The Chancellor Inaugural Ball (IC)(MT)(OPEN)

[Cartoonia]

"1902, during great-great-great grandfather William's", remarked Mary in a low tone as she turned to her sister, confirming her statement. "Surely, the European-American combination in this building's architecture has worked well, it is just stunning!", added the queen by her own initiative.

Following this, Mary quickly threw a whisper into her sister's left ear, something in which the queen quickly agreed on. Soon enough, she returned her attention to the imperial couple. "If Your Majesties aren't neccessarily occupied at the moment, would it be permissible for a drink between us all? The Duchess of Sussex is looking forward to one, though at a tender age of seventeen, she is aware of her limits", elaborated Alexandra in a much inviting tone. Regardless, Alexandra herself is to adhere to her own words about her sister's "no alcohol" limits, for she herself had an unbroken spree of "no alcohol" since reaching the legal age to even drink such substance.

“That sounds wonderful” Jimmy says. “We will greet a few more guests before we will join you in a drink. In the meantime, please enjoy yourselves here”.

“The Delegation from Shwe Tu Colony!” Shouted the man...

The King raised an eyebrow at the bowing, then gave a gentle chuckle, one steeped in a firm regality, and he spoke cautiously, as though reciting a poem.... "The King of Huang-Penglai. Name and title."

“Oh that is quite alright” Jimmy responds seeing how they interact with each other and their quirky personalities. A snake appears on Piedmont’s neck. To most it would be most terrifying, but to Jimmy he was okay with. There are far more unusual animals Cartoonians have kept for pets.

“Ah yes I think I have met some of your citizens” Jimmy responds, “during an incident back in 2019. But the help was much appreciated”. They continue on.

“Well, it is a pleasure to meet all of you. Especially your Majesty” Jimmy responds, “Now please enjoy yourselves. Grab some food at the buffet, a few drinks at the bar, mingle with some of our other guests, and enjoy the music our orchestra has selected for tonight”. He hands them music programs of the processional.

...What an unsual world, he marveled as he entered into the Inaugral Ball with his two colleagues.

The delegation from the Ralkovian Grand Island”. The delegation makes their way through the lobby, as The Supreme Leader greets them.

“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Cartoonia. The incoming chancellor will be coming in soon. We hope you are doing well tonight”.

“The delegation from Marigred! Her majesty, Queen Qiara Elton of Marigred!” The man shouts as she walks through the lobby area. Upon arriving, Jimmy and Rachel both bow, and they greet the her majesty.

“Your majesty” Jimmy states, as he usually does. “Welcome to Cartoonia. The incoming chancellor will be coming in soon. We hope you are doing well”.

---

Now playing: Sir Edward Elgar’s Military March Op. 39 No. 2 in A Minor “Pomp and Circumstance”

[

"On behalf of Marigred, I pleased to come today. You have set up a great preparation for this ball. I cannot wait to meet the new Chancellor" Quesn Qiara greet Jimmy and Rachel.

" What a nice dress you choosing to wear today, Miss Rachel. The light blue really goes well with your beautiful figure".

Queen Qiara check around. More people have arrived." Seem like the ball will start soon"

“Aw, thank you” Rachel says. “I appreciate that”.

“Yeah, she is swell,” Jimmy says, complementing his wife. “Anyway, since more people are arriving, we will hopefully start the rest of the festivities soon. But please enjoy yourself. Grab some food at the buffet, drinks are at the bar, and enjoy the music while you mingle with the guest”.

Meanwhile, after enjoying some local alcohol, Shawn got a little bit bored and decided to find someone else to talk to. Perhaps Jimmy was the best person for some talk.

-"Greetings. Perhaps we didn't meet yet, I am Shawn Bjornson - Overboss of Skyhooked. I gotta say, I am impressed with the setting! And I feel overwhelmed with memores, as my story is rather similar to Nigel's. I was a warrior too and fought in many battles, before I gained a position of great power and resposibility. I have to admit, it still feels, like I was inaugurated only yesterday... Before that, I never thought, that I would ever represent the people of Skyhooked. I wonder, what does Nigel feel about such a turn in his life?"

Jimmy was approached by the man named Shawn Bjornson and he faces him.

“Ah yes, Mr. Bjornson. I have heard of you through the foreign office. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I see that you are a fine warrior. Nigel Uno is one of most passionate persons when it comes to the KND Corps. But with his inauguration, his patriotism for country hs gone up. I so believe that Nigel will be the perfect man for the job of Chancellor”.

---

Now Playing: Ronald Binge’s ”The Watermill”

[The Imagination Animals]

"This is beautiful!" Exclaims Marie BonAztire as she starts listening to the music. She gets her husband, who is busy drinking fruit punch with Vice President Kelliey.

"Oh, hey Marie," says BonAztire's husband.
Holding his hand, Marie says,"Let's dance!"
"Okay!" Says Marie BonAztire's husband.
"Then what are we supposed to do?" Asks President Bottio.
"You and Mykle can dance together, Ulysses!" Marie tells President Bottio.
"Why with him?" Pouts Vicd President Kelliey.
"You really don't have much of an option!" BonAztire's husband tells the two, before doing a waltz with his wife.

"Okayyy." Says Vice President Kelliey, turning to Presidnet Bottio. "So, you want to dance or what?"
Bottio replied,"Nah, I'm just gonna make sure the chancellor isn't a seal anymore."
"He's back to normal, Ulysses!" Vice President Kelliey tells President Bottio.
"Great, but I shouldve known in the first place!" Roars President Bottio.

[Mokastana]

Prime Minister Allen Gardener of Wellovia read the intelligence briefing on the nation of Cartoonia, as did the Federation's Foreign Minister, Elizabeth Frashaw-Serain. Together they reviewed what little information the Wellovian Directorate of Foreign Intelligence had gathered on the nation they intended to visit.

Elizabeth was a pale red headed woman in her mid thirties, but despite her complexion, she was Mokan through and through. It was her that finally stated what everyone was thinking: "A ten 'ear old chancellor, that es crazy." Next to Elizabeth sat her husband, an ethnic Marshite man by the name of Raji Suraksha-Frenshaw, who merely nodded in agreement. For those unfamiliar with Marshite biology, Raji actually looked like a very beautiful woman with a great tan, perhaps from all the time spent on Mokan beaches. For most, the only real way to tell Marshite boys from girls was to ask, and while they would answer, most Marshites didn't understand why so many people cared to know.

