A Meeting of Families (AMW only)

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Selene walked around in the palace. The Crinthanium Royal family was due to arrive any minute now. She had put on her best dress, and had ordered that the royal court be ready for the arrival of Royalty from the new world. The women all had their antique Baroque-style dresses on them, a tradition in the Byzantine Empire, while the men wore simple suits.

Selene adjusted her tiara, and her hair. She had had it made in the morning, an elaborate hairstyle that had taken three hours to finish. She had a simple pearl necklace around her neck.

Back at the airport, Selene had arranged for her guests to be driven in a Coach from the airport directly, as to avoid any prying eyes of photographers.

To her right was Princess Eugenie. Eugenie's perfect proportions, very pale skin and long, blond hair made her very different from her brothers and sisters. She was only twelve, but acted as if she were twenty. The constricted dress she was wearing and her small silver tiara made her look only more stately.

Alexis twiddled his fingers. He had quickly gotten back from the Imperial Park and had gotten ready a very fast. He was wearing a simple suit and shirt, but hadn't had the time of putting on his Prince's crown. He didn't like that crown anyways. It was heavy and bulky, and the whole Empire knew who he was anyways, so there was no need to wear it anyways.

And so it was, the Court poised in outside, in front of the palace, waiting anxiously for the coach with the Royal family of Crinthanium within it.

[Chrinthanium]

The engines of Imperial One roared as the reverse thrusters kicked in dlowing the Boeing 767 down. The sleek, shiny, black plane eventually came to a stop. The word Imperial Federation of Chrinthaniumin gold along the bottom half of the side of the plane stood out, as did the Imperial Seal on the tail. On the topside of each wing were the letter IFAF, which stood for Imperial Federation Air Force.

Upon the opening of the hatch, Emperor Nathaniel, fresh from concluding his North American summit, appeared, followed by his brother, Ryan and Peter. The Praetorians, knowing in advance the plans for travel, allowed the Imperial brothers to wave at the people and the media. Quickly, though, they were escorted to the coach and wisked away to the palace.

Along the way, the Emperor was captivated by the beauty of Constantinople. A seat of power since antiquity, the blend of Roman, Greek and Middle East seemed to lend itself to a picturesque city at the juxtaposition of Asia and Europe. It was everything he dreamed of when he studied the ancient city. Constantine the Great had crafted a masterpiece of urban living. Its caretakers carefully preserving its historical value while adding the modern conveniences.

As the Coach made its way to the palace, the Emperor read his dossier on Byzantium. He knew Princess Selena was in for the fight of her life as he, like her, comes from a society which restricts the rights of women from ruling. Reaching its destination, the coach came to a halt. As the doors opened, Nathaniel and his brothers smiles and began to greet everyone.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

"Your Highness, the coach has arrived," her personal attendant told her.

"Very well, prepare the guard for my entrance to the courtyard," she quickly replied.

"Eminence, that is a privilege of the Emperor and heirs."

"Doubt you of my eligibility? Do as I say, I am representative of my brother, the emperor."

"Yes my lady."

The immense palace doors grinded open. Selene lifted her ornate baroque dress as she went down the stairs. Her younger siblings followed her. The crowd parted in front of Selene and her brother and sister, and courteously bowed . The Imperial guard surrounded the Princess as a measure of safety. A marching band was playing the national anthem of the Byzantine Empire.

As soon as Selene reached the bottom step, she walked out and approached the Emperor of Crinthanium and his two siblings. The other members of the Byzantine court quickly bowed as the let Selene pass.

"I extend my welcome to your Highness. May your stay here be bountiful and pleasurable," Selene told Nathaniel calmly and slowly in English.

"Welcome to our country," Eugenie and Alexis told the two younger siblings of Nathaniel.

"Please, accompany us inside the Palace to the Salon."

[Chrinthanium]

Emperor Nathaniel flashed his trademark smile when he greeted Selene. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Imperial Highness." Nathaniel was keenly aware of titles and using the appropriate title for the appropriate person. "When you see your brother, please give him my regards."

