The Pan-Regional Exposition (Attn: GD and Nova)

[United Gordonopia]

United Gordonopia

[United Gordonopia]

The Greater Dienstad-Nova Pan-Regional Exposition, or the PRE, is a public exhibition created to foster cultural exchange between the regions of Greater Dienstad and Nova. While these two regions have long existed side-by-side, no concerted effort has ever been made to truly bring them together.

At the PRE, nations from both regions are invited to set up pavilions in order to showcase their industry, culture, and history to a vast audience. Furthermore, citizens and dignitaries from any of these nations may visit Gordonopia City in order to attend the fair, where they can engage in cross-cultural experiences, and, in the case of official national representatives, built new diplomatic ties.

[United Gordonopia]

Venues

Gordonopia City is no stranger to hosting international events, having recently hosted the 51st Baptism of Fire and the Gordonopian Electronic Gaming Show. As such, a number of venues for the Exposition have already been built, such as the IGC Premier Center, a massive exhibition hall, and Empire Stadium, which will be used for an exhibition football match between FC Deska and Gordonopia FC, as well as large events such as concerts.

Restoration Park, which stretches two miles between the Premier Center and Empire Stadium, has been converted for use as the exhibition grounds. National pavilions and other structures will be built in the park.


Language

Gordonopia is a somewhat linguistically uniform nation, though anyone who knows English should have little trouble. 88% of the country speaks English as their first language, and 99% speak it at a conversational level. German speakers should also have a relatively easy time finding people to communicate with, as 10% of Gordonopia City residents speaks the language as their mother tongue, while roughly a third are fluent, and nearly 60% have basic conversational skills. Other regional languages include Old-Gordonopian and Kjeldoran, found primarily in remote villages.


Transportation

As a megalopolis of over 200 million, with 68 million residents in the city proper, it is essential that Gordonopia City maintain an excellent transportation network.

A well-developed system of public transportation, composed of subways, light rail, buses, and commuter trains, offers numerous ways to navigate the city. For the duration of the fair, a regular light-rail line will run from the city's airports to Restoration Park and its surrounding hotels.

Additionally, you have the option to rent vehicles or charter buses, though the traffic can be somewhat of a nightmare.

Within the park itself, there are shuttles that stop at the major attractions, though most visitors will likely find it preferable to walk.


Accommodation and Currency

Gordonopia City has a wide variety of accommodations available for attendees, ranging from hostels to five-star hotels. A large cluster of hotels of varying classes is located immediately adjacent to the park.

Following the Civil War, it was decided that the currency should be changed to the Universal Standard Dollar, or USD, in order to make international transactions easier. Conversion is available at numerous locations, including the airport, most hotels, and at kiosks in Restoration Park.


Leisure

When not attending the exposition, visitors have a variety of leisure activities at their fingertips.

If you're feeling classy, Gordonopia is world renowned for its opera, which has become the most popular genre of music in the country, much to the surprise of the rest of the world. In Gordonopia City, one can even find visit the beautiful Staatsoper Gordonopia and see the nation's most renowned performers.

Athletic fans have the opportunity to attend football matches, among a variety of other sports. FC Deska and Gordonopia FC, two of the nation's top teams and historic rivals, will play an exhibition match at Empire Stadium specifically for attendees. Additionally, the home games for Gordonopia FC, FC Gordonopia City, and Willingham AC are located throughout the stadium, and tickets are available for sale to attendees, giving them the opportunity to experience football in the world's 12th ranked league.

Lovers of food will find Gordonopia to be a very diverse culinary experience, with a unique blend of English, German, and traditional cuisine found nowhere else on Earth. The most famous local dishes include Chorhash, a cut of any white fish seasoned with salt, diced and mixed with pieces of bratwurst, marinated in a spicy Tevan marinade known as Dikit, and fried, and Vadkhor, a roll with an outer texture of cornbread but an inner texture of a dinner roll, known as a zorje, and fries it golden brown. It is then covered in honey and cooked for a short duration. Sugar is sprinkled on top, and the interior is filled with a whipped cream-like filling known as Castd. International dishes such as steaks, schnitzel, hamburgers, and various chicken dishes are also popular. Additionally, fans of world cuisine will love the fact that any nation with an embassy in the capitol also has a restaurant serving its traditional cuisine located in the International District.

Those who wish to visit historic monuments and buildings will love the fact that Gordonopia City has a history stretching back thousands of years. In some districts, structures have been preserved since the city's founding. There are also numerous museums located in Gordonopia City, catering to every sort of field.

There is also a vibrant nightlife community in Gordonopia City, with a number of nightclubs and bars that are open to the wee-hours of the morning.

[United Gordonopia]

If you are from Greater Dienstad or Nova, feel free to post in this thread. If you want, you are welcome to create a post as your 'national pavilion', and I can keep a list of these in the OP. If you choose to do this, you are welcome to do it in any format you want, from a factbook, to an image gallery, to... well, whatever! This is open for you to be creative!

Additionally, you are welcome to RP from the perspective of fair attendees. Have fun visiting various pavilions, interacting with other attendees, etc. Perhaps you meet up with someone from another region in a bar, or happen to bump into a citizen of a bitter rival while waiting in line for an attraction. However you choose to do it, have fun!

If you want to do some more serious RPing, that is open to you as well. For example, you are welcome to have national representatives meet in, say, a conference room at a hotel, or a private room at a restaurant, and hash out all the trade negotiations you want. Be sure to relax a bit on the side, though!