Across from Elizabeth, Prime Minister Gardener, responded: "It seems a strange place, but aren't we here to make friends?"

"Relacions, not necessarily friends, Prime Minister." Elizabeth responded, as it was the recently elected Prime Minister's first international outing, "Es our duty to introduce the Federacion, an' fine out anything that makes Cartoonia either useful, or threatening, to our Federacion. They 'ave already demonstrated they will annex territory from their own puppets over petty insults to their people. We must understand 'ow chort of a fuse they 'ave, and if es worth the risk, before we open up any relacions."


East Wing Ballroom, The Chad Dickson National Theatre of The Arts, Gallagher, Mainland Province, Cartoonia.

Upon arrival to the ballroom, the representatives from the People's Unified Federation walked in, Elizabeth Frashaw wearing a charcoal business suit with a modest skirt and lapel of the Federal flag, with her husband wearing an elegant, but formal, green dress on Elizabeth's arm. Next to them was Prime Minister of Wellovia, Allen Gardener, conservative party. A man in his late thirties with bushy brown hair and tan that went deeper than a few days in the sun. With him was his wife, Alicia Gardener, a shorter blonde woman of similar age, modest beauty who had a much lighter complexion than her husband.

Behind them a Foriegn Ministry aid followed. A younger Neko woman with black hair, glasses and dressed in business wear similar to Elizabeth. Her job was to be the information broker for the PUF's entourage. In case they needed to look up something, she could access it.

[Ralkovian Grand Island]

Senator Okereke smiled at the Supreme Leader, paying appropriate respects with a slight bow. "Thank you for your warm hospitality, we look forward to the evening immensely," the former slave said, before again giving a small bow. He was soon followed by Katrografst, who likewise gave respect to the Cartoonian leader.

"I am Foreign Minister Kartografst vi Sv'rath. My colleague here is Senator Xava Kwashi Okereke. And behind me is Deputy Foreign Minister S'ra-" both men frowned as they turned to find that S'ra had already disappeared into the crowd. "I apologize, your majesty, the third member of our delegation seems to have split from us. In her place, all three of us want to thank you again for welcoming us to your nation. We must apologize in advance for our inexperience or offense we may cause as we express our sincere gratitude in hosting the Federation's first diplomatic foray."

Again both men bowed.

[The Imagination Animals]

Marie and her husband dance together the waltz so smoothly as the music progresses. Marie soon lays her haid on her husband's shoulders. The two continued to do the waltz. After a few minutes, Marie stopped her husband.

"I'm going to talk with Jimmy Kudo." She says,
"Alright! I'll be here if you need me!" Marie's husband says.

Marie then goes up to Jimmy Kudo.

"Hi, Jimmy!" She says! "This is indeed magnificent."

[AHSCA]

Prime Minister Allen Gardener of Wellovia read the intelligence briefing on the nation of Cartoonia, as did the Federation's Foreign Minister, Elizabeth Frashaw-Serain. Together they reviewed what little information the Wellovian Directorate of Foreign Intelligence had gathered on the nation they intended to visit.

Elizabeth was a pale red headed woman in her mid thirties, but despite her complexion, she was Mokan through and through. It was her that finally stated what everyone was thinking: "A ten 'ear old chancellor, that es crazy." Next to Elizabeth sat her husband, an ethnic Marshite man by the name of Raji Suraksha-Frenshaw, who merely nodded in agreement. For those unfamiliar with Marshite biology, Raji actually looked like a very beautiful woman with a great tan, perhaps from all the time spent on Mokan beaches. For most, the only real way to tell Marshite boys from girls was to ask, and while they would answer, most Marshites didn't understand why so many people cared to know.

Across from Elizabeth, Prime Minister Gardener, responded: "It seems a strange place, but aren't we here to make friends?"

"Relacions, not necessarily friends, Prime Minister." Elizabeth responded, as it was the recently elected Prime Minister's first international outing, "Es our duty to introduce the Federacion, an' fine out anything that makes Cartoonia either useful, or threatening, to our Federacion. They 'ave already demonstrated they will annex territory from their own puppets over petty insults to their people. We must understand 'ow chort of a fuse they 'ave, and if es worth the risk, before we open up any relacions."


East Wing Ballroom, The Chad Dickson National Theatre of The Arts, Gallagher, Mainland Province, Cartoonia.

Upon arrival to the ballroom, the representatives from the People's Unified Federation walked in, Elizabeth Frashaw wearing a charcoal business suit with a modest skirt and lapel of the Federal flag, with her husband wearing an elegant, but formal, green dress on Elizabeth's arm. Next to them was Prime Minister of Wellovia, Allen Gardener, conservative party. A man in his late thirties with bushy brown hair and tan that went deeper than a few days in the sun. With him was his wife, Alicia Gardener, a shorter blonde woman of similar age, modest beauty who had a much lighter complexion than her husband.

Behind them a Foriegn Ministry aid followed. A younger Neko woman with black hair, glasses and dressed in business wear similar to Elizabeth. Her job was to be the information broker for the PUF's entourage. In case they needed to look up something, she could access it.

Millihi and Cinque moved along to grab something to drink at the refreshments table. It's as though her dog instincts kicked in suddenly because her attention turned to see the arriving Mokan delegation. Ah yes, Mokastana, long loyal friend to the UIS, since the days the UIS set itself up as a functioning sovereign nation. Well it helped the now former Duchess is happily married to one of their own, but besides that who else would be in their company but a young neko woman! Oooh a kinsman from across the sea it seemed like, Milli could hardly resist a chance to go strike up a pleasant conversation with her (and the rest of course). "Hey, there's the Mokan delegation, we should go say hello!" Milli said to her husband.

"Oh well of course."

Arm in arm, they walked over, well Milli nearly dragged him along. "Good evening, folks!" Milli greeted the entourage happily and with a great amount of enthusiasm. "Hope you're all doing well."

[Shwe Tu Colony]

“Oh that is quite alright” Jimmy responds seeing how they interact with each other and their quirky personalities. A snake appears on Piedmont’s neck. To most it would be most terrifying, but to Jimmy he was okay with. There are far more unusual animals Cartoonians have kept for pets.

