A Meeting of Emperors (PRIVATE, ATTN A+B)

[Allied Connurist States]

The Allied Connurist States had been gradually becoming less and less isolationist ever since Emperor Connor I came to power, and as such he thought that it would be in order to meet some of the other Genevievian leaders. To him, he should start with Archeuland, with it being the largest nation in size, and it should not be too bad - after all it was a nation that understood the importance of a benevolent Emperor. With it being arguably the most influential and definitely one of the most controversial Genevievian nations, it would be a nice place to start. And so, the Emperor composed a telegram to send to Archeuland.

OFFICIAL MESSAGE FROM THE IMPERIAL CONNURIST PALACE

From: Emperor Connor I and Empress Emily I of the Allied Connurist States
To: Emperor Markus of Archeuland
Subject: An invitation

Hello. We are writing this to you today because we firmly believe that as a nation, we cannot stay isolated forever. In the past few months, our foreign policy has gradually become more 'western', and we are engaging in more diplomatic relations than ever before.

Thus, it would be in our best interests to meet fellow Genevievian leaders. Arguably, with your nation being the most influential and the largest, it is only right that we start with you. In a world where conflict is inevitable, everyone needs allies. As a result, we would like to extend an invitation to you and anyone you would like to bring to attend a dinner at the Imperial Connurist Palace, where hopefully friendships, both personal and diplomatic, may be established.

We look forward to receiving a reply, and to the potential founding of a long-lasting friendship between our nations. Feel free to make any inquiries.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

Official response

To Emperor Connor I and his wife,

We accept your invitation and invite you to visit the Imperial Palace in Massouba to discuss the constructs of a diplomatic agreement that would mutually benefit our countries.

Respectfully,

Foreign Minister Jacque Miles

[Allied Connurist States]

Connor was sat down, watching TV with his wife. As he sat nonchalantly, his personal advisor, Alice, walked in.
"Hey" Connor said without looking up from the screen.
"Hey" replied Alice. "You two have been invited to the Imperial Palace in Massouba, Archeuland."
"Very well. This show is almost over, and then we'll get ready. You wanna come along too?" was the response she got.
"Me!? What use would I be?" asked Alice (in her usual self-deprecating manner)
Emily entered the conversation. "C'mon now Alice. You make our jobs a lot easier, you're clever, you're good looking, and you've met Markus before. Anyway, you know we are in need of a foreign minister..... Will you join us, or not?"
"Well, I'll need a dress then....."

And so, a couple of hours and a couple of hundred connurist pounds later, an Emperor, an Empress and an advisor got on a plane. With the women in dresses and the Emperor in a suit (as one would expect), they set off from Pearsonville to Massouba.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

It was past midnight in Massouba.

Markus had just finished private evening prayer in the Cathedral, and set to the long walk back to the Imperial Palace. He had been disturbed by much news lately -- talk of insurrection in the Farcheuland regions and rumors of 'zombie outbreak' -- silly as it sounded -- in Port Honey and Archeu-Salem. There were threats to invade the Papal States and Archeuland alike. Things were become quite confusing.

After an hour in desperate prayer, and the half-hour, two-mile walk to the Palace, he entered his chambers and prepared to sleep. Moments later, he was quietly informed by the Foreign Minister's aide that the Emperor of the Connurists, along with his wife, had accepted the invitation to discuss a beneficial diplomacy.

"I will sleep easier to know that we can have peace with at least one more country," said Markus, dismissing the aide. "Thank God."

He picked up the phone and, after greeting the dispatcher, asked to speak with the Massouba International Airport ATC. "I would like to know," he informed the Air Traffic Control, "when the ACS delegation will arrive." After being informed of a time late that following morning, Markus was pleased at the chance to rest.

[Allied Connurist States]

The delegation was aware that the flight would not see them reach Massouba until the following morning, and as such, they had elected to take the slower, bigger, more luxurious aircraft, instead of the standard choice of the Concorde. The supersonic jetliner would see them arrive at an inconvenient time. Anyway, the delegation were already well-rested, and there was opportunity to rest further on the aircraft.