"Prince Alexis, Princess Eugenie, it's an honor to meet you both," responded Ryan as he and Peter made their introductions.

The Chrinthani Imperials followed Selene into the Salon. The Emperor and his brothers followed the traditional Chrinthanian procedure when walking of the Emperor first, followed by his brothers

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

"It is a pleasure to meet you. My brother sends his regards from Kiev," she said as they walked into the palace.

The opulent salon opened up before them. Maids quickly rushed out of view. Selene glanced up and beckoned the other royals to go sit down at the corner of the lounge that had been prepared for them. Only six lounge chairs had been provided, as it was customary to leave royal members alone when they entered the salon.

The lounge lay opposite to large glass doors that were open and a breeze entered from the garden. The trees rustled as the wind passed by. Peacocks were silently flaunting their large feathers as they trotted around, all in view from the Royal lounge.

Traditional Byzantine appetizers had been provided for the visiting royals, and they were duly offered to them with great reverence. They were later placed on a little table at the center of the Salon.


Selene sat down as she asked: "How was your trip over from Omaha? Did your ride to the palace please you?"

Once her siblings saw that Selene sat down, they quickly took their places to each side of her.

[Chrinthanium]

Emperor Nathaniel reached the salon along with his brothers. The breeze from the outdoors was quite refreshing to the young Emperor and his brothers. They were used to freezing Nebraska winters. It was quite the change to be in a more temperate climate. He marveled at the peacocks. Outside of pictures in the encyclopedias, he'd never really seen a peacock before in person. As the refreshments were offered, he accepted them with much gratitude. As each palace staff member presented their tastey delights, he flashed his trademark smile and thanked them. He was always thankful to the tireless staff of the Chrinthani Imperial Palace, without whom he'd be at a major loss.

Emperor Nathaniel and his brothers took their seats after the Imperial family of Byzantine. "I loved the ride through the city of Constantinople. It was even more exquisite than I had ever imagined." he replied. Nathaniel reached into his interior suit pocked and produced a small box. "Your Imperial Highness, I have a small token of our appreciation for your hospitality to us." He handed the box to Selene. It was a fairly small box, about the size of a jewlery box. Upon opening it, Selene would discover a solid gold ring with diamonds and rubys in it. It wouldn't have been as refined as one made to western standards, but there was a certain charm to it nonetheless.

"It was my grandmothers ring. It was a gift to her from my grandfather, Nicholas IV. It was given to him by the Chief of the Sioux Indian tribe after he abolished slavery laws in the Empire. They called he ring Ring of Friendship. It was to symbolize the new friendship between the Empire and the Sioux." he stated.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

"Thank you Emperor Nathaniel, please call me Selene, as we are of the same rank in this room. The ring is beautiful. It is absolutely stunning."

Selene absolutely loved the ring. She promptly rang a little bell and her lady-in-waiting scuffled up to her, impeded by the imposing dress she was wearing. Selene gracefully swept her hand out.

"Luna, will you be a dear and put this ring on my finger. Isn't it absolutely stunning?"

"Yes Imperial Highness, it is."

Selene looked at the ring on her finger. It was just the right size. Selene was touched by Nathaniel's gesture.

"Ahh Emperor Nathaniel, it is truly a beauty. It is a great honor to be wearing your Grandmother's ring. I myself have a little present for you and two smaller gifts for your brothers."

She rang the bell again. Two guardsmen walked in bearing a large, thin and rectangular box. Selene slid open the box and handed a heavy sword over to the Emperor. The sword was curved and the hilt gilded with gold and precious metals.

"This sword was used in the Byzantine defeat of the Germans in World War II by one of our top generals. Use it well, bear it with honor. "

She took out two smaller boxes for the younger brothers.

"I hereby give these military awards to you, the order of Imperial Eagles. Please wear them proudly."

