Twelfth Night Masquerade Ball [IC, TG to join]

[Almajoya]

No OOC comments, overly large pictures, long quotes, or one-liners will be tolerated in this thread. OOC and sign-up thread


Maria Yamamoto folded her arms and smiled as she gazed at her handiwork. There was not a speck of dirt or dust to be found in the entire palace, much less the ballroom. The decorations, which consisted mostly of poinsettias and some streamers, lent to the beauty of the building and the twelfth-(thirteenth)-day-of-Christmas feel. The food- finger sandwiches, cookies, sherbet punch made from an old Ramijozana recipe, and an industrial-size king cake- had just been set out. The Jade Symphony Orchestra were setting up in their corner near the far wall.

Every year, Maria, the Empress' Lady of Maintenance, was tasked with overseeing the Twelfth Night ball's preparations. This would be her third, but most important thus far: this year, there would be international guests. The expected attendees ranged from good friends of the Empress and the Almajoyese people to complete strangers looking to forge ties. The additional pressure had not gone unnoticed by any of the staff.

But, looking at that ballroom, Maria was finally able to relax. She had done well- "as always," the Empress would have assured her. She ran one last check and headed to her guest room to get ready herself. She had other commitments- a husband and children waiting at home- but Her Ladyship had insisted that she attend for just a few minutes, so that she could be complimented in person.


Randall Braxton was also in attendance. The Lord of Security looked sharp in a black suit and tie and a silver mask perched atop his head. He and his team were out in full force tonight, from the airport to the Hotel D'Or to the palace, ensuring the safety of their guests as well as their Empress. No one would get into or out of the country without Randall knowing about it.

The guests were expected mostly by plane; thus Gate and Concourse R of Jade International Airport had been secured and prepared in style. There was also the spaceport and seaport for those visitors so inclined. In any case, a limo would take them to the palace, Sanctus Aidenn, not a far drive but a pleasant one under the star-studded sky.

Once there, they could settle in as the orchestra tuned up and perhaps talk amongst each other as the ball got under way.

[Allbeama]

The Chancellor was in his finest attire when he arrived on Almajoyese soil, with his entourage and security team in similar fashion. He was glad to be on terra firma after the long space flight from Agonarthis Terra. The service aboard The Northstar was impeccable as usual. The man walked with dignity befitting a head of state as he approached the transport waiting to take him to the Ball. He smiled for the press, always glad to play the charismatic and beloved leader. Trevor Von Siegfried Allbeam had arrived in style.

On another platform, aboard his private starship, Lucius Kilvayne also landed upon the sovereign soils of Almajoya. Dark hair and a grim demeanor defined the man. He walked with an aristocratic air and carried himself in arrogance. He was the foremost expert on Agonartha in the field of superhuman research. And one of the world's most wealthy and eligible bachelors. Few knew who he really was, and no one lived to tell others the truth of things. He took a backward glance at his personal ship, Ravencraft, to assure himself it was in capable hands. Tonight he would dine with those who wielded power and influence. He smiled a devious smile.

[Imitora]

But only a few weeks earlier

To Her Ladyship the Empress Melisma Ramijozana

Your Empress,

I write to you on behalf of the Maison d'Arseneau, and the young mistress of the house, Young Miss Lilly Arseneau. Young Miss Arseneau would be most pleased if you found it in your pleasure to have her to your Twelfth Night Masquerade Ball. Young Miss Arseneau would herself request the permission of her presence, but her current responsibilities have taken up most of what little free time she has, and was not able to contact you herself. She shall be escorted by Mr. Jason Banks, who I have been informed is sponsoring a small display in one of the many parades of Carnival this year. They shall be arriving by private air travel, and will be setting up their own lodging arrangements for the duration of the celebrations. Neither will require any special security arrangements, as Miss Arseneau, an accomplished competitive shooter, is more than capable of handling her own security.

I hope that this is all within your acceptance, and please, feel free to contact me with any questions or requests that you may have of Young Miss Arseneau or Mister Banks. I am humbly at your service,

With best wishes and regards

Jason Vorhasen Roberts III
Serviteur à la Maison d'Arseneau
___

More presently

The Gulfstream G650 was technically property of the Imitoran government, but that had been a minor hiccup in Lilly's requisition process. Her mission was hardly diplomatic, no one would think to send the Director of the Imitoran Intelligence Service to represent Imitora at any function, diplomatic or otherwise. And even if the 34 year old CEO, Founder, and Owner of Arseneau Weapon Systems International had been a diplomat, the Imitoran government wouldn't send a representative to what was essentially a party to open relations. It just wasn't the Imitoran way. No, Lilly's visit was purely personal, and had little to do in the way of a diplomatic mission.

However, you didn't say no to the Director of the IIS.

At 34 years old, Lilly Arseneau was one of the youngest and most successful Imitorans. Shortly after the reconstitution, she had taken charge of a number of manufacturing facilities, grabbed everyone she could who knew how to tool machines, run a press, or put together a weapon, and founded Arseneau Weapon Systems International out of her own pocket. It only helped that her entire family fortune, reaching back to the first Arseneaus in Imitora, had been built on the arms manufacturing industry, including the once famous Imitora Military Industries. Less than a year later, the First Speaker himself walked into her office, and made her the offer of her lifetime: He needed a new intelligence agency.

In a few short years, she established herself as a force of Imitoran politics and industry, running both her private company and the IIS with equal effectiveness. It was through a chance meeting she had met Jason on a personal level.

Mr. Jason "Hollywood" Banks was Imitora's most eligible bachelor, and the first in what he hoped would be a family dynasty that would take him away from his "new money" moniker. His fortune was built on his hard work and the backs of others' talent. Banks' ran the nations most popular and successful film and record production agency Boost Entertainment, the fight/DJ/club/race promotion company Hollywood Promotions, seven night clubs, five bars, and was a sitting board member of the Imitoran Children's Cancer Research Fund. He was also an accomplished driver, and had one of the largest collection of high performance, exotic cars in Imitora.

