The Queen's Birthday IC

[Terre Australes]

Grand review
New Edom

Louis happily applauded Hagar's troop. He enjoyed the band's symphonies and loud fife plays. He had always longed for an expanded military orchestra corps, but Australia's army was highly modern, and the few formations that did have bands, had extruciatingly bad musicians. Louis heard about the 18th 's service history, as Hagar and his troops were very popular in New Edom. Now, Louis wasn't sceptical of the unit's methods in the lesser Diols. New Edom was a sovereign state: Their military actions were none of Australia's business.

His sister, princess Marie, wasn't enthousiastic about Hagar, though. Most of the other women around her were highly impressed with the man and his entourage, but she too had heard about his harsh treatment in the lesser Diols. Marie was a pacifist in many ways, and despised military action used by occupiers or even any form of military violence against civilians. She thought that Louis's thoughts were outdated, and that he wasn't open-minded enough. She thought that it was the duty of western nations to protect the rights of the unfortunate both at home and abroad, and, although she didn't dislike the military or the high amount of spending that Australia was currently engaging in, she hated militarism and the idolization of military figures. Hagar and her would probably not get along that well.

As king Louis and princess Marie quietly discussed major-general Hagar's past, prince Jean was highly interested in the sailors parading before the grandstand. He hoped that he'd see some ships today. Jean was a very important person when it came to the constant renewal of the navy's strength and prestige. He was somewhat opposed to aircraft carriers taking absolute primacy, and thought that a broad coalition of destroyers, frigates, submarines, battleships and carriers would be battle-winning. Besides, investing in a massive aircraft carrier fleet would be useless: Military spending was already at an all-time high, and there weren't real threats to Australia's sovereignty. Jean himself was an officer of the navy and a respected member among the admiralty. Some of the populace, especially the cynical Anglo-cultured people of north-eastern Australia, compared the young prince to Wilhelm II, the Germanic tyrant that lead his people to utter chaos because he admired imperialism and wanted to kickstart a strong fleet. As Jean looked over the "men in white", he felt somebody poking his left leg.

(In French)
"Jean, Princess Victoria has finished her conversation with Prince Silas. Are you alright?"

Jean calmly nodded his head, still looking at the sailors, and rose from his seat. He looked at his brother for a second, and replied:

"I was just enjoying the parade, respecting the family that's set this all up, as we were supposed to do."

Louis playfully snickered, mocking his little brother. He walked down the steps, and eventually reached the imperial princess. His German was a bit rusty. He hadn't spoken it in some time, but due to his quality education, you could hardly hear that he was foreign. He just struggled with his words sometimes.


(In German)
"Prinz Frederick and Prinzessin Victoria, how are you? I wish to send you my condolences for your father's death. He was a strong emperor, good to his people. Simply a great man."

He continued:

"I don't think you've met prince Jean yet. Prince Jean's been very busy setting up our proud naval forces, and is very popular in our nation."
The often sounded a bit arrogant and self-centred, which was probably due to his popularity from a young age. Children with loads of attention tend to end up being very selfish.

"Right. Now, Frederick, you must tell me about current affairs in Rhunnland. Did you know that around 500 of my countrymen went to Egypt to combat the revivalists? Now, my nation's parliament is already discussing a possible intervention. Can you imagine? Lands so far away, yet danger so close."

Prince Jean and Victoria were now somewhat alone, with Frederick and Louis talking about politics and trade(?).

Jean was kind of anxious and shy, and started off the conversation with "How did you like the 18th Mounted Light Infantry's march? I thought their commander looked very impressive."

[Late Roman Empire]

The Procession, Review

The warm reception from King Elijah was a pleasant response and Titus naturally reacted with due warmth in return. He clasped as well and also smiled as he looked at the Edomite monarch, pleased to see that the alliance was as strong as ever from Fineberg’s end as well as Constantinople’s. There had been some strains, here or there, but on balance, the partnership struck under Decentius and Valerian had held, particularly through several wars and the creation of the Cornellian Peace Organization. As for any personal regrets, Titus thought nothing of them but a twinge of sadness that he suppressed now. He was happy these days and content with his domestic situation, given how great of a wife he had in Livia Marcella.

“I am eager to hear of it, very much so. The Garzans are good allies to us both, I believe, as shown in Gavinium Magnus where they struck blows against the Usurper and his regime. I might have a proposition of my own in fact, thinking to the future. I’m also pleased to see the decline in socialist strength in that land, but we can discuss that later, my old friend. Good to see you again. For now, though, warmest birthday wishes to the Queen, lovely and holy example to us all in your piety and faith, aren’t Your Majesty? Both of you have done much to make your country recover and become stronger and more prosperous in Christ and His Will,” Titus noted before the procession continued to the review, as he offered the Queen a copy of a Latin New Testament, bound with leather and bronze, with a special inscription inside for her, also in Latin, "this was the personal testament of the late Emperor Valerian. He would have wanted you to have it, I believe."

As for Livia, she curtsied to the Queen and gave her birthday wishes as well, telling her, “Your Majesty is twice blessed with fruitfulness, I see, and flourishing in your beauty with it. I wish that I glowed as well. My own travails seem to make me seem less beautiful, though my husband the Emperor assures me otherwise as good husbands do. You are both fortunate in your happiness, though I believe that I have found domestic bliss as well.”

For Count Marcellinus and his wife, there was more of a business matter to consider, as he approached the Adirans and Shrailleeni together. He had matters of great weight regarding the post-war settlement of Gavinium Magnus, at the very least to sound out with them, as well as the future of Ceti.

“Pardon the intrusion, if you will. I am Count Marcellinus, Master of Offices. I had questions and thoughts for both of you, and since you’re both here together, it seemed as if no time were better than the present,” the Count related, all politeness even as he prepared to analyze their reactions so clinically and add to the official and secret dossier in the Office of Archives in the Magistry of Offices.

Basilina, on the other hand, attached herself to the Ghantar for the present, and thus to Princess Jocasta. She knew exactly what she had in mind there. She wanted to size up the recent Heir and her plans for Gavinium, for the Delvian States, for many other matters of Belisarian significance, as well, as what role the Dakmarans might have in such things.

“Oh, yes, I heard of your rather significant and even prominent role there. You are to be congratulated there. I, on the other hand, have lesser duties and roles, to serve as secretary to my husband, the Count Marcellinus, Master of Offices. I carried on the same role while my husband was Legate to New Edom, of course. Yes, we were here before, in fact. How does your husband fare in this climate, Your Highness? Quite a contrast to the weather in Ghant, I suppose, but not as difficult to a Roman, of course. Oh, listen to my poor manners. I am Countess Julia Basilina, wife and secretary to Count Marcellinus, Master of Offices, as I said.

“And you, my Edomite, Ghantish, and Garzan, princes, princesses, lords, and ladies. Good to see you again, if you will recall one such as me. Anyway, it is good to meet you at last, the famous Princess Jocasta. It is an honor,” Basilina beamed with considerable goodwill.

She mainly wanted to collect information without even accidentally insulting anyone or tipping them off as to her true intent.

[Hittanryan]

“Oh, sorry, I must have misspoken. I wasn’t referring to big wind farms or solar power plants. I meant more like rooftop solar, small single turbines,” Bailey explained, wondering if maybe she got her translation wrong. While they spoke she continued to watch the parade. In particular she appraised Hagar rather warily as he passed. As far as she knew, he was responsible at least in part for the Arvo question. “Forgive me, Excellency, I got a bit excited and my aides aren’t here with all my notes. Maybe I should have asked this first: what is your government’s long-term goal for this reactor project? Is this about replacing the grid that’s there already or expanding service to new areas?”

“As for oil…” she said, sounding a little reluctant, “…the President campaigned on energy security, and he’s spoken to me about it. There are some applications where there’s no substitute for oil, as dirty as it is. The Adiran oil industry is broadening its horizons in the wake of our energy crisis. They’re looking at new technology that might even enable domestic oil production if it’s proven to be safe. More to the point, the industry is trying to branch out internationally. Thorco is in Ghant and they sent someone to Kehrahn, for instance.”

“In your communications with Secretary Deol, you spoke of a desire to further develop the Shrailleen energy sector with Adiran investment. The President would like to know what kinds of opportunities exist there. For example, can mineral rights be purchased or leased by foreign companies? And if so, how would it work? And there are many other similar questions, Excellency, which I hope can be addressed at the summit.”

After that, Zattem changed the subject. “Of course we can discuss the space program. I’ll speak to some people back home about that. I’m no rocket scientist, after all,” Bailey said with a smile. She held up a finger. “Although I did read somewhere that for some reason it’s better to launch rockets closer to the equator.”

Zattem may or may not have had a chance to respond before Marcellinus appeared. Bailey for her part looked surprised at Marcellinus’ sudden appearance and interruption, but she was polite. “Oh, pleased to meet you, Excellency. The Foreign Minister and I were just discussing a meeting in the works.”

In another part of the stands, Leslie shook Vyander’s hand in a casual, friendly way. “It’s nice to meet you. Oh I’ve been to a few parades with my husband before. You said your father has you going to them all the time? At your age I would’ve been bored stiff,” she said, laughing. “I'm sorry, where did you say you were from again?”

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

The Review

"Ah," Zattem nodded and smiled," no honorable Secretary your translation was quite correct. I am afraid that there was a slight, for lack of a better term, cultural misinterpretation. By all means bring this information to the meeting. We do not commonly think of things in so small a scale in Shrailleen, but such measures are indeed practical, if the technology can do as you say."

He paid some mind to the march of the sailors of the Task Force Serpentis, to which the Shrailleeni task force had been attached during the war in Gavinium. He could not help but feel some kinship with them, those who served the empire's oldest ally and who had done much of the fighting and dying in that most recent conflict.

“Ultimately," he continued asked to the Secretary, "Her Enlightened Majesty wants reliable, renewable, and non-polluting power for the entire empire. That means replacing our current power grid with something more uniform, and ultimately expanding it. The Mother Empress has been reluctant to expand our current grid into the most rural areas for environmental reasons, our agricultural production is too important to risk. But the production of new plants could solve these problems, provided that their output is high enough. Her Enlightened Majesty is willing to offer Adiran corporations exclusive opportunities for investment and development in our electrical energy sector. Mineral rights are not entirely off the table, though our national oil company has enjoyed a monopoly since the beginning."

"Indeed it is," he replied to the comment about the equator, "our issue is in not in location, but in the financing and development of the project..."

It was at this point that Count Marcellinus interjected himself into the conversation. Zattem allowed Secretary Bailey to respond first, she appeared surprised but polite. The Foreign Minister followed suit, acting for all the world as though he had expected the interruption.