“Ah yes I think I have met some of your citizens” Jimmy responds, “during an incident back in 2019. But the help was much appreciated”. They continue on.

“Well, it is a pleasure to meet all of you. Especially your Majesty” Jimmy responds, “Now please enjoy yourselves. Grab some food at the buffet, a few drinks at the bar, mingle with some of our other guests, and enjoy the music our orchestra has selected for tonight”. He hands them music programs of the processional.

"Pleasure is mine, Jimmy Kudo," the King said. "But... I still need somewhere to set my gifts." He rolled his wrist, displaying the incense sticks held between his fingers. "I don't suppose there's a table for these somewhere?"
"Ah, King!" Sebastian said with faux concern. "Don't you think they'll get crushed if you leave them out like that?"
"No need to worry." Reaching into his robes, he procured an ornate cylinder carved of vibrant mahogany, then opened it to display a great number of incense sticks. "The ones I'm holding are merely... jewelry, I suppose, or adornment. These are the actual gifts." He shut the container, and if Jimmy told him of such a gift table, he would head there.
"Guess you could say that case is closed."

"Ah! You've eyes for my snake, I see," Piedmont said. "He's also called Piedmont Persillade. I won't go into details why—"
Sebastian cut in. "He's a bag of snakes, y'see."
"I am a human boy, through and through, prince. Now then, I best be taking to the buffet, I do hope there's persillade. Oh funny story, most snakes hate garlic, but me and my family, we love it— not that we're snakes. Yes. We're all... people. Ooh, yes, I think I can smell some. I hope it's persillade!" With that, Piedmont sprinted towards the buffet with a ravenous hunger, his little snake pet clinging tight to his throat.
"2019..." Sekka said. "Oh, yes, I think I do remember a little about it." He looked towards his upper-right corner, thinking. "Story for another day."
"Really? That's too bad." Sebastian looked down at his fingernails with a sense of sadism. "I"d love to hear it here."

"Ah, sister, why don't we head to the bar, yes?" Keiunkan pulled on Eglantyne's hand like a younger sibling at a toy store as they walked towards it. "I think that'll be the best place to start for my examination of hospitality."
"Oh come on, no need to keep working here."
"Tis my nature, sister." With that they strode off.
"Really, I don't know how anyone could feel hospitable with him near," Sebastian said as he followed them. "With his obsession over it, I'd think he's fronting something more than that." Keiunkan turned back at that remark, still smiling as he bowed, hand over heart. Then, he turned his head back up, standing on the balls of his heels. "No need to be inhospitable, Sebastian. Really, I have something to say back, but it'd be really quite rude of me. I'll refrain, accordingly."

"Why don't you say it, then?"
"I dislike arguments, that's all." Before Sebastian could respond, he headed off.
Sekka cleared his throat. "Well, with everyone else splintering off, I suppose I'll be joining Piedmont at the buffet."
"Always hungry, aren't you?" Sebastian said. "Hungry enough to eat a dozen or so men?"

"Ah, well, I don't think even a whole battlefield would be sufficient. But enough ta—"
"Rather terrible, don't you think, what you do to people in such conflicts? Eating them and leaving their corpses—"
"Now is not the time nor the place for this, Sebastian." Sekka turned to Jimmy. "As you can tell, he can be a bit... problematic. Just don't let it get to you." He walked off to the buffet, hoping that there would be no issues with Sebastian's personality.
"Yes, yes, as problematic as a dose of gin..." His gaze flitted towards the Supreme Leader. "And vodka. Makes me wonder if there's any here at the bar."

[Hanoverian Great Britain]

"Understood", the two royals understood well the necessity for the imperial couple to do so. And soon enough, they subtly made a graceful exit, withdrawing into the crowd of foreign dignitaries crowding the building. In an instant, Mary turned to her sister for a suggestion on what should they do. "So Allie, you want to grab a drink? Non alcoholic only since we both know that it is our tradition", said Mary with an inviting tone.

"A drink this early? Well, as long as it is non-alcoholic, I guess we could try. You know me well, Mary", remarked the queen in a sly manner, shortly before catching the sight of a caterer. "Apologies sir, but may I request a tasty drink on behalf of myself and this lady here? Anything that is non-alcoholic".

[Skyhooked]

Jimmy was approached by the man named Shawn Bjornson and he faces him.

“Ah yes, Mr. Bjornson. I have heard of you through the foreign office. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I see that you are a fine warrior. Nigel Uno is one of most passionate persons when it comes to the KND Corps. But with his inauguration, his patriotism for country hs gone up. I so believe that Nigel will be the perfect man for the job of Chancellor”.

"Yeah, I've heared many rumors about Nigel's battles when he was in KND Corps, but they were so crazy, that I thought, that bartender was both drunk and high. No wonder, he's gonna be an excellent chancellor, he led his team through all kinds of insane situation and fought against borderline impossible odds. I wonder, what was his hardest and most unusual operation? If it's not classified."-Shawn Bjornson says as he takes a sip from a glass with delicious alcohol.

"Understood", the two royals understood well the necessity for the imperial couple to do so. And soon enough, they subtly made a graceful exit, withdrawing into the crowd of foreign dignitaries crowding the building. In an instant, Mary turned to her sister for a suggestion on what should they do. "So Allie, you want to grab a drink? Non alcoholic only since we both know that it is our tradition", said Mary with an inviting tone.

"A drink this early? Well, as long as it is non-alcoholic, I guess we could try. You know me well, Mary", remarked the queen in a sly manner, shortly before catching the sight of a caterer. "Apologies sir, but may I request a tasty drink on behalf of myself and this lady here? Anything that is non-alcoholic".

Shawn then turns to Alexandra: "Yo'... I mean, greetings Your Majesty, allow me to introduce myself, I am Shawn Bjornson, Overboss of Skyhooked. It's an honor to meet you in person on this refined event. Now let us drink for the health of Nigel, the new chancellor of Cartoonia."

[The Imagination Animals]

Jimmy was approached by the man named Shawn Bjornson and he faces him.