The two had met through sheer chance, and had hit it off spectacularly. Jason's dusk till dawn lifestyle offered an escape for Lilly, and Lilly's no nonsense, get things done through all means attitude rubbed off on Jason, and the productivity in his numerous operations showed. And the perks of being the boy friend of the head of the IIS only opened more doors. But he would never mention that in public.

Lilly had her nosed burried in another file folder, and Jason rolled his eyes.

"Christ woman, your one a vacation, take a break for once," he laughed, watching her squint at him in return.

"I don't get a vacation," she returned. "This word is foreign to me," Lilly finished, laughing.

Jason smiled. "You have enough spies and ninjas and spooks and everything else to run things for you. Take a chance to relax," he demanded jokingly. "You've earned it."

She closed the file folder. "I'm sure."

At that moment, the captain announced their final descent, having been cleared to land on Almajoese soil.

"Perfect timing," she said, tucking the file away in her lap top case.

"One of these days I'm gonna get you to calm down," he replied, buckling his seat belt.

Soon, the Gulfstream was down, taxied to its assigned hanger, and the stairs dropped, Lilly and Jason descending.

[IduC]

The people of the Île du Coeur were a water loving people, and it was joked with no little serious that most had salt water instead of blood in their veins. However, His Illuminated Highness, Prince Alasdair did not have time for a leisurely ocean voyage to Almajoya. Thusly he chose travel via the other method his people had taken to as whole heartedly to as they had to the water.

The HST alit with odd grace and rolled to the terminal assigned to it. Gate R at Jade International Airport. As the jetway came out to snuggle up to the big planes passenger door, the massive rear hatches had unlimbered and the cargo crew was quickly readying the limo and the two security escort vehicles. While His Highness and his daughter readied themselves, the head of Security, Tamerlane de la Cruz, trotted quickly down the jet way to Almajoyan customs. His second in command, Yamashima Hiroshi, followed toting the case bearing the pistols that security would carry and the swords that the Princes personal bodyguards, Mr. Drake and Naga- san, would bear as they attended the Empress’s Ball at the Royals sides. The paper work had been sent on ahead, but they wanted the Almajoyans to have a proper hands-on and vetting. They also wished to inform them that the Almajoyan limos would be unneeded, for they had brought their own. The Prince had reserved the Imperial suite and four others at the Hotel D’Or, for they wished to change into their ball attire there.

That done Hiroshi checked on the disposition of the HST’s cargo. The Île had purchased two of the specially configured hypersonic transports from the Domination and this was their first flight with His Highness aboard. He was pleased to learn, via the security teams very discrete radios, that the vehicles had already come around to the departure drive of the concourse and were awaiting the arrival of the Prince and his heir. The Prince had reserved the Imperial suite and four others at the Hotel D’Or, for they wished to change into their ball attire in the comfort of a suite not the relatively cramped confines of an airplane, even one as sybaritic as the HST.

Shortly Prince Alasdair and Crown Princess Mahala entered their bronze hued armored limo, along with their entourage her lady in waiting Madame Mimms and Reeves, the Prince’s ‘gentleman’s gentleman’. Thus leaving the security team, and the luggage, to the security vehicles.

A busy hour and a half later the bronze limo was pulling up outside Sanctus Aidenn, the flags of the Île du Coeur waving proudly on the diplomatic flagpole each corner of the front fender.

[Almajoya]

Imitora

Lilly and Jason were immediately greeted by the security contingent assigned to them and whisked through the airport. All around were festive decorations celebrating the end of Christmas, the start of the new year (TaM4), and, most of all, the beginning of the Carnival season.

Outside, they were escorted to their limo, one of many stretch Rami Tigras that wold be used this evening. In keeping with the Almajoyese theme, the Empress had foregone the usual stretch 300Cs in favor of a local manufacturer.

The skies were clear- the Empress couldn't have asked for better weather. Perhaps all of Almajoya, spirits and all, was on its best behavior in honor of this special night.

Imitora, Allbeama, IduC

The three Almajoyese limos carrying Lilly, Jason, Trevor, and Lucius arrived at the driveway of Sanctus Aidenn just ahead of Prince Alasdair and Crown Princess Mahala. All were greeted at the door by Randall Braxton and Geoffrey Benson; the latter man walked the group to the ballroom in the east wing.

Beyond the ballroom doors extended a broad marble staircase that led down into the main hall. There were tables for sitting and chatting, and an expanse of floor for anyone who wished to dance. Geoffrey announced the newly arrived guests to the small but growing crowd of people below.

"The Perseverant Dominion welcomes Chancellor Trevor Von Siegfried Allbeam, Miss Lilly Arseneau and Mr. Jason Banks, Dr. Lucius Kilvayne, and Prince Alasdair and Crown Princess Mahala."

The crowd applauded. Within their ranks were the Prime Minister of Almajoya and his wife, the CEO of Tastee Sandwich Co. and his wife, Maria Yamamoto, several other important staff members, and the orchestra.

The guests would be free to mingle and dine on refreshments.


Upstairs

Melisma Ramijozana carefully stepped into her black satin gown and pulled the sleeve over her shoulder. That stunning dress, paired with a daring updo and accentuated with a touch of makeup, should have made her feel like the empress she was.

It didn't. There was a key part of her missing. Against her hopes and plans, she would be attending the ball unescorted. Her hapless escort had made the grave mistake of proposing to her just a week earlier. She had turned him down- had to, as the Imperial Code forbade her from marrying anyone not of Almajoyese descent.

Melisma didn't bother to check her reflection. She knew she looked presentable, and that was enough. There was no one to impress.

She put on her best smile and headed downstairs to be briefed by security before appearing at the ball.

