Of Desert Lionesses and Sand Raptors (Closed)

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Thanks for the information, Khan, replies Anaximander to Adil. I admit, I'm curious about who this Mario Legato is.
-You don't know? asks Pavel, before adopting a voice higher pitched, a specific voice that all Nintendo fans will recognize. It's me, Mario! Here we go! says the male Colonel before starting to sing the first notes of the famous Super Mario Bros theme, causing his wife and friends to erupt in laughter.
-Indeed, I didn't think of that, replies the Emperor. Good job on this one Pavel.
-Joke aside, I wonder too who he is, adds Anna with a thoughtful look. I don't remember this name appearing in any of the files we were given.
-Don't worry, we'll know it, answers Pavel with a reassuring smile. Now, Anax, about the attitude we should adopt? he asks to his friend.
-Well, replies Anax as he looks to his wife and colleagues, whose eyes are only focused on him, with the nobles and politicians, play it cool. Polite, friendly, you know the drill. I suppose we have a reputation of being somewhat agressive because of our soldier's background, so try to defuse that. I'm not saying that you must be a doormat, though.
Otherwise, keep in mind that some of them may have hidden agendas, so be careful on what you say and how you behave. I made some mistakes with Jamkiya this morning, don't repeat them.
-Understood, says Alicia. What about the businessmen?
-Well, this might be more tricky, especially since our two countries do not have the same policies. My instincts tell me it might get fishy, so extreme caution on this one. Especially with Faris. I don't have to remind yout that the Agency provided us with records as long as my arm, he adds as he scales his right arm with his hand to illustrate his phrase.
But otherwise, same as the rest of the guests. We're here for diplomatic purposes, not military ones.
-Right, that would be more Yuri's forte, says Anna with a small chuckle.
Before Anaximander can reply to his wife's comment, the first guitar notes of Big Iron, by Marty Robbins, are heard coming from the Emperor's vest left side. He takes out his phone, and presses the answer button before putting the cell to his ear, while mouthing to the people present : When you speak of the Devil...
"Hey Yuri, what's up mah man? he asks on a joyous tone... Yeah, I'm good, my back doesn't hurt much, I just don't have to make brutal moves... Yeah, we're currently wqiting for the food to be served. We received some gifts, we gave ours, and I told them what I had on my heart about the situation. Althugh I have to tell you, I used you words, and our host didn't appreciate it too much, more because it was me that used it... Uh uh, yeah, I know I shouldn't have done that, replies the Emperor with a chuckle.
So what's the matter?... Oh really? I'm glas to know that. If you can make it for the end, that would be good.... Nah, don't worry, your Service Uniform will be fine. Just remember to wear something over it, you know nights can be cold here.... All right, I'll ask for the preparations. See you later Alligator! And don't break your hammock with Patricia! finishes Anax with a small laugh before hanging up.
-So, what's new? asks Pavel as he raises his glass to take a sip, then looks inside and sees that's it's already empty.
-Since the C-17 crew managed to find favorable air streams, They're bound to arrive earlier than planned, at 11.30pm instead of 1.30-2.00am. Sultana, asks Anax as he turns his head to Razia, can you please advise your staff about it? Also, he sends you his best regards, along with Patricia, and is pleased to meet you soon. I know that this may seem hard to believe, especially with what I've said earlier, but you know that a lot of things can change in three month, he adds with a small smile. Pavel, correct me of I'm wrong, but I suppose you wouldn't say no to another glass of water, no?
-Well, it's not my fault if it's so damn hot! exclaims Pavel with a small chuckle. Seriously, I think someone should bring a jug, instead of glass after glass."

[Kyrenaia]

"Thanks for the information, Khan, replies Anaximander to Adil. I admit, I'm curious about who this Mario Legato is.
-You don't know? asks Pavel, before adopting a voice higher pitched, a specific voice that all Nintendo fans will recognize. It's me, Mario! Here we go! says the male Colonel before starting to sing the first notes of the famous Super Mario Bros theme, causing his wife and friends to erupt in laughter.
-Indeed, I didn't think of that, replies the Emperor. Good job on this one Pavel.
-Joke aside, I wonder too who he is, adds Anna with a thoughtful look. I don't remember this name appearing in any of the files we were given.
-Don't worry, we'll know it, answers Pavel with a reassuring smile. Now, Anax, about the attitude we should adopt? he asks to his friend.
-Well, replies Anax as he looks to his wife and colleagues, whose eyes are only focused on him, with the nobles and politicians, play it cool. Polite, friendly, you know the drill. I suppose we have a reputation of being somewhat agressive because of our soldier's background, so try to defuse that. I'm not saying that you must be a doormat, though.
Otherwise, keep in mind that some of them may have hidden agendas, so be careful on what you say and how you behave. I made some mistakes with Jamkiya this morning, don't repeat them.
-Understood, says Alicia. What about the businessmen?
-Well, this might be more tricky, especially since our two countries do not have the same policies. My instincts tell me it might get fishy, so extreme caution on this one. Especially with Faris. I don't have to remind yout that the Agency provided us with records as long as my arm, he adds as he scales his right arm with his hand to illustrate his phrase.
But otherwise, same as the rest of the guests. We're here for diplomatic purposes, not military ones.
-Right, that would be more Yuri's forte, says Anna with a small chuckle.
Before Anaximander can reply to his wife's comment, the first guitar notes of Big Iron, by Marty Robbins, are heard coming from the Emperor's vest left side. He takes out his phone, and presses the answer button before putting the cell to his ear, while mouthing to the people present : When you speak of the Devil...
"Hey Yuri, what's up mah man? he asks on a joyous tone... Yeah, I'm good, my back doesn't hurt much, I just don't have to make brutal moves... Yeah, we're currently wqiting for the food to be served. We received some gifts, we gave ours, and I told them what I had on my heart about the situation. Althugh I have to tell you, I used you words, and our host didn't appreciate it too much, more because it was me that used it... Uh uh, yeah, I know I shouldn't have done that, replies the Emperor with a chuckle.
So what's the matter?... Oh really? I'm glas to know that. If you can make it for the end, that would be good.... Nah, don't worry, your Service Uniform will be fine. Just remember to wear something over it, you know nights can be cold here.... All right, I'll ask for the preparations. See you later Alligator! And don't break your hammock with Patricia! finishes Anax with a small laugh before hanging up.
-So, what's new? asks Pavel as he raises his glass to take a sip, then looks inside and sees that's it's already empty.
-Since the C-17 crew managed to find favorable air streams, They're bound to arrive earlier than planned, at 11.30pm instead of 1.30-2.00am. Sultana, asks Anax as he turns his head to Razia, can you please advise your staff about it? Also, he sends you his best regards, along with Patricia, and is pleased to meet you soon. I know that this may seem hard to believe, especially with what I've said earlier, but you know that a lot of things can change in three month, he adds with a small smile. Pavel, correct me of I'm wrong, but I suppose you wouldn't say no to another glass of water, no?
-Well, it's not my fault if it's so damn hot! exclaims Pavel with a small chuckle. Seriously, I think someone should bring a jug, instead of glass after glass."

Unbeknowst to the guest and their host, there was already a fighter escort approaching the plane, to make sure, that they safely arrived at the airport, where a Handmaiden and a car was already waiting for them. Rasha had changed the plan for the airport of arrival being the Utica Air Base, which had already been accounted for.
The Sultana nodded to a Handmaiden, which quickly ran off.
"It would be unwise to make fun of Mister Legato.", al-Zahir said with clear disdain in his voice, "Both here and anywhere. He is the Ambassador of the Confederated City States of Lutetii in Kyrenaia, a power you have yet to meet. And a power it is... mostly due to its gigantic merchant navy and industry, but a power nonetheless."
"In general, you should treat both him and Mister Caomhnaigh equally good. They are fine gentlemen.", the Sultana added, "And open-minded, so don't believe, that you have yet to make a bad reputation with them... if We were you, We would watch out for Miss Bunr, Captain Jamkiya and Princess Dschamilla. Fadwa, to you, will be the least of any problems." She let a beat pass. "And We wouldn't trust that 'Agency' of yours with any records they found about her."
A Handmaiden came to the Sultana and whispered something to her.
"Thank you, my Dear.", the Sultana replied to the young woman, who bowed. Then, the Sultana turned to the assembly: "Dinner is ready to be served. A favourite... Samke Harrar."
"Oh, Mahmut's going to have a romantic dinner with someone!", Adil said, glancing to the Grand Vizier, who nodded with pride.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

When al-Zahir states that it would be unwise to make fun of Mario Legato, Anaximander can't help but roll his eyes and mutter
"Geez, if you can't even make a joke..."
-We understand that we have to be careful around Captain Jamkiya, replies the Empress. He's a spy, and likely to still have listening devices like this morning.
-True, says Alicia. About Princess Dschamilla, I'm curious to see for real her interactions with Aurelia, since the small disagreements between the both of them are famous,
-If you consider that she's been in political sheres for quite some time, replis Pavel as he strokes his chin, she'll not let it show on her face.
-Indeed, continues the Emperor, that would fun to try and observe.
Now, as for your opinion about the Central Intelligence Agency, Razia Sultana, he adds while looking to the Kyrenaian monarch with a very serious face, and accentuating her title, I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I would ask you to keep your opinion to yourself. I don't tell you how to handle the Chandshar, so you don't tell us how to handle our intelligence services. Understood? They may have made some errors in the past, but most of their judgments have usually been very accurate.
Now, Samke Harrar, that's a dish I've been wanting to try since we arrived here. Pass our thanks to the cooks for having the good idea to prepare that, he says with a smile, a complete opposite to what he was a few seconds ago.


