Washington (US Political RP; 2016 ; Special Events ; OPEN!)

[Tumblrena]

Washington D.C.
U.S. Capitol
National Statutory Hall
Inaugural Luncheon
1339
Friday
January 20
2017

A very, very nervous Ella Enchanted has made her way into the Capitol building searching for the Statutory Hall for the luncheon. She is still completely on edge about the entire thing and what to do, what to wear, how to act, everything and just everything. So she decided that she was going to have to show up early, and she made sure it was really early even if it means she misses the last parts of the speech as long as there's no chance of not making it on time. Gotta be sure about these things.

She's wearing a tuxedo and a black bow tie that she had just rented for this. It was the most formal thing she could think of. And black heels of course which were clacking against the floor loudly. Those may have been too tall to choose. She is almost spinning looking around everywhere as if for the first time even though she has made her way through here for the Senate several times. Finally she enters the room still spinning to look at all the statues and suddenly jumps out of surprise when she notices the man taking a drink in the room throwing up her hands and almost losing her balance though she catches herself. "Oh! I didn't...um...how do you do?" She curtsies with her hands clutching at no fabric at all with her wearing pants.

[Prolieum]

Inaugural Luncheon, Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

Speaker Eberhardt

Robert Eberhardt, formally attired, had exited the inaugural platform some minutes prior, a part of that historic moment only in providing the same applause that everyone around him had, and departing at the conclusion while many were still seeking to shake hands, congratulate, or break into conversation with the various others around them.

Instead, he had made his way inside before time demanded, surveying the area, nodding at the set-up, Reuben's responsibility, yes, but something that could easily blowback on him as well in the case of disaster, placed by default, as he was, on the JCCIC.

Still, no major difficulties had yet appeared. While a slight, productive, paranoia was always present, such luncheons and balls almost invariably did go well, from President to President. He caught a blurred image of Senator Reuben snatching and downing a drink out of the corner of his eye, outside his glasses' range, and mentally raised an eyebrow at the act, wondering if the Senator was aware of some issue that he was not.

The only other person in the room appeared to be a wholly uncomposed Senator Enchanted, who he watched nearly collide with Reuben from a distance. Idly brushing off a solitary hair from his right pant leg, he casually began to move in that direction.

[Sanabel]

Inaugural Luncheon, Capitol Building, Washington, DC


Simon Denisevich arrived with his fiance in tow, as one of the first arrivals. They ordered drinks immediately, with Simon having two fingers of scotch, neat. After receiving the drink from a waiter, he said a few words of goodbye to his fiance, and they went to socialize in their separate circles, as she had already made contacts in her new position with the Department of Health and Human Services.

Glancing around the beautiful room, Simon looked for people to talk to. He had to constantly be networking, as he would be the gatekeeper to the President. Contacts were important, and he had worked under the radar for far too long. His position would not, and should not, remain low profile.

The first person Simon saw was the Speaker, Robert Eberhardt. He smiled, and quickly strode in his direction, intercepting him as he walked by. "Mr. Speaker, I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you."

[Prolieum]

Inaugural Luncheon, Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

Speaker Eberhardt

"Nor I you." Eberhardt responded instinctively, turning to his interceptor and offering a quick handshake before recognizing the inanity of the statement. "I am glad to put an end to that unfortunate situation. Well met, Mr. Denisevich." Pausing only a slight moment seeking for some piece of conversation to come to mind, he elected to nod in the direction of the woman Denisevich had entered with, who appeared to have entered a conversation of her own. "Your fianceé, I gather?"

[Sanabel]

Inaugural Luncheon, Capitol Building, Washington, DC

"Yes, that would be Katherine. She was a pediatrician back home- recently got a job working at the ACF, over at the Department of Health and Human Services. Now we are both recent transplants to Washington, professionally speaking." Not that the Speaker would necessarily care. Small talk was a waste of breath, 90% of the time. Though often necessary to crack someone open, so to speak.

