The Aeurian Summit (New World Only)

by **Aeuria** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 2:25 pm

Praevalidus

The Imperial Palace of Aeuria

Within the ancient halls of the Imperial Palace, an army of servants was working to make the already meticulously maintained palace appear even grander for the foreign dignitaries due to arrive. Already mirror-like floors of marble were being polished, flags and banners of countries in attendance were being hung, and the suites which would house foreign delegations were being cleaned, inch by inch. This summit had to be perfect, the stakes were high, and as such the palace too had to be whipped into perfection.

Emperor Aleksander walked the long halls, examining the progress and directing servants as he saw fit. The massive palace contains over 1,100 rooms, some of which are rarely or never used but now all of them were receiving a facelift. Aleksander knew this wasn't necessary, the main halls and rooms of the palace, where his foreign guests would be, were already kept in immaculate condition. He however did not want to take the chance of his guests stumbling upon a dusty or unkempt room, lest he face embarrassment.

The Imperial Palace is an iconic building within the Empire. Home to the monarch and the seat of power for nearly 500 years, it has seen countless expansions throughout the centuries. Aleksander sees this palace as a physical representation of both his own and his Empire's status. In his eyes, every inch of the palace had to scream power, opulence, influence, and might: words he and his people see as synonymous with Aeuria. Though some may see the palace as the prime example of Aeurian excess, especially the socialists in attendance, Aleksander wanted to send a clear message: Aeuria is a force to be reckoned with. A force that could greatly benefit the invited nations.

The talks that were to be held were the most important the Empire has hosted in decades. Countries from all over the world would be assembling to discuss diplomatic and economic cooperation, peace, and much more. Aleksander saw these talks as a crucial step in securing Aeuria's global influence and staying in the good graces of those who could threaten his plans and Empire.

A small fleet of Rolls-Royce limousines, police cars, and military vehicles lined the tarmac of Praevalidus International Airport, waiting to take the foreign dignitaries to the palace. Emperor Aleksander has ordered a division of Imperial Guardsmen, in ceremonial dress, to line the route to the palace. There, they would be escorted to their accommodations within the palace to settle in and prepare for an Imperial Ball to be held in their honor, attended by much of the Aeurian nobility and a handful of royals. Aleksander planned to wow his guests and treat them to a night of Aeurian pleasures before beginning discussions the following day.

OOC: Alright, so we'll be starting with a ball, similar to the Chengdu Dinner thread, and then moving onto formal discussions the next IC day. The only rule is no assassinations, other than that go wild.
You can start by arriving and settling into your suites and once most/all of us have arrived, I'll start the ball! Don't forget your top hats! :lol:

by **Alcase** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 3:45 pm

La République Alcasienne

Présidente Angéla Smith departing the Palais de l'Élysée with her Foreign Relations Minister

Palais de l'Élysée, Paris, la France

"Why in Australia... Wouldn't the world rather a more... well.. interesting venue?" Ms. Smith questions her Minister of Foreign Relations.

"I agree, your excellency, I'd much rather go to my mother's home for the delegation," he replies, stepping out of the palace, press and newscasters snapping pictures just as they emerge from the building.

It was a rather impromptu departure, President Angela Smith receiving the invitation to join an international, global "peace" operation only days before. She regarded it as a joke, believing that world peace, in the light of polarized alliances arising throughout Earth, is a ridiculous concept. Nonetheless, she was compelled to join the world in their futile endeavors, as she would be seen as weak or, worse, lacking merit, if she had abstained from the international talks. If Alcase is to evince its immense grandeur to the world forevermore, the international conference in Aeuria must see the President of the Alcasian Republic present.

by **Libereca** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 4:53 pm

Praevalidus International Airport, Praevalidus

Prime Minister Alejandro Ortiz stepped off his plane and onto the tarmac of Praevalidus International Airport, and was greeted by the flash of cameras and the clamor of reporters. The young leader smiled and waved at the throng of journalists gathered. The aging Liberecan Minister of State was close behind his superior, as stoic and grim-faced as ever as the local media had its field day with the arriving delegation. The Prime Minister stopped for a moment to spot his vehicle, which sat idling just beyond the thick horde. A middle-aged chauffeur stood near the driver's side window, patiently holding a sign with Libereca's flag printed on it.

The two men pushed through the crowd towards their vehicle, which had been so graciously provided for them by their powerful hosts. Their driver politely opened the door for them, and shut it once they were inside, where the incessant flashing of the cameras couldn't reach them.

It was not slient for long as the motorcade set off for the Aeurian Palace. Alejandro began coughing, a deep, throaty sound that sounded like a mixture of choking and spitting up pneumonic liquid.

"Primer Ministro, are you okay?" asked Mateo, concern evident on his face.

"Fine, I'm fine," the Prime Minister choked, clearing his throat and wiping at his eyes repeatedly before speaking again. "What's your professional opinion on this summit we've been so charmingly welcomed to?"

"It appears to be honest, without much political motivation. However, if the reporters are any indication, el Emperador wants this to be big. Very big," Mateo asserted. "Para mi, it is a perfect opportunity to spread the ideals of democratic socialism to the other nations of the world."

Alejandro scratched at his chin, deep in thought. "Well, I look forward to meeting with our new comrades shortly," he finally said. "God willing, we will make some friends here in the next few days. He knows that we need them."

by **Alcase** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 5:52 pm

Presidential Aircraft, Dassault Falcon 2000XLS, carrying the Alcasian delegation to Touloun

30 km de Toulon, l'Espace Aérien Alcasien

Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle awaiting the arrival of the President and her Foreign Affairs Minister

The Alcasian delegation to the summit was requested, by the Speaker of the Assembly and Defense Minister, to be escorted by the Naval Force. President Smith reluctantly agreed, but demanded that her Falcon 2000XLS accompany her throughout the trip, wanting to make a grand appearance with both a show of superior military, superior transport, and superior intelligence. The Alcasians, after all, were the most educated on the known Earth.

