The Divide (Closed, Cornellia MT)

[Jedoria]

"National security laws must protect national security. But they must also protect the public trust and preserve the ability of an informed electorate to hold its government to account."

-Al Franken

CPCL Vows To Continue Attacks Despite Recent Loss In Court

4th Sykios District Court - The trial of Daniel Gothrow, a young Christian male whom was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit theft, assisted burglary, and resisting arrest, has ended, despite a staunch defense by attorney's provided by Citizens for the Protection of Civil Liberties, or CPCL. Although Gothrow admitted to dismantling the lock on Radi's Jewelry, the CPCL argued that Gothrow had been arrested purely for on the basis of his Christian faith and his Edomite heritage, as well as during his arrest was verbally and physically abused by two members of Internal Security.

The Department denied the accusations and maintained that Gothrow was uncooperative during his arrest and subsequent questioning, and that his arrest was based in fact on eyewitness accounts of his actions that night. The CPCL provided lawyer, Dragos Nemeș, unsuccessfully argued to the judge that the Domestic Security Act had infringed on Gothrow's legal rights and allowed Internal Security to act without proper protocol in it's arrest. The Judge, the Honorable Luca Cioban, concluded otherwise.

Despite the loss, CPCL spokesperson Costel Diaconu assured reporters that the organization would continue to fight against the Domestic Security Act, which is labeled as an 'illegal tool of oppression' on the CPCL's website. Diaconu maintained that the Act had to be challenged at every opportunity, or further exploitations of innocent citizens would continue.

The Domestic Security Act was introduced earlier this year following the outbreak of civil war in New Edom and the terrorist attacks in Adiron, and was stated to provide the Department of Internal Security "The tools and know how to combat insider threads against the Confederation and it's people." The bill itself is a wide umbrella that covers many facets from immigration, border security, and while some elements are intended to streamline current processes, several provisions have come under scrutiny by watchdog groups.

In particular is Section C's Article 5, which allows Law Enforcement to conduct "unofficial investigations" aimed at individuals deemed to be acting "in a manner that indicates malevolent intentions towards the nation and the Jedorian people." The vague wording of the provision has been blasted for opening the door to subversion of privacy rights, along with the additional condition that Internal Security will no longer require a warrant to monitor web activity and telecommunications of suspected malcontents.

Since it's inception into the Jedorian legal systems, reports from the Department of Internal Security confirmed that arrests of minorities, including Christians and Magi, were up by nearly 200%. Internal Security maintains all have been done in the interest of national security, and while many have been released after questioning, the sheer amount of arrests have been criticized by groups like the CPCL as evidence of the growing erosion of civil rights for Jedoria's religious minorities, especially of those of the Christian and Orthodox faith.

In other news, the Jeodrian Navy announced plans to contrust a chain of underwater listening posts stretching from southern Jedoria to Peregrino, then from Peregrino north towards an unspecified location near Novitera.

The Duke's Hearth,
Strana Mechty, Jedoria

The television set blared away on yet another report about the Domestic Security Act, and once more the Duke felt a pang of regret. When he had been sat down months ago to hear the official report, everything had sounded just fine; it would help curb terrorist attacks on Jedoria, and prevent potential home grown terror cells from taking up residence within the Confederation. But now it seemed everytime he heard about it, there was some kind of controversy about it. It made accepting his part in making it law a lot harder.

The leader of the Jedorian Government was momentarily distracted by a giggle, which caused him to turn his head sideways. Sitting at the other end of the couch was his husband, Darius, with their daughter, Isabella, whom was giggling as her other father concluded yet another joke. But that seemed enough for her; her eyes suddenly closed and her mouth widened in a yawn.

"Daddy, I'm tired."

Darius grinned and replied with "Hello Tired, I'm Dad."

Isabela laughed in protest and said "Daddy, you always tell that joke!"

The two continued the conversation as Dorius picked up the child and carried her lovingly to her room, laying her to bed and closing the door as he turned off the lights. He was greeted with a smiling Duke when he returned. "What's so funny?" He asked, moving in closer to Victor.

"Nothing," he replied. "It's just nice to see you too together."

"Yeah well, enjoy it. Not everyone can."

"Yeah...I know."

They sat together in silence for a few minutes, idly looking at the TV without really watching it. Finally, Darius spoke up. "What about New Edom? How many gay couples do you think wish they could be like us?"

"You mean in charge of an entire nation?"

Darius playfully hit Victor's shoulder. "No, you oaf, I mean like this. Able to sit at home with our child, not afraid of getting arrested or anything?"

The Duke of 107 million Jedorians shrugged. "I don't know what to think. I don't like it, but I can't go over there and just change it. New Edom's a complicated place."

"Maybe if you talked to someone..."

"With who? Nobody but the Adirans really see New Edom for what it is; an incredibly complex place that's come pretty far since the civil wars started. But I can't even talk to the freaking Cabinet without everyone assuming it's the same place it was 3 years ago when Perrin was in charge. Hell, the only guy that really gets it is Vadam, and he's the freakin' Field Marshall."

"Well, can you blame them? At the end of the day, it's still just another strong man in a uniform talking about protecting Edomite culture and honor."

"But it's not that!" the Duke protested. "So much has changed! But even our own people think New Edom is still just a barbaric Christian state."

"People only see what's in front of them. If the Edomite Deputy Chamber got as much attention here as did their King talking about FODE, don't you think that would change?"

"Maybe..." Was the Duke's only reply. The solution, as ever, remained out of reach.

[New Edom]

The message that was being sent to the Duke's Hearth was brought with quietly dignified ceremony--not with pomp, but the New Edomite Ambassador to Jedoria brought it himself after arranging a visit with the Duke through proper channels, and explained that he knew of the contents but not their precise nature. He referred to ongoing concerns about the sovereignty of the border provinces and Peregrino, about trade and resource crises in Southern and Central Acheron.

The Ambassador referred to the recent remarks by Dr. Aphek concerning New Othman, and explained that the Minister had been poorly informed about the subject and ambushed by the press, and merely gave his first impressions based on what he had heard in the New Edomite news. He reminded the Duke that New Edom had a great deal of worry about Deadoran aggression, and that 'feminist' to Edomites was not a word that spoke to them confidently. These sentiments, he explained, were shared by the highest levels of executive government in New Edom. Mutual recognition of sovereignty had kept the two nations away from war for decades. The King wanted to propose a peaceful way of resolving differences to a further degree and to what was hoped to be the mutual relief of both nations. But...best to read the King's words for himself...

To: Duke Victor Răceanu
From: King Elijah IV
Subject: Resolution of Tensions
Encryption: Moderate

---

Dear Duke,

Apart from the most official correspondence this is the first time I have written to you directly. I hope your family is in good health and spirits.

When I have seen your family on television, I have remarked that as different as our cultures are, we nevertheless share a general common humanity. We may be very different in faith, and blood has been shed between us that cannot be forgotten. However I am sure that you agree that in the current time of tension we live in we must as leaders agree that it is our sovereign right, and not that of any larger alliance or agreement that must determine how things are between us.

There are several crises that we face: the oil crisis, the human rights crisis, the border crisis, and how each of our nations is influenced by the foreign alliances we have been pursuing.

To that end, I would like to meet with you if possible, if you are willing, to discuss the best means of handling and improving communication between our governments to avoid miscommunication and danger. There have been several 'near misses' with border patrols on either side of the border in the last few years. It would be all too easy for things to get out of hand.

My wife, Queen Mara, recently had a dream in which for no reason at all Novitera and Jedoria both attacked Peregrino and invaded it, a stony silence the only response to desperate queries from the Region of "why?"

There has never been an official meeting just between the leaders of our two countries to discuss how to share a border better and a part of this Region better. I hope that this can happen.

I propose that the first summit meeting, if you agree, take place in Jedoria at a location of your choosing, to an extent of your choosing. I only propose that you and I and our respective spouses should be there, so that we can meet as men as well as leaders, as family members as well as statesmen.

I have the honour to be
King Elijah IV

[Jedoria]

A proper response to King Elijah's letter was sent though the diplomatic channels back to Fineberg, filled with the fluff and pomp a letter between heads of states deserved. It conveyed many of the same sentiments Elijah had corresponded, and thanked him for the openness of which he approached the Duke. In truth, it had caught Răceanu by surprise. He had been told, perhaps even trained, to think that the Edomites were a slithery bunch, they beat around the bush a lot and only got to the point where an opportunity presented itself. Like fighting with a snake, but it seemed King Elijah had no such intention. That was probably smart of him, forcing the Jedorians to meet him on an equal playing field, face the Confederation head on, so no shrewd diplomatic maneuvers could be made.