“Ah yes, Mr. Bjornson. I have heard of you through the foreign office. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I see that you are a fine warrior. Nigel Uno is one of most passionate persons when it comes to the KND Corps. But with his inauguration, his patriotism for country hs gone up. I so believe that Nigel will be the perfect man for the job of Chancellor”.

"Yeah, I've heared many rumors about Nigel's battles when he was in KND Corps, but they were so crazy, that I thought, that bartender was both drunk and high. No wonder, he's gonna be an excellent chancellor, he led his team through all kinds of insane situation and fought against borderline impossible odds. I wonder, what was his hardest and most unusual operation? If it's not classified."-Shawn Bjornson says as he takes a sip from a glass with delicious alcohol.

"Understood", the two royals understood well the necessity for the imperial couple to do so. And soon enough, they subtly made a graceful exit, withdrawing into the crowd of foreign dignitaries crowding the building. In an instant, Mary turned to her sister for a suggestion on what should they do. "So Allie, you want to grab a drink? Non alcoholic only since we both know that it is our tradition", said Mary with an inviting tone.

"A drink this early? Well, as long as it is non-alcoholic, I guess we could try. You know me well, Mary", remarked the queen in a sly manner, shortly before catching the sight of a caterer. "Apologies sir, but may I request a tasty drink on behalf of myself and this lady here? Anything that is non-alcoholic".

Shawn then turns to Alexandra: "Yo'... I mean, greetings Your Majesty, allow me to introduce myself, I am Shawn Bjornson, Overboss of Skyhooked. It's an honor to meet you in person on this refined event. Now let us drink for the health of Nigel, the new chancellor of Cartoonia."

Marie BonAztire comes to Alexandra and Shawn.

“Salute, your majesty, and salute, Mr. Bjornson. You might know me as the supreme leader of Crossoveria and yes, I was cruel to children in the past, and with all the ACE problems and all. Cartoonia doesn’t have to deal with the ACE anymore because I punished them.” Marie says. “And how’s the majesty doing?

[The Imagination Animals]

Marie BonAztire comes to Alexandra and Shawn.

“Salute, your majesty, and salute, Mr. Bjornson. You might know me as the supreme leader of Crossoveria and yes, I was cruel to children in the past, and with all the ACE problems and all. Cartoonia doesn’t have to deal with the ACE anymore because I punished them.” Marie says. “And how’s the majesty doing?”

[Skyhooked]

Marie BonAztire comes to Alexandra and Shawn.

“Salute, your majesty, and salute, Mr. Bjornson. You might know me as the supreme leader of Crossoveria and yes, I was cruel to children in the past, and with all the ACE problems and all. Cartoonia doesn’t have to deal with the ACE anymore because I punished them.” Marie says. “And how’s the majesty doing?”

"Howdy. Who the heck are ACE dudes? I don't remember those folks. Guess they were pretty nasty. And I guess ya' regret all this cruelty from the past, maybe it' possibe for ya' to redeem yourself."-Shawn responds, as he finishes his drink and gets another. For someone from Skyhooked it's never too much booze.

[The Imagination Animals]

What's playing right now?

[The Imagination Animals]

Marie BonAztire comes to Alexandra and Shawn.

“Salute, your majesty, and salute, Mr. Bjornson. You might know me as the supreme leader of Crossoveria and yes, I was cruel to children in the past, and with all the ACE problems and all. Cartoonia doesn’t have to deal with the ACE anymore because I punished them.” Marie says. “And how’s the majesty doing?”

"Howdy. Who the heck are ACE dudes? I don't remember those folks. Guess they were pretty nasty. And I guess ya' regret all this cruelty from the past, maybe it' possibe for ya' to redeem yourself."-Shawn responds, as he finishes his drink and gets another. For someone from Skyhooked it's never too much booze.

“The ACE were pretty nasty!” Marie responds. “Those guys turned almost all the children in my country into animals, and they turned the same percentage of people killed in the Black Death into animals. But the ACE members were also pretty stupid, as they once turned a boy into a cat, which is illegal. Anyways, I’m going to fetch a drink. Khädãfáīż!”

Khädãfáīż means Goodbye in Crossoveria’s native language.

[Eitoan]

President Ephriam Shrdlu kissed his wife Ruth, son Michael, and twins Ben and Zoe goodbye in the wee hours of the characteristically cool Vladarsik morning at the Executive Residence, just another overseas trip, although this time much farther than the usual wartime allied conferences and postwar meetings that had consumed much of his midterm tenure in office. Along the ride to Joint Base Vladarsik he phoned Vice President Paula Kubek, by now well versed on maintaining executive authority in the republic during his absence from the country. By 0310 Vladarsik time he was airborne along the longest leg of his journey, a refueling stop at Point M, a Golden Throne airbase in Zarbia. The stopover had been in continual use by the Eitoan Air Force ever since it’s commitment to support of The Golden Throne in the war in Krasnova, and upon landing he was greeted by the Eitoan liaison officer. Following the quick refuel, the plane continued on to another Golden Throne airbase in Holy Panooly, the dawn breaking ahead of it in the east. Another brief refueling and resupply stop in Holy Panooly, this time without any perfunctory greetings saw his party plying the skies southward, then sharply eastward. On the last leg there was unexpected turbulence, slightly unsettling. As the plane descended into the landing pattern for Ghallager, Cartoonia President Shrdlu wrapped up an intense discussion with his companion for the trip, Colonel Jason Ross, Eitoan Occupation Forces Ralkovia (EOFR). The President had carefully gone over briefing notes from EOFR commandant Gates. But the army had been largely present on the ground in free Ralkovia to maintain order, and, more recently, build up a force for the emerging cold war and arms race with The Ralkovian Regime, a contest of wills that would determine the fate of the big continent. Until recently Shrdlu had paid little attention to the affairs of the fledgling Ralkovian Federation, but at the insistence of the Department of Foreign Affairs he had agreed to attend the Cartoonia inauguration personally, to get a better handle on attitude and capabilities of some of the major players in the Federation.

Upon landing in Ghallager President Shrdlu was met with a small contingent of Caroonian diplomats, and Eitoan Ambassador Ian Carsell. Discussions were kept light during the drive to the embassy. Colonel Ross now took a back seat to Ambassador Carsell. Shrdlu was tired, and enjoyed a light breakfast at the embassy, pleased to have pancakes and sausage before retiring for a short nap. He skipped the breakfast coffee, but upon awakening more than made up for it throughout the day. Ambassador Carsell went over protocol for the inauguration, and identified the most important individuals attending. Being in the distant east, the greater Cartoonia region didn’t get much attention, either on the President’s agenda or from Foreign Affairs in general. Carsell had much to cover.

