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PostPosted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 2:53 pm
by AHSCA
Marcella sheathed the sword and handed it back to Asuna. "Haha glad I could be strong enough to leave an impression on you. People always underestimate short people. But yes, let's show this for good friendship going forward, My liege."

PostPosted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 3:02 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"That's indeed a shame that short people get this treatment." Replies Anna with a smile, after she and her husband have shaken hands with Marcella. "Do not worry though, you shall not find this coming from us.
-Indeed." Adds Adrean. "Now Duchess, Princess and Ladies, if you would please follow us to the Parade Grounds, we have some troops to review." Says the Emperor as he starts to walk towads the exit of the throne room, his wife at his side, the rest of their friends falling in line behind them.

PostPosted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 4:31 pm
by AHSCA
"Oh a troop review!" Marcella said with glee "Exciting. You know I often review the newest Naval Cadets when they're about to set off on their acclimation journey. Of course all services of our armed forces get my due attention but you can't fault a Naval girl can ya" She chuckled "Exciting stuff."

PostPosted: Sun Jul 05, 2020 2:44 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Then I'm sure you will like this one as well." Replies Adrean with a smile as their group now exits the Throne Room, finding themselves once again in the Silver Rotunda under the Silver Dome, before turning right, towards the left aisles of the Silver Palace.

"For troop reviews during state visits, " continues the Emperor as they walk, "the personnel composed of the Astarian Air Force Honor Guard, the Astarian Navy Honor Guard, the Coast Guard Ceremonial Guard, Alpha Company of the Second Marine Regiment, and another company drawn from the Astarian Army 2nd Infantry Regiment.
To that, you need to add the 1st Squadron of the 1st Guard Cavalry Regiment of the Palace Division of the Imperial Guard, so a horse mounted unit, as well as two infantry companies drawn from the 36th and 37th Guard Infantry Regiments of the Palace Division.
-But this year," continues Anna with an excitee smile and tone, "We've added a surprise! Thanks to an excess in Army soldiers who completed their classes, we have managed to reactivate two defunct airborne divisions, the 10th and 25th Airborne Divisions.
-Originally, these divisions were dissolved back in 2007, after their treason against the Imperium during the Civil War of 2005-2008 and their participation on the rebel side." Explains Adrean to the guests. "So their current new members have it at heart to restore the honor of their divisions.
So, as my wife mentioned it, you shall also see two companies belonging to the 10th and 25th.
-And finally, continues Anna, the latest promotion of graduated officers of the Imperial Guard.
As for the 10th and 25th, know that one of their first assignment in the next months will be to deploy to Animalpolis, to go hunting seaweed monsters who eat girls whose name starts with G." Finishes the Empress with a serious tone, but clearly joking by referencing a joke Gisella told them a few days before during the Ball in Kuronami.

As they talk, they now find themselves in a gallery with large windows to their right, showing a nice view of the Palace's Gardens, while to their left, some wood mosaics on the walls show various everyday scenes, both of ancient times and some more modern.
At regular intervals, some Imperial Guards stand around in armor, their rifles and lances at their sides at their sides, their swords strapped to their backs and their pistols strapped to their thighs.

PostPosted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 3:10 pm
by AHSCA
"Oh my, going to hunt monsters are we? I wish you all the luck then, our seas are vast and endless so you never know what you'll truly find lurking in the deep." Taking notice of the gardens and a few of the guards in dress uniforms and the other thing. "Can I also expect to see some more citizens at next Festival? Of course you're welcome to come as tourists yourselves."

PostPosted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 3:31 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Nah, it was a joke." Replies the Empress with a small chuckle. "I don't think your seas harbor such monsters as the ones medieval people believed in. But you're right, always be attentive when at sea.
-To answer your question Duchess, continues Adrean, it will mainly depend on this whole COVID19 stuff, if we get another wave or not, and if new sanitary measures will have to be taken. But even if tourists from the mainland Imperium do not come to the Festival, I'm sure you'll have more than enough workers and soldiers currently working in the Islas Malditas to come and visit the UIS." Finishes the Emperor.

PostPosted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 3:34 pm
by AHSCA
"Of course, I want everybody to be safe and healthy so of course I will urge those to not travel if they come from infected areas. We've seemingly dodged COVID but we're keeping our eyes vigilant. The Islands haven't had a major viral outbreak in 30 years surprisingly, considering we lived through a war. We'll keep it that way for the foreseeable future."