[Cerantia]

Cerce Eugene Tentones VII looked outside his airplane through a window at the Almajoyan lands beneath him. I haven't been to such festivities in years! he thought, And to think, I'm going to be late due to a radio malfunction... I hope they don't mind... He turned to his wife, Maria, and smiled glowingly at her. She, as usual on long flights such as this, was figiting with her hands and her face looked quite pale. He took one of the squirming hands and held it tight, kissed her on the cheek, and said, "We're almost there - I told them to go slow, but -"

"They wouldn't listen, I know." Maria gave in to a nervous laugh, remembering when they first met and she had not known him to be the Emperor. He went up to the pilot seat in the plane that they met in, and requested to go very slow. The pilot had refused, not knowing that Cerce was his Emperor - and, for the sake of Cerantian morals, he had not revealed his true status, as it is not custom to not make it known that you are above or below another in any way in public - however, in the military or when outside of Cerantia, this did not apply.

Maria herself had been waiting for a celebration - ANY celebration. The breif celebrations back on Cerantia after the Cerantian-Atlamic war had settled had met a catastrophic end... One that she did not wish to relish in this time of merryment.

"We're gonna be landing soon, My Leige and Lady. Just in case a malfunction goes on with the landing gear too, I'd suggest you strap yourselves in."

Maria turned even whiter, if that was possible. Cerce made a chucle. "Why fret, dear? If we're going down, why not go down happy?"

The landing went smoothely, despite the malfunctions that had delayed them thus far. Twelve Honor Guard armed with seremonial swords (and modern handguns, conceled, of corse) stepped out, rolled a relatively lavish carpit from the exit of the airplane to as far as it would go, and raised their swords so that Cerce and Maria could pass under them. The duo left the airplane, and headed off to the ball.

[Ambronisia]

Earlier that day- Arien had been anxious to attend the ball, a chance at meeting the rulers of the other nations was more then tempting. She needed the support of these rulers in order to rebuild the once great nation of Ambronisia. No matter what it took, Ambronisia would regain its power.

Upon arrival- Arien gracefully walked onto the dock. Cain, her betrothed, stood beside her. He smiled at the surrounding peasants and then looked over at his golden queen. Everything was falling into place...

Later- He watched as Arien arranged her golden curls. Elected into office, Arien was known for her passionate temper. Debates often ended in turmoil. Tonight was the first time Arien would attend a ball as Ambronisia's queen. Everything had to be prefect. There was no room for mistakes.

She turned towards him, her eyes full of confidence."Stop worrying, I'll play nicely tonight." She reassured him.

"I sure hope so.."

[Acacia Heights Records]

The ride from Caja Vierda to Jade was long but relaxing. Shawn and Rayleigh had also opted to use their own transportation, staying for the weekend in their summer home on the reclusive Ludwigia Island, which can only be reached by boat.

The rest of the Johessman clan, all seven children, had been left back in Acacia Heights, because they would have missed their first week of school, and because they would have terrorized the ball. Auntie Melisma had expressed that she thought it would be funny to let her honorary nieces and nephews loose during the later part of Carnival while Rob's twins were also in town.

At the moment, Rayleigh was concerned that she and Melisma might have picked similar dresses again. She needn't have worried, for she had chosen a red dress this time, a color that Melisma secretly shied away from. She would also find that Rayleigh's dress was cowl-necked while Melisma's was one-shouldered.

Shawn was less concerned about accidental matching. Good for him, since more than half the men in the room would be wearing traditional tuxedos. His mask matched his wife's, though, red and black. Rayleigh loved it when they matched, and he was more than happy to oblige.

This and more they discussed as they made their way north to Sanctus Aidenn, arriving on the grounds in good time, and not too late to miss Melisma's entrance.

[LINTYLAND]

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Official Message from the nation of lintyland

To: Empress Melisma Ramijozana
From: Emperor Cuddle's

I would love to attend this most wonderous event, that is taking place in your nation. I will arrive with my translator Bob Traloti, by plane, with a couple of gifts for you. Hope this brings the fun out of us.

Sincerely,
Emperor Cuddle's
----------------------

Lolan Air Force Base, Lintyland

Bob Traloti or simply Bob, was standing on the soaking wet runway, next to a few royal guards and a dark black limousine. It was a rainy day in Lintyland. Clouds were looming overhead, with random strikes of lightning striking down torwards the ground. Boom!!! Bob winced, he knew it was the nearby thunder and lightning, but he couldn't keep himself calm.

"When is this jet supposed to come Mr.Traloti?"

Bob looked at the Royal guard, that was wearing a black suit and a red tie. "I don't know, but it wont be long."

After a few more minutes of waiting, the sound of a Learjet could be heard far off in the distance. Bob turned to look, he could see the jet landing at the end of the other runway. The jet was black, with white trimmings on the side, it was a true beauty. With the rain still pouring down onto his umbrella, bob opened the door of the limousine to let out the emperor.

The emperor was dressed in his usually link costume, but this time he sported a small green mask that was especially handcrafted for his face. Emperor Cuddle's got out of the limousine onto the cold, wet, ground. It was truly not emperor like to be standing in the cold rain, but it had to be done. He let out a faint "Meow."

Bob looked down at the emperor. "I know sire, but we will be on our way soon."

The Learjet had already pulled up and let down its door, to let the emperor and bob on. Out from the jet came a flight attendant in a red and white uniform with a name tag that said sally. Bob picked up the emperor and quickly walked to the jet, leaving the royal guards behind, with the limousine.

Sally smiled at the two. "Hello my name is sally and i will be your flight attendant for this journey. If you have any questions just press the button above your seat." Sally kept on smiling and motioned for them to get on the jet.

Bob nodded and quickly got in the jet, for it was to rainy outside. He walked to a seat that was accompanied by two chairs and a table. He put the emperor in one chair, while he simotaniously sat down. Moments later the pilots voice came on over the jets intercom. "Hello I'm captain James Crook and we will be arriving in approximately 5 hours. The weather is cloudy with heavy storms due north. Mr.Traloti if you have any questions, ask sally."

After the jet was refueled, it taxied the runway to find a suitable take-off spot. When the jet found an area its engines throttled up and it immediately took-off into the unknown heading for Almajoya.