Selene's English was a bit choppy at times and she hoped that she had not offended the visiting royals by accident. Alexis and Eugenie reiterated their older sister's messages.

Selene wanted to stir up their conversations. "I heard that Omaha is very cold. It must be such a change here. I wish I could go to Omaha one day to see your country with my own eyes."

[Chrinthanium]

Nathaniel was touched by the gift from Selene. "Your Imperial Highness, Selene, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart." He would again flash his trademark smile.

Peter and Ryan accepted their gifts and with the same gratitude as they thanked their hosts.

"And, since while in this room we are equals, you may call me Nathaniel." He replied. "Omaha is quite a lovely city. Emperor Tiberius and his family are welcome anytime to visit the Imperial Federation. I recommend waiting till spring, however. The winters are harsh."

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Selene smiled. "I'm sure we won't want to go to Omaha in the cold. That just wouldn't do."

She stared into the Emperor's eyes. He was so beautiful. "Why is it that all of the good guys are gay," she thought? She chuckled to herself.

"I'm so happy you were able to make it. Of course, we will have to talk about matters of state sooner or later," Selene said as she was put her had down on her dress. "But first, would you like to talk a tour of the garden? It is so beautiful and it is the perfect time of day. It is perfect after a long voyage. We may go horseback or walking, or even by Dromedary if you would like. We have them in the royal stables. We may talk while we tour the gardens, away from prying eyes."

Eugenie sprung out: "Let's go by Dromedary! I want to ride my Peter." She had a smile up to her eyes.

Alexis added: "It would be an experience for you. I'm sure there are horses in Crinthanium. What do you say Nathaniel?"

[Chrinthanium]

Ryan turned to Peter and smiled with an evil grin. The latter now knew that this unfortunate coincidence would make him the butt of jokes on the way back to Omaha.

"Alexis," spoke Nathaniel, "there are many horses in the Empire. I even have my own stables outside of Omaha. I own 15 horses. My most favorite of which is a Gray Arabian called Orion. He's a stallion."

There was excitement about riding the dromedary amongst Nathaniels brothers. Nathaniel himself was more apt to ride a horse. He loved horses. He'd been riding the majestic animals since he was five. He even made a point to attend to the animals personally when he was able. However, he had a few questions that he needed to speak privately to Selene about which would require a walking tour.

"Selene, how about we let Alexis, Eugenie, Ryan and Peter handle the dromedaries while you and I walk and speak privately." said Nathaniel.

Selene's younger siblings were easily showing up the Thornton brothers in their camel riding skills while Selene and Nathaniel walked.

"How is your dear brother?" He asked. Nathaniel was ever so thankful for the invitation to visit, but had some reservations about the absence of Emperor Tiberius. This was the first visit of Nathaniel to the Byzantine Empire. There were also sporadic reports that the young Imperial Highness was taking a more commanding role while Tiberius was away. Was this just a show that women are as equal to rule as men, or was there some other reason? Of course, Nathaniel dare not mention any of this to Selene because it would be a major faux pas.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Eugenie laughed as she saw the others struggle to mount the Dromedaries. She tapped her dromedary and sat down. She got on it and tapped it again, and the lumbering beast stood back up.

"Peter, go!" she exclaimed. "I mean the camel Peter, not Peter the person. Please don't spit like my Peter," she chuckled.

She was much better at camel riding than her brother Alexis. While he had always been apt for riding horses, she had always had a special bond with camels.

Selene looked at Nathaniel. "My brother? Why he's doing well, thank you. He's in Kiev as we speak. He wishes you a good trip here. He hopes that our relations will become much better after this meeting."

Selene smiled. "I certainly hope that our countries will become good friends, what about you?"

OOC: Sorry about short post, gtg to church.

[Chrinthanium]

Ryan and Peter looked at each other as the Byzantine Imperial family showed the Chrinthani Imperial family how to ride a one-hump camel.

"Don't worry, Eugenie, I won't." Peter responded with a smile as Ryan laughed.

