Lauzanne celebrates 40 years of Independence! [IC]

by **Lauzanne** » Thu Oct 14, 2021 3:21 am

The streets of Raselan well and truly captured the feeling of autumn, with the brown and orange leaves of many trees laying on the paved streets and cobblestone paths of the old city. The wind was crisp and cool, but the skies were mostly clear, as if the Gods themselves smiled on this day. However, the streets were more crowded than normal. Despite the public holiday status of October 17, people flocked to the city in droves from Lauzanne and abroad to view what many consider is the centrepiece of the day; The Independence Day Parade.

Although no such parade occurred in 1991, the Refusal War against the Soviet Union was officially ended on October 17, with Lauzanne asserting it's status as an independent nation to the USSR and to the world at large. Lauzanne has since remained independent, with the parade to show to the world that it intends to stay that way. It also serves as a way for many to see the new equipment and uniforms issued to the LDF at large, both from a civilian perspective and an international one.

Although the parade isn't to start for another two hours, people are already lining the streets of the parade area to see the military band practice the songs for the day, people rehearsing their drill routines and dignitaries assuming their positions on a large stand overlooking Confederacy Square. An area off to the side has been set up for civilians to see some vehicles and gear to see what the soldiers of the LDF use on a daily basis. Among all this, members of the gendarmerie Gotovy units in plain green uniforms and clad in vests directed people, vehicles and military personnel to where they needed to go.

Foreign dignitaries are no doubt prepared by now, and escorts have been sent to take them to the stand from the various higher-class hotels that were provided for them, should the nation's delegation in question not have an embassy.

by **New Visayan Islands** » Thu Oct 14, 2021 4:25 am

RDML Michelle I. Andrade, VCN (Ret.)
Visayan Embassy to Lauzanne, Raselan, Lauzanne
October 17th, AD 2021
0721 Local Time

"Alright, team: there is a reason I have made my selections for the celebrations as they are," Remedios Melencion began. The Visayan Ambassador to Lauzanne did not flinch when she made her choices clear, and Michelle Andrade knew it, having commanded the Iloilo City Expeditionary Strike Group before being named DCM of the recently-established Visayan Embassy to Lauzanne. In addition to the three guests the Embassy was hosting at the moment--the Vice President, the Deputy Director of the VIA, and the VCNO--Ambassador Melencion had explicitly mentioned Andrade, Peteros, and Advincula. To her right, she saw Damian Peteros, the Legal Attaché, help himself to some vegetable soup; breakfast was vegan, and so was the DDVIA. That made things easy for Michelle, an observant Jew; the Embassy kitchen made it a point to ensure that at least one meal every day was either vegetarian or vegan, primarily so that the kitchen covered the bases of a not-so-insignificant portion of the staff that did not eat meat for various reasons.
"The DCM and the Commercial Attaché are both solid choices, neither of them being any stranger to events such as this. Did I get that right, Advincula?"
"You did, Madam Ambassador," Matthew Edward Advincula replied. Andrade saw something in the man's appearance that raised her eyebrows; at her level of seniority, she would not be surprised were the Commercial Attaché to have actually come from the Visayan Intelligence Agency. Advincula was clean-shaven, with a haircut that would not look out of place on a fashion model and a three-piece suit that, in all fairness, fit him like a glove.
"On the other hand, the Legal Attaché would most certainly welcome the opportunity to engage with his counterparts in Lauzanne," Remedios continued, to Peteros' affirmation; the Legal Attaché was always a sworn agent of the Visayan Bureau of Investigation drawn from its Diplomatic Unit, and Damian had plans for an exchange of LEOs. The idea of VBI agents cross-training with their Lauzannean counterparts was something the openly gay agent had in mind for quite some time.
"That being said, our honored guests are here as a sign that we can see Visayan-Lauzannean relations improve in earnest." At that, Ambassador Melencion gestured to the Vice President.
"I believe I speak for the others when I say that I would most certainly look forward to improved relations," Francisco Ishikawa said. The 43-year-old was a lawyer by profession, formerly serving as General Counsel to the Iloilo Stock Exchange prior to his election as Vice President of the New Visayan Islands. "That being said, I suppose it is time we move."
Breakfast would be an animated affair, but soon after, the Visayan delegation made their way to the stand, well-dressed with masks on their faces, smiles on their eyes, and a healthy distance all around; whether or not COVID-19 was a concern in Lauzanne was irrelevant when ensuring that the Confederation remained free, and everyone in the party had been vaccinated.

by **Xuande-Xiphoi** » Thu Oct 14, 2021 6:35 pm

XUANDE-XIPHOIAN EMBASSY, POLARIS, REPUBLIC OF BORLAND

The crispy cool of a far northern nation summer was one of the unusual pleasures for Ambassador Kynthia Papoutsis, enjoying her walk to the Xuande-Xiphoian Embassy. The morning rush in this small country of 7 and a bit million was distinguished by a march of public servants through the cities cafes and coffee shops, and the various small local bakeries. It was not unlike regular life in Xuande-Xiphoi - meaning, of course, that the staff assigned by the Ministry of Foriegn Affairs didn't receive the hardship pay that many of their compatriots received in much more fluid situations.

Her Ambassadorship was, like many Xuande-Xiphoian ambassadorships to nations like Borland, one of multiple nations. The international security situation, and the practical realities of modern Embassies in a digital world, allowed a concentration of diplomatic representation. Xuande-Xiphoi's open borders policy had, of course, kept the Xuande-Xiphoian consular corps focus fundamentally on the resolution of issues for Xuande-Xiphoi's own citizens and other protected persons, and allowed more time to focus on tracking affairs in the other countries the Embassy was representative too. The Embassy - and by association, ,the Ambassador - were accredited to represent Xuande-Xiphoian interests in eight countries.