To display the might and capabilities of the Alcasian Naval Force, la Flotte Nationale, headed by the flagship Charles de Gaulle, was to make an appearance alongside the beautiful President. The main goal, as anyone would have guessed, was to show the world how progressive the Alcasian Republic was. The relatively young Republic had elected a black, woman President (the first democratically elected black woman to a presidential office), and managed to lead the aerospace industry with its competitive, yet luxurious companies.

by **Aeuria** » Mon Mar 30, 2015 6:59 pm

Emperor Aleksander sat peacefully on a balcony overlooking the gardens of the Imperial Palace, cigarette in hand and a generous glass of gin on a small table beside him. It would be hours until he would be expected to appear to the invited delegations, so rather than prepare, he decided to relax. As a small plume of smoke floated upwards along the exterior wall of the palace, the doors of the balcony opened softly. As the Emperor casually turned his head, he was met with the sight of his young, recently appointed Minister of Defense, Lord Montgomery Yavanian who wore a worried look as he bowed deeply.

"Ah, hello Monty, come, sit." Aleksander said warmly as he motioned to the seat beside him, leaving a trail of smoke in the air. "Of course, Your Majesty." said the young Minister hurriedly as he swiftly took his seat and turned to the Emperor. "Something troubling you, Monty? Perhaps a glass of gin would help?" said Aleksander with a smile as he sipped from his glass. "No. No, thank you, Sir." replied the Minister. "A cigarette then?" Aleksander asked, extending his open cigarette case to the young man.

Lord Yavanian shook his head violently, "No, Sir. Pardon my insolence, but I've received word that the Alcasian delegation plans to arrive with an aircraft carrier, their flagship nonetheless." Aleksander frowned, he was not used to such boldness from his Ministers, especially when he was in such a good mood.

"Suit yourself." began Aleksander as he flipped shut the cigarette case. He could feel Montgomery's anxiety as he stood up, running his hand along the ornate, stone guardrail. "And what's the problem, Monty?" he asked as he turned around, locking eyes with the concerned Minister. "Why shouldn't the Alcasians be allowed their ship?"

"Well...Sir...It's just...I would think, I would think that we would be less receptive to having foreign warships enter our waters." said Monty, with a look of both concern and confusion. "Oh Monty, you worry needlessly!" laughed Aleksander, "You really think the Alcasians would be daft enough to try anything? They'd be blown out of the water before you could say 'Zut alors!'. No, Monty, there's no need to be concerned. It's much more likely they intend to steal the spotlight than bomb us." he laughed softly. "I expect to see that ship sitting in the bay, understood?"

"Yes, Sir." replied Montgomery as he stood, straightening his jacket.

"And Monty," said Aleksander as his Minister began towards the doors, "I think it would be best to have a drink and calm down. This is a happy and peaceful occasion, remember?"

"Of course. Apologies for disturbing you, Sir." he replied as he quietly entered the palace and closed the doors.

by **Dominion of New England** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 1:21 pm

The Dominion of New England has long had relations with Aeuria, for the most part, they have been mostly positive over the course of history. 23rd Prime Minister of New England Benjamin Smith was not the first PM to have visited Aeuria, and he would almost certainly not be the last. The PM has visited Aeuria before during the first talks of a Pan-Pacific trade organisation and at the dedication of the New Embassy of New England in Praevalidus, he was familiar of the city, but him, and many of his diplomats joining him had a different goal and perspective of things this time, this time, the long term future of New England was at stake. The Diplomats of New England are well known and internationally acclaimed for their skills of diplomacy and peace making, they are not newcomers to the field of diplomacy, but compared to the international giants they will be next to, they fear being shut out.

The official plane of the Prime Minister and the diplomats joining him landed in Praevalidus International Airport, Aeuria earlier than most other diplomats and nations on purpose, they needed to make final arrangements and plans at the Embassy of New England before the Summit the next day. They entered the vehicles and rushed to the Embassy to make final preparations. The Diplomats would do most of the planning and preparations for the Summit for the Prime-Minister. The PM's goal would largely be speech-making and meeting other leaders. They soon arrived at the Embassy and met the Ambassadors waiting for them there, ready to discuss the most urgent matters that they would bring to discussion at the Summit.

Just like back in the capital city of Vancouver, there are a laundry list of fierce disputes on what should be brought up.
"So what if we knock down a few trees? These tar sands are a gold mine of wealth for New England! Even if the ice caps melt New England will have a virtual monopoly on Arctic trade and resources! Climate change is NOT the big deal they are making it out to be" remarks the Head Diplomat of Calgary.
"What do you mean so what!? I, along with 99% of the Martimes and Quebec don't want our houses underwater! The most populous and densely populated areas of New England will be flooded if such rapid change continues! Cities like Halifax, St John. Quebec, and Montreal will all be lost of this continues! We should not mine the tar sands. In fact, we should move away from fossil fuels and begin utilizing Hydrogen!" states Head Diplomat of Nova Scotia Lauren Johnson.

Thankfully the Summit would begin the next day, otherwise none of the Diplomats would be able to rest before the big day. For now however, they would dawn their fancy-pants dresses and suits and prepare to head to the Palace to meet the other diplomats and leaders for a large ball and dinner.
The PM had met most of the leaders that would be attending before, but he kept a small note of "who's who" in is suit pocket to prevent embarrassment. The group of New Englanders were optimistic and ready for their chance for the world's stage without the constants of their larger neighbours like Vesspuca. The World would see that New Englanders are not just great at Hockey, that they are diplomats of international acclaim. They entered the vehicles and headed off to the Palace.

by **Saint Ryvern** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:32 pm

Presidential Aircraft, Chariot Nine, over the skies of Praevalidus

The sun was just beginning to set as the sleek, black aircraft appeared in the Aeurian sky above the magnificent capital city of Praevalidus. It cut a striking image as it moved relatively soundlessly across the orange horizon, slicing seamlessly through clouds as the pilot changed direction to head for the airport. The jet had already begun to descend on the city, but the passengers aboard hardly noticed due to the expert skill of the pilot.

