A Christmas in Neo-Manila [OPEN][SIGN-UP FIRST][IC]

[Bengal and Assam]

47th Floor
Rooftop, RCBC Tower,
Makati, Neo-Manila, Tagalog SSR, PAS
05.58 PM PST

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---

The Embassy staff walked onto the rooftop of the tower, considered to be the 8th tallest building in Makati, and the 16th tallest building in the Tagalog SSR. And the view from the rooftop was surreal for a building built 20 years ago smack dab in the middle of the main CBD of an ever growing economic power known as the PAS.

The rooftop seemed to be normally used as a helipad, but the place must've been reserved by the Government to be a firework viewing spot. There were many other people present on the roof, a couple of 'em with their cameras whipped out, lest they get a decent shot of the fireworks.

'Where'd Dan go?' thought Suyeon. Then a minute later, he and a buff guy, recognisable from the welcoming party, brought out a crate of beer onto the rooftop. Along with them, a bunch of 'Anglos' came out.

"The Canucks are here" said Miranda. "We store all our beer at their place. They've got the bigger fridge, you see."

"Firework's in two minutes lads... Get that beer out." said Ambassador Chatterjee.

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OOC: Sorry lads, this is all I could come up with 2 months ago.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

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MAY 1, 2021 - 6:00 PM
NEO-MANILA
TAGALOG SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC
PEOPLE'S FEDERATION OF PAN-ASIATIC STATES
THEME - The Internationale

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And so, the metropolitan night sky of busy Neo-Manila was set ablaze by the luminescent explosions of fireworks. Public announcement speakers (government-owned ones anyway) everywhere began playing an orchestral rendition of The Internationale - the anthem of the working-class - as the streets erupted into jubilee. People sang the Internationale in all sorts of languages, and given that Neo-Manila was a hotpot of blending cultures many tongues were thusly spoken. Some sang the song in Filipino, some who were Chinese sang it in Chinese, while some of those from the academe and those who simply did speak the language sang it in the original French.

Some office and apartment building windows sprung to life as from the heights people began to wave flags of the Pan-Asiatic States, flags of communism, even flags of communist countries and associations such as that of the Soviet Union, Cuba, and the International Socialist Congress. Others unfurled long banners furnished with the hammer and sickle.

While usually a grand parade of workers was held near the government quarter in Maynila, authorities instead opted to organize ones locally due to the pandemic. Local communities held international communist solidarity marches wherein people of all walks of life participated. People held up large portraits of communist leaders they looked up to as well as portraits of veterans from the Pacific Revolutions that they may be related to. Schoolchildren from young pioneers organizations wore their uniform, admonished by their red handkerchiefs tied around their necks and various badges signifying rank as well as proficiencies in a variety of tasks. Workers who received civilian awards proudly wore their medals. Veterans also participated in the marches, some wearing full military regalia while others opting to simply wear commemorative clothing of the battles they fought in.

Some of the banners held by the participants in these marches included mottos such as: "Glory to the ones who look forward!" "Workers of the World - Unite!" "Indivisible by Race and Class!". These words would usually be seen held-up by an entire row of people, typically the frontmost of a marching crowd.

Meanwhile a small crowd of government employees had been mustered together at Malacañang's grounds where the Secretary-General hosted a minor reception with the intent of thanking his staff for the diligent work they had done for the country over the past few months. While the press was not allowed inside, the Pan-Asiatic States' leader was televised enthusiastically waving from the Palace office's window together with his wife and children. It seems that even the premier himself was enjoying himself in the celebrations.

A little later, a runner from the party security cadre was sent to the embassy of Bengal and Assam as well as a some other embassies informing them that they may be visited by the Secretary-General following the reception he was holding. It seems he wanted to make the rounds at celebrations held at the chanceries. Being the de facto foreign affairs minister, this was a task the Secretary-General performed during most celebrations throughout the year but the short notice would still come as a surprise for most ambassadors he would visit that night. The party security runner assured everyone he was tasked with informing that the meeting would be brief, routine, and likely uneventful.

[Sky Reavers]

"Very well then," Manlangit answered. "You are our guest in this country, you should indeed try to do things you wouldn't be able to do back home," he continued. "I know a hole-in-the-wall grill a couple of blocs from here, if you don't mind walking."

"Oh, dude, you gonna be surprised, what food can be found back home! For example, we ain't exactly picky in terms of kinds of animals to eat, for example, grilled snakes taste fine, iguanas n' frogs too. What? The recipes were created before the revolution, when we were near starvin' cause fascist kleptocracy regime was that harsh, and after the revolt... Well, we decided, that why abandon? Most animals are tasty! And we got lots of bushmeat recipes. But still, I bet ya' got lots of recipes in your country, we never even thought about."-Suarez said, as he walked along with Manlangit on the narrow sidewalk. He smells some interesting dish and feels, that Manlangit didn't lie - that was really good if not the best place to eat in this neighborhood.

When he was asked about order, he answered, "Ummm, some of this awesome smellin' meat and something exotic, if ya' please. Oh, and some of nice local beer! I guess, when we sit, I could tell ya' more about our life back home, or whatever ya' wanna know. Just ask."

[Bengal and Assam]

47th Floor
Rooftop, RCBC Tower,
Makati, Neo-Manila, Tagalog SSR, PAS
06.35 PM PST

---

---

The firework went on as the Kawanese Embassy staff looked on from the rooftop, helping out each other and their Canadian brethren with the beer.

A young lad played Highland Cathedral, the Kawanese Anthem on a harmonica.
"Sad that Chief is out cold with the Flu innit? He'd get the Union Jack up on that pole while the Pan-Orientals would get the fireworks done" said a ginger headed Embassy Staffer to a confised Suyeon.

"He's talking about our Defence Attache, Nigel Young. He's got the COV, so he isn't here with us for now."

"You guys do indeed take Colonial Foundation Day pretty seriously. Don't the locals lecture you on how giving up your country to European powers is nothing to celebrate?" asked Suyeon.

"The building management does indeed get complaints about the practice." Said Ambassador Chatarjee. "But of course, the staff doesn't mind getting a treatment of home, especially given that there's a festive atmosphere and fireworks for free already. And a conviniently coinciding calendar date. Personally, I'm sure my ancestors were happy to be brought under European rule of law rather than being killed by some racist Daimyo for no reason. The Kawanese people are also foreign to Bengal as well, despite being Asians."

The Ambassador looked towards the entrance as a uniformed Party official walked towards him. A bit on his guard given Britain's, by extension, Bengal's historical conflicts with the PAS, and knowledge that the Old Guard of the Party still held decent sway over what went on in the country, he approached the man, who handed him a letter after exchanging pleasantries. "From the Sec-Gen's office?".
Usually, it was a small letter from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, but a visit from the Head of State of the host nation was unprecedented.

"So what was that about?" Asked Suyeon to the returning Ambassador.

"Well... I guess your first day became even more exciting, eh Nance?. The Secretary-General of the PAS is gonna pay us a visit."

"What?" the blondie from the financial department gasped. "But sir, we're completely unprepared for such a visit. Security arrangements, and maybe a speech from you, we just don't have the manpower."

