPS. Not LEGION. Do not bear LEGION FLAG. Appears to be CITY on COAST. Was not in INTELLIGENCE RECORDS. Non-LEGION city has sprung up OVERNIGHT.

Awaiting ORDERS.

Captain Kalsim, Simusia-class Submarine Twillin Hill

The Admiral leaned back. Now that was strange news.

"Officer, relay this message back to Jenia Keep. We need our orders."

[Socialist States Owen]

OOC: Profiled and OH NOEZ UNKNOWN CITY PLACE

[Repulaea]

4th Fleet Colonial Strike Group Bear, 13:46 hours

The bridge seemed to glisten a little as the few brazen rays of sunlight stabbed through the cloudy sky and seeping fog. It was something to observe. Vice Admiral Herald Shanes slumped back in his cozy captain's chair on the overwatch section of the massive bride control room. He eyed the helicopters and landing craft on a return approach to the fleet. Despite the fact that things aboard were about to become very busy once again, Shanes took the oppertunity to rest in solitude for the first time in days.

Fleet exercise Macbeth was the second of four combat drills planned for the comming year. The entire mass of the colonial fleet was to be affected. This paricular exercise was comprised of the 2nd and 5th strike groups of the fourth fleet, based at Christobol Parish at the Stravinova colony. These two groups formed Strike Group Bear, of 29 vessels, for this particular exercise. Army deployment groups would hit several key beaches along the Stravinovan coastline barred off for military drills. Over a three day period, the Vice President, Hinden Vellien, would see the colonial forces amped up for another round of draining practice runs.

The Admiral continued to peer out of the magnified windows of the C.R.S. Valliant Royalty (CRV-129). The acting flagship of the fleet, she was just one of four top of the line Eternity Class fleet carriers. She was the only one stationed at the colonies. Though only in command until Fleet Admiral Russof's return from the Ketirine Islands, Shanes was still glowing with anticipation, especially after seeing the previous day's surprisingly accomplished results. He peered out at the coast one last time before the first CTC-180 patrol craft landed and the radio traffic began pouring in.

One hour later, Valliant Royalty briefing room

"A fleet?" said Vice Admiral Shanes, baffled. "Who's?"

"I...I can't be certain, sir." Said flight Lieutenant Robbin Keys, still in her sweat sodden flight suite. "I couldn't identify. I called back with a B-8 code but the line was dead. Malfunction in my bird's PTC system, I guess. Anyways...it was a non-ID fleet sir. I couldn't get any accurate estimate of strength either, due to the fog, sir."

"What were they doing?" asked XO Lieutenant Commander Richard Vicks, leaning inward to face the worn out women before him.

"Just...sitting, I guess. Sir, they had a nice position about 30 kilometers to the southeast in grid 20-93A. Tell the greens to take a look at my flight recs. They're all in the main CP, on my NAV interface, sir."

The captain leaned back ad observed his cold hands, attempting to warm them by rubbing them softly together. "Very well." He said quietly "Dismissed, Keyes."

"Sir!" he said as she briskly saluted. Shanes returned the salute as she strode out the door.

Back on the bridge, Shanes prepared a relay signal in a coded ER-4 class package. The communications officer readied his transmitter to signal the strange fleet. The package was sent at 15:02 hours. It read:

TRANSMISSION CODE: TDY4789Y348YDT
CLASS ER-4 PACKAGE: 119

TO: Unidentified Fleet bearing 20.90.983 SE
FROM: Repulaean 4th fleet Strike Group BEAR Vice Admiral Herald Shanes commanding

Unidentified mass of vessels, this is the strike group BEAR of the Repulaean 4th colonial reserve fleet based as Stravinova colony. We would like to inquire as to what your fleet's business is so close to our shores and why you have inturrupted our military exercise, perfectly legal by all standards and laws set forth by the Repulaean Unified Council. We are not hostile and do not intend to be so in any fashion. Please do not provoke us. Please respond with haste.