In one of the rooms aboard the aircraft President Basil Hjorth sits quietly in a beige leather recliner paging through a non-fiction account of early Aeurian civilization. Basil always takes time to know the history of states that his natio may be aligning with, but the manuscript in front of him was actually pleasurable and quite interesting. He is lost in the pages of the novel, but this concentration is broken by a sharp knock on the cabin door. Basil glances up from the book, closing it and setting it aside, he then proceeds to remove his circular spectacles and set them atop the book. Standing, he paces over to the door. Upon opening it he finds Foreign Minister Westfield Dance standing in his doorframe, a patient look on his face. “Ah, Minister Dance! So good to see you awake,” he says this because the Minister had been taking a nap on the flight, “have we begun our descent? I hardly noticed with Harry’s piloting skills. Please step in!” He says walking back over to his recliner motioning at another leather chair that Dance could sit in.

“Yes, we started moving downwards almost 10 minutes ago. You must pay attention better, you should have buckled in,” Dance says this is a slow, drawn-out voice. He does not possess a low voice, but his tone and manner of speaking add a gravitas that even the most gifted speakers have trouble putting into their most passionate lectures.

“Calm yourself, Westfield. I’m alright and brimming with happiness. This is a monumental occasion, sir! There is so much potential for peace and prosperity in the world at this moment, and whether or not that seedling grows or shrivels depends on this meeting!” President Hjorth says this with a boyish enthusiasm not typically seen in politicians. His eyes light up with his words, though, and his smile is so infectious Westfield almost shows his pearly whites.

“We have received intelligence that the Alcasian delegation intends to arrive in an aircraft carrier,” is Dance’s only reply.

“Well,” Basil says taken slightly aback, his smile never disappears, though, “well, we can only assume they intend to make a show of themselves, but they have unknowingly become the center of the circus not the stage. They can float around in their mighty tin cans all they want, but they’re fools to think its a good idea to bring a warship to an international peace summit. Let them revel in their excess. Let’s just hope we don’t drown in their egos.” This rapid shift in tone and emotion is one of Basil’s deadliest qualities. He is a viper. His enemies fear him for his ability to strike and bite so quickly.

The rest of the conversation between the two men is a discussion on what diplomatic goals are to be achieved at the summit. As the plane screeches a landing on the runway and as the diplomats depart they are confronted with a meager paparazzi, just the way Basil prefers it. Basil, Dance, and three Presidential Guardsmen make their way to a Rolls-Royce waiting for them and are driven off to the royal palace.

by **Carthaghe** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 5:02 pm

Alechandro snickered as he read a short article about the Alcasian delegation arriving.The Alcasians had brought a Warship to a Peace conference , probably to show off their naval strength.The Irony of bringing a warmachine to a peace conference was delightful.
The Carthaginan Chief Diplomat on the other hand had come alone (the President was still occupied with the impeachment trial and was thus not allowed to leave the capital) and on an airplane, like most of the participants of the summit.Sure, this wasn't as impressive as a military flagship, but Carthage didn't need a petty sign of strength to be taken seriously.It wasn't the colonial empire it once was, that he had to admit, but it wasn't a pushover either.
He quickly skimmed through the remaining information on the meeting and Aeuria, to make sure he hadn't missed anything important, but didn't notice anything particulary concerning.
Half an hour later the plane landed at the Praevalidus International Airport.As he stepped out of the plane the young Diplomat was surprised by the enormous crowd of journalists, photographer and spectators that had gathered to torment the large number of foreign leaders arriving today with irrelevent questions and a barrage of camera flashes.
Alechandro slowly made his way trough the crowd to the limousine that would take him to the meeting, politly refusing to answer any questions , as he did not want to be late.

by **Aeuria** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:32 am

One of the Libraries of the Imperial Palace

Emperor Aleksander's aide-de-camp, Sir Charles Fairfax, a distant relative of His Majesty, hurriedly made his may to the library. As he rounded a corner, nearly colliding with a servant carrying a large floral arrangement, he saw the doors of the library; two Imperial Guardsmen standing vigilantly on either side of the large, ornately carved doors of wood.

"Excuse me, gentlemen." he remarked to the stoic guards quickly as he pushed against the heavy doors, entering the nearly pitch black library. The curtains were drawn over the large windows and all lights were off. As his eyes struggled to discern anything in the darkness, he saw a dim light shining over a book stack on the second floor. "What is he doing?" Sir Charles thought to himself as he slowly ascended one of the spiral staircases leading to the second level of the library. He heard a rustling of papers before emerging from behind a bookcase, revealing a table covered in ancient documents, lit only by a few candles, Aleksander absent from sight. Sir Charles face scrunched up in confusion as he looked around for his Emperor.

"Your Majesty?" he began, "Several delegations have arrived...perhaps now is the time to get ready?" he asked, looking around the dark library. He was met with silence. "Sir?" he asked, this time more loudly as he began to feel frustration well up within him.

Aleksander balanced atop a bookcase, his head mere inches from the ceiling. As his aide-de-camp called out to him, he, as quietly as possible, began traversing the bookcases towards the man. As he stood over his aide, he smiled as he jumped off the tall stack, down onto the young man.

Sir Charles' frustration was replaced with panic as something, or someone, landed on top of him. As he was forced to the ground, face first, by the heavy object, he let out a scream. As he felt the weight lift off of him he heard the distinct, child-like giggle of His Majesty. "Oh, did I startle you, Charlie?" asked the Emperor with a laugh, as he ran his hand through his now-disheveled hair.

As Sir Charles got up, he turned around and was met with the sight of a smiling Aleksander. "What the hell are you doing?!" asked Sir Charles, visibly angry. This question, of course, was met with more giggling. "Oh relax, Charlie, just having a bit of fun." replied Aleksander with a smile as he tapped the young man's shoulder as he made his way over to the table. "Tell me," he began as he pointed at an aging document, "What do you make of this?"