He first described the hosts of the events, with whom the President was to make light conversation. Nothing of great importance, nothing remotely profane, showing due respect. They discussed Jimmy Kudo, the Supreme Leader and his charming wife, Rachel Moore. Carsell reminded Shrdlu that a slightly lengthier handshake than the usual curt Eitoan greeting should be given when meeting Nigel Uno, the incoming Chancellor. Next would be the important members of the incoming cabinet, those with whom the embassy in Ghallager would be most involved for Eitoan commercial interests: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Raphtalia, Transportation Secretary Nelson Muntz, and Agriculture Secretary Wendy Testaburger. Carsell was familiar with Secretary Testaburger, and found her to be most intelligent. Two outgoing cabinet members should be acknowleged also, most likely to continue to play a significant role in Cartoonia; Secretary of Justice Charlie Brown and Secretary of Transportation Stan Marsh. Shrdlu could also chat a bit with political bigwigs, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and Quincy Magoo.

After a hearty dinner and drinks, the President turned in early. He had a big day tomorrow and needed to be well rested. Breakfast was served in the morning, attended again by Carsell and Ross, and the three chowed down heartily after discussing further etiquette for the inauguration, baseball, and what to expect from Cartoonian cuisine.

On the ride to the Chad Dickson National Theatre of The Arts, Shrdlu collected his thoughts, in the order of priority on which he had been briefed both by Foreign Affairs and Ross. The likely meeting with the Free Ralkovian delegation would be the most scrutinized he would have here. Passions still ran high so soon after the war, but there was a growing understanding among the intelligentsia and the Foreign Affairs professionals that at some point the Ralkovian Federation must move toward more independence and self-determination. But how? And who? Eitoan policy is driven first and foremost by military superiority to the Ralkovian Regime. And that was going to be maintained regardless to the direction the Federation took. Still, a friendly, economically viable Federation with reasonable self-defense capabilities seemed to President Shrdlu to be the best path forward.

Senator Xava Kwashi Okereke, the former slave now elevated to the legislature had a story that struck a chord with Eitoans that had an interest in foreign affairs, both in the press and academia. But what are his thoughts? What are his capabilities? He assumed that Okereke was a man of abilities. This was a chance to take the measure of the man in person. Postwar Ralkovian politics was complicated, so there had to be something there. What could he bring to the table to contribute to security on the continent? He also noted Foreign Minister Kartografst Sv’rath, a part of the more liberal faction before the war, now elevated by the Allied Kommandatura to represent Free Ralkovia. Too bad his group was stifled by the Penada Clique warlords. An agreement early on could have saved a lot of Eitoan lives. Ralkovians too. This Deputy Foreign Minister S’ra Kra’eto was more obscure. He didn’t know why she was there. But he had heard the name a couple of times at meetings in Kelso’s exclusive Sedgewick Club. So, she had to know somebody. He didn’t hold a grudge against the Sedgewick, but wasn’t terribly enamored of them either. Sure, he’d been at their Oak Bar a couple of times as a guest while building his technology company, but never at the sumptuous Walnut Bar until his own inauguration. Stuffed shirt financial types. Maybe one of those darned T'Rastovs or one of their flunkies mentioned her at the Walnut Bar. Anyway, Kra’eto could have passed for an Eitoan schoolteacher or accountant. He wasn’t so sure there was much to talk about with her.

But first, etiquette required a polite exchange with regional countries with whom Eitoan had long established relations. He planned to meet Milhiore Biscotti, apparently a Premier of Animalpolis, representing the UIS government, AHSCA. And, importantly, Prime Minister Allen Gardner of Wellovia and Mokasanta’s Foreign Minister, Elizabeth Franshaw. Those names had come up at the Sedgewick too. Apparently, some hotshot Kelso lady lawyer representing Lomengo family interests on the continent.

Shrdlu entered the Chad Dickson Theatre and headed toward to East Ballroom. He was bedecked for the occasion in traditional black-tie attire: black three-piece suit, distinguished by satin jacket lapels and similar stripes along the out seam of the trousers. White dress shirt with turndown collar and the presidential link cuffs, a black bow tie, and a cummerbund. His and black patent leather dress were polished to a high gloss. For this occasion, he wore a homburg. At his right side the Presidential Sword, worn for meetings with all foreign heads of state: a blued steel rapier, with ornate silver handle. With confidence he stepped forward into the ballroom. He scanned the crowd, and found Senator Okerke, giving a slight nod, and waited to be announced.

[Mokastana]

Arm in arm, they walked over, well Milli nearly dragged him along. "Good evening, folks!" Milli greeted the entourage happily and with a great amount of enthusiasm. "Hope you're all doing well."

Prime Minister Allen Gardener had also turned his attention towards the refreshment table when he noticed a beautiful woman with pink hair in a red dress head their way, with a soldier at her side. Still being new to the international scene, it wasn't until he noticed the ears and tail that it finally clicked who this was. Much like Premier Millhiore Biscotti, he too was essentially "state governor" with a nice title: the elected leader of a member territory of the People’s Unified Federation. Also like Premier Biscotti, he was afforded a certain ability to speak on behalf of his home government above that of his equals. Technically that luxury was also afforded to Queen Kaida Nanao of Aqua Anu, but she was not here. He was.

Wellovia had enjoyed the benefits of the Mokan-AHSCA friendship as they were a part of the ‘Mokan government’, so once he saw the ears, it was easy to remember the face and name.

Milli's enthusiastic greeting followed by a: "Hope you're all doing well." was responded to in kind. Underneath, Prime Minister Gardener was at least somewhat relieved his first conversation would be with someone of equal standing. He did not look forward to having to explain to other leaders that being Prime Minister was essentially a governor/territory leader in the PUF.