He took a sip of his scotch, and scanned the room, after making eye contact with the Speaker.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Inaugural Luncheon

House Minority Leader De Nieto arrived at the luncheon wearing a baby blue tuxedo. He did not really have much to do, he might talk to Eberhardt about the balanced budget amendment which was going to be... sticky. Although, it may be a good idea to vote for it and give the Republicans the rope to hang themselves with.

[Prolieum]

Inaugural Luncheon, Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

Speaker Eberhardt

Eberhardt nodded, socially mandated pleasantries now brought to a close. He had not anything to say to Denisevich, actually, even on first meeting, and the interaction had a strange feel to it. To him, the instinctive feeling was of an imposter, even if he did not feel any particular animus towards the man. His own self-description as a transplant was perhaps somewhat more pointed than he knew, with the same troubles any transplant would have. A slight feeling of jealousy, maybe, threatened. Eberhardt had only occasionally floated mild 'suggestions' to the President-Elect, but had seemed to have something of a monopoly on the enterprise. No longer.

Of course, his face was still blank while he self-reflected. Concealing emotions and thoughts was something he had learned to do, by virtue of necessity, as a child, and was by this point simple instinct. That same repression, though, gave him nothing approaching a warm or approachable demeanor, and did little to invite any such feelings in return. He had never been a man of many-even any-friends.

Quick as his reflections had been, however, he still owed the rising Chief of Staff some sort of response, even if nothing came to mind. He ultimately settled for another replaceable small-talk statement simply to sustain the life of the conversation for at least an exchange longer, though at least one that would provide a modicum of useful information.

"Have you had any difficulties finding a residence in the city?"

[Sanabel]

Inaugural Luncheon, Capitol Building, Washington, DC

Denisevich sensed a tension with Eberhardt, a tension he had often felt himself in conversation. One option was to point it out, to make it clear to the Speaker that they could cut the crap and be candid. However, the other side of him was uneasy, and wanted to remain cordial. Denisevich was unsure of what kind of relationship to build with the man. So the other option was to end the conversation and readdress that question on a different day. That is what he opted to do.

"No issues at all, Mr. Speaker."

He looked over to Catherine. "Now, I will not keep you any longer- If you will please excuse me, I am going to get caught up with my second half."

He patted the Speaker on the shoulder, and strode over to his fiance.

[Tumblrena]

Washington D.C.
U.S. Capitol
National Statutory Hall
Inaugural Luncheon
1425
Friday
January 20
2017

María Antonieta has a special outfit already picked out for the ball that night but for the luncheon she is dressing more businesslike. She has a basic black suitskirt on with a broad open jacket and white top underneath and slight kitten heels. Her hair is tied back straight simply and she walks in unassumingly.

[Prolieum]

Inaugural Luncheon, Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

First Couple

The 45th President had been seen off, stepping into the White Hawk alongside his wife one final time, departing the nation's capitol. He would be back, of course, in less than a month at this point, when the special election to return to his seat had concluded. Until then, for a brief period of time, the ex-President and ex-President Pro Tempore would have a week or two of vacation for the first time in a long time, and well-deserved.

The 46th President and his wife now had their next stop of the day back at the same building where the inauguration itself had taken place for the inaugural luncheon inside of it. It was, in fact, the first time that Calvin had ever set foot in the nation's capitol building. Montanan schools did not exactly have many field trips to the District. Outside of the building, the massive crowds were dispersing, slowly, security still intact, and about him now, though at a distance, as the couple made their way to the Statutory Hall.

Both were still dressed as they had been for the inauguration. Calvin, as if he had any variety to choose from, was dressed in a black suit and white undershirt like every President for the last hundred years, with a red tie as the selection between the two colors he had available. Aubrey, arm in his, had a full black jacket as her top, a black skirt ending just below the knees at the bottom, leaving her calves open to the forty-degree weather. At her combative insistence, which he eventually relented to, she was sporting flats.