The following morning, Archeulandic Airspace, 9:36 am local time

Connor was awoken by the announcement from the pilot that they would soon be landing. He swore under his breath, and checked to see if his wife was awake, to which she was. A few moments later, he spoke softly, with fatigue clear in his voice, whilst looking his wife in the eyes.
"No time for any romantic behaviour this morning, unfortunately...... Would you mind seeing if Alice is up?"
"Why can't you do it?" she replied groggily.
"Well, I didn't think you'd want me in another woman's bedroom!" he replied, breaking into quiet laughter.

11:07 am - Imperial Palace, Massouba

The trio were ready for some diplomacy. It truly was wonderful what caffeine could do for you. Dressed in fine dresses (and, naturally, a suit for the Emperor), the group was looking forward to establishing relations.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

Someone with a sign saying 'ACS Delegation', saw them, nodded, and quickly approached them at the Massouba Airport. "His majesty the Emperor is looking forward to your arrival. He has provided you with additional security and safe passage to the Imperial Palace. Please follow me to the car we have provided."

[Allied Connurist States]

"Lead the way" Emperor Connor said assertively. He contemplated about what sort of vehicle would be used, and what exactly was meant by security in Archeuland. In some nations, security meant a guy with a handgun, and in others it meant an entire battalion of fully armoured and armed soldiers.

On the subject of security, Connor had a handgun holstered, and he never quite knew whether he was allowed to do that in foreign nations. Nevertheless, he and his party followed, just like they were asked.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

"We will be taking you to the capital in a luxury armored car. By that I mean that it has a television set and a few caskets of wine. Make yourself comfortable when we arrive. It should take a few minutes to get to the parking lot," explained the guide. "And of course, welcome to Archeuland."

As they passed through the busy airport terminal, they noticed a plethora of interesting sites. There were enlistment booths scattered across for the military. There were no IGDA-affiliated nations represented as far as airlines went -- Air Gilneas and Archeuland Airways, as well as a few others, were it.

"Tensions are high," the guide explained, as he navigated around a spilled coffee cup and a mother with a crying child. "So we have decided not to have air travel with IGDA countries."

Finally they arrived at the exit, and made their way through a maze of checkpoints and free food samples stations. Eventually they made it to the parking lot, where three security guards came to escort them to the vehicle.

"This is as far as I go," said the guide. "Have a safe trip," he looked as though he forgot something. "Your majesties," he added.

[Allied Connurist States]

Connor felt compelled to ask what the IGDA was, but by the time he had decided whether or not the guide was an appropriate person to ask, he had already bade them farewell. It wouldn't be long until Connurist Airlines would be flying here. And now, he had this fine wine, but it would not be advisable to drink before diplomacy - he had tried that before and that didn't go very well at all. It didn't help that he was a lightweight at drinking anyway. Still, if this vehicle would be used on the way back, these caskets would be coming all the way back to the ACS!

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

As the car passed down the busy streets of Massouba, which were lined with people, palm trees, and lots of buildings and parks, the chauffeur pointed out quite a few interesting sights as they made their way to the center of the city. At one intersection, the traffic cop signaled them to stop.

The chauffeur explained that traffic cops were used instead of stop lights because it created jobs for policemen. At the sight of an interesting character standing along the side of the road with a doomsday sign, he told them about the rumors and doomsdayers calling for an impending apocalypse of the undead. "It is sheer nonsense, I tell you," he said, looking at the pedestrians with disdain. "I cannot believe they would try to spread fear like that. Based over nothing but clear superstition."

They quickly forgot about the doomsdayers and their disturbing message when they approached the center of Massouba, block by block. Soon the buildings began to increase and decrease, fluctuating in size. The amount of pedestrians waned, but there was no shortage of palm trees. "We are fast approaching the Imperial Palace," the chauffeur told them. "It is situated at the summit of a massive hill in the center of the city."

Suddenly the sunlight was blotted out, and the car began to take an incline. "That is the shadow of the palace. And this is the summit of the hill. Magnificent, isn't it? Well, just wait until you see it for yourself."