“We are doing excellent! I am glad to finally meet you, Premier Biscotti. Prime Minister Allen Gardener, Wellovia. And this young lady,” He motioned to the woman standing next to him in a formal navy blue dress who smiled, “Is my wife, Alicia Gardener.” Alicia extended a handshake to the Premier with a boastful: “How do you do Premier Biscotti? I’m sorry is that too formal? I haven’t had a chance to learn your first name yet. It’s my first time meeting foriegn leaders….uhh Allen dear, can you shut me up please?” Alicia pleaded, turning to her husband who smiled while taking over for his flustered wife: “Of course dear,” he gave her a quick kiss and turned back to Millhiore, “She loves AHSCA, but to get the focus off her, allow me to introduce our Forien Ministry aid, Taara Nakama.” He motioned to the Neko woman to his other side, who bowed gently to the couple. “Greetings, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Taara was certainly more formal than either Allen or Alicia, “I was born in Animalpolis, but my mother immigrated to Mokastana before I was walking. I have yet to return to visit it myself.”

Elizabeth and Raji were actually not nearby, but headed towards the group once they noticed the conversation picking up.

[Hanoverian Great Britain]

"Yeah, I've heared many rumors about Nigel's battles when he was in KND Corps, but they were so crazy, that I thought, that bartender was both drunk and high. No wonder, he's gonna be an excellent chancellor, he led his team through all kinds of insane situation and fought against borderline impossible odds. I wonder, what was his hardest and most unusual operation? If it's not classified."-Shawn Bjornson says as he takes a sip from a glass with delicious alcohol.



Shawn then turns to Alexandra: "Yo'... I mean, greetings Your Majesty, allow me to introduce myself, I am Shawn Bjornson, Overboss of Skyhooked. It's an honor to meet you in person on this refined event. Now let us drink for the health of Nigel, the new chancellor of Cartoonia."

Marie BonAztire comes to Alexandra and Shawn.

“Salute, your majesty, and salute, Mr. Bjornson. You might know me as the supreme leader of Crossoveria and yes, I was cruel to children in the past, and with all the ACE problems and all. Cartoonia doesn’t have to deal with the ACE anymore because I punished them.” Marie says. “And how’s the majesty doing?

While in the midst of ordering a drink for herself and her sister, the pair were briefly interrupted by Shawn's arrival which was much warming and welcome to their presence. Coincidentally, their brief moment was further interrupted by the arrival of Marie, whose introduction presented a bit of shock to the royal pair. Regardless, she was able to maintain her composure, replying with a friendly gesture.

"I am doing alright, thank you. And my apologies, but I am Alexandra, and this is Mary, my little sister!", introduced her while simultaneously pointing to her sister, the Duchess of Sussex standing right beside her."Hello there madam, sir. I believe that this event is a fine event, isn't it?", asked Mary in a rhetorical manner, her face beaming with an adorable smile and naive innocence, a much odd display for a sixteen year old.

[AHSCA]

Prime Minister Allen Gardener had also turned his attention towards the refreshment table when he noticed a beautiful woman with pink hair in a red dress head their way, with a soldier at her side. Still being new to the international scene, it wasn't until he noticed the ears and tail that it finally clicked who this was. Much like Premier Millhiore Biscotti, he too was essentially "state governor" with a nice title: the elected leader of a member territory of the People’s Unified Federation. Also like Premier Biscotti, he was afforded a certain ability to speak on behalf of his home government above that of his equals. Technically that luxury was also afforded to Queen Kaida Nanao of Aqua Anu, but she was not here. He was.

Wellovia had enjoyed the benefits of the Mokan-AHSCA friendship as they were a part of the ‘Mokan government’, so once he saw the ears, it was easy to remember the face and name.

Milli's enthusiastic greeting followed by a: "Hope you're all doing well." was responded to in kind. Underneath, Prime Minister Gardener was at least somewhat relieved his first conversation would be with someone of equal standing. He did not look forward to having to explain to other leaders that being Prime Minister was essentially a governor/territory leader in the PUF.

“We are doing excellent! I am glad to finally meet you, Premier Biscotti. Prime Minister Allen Gardener, Wellovia. And this young lady,” He motioned to the woman standing next to him in a formal navy blue dress who smiled, “Is my wife, Alicia Gardener.” Alicia extended a handshake to the Premier with a boastful: “How do you do Premier Biscotti? I’m sorry is that too formal? I haven’t had a chance to learn your first name yet. It’s my first time meeting foriegn leaders….uhh Allen dear, can you shut me up please?” Alicia pleaded, turning to her husband who smiled while taking over for his flustered wife: “Of course dear,” he gave her a quick kiss and turned back to Millhiore, “She loves AHSCA, but to get the focus off her, allow me to introduce our Forien Ministry aid, Taara Nakama.” He motioned to the Neko woman to his other side, who bowed gently to the couple. “Greetings, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Taara was certainly more formal than either Allen or Alicia, “I was born in Animalpolis, but my mother immigrated to Mokastana before I was walking. I have yet to return to visit it myself.”

Elizabeth and Raji were actually not nearby, but headed towards the group once they noticed the conversation picking up.

"Well feel free to call me Milli if you like! Or if you still want to be polite, Millhiore is fine as well. I am technically here on official business for the UIS but eh we can leave the titles behind for a while, I think, it's a party, time to let our hair down, am I right?! Good to meet you Miss Nakama. Wow so you were actually born on the island, so then you are still a citizen by birthright! That's amazing! Oh and of course I can't forget my husband at my side here, Cinque Izumi."

"Oh it's a pleasure." He nodded.

