A Meeting under Moon and Stars (Closed)

[Astares Amauricanum]

Hello and welcome to A Meeting under Moon and Stars
This RP is closed to me and Selks/Kyrenaia, but you're welcome to read along. Have fun!

Saturday February 1st, 2020.
Columbia District; Blachkor Dynasty Memorial, Crypt.

To who it may concern,
In accordance with the principles of Terra Nullius, the Federalis Imperium of Astares Amauricanum has taken control of the uninhabited12-island archipelago named Islas Malditas 600 kilometers south of the United Island States of AHSCA as of the 12th of October, 2019. Therefore, the Empire is interested in knowing its new neighbors and clearing out the fronts.
To that end, the Emperor and Empress invite by the present letter a diplomatic delegation of the Sultanate on a state visit to the Empire, for talks and for reassuring our peaceful intent in this area.

Please note that in order to ensure your safety, a submarine of the Imperial Navy will escort the vessel carrying the delegation and will meet her in international waters.

Signed,
Keisaer Adrean Blachkor "The Third"
Keisaerina Anna Blachkor.

"Well Dad, today's the big day, says a young man as he reads the letter once again in loud voice, before patting the sleek surface of the marble Sarcophagus he is sitting on.
In the crypt only lit by torches along the walls (actually gas beaks looking like torches), and by low red-light lams on the floor, Adrean Blachkor enjoys a few moments of quietness among his ancestors Wearing his dark green Service Uniform of the Imperial Guard, along with the trademark leather jacket on top, with the grey double-headed eagle on the back, the young Emperor puts down the letter next to him on his father's sarcophagus, before taking out a cigarette from a small metallic case, before lighting it. Soon, the aroma of herbs (not tobacco), fills the air around the blue-eyed young man, as he passes a hand through his long black hair ending just below his shoulders.

"To think you jerked off to those Handmaidens back in your day, can't say I envy you pops, says the Emperor as he takes a drag. Those Kyrenaians sure know how to be served, eh? he asks with a laugh, before feeling his dad's presence next to him, as if he was laughing with him too.
-Yeah, don't worry, you'll get to see them, continues the Emperor as he takes a look at a book sitting next to the letter he just read, a book about Kyrenaian Handmaidens and their traditions. On the cover, two young women, olive skin and dark hair falling off their backs, wave at the photographer. They wear what is called the Altanafus min la Shay, or the Breath of Nothing, the traditional outfit of the Handmaidens, emphasizing their argumentations amplifiers quite nicely.
"They don't have anything to envy to Anna eh? asks the Emperor to his dad, Yeah I know, no touching, I read the book too you know. In any case, I hope they'll behave nicely, I heard this Kyrenaian Pride of theirs can really be a pain in the ass. But hey, our own Astarian Pride can be strong too?" continues the young man, before an alarm beeps on his watch.
"Oop! Gotta go Pops, we still have to prepare the flight after all! See you in two days!"
And with that said, Adrean Blachkor crumbles his cigarette bud in his portable ashtray, checks his Masada 35 pistol strapped to his thigh, and finally puts his black beret back on his head, before grabbing the book and the letter, and kissing the cheek of the recumbent effigy of his father, Kelariel Blachkor, and leaving the crypt.

---

A few hours later...
Adams Guard Air Base
"Well, seems like this will be a good day to put on a show! says Pavel to his friends with a smile.
The group of six, composed of Adrean (his hair now tied back in a bun), his wife Anna, Grand Duke Pavel Morozov and his wife Alicia, and Baron Yuri Petrenko and his wife Patricia, all have somiles on their faces as they disembark from the Humvee and make their way to their FA/18 Hornets parked before them All clad in their grey flight suits, g-suits, flotations harnesses and with their helmets under their arms, the two monarchs and their friends from their personal guard are ready to show the incoming Kyrenaian guests a proper Astarian welcome.
-Indeed, replies Anna as she checks her hair is well attached. I wonder if the better the performance, the more we will have food tonight at dinner.
-Girl you and your bottomless stomach! says Alicia with a laugh. If I had to count all the expenses during state visits you and your husband ate more than the rest, I'm sure the bill would ruin us all. I wonder how you haven't got a fat ass yet!
-Girl shut the fuck up! This fat ass will shoot yours one day! replies the Empress as she punches her friend in the arm, before the two women share a laugh.
-All right honeys, let's keep the laughs for later or we're gonna be late! exclaims Adrean as he claps his hands. Rah?
-RAH! exclaim the rest of the group in answer as they all bump fists.

And with that said, the six Imperials walk towards their planes taking a few seconds to admire the paintings on the front representing the aerial victories they scored back in 2014 during a war for defending one of their allies in the Middle East. For today, their planes were not armed, save for four AIM-9 Sidewinder and four AIM-7 Sparrow. Bit the main part the six of them take their time to check, are the six color fumes tanks that they're gonna use for their aerial demonstration.
Once they have checked their planes, each of them walk back to the front, where their assigned mechanics help them settle in their cockpits.
And finally, in the winter, sunny sky of February, the six jets take off, before taking a SouthEast bearing...

[Kyrenaia]

Aurelia, Private Yacht of Prince Damir ibn-Razia, on the Sun Deck.
En route to the Empire of Astares Amauricanum.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
My father had named this ship, his favourite ship, in my honour.
He loved me, I knew that, even before he named this vessel like that, and I knew, that my Uncle loved me, even before I commissioned RKS Aurelia, a Pattern A Littoral Operations Vessel, to her mission, me only being the first Aurelia he could get his hands on as the RKN always named Pattern-ships after terms starting with the letter - in this case A, Aurelia. My Aunt Rasha, I knew, loved me, too, although she hadn't named anything after me yet.
In fact, I came from a loving family with a lot of gaping holes in it, my mother, for example. I was born as Aurelia Taistealaí of the Tribe of Louth, my mother being a Selkie-Maiden, Marla Taistealaí of the Tribe of Louth, who had died in 2012 in a riding accident. I had her long, blonde hair and her blue eyes, as well as some other bodily features and, which my father liked the most, her sharp wit and dry humour.
It was him, who had been dispatched to the Empire of Astares Amauricanum in order to get that diplomatic visit over with. The Empire had taken over the Islas Malditas, a group of islands close to the land of my girlfriend and now wanted to test the waters with the ones, who's sphere of influence they were coming awfully close to - 'awfully close', in this case, meant far too close for my liking. The United Island States of AHSCA were the lands my girlfriend, Duchess Marcella Villa, ruled over. My girlfriend, my beloved and my one and only... it was a long-distance relationship, but that didn't stop us from celebrating our reunions all the more.
I wanted to marry her.
The Sultanate, however, did not permit same-gender marriages, although it was legally okay to be openly homosexual. You should not be dragged out of the wrong closet, though. Anyway, I wanted to marry Marcella, I wanted, that everyone, who loved, could marry their beloved. I was one of the leading figures in a movement to change the Law of Marriages in Kyrenaia. I had nearly been killed in a terrorist attack last year due to that.
It did not really surprise, thus, that my personal handmaiden and bodyguard, Sarina Eahira, who was but five years older then me, didn't leave my side unless it was absolutely necessary. Here, on the Aurelia's Sun Deck, she could be at my side, my shadow, aide, guide and helper, dressed in the Breath of Nothing, the traditional Altanafus min la Shay. Hers was white, with silver thread enwrought into the silk, a band, which led from the right side of her neck down to her left breast, around her back to the right breast and from there up to the left side of her neck, meeting the other end in a knot. She wore the silken skirt, which covered the upper half of her calf, sandals and a veil.
Her long, black hair was braided, swinging from one side to the other with every move, while her yellow eyes looked on watchfully. She was, after all, fully trained Tabardariyya.
She was not the only Personal Handmaiden aboard. My father's, the older and more experienced Tara Harir was here, as were Saida Adib and Fadwa Madan, the Personal Handmaidens to Princess Fara bint-Dardan and Prince Elian ibn-Sarah respectively. Of course, those two were present as well and as were their plus ones.
In Elian's case, it was the Hot Metal Musician Razia Wasima, a headstrong and confident woman, who's contralto voice had captured many hearts, maybe despite, maybe because of her chosen genre. She seemed very much unused to having servants, but she would get used to it.
Fara's plus one, after she had broken up with King Aceus of Danceria, a relationship, that had been a catastrophe, was the Neutral Date, which she had during that time, a dashing officer and aviator of the Navy, Commander Abbas Shabaaltay, who usually flew Saqrs from RKN Mirfae. Fara had taste, he was a good-looking man.
And he would have a critical eye on what we would witness before we arrived in port: The hosts had, before dinner, promised an air show and so we were all on the Sun Deck, together with parts of the crew, and ready to watch. Miss Harir and Miss Madan were mixing non-alcoholic drinks.
Nibbles were not served as dinner was still before us.
As dinner would be more formal, we would all have to change before it began. I only wore a pair of jeans and a simple blouse, a jacket against the cold over both, not the strapless illusion dress I had prepared for dinner, which laid at the ready in my Suite. It was a pretty dress, too.
Dad slung his arm around my shoulder, I smiled up at him. I would be of nineteen Springs this Spring, he was 38. He was still a few centimeters taller. I had inherited his olive skin tone and, as everyone said, his nose and his intelligence - as he was bad in Maths and I was bad in that subject, too, I was inclined to believe that.
He smiled back, his golden eyes glinting. No one but Aldhiyb, my Sand Wolf, who we had left back home, knew, how deep that relationship had once gone: About 15 centimeters past my hymen, with length to spare. It would stay that way. He and I still snuggled from time to time, especially when my nightly terrors were descending upon me again and tearing me out of my sleep, a condition sometimes not even the fluffball that was Aldhiyb could alleviate.
Other then that... there were rumours, that we still did it from time to time, but those were false. I was utterly devoted to Marcella and nothing would change that.
"You had that expression on again.", he said, pulled me a smidgen closer, "Thought of Marcella?"
I made an agreeing hum. "I wonder, how she feels... I mean, to my knowledge, the Empire approached us first and we aren't even that close to the Islas Malditas...", I said.
Dad nodded. "I imagine, that quite a few people over there are doing the same as your Uncle and your Aunt are doing right now: Asking themselves, what the other side wants there.", he said and looked into the sky.
"And that's why we are here.", I said, "To see, that they mean peace and to assure them, that we mean peace, too."
"Exactly.", Dad confirmed.
He would soon marry another woman, Princess Yasmin bint-Atif, the Regent of the Khanate of Tanin. They liked each other, that was true, but I knew, that the woman with the aborted studies in Geology had another advantage: She was a woman in her best age and fertile. Evil tongues presumed, and everyone else knew, that this was a security precaution, in case I went through with my plan for a homosexual marriage.
As all siblings of my Grandmother, the Sultana and Ilkhana of Utica, had brought themselves out of the race of being able to inherit, Ilia ibn-Tarek had died in the Decolonization Wars, Rasha bint-Tarek had married a foreign Prince out of love, letting go of all rights to inheritance for herself and her children forever, Damir ibn-Tarek... well, Uncle Damir was a bit touched in the head, to say the least.
My Aunt and my Uncle had avoided love and marriage and having children like the plague. That left my distant relatives of the Khanate of Khond and although both Aunt Tiana and Cousin Riana and her siblings were nice people, none of them wanted the responsibility over an entire Ilkhanate.
So, an heir was needed, one, which could have heirs of his own in his marriage.
Although there were both manual and scientific methods for both me and Marcella to have children, it was always good to have a reserve plan.
It was cold. It was harsh. It was unfair to everyone involved.
It was politics.
Dad kissed me on the cheek. "Don't frown. I know, what you thought of." I raised an eyebrow. "Believe me, you'll still be able to walk in those heels!"
I snorted in amusement. We both knew, that I had thought of something else, but he would not speak about that, at least not in the relative openness of the Sun Deck. That, and I hated heels.
"And dance?", I asked with a smile.
"If all things fail, we'll do it like when you were little.", he said and winked, "I'll lift you up and sway you around!"
I smiled further, a brilliant smile like a thousand suns, and noted the surge to the portside of the Sun Deck. Someone called: "They should be coming any minute now!"
While I wasn't much of a fan of air shows (air races were more my thing), I was quite fond of all things fast and jet fighters most certainly belonged into that category. I appreciated this welcome and I knew, that Dad did, too: He was a lover of the arts and artistic displays were certainly right up his alley.
Fara was excited for the show, her Commander wanted to be in the air himself, Elian and Razia were looking forward to it as well, as was the crew. The evening could begin!
Pulling my jacket closer around me, I looked into the sky.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Atlantic Ocean, 2000 ft above the water
" Phantom 3, I believe I have the Aurelia on my radar, 3 nautics, says Pavel as the six FA/18 converge on the sailing yacht, preceded by the IAS Alabama, a submarine.
-Phantom 1, solid copy, I have contact as well. I'm going to establish contact, switch channels, says Adrean from the lead plane.
-Phantom 2 copy, replies Anna.
-Phantom 3 copy.
-Phantom 4 copy, says Alicia
-Phantom 5 copy, decreasing speed, says Yuri as he and Patricia starts reducing their speed, while the latter also copies the info.