The young aide sighed, straightened his jacket and made his way to the table to examine the document. After a quick glance, he said "I don't know, Sir, I can't read Latin."

Aleksander looked up, locking eyes with his aide. "If ever someone wanted to accuse me of nepotism, they'd need only recognize your existence." he laughed. "It's a trade agreement between Aeuria and Vespucca, the first one in fact, dating from our intervention in their war for independence." he continued as he carefully picked up the document. "I think they'll get a kick out of seeing it, don't you?"

"I'm sure they will, Sir. However, I don't believe their delegation has arrived yet." replied Charles as Aleksander walked past him, making his way towards the spiral staircase. The young aide followed closely behind. "So far 5 delegations have arrived, from Carthage, Saint Ryvern, New England, Alcase, and Libereca."

Aleksander flung open the heavy doors of the library, blinding both men with the sudden flash of light. "Then perhaps you're right, time to get dressed." the Emperor replied as he handed the document to Charles. "See to it that document is available to me when the Vespuccans arrive." he finished, unbuttoning his jacket. "Of course, Sir." The two Aeurians departed from the entrance of the library, Aleksander en route to his quarters and Sir Charles on his way to a room off of the ballroom to store the document.

by **Ensoleilletat** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 7:03 pm

H.M.A.S. Daedalus

King Louis II of Ensoleilletat

King Louis sat quietly in his cabin aboard his airship, watching the Pacific roll slowly by out the window. His mind was wandering, thinking of domestic affairs back home. His thoughts were rudely interrupted by a rap on his door.

"Come." he said quietly and the door swung open. As he turned his eyes to the doorway, he was surprised to see nobody was there. "Qui est là?" he called out in a confused tone as he sat up straight in his chair. Still nobody appeared or responded. The King swore to himself as he stood up and walked towards the door. Making his way across the spacious cabin, he was nearly to the door when his son, Crown Prince Jean-Luc, only 7 years old, burst in yelling, scaring the King.

"What in the hell are you doing!?" spat the angry royal as his son jumped into a large armchair laughing. "Just having fun, papa!" giggled the young Prince.

Louis' face softened, for better or worse, his son was his weakness; perhaps it was the joy he radiated, perhaps it was simply unconditional love. In either case, he could never bring himself to be angry with his son for more than a few seconds. "Do it at an others' expense next time, Jean-Luc, I thought I was about to be murdered!" he laughed as he returned to his seat.

"Oui, papa." said the Prince with a smile. "How much longer 'til we're at Xandy's house?" he asked, now upside down, laying with his feet in the air on the chair.

King Louis sighed. "Jean-Luc, how many times must I say it? Do not refer to Aleksander as 'Xandy'. He may get a kick out of it but I do not. And it is a palace, not a house." he said as he shook his head as he looked out the large window.

"Semantics, papa!" laughed the young prince as he fell off of the chair. He got up and ran over to his father, jumping onto his lap. "So how much longer?" he asked joining his father in looking at the expansive Pacific below.

"Well," Louis began as he looked at a monitor on the wall of the cabin, "According to the pilot, we'll be there in a little over an hour. Airships aren't exactly high speed." he finished with a smile. "I know, papa!" Jean-Luc exclaimed as he leaped from his father's lap onto the floor. As he rolled onto his back he asked "Why couldn't we take an airplane?" with a tone of frustration.

Louis glanced down at his restless son, understanding his displeasure at the slow pace of the journey. "You know very well why." he said simply to his son. Jean-Luc frowned, forgetting about the crash his father was involved in years before his birth, which left him with a limp and a morbid fear of airplanes.

"Run along now, little prince, I'd like to read up on the others who will be there tonight." said Louis as he stood and walked over to the simple desk in the rear of the cabin. "Go see Damien in the kitchen, I'm sure he has something sweet for you."

"Oui, papa!" exclaimed the young prince as he jumped up and ran for the door. He ran out of the room only to return seconds later, "Do you want anything, papa?" he asked with a wide grin.

Louis turned from his desk and smiled at his son, "I think not, I must save my appetite for dinner!" he said with a laugh as his son nodded and sped out of the room, slamming the door on his way out.

The king sighed as he turned back to the desk, looking at the long list of attendees, practicing his pronunciation of each of their names.

The Ensoleilletatan airship would be arriving in Praevalidus soon, after nearly a week of slowly gliding over the Pacific.

Edit: picture change

by **Curony** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 5:22 am

Frederik was looking outside the window of his plane as it was moving over the different scenery. The snowy mountains was changed by the green valleys and big cities. It looked stunning! He was awaken by his assistant:
"Your Majesty? Your coffee!" He felt as he would be awaken from lovely dream: "Oh! Thank you, Saide!"

He took a sip of coffee and huge breath, and returned to the materials what he was reading before. They, together with the Prime Minister, decided to send him to the Aeurian Summit - it was rarely when the Curonian diplomats showed up in the New World, therefore they decided that the King could represent the Curony the best and furthermore, it would look more impressive!

Thankfully, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Birgith Norgaard was coming along, right now sleeping several seats to the front of the plane. This was decided just few hours before the departure, that His Majesty would represent Curony in this summit.

Pilot just exited the cockpit and came straight to Frederik:
"Your Majesty, I hope you are enjoying the flight!"
"Yes, it is lovely as always, Thorbjorn! Lovely few outside the window as well!"
"Well, I must sadden You sir, we will land in an hour, so get ready! I will wake up, Madam Minister as well!"
"Thank you!"

Frederik looked once again outside the window - now it was only sea with several island in it and sun was setting near the horizon.

His Majesty King Frederik

Birgith Norgaard, Minister of Foreign Affairs

by **Friedeck** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 3:41 pm

Natalya Volz liked to think of herself as a woman who bridged divides and smashed social binaries. Born in ethnically-divided Ostpreussen, in the far east of Friedeck, she was the fruit of a still-taboo union between a Slavic woman (ethnically a Ziemian) and a thoroughly Germanic father. Her mixed blood and resulting mixed identity made her stand distinct from the traditional cultural divides of one of the great cultural borderlands of Europe. She was interested in politics from an early age, but was never drawn to her country's ideological giants, the Social Democrats and the conservative Democratic Party. She settled in the center, joining the liberal Freedom Party while in university, and quickly moved up the ranks.