END TRANSMISSION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Vibrosestan]

TRANSMISSION CODE: TDY4789Y348YDT
CLASS ER-4 PACKAGE: 119

TO: Unidentified Fleet bearing 20.90.983 SE
FROM: Repulaean 4th fleet Strike Group BEAR Vice Admiral Herald Shanes commanding

Unidentified mass of vessels, this is the strike group BEAR of the Repulaean 4th colonial reserve fleet based as Stravinova colony. We would like to inquire as to what your fleet's business is so close to our shores and why you have inturrupted our military exercise, perfectly legal by all standards and laws set forth by the Repulaean Unified Council. We are not hostile and do not intend to be so in any fashion. Please do not provoke us. Please respond with haste.

END TRANSMISSION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Knighted Admiral Falstaff read over the message for the hundredth time. He sighed.

"Repulaean?" He asked.

"A nation to the south," the Defense Directorship representative he was speaking to over the defense-line phone answered, "we've not had many dealings with them before."

"What in god's name are Repulaeans doing in Legion waters, claiming them for their own?"

"We don't know. But they are on the southern peninsula. It's only marginally thought of as Legion land. Only one base in the region, far to the east of your current location. Perhaps there has been some sort of mix-up."

"What sort of mix-up?" The Admiral had grown impatient.

"We don't know. Your orders are as follows: contact this fleet. Identify yourselves. We don't want an international incident on our hands while this war is on."

"Understood."

"God Bless and good luck."

The Admiral hung up. He didn't believe in God, but he thought he would need all the luck he could be given.

TO: Repulaean 4th fleet Strike Group BEAR Vice Admiral Herald Shanes commanding
FROM: Second Battlefleet of the Holy Empire of Vibrosestan, Knighted Admiral James R. Falstaff commanding

We are the Second Battlefleet of the Holy Empire of Vibrosestan, commanded by Knighted Gen. Falstaff of Vibrosestan, operation base Isles of Jax XQR99 (Jones Harbor). We were unaware of your presence in these waters, as this area is traditionally owned by the Darkened Legions. Explain your presence on enemy soil immediately.

General JAMES FALSTAFF

[Repulaea]

C.R.S. Valliant Royalty (CRV-129)

Admiral Shanes studied the brief message intently. The bridge crew present also peered over his broad shoulders to uncover what the code read. There first dealings with the people of the Fyllmora continent, it would seem, would be one of unpleasant conferantation in sme fashion. Nonetheless, the Admiral responded. He intended to make Repulaea's presence in he region known, as well as her stance.

To: Second Battlefleet of the Holy Empire of Vibrosestan, Knighted Admiral James R. Falstaff commanding
From: Repulaean 4th fleet Strike Group BEAR Vice Admiral Herald Shanes commanding

Knighted Admiral James R. Falstaff,

I am pleased to finallly be able to speak to you under more carity. Nonetheless, I feel it is imperitive that I explain the situation at hand. The Repulaean government is aware of your current coflict with "Darkened Legion" forces as well as the recent unprovoked attack on your boarders. However, we have managed to sustain neutrality as best we could by relinquishing any and all diplomatic ties. This action as thusly failed. Our nation claimed the New Repulaea and Stavinova colonies in the mid 1940s but only on paper. It was not until within the past decade that we began settling these lands. Thus, we belive that we have settled in desputed territory that was never officially claimed by any one government other than ourselves. It would appear that, due to your current conflict, Repulaean colonial security is in danger. I intend to see it out of this danger in any manner possibe. Only note that we will not act in hostility towards either party unless rightfully provoked. We will, however, retain our claims over these territories. Our Vice President, Hinden Vellien, is present at the colonies. I am authorized to arrange an audience with him at your convenience, if you so wish to deal further in the matter of our colonial presence.

[Vibrosestan]

Falstaff finished reading the letter and stroked his trim beard. He quickly wrote up a response:

To: Repulaean 4th fleet Strike Group BEAR Vice Admiral Herald Shanes commanding
From: Second Battlefleet of the Holy Empire of Vibrosestan, Knighted Admiral James R. Falstaff commanding

While I am hardly a diplomat, it would be my honor to speak with the Vice President on behalf of Vibrosestan, at least to dictate or purpose until a proper diplomat or ambassador can be flown to your colonies.

Falstaff

Meanwhile, he sent a message to Jenia Keep.

To meet with REPULAEAN VICE-PRESIDENT. Will determine further action. Please send NEGOTIATOR or DIPLOMAT immediately.