"Esteemed guests, this is Phantom 1, says Adrean as he speaks in the channel reserved for the presentation, that he had sent to the delegation along with the playlist of three songs that would be played during the meeting. On the other side, the guests should hear him (if they had installed radios as requested). We are 30 seconds inbound from the North at 2000 feet. If you would please turn on the playlist, now the presentation can begin. I'll be the narrator for this presentation, and I hope you'll have a pleasant show."

And so, as the first notes of Dreams by Van Halen should start to resonate on the yacht, the rumble of jet engines can be heard in the distance, growing louder and louder, as the first four planes appear in the sky in a Diamond formation with Adrean at the front, Anna as the right wingman, Pavel as the left and Alicia as the slot pilot.
As the white smoke pours out of the plane, the four of them perform first the Diamond Pass over the yacht, before rising up in the sky, while on each side of the yacht, Yuri and Patricia, respectively First and Second Solos, each perform an inverted pass, with their plane on the back, their canopy facing the ocean.
Meanwhile, the Diamond has separated, each plane going off in a different direction, while Phantom 5 and 6 put their plane back up before rising as well, doing aileron rolls all the while.
"And now, the DNA Wheel!" exclaims Phantom One over the radio.

As he does that, the planes divide themselves in two groups of three, Phantom 5 meeting up with 1 and 3, and 6 with 2 and 4.
Once that is done, eacch group of three planes (each plane now place diagonally to the plane in front of him), flies back towards the yacht from the rear, before starting to slow down and getting the landing gear out. Once that is done, each one starts to perform a barrel roll with the smoke pouring. And as they all roll, they indeed create a shape not unlike a DNA double helix,
After the have passed the yacht, all of them pull up their landing gear and flaps once again, before the two solos, get a bit fartther away, allowing the Diamond formation to fly back to the yacht from their starboard side, while doing a Diamond Roll, without the fumes.

Once that is done, and as the first song comes to its last chorus, the two solos also arrive, one the starboard side the other on the port side, flying towards each other.
However, just before their pass each other above the yacht, their each bank their planes to the left, performing an Opposing Knife Edge Pass, but with the left wingtip of their fighers each passing between the masts of the Aurelia
"Whoops, sorry if any hats flew!" exclaims Yuri on the radio.
Meanwhile, the Diamond has rearranged itself in a diagonal formation, and as the fumes are back on and the second song, Désenchantée by Mylène Farmer, starts.
And so, as the solos prepare themselves for their next move, Phantom 1 to 4 pull their sticks up to perform a Left Echelon Roll, and one that is done, fly back towards the yacht on the port side, while Adrean and Alicia invert their planes, therefore putting the four of them in a Double Farvel formation.

Meanwhile, the two solos have reunited, and as they fly towards the yacht, now from the rear, they start to pull down their landing gear and flaps, before Phantom 5 inverts his plane while Phantom 6 keeps straight, therefore performing the Fortus.) angle
Once that is done, they come back towards the yacht, flying on the port side, and perform the Section High Alpha, each one of their planes tilting up to a 45° angle, and reducing their speed considerably.
After that, they fly away, letting the guests refocus their attention on the other four, who now arrive on the yacht in their Diamond 360, each plane flying very close to the other, Phantom's One wingtips nearly touching the canopies of Phantom 2 and 3. Without missing a beat, they immediatly turn back towards the ship and reduce their speed, before pulling down their landing gear and flaps, and rising up to perform a Diamond Dirty Loop, while in the meantime, Phantom 5 and 6 fly together in the loop, before each one banks to a side, and perform an Opposing Minimum Radius Turn.

And so, as the second song end, and the third, What's a Story by the Astarian Metal Band Armistice (a song about tellling the story of the Empire, from its humble beginnings in the 10th century to now.), Phantom 5 quickly joins the group of 4, who by now have pulled their landing gear and flaps back up, and they start to rise high in the sky, performing a straight line loop known as the Line-Abreast Loop.
Once that done, as they fly a bit away, Phantom 6 comes back again arriving from the port side and rear, before performing a Minimum Radius Turn, banking left and pulling hard on her stick.
Meanwhile, Phantom 5 has flown away from his wingmen allowing them to reconfigure in a Diamond formation once more, before coming back towards the yacht from the front, and performing a Diamond Aileron Roll, each one of them performing aileron rolls at high speed while staying close to each other.
Once they have passed above the ship, they immediatly bank left with the smoke still on, before turning to perform a Diamond Burner 270, that brings them back on the starboard side of the yacht, at a low altitude, causing them to pass this time at the mast's height.

After that, and as the song's solo finishes, Phantom 5 and 6 join the other four to perform the Delta Formation, each solo on the sides, before they all rise to perform the Delta Loop, folllowed by the Delta Roll.
And as the song's reaches it's end, the six fighters finish their presentation by flying in a straight Delta Formation above the yacht, reducing their speed just enough to not have to pull the flaps out.

"Well, esteemed guests, says Adrean on the radio, this closes our lttle welcoming presentation We hope we have been able to entertain you, as we had great pleasure to prepare this, and we shall see you in a few hours at dinner. Till then, thanks for your time, and have a pleasant afternoon."

And with that, the six Imperial Guard FA/18 Hornets cut their fumes, and fly back towards the continent.

[Kyrenaia]

Atlantic Ocean, 2000 ft above the water
" Phantom 3, I believe I have the Aurelia on my radar, 3 nautics, says Pavel as the six FA/18 converge on the sailing yacht, preceded by the IAS Alabama, a submarine.
-Phantom 1, solid copy, I have contact as well. I'm going to establish contact, switch channels, says Adrean from the lead plane.
-Phantom 2 copy, replies Anna.
-Phantom 3 copy.
-Phantom 4 copy, says Alicia
-Phantom 5 copy, decreasing speed, says Yuri as he and Patricia starts reducing their speed, while the latter also copies the info.

"Esteemed guests, this is Phantom 1, says Adrean as he speaks in the channel reserved for the presentation, that he had sent to the delegation along with the playlist of three songs that would be played during the meeting. On the other side, the guests should hear him (if they had installed radios as requested). We are 30 seconds inbound from the North at 2000 feet. If you would please turn on the playlist, now the presentation can begin. I'll be the narrator for this presentation, and I hope you'll have a pleasant show."

And so, as the first notes of Dreams by Van Halen should start to resonate on the yacht, the rumble of jet engines can be heard in the distance, growing louder and louder, as the first four planes appear in the sky in a Diamond formation with Adrean at the front, Anna as the right wingman, Pavel as the left and Alicia as the slot pilot.
As the white smoke pours out of the plane, the four of them perform first the Diamond Pass over the yacht, before rising up in the sky, while on each side of the yacht, Yuri and Patricia, respectively First and Second Solos, each perform an inverted pass, with their plane on the back, their canopy facing the ocean.
Meanwhile, the Diamond has separated, each plane going off in a different direction, while Phantom 5 and 6 put their plane back up before rising as well, doing aileron rolls all the while.
"And now, the DNA Wheel!" exclaims Phantom One over the radio.

As he does that, the planes divide themselves in two groups of three, Phantom 5 meeting up with 1 and 3, and 6 with 2 and 4.
Once that is done, eacch group of three planes (each plane now place diagonally to the plane in front of him), flies back towards the yacht from the rear, before starting to slow down and getting the landing gear out. Once that is done, each one starts to perform a barrel roll with the smoke pouring. And as they all roll, they indeed create a shape not unlike a DNA double helix,
After the have passed the yacht, all of them pull up their landing gear and flaps once again, before the two solos, get a bit fartther away, allowing the Diamond formation to fly back to the yacht from their starboard side, while doing a Diamond Roll, without the fumes.

Once that is done, and as the first song comes to its last chorus, the two solos also arrive, one the starboard side the other on the port side, flying towards each other.
However, just before their pass each other above the yacht, their each bank their planes to the left, performing an Opposing Knife Edge Pass, but with the left wingtip of their fighers each passing between the masts of the Aurelia
"Whoops, sorry if any hats flew!" exclaims Yuri on the radio.
Meanwhile, the Diamond has rearranged itself in a diagonal formation, and as the fumes are back on and the second song, Désenchantée by Mylène Farmer, starts.
And so, as the solos prepare themselves for their next move, Phantom 1 to 4 pull their sticks up to perform a Left Echelon Roll, and one that is done, fly back towards the yacht on the port side, while Adrean and Alicia invert their planes, therefore putting the four of them in a Double Farvel formation.

Meanwhile, the two solos have reunited, and as they fly towards the yacht, now from the rear, they start to pull down their landing gear and flaps, before Phantom 5 inverts his plane while Phantom 6 keeps straight, therefore performing the Fortus.) angle
Once that is done, they come back towards the yacht, flying on the port side, and perform the Section High Alpha, each one of their planes tilting up to a 45° angle, and reducing their speed considerably.
After that, they fly away, letting the guests refocus their attention on the other four, who now arrive on the yacht in their Diamond 360, each plane flying very close to the other, Phantom's One wingtips nearly touching the canopies of Phantom 2 and 3. Without missing a beat, they immediatly turn back towards the ship and reduce their speed, before pulling down their landing gear and flaps, and rising up to perform a Diamond Dirty Loop, while in the meantime, Phantom 5 and 6 fly together in the loop, before each one banks to a side, and perform an Opposing Minimum Radius Turn.