PostPosted: Mon Jul 06, 2020 4:09 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Indeed, wars are very good breeding grounds for diseases of all kind. You have no idea how many plagues and fevers hapoened during the Colonial Wars, it's a wonder how we had any citizens left. But I guess that's just another testament that we Astarians are sturdy people." Sqys Adrean with a small chuckle.

As he speaks , the group advances through various corridors and galleries, where various paintings, mosaics and other works are displayed, some representing important people like former governors, outstanding citizens, etc, while others depict activities such as fishing, cutting trees, and various animals and plants.

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 8:33 am
by AHSCA
"Hehe many could say the same about islanders, given the rather erratic climate we have to live in. But we've done it for centuries, it's hard to see anything change now. Now it seems like you have quite a garden here, it's very pretty. My first tour of Kuronami was in the Northern winter, which was also very pretty but different from seeing it lush and green like it is now. It's pretty, I really do say!"

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 3:04 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Thank you very much Duchess," replies the Emperor with a large smile, "we're very glad you like the gardens. We'll be sure to relay your words to the gardeners. Don't worry, you'll have more than enough time to see them for yourself this afternoon. Now, we'll be stepping outside, the Parade Grounds are a bit further." adds Adrean.

As he says that, the group now passes a set of opened double doors leading outside, and now find rhemselves walking on a paved path, with various flowers dotting the sides of the path. Roses, pansies, daisies offer their colors to the guests eyes, as they walk towards a squared area, in front of which a small stage adorned with a red carpet has been set up. A few personnel are working around the stage, photographers, technicians, and some Imperial Guards in combat armor.
To the left,one could now see the Headquarters of the Imperial Guard, and in the bacground, other buildings, from housins to hangars, while to the right, the gardens still offered their nice view to the eyes, the trees, bushes, flowers, well trimmed lawn and the paths going through it.

PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 9:13 am
by AHSCA
Marcella kept walking along following the group but her eyes kept daring along to look at the nice flowers. Gisella spoke up to her sister, "Careful sis, you don't want to get lost again do you?"

"Hehe no I suppose I don't."

"It's like they said, we'll have enough time to look at them later today, so we best keep up."

"Right you are, Gisella."

PostPosted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 1:21 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
As they walk towards the stage, the Astarians smile a bit as they listen to the sister's conversation. Finally, they reach the stage, and climb on it. Adrean, Anna, Marcella and Gisella at the front, with the Personal Guards, Asuna,Sayaka and Asuka behind them.

After a few moments passed in silence, with only background sounds such as the clicking of cameras, the Emperor takes one step forward.
"Let the troop review begin!" he says in a powerful voice in Astarian.

As he says that, a fanfare starts playing from far away,only for the music to slowly come nearer. After a minute, at the edge of the Parade Grounds, said fanfare arrives walking, their black Dress Uniforms showing they belong to the Imperial Guard.

Behind them, walking as one man with precision and skill, various military formations follow them, their different uniforms showing their service branch in the Astarian Armed Forces.
First, in their deep blue uniforms, the Imperial Air Force Honor Guard, 75 men strong, with the Air Force flag being escorted by six airmen.
Second behind them, in their bright white Dress Uniforms, the Imperial Navy Honor Guard, also 75 men strong, with the Navy flag flanked by four sailors.
Thirdly, in a navy blue uniform with a white cap and belt, the Imperial Coast Guard Honor Guard, 73 men strong.
Fourthly, the Alpha Company of the Second Marine Regiment, in their Dress Blue Uniforms.
Following them, another company, this one being the 1st Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment of the Imperial Army.

Behind them, clad in their grey and dark green armor, their Langasta lances in their right hand (some of them holding some banners), their Keiserlig helmets covering their faces, and their swords and rifles strapped to their horse's saddles, the 1st Squadron, 1st Guard Cavalry Regiment, Palace Division, ride proudly on their horses.
Following them, two companies of marching Imperial Guards in armor, with lances, swords and rifles.

And finally, as mentioned before, the last group is made of two companies drawn from the newly reactivated 10th and 25th Airborne Divisions of the Iimperial Army, and a bit behind them, a group of about 100 men and women, clad in the Dress Uniform of the Imperial Guard, these people being the latest promotion of newly graduated Imperial Guard Commissioned Officers.