In yet another contradiction, at the age of 31, she became the foreign minister, historically and old man's role. It was unusual for such a senior ministry to be handed to the junior party in a coalition, but her aptitude for analysis and problem-solving had won her the admiration of the Chancellor.

The bright cities of eastern Aeuria became visible on the horizon as the small, but comfortable, jet soared over the continent. Natalya's mobile buzzed. She glanced at its screen, which announced the caller in big letters: GOLDSTEIN. She groaned and answered.

"Hello, Herr Kanzler."

"The Greens are leading a push for a confidence vote. You need to come back."

Natalya was appalled at the thought of being called away from this crucial summit. "This event is more important for Friedeck than you retaining power is."

"Shame on you, Volz. Where is your party loyalty?"

This set her off into one of her infamous rages. "You are not the leader of MY party!" she spat. "Parties and factions and sects be damned. My loyalty is to the Republic of Friedeck, which I intend to represent the interests of at this summit!" One could almost feel the chancellor wince, no doubt hearing the shattering of the mug his minister had just thrown into a bulkhead. "What about peace? What about trade? What about making the lives of our people better? That is why I got into this, not to protect a bungling prat like you."

Goldstein must have resigned himself to the fact that one of his cabinet would be away for the worst day of his career, or at least been scared off, because the line went dead. Natalya let it ring out for a minute before hanging up herself.

One of the aides on board spoke up. "Ma'am, you ought to sit down. We will be descending soon."

The soft ding announcing the need for seatbelts rang out. Natalya slowly lowered herself and, like so many times in her life, prayed for self-control.

by **Ensoleilletat** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 8:07 pm

King Louis winced as pain shot through his bad leg as the elevator within the spire-like tower of the airship dock roughly stopped at the bottom. The heavy doors slid open and the King again winced as he was blinded by the flash of reporters' cameras. His young son ran forward, excited to get his picture taken. Louis smiled, he was glad he brought his son along for this trip. He was a constant source of happiness for him, his curiosity and energy refreshing in an otherwise stuffy environment.

Louis put on a warm smile as he leaned off of his cane and stepped forward, flashes again blinding him. His security ensured no reporter got too close, that is, too close to ask the King any questions. As the delegation made their way to the group of limousines waiting for them, Louis looked down the tarmac, seeing an even bigger crowd of reporters waiting for other delegations to arrive via plane. "A rare occasion where my fear has benefitted me." he thought to himself as the car door was opened for him. Crown Prince Jean-Luc dove in before his father laughing at the reporters who were constantly snapping pictures of him. Louis turned around, offered a final smile and wave to the cameras before getting into the Rolls-Royce. As the door shut firmly behind him, he let out a sigh. He did not care much for cameras, nor the entire press for that matter. But of course, as royalty, he didn't have much choice in the matter.

"Jean-Luc, don't." he said coolly as his son rolled down the tinted windows to get a final burst of pictures. The young prince let out a loud giggle as the flashes washed over him and the interior of the car before rolling the window up. "They like me!" giggled Jean-Luc.

Louis only smiled at his son as he opened a bottle of water, realizing he was quite thirsty. The car gently began moving before speeding up in a controlled frenzy; they were running a few minutes behind schedule, something the King couldn't stand. As the streets of Praevalidus flew by out the window, Louis thought of his last visit. Nearly a year ago, on the personal invitation of Emperor Aleksander, he attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Praevalidus' newly restored botanical gardens. His reminiscing was interrupted by his son's voice: "Papa," he began, "can I sit on Xandy's throne when we get there?"

The King let out a short but loud laugh, surprised by the question. "Normally, it's a crime to sit in the Emperor's throne. Though I would venture to say, he may make an exception in your case." The young prince's face lit up with a smile as he looked out the window. They would be arriving at the Imperial Palace within minutes, having a short while to settle into their suite and get dressed for the ball. Louis was very excited, not something that happens very often when State affairs are concerned. He would get the chance to speak to leaders and diplomats from all over the world, though he knew with whom he and his country's loyalty ultimately lay; with Aeuria. As a former colony of Aeuria, they had a close relationship with his country, though that was the decision of Louis' father.

Louis did not mind, however. He viewed Aeuria as most Ensoleilletatans do: the pinnacle of power, class, culture, and prosperity. Granted, this view was very biased, considering his country's former worship of the Aeurians as living gods and the residual glory that granted them. On that thought, the Rolls-Royce slowed to a stop as it reached the Imperial Palace. "And so the fun begins!" Louis thought as the car door opened.

by **Estenia** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 8:33 am

OOC: It noobish RP but I gotta do it.

Praevalidus, Aeurian Commonwealth

Andrenko had arrived to the summit with Rojsincky Airlines, the national carrier of Estenia. In the airport of Praevalidus he went out and the Estenian Ambassador on Aeuria, Andrei Olbariev said in quite a tired mood "Hello sir, welcome to Aeuria, as you may know I am the ambassador of Estenia into this country. I will show you the way into the limousines so you can go to the summit immediately sir." Andrenko, dressed with formal clothing and being excited about that said "Thank you Olbariev, show me the way to he limousines." Olbariev then guided the Prime Minister all the way to the limousines and after a 2 minute walk Olbariev said "Here we are, the limousines, they will head straight to the palace and they are full with security so you're officially safe from assasinations. Good luck on this summit sir, our country's future depends on that." Andrenko then replied "Yes it does, I know it." then headed into the limousine with the small Estenian flag on the one side and on the other, the Aeurian flag, being the host it had to be on each and every limousine.