"Ah Count Marcellinus, it is good to see you again. Yes Her Enlightened Majesty will be hosting the President of Adiron quite soon, and we were just taking the opportunity to discuss some details but there will plenty of opportunity in the coming days. Please, sit with us and speak what is on your mind."

[Shalum]

The Review

“After so long, they all start to blend together. The only things that change are the uniforms - not that you heard that from me.” Saudia replied with a quiet laugh, and a little wink. The last thing that she wanted to do was upset their hosts, but the point remained nonetheless. There were only so many ways that one could present soldiers and their finest uniforms.

“As a noblewoman, though, one could say that I was born into these sort of things. They’re just a minor consequence of my peerage,” she shrugged. “For reasons you can understand, I was rather bored by them when I was a child. Growing up a bit made them more tolerable.” Her father wasn’t the kind who wanted to be disappointed by an unruly spawn; she had quickly learned how to hold her tongue and sit still.

“It is quite alright, really.” The countess assured, holding up a placating hand. “I’m from Shalum. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with it.” She paused, eyeing Leslie curiously to see if any sort of recollection came over her. “It is a nation in the northern region of Tyran. We’re connected to the Allied States through the Imperion coalition.”

To the right of the pair, General Flemming quietly sipped on a water bottle, eyes forward and towards the procession even as he listened in. He was certainly no spy, but Count Vyander had made it clear that he wanted someone to look after his daughter - aside from the stiffs she had for minders, that was. He did his best not to smile as he capped the bottle and set it aside. Saudia had never had problems with people, and his presence really wasn’t necessary. It wasn’t something that bothered him, though. Adam would have much rather been here, rather than back at High Kommand pushing paperwork.

In the Empire, there was never enough time in the day to do all the work that needed to be done.

[Ghant]

“The Good Stuff”
The Garden
Padan-Aran,
Bara Province, New Edom

The procession was moving steadily down a great broad street when Lucas found his way into it from his meeting with the musical performance…coordinator. There large trees that cast huge swaths of shade over the sidewalks, wide enough to accommodate many people shoulder to shoulder. Lucas could see a grandstand, with areas nearby where people could stand or sit in chairs.

Lucas preferred to remain among the common folk, and lingered in the shade of a great tree. He found a comfortable place to make himself appear discreet, and that was where he relaxed in a casual posture and packed a marijuana blunt. Once it was rolled, he lit it with a lighter beneath his hand, and took a deep drag. Damn that’s some good shit, he thought as he savored it. In the event that an authority figure came close, he could merely flick it away and blame it on some riff-raff.

Elsewhere, Count Lalery had heartily embraced Nathan and kissed him on the cheek. He thumped him on the back and told him "you are looking well, my dear fellow…how wonderful to see you again.” He had also warmly greeted Caroline's daughters Alexia and Amelia. "Such lovely ladies, so glad to see you all. Our House is honored!"

Alexia was far more polite in her manners towards her step-father than Amelia, who took ever word Lalery said with a grain of salt. “Yeah, I’m feeling so honored right now…”

The large assortment of VIPs were approaching the grandstand in an orderly fashion, aides guiding them to their designated seats. It was shortly after this process had ended that the Emperor saw her. The woman that I’ve been dreaming about. Her skin was fair but slightly tanned, red hair that matched her crimson gown. Clodia Falk sat amongst the ladies-in-waiting of the Edomite court, and Nathan couldn’t help but admire her from a distance…

Nathan felt a jab in the ribs, and turning his head, noticed it was his half-sister Amelia. “If you like redheads so much, why didn’t you just marry one?” she asked her brother with a cool expression.

“…It wasn’t in the cards,” he answered after a moment’s hesitation. “Sophia’s always been the one.”

“Yet you freely associate with other women,” Amelia countered skeptically. “You really want to associate with that one over there, don’t you?” laughing, Amelia shook her head. “You’re a lot easier to read then you think. Yet, there’s something you’re not telling me…or anyone for that matter. Everything you do is deliberate…there’s a reason for it. I just don’t know what it is yet.”

And you won’t. “…You know what your problem is?” Nathan asked his sister as he sunk deeper into his chair. “You’re a fucking smartass.”

Amelia shrugged. “Better a smartass than a dumbass.” With that said, she folded her arms and waited for whatever was to come next.

Unbeknownst to the Emperor of Ghant, his Uncle the Emperor of Vorindeum had arrived, late but fashionably so, with his wife Empress Isabel and daughter, Crown Princess Adela. They were joined by the Vorindese Foreign Minister Ottokar Wendt and a man by the name of Julius Salzburg, Ambassador to New Edom. Unlike the grim and ill-mannered foreign minister, Julius was of a jovial nature, or so it was said, a man prone to flattery.

That was probably how the Empress’s niece and her family were able to secure inclusion in the events of the day. Isabel’s niece, Maria of Garza, was joined by her husband, Crown Prince Martin of Dakmoor and their four young daughters, Isabella, Valencia, Catalina and Jimena. With them as well was Princess Elena, daughter of Martin’s cousin Benjamin of Dakmoor and his wife Natalie of Gavinium. Six princesses under the age of five in total, and with the exception of Adela, all of them had black hair and blue eyes. Adela stood out like a sore thumb with dark wavy brown hair and grey-brown eyes like dirty snow.

Not wanting to make much of a scene, Albert and his entourage discreetly found their seats, with special attention paid to the girls, whom Albert regarded with aloofness, as though to indicate that he was uncomfortable around children. Fortunately for him, they were all more or less well behaved and without reason to cry.

"Your Majesties! Your Highnesses! Your Excellencies! My Lords, ladies and gentlemen! Today, we will present representing units of our nation, demonstrating their loyalty and might to our King and Queen...most particularly to Her Majesty Queen Mara the First! For in their union, our nation has been united and is at peace among our peoples. For today is Her Majesty's birthday!"

Then the command came for "FIRE!" Explosions rocked the air from a great siege cannon. The parade continued in earnest. "Before you is the 9th Marine Infantry Regiment, recently returned from their glorious part in removing Prince Lucian the Usurper from the throne of Gavinium Magnus and restoring lawful government..." said Colonel Count Falk into a microphone.
"Present arms!" he shouted.

Princess Jocasta had informed her husband Michael about his spat with Nathan, “so undignified, do no argue about such petty things in front of others! We soar above the others, my dear. Let Nathan dabble in his games and philanderings; let my sister parade like a commoner..."

Michael merely nodded without much of a spoken response. The thought stewed in his mind though as he sat through the event. Mara acts like a fool because of me, he thought to himself without so much as a cursory glance towards her. I wasn’t the man she needed me to be…I couldn’t help her. At this point though, did he really care? What did it matter to him what Mara did or didn’t do?

“Does it ever bother you?” Michael asked his pregnant wife when they had a moment during Falk’s speech. “Look at all of this…all of this for her. What has she done to deserve it? She walks around in the flesh, filthy and with sore-covered feet. You know I’ve read the reports…she was pissing in gutters during the war. Not even Nathan does that,” he explained to her quietly.

“When we first me, she and I, I came upon her with her confidants singing and dancing to seventies music. I should’ve realized it then, but I didn’t. I was caught up in the aura…the ambiance of her charisma. Just like all these other people here.” Looking at his wife with a smile, he added, “But unlike all of them, I’ve seen what lies beneath…foolishness. I know you’ve seen it too.” Michael gave Jocasta’s hand a kiss. “You see the things most people cannot…if only they could all see what you see.”

Michael could see things too. He saw Princess Rosa of Garza and her younger sister Blanca close in and approach Jocasta. Oh no…please no. Michael had been hoping to avoid Rosa for some time, but now she was here and she was close. What does she think? Does she regret things? Does she wonder what might have been? It was her loss, and Michael had to hope that Jocasta would assert her territory…

"Honored Guests of Her Majesty: the 18th Mounted Light Infantry,” said Colonel Falk into the microphone. "The Mounted Light Infantry have been in service since they were deployed in service in the 18th Century, and renamed themselves in our glorious war of independence from the Cornellian Empire when they were the 18th Equestrian Auxilia. We salute Major-General Abishai Hagar, marching at their head, who is also our Governor of the Edomite Dependency of the Lesser Diols."

Lord Alan Aldapa, as the Ghantish Ambassador to New Edom, had a particularly difficult job trying to finesse the increasingly strained relations between Ghant and New Edom, emphasizing the common foreign policy goals that they possessed. Everything else was, for a lack of better words, prickly, so perhaps it wasn’t without coincidence that the Adiran Ambassador Redstone approached him politely. “My Lord, it’s good to see you. I’ve heard the Eskura oilfield is developing very nicely. You know, Thorco’s been asking questions about this whole Cassandra business. They’re still not sure what her appointment really meant, and there’s some signs of friction in Ghant now. Is there something we should know? They have invested a lot into this project, after all.”

Always so straight to the point, you fucking Cetans. With puckered lips, Aldapa looked up at his colleague. “Ambassador Redstone, good to see you too.” Aldapa looked around to see who might be watching or listening before answering his inquiry properly. “Thorco needs to remember two things when it comes to the Eskura project. That money talks and that money doesn’t sleep. Cassandra may be bold, and she may be brazen, but she’s not stupid. The oil deal is good for…well, most people.”

Casting his gaze over towards Cassandra, Aldapa added, “I wouldn’t expect you or anyone from Adiron to understand what appointing Cassandra really meant, because not even I understand half the things the Emperor of Ghant does. Though between us, if I had to guess…he wanted a more…active anti-Edomite presence at court, because he’s fearful of their influence. Cassandra though…she’s something else. You better be careful…she isn’t fond of Adiron and she’s fond of the Imperium…or so I’ve heard.”

Julius Salzburg and Ottokar Wendt contrasted like night and day as they sat near their Emperor, taking in the events of the day. Wendt was approached by the Garzan named Sanjuro, who said to him “Excuse me, Your Excellency. Would you have any thoughts as to the future of the two royal houses of our lands, both of them linked through a common ancestry, and also as to the joint-occupation and administration of Gavinium Magnus?” Sanjuro asked.

Wendt gave him an almost acidic look, with a pinched face and tight lips. “No, I’m afraid I wouldn’t,” he answered bluntly, before shifting his focus back to the events at hand.

Salzburg, noticing this, leaned into Sanjuro’s ear. “…Excuse him…Wendt isn’t the sort of man to give away his thoughts easily. I on the other hand would be happy to explain. It is the perspective of the Vorindese government that Garza is to play a critical role in helping stabilize Gavinium, and that House Valdez is to feature prominently.” Pointing at the Vorindese party, Salzburg added that “it is no coincidence that Princess Adela is here, or Elena. It’s important that the Emperor’s allies see these heirs and know that they are well.”

