A Desert Predator in Scarlet Company (Closed)

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Mar 21, 2019 2:24 pm

The Scarlet Eagle wrote:"Indeed, a traditional costume is much more suited to meet a monarch than just a simple school uniform, replies the Duchess with a nod. From what I see, you chose a nice one to come here, I'm sure Anna and Anax will appreciate it.
As for my father-in-law and his friends, they're good. They just came back from a three days-long trip to Colorado, where they went skiing. And now, they'll be preparing everything at Pertingen's Castle for your visit."
She did not mention, that Anax and Anna would certainly ask her questions later, concerning the impression they grandfathers left on the Kyrenaians...

Meanwhile, Imperial Palace, Throne Room
"Well girls, seems like Aurelia is putting on her best clothes to greet us, how cute." says Anna as she puts her hand away from her left ear, having listened to the conversation with her earpiece.
Sitting on her throne in the throne room, the Empress was not wearing an attire that may be deemed Imperial by someone, but rather was wearing her Imperial Guard Service Uniform, consisting of Dark Green (almost black) pants with a scarlet stripe down the outer seam of each leg, a dark green long sleeved shirt, with her medals and badges (especially the Marksmanship ones) over the left breast. Instead of a scarlet tie, worn by male officers, she was wearing a scarlet necktab. Black shoes and her famous black beret completed the ensemble, as well as her Scarlet Ranger keather jacket, currently resting on her throne left armrest.
A thing to note, was her Colt Python revolver in a thigh holster, and the fact that she had wrapped some green boxing tape around her hands.
Down the small stage where her throne, and Anax's one, were resting (with Anna's on the left, and Anax's on the right), the female Alphas are standing at attention, in the same attire as their friend, except the girls all have their leather jackets on them, and also boxing tape wrapped around their hands. Normally, their husbands would be facing them from the other side of the red carpet leading from the door to the satage, but they are nowhere to be seen at the time, nor is the Emperor.
-Well, replies Patricia, can't blame her. After all , it's with her father you're going to have a heated discussion, not with her. The only problem we may have with her is because of Alicia, but we all know this will be solved sooner or later."
-Indeed, answers Anna, before speaking into her throat microphone. Anax, you alright honey?
-Yeah, yeah, I'm good, replies the Emperor on the frequency, being heeard by his wife, and her Alphas. Still hurts a bit, but the morphine helps. At least we know know what it truly feels. How much time before they arrive?
-Given the time to travel, pass the security checkpont and being led there, I would say half an hour max.
-Okay the, see you there. Love you.
-Love you too, finishes Anna.

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Unaware of what was going on in the Imperial Palace (I should have figured, she had a button in her ear, but oh, well...), I smiled.
"Thank you!", I told Jane with a smile, then went about the business of putting on the pants, which was quickly done. "And thank you for your news about Peter and Company. I must admit, no offense against Anax and his thesis presentation or against the other points on our list, but I look forward to visiting Pertingen's Castle the most. I read up on what little information there is available on the net and..." I leaned over a bit. "...and I have my bow with me, so let's see, if I don't do better then in Waldmark-Gnadenstein!"
I fixed the belt of my pants, then looked to my sword belt.
"What do you think, Jane? Sabre yes or Sabre no?", I asked, "I mean, I think Anax and Anna would appreciate it, but on the other hand, I am not the Khana of Las..."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Thu Mar 21, 2019 3:06 pm

"Don't worry, this will not be a hunting trip, replies Jane, but a simple hike to go and observe Imperial Scarlet Eagles in their natural habitat. And with what happened in Waldmark-Gnadenstein, I know my daughter and her husband would rather shoot themselves in the foot than having the risk of having you nearly dying again.
As for the Sabre, do as you wish, as this will not be their main worry about this morning. But since they have asked you to not hide it, you can keep it. And besides, if you don't keep it, it's not as if you would be able to hide it under your clothes. Fistans, from the little I know about them, are not supposed to be large enough to hide a sabre of this size, if I'm correct."