[Tanaara]

Paolo Dagomiri de Pratto leant into the embassy limo and gently took the Ambassadresses’ hand to assist her from the depths of the lavishly appointed vehicle. The fact that it was armoured to a fare-thee-well didn’t detract from the luxuriousness one bit, but then again while Almajoya was not considered a hazard posting by any imagination, the Domination never let those whom it honoured with the position travel in danger.

“Careful of the feathers, Meru” Paolo murmured.

Her turquoise blue eyes crinkled up at him as she gracefully manoeuvred out of the limo, very careful of the wide spill of ostrich plumes that framed the fine porcelain full face mask. “I’m not about to forget them. Frik and Frak won’t let me since between it and the gown, they can’t get anywhere near their usual perches ” She had a hard time repressing a chuckle at the memory of the Ringtail’s earlier comments to her.

Once out, she brushed lightly at the feathers, fluffing them to even greater fullness as Paolo let loose his own tenor laugh. The Ringtails swarmed out of the limo and up his arms. Snagging not a single claw in the elaborate embroidery of his very Grand Mess Dress uniform as they did so, they came to rest one on each shoulder. “They’re too careful to give me pinpricks.”

“Oh I’m not so sure, I’ve seldom seen them so torn between being outrageously excited and over the top annoyed.” Her laughter swept forth as she reached over and lightly scuffled Frak’s- on Paolo’s near shoulder - tiny, silken furred ear. “Even if you couldn’t find the proper Equerries’ epaulettes for them to be comfortable on.”

The Ringtails were only a few pounds each, and normally rode on Meru’s shoulders, but her chosen gown, a shimmering confection of nearly backless goldeny apricot silk was all but off the shoulder.

Quickly she gave him a look over, noticing what a fine figure he cut in the well tailored uniform and adjusted his black velvet half mask minutely. Arching an eyebrow, not that he could see it of course. “Well?”

Paolo laughed again “Meru you look perfect!”

And the Ringtails chittered in bemused agreement that also let their Mind Bond know that they wanted inside, and now!. The genetic hybrids - they weren’t true Ringtailed cats, Bassariscus astutus, their forbearers had been interbred with the slightly larger, very close relative species, the Cacomistle, Bassariscus sumichrast.- had never had any trouble making their wishes known. They had also been bred for intelligence and dexterity – their claws on the front were retractile and the paw hand’s palms were bare for greater ease in their handling of items. They were surprisingly strong for their size and willing to take on foes far larger than one might expect. They loved bullying dogs, the small yappy ones especially.

Offering the Ambassadress his arm in proper fashion, Paolo escorted her into the Imperial Palace, Sanctus Aiden. He did not need to advise the staff of whom he escorted, the Lady Scholar Doctor Meru Gaia – Gaia, the Domination of Tanaara’s Aambassadress to Almajoya was a frequent visitor. And while he was not as frequent a guest, his position as the Tanaaran Embassy’s Minister of Information, made him fairly well known as well.

Meru, Paolo, Frik and Frak

[Aaali]

Aaalians have always found the presence of extra bodies quite helpful. Many of them are only human and lacked the ability to be several places at once, until they discovered how to cross the multiverse. The multiverse, as Aaalians regard it, contains an unknown amount of universes, each almost a mirror of the others. Meaning that there are an unknown number of copies of any one person at any given time.

So when the Crown Princess Deborah Iyann of the Alpha Universe found herself detained abroad for longer than she had expected, the Imperatrix Deborah Rosemary simply made a few calls and found a replacement.

Beta Universe Crown Princess Deborah Iyann looked exactly like her Alpha counterpart, but more classy. She was not a klutz or spazz, and she was married. (And she was living, but that's a story for another time.) She was everything the Alpha Imperatrix wished her own daughter could be. It was a happy accident that her daughter was missing this important event.

Beta-Iyann had chosen a purple halter dress and a mask that covered her eyes and was decorated with old-fashioned music notes. Surprisingly, she arrived with her brother, not her husband. There would be much gossip later if the Beta Universe got wind of this. Her brother Jake was dressed in a tuxedo and black mask, and a humourous top hat and cane, his usual fare.

They crossed into Alpha Universe via a gate in Aaali, then traveled to Almajoya via spacecraft. A limo ferried them from the spaceport to Sanctus Aidenn, where several limos were lined up. Attendees waiting to be cleared by security, Iyann supposed.

She and Jake alighted and made their way inside.

[Almajoya]

Cerantia

Another limo picked up Cerce and Maria from the airport and drove them to Sanctus Aidenn. Along the way, the pair would see purple, green, and gold everywhere- streamers hanging from houses, bulletin boards announcing the latest Mardi Gras news, even a few hotels lit up in those classic Carnival colors.

They could begin to see the stars above as the limo left the downtown area. The streets were lined with palm trees, and "peeny wallies" -fireflies- flitted about.

The palace was not the largest ever owned by an Empress, but its architecture was stunning. The driveway formed a semicircle around a fountain, through which the limo pulled up directly to the front lawn, and two guards opened the doors to allow their guests to exit into the fresh night air.


Cerantia, AHR, Tanaara, Aaali

As they arrived, the guests were greeted at the door by Geoffrey Benson. He nodded and welcomed them to Almajoya, though Meru received a full bow instead, and made a few notes on his list. As he did, the less familiar guests may have glanced around the foyer, noting the dark yellow glow of the lights, the poinsettias, and the little gold statuettes displayed on cherry wood tables.

Then, like the earlier arrivals, Geoffrey escorted them up to the ballroom stairs and announced their arrival. They were free to partake of food and conversation with the guests below.

The orchestra players tuned and sat restlessly, waiting for the Empress' entrance.


Ambronisia, Lintyland

In a room not far from the front doors, Randall and Melisma were studying a few files on a desk.

"These are the current arrivals," Randall said, gesturing toward an up-to-the-minute list. "No incidents yet."