The chauffeur started driving the limousine to the Imperial Palace of the Aeurian Commonwealth. Once an imperialist nation, now the most powerful ally Estenia has this days and vice versa. As the limousine was being driven through the large city of Praevalidus, Andrenko was admiring what the Aeurians have made in the course of the years and how they became on of the most successfull nations in history. When the limousine reached the palace, Andrenko was excited enough to get out of the limousine quick and head starigfht inside to the hall where the Summit was being held. It already had more than enough people so they could begin. Andrenko headed to Emperor Alexander, Emperor of the Imperial Commonwealth of Aeuria and said "Hello, your majesty. I am here for the summit so we can discuss the most important global matters. Since we are nothing more than military allies, I could propose a larger alliance which has free trade and access from our citizens to our nations. As well as one base from each nation to important locations of each nations. What do you think?"

by **Dominion of New England** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 8:50 am

Exiting the vehicles and entering the palace was a challenging feat for the Prime Minister and his accompanying diplomats. It wasn't like they had not expected this, they all knew about the Pipeline Issue; a very controversial and unpopular subject with both houses in parliament advising he steer clear of the subject as much as possible. This was only advice however, but the overwhelming backlash he would recieve from both the oil producers and eco-activists would almost certainly put a large dent in what has been a mostly possitive term.

Exiting the vehicle, the PM remained relaxed as he entered. And to their surprise, Vesspuca was not present. A strange sight that such a powerful group had not shown up yet. Continuing to walk past the press and media, the PM only answered simple "yes" or "no" questions. Except one.
"PRIME MINISTER! WILL MORE OIL RESERVES BE PIPED INTO VESSPUCA, GRANUS AND NORTHERN EUROPE?!"
Mind you the Trans-Atlantic Pipeline (TAP) was a modern wonder of engineering on the part of the Northern Atlantic community, providing a more secure source of oil and gas from the former monopolizing power that Estinia possed, and giving an easy source of profit as the North Sea runs out of oil. Then there is Vesspuca, with the hungry socialist machine it is, New Englandian oil is it's most massive and reliant source of "blood" for the superpower.
The PM thought briefly with these things in mind and gave the only reasonible answer; "Maybe".

From the point on he rushed and pushed through the crowed and entered the Palace. Grand architecture was not a foreign concept to the PM, the New England Capital Building, where the Grand Library, Parliament, and the Constitution were housed was a marvel to itself, but the detail and shine put into the smallest details were impressive. He had little time for this however, despite being on a foreign expidition, Parliament still had things they needed his "ok" on. Then he got a hunch it would be a long, and tedious summit.

by **Libereca** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 9:41 am

Alejandro stepped out of the limousine and back into the bright daylight of the Praevalidian sun. Mateo exited the Rolls-Royce next, followed by the security staff that had been following in the car behind them. The gigantic Imperial Palace stood before them, a symbol of the impressive Aeurian power and might. The building's high-reaching pillars and clean, white walls were a stark contrast to the Estado back home in Buenos Aires, which was a short, stocky building that echoed the architectural traditions of the past, akin to a majority of the buildings in the Liberecan capital. The young and impressionable politician was awed by the energy exuded from the Palace, and caught himself longing rather unprofessionally at its glamour. He tore his eyes away, and shifted his gaze to his approaching head of security, Major Peña.

"Primer Ministro, you should not be standing out in broad daylight. We are foreigners in a foreign land, and there is no telling what threats to your security may exist," the bodyguard remarked. Peña hailed from northern Iberia, where there had been incredible civil unrest throughout his childhood, so Alejandro understood his paranoia, but dismissed it as such.

"Thank you for your concern, camarado, but I think that myself and Minister Salazar will escape this deadly battlefield without a scratch!" the Prime Minister joked, much to the Major's chagrin.

"With all due respect, señor, may we enter the palace?" he responded, suspiciously side-eying the tops of the surrounding buildings.

Mateo, who had been quiet up until this point, interjected. "El Mayor Peña has a point, Alejandro," he said, glancing at his watch. "We are slightly late, and I wouldn't suppose you'd miss the reception just because you're infatuated with the architecture of este gran palacio."

"Fine, fine. Let's go in and meet our fellow dignitaries," Alejandro said, setting off at a brisk walk towards the large doors of the palace.

"Guardias, ¡vamonos!" shouted Peña, running to catch up with the Prime Minister. Five other operatives of the Office of National Security fell in behind the major, each toting a long, polymer case in one hand.

Mateo watched for a moment as the suited bodyguards caught up with their charge, and then ran to catch up with them himself.

by **Aeuria** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 11:25 am

Aleksander frowned as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. His ornate clothes, a deep grey military uniform, adorned with various medals and heavy, gold epaulettes, didn't look right to him.

"No." he said simply. One of the many servants standing behind the Emperor sighed softly to himself, this was the 5th outfit His Majesty had put on, only to reject it; forcing the process to start all over. As the group of servants began to quickly undress the Emperor, he held up his hand. "Let's do the same thing, but a deep navy instead of grey." A servant nodded, retreating to one of the innumerable wardrobes, retrieving a navy military uniform.

After a few minutes, Aleksander again examined his reflection, wearing a nearly identical outfit, this time smiling. "Very good, dismissed." he said to the ground of servants as he turned around. They bowed before making a hasty retreat, fearing the Emperor would again change his mind. Sir Charles entered his emperor's dressing room as the servants filed out.

"What do you think, Charlie?" Aleksander asked with a spin, the medals on his chest clinking together. "Very regal, Your Majesty." he replied. "Dignitaries and the nobility have begun to arrive, and the ballroom is ready to be opened to them."

"Very good, let them settle in, I have a few things I need to see to before I make my appearance." said Aleksander as he began quickly walking out of the dressing room, through his bedroom, and down a flight of stairs leading down into a private courtyard; with access to the ground floor. "See to it that they're all comfortable, Charlie!" yelled the now out-of-sight Emperor as he quickly made his way down the stairs. Sir Charles stood in the dressing room, not having moved as Aleksander made his hasty exit. "Yes, Sir." he thought to himself as he began walking to the ballroom.

by **The Great Warrior Rivers** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:52 pm

Alexander Eugene Boyei threw himself inside of the closing jet door. He was late for an event he probably shouldn't have been, the Aeurian Summit was something that if The Great Warrior Rivers messed up, they would forever regret. Straightening his suit and tie, Alexander plopped down in a plush, leather chair. The time until the summit was dwindling. The President served himself to some red Carthaginian wine and prepared his short entrance into the Aeurian meeting.