Preparations had to be made of course; food prepared, rooms set fit to host a King and Queen and their associates, security and personnel briefed on what to expect. It wasn't everyday the Edomite Monarchy came to visit, in fact, no one could really remember the last time such an event had occurred. The last time Edomites had stepped foot in Jedoria for official business, it had been to re-open the embassy that had been closed during the Peregrino War. Such memories had to be brushed aside now however; this was a meeting that was supposed to procure peace, not re-start years of war. Still, there seemed to be an air of history to the whole event. Whether or not this was the start of a new chapter or just a footnote had yet to be seen.

Răceanu spent most of the night planning it all out, figuring out who was coming, whom he would bring to bare, closing off a part of the airport and roadways leading to the Duke's Hearth so that the convoy carrying the Edomites could come through unmolested by traffic. The Foreign Ministries quickly got in contact with each other to ensure that everything related to paperwork got through just fine. By the time the Duke collapsed into bed next to his Darius, who was already sound asleep, he could scarcely remember what he had done that morning.

---

Damian Dragan had ran for Duke in 2006 and won handily, riding off his association with the ever popular Ectarine Rosetti, who lost her battle with breast cancer shortly after she left office. He was hard to dislike, with his contagious smile, charismatic demeanor, and record. A public servant since 22, he had enlisted in the Jedorian Army, retired as a Major, ran for High Council, was Minister of Regional Development and Public Administration, then ascended to Duke. He had big plans for Jedoria, which ultimately cost him.

Dragan wanted to turn Jedoria into a First World Country, with an economy to match. He had pushed for a stronger service sector since coming to power, and while popular at first, it became clear towards the end of his term that the Confederation wasn't ready for that. Too many Jedorians still worked in the factories that ran the industrial hub of Jedoria, and they weren't to happy about potentially being outsourced to Hostillia or Chaco.

Another problem was, ironically enough, New Edom. Torn apart by civil wars, a fractured New Edom didn't pose a real threat to Jedoria, and Dragan had attempted tentative peace overtures to the Allied States. Then the Boy General came to power, and suddenly New Edom was unified, powerful, and friends with a lot of nations. Jedoria, on the other hand, hadn't changed much, and counted on Novitera and Hostillia for allies. Needless to say, the Duke's attempts at peace weren't too well received by a populace that believed Edom eager to expand it's power and culture throughout the region.

When the election came around, Dragan found himself challenged principally by a young community organizer turned High Council member called Victor Răceanu. There wasn't much to the man. He came from a poorer background, was gay and married to prove it, and belonged to Another Jedoria, the chief opposition to Dragan's Moderate Party. Victor and Damian clashed on a number of issues; the Moderates wanted Jedoria to be more service sector based while Another Jedoria favored expansion of current industries. Damian wanted Jedoria to be the peacekeepers, Victor the peacemakers. Damian wanted ties with the Shraileeni, Victor Deadora.

Somehow the decorated veteran from an upper middle class family from a condo in Jodum had lost out to a local organizer from the outskirts of Tharkad. Damian wasn't bitter, or at least he told himself he wasn't, and took the loss as a sign from Gaia that he wasn't meant to last in politics. Since then he had 'retired' to CFO of a hardware company that was licensed out to a Noviteran firm, building parts for computers. It was a fairly successful business, and for the former leader of over one hundred million people, a rather relaxing venture. He had just been packing up his office to head home for the night when his phone had rung. Wondering if Ion from accounting was finally going to tell him the figures he needed for the presentation next week, Dragan lifted the phone up to his head and asked rather nonchalantly "Wassup?"

"Damian, it's Victor."

Dragan stopped what he was doing, then put his coat and bag back down. The last time the two had spoke, the words had gone somewhat like "Sir, I would just like to congratulate you on your victory, a most well deserved..." Why on Gaia's creation the man was calling him was anybody's guess, but Dragan tried to play it cool.

"What can I do for you...Duke?"

"I need advice."

"For...?"

"Elijah and Mara are coming for a visit."

Răceanu could hear the low whistle across four hundred miles through the phone. "What for?"

"Solving our problems. Have you been keeping up with the news?"

"Yeah, building yourself quite the arsenal have you? Nuclear subs, that's new."

"I need help man. I've never engaged with an Edomite like this."

"As I recall, one of your biggest criticisms of me was how I handled New Edom. What makes you think I'm suddenly..."

"This isn't about the election anymore!" Răceanu interjected, sounding exasperated. "This isn't about politics anymore. This is for Jedoria, and the future of the Confederation."

Silence was his only answer for a few moments before a resigned voice asked "What do you want to know?"

"What can I expect? What should we try to do?"

"Elijah's a monarch, but he's also a naval officer. He's come a long way, he'll probably take you aside and try to find common ground. Talk about anything, music, government, literature, architecture, so long as you keep it cordial. He's not an idiot, yeah the Barans are a pretentious lot, but they're smarter than they look. Keep on your toes and treat him like an equal. The ministers will be left to their own to talk politics and shit like that. Let them do their job, and you do yours."

"Okay. What about talking with the Edomites, actually getting stuff done?"

"They won't admit they're wrong, at least not straight up. They'll want to make it look like they're giving up more than you, even when they're not. Don't assume, make them state what they want. It stops them from trying to circle around you. They aim for subversiveness, keeping half their cards off the table and in their hands."

"Right."

"Look, above all, they've been through a lot. Civil wars, anarchists, and they still have a fucking powerful and veteran armed forces. They've got a lot to be proud of. Don't try to belittle them. Just make it clear you're not afraid. That doesn't mean trotting out the nuke card, just make it clear you know where you stand and aren't ashamed of being a bunch of democratic pagans."

"Thanks Damian, I appreciate it."

"Take it easy, my Duke. You're going to be fine."

The line went dead, and Damian set his phone back down. Looking back, he was actually pretty glad to be out of office.

A few days later...

The flight carrying King Elijah IV, Queen Mara I, and their entourage entered into Jedorian air space and was picked up by an escort of four Saab aircraft, Gripens protecting Griffons, and guided the plane towards Strana Mechty International Airport. Runway 11 was cordoned off to any other aircraft and the runway open for landing as the plane touched down. As it came to a close, the doorway and stairs would have opened to an awaiting party of Jedorians. The Duke and most of the significant Government officials were not present, before departing New Edom, the Edomites would've informed them the Duke would meet them at the Duke's Hearth so as to properly introduce them to his home.

Greeting the Edomites was the most senior Jedorian Military Officer, Field Marshall Dimitri Vadam, in full dress uniform. It wasn't a very impressive uniform, Jedorians designed their equipment and dress based on utility rather than aesthetic appearance, though the Field Marshall's significance was clearly on display. With a slightly angled but still round face, dark blue eyes and his dark hair cut to a medium fade, he didn't look all that much in his simple grey-black dress uniform, although he did stand at six feet four inches. and a single emblem on both upper sleeves that identified his as the highest ranking officer possible for Jedorian Military personnel.

Standing with him were 12 Bastarnae, Jedoria's elite of the elite, dressed likewise in their grey-black uniform, arrayed in a two lines of six each on either side of the walkway, rifles held at their side. When the King and Queen stepped foot on the ground, the Bastarnae instantaneously raised their rifles to Attention in a salute of the Edomite monarchs. As Elijah and Mara approached, Vadam raised his right hand so that the tips of his index and middle fingers nearly touched his field cap (The Jedorian Military didn't like berets), fingers extended and joined with hand slightly canted so that his palm wasn't visible. The salute was done in recognition of Elijah's position as former Grand Admiral, a rank that the Jedorians could respect. It was in some ways reminiscent of Jedorian attitude towards Perrin Pathah-Moab, constantly referring to him as Brigadier General. Some might have thought that disrespectful but in was in fact of grudging respect of the Boy General's rank and impressive military record.

When they were within six paces of the Field Marshall, he spoke clearly and said "Welcome to the Confederation of Jedoria, Sir and Ma'am. My Duke sends his regards and wishes for you to join him at his home. He would also like to apologize if his lack of presence here is not appreciated, tradition holds that the Duke's first encounter with a foreign Monarch be at the Duke's Hearth, to fully welcome him to the country as well as his own home." Vadam kept the salute until saluted back or it was no longer necessary. "If you'll follow me, your ride awaits just outside the airport."

Going back to attention, the Field Marshall suddenly belted out a command in his own native language.

"Gardă! Atenție!"

The Bastarnae returned their arms back to Port Arms and awaited their next command.

"Dreapta, Față!"

The entire Bastarnae detachment executed the command, so they all faced towards the airport.

"înainte, Martie!"