Meanwhile, 1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba, 30000ft
Although the original flight plan predicted that the C-17 Globemaster of the Imperial Guard Aviation would make the trip in around 12 hours, favorable winds in the upper troposphere allowed the transport aircraft to reach near-supersonic speeds, reducing the flight time by at least three hours, and maybe still shortening it more.
After having refueled in the air, thanks to a Boeing KC-135 who came from Diego Garcia, the pilot, Captain Morgan E. Dotkis, and his co-pilot Lieutenant Walther B. Zoriak (an African-American), are currently preparing to contact the Onoba Approach Control, when Lieutenant Colonel Yuri Petrenko, a tall Caucasian man of 2.02m, with grey eyes, brown hair, and a slightly tanned skin, enters the cockpit.
"So, what's up Guys? asks the commanding officer of Alpha Two.
-Well, Sir, replies Walther, we were just going to contact Onoba. If the winds continue to be this favorable to us, we might even beat the arrival time you told their Majesties.
-Good, good, replies the Personal Guard of the Emperor as he sits on the left rear seat near the door. If my wife and I can get to the concert that is supposed to take place, that would be great.
-How is the Emperor, by the way? asks Morgan. Is everything all right with his back?
-Yeah, don't worry about it, he told me he'll be fine, although I hope he didn't force too much on the hips, like the Sultana's physician told him, he adds with a small chuckle, soon joined by the two pilots. But I'm sure he'll find a way to give Anna some good time.
-Yeah, what kind of husband would he be if he didn't? jokes Morgan before checking that the Obana Approach radio frequency is punched correctly in the computer, then checking the plane's transponder quickly before speaking in his headset's microphone.
"Good evening Onoba Approach, this is India Golf Alpha Tango 12/654, a C-17 departed from Miami going to Ilkhan Dshafar Regional Airport, we are about one hour and a half from your infrastrutures, bearing 320° at 30000ft. Do you copy, over?
It should be noted, that like the Imperials in Utica, the crew and the Alpha Two Leaders were unaware of the change of destination that would be notified to them.

[Kyrenaia]

When al-Zahir states that it would be unwise to make fun of Mario Legato, Anaximander can't help but roll his eyes and mutter
"Geez, if you can't even make a joke..."
-We understand that we have to be careful around Captain Jamkiya, replies the Empress. He's a spy, and likely to still have listening devices like this morning.
-True, says Alicia. About Princess Dschamilla, I'm curious to see for real her interactions with Aurelia, since the small disagreements between the both of them are famous,
-If you consider that she's been in political sheres for quite some time, replis Pavel as he strokes his chin, she'll not let it show on her face.
-Indeed, continues the Emperor, that would fun to try and observe.
Now, as for your opinion about the Central Intelligence Agency, Razia Sultana, he adds while looking to the Kyrenaian monarch with a very serious face, and accentuating her title, I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I would ask you to keep your opinion to yourself. I don't tell you how to handle the Chandshar, so you don't tell us how to handle our intelligence services. Understood? They may have made some errors in the past, but most of their judgments have usually been very accurate.
Now, Samke Harrar, that's a dish I've been wanting to try since we arrived here. Pass our thanks to the cooks for having the good idea to prepare that, he says with a smile, a complete opposite to what he was a few seconds ago.


Meanwhile, 1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba, 30000ft
Although the original flight plan predicted that the C-17 Globemaster of the Imperial Guard Aviation would make the trip in around 12 hours, favorable winds in the upper troposphere allowed the transport aircraft to reach near-supersonic speeds, reducing the flight time by at least three hours, and maybe still shortening it more.
After having refueled in the air, thanks to a Boeing KC-135 who came from Diego Garcia, the pilot, Captain Morgan E. Dotkis, and his co-pilot Lieutenant Walther B. Zoriak (an African-American), are currently preparing to contact the Onoba Approach Control, when Lieutenant Colonel Yuri Petrenko, a tall Caucasian man of 2.02m, with grey eyes, brown hair, and a slightly tanned skin, enters the cockpit.
"So, what's up Guys? asks the commanding officer of Alpha Two.
-Well, Sir, replies Walther, we were just going to contact Onoba. If the winds continue to be this favorable to us, we might even beat the arrival time you told their Majesties.
-Good, good, replies the Personal Guard of the Emperor as he sits on the left rear seat near the door. If my wife and I can get to the concert that is supposed to take place, that would be great.
-How is the Emperor, by the way? asks Morgan. Is everything all right with his back?
-Yeah, don't worry about it, he told me he'll be fine, although I hope he didn't force too much on the hips, like the Sultana's physician told him, he adds with a small chuckle, soon joined by the two pilots. But I'm sure he'll find a way to give Anna some good time.
-Yeah, what kind of husband would he be if he didn't? jokes Morgan before checking that the Obana Approach radio frequency is punched correctly in the computer, then checking the plane's transponder quickly before speaking in his headset's microphone.
"Good evening Onoba Approach, this is India Gold Alpha Tango 12/654, a C-17 departed from Miami going to Ilkhan Dshafar Regional Airport, we are about one hour and a half from your infrastrutures, bearing 320° at 30000ft. Do you copy, over?
It should be noted, that like the Imperials in Utica, the crew and the Alpha Two Leaders were unaware of the change of destination that would be notified to them.

Hall of the Sand Wolf.
"Child, there is a simple system in this world.", al-Zahir spoke, getting rather miffed at the Emperor and his mood-swings (which were not exactly a sign of a sane mind), "You gave a lot of opinion to the Sultana, from one head of state to the other - and yes, you insist, that it was not Emperor Anaximander, but Mister Blachkov speaking, yadda, yadda, yadda - she gives her opinion back. It would do you well to listen to those with more experience. So..." He rose on his seat. "...the system is simple: Either you can take the opinions and advices of others, or you shut it. In simple terms."
He let a beat pass.
"Besides, wasn't the CIA the bunch, that didn't even manage to find out, that Admiral Mawja was a woman until recently?", he added, "Not exactly speaking for their judgement being 'very accurate', now does it?"
He even made the air quotes and there was silence at that.
"Now, as for Dschamilla and Aurelia...", he said and a bit of pride entered his voice, "...do not expect them, whenever someone from the outside is even remotely near, to show their true faces. Both in combination and on their own. The Aurelia Prince Damir and the Sultana know differs very much from the Aurelia you know... she's even a different one from the one Duchess Marcella or Mister Qalb know." He grinned, only visible by the corners of his mouth and thus the beard going up. "And I can say with a bit of pride, that I taught them both."