[Allied Connurist States]

Traffic cops instead of traffic lights certainly sounded absurd - surely it couldn't be very efficient - and how would the cops in one city co-ordinate their efforts? Anyway, everyone could find common ground in the fact that these doomsdayers were clearly ludicrous! Even so, what could a zombie hope to do against a tank, or an aircraft?

Still, the Imperial Palace here in Massouba certainly had the right kind of build-up for it to be stunning. The Imperial Connurist Palace was certainly not bad, in fact, it truly was exquisite, but it could not compare to the small amount of other palaces the imperial couple had seen. The palace in the ACS was definitely smaller than most palaces, and wasn't built with the intention of showing off - instead, it was supposed to be a home.

And with a build up like that, the delegation certainly expected the climax to deliver - it was a shame that they had to wait to see it for themselves. Of course, they had not yet glimpsed the interior of the palace - and one should not judge a book on its cover.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

The car had to stop at a special military checkpoint that was exquisitely decorated. It was not designed to look like a checkpoint -- it, too, was designed with totalitarian elegance in mind to match the rest of the palace. By this point, the hill was not so steep, and was beginning to level off.

As the chauffeur observed, "it is almost like a plateau once you reach the top. Really quite an unusual geography..."

The car was no longer elevated, and was now level. "The first level of hills and summits that reach the base of the palace at the top," the chauffeur explained. "We are now going into an underground parking area."

The light dimmed abruptly as the car made its way into the cavern, filled sparingly with vehicles. Heavily armed men in military uniform did not even seem to notice them. Standing at the far end of the garage, they guarded the entrance to a large door. A man in a suit was walking next to a woman, and another man in a trenchcoat and what looked to be high-ranking garb. "Wow!" said the chauffeur. "That's General Netanyahu himself, Commander of the Archeuland armed forces. There's his wife...and that's...I don't know who the other fellow is."

The car parked in a space close to the door. They could have parked anywhere they wish, as the lot was, of course, sparing in cars and people. The chauffeur opened the door for both of them, and saluted them in an odd fashion. "I, sir, and, ma'am, and Ms....Alice? am most glad to have transported you to the Imperial Palace. Have a fine time." With that, he opened the trunk and helped them with their luggage. The guards offered to help with the luggage from that point on, and the chauffeur obliged happily, and left, accepting a fine tip from the Connurist leaders.

The enormous, mahogany and iron-plated doors stood in front of them. "Ma'am," said one guard, subtly excusing himself to walk in front of them and let them in. "Sir." He tapped the end of his hat and bowed slightly.

As they entered the room, they no longer felt the rough texture of concrete, but, instead the warm and comforting feel of a luxurious bright red rug beneath them. They were standing not in a grand hall, but in a sort of terminal to the other parts of the palace. There were hallways on both left and right. Gray-haired maids and butlers were walking about, and rushed to them quickly to take their coats and offer them snacks. "His majesty will be with you shortly," said one.

Ahead of them stood a large, double, no, triple-wide staircase that went up and stopped suddenly. The stairs then arrived at a landing, halting abruptly, and dividing into two separate stairs, one going upwards from the left, and another going upwards from the right. A sparkling chandelier caught Alice's eye with a glare. "My goodness," Alice remarked. "Markus and his family struck me as average people. They certainly...are anything but that!"

With a rush of cold air, the door closed behind them, and they quickly made their way forward, ready to explore the palace.

A young boy, no older than eight or nine, rushed down the stairs. Well dressed was the child, with fine clothes. He did have a spot of mud on his leggings, as though he had a well-meaning mother and a father who insisted he be at play, even in his fine clothes. "Hello!" he said. "My father and mother are waiting for you and would be honored by your presence at breakfast!" As though reading from a script, he also remembered something else. "Oh! Also, they say that if you are too tired, you are free to go to your quarters, and one of the butlers will show you to your rooms."