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Mar 21, 2019 3:36 pm

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled and nodded at the point of that not going to be a hunt. Of course, I knew that, but... better being prepared then needing it.
As she told me about the sabre or not being not their main concern this morning, I was tempted to ask, what that one would be, but... it was a tad obvious.
I took the belt and slung it around my hips, taking off the throwing knives and putting them into the box, which now held my school uniform's blouse and skirt. While I closed that one, I explained: "Indeed, they are not made for sabres this size. Type 5s are the largest, which can be hidden easily in a Fistan or an Altanafus." I let a beat pass. "The Type 5 is the weapon of choice of the Handmaidens."
The lid of the box came back on.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Thu Mar 21, 2019 3:49 pm

"I see, replies Jane with a nod. Just like the Kel-Tek PF-9 pistol has become the standard fidearm of the Palace's civilian staff. Easy to conceal, and very effective."
As she says that, she looks over Damir's shoulder to the Potomac, who they are crossing as the motorcade currently follows the bridge of 14th Street.
"I have to say, it's good to finally see the old river back to rest, says the Duchess with a small sigh. Two months ago, with all the emergency ships that were navigating it, it was a complete mayhem of lights and sirens. If it hadn't been for the Imperial Guard, the city would have surely faced the same fate as New York, and we would still be picking up the pieces."

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Mar 21, 2019 4:10 pm

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I settled down, adjusted my sword belt slightly, so that everything sat comfortably.
Jane's voice and sigh filled the compartment.
"We know, from the reports we received, that the situation was bad.", Damir said, "I could not imagine the feeling, if it would have been Motya or Utica." He looked to me. "Or Seabhcóir."
I nodded. Seeing my hometown in such a state would be terrible.
Dad let out a deep and heavy sigh. "And then came that idiot Dib...", he said and shook his head, "Bloody fuck, that guy gave us a headache."
Dad rarely cursed, but when he did, it usually showed, that he was pissed.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Fri Mar 22, 2019 3:22 am

"Well, one thing for sure, answers Jane, is that with this particular virus, the effects in the Sultanate would have been less dire, as it does not resist well to heat and UV rays. Using it during the Black Friday, aka at the start of winter, with cold temperature, was an intelligent move from Mr Amherst. But if he had chosen to do it in Utica, he would have used a different way for sure. Anaximander will talk more about it this afternoon.
If I may ask, Prince, who is this Dib man you're talking about? Seems like he's related to this disaster, from the way you're talking about it."

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Mar 22, 2019 4:57 am

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
"Yes and no.", Dad said, "Professor Ahmir Dib is the bloke, who wrote the famous article in the Political Sciences Journal of the University of Megido, titled The Unstable New Friend of the Sultanate: A Critical View at the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle and its internal affairs, in which he examined the inner political situation in the Empire as of late and came to the conclusion, that the Empire is a... 'unstable regional power'." He let a beat pass. "I know, that this article made headlines in the Empire. The comment of Mister ben Sahid, that the article is incorrect in many places and does not reflect the view of the Government of Kyrenaia did, to my knowledge, not."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Fri Mar 22, 2019 10:39 am

"Oh right, I had forgotten his name, replies Jane with a nod. You're right, his article gave a bad impression of the Sultanate to my compatriots. And concerning Vizier ben Sahid's comment, he did not reach Anaximander and Anna's ears before four days ago, since they had been thoroughly occupied with the reconstruction and everything. And let me tell you, that the Press Attachés who relayed this comment to them, got shout at in epic proportions for not having said it sooner, she says with a small chuckle.
As she speaks, the motorcade has finally crossed the bridge.
"If you look to the left, continues the Duchess as she gestures to said direction, you'll be able to see the Jolnar Melnik Memorial, the Duke who was the right-hand man of Anaximander the Great, who helped reborn the Empire back in 1580, and who set the way for the Imperial dynasty and the Melnik family to be close to each other for the past centuries."