The two lines of Jedorian Soldiers began marching forward, until they reached the airport entrance, and opened the doors for the Field Marshall and the Edomites. Strana Mechty International Airport was a modern airport built to typical Jedorian architecture. Heavy use of geometric angles, usually at either extremely sharp degrees , or at forty-five degree angles, were common. A brief tour through customs was done just as a formality managed by Internal Security. Men in combat webbing and digital urban camouflage provided security, many of them arms bared to accommodate the heat. Tattoos were a common sight, and one design in particular seemed abundantly particular; a homely but beautiful woman with wide hips and bosom, flower petals and trees surrounding her. Seeing such an image on the bulging biceps of a man wielding a submachine gun may have seemed out of place, but those versed in basic Jedorian culture could tell it was supposed to represent Gaia, mother of the world, the embodiment of Earth itself, and the Jedorian deity. The Jedorians themselves were a far cry from the Edomites; nearly all of them were light skinned with very dark or blonde hair, dark blue eyes, standing around 6 foot 2 inches, speaking in voices that stressed vowels, R's and T's.

The line of vehicles awaiting the Edomites included a luxurious limousine and several SUVs, all of them armored plated. Leaving the airport on the closed off Loop 239, it wasn't the quickest path to the Duke's Hearth, but it was by far the most scenic, giving the occupants of the vehicles a great view of the Strana Mechty Skyline. Coming up on noon, the sun reflected off the many skyscrapers that dominated the city. Home to seven million Confederates, it resonated centralization, the heart of the Confederation. Strana Mechty, meaning Land of Dreams, so aptly named by Lurik the Conqueror so many centuries ago...

Jedorian culture's emphasis on hierarchy meant that the most powerful be seated at the highest point, and the Duke's Hearth was no exception. Sitting on a sort of acropolis, looking down onto the city from the east, the Duke's Hearth was the home of Jedoria's leader, whomever it was. It was difficult to tell whether it was a palace or a castle; it seemed almost to be both. An outer wall, made of worn stone, guarded the main buildings, battlements and towers added by later architects after Lurik's death. Behind the walls was the actual residence, although years of gradual changes had turned it from just the home of the Jedorian Duke/Duchess to that of a political center; entire areas of the structure were dedicated to diplomatic and political discussion. The main building was square in shape, with two wings jutting out at the western face of the building, the main entrance the foreign dignitaries would proceed through. The wings pointed north and south, each had their own purpose but neither were important on this particular day and occasion.

Awaiting the Edomites at the at the entrance into the Duke's Hearth was the Duke himself, Victor Răceanu, his husband Darius, and their daughter, Isabella. Behind them was Foreign Minister Andrei Paler, Director of Foreign Relations Decebal Bârlădeanu, and Minister of Regional Development and Public Administration Sebastian Caragiale. All the men wore grey and black suits, ties blue and smiles ready. Isabella wore a peach colored dress tailored for eight year olds like herself.

What exactly they were hoping to accomplish here still wasn't clear. There were a few vague notions in their heads, but to the Ministers and the Duke, it was anyone's guess as to what exactly they would end up doing here. Making history, for sure, but for better or for worse was anybody's guess.

The Duke took the lead, offering his hand to the Edomites, and saying "Welcome, King and Queen, to Jedoria, and my home. This is my family, my husband Darius, my lovely daughter Isabella, and our Ministers." He said, introducing each by name, whom offered their own handshakes.

"If you'll follow me please, I'll give show you the way."

Between the main palace and the wall were several smaller structure complimenting either. They varied in age, some being hundreds of years old, tracing their origin to Cornellian influence, other more recent as the last century as modernization gripped Jedoria. The architecture in general seemed to reflect a very industrious design, with focus on geometric shapes, semi-triangular themes and angles being the most commonly observed. Curves and smoothness were nearly non-present, replaced with solidness and monolithic tendencies, everything seemed reflective of industry and manufacturing in some sense, even the cobblestone paths that led delegates from the entrance to the main complex. It was reflective of Jedoria itself, an industrial hub of machinery and mass production, though seemingly made to stand the test of time.

And yet standing in the courtyard, directly on the path towards the palace, forcing the new arrivals to walk around it, was a tree, enclosed in a circular stone enclosure. Bark old and leaves green, the oak tree stood tall, branches reaching out towards the heavens. The soil inside the enclosure was obscured by thick and luscious grass that was tended to daily. The tree itself seemed so out of place, something so natural seemed to foreign in this area dedicated to unnatural human construction. But there it stood, tall and proud, as if challenging the Jedorians to chop it down. But it was the Confederates who had planted it. It didn't serve an religious or spiritual purpose, or at least not on a grand scale. Rather it was a reminder. A reminder that no matter how far Jedoria advanced, how much their factories produced or much steel and iron they possessed, at one point in their existence, trees were all they had to use and build with. Humbling? Perhaps.

The stairs that lead up to the main complex were made of chiseled grey stone, smooth from years of service to the variety of visitors and inhabitants that came and went. Standing atop the flight, one could turn around and receive a rather splendid view of the Jedorian capital. To the north and west stood tall skyscrapers, reaching up for the clouds. During the night these would illuminate and give off a dazzling display of electricity and photons. To the south, large residential areas clustered around the Stea, which itself was crossed by multiple bridges built to ease the daily travel of some 7 million Jedorians.

Once the delegates walked through the entrance, they would follow a gray carpet straight through a long hallway, the walls of stone lit up with curved light fixtures. Pictures of Jedorian leaders of past lined the walls, from the first leader of independent Jedoria, Adela Hasdeu, to the most recent, Victor Răceanu.

Said Duke didn't try to explain all the intricacies of the Duke's Hearth, but if he saw someone taking notice of something he was more than happy to explain it's purpose there.

Finally the individuals would arrive at the conference room, a large opening with a high ceiling, walls of light gray stone reflecting the light coming in from both the windows and the fixtures on the walls. The conference table was multilayer-ed, one layer wood, the top a smooth glass cover. The Edomites where shown to their seats which they were allowed to choose freely on one side of the table, and the Jedorians the opposite.

"Is there anything I can get for you?" The Duke asked, gesturing to a variety of aids and servants ready to take requests for drinks or appetizers.

"I hope your flight was pleasant, I've heard flying over the mountains is always a great sight." It seemed the Duke was ready to play the Baran game of small talk for as long as necessary.

[New Edom]

When King Elijah and Queen Mara left, there were both well wishers and protestors out at Fineberg International. The visit to Jedoria was causing a storm of controversy.

NO FRIENDSHIP WITH SODOMITES! proclaimed one sign. BRING US PEACE! said another. SRR spokesman Theo Chough speculated in a speech at Hymnal Park as to what the King and Queen's 'corrupt advisers' had concocted this time.

There had been a film recently called "Over the Wire" which depicted a fictional account of a war between New Edom and Jedoria caused by distorted information in a strategic analysis computer and a crazed general--on the Edomite side. The filmmaker, Joab Mun, was praised as an innovative storyteller by some, as the creator of a good action flick on the other, and as a 'homo symp commie rat' by others.

Even though the council was behind it, the majority of the Peace and Harmony and Intellectual Parties had expressed surprise but support, hoping this would back up their arms reduction plan, there were still some misgivings and worries. Count Lalery backed it fully but privately sneered about the Duke and his family. "How the hell can they have a daughter? Was she shit out or something?" Mara upon hearing this was furious with Lalery and said to him privately that he was disgusting. The Prophet Under, Bishop Zecharias and other religious leaders gave the King and Queen warnings that no good would likely come of this.

"Remember Ahab," advised Under. "Remember Solomon. Be wary, my King."

"I am wary. We are surrounded by enemies, potential and actual. I have no intention of adopting a pro-homosexual agenda; I merely want to have means of peaceful resolution of disagreements made more clear. Unless you want to advise me to conquer in the name of the faith..." Elijah said, to the prelates' quick acknowledgements of agreement.

When they arrived, cameras caught the historic moment as the King returned the Field Marshal's salute neatly. As one of the King's young ADCs watched, he felt a shiver down his spine. The Field Marshal, after all, was a bit of a boogeyman figure to them, the man who might give the strategic orders that would cause a war between them, seeing him in the face was weird.

The King wore his Navy Blues, with his combat and commendation ribbons displayed along with his gold braid and his Golden Eagle at his collar. Queen Mara wore a light blue dress of a wrap around type that beautifully hugged her voluptuous body and seemed to shimmer like water around the fullness of her bosom and the swelling fruitfulness of her hips. Her feet her in high heeled sandals, and pattering along with her on a leash was Precious, little pink tongue lolling happily, beady eyes expressing excitement a the trip.

Mara expressed delight at meeting Isabella for the first time, and leaned down to say hello, a bright smile on her face. "I've heard so much about you, so glad to meet you at last! This is Precious!"