Falstaff

[Repulaea]

To: Second Battlefleet of the Holy Empire of Vibrosestan, Knighted Admiral James R. Falstaff commanding
From: Repulaean 4th fleet Strike Group BEAR Vice Admiral Herald Shanes commanding

Knighted Admiral James R. Falstaff,

This is exclellent news. The Vice President has been informed thusly about your wish to speak with him and he is most eager to meet. In the interests of brevity, for your mission and our exercises, the Vice President has agreed to meet with you aboard the C.R.S. Valliant Royalty. You, and any entourage you wish to bring with you, are welcomed aboard our flagship. Should you choose to accept, we shall await your arrival and will have the quarterstaff briefing room prepared.

The Admiral made the necessary arrangements for the meeting with his senior bridge staff. Operations aboard the Valliant Royalty would be put on hold for the Vice President's arrival while the escort carrier, C.R.S. Hegrane (ERV-2239), took over temporary flagship status over the fleet.

[Vibrosestan]

If there was one thing that Vibrosestani politicians were good at, it was being places when their people asked them to be there. The helicopter touched down only 4 hours after Falstaff's message had been sent to Jenia Keep. For the first time since he was fifteen, Falstaff thanked a God he didn't believe in. He had not wanted to act the diplomat.

Jenia Keep hadn't sent just anybody either. No, they had sent Senatorial Director Donal Tinck, one of the most important men in the country, below only the General Director himself. If Vibrosestan had a vice-president, this man would have been him. One of the General Director's oldest friends, he was the yin to the General Director's yang: strict, orderly and harsh. He got things done.

He was a youngish man of perhaps 40. He wore round spectacles and kept his hair perfectly combed. He stepped off the helicopter with grace and poise, his brown suit perfectly clean. Knighted Admiral Falstaff saluted to him. While, in military terms, Falstaff ranked higher than Tinck had ever gotten, Tinck was a Knight of the Order of St. Ruper the Gold, and in higher standing than Falstaff's own position in the order. Tinck saluted back and walked next to the admiral towards the second, military helicopter they (with the rest of their entourage) would be taking to the CRS Valiant Royalty. They would have taken the same one Tinck had flown, but they needed the extra time to talk and that helicopter needed refueling.

"Explain to me the situation as you know it, Admiral," Tinck said as they walked.

Falstaff did his best to relay the information. Tinck nodded several times, and checked his watch as they stepped onto the helicopter.

"Well, let's hope that this is all quick and painless," Tinck finally said, "we can't make any more enemies in this day and age."

The helicopter took off, the 10 men on board nervous about what was to come.

[Repulaea]

The deck of the C.R.S. Valiant Royalty was abuzz with activity. All aircraft had been removed from the central deck to accomidate the Admiral's helicopter. Greenshirts and other subordinate deckhands manned their posts as the wooping sound of a foreign engine drew ever nearer. Through the light fog came the helicopter. Deck crew below gave the chopper directions to land at the center grid of the carrier, just above the main elevator.

As the chopper touched down, the Vice President approached with dual flanking escorts. A row of naval security guards, ten by ten, stretched from the landing area, as customary when greeting a high ranking military officer of some prestige. The Vice President stood, smiling, as he awaited the opening of he chopper doors. Little did he know that he was about to come face to face with no mere admiral but, in fact, a man with national influence that rivaled his own.

Sorry for godmodding your chopper's landing. I'll allow you to step outon your own terms.
Also, sorry for the brief posts but I feel somehwat ill. Perfect time, huh.

[Vibrosestan]

Donal Tinck was a man who would not let others do what he himself was not willing to. So the moment the helicopter touched down, he was the first one out, smoothing his suit and taking account of his surroundings. Falstaff followed him, handing the Senatorial Director the briefcase that Tinck had left inside. They were then followed by their eight guards, in full dress uniform, purple with a single gold pauldron based on the armor of St. Ruper.

The Senatorial Director was an important man. As the general overseer of the Regional Directorship and Senatorial Directorship, he responded only to the General Director. His full title, High Senatorial Liaison Director, more appropriately described his role.

After taking stock of his surroundings, Tinck stepped forward and stretched out his hand to the man he assumed was the Vice President.

"Greetings," he introduced himself, "I am Senatorial Director Donal Tinck, advisor to the General Director."