And so, as the second song end, and the third, What's a Story by the Astarian Metal Band Armistice (a song about tellling the story of the Empire, from its humble beginnings in the 10th century to now.), Phantom 5 quickly joins the group of 4, who by now have pulled their landing gear and flaps back up, and they start to rise high in the sky, performing a straight line loop known as the Line-Abreast Loop.
Once that done, as they fly a bit away, Phantom 6 comes back again arriving from the port side and rear, before performing a Minimum Radius Turn, banking left and pulling hard on her stick.
Meanwhile, Phantom 5 has flown away from his wingmen allowing them to reconfigure in a Diamond formation once more, before coming back towards the yacht from the front, and performing a Diamond Aileron Roll, each one of them performing aileron rolls at high speed while staying close to each other.
Once they have passed above the ship, they immediatly bank left with the smoke still on, before turning to perform a Diamond Burner 270, that brings them back on the starboard side of the yacht, at a low altitude, causing them to pass this time at the mast's height.

After that, and as the song's solo finishes, Phantom 5 and 6 join the other four to perform the Delta Formation, each solo on the sides, before they all rise to perform the Delta Loop, folllowed by the Delta Roll.
And as the song's reaches it's end, the six fighters finish their presentation by flying in a straight Delta Formation above the yacht, reducing their speed just enough to not have to pull the flaps out.

"Well, esteemed guests, says Adrean on the radio, this closes our lttle welcoming presentation We hope we have been able to entertain you, as we had great pleasure to prepare this, and we shall see you in a few hours at dinner. Till then, thanks for your time, and have a pleasant afternoon."

And with that, the six Imperial Guard FA/18 Hornets cut their fumes, and fly back towards the continent.

Aurelia, Private Yacht of Prince Damir ibn-Razia, on the Sun Deck.
En route to the Empire of Astares Amauricanum.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Indeed, somewhere in international waters, a submarine of the Imperial Navy had joined us as an escort. We accepted it as a sign of trust and friendship, which they wanted to establish, and as a sign of good will.
Unofficially, we had been about to decline. The thing was, that the original plan had been, that the Aurelia would be accompanied by the mightiest ship of the Sultan's Navy, a ship, which would bring enemies around as friends by its mere presence in her harbours. I, of course, thought about the Lebawa, the Sail Training Vessel of the Sultan's Navy and an impressive ship in general. Sadly, her auxiliary diesel engines broke down, so we took them up on the offer and met that submarine.
No one had tried to harm us and I doubted, that it was because of that submarine, but that was another story.
As it was, we now heard the voice of our host for the first time, over radio: By request, they were transmitting to us from their planes, had requested specific songs to be played as they danced in the sky and that both would be played over loudspeakers.
Adrean Blachkor, who they called the Third, the Emperor of this place.
Apparently, someone was stupid enough to risk loosing him by letting him fly active combat missions during one war or the other and it was presumed, that he had a few more combat missions under his belt, but if the Imperial Air Force was that desperate for pilots, they of course needed to take everything they could take. I had the feeling, that Uncle Ilia, who flew himself and who had flown combat missions himself, had a different opinion - and I had the feeling, that this opinion was not too kind either.
Anyway, they approached from the North and we watched with varying degrees of interest and intentions: Of course, Commander Shabaaltay, a fellow aviator, had a different look and view as Fara, who was more interested in watching him. Dad and I watched with mild interest. Neither of us was overly excited by air shows, but it was neat, that was for sure. Elian and Razia were watching with great interest, as was the assembled crew on the Sun Deck.
The sounds of their excitement were louder then the music.
They flew quite low, though, if you asked me.
The engines were often louder then the crew, too, so whatever the intention of the music was, we only heard it, when they were far away. And I was not convinced by that style of music, especially the last, but I literally heard one song in that style, the rest might be better.
In the end, the crew cheered and we gave applause, from frenetic to polite. The display done, the crew was allowed to mingle on the Sun Deck a bit more, had a few non-alcoholic drinks before it was back to duty before dinner.
We six convened by the aft, a bit away.
Dad nodded. "Right... that was something that happened.", he said and smiled, "To those new to the wonderful world of diplomatic visits, this is an unusual reception. I'm actually more used to rotten tomatoes flying into my general direction, but that doesn't happen that often, when Aurelia is with me..."
I smiled. "My natural charme.", I said and caused a round of smiles, giggles and snorts.
"Be it as it may be, we have more work to do tonight.", Damir said and everyone, including myself nodded, "Dinner." He spoke it as if he was talking about a dangerous military operation, not an occasion to meet informally, despite being formal, and to eat. "Abbas, I'll leave the choice of whether or not to wear uniform to you."
The Commander nodded. "Suit and tie, Sir. Not that I am not proud of my uniform, but the Blue Dress is uncomfortable..."
Everyone, who had done their Service, nodded in understanding - I still had that in front of me, so I had no idea.
"Wonderful.", Dad said and then added the plan for the evening, "Tara will welcome them at the gangplank and we will meet in the salon on the Bridge Deck. We will socialize a bit, while the Aurelia gets underway again. Around half an hour into it, we will be called into the Large Dining Room on the Promenade Deck, where we will be served dinner, five courses." We nodded. Of course, it would be a dinner of Kyrenaian Cuisine. "After dinner, we will socialize further, take them up to the Sun Deck, such things. We will return to the port by midnight. Of course, I will offer them to spent the night, but I doubt, that they will take us up on that offer." We nodded again. "And tomorrow, things will get underway in earnest."
We nodded and confirmed what we had heard.
"One more thing, though...", Fara said: "Abbas, what does the expert think?", she asked her boyfriend with a smile. "Good show, bad show, somewhere inbetween?"
"Their display shows a startling lack of safety precautions. They flew far too low quite often and made some displays, which I personally find reckless. These are fighterplanes, not toys.", he said and then added: "And, on a more personal note, I didn't like their 'soundtrack'. The soundtrack for such a display is to be the roar of the engines and the cheers of the crowd." He gave Razia a slight bow. "No offense, Miss Wasima."
She waved her hand with a smile, dismissing the thought, that the comment might have caused offense. "Don't worry, I think the same."
Damir nodded. "Well, with that said, I guess, that we go and change for the dinner.", he said and looked at Shabaaltay. "Commander, I don't think, that I need to mention..."
"The moment these people are aboard, it was the best flight display I've ever seen.", he said, "The moment they're off, it isn't."
"Good man.", Damir said with a firm nod and Fara shrugged with a grin.
He was better then her last, that was for sure.
We dispersed.

[Astares Amauricanum]

A few hours later...
Yacht Idolon, en route to the Aurelia
The Idolon, (latin for spectre), had been finally commisionned in 2018, as the Yacht of the Emperor and Empress, as well as their noble friends from the Phantom Squadron. This motorized ship of 180 meters, painted in dark grey with just a red line running across the waterline, was now making its way south of the Chespeake Bay, as Bell UH-1Y "Venom" helicopters dropped the Emperor, Empress and their friends aboard, so that they could dress.

And so, while the rest of their friends, would be enjoying a party of their own, Adrean, Anna, Pavel, Alicia, Yuri and Patricia would all be transferred via tender to the Aurelia, as the Idolon had now reached the sailing yacht, and turned to take position on its port side.
For this evening, the three men had elected to wear their Imperial Guard Black Dress Uniforms (or simply Dress Blacks, the equivalent of Blue Dress), composed of a white collarless shirt, a five-button black coat, black trousers with a scarlet trim, black gloves, and black knee high boots. With that comes a white peaked cap with golden decorations, as well as they grey double-headed grey eagle of the Imperial Guard. And let's not forget the straight sword in a sheath on their belts
For the women, they had chosen to wear illusion dresses, Anna wearing this, a formal illusion dress with a deep V-neck, (highlithing her "argumentation amplifiers") open back and double slits.
Alicia, for her part, wears this, a long formal dress with a V-neck, side slit and back straps. as well as a belt made of fine silver lace and white pearls.
And finally, Patricia wears this, with a keyhole back, side slit and rhinestone The dress is light green. However, none of them were wearing heels, since they knew thatfor medical reasons, those are not good for the back (That and they didn't feel comfortable wearing some).


"Well, time to shine people, simply says Adrean to his wife and friends as the Idolon's tender approaches the side of the Aurelia, to which the rest of the group answers with a simple "Rah."

[Kyrenaia]

A few hours later...
Yacht Idolon, en route to the Aurelia
The Idolon, (latin for spectre), had been finally commisionned in 2018, as the Yacht of the Emperor and Empress, as well as their noble friends from the Phantom Squadron. This motorized ship of 180 meters, painted in dark grey with just a red line running across the waterline, was now making its way south of the Chespeake Bay, as Bell UH-1Y "Venom" helicopters dropped the Emperor, Empress and their friends aboard, so that they could dress.

And so, while the rest of their friends, would be enjoying a party of their own, Adrean, Anna, Pavel, Alicia, Yuri and Patricia would all be transferred via tender to the Aurelia, as the Idolon had now reached the sailing yacht, and turned to take position on its port side.
For this evening, the three men had elected to wear their Imperial Guard Black Dress Uniforms (or simply Dress Blacks, the equivalent of Blue Dress), composed of a white collarless shirt, a five-button black coat, black trousers with a scarlet trim, black gloves, and black knee high boots. With that comes a white peaked cap with golden decorations, as well as they grey double-headed grey eagle of the Imperial Guard. And let's not forget the straight sword in a sheath on their belts
For the women, they had chosen to wear illusion dresses, Anna wearing this, a formal illusion dress with a deep V-neck, (highlithing her "argumentation amplifiers") open back and double slits.
Alicia, for her part, wears this, a long formal dress with a V-neck, side slit and back straps. as well as a belt made of fine silver lace and white pearls.
And finally, Patricia wears this, with a keyhole back, side slit and rhinestone The dress is light green. However, none of them were wearing heels, since they knew thatfor medical reasons, those are not good for the back (That and they didn't feel comfortable wearing some).


"Well, time to shine people, simply says Adrean to his wife and friends as the Idolon's tender approaches the side of the Aurelia, to which the rest of the group answers with a simple "Rah."

Tara Harir.
Aft of the Aurelia.
The Aurelia differed in quite a few aspects from the class of yachts, which she was the nameship of. One was at the aft: If one wanted to go for a swim, one could jump from the sides, but if one wanted to come aboard again, one could swim to the aft and climb onto the platform there. With the serial production by SDY, a ladder led up onto the Passenger Deck. Aboard the Aurelia, this was done by a set of small stairs.
I stood on the swimming platform.
The Idolon was a bit to the side, having come alongside to transfer passengers.
She was about twice as long as the Aurelia, but I knew, that Damir would not care much about that. Damir had better things to do then to feel inferior because his yacht was shorter then someone else's - besides, he would call the Idolon inferior either way, mainly because she was motor powered while the Aurelia was under sails.
And how magnificent she looked!
The Selkie called this style of ship Capall na dTonn, Wavehorse, all three masts carried trapezoid sails, backstays deployed, with the foremast having a jib and a staysail in addition to that. The canvas was full of wind, propelling the sleek hull of light steel with a superstructure of aluminium at twelve knots or around 22 kilometers per hour. Under ideal conditions, the Aurelia could reach 14 or even 15 knots!
The crew had her under control masterfully.
I stood at the Swimming Platform and waited for the tender, the davits for the dinghy already occupied by the Harira, Princess Aurelia's little Cat Yawl. We would be able to fix her to the ship, though, even at twelve knots. Two sailors, who in their vests and pants and lengths of cloth slung around their waists, looked like they just exited a pirate movie, would aid in that, provided, of course, the tender was supposed to stay with us for the duration of the dinner.
I would welcome the guests and lead them up to the Salon on the Bridge Deck. I knew, that our delegation was waiting there.
My long, violet hair, which reached well past my hips, was open, fluttering in the wind under the veil, my red eyes sparkled like rubies, especially in the dusk. I wore the Altanafus min la Shay, the Breath of Nothing, the iconic dress of the Handmaidens of Kyrenaia.
One should add, that I was not housed in a crew quarter, but in a stateroom, as was any Handmaiden aboard.
And so, I waited.