"I'm sure our folks and the Canadians who share the place can work something out. That Jackson lad and a few of his men from Embassy Security are here, yea?" asked Ambassador Chatarjee, waiting for the affirmative. "Then alright. Ask them to get something done. A PAS, Kawanese, Union and Canadian flags over here, get the poles from storage. Nancy, go with Dan downstairs, work on a speech. I want it on my phone in the nexy 15 minutes. Alright, lets get to work lads."

[Pan-Asiatic States]

Bengal and Assam Chancery, Makati
Around 8:00 PM

---

Around two hours after the party security cadre informed the Bengali-Assamese embassy workers of the Secretary-General's arrival, a small entourage of the Asian Communist Party arrived in a caravan of slick black limousines at the RCBC Tower where the Bengal and Assam chancery was located. It was somewhat of a detour from where most of the other chanceries that they had visited that night were located (they had just come from the diplomatic quarter of the old city of Maynila), but it was deemed a necessary visit by the premier himself.

"Good God, the Kawanese certainly aren't afraid of heights," Secretary-General Abra remarked astonishingly to one of his aide-de-camps during their entourage's ride on the building's glass elevator. The premier calmly took in the nighttime sight of Neo-Manila's business center, Makati, a part of the metropolitan that never slept. Lit windows dotted the skyline. Meanwhile, half of the delegation waited for the elevator to come back around again from the 47th floor since all of them couldn't fit in one ride.

"No sir, they are not," the assistant, a short and gleeful if somewhat chubby Chinese man named Chen, retorted. "Though remind me again, Comrade Abra, as to why we've left the comforts of the palace to visit these oriental atlanticists? I mean it's not like all of the ambassadors in Neo-Manila expect we pay their offices a visit. Least of all our decadent Western wannabe neighbours, especially with what's transpired over the past year. We could be spending this time at the Soviet Union's—at least they know how to serve good drinks."

The premier changed his manner of speaking into one of seriousness. "We are here, Comrade Chen, precisely because we must repair our relationship with them in lieu of recent events. If we put on a good show, maybe we can get their media to be a little less hostile towards us and the party. And if we're lucky maybe we can even get them to stem Rohingyan emigration on their side of the border," he declared. "As for your little recommendation, you know that we can visit the Soviets whenever we want. Hell, they visit us more often than we like. And the Russians have got good vodka, sure—but I hear the imperialists export good brandy to Bengal and Assam. We are communists, let's see if we can't get them to share." He chuckled. Pun definitely intended.

The elevator panel went ding! signifying that their arduous mechanical climb had reached its end. "Anyway, try to watch your manners while we're here Chen."

A dozen Asian Communist Party politicians and a couple party security cadre officers emerged from the cramped elevator. Most wore casual Western-style suits in red ties and the party's hammer-and-sickle pin, except the Secretary-General who had fitted his elderly self into a tight olive green military coat decorated with medals from the Great Pacific War and his ranking position in the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces as Commander-in-Chief. It was standard procedure for those in the military to wear their decorations during matters of state affairs although it seemed the premier himself looked uncomfortable in it, and likely preferred to wear something a little more casual like the rest of his entourage.

Among the notable tag-alongs that attended the Bengali-Assamese celebration who the Secretary-General personally introduced to the Kawanese Ambassador and his staff was Federal Commissary of the State Development and Planning Commission (SDPC) Ryang Dong-Wook; the Second-Ranked Elected AMC Vice-Chairman and Air Force 5-Star General Muto Sachio; two Federal Congressmen: one from Tianjin by the name of Gao Chang as well as another representing Johor Bahru, Naseer bin Miqdaam; Nui Chuan, a representative from the Pan-Pacific Infrastructure Concern's popular assembly; Aang Sophon, one of the youngest female members of the Asian Communist Party's politburo; and perhaps most peculiarly a Kachin Burmese man by the name of Myo Arkar Pyae Thant (referred to by the name Duwa Pyae or Chief Pyae) who is apparently head of the State Development Civil Governance Research Division's working group on Burmese inter-ethnic cooperation.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

"Very well then," Manlangit answered. "You are our guest in this country, you should indeed try to do things you wouldn't be able to do back home," he continued. "I know a hole-in-the-wall grill a couple of blocs from here, if you don't mind walking."

"Oh, dude, you gonna be surprised, what food can be found back home! For example, we ain't exactly picky in terms of kinds of animals to eat, for example, grilled snakes taste fine, iguanas n' frogs too. What? The recipes were created before the revolution, when we were near starvin' cause fascist kleptocracy regime was that harsh, and after the revolt... Well, we decided, that why abandon? Most animals are tasty! And we got lots of bushmeat recipes. But still, I bet ya' got lots of recipes in your country, we never even thought about."-Suarez said, as he walked along with Manlangit on the narrow sidewalk. He smells some interesting dish and feels, that Manlangit didn't lie - that was really good if not the best place to eat in this neighborhood.

When he was asked about order, he answered, "Ummm, some of this awesome smellin' meat and something exotic, if ya' please. Oh, and some of nice local beer! I guess, when we sit, I could tell ya' more about our life back home, or whatever ya' wanna know. Just ask."

"Alright then, let me order for the both of us. There's a meal we Filipinos like that is basically the same thing that they put in hotdogs, you know intestines, pork guts, liver ... basically the stuff they can't include in pork chops. They cook it with egg and squeeze lime over it. Well you'll just have to trust me on this one, it's an acquired taste and most foreigners don't have the stomach for it but you might like it," Manlangit responded.

"Oh and of course, the best beer in the neighborhood," Manlangit added, grinning. He then turned to the vendor and relayed the order in the local language. The staff member taking the order responded with "Opo, Comrade Lieutenant-General." Manlangit seemed to be a regular.

When the food arrived and the beer was served, Manlangit rubbed his hands together in anticipation of a hearty meal and raised his bottle to make a toast. "To not being Muslims, and being able to enjoy pork and alcohol!", he quipped jokingly.

Capital District, Neo-Manila
Night

---

Lieutenant-General Manlangit and Suarez talked the whole afternoon through. Eventually, the time to watch the fireworks had come and Manlangit suggested that they observe it from the Little Moscow Mall in Laurel.

"It's a train ride away but I think we'll make it there in time. Would you mind if we took our conversation there or would you prefer to go somewhere else?"

[Sky Reavers]

"Alright then, let me order for the both of us. There's a meal we Filipinos like that is basically the same thing that they put in hotdogs, you know intestines, pork guts, liver ... basically the stuff they can't include in pork chops. They cook it with egg and squeeze lime over it. Well you'll just have to trust me on this one, it's an acquired taste and most foreigners don't have the stomach for it but you might like it," Manlangit responded.

"Oh and of course, the best beer in the neighborhood," Manlangit added, grinning. He then turned to the vendor and relayed the order in the local language. The staff member taking the order responded with "Opo, Comrade Lieutenant-General." Manlangit seemed to be a regular.

When the food arrived and the beer was served, Manlangit rubbed his hands together in anticipation of a hearty meal and raised his bottle to make a toast. "To not being Muslims, and being able to enjoy pork and alcohol!", he quipped jokingly.