There were a couple of former prospective attendees who were expected to show up uninvited.

"These two nations have representatives en route," Randall continued, pointing to a shorter list. "We'll have limos meet them at the airport and bring them here. We have not yet heard from the others."

Melisma nodded. "Thank you, Randy."

He simply bowed in response. He had always found Melisma quite stunning, but there was something about the way she looked that night that rendered him unable to utter anything he had not prepared beforehand.

Melisma noticed that but chose not to acknowledge it. She simply gave a brief smile, turned on her heels, and headed in the general direction of the ballroom.

[Cerantia]

Cerce looked at the Senate report. Everything had gone to plan. His freind, NomaNick Carver, had undergone plastic surgery to look exactly like him. Maria had gone back with Nick, not knowing that it wasn't him, to Cerantia to the Senate emergency meeting.

"Eugene Tentones, formerly Cerce Eugene Tentones VII, you have been called before a court of the Senate, an offbranch of Cerantian law, under the terms of: embezzlement, false representation," the Highest Senator, Gregory Longbottom of No Clan, paused; "and conspiracy against the Empire of Cerantia in an attempt to undermine it's goals. How do you plead?"

Cerce (now demoted to Eugene) Tentones stood at a rigid attention, his face with no emotion on it. "Guilty."

The Senate room was completely quiet. Maria's face went completely white.

NomaNick Carver was nowhere to be found.

Gregory looked completely stunned. Then he cleared his throught; "Well. Let the reccords show that he has pleaded guilty. Now, please, may the court present it's knowledge on the subject."

Joan of Clan Aera (she had no appointed last name - a war orphan of one of Cerantia's rare internal civil wars) had been appointed as persecuter. "The first charge against Eugene mentioned was embezzlement. This reffers to a time during the Atlamic-Cerantian war when you purchased 15 units of an Outsider class of tanks withought the approval of the Senate. How do you plead directly to this accusation?"

"Inocent. Reason for saying this is that it was personal spending and that the men working said units were mercenaries also bought specifically by me."

Joan nodded, and said, "A formal investigation into this will be looked into. For the seccond accusation, the false representation, it is known that you had written to Tyeirian forces describing yourself as 'Cerce' when, in fact, you had been impeached by the Senate earlier that day. How do you plead?"

"Inocent. Reason for saying this is that the message, to my knowledge, was sent aproximately 57 secconds before my impeachment."

"But that's impossible - have I been halucinating, or were you at the impeachment at that time?"

Eugene smirked. "Yes, I was. Apparently, someone was mascerading as me." He looked at Nick's empty seat, and smiled.

Joan continued, "And for the third accusation, you were conspiring against Cerantia. This is in your transmition to Tyeirian forces using the Outsider means of 'binary code'. How do you plead?

Eugene said, "Guilty."

All the while, Harmon Julie tried to keep his facts straight. But the last statement surprised him. The sender never specified who he was, if I recall... only 'I'... maybe they translated it wrong... maybe it said 'Cerce', but even then, technicallities would have suggested that it took place after impeachment, and he was no longer 'Cerce'... Why doesn't he stand up and say something, he knows just as much as I do...

Then he had the courage to stand up and talk. Just as he was about to hit the 'Interrupt' button, Eugene cought his eye.

He shook his head.

Meanwhile, Joan was speaking again, "Then by the power vested in me by the Cerantian government, I hereby sentence you to imediat death by decapitation."

Then Gregory Longbottom spoke up, "And, seing as how there is no heir present, the Senate will assume coma-"

"What the hell do you think I am, then?" said Maria, "A bystander? No, I too carry the title of Cerce should Eugene be removed from such title, and that title belongs to me by right of marriage! This is treason against the throne!"

Gregory smirked at this. "What throne? I was under the interpretation that the last Cerce was removed."

Maria fumed, "The last Cerce stands before you - and he has not yet decided if his wife will precede him as Empress."

Gregory still had that diabolical smirk on him, "Do you have the mariage papers of authintication?"

Maria replied, "Of course, I do, I carry them to every court heari---" She reached down into her breifcase, and found that they were missing. "I had them here just a seccond ago..."

Gregory's smirk grew, "Well, then let us take a look into the reccords... [5 minutes of pause and searching through files marked 'C, E, T, and M'] It seems that they are not here. Seing that there are no reccords, your claim must be discounted."

"But I have eyewitnesses, they can -"

"As first act as joint leader of Ceratia, I call a vote to discount all eyewitness accounts from here on out. All in favor, say aye."

2/3rds of the required senate leaders yelled 'Aye', as the rest threw up accusations and threats and yells.

"Then, I'm affraid, Maria No Spouse Tentones, you are dismissed from this Senate, as it is obvios that you are not allowed here, seeing that you have no blood ties to the former Emperor, nor do you represent a clan or branch of the government. Security?"

He read it again to make sure that it was just as rehersed. Now, all he had to do was make sure no-one knew of his 'death', and have fun, until the next phase was completed. Of course, this is also not just for this convinient coverup - it wasn't till after my arrival that I discovered my possible impeachment. I hope they don't kick me out when they learn of this...

[Acacia Heights Records]

Shawn and Rayleigh glanced at each other with knowing expressions. Divide and conquer.

Rayleigh decided to approach the man identified as Cerce first. He was reading something, and looked more than a little troubled. The woman that had been at his side seemed to have disappeared, probably to freshen up or something.

"Hello," she said, smiling and extending a hand. "I'm Rayleigh Johessman, wife of the CEO of Acacia Heights Records." She was also an Almajoyese national hero, but as usual, she didn't mention that. "Welcome to Almajoya."

She raised her mask momentarily in greeting. Her face had a sort of gracefulness to it, concealing the learned aggression of a street warrior. Her toned frame helped to add to that slightly intimidating effect.


Shawn picked out the Chancellor of Allbeama, one of the few people in the room he had yet to meet. Of course, he would greet the others later, but business came first for this CEO.