Back in the Ghantish section, Nathan was playing the game of watching Clodia Falk while at the same time trying to avoid being noticed watching her. There were other women of course, yet there was something about her that commanded his attention that the other women he saw didn’t possess. It wasn’t until he was disturbed by a relative that he lost his focus. “Your Imperial Majesty, might I have a word with you?” King Diego asked Nathan.

“Yeah sure,” the Emperor of Ghant answered, his reply short. “Before you go any further, no, I’ve never fucked a jew, and no, Bryan isn’t anti-Semitic. The only thing Bryan is anti is anti-bigotry. One jew joke does not an anti-semite make.”

Another man introduced himself to the Emperor. “Pardon me sir, I’m Major Jaime Salinas of the Gran Chaco Marines. Who was that smug fellow over there giving you grief? I tell you, you must be the most patient man here for putting up with something like that.”

…Who the fuck is this guy? the Emperor thought, before realizing that he’s probably not some douchebag, so we should talk… “My step-father, Major. Same age as me because he wooed my middle-aged mother into a cougar-loverboy marriage so he could rub it in my face and act like my superior.”

Nathan grinned on the corner of his mouth. “I’m a patient man because there’s so many people that want me to do something rash so they can tear me apart. I won’t give them the satisfaction.” Looking at the man more carefully, Nathan asked, “you’re Ayacan, yes? I can tell, because your voice is so exotic. I’ve been told the weather in Ayaca is no good, hot and humid and full of disease-carrying mosquitoes.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Nathan could see one more person come to him, this one being his younger cousin Prince Lucas, who was covering his eyes with a pair of expensive white sunglasses. “Wassup cuz?” Lucas asked casually, before turning to Diego and Salinas. “Yo…I’m Prince Lucas of Ghant...this is my cousin the Emperor of Ghant. Isn’t that cool?”

Oh great…he’s fucking baked. “Luke, take a fucking seat before you make yourself look like an idiot.” Lucas sat down and slumped over in his chair.

“You know…you’re always so purposeful,” Lucas said to his cousin. “There’s always something going on in that head of yours…you’re always thinking about shit, you know what I’m saying?”

“…yeah.”

“You should stop man, for real.” Lucas shook his head. “Life’s about…doing shit, not thinking about it. Spend all your time thinking and you won’t be living it…at least not really.”

By this time, the VIPs were mingling, including Nathan’s entourage, giving him the opportunity to speak a bit more freely than would be otherwise acceptable. “…What the fuck does that even mean?”

“It means you just need to let go of shit, and let it slide, you feel me?” Lucas began rummaging around his pocket. “You know I was thinking about that today, actually. How so many of your problems are self-inflicted. Like, you could fix so much shit if you just understood yourself better.”

As he was digging around his pocket, Nathan asked him “what are you doing, exactly?”

“…Something I shoulda done a long time ago,” the younger Prince replied as he produced a small, thumb-sized…brown-green mass. “I’ve been wanting to give this to you…I think it will help you change the way you think. Really help things make sense. All you have to do is eat it.”

“I’m not eating that shit, Luke.” At this point Nathan had his arms folded, looking around to see who else might be paying attention. “I don’t do drugs.”

“Well good then, because this isn’t a drug,” insisted Lucas calmly. “This is all-natural shit…think of it as a…piece of candy or something. It's the good stuff. What’s the worst that could happen, anyway? You end up in your room, away from your step-dad?”

…He’s got a point…wait, am I really considering eating some kind of a drug just to not have to deal with anymore bullshit? The temptation to exonerate himself from the pressure was far too great. “Fuck it, gimme that thing.” Lucas put the nugget in Nathan’s hand, and after an exhale, he put in his mouth.

Nathan damn near spat the thing out, a grimace on his face. “Fuck that’s nasty.”

“Just chew it a couple times and swallow it fast.” Lucas watched gleefully as Nathan struggled to choke down the nugget, but after a minute or so it was gone down the proverbial hatch. “It’s going to be a minute before you experience the effects.”

“…we’ll see about that.” In fact, Lucas wasn’t joking around. Nathan’s eyes became dilated and his senses heightened. Things transformed into abstractions, and then the Emperor’s senses grew distorted. When he looked at Clodia Falk again, his mind took a rather unusual turn…

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

The Grand Review

Lord Richard Spears, Earl of Darlington, sat and watched in wonder as the Edomites marched past with beautiful uniforms, inspiring music and iron discipline. It was a wonderful sight and masterfully arranged. He wore his dress uniform of dark green wool with black piping and the orange sash of an Earl. His breast was neatly decorated with a variety of medals and ribbons, honorary insignia of his noble status. At the forefront, neatly pinned between his tunic and sash sat his bronze pillar badge, denoting his position as an Artificer of the Guild of Historians. To Lord Spear's left sat Anne, his mistress, in a traditional Gealic dress and to his right sat Princess Elena. Elena and Alice were complete opposites, Elena in her pretty evening dress whilst Alice wore the uniform of the Germanan Kaiser's Imperial Hussars, a testament to her newfound position in the Germanan Aristocracy.

Separated from the rest of the group by his dutiful valet, Jasper, who sported a back tuxedo, Lord Overton wore the turquoise uniform of the Royal Agrean Rifles. His sky-blue eyes flickered emotionally at the near-perfect display of soldiery and the beauty of the music, August had always had a penchant for military bands, possessing possibly the largest library of military albums in his collection of vinyl and wax cylinders which dated back all the way to 1870.

"Marvellous, isn't it, Jasper?" The question was rhetorical as August remarked on the skill with which the parading Edomites marched and played their assorted instruments.

"Beautiful, my lord," Jasper replied, entirely sincerely. The old valet had served his master faithfully for seven years and had served his predecessor, Lord William, just as steadfast. Like his master, Jasper had served in the army and in fact, had been at the walls of Lawrenceville when the Royal Army took the city back in 1980 from the Socialists. He had even been in the fighting in Vladamirska in Operation Featherweight. Leaving the Imperial forces in 1990 at the rank of Captain with three battle honours to his name along with the Military Cross with Bar. Overton had been much humbled by the service of a man so distinguished in his service to the King but eventually grew to enjoy the older man's company both as a servant and as a friend. They often swapped stories, Jasper telling tales of his service in the Royal Army in Exile and August recounting stories of his exploits as a Centurion in the Ceasian Legions.

The group sat mostly in silence with the acception of clapping at the passing servicemen and swapping comments, mostly about the spectacle before them. All of them awaited, patiently, the parading of the Band of the Royal Airborne Corps from Vionna-Frankenlisch, escorted by Major Elias Horke's battalion of the Royal Parachute Regiment.

I apologise for the lack of posting recently, I was bogged down with exams and since they finished have been hit by a bout writer's block but I'll try my best to keep on track. For those who are keeping up with my characters, for Princess Alice's pictures I will be using pictures of actress Isabelle Fuhrman as I preferred a black-haired character and I think I'll be using Princess Elisabeth of Brabant's pictures for a different character.

[New Edom]

The Review
Padan-Aran

As Count Lalery went to take his seat he gave Amelia and dark fierce stare that was joined by a grin. "You are honoured, sweet Amelia. If you weren't you would know it." His stare into her eyes suggested that only courtesy kept him from beating her till she wept on the spot. He then bowed to the Emperor and went to take his seat.

"The Emperor of Ghant is not enjoying himself," remarked Lalery in Baran to Prince Enoch as he sat with him.

"Why would he? He can't smoke a parade. He can't drink it, he can't fuck it. All he can do is envy that we actually have an army, navy and air force worthy of the name," said Prince Enoch. "His only power is his vassal princes fighting one another rather than him. Was ever a man more of an empty shirt?"

"An empty shirt held up by his prattling womenfolk," said Lalery. "I hope they all puke again this year on one another."

Princess Ava had bowed to Emperor Titus with graciousness, and murmured to her husband, Prince Alexander, "Let us home, my dear, that there is no display of unpleasantness this year. The Emperor, the Princess-Protector and others seem particularly touchy of late. Yet we have had so many marriages, we are so close. Marriage is a dangerous voyage, but I hope that the tensions can be softened."

Lady Claudia Dain softly remarked, "All the worse for that, if I may say so, Highnesses. Princess Jocasta and Prince Enoch have both been harsh in encouraging support for Edomite policy. We must build a new direction. Love, honour, and sweet words sway more than stern words and determination, am I not right?" she asked her husband.

Princess Jocasta held Michael's arm, and she looked up at him with her eyes damp with unshed tears. They were not tears of sorrow or joy, they were actually tears of rage, for he touched upon a matter that was dear to her heart. If she could have, she would have thrown Mara's whelp to the ground from the highest steeple of Betharan Palace. She would have drowned her sister in one of her stupid hydroponics pools. Her breathign increased, her breasts rising and falling almost anxiously. "Oh Michael, my darling...have I told you lately how blessed I am to be with you? My mad sister's loss is infinitely my gain. the King knows who his true supporters are. My vision for Gavinium Magnus...it was mine...the King knows. The Lucianites and backwards thinkers swept away. You..." she looked deeply into his eyes, "Have nothing to regret. Just look there," she murmured to him, "See there? The House of Gentry. Other than perhaps Alexander and Cassandra, not one of them dedicated in purpose to making their Empire effective. Spoiled. Lazy. Playing the fool. But not you, my dearest love. Together...we are building up our two strong dynasties to better our countries...our Region. Oh look, Michael, here come the Cavalry Guards! I am torn, to have you with me and to see you on parade! How divine they look!" she squeezed the strong arm she held, almost tip toe with ecstasy at the sight of the parade that advanced forward.

Countess Camilla murmured, "Here come the Romans..."

“Oh, yes, I heard of your rather significant and even prominent role there. You are to be congratulated there. I, on the other hand, have lesser duties and roles, to serve as secretary to my husband, the Count Marcellinus, Master of Offices. I carried on the same role while my husband was Legate to New Edom, of course. Yes, we were here before, in fact. How does your husband fare in this climate, Your Highness? Quite a contrast to the weather in Ghant, I suppose, but not as difficult to a Roman, of course. Oh, listen to my poor manners. I am Countess Julia Basilina, wife and secretary to Count Marcellinus, Master of Offices, as I said.

“And you, my Edomite, Ghantish, and Garzan, princes, princesses, lords, and ladies. Good to see you again, if you will recall one such as me. Anyway, it is good to meet you at last, the famous Princess Jocasta. It is an honor,” Basilina beamed with considerable goodwill.