"Yeah, dude, a toast to not being constrained by that lil' bit pushy religion! And being able to enjoy all the pig's meaty parts! Cuz bones are lil' bit hard for teeth. Bottoms up!"-Suarez drinks and after enjoying the meal, he comments on it too.-"If this is the neighborhood's best, I bet they won at least serveral inter-neighborhood cookin' competitions! If ya' ever come to our turf, ya' should visit it in april, when we have The Epic Cookout! A festival, where folks cook different foods, conventional or not, demonstrate them, then folks taste these, and then cooks win different prizes with the best being rewarded with golden fryin' pan. Ya' can also participate if ya' suddenly feel like being a chef."

Suarez then proceeded to tell Manlangit about carefree life of Sky Reaver people, who still enjoy the life of entertainment, equality and freedom. He also mentioned a few things about the war, where he and Lieutenant -General met. -"Ya' remember that big guy, who went loco and fired his light machine gun from the hip? And who then fought with a warclub in melee? That was Shawn Bjornson, who was the battlemaster of a warband, he is now the current leader of our country."- Then he learned things about Pan-Asia from Manlangit.

Capital District, Neo-Manila
Night
Lieutenant-General Manlangit and Suarez talked the whole afternoon through. Eventually, the time to watch the fireworks had come and Manlangit suggested that they observe it from the Little Moscow Mall in Laurel.

"It's a train ride away but I think we'll make it there in time. Would you mind if we took our conversation there or would you prefer to go somewhere else?"

-"Well, why not there? I bet this firework gonna look awesome! Then, after a few days, I am gonna go back home. Fixin' cars and beatin' that plasma TV with a wrench to fix it. Cause it sometimes goes loco and shows some mishmash, and beatin' it with a wrench in certain places reverts it to nice picture. And of course to mixin' beer with vodka, smokin' weed, playin' video games and doin' crazy stuff."

[Pan-Asiatic States]

"Yeah, dude, a toast to not being constrained by that lil' bit pushy religion! And being able to enjoy all the pig's meaty parts! Cuz bones are lil' bit hard for teeth. Bottoms up!"

"Kampai!", exclaimed Manlangit. He too took a drink from the beer that they had ordered.

-"Well, why not there? I bet this firework gonna look awesome! Then, after a few days, I am gonna go back home. Fixin' cars and beatin' that plasma TV with a wrench to fix it. Cause it sometimes goes loco and shows some mishmash, and beatin' it with a wrench in certain places reverts it to nice picture. And of course to mixin' beer with vodka, smokin' weed, playin' video games and doin' crazy stuff."

Manlangit nodded in confused agreement, still trying to comprehend how Sky Reavers were capable of leading such hedonistic lifestyles and still be able to get anything done in their country. Ultimately though, he appreciated Suarez's enthusiasm and how much of a great mood he always seemed to be. Perhaps, though any Asian (even Manlangit himself to a certain extent) is conditioned to be reluctant in admitting it, there was something to be learned from the Sky Reavers' ways.

Or maybe Sky Reavers really were just natural alcoholic go-getters, but even then, Manlangit thought—if Sky Reavers are happy with their lives then there's very little detriment to that attribute. That idea was worth smiling about.

Little Moscow Mall, Laurel District
Almost 6:00 PM

---

Manlangit and Suarez visited the Markov Rail Transportation terminal outside the Great Pacific War Memorial, which took them underground and through a tube that connected straight to the lower ground floor of the Little Moscow Mall in a little under an hour. There was nothing like a little Russian engineering combined with the tourist-centric planning of the local Neo-Manila administration to get exactly the type of people like them from one part of the metropolitan to the other in the nick of time.

Upon arriving at their destination, they were immediately greeted by the deafening sound of celebratory communist music playing on the loudspeakers and the excited chattering of festival attendees. Walking past closed shops, cafés and restaurants fully-booked with reservations and private parties, vending machines, and various advertisements the two emerged from the underground via a main staircase to meet the wide open park at the center of the mall proper. Amidst the grass, modernist sculptures and monuments stood erect for visitors to gawk at, pretend to understand, or just use as a rest for their backs when they sat on the grass-covered ground. Families, teenagers, and couples strode the great outdoors without a care in the world while some had already selected benches and public spaces for their respective congregations where they probably plan to view the fireworks from.

Monolithic skyscrapers decorated the skyline—giant superstructures in whose shadow the plaza resided in. From those great buildings red flags flew proudly in the evening breeze in support of the communist ideology, and they were visible even from the ground level upon which Manlangit and Suarez were currently standing on.

"Looks like most of the benches have already been taken. Anyway, I came prepared," Manlangit remarked. He then proceeded to pull a blanket from his sidebag, and laid it out on the ground near a tree for the two of them to sit on. He reckoned they'd have a great view of the fireworks if they sat outside. "I've got some Pan-Asiatic States Standard Vodka too. It's not great but it's cheap and eventually you won't notice how sub-par it is if you drink enough of it, ha-ha!"

Manlangit poured a large bottle of the booze into glasses for the both of them. "So anyway," Manlangit told his Sky Reaver comrade realizing that they seemed to have a little downtime before the show began. "I'm curious. Soldier to soldier - no need to tell me anything you aren't allowed to disclose - what's weapons development like under Overboss Bjornson's reign? I mean I just find it interesting that the leaders of both of our countries are armymen and just like if a schoolteacher got power they'd invest in education so since we've got an armyman we're upgrading our army. Here in the Pan-Asiatic States, Comrade Abra showed interest in funding odd projects like pentomic warfare and experimental "smart" bullets after Congress greenlit higher defense expenditure. You know how it is, we're ramping up our anti-terrorism initiatives and all. I'm just wondering if it's the same for the Sky Reavers or if you guys have demilitarized a little since the invasion."

[Bengal and Assam]

Bengal and Assam Chancery, Makati
Around 8:00 PM

---

Around two hours after the party security cadre informed the Bengali-Assamese embassy workers of the Secretary-General's arrival, a small entourage of the Asian Communist Party arrived in a caravan of slick black limousines at the RCBC Tower where the Bengal and Assam chancery was located. It was somewhat of a detour from where most of the other chanceries that they had visited that night were located (they had just come from the diplomatic quarter of the old city of Maynila), but it was deemed a necessary visit by the premier himself.

"Good God, the Kawanese certainly aren't afraid of heights," Secretary-General Abra remarked astonishingly to one of his aide-de-camps during their entourage's ride on the building's glass elevator. The premier calmly took in the nighttime sight of Neo-Manila's business center, Makati, a part of the metropolitan that never slept. Lit windows dotted the skyline. Meanwhile, half of the delegation waited for the elevator to come back around again from the 47th floor since all of them couldn't fit in one ride.

"No sir, they are not," the assistant, a short and gleeful if somewhat chubby Chinese man named Chen, retorted. "Though remind me again, Comrade Abra, as to why we've left the comforts of the palace to visit these oriental atlanticists? I mean it's not like all of the ambassadors in Neo-Manila expect we pay their offices a visit. Least of all our decadent Western wannabe neighbours, especially with what's transpired over the past year. We could be spending this time at the Soviet Union's—at least they know how to serve good drinks."