(OOC: the memorial is the equivalent of the IRL Jefferson Memorial.)

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Mar 22, 2019 2:12 pm

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Both Dad and I chuckled before we looked to the left.
"I stumbled across his name.", I said with a small smile, then glanced to Jane. "I read up a bit on Imperial History, first after meeting Peter and his friends and then before this visit. Quite a few... interesting things happened." I grinned. "I'm sure, that someone could say the same about Selkie- and Kyrenaian History."
I smiled slightly as I remembered something.
"He was an ancestor of yours, if I remember correctly, right?", I asked.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:41 pm

Don't worry, you'll be able to learn a lot about the Empire's history once we get to the Palace, with all the frescoes and everything, replies Jane, just as the motorcade passes by a few miltary vehicles, Strykers IFVs.
And no, it's my husband's line, not mine. My maiden's name, Belnor, is only the name of a small bourgeois family from Tennessee."

by **Kyrenaia** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 9:07 am

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
"Interesting.", Dad said, turning back from the view of the IFVs, to the inside of the limousine.
I knew, why the IFVs were there and on an intellectual level, I understood, as well as I knew, that it would not be that different in Kyrenaia. Still... it was a different image. In Kyrenaia, Jane's son-in-law had been welcomed by a honour guard, protestors and had been transported in open carriages under the protection of the Atif's and my lads and lassies. In Lux Pulchrae, Dad and I had been welcomed by singing children (fuck the song, really, they had been adorable, so what else did ya want?!). When Dad and I visited the Free Lands last year, the finest Marcach on the finest horses escorted us into Fortham itself, the Elder of the Tribe of Louth greeted me in front of the Gates with a hug.
It was... weird.
"You know, murals in Kyrenaian palaces usually show mythical scenes rather then historical - exceptions reinforcing the rules.", Dad explained, "Or they show values and images of those, like the Furusiyya-Fresco." He smiled. "Anna told you about it?"

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 2:15 pm

"Yeah, I heard about it, a nice one to see and understand, from what she told me, replies the Duchess. Concerning frescoes and paintings in the Empire, they also display images of values, and it's often linked to historical events."
Just as she finishes her sentence, the motorcade, who had passed another small bridge, with the Tidal Basin to the left, now enters the heart of the capital, with the Bureau of Fiscal Service building to their left. As they roll down the street, they see more soldiers,military vehicles, and among them, a pair of M1 Abrams tanks, with a streamer displayed between them, saying : Kyrenaia, go home! written in capital letters, and in red.
Just next to them, are stationed some anti riot vans, with policemen in full riot gear blocking a street with high fences. On one of the vans, another streamer is displayed, with this time written: From NY, thanks to the Sultanate for their help.
"Ah, I was wondering when we would see those, says Jane as she points to the streamers. Since all protests have been forbidden in the capital during the state visit, Anax and Anna had the idea for people who wanted to send a message to the delegation, to send their streamers, and we would have them displayed by our soldiers, as well on buildings. This way, we don't have to worry about a potential attack.
I can't help but feel, Princess, she continues as she turns to Aurelia, that you are a bit uneased by this gathering of such military force. Well, to explain it, it has become like this after Christian was assassinated. Anaximander wanted to make sure everyone that would coming would be secured to the max, and so he simply chose to have something akin to a complete lockdown. It may appear as overkill on the outside, and sometimes as a prison on the inside, but at least it's effective. That's why they reacted so badly to the presence of protesters last July, and also why their trust in you and your comrades as escorts was only relative. Now, they didn't have anything personal against you, as you surely know, it's just that compared to people like the Tabardariyya who train 24/7 to do their job, you are high-schoolers, who do other things aside from that. Although if I remember well, it was Captain al-Tabar herself who selected you after seeing you in training, no?"