"Oh yes, Countess, how do you do. Of course you know Prince Michael, my husband, and Countesses Olympia Hesperinus and Camilla Sharra...so nice to meet you. Isn't this a marvelous review?" said Princess Jocasta.

At a quick march first came the tossing heads and manes, the white uniforms almost glowing in th sun, black boots shining, sabers flashing as the Royal Cavalry Guards first squadron cantered by, the clattering of hooves filing the air. Stern faces faced right as they presented arms, and the crowd began to clap in time with the march excitedly.

Then followed a parade of tanks. In one of them standing tall rode Lieutenant Malachi Unwerth, fresh from the conquest of Gavinium, in his barracks dress uniform, a kepi stiff on his young head, saluting neatly. It was hard to recognize him in the crowd but his sister Rafaella managed it, waving to him and blowing kisses.

"Are they not proud and brave, my darling?" breathed Jocasta. "And you, sweet Michael, are one of them...a brother to our men and women at arms even as you are part of our family, and I part of yours...is it not brave, my love, to stand and receive this homage of might? I feel sure thy are mine in the hearts even as they salute my naked dirty footed sister..."

“I am eager to hear of it, very much so. The Garzans are good allies to us both, I believe, as shown in Gavinium Magnus where they struck blows against the Usurper and his regime. I might have a proposition of my own in fact, thinking to the future. I’m also pleased to see the decline in socialist strength in that land, but we can discuss that later, my old friend. Good to see you again. For now, though, warmest birthday wishes to the Queen, lovely and holy example to us all in your piety and faith, aren’t Your Majesty? Both of you have done much to make your country recover and become stronger and more prosperous in Christ and His Will,” Titus noted before the procession continued to the review, as he offered the Queen a copy of a Latin New Testament, bound with leather and bronze, with a special inscription inside for her, also in Latin, "this was the personal testament of the late Emperor Valerian. He would have wanted you to have it, I believe."

King Elijah IV pondered Emperor Titus' words. " Amen. Thank you for your kind words, Brother Titus. I shall look forward to talking with you." he looked again to the review as the Cavalry Guards began to pass them.

Queen Mara, meanwhile, kissed the book and, eyes full of tears, said, "My dear Titus, dear Imperial brother, this is a precious gift. He was like an older brother to me, and I miss him very much. I will cherish this always. He was so good to a naive young girl thrust too soon and unprepared to the throne."

As for Livia, she curtsied to the Queen and gave her birthday wishes as well, telling her, “Your Majesty is twice blessed with fruitfulness, I see, and flourishing in your beauty with it. I wish that I glowed as well. My own travails seem to make me seem less beautiful, though my husband the Emperor assures me otherwise as good husbands do. You are both fortunate in your happiness, though I believe that I have found domestic bliss as well.”

"Oh he is wise, merciful and truthful!" exclaimed Mara. "I am sure that you are the envy of women of the world, to be married to the Lord of the World. I have known him for years, he is a good man! And so he says you are beautiful, and so you are! You are most welcome, dear Empress Livia."

[New Edom]

I will be moving things forward tomorrow. I will do a description of Mara blessing the people and receiving petitions, then do the arrival at the Old Palace.

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

New Edom

“you’re Ayacan, yes? I can tell, because your voice is so exotic. I’ve been told the weather in Ayaca is no good, hot and humid and full of disease-carrying mosquitoes.”

Jaime smiled and chuckled a bit, “Yes sir, born and bred in Chaco. Glad to hear I’m exotic, hopefully that pays off somehow later. Yeah it is hot and humid, but not much disease risk unless you go into the jungles. We try to fight the spread of things like that. It’s worse near the border of Ashab. I have gone into the jungles though and you get bit up. That’s why you need to stay near the beach.”

“Wassup cuz?” Lucas asked casually, before turning to Diego and Salinas. “Yo…I’m Prince Lucas of Ghant...this is my cousin the Emperor of Ghant. Isn’t that cool?”

Jaime’s mouth fell open slightly at the remark. Had he been overly familiar with this man?

“Shit.” He thought to himself, “Serves me right for talking to people above my station.”

He did his best to hide any surprise, “Uh, Major Jaime Salinas, sir. I had no idea you were Emperor, forgive me if I caused any offense.”

Jaime watched as the emperor made his cousin sit down. The conversation that took place was awkward for him to listen too and he had no idea if it was ruder to stay and listen or walk away from royalty.

“What the hell am I supposed to do? They never taught me this etiquette crap for royalty.” Jaime wondered to himself.

He just stood there and tried to focus on the parade acting as if he had no idea what was going on incase he was addressed again. Jaime’s eyes flicked over to the pair when he heard the mention of drugs and he decided he wanted to see where this was going. Eventually the Emperor took something and began acting a bit strange. Jaime acted as if he didn’t notice and waited to see if the emperor forgot about him or not.

---

One of Alvarado’s aides got his attention and pointed out when Secretary Bailey was finishing up with the Shrailleeni. He was reluctant to pull himself away from the parade. He loved the flash of the uniforms and the sound of the vehicles rolling by. Alvarado was almost sad when he left to approach Bailey but he sucked it up. He sauntered on over to her gave her a warm greeting, “Madame Secretary so wonderful to see you here. How are you?”

[Fahran]

I'm posting this early and incomplete so that I don't mess up the chronological flow any further. I'll have it edited by tonight and then I'll try to get myself back into the habit of making regular quality posts.

A boy of middling height darted through the the assembled crowd as his robes billowed and snapped about his ankles. A mane of long, mousy curls bounced and rustled atop his crown, falling over his large, brown eyes more often than not. His facial features were delicate, almost feminine, with high, prominent cheekbones, a thin, button nose, a rounded chin, and large, kissable lips. Had it not been for his attire and the ivory handled janbiyas poking up from the belt woven around his narrow waist, he could have easily been mistaken for a young girl. Easa was oblivious to this, as he was indeed oblivious to a great many things. Finally managing to thrust himself into an open space within sight of his princess, he turned to marvel at the large horses of the cavalry regiment, his mouth dropping in blissful admiration.

Behind him, a more regal, matronly figure strolled through the procession with an almost ethereal grace, her hands clasped loosely over her supple belly. She stood a full head higher than most of the men in the crowd and her skin was the deep, perfect black of rich, tilled soil. A cobalt dress dusky as a starless night clung to her well-built, curvaceous frame, not quite snugly enough to be immodest. Sagal was comely for her more than fifty years, but not in the same manner as Soraya or Mara. She was beautiful in a way that inspired a dull, numbing sense of dread, not the hot, frenetic pang of lust. Sagal was the tigress to their butterfly, all supple, looming, inexorable force.

It had been Sagal who had poured honeyed words into the ears of Edomite officials to secure their attendance at this gala and Sagal who had made every travel arrangement down to the last ballroom slipper. While her princess might be a small, quiet, even pitiable figure on the diplomatic stage, many of the veteran players would have recognized her iron-willed wet-nurse at a passing glance. She was after all the beating heart of the Aydarid cause, not to mention the only commoner numbered among the members of regency council.

“Oh look at the two of you,” Leslie said, briefly fascinated by both of their garb. “I’m sorry for gawking, Your Highnesses. It is very nice to meet you. There are so many interesting people here. Enough to keep me busy at an easel for the rest of the year. This is my favorite part of travel, you know?”

A diffident smile played across Hazea's lips as she cowered behind her more confident friend. Her nerves had been a bunch all morning and all the staring had not served to relax her.

[New Edom]

The Blessing Ceremony
Pentecost Square
Padan, New Edom

"How beautiful the people of Fahran are," said Count Alexander Domris to his wife. "They are like orchids blowing in the night breeze, surrounded by scents and sounds of evening. They are like warm sun on ripe fruit in the morning. How beautiful they are! We should hope to dine with some of them, my honey."

"That imposing lady is Sagal," offered Basil Jerome, nearby. "We worked out the arrangements with her. A most...sagacious lady."

The under-chamberlains bustled about getting people to move to the next part of the processional--to the Blessing Ceremony at Pentecost Square.

Pentecost Square was bordered bordered by three streets--Saint Simeon to the North, Saint Priscilla to the East, Saint Timeon to the South. The eastern side of the square was higher than the western, and dominated by a set of marble steps leading to Saint Simeon Avenue; beneath the steps lay the Pentecost metro station, which was closed and well guarded today. The stairs emerged below between a pair of outdoor cafes, and were a popular city-centre gathering place. Pentecost also included two green areas to the north and south, planted with shade trees, while in the centre of the square there was a large mid-19th century water fountain.

The Episcopal Palace neoclassical building, which served as the Provincial Courts of Law, was immediately across Saint Simeon Avenue to the east, and surrounded by the extensive National Gardens, which were open to the public.

The procession moved in a more solemn way now, with hymns accompanying them, and the warm breezes surrounded them. A scent of the spiciness of the body lotions and hair oils of the ladies of the court, along with leather, dusty smell of feathers wafted around.

A hymn rose and while players of instruments walked solemnly before the procession, the men lean of build, painted with symbolism of their faith--lambs, flowers, sparrows, fish, crucifixes--there were also singers, a chorus of them accompanying the procession. Those attending had been given translations of the hymn, which was sung in Latin.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil:
for thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever,
Amen. Amen.

Camilla Sharra sat among other ladies in waiting of the course, her golden mask warm and sticky on her fine features. In the warm breeze, her faint crimson veil of a gown, which she like all the other court ladies wore, did nothing in the light to conceal her high young bosom, bare belly and waist, thighs and other tender areas of her olive skinned body, dusted with gold flecks, s scented oil, her dark hair. She crossed herself with the others and watched keenly as the ceremony began. Countess Olympia nearby held her hand for a bit as they murmured responses with the prayers, and fanned themselves with their feather fans.

"Let it be stated before God, His Saints and Angels, and before all present, that Her Majesty the Queen gives the following gifts to the people of New Edom: one goat or capybara as it is given that such animals shall be most able to be given per family. One bushel of grain, be it barley, millet or wheat. One 20 liter jug of millet beer. One new linen sheet." the Grand Chamberlain, young Count Evol-Merodach, standing with his feathers fluttering, sword hilt of jeweled gold catching the light like a stained glass window, paused as deafening applause began to thunder like the rolling of a great tide. "Her Majesty Queen Mara also establishes the following scholarships this year for worthy students..." as he went on to describe awards to be given for pursuit of excellence in sciences and engineering, in agriculture, and in sports people listened and applauded at the right moments. "In further honour of Her Majesty's birthday, Her Majesty opens Venerable Sarai Women's Hospital in Nass..."