King Elijah courteously and with a polite smile greeted the Duke, his senior officials, his husband, and expressed admiration of the architecture and surroundings.

When they had at last arrived, the King and Queen sat down with a bit of relief though they showed simple polite gratitude.

"I will take a little mint tea," said the King. "And you, my dear Mara?"

"Mint tea as well," she said firmly. "I would like to know something, Duke--how in the world do you do it, juggle being a parent and being a national leader, especially with so many big meetings, so many upheavals going on in the region? I'm amazed that you don't look exhausted at twenty meters!"

"Yes a very..." Elijah seemed to search for a word, "Charming little girl, your daughter."

"Oh she's delightful!" cried Mara, putting a hand on Elijah's arm and shaking her head at him a bit.

[Jedoria]

Most Jedorian citizens had learned of the meeting between the Edomite Monarchs and the Jedorian Government through foreign media, or through the few Jedorian news outlets that had managed to discover the truth. It wasn't really a case of a media blackout per se, in general the Confederation did not openly proclaim such events like meetings of heads of state. Typically the reason for the lack of revelation was the Government's idea of operating on a need-to-know basis. It didn't really affect the everyday citizen that the two nations were holding an official meeting, so why should they be informed? The only thing that mattered was that the Bentlee entity that was the Confederation was wisely seeking the peaceful route to solve it's obstacles. Jedoria after all didn't have 'problems', just temporary issues that would be solved, one way or the other.

As a result, most of the media that greeted the Edomite's touchdown in Strana Mechty was foreign, save for a single camera crew and reporter named Carl form the Tharkad Times. Most of the Jedorian populace didn't protest, or if they did, not near the same furor of some Edomites. Most did however scoff; the idea of making peace with New Edom seemed ludicrous. Fresh out of their civil war, surely their minds were on conquest, not peace. In fact, the most recent popular novels to hit bookshelves across Jedoria was a speculative fiction piece called "A Crimson Shadow", based on a future war between the Confederation and New Edom. The author was a Confederation Patriot at heart, and it didn't take a genius to conclude whom was victorious in the final chapter.

Despite the limited Jedorian media coverage, Mara certainly captured most of it. Not just her amazing figure, but the news of what she had accomplished during the last Civil War had managed to touch even the hearts of Jedoria. Minor praise, but praise nonetheless.

Isabela, like most eight year old girls, dreamed of princesses and queens, and thus when she found out she was meeting a real life queen, was ecstatic. And like every normal human being, she loved dogs, and squealed in delight when Precious attempted to lick her face. "Wow, you're really a queen!" Was the most she could manage to say amidst all the excitement. "My daddies say I'm a princess too, but you're the real thing!" She beamed and giggled in the face of Mara's compliments, still trying to take in the gravity of the whole thing.

Just after the Edomite entourage was seated, the Field Marshall joined in behind them, taking his seat along the Jedorian side. Servants quickly brought out mint tea for the Edomite King and Queen, along with water for the Duke and First Gentleman. Little Isabella asked for apple juice ("It's my favorite!") while Vadam took Earl Gray Tea, hot.

To the Queen's question, the Duke answered "Please ma'am, call me Victor, and to that I owe to my better half." He said, glancing at Darius. Darius himself blushed slightly and smiled. It wasn't normal for him to be seen like this, he was a husband not a politician. But family was family, and if the Edomite Monarchy was to be there in full bloom, so should their Confederate Counterparts. It was not hard for anyone to see why Victor liked Darius. He was a bit stockier but not overweight, a round by friendly face, wide smile, nice dark blue eyes, slightly curly dark hair. His facial hair was neatly kept trimmed to give him a slight beard that complimented his facial shape well.

"I try to take her with me when I can, a child should always know what their parents do."

"Family is all." Darius added, to which the other Jedorians present nodded to.

"But Darius cares for her when I can't, which is unfortunately is too often, especially given recent regional developments. It seems like every week I have less and less time to spend with her."

Isabella seemed fascinated with the Queen, and couldn't help but hide her curiosity. "Mrs. Mara, how come on TV you're always naked?"

The Jedorians allowed themselves a chuckle at the young girls curiosity, and the Duke took a chance to open up to the King. "I doubt I'm the only one that's been busy. Was the announcement of your trip well received? I'm afraid some of my fellow countryman won't see it in a positive light."

[New Edom]

Mara smiled at Darius and then at Victor again. "Please, in private call me Mara. That's the Jedorian way is it not? And Darius, it is so nice to meet you. You have such a lovely family...oh my gosh I'm so nervous about being a mother..."

With Isabella she continued to be friendly. "yes, I'm a real Queen, and before that I was a princess. I'm glad your Daddies love you so well, it shows in what a good girl you seem to be. Would you like to see some of Precious' tricks?" Mara then showed her "Sit nice" "Up and dance", "Roll over" "shake a paw" "Play dead". "Good boy, Precious, yes, who's a good little doggy? I think he likes you."

A little later, asked a more personal question, Mara said to her seriously but with a smile, "Well, the Church I belong to believes in only wearing clothes when it's necessary or polite, and I wanted to show them that I believed in the same thing. We believe being naked is healthy and holy, you see."

King Elijah remarked to Victor, "The reception of our trip has been mixed. Some are so tired of war that they are glad that I am making it clear that I am dedicated to peace. Others think war is inevitable and think I am being foolish--not weak, but misguided by poor advisers."

"They usually blame me," Dr. Aphek chimed in with a suave chuckle. He was wearing an expensive cream suit with a sky blue tie, his distinguished greying hair in dark oiled waves, his olive tan like mahogany. "Does anyone mind if I smoke?"

"Yes, that's your job, being blamed for foreign policy people don't like," said King Elijah gravely. "At any rate, there are others who are just afraid of any change. And finally, there are those who are just happy to see us out in public, especially the Queen."

"Oh you!" exclaimed Mara. "They like you too!"

"They respect me, they love you," said Elijah with a brief flicker of a tender smile at her, like a candle flame guttering before a drape was drawn.

[Jedoria]

"I'm sure you'll prove an excellent mother." The Duke assured to Mara with another smile. "And thank you...Mara, though I'll have to get used to that."

Isabela squealed in delight as Precious displayed her tricks, and excitedly pat the dog, unable to hide her growing affection for the dog. "I've always wanted a puppy, by my daddies always say we'll have to wait. I want a big one, and fluffy so him and I can lay down for bed together! What kind of treats does he like?"

To Elijah's comments of their trip, the Duke nodded in agreement. "Were it so easy." Was all he could offer.

To Aphek's request, Bârlădeanu spoke up. He didn't look it, but in fact he regularly worked out at the gym and on his own. But he also smoke and ate greatly, and his overall health status was poor. He was a bit on the pudgy side, a slightly shrunken face but eyes that seemed alert. "If you want Doctor, there's a room you and I can go catch a smoke break in."

The comment seemed not to sit well with Andrei Paler, who frowned and looked at the Director of Foreign Relations. "You told me you quit smoking."

Bârlădeanu shrugged. "I tell you a lot of things."

Paler looked somewhat annoyed. "Oh come now, you can't really-"

Vadam interjected unexpectedly but with a hint of sarcasm. "Oh, you two are arguing again? Must be a day that ends in Y."

The other Jedorians chuckled, but the Duke saw an opportunity and took it. In a measured tone that indicated he was almost reluctant to bring up the subject, he glanced over his minister and director. "Yes, though recently it seems it's gotten worse."

The Duke turned his attention to Elijah, and addressed him. "Although there have been plenty of recent successes in regional stabilization, the conclusion of your civil war, the establishment of a national assembly in the Shraileeni Empire, there have been many setbacks. The rise of terrorism in New Othman and Adiron, the energy crisis in Adiron. Dengali remains unanswered, as do many questions regarding the future of our region. The lack of clarity for the future makes policy making, indeed any kind of serious governmental decision, difficult."

[New Edom]

Mara said, "Precious loves dried meat treats best of all, but he also likes Nibblers, which are a sort of kibble thingy, good for little dogs. You can give him one if you like, make him sit nice first, then drop it to his mouth and he'll snap it up!" Mara crouched beside the girl easily, many hours of gardening and exercise making this an easy position for her to hold.

Elijah smiled faintly at the banter about smoking; Prince Enoch, Countess Merodach and Dr. Aphek seemed more openly amused.

"We'll probably all be taking more of a smoke break," interjected Prince Enoch. "In New Edom the challenge is finding a non smoking area, except in some of those foreign hotels. And really, who doesn't like a good cigar or a good smoke after a meal?" A handsome young man approaching thirty, he was also wearing a naval uniform, with a lot more staff braid on it than Elijah, and only one row of decorations; his actual grade was Commander.