1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba.
Of course, like many air controls, the Kyrenaian Air Control had a vast network of radar stations. They had detected the Globemaster a long time ago, while it was in aerial refuelling.
Now, two blips were coming closer rapidly and, on the frequency the pilot had used to contact Onoba Air Control, a gruff voice replied: "India Gold Alpha Tango 12/654, this is Hunter 4-6, one of the two Saqrs moving to your sides. Change heading to 1-1-5, altitude 1-5-0. You were redirected to Utica Air Base. Copy?"
One could not tell, whether or not the pilot was a man or a woman, but whatever it was, she was not happy as a clam.
Two multirole fighters set themselves in escorting positions at the wings of the Globemaster.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Hall of the Sand Wolf
Although Anaximander agreed with the Grand Vizier, at least to some extent, that did not mean he would obey al-Zahir's advice like a good child, as the older man had called him.
As he was about to reply, he is interrupted by his wife who calmly put her right hand on top of his left, before the Empress turns her head towards the Grand Vizier, with a straight face and gaze.
"You don't have to worry, Grand Vizier al-Zahir, declares the Empress in a serious tone, we gladly accept the advices of wiser people. However, that does not mean we have to nothing to say in return, especially when it comes to judging other intelligence agencies work. As we say: Each to his own business, and the cows will be guarded well.
-About this system you talk about, continues Pavel with the same tone as his friend, although it's still prevalent as of now, we have seen that more and more people do not abide by its rules anymore. Nowadays, young people often prefer to carve their own experiences, all the while while not forgetting the older teachings. But believe me when I tell you that if we have reached the position where we are right now, it's because we created our own occaions and rules. There is an old saying in Las Vegas that says : The only way to win, is to rig the game for yourself.
-As for the CIA's small mishap, finishes Alicia, when you consider that we didn't have any information about the Sultanate in the past, both because we didn't interact with each other and because you mostly kept to yourselves, I think it would be foolish to blame them too much."
For Anaximander, it was clear that his wife and friends had come to his rescue, signifying to al-Zahir to back off. So, having been looking at the table with his hands crossed under his chin, he simply mutters a small Spasibo (thanks in russian), before straightening his back and turning to Adil.
"Now that this matter is out of the way, I was wondering, Khan, if you could tell us more about how it is to handle a Khanate. Politics on a high level are always interesting to learn, but I'm also interested by how they are handled on a more local level."

1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba
As they wait for a reply from Onaba Traffic Approach, Walther sopts two blips on the radar, approaching rapidly.
"Guys, we have two Uniforms closing in fast on us. Looks like fighter jets.
- Check the IFF, replies Morgan, as his copilot types a few commands in the Identification, Friend or Foe panel, to send a signal to the two planes approaching.
-No answer, replies the African-American man after a few seconds, as nothing appeared on the small screen.
-Shit, that's not good, says Yuri just a few seconds before Hunter 4-6 voice resonates in their headsets, telling them of the change of plans.
-What the heck? asks the pilot as he turns to his colleague and the Alpha Two leader with disbelief on their faces. How was it that we were not told about that?
-I don't like this one bit, both this change of plans and their tone of voice. Well, if they want to take things like that, I'm happy to oblige. Let me handle this, he orders to the two airmen, before speaking in his headset microphone, in a quasi perfect Kyrenaian, only small traces of his American accent remaining.
"Hunter 4-6, this is Lieutenant Colonel Yuri Petrenko, Alpha Two -One ofthe Personal Guard of the Emperor, and passenger on this flight. I would like to know who was the person in your hierarchy that gave this order of changing our destinations. Also, I do not need to remind you that at this altitude, we burn less fuel than near the ground, and we can also glide longer if we have some engine failures. Since we're still a long way before reaching the shore, I hope you don't mind if we stay as we are. How copy?
-How the hell to you happen to speak Kyrenaian so smoothly? asks Morgan once his passenger has spoken.
-Secret training, replies Yuri with a small smirk. I have always been at ease with Arabic and Oriental languages, so learning this was not too much of a big challenge. Anyway, change the bearing to cape 115, and prepare the flares, just in case. By their tone of voice, just a small mishap and we can all go up in fumes, mutters the Lieutenant Colonel as he looks outside to the two fighters jets, who finished their half turn and are now flanking the Globemaster on both sides.

[Kyrenaia]

Hall of the Sand Wolf
Although Anaximander agreed with the Grand Vizier, at least to some extent, that did not mean he would obey al-Zahir's advice like a good child, as the older man had called him.
As he was about to reply, he is interrupted by his wife who calmly put her right hand on top of his left, before the Empress turns her head towards the Grand Vizier, with a straight face and gaze.
"You don't have to worry, Grand Vizier al-Zahir, declares the Empress in a serious tone, we gladly accept the advices of wiser people. However, that does not mean we have to nothing to say in return, especially when it comes to judging other intelligence agencies work. As we say: Each to his own business, and the cows will be guarded well.
-About this system you talk about, continues Pavel with the same tone as his friend, although it's still prevalent as of now, we have seen that more and more people do not abide by its rules anymore. Nowadays, young people often prefer to carve their own experiences, all the while while not forgetting the older teachings. But believe me when I tell you that if we have reached the position where we are right now, it's because we created our own occaions and rules. There is an old saying in Las Vegas that says : The only way to win, is to rig the game for yourself.
-As for the CIA's small mishap, finishes Alicia, when you consider that we didn't have any information about the Sultanate in the past, both because we didn't interact with each other and because you mostly kept to yourselves, I think it would be foolish to blame them too much."
For Anaximander, it was clear that his wife and friends had come to his rescue, signifying to al-Zahir to back off. So, having been looking at the table with his hands crossed under his chin, he simply mutters a small Spasibo (thanks in russian), before straightening his back and turning to Adil.
"Now that this matter is out of the way, I was wondering, Khan, if you could tell us more about how it is to handle a Khanate. Politics on a high level are always interesting to learn, but I'm also interested by how they are handled on a more local level."

1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba
As they wait for a reply from Onaba Traffic Approach, Walther sopts two blips on the radar, approaching rapidly.
"Guys, we have two Uniforms closing in fast on us. Looks like fighter jets.
- Check the IFF, replies Morgan, as his copilot types a few commands in the Identification, Friend or Foe panel, to send a signal to the two planes approaching.
-No answer, replies the African-American man after a few seconds, as nothing appeared on the small screen.
-Shit, that's not good, says Yuri just a few seconds before Hunter 4-6 voice resonates in their headsets, telling them of the change of plans.
-What the heck? asks the pilot as he turns to his colleague and the Alpha Two leader with disbelief on their faces. How was it that we were not told about that?
-I don't like this one bit, both this change of plans and their tone of voice. Well, if they want to take things like that, I'm happy to oblige. Let me handle this, he orders to the two airmen, before speaking in his headset microphone, in a quasi perfect Kyrenaian, only small traces of his American accent remaining.
"Hunter 4-6, this is Lieutenant Colonel Yuri Petrenko, Alpha Two -One ofthe Personal Guard of the Emperor, and passenger on this flight. I would like to know who was the person in your hierarchy that gave this order of changing our destinations. Also, I do not need to remind you that at this altitude, we burn less fuel than near the ground, and we can also glide longer if we have some engine failures. Since we're still a long way before reaching the shore, I hope you don't mind if we stay as we are. How copy?
-How the hell to you happen to speak Kyrenaian so smoothly? asks Morgan once his passenger has spoken.
-Secret training, replies Yuri with a small smirk. I have always been at ease with Arabic and Oriental languages, so learning this was not too much of a big challenge. Anyway, change the bearing to cape 115, and prepare the flares, just in case. By their tone of voice, just a small mishap and we can all go up in fumes, mutters the Lieutenant Colonel as he looks outside to the two fighters jets, who finished their half turn and are now flanking the Globemaster on both sides.

Hall of the Sand Wolf.
Al-Zahir, realizing, that a bunch of children still wet behind their ears (in his eyes) were talking smack to him, broke out laughing.
He laughed loud and clear, before he turned to Pavel: "Child, 'Nowadays, young people often prefer to carve their own experiences, all the while while not forgetting the older teachings'? I might be an old codger in your eyes, but I was once young, too. I admit, that it was a while ago... but, from my own experiences, I can safely tell you... no. Yes, they want to make their own experiences, but they do, quite often, forget what you referred to as 'the older teachings'." Then turning to Alicia, he added: "And while you couldn't find out much about Kyrenaia with a google-search, I give you that much, there was still a lot of information available, publically, I might add. We did not 'keep to ourselves', as you put it, people just preferred to overlook it, when we were there, mainly because people tended to throw us into the same bowl as Muslim Terrorists because we look similar. And that's not even a joke."
He let a beat pass, turning to Anna.
"Anna-Shahbanou...", he said and shook his head, "When he spoke to me, my nephew compared you to his beloved Mother." That made a few eyebrows rise. "Quite frankly, I do not see anything of that. Amina bint-Walid, as I know her, would not have made such a... contradictory statement, especially not in defense of her husband. You say, that you accept the advice of wiser people, will be willingly hand it out yourself - and to be honest, that's not sarcasm, I look forward to it. That is nice and good. Yet, you do not wish to listen the advice of others in one particular regard because you believe, that we nothing to say about that?"
He gave a short, barking laugh.
"My dear, do you believe, I am where I am because I can hand out sagely advice and was a good dancer in my youth?", he asked, a glint entering his eyes, which was hard to define, "Think about it for a moment."