"I hope that the relationship between our nations can develope well." responded Nathaniel, "I am sorry that I missed the summit in Kiev. I had wanted to be there, but I was stuck attending to business in the Empire. Besides, Kiev's aversion to NATO is not a sentiment I share."

"I believe that Constantinople and Omaha can have long-lasting relations. Tiberius and I must get together. I must meet the man that my subjects thinks is more handsome than I." Nathaniel said with a laugh referring to a recent poll done in Chrinthanium.

He then turned his eyes back towards Selene and looked into hers. "You know, my brothers are my world. They are the ones who are there for me, particularly Ryan. He is my number one confidant, my right-hand man, and my best friend. I trust him implicitly. Peter, who is very independent, is the brother who keeps my spirits up. He makes me believe the impossible is possible. He is my inspiration."

Nathaniel continued, "As Emperor, you worry about those who are close to you. You worry about their safety. You worry that they will be truthful and honest. You wonder if they will turn on you while you're away and attempt to take the throne. Thankfully, Ryan and Peter are good men. They are men of honor."

Nathaniel turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Ryan falling off his camel. Nathaniel raced over to Ryan.

"Are you alright, Ryan?" Nathaniel asked.

As Ryan stood up, he dusted himself off and said, "Yeah, Nate. I'm fine. Just trying to ride this thing but it appears it has ideas to the contrary."

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Selene ran along with Nathaniel over to Ryan while she talked.
"Yes, Kiev's aversion to NATO is not something that we share. My brother still absolutely wanted to attend because of the historic ties that our two nations have had. I've always believed that we should support my brother as emperor because our country needs a strong central government. I try to keep everything in line here for when my brother comes back from his travels around the world."

Selene sighed. She wished her brother would get married some day and have children of his own so that her children would not be on the throne. A direct line is the best line, she thought.

Eugenie was always naturally more social and talkative than her brother. She laughed along with Ryab and Peter. Although they were rather older than her she found it quite refreshing to be with kids not from the Byzantine court. Ryan and Peter weren't snotty like the others in the court were.

"Let's go Peter! Follow me!" eugenie cried out to Peter, who seemed to be having a much easier time riding the dromedary than Ryan, as she sped off into the gardens.

(eugenie is 14, you can find out info about the royal fam in my factbook)


Selene looked at Nathaniel. "Sometimes," she said" I wish I could have been more of a sister to Eugenie. After mom died I had to take her place. I really admire the strong bond you have with your brothers"

OOC: all typed on an iPod touch, please excuse any mistakes

[Chrinthanium]

"As Imperial children, we were all schooled at an exclusive private school which carried us from Elementary to High School." Nathaniel said as Ryan attempted to ride off again on the camel. "Being within our close range of age, we were always together in some way with the exception of college."

"Ryan is my younger brother, and Peter is the youngest. Ryan and I have a very tight bond. It started early on in life and never quit. Peter has always been highly independent. He's not much for the formalities of being an Imperial Prince. He just wants to be a teenager."

"In the end, however, we're family first. You must never let your position in life come before that fact. We were children that wanted to play, and teens who rebelled, and young adults who wanted to explore. Then, our father died so suddenly back in August. It tore our hearts out. Thankfully we'd already had such a close bond. It helped pull us through."

"People back home forget that no matter the fact that Nicholas V was their Emperor, he was our father." Nathaniel cleared his throat, "That's why you have to remember your just a human, and your family is all you have. We're no different than the average citizen in that aspect. Our father taught us to remember our family above all else."

"We're also rather infomal compared to other monarchies. We have no peerage or aristocracy. There aren't many formailities for us to follow. We run no church, nor are we holden to any religious affiliation. I think that is why we seem a bit more average joe."

Nathaniel scanned the gardens to watch his brothers enjoy themselves with Alexis and Eugenie, "I wish Ryan would find someone. He's a good man, and is someone who has a more codependent personality. He has a lot of love to offer a young lady. He's definitely marriage material. Peter, on the other hand, is more apt to love them and leave them. Although, Ryan had his playboy years in college, he's calmed down. Peter isn't that way. I doubt he'll ever change."