Lastly, please keep real conflicts out of this thread. I don't want some terrorist attack, or pavilion that's secretly a military Trojan horse, spoiling the exhibition. The purpose of this thread is to have a fun, relaxed RP where GD and Nova can interact and familiarize with each other, and not have to worry about war.

[United Gordonopia]

[United Gordonopia]

"I'll' have a scotch," Jack Wallace said casually to the bartender.

After a long day, he needed it. Jack had come all the way from Holiday to visit the Exposition, and had spent the entire day taking his fourteen year old son to the various exhibition halls. They'd only managed to get to a quarter of them. Now, with his son relaxing back at their hotel room, Jack was down in the lobby bar hoping to relax a bit.

Jack had visited Gordonopia City a number of times on business, but the atmosphere of the Exposition struck him in a way no trip had before. Just being here, in the bar of an Imperial Hotel, hearing probably a dozen different languages, made him think about how unique this entire event was.

As he took a swig of his drink, he noticed the open seat next to him. Perhaps some foreigner would come join him, maybe have a little chat. It'd be a nice way to end the day.

[Lynion]

Revan Pierce looked across the bar at the Imperial Hotel. He had come over to United Gordonopia to get some culture and enjoy some much needed time off. In fact, he was requested to take leave since he was becoming a work-aholic in the military. Scarred from conflict could be visible from his eye patch on his left eye which was a more recent injury. However, he was in causal clothing and wanted to be seen as a tourist since he was a tourist at the moment. Walking across, he noticed the empty seat next to a stranger/Jack and took it as he looked at the bar. He had come off the flight a few hours ago and needed a drink.

"Glass of port please bartender," Revan asked to the bartender.

[Mokastana]

To say the Mokans took a chance to take advantage of the Pan-Regional Exposition would be an understatement. Numerous Mokan Nationals of every background were here in attendance, and that was only a small fraction of those who applied. Only government officials and members of Major Industries had been allowed to go. For those that went, many were setting up booths to advertise their products and try and win contracts around both Regions, while others were trying to develop more lasting Government to Government deals. Though where one could draw the line was a bit hazy, for many Mokan Industries were Nationalized, and others had so many dealings with politicians they might as well have been. Of course, others, like Montana Incorporated and the Alliance of Corporations Against Communism, had been operating relatively free from government interference, and had even began to push back, influencing the politicians themselves.

In the thick of it all the Foreign Minister Charles Villa, younger brother to the late Nicolas Villa, strolled casually viewing the exhibits and hoping to meet up with some old friends. Though he had advanced in the years his age was hard to discern, pushing sixty and he still fought to be in the middle of Mokan Politics. He wore a dark blue suit, as was customary for delegates trips overseas, and so did the body guard who followed silently behind him. Over the years suits had grown from being an uncomfortable staple of the bourgeois to a rather relaxing uniform for him to wear. Ever since his formal retirement from the military so long ago and his entrance into politics he had grown accustom to his new life. Even ideologically could now take a back seat to the importance of ensuring a continuing prosperity and social growth of Mokastana. The revolution had won so long ago and now prosperity blossomed. It was here that he stumbled into Imperial Hotel (another word that he had gotten accustomed to over the years) and looked for a bar. Behind him the guard surveyed the area quietly, always keeping on guard. Simply because Charles had the luxury of outliving most of his enemies didn't mean they were all gone, or new ones had not risen to take their places.

"Bartender, Please get me a glass of scotch, my good man."

He pulled out some local currency and obviously pulled out more than the drink was worth, leaving it out for the man to collect. Always a good idea to get on the good side of the help, they had eyes and ears everywhere. A little respect and a lot of respectable tipping meant that they would return the favor in kind. Of course, he could also be a spy, but its not like he was after state secrets. After a few more drinks and a few trips around he might come back and ask the Bartender if he has overheard anything of interests. He may have been out of the game of a while, but he knew how to keep an ear to the ground in these situations.

Elsewhere, another Mokan Politician wandered the scene. Unlike his counterpart in the Foreign Ministry, this one was a Senator, and unlike his counterpart who was here for pleasure over anything else. He was here for business. Though a few years younger than Charles age had also began to show in his face, and that was what worried him. He too had visited a few watering holes around scoping out Foreign Delegates and dropping some cash to keep an ear open. Though he had been a little more obvious in asking the help to help him out. He was hunting down fellow socialists at this event. The Golden Age of the Revolution had past in Mokastana and some of the higher ups in the Partido de los Trabajadores Socialistas began to wonder if the Party would lose its edge in Mokastana. As such he was looking for international allies, quiet allies. His first thought was The Federal Socialist Republic of Yaroslavl, but so far he had not found them here. Otherwise he hoped some of the various locals and bartenders would eventually point a good socialist his way. Until then, he found a Bar close to the action, and captured a booth for his private use, and took a seat. It wasn't the Imperial Hotel, for he wanted to avoid being too close to Charles at the moment, less someone mistake one older Mokan Gentleman for another. While Charles would not approve of his actions, he didn't want to the old man to catch a whiff of what he was really up to. Few Old Guard could still see though Milano's tricks, but so far, he had outlived almost them all.

"One Tequila Sunrise Please Bartender."

[A Cheshire Cat]

To say that the government of the Wonderland had adopted a laissez-faire attitude to governance would perhaps be too generous. More that, insofar as the commoners did not create problems for the King or become too much of an eyesore, the royal court cared little for how they went about their lives. Regulations were few and the governments tasks often consisted of defending the country, ensuring what laws did exist were enforced (which mainly ment tax collection) and appointing magistrates to settle disputes. Everything else was left to the private sector which as with everything else was generally unburdened by legal restrictions. Immigrants came and went freely, working conditions and hours were as the company decided and the environment was of little concern as long as the Kings hunting grounds were untouched.