They admitted to themselves that they were tired after the trip, but they really did want to get to see the palace. Deciding to sleep after breakfast, they took the boy's eager hands as he led them up the steps, to another landing, to the right, to the left, though three doors, down two hallways, and all the way down up, up, up on ramps and stairs alike, before finally reaching what seemed like the highest point in the palace. Looking out the window, they could see busy Massouba below. "You're tired, aren't you, from all the walking? We're almost there. Mommy and daddy like to eat breakfast in the part of the palace that's closest to the cloud layer." Alice looked at the Emperor and Empress with exasperation, but held it to herself.

Just a few more flights of red-rug stairs. Then some croissants.

[Allied Connurist States]

"Totalitarian elegance" perfectly summed up the entire building. It really was something when a palace can impress and captivate three people who already lived in a palace to such a level. The Emperor and Empress were also pleasantly surprised at how they were addressed, they were still not used to it - before Connor's ascension to power just over three months ago, they had been common.

Seeing the young boy renewed the Emperor's aspirations for children of his own, although in all honesty the Emperor would prefer to have a daughter. It would be absolutely wrong to infer that he would not love a son as much, but throughout the twenty-four years of his life he had always found females to be more compassionate and clever, and be better listeners, be more understanding et cetera.

Anyway, all in the party were definitely looking forward to breakfast. On a scale of fussiness, the Emperor was at one end, being a picky eater, and the Empress would be at the other. Alice would be around the middle. The Emperor would only really eat a croissant if there was no better alternative - whilst he didn't dislike them he didn't enjoy them either. What would really make his breakfast would be some toast, or at best, bacon. Bacon was easily the favourite food of the Emperor, and in many a nation it was seen as a breakfast food. In fact, bacon could be said to be the unofficial national food of the ACS - because after all, who doesn't like bacon? (except vegetarians, and jews....) And, an opportunity to sit down would not go amiss, because they most certainly were tired.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

They reached the landing of a winding staircase lined with vertically narrow torches which smelled as though they and just been put out. At the landing they noticed a large door going to the left - "Where my parents sleep," the young boy explained. Straight ahead was a large dining room. There were tall windows on all sides of the room, a dome on the ceiling, revealing a the clear sky and the end of a flagpole which raised the banner of Archeuland high in the air.

A long table with fourteen chairs (three of which were unoccupied), and filled with foods, sat in the center of the room. They noticed that the room itself was buried slightly into the floor, so that one would have to walk down a step to get from the hallway to the floor. Emperor Markus was dressed in thick, darker robes mixed with red, and wore a hefty-looking necklace with a large Saxon cross. On his ring was a red ruby. His wife sat at the closest seat to him, towards his right, dressed in similar splendor. On her dressed hair was a small tiara. His son Markus IV sat to his left. Markus' wife Rita sat next to him, and their baby child sat in a high-chair. There were six other children eating as well, of varying ages.

Markus stood up suddenly. "Welcome to my table and my house! I hope you are comfortable. Good morning to you!" He bowed slightly. "We have croissants. We have bacon. We have eggs. We have whatever you could possibly desire; as we have been blessed so abundantly. Let not the food go to waste, but should any be left over, keep it; it shall go to the servants."

Markus stood up and walked over to one of the chairs and pulled it out. "Ms. Alice," he said, and he politely asked for her hand and kissed it quickly, and then gave her a seat. Moving to the next chair, he said, "Empress Emily," and repeated as he did before. When the Emperor came around, he said, "Needn't worry son, I won't kiss your hand, but I will shake it!" With a hearty laugh and jolly-looking cheeks, he shook the Emperor's hand firmly. "Have a seat, sir."

Markus hobbled over to the table. "No, no, I am not fat, these robes are just meant to increase my size. I do apologize for the confusion. Now, we have been waiting for you. Let us say a quick prayer of thanks, and then dig in!"

Once they had done so, they enjoyed breakfast. "Tell us all about the journey!" said Markus' wife.

[Allied Connurist States]

"Tell us all about the journey!" said Markus' wife.

"It was not bad at all I must say. We all got a little sleep on the flight - turbulence was low - in fact Emily and I were awoke by our pilot announcing our approach for landing. So, after landing, we got to see your most beautiful city. The guide and chauffeur did an excellent job of informing us about it. So what did we see then...." said the Emperor, looking at his fellow compatriots.