The premier changed his manner of speaking into one of seriousness. "We are here, Comrade Chen, precisely because we must repair our relationship with them in lieu of recent events. If we put on a good show, maybe we can get their media to be a little less hostile towards us and the party. And if we're lucky maybe we can even get them to stem Rohingyan emigration on their side of the border," he declared. "As for your little recommendation, you know that we can visit the Soviets whenever we want. Hell, they visit us more often than we like. And the Russians have got good vodka, sure—but I hear the imperialists export good brandy to Bengal and Assam. We are communists, let's see if we can't get them to share." He chuckled. Pun definitely intended.

The elevator panel went ding! signifying that their arduous mechanical climb had reached its end. "Anyway, try to watch your manners while we're here Chen."

A dozen Asian Communist Party politicians and a couple party security cadre officers emerged from the cramped elevator. Most wore casual Western-style suits in red ties and the party's hammer-and-sickle pin, except the Secretary-General who had fitted his elderly self into a tight olive green military coat decorated with medals from the Great Pacific War and his ranking position in the Pan-Asiatic States Armed Forces as Commander-in-Chief. It was standard procedure for those in the military to wear their decorations during matters of state affairs although it seemed the premier himself looked uncomfortable in it, and likely preferred to wear something a little more casual like the rest of his entourage.

Among the notable tag-alongs that attended the Bengali-Assamese celebration who the Secretary-General personally introduced to the Kawanese Ambassador and his staff was Federal Commissary of the State Development and Planning Commission (SDPC) Ryang Dong-Wook; the Second-Ranked Elected AMC Vice-Chairman and Air Force 5-Star General Muto Sachio; two Federal Congressmen: one from Tianjin by the name of Gao Chang as well as another representing Johor Bahru, Naseer bin Miqdaam; Nui Chuan, a representative from the Pan-Pacific Infrastructure Concern's popular assembly; Aang Sophon, one of the youngest female members of the Asian Communist Party's politburo; and perhaps most peculiarly a Kachin Burmese man by the name of Myo Arkar Pyae Thant (referred to by the name Duwa Pyae or Chief Pyae) who is apparently head of the State Development Civil Governance Research Division's working group on Burmese inter-ethnic cooperation.

The General Secretary and his entourage were welcomed in a cordial manner. The Embassy was currently short on staff at the moment, given that it was an off-day, both back in the home and host countries. However, the preparations for welcoming the Secretary General was pulled through with the help of the Canadians who also had their embassy in the building.

As the General Secretary concluded introducing the Ambassador to his entourage, Ambassador Chatarjee remarked in a cheerful tone, "You must've come a long way from Old City Your Excellency. I personally apologise for us moving out of our old Chancery over there. How about I make it up by serving a good drink ,after you and your entourage get acquainted with our staff of course? There aren't many of us tonight, since today is considered a day off both in the PAS and at home."

First off, the Ambassador introduced Miranda Lambert, the Financial Officer of the Embassy, then he introduced Farhan Aziz Prappo, the Home Office attache "He has a background in Development and Planning, was one of our brightest lads in the Home Office and also got certain parts of our refugee policy at home done. The burdens of the recent troubles has caused him to relocate to the Foreign Office." the Ambassador remarked. He then introduced Daniel Choi, the PR Department Head and Press Attache. Then he went on to introduce some of the notable Canadians that were present. Then he introduced Nancy Suyeon, "Our newest addition, arrived here today about 3 hours ago. She'll handle cultural affairs and relations. A very peculiar career history in my opinion. Mind explaining that to His Excellency Nance? "

Nancy was a bit flabbergasted. A quiet job she wanted far from the hecticness of Minato, yet she meets the Head of State of the PAS on her first day, more so a mere three hours after landing in Manilla. Regardless, this event could make or break her career in the diplomatic corps. The best start would be with a 45 degree bow. Taught to every Kawanese, this action signifies a sign of respect towards an elder in a position of authority.
"Nice to meet you Your Excellency. I hope to have a good time in your humble nation. I'm the newly appointed Cultural Affairs Officer here, and I graduated in East Asian Culture Studies from the University of Funamori. Before that, I was a pilot in the Royal Bengal Air Defence Force, as part of my Extended Volunteer National Service. It might be a significant career change indeed, but I rather wanted some change in how things were going on regardless." she said.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

"You must've come a long way from Old City Your Excellency. I personally apologise for us moving out of our old Chancery over there. How about I make it up by serving a good drink ,after you and your entourage get acquainted with our staff of course? There aren't many of us tonight, since today is considered a day off both in the PAS and at home."

"If you would be so kind, Ambassador," Comrade Abra responded, accepting the formality. "And I'm glad you've granted your staff a break. I hope they find pleasure in the fact that their workplace is a couple hours drive away from the nearest beach - not all chancery workers are given such an opportunity. Well, speaking of workers it is their day is it not?"

The Secretary-General straightened-up his back and dusted-off his medals as the Kawanese ambassador poured the drinks. After everyone had been served, the premier raised a toast, glancing at both his own entourage and the embassy workers present as he did.

"Comrades, to the workers of the world!" he declared, as he downed his glass.

First off, the Ambassador introduced Miranda Lambert, the Financial Officer of the Embassy, then he introduced Farhan Aziz Prappo, the Home Office attache "He has a background in Development and Planning, was one of our brightest lads in the Home Office and also got certain parts of our refugee policy at home done. The burdens of the recent troubles has caused him to relocate to the Foreign Office." the Ambassador remarked. He then introduced Daniel Choi, the PR Department Head and Press Attache. Then he went on to introduce some of the notable Canadians that were present.

"I hope you are all taking my beloved city to your liking, yes?" Comrade Abra asked rhetorically after shaking hands with each of the characters that the ambassador introduced. He then turned to Attaché Farhan Aziz Prappo. "You know, I think I remember reading some of your work in '05 when I was with the SDPC. Now don't get flattered - I read everything - but I found your approaches to law enforcement strategies in immigration... interesting, to say the least. Perhaps I can introduce you to a friend of mine and the two of you can talk about our shared borders later."

Then he introduced Nancy Suyeon, "Our newest addition, arrived here today about 3 hours ago. She'll handle cultural affairs and relations. A very peculiar career history in my opinion. Mind explaining that to His Excellency Nance? " Nancy was a bit flabbergasted. A quiet job she wanted far from the hecticness of Minato, yet she meets the Head of State of the PAS on her first day, more so a mere three hours after landing in Manilla. Regardless, this event could make or break her career in the diplomatic corps. The best start would be with a 45 degree bow. Taught to every Kawanese, this action signifies a sign of respect towards an elder in a position of authority.
"Nice to meet you Your Excellency. I hope to have a good time in your humble nation. I'm the newly appointed Cultural Affairs Officer here, and I graduated in East Asian Culture Studies from the University of Funamori. Before that, I was a pilot in the Royal Bengal Air Defence Force, as part of my Extended Volunteer National Service. It might be a significant career change indeed, but I rather wanted some change in how things were going on regardless." she said.