"You know, Selene, I don't think I've opened up this much to anyone for a while. I am sorry for monopolizing so much of the conversation."

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Selene listened attentively to what Nathaniel was saying.
"It is no problem, you can talk as much as you want.

My father always wanted us to go to the local public school, and not private schools. We were always the different ones there. In court we were different from the other children as we didn't go to their school. When my mother died, we were thrusted into adulthood.

Before my father died, I knew he was already making arrangements for my marriage. Thank goodness that I was never married to some court dunce over here. I've always wanted to have a love story, but unfortunately there was never anyone for me here.

Alexis, on the other hand, has had his share of girlfriends. Mainly people he met on his long walks on the beach. He hasn't had only girlfriends, thank goodness the press hasn't learned about that. I can see the titles 'Imperial Prince commits sodomy'.

Eugenie is only 14, but she's already become interested. She dated a couple of times, but those dates never became anything important.

And Tiberius, well, he's a mystery. He's very secretive, although we're pretty sure he hasn't dated yet. It's too bad, as one of your magazines said, I believe, he is more attractive than you. And you aren't ugly. "

Selene looked at Him, having spewed out just as much as he did.

Eugenie was galloping across the garden, until she came out in a little enclove, her favorite relaxation place. Alexis quickly followed her.

"Alexis, could you go get my jacket please, I'm feeling a bit chilly."

"Of course Eugenie, I will go get it."

Eugenie looked and waited for Peter and Ryan.

[Chrinthanium]

Nathaniel listened to Selene with interest. He couldn't help but chuckle when he heard little Eugenie was even venturing into the dating pool.

"The press and homosexual relations. That's not a good combination. However, sometimes being honest with people is better than hiding things. Yet, on the other hand, I don't answer to a church." Spoke Nathaniel.

"Tiberius did get a few more votes than I, but I suspect those came from women." Nathaniel flashed his trademark smile yet again, "It's also nice to know that I'm not ugly." he said with a laugh.

"I am jealous that Tiberius can get away with being so secretive. If I ever venture out with friends, the talk shows back home don't stop talking about it."

Nathaniels tone changed, "I have one person that holds the key to my heart, but the problem is he doesn't want to be around the constant attacks on his privacy. I guess I cannot blame him." Nathaniel cleared his throat.

Meanwhile, Ryan and Peter approached Eugenie. Peter arrived first, followed by a slightly discombobulated Ryan.

"You know, Eugenie," spoke Peter, "If my brother Nathaniel didn't like boys, he'd probably marry Selene. I've never seen him talk to someone for so long who wasn't Ryan."

"Peter," spoke up Ryan, "you're just jealous."

Peter just laughed, "Well, at least he's talking to someone. I wish he'd get over Nick. He really needs a fling."

Ryan looked shocked as he responded, "If you're suggesting that Nate needs a quicky, then you've been in the sun too long. He needs someone to be his companion. How can you speak like that in front of young Eugenie and Alexis."

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Alexis came running from behind them, catching the last part of the conversation.

"As if we haven't all had flings," he said. "Even Eugenie has gone on dates a couple of times."

"Only once or twice," Eugenie responded indignantly "I'm only fourteen. You're seventeen, you have more to talk about than I do. At least you don't bring them back home, or the whole court would be shocked by he peasants you dragged in."

Eugenie looked back at Ryan and Peter. "I'm sure you understand when siblings fight. We aren't the only ones who do it, I bet. Have you two ever gone on flings, or do you prefer long-term?"

Alexis turned to her "Eugenie! What kind of question is that?"

Selene sighed. "Privacy, something we've never been accustomed to having. It's a shame, really. Another reason why I try to stay away from having too many male friends, lest the press translate having coffee with a friend into 'Selene: to be married?'

I'm sure you've been accustomed to having the press but into everything you do also.