[Astares Amauricanum]

As the Idolon's tender finally reaches the Aurelia's swimming platform, out comes first an Imperial Guard sailor, wearing a dark green Service Uniform pants and shirt with a lifevest, then Yuri, followed by his wife Patricia, Pavel followed by Alicia, and finally the Emperor, who helps his wife get out of the tender. Once that is done, the sailor reenters the tender, who goes back to the Idolon, leaving the Imperial Couple and their friends standing on the platform.
"Good evening Miss Tarir," says the group as one in English. Thank you for having us aboard this evening, continues the Emperor.

Note
For this evening, Adrean has his long hair unattached, Anna has her hair braided ik one single braid, held at the end by a brooch representing her family's coat of arms, Alicia also have her long hair unattacjed, as well as Patricia (who has just-below-shoulder length hair.)
Also, all three women carry a small handbag, with the strap made out of pearls. Each handbag contains a small dagger.
in terms of jewelry, the Empress wears a silver necklace with a saphire and emeraud resting on her collarbone. Alicia wears a simple golden chain, as well as Patricia.

[Kyrenaia]

As the Idolon's tender finally reaches the Aurelia's swimming platform, out comes first an Imperial Guard sailor, wearing a dark green Service Uniform pants and shirt with a lifevest, then Yuri, followed by his wife Patricia, Pavel followed by Alicia, and finally the Emperor, who helps his wife get out of the tender. Once that is done, the sailor reenters the tender, who goes back to the Idolon, leaving the Imperial Couple and their friends standing on the platform.
"Good evening Miss Tarir," says the group as one in English. Thank you for having us aboard this evening, continues the Emperor.

Note
For this evening, Adrean has his long hair unattached, Anna has her hair braided ik one single braid, held at the end by a brooch representing her family's coat of arms, Alicia also have her long hair unattacjed, as well as Patricia (who has just-below-shoulder length hair.)
Also, all three women carry a small handbag, with the strap made out of pearls. Each handbag contains a small dagger.

Tara Harir.
Aft of the Aurelia.
Once the guests were aboard and their ride disappeared, they greeted me like a group of schoolchildren - it was honestly adorable. And yes, on occasion, I did lead groups of school children through the Azure Hall.
Anyway, I bowed my head lightly, took off the veil.
"Good evening. I am indeed Tara Harir, the Personal Handmaiden to Prince Damir ibn-Razia.", I told them, "My Prince has insisted, that he would welcome you aboard his vessel personally in the Salon, so, while your gratitude is appreciated, I ask you to express it towards him, not towards me, please." I let a beat pass, turned slightly, then made an inviting gesture with my hand. "Please follow me. I will bring you to the Salon."
A moment later, my veil was on again as well.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Sorry for the misunderstanding, replies the Empress as she readjusts her handbag over her shoulder. Please lead the way, then."
And with that said, the three couples follow the Handmaiden. First, Adrean and Anna, then Pavel and Alicia, and finally Yuri and Patricia, the men having offered their left arm to their wives for them to hold, which they gladly do.
But as they do that, Yuri discreetly takes out his smartphone and types a message:
Plague 1 to all, entry confirmed,
before switfly putting back his phone in his pocket.

[Kyrenaia]

"Sorry for the misunderstanding, replies the Empress as she readjusts her handbag over her shoulder. Please lead the way, then."
And with that said, the three couples follow the Handmaiden. First, Adrean and Anna, then Pavel and Alicia, and finally Yuri and Patricia, the men having offered their left arm to their wives for them to hold, which they gladly do.
But as they do that, Yuri discreetly takes out his smartphone and types a message:
Plague 1 to all, entry confirmed,
before switfly putting back his phone in his pocket.

Tara Harir.
Aft of the Aurelia.
I nodded and turned, fixing the veil on my head again.
I led them upwards and onto the aft deck, which was large, open area under the mizzenmast. Deck chairs and tables were on the deck, classy but simple designs of wood on the wooden deck. One could very well imagine lounging here after a nice swim and with a nice drink and in fact, there were enough images of the Prince and the Princess doing exactly that with and without guests.
I led them past the aft deck, along the promenade to one of the staircases leading up to the Bridge Deck, the two sailors, who had assisted with the docking of the tender, having followed the little caravan. They had other duties to attend to now.
I did notice, that the guests were only carrying their blades, or rather, that the men were, while I would bet, that the women had something as well.
The Bridge Deck was more active then the Promenade, a sailor standing watch at the entrance to the Bridge as a Handmaiden was bringing fresh tea, another Handmaiden, Sarina, vanishing into the Salon on the other end of the hallway.
A small sitting area was established where the staircases led up, a painting hanging on either side of the room, a few chairs beneath. A small toilet was nearby, actually for Bridge Use, but guests could use it as well.
I stopped and bowed my head lightly. If they wished to take a short breather, take a short potty break, readjust ties and such things, now was the time.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Adrean, Anna, Pavel, Alicia, Yuri and Patricia all follow Miss Harir, passing on the aft deck. As they walk, they recognize the surroundings as the ones where some photos depicting Prince Damir massaging his daughter's back were taken, photos which has sparked some rumors of an incestuous relationship, one that despite having no proof of it, the Imperials felt it was true. But for now, they don't talk about it, and just exchange a series of small glances between themselves to show they all recognize the place.
As they finally reach the Bridge deck and the waiting area, they stop to check themselves once again, the girls readjusting the straps on their dresses, while the men check each other's uniforms.
"That scar ain't looking to bad, is it? asks Adrean in Astarian as he points to his neck, to the most recent of scars he has acquired, the one where he was bitten in the neck while healing a patient back in September.
-Don't worry, replies Pavel, it heals nicely. And don't worry, if they ask, just answer. Evn though they'll most likely think you put yourself in danger for nothing.
-In our line of work, we all have a potential target on our heads, simply replies the Emperor with a neutral look. Meh, let's leave that aside and try to enjoy the party. You all good girls? he asks to his wife and friends.
-That we are, replies the Empress with a smile, while Patricia and Alicia nod to confirm.
-All right then Miss Harir, open up." finishes Adrean as he switches back to English.

[Kyrenaia]

Adrean, Anna, Pavel, Alicia, Yuri and Patricia all follow Miss Harir, passing on the aft deck. As they walk, they recognize the surroundings as the ones where some photos depicting Prince Damir massaging his daughter's back were taken, photos which has sparked some rumors of an incestuous relationship, one that despite having no proof of it, the Imperials felt it was true. But for now, they don't talk about it, and just exchange a series of small glances between themselves to show they all recognize the place.
As they finally reach the Bridge deck and the waiting area, they stop to check themselves once again, the girls readjusting the straps on their dresses, while the men check each other's uniforms.
"That scar ain't looking to bad, is it? asks Adrean in Astarian as he points to his neck, to the most recent of scars he has acquired, the one where he was bitten in the neck while healing a patient back in September.
-Don't worry, replies Pavel, it heals nicely. And don't worry, if they ask, just answer. Evn though they'll most likely think you put yourself in danger for nothing.
-In our line of work, we all have a potential target on our heads, simply replies the Emperor with a neutral look. Meh, let's leave that aside and try to enjoy the party. You all good girls? he asks to his wife and friends.
-That we are, replies the Empress with a smile, while Patricia and Alicia nod to confirm.
-All right then Miss Harir, open up." finishes Adrean as he switches back to English.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
The Salon of the Aurelia, on the Bridge Deck, was a nice room to receive guests.
When one entered through the door, one would see oneself confronted with a painting right opposite, a painting, and replica, of a more famous masterpiece by Amir Alfalhath, back from the time he was at the Sattakrasd Art School in Motya.
It was a painting of the figurative art style, the object of the artwork derived from real objects, but, in his usual way, abstracted. On the painting of the harbour of Motya, the ships could be recognized, the harbour installations and the town - however, many elements were abstracted. While the ships, the large and small yachts of the mighty and beautiful were in stark realism, or at least close to it, the town was abstract, the palm trees were abstract and the harbour installations were somewhere in the middle.
I had spoken with Amir about what the painting meant, and so did Dad, but others were either guessing or doing the advanced version of it: Interpreting.
Underneath the painting was a small bar, mostly filled with non-alcoholic beverages - and those, that were alcoholic, were in the closed off locker, officially to prevent them from falling out and being destroyed in heavy seas.
The walls to either side of the arrangement were lined with books, from more modern paperbacks and hardcovers to books, which appeared to be positively ancient and, in some cases, were. They were in a total of seven languages and Dad had a solid command of all seven of them (I was sitting comfortably at five). In a corner, to the right, one could see a number of colourful children's books, too.
The wall towards the aft, where the Owner's Suite A, Dad's Suite, was, was filled with more book shelves, while the one leading towards the bow was occupied by a number of glass showcases, seemed with what seemed confusing at first, if one knew my Dad: Figurines. But not just any old figurines, but a wide variety of them, from animals and sometimes their owners (there was a cute one representing Aldhiyb and me), to humans and humans riding on various animals. There was a Marcach, who bore a striking resemblance to Gwen Cróimiam of the Tribe of Cork, the lance held high into the air, a sworddancer, an axerider, who looked a lot like Atif, a knight of the Military Order of Anne, Mère de Marie from Nouvelle-Dunkerque, who bore a striking resemblance to Gilles Boitel, their current Head, in full armour, a Lillo-Warrior with his hands resting on his axe, a Sharulsi Magudai, his bow raised to shoot at anyone daring to stand in front of him, the list went on for a while. Nearly a hundred figurines were on display, carefully fixed to the ground so that they didn't fly around during heavy seas.
What only few knew about Dad was, that he collected such hand-crafted and masterful displays of their skills - and only of a selected few makers.
There were a number of armchairs, comfortable pieces of furniture of leather and padding, in the room, two arranged in a sitting group near the far right corner, a small table between them, another one with two sofas of the same materials roundabout in the centre, and a singular armchair by the far left corner, close to the showcase.
By the wall next to the door, the Handmaidens waited, Sarina and Tara would join them there, but Miss Madan was kneeling there, waiting on the moment to spring into action.
We were all strewn around the room.
I wore a black dress, floor length with an illusion skirt, the sheer fabric allowing to see, that I had legs and that they were quite nice, but little more. The bodice was, as current fashion prescribed, shoulderless and did put emphasis on my hips, not my chest - as if those two needed any more emphasis. My hair was open, reaching well past my rear in natural, flowing locks. I sat on one of the chairs in the sitting group, Sarina just delivering tea to me and Fara next to me.
Fara wore a dark blue dress with a halterneck, floor length and with heels. She could wear them, I regularly killed my feet in these blasted things. Her hips were accentuated as well, the little cleavage her dress had hinted at the plentiful bust, which Abbas' girlfriend owned. It also hid the ugly scar of the assassination attempt at her. The only piece of jewelry was a necklace, the shards of a ruby set into silver in the form of a rose, which rested on her collarbone, a gift from my father.
Speaking of the Navy-Man, he and Dad were standing in front of the painting conversing animatedly and interpreting the artwork with Dad. Both men, and Elian, wore black tie suits, Abbas having shed his dinner jacket, all three men black and with white shirts. Their bow ties differed from man to man, with Dad wearing a classic black one, Elian a red one and Abbas a deep, navy-blue one.
And Razia was wearing a dress, too, floor length, a very eye-catching piece that would be just as much as home on the ballroom floor as on one of her stages - and, let's be honest here, it was a beautiful piece, too. The dress was composed of a black bodice with white breast cups and front lacing over the stomach, some lace adorning the upper end of the fabric. To the sides, white, see-through bands led over the shoulders as decorations or could be pulled down to the sides, as they currently were. The skirt went down to the floor, the inside decorated with deep red frills, layer after layer after layer, a side slit going up almost to the waist showing glimpses of said frills and a long, well formed leg every now and again. A black and gold garter was high up on the leg. The entire ensemble was, where it was black, embroidered with golden thread, where it was white, the thread was of silver. A pair of elbow-length, black lace gloves and a pair of white heels completed the ensemble.
She and Elian were giving the figurines a closer look, discussing the art behind the Handcannoneer from Shamsiyya, as the door opened and Tara entered, the guests behind her.
"Ah.", Dad made as he turned around, smiled welcomingly as he bowed his bowed his head lightly. "Welcome aboard the Aurelia, Emperor Adrean, Empress Anna. Though I am afraid, that we were not yet introduced to your entire entourage?"
We rose from our positions as well, me to my Dad's left, Fara to Abbas' right, Razia and Elian to their right. The tea cups remained on the little side table.