[Cartoonia]

President Ephriam Shrdlu kissed his wife Ruth, son Michael, and twins Ben and Zoe goodbye in the wee hours of the characteristically cool Vladarsik morning at the Executive Residence, just another overseas trip, although this time much farther than the usual wartime allied conferences and postwar meetings that had consumed much of his midterm tenure in office. Along the ride to Joint Base Vladarsik he phoned Vice President Paula Kubek, by now well versed on maintaining executive authority in the republic during his absence from the country. By 0310 Vladarsik time he was airborne along the longest leg of his journey, a refueling stop at Point M, a Golden Throne airbase in Zarbia. The stopover had been in continual use by the Eitoan Air Force ever since it’s commitment to support of The Golden Throne in the war in Krasnova, and upon landing he was greeted by the Eitoan liaison officer. Following the quick refuel, the plane continued on to another Golden Throne airbase in Holy Panooly, the dawn breaking ahead of it in the east. Another brief refueling and resupply stop in Holy Panooly, this time without any perfunctory greetings saw his party plying the skies southward, then sharply eastward. On the last leg there was unexpected turbulence, slightly unsettling. As the plane descended into the landing pattern for Ghallager, Cartoonia President Shrdlu wrapped up an intense discussion with his companion for the trip, Colonel Jason Ross, Eitoan Occupation Forces Ralkovia (EOFR). The President had carefully gone over briefing notes from EOFR commandant Gates. But the army had been largely present on the ground in free Ralkovia to maintain order, and, more recently, build up a force for the emerging cold war and arms race with The Ralkovian Regime, a contest of wills that would determine the fate of the big continent. Until recently Shrdlu had paid little attention to the affairs of the fledgling Ralkovian Federation, but at the insistence of the Department of Foreign Affairs he had agreed to attend the Cartoonia inauguration personally, to get a better handle on attitude and capabilities of some of the major players in the Federation....


....Shrdlu entered the Chad Dickson Theatre and headed toward to East Ballroom. He was bedecked for the occasion in traditional black-tie attire: black three-piece suit, distinguished by satin jacket lapels and similar stripes along the out seam of the trousers. White dress shirt with turndown collar and the presidential link cuffs, a black bow tie, and a cummerbund. His and black patent leather dress were polished to a high gloss. For this occasion, he wore a homburg. At his right side the Presidential Sword, worn for meetings with all foreign heads of state: a blued steel rapier, with ornate silver handle. With confidence he stepped forward into the ballroom. He scanned the crowd, and found Senator Okerke, giving a slight nod, and waited to be announced.

“The delegation from Eitoan, President Ephraim Shrdlu!”. The president makes his way through the lobby and is greeted by the Supreme Leader and his wife.

“Mr. President” Jimmy says giving a firm handshake to the man. “Welcome to Cartoonia. We’re glad that you can come. The Chancellor-elect will be joining us shortly. I hope everything is going well”.

"Pleasure is mine, Jimmy Kudo," the King said. "But... I still need somewhere to set my gifts." He rolled his wrist, displaying the incense sticks held between his fingers. "I don't suppose there's a table for these somewhere?"...

..."Ah, well, I don't think even a whole battlefield would be sufficient. But enough ta—"
"Rather terrible, don't you think, what you do to people in such conflicts? Eating them and leaving their corpses—"
"Now is not the time nor the place for this, Sebastian." Sekka turned to Jimmy. "As you can tell, he can be a bit... problematic. Just don't let it get to you." He walked off to the buffet, hoping that there would be no issues with Sebastian's personality.
"Yes, yes, as problematic as a dose of gin..." His gaze flitted towards the Supreme Leader. "And vodka. Makes me wonder if there's any here at the bar."

“Oh yeah” Jimmy responds seeing the incense. He hasn’t really expected gifts to be given here, for this was not much of a personal ball of the Supreme Leadership, but rather a state ball.

“I’ll ask the planners to set up a table over by the promenade. It should only take a few minutes to do so, anyway I hope all of you enjoy tonight’s festivities”.

Senator Okereke smiled at the Supreme Leader, paying appropriate respects with a slight bow. "Thank you for your warm hospitality, we look forward to the evening immensely," the former slave said, before again giving a small bow. He was soon followed by Katrografst, who likewise gave respect to the Cartoonian leader.

"I am Foreign Minister Kartografst vi Sv'rath. My colleague here is Senator Xava Kwashi Okereke. And behind me is Deputy Foreign Minister S'ra-" both men frowned as they turned to find that S'ra had already disappeared into the crowd. "I apologize, your majesty, the third member of our delegation seems to have split from us. In her place, all three of us want to thank you again for welcoming us to your nation. We must apologize in advance for our inexperience or offense we may cause as we express our sincere gratitude in hosting the Federation's first diplomatic foray."

Again both men bowed.

“Oh that is quite all right. We are just glad that you have joined us. Please enjoy yourselves here while we wait for the guest of honor”.

Jimmy was approached by the man named Shawn Bjornson and he faces him.

“Ah yes, Mr. Bjornson. I have heard of you through the foreign office. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I see that you are a fine warrior. Nigel Uno is one of most passionate persons when it comes to the KND Corps. But with his inauguration, his patriotism for country hs gone up. I so believe that Nigel will be the perfect man for the job of Chancellor”.

"Yeah, I've heared many rumors about Nigel's battles when he was in KND Corps, but they were so crazy, that I thought, that bartender was both drunk and high. No wonder, he's gonna be an excellent chancellor, he led his team through all kinds of insane situation and fought against borderline impossible odds. I wonder, what was his hardest and most unusual operation? If it's not classified."-Shawn Bjornson says as he takes a sip from a glass with delicious alcohol.

“Well, I guess that would be a tie between having to fight off converted senior citizens and fighting off a terrorist organization. Well anyway, all it is is a glorified name for a type of boy scouts organization. Anyway, we should head to the bar, we promised we’d talk with one of the delegations. I hope we can chat later tonight” Jimmy says before leaving, putting his younger brother Shou in charge of greeting guests and heads to the bar

---

Now Playing: Leonard Bernstien’s “Overture to Candide”

[The Imagination Animals]

“Oh la la! This music is so gorgeous!” Marie exclaims. She runs up to her husband.

Meanwhile, President Bottio is cringing privately because he despises Leonard Bernstein.
“Make it stop!” He whispers.
Little did he know, Marie and her husband heard him.

“You can get out!” Marie says to Bottio, who decides to leave. Marie and her husband dance.

[Lushansk]

The Lushanskian delegation lead by Prime Minister Karkov entered the Ballroom after a long delay because of Plane troubles

[Shwe Tu Colony]

“Oh yeah” Jimmy responds seeing the incense. He hasn’t really expected gifts to be given here, for this was not much of a personal ball of the Supreme Leadership, but rather a state ball.

“I’ll ask the planners to set up a table over by the promenade. It should only take a few minutes to do so, anyway I hope all of you enjoy tonight’s festivities”.