In hindsight, it might have been better to bring more security staff. But Alexander wasn't worried about security as he raced over the Pacific. He was worried about his looks. He smoothed back his graying hair and adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses so that they wouldn't shine in the eyes of the ambassadors. His black and white formal attire seemed to finish him. Alexander paced in the jet, continuing to wonder how to present himself. After what felt like a few short seconds, the jet touched down in Praevalidus International Airport. Alexander was troubled. He had nothing prepared to meet his biggest competitors and allies. No diplomatic edge. He was one step behind.

The President whipped out his phone and called his Minister of Foreign Affairs, explaining his situation. "No worries," the Minister had proclaimed, "Just walk in there confidently and nobody will ever be able to tell you came unprepared." Alexander exited the airport looking like a fool. He was met by multiple Aeurian officers that offered him ride to his suite. They were dressed even more formally than Alexander was. The exuberant flaunting of wealth didn't soothe Alexander's nerves, either. We don't have this kind of money. I'm sitting with the big dogs with no help. I'm dead meat.

The limo hit a small bump and Alexander was snapped back into reality. I must make this summit a success!

by **Curony** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 1:33 pm

It was forest, she could feel the freshness of the Curonian Pine trees and she could here the sound of waves hitting the shores somewhere in distance. She wanted to be near the sea ...

"...dam! Madam, Minister!" said distinct voice.
"What?" asked Birgith Norgaard. She felt very disoriented.
"In one hour we will land in the Praevalidus International Airport. You still have some minutes left to prepare if you need and we will start our landing procedure!" said Captain Thorbjorn.
"Oh thank you!"

She raised from her seat, took her bag and went to the toilet, on way asked the flight attendant to make her white coffee. She was surprised how she looked, when she found mirror in the toilet. Oh! she thought Next time I should sleep in the night before, but what the make-up cannot fix? It took some time to prepare, as the plane toilet was to narrow and it was almost impossible to change tights.

"Madam? Do you need help?" asked the flight attendant after loud noise from toilet - Birgith hit her leg against the wall.
"No thank you!"

After several minutes of struggle she came from the toilet. All the Curonian Delegation was looking to the Madam Minister in silence:
"Madam, your coffee!" the silence was disturbed by the flight attendant.

She took the coffee and returned to her seat. It was already dark when the plane hit the runway of the Praevalidus International Airport, but still it had many journalist waiting outside the plane.

HM the King went out the plane first. He stood in the doors and smiled, as always, when he was exiting the plane and he straight went to some journalist to take photos and to speak to them.

Birgith looked to her wristwatch and whispered to HM:
"We should rush to the Palace, if we do not want to be too late, Your Majesty!"

"I am sorry, but I am late to the Summit. Have a great evening!" said HM to the crowd.

The Curonian delegation was escorted to the Rolls-Royce limousines by the Aeurian Officials and was straight going to Palace.

by **Friedeck** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 4:52 pm

Natalya, trying to keep the potential collapse of the governing coalition out of her head, chose to survey her surroundings more carefully than usual. Cameras, even-spaced trees lining the street, nothing unexpected in such a setting. She found her little motorcade easily; as a minister, hers was just the one car for her with a single policeman riding ahead, less impressive than the security given the visiting heads of state. Seeing Friedeck's flag flying from the hood made her smile. The Volz family made up for its ethnic division with great patriotism. Friedeck was their home, not Germany or Ziemia.

Natalya had accompanied President Betcher on her state visit to Aeuria the year prior. As the car entered the shadow of the opulent palace, the political problems at home left her head. This was the world stage, and she was prepared to play her part in it, even if it meant wearing a ballgown for the night (she was never fond of long skirts).

An accompanying Friedeckish soldier, in white tie instead of uniform, opened the car door for her. She rose and put on a smile as she approached the building.

by **Aeuria** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 6:01 pm

"Divines..." Aleksander said in dismay as he put out his cigarette.

"I was lucky to escape with my life." finished Grand-Marshal Louis-Gaspard, head of the Imperial Army. He had given his report of the attempt on his life and the current status of the push into West Malaysia via a video feed.

"Remain vigilant Louis, I can't afford to lose you, especially not to some damned barbarians. That will be all." the Emperor said with a tone of concern and sentiment.

"Of course, Sir. There's hardly a qualified enough man to replace me!" replied the Grand-Marshal with a laugh before saluting and his feed was cut.

A Frumentarii Colonel, who was standing beside His Majesty in the subterranean command center spoke up, "I will ensure this report remains classified. No need to complicate the summit."

Aleksander laughed softly, "Complicate is putting it simply." he said as he began walking towards the elevator, garnering salutes from everyone in the command center as he walked the short distance. As Aleksander stepped into the elevator, he turned around, taking a final look at the hidden, and highly secret command center and its personnel, saying "Carry on." as the elevator doors closed and the rapid ascent to the surface began. He pulled his pocket watch out of its pocket, flipping it open to check the time. As he suspected, it was nearly time to make his way to the ballroom. With a soft click, he closed the pocket watch seconds before the elevator doors slid open.

He stepped out into an empty hall, located in a more desolate, unused part of the palace. The group of Imperial Guardsman remained at attention and silent as their emperor looked around the otherwise empty hallway. "Right, that takes care of that." he said, largely to himself. "Well, I suppose it's time I made my way to the ballroom!". He was met with a stiff "Yes, Your Majesty." from the Lieutenant in charge of the security detail. As he began the long walk to the ballroom, he sighed. "I really need to get more charming guards, or at least have Charlie with me." he thought to himself. He reached into his pocket, removing his cigarette case, and in a few moments exhaled a large plume of smoke.