Adil motioned for Anax to not jump to his wife's aid, it would not help either of them, while he spoke: "Actually, I am quite convinced, that the administration at a lower level has many of the same challenges as administration at a higher level. For example, diplomacy: While I indeed can decide, that my Khanate needs a new highway, I have to coordinate with my peers, for a highway running straight through Jabal is only of limited use, even within Jabal. So I have to make plans with my peers as to where this new highway connects with the highways in other Khanates and in territories immediate to the Ilkhanate and maybe even in other Ilkhanates as well."
He shrugged.
"And that does not even mention the dancing on raw eggs, that is tax policy!", he said with a frown and Amina gave a sagely nod.

1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba.
While Yuri had learned Kyrenaian, he had learned School Kyrenaian, the Language one usually threw into the bin the moment one left the school building (and sometimes even before). Not even the Court spoke in that language.
His reply, by a clearly amused Hunter 4-6 was in Kyrenaian as well, but in Street Kyrenaian, almost a different language altogether, spoken with clear mirth: "I believe, we would be both better served to continue in English, Mister Petrenko, for your Kyrenaian works well for a teacher, not for a conversation. As for the one ordering this change of plans, you'd have to file a complaint with the Foreign Office, the Utica Air Traffic Control, the Lady-Commander of the Armies of the Five Deserts and Rakhis Airlines Limited, one of which's planes broke its landing wheels on Dschafar Regional and thus made a mess out of all flight plans."
A beat passed.
"Also, I am aware of fuel consumption being lower, but you will change altitude. You were assigned a new air traffic corridor.", the pilot added, "If you want to smash into another plane, be my guest, I don't give a damn about you, but I guess, it would leave your boyfriend rather miffed."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Clearly unimpressed by the Grand Vizier laugh, and quite frankly pissed by it, Pavel and Alicia look at each other with a small chuckle.
The old man clearly doesn't know when to shut up says the male Colonel's eyes to his wife's, who answer with a small nod.
Anna, meanwhile, raises an eyebrow at al-Zahir comparison between her and Amina Ilkhana Being compared to a woman who is depressive and struck with cancer is not what I call a compliment, thinks the Empress for a quick second, before speaking:
"I'll answer your question with a simple word, Grand Vizier: Yes,I do not wish to listen to the advice of other people about this precise topic. And..." her sentence is interrupted by a shattering sound coming from her right...

Anaximander, who had been listening to Adil with only one ear, was following the Khan's advice to not help his wife, although that didn't sit well with him. So, in order to release some tension, he was tighttening his grip on his glass, so much that some of his knuckles were strating to turn white.
-Indeed, both levels face the same challenges at one point or the other, replies the Emperor with a smile. About tax policy, I admit that even I still get lost at times."
However, before he can continue, the inevitable happens. His glass, not able to withstand the pressure inflicted by the Emperor's left hand, shatters. Fortunately, Anax has the reflex to stop his fist from closing brutally, avoiding shards to lodge themselves into his hand.
-Honey, are you alright? asks Anna who takes his hand into her owns and looks at it worriedly.
-Yeah, don't worry, I'm fine, replies Anax before looking at Razia with an aplogetic smile. Sorry about that.
Pavel, meanwhile, has been looking at the Grand Vizier with nothing but hardness in his eyes, his gaze carrying a very clear message: I hope you're happy. Now stop this at once, unless you're too deaf to have heard Anax saying that the matter was closed.

1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba
Yuri, although having learned mostly School Kyrenaian, had also some good basics in Street Kyrenaian. However, the first introduction of the two Saqrs pilots did not put him in the best of moods, and the latest answer was for him outright mockery, if only for the small comment about his superior and friend at the end of his sentence.
So, with determination in his voice, the male Imperial Guard replies in Kyrenaian again:
"Listen to me well, dipshit. If you think you're the smartest one here because of your wits, know that it won't work with me. I can handle Kyrenaian just fine, and I'm not going to back down just because I have some diffulty with the more familiar forms. Capiche? he says before taking his headset off his head and going back into the cargo hold of the C-17.
"I'm going to take a small nap, he says to Morgan and Walther. If I have to deal with anymore of this shit before we've even touched ground, I'm gonna make a second Abottabad when we touch ground. See you later guys! he finishes before going back to his hammock, and settling in it, while his wife Patricia, a tall woman of 1.85 meters, with short brown hair, turquoise green eyes, and a tanned skin (making her having a strong resemblance to Ymir from SNK), is already asleep in another, with Staff Sergeant Wilkinson, the C-17 loadmaster, is watching a movie on a laptop in a corner.
- India Golf Alpha Tango 12/654, going to Level 1-5-0, announces Morgan over the radio as he pushes the joystick forward to put the plane in descent.

[Kyrenaia]

Clearly unimpressed by the Grand Vizier laugh, and quite frankly pissed by it, Pavel and Alicia look at each other with a small chuckle.
The old man clearly doesn't know when to shut up says the male Colonel's eyes to his wife's, who answer with a small nod.
Anna, meanwhile, raises an eyebrow at al-Zahir comparison between her and Amina Ilkhana Being compared to a woman who is depressive and struck with cancer is not what I call a compliment, thinks the Empress for a quick second, before speaking:
"I'll answer your question with a simple word, Grand Vizier: Yes,I do not wish to listen to the advice of other people about this precise topic. And..." her sentence is interrupted by a shattering sound coming from her right...

Anaximander, who had been listening to Adil with only one ear, was following the Khan's advice to not help his wife, although that didn't sit well with him. So, in order to release some tension, he was tighttening his grip on his glass, so much that some of his knuckles were strating to turn white.
-Indeed, both levels face the same challenges at one point or the other, replies the Emperor with a smile. About tax policy, I admit that even I still get lost at times."
However, before he can continue, the inevitable happens. His glass, not able to withstand the pressure inflicted by the Emperor's left hand, shatters. Fortunately, Anax has the reflex to stop his fist from closing brutally, avoiding shards to lodge themselves into his hand.
-Honey, are you alright? asks Anna who takes his hand into her owns and looks at it worriedly.
-Yeah, don't worry, I'm fine, replies Anax before looking at Razia with an aplogetic smile. Sorry about that.
Pavel, meanwhile, has been looking at the Grand Vizier with nothing but hardness in his eyes, his gaze carrying a very clear message: I hope you're happy. Now stop this at once, unless you're too deaf to have heard Anax saying that the matter was closed.

1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba
Yuri, although having learned mostly School Kyrenaian, had also some good basics in Street Kyrenaian. However, the first introduction of the two Saqrs pilots did not put him in the best of moods, and the latest answer was for him outright mockery, if only for the small comment about his superior and friend at the end of his sentence.
So, with determination in his voice, the male Imperial Guard replies in Kyrenaian again:
"Listen to me well, dipshit. If you think you're the smartest one here because of your wits, know that it won't work with me. I can handle Kyrenaian just fine, and I'm not going to back down just because I have some diffulty with the more familiar forms. Capiche? he says before taking his headset off his head and going back into the cargo hold of the C-17.
"I'm going to take a small nap, he says to Morgan and Walther. If I have to deal with anymore of this shit before we've even touched ground, I'm gonna make a second Abottabad when we touch ground. See you later guys! he finishes before going back to his hammock, and settling in it, while his wife Patricia, a tall woman of 1.85 meters, with short brown hair, turquoise green eyes, and a tanned skin (making her having a strong resemblance to Ymir from SNK), is already asleep in another, with Staff Sergeant Wilkinson, the C-17 loadmaster, is watching a movie on a laptop in a corner.
- India Golf Alpha Tango 12/654, going to Level 1-5-0, announces Morgan over the radio as he pushes the joystick forward to put the plane in descent.

Hall of the Sand Wolf.
Adil shook his head, as if he rued the loss of the glass - quite on the contrary, his gesture was more directed at Pavel: Do not continue.
The Grand Vizier replied to Pavel's frown with a small, barely noticeable smile, which spoke quite a bit as well: I do not need to continue. I already won, child. As if as an afterthought, he glanced over to the Sultana. Besides, the only one, who can declare a matter closed at this table is not your Emperor. It's her.
The Sultana did not move a muscle in her face, having listened with, if she was honest, quite a lot of interest. It was known, that al-Zahir, while for defrosting of the relationship, had been against a state visit this soon - and that he did not like the Emperor and the Empress on a personal level was just the icing on the cake.
"Now, let's leave it at both sides having their points.", the Sultana said diplomatically - and then, the matter was closed. Who had more points and who had less was up for interpretation. If she was honest, she could guess, which sides believed they had won and the answer was simple: Neither. She had won. "Mahmut, did the Young Prince really compare her to Amina?"
"He sure did.", the Grand Vizier said with a nod, smiling slightly, "As for the mentioned reasons, I do not see, how Amina and Anna-Shahbanou are even remotely similar, but here we are... he compared her to his Beloved Mother."
The Sultana nodded slowly, then turned to Anna.
"That is a huge honour.", she explained and wore a small smile, "Do not squander it."