The King nodded. "Delightful, I'll be sure to deposit it there when it is ready. It is a delightful, vibrant aroma of great strength — I am certain that your new ruler will enjoy it." With that, he headed to the bar, leaving just Sebastian, who cocked his head to the side; it seemed he expected a response from Jimmy for what he said earlier, and he frowned at the lack of one. "Ah, I think I'll just... head to the bar now," he said.
Already there were Keiunkan and Eglantyne, the latter of whom was relaxing with a red wine ice cream float. "Hmm, yes," her brother said, "good atmosphere, everything quite sanitary, each bottle of alcohol well-lit in a wonderful display of colors. Very delightful, yes, very delightful indeed." He spun on his bar stool, examining the room. "Juxtaposed quite well amongst it all, just what I'd expect for this little corner, but I can't help but wonder what manner of diplomacy slips out here under the smoothness of alcohol— oh, barkeep." He hailed them over. "Might I have... hmm, I think I'll have a champagne. Yes, that'll do. Many thanks!"
"Grading hospitality as always, eh, Keiunkan?" The King took a bar seat next to him. "Ah, barkeep, might I have some yellow wine?"
"But of course..." As suddenly as he pointed his index up, he put it down. "Oh... I smell something. A sort of... tenseness, I believe. Someone's unhappy, how unfortunate, how very, very unfortunate." Eglantyne, her head resting on the bar counter and her face already quite red, grabbed her brother's sleeve as he rose. "Oh, dear sister, no need to harry me and my work. I merely smell someone who is having a subpar time."

"Nah, nah, you should really... stay here, Kei."
"Dear sister, a small complaint can mean very much at these here state balls — wouldn't want someone's first impression of your civilization to be one of negativity, no? I must do what I can to aid my fellow hosts." With that, he marched off, and Sebastian took his seat. "Oh, hi Sebastian," Eglantyne said, playing with her spoon. "Didn't expect for you to join us. Lemme guess, you're gonna order something offensive?"
"Ha! You know me so well. Barkeep, I'll have a bit of gin and vodka."
"That doesn't... seem offensive, ehee."
"Hmph."

Elsewhere, Sekka and Piedmont were perusing the buffet table — a glorious display for the two gluttons, yet Piedmont was following behind the Head of Economics, cowering like a child. "So, um, I don't get zis," the boy said. "So, why are people... grabbing plates and just putting food on them? Sekka, I do not understand what the purpose of this is."
A light chuckle. "Piedmont, this is an all-you-can-eat buffet."
"All I can eat?" Sekka could feel a rising desire in him. "Well in that case—" He nearly leapt forward, but the Parfuhmerian nabbed him by the collar of his shirt. "Hiss! Sekka, lemme go, I want persillade!"
"Hey, grab a plate first. No need to cross-contaminate," he said as he dragged him back. "A buffet is different. You can not just go out and grab food with your hands. Here, grab a plate." Sekka took one, followed by the younger. "And now — see these forks, spoons, tongs, etc...? You use those to—" He was interrupted by Piedmont vocalizing choking noises behind him while looking upward, with his snake slithering around his master's throat in a frenzy. "Hey, Piedmont, not here. You have to eat normally."

The boy snapped his neck back down as Sekka began accumulating shanks of beef onto his plate. "Sorry, I just— I smelled persillade... somewhere."
"Don't cut, Piedmont. I know you're a Seigneur, but that's no excuse in foreign lands."
"Sekka, don't you zink zat's enough beef?"
"What?" He looked at his plate, which had a tower of meat. "Oh, yeah, don't worry, I'll finish it. As for you... I think I see your persillade up ahead." The two of them strode forward, and Sekka chuckled as he watched Piedmont's face shift from joy, then confusion, then slight annoyance as he used the tongs to grab persillade only — perhaps drawing a few bemused looks from those nearby. "Sekka, what's zis weird hard thing with the persillade?"

"Oysters. Try it— wait, not here, take one back with you. Oh, and only the—"
Crunch!
"Oysters taste very bad." He tried to put back the shattered shell back in the pile, but a deft grab from Sekka stopped him. "I prefer persillade."
"Piedmont, you ate the shell. That's inedible."
"It is?"
"Have you never had seafood?"
"... sea? Like the letter, or...?"

“You can get out!” Marie says to Bottio, who decides to leave. Marie and her husband dance.

Bottio's sulk off would be suddenly interrupted by Keiunkan stepping in front of him with a bow. "Hello, good sir. I trust you are enjoying this evening, yes? Or..." He cocked his head. "I can tell you're in a bit of a sour mood — seems you have been separated from the rest of your delegation. I'm Keiunkan M. Bellhop, consider me... Head of Hospitality of Psytronius. You might not have heard of us, but that's fine. While I am not the host of this wonderful evening, nor even from this nation, I am nonetheless honor-bound to aid our hosts as much as possible, to ensure that this goes as hospitably as possible." He smiled. "So, sir, was there a problem?"

[The Imagination Animals]

“Nice knowing you, Keiunkan Bellhop. I’m Ulysses Bottio, the current president of Crossoveria.” Bottio tells Bellhop. “See, I don’t have a wife to take with me because BonAztire, who is practically the only person more powerful than I am, only applied for four visas: herself, her husband, me, and Crossoveria’s Vice President. The current Vice President is male, and I’m not trying to show love interest In him by dancing with him.”

[Shwe Tu Colony]

“Nice knowing you, Keiunkan Bellhop...”

Keiunkan, smiling with his index at his chin and his fingers spread beneath it, listened to Bottio's grievances. "How odd," the bellhop said, "that she wouldn't. I don't suppose there is some manner of grudge, if you don't mind me asking? It seems rather odd for her to do something as such for someone like you, I must say." He gave a sympathetic tilt of his head. "What is her position anyway?" He would wait for Bottio's response and give an obedient nod. "I see... And as for your male Vice President, is dancing considered a more amorous ritual in your civilization, then? Though... I suppose it would look that way to offer such. Anyway, what brings you to this here ball?"

[The Imagination Animals]

“I’d be glad to tell you, Keiunkan! The girl you’re referring to is the supreme leader of Crossoveria. She has total authority over every aspect of the county, and she’s the most useful example of a totalitarian government.” Bottio replies. “And for your second question, dancing isn’t considered a ritual. And for your third question, BonAztire told me I had to go to the ball.”