[Astares Amauricanum]

When they enter the salon, Yuri and Patricia come first positioning themselves to the right. Then Pavel and Alicia, going to the left, and finally the Imperial Couple.
Once done, the men raise their hands to their foreheads in a military salute, while the women bow their heads lightly with a smile.
"Good evening Prince, ladies, sirs, say the Emperor and Empress, as Adrean and the two other males drop the salute and bow their heads lightly too. Thank you for having us aboard this evening, continues the Empress.
-Of course, where are my manners? asks Adrean with a small smirk in answer to Damir's question.
This blonde playboy here is Primarch Arving Magnam Stoher Pavel Morozov, he starts as he puts his left hand on the his friend's shoulder. Translated, that means Primarch Heir Grand Duke. For those who may have forgotten, the Primarchs are the five most powerful and influent noble families that were established along with the Imperial Dynasty back in the 10th century. We have the Melniks, from which my wife descends."
As he says that, he points to Anna with his chin.
"The Morozovs, the Smetovs, the Leonharts and the Dopplers. Simply put, they're more or less our version of the Ilkhans. He also serves the head of my Personal Guard.
As for the other male here, continues the Emperor as he moves a few steps to the right to Yuri, this is Baron Yuri Petrenko. His family was ennobled back in the 17th century, and was given the inhospitable lands of the Yukon, NorthWest Territories and Nunavut. Aside from that, he descends from a long and proud line of whale hunters and fishermen.
Now, when it comes to introducing my wife's colleagues, I believe she is better at doing it than me.
-Thank you dear, replies Anna. Now, continues the Empress, Pavel's wife, Alicia, descends from the Dipaloski family, a line of beverages merchants, who had a near monopoly on alcoholic beverages.
-That we had, says Alicia. And to this day, we still have shares in nearly all the beverages company in the Empire. And like my husband, I serve as Anna's Personal Guard Commander.
-And finally Patricia, Yuri's wife. Descending from the Verdall Barons, whose ancestors were among the first to really mingle and create a metis lineage.
And that's pretty much our entourage in a nutshell, finishes Anna.
-Of course, we also have everyone else currently on the Idolon, who you'll meet tomorrow, adds the Emperor.

[Kyrenaia]

When they enter the salon, Yuri and Patricia come first positioning themselves to the right. Then Pavel and Alicia, going to the left, and finally the Imperial Couple.
Once done, the men raise their hands to their foreheads in a military salute, while the women bow their heads lightly with a smile.
"Good evening Prince, ladies, sirs, say the Emperor and Empress, as Adrean and the two other males drop the salute and bow their heads lightly too. Thank you for having us aboard this evening, continues the Empress.
-Of course, where are my manners? asks Adrean with a small smirk in answer to Damir's question.
This blonde playboy here is Primarch Grand Duke Pavel Morozov, he starts as he puts his left hand on the his friend's shoulder. For those who may have forgotten, the Primarchs are the five most powerful and influent noble families that were established along with the Imperial Dynasty back in the 10th century. We have the Melniks, from which my wife descends."
As he says that, he points to Anna with his chin.
"The Morozovs, the Smetovs, the Leonharts and the Dopplers. Simply put, they're more or less our version of the Ilkhans. He also serves the head of my Personal Guard.
As for the other male here, continues the Emperor as he moves a few steps to the right to Yuri, this is Baron Yuri Petrenko. His family was ennobled back in the 17th century, and was given the inhospitable lands of the Yukon, NorthWest Territories and Nunavut. Aside from that, he descends from a long and proud line of whale hunters and fishermen.
Now, when it comes to introducing my wife's colleagues, I believe she is better at doing it than me.
-Thank you dear, replies Anna. Now, continues the Empress, Pavel's wife, Alicia, descends from the Dipaloski family, a line of beverages merchants, who had a near monopoly on alcoholic beverages.
-That we had, says Alicia. And to this day, we still have shares in nearly all the beverages company in the Empire. And like my husband, I serve as Anna's Personal Guard Commander.
-And finally Patricia, Yuri's wife. Descending from the Verdall Barons, whose ancestors were among the first to really mingle and create a metis lineage.
And that's pretty much our entourage in a nutshell, finishes Anna.
-Of course, we also have everyone else currently on the Idolon, who you'll meet tomorrow, adds the Emperor.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
The introductions passed politely, us nodding to those, who were introduced politely.
It appeared, that the Empire was polite enough to create the ideal situation for what Captain Jamkija called a Decapitation Strike: Assembling the heirs and leading members of the Empire in one handy place, one bomb away from being blown to little pieces. Of course, such a thing would not happen around here and hopefully never, not even when they were playing at being soldiers.
The fact, that some of the families they represented went back a bit was interesting, as was the fact, that the Emperor likened them to the Ilkhans - which was an interesting comparison.
Damir nodded.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all.", he said, "I believe, that my people should introduce themselves as well." He motioned to the farthest right. "Please, Elian, Razia, you can begin."
"Thank you, Damir.", Elian said with a small bow of his head, his hand in Razia's. He nodded to her - ladies first.
"I am Razia Wasima.", she said and smirked in a very self-confident way. "I am a musician, of the Hot Metal Genre, an artist in general and social activist both by the way of genre and by the way of heart. I am from Shobina, in the Ilkhanate of Fenchu, the daughter of a car merchant and his wife." She grinned. "The most influential car merchant in all of Shobina!"
I knew, what she was doing: She returned the notes they had given how big and powerful their families were with how big and powerful her family was, with the confidence to match to stand toe to toe despite the differences.
Some might call it arrogance, but others were calling it Kyrenaian Pride. I called it funny, but an interesting object lesson for all involved.
We would go down a different route: List honours and achievements we were proud of, found interesting and found funny - anything but the territorial claims we had. Those, who would hear our names would know, who we were even without us listing, which places we were the Princes and Princesses of.
The young man to her side grinned himself, then bowed his head lightly. "Prince Elian ibn-Sarah, student of History at the University of Sabratha and model for a company by the name of Bicíní Industries, with seat in Launceston, Free Lands of the Selkie.", he told about himself, "If anyone asks, my little sister dragged me in. Her, and Khana Amina."
Next to them, the middle pair looked at each other and Fara began: "If I may introduce Abbas Shabaaltay, an aviator of the Sultan's Navy and a talented dancer.", she said, "A philosopher, a swordsman and not very good at making music."
The Except at making me sing. went unheard.
"Princess Fara bint-Dardan.", he said and introduced his date, "Student of Politics, Special Ambassador, the most beautiful, graceful and almost always the fastest swimmer of the University of Megido..." At that, Fara gave him a playful slap on the stomach, which made his grin only widen. "...and the owner of an oversized kitten by the name of Kalak."
With that, we looked to Dad.
"As you may know, Prince Damir ibn-Razia, a patron of the arts, a Special Ambassador of the Sultanate, Police Sergeant by Reserve and, most importantly...", he said and looked to me, "...a father."
I bowed my head lightly. "And said daughter would be me. Princess Aurelia bint-Damir, student of the Haram Girls' Academy, Captain of its Horseman Team, Marcach registered with the Marcach-Guild of Redruth, Captain of my own ship and political activist." I shrugged. "Don't believe what the papers say, though, I don't consistently manage the 5-500."
There was a round of laughs from my side of the room at that comment.

[Astares Amauricanum]

Just like the Kyrenaians, the Astarians nod politely and smile at the introductions.
They, too, were aware that this setting would be perfect to eliminate the head of the Empire, but so far, they had been in worse situations, and they had gotten out alive (although not unscathed.)
However, the Imperials noticed one main difference with the Kyrenaians: while in the Empire, it was usual to introduce oneself by saying where they were from, and expect people to know about their occupation and facts about them (or ask later on), in Kyrenaia, it seemed that it was the opposite.
Well, another difference of culture, was the simple thought going through the six Phantom's minds at the moment.
"Well, nice to all you meet as well, replies Adrean with a smile in a very accented Kyrenaian. Sorry if I made ay mistakes," he adds as he switches back to English.

[Kyrenaia]

Just like the Kyrenaians, the Astarians nod politely and smile at the introductions.
They, too, were aware that this setting would be perfect to eliminate the head of the Empire, but so far, they had been in worse situations, and they had gotten out alive (although not unscathed.)
However, the Imperials noticed one main difference with the Kyrenaians: while in the Empire, it was usual to introduce oneself by saying where they were from, and expect people to know about their occupation and facts about them (or ask later on), in Kyrenaia, it seemed that it was the opposite.
Well, another difference of culture, was the simple thought going through the six Phantom's minds at the moment.
"Well, nice to all you meet as well, replies Adrean with a smile in a very accented Kyrenaian. Sorry if I made ay mistakes," he adds as he switches back to English.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
His accent was terrible, worse then mine initial accent.
Still, Dad smiled with a bit of joy. "Not bad, not bad at all for someone, who is beginning with the language!", he said in English, a diplomatic response. He smiled and motioned to Miss Madan, who rose. "Now, allow me to welcome you aboard by ancient, Kyrenaian custom as well."
The woman moved forwards with a tablet, a dozen high flute glasses filled with water on it, setting them out on the table in the center. We all took one and Damir made an inviting gesture to the Astarians.
"Please take one.", he said, "In our customs, the sharing of water is a gesture to welcome someone, to assure peaceful and friendly intent, and to make sure, that the other isn't dying by dehydration." He shrugged. "Granted, I could very well imagine, that this is a less pressing concern around these parts then in the Five Deserts. Anyway... welcome aboard."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Adrean knew that his accent was terrible too, but he appreciated that his host didn't mind about it.
"Ah yes, replies the Emperor as his companions and him take a flute too, but not before the men give one first to their wives, the Tuqasimiah if I remember well. Thank you very much.
You're right, around these parts, we ususally worry more about the cold. Tha's why in winter, we offer a mix of hot fruit juices, such as orange and apple, mixed with a bit of chilli pepper to give it a kick."