by **Kyrenaia** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 2:47 pm

The Scarlet Eagle wrote:"Yeah, I heard about it, a nice one to see and understand, from what she told me, replies the Duchess. Concerning frescoes and paintings in the Empire, they also display images of values, and it's often linked to historical events."
Just as she finishes her sentence, the motorcade, who had passed another small bridge, with the Tidal Basin to the left, now enters the heart of the capital, with the Bureau of Fiscal Service building to their left. As they roll down the street, they see more soldiers,military vehicles, and among them, a pair of M1 Abrams tanks, with a streamer displayed between them, saying : Kyrenaia, go home! written in capital letters, and in red.
Just next to them, are stationed some anti riot vans, with policemen in full riot gear blocking a street with high fences. On one of the vans, another streamer is displayed, with this time written: From NY, thanks to the Sultanate for their help.
"Ah, I was wondering when we would see those, says Jane as she points to the streamers. Since all protests have been forbidden in the capital during the state visit, Anax and Anna had the idea for people who wanted to send a message to the delegation, to send their streamers, and we would have them displayed by our soldiers, as well on buildings. This way, we don't have to worry about a potential attack.
I can't help but feel, Princess, she continues as she turns to Aurelia, that you are a bit uneased by this gathering of such military force. Well, to explain it, it has become like this after Christian was assassinated. Anaximander wanted to make sure everyone that would coming would be secured to the max, and so he simply chose to have something akin to a complete lockdown. It may appear as overkill on the outside, and sometimes as a prison on the inside, but at least it's effective. That's why they reacted so badly to the presence of protesters last July, and also why their trust in you and your comrades as escorts was only relative. Now, they didn't have anything personal against you, as you surely know, it's just that compared to people like the Tabardariyya who train 24/7 to do their job, you are high-schoolers, who do other things aside from that. Although if I remember well, it was Captain al-Tabar herself who selected you after seeing you in training, no?"

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
An interesting to a difficult problem - we handled it by other means, but, as both worked, we should not complain, no one. It was just... a lot of the issues back at Utica International could have been prevented, if people communicated.
The banner of gratitude, I saw it in Dad's eyes, moved him more then his small smile let on. I was curious about what else we would see as well.
"Indeed.", I replied, "The story's rather simple. At the time, I was dating a chap from the TBA's Horseman Team, Atif Qalb. He graduates in a few months. Anyway..." I smiled. "...for the press, he was easy prey, they thought. And they, quite honestly harassed him beyond what was necessary, including during training." I shrugged. "One day, he had enough and so did his team and mine, we share the training field. He formed us all up and then had us commit to a cavalry charge, which routed the reporters."
I grinned.
"The Gods alone know why, but Captain al-Tabar watched that.", I continued, "We had often tried to get the Palace of the Azure Hall to leave us to escort guests of state from the airport to the Palace, but they always said no due to security reasons and this convinced al-Tabar and Major Nara, that's the head of the corresponding office at the Utica Met, to agree and to leave us to a test run." I smiled. "That test run was Marcella's state visit."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Sun Mar 24, 2019 3:16 pm

"Uh, interesting story, replies Jane with a smile. And a definitive way to tell journalists to piss off. Still, escorting guests of state is not an easy matter, as I'm sure you and your team have discovered, and it can't reduce itself to a simple cavalry charge, if things get awry. It may work in Kyrenaia, where civilian ownership of fireamrs is prohibited, but around here, that's a different matter.
Anyway, the building we've just passed to our left was the Bureau of Fiscal Service, and the one we see right now is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, responsible for producing many scurity products for the government, including banknotes."

by **Kyrenaia** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 1:54 am

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
"Most of the permanent installations of the Kyrenaian government...", Dad preempted a reply from my side, "...are at the Qalat-al-Jabal, the Citadel on the Mountain, in the Ilkhanate of Kyrene." He smiled slightly. "Their equivalent, the Mint, is there, as is the state archive, the embassies of the nations of not-so-great importance to Kyrenaia... it is seen as a good sign for diplomats, if they are called to the Court of the Sultan. Or Sultana, as it currently is."
I nodded.
"The branches of the ministries in the capitols of the different Ilkhanates...", Dad continued, "...are mostly on stand-by in case the corresponding Ilkhan is called upon to become Sultan. At the moment, the Active Ministries, as we call them, are in Utica."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 6:28 am