"General Netanyahu" commented Alice.

"And aside from this palace, we saw policemen acting in the place of traffic lights, doomsdayers, palm trees and errr enlistment stands for the armed forces. That's pretty much it." finished the Empress.

They were all enjoying their fine breakfast.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

"If I may interject, uh, your majesty," said a maid who entered the room suddenly.

"Of course, Dolores, go right ahead," said Markus.

"Oh, fine, fine, thank you, sir. Now, Emperor, Empress, and Ms. Alice," she said, "We have prepared rooms for you, we assumed you and the Mrs. would like a room for yourself, and Ms. Alice can have a room all to herself. Is that acceptable? We wouldn't want to cramp you all in one room. As you can see," she chuckled, "we have plenty of room here, and food to feed an army!"

Markus whispered to his wife and she chuckled and said 'oh?' as if in surprise. "Markus tells me," said Mrs. Delfontaine, "that you come from some continent with an unknown name, but people call it Connurist Lands. Mind, where exactly is such a marvelous place?"

[Allied Connurist States]

"Oh, fine, fine, thank you, sir. Now, Emperor, Empress, and Ms. Alice," she said, "We have prepared rooms for you, we assumed you and the Mrs. would like a room for yourself, and Ms. Alice can have a room all to herself. Is that acceptable? We wouldn't want to cramp you all in one room. As you can see," she chuckled, "we have plenty of room here, and food to feed an army!"

The Emperor and Empress glanced at each other in agreement.
"Acceptable for us" said the Empress in reply, and at the same time Alice was nodding.

Markus whispered to his wife and she chuckled and said 'oh?' as if in surprise. "Markus tells me," said Mrs. Delfontaine, "that you come from some continent with an unknown name, but people call it Connurist Lands. Mind, where exactly is such a marvelous place?"

"An island, by the name of the Allied Connurist States" the Emperor corrected her. "It's east of Gilneas and north of Baughistan, and north-east of here. But it is a truly nice place. When Emily and I moved there about five years ago I never thought I'd be running the place! I'll answer any questions you may have."

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

Markus shifted in his chair. Putting a bit more food into his mouth, clearing his throat, and wiping his throat, he began. "Firstly, yes children, you may go now, and play, seeing as you haven't finished your toast. Run along now, run along."

The children picked their dishes up and took them out of the room. "Now, now, tell us. How did, if you don't mind my asking so, one not of noble blood come to rule a nation? Am I mistaken in believing the Connurist States are a monarchy? You must forgive me. I am too used to the luxury of Archeuland."

Someone came in suddenly, dressed in low-ranking military garb, and spoke into the Emperor's ear. All they caught was the word 'Gilnean Coalition'. Markus nodded. "Indeed?" he murmured. "Well, sign it, and tell them that..."

The man had Markus sign a thick-looking document, saluted, and walked out.

"You were just about to tell Markus and I about your rise to power," said Mrs. Delfontaine, scooting forward in her chair and looking interested. "Do tell us, how did you come to lead the ACS?"

[Allied Connurist States]

"The ACS has never been ruled by anyone of noble blood. In our constitution it states that the transmission of power should be based upon merit, and not automatically be hereditary. The two Emperors before me never had any children, so that wasn't a factor. I was a politician for a couple of years, and was going to run for mayor of Pearsonville when I got asked to join the Imperial High Council, that's like twenty people who advise the Emperor, and then I get the position of personal advisor to the Emperor, and to my surprise he names me as his favoured successor. So the council - both High and standard - vote on the matter and I was approved as new Emperor..... July 15 this year." he finished. Alice was well aware of the story, but still found it odd that this time last year, her superior was in her position. To the Connurists, noble blood shouldn't matter at all - they were no less capable or talented than other 'Royals' - and it irked them a little.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

"My, my. What a system that is indeed," said Markus. "Well, it looks like we have filled you up good, is that so? I do hope you enjoyed everything. Is there anything else you need?"