Elijah listened soberly to what Victor had to say. "That is why I wanted to meet with you. We are in a way pursuing a parallel course. I have as you know met with the Matriarch Empress to discuss Dengali and we have a plan. I'm not sure if you're fully aware, but what I proposed, and she accepted after we came to some compromises, was a four year plan for reestablishing order in Tabora and Iwo'Orune provinces in Dengali. This would mean independent observation to help establish police forces there and judicial process and electorate process. At the end of this time there would be a mediated assessment between Deadora, New Edom, the Shrailleeni Empire and Dengali itself to determine if it is sufficiently safe for foreign military forces to withdraw. There are criteria being established by agreement between all four parties--officials are working on that now. I hope it can be made to work. Now..." he looked at Victor intently, "your nation's support for this peace process is vital. I don't intend to demand a decision from you, but I would like to know if it would be possible to have your people look over the proposals and see if your government would support them."

[Jedoria]

Isabella fed Precious a treat and recoiled with delight as the dog's tongue licked against her fingers. She did as Mara suggested, making the canine obey the command, then held the treat aloft before dropping it into the awaiting and eager maw of the dog. She asked a variety of questions to the Edomite Queen, "How old is he? How long have you had him? Does he curl up in a little ball when he sleeps?" Between the wag of Precious's tail, Mara's smiles, and Isabela's giggle, it was a very delightful scene that warmed the heats of Victor and Darius, and even brought smiles to the faces of the other Jedorians.

It was rather interesting to note while the Jedorians were hosting, the Edomites had them fully outnumbered. The Jedorians had brought to bear just eight persons of interest, the Duke, his husband, their daughter, the Field Marshall, the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Regional Development, and the Director. While there were various aides and security personnel as well, they largely faded into the background. It was however somewhat typical of Jedorian diplomatic endeavors; bringing forth the most prominent to show their skill set, if they were truly fit to hold their job they should be able to handle themselves like professionals. The Edomites on the other hand appeared to operate in packs, although in this case the Edomite entourage was understandably large given the presence of the King and Queen, but nevertheless the operating procedures were clearly different.

The Duke listened to the King's statements and met his gaze unwaveringly, though indicating he understood the gravity of what Elijah was speaking about. In the back of his mind his memory stirred up a reminder of a personal discussion he had held with a certain Empress ruling a land in southern Acheron. They had come to an understanding then, but as times changed, so the Duke had to adapt, or else he was faced with falling out of the loop entirely. Nevertheless he kept that particular bit of information safely stowed away in the recesses of his mind and focused on the tangible set before him.

"I'm sure my ministers would be more than happy to look over the terms, I would suppose that's why I selected them." He said with a small smile and flicker of eyes towards Paler and Bârlădeanu. "However I was hoping to leave the formalities up to those it better suits. Would you mind accompanying me for a walk, good sir, or would you prefer to remain here with your lovely wife and your staff? I'm open to either arrangement."

[New Edom]

The other Edomites present, Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain, Countess Merodach, Countess Falk, Captains Peleg and Bashan, watched with amusement as the Queen got to know Isabella and vice versa.

"I think one of the hardest things the Queen had to do during her pilgrimage was not take that dog with her," said Melisande Merodach to the Jedorians present. "She takes him everywhere with her."

"I bet the King would like to take his Capybara ranch everywhere with him," said Captain Peleg with a grin.

Mara said, "Precious is six years old now, so he's still in his prime. Little dogs if they're kept in good shape can live a long time, but a doggy like this one needs lots of grooming because of his fluffy fur. He's also very active and smart so he needs good training and activity, it was hard on him when I was away for a couple of months at a stretch. When he's on my bed, he moves round and round till he's sure his place will be comfy and then lies down there and usually curls with his nose touching his tail. Poms are very nice dogs, if your Daddies let you, I'd think about getting one! What do you like to do most Isabella, what kind of games do you like to play?"

Enoch, watching, his heart aching for the the yearning of the woman he could never have, thought that both Victor and Elijah were clever men--by bringing Mara and by bringing the little girl, they had broken the ice and humanized the event greatly.

"Let's walk and talk by all means," said Elijah. "I would enjoy seeing the grounds at greater leisure if that is alright with you. In fact I think best when I'm walking--it's a habit from the service, I used to walk the decks to get some time to think."

[Jedoria]

"I like to play house and play outside a lot. I like reading books too, and talking with my friends at school. I have my own bike too, my daddies don't like me riding it though because I always forget my helmet. I'm only riding around the house, it's not like I'm going down streets or something." She gave an over exaggerated shrug; an adorable action in her diminutive frame.
"Sometimes I stay up late at night if my daddies let me and look at the stars. It's what our motto is so I think I everyone should do it. It's really cool too! I watched a show on TV that said the oldest stars are thirteen billion years old! That's older than my grandma, and she's really old!" The assembled Jedorians couldn't help but snicker at that last comment. "The Predicant at the big Temple in the city says that Gaia made each star unique, and there are a gazillion of them! For my birthday I really want a telescope, but that's not until next year."

Meanwhile the Duke and Elijah departed as Victor indicated for the King to follow him as they left through a door on the left wall of the room. The Bastarane standing guard at the door immediatly upon their approach opened the door for both men to pass through. Elijah and Victor entered into a large hallway, the same grey strip of carpet leading down the passage. Stone walls were on each side and led skyward in a triangular fashion to the actual ceiling was much taller than expected. It seemed almost like the room had been built for giants but served mere men instead. For that was all Elijah and Victor ultimately were, just men. Men whom held fictional positions of power that while entailed a certain degree of real correspondence in truth existed just as either ink on paper or in the minds of the people. It these two men changed positions or died the earth would go on spinning without a second thought.

And yet it was the creation and evolution of human society and culture that led to establishment of such institutions that required a figurehead to rule, and it was because of thousands of years of human suffering and world building that found the Duke of Jedoria and the King of New Edom slowly walking down a stone corridor. Light fixtures that were built into the wall so that their light shot up into the air provided illumination in the absence of windows. A number of paintings were dispered over the walls, the most prominent featuring King Lurik as he united the Jedorian provinces, a Jedorian cataphract and a Guan horseman locked in combat, a group of Confederate rebels storming a Cornellian building.

As they walked, the Duke spoke in a respectful tone, hands clasped behind his back. "Your wife is lovely King, I can see why she is so popular in your homeland. However I'm afraid I don't recognize or know much of the Countess's and Prince. Are they all related to your family, or is there a number of royal houses that provide civil servants?"

[New Edom]

"I loved to play on my bike when I was your age," said Mara with a smile. "But you know at the time both my parents weren't running a country, it was a little different. My Papa was a Prince, my Mama a Princess, neither had been crowned yet you see. Anyway house is fun, do you have a tea set? I had a tea set. I also had a hula hoop and I liked playing with bubbles."

Mara listened about the telescope. "How interesting! A gazillion, really? I cannot imagine naming all the stars, there are so many that I think there aren't enough minutes in a person's life to name them all! But I hope you get your telescope."

While Victor and Elijah walked, Elijah admired the grand spectacle before him, which made him think of an indoor evening sky which he supposed was the effect that was meant.

"A remarkable structure indeed, thank you for showing it to me," he murmured as they walked. "Thank you for your compliment to my wife. Your family seems very happy, and I see the fondness between all of you. Having a child must be a great comfort. I am surprised, the love you and Darius have for her, that you do not have more, but perhaps your duties would make that difficult?" Elijah said this without awkwardness at all. He had of course visited many cultures strange to his own as a naval officer and minister of state, and was a sophisticated man. The idea of two men raising a child, shocking to most Edomites, was merely foreign to him.

Then, "The titles of Princes not of the royal family--such as those of Prince Enoch--are of former independent states that during the 15th Century became part of the Kingdom of Edom. The counts are different--some of these titles stem from those who were loyal to our former monarchs and had been rewarded with lands and titles for their good service, others for mere courtesy titles later in our nation's history. It's a bit out of fashion to award titles now, though it is still done occasionally.

"Our aristocracy have a traditional obligation to fulfill certain duties--at Court, in the military, in the civil service. Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain, for instance, our Master of Offices, served first in the National Navy after his education was completed, and achieved the rank of Commander. Then he joined the Palace service and went from Military Secretary to King James II to Master of Offices--a speedy rise but the King had just died you see..." he fell silent a moment as though realizing that this was a bit grim to talk about. "Anyway he has fulfilled his duties well. That is but an example. some mebers of hte aristocracy and royal family do little work, but they are not much rewarded for that in influence or power. Service to the state brings high honour, you see. But it is very different in your country?" he added, glancing at Victor.