"No wonder my sister is naked as a peasant," muttered Princess Jocasta to Prince Michael. "She beggars herself with these endowments.And what do they encourage? Laziness among the common folk. She spoils them as badly as that silly little dog of hers."

The petitioners had begun to move forward. One of the first was an old man in his sixties with grey hair, wearing a green dress uniform of a somewhat old fashioned cut and appearance, who saluted stiffly as he approached.

"Your Majesty," said the man into a microphone held for him by the Grand Chamberlain, "I have been living in Novitera for the last thirty years, where I have become a successful building contractor. I have been able to give my sons and sons in law work contracting for me, and our work has been celebrated in Soletrek. Yet when I tried to get into an advance poll, I was thrown out! Am I no longer a citizen because I am no longer a resident? As Your Majesty can see, I served in action against the Jedorians on the border and did four years' service. Surely we expatriates should be allowed to vote!"

The Queen never directly responded, but did receive his petition on behalf of expats. Meanwhile, in the seats nearby, Foreign Minister Geta leaned over to Lalery. "And you would have these selfish fools vote, eh? A shameful way to win votes from Nicanor, my friend."

"The more business we do abroad, the safer we are,"said Lalery irritably." Give me a hundred thousand entrepreneurs so dedicated, they are worth a whole fleet."

"Soft power?" Geta said with a smile. "And if the recession gets worse?"

Other petitions were brought forward: The United Brotherhood of Fishermen, a large union, wished to propose that companies fishing in the Ura Sea should have to hire New Edomites to crew boats or hire boats outright from New Edom rather than hiring local fishermen, since their cheap wages undermined New Edomites' wages. A petitioner from the Free Congress urged that all foreign television programming should be banned. A bespectacled elderly man blew on a whistle, making a strange shrill haunting sound, and explained that this was the call of the Three Tufted Willow Bird, and wouldn't it be a shame for such a strange shrill haunting call to not be heard in the hinterlands of Teman Province? He begged the Queen to formally recognize a petition to stop the lumber and tobacco trade in that part of the province to save the last habitat of the Three Tufted Willow Bird. The petitions kept coming for approximately an hour, each person given two minutes to present their petition, making it approximately 20 formal petitions being presented.

The last, however, was the most embarrassing.

To the shocked gasps of many of the court officials, politicians and military officers present, a quiet looking middle aged Apostolic Priest in long sweeping black robes and simple wooden crucifix petitioned the Queen that she would launch a fresh investigation--this time from the Council of Ministers and the Court, not the Chamber of Deputies or Judiciary--to permit open discussion of homosexual, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual rights in the country. His name was Father Joshua, from the Church of Saint Thomas in Fineberg.

"This is outrageous," said Count Beroth.

"I can't believe it," said Count Sharra, shaking his head.

"How did this happen? How did this get in?" Lalery demanded of Prince Enoch.

"He changed it at the last minute or something," said Prince Enoch, stone faced. "I know the man from the list. He was supposed to be making a petition to fund a missionary scholarship."

There were a lot of boos from the crowd, which were hushed by the militia holding them back, but also a startling few cheers.

Queen Mara looked at the priest sadly and nodded to the Grand Chamberlain to have the petition taken and brought to her.

"Do not arrest this man," said Queen Mara, "He is wrong, and it is heresy, and he knew his risk in doing this. I think, looking at this petition, he is simply so compassionate he wants to fight to protect those who are vulnerable. But...a child that lies and cheats is vulnerable, yet it must not continue in its sin. I know it is hard. We will consider the petition like all others, but I do not think there can be any other answer but no."

There was applause at this from the crowd, approving nods and murmurings among the Court. Following this, the procession made its way back to the hotel. The guests would be able to refresh themselves, rest and prepare for the banquet at the Old Palace later that evening, with perhaps 3 hours of afternoon to spare.

[New Aeyariss]

OOC: Hey Edom, I hope you do not mind a single short post! It's just a gift sent for the queen.

One could quickly notice absence of a certain someone that almost always was with the Edomites at the parties like those; but it did not mean that the old fox in Ishikawa, pinned by thousands of reports building a new tower of Babel on his desk, organizing anniversary of conquering the Bayan and dealing with rising crisises in Southern Furukuran Sea region did not remember to send his own gift. Thus, as the party raged on, a single plane landed in Finberg, property of Nifonese diplomatic service. The delivery of the gift would be overseen by a local Nifonese ambassador, who had to make sure it reaches Mara herself.

The workers quickly got the cage of the plane and put it into a truck, from where it will drive to the palace. Inside awaited a two weeks old Nifonese shisa - the mighty domestic lion - like big cat that samurai of old used for hunting, warfare and self - protection. The cat of cost of a good sports car had been only a recent addition to a stable owned by Shogun Kojiro himself, who decided that this newly born female will do good as a protector for queen Mara.

Attached to the cage was a note;

Code: Select all

Honorable Mara-denka;

I am sorry that I have not been able to attend your wedding, but the matters of national importance have kept me in Ishikawa. However, I can not simply forget about your birthday. Therefore I decided to send you a gift I consider most precious - a true Nifonese Shisa. Train it well and it will be willing to defend you to death. While crucial training is of importance, I am willing to contact you with best Nifonese Shisa handlers who would always be ready to provide you with a good advise.

- His Excellency the Grand Commander of the Armed Forces for Pacification of Barbarians, Sei-I-Taishogun Maki no Kojiro.

PS: Feeding them Homofront members, while obviously graphic, may cause ill health for the cat. Any other criminal, traitor and terrorist is a go.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

The Blessing Ceremony
Pentecost Square

The military procession was a demonstration of New Edom's finest warriors, the best that the Allied States could produce and tested by the trials of combat. The feeling that Aryni had of foreboding continued as she watched the march of the sailors of Task Force Serpentis, until finally a thought occurred to her that helped her make sense of what she was feeling. It wasn't just that she saw New Edom as a rival to Shrailleen, although she did. It was that the kind of military ceremony that she was seeing was not something seen in Shrailleen, and this difference worried her.

Her mother had rebuilt the Shrailleeni military nearly from scratch. The Enlightened Matriarchy had a long martial tradition stretching back centuries, but between the Great Enlightenment and the horrors of the Great War they had largely abandoned that tradition. For nearly three generations they had embraced a philosophy of complete pacifism, and had rejected violence almost completely as a culture. Upon ascending to the throne, her mother had struggled against this pacifism to rearm the country. In order to gather support for her military programs, she had played upon the warrior tradition of the nobility and raised fears among the common classes that cultures hostile to matriarchy were an existential threat. And it had succeeded to a large degree, in only a few decades she had reformed over one hundred battlegroups, created a navy cable of matching most in the region, and even created an air force.

However, as she watched the New Edomite sailors parade by she considered that perhaps Shrailleen had rearmed but had forgotten what it meant to truly be a martial society. Unlike these New Edomites they did not revel in their military prowess, instead continuing to think of violence as an unfortunate necessity. They sent women and men into war and then refused to celebrate them for it. And perhaps, she thought, this made them weak. Processions and displays like this weren't merely posturing, they fostered an attitude. United a nation otherwise divided by factions and ideologies. And even though Shrailleen was more united than New Edom, the troubles three years ago proved that they had their own problems to deal with.

She resolved to herself privately to start speaking with the matriarchs in the Matriarchy of War upon her return.

Soon enough Aryni, along with the Mother Empress and the other Shrailleeni in attendance, were ushered from their seats at the stadium as the procession took its course. They moved now to the Pentecost Square, in many ways the center of the city of Padan. For Aryni, who was seeing it all for the first time, it struck her as a pleasant area not quite like anything found in Shrailleen. Urban crowding had become such a problem in the empire that she had almost forgotten that green spaces could exist outside of palace walls. From the center of the square rose a water fountain built in the distinct style of 19th century Belisaria, and around them were impressive buildings of foreign architectural style that seemed to attempt to reconcile blocky designs with more elegant columns and lines.

She was, naturally, fluent in Latin, and listened to the Christian hymn with a quiet disinterest while the smells of spice, leather, and the scent of humanity wafted on the warm tropical breeze. She was dutifully religious, though perhaps not as much a woman of faith as her mother, and the idea of a male Creator just seemed to her patently absurd. Let alone the idea of a Creator literally made into a man.

A man that she did not know but who she took to be a member of the Court responsible for such ceremonies then began to list the gifts that Queen Mara would give the New Edomite people on the occasion of her birthday. This was a peculiarity of the New Edomite tradition, that one gave gifts to others on the day of their birth. It was not so different from the Shrailleeni custom, which dictated that gifts be given to one's mother on the anniversary of one's birth. In other cultures she had heard that the person who's birthday it was received gifts in celebration, and this struck her as much more strange. Was life not gift enough?

She did find it interesting that the Queen gave not only scholarships to her people, but actual physical gifts in the form of livestock and linen to each family in her realm. In Shrailleen it was taken as a given that the Mother Empress would be generous to her people, the Imperial Palace funded hospitals, housing, and charitable organizations every year. Here it did not seem to be a given, but a display of the Queen's generosity which might change from year to year. That did strike Aryni as odd, and she guessed that Mara was likely a much more generous monarch than others in the past. She wondered what the New Edomite people thought if a Queen or King became more generous or more stingy over the years, and thought to herself that Shrailleen was far superior in this regard.

Then came the petitioners. She had been informed of this custom before the ceremony, and therefore was more interested in what people would ask for than in the custom itself. For the first, she merely reflected that her mother's plan to bring democracy to Shrailleen would mean that such headaches would soon be theirs, and this irritated her. She watched the petition of the fisherman with a mixture of suspicion and annoyance, so the New Edomites were considering tightening their grip on the Ura Sea? She had tried, to no avail, to convince her mother to get involved in Arcologia as a balance to the New Edomite presence there. So far as she was concerned, any area where the New Edomites had a presence unchecked by Shrailleen gave them an advantage. But Zattem had won that argument by arguing for closer relations with Adiron and the Imperium. She still thought this foolish. The rest of the petitions met with everything from mild disinterest to curiosity from the Crown Princess, until the last.

This one struck her as very interesting indeed. She would not have expected any Christ-worshipper to care about homosexual rights, their arbitrary creed strongly policed sexual activity in a way that struck her as cruel. For the Shrailleeni such inclinations were taken as a natural matter of course, nearly everyone experienced a partner of the same sex at least once in their lives. Those who chose to marry in such a manner were rare, but so were others touched by the Goddess to be unique, and these were just as celebrated. The New Edomites and other Christ-worshippers believed instead that their god had made a mistake in such people, that they were in effect created with an inclination to disobey their creator in a way that others were not. Even to Aryni this seemed like absurdity, but she respected the queer beliefs of foreigners. After all, "their ways are not ours."