[Kyrenaia]

Adrean knew that his accent was terrible too, but he appreciated that his host didn't mind about it.
"Ah yes, replies the Emperor as his companions and him take a flute too, but not before the men give one first to their wives, the Tuqasimiah if I remember well. Thank you very much.
You're right, around these parts, we ususally worry more about the cold. Tha's why in winter, we offer a mix of hot fruit juices, such as orange and apple, mixed with a bit of chilli pepper to give it a kick."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
"Tuqasimiah, the q more like a k and the h is silent.", Dad said with a smile, "But yes, you remember it well." He took a sip. "I can imagine, that the cold is a greater worry around here. In Jalid, it is as well. If you ever find yourself among the Ihmiset, prepare to drink Sima, a type of mead. Low alcoholic content, very sweet and very warming."
A beat passed.
"Now, while we wait for dinner, Adrean-Qayssar, Mister Shabaaltay and I were discussing art.", he said and motioned for him and his wife to join them. "Would you care to join us?"
And with that, this first official part was over. The six guests and us would be free to socialize, which would be a key component for this visit's success - and, at least in my case, I knew about that, to sate a bit of personal curiosity.
Fara seated herself on one of the couches, in an ideal position to watch the art critics at work. Razia and Elian went back to admiring the figurines. All three looked as if they were open for others to join them, if they wanted.
I stood free to socialize as well, so... let's see, where this first part of the evening would go.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"We'll be sure to try it if we ever go there," replies the Empress with a smile to Damir.
As the Prince beckons Adrean and Anna to join Abbas and him, the Imperial Couple looks at each other, before the Emperor looks back to the two Kyrenaian men, with a sheepish smile.
"Er... sure! Even though I'm not an expert, I'll try my best! he says as he rubs his neck with his left hand. In fact, one of the only arts I'm really good at is the art of war, he thinks to himself. You were talking about this painting, right?" he finishes as he points to the painting on the wall.
Meanwhile, Anna has approached Aurelia.
"So, Princess, asks the Empress with a smile, how are you? Not too stressed by the state visit?" she asks as she takes a sip from her flute.

Pavel and Alicia, for their part, have seated in the couch facing Fara, with Pavel taking off his peaked cap and putting it on the table.
"So, Fara-Amira, asks the blonde female with a smile, how are you? By the way, the Kyrenaian word for Princess is Amira, right?"

And finally, the Petrenko couple tries their luck with Elian and Razia.
"Miss Wasima, says Yuri with a smile, I don't want to sound like an overexcited fan, but my friends and I really liked some of your songs, especially the Harqalsub album. You really feel the punch of war in it."

[Kyrenaia]

"We'll be sure to try it if we ever go there," replies the Empress with a smile to Damir.
As the Prince beckons Adrean and Anna to join Abbas and him, the Imperial Couple looks at each other, before the Emperor looks back to the two Kyrenaian men, with a sheepish smile.
"Er... sure! Even though I'm not an expert, I'll try my best! he says as he rubs his neck with his left hand. In fact, one of the only arts I'm really good at is the art of war, he thinks to himself. You were talking about this painting, right?" he finishes as he points to the painting on the wall.
Meanwhile, Anna has approached Aurelia.
"So, Princess, asks the Empress with a smile, how are you? Not too stressed by the state visit?" she asks as she takes a sip from her flute.

Pavel and Alicia, for their part, have seated in the couch facing Fara, with Pavel taking off his peaked cap and putting it on the table.
"So, Fara-Amira, asks the blonde female with a smile, how are you? By the way, the Kyrenaian word for Princess is Amira, right?"

And finally, the Petrenko couple tries their luck with Elian and Razia.
"Miss Wasima, says Yuri with a smile, I don't want to sound like an overexcited fan, but my friends and I really liked some of your songs, especially the Harqalsub album. You really feel the punch of war in it."

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
Empress Anna approached me as I was enjoying a sip of my cuppa.
I swallowed, smiled.
"Actually, I was stressed during my first state visits. I did this whole circus since 2016, since I was 15.", I said with a smile, "Granted, the first ones were quite easy ones, like when Dad took me along to a visit to the Free Lands. I got to compete against a few Marcach while there and got my autograph from Leonard Lách, so I am glad." I let a beat pass. "By now, it's... not routine, but I approach it a lot more relaxed." I let a beat pass. "How about you?"

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
Joining me as I was seated, the Morozovs sat down opposite to me, on the other couch.
I smiled.
"Indeed, the word is Amira.", I said and nodded, "For a Prince, Amir. The style of address, as Fara-Amira, is correct as well." I let a beat pass. "I am glad, that you made yourself acquainted with our styles of address, though you surely know, that there is more to it then just the title, Grand Duchess." I let a beat pass. "And I am well, thank you. And you?"

Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
"Oh, don't worry, you'll do fine!", I replied to Emperor Adean, basically pulled him between me and Abbas. "So... a question I usually ask in the antechamber of my office in the Azure Hall, what do you see?"
Indeed, it was the central painting in the room, the abstracted, figurative painting by Amir Alfalhath. The harbour of Motya, the ships could be recognized, the harbour installations and the town - however, many elements were abstracted. While the ships, the large and small yachts of the mighty and beautiful were in stark realism, or at least close to it, the town was abstract, the palm trees were abstract and the harbour installations were somewhere in the middle.

Prince Elian ibn-Sarah.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
As the Petrenkos approached us, we were looking at one of the figurines, a Rural Policemen from the Khanate of Las, sitting on a Sandswimmer. Gods, these things looked terrifying...
Anyway, the man, Yuri, spoke to Razia, making her smile at him: "I don't want to sound like an overexcited fan, but my friends and I really liked some of your songs, especially the Harqalsub album. You really feel the punch of war in it."
"Thank you for your appreciation.", she said with a small bow of her head, "Cooperating with Mister Sadma, was a very enlightening and harsh experience. I am glad to see, that the songs and the pacifist message in them, which both Mahmut and I got in, found a positive echo."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Anna with Princess Aurelia
"Leonard Lach? Isn't he the Ambassador rumored to love very much cheese? asks the Empress with a raised eyebrow, accentuating the word very.
To tell you the truth, I was stressed too during the first state visits I did as a young Empress back at the start of the decade, continues Anna with a smile. Especially given the fact that after my husband's and mine coronation, many countries invited us at once. So we decided to split up the work, I would do one half and he would do the other. But it quickly appeared that being appart didn't suit us well for this kind of job, so we quickly came back to visiting as a couple. And nowadays, after so many visits done, I think it's just like you. Not a routine and more relaxed.
Now, concerning this particular state visit, I'm a bit stressed indeed, but I'm more happy of the fact that our two countries are finally able to interact beyond small diplomatic telegrams about "Bring us our citizens back please" or "Our condolences for the attack", finishes the Empress.

Pavel and Alicia, with Princess Fara.
"I counldn't agree more, replies the Grand Duchess with a smile, titles are just a small part of what makes a person. As for how are we, the day was full, but we got everything done to our liking.
-As for your styles of adress, continues her husband, if there is one thing that my ancestors have learned during their carreers as diplomats, it's that the small touches like this are critical to make a good first impression.
If I may ask, Amira, in your noble ranking system, at what point a person starts using what I would call the "Royalty Adress", aka using the name of your parent with -ibn or -bint behind your first name, and being adressed as a Prince or Princess?"

Adrean, with Damir and Abbas
"Well Prince, relies the Emperor as he empties his flute, I could reply to you with a question too: Which side of me would you like to hear the answer?
If I consider this from my Emperor side, I would say that I should try to create good relations with the people owning the yachts, who are certainly powerful people of the Sultanate. My military side would consider the best way to secure those ships, by helicopter or by boat, or even arriving underwater.
And my... "fatalist" side, continues Adrean, air-quoting fatalist, would say that this is a representation of the world today. Only a few selected can enjoy some pleasure and escape, while the majority of the population stays on shore, a giant, uniform mass of people.

But in the end, I'll just say this: it's a beautiful painting. I can't find any deeper meaning to this. Sorry if you expected something greater Prince, but as a patron of the arts, you're very well aware that art does not speak to everyone, everytime. Tthat does not mean that I dislike paintings, far from it. But this one doesn't really speak to me beyond tha fact that I just like it."

Yuri and Patricia, with Elian and Razia.
"It's not so much the pacifist message that hit us, replies Patricia as she looks as the figurines too, before looking back at the Kyrenaians, but the feeling that no matter what, war is a constant in humanity's history, and that we'll always have to endure it.
-Now, continues the male Petrenko, that is a Sandswimmer, if my memory serves right? Not the best animal to keep around eh?" he asks with a small chuckle.

[Kyrenaia]

Anna with Princess Aurelia
"Leonard Lach? Isn't he the Ambassador rumored to love very much cheese? asks the Empress with a raised eyebrow, accentuating the word very.
To tell you the truth, I was stressed too during the first state visits I did as a young Empress back at the start of the decade, continues Anna with a smile. Especially given the fact that after my husband's and mine coronation, many countries invited us at once. So we decided to split up the work, I would do one half and he would do the other. But it quickly appeared that being appart didn't suit us well for this kind of job, so we quickly came back to visiting as a couple. And nowadays, after so many visits done, I think it's just like you. Not a routine and more relaxed.
Now, concerning this particular state visit, I'm a bit stressed indeed, but I'm more happy of the fact that our two countries are finally able to interact beyond small diplomatic telegrams about "Bring us our citizens back please" or "Our condolences for the attack", finishes the Empress.

Pavel and Alicia, with Princess Fara.
"I counldn't agree more, replies the Grand Duchess with a smile, titles are just a small part of what makes a person. As for how are we, the day was full, but we got everything done to our liking.
-As for your styles of adress, continues her husband, if there is one thing that my ancestors have learned during their carreers as diplomats, it's that the small touches like this are critical to make a good first impression.
If I may ask, Amira, in your noble ranking system, at what point a person starts using what I would call the "Royalty Adress", aka using the name of your parent with -ibn or -bint behind your first name, and being adressed as a Prince or Princess?"

Adrean, with Damir and Abbas
"Well Prince, relies the Emperor as he empties his flute, I could reply to you with a question too: Which side of me would you like to hear the answer?
If I consider this from my Emperor side, I would say that I should try to create good relations with the people owning the yachts, who are certainly powerful people of the Sultanate. My military side would consider the best way to secure those ships, by helicopter or by boat, or even arriving underwater.
And my... "fatalist" side, continues Adrean, air-quoting fatalist, would say that this is a representation of the world today. Only a few selected can enjoy some pleasure and escape, while the majority of the population stays on shore, a giant, uniform mass of people.

But in the end, I'll just say this: it's a beautiful painting. I can't find any deeper meaning to this. Sorry if you expected something greater Prince, but as a patron of the arts, you're very well aware that art does not speak to everyone, everytime. Tthat does not mean that I dislike paintings, far from it. But this one doesn't really speak to me beyond tha fact that I just like it."