What this created was a haven for corporations, some domestic companies such as Blacksheep Airways had expanded rapidly while international operations like Crepusculum Investment Bank had found labour laws very favourite. Had the royal court cared about enhancing employment opportunities in the Wonderland the The Pan-Regional Exposition would have been the perfect place to do it however the timing was all wrong with the King having to choose between this and a thrilling game of lawn croquet. Truth be told it mattered little if the government was present or not, the nations reputation was well known and anyone looking to establish or expand their operations knew A Cheshire Cat offered a safe, secure place with low taxes and no red tape or laws to restrict them.

And so it was left to the various companies of the Wonderland to promote their interests. Peter E. Gryphon, CEO of Blacksheep would never miss an opportunity to expand his list of destinations, curry favour with politicians or business interests and perhaps a favourable contract could be found for those new planes. He was as smooth as they come and could run rings around most politicians, instantly knowing when to grease their palms (known in the Wonderland as appealing to their inner politician) and when to put on his professional jacket. Growing up the only son of a rural windmill operator his first and only goal as a youth was to escape to the cities and at eighteen found himself variously working as a flee market stall holder, a delivery boy and a pickpocket in Salazen. Learning his trade on the streets gave him a keen appreciation of manipulation and as the years past this served him well as favours owed to him built up and his influence grew. Where he got the money to establish Blacksheep would never be known but from there he never looked back.

After a long day he was tired but time was short and he was eager to get started. Walking into the bar he instantly scanned the room, he could not help it, a business opportunity could be found anywhere. The bartender, a gentleman with an eye patch (that might be a story worth hearing he thought), beside him a family man perhaps. A few others were scattered around but none that caught his eye. The night was still young he thought and walked over to the bar, Earl Grey tea, he was not here for drinking. Turning his attention to the two men beside him (Jack and Revan) he pulled out his recently purchased Gordonopian phrasebook ready to get some practise in.

[Alfegos]

"United Gordonopia, ma'ams and sirs." The concierge smiled as she opened the aircraft's door, letting pleasantly cool evening air wash into the cabin of the chartered jet. The security agents, as always, were the first to leave the aircraft, followed by the main party. Eight in total including the security, for the meantime elevated in importance from their normal work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to special status. All with a degree of experience overseas, even if in Zaheran or Mokastana, often with the need for them to deal with complex situations. Compared to answering journalists about alleged war crimes, or dealing with rogue mercenaries, or harmonising the laws of two nations to allow for the very existence of a joint territory... this job was relatively easy.

"Special Envoy?"A suited man walked forwards to greet the party.
"I am Diplomat Te'si, from the advance party. Our stand at the Exposition is, happily, fully ready for your operations, and I'm here to show you to your accommodation." The man spoke with the sort of confidence that hid his status as a 3rd Class Diplomat, in reality a glorified errand boy on work experience before his first real job as a deputy attaché. Or, more likely, deputy Consul to some backwater country that the Fegosians had a mission within. The Special Envoy was polite, smiling as he noted the young man avoided using certain Traditional Fegosian phrases that were in common use - he would have gone far if there was still as much red tape as there had been under previous administrations. He noted he would have a word with the man later, before entering their transport.

The car cruised along the highway to the city centre, engine humming on its electric charge ever so gently. Behind the tinted windows of the two vehicles, the men looked out over the city they had previously seen from the sky above. Like all other modern cities, it had its fair share of glass and steel in awesome, architectural feats. They took a turn off the main road, the car smoothly cruising into a narrower city street.
"This is more like it. I have a feeling our most junior team member may have made a good choice for accommodation." He looked out over beautiful building facades, noting they were in one of the older districts of the city. It was likely a tourist area, with the lack of rubbish left on the streets and general clean atmosphere, though it was one he would optimistically buy for the meantime. The security officer driving slowed the vehicle slightly, just enough for them to get a better view of their surroundings without impeding the traffic behind. In the distance, the city park was just visible, alongside what looked like...

Quickly tapping a number into his phone, he looked back at the other Fegosian car behind, waiting for the line to connect.
"Diplomat 3rd Class Te'si, I need to have a word with you right now. I was told we had a temporary structure for the purposes of this exposition. I was not told that you'd brought a sodding airship as the structure!"
The car took a turn, bringing it into view. At just under couple hundred metres long, the vehicle shone iridescent and storm-cloud grey in the setting sun as it sat moored in an open area of the park. As the car turned again, it disappeared but for the bright orange tail planes marked with the Fegosian flag, and the bold insignia of Alfegos Aeronautics.
"Sir, it was a last minute decision, but it will work, trust me!"
"Has it been cleared by the local authorities? Safe to say they must have some restrictions about parking airships on public property."
"Well, whilst it took about half an hour to explain to them why it wouldn't explode like those things from the 1930s, I can confirm that they eventually gave it a permit as a mobile home. They were mainly happy about not having to build or demolish anything. They don't really have any current regulations on the statute books specifically for airships, only impliances."
The craft appeared in sight again briefly - doubtless the local newspapers in the city would have had a field day about the craft being parked there.