Comrade Abra nodded in approval of Ms. Suyeon's respect of authority. She seemed like a rather astute young lady, and the Secretary-General had a particular attitude of favoritism towards those who have served in the military like he did. Nevertheless, he knew that he had to maintain his tone of authority, and that there were more important people that he needed to engage with in order for the convention that they were having to be at least partly productive. "It is my pleasure to get to know you as well, Ms. Suyeon," were the only words that the premier could cobble together. "I could not be more glad that people in Bengal are studying our culture. We sure could use more people like you around here to coordinate intercultural exchange. Ah, speaking of which,"

The Secretary-General gestured towards Aang Sophon from across the room. Ms. Sophon was a similarly-dispositioned civil servant working for the politburo with great ambitions for her career and Comrade Abra believed she'd get along well with Ms. Suyeon.

"Ms. Suyeon, have you met Ms. Aang Sophon from the Asian Communist Party politburo?" Aang was in her 30s, about the same height as Nancy, and Thai.

"I work social policy research for the Party," Aang explained. "How do you do?" she asked politely, shaking Nancy's hand. "Ms. Sophon here worked at the Historical Clarification Commission at one point, didn't you Ms. Sophon? Well, I'll leave you two to it and again it is a pleasure Ms. Suyeon," the Secretary-General told Nancy. He then excused himself in order to get back to Attaché Prappo.

"So, are you enjoying yourself so far? I can just imagine the possibilities for travel available to a woman of your position. Visited any of our museums as of late?" Aang asked Nancy.

[Bengal and Assam]

"If you would be so kind, Ambassador," Comrade Abra responded, accepting the formality. "And I'm glad you've granted your staff a break. I hope they find pleasure in the fact that their workplace is a couple hours drive away from the nearest beach - not all chancery workers are given such an opportunity. Well, speaking of workers it is their day is it not?"

The Secretary-General straightened-up his back and dusted-off his medals as the Kawanese ambassador poured the drinks. After everyone had been served, the premier raised a toast, glancing at both his own entourage and the embassy workers present as he did.

"Indeed Your Excellency. The location is very good indeed, given that its in the central part of Metro Manilla. Makati indeed has a fair share of the experience Manilla has to offer." Said Ambassador Chatarjee as he nodded in agreement.
"If I may be frank, while the Old Quarter may be a prestigious location indeed, the current Government in Minato believes that Kawanese embassies should focus more on utility, and easier accessibility to Kawanese citizens and businesses in their immediate area, along with ease of access to locals who wish to access Embassy services. We'd rather leave all the pomp and big celebrations to the Brits. They seem fine in the Old Quarter"

"Comrades, to the workers of the world!" he declared, as he downed his glass.

The Ambassador and the staff raised their glasses to the Secretary General's toast. A festive atmosphere clouded upon the roof.

"I hope you are all taking my beloved city to your liking, yes?" Comrade Abra asked rhetorically after shaking hands with each of the characters that the ambassador introduced. He then turned to Attaché Farhan Aziz Prappo. "You know, I think I remember reading some of your work in '05 when I was with the SDPC. Now don't get flattered - I read everything - but I found your approaches to law enforcement strategies in immigration... interesting, to say the least. Perhaps I can introduce you to a friend of mine and the two of you can talk about our shared borders later."

"The pleasure's all mine" said Aziz with a small bow. "But while indeed I was a part of the Civil Service team that set Bengal's policy when it comes to refugees, I'd say I'm not proud of my work at all. Mainly since it failed during the crisis on our mutual border. If its successful in dealing with immigrants from India, but not those coming in from Burma, I don't believe it can be called a broader national policy. The Home Office is indeed looking for new ideas to deal with the situation, mainly in regards to the Rohingyas.
But of course, I'm writing a book on the issue in my free time. So getting an insight from the Pan-Asiatic perspective, that too a personal friend of Your Excellency would be very beneficial."

Comrade Abra nodded in approval of Ms. Suyeon's respect of authority. She seemed like a rather astute young lady, and the Secretary-General had a particular attitude of favoritism towards those who have served in the military like he did. Nevertheless, he knew that he had to maintain his tone of authority, and that there were more important people that he needed to engage with in order for the convention that they were having to be at least partly productive. "It is my pleasure to get to know you as well, Ms. Suyeon," were the only words that the premier could cobble together. "I could not be more glad that people in Bengal are studying our culture. We sure could use more people like you around here to coordinate intercultural exchange. Ah, speaking of which,"

"The pleasure's all mine Your Excellency." said Suyeon. A bit confused on what to say next, she went into full professional mode, her job basically that of a saleswoman presenting Kawanese culture, and also learning the customer, and the Secretary General being a high value client in her eyes.
"Why indeed Your Excellency, given that Bengal has a significant diaspora from what is today the Pan Asiatic States who have moved to Bengal during the Colonial period, and during the East Asian Emergency, such as Malayans and Cantonese, East Asian culture is practiced in Bengal by these small communities."
Then she stretched a little and continued "A fair amount of Kawanese are interested in East Asian culture these days, that's one of the main reasons tourism from Bengal to the PAS is increasing each year.
Since a certain amount of traditional cultural practices and customs have changed in the past few decades since the British retreat from East Asia, many Kawanese are genuinely interested to see how things are done now in the PAS, and how different they are from what they see at home.
The circumstances of traditional culture taking different branches, like an ancient river doing as time flows, in the diaspora communities of Bengal and the PAS is considered to be very similar to what has taken place between what has become Kawanese culture since Nobunaga's Exile, and the culture celebrated in the two Japans. The changes in culture over time gives mutual similarity and differences between our people, giving this a form of mysticism in my opinion, which tourists genuinely like to explore.
I'd say Sir, there will be more people who'll take inter-Asian cultural exchange as a career as time goes on." She had much more to say. But she stopped, realising that she has taken enough of the Secretary General's time

The Secretary-General gestured towards Aang Sophon from across the room. Ms. Sophon was a similarly-dispositioned civil servant working for the politburo with great ambitions for her career and Comrade Abra believed she'd get along well with Ms. Suyeon.

"Ms. Suyeon, have you met Ms. Aang Sophon from the Asian Communist Party politburo?" Aang was in her 30s, about the same height as Nancy, and Thai.

"I work social policy research for the Party," Aang explained. "How do you do?" she asked politely, shaking Nancy's hand. "Ms. Sophon here worked at the Historical Clarification Commission at one point, didn't you Ms. Sophon? Well, I'll leave you two to it and again it is a pleasure Ms. Suyeon," the Secretary-General told Nancy. He then excused himself in order to get back to Attaché Prappo.

"So, are you enjoying yourself so far? I can just imagine the possibilities for travel available to a woman of your position. Visited any of our museums as of late?" Aang asked Nancy.

"Nice to meet you. I'm doing well. How're you doing?" said Nancy as she shook back Aang's hand. "I worked Cultural Relations Research for the Foreign Office of the Kawanese Government, now I'm the Cultural Relations Officer in the PAS for the Kawanese Embassy". Then she bowed and bid farewell to the General Secretary as he left them be.