The pair now may their way to the door, a man opened it for them, and in they came. This wasn't the grand entrance expected at the ball that night-the luncheon was a more tightly-knit affair, of more veteran persons, but it was an arrival nonetheless.

[Tallahassee News Station]

Stacey made his own entrance, late to the party by a little bit but not really caring about that sort of thing. This was his seventeenth inauguration and he wasn't too concerned about puffing up and making appearances. He had an old-fashioned dapper suit and hat on. He hung up the hat but kept his cane with him when he came in.

[Dentali]

Brennan enters a bit late and looks for his table or a friendly face

[Alozia]

Inaugural Luncheon

Joanne Winslow

Somewhat late, Joanne made her way to her assigned seat wearing a red suitskirt. She made sure to enter as quietly as possible attracting as least attention as she could.

[Dentali]

Inaugural Luncheon

Joanne Winslow

Somewhat late, Joanne made her way to her assigned seat wearing a red suitskirt. She made sure to enter as quietly as possible attracting as least attention as she could.

Brennan goes over to Joanne "It's good to see you Joanne, and its even better to see im not the last one here" he says with a chuckle

[Alozia]

Inaugural Luncheon

Joanne Winslow

Somewhat late, Joanne made her way to her assigned seat wearing a red suitskirt. She made sure to enter as quietly as possible attracting as least attention as she could.

Brennan goes over to Joanne "It's good to see you Joanne, and its even better to see im not the last one here" he says with a chuckle

Inaugural Luncheon

Joanne Winslow

"It's nice to meet you too Bill. I have to admit that I hoped to be more stealthy with my enterance."

[Dentali]

Brennan goes over to Joanne "It's good to see you Joanne, and its even better to see im not the last one here" he says with a chuckle

Inaugural Luncheon

Joanne Winslow

"It's nice to meet you too Bill. I have to admit that I hoped to be more stealthy with my enterance."

"Apologies, but frankly I don't think anyone noticed either of us. The focus is all the newly sworn in."

[Uttland]

Inaugural Luncheon, Statuary Hall, Capital Building, Washington D.C., January 20th

With a check of the watch on his hand, and a gentle nudge by his wife, Rhodes entered the hall. This was rather business as usual. He'd been to the last Luncheon, and the one before that. Though this time he was a bit later than usual. The veteran representative took his seat at his designated table, along with his wife Julie. He unbuttoned his suit, sat down, and took a sip of water.

[Prolieum]

Walter E. Washington Convention Centre

Constitution Ball

The Walter E. Washington Convention Centre was prepped and ready for the night's events, the main ball of the inauguration. "Main" ball because, as both Reeds had learned, there was apparently the expectation of running through an entire list of them. For Calvin, unexpected as it was, it made little of a problem-the energetic young man was more than happy to bounce from place to place with his wife throughout the historic night, and lend his own hand, having hosted many an event for American Dream, to the organization of the various galas. Said wife was less enthused, the matter having her tilting on the edge of frustration despite the day. It was in respect of that, beside her excitement-stricken husband, as he seemed to almost glide about as he walked through the day, grin apparently permanently affixed to his face, that she was burying that for the next sixteen hours. He, expectedly, remained obliviously high on the moment.

Though both had been in the centre the previous day, a dry run of sorts of their entrance and first dance for preparedness's sake, Calvin breezed breezing through with the ease of naturally enjoying the spectacle, Aubrey with the methodical steps of practiced routine, neither were there now, or would be for some time. The ball itself was expected to have its start well before their dramatic entrance, and there was more than enough engagement available for those there.