The Connurists asked for nothing but an excuse, as they were somewhat tired.

"Why, of course," said Markus. "We needn't keep you up, I understand you could do with some sleep. Let us not forget the evil that is jetlag, yes?" He laughed. "I will have Mrs. Evensbee, our maid, take all of you to your rooms."

"Where exactly are the rooms?" asked Alice.

"Oh, they're up in the midsection of the palace," interjected Mrs. Delfontaine, "about eighteen flights of steps up from here. Not far at all."

[Allied Connurist States]

Under normal circumstances, more attention would have been paid to the rooms, but all that was of interest were the beds, which were at the pinnacle of luxury, so much so that even Connor and Alice, who were not unknown to be insomniacs, had no problems whatsoever drifting off.

So, a couple of hours later, Connor was ready for some diplomacy - or further conversation if that was in store. He straightened his tie on his suit, and wrote a little note detailing what he was doing, so that his wife could read it when she woke up - it wasn't imperative that she was with him - and so he decided to let her continue sleeping. Thoughts danced throughout his cranium, primarily focusing on how in this situation, Emily was the epitome of "sleeping beauty", and also, what was she dreaming about?

Anyway, he had learned to intentionally disregard the ponderings of his inquisitive mind from a young age - otherwise he'd get absolutely nothing done - and if he were to contemplate about things for hours on end, he'd either read a book or have a meaningful conversation with a friend of his, or something like that. So, thoughts aside, he opened the door, wondering where on earth he could find Markus.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

By eight thirty, Emperor Markus was beginning to wonder where the delegation from the Connurist States had went to. He was in the throne room, adjacent to the Imperial Senate's meeting chambers. "Where on earth are they?"

He summoned a guard. "Find the delegates and bring them here. I think they are lost."

The guard nodded and ordered the other guards to search for the delegates, wherever they were, in the palace.

Markus, meanwhile, was sitting on his throne, which was inlaid with gold, ivory, and jewels, and padded with luxurious red cushion. He could not stop admiring the attention to detail that Archeuland's finest craftsmen had put into it. He sat in a daze, admiring the marble steps that led to the throne (which sat on an elevated platform), the Solomonic lion statuettes that stood on either side of each step, the tapestries and stained glass windows, the...

"Welcome, welcome!" said Markus, suddenly noticing the arrival of the Connurist delegates. "Please, have a sit at the table."

A table had been set with everything from blank paper and pens, inkwells, and glasses of wine. "Come, let's have a seat and get busy." Markus held a chair for Alice, and seated her. "I see that the Empress Emily is enjoying forty winks in among the finest of beds in Archeuland, is that correct, Emperor Connor? A fine morning for extra rest." Markus laughed, shook Connor's hand forthrightly, and bade him sit. "Sit, sit," Markus urged, "and let's get to business. Guards, you may leave."

[Allied Connurist States]

Connor returned the forthright handshake and sat. "Uh, yeah, yeah, she is, that's correct." he replied, struggling to get his words out, initially confused by the peculiar wording of the Archeulandic Emperor. He took a quick glance around the room, and it was sheer extravagance. He did not know whether he liked or disliked the whole theme, instead preferring a modern approach to interior design - although interior design was certainly not a strong suit of his. Connor's father had once said "I really couldn't care what colour the wall is". Like father, like son, or at least the idiom went like that. Personally, Connor thought he was very different to his father, but there were some striking similarities between them. Anyway, there'd be nothing wrong with extravagance as long as the palace wasn't funded by the taxpayer - it was not the expectation Connor held, but such immoral practice was commonplace in other realms.

Alice reached for a glass of wine, and held it steadily until she placed it in front of her, and was looking at her boss and friend, as if awaiting approval. Sixteen was of age in the Connurist Empire, and even if it wasn't in Archeuland, Markus would make an exception, right? Connor picked up on her facial expression and its underlying meaning, like friends do, and spoke under his breath "If you want it Alice.... you can make your own decision."

Following this, Connor addressed Markus. "So, business, you say? You're certainly more experienced than I, so if you'd like to lead...." ,gesturing all the while.