[Repulaea]

The Vice President attempted to veil his shock at the man whom he shook hands with behind a pleasant smile and a nod. The Admiral, to his right, seemed as embarrassed as he felt internally, only lacking the proper "poker face" to conceal it.

"A pleasure to meet you at last, sir. I am Vice President Hinded Vellien of the Constitutional Monarchy." he looked about nervously before turning his attention back to his guest. "I must say, sir, I am surprised to see the Senatorial Director of Vibrosestan in attendence. We...we simply expected an Admiral. Do note that a far more...ornate greeting would have been arranged should we have known. Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to finally meet with you, sir."

Vice Admiral Shanes approached from behind the Vice President. "Vice Admiral Herald Shanes, commanding officer of the C.R.S. Valiant Royalty." He gave the Director a firm shake of the hand before relinquising it to gesture towards the men and women behind him. "Behind me are my senior bridge officers and head staff. I'm affraid our meeting will have to take place at the briefing chambers. Please," he said gesturing ahead, "follow me to the briefing room."


The entourage went forth accross the frigid deck to the acess door at the base of the great steel island. From there, they traversed the bowels of the ship's upper staff sections. They navigated a maze of cooridoors as crewmen gowing about their busines stepped aside ad saluted the oncomming wave of important persons. Finally, they reached a large access door flanked by two honor guardsmen from the 4th Martial Corps stationed aboard the ship. As they opened the hatch, a gust of warm air was released into the cooridoors from the heated briefing room. A long polished table of fine oak stretched from one end of the room to the other. Thirty medium sized offcers' chairs, each knitted with naval colors, surrounded the massive table. The Admiral allowed the Vibrosestani entourage in first.

"After you, sir." he said stepping to the left.

[Vibrosestan]

Tinck nodded his thanks and entered the briefing room, the admiral and his troops behind him, followed by the Rupulaeans. As they spread themselves around the table, Tinck nodded.

"I must compliment the designers of your ships," he said, stroking the wood of the table, "they are far more stylish than Vibrosestani cruisers. Our briefing rooms are all steel and purple chairs."

"You can't blame the ship designers on national colours, sir," the Admiral chuckled nervously.

"I suppose not," Tinck admitted, "but they are rather garish. Shall we?" He asked the question with a wave at the table.

[Repulaea]

"Of course." replied the Vice President as he sat himself directly across from Tinck. The others in his party followed. He continued to speak casually while he opened a briefcase filled with assorted pictures and messages. "Do not be too surprised by the ornate display of this particular vessel. From what I understand, we fit our flagships considerably well from the blueprinting and outfitting to the dockyards. Our standard ships of the line are likely no more or less ornamental than yours, though this is my first time on any class of carrier." He chuckled. "I wish we had these furnishings aboard our old coastal patrol schooner."

He continued to shift through the stack of papers as they were all neatly laid out before him. "Aha," he exclaimed as he found his last image, fastened to the bottom of the stack. "There it is." he turned to Tinck. "I suppose you have questions, for which I should have some answers. Allow me to first start off with the confusions behind our colonial presence in the disputed regions of your continent's western coast. Our colonies were first claimed in these regions in the early 1940s. By claimed I do indeed mean only claimed. With the poor economic status of our nation, at the time, we had little hope of fully colonizing territories nearly the size of our homeland. Instead, only small settlements and ports could be found for decades mustering a colonial population of a good 600 to 1,000 residents total. Within the recent decade, however, we began to settle the region in earnest. This was partly due to a great demand for expansion in construction. Rising prices at home have drawn many families to make lives in the 'free and easy east' as the travelogues have come to dub the region. You know, how it is. The low prices here are making quite the population boom here in the east. Already, within ten years, our colonial population, here in the east, has reached nearly 800,000 and rapidly growing. Larger cities and highways have began to pop up with vast building programs. All in all, the colonies are doing rather well for being in a disputed territory. This is why we refuse allow the war to affect us. We have staked a great claim here at great risk. As of yet, your conflict has not reached our borders, Senatorial Director. But I fear that, if fighting persists, we will be drawn in by some unfortunate means."