"Ayala," he said, extending a hand in a gesture markedly similar to his wife's. "Shawn Johessman of Acacia Heights. Pleased to meet you."

[Cerantia]

Cerce looked up at the woman who had greated him. He folded the report and put it into his pocket hastilly, and replied in his quickest profesional tone of voice, "Ah, thank you for the welcome - this country is quite homely, almost reminds me of old Cerantia... [he paused for a moment, a glazed look in his eye] Well, enough of the old - this ball is to celebrate the new and present, is it not? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Eugene Maria Tentones. And who might you be?" He was carefull to leave out his title of Cerce, or in old Cracionic, 'Great Leader', as this was not the place to boast of accomplishments.

[Allbeama]

"Shawn Johessman of Acacia Heights. Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise, Mr. Johessman." the Chancellor replied. " I am most pleased to meet a man of your stature. I am afraid I have not been very active in greater affairs in my time serving as the leader of a nation."

Trevor sipped his wine and eyed the scientist and industrialist who had also come to this ball. The famous Lucius Kilvayne, a man that Trevor had always felt some unease around.He could not really understand why.

Kilvayne noticed the Chancellor and Mr. Johessman conversing. He approached the pair of them.

" Greetings, Honorable Chancellor." He said respectfully. Trevor could almost hear the snake hiss as he spoke. "I am most pleased to see you here tonight."

"Likewise, Dr. Kilvayne." Trevor answered dryly.

Lucius turned to the man he did not recognize and extended his hand. "Hello, I am Dr. Lucius Kilvayne, from the Benevolent Social Republic of Allbeama." He smiled in a crocodile's manner.

[Iluminaria]

"Well." Lady Ara Sfiorenza Anchakatna ven Severn, Knight-Commander of the Iluminarian Order of Sentinel Knights and Thane of Elmarin - Ara to her friends - adjusted her mask in the limousine's mirror. "How do I look?"

"More queenly than Her Majesty, Ara," Sir Donal Ryman replied.

"Her Majesty is nine, and thinks pink is the height of fashion. I should hope so." The Knight-Commander wrinkled her nose at him in mock disapproval. Donal had been her Brother-Confessor, and a close friend, for years - but nothing more than that, they'd long ago agreed. The Sentinels' oaths aside, there were some relationships it would be folly to alter.

"And me?" he asked.

"Like a bear playing priest," she said, and laughed at his long face. It was true that Donal had a bearlike build - broad-shouldered and increasingly broad-waisted - but he was not unhandsome for all that. The black cassock of his office was well-cut, and the matching black mask he'd donned managed to be stylish without being garish.

Ara had no hope of that - her own cassock, as Knight-Commander, was positively rigid with gold brocade, including a pair of golden wings spread across her chest, rising up to encircle her collar. Whichever previous occupant of her office had had the thing designed had lacked all sense of restraint. So she'd chosen to run with it; her own mask was a pair of flaring wings, gilt and glittering with minor gems. The whole ensemble would be flattering if it weren't for the overabundance of gold; she had the tall, lean figure to make most anything look good, although her face in the mirror was a little too narrow, her nose a little too long, to be called beautiful.

The hilt of Aisrennadh, the Knight-Commander's blade of office, protruded above her right shoulder - wound tonight with ribbons binding it in its sheath, in deference to their hosts (as a "mere" Brother-Confessor, Donal had been able to leave his blade back in Iluminaria).

Soon enough the limousine came to a rest at the Almajoyan palace (a far more cheerful building than the brooding, many-gabled edifices of the Hundredfold Kingdom) and the two Sentinels extracted themselves from it.

OOC: Bleah, 'tis late. Sorry about that.

[Imitora]

Miss Lilly Arseneau and Mr. Jason Banks

Jason and Lilly had both learn to handle the lives of each other quite well to this point. It had taken Lilly longer to adapt to the paparazzi and social setting in which Jason lived. She was lucky to the point that most Imitorans didn't particularly care who was who in the government, so the pictures of her with Jason out in public, going to the clubs, and the like mostly just identified her as "Miss Arseneau". Despite her family's heritage in Imitora, the old money, as it was called, was usually no where near as popular as the young, hip, and famous in the rumor rags.

Jason, on the other hand, had adapted quite quickly to the more diplomatic affairs. Just a brief announcement that they had arrived, maybe a handshake or a picture, and that was it, done. Far, far more relaxing than the usual throngs he had to fight his way through back home. So, he graciously accepted the simple announcement, and led Lilly into the small but growing crowd to meet and mingle. Lilly usually knew everything about everyone, but this was Jason's forte, and this time Lilly relinquished the lead to Banks.

[New Olwe]

The Olwean delegation arrived in style... Olwean style. As in, one moment they weren't standing directly in front of Sanctus Aidenn, and then the next moment they were. In New Olwe, teleportation was not only the most efficient method of travel but also the most eco-friendly. Deference to Almajoya aside, Grand Duchess Lily and her family weren't about to risk the possibility that the Almajoyese limos might be gas-powered.

Ambassador Alyssa Locke had arrived from the Olwean embassy the same way. All of the Olweans wore swords. There was nothing ceremonial about the swords -- Lily and her family were handling their own security -- but none of the Olweans expected an incident.

Lily's gown was dark purple and, though being backless and having a long slit on one side did show some skin, was rather tasteful by Olwean standards. Her mask was a matching purple, with feathers of the same color, and had a beak... she was dressed as an Olwean violet parrot, one of many species of animal unique to New Olwe. If Lily's gown was tasteful, Alyssa's black gown was anything but... the slit was in the torso area and produced an effect popularly known as "absolute cleavage". The mask she wore was also black, and had a snout and what appeared to be whiskers, as well as some painstakingly detailed wrinkles. The Olwean black manatee, another native species. Alyssa walked alongside Lily, and it was fairly obvious that the two of them were together. This would probably cause quite a stir among the more conservative nations, but it was common knowledge that Lily -- like 85% of all Olweans, and 100% of the Olweans currently in Almajoya -- was bisexual so it shouldn't be surprising to anyone. Besides, there were no men in this particular delegation and Lily and Alyssa weren't the only women that had paired off.