But the reaction of the New Edomite court was priceless, and she wondered for a moment if the priest would be arrested on the spot and taken to one of New Edom's notorious re-education camps. Such a barbarous people, she thought to herself with some satisfaction. How has mother managed to see past this? But in the end Queen Mara handled the situation with a surprising grace, sparing the priest while all but decisively declining his petition. This received great applause from the crowd, and Aryni clapped politely as well, if only out of respect for the queen's handling of the situation.

As they made their way back to the hotel for the evening, her mother remarked to her quietly in Railti that she would like to attempt to acquire specimens of the Three Tufted Willow Bird for the Imperial Menagerie if it was truly in danger of extinction.

[Hittanryan]

Casting his gaze over towards Cassandra, Aldapa added, “I wouldn’t expect you or anyone from Adiron to understand what appointing Cassandra really meant, because not even I understand half the things the Emperor of Ghant does. Though between us, if I had to guess…he wanted a more…active anti-Edomite presence at court, because he’s fearful of their influence. Cassandra though…she’s something else. You better be careful…she isn’t fond of Adiron and she’s fond of the Imperium…or so I’ve heard.”

“Exactly the problem, Lord,” Redstone said, following Aldapa’s gaze. “We don’t know what these rumors and guesses really mean. Some of it doesn’t completely make sense to us. If Cassandra harbors sympathy for the Imperium, why the hostility to New Edom, their ally? And if she objects to both Edomite and Adiran presence in Ekura, should Thorco and my government be worried after all?”

Redstone lit up a cigar as Aldapa answered. “The reason I ask is because my government still has no explanation for the sustained gunfire at Dakauregia Palace around the outbreak of the Gavinian War. If this boils over all of a sudden, there are a lot of Adirans in Ghant who will pay the price.”

“It is quite alright, really.” The countess assured, holding up a placating hand. “I’m from Shalum. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with it.” She paused, eyeing Leslie curiously to see if any sort of recollection came over her. “It is a nation in the northern region of Tyran. We’re connected to the Allied States through the Imperion coalition.”

Leslie nodded but there was no sudden spark of recognition in her eyes if the Countess was looking for one. “A coalition called Imperion? Sounds ominous, sort of like the bad guys in an old sci-fi movie,” Leslie said with a grin. If Vyander didn’t react she would keep going. “Come on, you can’t picture it? In a galaxy far away the heroic Slab Bulkhead fights against the evil Imperion,” she said in a voice as though it came from a movie trailer.

After joking around, Leslie asked “What is Shalum like where you’re from? I don’t know much about it.”

Eventually they were interrupted by the shrill, strange call of the Three Tufted Willow Bird. "Oh no, it might go extinct. You know, I told them." She held up a finger and clicked her tongue. "I told the King last time I was here that all this habitat destruction was going to lead to extinctions. He didn't seem to care. Maybe Mara, sorry, Her Majesty the Queen, will listen instead."

One of Alvarado’s aides got his attention and pointed out when Secretary Bailey was finishing up with the Shrailleeni. He was reluctant to pull himself away from the parade. He loved the flash of the uniforms and the sound of the vehicles rolling by. Alvarado was almost sad when he left to approach Bailey but he sucked it up. He sauntered on over to her gave her a warm greeting, “Madame Secretary so wonderful to see you here. How are you?”

When Alvarado approached Bailey she smiled and extended a handshake. “Good, Excellency, and you? It is a pleasure to meet you,” she said. “Are you enjoying yourself so far?”

Once the petitions started Bailey listened rather seriously, almost as though she was ready to start taking notes. Later on, when Father Joshua read his petition near the end, she smiled in spite of herself.

[New Edom]

The Majestic Hotel

There were plenty of iced or chilled drinks waiting at the hotel. In the Garden Restaurant tables and the patio were available for people to relax at. The ballroom had people moving about, enjoying drinks circulated by trays held by handsome young men and women painted with flowers, or the guests could repair to their rooms.

The Royal Party--King Elijah IV, Queen Mara, their aides--were enjoying the hotel's garden itself, under the shade of a willow tree. Queen Mara paused in semi privacy and had her ladies sponge her of the day's perspiration, then oil her supple body once more and dust it with sweet pollen and gold dust before rejoining her guests. King Elijah spoke to those heads of state who were nearby.

"The general order of Cornellia is settling down at last." he said firmly. "One can see how the specters of communism and its associations--feminism and state economy socialism--have been swept away. I was gratified to hear that recently, hearing of Adiran victory at last over the Arvo savages who have been such a thorn in their side. Of course..." he glanced up with a faint smile,"I save the presence of our Shrailleeni friends, but after all, Matriarchy is not feminism. And Mrs.Rowan, I hope you will not take this as a slight to your husband. The balanced view of your country is understood. But one can see that the various forms of capitalism are serving the Region well. Whether it is here in New Edom where it is state planned, or whether it is in Novitera where a robust sense of competition runs free--we are free from those wicked and godless notions of governance and can sensibly get on with things. And so in this celebration of my dear wife's birth, we may also celebrate the birth of a new age--an age, hopefully, of pursuit of greater peace and prosperity."

This was a long speech for the King, and he was not done yet. "What remains now is that the rule of law be established from pole to pole, from hemisphere to hemisphere, and that nations of good will should uphold this, each in their sphere, and be as gentlemen to one another: each respecting the other's property, each staging competition in a friendly way. I believe that this is what is intended by the mandate of heaven."

"The King is in a good mood," remarked Foreign Hosidius Geta, which might be heard by others of similar rank. He strolled nearby, admiring the flowers and the trailing leaves of the trees, the patterns of the walkway and the sculpted fountains nearby. "I am glad to see this. But well he should be."

"The Queen handled that ridiculous petition well," said Count Lalery, who paused and in outlandish contrast given his current costume, accepted a waiter lighting his cigarette. "And it is a sign that Her Majesty's melancholy has passed her. But there's so much to do, and so much has gone well. We have had the hard dry season, then the heavy rains, and now the voice of the turtle is heard, eh?"

"Very much so," agreed General Unwerth. "And he is right: we are as much celebrating us as the Queen."

"Then," said Geta, raising his glass of wine to them both, "Here's to us as well."

---

"You can smell the feasts all over the city," enthused Countess Camilla as she sat down beside Countess Olympia and Lavinia Jerome. "Barbecue recipes are competing for our noses all over!"

"it will be nothing to the feast that the Queen will have, but I do sometimes wonder," said Lavinia. "What it would be like to just stroll into some neighborhood courtyard, sit on some bench and eat some barbecue with the ordinary folks..."

"They eat out of common plates and their greasy hands rub one another," said Olympia, wrinkling her lovely nose. She lifted her mask to sip her margarita, and licked rose petal lips. "Nasty but sensual I suppose."

"The common people are highly moral, that's what the Queen says," offered Camilla.

"Oh, come on, you know that they all secretly recognized her, and did not behave normally around her," protested Olympia. "How could they not have?"

"Papa says all asses look the same when they're bare," said Lavinia, her eyes twinkling.

"Lavinia!" the other two gasped.

[Shalum]

The Blessing Ceremony
Pentecost Square
Padan, New Edom

The Imperial countess couldn’t help but grin at Leslie, even as the ceremony took place. She was nothing but respectful, of course, but it was impossible to hide her amusement. “Perhaps you should take up voice acting in your spare time,” she mused as she glanced at their hosts for a moment. “You seem to have natural talent for it.”

There was a little pause as another petitioner came forward and introduced themself. Saudia listened to their name, and then became a trifle more serious. “Imperion is what the name implies. We’re an organization of nations ruled by monarchies that share common goals. Shalum and the group’s founder, the Empire of Common Territories, were close militarily and economically. Once New Edom entered the ranks, we determined that it would be beneficial to try and improve relations wherever we could.”

Her lips curled a bit, the smile growing. “I get that question all the time, and yet I always struggle to determine the best way of describing it.” There was a small click as she undid the cap of her water bottle. “My homeland is mostly Germanic, though we do have other ethnic groups as well. Legally speaking, we call ourselves an Empire, but all of the old colonies and conquests seized the independence generations ago. As far as governments go? We’re ruled by a monarchy - House Holland, to be exact. They are supported by nine dukes and duchesses, many of who specialize in certain industries.” She motioned to an older man sitting next to the prime minister of Shalum. “Duke Harper over there, for example, is the chairman of the biggest car manufacturer in the nation.”

“Is there anything more specific that you’d like to know, Leslie?” The countess asked, taking the liberty of using the woman’s first name.

The noblemen of the group watched the ceremony, sipping tea and chatting quietly. When Father Joshua stepped up to make his request known, none of the men showed any sort of shock, nor did their cadre of protection officers. “Quite balsy, even for a man of God.” The prime minister said as his eyes went back and forth between the man of the cloth and the Queen. Duke Harper hummed in agreement.

“If he is fervent in what he believes, he has nothing to fear - at least in this earthly body.” General Flemming murmured as one of his hands reached up to run along the plane of his chest. Dogtags were not the only thing that dangled from his neck. A crucifix, complete with a proper corpus of solid silver, was present as well. “Still, you would think that he would have chosen a more private setting. It doesn’t look like our hosts are happy.”

The Empire was more tolerant, even if the Catholic church was the predominant sect. While they had all the same beliefs that the Edomites did, aside from things like nudity, the religious leaders preached that it was not their place to judge. A homosexual or lesbian was just as equal as the next person, and their only judge was to be the Lord.

As the ceremony came to a close, the three men rose while the countess stayed close to the Aidran First Lady.

The prime minister smiled a bit as he began to head out the general at his heels. “I don’t know about you, but I rather like the idea of a drink that isn’t water or tea.” It wasn’t exactly five yet, but that was alright - this was a working vacation as far as he cared. “If I remember right, I saw Miss Hespernius head that way…”

“Countess Sharra wasn’t far behind her,” Harper added with a soft chuckle. “A drink does sound good, yes. Shall we, gentlemen?”

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

New Edom

Alvarado smiled as he walked with Bailey, “Yes I am joining myself thank you. I am very glad to meet you in person. We are practically neighbors after all. We should try and get together at some point after this ceremony. Would you like to join me for a drink before the dinner tonight?”

---

When the petitioners were finished everyone returned to the hotel. Jaime was dismissed until dinner. Brigadier Tomas smiled, “Thank you for taking some pictures for me at the parade. I don’t see myself needing you tonight, though it would be best if you checked in before we go to dinner.”