On the way to the ballroom, he decided to stop and have a few cigarettes in a small garden. As he stepped out into the cool, night air, he couldn't help but peer upwards at the imposing, white walls, adorned with ornate pillars and reliefs, that enclosed the garden. He glanced around, "I don't think I've ever been in this garden, or seen these walls before. Hell, I don't even know which wing of the palace I'm in!" he thought to himself with a hearty laugh. "Aeurian excess at its finest." he thought as he took a seat on an ancient looking bench. Complex arrangements of flowers adorned the flowerbeds and window boxes, a small fountain bubbled in the center of the small but comfortable garden. After about 10 minutes of serenity and a handful of cigarettes, Aleksander stood up and went back inside. "Okay, now it really is time to get to the ballroom, let's go." he said to his still stoic guards as he began the long walk.

[OOC: I'll be starting the ball soon, just waiting to give people who have yet to arrive time to post before things kick off.]

by **Alcase** » Sun Apr 05, 2015 8:36 am

30km east of Aeurian Airspace

The President and her entourage of delegates were still cramped up in the Presidential transport aircraft, after a grueling trudging along from Toulon to the Alcasian colony of Guyane. The aircraft carrier carrying the charismatic leader was ordered to stay in Guyane, after a heart-felt Defense Minister heeded his boss's superior recommendations.

Soon, the Alcasian delegation will be landing upon the Aeurian airstrip without the show of Alcasian military force, which had still lacked any significant government budgeting. The new coming budget, proposed by the legislative assembly, was to increase the budget of military expenditure to 2.0% of GDP, as part of a plan for a future remodeling and strengthening project.

by **Mascargo** » Sun Apr 05, 2015 11:36 am

One of the many jets reserved for diplomatic envoys.

Praevalidus International Airport

The envoy from Mascargo had finally landed at the airport after a long and delayed flight. An escort exited and prepared an entry way as the group inside waited. Stanis Andropov IV, the current ruling king of Mascargo, sat in one of the many comfortable chairs. He was a middle-aged man, fair and still rather young. Customarily, he always accompanied the president on every meeting. The kings and queens of Mascargo weren't restrained by a constitution, but instead negated their actions through conscience. The rest of the Andropov family remained in Mascargo. Stanis shifted in his chair and placed down a paper he was reading, seeing the president return from the cabin in his peripheral.

Boris Yetasky looked many years older than the king, and was many years older. He was recently just chosen to be president due to his advances experience with business and politics. Where Stanis was outgoing and friendly, Boris was reserved and quiet. He was prone to thought and spoke only when he felt that his words would be worth something. He stopped at the seat next to the king, grabbing a cup of coffee that he had left in the holder.

"Boris," the king started, standing up from his respective chair. He looked down and straightened the tie on his suit, blinking away the moisture in his eyes and looking clearly at the president. "Are we ready?"

"Of course, your Excellency. The escorts are handling everything with the Aeurians. We'll leave for the palace shortly." Boris turned around and waved off one of the plane's stewardesses, motioning for Stanis to head towards the door.

"Good, good. If my luck continues, this summit will give us something good to walk away with." Stanis walked out of the door of the plane, slowly heading down the steps. Boris followed quickly behind him. They both followed the assistants they brought to the limousine, the king entering first.

by **Oriton** » Sun Apr 05, 2015 12:06 pm

Praevalidus International Airport,
Interior of the Imperial Jet

"Sawada, turn off the music, we've arrived!" The old emperor shouted out from his personal room on the private jet. He walked out of the room dressed in the traditional clothing of all Oritonese royalty and slid away a prayer book into a pocket. The crowd of aides and government members quickly shambled around and made room for him as he walked down the isle. A captain who rode along as escort quickly intercepted and stopped him.

"Most honorable Emperor Asai Mito, we have secured the landing site as you requested. An Aeurian car waits to take you to the palace."

"Most excellent dear soldier." He waved a hand, politely requesting him to move. The Emperor walked down the steps of the plane and bowed formally to the crowd of individuals around him, his personal military escort now retreating back to the plane. He looked back as the Minister of External Affairs walked down the ramp and hastily joined him, apologizing for being late. Both of them entered the car and watched as they left the airport, in direction of the palace.

For a while the Emperor silently read reports while the minister kept his vision focused on the window, watching the city go by and admiring the royal guard. Asai suddenly closed the folder of reports and looked over at him, taking a calming breath. "Tell me, Minister Ogura, what do you expect we will be doing here?"

"W-what do you mean most honorable Emperor? We came to represent ourselves and possibly seek out strategic gains."

"And what would those gains be?"

"Things that could help our people, improve their way of life, of course. I hope personally we could settle some private arrangements for trade, increase our food imports. Our people consume food quicker than we grow it."

"No my dear Minister, it is not food Oriton needs to thrive. Like a fierce lion, starvation will render you docile. Our food is land. We need more land."

The remainder of the ride to the palace was filled with silence, the Emperor reflecting privately.

by **Alcase** » Sun Apr 05, 2015 3:46 pm

Praevalidus International Airport

The plane touches down, a black BMW approaches the runway, awaiting the Alcasian delegation. In order to not arrouse the suspicion of the Aeurian protection service and to keep their conversation a secret, the delegation speak only in their native tongue.

"Pourqoui sommes-nous ici?" Ms. Smith asks her foreign minister, taking a step off the jet.

"la conférence internationale pour la paix ou quelque chose," her Minister replies, indignant that he even has to go to this meeting.

"Est-ce que tu crois que des autres nations va demander pour quelque chose d'inepte ? comme des concessions spéciales?"

"Sans doute! Ministre, ils n'ont pas le lux de la vie d'un Alcasien!"

Both of them laugh, stepping into the black BMW and being driven towards the Aeurian palace.

The Aeurian Summit (New World Only)

The Aeurian Summit (New World Only)

The Dominion of New England's Arrival

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