Thankfully, the press isn't around to spy on us right now. We should probably start talking about more serious things, while the press is away," she said, although it was clear that she longed for more 'normal' conversation.

[Chrinthanium]

Peter and Ryan looked at each other in amazement, "Sibling fight?" Peter said sarcastically, "Let me tell you, Ryan and I got into a big fight six years ago. Nathaniel tried to break it up and I went to jump on Ryan, instead I hit Nathaniel and he went head first down the steps."

"Nate broke his leg that day. All because you thought you were so tuff." Ryan laughed as he spoke. "Thankfully we've calmed down, to a point."

"Now, I prefer short-term flings, to be honest." Responded Peter, "Ryan is not much of a dater. He doesn't do flings much either. He can go either way. Nathaniel is the relationship guy. The one who could be the biggest playboy in the Empire wants love instead. Maybe he should just sow his wild oats."

"Peter!" Shouted Ryan, "Oh my God you're so crude! You need to watch what you say, Peter. What if the press had been here?"

"Ryan, you know they'd agree with me. The whole Empire wants him to be a playboy. They want him to be the pretty young Emperor breaking hearts everywhere he goes." said Peter. "Don't worry about his equally hot brothers. We're fine."

Ryan rolled his eyes, "Please forgive Peter. He's seventeen and full of horomones."

"And Nathaniel is twenty-one and full of horomones too. Stop making excuses for him. He just wants more sympathy." Responded Peter.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel knew what Selene meant, "I have no private life. I have paparazzi everywhere I go."

"We should discuss more important things. How can we be of service to the Byzantine Empire?" Asked Nathaniel.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

"I would not say of service," Selene said "I'm very worried, as is my brother, that his place as head of the Orthdox church is hurting relations with other countries. We have tried repeatedly to have more connections with countries in North America, but it seems to impede relations. The Byzantine market is desperately in need of investors. We have had a slow growth rate
for the past ten years and our country simply isn't doing well at all. At the time we are trying to gain investers by joining NATO and becoming more secure In the face of the geletians, but that will take years to follow through. We would like to garner trAde between our two countries, Whig would help both of our economies"

Meanwhile, Eugenie laughed. "Your country wants a playboy? Why don't we just send them Alexis. He's been voted most attractive man on the Empire. Higher than even Tiberius. It would help you hatch out of your shell Alexis. Have some fun someplace other than the beach."

Alexis smiled "It is true, I was voted most attractive. But Eugenie, you know the real person who needs a marriage, Selene. Ever since Dad tried to set her up she's tried not to get married. She needs someone. She's twenty, a great age for marriage. "

The two siblings laughed.

[Chrinthanium]

"Maybe Alexis could show Nathaniel how to actually be a playboy." Quipped Peter.

"Somehow I think that Alexis would never talk to us again if he tried to loosen up Nate." said Peter, "Besides, get Nate a little tipsy, and Alexis would be in serious trouble!"

Meanwhile back with Selene, Nathaniel listened carefully to her plea. "Selene, that's why Chrinthanium is a secular state. We've no ties to any one church. We had that problem in the past."

He continued, "I can see what we can do. If you could export your weather, then I would buy tons of it. What does the Empire have to offer us?"

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Selene thought for a second "The Pire has many things to offer you, it all depnds on what Crinthanium needs"

Alexis responded "I'm sure you're brother isn't quite that bad. He just needs some time in clubs and on the beach. Have some fun. A fling or to doesn't hurt"

"In your case, it's more like fifteen or sixteen flings don't hurt," she snickered.

[Chrinthanium]

"Selene, I am about to throw open Chrinthani markets so wide open that in 20 years we could be a power house." Replied Nathaniel, "Of course, we're also interested in investing in outside allies. The Empire needs solid oil agreements. We look to you for that with your location. We're willing to spend a few billion a year in a nation that could supply us with oil."