The number of guests at the event was expected to breach into the thousands. Over half a thousand invitations had been put forward for the members of the Congress alone, and nearly that number again to their respective spouses-one to each Senator and Representative, in fact, with the exception of one Nicole Tasha Smith-an invitation Calvin had personally made certain was rescinded. For the other numbers, the attendees were diverse-politically, the even-handed distribution went down to a full-net gubernatorial invitation with additional distribution to some other high-placed state officials. For some members of the party-or even not, absent a position, invitations managed to find their way out-some, such as Carter Roberts, perhaps soon to be a Senator, others, Quay Manuel, having done rather poorly in that task. Any incumbent Senator having lost re-election, in fact, was fortunate enough to be invited to the ball, with an additional offering open to the former House Minority Leader, having lost his own seat. After that, the invitations had to start becoming more targeted, networked, rather than top-down. Major campaign staff, RNC figures, and close friends were provided tickets of their own to distribute as they saw fit, whatever persons those such as Denisevich or Clement wanted to bring along, with some of that same privilege extended to the lynchpins of Congress. For Calvin, hundreds had been made available to employees and officials of American Dream, and a smaller, but not insignificant number, to former teammates of his, Orioles and Rockies making their way to the Beltway.

The other tickets were put up for the public-a sixty-five dollar purchase that was doubtless going for twenty or thirty times that price on the street once all had been purchased. The event being what it was, they were still screened, of course, but in something not unique to this ball, but rather in a growing Presidential tradition-there was still the chance for the common man to make their way to the premier event-presuming they had the black-tie attire expected.

Then, of course, the invitations of family. The Reeds' there had been given a nearly unlimited allotment of tickets to send to those of their blood-only half of which would really see any use. For Aubrey, an only child, born to parents late in life, only one invitation was there to be sent-to her mother, one that neither would be surprised to see unanswered. For Calvin, the situation was more than slightly different. His parents would not be coming, which, while a disappointment, was not unexpected. He was half sure that actually setting foot inside the capital might well kill his father, and his mother would not come alone. Among the others, though, from the RSVPs they had received, a veritable party would be attending. Susan would be coming, which didn't surprise him in the least, and Lindsey, with some help from her brother, had gotten a ticket over as well. Elizabeth would make it, the most-awaited confirmation of all, and Timothy and Franklin weren't missing it. David, in something of a surprise, would attend, and in even more of one, Richie had actually responded to the letter, and would be on-stage that night. Eliza, who had never left Beaverhead County in her life, was staying with her parents, and Harold would be on his farm as well-which was probably for the best. In a disappointment, it seemed that Arthur's wife simply would not abide his coming to such an inauguration, even for his brother, and so he remained. Though ill fortune there, a piece of good looked to wipe that away. It had taken a bit of prodding and nudging, but it was hard to say that the outcome was in doubt when the requester was the Commander-in-Chief. Samuel had gotten leave, and would be back in the United States that night to attend-a handful from his unit given the unique chance alongside him. With the three sisters and five brothers attending came three husbands and four wives in addition, and a number of adult children alongside them. A miniature invasion of family, as it was, but in even that, only a blip in the full crowd.

The attractions for the night were set. A variety of groups would have the chance to perform on the main stage throughout, but for most, the interaction, whether out of comraderie with fellows in their field of politics, a more utilitarian effort to take advantage of the opportunity to rub shoulders with movers and shakers, perhaps capture the ear of the important, or simply the fannish reactions of those lucky enough to score a ticket to see newsreel figures in real life, was the chief entertainment of the evening. Tables were set up for various appetizers and snacks, as tended to be expected, cheeses, dips, hors d'ouveres-a typical event variety magnified by the resources behind this one-as well as various staff navigating their way through the crowded room with such offerings. The bars were open-but dry, an executive decision by the executive. Various soft drinks, colas, fruit juices, and even hot chocolate were there for the palette, but, perhaps sadly for many, a distinct lack of fermented beverages.

The first had entered the hall now, initial guests outnumbered for the moment by the staff and security wandering the floor-or, in the later case, often watching it from the shadows-but that was soon to change, as the doors had been opened. The line snaked its way outside as tickets were being checked, attendees waved through, and the first Inaugural Ball began.