[Jedoria]

"I don't have a tea set," Admitted Isabella, "but I have a doll house that my dad bought for my when I first came home."

"I like bubbles too, but I keep running out of the soap because I keep running out of soap! And I never buy enough bottles to last a weekend!" On stars, she commented "When I grow up, I wanna find a star that no one's ever seen before, and name it! My favorite star is Zosma, it's the first one I saw through a telescope. I even got a book full of stars and galaxies, wanna see?" Her eyes were full of eagerness and childlike joy.

As Victor and Elijah walked, the Duke listened keenly and responded when the opportunity was presented. "Truth by told, Darius wants one. But I'm skeptical. You're supposed to take your children to work, but Isabela, well, it's different. I mean I'm not some office manager, so the circumstances don't really apply here. The fact is that I barely have time with her and it kills me. I'm her father, I should be there for her. I'm worried if we adopt again, I won't be able to balance for both of them." The Duke shook his head. "In another life maybe."

"Service to the state remains the highest calling of every Jedorian." The Duke said firmly. "But we have no nobility to draw specialty from. It is the duty of the everyday citizen to serve the Confederation to their fullest extent." He allowed a small smile. "That probably comes off as a bit nationalistic, and it probably is." Victor leveled his head forward, as though staring off into something in the distance. "That unfortunately is what leads to so many stereotypes I'm afraid. Many Jedorians see Edomite public officials as people who got their position simply because they emerged from the right womb." He shook his head. "I wish I could say I was always better than that, but I was young and foolish once. When I first heard that Edomite parents could and sometimes would disown their children I was shocked. I don't mean any offense by that, it's just... like most Jedorians I was raised to think that family was everything. The idea of severing the bond between parent and child... it still seems so strange to me."

"Speaking of service to the state, you were an Admiral, yes? How did that come about?" The Duke frowned momentarily. "I speak highly of state service, but I never enlisted myself. Sometimes I think I should of, the discipline and lifestyle I think would've been rewarding, though I probably wouldn't have met Darius."

[New Edom]

"I would love to see your book Isabella," said Mara warmly. she got up with smooth grace. "Shall you bring the book here or shall we go to where it is?" Precious began to pant happily seeing Mara get up, wagging his curled black silky tail.

Prince Enoch, Dr. Aphek, Countess Merodach, and Captains Bashan and Peleg meanwhile engaged the other leaders in conversation. They talked of sports concerning the last football cup, the sports of polo and yacht racing; they talked of cigars and good wine, and they talked of travel. Since the two leaders had set the tone of this being a friendly meeting thus far they made such attempt.

"As you say of Isabella--it was like that with my father and my sisters and me," said Elijah quietly. "He is a good man--felled by a stroke unfortunately--and with mother's death he found little time for the household. We were well educated, well provided for, but I suppose..." he waved a hand. "It is what it is...but your daughter clearly takes joy in your presence.

"The parting between parent and child is never easy--it is not done lightly, and it is in a sense an ultimate punishment. Because our leading classes are often hereditary, sternness must lead the way, I'm afraid."

In reply to Victor's other question, he said, "I joined the Navy following an Academy education, my father felt it best. I was a studious boy, and he felt that the Air Force or Navy would suit my temperament better than the Army. He was right--I enjoyed studying engineering, studying navigation and naval tactics. All mathematical principles really I swiftly found as a midshipman that the human element, and the sea and weather add the chaotic factors, and that was in a way more challenging to deal with.

"I have served on frigates, destroyers, amphibious ships and carriers, and I just realized now--I've been a naval officer for twenty years, though I had other duties intermittently. I have fought in six different wars," he mused. "Now I have many new things to learn."

[Jedoria]

Isabela's eyes lit up with delight. "Oh oh, I'll show you! Come on!" She took Mara's hand in her considerably smaller one and led the Queen out of the room and through a hallway very similar to the one Victor and Elijah passed through, though on the opposite side of the room. Trying to contain her excitement, she practically skipped through the carpet, a Bastarane leisurely walking behind the two. The room to the daughter of the Duke was only a few doors down from the Jedorian leader's own quarters, and stepping inside it was clear this room was made for a girl. Pink and yellow paint covered the walls in alternating patterns. Posters of various things were hung up on the walls, mainly of them dealing with cosmology and science, the most noticeable being one that features a picture of the galaxy with the words 'Strana Mechty Institute of Celestial Studies' bold on it. A toy chest, a rug that was likewise a picture of the galaxy superimposed on the carpet, a bookshelf and two dressers and a bed all made of wood composed the furniture. Several pictures were on an accompanying night stand next to the bed. One was of Isabella and her fathers on a beach in Makos, another had an array of children of various ages standing or sitting in front of a building whose doorway was lined with an arch that read "Predicant Costel's Orphanage". Amidst the faces Isabela was visible, like most of the children there she didn't apear too happy. A middle aged woman looking tired by somehow managing a smile stood behind all of them.

The final photograph was like the other three, framed, but the model appeared older. The picture itself looked a bit dated, crinkles in the paper but overall clear. It was a close up of a woman's face, young, probably in her mid to late twenties, brown hair slightly curly, green eyes and mouth looking cheerful. A closer examination would reveal some startling similarities between the woman in the picture and Isabela, in fact they shared the same eyes and hair, and their facial outlines appeared eerily similar.

But Isabela was focused in on the bookshelf, she practically ran to it after entering the room and pulled out a rather large book who's cover was that of the Orion constellation. It was nearly as half as big as Isabela herself, the title in Jedorian but translated read "Looking to the Stars". Flipping open the book, the first few pages were mostly an introduction written by a renowned Jedorian astrophysicist with a forward by a prominent astronomer. The first few pages discussed the earth, the moon, and nearby planets. As the pages turned the focus grew, first the earth, then the solar system, then the nearest stars. Significant stars were highlighted and extra information given on them, such as diameter, gravitational pull, age, and number of planets orbiting it. Towards the middle of the book the galaxy was investigated, then outward from there to the Local Group, the Virgo Supercluster, and the universe itself. A description of what the Big Bang was and how it occurred was included, as well as how stars were formed, as well as descriptions of other celestial bodies like nebula, gas giants, comets, and asteroids.

Isabela pointed out her favorite stars to Mara, Wolf 359, Alpha Centauri, as well as various facts she knew. "The Milky Way is 100,000 light years across! If you had a car that went as fast as light, it would still take a hundred-thousand years to get from one side to the other!"

Meanwhile Paler, Bârlădeanu, Caragiale and Vadam tried their best to return the Edomite's good sentiments but they were clearly distanced from them. Bârlădeanu and Caragiale didn't even know yacht racing was a thing, and neither Paler and Vadam owned a yacht. Sports was a near miss, the Jedorian performance in the last cup had been exceptionally poor and not really a topic the Jedorians wished to discuss at lengths, moreso however it wasn't really their forte. Bârlădeanu and Vadam were both avid sports fans but they preferred Gridiron, something the Edomites were in all likelihood unfamiliar with. Bârlădeanu was the only one who could really connect on the discussion of smoking, while Paler simply looked slightly dissapointed in the Director of International Relations.

Travel at last was something that they could at least find common ground. For Paler that was a given, but Caragiale and Bârlădeanu proved they knew a fair bit about the world outside of Jedoria. Vadam tried his approach with Prince Enoch. "A commander, eh? What's the biggest ship you've been on?"

Alone in the hallway at a slow but casual pace Victor and Elijah continued, reaching a three way intersection where the Duke guided the King to the right. "Forgive my ignorance, I'm not really familiar with naval affairs. Most of our focus in Jedoria is on the army. What were your duties as a midshipman? How is combat in the navy different from the army? I've heard in someways it's less stressful but in others more frightening."

[New Edom]

For Mara, the pictures evoked her own memories. Orphans; parentless children. She wondered what would have become of Isabella's mother, but now was not a good time to ask.

She turned to the book that Isabella was offering to show her, and sat down beside her, and said, "This is very interesting. What do you like about stars, Isabella? Why are these your favourites?"

Where the King was walking with Victor he looked at him as he asked further about his past.

"As a midshipman my first duties was being an officer of the deck force on a destroyer. It was an older vessel and needed many repairs. It is different from the Army as you say. On the one hand, you are less likely to be marching around, less likely to find yourself swatting flies or carrying a heavy pack. However you are at sea which has its own risks. An alien environment to humanity, with the constant risk of the sea and weather's power overwhelming the vessel you are on.

"My duties though, you spoke of them. I was tasked with supervising repair jobs, maintenance jobs, moving refueling lines, that sort of thing. Much of the actual work done by the Chief Bos'n's Mate assigned to me. I reported to a Junior Lieutenant. I did training and examination for navigation, signals and weapons in particular.