"We will talk later." The special envoy hung up the phone, as the two cars arrived at the Imperial Hotel. At reception, the keys were quickly collected, as luggage was carried up to the rooms. Once all done, the group assembled at the luxurious room appointed to the Special Envoy, sitting down in the large reception area.
"We meet tomorrow morning at 0600 hours, and will have breakfast served here. Until then, I expect any paperwork not done on the aircraft cleared away, and all your equipment ready for tomorrow morning, taking into account your office will be part of an airship. Keep the standards of professionalism high, and ensure that the word "Fegosian" is known for the right reasons. Dismissed."

Once all had left, he quickly made the international phone calls he had meant to make, before sending the more pertinent secure information via email. After but fifteen minutes, the Special Envoy was ready for the morning. Smiling, he checked the time, noting he would have very little jetlag, before leaving for the bar.


(NB - Exhibit details will be up later. Probably will be flying more people in since I assume people may flock to the somewhat overly visible stand.)

[United Gordonopia]

"Well how goes it gentlemen?" Jack exclaimed noting the small crowd that seemed to have built up around the bar. By the looks of the men, they were foreigners, though probably from different countries. With that in mind, he felt it was reasonable to ask them a second question. "You enjoying your time in Gordonopia so far? I have to say, I haven't seen this many foreigners in Gordonopia City since I visited from Holiday with my son to see the Baptism of Fire final, and even then I suppose there weren't nearly as many."

He hoped that he could get a nice little crowd going. It would be nice to learn about some of these men's countries outside of their exhibits, and he thought that perhaps they'd be just as interested in talking to what amounted to a local, even if the Reichsburg-Holiday Metro Area was a couple thousand kilometers away, as we was in meeting them.

---

"Is that a bloody..."

Unless Uli's eyes were deceiving him, it was indeed a bloody airship, tethered in the middle of Restoration Park. Some of these nations had certainly gone all out.

Of course, as a reporter for the Teva Chronicle, he was obliged to investigate further. Not since his family had taken him on a trip to Morrdh when he was eight had he seen an airship, yet here one was right in the middle of the capitol. They hadn't held back either; the thing was about the size of a fairly large football stadium. Judging by the markings, it was from Alfegos.

As he got closer, Uli could see that a sizable crowd was gathering around the floating behemoth. Seemed everyone wanted a glimpse. Hopefully he'd have a chance to go inside. That would certainly be something to write up.

[Mokastana]

VIDA. ESPERANZA. LIBERTAD.
LIFE. HOPE. FREEDOM.

At the helm of the operation for Montana Pharmaceuticals stood Eva Lomengo, a Tan beauty of 37 but she looked not a day over 28. With dark green eyes, long black hair and an amazing figure she was the perfect image for Public Relations, her title as Vice President of such only spoke to her intellectual capabilities. As such, it had been up to her to advertise Montana Pharmaceuticals to the Pan-Regional Exposition. Of the many options available to her she had chosen the modest route of setting up the Montana Display in a downtown public park that Montana would sponsor. By pouring nearly half a million Dollars into the project they had built a park fit for aristocracy available to the commoners. By the entrances were Marble statues of images from United Gordonopian History and folklore, leading the way to scenic walkways with calming fountains scattered throughout the park. Fantastically trimmed bushes of various animals and even a small bush maze with a fountain in the center for lovers to get lost in, or secret business deals to occur in.

In the center Montana had built a Pavilion in the image of a Greek Acropolis with decorative scenes of Falcons hidden throughout as an Easter egg to those who would visit. Currently it was covered in banners for Montana Pharmaceuticals and inside held their displays. Some showed record profits of growth ever since first expanding beyond the Federation(for investors), some showed the millions Montana had put into charitable work(for investors with a conscience), and others showcased the various products and production methods used by Montana(for customers). Organizations wishing to make deals with Montana were instructed to either contact Mrs. Lomengo or set up an appointment with her.

Chemistry was not as sexy as military firepower, but up until recently in human history it was sickness that claimed far more lives than the battlefield. It was up to companies like Montana to ensure that would never happen again.

[Alfegos]

The next morning, the two black hire cars pulled up at the airship, the Special Envoy taking note of the throngs of people already drawn to the vehicle. Smiling as a cheer erupted from the crowd, the security led him along the small metal walkway, angling up at its end into the airship's gondola. The sound of people, birds and light wind was replaced by the internal hum of the server stacks concealed within the command consoles. Equipment gleamed in the light entering the vehicle, with the necessary "do not touch" signs placed across the command stations. The keys sat in the pocket of the airship's pilot, who stood in the sky blue uniform of an Air Fleet Officer to great the Special Envoy. After the snap of a salute, the man smiled, noting the expression on the Envoy's face.
"Look, it was last minute for me as well. This beauty is fresh out of Airshipyard 8, and I have a feeling some of the paint has yet to dry. I'm representing Alfegos Aeronautics on this one, and will be doing the sales pitches as necessary - if anyone's questioning you too much about the airship, send them my way. I assume you've been on an airship before?"
"Plenty of times... Air Captain. I assume you are sponsored reserve?"
"Yes - with the Air Fleet Test School. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, conflicts of interest, nothing more. I'm sure Ev'kho Heavy Industries or some of the other, smaller contractors, must have somewhat inferior products?"
"Now come on sir.." The Air Captain paused, smiling as he noted the Envoy's wink towards him. "Your workspace is this way."