"Well, thank you for these valuable informations, Prince, replies Jane with a small smirk. I'll be sure to relay it to the Generals in charge of our bomber wings at the Air Combat Command, should the need arise, she adds with a small chuckle, before becoming serious again.
Sorry, couldn't resist, continues the Duchess. If I remember well, the Qalat-al-Jabam is where the five Ilkhans gather to choose the next Sultan when the previous one has died, and they fight to determine the winner?"

by **Kyrenaia** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 1:21 pm

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
For a moment, I wondered, how she would react to such a joke, but like Dad, I could not withhold my roaring laughter. Really, as one could tell from the deadpan expressions of ours, Jane could start a secondary career as a comedian!
She took another thread of conversation and that was better.
"Close.", I said, "Yes, the Ilkhans gather at the Qalat and they do elect the next Sultan there, if the previous one has passed on, but fighting is rarely done with more then words. The procedure is highly ritualized."
"When you have the time, try to find the coronation scene from the movie Robber-Sultana, it's a Kyrenaian one.", Dad added, "It's basically the same procedure to this day and since the coronation of the First Sultan, Mehment III., 1265. Although that chap wasn't the first holder of that title in Kyrenaia."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 2:17 pm

"I'll be sure to look into it, and have my daughter and her merry band of misfits do it as well."
Just as she speaks, the motorcade finally arrives on the street portion that crosses the National Mall, with the Blachkov Monument visible to the left.
"And here it is! exclaims Jane as she looks to the white obelisk. One of the most famous landmarks of this beautiful city: the Blachkov Monument, erected in 1880, for the tricentenary of the Empire. And stretching on both of our sides, the National Mall! What do you think of it?"
Indeed, on both sides of the limo, the vast stretches of grass and trees, with the Capitol visible to the right, far away. Although, that postcard view is a bit wasted by military vehicles and personnel stationed on the mall, with tanks, IFVs, Cougar MRAP, M-ATVs, etc. On some of them, some other banners are displayed, some with nice messages, like "Welcome to the cute Princess Aurelia!", or "Tough girl Fara!", while others are meaner, like: "Why did you mock us after helping us, bastards?! Do you know how many died?" or "We'll show you who's a minor power!"

by **Kyrenaia** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 2:48 pm

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
We looked at both sides, chuckled at the banners.
"If you pretend, that the military vehicles are not there...", I began, "...it reminds me a bit of the approach to Schloss Hochheide." I turned to Jane. "That's a palace in Teressien, its seat of government even. Though, it's not in a city and the palace at the end of the street is a bit more modest then the Azure Hall."
Dad nodded. "Alrich is such a nice young man, too.", he said, "A bit sparing with words, but what he can not say, his violin speaks for him. Isn't that true, Aurelia?"
I felt a blush coming up. "Alrich and I rode out that day, me on a horse of his, he on his own, and it was summer... a beautiful place." I grinned. "I even got him to laugh!"
Dad looked a bit surprised. "That chap can laugh?"
"Da-ad..."
"Yes, yes, I know... I hold him in high regards, too.", he said and I nodded. He looked to Jane. "A nice young man. Excellent violin player."