1500 kilometers northwest of Onoba.
"See? Was it this hard?", the pilot of Hunter 4-6 spoke over the radio, not caring whether or not this would tick the Imperials off even more. There would be a complaint coming towards the commanding officer of this bunch anyway, and if that had to be their Emperor, then so be it - one did not talk to superior officers in that way. "Hunter 4-6 out."
While the rest of the flight would continue without interruption, now that they were in the right corridor on the right course, it was only up to the 'guests', whether or not something would happen. If their plane malfunctioned, if the pilot had anything more to say, all of that depended on them and not on Hunter 4-6.
As the flight continued, the two fighters stayed at the wingtips, their radars in passive mode and guided by the flight control.
They were scheduled to arrive by midnight.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"You know, Sultana, replies Anna with a neutral tone, it's good to know the Young Prince holds me in such esteem to compare me to his mother, but that's not something that is going to bother me sleeping at night. I wasn't born to compare myself to other people, that would be foolish. As long as I'm true to myself, I'm good."
As she finishes, Anax and Pavel can't help but chuckle a bit, fully understanding that Anna doesn't give a flying care about this comparison, and so do they.
-So, when is the food arriving? asks the male Colonel. I'm hungry, for the Spirit's sake!"

[Kyrenaia]

"You know, Sultana, replies Anna with a neutral tone, it's good to know the Young Prince holds me in such esteem to compare me to his mother, but that's not something that is going to bother me sleeping at night. I wasn't born to compare myself to other people, that would be foolish. As long as I'm true to myself, I'm good."
As she finishes, Anax and Pavel can't help but chuckle a bit, fully understanding that Anna doesn't give a flying care about this comparison, and so do they.
-So, when is the food arriving? asks the male Colonel. I'm hungry, for the Spirit's sake!"

The Sultana raised an eyebrow, ever so slightly.
"If that is your belief, Anna-Schahbanou, then that is your belief. I will not try to change that. To be honest, to some extend, I agree with it.", she explained, with a small smile, "Just be aware, that it is an honour, just like when you told your best friend as a kid, that her Mother cooked as good as yours."
Adil mumbled something in Kyrenaian, which even Yuri would not have understood, both due to the accent and due to the volume, only to receive a word from the Sultana, which basically translated to "Shush."
There were small smiles around the table, which could lead to the belief, that it was a humourous remark.
In any case, the Sultana, not minding the plea for food - it would come as soon as the cooks thought, that it was ready to be served and asking them when that was would be counter-productive - was, after those words, well aware, that the guest did not did not give a damn about the opinion of the Young Prince.
Something she should be aware would be told to him in her exact words, of not by Adil, Amana or the Sultana herself, then by her Uncle.
Said Uncle speaking: "While we are at the topic of children, may I inquire when the first Prince or Princess of the Empire is planned to see the light of the world?", he asked now completely the old codger again, a shift in masks wonderfully done, "To my knowledge, you have been married for years now, I imagine, that the people are growing impatient!"
The Sultana nodded.
"I know, that both Rasha and Ilia are under a bit of pressure to finally get their knots tied and to produce many lovely grandkids. Granted, I am one of the sources of that pressure, but details...", the old lady added, smiling as she waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

At the Sultana's answer, Anaximander and Anna raise an eyebrow and look at each other, their looks saying :What the Fuck did she just say?, agesture matched by their friends.
When the Grand Vizier comes to the topic concerning children, Anaximander looks at him with a look that could be described as whether bored, nonchalant, or contemptuous.
"You may inquire, Grand Vizier, but that does not mean we have to answer. Tthe problem with most moarchies nowadays is that they expect the newly wed Royal Couple to breed children like if you were a goddamn chicken in an industrial farm! Fortunately, I have too much respect for my wife to do that.
-We'll have children when we feel too, and that's not the time right now, continues Anna. For now, we plan first to finish our carrer as special ops, which will end in around seven to eight years, and then we'll see. Of course, this is subjected to change at any time. And don't worry, we have taken our precautions should something happen to us.
-Just to finish on the Empire's citizens, says the Emperor, they know better than to pressure their monarchs into something they don't want to, especially when it comes to private life."

[Kyrenaia]

At the Sultana's answer, Anaximander and Anna raise an eyebrow and look at each other, their looks saying :What the Fuck did she just say?, agesture matched by their friends.
When the Grand Vizier comes to the topic concerning children, Anaximander looks at him with a look that could be described as whether bored, nonchalant, or contemptuous.
"You may inquire, Grand Vizier, but that does not mean we have to answer. Tthe problem with most moarchies nowadays is that they expect the newly wed Royal Couple to breed children like if you were a goddamn chicken in an industrial farm! Fortunately, I have too much respect for my wife to do that.
-We'll have children when we feel too, and that's not the time right now, continues Anna. For now, we plan first to finish our carrer as special ops, which will end in around seven to eight years, and then we'll see. Of course, this is subjected to change at any time. And don't worry, we have taken our precautions should something happen to us.
-Just to finish on the Empire's citizens, says the Emperor, they know better than to pressure their monarchs into something they don't want to, especially when it comes to private life."

The Kyrenaians listened to the counters.
That the counters were spoken made nonsense out of the Emperor's first sentence, but if they were honest with themselves, they would do something similar.
They could get behind the first point quite easily, although one could argue, that having many children in a short succession was not a mark of disrespect towards the woman, but that was another story.
Anna's point about thinking of first focussing on her career instead of having children was mostly seen as leaving out a third option: Having both at the same time. Glances were thrown to the Sultana, who had an eyebrow raised, as if to say: Really, girl? Look towards your other side of the table, where there sits a Sultana, who had three children, while leading Kyrenaia through some of its darkest times - and did so successfully.
She would be the first to admit, though, that it was not for everyone.
"Of course you have your precautions, so have I, so has Khan Adil, so has Khan Samir... it's prudent. In your case, I would presume, it is that family strand of your with those tank-sports people, Shensha-Do, or however they call it, but that's irrelevant." The Sultana smiled as she let a beat pass. "What's more important, to quote my own mother 'Children come, when they want to come, not when we want them to come.'"
"Or in words, which might be less motherly and more metaphoric...", Amana said with a small smile, "...'On the football field, there are six parts of a game: Your Team of eleven people, the opposing team of eleven people, the ump, two goals and the ball. As long as someone shoots at one of the goals, someone will score.' - Mehmet Mudarib, Trainer of the Motya Football Club from 1999 to 2009, it's most glorious time."
"Allow me to counted with a quote for your consideration, Amana...", Adil said with a smile, "'Tackling is more beautiful then sex.' - Paul Ince, British Football Player and Trainer."
"Very true.", the Princess replied with a small smile, causing laughs and chuckles amongst the Kyrenaians due to the firm delivery.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

When Razia raises her eyebrow to Anna, the Empress can't help but have a small smirk creep to her lips.
You know Razia, right now, I'm more focused about banging my husband till he's out of ammo, and fighting for who's going to be on top., her gaze seems to say as she raises her eyebrows twice.
"You're completely wrong, Sultana, replies Anaximander with a small chuckle. Maho and Miho do not want the job, I already talked about that with them. As for the real precaution,s that's highly classified. And don't worry, your mother already told me that quote this afternoon.
-You know, Princess, says Alicia to Amana, tackling can also be the first part of sex. Ain't that right Honey? she asks to her husband with a suggestive smile.
-I don't see what you're talking about, replies Pavel with a small smirk, causing chuckles amongst his friends.

[Kyrenaia]

When Razia raises her eyebrow to Anna, the Empress can't help but have a small smirk creep to her lips.
You know Razia, right now, I'm more focused about banging my husband till he's out of ammo, and fighting for who's going to be on top., her gaze seems to say as she raises her eyebrows twice.
"You're completely wrong, Sultana, replies Anaximander with a small chuckle. Maho and Miho do not want the job, I already talked about that with them. As for the real precaution,s that's highly classified. And don't worry, your mother already told me that quote this afternoon.
-You know, Princess, says Alicia to Amana, tackling can also be the first part of sex. Ain't that right Honey? she asks to her husband with a suggestive smile.
-I don't see what you're talking about, replies Pavel with a small smirk, causing chuckles amongst his friends.