The Envoy moved forwards, noting the signs put up around the cockpit. Tourism, commerce, culture, history... it was all there. Just around the corner were two small rooms - the crew area, and the store room. Both had been set up tastefully as offices, supplies already installed. He nodded.
"Very well then. Let us get the guests in." He noted a few of the juniors disappearing up a ladder to the rear of the two rooms - access to the airship's internal accessway and utility network - where it seemed they had stored all the normal pieces that would grace the craft. Sitting down and smiling, he looked out from the small windows as people started moving in an orderly fashion towards the airship, or just got close to look at the finery. The prop blades of the engines had been polished, the chrome casings on the engine shined and degreased to a perfect gleam, the command deck windows polished and cleared. If one were to look closer, they would note how thick the bluish glass was, and other subtle variations. Above all though, the most evident were the dummy missiles held in a rack either side of the gondola's rear, just out of reach of the more curious; or the camera pods located fore and aft. This was a military vessel, one of the more recent exports to the foreign market - the "Hobby", known domestically as the I-Class, A5M7.

"Good morning, and welcome aboard the M/A Songbird. I am Diplomat Ye'kae, representing the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Nation of Alfegos. If you have any immediate questions, feel free to ask any of the diplomatic staff within sight. I will be taking appointments to meet with the Special Envoy from the People's Nation." The female diplomatic officer smiled as people started to walk onboard, it seemed if only to admire the gleaming dials and controls of the airship. In the pilot's seat, separate from the rest of the command deck, one of the other airship crew sat looking out from behind the tinted windows offering him a vast field of view, checking through the computer systems. It paid to ensure the craft was working, particularly if a VVIP from one of the Dienstadi nations requested a flight around the city.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn27 ... iclass.png

--

The first group of people, the most desperate to get on board it appeared, were journalists. Happily, they were directed to the Air Captain, who stood in front of the clattering of camera shutters as he spoke.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Alfegos Aeronautics is one of the leading manufacturers of military and civil airframes in Nova. We are known for our quality, our attention to detail, our innovation, our genius. But above all, we are known for our products. The airship you are currently standing aboard is one of the most popular purchases for law enforcement agencies across the world. Equipped with incredibly powerful cameras, tracking systems and other computer devices, able to move as fast as most police helicopters, yet quiet and persistent, the Hobby Class of airships can offer police forces days of tracking at a time, with fuel costs nearly negligible as compared to helicopters. More resilient to damage, easier to fly, and a potent symbol visible to all, our craft are able to provide in real time imagery to help the hard working men on the ground, tracking multiple targets. If necessary, a team can be deployed from the craft to deal with hostage scenarios rapidly, or the stable platform can be used as the perfect mobile sharpshooter platform. And, with the most recent M7 modification package, the craft can land on any flat area of land, or water, with minimal need for ground crew.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you what the People's Nation of Alfegos, and Nova, can bring to your countries - innovation, industry, intellect. The future."

The Air Captain smiled at the minor applause, preparing to take any questions. A quick whisper in his ear by one of the diplomats drew his attention for a second, before he returned.
"I have just been informed that, the relevant authorities agreeing, the M/V Songbird will be departing at 0900 hours for a brief 20 minute flight around the local area of the city. Drinks will be provided. Due to our passenger limit of 12 persons, please inform the Diplomat Representing of the Ministry of Commerce. Priority will be given to national and international media."

[United Gordonopia]

Uli's heart leapt as the captain made his surprise announcement.

""I have just been informed that, the relevant authorities agreeing, the M/V Songbird will be departing at 0900 hours for a brief 20 minute flight around the local area of the city. Drinks will be provided. Due to our passenger limit of 12 persons, please inform the Diplomat Representing of the Ministry of Commerce. Priority will be given to national and international media."

In this day and age, the idea of flight itself was no longer something to swoon over. Whilst a century ago one could practically make a vacation out of riding an airship or even an airplane, the lure of commercial airliners didn't extend beyond the greatly reduced travel time. Perhaps military aviation still transfixed many imaginations, but beyond that...

This, though, was different. How many people did Uli know who could say they had flown on an airship? Hell, how many people in Gordonopia could say that, beyond a few old folks and the crews of the blimps they used to get aerial shots of sports games? In fact, the latter didn't really even count; this was a real airship, not just a floating billboard.

Without hesitating, even before he had the chance to look over the various displays, Uli found the diplomat the captain had mentioned.

"Morning, the name's Uli Faust. I'm a reporter with the Teva Chronicle, United Gordonopia's number three paper, covering the Exhibition. I hope you still have space on your flight; perhaps you would even have someone willing to do an interview?"

[Lynion]

"Well how goes it gentlemen?" Jack exclaimed noting the small crowd that seemed to have built up around the bar. By the looks of the men, they were foreigners, though probably from different countries. With that in mind, he felt it was reasonable to ask them a second question. "You enjoying your time in Gordonopia so far? I have to say, I haven't seen this many foreigners in Gordonopia City since I visited from Holiday with my son to see the Baptism of Fire final, and even then I suppose there weren't nearly as many."

He hoped that he could get a nice little crowd going. It would be nice to learn about some of these men's countries outside of their exhibits, and he thought that perhaps they'd be just as interested in talking to what amounted to a local, even if the Reichsburg-Holiday Metro Area was a couple thousand kilometers away, as we was in meeting them.

Revan took a sip from his whiskey as he held up the glass to the level of his eyes and observed it. He looked across about and then to where the source of the voice had come from. The stranger/Jack was talking about how the country was and for Revan, he might've found a guide. He took another sip of whiskey and then turned to the stranger/Jack to start the discussion. Maybe even show him about the country itself. It would be better from being in conflict. The general time when someone showed him about was during conflict and they would use the local resistance fighters to help them get about in the country. After a bit, he sipped again and turned to the stranger/Jack.