"In naval warfare, as in all warfare, initiative is important, vital, and speed and planning vital. Combat is often fought out of line of sight, though not always. An officer must be able to juggle multiple tasks. When I began in my career, computerization and missile improvements, the arrival of drones and other technologies which are now taken for granted. I was fortunate to be there at this time."

He looked at Victor. "I understand that community leader is one of your past rankings of importance. What does that mean in Jedoria?"

[Jedoria]

"I always liked stars ever since I went to a museum when I was six." She said, indicating that her eight year old self was much more mature and developed. "The tour guide said that each light you see in the night sky is another star. The really far ones are billions of light years away, but their light travels all the way through space just to get here!"

"Alpha Centauri is the closest star, so when people build spaceships to explore that's the closest place they'll go to! And Wolf 359 is really young, less than a billion years! It's also the closest Red Dwarf! One day I want to visit them, but first they got to invent a spaceship that can outrun light. Isabela looked up at Mara, polite enough to not hog the discussion. "Do you like stars? Sometimes I think I'm the only one that does." She hefted the book in her hands. "Well, except Mr. Field Marshall's daughter. He's the one that gave me this book." She gave a slight frown for a moment. "That's weird, I never met his daughter."

The Duke tried his best to understand what the King was saying. He wasn't really familiar with naval terms, but Vadam explained to him enough that Victor could follow what Elijah was saying. It sounded very confusing and stressful, modern naval combat was a far cry from the battleships of old that Victor had watched in movies when he was younger. When Eiljah asked about his own past, he hid a small smile. "It's not really an official term, and it wasn't really that glamorous."

"I grew up in a town just outside of Tharkad, out largest port city. Strekalano, home to some 40,000 people. I knew the mayor through high school, and after I got my degree in political science I came back home and ran for office. I was the Public Development Manager. Really all I did was hold meetings and go out and talk with significant members of the community. Business owners, landlords, and I'd try to stop by and talk with the owners of little corner stores. It really helped me get an understanding of Jedoria. These weren't CEO's of corporations or Government leaders or aristocrats, these were local people with a little something to their name."

"People started recognizing me when I walked down the streets, walked into a random shop and sat down with the owners. I met a lot of people like that. I remember one man, he owned a bakery. Wasn't even Jedorian really, he was Roman, had moved there ten years prior. Such a nice, big man." Victor chuckled. "He used to tell me I needed some meat on my bones; I was a pretty skinny kid back then."

"I did that for five years and a lot of people liked me, especially when I started organizing community gatherings where we would get a few hundred people to go around and clean up the streets and abandoned lots. Turns out that I had made a name for myself, because when a spot opened up on the Tharkad Provincial Council, people started telling me to go for it." The Duke shrugged. "I did, and the rest is history."

[New Edom]

“It’s not so strange to get gifts from people you don’t know well when your family is important,” explained Mara to the girl. “You know I get presents from people I don’t know sometimes, it’s normal really. Why if you think about it, we don’t think of the presents we get from strangers. Do you know what service is? Imagine that you go nd you and your Papa…well one of them I suppose…buys you an ice cream cone. Well the person who makes that ice cream, the person who sells it and makes sure it is tasty and made with clean hands and all that—that’s a kind of gift. We should all be thankful for the gifts we get in life. When I was on my pilgrimage, I became very grateful for things I used to take for granted like clean water, a roof to sleep under, kindly people.”

“You seem very interested in science,” she added. “Are you interested in any other sciences at all?”

As they were talking, the King listened to the Duke talk about his political career with an air of quiet calm as though he was in no hurry at all. When Victor had done talking he observed, “You say words like community a lot. Talking to people. These seem very important to you, my dear Duke. You must have your hand on the pulse of the views of the ordinary citizen to a great degree. Did you find it challenging then to move from the person in the streets and your markets to the halls of power and being among the captains of industry?”

[Jedoria]

Isabela looked up at the queen with deep inquisitive eyes, a common sight among children eager to learn. Like sponges soaking up all the knowledge their brains could process, Isabela had taken to reading with a voracious appetite for information. She seemed to drink in every word the Queen said, if anything Mara was a foreign leader who's experience was something Isabela had never encountered; surely there were things to be learned. She mouthed several the words Mara said, most noticeably "ice cream".

When Mara finished, Isabela nodded emphatically, as though she had just been taught an important life lesson. "I like stars mostly, but I also like a-qua-tic science too. I love dolphins, they're really smart! When I get grown up I want to live in Makos so I can have a beach house and keep a dolphin for a pet. I read that it's hard to train them, but maybe I'll go to a special school where I could learn."

Isabela gave a half frown. "My Dad says I shouldn't be worrying about college when I'm still a kid. But I want to be grown up! Being a kid isn't that great."

The Duke and King rounded a corner and continued walking, the same scenery of the hallway interior continuing on from the previous pathway. The Duke, out of habit, kept his hands clasped behind his back, a tendency he picked when he first started pacing as a child. He had a tendency to spend cabinet meetings pacing around the conference table, to the annoyance of several members, but no one was going to tell the Duke to sit down and stop.

"It's actually funny. I won the election because a lot of people saw me as more in touch with the average Jedorian than my opponent. Dragan, my predecessor, I don't want to say he lived a privileged life, but he did grow up in a middle class family and was an officer in the army. Not something a lot of Jedorians could relate to."

"When I came into this position, I swore, not just to the public but myself as well, that I wouldn't treat office any different. I wouldn't let it change anything." Victor chuckled. "I don't think I've ever been so wrong. There's so much more to it, so much more depth, more layers. It's not just 'Hey we have an issue, here's a solution', it's 'Is this solution the right one? Others don't think so. How will it effect X, or Y, or Z?' It's a much bigger picture, for the first few months I felt like I was drowning. 107 million people, each with their own ideas, beliefs, thoughts and needs, but they all expect their government to answer all of them."

He sighed. "I can't blame them. I felt the same way before all this. Our culture really built up this notion that the State ultimately is the answer for everything, for better or for worse."

[New Edom]

King Elijah said, “The issue before any leader is to judge between decisions, and to accept that any decision made is with limited information. What is available, and how it is presented and when. If you do not accept this, you’ll go mad.” He smiled a brief quiet smile. “And to remember that we are after all mere motals and we don’t know everything. I think you have done rather well.”

“In light of that, I would like to ask if you would consider two possibilities for approaching our attempt at ironing out some differences. Unofficially at this stage of course. But I am taking your point about government involvement being very portent. In some ways it is the same with us. I would like to suggest that underlying all conflict between our nations is the issue of territory—our own borders and Peregrino. Now our own borders are a dispute going back to the break up of the Cornellian empire and that is not easily resolved. However we could lead into it by dealing with Peregrino first. Even to have a decision jointly to talk about it and have mediation would be a step in the right direction, I feel. And then I would like to cement our support for such an approach by ending our embargo on Jedorian petroleum.” Eljiah said this very blandly as though he was talking about sharing an ice cream cone.

Meanwhile, mara was saying to Isabella, “You know, I hope that your family can visit me in New Edom someday and enjoy a day on my yacht. I have a lovely yach specially made for supporting scuba diving, fishing and snorkeling, and you’d love the reefs near Quality Bay. We sometimes get bottle nosed dolphins feeding around the reef shallows, hunting for fish, and they’re quite interesting. We also get spinner dolphins farther out to sea sometimes on their migration routes, and they’re so beautiful to wach as they dive and leap. Do you swim and boat well?”


Mara privately wondered how this would go over—inviting a same sex family to spend a day with the royal family on their boat? Her own mixed feelings on the subject deeply troubled her. What would the Prophet say? And yet how could he reject this sweet little girl and her loving parents? Life was so bitterly confusing.

[Jedoria]

The Duke smiled at that last statement, before the King went on to discuss more pressing issues. "Yes, we all are mortals, though from some of the demands I've heard, it would seem they think I possess supernatural capabilities. I do appreciate the sentiment."

The Jedorian leader listened politely to the Edomite King's proposal, noting the casual and candid tone of Elijah. Though discussing significant political actions the King might as well have been suggesting the two go see a movie. What the king was proposing was certainly a pivot, and his suggestions weren't without merit. Peregrino seemed a rather quiet front to open up again, and the can of worms that might be opened would certainly entail plenty of backlash.

It would also be a sign of surefire diplomacy. Maybe that's what they needed to get things moving. "Discussion of the fate of Peregrino would certainly be a change." The Duke pondered. "Ending the embargo on our petroleum, could that be an executive decision from yourself or would it require approval from your legislature? I would not be opposed to a similar endeavor on my part, though depending on what exact product it might require the Council approval."

Realizing their discussion had largely occupied his attention, he stopped and wondered aloud. "I wonder what our ministers are up to."