The Sultana threw back a small wink, grinning slightly, as if to say: That sounds awfully familiar. Let's not go into the details, there are children present!
As for the fact, that apparently Maho and Miho 'did not want the job', as they had put it... the Sultana doubted, that, if the need was present in any way, shape or form, that if the Empire or one of its delegates would ask, that they would most likely not jump at the opportunity, but would accept it. She concluded, that the highly classified real precaution the Emperor had mentioned was either a bluff or something he put all of his faith in.
Both were quite foreboding, if one asked Razia, who had a backup for the backup of the backup of the precaution.
She had no idea, what the real thing was.
It was Amana, who continued with a grin: "Oh, I know - it can also work as a sign of interest.", she said and grinned, "Although one has to has to be careful to not break anything... it's a tad-bit weird to tell someone in a hospital bed, where you brought him into due to literally breaking his leg in three places, that you like him." She shrugged. "Still got me first boyfriend, though, a long time ago."
"The boy, who's legs you broke?", Adil asked.
"Nope.", Amana said with a grin, "His nurse."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

Anna winks back to Razia with a small smirk, as if to say: Indeed, I have one next to me, and so do you., refering to Anaximander and Pavel.
It was good that the Sultana did not know the exact nature of the backup precaution the Imperial Couple had in place, because it's not easy to tell someone you have created frozen embryos with your gametes to use if you die.
"Well, says Pavel in reply to Amana's first sentence, it's usually why the act is carried in a bed, so that it can cushion your fall. I'm just saying.
-You seem well versed on the subject, Pavel, says the Emperor to his friend with a smirk.
-I could say the same thing to you man, replies the male Colonel with a matching smirk. May I ask why Anna is wearing her special neckerchief tonight, since she usually wears it only with casual clothes, and have it in her pocket or bag the rest of the time?
For all answer, Anax can't help but splutter with a blush, elicting a laugh from the Morozovs, while Anna simply looks down, her cheeks reddening a bit too.

[Kyrenaia]

Anna winks back to Razia with a small smirk, as if to say: Indeed, I have one next to me, and so do you., refering to Anaximander and Pavel.
It was good that the Sultana did not know the exact nature of the backup precaution the Imperial Couple had in place, because it's not easy to tell someone you have created frozen embryos with your gametes to use if you die.
"Well, says Pavel in reply to Amana's first sentence, it's usually why the act is carried in a bed, so that it can cushion your fall. I'm just saying.
-You seem well versed on the subject, Pavel, says the Emperor to his friend with a smirk.
-I could say the same thing to you man, replies the male Colonel with a matching smirk. May I ask why Anna is wearing her special neckerchief tonight, since she usually wears it only with casual clothes, and have it in her pocket or bag the rest of the time?
For all answer, Anax can't help but splutter with a blush, elicting a laugh from the Morozovs, while Anna simply looks down, her cheeks reddening a bit too.

The Sultana glanced to her side, where Pavel sat, then to her other, where Adil sat, then back at Anna. Her message being: Two children, believe me on that one...
A few moments later, the Kyrenaians either grinned, chuckled, or joined the Morozovs' laughs, the latter in Amana's case.
As all had calmed down, Amana slightly moved a lock of her white hair and revealed a hickey of her own, for but a moment, but still quite visible.
"Oh, I believe, that both forechecking and counterpressing are far more effective strategies then mere tackling. The bed might be under more strain, that is true, but it's much more fun...", Amana replied, trying to get attention away from the blushing couple - knowing, how bad it felt to be under such scrutiny, "...even if you stay at First Base."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

When she sees Amana's hickey, Anna raises an eyebrow.
"I approve of your words, Princess, declares the Empress with a small smile. But I think it's time we change subjects, otherwise the Mods are going to be all over us.
I was wondering, what's life like for a Khanate in exile? I don't think your grandfather, your father and you didn't spend the last decades twidling your thumbs, waiting for returning home, no? What tasks and jobs do you perform during this period of time?"

[Kyrenaia]

When she sees Amana's hickey, Anna raises an eyebrow.
"I approve of your words, Princess, declares the Empress with a small smile. But I think it's time we change subjects, otherwise the Mods are going to be all over us.
I was wondering, what's life like for a Khanate in exile? I don't think your grandfather, your father and you didn't spend the last decades twidling your thumbs, waiting for returning home, no? What tasks and jobs do you perform during this period of time?"

"Indeed, my father and his father didn't.", Amana said with a nod, "And my Uncles and Aunts didn't lean back either. My Uncle Adil..." She looked to the Khan Adil. "...not you, sorry." The Khan smiled and nodded. "Anyway, Uncle Adil built up a small shipbuilding business, they mostly work on utility vessels up to a length of 75 metres. He leads the business, his wife is the chief engineer. My Grandfather, and my father after him, were both quite engaged in working for the Foreign Office and Auntie Amana teaches Psychology, specialized in Coping with Bereavement, at the University of Oea."
She let a beat pass.
"Please don't seek her out.", she told everyone at the table, "She doesn't like the attention only because she is Grandfather's oldest daughter."

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As Amana explains what her family has been up to for the last eighty years, Anna nods in understanding.
"Thank you Princess, says the Empress once she is finished. You don't have to worry, we won't go bother your aunt."
However, before she can add something else, four ringtones are heard at the same time, prompting the Americans to look into their handbags or vest and retrieve their smartphones
"Oh, it's Phillip videocalling us, says Anaximander with a bit of surprise in his voice, before pressing the answer button along with his friends.
And so, on the 4 small screens, the face of Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Smetov, (28 years old and 2.02m tall) Alpha 1-1 of Anax's Guard, appears. Black hair, cerulean eyes, a small goatee around the mouth, the young man seems very friendly at first. He's currently sitting in a deck chair on a beach, wearing only a black speedo, and a band of plaster around his left ankle.
Next to him, a young woman with blonde hair, eyes hidden behing a pair of aviators, and a pink straw hat on her head, is sipping what seems to be a Mojito. Although she's not as busty as her two female colleagues (reaching only a decent B-cup), or as tall with only her 1,80m in height, Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Smetov (née Garett) is still considered an attractive woman by all standards.
"Hey Guys, what's up? asks Pavel's second in command with a cheery voice. How has the stay been so far? Sorry about your back Anax, I wish I could have, but as you can see, he says as he points to his ankle.
-Hey Phillip, replies the Emperor with a warm smile to his friend. Don't worry, I'm good, the Sultana's physician told me to not make any sudden moves, and put me on painkillers, Ibuprofen or codein, depending on the pain's intensity.
-Ohterwise, continues Pavel, the stay has been normal so far, with ups and downs as you can guess. I don't have to remind you that not everyone is thrilled to see us here.
-That's a shame, considering we weren't at fault, replies Phillip as he casts his gaze down for a second before raising his head back up to look at the camera. So, where are you now?
-We're currently in the hall of the Sand Wolf with the Sultana and other guests, waiting for dinner, replies Alicia as she rotates her smartphone to show him the surroundings. We exchanged gifts with the Sultana, everything went well, fo the most part of it.
-Oh really? asks Phillip to his female friend as he takes a sip of his beer before putting the glass back down. What happened? By the way, my respects Sultana, he adds to Razia when Alicia turns the Smartphone towards the Sultana
-Well, answers Anna, let's just say that my husband told what he had on his mind about the Va'a Mamao incident, suing Yuri's words. I'll let you imagine the rest, she adds with a small smirk.
-Oh damn! exclaims the Lieutenant Colonel with a chuckle. I can indeed imagine that your hosts didn't appreciate it much. But I don't think that would be a majo issue.
-No, it wasn't, replies the Emperor. I told what I had on my mind, end of story.
-Good, good, says Catherine as she joins the conversation and takes off her sunglasse, revealing blues eyes, clear as water. But still, why the long faces guys? Don't fool me, I know by looking in your eyes that something else happened.
-Oh, don't worry Katy, replies Pavel, it's just that Philosopher ruffled our feathers the wrong way for a bit.
-Really? asks the female officer on the other side of the world. What happened with the old man?
-Well, answers Anna, the Sultana told us that we shouldn't believe the files that the CIA created about Fadwa Faris, so Anax told her to mind her own business, saying, and I quote :We don't tell you how to handle the Chandshar, you don't tell us how to handle the Agency, and so Philosopher told us to shut it and take the advice, in more polite words of course. We countered it, especially me when he talked badly about Anax...
-And it ended by me breaking a glass because I was holding it too tightly in my hand, finishes Anaximander. The matter was ended by Razia after that.
-Uh, and you're not satisfied, because if you could have it your way, al-Zahir's face would have been blown to pieces by now, right? asks Catherine, before turning to her husband. Well, Honey, it's a good thing you modified these images, don't you think?
-Indeed, replies Phillip. Today, while I was still in the hospital, I passed the time by fiddling around with Photoshop, and I created some cool stuff that should raise your morals back up. I'm sending it to you now."