As they all slow down as they arrive on the Parade Grounds, they all stop at once. Then, the commanding officers of the different formations shout "Left, Face!" in Astarian, before all the soldiers turn on their left heel and face the stage. "Present Arms!" is then heard again in Astarian, causing the soldiers to assume the correct position, all as one man.

After a few seconds of silence, during which Adrean and Anna once again appraciate the fine drill movements displayed by their troops, one of the Cavalrymen makes his horse move a few meters forward, to come in front of the stage where the group is standing.
"Your Royal Highness Duchess Marcella Villa, Princess Gisella Villa, the formation before you is made of the Imperial Air Force Honor Guard, the Imperial Navy Honor Guard, the Imperial Coast Guard Honor Guard, Alpha Company of the Second Marine Regiment, First Company of the Imperial Army Second Infantry Regiment, First Sqaudron of the 1st GUard Cavalry Regiment, Second and Fourth Company of the Thirty-sixth and Thirty seventh Guard Infantry Regiments, as well as Echo Company, 2nd Infantry Brigade, Tenth Airborne Division and Delta Company, 87th Infantry Brigade, 25th Airborne Division. And finally, the Anthony Rekers Promotion of Commissioned Officers of the Imperial Guard.
In the name of the Armed Forces of the Federalis Imperium and the Imperial Guard, we welcome you to our lands. Now, if you please, we await your review." says the Cavalryman in English.

Once that is said, Adrean gets down from the stage, followed by his wife, and invites Marcella and Gisella to follow them to review the troops.

PostPosted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 1:55 pm
by AHSCA
Everyone gathered to see all the troops assembled from various branches of their armed forces. "Army, Navy, Air." Marcella remarked. Asuka of course snapped a few photos of them. "Asuna I know you're army yourself, Miss Miki, how about yourself?"

"Like yourself, Milady, Navy."

"Excellent. All the more reason for both of you to come along and see the rank and file for yourself. Come then, let's proceed." Gathering the hem of her skirt Marcella lead her own group along behind the Emperor and Empress to being review, well she assumed she'd be watching the review but it was nice to see how another would evaluate it's troops.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 14, 2020 2:26 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
After Marcella and her group finish their little talk and fall in line behind the Emperor and Empress, they now proceed to walk along the line of troops assembled. As they pass the Air Force Honor Guard first, Anna approaches one of the airmen, and details him very closely, even taking his M14 rifle for a moment to check it. After having been satisfied with it, she hands it back to the soldier, before falling in line again witht the rest of the group.

Once the Air Force Honor Guard has been passed, the Navy Honor Guard is next. Just before they pass them, Adrean stops for a few seconds and turns to Marcella.
"Duchess, since you have served as a sailor yourself, please proceed witht the inspection first for this one. I hope you'll find that our sailors are to your liking." says the Emperor with a smile as he invites the Duchess to take the lead and review the 75 strong group of sailors, all clad in their white Dress Uniforms.

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 12:45 pm
by AHSCA
Marcella's eyes dotted up and down the lines of the ranked armed forces men. "Your soldiers are very well organized, decorated and trained. You have much to be proud of here."

"This is a fine occasion for you, Sailors." Sayaka took the liberty to address "Our Duchess is an avid sailor and Navy Woman herself."

"Ah, you do know how to flatter don't you!" Marcella gave a gentle good nature slap to Sayaka's shoulder. "It is a great pleasure to inspect the troops."

PostPosted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 3:15 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Do not worry Miss, we're perfectly aware that Her Royal Highness is a fellow colleague of ours." replies the commander of the Navy Ceremonial Guard, his rank insignia showing he is a Commander.
"We're glad you take pleasure in inspecting our troops." Continues Anna. "And yes, they all make us proud, my husband and I."

After having passed the Coast Guard, Marine and Army companies, the group now reaches the Cavalry Squadron, where the men stand at attention; sitted high on their horses.
"The horses you see now, Duchess," explains Adrean, "are called Stjernel Arva Hest, or Starry Plain Horse in Astarian. They are the end resukt of crossbreeding horses our ancestors brought from Europe and local races. For centuries, we have used them as warhorses, and they are renowned for their endurance and stamina."

PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2020 3:08 pm
by AHSCA
"Oh horses, that'd make Aurelia really happy if she were here."

"They're very lovely." Asuna complimented. "Loyal and trusted animals like these would be great in combat I imagine."

"Quite." Asuka agreed snapping photos of the horses.