Isabela couldn't hide her surprise at the mention of the Queen's yacht. "You have a yacht too? I thought Queen's only have castles and palaces."

She blushed slightly. "I've never been on a boat before." She admitted. "But when my and my Daddies went to Makos I went swimming. I had to wear floaties though. Do you like to swim? What's Scuba diving like? Is it fun?"

[New Edom]

The Ministers

Dr. Aphek and Prince Enoch led the Edomite side of the discussions.

“The King is likely to make a proposal about Peregrino,” said Prince Enoch. “About discussing territorial boundaries from a fresh perspective,a nd to consider questions fo sovereignty, possibly with mediators. The Duke and the King have their own policy ideas on this, but what we want to talk about today is what the Jedorian government’s official policy is on Peregrino, and what that would entail from the point of view of your government, officially, in erms of any future discussion.”

“From our point of view, any discussion fo sovereignty must include our concern for the welfare of Christians and their rights of religious practice,. This would have to include reasonale provision for security.” Dr. Aphek explained. “But we do not want to seem as though we are only seeing one side in all this. It is our current position that the island is a potential hot spot still and we want to…ease off some fo the steam. So we are quite interested in hearing what is possible from your government’s point of view.”

The King

“Any change in our economic policy about the oil embargo would have to be at lest not disagreed with by the Chamber of Deputies,” explained Elijah. “But that has to be reviewed. I believe that I have the right to make an executive decision, but that it would not be a trade agreement without an official policy backed by the Chamber. It is vital,” he explained further, “That my country observe the processes of law, to prevent further internal strife, you see.”

Mara

“No reason for embarrassment, my dear,” said Mara, “Not everyone has all the same skills. As long as you can swim, that’s the important thing, and we’d probably want a real life jacket on you for on the boat even if you do learn how to swim properly in the mean time.”

“And you know, I don’t have any castles but I have two palaces and an estate with a big villa. Most of our castles were torn down by the Cornellians during the last years of our occupation, to prevent us from using them as forts against the. Targic, I think some must have been very beautiful according to the artwork of them…”

Precious was wandering around the room making snuffling noises and mutetering to himself, and Mara said, “I think he’s restless, shall we take him for a little walk and join your papa and my husband?”

[Jedoria]

The Ministers

Bârlădeanu and Vadam took front, while Caragiale and Plaer took up supporting roles. Bârlădeanu spoke first once the Edomites were finished, his tone firm but calm, in a manner like he was simply stating facts. "I think I'm safe in saying none of us here wish to have Peregrino be the spark to another conflict. Last years incidents over border raids and the like are something the Confederation does not wish to happen again, especially after the the way the regional community came a'knocking."

"Like those that share your faith, the safety and well being of Jedorian descendants living on the island is a primary concern for the Confederation, and efforts must be made to keep sectarian violence from breaking out, again. As of right now, the governments current position is that the Dependency of Peregrino is rightfully under New Edom's control, as the Republic is rightfully within the Jedorian sphere of influence."

Vadam picked up, likewising speaking confidently but friendly. "The addition of Joint Base Alexandru as an additional layer of security to the Jedoria homeland is another point of requirement for the Confederation, and while we are open to discussion of potential limits on personnel and material quantity, the core presence there must be maintained. Of course in fairness, we'd be more than willing to accept the continued military presence the Allied States has in the dependency."

"Are there any questions or concerns thus far?" Paler suggested, as the Jedorians prepared to go from the communicators to the receivers.

The Families

Every time Mara seemed to open her mouth, Isabela seemed to drink in every word like nectar, still partially amazed that she was really talking with an actual queen. A Queen with her own Kingdom, estates, yachts, dresses. Did she have a crown too, Isabela wondered. Before she could ask, the Queen's canine companion, Precious, seemed to get restless, and Mara suggested they go join the King and the Duke.

"Sure, I know this place like the back of my hand. My Daddy says I explore too much, but there's always a lot to see! Sometimes, I like..." Isabela continued to talk at length about her hobbies, while taking the Queen by the hand and leading her back out of her room and down the hall. The same hallway design that the King and Duke had seen greeted the Queen and daughter as they found their way back to their husband and father respectively.

The Duke himself was in the midst of saying "Of course, of course. I would venture that any decision on my own part would also require approval of the High Council." He stopped and looked down the hallway to see his daughter and Queen Mara approaching. "I believe we have visitors."

"Dad, I showed the Queen my room, and she liked my book! Can we go to the museum again? I wanna show her around!" The excitement in her voice was clear as the Duke switched over to his role as a father and picked up his daughter. Compared to Victor Isabela looked almost tiny in comparison, though a great deal of that was because of the Duke's size. He was a rather stocky fellow, big arms and legs, broad shoulders and a wide torso, and although he wasn't overly muscular, he did appear to have been raised slinging bags of sand around while being fed a steady diet of wheat and red meat. "Oh sweetie, that's the third time this month." Addressing the queen, he said with a half smile. "I hope she didn't go too fast for you. Gaia knows children can get pretty fast and excitable."

"Dad, I'm not a child, I'm almost a tween!" Isabela protested, to which the Duke responded with a chuckle.

[New Edom]

The Ministers

"What we are going to expect though," said Prince Enoch, "Is that our exports of oil to Jedoria will increase. We will expect that there will be fair trade in exchange for a fair offer. that's...fair surely."

Dr. Aphek sipped from his glass and said, "And of course we will expect a reduction of forces in Peregrino. If we have a more reasonable arrangement there's no need for a full division there, and no need for a Noviteran carrier group supporting your forces there. You Jedorians have a reputation for being forthright. Let me be so. We are both peoples who eachi n our own way value freedom and integrity. our immediate neighbors? The Noviterans only value profit, the Deadorans onlyl value women ruled supremacy, the Hostillians tradition and ethnic ruled supremacy. Both Hostillian and Deadora are nations that violently oppress their own people and oppress minorites. Surely we have more in common, however divided as Christian and pagan, than we do with them. We can agree to disagree on some matters and agree on what is valuable--peace, safety for our citizens, fair commerce, respect for national borders. Let the past be the past, eh?"

Meanwhile, Mara said, "I would love to see the museum. I like seeing art and culture. It sounds like a fun time, so yes, I am sure that it will be no burden" she smiled at Victor as she watched him holding his daughter, who was hardly tiny, being a child on her way to being at the end of childhood, like she was just a five year old.

A twinge of sadness and a vivid memory of her own father struck her, and she smiled at Elijah almost wistfully. "Well, family life seems to suit some leaders very well, nay?"

"It does," said Elijah quietly. "I think the museum trip sounds like a nice idea. Well, my dear," he said to Mara, "It seems as though we are making friends. No doubt circumstances and our governments will make it hard for us. There is much history behind all this, and this moment of peace cannot easily make up for it, but I hope that one thing will stick: that the Jedorians love their children too. Let us see if our staffs have allotted us time for this museum trip and it will not give our respective security teams a heart attack, eh my dear Duke?"

[Jedoria]

The Jedorian ministers listened calmly and politely to the Edomite points. Their comments on the various neighbor the two nations shared, Deadora, Hostillia, and Novitera were noted. Did they really have more in common with each other than with their neighbors? Unlikely, but for the purpose of this meeting at least. And Dr. Aphek's comments on what is valuable were on point.

"Yes yes, what all governments should strive for." Bârlădeanu nodded in agreement, the hefty man shifting in his seat, but retained the quiet energy he seemed to posses. He shifted some papers in front of him before continuing. "We'd love to see our markets open up to each other, though any discussion of oil will inevitably involve FODE, no? As I'm sure you are aware, Jedoria cannot purchase any oil through the organization, as it would violate our embargo on the Imperium."

Vadam took picked up the ball next. "In addition, any discussion of Peregrino must involve our security concerns as well. The Noviteran carrier group as well as our own forces do operate as a protective shield against external threats. Given the state of, or rather lack of, relations with the Arbiters, any reduction of forces would require empirical evidence that there is no certifiable threat from overseas. Unfortunately, we cannot operate on the assumption of goodwill on the part of some of our regional members. A sad state of affairs, but we must play the hand we were dealt."

The Familes

"That we do, my King, that we do." The Duke said with a smile, as he lifted up Isabela so her arms wrapped around Victor's neck. "I'm sure we can find some time, perhaps even today. Is there anything specific you wished to experience while in Jedoria? We set a schedule that was purposely flexible, given the rarity of this event."

Truth be told the Jedorians hadn't really known what to plan. They weren't a people known for pompous events, and given the history between New Edom and Jedoria, it wasn't sure what could be shown without stepping on someone's toes. But letting the guests decide seemed like the courteous thing to do.