“Aye Aye sir. Thank you, I’ll return in a bit.” Jaime replied.

He began strolling around the grounds and thought about returning to the garden bar and relaxing with a drink. As he strolled through the garden he spotted the ladies that he had met their earlier. He had enjoyed their company and was looking forward to seeing that quiet one again. He thought for a split second and decided to approach them. Jaime walked up to the group and smiled. “Good afternoon ladies. How has the day been for all of you? Would you mind if I joined you?”

---

Brigadier Julian Tomas was fascinated by King Elijah’s speech. He enjoyed hearing the victories of the region listed in such a way. Communism had had a horrible influence in Chaco and had been the source of the terrorism that had so recently plagued the south. Julian had also pushed for expanded marine landings against pirate enclaves in Arcologia and he was encouraged to hear of the Adiran victory.

After the speech and talk had broken up he spotted the Shraileeni Mother Empress Chella. He approached cautiously and waited until she was free and focused her attention on him. Julian bowed, “Mother Empress, I am Brigadier Tomas of the Chaco Marines. I would like to thank you for your efforts and the efforts of your people in Ashab. Your aid workers and peace keepers were invaluable in a horrible situation.”

[New Edom]

The Garden Patio

Majestic Hotel

"Oh hello Major,"said Olympia. "Yes, do join us, our menfolk are preoccupied so you are a welcome seasoning...."the three ladies inclined their heads in an elegant swift little bow like three birds on a branch.

"How did you like the parade and the petitions?" asked Camilla brightly. "I hate to brag on things, but our Queen is so charming and so sweet, the kindest person ever. But don't let me put words in your mouth!"

"Zadok would have loved it," sighed Olympia. Camilla patted her arm sympathetically.

"I did enjoy it," said Lavinia, who was a bit sad, as always, that she had ended up married to a pudgy bureaucrat rather than a dashing hussar or something. "Oh hello, here's Camilla's father!"

An older man with a seamed but rather handsome face strolled over, wearing the ceremonial feathery mantle as though he were an ancient but rather benign Baran war chieftain of old.

"Papa, this is Major Salinas, from the attache's office at the Chacanoan embassy. He's a marine." said Countess Camilla, standing up and kissing his cheek, her crimson soft gown flowing like red water around her slim body. "Major this is my father, Count Sharra, our Minister of the Interior."

"Oh. How do you do Major?" said Count Sharra in a friendly way, patting his daughter on her arm. "I was just coming to ask, sweetheart, if you and your friends will need a ride to the palace."

"My husband and I can make sure they get to the Palace safely, sir," said Lavinia with a friendly smile.

"Oh." Count Sharra glanced at her. "Very kind of you and Mr. Jerome. Very well. Major, you come from a celebrated unit, I hear. Please excuse our family business. Well: I have had the pleasure of meeting your previous and present ambassadors, but not your acquaintance as well. Do you ride at all, young man? Hunting, polo, jumping, anything like that?"

As they were talking, the Shalumites were once again approached by Count Beroth, this time accompanied by a woman of roughly the same age, with a narrow face, slim arms and legs displayed somewhat by her crimson gown, a golden mask pushed up to reveal red lips and finely featured long boned face. Her body was sumptuous beneath her filmy crimson gown.

"Ah, my friends!" cried Beroth. "I told you, did I not, that I would introduce you to my wife, and here she is! My beauteous Countess, allow me to introduce Duke Harper, General Fleming...and Mr. Prime Minister, this is a great honour! Count Matthaias Beroth, Councillor of State to His Royal Majesty and Her Royal Majesty and my wife, Countess Ulla." he gazed upon her fondly. "Scion of the noble loins of Barak!"

"So enchanted, Prime Minister...Duke...General..." said Countess Beroth, bowing and smiling, her green eyes lighting up. "I have heard your reputations of course. I hope you have not found our little celebration dull, gentlemen..."

"Dull, haha!" barked Beroth. "How could it be dull in such brilliant company!"

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

New Edom

"How did you like the parade and the petitions?" asked Camilla brightly. "I hate to brag on things, but our Queen is so charming and so sweet, the kindest person ever. But don't let me put words in your mouth!"

Jaime thanked them and sat with the group, “The parade was magnificent. I do enjoy the uniforms of the Edomite soldiers, so very different then our own but so dashing. The petitions were interesting to be sure. I have become used to our own legal system and it is important to remember that I think. The queen is quite merciful, especially towards that man who, I heard rumor, came under false pretenses.”

He smiled and joked, “I don’t know that I could have been that patient. I guess it’s good that I’m not in that high position.”

"Papa, this is Major Salinas, from the attache's office at the Chacanoan embassy. He's a marine." said Countess Camilla, standing up and kissing his cheek, her crimson soft gown flowing like red water around her slim body. "Major this is my father, Count Sharra, our Minister of the Interior."

"Oh. How do you do Major?" said Count Sharra in a friendly way, patting his daughter on her arm. "I was just coming to ask, sweetheart, if you and your friends will need a ride to the palace."

When Count Sharra joined them Jaime stood and bowed, it was something that he was now doing out of reaction with any Edomite he met for fear of insulting them. He was also nervous that he was meeting the father of this girl that he had just decided he wanted to get to know, and that he was a man of such high stature in the government, “Sir, an honor to meet you.”

"Oh." Count Sharra glanced at her. "Very kind of you and Mr. Jerome. Very well. Major, you come from a celebrated unit, I hear. Please excuse our family business. Well: I have had the pleasure of meeting your previous and present ambassadors, but not your acquaintance as well. Do you ride at all, young man? Hunting, polo, jumping, anything like that?"

Jaime felt slightly embarrassed, he had no idea how to ride. It emphasized the difference of his background versus these new acquaintances, still he was determined to keep his bearing for the sake of the uniform he was wearing, “I’m afraid not sir, there are not many horses where I grew up in northern Chaco. The south has a large culture of riding sports, but where I am from the jungle is not good on their health I hear. I ran track in school and wrestled, and I do hunt but its more through boating on the rivers in the jungle. I started out in the riverine force and so I am more familiar with that setting sir.”

[McNernia]

The Blessing Ceremony
Pentecost Square
Padan, New Edom

---

If there was one thing that Frederick was, it was proctective of the woman he loved. Vanesstressa had become a fixture at court during the past few years as the Communists seemed to have gone to ground. People turned in guns and left the life. But now it was back to New Edom with the birth of the Prince it was speculated something was going to happen. And something always did happen. Vanesstressa had insisted on coming, and with her figure in that dress. Frederick knew that they would perhaps never be married. But then again, things changed. And so the prince and his lady had come along with their neice, the Princess Emily and Ambassador Hullar.

Upon the arrival of the plane that was carrying the Mcnernian party one thing had become apparent. The Ambassador seemed to want to go native. Looking at the people, he was having second thoughts above meeting the Prince and the Party.
“Im curious about the…”

“Think nothing of it Ambassador, do your duty for that is all that my brother is asking that we do here. Speak words of friendship and show the documentary perhaps…or we might merely mingle I suppose…”
Emily had seemed awestruck this was her first time visiting New Edom, her father had to be convinced to let her go on the plane again. Last time she had been on an airplane there had been the tragedy and then it had involved fighting monsters to get them back.

“I sure as hell hope this goes well Tress.” He said in the procession assemblage. And then it was sitting through the petitions. His brother was good at this and the Queen and King seemed to be good with that. Frederick looked at the assemblage.

“So many people, so much to be done.” Emily had been somewhat hesitant about going. Wondering if like the Nihonese though she had paid a visit to a Nifonese congregation the New Edomites would kill her on site. Mcnernian Royalty traveled with extensive security though the New Edomites had the Elwe and they were a lot like the Princess. Also, with Tressa things would be interesting. And things were oddly quiet at the ceremony. For the Mcnernians.

The beautiful dark-skinned woman with flame red hair and the prince in a uniform, the suited diplomat and the princess with the sweet face. They were not unimpressive, but they were Royalty all the same. The women wore the silk and near sheer gowns of their people, with the dark-skinned woman favoring the spider motif of her family. And very beautiful.

When they returned to the hotel Frederick and Emily went in search of the King and Queen. Hearing his speech, the two of them applauded, the Prince speaking up when the King had a moment. “Well said Your Majesty, May I introduce my niece princess Emily.” Hullar would go to seek out people arranging entertainment while Tressa went to look over the garden. And the Ambassador would ask. “its my understanding we are to show a documentary?”

[New Edom]

The Majestic Hotel

When they returned to the hotel Frederick and Emily went in search of the King and Queen. Hearing his speech, the two of them applauded, the Prince speaking up when the King had a moment. “Well said Your Majesty, May I introduce my niece princess Emily.” Hullar would go to seek out people arranging entertainment while Tressa went to look over the garden. And the Ambassador would ask. “its my understanding we are to show a documentary?”

"Prince Frederick, how nice to see you again," said the King. "Princess Emily. I am sure, Prince Frederick, that you know Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain..." he also introduced other royals of rank who were sitting nearby. "Please be welcome, sit down and have something refreshing."

Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain remembered the McNernian Prince from Hutanjia, but it now felt like it had taken place 20 years ago, so much had happened since then. He smiled in a friendly way.

Princess Desiree, his wife, was also present, and was wearing a golden mask and crimson gown, but the mask was raised up to present her more Cornellian features. She was not precisely beautiful, since she had a rather long features, jutting chin, large ears, but she was striking, warm hearted and friendly.

"What documentary film is this?" asked Princess Desiree in her Gavinian accented Latin.

"It is apparently about the Anarchist Uprising," said Prince Enoch kindly to her.

"Ah yes. Your people were very good allies during that crisis," said the King gravely. "We were in a fragile state at that time."

"Isn't it a bit...grim material for a birthday party?" asked Prince Silas, who was sitting nearby.

Prince Enoch smiled. "This is a Baran birthday party. The feast tonight will be more...grim...than any movie."

"Our God is the God of Behemoth and Leviathan," said the King. "We will see the film."

---

Major Salinas said, “Sir, an honor to meet you.”

In response to the Count's question, he replied, “I’m afraid not sir, there are not many horses where I grew up in northern Chaco. The south has a large culture of riding sports, but where I am from the jungle is not good on their health I hear. I ran track in school and wrestled, and I do hunt but its more through boating on the rivers in the jungle. I started out in the riverine force and so I am more familiar with that setting sir.”

"It's all jungle there, Papa, of course he doesn't," said Camilla shaking her head at her father.