Yuri and Patricia, with Elian and Razia.
"It's not so much the pacifist message that hit us, replies Patricia as she looks as the figurines too, before looking back at the Kyrenaians, but the feeling that no matter what, war is a constant in humanity's history, and that we'll always have to endure it.
-Now, continues the male Petrenko, that is a Sandswimmer, if my memory serves right? Not the best animal to keep around eh?" he asks with a small chuckle.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
Well, well, well... thing was, I think, that Anna was forgetting, that I was a bit more experienced in the whole circus of state visits and diplomacy then she was - just like she was more experienced in military matters, but that was a sort of experience I did not really want to have.
Anyway.
"Yes, that certainly is neat.", I said and smiled slightly. "Thank you, on a more personal note, for the condolences after the Al'Arz Attack. You might know, that we lost a few girls of the HGA and..." I swallowed. "...and we still miss them. Both in class, in the dorms and in the after-school clubs."

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
"It depends on how old your line is.", I replied with a small smile, "And, on that note, if your title is hereditary or who you marry and, to some extend, personal wishes. For example, the son of Beyeha Fadwa Faris is Mister Khalid Faris, not Bey Khalid Faris and most certainly not Khalid ibn-Fadwa. Her title is not hereditary.
For example, the daughter of Bey Keke Melko and Beya Vilja Melko is Beyeha Okka Melko, their title being hereditary, but their line never wished to have this style of address. That even caused a diplomatic incident once. If they manage to ascend into the position of a Khanate, though, Okka will be Khana Okka Melko bint-Keke.
For example, Princess Marla was adopted by Khana Amina bint-Karim, which makes her Marla bint-Amina. She was born as Marla Ribín of the Tribe of Cork, though.
For example, Amina, the Ilkhana of Sarepta, was a commoner, born as Amina Dam. To reflect that, she is known as Amina bint-Walid, Amina, Daughter of a Newborn Line."
I smiled, let a beat pass.
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it.", I said, "Though, I did hear, that there are a few more titles in the Empire, who are organized into even more ranks."

Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
Abbas, while hearing the answer, glanced to me and when Adrean had finished, I could not help but smile.
"I asked for one answer, Young Emperor...", I began and did not mean it derogatory, but rather respectful. He was eight years younger then I was, after all. "...you gave me four."
Abbas furrowed his brow. "I only counted three. As Emperor, Soldier and as someone, who doesn't have an eye for art."
"And our new friend here gave me one more.", I said, smiled, "I must admit, that I use this question both out of interest how people see art and as a means to... get a feel, so to speak, for my conversation partners." I shrugged. "Though, among the three of us, for a painting, which does not speak to you, you had a surprising lot to say."

Prince Elian ibn-Sarah.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
Yeah... I saw in Razia's smile, that they did not really get what she and Mahmut went for. Not some over-arching message about human history, that was for sure. I had the pleasure of meeting the good man and that had not been his intention either.
"Depends on who you are, actually.", I replied to the question about the Sandswimmer. "And how much she is used to human company. And yes, only females are trained to be ridden, by Lasite women, who devote their entire life to the art and to the raising of these beasts. That's why there aren't many of the riders and never were." I let a beat pass. "However, such details matter little when you are the poor bugger at the receiving end of one of their chomps or claw swipes."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Anna with Princess Aurelia
For a second, the Empress couldn't help but feel that the princess in front of her was thinking she had more experience in the diplomatic business, while Anna herself was sure they were on equal grounds, despite the fact the latter had started her career five years earlier.
"You're welcome, she replies with a sad smile. Indeed, we have heard that some of your comrades left this world, and trust me when I say I know what you are feeling when you say you miss them. I had a very good group of friends, aside from the girls that now compose my Personal Guard, and they all died during the Civil War between 2005 and 2008. Not a single day passes without me thinking of them.
But if I've learned one thing over the years, it's that the best way to cope with that loss is to continue living everyday to the best of our capabilities, so that they can be proud of us.
Speaking of deaths, you may have heard yourself that we lost someone too in this attack, Lieutenant Hank Anderson of the Detroit Police Department. He was vacationing there with his friend Gabriel Rorke, who got injured pretty badly too, just like his wife. I remember that if we could, we would have tried to help, but we had this incident with the Dollar Flu in New York the same day. Uh, just thinking about it still gives me the creeps." finishes the Empress with a voice where anger and stress are present.

Pavel and Alicia, with Fara
"Oh, you couldn't be closer to the truth, replies Pavel with a small laugh as he raises his glass to take a sip, onlu to realize it is empty. So, with a sad look, he puts it back on the table.
Anyway, I hope you're ready, continues the male Colonel with a smile back on his face. Let's start from the top, shall we?

First, we have these two." he says as he points to Adrean and Anna. "Keisaer and Keisaerine, Emperor and Empress. And before that, Adrean was a Princen, or Prince. A Princess is called Princena
Below, we have the Magnam Stoher and Magnam Stohersisia, Grand Duke and Duchess.
Then, on the same level, the Stoher and Stohersisia, for Duke and Duchess, and the Markion and Markionetsa, for Marquess and Marchioness.
Then, the Earlakna/Earlokia, for Count and Countess, and Thanos/Thanosia for Baron and Baroness."
With that said, Pavel lets a beat pass, to allow Fara to digest this first bit of information.
"Now, as Adrean mentioned it, we also have the title Arving, that we place in front of our family title, to designate that we are the future generation, the sons and daughters of the actual title holders. Iin my case, this translates to Arving Magnam Stoher Pavel Morozov.
There is also the title Planum, given to the family members of the same generation as the current title holder. For example, my father's brothers and sister are called Planum [first name] Morozov.
And finally, there's the particular case of people who have different family names, but who have, among their ancestors, a noble person. After a verification by the state, they are authorized, if they want, to use the noble surname by linking it to their actual surname with the word Ater. For example, if a person named Henry Liak was confirmed to have a Morozov as one of his ancestors, he would be authorized to use the name: Henry Lliak Ater Morozov. However, please note that this case is extremely rare nowadays, if not totallu outdated."

As he finishes, Pavel looks once again at his glass, and feeling really thirsty, motions to a Handmaiden to refill it.
"If you're think we're finished Princess," continues Alicia with a small smirk, "unfortunately we're not. For that was only the noble part. Please allow me to tel you about the civilian titles. Don't worry, it is not as complicated and long as the noble part.
First, we have the Patrici Styresman, which designates highest ranking politicians of the Empire. This title is only given to the First Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet, as well to the State Governors, who are charged to conduct local policies jointly with the local nobility.
Then, we have the Kesaerlig Scritor, or Kesaerlig Scritora in case of a woman. That means "Imperial Secretary", and only refers to the members of the Imperial Cabinet.
We also have the Kesarlig Forande, or "Imperial Chairman". Only two people hold this title, the chairmen of the Represae Huset and the Forsta Styres, respectively the House of Reprensentatives and the Senate.
And finally, the Hoyt Silvis. This title is given to the members of the Represae Huset, the Forsta Styres, and to anyone who has done a great deed in the service of the Empire, and has won the right to use this title. However, please note that being awarded a medal of any kind does not automiatically gives you the right to use it. It is a separate process."
With that said, Alicia lets a beat pass, and takes a sip of her water.
"And that's pretty much it, Fara-Amira. Any questions?"



Adrean with Damir and Abbas
"I had a lot to say indeed, replies the Emperor with a smile, because one of the first things my parents taught me when I was just a small child, is this: Look beyond what you see." he says in Astarian.
"It means: Look beyond what you see. To fully understand a thing, you have to explore it from different angles and viewpoints, and make your brain work, continues Adrean. If try to define a cube by just one side, you can't. You have to turn it over and over, examine the sides, the ridges, etc. And that's what I did with this painting. Try to understand it from various sides. "he finishes as he crosses his arms and looks at the painting again.
"Anyway, since you've asked me, please allow me to return the question to you, gentlemen. What did you saw this afternoon?" asks Adrean with a small smirk to the two Kyrenaian men.


Yuri and Patricia with Elian and Razia
Maybe the Astarians had understood the song's message, maybe they didn't. In the end, it was up to the listener to define the song's meaning for him and him alone.
"Whoah, their whole lives?" asks Patricia with a look of surprise. "Huge respects to those women. But what do you use these beasts for, if they're so difficult to train?
-The last part of what you said clearly reminds me of the Silver Eagle, our national animal." Replies Yuri to the Prince. "Wild birds, very hard to catch, and even harder to train. Many have suffered and failed, and very few have succeeded. And don't get me started on the Snow Badgers. Their claws aren't only for digging, I can assure you."

The Dollar Flu incident mentioned by the Empress was an incident involving a virologist, Dr Gordon Amherst, who decided to unleash a biological weapon made of various strains of viruses, the Smallpox Variola Chimera, (also known as Green Poison or Dollar Flu), by infecting bank notes and releasing them on the Black Friday day, where many people go shopping.
Unfortunately, he caught the attention of the Foederalis Inquisition Kontor, or Federal Investigation Bureau, and his New York clandestine laboratory was raided on June 19th, 2019. However, the raid caused some virus to leak in te vicinity, infeting around 8000 people, of which 1800 would die later.

[Kyrenaia]

Anna with Princess Aurelia
For a second, the Empress couldn't help but feel that the princess in front of her was thinking she had more experience in the diplomatic business, while Anna herself was sure they were on equal grounds, despite the fact the latter had started her career five years earlier.
"You're welcome, she replies with a sad smile. Indeed, we have heard that some of your comrades left this world, and trust me when I say I know what you are feeling when you say you miss them. I had a very good group of friends, aside from the girls that now compose my Personal Guard, and they all died during the Civil War between 2005 and 2008. Not a single day passes without me thinking of them.
But if I've learned one thing over the years, it's that the best way to cope with that loss is to continue living everyday to the best of our capabilities, so that they can be proud of us.
Speaking of deaths, you may have heard yourself that we lost someone too in this attack, Lieutenant Hank Anderson of the Detroit Police Department. He was vacationing there with his friend Gabriel Rorke, who got injured pretty badly too, just like his wife. I remember that if we could, we would have tried to help, but we had this incident with the Dollar Flu in New York the same day. Uh, just thinking about it still gives me the creeps." finishes the Empress with a voice where anger and stress are present.

Pavel and Alicia, with Fara
"Oh, you couldn't be closer to the truth, replies Pavel with a small laugh as he raises his glass to take a sip, onlu to realize it is empty. So, with a sad look, he puts it back on the table.
Anyway, I hope you're ready, continues the male Colonel with a smile back on his face. Let's start from the top, shall we?

First, we have these two." he says as he points to Adrean and Anna. "Keisaer and Keisaerine, Emperor and Empress. And before that, Adrean was a Princen, or Prince. A Princess is called Princena
Below, we have the Magnam Stoher and Magnam Stohersisia, Grand Duke and Duchess.
Then, on the same level, the Stoher and Stohersisia, for Duke and Duchess, and the Markion and Markionetsa, for Marquess and Marchioness.
Then, the Earlakna/Earlokia, for Count and Countess, and Thanos/Thanosia for Baron and Baroness."
With that said, Pavel lets a beat pass, to allow Fara to digest this first bit of information.
"Now, as Adrean mentioned it, we also have the title Arving, that we place in front of our family title, to designate that we are the future generation, the sons and daughters of the actual title holders. Iin my case, this translates to Arving Magnam Stoher Pavel Morozov.
There is also the title Planum, given to the family members of the same generation as the current title holder. For example, my father's brothers and sister are called Planum [first name] Morozov.
And finally, there's the particular case of people who have different family names, but who have, among their ancestors, a noble person. After a verification by the state, they are authorized, if they want, to use the noble surname by linking it to their actual surname with the word Ater. For example, if a person named Henry Liak was confirmed to have a Morozov as one of his ancestors, he would be authorized to use the name: Henry Lliak Ater Morozov. However, please note that this case is extremely rare nowadays, if not totallu outdated."