"We, of course, would also be willing to use our industrial capabilities to produce vehicles and machinery to assist in helping to develope oil fields. I am not sure of your capability to assist us in this endeavor, however. Can you supply us with oil in mass quantity?" asked the Emperor.

Back with the younger Imperials, Ryan and Peter were enjoying their conversation. While they were crude, they did have a serious concern about Nathaniels love life. They believed his clinging to his ex was because the loss of his father.

"Well," spoke Peter, "I joke about this, but we're seriously worried about Nathaniel. He's a good man."

"I just think that Nate needs a life." Ryan responded, "He's been stuck being groomed to be Emperor. Mom wasn't a help because she wanted her 'beautiful baby boy' to be a handsome man and made him work out and eat right. He had to be athletic. She didn't do that with us. And I think that made him less of a man."

"Ryan, all I know is we're normal. Nathaniel is, and always will be, forced to be his fathers son in his mothers image." said Peter. He was right. He was his father in terms of personality and his mother in terms of looks.

"Now, Alexis, how do you sneak away? Maybe we can get Nate to do that while we're here. Some alone time. No media, no ministers, no anything. Just him and his thoughts." Asked Peter.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

"How do I sneak away? That's a funny question. I leave throughthe wine cellars, which have a delivery door outside the palace walls. In order to open the delivery doors I had to steal a set of keys from the guards of the Palace, and I had a friend make copies of them. Now I can come and go as I please, without anyone knowing. Nathaniel could have some fun visiting the city"

Meanwhile, Selene talked to Nathaniel.
"In fact, we do have a lot of oil. In Mesopotamia. We used to have to supply Geletia when the Prince ruled it, but now they are just sitting there. I believe there's quite a lot of infrastructure there already, although it may be a bit dated.

Mesopotamia is perfect for your needs, I think. In exchange for our Oil, what wil Crinthanium offer us?"

[Chrinthanium]

"Selene," answered Nathaniel, "that would depend upon your needs, however, we can update your oil producing infrastructure if need be. Also, we are one of the largest wheat and grain producing nations. Our central plains have very fertile lands. We have to pay farmers not to produce so much. Instead, we can produce more food, and give you beneficial agreements in exchange for your oil."

"We also make cars and car parts and machinery. Though the car was first developed in Cassanos, it was Chrinthani native Henry Ford who became the father of mass-produced atuomobiles with Ford Motor Company in the early 1900's. It revolutionise our industrial capabilitites.**"

"We have a small information technologies center that, though not as big as California, and built upon their knowhow, can produce equipment to better access and integrate Californian technology into your nation."

"Beets, potatoes, iron ore, steel. 150 years of determination, and trial and error, to begin producing and marketing Chrinthani goods, but we're there. We're ready to do business with the world. It really comes down to what do you need." Said Nathaniel.

Back with Alexis and Eugenie, Ryan and Peter are hatching a plan.

"Alexis, do you think that you can convince Nate to find that seclusion before we leave?" Asked Ryan. "He hasn't been alone like that since before dad died."

"Yeah, and maybe he could find some peace for maybe an hour or two while we learn how to ride these things." Said Peter as he pointed to the dromedary.


**While these companies exist, they are not as world-wide as their RL counterparts, probably mostly Chrinthani companies that are looking to expand into world markets.

[Jatriqya and Hoya]

Selene looked at Nathaniel and chuckled a bit. "Grains? We already have too much of that coming from Mesopotamia. That fertile crescent gives us too much also. Really, though, we do need cars and machinery. We have not modernized our cars and machinery since the early nineties, as you may have noticed. We're also very tired of Kievan cars. They don't workthat well, you know. "

Alexis looked at the two Crinthani boys, confused at what they were preparing. " If he wants secluded than he might as well come out in the parks in the middle of the night. Although the guards still patrol around. If he left the palace I could accompany him to a quiet beach I know of, or we could go out and have some fun."

Eugenie cu in. "Alexis, don't try and get Nathaniel laid, as we've gone over that he really doesn't need that. "