Then she went on to reply to Aang.
"The fireworks was very nice indeed. The first impressions beyond the airport was fairly nice I must say. Since I specialise in in Pan-Asiatic Pop and Traditional culture, I do want to visit every single constituent states of the PAS, for both personal research and work.
Regarding the museums though, I've arrived here about like 3 hours ago, although I plan to go sightseeing tommorow. But then again, there are cultural artefacts from Malaya and Burma in our museums as well. Apparently, brought over during the last days of British colonial administration over those territories. I hear that the Bengal Museum Authority is planning to return them soon, now that the recently elected government wants to warm up relations between Bengal and the PAS. I may be able to see them again when I go to Yangon or Singapore." She looked at her face carefully for once. "The Politiburo is more like the top of the Civil Service is it not? Don't you seem somewhat young to be at such a high position? You must be very ambitious indeed."

[Pan-Asiatic States]

"The fireworks was very nice indeed. The first impressions beyond the airport was fairly nice I must say. Since I specialise in in Pan-Asiatic Pop and Traditional culture, I do want to visit every single constituent states of the PAS, for both personal research and work.
Regarding the museums though, I've arrived here about like 3 hours ago, although I plan to go sightseeing tommorow. But then again, there are cultural artefacts from Malaya and Burma in our museums as well. Apparently, brought over during the last days of British colonial administration over those territories. I hear that the Bengal Museum Authority is planning to return them soon, now that the recently elected government wants to warm up relations between Bengal and the PAS. I may be able to see them again when I go to Yangon or Singapore." She looked at her face carefully for once.

"Ah - I didn't realize that by recent the Secretary-General meant you've been here for all but 3 hours," Aang replied apologetically. "Yes, I agree, exchanging some historical artifacts will go a long way in improving cultural relations between our two countries. As a member of the Politburo, I've spent my fair share of time in Hong Kong discussing matters with the local ACP chapter there and I must say that many Cantonese people are anxious to get back artifacts acquired from along the Pearl River Delta in particular. Precious jewelry, furniture taken by British colonialists as tokens, and even some ancient Chinese weapons have been displaced all around the world."

"Of course the Pan-Asiatic States too has been meaning to return a few artifacts to the Kawanese people," Aang continued. "I can think of one case off the top of my head: I have heard that some local archeological societies in Burma are still digging-up the bodies of Bengali and Assamese soldiers who fought in the British Army against the Japanese during World War 2. We are conquering more and more of our land back from the rebels that operate in that state and so our culture ministry has been able to get more and more opportunities to conduct safe excavations of battlegrounds in that area. With the excavations of these bodies sometimes we also recover memorabilia that those soldiers kept such as photos of loved ones, letters, and various trinkets. Of course we don't want to deny your country the chance to give these soldiers proper military burials and maybe even return some of the items that we recovered to their families if you can successfully identify who they belonged to."

Aang took a sip from her glass, continuing to speak solemnly of the recent discoveries in the field of Pan-Asiatic States archeology. "There is also the matter of Kawanese volunteers who emigrated out of Bengal and Assam to join the various communist revolutions that went on during the latter half of the 20th century. Though their remains are few and far between, if we returned them to your country what would your government's response be? This is a confidential matter as of now since we have only identified 13 bodies across Nusantara and the Tagalog Soviet Socialist Republic as definitely being ethnic Kawanese with 25 more potentially also being Kawanese volunteers, so we haven't publicly revealed their existence. I don't expect a state funeral for them but I'm hoping that you would at least be willing to return their bodies to their families if we gave them back."

"The Politiburo is more like the top of the Civil Service is it not? Don't you seem somewhat young to be at such a high position? You must be very ambitious indeed."

"I have my skills and specialties I suppose, as anyone of us here has theirs," was Aang's humble way of accepting Ms. Suyeon's compliment. "The Politburo directs the ideological coherence of our party, but it is our leaders who exemplify them. Some say that makes us the ones who run the Pan-Asiatic States government in reality but I disagree - the People's Federation is simply too big for one group or council to control fully."

[Bengal and Assam]

"Ah - I didn't realize that by recent the Secretary-General meant you've been here for all but 3 hours," Aang replied apologetically. "Yes, I agree, exchanging some historical artifacts will go a long way in improving cultural relations between our two countries. As a member of the Politburo, I've spent my fair share of time in Hong Kong discussing matters with the local ACP chapter there and I must say that many Cantonese people are anxious to get back artifacts acquired from along the Pearl River Delta in particular. Precious jewelry, furniture taken by British colonialists as tokens, and even some ancient Chinese weapons have been displaced all around the world."

"Indeed. It does make a degree of sense, in my opinion, for museums in Bengal or the West in general keep historical artefacts from very unstable, corrupt or wartorn nations. Such as most of Africa, India and the Middle Eastern states, where these artefacts may be damaged in the fighting, or sold for profit by greedy politicians, or destroyed in the name of religion.
However, the PAS is different. It has become a very stable and developed nation for the most part, so there is barely any reason for Kawanese museums to continue denying the PAS a say in how these objects should be handled. The current general narrative among the historical research community in Bengal is that these objects should be, for the most part, returned to the PAS. And if any museum in Bengal wish to host such objects, they could be borrowed. Like how zoos across the world deal with China to host Pandas.
But on the other hand, private artefacts, brought over by the diaspora communities who came to Bengal before the PAS became a thing is a different, but related matter."

"Of course the Pan-Asiatic States too has been meaning to return a few artifacts to the Kawanese people," Aang continued. "I can think of one case off the top of my head: I have heard that some local archeological societies in Burma are still digging-up the bodies of Bengali and Assamese soldiers who fought in the British Army against the Japanese during World War 2. We are conquering more and more of our land back from the rebels that operate in that state and so our culture ministry has been able to get more and more opportunities to conduct safe excavations of battlegrounds in that area. With the excavations of these bodies sometimes we also recover memorabilia that those soldiers kept such as photos of loved ones, letters, and various trinkets. Of course we don't want to deny your country the chance to give these soldiers proper military burials and maybe even return some of the items that we recovered to their families if you can successfully identify who they belonged to."

"That'd actually make the general outlook of the Kawanese people towards the PAS more better in my opinion. Especially families and relatives of veterans, and those who belong to clans with a background of military service. We may have integrated a significant bit of Indianess and Britishness in our way of life, but Bengal is still more or less a warrior nation, given the circumstances of its birth.
The bodies of Kawanese troops who have died in Burma during the Second World War, and in the East Asian Emergency is still a very hot topic in Bengal to be honest. Its also a significantly political one as well. For example, a party can get a decent share of the veteran vote if they have a history of acting to get those remains back. Take the recent elections for reference, Prime Minister Itai's party, the Constitutional Democrats may have pissed a certain percentage of the veteran community off by openly calling for more warmer relations with the PAS, but they won over the rest by promising to get those bodies back.
I think getting those bodies back home would be a very good start in healing PAS-Kawanese relations."

Aang took a sip from her glass, continuing to speak solemnly of the recent discoveries in the field of Pan-Asiatic States archeology. "There is also the matter of Kawanese volunteers who emigrated out of Bengal and Assam to join the various communist revolutions that went on during the latter half of the 20th century. Though their remains are few and far between, if we returned them to your country what would your government's response be? This is a confidential matter as of now since we have only identified 13 bodies across Nusantara and the Tagalog Soviet Socialist Republic as definitely being ethnic Kawanese with 25 more potentially also being Kawanese volunteers, so we haven't publicly revealed their existence. I don't expect a state funeral for them but I'm hoping that you would at least be willing to return their bodies to their families if we gave them back."