[Archeuland and Baughistan]

"Indeed, yes, let us get to work straight away," said Markus. "I have developed a cohesive plan for the bonding of our tribes. Firstly, let us establish an international airport connection. As you can see," - he shuffled some papers and pulled one out, showing it to Connor - "this is a route map, and here's a schedule plan, and this is a drawing of the terminal we could use to facilitate for the Connurist airlines who intend to visit us. Our citizens would like to visit your nation but we haven't provided anyone permission yet. That should change with an a free trade and lawful transport agreement signed by our nations..."

He went on and on, discussing the merits of Archeuland's borders and customs. "We do not allow drugs to be imported into our country, first and foremost. I don't know how secular states work, but I expect they are more lax on the marijuana issue. Of course we have a marijuana smuggling problem in Port Honey, and those nuts are getting what they deserve with this so-called 'zombie outbreak' they keep talking of. Alas, alas...by nonetheless, as long as that's understood, concerning drugs, we can move on to our ban on pornographic material in trade, and then we can discuss..."

After about an hour, Markus managed to finish discussing prohibited materials that could be imported. Midway through his audible treatise, the Connurist Emperor's wife came in and sat down, listening thoughtfully. Markus did not seem to notice, as he continued laying down stacks of paper and folders containing proposed treaties and alliances. "I have invested several billion Gilnean Burgins for the creation of a seaport in Port Honey. This seaport will be our main trade connection with the Connurist island."

He then stood up for the first time in about two hours and went through a chest somewhere behind the throne. "Just a moment...! Ah, here it is."

He came back carrying a hefty-looking globe. "Few have the privilege to see what the known-world looks like. This," said Markus, pointing to the upper part of the globe, "is Genevievia. See how small it is. We have mapped out only part of this globe. Our finest mathematicians estimate the entire world to be hundreds of thousands of miles in all directions. We only know of a few places." Pointing farther north, he said, "Now, here is America, and there's Europe, and Africa, and to the south we have the continent of Antarctica..."

He took a breath. "But! Here - to the south, next to Genevievia and north of Baughistan - is the Allied Connurist States. A small dot indeed on such a majestically large world." With his finer, he drew an imaginary line from Port Honey to Port Revolution. Let you build a twin seaport in your own country, in Port Revolution. And let us create a fine sea-trade."

Mrs. Delfontaine entered, carrying refreshments. "Welcome dear! What fine food. Please, sit with us."

She did so, and she passed around food and drink for everyone to share. They talked about Markus' plans at first, and then gradually moved to small talk. Once they finished, Mrs. Delfontaine informed them that lunch would be served on the balcony at Noon, and that they were of course all invited to attend.

[Allied Connurist States]

It most certainly was a cohesive plan. Connor signed a lot of papers, primarily concerning trade and transport. The nationalisation of Connurist Airlines, along with a brief phonecall, helped an international airport connection to be established, and not just one. Archeulandic aircraft could now fly to any of the major towns and cities within the Empire.

The list of prohibited materials seemed endless, but there was a lot of parallels between them. The Allied Connurist States were certainly not lax on the marijuana issue, though there was yet another debate in the council about that very thing. The fact was that maybe legalisation would bring less crime, but if you applied the logic to any law, of course decriminilisation would lead to less crime. For example, if you legalised murder, murder would go up, but you'd have less crime. The proponents of legalisation not only suffered from that logical flaw, but also that drug related crime was incredibly low, and so they had little chance of convincing a majority vote. And even if they did, the Emperor had veto power. Pornographic material wasn't a common export at all, and the list just continued. It turned out that secularism and morality are not mutually exclusive, something that may be of interest to hardcore theists.

And so, after assuring Markus that a seaport already existed in Port Revolution, which was more than capable of handling trade (as it was the #1 seaport in the ACS) refreshments entered - most definitely a pleasant way to round off the whole discussion. It really was a good thing that the trio were interested in the whole state of affairs - there were many in the world for whom a couple of hours concerning international relations would be their concept of hell, and that was even if they believed in its existence.