Lily's younger sister Lyric wore a green gown, shorter in the leg area than most gowns to allow her freedom of movement but not showing off very much of the upper body, and her mask had mandibles sticking out of the sides and looked very insect-like in design... she had gone as a Vratix, one of the few native sentient species of New Olwe. Her date, Lady Sarah Halliwell, wore a red gown with a tentacled mask... the giant squid, an animal of some mythological importance in New Olwe but quite real even in the present timeframe (a 100-foot specimen had just been spotted by Olwean scientists two days ago, and their ship was currently tracking it).

Recently promoted Commander Ocean Frost, Lily's next youngest sister, had opted to wear her Navy dress uniform instead of a gown. If it weren't for the tightness of the uniform revealing the fact that she had breasts, she might have been mistaken for a man as she tended to wear her hair fairly short and was currently wearing a mask -- a gray mask with an astounding amount of very sharp teeth. The Megalodon, New Olwe's national fish, was now in attendance at the ball. Her date, Giselle Duvall, had on a black gown with white lace trim that was basically a more formal (and less revealing) version of the maid's uniform she wore at home, and had on a silvery-white mask with black stripes -- the rockfish, unlike the others a widespread species but certainly an important species in New Olwe.

Autumn Frost, Ocean's younger sister by the same mother -- Sarah Halliwell -- had on a white gown with a matching mask, which looked like a horse's face and had a horn protruding from its forehead... the Olwean national animal, the unicorn. Since Autumn was 16, which while perfectly legal in New Olwe was considered underage in most other countries, she had come without a date so as to avoid further controversy (the fact that all the members of the delegation were women and some of them had paired off with each other would spark enough controversy). The woman who would have been her date had the ball been held in New Olwe, Minister of Communications Reika Oshibura, had on a gold segmented gown and a matching mask which, with its antennas and mandibles, completed the look of a centipede she had been going for. Specifically an Omukade, the gigantic poisonous variety of centipede believed to have magical powers, which lived in New Olwe and a couple of other 10000 Islands nations.

There were three minor children in the royal family, who had been left back in New Olwe with another of Lily's lesbian lovers who had volunteered to care for them.

Lily walked up to the entrance and introduced herself and her companions to Geoffrey Benson. There would be no need to worry about protocol tonight... with everyone wearing masks the traditional Olwean greeting -- a prolonged, passionate French kiss -- would be off the table anyway.

(OOC: Even though this is the royal "family" of New Olwe, Sarah, Giselle and Reika aren't related to any of the others... they've just had children by Lily's father, and are therefore considered a part of the royal family. When Lily inherited the throne, she also inherited Jason's -- for lack of a better word, since marriage has been abolished in New Olwe -- "wives". Alyssa has no ties by either blood or childbirth to any of them, and is just an Ambassador. They're nominally with each other for now, but Olweans aren't monogamous so if someone is there without a date they're all available.)

[Heaven Hieghts]

The flight to Almajoya had been long to say the least, however Ezekiel Higgins hadnt at all been upset by this, instead, he entertained himself with a good read and nice hot black cup of coffee. His head advisor, Austine Ave, however, had been rather antsy the whole way.

Upon arrival, they settle themselves in their quarters and dressed themselves accordingly. Austine dressing herself in a white silk evening gown with red sequins all along the seems with an added red and white cat of a cat that had red feathers under the ears. While Ezekiel was clad in a black suit of the finest threads this side of Currouse along with a black mask that was streaked with elaborate designs of white birds cut out of lace, sequins and feathers.

After having dressed themselves, they entered the ball room and began to mingle and introduce themselves with to the crowd.

(OOC: Sorry for the poor post, Im in a bit of a hurry.)

[Almajoya]

Geoffrey escorted the newest arrivals into the ballroom in the same manner as before, just in time to not see a nod from Maria Yamamoto to the orchestra conductor; the orchestra quickly launched into the Almajoyese national anthem (La Ticya To Ramiba, or "truth and honor").

Geoffrey, still at the top of the staircase, announced, "The Perseverant Dominion presents Her Ladyship the Empress of Almajoya Melisma Ramijozana."

Melisma rounded the corner, and, as Geoffrey bowed, smiled and made her way down the stairs. It took a special effort, as the end of her dress trailed behind her, narrowly missing getting trapped under her heels.

She saw a few familiar figures in the ballroom below- her fellow Almajoyans, naturally, as well as the Johessmans, Crown Princess Iyann, and Meru and Frik and Frak- but there were many faces she did not recognize. This was more than fine with her. She could spend the night making new acquaintances and diplomatic ties, and forget about her own problems for the moment.

She paused near the middle as the anthem came to a conclusion.

"Ayala," she began, her voice soaring above the room. "Thank you for attending our annual Masquerade Ball this year. And to the many new faces among us, welcome to Almajoya."

She gestured to her left. "We've set out many refreshments for you to try, and we will be blessed with performances by two local groups this evening, but I primarily hope you will take this opportunity to get to know each other, especially my peers and myself, and immerse yourself in our culture."

At her signal, the orchestra began to play one of her favorite pieces, a "waltz" (literally speaking).

She pulled her silver-and-black mask over her face as she arrived at the foot of the stairs. Through peripheral vision, she saw Paterre Mercer coming, and quickly approached the first people she saw, which happened to be Lilly and Jason and Lily and Alyssa. "Welcome," she said, extending her hand. "Melisma Ramijozana. How do you do?"

Meanwhile, Paterre made a left oblique and greeted Ezekiel and Austine. "Hello," he said, shaking Ezekiel's had vigorously. "I'm Paterre Mercer, the prime minister of Almajoya."

The front door was still haunted with the presence of Randall, Geoffrey, and several guards, as a few more guests- one of the heroes of Almajoya among them- had yet to arrive.