PostPosted: Sun Jul 19, 2020 3:33 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Oh don't worry Duchess, your loved one saw the same horses when she was there a few months ago." Says Anna with a wink. "Granted, it was snowing at the time, but she saw the exact same unit."

And you're absolutely right Miss Asuna," continues the Empress as she turns to the Duchess's Guard, "those horses have been the backbone of our cavalry for generations, especially for the Jaldascor, our national type of mounted crossbowmen. It is still a widely popular sports nowadays, many schools have their clubs. In fact, my husband, our Guards and I were in the one of the school here, and we won quite a few trophies." says the Empress with some pride in her voice, as the group now passes the two Imperial Guard companies of the 36th and 37th Regiments.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 21, 2020 9:33 am
by AHSCA
"Ah glad to know she got sight of these buties! So competitive riding huh? Sounds amazing, to mount that much skill from a moving horse and with a crossbow. I can only imagine how much discipline that takes to learn something like that."

PostPosted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 12:56 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Indeed, competitive riding." explains Anna as they continue walking. "You have different challenges, from shooting to targets, or at each other. It is indeed a very challenging and difficult sport, that's why we started the basics very young, when we were 5 years old."

As they have now passed the two infantry companies of the Imperial Guard, they now face the two infantry companies of the Imperial Army 10th and 25th Airborne Divisions, who had just been reactivated two months prior. The two units flags, display for the 10th, a black eagle on a blue, red and green background, and for the 25th, a blue parachute cupola on a green background, with two white wings and a golden arrow pointing downwards

"And here they are," says Adrean as the group now reaches them "The 10th and 25th Airborne Divisions. Dissolved in 2005 at the start of the Civil War due to their rebellion against the Imperium, and recreated two months ago. My wife and Ii have great hopes for them, and we know they will have a legacy that will help forget the betrayal of their predecessors."

PostPosted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 8:27 am
by AHSCA
"Just like myself, dare I say, been learning the art of sailing since I was about that age." Marcella nodded. "Ah airborne divisions, good good. Glad you've been able to reform and mend the old scars of the past. Your regiments are impressive Milord and Lady, I stand impressed, very impressed indeed."

PostPosted: Sun Jul 26, 2020 2:37 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Thank you very much Duchess." replies the Emperor with a very large smile and pride in his voice.
"Not all the people we've met have thought the same. And please, don't go thinking that we try to compensate for something by showing you this much troops. But the fact that we are very proud of our military, and the very fact that our culture focuses on survival, is due to one simple yet sad fact. We call it the Ymir Dual Creation Laws. They were first laid by my ancestor Columbia, who was a Priestess of Ymir, our main Goddess. Basically, they say that while humans can establish treaties, form societies, and try to live in peace with each other, our deepest nature is one of violence and dark, and even if we try our best to eradicate it, it will always be there. Therefore, no everlasting peace can happen between the whole humanity, and so we must always stand ready to defeat oir enemies." finishes the Emperor with a serious, yet a bit sad, tone.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 2:40 pm
by AHSCA
"Yes, I suppose you're right about that. Peace is always fleeting. I suppose just the nature of everyone. I do wonder long after I'm gone, dozens upon dozens of years from now what will this world be like, what will the UIS be like in that place. I suppose I can't dwell to long on it."

PostPosted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:51 pm
by Astares Amauricanum
"Well, I imagine pretty well the UIS citizens in the future all having bionic arms and neural computers." says the Empress with a small chuckle. "Sorry, bad joke.
Anyway," she continues, "we now arrive at the end of the review, with the Anthony Rekers class of Imperial Guard Officer Candidates, who completed their curriculum just a few days ago, and are now commissioned as Second and First Lieutenants of the Astarian Keiserlig Custos."

Indeed, before Marcella, Gisella and their followers, now stands the 100-strong group of young men and women, clad in their pristine black Dress Uniforms their swords held in front of their faces, lookikg forward, no emotions betraying them on their faces.

PostPosted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 5:19 pm
by AHSCA
Marcella did crack a smile at the joke. "If you were Gisella, I'd be scolding you for reading too many science fiction Credit novels. But as you are you, I must let it go." She jested back a little. "So now at the end of all units here. Well once again let my praises go to them. Miss Kotobuki if you will."

"Certainly, Your Grace." Asuka did snap a few candid photos of the Duchess and Princess moving along the ranks and of everyone else as well.