And so, a few seconds later, on the screen of the four smartphones, an image appears. On it, you can see al-Zahir sitting, in a black tie attire, with his back straight and his cane in front of him, and Mahmut standing next to him in black tie too, with a smile. The photograph appears to have been taken at a gala or another event of the same importance.
"That's the original photo, says Phillip's voice. Now, for the modified image.."
Another image appears. On the first look, it looks like the one from before, except that the Grand Vizier and his nephew have now huge cannabis joints hanging from their mouths, with al-Zahir's cane being a joint too. The white of their eyes is now red. But the most important thing that changed in the image, is the fact that behind them, Phillip inserted the famous GIF of Snoop Dogg making his Smoke Weed Everyday dance.
When they see the image, the Anax, Anna, Pavel and Alicia try to contain their laughs, but fail miserably.
-Phew, says the Emperor once his laughter has died down, as he wipes a small tear of laughter, thanks man, you made our day.
-No problem Anax, reply Phillip with a smile.
-Don't worry if he continues to bother you, continues Catherine. I have some good ideas for jokes for the return visit, she adds with a small smirk.
-That's my girl! replies Alicia with a large smile. Can you tell us one?
-Sure, answers Katy. We assign him a whole Squadron for his protection, but they don't leave any intimacy to him. They follow him everywhere, says the female Lieutenant-Colonel.
-Nice, says Phillip. Anyway, we'll let you since we're already talking for quite some time now, and we wouldn't want to be impolite and get you away from your hosts. So have a nice evening guys. And don't trash the place! he adds with a smirk.
-Don't worry, we're not drunk enough, replies Anaximander with a matching smirk. Bye! he says along with his friends, before the conversation is shut and thy put their phones back to their bags or vests.

[Kyrenaia]

As Amana explains what her family has been up to for the last eighty years, Anna nods in understanding.
"Thank you Princess, says the Empress once she is finished. You don't have to worry, we won't go bother your aunt."
However, before she can add something else, four ringtones are heard at the same time, prompting the Americans to look into their handbags or vest and retrieve their smartphones
"Oh, it's Phillip videocalling us, says Anaximander with a bit of surprise in his voice, before pressing the answer button along with his friends.
And so, on the 4 small screens, the face of Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Smetov, (28 years old and 2.02m tall) Alpha 1-1 of Anax's Guard, appears. Black hair, cerulean eyes, a small goatee around the mouth, the young man seems very friendly at first. He's currently sitting in a deck chair on a beach, wearing only a black speedo, and a band of plaster around his left ankle.
Next to him, a young woman with blonde hair, eyes hidden behing a pair of aviators, and a pink straw hat on her head, is sipping what seems to be a Mojito. Although she's not as busty as her two female colleagues (reaching only a decent B-cup), or as tall with only her 1,80m in height, Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Smetov (née Garett) is still considered an attractive woman by all standards.
"Hey Guys, what's up? asks Pavel's second in command with a cheery voice. How has the stay been so far? Sorry about your back Anax, I wish I could have, but as you can see, he says as he points to his ankle.
-Hey Phillip, replies the Emperor with a warm smile to his friend. Don't worry, I'm good, the Sultana's physician told me to not make any sudden moves, and put me on painkillers, Ibuprofen or codein, depending on the pain's intensity.
-Ohterwise, continues Pavel, the stay has been normal so far, with ups and downs as you can guess. I don't have to remind you that not everyone is thrilled to see us here.
-That's a shame, considering we weren't at fault, replies Phillip as he casts his gaze down for a second before raising his head back up to look at the camera. So, where are you now?
-We're currently in the hall of the Sand Wolf with the Sultana and other guests, waiting for dinner, replies Alicia as she rotates her smartphone to show him the surroundings. We exchanged gifts with the Sultana, everything went well, fo the most part of it.
-Oh really? asks Phillip to his female friend as he takes a sip of his beer before putting the glass back down. What happened? By the way, my respects Sultana, he adds to Razia when Alicia turns the Smartphone towards the Sultana
-Well, answers Anna, let's just say that my husband told what he had on his mind about the Va'a Mamao incident, suing Yuri's words. I'll let you imagine the rest, she adds with a small smirk.
-Oh damn! exclaims the Lieutenant Colonel with a chuckle. I can indeed imagine that your hosts didn't appreciate it much. But I don't think that would be a majo issue.
-No, it wasn't, replies the Emperor. I told what I had on my mind, end of story.
-Good, good, says Catherine as she joins the conversation and takes off her sunglasse, revealing blues eyes, clear as water. But still, why the long faces guys? Don't fool me, I know by looking in your eyes that something else happened.
-Oh, don't worry Katy, replies Pavel, it's just that Philosopher ruffled our feathers the wrong way for a bit.
-Really? asks the female officer on the other side of the world. What happened with the old man?
-Well, answers Anna, the Sultana told us that we shouldn't believe the files that the CIA created about Fadwa Faris, so Anax told her to mind her own business, saying, and I quote :We don't tell you how to handle the Chandshar, you don't tell us how to handle the Agency, and so Philosopher told us to shut it and take the advice, in more polite words of course. We countered it, especially me when he talked badly about Anax...
-And it ended by me breaking a glass because I was holding it too tightly in my hand, finishes Anaximander. The matter was ended by Razia after that.
-Uh, and you're not satisfied, because if you could have it your way, al-Zahir's face would have been blown to pieces by now, right? asks Catherine, before turning to her husband. Well, Honey, it's a good thing you modified these images, don't you think?
-Indeed, replies Phillip. Today, while I was still in the hospital, I passed the time by fiddling around with Photoshop, and I created some cool stuff that should raise your morals back up. I'm sending it to you now."

And so, a few seconds later, on the screen of the four smartphones, an image appears. On it, you can see al-Zahir sitting, in a black tie attire, with his back straight and his cane in front of him, and Mahmut standing next to him in black tie too, with a smile. The photograph appears to have been taken at a gala or another event of the same importance.
"That's the original photo, says Phillip's voice. Now, for the modified image.."
Another image appears. On the first look, it looks like the one from before, except that the Grand Vizier and his nephew have now huge cannabis joints hanging from their mouths, with al-Zahir's cane being a joint too. The white of their eyes is now red. But the most important thing that changed in the image, is the fact that behind them, Phillip inserted the famous GIF of Snoop Dogg making his Smoke Weed Everyday dance.
When they see the image, the Anax, Anna, Pavel and Alicia try to contain their laughs, but fail miserably.
-Phew, says the Emperor once his laughter has died down, as he wipes a small tear of laughter, thanks man, you made our day.
-No problem Anax, reply Phillip with a smile.
-Don't worry if he continues to bother you, continues Catherine. I have some good ideas for jokes for the return visit, she adds with a small smirk.
-That's my girl! replies Alicia with a large smile. Can you tell us one?
-Sure, answers Katy. We assign him a whole Squadron for his protection, but they don't leave any intimacy to him. They follow him everywhere, says the female Lieutenant-Colonel.
-Nice, says Phillip. Anyway, we'll let you since we're already talking for quite some time now, and we wouldn't want to be impolite and get you away from your hosts. So have a nice evening guys. And don't trash the place! he adds with a smirk.
-Don't worry, we're not drunk enough, replies Anaximander with a matching smirk. Bye! he says along with his friends, before the conversation is shut and thy put their phones back to their bags or vests.