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Mon Mar 25, 2019 3:00 pm

"Uh, Terresien, you say? asks the Duchess. Can't say I have heard much about this place. I guess I'll have to wait until the Wikia is a bit more developed, she adds with a chuckle.
Anyway, I don't doubt that the cha you described is a nice man. Anax is one too, that's partly why I gave him my blessings when he asked Anna's hand to my husband and I. Well, that, and the fact he was so eager to redeem himself, for not having seen her feeling for him sooner."

by **Kyrenaia** » Sat Apr 06, 2019 3:06 am

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
"Oh, I think, that Anax is a nice man, too, don't get me wrong.", I explained, smiling, "Though I see his niceness in a different way then you... as a friend, not as a guy, who wants to marry my daughter."
Granted, one would quickly point out, that I didn't have a daughter (yet), but that was another story.
"However, he and Alarich could not be more different. Alarich is..." I paused. "...he is a silent, thoughtful man, calm to the point of a rock in a raging sea. A deep lover of the arts and a staunch pacifist." I smiled. "If you hear admiration out of my voice, it is, because I indeed admire Alarich a bit. And the main problem is, that he knows that."
I was slightly red at that point.
My Dad reached over, petting my knee. "Don't worry, you aren't the only one. He is a good young man.", Dad said and nodded.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Sun Apr 07, 2019 2:31 am

When she sees Aurelia's reaction, Jane can't help but chuckle a bit.
"Judging by your reaction Princess, this admiration must be pretty strong?"
As she asks that, the motorcade slows down a bit, as the lead elements have arrived at the crossroads between 14th Street and Christian Avenue, where two group of four dark green M1A3 Abrams MBTs are guarding the streets, aligned, their guns and fronts facing the opposite side of the motorcade's itinerary. Near them, some Imperial Guards in black MARPAT clothes, with tactical gear, balaclavas and helmets, SCAR A1 rifles in hand, are standing guard.
And so, the motorcade turns left, nearing the end of its destination.

by **Kyrenaia** » Sun Apr 07, 2019 3:41 am

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
"Only admiration.", I said, knowing, what she might be going at, "A deep admiration, admittedly, but only that." I shrugged. "Besides, girls gotta pick the battles they can win and I won't stand a snowball's chance in Downtown Utica, mainly because he's heads over heels into another girl. I could not compete."
Dad looked out of the window and saw the tanks, sighed.
I knew, what he was thinking. It should be obvious.
We knew, what the reasons were. That did not make it any sort of a better omen to see armed soldiers and tanks on the streets.
"Say, when the Armed Forces make the little show of that...", Dad began, motioning to the outside and the tanks, "...what's the local police doing?"

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Sun Apr 07, 2019 2:33 pm

"Their jobs, Prince, replies the Duchess to Damir. Simply their jobs. Some units aredispatched inside the locked perimeter, but otherwise nothing major changes, except for more controls.
See? Some of them are here, she adds as the motorcade, still heading west on Christian Avenue, passes by two Dodge Charger and two Ford Explorers of the Blachkov DC Metropilitan Police.
As you may have remarked, continues Jane, the building in this area are only four stories high. This is because the walls surrounding the Imperial Compound are 15 meters high, and we don't want to have buildings higher than that, to prevent people from spying inside the facility from an advantegeous viewpoint. Anyway, we're soon going to arrive at the Imperial Portal, do you want to get out of the cars there to observe it for a bit? If you want, I can give you some explanations as well, offers the Duchess to the two Kyrenaians.

by **Kyrenaia** » Sun Apr 07, 2019 3:00 pm

Laoch-Two, on the move. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Dad nodded at the thing about the police, but we both understood the point about the low buildings - for us, it was the other way around, we were high up in Utica and had high walls, so one had to build a skyscraper to look into our living rooms.
As for the Imperial Portal, Dad took the internal speaker to the driver off of its hook and asked her to call the other vehicles if anyone had interest in the tourist thing right now, the driver switching to a private frequency to do that.
Then he looked to me.
I shrugged. If anyone wanted, sure, but I would much rather do the tourist thing after we brought the official reception behind us. It was a very telling shrug.
A few seconds later, the negative reply from the other limousine came in.
"Thank you for the offer, Duchess.", Dad began, "But we respectfully decline. Some of us will do the tourist thing later, though, after the reception." He smiled at me, then back to the Duchess. "Though, if possible, please send my best regards to the Blachkov Met."

A Desert Predator in Scarlet Company (Closed)

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