"I've only just flown in and desired a drink," Revan started with a thick Lynscertian accent, this gave him away as someone from the Vamperial Kingdom. "Though I could use with some help doing sight seeing. Stranger," he meant Jack. "What would you say is the ideal places to tour about in the city?" Revan asked out of thought. Sure, he could've check a local tour guide place, it was sometimes better to ask the locals about it.

[United Gordonopia]

Revan took a sip from his whiskey as he held up the glass to the level of his eyes and observed it. He looked across about and then to where the source of the voice had come from. The stranger/Jack was talking about how the country was and for Revan, he might've found a guide. He took another sip of whiskey and then turned to the stranger/Jack to start the discussion. Maybe even show him about the country itself. It would be better from being in conflict. The general time when someone showed him about was during conflict and they would use the local resistance fighters to help them get about in the country. After a bit, he sipped again and turned to the stranger/Jack.

"I've only just flown in and desired a drink," Revan started with a thick Lynscertian accent, this gave him away as someone from the Vamperial Kingdom. "Though I could use with some help doing sight seeing. Stranger," he meant Jack. "What would you say is the ideal places to tour about in the city?" Revan asked out of thought. Sure, he could've check a local tour guide place, it was sometimes better to ask the locals about it.

Jack looked over the man who had just addressed him. From the sight, he was clearly a soldier, though it was fairly obvious that he was on some sort of break. Having fought in the War of Restoration himself, he could respect a man who'd given his own eye.

"Well," he started, "I suppose it depends on what you're into. Gordonopia City has just about everything you could ever dream of wanting from a big city. My work takes me here a lot, and I've brought my kid a few times as well.

"Since I suppose you're looking for stuff outside the exposition itself, let me see if I can think of a couple things. Hm... you looking for like, cultured and classy, or a bit more on the edge?"

[Lynion]

Kids. Revan wondered about the thought of that as he starred at his whiskey again. He took a much larger swing of the whiskey as he was nearly finished with the whiskey in his glass. He had being in too many conflicts and wars to remember how many fathers and brothers he saved during the wars, let alone, writing out telegrams about those that had payed the price for freedom for the Vamperial Kingdom. He was on the Vamperial Council or the Prime Council that formed the majority of the government. He was one of three representives that represented the soldiers in the field and he was a brilliant tactican. He took another swig of the last of his whiskey and placed the empty glass at the bar.

"Something culture and a bit of class," Revan answered the stranger/Jack's question. "The name's Revan by the way," He offer his hand to be shaken by the stranger/Jack.

[United Gordonopia]

"Pleased to meet you. My name's John, though I've always gone by Jack.

Well, culture-wise you're not going to find anything better than the opera, if you're into that kind of thing. Gordonopia City's famous for it. I remember going back before the war, with my wife when she was still alive. First time for me, but right away I knew why they called it the soul of Gordonopia. I think it was a Mauer, 'Castle Black' if I recall, good Gordonopian classic.

There's multiple houses in the city. Of course you've got the Staatsoper, that's the big time, world renowned, white tie dress code and everything. Most of the best ones want at least black tie, though if I recall the Metternich, about fifteen blocks south of here, is open."

It was true. Opera, for some strange reason, had thrived in Gordonopia, particularly so since the War. When it had arrived in Gordonopia around the beginning of the First Empire, it seemed a natural evolution of traditional Gordonopian performance styles. Since then, it had been ingrained in culture, so much so that when it burst back into the popular conscience when the Monarchy was restored, it rose as high as any form of 'popular' music or rock.

[Alfegos]

"Good morning Mr Faust. I'm very pleased to say that, of the six places I had allotted for journalists, you are the first one to put your name down - I have a feeling that the other agencies are all scrabbling to get their TV cameras or phoning for clearance, since this is hardly the norm for most people." The diplomat smiled, putting the man's name down on the list, checking his journalist ID hanging around his neck.

"Well, if the Teva Chronicle is happy to help with publicity for the People's Nation, I am sure that both the Air Captain and the Special Envoy would be happy to speak to you. In fact..." The diplomat looked around the corner, noting the Air Captain's enraptured audience as he turned on one of the large television screens, bringing up pictures of airships from back in Alfegos. As people gasped, looking at airships the length of small towns that dwarfed even the craft they were on, all on the promotional background screen of Alfegos Aeronautics, the diplomat led the journalist to the pilot's controls.

Up front, there were two seats, articulated to rotate and angle as necessary, a cluster of screens and hard displays held all around. Hundreds of switches, marked covers and gauges, all in duplicate for the second pilot's seat. Ahead, to their sides and below, in this area separated from the rest of the vessel by a small bulkhead, the outside world was visible as if they were floating on a cloud. Right now, grass was all that was visible below, and ahead the mooring ropes of the craft were fixed to anchors, fired deep into the park's soil. The vessel drifted in the light breeze, though for now the passive steering and taut cables kept the craft from drifting off or uncontrollable smashing into anything or anyone. In theory, one could control the entire airship from here, though there was a station at the back with controls for the engineering team. Weapons were similarly controlled from another station, shared with the imagery teams. This was a battlecraft relying as much on information as it was on its sheer bulk.
"Air Ensign Trojari, this Mr Faust, of the Teva Chronicle. He was looking to interview someone with regards to this airship, and Alfegos in general. I'm sure you can give him a good description from your point of view."
"Thankyou, diplomat". The officer sat back, flipping up the helmet visor to look out and switching off the microphone at the console.