[Acacia Heights Records]

I am Eugene Maria Tentones. And who might you be?"

She had just introduced herself, but clearly this man was distracted, so she did so again. "Rayleigh Johessman of Acacia Heights," she answered pleasantly. "My husband, Shawn, is the CEO of the region's largest company. We essentially run Acacia Heights ourselves.

"So," she said, wanting to turn the conversation more Eugene's way, "tell me about Cerantia...?"



"Hello, I am Dr. Lucius Kilvayne, from the Benevolent Social Republic of Allbeama."

Shawn shook the man's hand. He had heard something about him offering to help treat Senator Ciaran Rachmaninoff, which normally would have won Shawn over immediately, but something about Trevor's attitude toward him warned Shawn that one or both of these men had something to hide. Which was nothing new, in his line of business.

Speaking of Ciaran, Shawn didn't see him in the room. Hadn't Melisma invited him?

"Shawn Johessman, CEO of Acacia Heights Records," he introduced himself again. Like Rayleigh, he declined to mention that he was also an Almajoyese national hero. "We do plenty of business here and around the region of Xaymaca. Entertainment business, mostly." (Ha, he thought.)

"So," he continued, "what brings you two to Almajoya?"

[Aaali]

(for Iluminaria)

Everyone seemed to be getting along nicely, Iyann thought, until she noticed a pair of newcomers that had not yet been approached by anyone. She nudged Jake, and they headed on over.

"Hello," Iyann said with a smile. "We noticed you hadn't been drawn into the madness yet. Care for any refreshments? There are some lovely finger sandwiches and a delicious punch."

[Sacrumsia]

The evening was spectacular and everything seemed to be running perfectly, in the distance the "chop chop" sound of rotor blades from a helicopter and as they got closer it got louder.



And then over the treetops a sleek luxurious helicopter could be seen coming in for a landing, as it landed seven sleek black SUV's came around the corner, coming to a stop in front of the helicopter blocking it entirely from view.



From the SUV's came agents all armed to the teeth and ready, as they formed a protective line outside of the SUV's, suddenly the two middle SUV's parted as an entrance and out walked a handsomely dressed young man along with an exquisite young woman. Both visiting royalty from the Kingdom of Sacrumsia. Both distinctly aware of the impact and value of first impressions.

The young man was dressed in Armani with Armani sunglasses, his shoes were imported that morning from Italy fresh from the a high end shoemaker. His sunglasses were equipped with a tracking device built into the frame as thin as a tiny wire, custom made by a luxury Brazilian designer. His date was dressed to impress as well, wearing an elegant dress designed by french designer Monique Lhuiller for this occassion specifically. God knows she had many more dresses in her closet for other occasions worthy of impressing. But she knew this was an occasion to look her best, to absolutely stun the men in the audience and to most of all look worthy to hold the arm of the secret Crown Prince of Sacrumsia, Jon Haverly.

You see in Sacrumsia there is a public crown prince that is the face of the Kingdom, that individual never becomes Crown Prince, some tragic accident is feigned and that individual is removed from the spotlight but in reality retires to a life of private luxury, experiencing what the other individual experienced up until that point. But today was an exception for Jon, he was able to go to this ball as himself, for you see all of the secretive Crown Princes before have had a career or a fascade in which they live their lives outside of the country. Inside the country they are known for who they really are, the Crown Prince, but that is kept quiet for the most part. Those who know, know. Its not a major deal inside Sacrumsia, his title inside is advertised as Grand Regent to the Crown, very few realize that is just another way of saying Crown Prince.

Jon and his date for the evening walked up the red carpet and gave their names to the attendant at the door along with Jon's title as Sir Jon Haverly, Grand Regent to the Crown of Sacrumsia. Most outside of Sacrumsia recognized him as an advisor to the crown and little more, he served as a major consultant and owner of a luxury airline and some in intelligence circles know of him as a very powerful arms dealer. Jon and his date waited for the attendant to call their names so they could enter into the main ballroom. They both looked at each other, some might think they would be nervous at this juncture but instead they were calmed, cool and collected exhibiting a rare form of confidence that can only ultimately lie in a weak form of arrogance.

Jon and his date held hands as the guards parted ways after confirmation was called in confirming Jon's identity, and then the doors opened, the attendant announced loud and clear throughout the entire ballroom and trumpets played a fanfare following the attendants announcement of Jon and his date. Jon and his date had put on extrordinary masks before hand, Jon's was a solid black one with one half red and the other half solid black, the colors of his personal standard that has not been released yet in Sacrumsia only he knows the significance of it, as it will someday become his personal standard in Sacrumsia. His date's mask was an extravagant affair, solid gold with tiny minature diamonds underneath the eyes in a tiny pattern, and rubies scattered across the top in the form of eyebrows. The mask cost over two hundred million dollars, and had taken a master craftsman over three months to perfect and make it invincible.

They walked down the stairs to the main ballroom floor, gazing into each other's eyes they began to dance as the orchestra played the first strains of a waltz they both recognized. And dance they did, practically floating across the floor completely entranced with each other, gaining the attention of all others in the room with their expertise in dancing and the passion that exuded from their every pores. This was a night of romance for them, but yet it was a night in which that romance became public. And forever would it be a night they would treasure and hold onto for the rest of their lives, never forgetting their night at the Masquerade Ball.

[New Olwe]

"It's an honor to finally meet you, Empress," Lily said, taking the proffered hand and shaking it warmly.

"And an honor to meet you again," Alyssa added, as she had been the Ambassador to Almajoya for a few months now and had already had the pleasure of Melisma's acquaintance. They had only met once, but it had been memorable because the leader of a nation is a rather important person to be meeting with, and because Melisma in particular was a rather attractive leader. She also shook the Empress' hand.

The other members of the Olwean delegation were starting to pair off and dance as the waltz played. Lily and Alyssa talked to the Empress patiently, knowing they would be able to get some dancing in eventually and not worrying about it for now.