"Ah yes, that part of Chaco!" cried Count Sharra. "Many species of medicinal plants, many rivers and marshes. An interesting place. Home of caimans and the Ayacan species of Capybara. The King would be interested to hear more about them, perhaps see some specimens. I'm afraid I know little about the region other than what I have read in reports and seen in a documentary or two. Well, Major, I hope we can talk more of this, I must be on my way." he extended a cheek for his daughter to kiss, nodded to the other ladies and strolled off.

"He is so kind, my father," said Camilla, "But so very busy. Did you grow up boating, Major? I've done some of that but it has mostly been on the sea, and...well I hardly crewed anything! But I went deep sea fishing a few times, for fun. I never caught anything really."

"You caught a grouper that time," said Olympia.

"Oh no I did not! That was with my brother doing all the work and him guiding my arms, but it was fun," said Camilla. "But you weren't boating on the sea though..."

"I think that they call that brown water navy," said Lavinia vaguely with a smile. "No offense, Major, that always sounds nasty to me..."

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

New Edom

"Ah yes, that part of Chaco!" cried Count Sharra. "Many species of medicinal plants, many rivers and marshes. An interesting place. Home of caimans and the Ayacan species of Capybara. The King would be interested to hear more about them, perhaps see some specimens. I'm afraid I know little about the region other than what I have read in reports and seen in a documentary or two.

“Yes sir, we do have all of those things. I used to see caiman and capybara both when I was on training exercises or patrol.” Jaime informed him.

Well, Major, I hope we can talk more of this, I must be on my way." he extended a cheek for his daughter to kiss, nodded to the other ladies and strolled off.

“It would be my pleasure sir.” Jaime felt a mix of relief and pride as the man walked away. He hadn’t made a fool of himself it seemed, but the pressure was off slightly. He turned to Camilla and smiled as she spoke. She seemed so youthful and pretty, without the airs that he had thought came with nobility.

"He is so kind, my father," said Camilla, "But so very busy. Did you grow up boating, Major? I've done some of that but it has mostly been on the sea, and...well I hardly crewed anything! But I went deep sea fishing a few times, for fun. I never caught anything really."

“Your father was very kind to me. In all honesty I have never spoken to people of such rank until today and it has me a bit… how do I say it in Latin…surprised? Uh… I mean I did not expect to be in their presence. Yours included Countess” He grinned and answered her question, “I did in a way, I grew up outside the city of Arica on the northern coast, I did not have a boat but I had friends that did. I used to spend a good amount of free time during the summer at the beach or on the water. We would go camping and hunting in the interior but summer months are just too hot to do that for fun, you feel stifled.”

"You caught a grouper that time," said Olympia.

"Oh no I did not! That was with my brother doing all the work and him guiding my arms, but it was fun," said Camilla. "But you weren't boating on the sea though..."

Jaime enjoyed the talk of deep sea fishing, “Well the catch is under your name Countess, I think you should claim it! And anyways everyone needs assistance when they are learning. Don’t discount your success.”

"Oh no I did not! That was with my brother doing all the work and him guiding my arms, but it was fun," said Camilla. "But you weren't boating on the sea though..."

"I think that they call that brown water navy," said Lavinia vaguely with a smile. "No offense, Major, that always sounds nasty to me..."

Jaime laughed at the comment on the brown water navy, “Yes ma’am I was on the river a lot in the marines but most of my riverine activity came when I joined the military. I am part of what we call the Landing Brigade now, and they are the blue water marines, but it is true I was brown water most of my career. As for the name, that is true it does not sound appealing, but jungle rivers are nasty looking in general. Plus, river marines have a worse nickname that we wear with pride. They call us the ‘River Rats’ from the old days. On its face it is not a nice sounding name, but we keep it with pride to honor the Marine Light Infantry and their history.”

Turning to Camilla he asked her, “Where did you grow up? What are your hobbies?”

[New Edom]

Major Salinas, Majestic Hotel

“Your father was very kind to me. In all honesty I have never spoken to people of such rank until today and it has me a bit… how do I say it in Latin…surprised? Uh… I mean I did not expect to be in their presence. Yours included Countess”

"You are surprised you encountered persons of high station at the Queen's Birthday?" said Countess Olympia with a smile.

He grinned and answered Camilla's question, “I did in a way, I grew up outside the city of Arica on the northern coast, I did not have a boat but I had friends that did. I used to spend a good amount of free time during the summer at the beach or on the water. We would go camping and hunting in the interior but summer months are just too hot to do that for fun, you feel stifled.”

"it does get muggy in some parts of New Edom, but not so much around here," said Lavinia

"The beach tough, the beach is very nice," agreed Camilla. "It is funny, isn't it that so many people love the beach. But then we human beings can bring sunscreen, hats, blankets and refreshments!"

Jaime seemed to enjoy the talk of deep sea fishing, “Well the catch is under your name Countess, I think you should claim it! And anyways everyone needs assistance when they are learning. Don’t discount your success.”

Camilla laughed. "It was fun, not success. It was like when you're a little kid and you dance on top of someone else's shoes and they tell you what a great dancer you are. It was fun with my brother. Very fun, but to be honest i enjoyed just being spoiled and being a passenger."

Jaime laughed at the comment on the brown water navy, “Yes ma’am I was on the river a lot in the marines but most of my riverine activity came when I joined the military. I am part of what we call the Landing Brigade now, and they are the blue water marines, but it is true I was brown water most of my career. As for the name, that is true it does not sound appealing, but jungle rivers are nasty looking in general. Plus, river marines have a worse nickname that we wear with pride. They call us the ‘River Rats’ from the old days. On its face it is not a nice sounding name, but we keep it with pride to honor the Marine Light Infantry and their history.”

"River Rats! Hardly the most glamorous of names! I almost picture you all crouching by a bank among the reeds with your paws up and twitching your whiskers!" laughed Lavinia. "Why is that, that men like to sometimes make jokes about their courage and comradeship?"

"It's because they live with it day in and day out, honey," said Olympia with a smile. "My husband used to make jokes i n a similar way. he and his old friends had all these silly nicknames for one another, and then he'd tell me how reliable they were, what good comrades they were. We certainly are different, we men and women," her eyes and smile suggesting she found this perfectly acceptable.

Turning to Camilla he asked her, “Where did you grow up? What are your hobbies?”

"Oh, I'm a country girl, I grew up at our home which is between Benjamin and Fineberg," said Camilla. "A number of Papa and Mama's friends live around there, and Mama's father, my grandpapa, he often hosted all these parties around there. I can still remember them, getting together in late spring and early fall as a little girl, everyone gathering around and all of us singing old songs. I was a child and didn't know what all of them meant, and sometimes what I thought when a kid was totally different! Oh you would have laughed at me, I thought for instance that we were singing a song about a bear named Gladly when we sang "gladly the Cross I'd bear..." her friends giggled.

"You're so literal sometimes, Camilla," agreed Olympia affectionately. "She used to literally think that she could not stop doing laps when we were at school until the whistle blew even though it was free time."

"Well, we were both too lazy to keep running," laughed Lavinia.

Camilla's cheeks coloured "I thought it was the same as at gym time! What I love, Major, more than anything is playing tennis and hanging out with my family. Well I like lots of things but those things most. I still have a kind of shrine..." she blushed and crossed herself, "That's not the right word, but anyway, to all the tennis stars in the Region I love best. I think I am happiest either surrounded by family or on a tennis court. What about you? I mean I know that my brother doesn't just love service, he is devoted but he also loves polo for example..."

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

New Edom


"You are surprised you encountered persons of high station at the Queen's Birthday?" said Countess Olympia with a smile.

Jaime laughed at the statement, “Well that’s true isn’t it. I suppose I should feel silly then. I think what I mean is this, I am not used to such parties, and I don’t think the diplomats and the minister would be overly pleased that I have spoken directly with men of stature like your father. I also bumbled into a brief conversation with an emperor without recognizing him and I’m sure that they would disapprove of that as well.”

"River Rats! Hardly the most glamorous of names! I almost picture you all crouching by a bank among the reeds with your paws up and twitching your whiskers!" laughed Lavinia. "Why is that, that men like to sometimes make jokes about their courage and comradeship?"

"It's because they live with it day in and day out, honey," said Olympia with a smile. "My husband used to make jokes i n a similar way. he and his old friends had all these silly nicknames for one another, and then he'd tell me how reliable they were, what good comrades they were. We certainly are different, we men and women," her eyes and smile suggesting she found this perfectly acceptable.

“Yes that is true, that speech is common among us. Though if you were to see me after a long patrol on a CB90 you might think that I looked like a waterlogged rat, especially if we had to do a shore landing. We tend to come back filthy, wet, and sweaty. That river water can stink too in the jungle.” Jaime mused.

"Oh, I'm a country girl, I grew up at our home which is between Benjamin and Fineberg," said Camilla. "A number of Papa and Mama's friends live around there, and Mama's father, my grandpapa, he often hosted all these parties around there. I can still remember them, getting together in late spring and early fall as a little girl, everyone gathering around and all of us singing old songs. I was a child and didn't know what all of them meant, and sometimes what I thought when a kid was totally different! Oh, you would have laughed at me, I thought for instance that we were singing a song about a bear named Gladly when we sang "gladly the Cross I'd bear..." her friends giggled.

"You're so literal sometimes, Camilla," agreed Olympia affectionately. "She used to literally think that she could not stop doing laps when we were at school until the whistle blew even though it was free time."

"Well, we were both too lazy to keep running," laughed Lavinia.

Camilla's cheeks coloured "I thought it was the same as at gym time! What I love, Major, more than anything is playing tennis and hanging out with my family. Well I like lots of things but those things most. I still have a kind of shrine..." she blushed and crossed herself, "That's not the right word, but anyway, to all the tennis stars in the Region I love best. I think I am happiest either surrounded by family or on a tennis court. What about you? I mean I know that my brother doesn't just love service, he is devoted but he also loves polo for example..."

Jaime listened to them banter back and forth with a grin on his face. He was happy to find some relaxed company that was purely having a good time. He was very thankful to the Brigadier for dismissing him for the time being. These girls were making the trip worth it so far. He had expectations that it would be several days of formal duty and had dreaded it. Now he found himself staring at Camilla, she seemed like a sweetheart. Not like how Edomites were depicted on TV and not how he had expected a young girl from wealth to act. “Well the running is a good thing, I ran cross country in high school and college, and your home sounds beautiful. Family is an important thing. So you’re an athlete? That’s wonderful and tennis is a great sport. I have played with some friends though I’m not very good. I ran in school and I wrestled competitively in high school and college as well. Though now I think if I had my way id stick to something that can be played in a friendlier environment like volleyball. I think if I had to pick a hobby it might be hiking now. It is something that I can do in any deployment and it keeps my endurance up.”