"So, Mr Faust, you know who I am, by name at least. I am a test pilot for Alfegos Aeronautics, on loan from the Air Fleet of the People's Nation of Alfegos, training on the newer airship systems to be introduced soon. This craft is known back home as an Aeropatrolcraft, and its role is to provide imagery and measurement intelligence. Secondary roles include providing marksman a base, and coordinating ground movements. The craft can also be fitted for electronic and signals intelligence, and electronic warfare. The model you are on was built as a prototype for export to the Novan nation of Novikov, and in turn is being developed into the latest of the I-class series of Aeropatrolcraft.

The vehicle itself is powered by two large vector engine pods, sporting powerful diesel turboprop engines. This gives us the power to accelerate, relatively fast, up to a maximum recommended speed of 170km/h, give or take, and to manouvere when landing. It also allows us to carry above the recommended payload for short hops, which is around 10 to 50 tonnes dependent on operating height. The gas in the giant gasbag above you is helium, divided into large cells that can be controlled to adjust our pitch and roll, and relative height. If we need to go down, gas is pumped out of the cells and air is let in. If we need to go up, we can drop the ballast of water or air, and fill with helium. In the space above this gondola, and to the front of the vehicle, the spare helium reservoirs hold gas stored at very high pressure.

Now, the advantages of this are that we can hang in the sky for very long periods of time. If we ride the wind, which we can, this craft will carry on going for as long as the helium lasts, which can be months to a year. More realistically, this can run with engines at full power for 120 hours or so, at top speed. Which of course is excellent for surveillance, as it gives us persistence. Additionally, if we come under fire, the structure we are in is armoured to take most AA fire, and the gas system is sufficiently resilient to give us time to escape or land. There are additional countermeasures to prevent us being hit, locked on, targeted or otherwise in the first place, but this being a civilian exhibit they are not installed. Neither are the machineguns installed at the door mounts, nor are there live missiles on the outside of the vehicle."

He paused, realising he had just spoken at length, smiling.
"I didn't even invite you to sit down, did I? Take a seat in the co-pilot's position - just don't touch anything!" He let the man sit down, folding some of the equipment out of his way, before checking the time - 0945. Some time to go yet.
"So, what did you want to ask?"

[United Gordonopia]

Throughout Ensign Trojari's explication, Uli had been utterly enraptured, so much so that when Trojari turned the questioning over to him, it took a moment for Uli to respond. Quickly, he looked down at his notepad, checking the questions he had written down while in line for the airship.

"Well," he began, "Lets see. Here's a good one to start off with. Why would you say Alfegos has stuck with airships for so long? Just for context, Gordonopia hasn't really had any since the mid-30s, beyond promotional ones, and I would imagine the same is true for a lot of nations. Is it a cultural quirk? Or do you see a big advantage over heavier than air flight?"

[A Cheshire Cat]

There was a saying in the Wonderland "May you live in interesting times" and while its true origins may have been long forgotten (copious amounts of apple cider mean most things in the Wonderland are forgotten in a matter of days) most of its inhabitants made sure their days were very interesting. Peter was no exception, whether it was good or bad interesting generated publicity which drove profits. He was determined that his stay in Gordonopia would be interesting indeed.

The news had just arrived about the airship and Peter was not a happy man, his time in the flea markets had thought him the value of a good show, the louder the better. His thoughts turned to the following day and his own launch. There was the parade of course,fifty performers from the Wonderland National Circus thrilling the crowd, actually the National Circus had been too expensive to hire so he had convinced a judge to allow several dozen criminals to count this as community service. The show would be spectacular and then there was the grand finale. He had talked with another friend in the armed forces general headquarters and after a few rounds of cider and a generous contribution to the general childrens education he had managed to persuade him to send four of the new F/A-30 "Lagrel" Naval Multirole Fighters for an aerial flyover the parade. The fact he had not cleared any of this with his Gordonopian hosts was a small concern, perhaps they might not be too happy about four foreign military aircraft flying over the city. Still better ask forgiveness than permission, the show would be incredible, and perhaps they could pop that damned airship that was hogging the headlines.

Looking through the brochure for the event he caught a glimpse of an ad for Montana Pharmaceuticals, the ad was not what had caught his attention but the stunning figure of Eva Lomengo, they had set up in the centre of Montana and he was not going to miss the opportunity to establish closer ties with this world famous company or its staff. Time for one drink and then down to there.

He turned back to the two men sat beside him, he had largely ignored them for the last while but there was something about the man with the eye patch, he had seen him somewhere, one last chance to make some connections here, he thought. "Barkeep some more drinks for me and my friends here"

[Alfegos]

"Before I begin, I must say that both lighter-than and heavier-than air aviation in Alfegos co-exist in relative harmony. Everything has its place, and as such it is still seen that there is a place for craft such as these." The Ensign paused, thinking over the question.
"In part, I suppose the prevailing use of airships in the People's Nation is partly down to history. Unlike many other nations, the use of hydrogen and coal gas in airborne vessels was foreseen to be a great risk, and as such measure were took to prevent such things happening. With an industry already well established, by the 1930s there were too many airships in the country for there to be any great clearance of the craft and the infrastructure supporting them, and as such their role changed. Airships are still used for heavy transport of materials - the largest airships can carry considerable weights of cargo faster than any surface vessel could, with a greater endurance, filling a nice niche in the market. They are similarly useful for surveillance. The biggest use of airships today however has to be against insurgencies and asymmetric fighters, and as strategic weapons.