The four Kyrenaians on the table raised eyebrows at the mobile phones ringing - even the Sultana didn't have hers on her, mainly due to the chance of exactly this happening, which would make it rather rude to answer right in the conversation.
Maybe it were the mores in the Empire to answer a phone right in a conversation? In the end, the Sultana decided to smile as the screen was turned into her direction, giving a small, polite bow, even.
The summary of everything was... agreeable, if one asked her, and if the Grand Vizier wanted to content that, he would have to go against her, which he would not dare - not over such a trivial issue.
When their guests broke out laughing, though, the Kyrenaians smiled a slight bit confused. Something about photoshopping images, but what exactly was the joke? Without the image, it would be rather hard to either laugh with them or comment, so they let them their humour, Handmaidens meanwhile refilling the glasses... and providing a new one to Anax while cleaning the remains of the old one.
The rest of the conversation was... not troublesome, but the Kyrenaians mostly did not listen to it, much rather, the Sultana spent the time by watching Khan Adil and Amana having a conversation in small signs across the table, the two of them believing to not be watched... the Sultana smiling.
The Grand Vizier, however, listened very well.
He knew, that the guests had a bit of a short fuse, but he was unpertubed - and, quite honestly, amused by the plans of the Alpha.
When the conversation was finished, and the phones slipped away, he spoke: "Please relay to Lieutenant Colonel Smetov, that I would feel honoured to be protected everywhere I go by such a capable and diligent guard complement as the one she leads.", he said with honest gratitude in his voice - and with honest respect. "However, please also relay to her, that she should not look ahead too much, as I will not be part of the Return Visit. Such trips, which will shape the future, should be the responsibility of that future... and I, by the time the delegation will depart, will be part of the Old Iron."
The Sultana nodded, as he looked to her.
"You are the first ones outside of the circles of the Government of Kyrenaia to hear this...", the Grand Vizier said, "...but I plan to retire on the 21st of January 2019. It is time for the Old to make way to the Youth. And I hope, that you will not be left wanting to blow head of that Youth off - ben Sahid is a good man!"

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Oh, you're a bit mistaken Grand Vizier, replies Alicia with a smile. She was not talking about having you protected by her unit literally, since she's my second in command, and the unit she leads is only her squad, or the Squadron whn I'm away. And besides, I'm sure that if you knew all the hidden meanings behind the word everywhere, you would feel a bit uneased.
-What she meant by everywhere, continues Anax, is that they don't leave you any intimacy, even following you to the toilet, or watching you sleep from only a meter away. I know what it feels like, my own Squadron played a joke like this on me shortly before I was coronated, he adds with a small chuckle. Don't worry, like I said, it's meant to be a joke, a bad one I admit, but still a joke."
However, when al-Zahir announces to them that he will retire, a small pang of sadness can be read on the four American's faces.
"Well, that's a shame, says the Empress, but considering that you've been working hard since I can't remember when, you deserve some free time. But still, don't feel that going to retirement prohibits you from tagging along for the return visit. I mean, look at Princess Gisella Villa. Although she does not have any official governmental role as of now, that did not stop her from tagging along with her sister.
-True, continues the Emperor. And you don't have to worry about us blowing heads off, Grand Vizier. It's true we have a bit of a short fuse, but we're also people who only apply the sentence when it is appropriated. As far as I know, you're not a serial killer or something along those lines. As for ben Sahid, we shall see how it goes tomorrow, when we get our first impression of the man."

[Kyrenaia]

"Oh, you're a bit mistaken Grand Vizier, replies Alicia with a smile. She was not talking about having you protected by her unit literally, since she's my second in command, and the unit she leads is only her squad, or the Squadron whn I'm away. And besides, I'm sure that if you knew all the hidden meanings behind the word everywhere, you would feel a bit uneased.
-What she meant by everywhere, continues Anax, is that they don't leave you any intimacy, even following you to the toilet, or watching you sleep from only a meter away. I know what it feels like, my own Squadron played a joke like this on me shortly before I was coronated, he adds with a small chuckle. Don't worry, like I said, it's meant to be a joke, a bad one I admit, but still a joke."
However, when al-Zahir announces to them that he will retire, a small pang of sadness can be read on the four American's faces.
"Well, that's a shame, says the Empress, but considering that you've been working hard since I can't remember when, you deserve some free time. But still, don't feel that going to retirement prohibits you from tagging along for the return visit. I mean, look at Princess Gisella Villa. Although she does not have any official governmental role as of now, that did not stop her from tagging along with her sister.
-True, continues the Emperor. And you don't have to worry about us blowing heads off, Grand Vizier. It's true we have a bit of a short fuse, but we're also people who only apply the sentence when it is appropriated. As far as I know, you're not a serial killer or something along those lines. As for ben Sahid, we shall see how it goes tomorrow, when we get our first impression of the man."

The Grand Vizier bowed his head.
"Thank you for your offer, but no. When a Grand Vizier retires, his greatest concern becomes his rose garden, especially when he doesn't have a green thumb, like I do.", he said with a bit of humour, "Besides, I understood fully well, what she meant with 'everywhere'. I was once guest in a country, where they did not do that out of a joking spirit, but out of the real will to unnerve the guest for their own advantage, which would of course not be the case, if I would be guest in the Empire."
"So... what did you do?", Amana asked after a short pause.
"Well, let's just say, that I had a busy night with a local noblewoman. Playing cards, of course.", he said and smiled in a way, that playing cards was the last thing they did.
"Ah, yes, Dhaer...", the Sultana said, nodding, "...what an... interesting place. I'm quite sure, that Aurelia told you, where her knee went during a state visit there and the problem is, I don't blame her. What the local potentate did was quite rude."
There was a beat as a Handmaiden came up and whispered something to the Sultana, which made her smile.
"Ah, dinner is ready - everyone feeling hungry?", she asked.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

"Suit yourself, replies Anaximander with a small smile, but still, know that the offer is always up. Anyway, Anna and Pavel told me a bit about Dhaer before coming, and I think Aurelia made the right thing. That such countries still exist nowadays still surprise me sometimes.
-You know how human nature can be, replies Anna as she strokes her arm gently.
-True, honey, so true, answers the Emperor, before turning his head to reply to Razia about the dinner, only for Pavel stomach to grumble, elicting chuckles from the Imperial couple and Alicia.
-Well, seems like my husband's stomach gave you your answer, Sultana, says the female Morozov with a smirk. Send the plates in, we're more than ready."

[Kyrenaia]

"Suit yourself, replies Anaximander with a small smile, but still, know that the offer is always up. Anyway, Anna and Pavel told me a bit about Dhaer before coming, and I think Aurelia made the right thing. That such countries still exist nowadays still surprise me sometimes.
-You know how human nature can be, replies Anna as she strokes her arm gently.
-True, honey, so true, answers the Emperor, before turning his head to reply to Razia about the dinner, only for Pavel stomach to grumble, elicting chuckles from the Imperial couple and Alicia.
-Well, seems like my husband's stomach gave you your answer, Sultana, says the female Morozov with a smirk. Send the plates in, we're more than ready."

At the offer, the Grand Vizier had politely bowed his head in gratitude, but didn't further comment.
There were grins at the 'reply', though, the Sultana nodding to the Handmaiden while she said: "Dhaer is an eyesore for quite a while now, but sadly not alone as an eyesore. While most of the civilized world frowns on, for example, slavery, there are countries, where slavery is practiced with impunity." She sighed. "And then, there are the countries, which believe, that it is their Gods-Given Mission to 'civilize' such countries on some holy crusade or whatever they love to call it, achieving nothing but bloodshed... and, of course, hardening the fronts even further."
Her bleak and dark thoughts were interrupted, when the food arrived, eight plates of Saltah, a stew. Based on a brown meat stew, which they called Maraq, it was made by adding Fenugreek froth and Sahawiq, a salsa of different herbs and spices, with potatoes and vegetables. A flat bread, huge in size, came along as well.
The Kyrenaians let out different expressions of joy, because the dish was hot, spicy and very filling.
A Handmaiden began to cut and distribute pieces of the flat bread, made traditionally of flour, water and salt, with a shot of olive oil added as well.
Once everyone had a plate in front of them, the Sultana nodded to the Imperial Couple: "If you want, pray a table-prayer.", she offered them, the other three Kyrenaians lowering their heads in respect - it might not have been their faith, but the divine was to be respected, no matter who's divine it was.

[The Scarlet Eagle]

As the Handmaidens start to bring the plates in, Pavel takes a laege inspiration and says:
" Very spicy, that's what I'm talking about! ", causing his friends to chuckle a bit.
When the Handmaidens have positioned the plates in front of them, Anna and Anaximander thank them with a small nod, then the Emperor nods also to Razia.
After that, the four Americans cross their hands as in a prayer, close their eyes, and the Imperial Couple declare at the same time :
" To all the Scarlet Eagle Spirits, thank you for this meal, to everyone that contributed to it, and to the future relations of our two countries. Also, may you help Ilkhan Aaron find peace."
With that said, Anna and her husband open their eyes, followed by their bodyguards, before the Empress signals with a nod to everyone that they can eat.