As he finishes, Pavel looks once again at his glass, and feeling really thirsty, motions to a Handmaiden to refill it.
"If you're think we're finished Princess," continues Alicia with a small smirk, "unfortunately we're not. For that was only the noble part. Please allow me to tel you about the civilian titles. Don't worry, it is not as complicated and long as the noble part.
First, we have the Patrici Styresman, which designates highest ranking politicians of the Empire. This title is only given to the First Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet, as well to the State Governors, who are charged to conduct local policies jointly with the local nobility.
Then, we have the Kesaerlig Scritor, or Kesaerlig Scritora in case of a woman. That means "Imperial Secretary", and only refers to the members of the Imperial Cabinet.
We also have the Kesarlig Forande, or "Imperial Chairman". Only two people hold this title, the chairmen of the Represae Huset and the Forsta Styres, respectively the House of Reprensentatives and the Senate.
And finally, the Hoyt Silvis. This title is given to the members of the Represae Huset, the Forsta Styres, and to anyone who has done a great deed in the service of the Empire, and has won the right to use this title. However, please note that being awarded a medal of any kind does not automiatically gives you the right to use it. It is a separate process."
With that said, Alicia lets a beat pass, and takes a sip of her water.
"And that's pretty much it, Fara-Amira. Any questions?"



Adrean with Damir and Abbas
"I had a lot to say indeed, replies the Emperor with a smile, because one of the first things my parents taught me when I was just a small child, is this: Look beyond what you see." he says in Astarian.
"It means: Look beyond what you see. To fully understand a thing, you have to explore it from different angles and viewpoints, and make your brain work, continues Adrean. If try to define a cube by just one side, you can't. You have to turn it over and over, examine the sides, the ridges, etc. And that's what I did with this painting. Try to understand it from various sides. "he finishes as he crosses his arms and looks at the painting again.
"Anyway, since you've asked me, please allow me to return the question to you, gentlemen. What did you saw this afternoon?" asks Adrean with a small smirk to the two Kyrenaian men.


Yuri and Patricia with Elian and Razia
Maybe the Astarians had understood the song's message, maybe they didn't. In the end, it was up to the listener to define the song's meaning for him and him alone.
"Whoah, their whole lives?" asks Patricia with a look of surprise. "Huge respects to those women. But what do you use these beasts for, if they're so difficult to train?
-The last part of what you said clearly reminds me of the Silver Eagle, our national animal." Replies Yuri to the Prince. "Wild birds, very hard to catch, and even harder to train. Many have suffered and failed, and very few have succeeded. And don't get me started on the Snow Badgers. Their claws aren't only for digging, I can assure you."


OOC Note:The Dollar Flu incident mentioned by the Empress was an incident involving a virologist, Dr Gordon Amherst, who decided to unleash a biological weapon made of various strains of viruses, the Smallpox Variola Chimera, (also known as Green Poison or Dollar Flu), by infecting bank notes and releasing them on the Black Friday day, where many people go shopping.
Unfortunately, he caught the attention of the Foederalis Inquisition Kontor, or Federal Investigation Bureau, and his New York clandestine laboratory was raided on June 19th, 2019. However, the raid caused some virus to leak in te vicinity, infeting around 8000 people, of which 1800 would die later.

Note: Quote modified by removal of spoiler tags.

Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
I was quite sure, that, I had a bit of an advantage on that front, but I would not fight over that. I was not a guy, after all, and I had little need to prove, that my (metaphorical) dick was longer.
"Yes, I heard of them.", I said with a small nod, "My condolences." I bowed my head lightly, then rose again. "And I did hear about the Dollar Flu Incident. That could have gone quite badly, as Naval Intelligence said."
No need to mention, that Naval Intelligence, Chandshar and everyone else would have politely declined any offer of help from the Empire, no matter how capable they believed they were or actually were. At the time, they didn't even acknowledge Jazirat Alshahwa as a part of the Sultanate, not to mention, that the diplomatic contact was limited, to say the least.
"But let's switch to a happier topic.", I said and smiled.

Princess Fara bint-Dardan.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
"Actually, yes.", I said with a smile, honestly a bit bemused. "If I were to make an order of precedence for the 'civilian' ranks, including both on national and on state level, who would be where?"
I raised a finger, asking for a pause while Sarina swapped the glass out for a new one.
"We have it rather solid, you see.", I said, "We have the Grand Vizier, that's currently Mister ben Sahid, who is the highest civilian authority, then a number of Viziers, who are the Ministers. Every Ilkhanate and Territory then has a Wasita, the Head of Government of the Ilkhanate, and a number of Katibi, singular Katib, who serve as ministers. Khans and Beys sometimes have Walisi, singular Wali, who serve as their advisers and ministers, sometimes even as the people responsible for certain regions. Underneath then, you have the Mayors, sorted by the size of their community."
I shrugged.
"And that'd be our order of precedence, read importance, as well: Grand Vizier, Viziers, Wasitasi, Katibi, Walisi, Mayors. Civilian side, of course.", I added.

Prince Damir ibn-Razia.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
I looked to Abbas.
"Please, you are the aviator.", I said, "I am more used to riding motorcycles and women, not fighterplanes!"
The naval aviator and fighter pilot snorted in amusement, then turned to Andean, still grinning: "A good show. Rather basic forms, admittedly, but well executed.", he praised, "What I absolutely don't agree with is the choice in music, or rather, that there was music at all. The only thing to be heard during an air show is the music and roar of the engines, not to mention, that one drowns out the other." He shrugged. "Though, that's a difference in approach, I guess." He turned to me. "Damir?"
"I agree with you, Abbas.", I said and smiled.
He was good.

Prince Elian ibn-Sarah.
Salon, Bridge Deck, Yacht Aurelia.
"That description reminds me a bit of the Tine.", I said, "An animal endemic to the Free Lands, and it is..." I smiled as I spotted a small figurine. "...here."
The figurine I pointed at was a figurine of a young Selkie-Woman (with the bust to match), who cradled a little creature in her arms, by her feet another one, adult, which was sitting on its haunches. By the scale, one could guess, that the animal was around a meter in length, yellow-furred underside and a black-furred top side, red eyes watching keenly what the woman did with the little one. Triangular ears stood high and as did a tuft of hair, what got them the international nickname of Punk-Badgers.
"The Tine is quite easy to breed, docile and has soft fur, which is why the Selkie use them for petting zoos and Geansai-Making. They're also the Heraldic Animal of Gavida, the Selkie-God of Arts and Crafts, basically their Kothawacharsis", I explained, adding the latter for Razia, "However, once you threaten their young, their claws, good for cracking nuts and digging into the ground, are very, very dangerous." I motioned to the figurine. "What you see there requires generations of Tines being bred until they trust enough to pull something like that off."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Empress Anna Blachkor with Princess Aurelia bint Damir
"Indeed, a whole lot worse, replies the Empress on a neutral tone. You'll understand that I can't go into specifics with you though.
But you're right, let's switch to a happier topic, continues Anna with a smile. Tell me, have you heard of the Jaldascor?"

The Morozovs with Princess Fara.
As Fara speaks, Pavel takes the new glass in his hand, thanking the Handmaiden with a nod.
"Right, an order of precedence, he replies as he takes a sip of his water. Please excuse my wife for not having mentioned it. Sometimes people find our titles difficult enough, so they don't always care about the order of precedence.
Anyway, one important thing to note is that some titles she mentioned do not refer specifically to the job, but rather are a mark of importance, like Your Excellency and such. That is the case for the Patrici Styresman or the Hoyt Silvis

So, first, we have the Forst Scritor, the First Secretary, William Raven, head of the Cabinet. Another title Forst Scritors had in the past were also Varformat Keisaer, or Vice-Emperor, although this title is rarely used nowadays.
Next, the Kesaerlig Scritors and Scritoras.
Below that, at the same level, the Kesarlig Forande and the Rikssjori, singular Rikssjor, the state governors.
Then, each Rikssjor is helped by a number of Fulltroikars, singular Fulltroikar, who serve as local ministers in his cabinet. Although Fulltroikar can be more acurately translated as "High Deputies".
Back to the federal level, we have the Represae, the representatives; the Forstan, singular Forsta, the senators.
And finally, the CountyMast or CityMast, the County Mayor or City Mayor, sorted by the size of their community."

Emperor Adrean with Damir and Abbas.
"I understand, replies the Emperor with a nod. Just so you know, in the Empire, a majority of citizens, including myself, have a palatability for both musical and non-musical displays. We consider the non-musical ones as a demonstration of pure aerial skills.
But we also like what we pilots call among ourselves the Ballett, or Ballet. In this case, the pilots are not meant to only show their skills, but to... how can I explain that... to link their skills with the music. As both of you surely know, we are called Salvos, Familej et Sang Mensker, or the People of Survival, Family and Song. Music and singing have always been a great part of our culture, so if this type of event wasn't at least a bit musical, it would not really fit for us Astarians. So that's why we have both type of aerial displays.
Now, to come back to this afternoon, if I chose to present it to you, it was not because I thought it was very well prepared or anything like that, but because this specific display holds a special place in here." continues Adrean as he points to his heart.
"Around ten years ago, my friends here, my wife and I were finally done with our pilot's training, after the Civil War and all, and so, we decided to prepare a small Vinterfestum gift for my father, who was a big fan of musical aerial displays. So, what we did was that we chose his three favourite songs, we talked with the Silver Ridarrar, or Silver Knights, the Imperial Guard jet demonstration squadron, and we chose a set of forms that would go well with the songs.
But as were getting ready for Vinterfestum 2010, on November 30th, my dad was killed in Nigeria during an economic summit. You know the rest, me getting crowned on December 15th, yadda yadda... And so, since this day, my friends and I present this specific display on June 14th, my dad's birthday, and sometimes on June 15th, our National Day. I hope you understand better now."
As he finishes that, a small tear rolls down the right cheek of the Emperor, btu his face is still smiling and happy.

The Petrenkos, with Elian and Razia.
"Huh huh, says Patricia with a nod as she and her husband take a closer look at the figurine. That's more or lesss the case with the Snow Badger, continues the female Petrenko, they are very aware of their young, but they are also a lot bigger than these Tines. Most specimens are around two to three meters in length, and some past recording even mention one or two that were nearly four meters and a half long. Theere were plentiful in the North regions in the past, but due to intensive hunting in the 19th century to ensure the prosperity of the communities living in those regions, their numbers dwindled.
-Nowadays though, continues Yuri, something strange happened: after the Snow Badger hunting was heavly regulated in the 1930s, people hunted them much less, and it created a sort of mutual respect between the two species. Snow Badgers have become less threatening, and are even known to sometimes point northern people towards sources of food and such. In exchange, the local inhabitants do not overstep the boundaries of their territory, and only hunt those identifed as weak or too old."

Vinterfestum is a traditional holiday on the 25th of December, where families gather together around a feast to celebrate the end of the year, the end of the decreasing daylight, and where gifts are exchanged.