[Vibrosestan]

"I do not debate your claim on the land," Tinck replied. "In fact, if you have had it claimed since 1940, legally speaking, you have more right to it than the Darkened Legions. Their government has only existed since the 90s. However, I doubt that they will see it the same way. You've existed here through sheer luck. 98% of the Legonian population is in the north, with only 1% on the peninsula. And that 1% is spread unbelievably thin, with only 1 person per every 100 square kilometers, mathematically speaking. But I am sure someone, some military guard party or naval ship of the Legion, will eventually stumble across this colony. Soon, in fact, statistically speaking. I fear for the safety of the populace here should that happen. As our current conflict shows, Lady Shee is hardly forgiving when it comes to territory she believes is her's by right. I respect your stance of neutrality, but if you do not become involved now, before the conflict truly starts, you may be in great danger."

[Repulaea]

The Vice President stroked his chin, intently. He passed pictures of the colonies to the Vibrosestani delegates about the table. This worried him greatly.

"I see the situation, sir." he said raising an eyebrow. "Vice Admiral Shanes, do you have something to say."

The Admiral looked up nervously in a sudden bit of confusion.

"You had something pressing you said earlier?"

"Yes...yes, sir." said the Admiral. "I'd like to convey a plan that the navy was venturing for, even before we came into contact with the Vibrosestani." He straitened up with a newfound confidence, placing several statistical charts of naval deployments in the colonial regions before Tinck. "Naval command granted me permission to convey our plan to you, in person. Our goal is to create a buffer zone for the defense of our colonial waters with five task forces comprised of twelve ships each. Originally, we were to stretch the whole group of vessels from as far north to as far south as our clonial waters go,however, we may be in need of your asistance, should you be willing to provide it. With he aid of say, at least 15 Vibrosestani warships, you could obtain a naval holding just north of our waters as a sort of defnese layer should any Legion incursions take place. Our fleets would be there to render any assistance if need be. Do note that we wilI offer this only in the defensive interests of the Repulaean colonial population. We have no wish of jumping into your conflict if it does not call for direct Repulaean involvement."

He passed out a series of fleet records and data charts to those present, as well as the official naval layout of the joint plan.

"Now, to assure mutual cooperation and logistical cohesion, might I have more information about the Darkened Legion? There history, for example? Weapons, nuclear arms, if any, and anying else that may provide useful insight for this operation? For such a pressing threat, we know little of the nation and its defensive capabilities."

[Vibrosestan]

Tinck looked over the charts and nodded thoughtfully. As he perused the various sheets, he spoke, revealing his extensive knowledge of regional history.

"The Darkened Legions, as it is now called, is the government that formed in the 1990s within the borders of Legonia. Before that time, the region was controlled by warring factions controlled by various warlords, hardly a cohesive government. The Lady Inestra Shee, their current leader, managed to either defeat or unite the various factions under her banner, using their unified culture as a warcry. She instated herself as the Hydran, the Great Lady and Mistress of Legonia, with her Darkened Legions as a controlling force. Using their culture, which is war centralized, she has further propelled her governmental interest of conquest, particularly of areas she considers 'Legonian'. This includes all ex-Legonian holdings in Scarletia: Vibrosestan, Frontierus, Shallon. While they haven't had any claim since the 1400s, they have a cultural memory I can only describe as eidetic.

They make heavy use of armor and infantry, but they are fortunately...cocky. Their soldiers are armed with AK-47s and shotguns, they never use long range assault rifles or snipers. Their navy is weak, in exchange for a strong air force, which they use to bombard their target before using their infantry. This doesn't seem pertinent now, but should thay invade later..."

[Repulaea]

Worried once more, the Vice President sat back as he observed the table's smooth icey surface asit reflected his slightly soured complection. It was apperent that the Unified Council could no longer avoid coming to terms with the threats of the region. The Vice President would make sure that they would, this time.

"Senatorial Director," Vellien said as he addressed his esteemed guest. "It appears the my poblem is growing ever closer to being fused with yours. Though Repulaea's stance on conflict is one of last resort, we must sustain heavy security in the region lest Legion incursions become more than just such. I plan to hold a summit in the Council, upon my return, for a vast buildup in colonial military status. We should have a totally new and improved colonial ground force by next spring or summer, assuming everything goes according to my design and the designs of the chief colonial brass. Still, if there is any hope for negotiation, I will see to it personally, in the interests of overall regional security, not just for Repulaea's sake."