"Hmm... your secret is safe with me" said Suyeon as she took a sip. "But then again, the Kawanese Government of today has evolved from being the rabid Communist-hating bunch they were before the 90s.
For example, if you offered to send those bodies back during the 70s, when that certain Korean immigrant with a history of serving in the IJA, Takagi Masao took over the country because the Labour government in the UK was too much to the left for the military to handle, the military government of the time would have taken the bodies back to humiliate them.
If you offered so between the 80s and 2000s, the Government would have refused. After that, they'd be more willing to accept.
And since the Kawanese Workers Party was legalised in 2005, I'm sure that no one would mind private funeral and burial services by the KWP for a fellow ideological 'comrade'. And the police has protected the peace in KWP processions and protests before, they wouldn't mind doing so in this case, especially given the sensitive nature of the issue.

"I have my skills and specialties I suppose, as anyone of us here has theirs," was Aang's humble way of accepting Ms. Suyeon's compliment. "The Politburo directs the ideological coherence of our party, but it is our leaders who exemplify them. Some say that makes us the ones who run the Pan-Asiatic States government in reality but I disagree - the People's Federation is simply too big for one group or council to control fully."

"It is usually the Civil Service that sets policies. For example, in Bengal, or the British Commonwealth in general, the Government sets the basic guidelines of policies that suits their party's ideological views, and their electoral promises on which they have been voted into for.
The Civil Service's job is to come up with these policies in the most efficient, beneficial manner. And its also our job to point out that certain policies would be harmful to the nation, and best left unfulfilled. Therefore, in Bengal, or any other Westminster democracy, while the Civil Service works out policy, the party or coalition in power and the Civil Service complement each other, with the latter being politically neutral. Similar arrangements are found in all Kawanese prefectures and subdivisions.
In the Civil Service, including the Foreign Office, we usually consider the PAS Politiburo to be more like the Senior Civil Service Commission, which works out broader policy for the government.
But then again, I assume that there are regional Politiburos as well?"

---

The Ambassador poured another glass of Scotch directly brought from a Scottish distillery for such events to to one of his hosts, the AMC Vice Chairman. As he saw the Secretary General come towards him, he offered his guest of honour a glass.
So Your Excellency said Ambassador Chaterjee What is your opinion on our newest member of the staff?

[Pan-Asiatic States]

-snip-

Aang nodded in approval to all of Nancy's responses. She was satisfied with the Kawanese cultural attaché's answers to all of her queries, for now.

"If that's the case then I'm sure transfers can be arranged, for the bodies of your soldiers that we have recovered and the communist volunteers alike. The proper authorities will need to be alerted, of course and I'm sure it will take some time for them to prepare the remains in such a way that makes them safe for overseas travel. In January we will be celebrating the of the Case–Church Amendment, which forced the withdrawal of all US military forces from Indochina effectively ending the Second Indochinese War. I know that many of the volunteers crossed the border through Burma to join the Vietnamese revolution so perhaps that would be an appropriate time to hold some sort of ceremony?"

The Ambassador poured another glass of Scotch directly brought from a Scottish distillery for such events to to one of his hosts, the AMC Vice Chairman. As he saw the Secretary General come towards him, he offered his guest of honour a glass.

So Your Excellency said Ambassador Chaterjee What is your opinion on our newest member of the staff?

"A fine young woman, Ambassador," the Secretary-General replied, receiving his glass from Ambassador Chaterjee. He looked over his shoulder and eavesdropped on Nancy's conversation with Aang for a little while. "I must say, your cultural officer is very well-spoken. She has the potential to excel in her field, I can assure you that much. To that end, I want to let you know how much we appreciate the warmth with which you have welcomed us—not just here in this reception but also insofar as how your government has worked to shape a positive image of the Asian people in your country."

"Ah," he exclaimed softly as he quenched his thirst with the Scottish brandy, savoring it. "Now this, Ambassador," continued the Secretary-General. "This, I suspect, is older than Ms. Suyeon." He chuckled at his own joke.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

The festivities carried on well into the night, relatively uneventfully. Like every year, it was a sight to behold for many of the tourists and foreigners who had come to make their pilgrimage to the beating heart of the Pan-Asianist Revolution.

Once the toasts had been made, parades concluded, music reached its coda, and banners thoroughly fluttered - as with all things of glamour - the May Day celebrations came to its natural end.

Those who only came to visit departed, carrying with them tales of a prosperous Pan-Asiatic States still guided all-knowing leadership of the Asian Communist Party. That was Secretary-General Abramovich's hope, anyway.

But looks can often be deceiving, as they usually are in this corner of the world—this city with politics that reprobates even the greatest of men and reveals in time their darkest natures...

---

DECEMBER 20, 2021
NEO-MANILA
TAGALOG SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC
PEOPLE'S FEDERATION OF PAN-ASIATIC STATES
THEME - The Hall of 4000 Voices

---

"Comrade Wan, there isn't a soul on God's green Earth that doesn't realize China's precarious situation. I assure you that the Tagalog delegations can be made to realize the error of their decision, one way or another. However if you do not help me douse the flames that the Japanese have set with their little walk-out RIGHT NOW,"

"Sir—"

"If you can't convince your bloc to take the appropriate measures that I have recommended,"

"Sir all I'm saying is—

"I cannot guarantee, I'm telling you—"

"And I am telling you - Comrade Abra - that we are as likely to use the Pan-Asiatic States navy to fight the Westerners in the Sea of Japan anytime soon than we are to fight them on the moon tomorrow!"

Secretary-General Guanyu Abramovich Jr. paused for a moment, reconsidering his words. "I understand that, but,"

"No, Mr. Abramovich. You do not seem to understand at all. I have made the position of my bloc clear. We will not garrison an insignificant island in the middle of the Pacific when the Uyghurs are blowing themselves up in our streets on the other side of the country. Now either you are stark raving mad, or I am. Have a good day, 'Comrade'. Goodbye."

The telephone began emitting a buzzing sound, signifying that the Pan-Asiatic States' premier had been left hanging by the other side of the line. The Secretary-General returned the telephone's handle to its receiver, put his hand on his forehead, and laid back in his seat. He scratched his beard and picked-up a cigar from a drawer underneath his desk. He sighed, but just as he was about to light it a man in a zhongshan suit burst into the room.

"Oh for fuck's sake, what is it now," the premier exclaimed. The man in the zhongshan suit clicked his heels together, straightened-up his posture to stand in attention, and gave a people's salute.

"Please, spare me the formalities," the Secretary-General told him, annoyed and distressed.

"It's time, sir. The press is waiting."