Consider the battleship, an obsolete piece of technology by many, or the cruiser. Such craft had their dominance taken away by modern weaponry, and as such there was a shift in policies. Just like ships, engagements do not happen at close quarters - no, they occur at thousands of kilometres range. Small ships are escorted by larger ships, and that group acts as a pack that can fend off many threats. In such a way, whilst the craft you are currently on would be no match for a determined group of fighter aircraft, if this were operating within the protective radius of a larger N-Class Aerofrigate... you would need quite a few fighter aircraft to overwhelm them. Their size is a weakness, sure, but it is a strength - these craft can take a lot of punches before going down. For example..." He looked across to a computer screen, tapping a couple buttons before bringing at around. On it, a simplified diagram of the airship was visible, different segments of the craft marked in a green outline with numbers.

"If this were being used against, say, armed insurgents, what direction are they firing from? Below, of course, meaning all the holes they score in the unarmoured parts of the craft are on the underside. Now, which direction does helium want to go? Not down, of course, but up. As such, even if we were strafed with multiple machineguns before we dropped ballast and rose to above their effective range, it would take a very long time before we lost a significant amount of lift. If necessary, the onboard engineers can effect a quick repair whilst we're out of enemy range.
If they hit us with rockets, which again would be difficult considering they are firing upwards, that is where things get interesting. A direct hit to this gondola would cause damage, yes. However, consider that a fragmentation round would be unable to pierce the sides of this vessel, and that an armour-piercing round would produce a rather narrow cone of damage through the craft. It isn't game over. If they hit the engines, which would occur if they were to use any guided munition, we can still fly using the wind and the helium onboard the craft.

These craft have their uses - they are viable, despite the oft-seen image of the Hindenburg going down in flames. They are, however, vulnerable to commander error - despite what the enemy may think, a 180 metre long airship can survive quite a punishing barrage. Yet, despite what a Sky Marshall may think, a 650-metre long Airship Cruiser can be easily brought down." He thought back to the man's question.

"Sorry if I was showing off rather than answering your question. You could say it is a cultural thing - however, it does embody the Fegosian mindset that the impossible is possible. Whoever first came up with the idea of building airships measured in hundreds of metres was a genius - but probably a madman. That's a image that is sometimes difficult to shake off, even if the idea is contagious. More and more nations are coming to see airships having some function, be it as high-altitude aerostatic broadcasting platforms, or as fully armed missile batteries. I suppose that is one thing that we can be proud for, though I hope not the only thing!"

[United Gordonopia]

-snip-

"I'm certain it isn't," Uli laughed. One thing was for sure, this ensign was truly proud of his airships. Seeing how effective the Fegosians had been in integrating these giants in the sky into their modern culture, he had every right to be.

"While we're on the topic of other nations adopting airships, how has your nation demonstrated to the world that these really are practical? Of course, they have been eclipsed by planes when it comes to commercial passenger travel, but how have you been able to promote something so effectively that most nations long ago wrote off as eccentric?

Going along with that, has it been more of a corporate effort, or has your government been actively involved? Alfegos Aeronautics is fairly well known, but what other players are there in the market?"

---

-snip-

"How good of you to join us," Jack exclaimed, thanking the man who had seemingly just offered up a round.

"Jack Wallace. Usually I'd be here on business, VP with Celeron, but I'm in town for the Expo with my son, who's back in the room. How 'bout a little about yourself?"

[A Cheshire Cat]

In the Wonderland most people believed that an energy surrounded all things, connecting and binding people and places. With some people the energy burnes brighter and things seemed to be easier. Others might call it blind luck or just being in the right place at the right time. Peter did not care too much for people who thought like this, he had never had much faith or a belief in a higher power but even he would not deny that things often fell into place with less effort for him.

The whole of Gordonopia seemed to be obsessed with airships and here he was in a random bar talking to a random stranger who turned out to be the VP of one of Dienstad's largest civilian aircraft manufacturers. Blacksheep Airways was in a phase of rapid expansion with new routes being established on a weekly basis but their planes were not designed for long haul flights, a recent destination required thirteen stopovers before getting there and while he was all for reducing costs, the length of the flights was becoming a problem. Still, he thought, this man was here for vacation not business, he could not let the opportunity slip by but how to approach it?

Hi Jack, the names Peter, a son you say, yea got my self one or two of those i think, ten or twelve years old maybe, not sure, the time flys by you know. He is with his mother now probably. Saw him a year ago for his eighth birthday or was it ninth, got him a gift voucher for Blacksheep Airways, vertical seating you know, don't want to spoil the lad.

I'm in the airline business, CEO of Blacksheep, you might have heard of us. We have a a lot going on at the moment, new routes, tenders for new planes, lots of opportunities for airline manufacturers. Say, did you say you work for Celeron, a VP? I have heard good things about those E100 Jetliners, maybe there is an opportunity there at the right price, what do you say?

Barkeep another round of drinks over here.

[United Gordonopia]

My, the man jumped to the point rather quickly. Jack barely had time to get started on the first round before he had already jumped to the fact that he was in the airline business, and apparently wanted to work out some kind of business. Perhaps he should have left out the fact that he worked with Celeron; he had come to the Exposition with the intention of getting away from work, after all. But seeing as he'd already brought it up, and old Lord Strong would surely kill him if he found out Jack had blown a golden opportunity...

"Yeah, that's right. I'm in charge of supply-chain for our domestic operations; the department's based out of Holiday, hence why I'm not at corporate headquarters in Deska.

I'm no salesman, but I don't think Sales would get too worked up if we worked out something informal."

If they did, well, he would hopefully be able to handle it. Serving as a fighter jock in combat tends to help a man develop a cool head.