The Vice President leaned inward a little, peering about the table, anxiously. He spoke softer to Tinck.

"Before I make any affirmative actions, however, I must know...what is the nuclear status of the Legion? I need not remind you that the Repulaea is yet to construct or aquire a true nuclear arsenal of her own."

Sorry for the wait. I had internet connection issues for a few days. It's cleared up now.

[Vibrosestan]

Tinck leaned back and rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses. Settling the spectacles back down, he turned to the Admiral and spoke.

"Admiral Falstaff, if you would be so kind..."

The Admiral stood and cleared his throat. "Vice-President, from what we know of the Legonian war machine which, I am sorry to say, isn't much, we understand that they are nuclear capable. We are unsure of the amount of warheads they may possess, or their readiness or ability to fire ICBMs with nuclear warheads at a given time but...yes, they are armed with a nuclear arsenal..."

OOC: Sorry about this wait. I had to clear with the Darkened Legions whether or not they had nukes. He's pretty sick, so getting a hold of him took a while.

[Repulaea]

"Our nuclear program," began Vellien "has been kept heavily under a shroud of secrecy for some time. Very little is ever released but we've been attempting warhead construction within the past decade. Total nuclear strike capability is still an uncertainty for us. Nonetheless, our military, especially our air forces, are our ablest defense should worst come to worst. I would be honored if we could join in this mutual security venture, Senatorial Director. Note well that we are not involving ouselves, directly, in your conflict. We only look out for our own security interests and the overall securty of this region."

[Vibrosestan]

Tinck nodded. "The honor is all ours. I understand your position well. I would not wish to get entangled with a foreign conflict either. We would be more than happy to support the security of your colony here. In fact, with our growing military and navy, I am certain that we could make an effort to maintain a permanent presence in these waters, lest the Legonians attack."

[Repulaea]

Vellien cocked his brow.

"Permanent presence? One step at a time. My goal is to make sure that our waters remain ours. For now, can we agree on a mutual defense pact? Your naval vessels helping us project a buffer zone in the north would be a great asset to the overall security of our colonies here. In time, the President has expressed possibilities of an increased relationship between our two nations. I know well that this could most certainly be mutually beneficial."

A guardsmen Corporal, by the name of Fuuse, entered the room and saluted the Vice President, handing him a freshly printed revised document, warm to the touch. The Vice President returned this salute before the young soldier quickly exited without a word. Vellien had the document printe in the ship's mail room as the negotiations were finalized.

"Our document here states," began Vellien, "that we are both to establish a neutral marine buffer zone as per the nations' respective naval guidlines and regulations in the interests of regional peace and stability. Both military forces are to oblidge a code of respect for each other's territorial boundries and laws. Ther is no effecive date of expiration due to the unforseeable length of this conflict. Should you agree, sign at the bottm beside my chief naval staff."

A dotted line under the presigned naval staff's signatures was reserved for the representative of the Vibrosestani party.

[Vibrosestan]

Tinck flashed a smile and quickly read over the document. Nodding, he looked at the Vice President.

"Everything seems appropriate to Vibrosestani concerns."

Pulling a pen from his pocket, he quickly signed the document in his rather infamous sloppy hand.

[Repulaea]

Vellien, too, poised his pen. He signed slowly across the bottom line, directly under Tinck's. He placed the pen on the cold smooth table and took up at his new ally from across the table. He extended his hand with a pleased smile upon his face.

"Heres to a lasting friendship, Senatorial Director."

[Vibrosestan]

Tinck took the hand and shook.

"Here's to that."

[Repulaea]

All arose from the table as the honor guard escorted the party to the deck. The Vice President was due back home by midnight. He had a long journey ahead. Luckily, his wife was kind enough to pack while he was aboard the flagship. As the Prime Minister's helicopter arrived from the mainland, he said his final fair wells, beaming at another successful exchange. The chopper lifted off soon after. Its blueish tint reflected the sun as it now poured through the once cloudy skies. Vellien took this as a symbolic blessing and thanked God for such.

Back aboard the C.R.S. Valliant Royalty, the deck crew saluted the Senatorial Director in a final gesture of farewell. The honor guard diverted their attendance to Tinck as his helicopter was next up. The landing pad was prepared accordingly as the Vice Admiral, and his staff, watched on.