---

"For those of you tuning-in just now we are LIVE at the Supreme Chamber where Secretary-General Guanyu Abramovich Jr. has lambasted his detractors in the Federal Congress at a press conference this afternoon by saying quote, 'What have you done except to criticize my agenda?'. 'You tell me that I am everything wrong. But how about you? What have you done for our Motherland except talk and criticize and talk? You would trust the lies of the foreigners rather than put faith in the leadership of the Party? How dare you!' This of course comes in light of rising diplomatic tensions with the People's Federation of South Reinkalistan, whose leader - long-time detractor of the Asian Communist Party's EEZ system - President Mozhkin Turaniski, recently condemned the privatization of the Pearl River Delta, something that he termed 'Guanyuite Revisionism'. Turaniski himself has recently been accused by several Asian politicians with orchestrating the arrest of Vozhroczkiy Technology Ltd. proprietor Natayavi Vozhroczkiy, further heightening the tensions between the—"

The television entertaining weary travelers at the Neo-Manila International Airport would is deafened by the loud engines of an arriving passenger plane setting down on the burning asphalt tarmac of a December Tagalog day, not long before taxiing to its designated terminal. The grumbling of crowds and the rolling noise made by fleets of luggage bags multiplied threefold as a slew of new arrivals to the city slowly began to pour-in.

Clocks around the airport struck 12 noon, December 20 2021 simultaneously. LED screens set-up around the premises began displaying Christmas-themed advertisements in anticipation of the gathering crowd—appurtenances of the Pan-Asiatic States' shifting economic conditions for foreigners to contemplate while waiting in line for their turn to confront the customs and immigration booths.

The times are changing, and whose faces shall define the coming era are is as of yet unknown. The future is as uncertain as it always tends to be. But perhaps that is something best left to think about for later.

For now, your name has been called by the attending officer at the immigration booth. "Next!" he says, looking at you in anticipation with the stern, lifeless face one often finds is possessed by those with as mundane a job as stamping people's passports.

[Sherechia]

An Everwild Sherechian Airlines Airbus A340-600 arrives in Manila international airport with a bang. The pilots smashed the plane against the runway so hard that it bounced 3 times before stopping at the very end of the runway. Inogo who's sitting in the proletariat class, the only class in that plane hits his face against the seat in front of him due to the violence of the landing.

Inogo Estima: I'm taking the bloody local airline next time. My native bird is going to send me to the afterlife! Oh well, what a nice place, but as much as this is an authoritarian socialist state, it looks like capitalism on overdrive with it's billboards. I thought the only billboards allowed are billboards of dear leader.

After Inogo exits the airport, he looks for a vehicle renting place. Near the airport, he found a place that rents cars and motorcycles. Traveling alone, he decides to take the motorcycle. When they asked him for his driver's license, Inogo gives cash instead.

Inogo Estima: Just shut up and take my money! Drivers licenses are imperialist.

Anyway, I think I'm going to wear a helmet for once, I don't know how crazy these people drive and I don't know if it's legal not to wear a helmet in the PAS. Right, hotel. I am absolutely taking a cold shower after this. I'm getting baked alive. Good thing that a 3-star hotel did not skip on air conditioning, at least I hope so.

Inogo arrives at a very normal-looking 3-star hotel located near downtown. He parks his rented motorcycle and gets into his room. He quickly turns on the AC to a chilly 18 degrees celsius. He takes a bath and then collapses into the bed.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

Glorious Dawn Bed and Breakfast
Makati District

---

-snip-

Inogo is warmly-received by the staff of the nimble though capable Glorious Dawn Bed and Breakfast hotel. The Sherechian tourist is handed several fliers at the lobby, ones urging him to visit sites such as the Great Pacific Revolution Memorial, Museum of Philippine Revolution, Little Moscow Mall, and other great travel locations that the city has to offer. The lobby's clerk assures him that the hotel can arrange transportation for him should he wish it, and that he need only schedule his visits - wherever he wishes them to be - a few hours in advance.

He is wished a great stay, and is shown to his room, located on the third floor of the building. Inogo falls asleep to the tune of the bustling of cars down on the streets below.

[Great United States]

the airport maglev train is heard arriving,the doors open,vern gets out,he looks around,everything seemed blocky,compared to his nations architecture , he rushes through the crowds,when he gets out,it looks like a sci fi game from his childhood,the neon lights and advertisements stand out in the dark,jet black ,night sky,he walks around in amazement,thousands of cars rush along the road,the scene is almost therapeutic,if not for the noises of the enviroment killers on wheels

compared to his lands calm,slow paced,swiss style cities ,everything looked towering and uniform,like a city that truly never sleeps
ooc:pls reply

[Pan-Asiatic States]

the airport maglev train is heard arriving,the doors open,vern gets out,he looks around,everything seemed blocky,compared to his nations architecture , he rushes through the crowds,when he gets out,it looks like a sci fi game from his childhood,the neon lights and advertisements stand out in the dark,jet black ,night sky,he walks around in amazement,thousands of cars rush along the road,the scene is almost therapeutic,if not for the noises of the enviroment killers on wheels

compared to his lands calm,slow paced,swiss style cities ,everything looked towering and uniform,like a city that truly never sleeps

Capital District

---

Vern emerges from the underground MagLev station in the District of Maynila from across the Great Pacific Revolution Memorial, where he is immediately greeted by rows upon rows of shops, restaurants, museums, and malls.

The city beckons him to explore. Where will he go first?

[Great United States]

he walks to a museum,he walks inside and gets a ticket,everything inside has statues depicting soldiers ,the huge flag of the PAS is unignorable,he says to himself ''...interesting'',he walks to the shops to see the peoples economic situation ,all of the shopkeepers beg him to buy from them,he decides to buy a small snack,he turns around to a huge mall with a small park infront of it,he decides to walk in,there are signs talking about some sort of celebration

[Pan-Asiatic States]

he walks to a museum,he walks inside and gets a ticket,everything inside has statues depicting soldiers ,the huge flag of the PAS is unignorable,he says to himself ''...interesting'',he walks to the shops to see the peoples economic situation ,all of the shopkeepers beg him to buy from them,he decides to buy a small snack,he turns around to a huge mall with a small park infront of it,he decides to walk in,there are signs talking about some sort of celebration

Vern spots posters from the previous May Day which seems not to have been removed yet. Next to them, socialist realism drawings promoting Secretary-General Abramovich's current party-line.

The mall in which he stumbles in, St. Genevieve Plaza houses a small indoor market where Western commodities are sold as well as a traditional surplus market on the fourth floor. A few restaurants and commercial stores dot the ground level, facing a small park.

[Pan-Asiatic States]

St. Genevieve Plaza begins playing various Christmas carols across all indoor levels of the mall.

[Great United States]

he walks out again to the streets the contrast of the malls lighting and the nighttime is huge,he then manages to get a cab to familiarize and tour,he is secretly ashamed from riding a car,the lights of the streets rush by,and he can feel the winds

[Pan-Asiatic States]

he walks out again to the streets the contrast of the malls lighting and the nighttime is huge,he then manages to get a cab to familiarize and tour,he is secretly ashamed from riding a car,the lights of the streets rush by,and he can feel the winds

"Where to, sir?" the cab driver - a sangley who appears to be quite fluent in English - asks Vern.

[Great United States]

he walks out again to the streets the contrast of the malls lighting and the nighttime is huge,he then manages to get a cab to familiarize and tour,he is secretly ashamed from riding a car,the lights of the streets rush by,and he can feel the winds

"Where to, sir?" the cab driver - a sangley who appears to be quite fluent in English - asks Vern.

''uhh,well,to whatever embassy''he turns back again to look to the window,he felt that lifeless glass blocks surround him[ooc:the architecture]