[Tallahassee News Station]

Jared had had to button up his shirt and put on a black bow tie to go with his tuxedo but was still looking as sexy as ever, especially after he'd spent half an hour getting his luscious hair just perfect. He had gotten his way to the front of the line of course and yawned while looking around at the decorated ballroom. He turned his nose up at the lack of fine drinks at the bar, it looked like the Reeds were being cheapskates, so he leaned back up against one of the walls and lazily ate an hors d'oeuvre and winked at a few single women that passed by.

[Dentali]

(Image)

Jared had had to button up his shirt and put on a black bow tie to go with his tuxedo but was still looking as sexy as ever, especially after he'd spent half an hour getting his luscious hair just perfect. He had gotten his way to the front of the line of course and yawned while looking around at the decorated ballroom. He turned his nose up at the lack of fine drinks at the bar, it looked like the Reeds were being cheapskates, so he leaned back up against one of the walls and lazily ate an hors d'oeuvre and winked at a few single women that passed by.

Fowler and his wife nearly collide with Jared “Oh Representative, I’m so sorry it’s quite crowded here. Have you met my wife Taylor?”

[Tallahassee News Station]

(Image)

Jared had had to button up his shirt and put on a black bow tie to go with his tuxedo but was still looking as sexy as ever, especially after he'd spent half an hour getting his luscious hair just perfect. He had gotten his way to the front of the line of course and yawned while looking around at the decorated ballroom. He turned his nose up at the lack of fine drinks at the bar, it looked like the Reeds were being cheapskates, so he leaned back up against one of the walls and lazily ate an hors d'oeuvre and winked at a few single women that passed by.

Fowler and his wife nearly collide with Jared “Oh Representative, I’m so sorry it’s quite crowded here. Have you met my wife Taylor?”

"Charmed" Jared said after rolling himself off of the wall and kissing Taylor's hand. "Now who are you again?"

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Jamie do the evil smile, he is going to make the government bankrupt by drinking a bunch of soft drinks. He do the drinking of what he thought was coke, but it turns out it was Pepsi! He becomes very cross and throw the can on the floor, Pepsi has Zika in it, doing the frown.

[Uttland]

Constitution Ball, Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C.

In all honesty, Hookstraten was surprised when he recieved an invitation to the Inaugral Ball. Or really anything inaugration related. The fact that anyone was thinking of him when they were writing down invitees. But it happened. One frosty morning, an official invitation came for Don Hookstraten. It was a convenient excuse the usual trappings and take a vacation to D.C. In fact, the whole last two days were just going about D.C. with the two eldest children for Don, and by tonight as Hookstraten and his wife Margreet were entering the main ball area, he was well and tired, and unlike his children, who were staying back at the hotel with ANN reporter and trusted family friend, Kathy Ortiz, Hookstraten had to attend a ball.

Don and Margreet made their way to their assigned seats used a chart, and sat down. The CEO sighed, and took out his phone to check Twitter.

[Dentali]

Fowler and his wife nearly collide with Jared “Oh Representative, I’m so sorry it’s quite crowded here. Have you met my wife Taylor?”

"Charmed" Jared said after rolling himself off of the wall and kissing Taylor's hand. "Now who are you again?"

Taylor pulled away grossed out, fowler laughed uncomfortably “yes I did say that on Twitter didn’t I. Very well I suppose proper introductions are in order, hi I’m Zachary Fowler from Vermont, this is my wife Taylor head of the “Uncommon Schools” organization.”

[Tallahassee News Station]

Taylor pulled away grossed out, fowler laughed uncomfortably “yes I did say that on Twitter didn’t I. Very well I suppose proper introductions are in order, hi I’m Zachary Fowler from Vermont, this is my wife Taylor head of the “Uncommon Schools” organization.”

Jared glared at Taylor. "Uncommon, huh?"