Arriving on Kalliolinnavägen, the site of the chancery - a bronzelike metal clad structure with thin, mirror-finished windows stretching floor to floor - loomed as she approached. The structure had been under her administration since the start of the year, as had the sixty-odd staff. Their work, stretching over so many other countries, allowed for a considerable staff, even if many of them spent near to no time engaging with Borland or it's government. Indeed - much of the Embassy, particuarly the ground floor, was reserved as an event hall - and the back half of the building, past a thick dividing wall was leased by a local insurance office.

Grabbing her morning's cappuccino from the downstairs cafe, she reported to the top floor conference room, where the other attendees were beginning to mill about. This included her executive and security aides, joining her on this overseas visit, and briefing officers from the National Police's Embassy Protection Service, the Embassy Protocol officer and the military attache, ever sharp in his midnight blue Air Force uniform.

"Alright team," the Ambassador said, dropping her heavy satchel onto the sheesham wood conference tabe; a common furnishing in Xuande-Xiphoian diplomatic posts, well known for their near-exclusive use of uande-Xiphoian built furnishings. The various conversations closed as the Ambassador sat, looking to start the briefing and move along with a day that would certainly be fully occupied. "Lovely to see you all looking very chipper and energetic on a Friday morning. It's only..." she trailed, checking her smart watch, "9:03, so that should minimise the odds of this briefing starting to run me over for the day." This received a smile from her aide, who recalled the rather dry briefing on the River Aire Festival just the other day that had nearly consumed another meeting. "So, who are we over to?"

The suited police officer, Ed Furlan, tapped a briefing onto the large television screen to the front of the room, bringing up a presentation, marked with the cobalt and red RESTRICTED marker. "AMBASSADOR AND PARTY VISIT TO RASELAN, LAUZANNE - 16OCT2021 to 18OCT2021"

Ed began the briefing, addressing the organisation and consideration for the upcoming trip, including a brief on the security services being provided by the Lauzannean police. This was followed by the military attache providing information on the transportation - which was to be provided by the Air Force rather than commercial flights, due to the nature of the ceremonial visit - and then the protocol officer, detailing what else to expect.

The Ambassador herself took the time to outline the goal of the visit itself. "This is a regime that has experienced a lot of instability over just a few years, as we all know. They are, in many ways, a disunited and difficult to govern place, still recovering from it's fourth war in as many decades. And, of course, it's a nuclear state. I think we all remember the Lake Neike incident, and how that was only made possible thanks to instability in Zellatia. So, those considerations being made, the Minister has made it clear to me that the XX government is very keen to establish more representation in these - as he put it - incident-prone states. So, with that in mind, this Embassy is looking to start evaluating the cost-benefit of a permanent post in Lauzanne, whether it's a Consulate-Generla or a minor Embassy."

"What kind of timeframe are they looking at?" asked the Ambassador's aide, likely curious on behalf of the half-dozen Lauzanne-focused staff who might find themselves on the wrong end of a transfer order to a country that was - generally speaking - less desirable than Borland and it's creature comforts. And, of course, security services that didn't altogether put too much focus on representatives from a place like XX.

"Probably two years, average posting length. It'll take that long to get approvals and refit an existing building, of course. But in any case, it does mean this trip is important for building those fundamental relationships and getting at least some idea of the place's stability. The Intelligence Corps keeps tabs, as Ed has shared with us and our Directorate friends here in the Embassy tell us regularly, but it's clear that the Government is extremely keen to stop another Lake Neike."

With some further discussion, the conversation ended and the wheels of diplomatic logistics continued turning.

by **Polish Prussian Commonwealth** » Thu Nov 04, 2021 8:38 am

[post soon]

by **The Selkie** » Thu Nov 04, 2021 9:28 am

Raselan, Federal Republic of Lauzanne.
Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath.
We were still in the hotel, some high-class place in the city. Our driver would arrive soon.
The Free Lands had no embassy in Lauzanne - we certainly counted them as friends-by-proxi, considering they were on very friendly terms with the Polish-Prussian Commonwealth, but we didn't have the budget for a permanent diplomatic mission. The Free Lands were small, our foreign office's budget did not allow many embassies abroad.
So, we were here: Ambassador Group 6.
Myself Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath, and the Head of the Foreign Office, Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan. She was the Ambassador of the Free Lands, the actual diplomat, I was the Ambassador of the Selkie, the cultural ambassador and designated pretty face for this visit.
Felicia was 34, a white-haired woman with a few black strands in it, brown-red eyes shining like a fire. She usually draped her hair over the left shoulder and usually preferred another style of clothing. Today, both of us wore Geansai, the Tribal Garnment of the Selkie.
It certainly emphasizes a woman's figure, the sleeves being the first eyecatcher, a cloak-like piece covering the upper arms and connected by a long piece of fur down the shoulderblades, the collar usually fur-lined. It also covered the straps holding the Holder together, which held the 'argumentation amplifiers', a piece of fur wrapped around the breast (and all natural). Adults, like the two of us wore our skirts shortened, that means held up by the belt (which had small pouches on it) and cut up to the hip on the left and down to knee-length on the right.
The shoes, we called them Bróg, were with a sole of hard leather, held to the foot by a series of straps. A strap around the ankle, not connected to any of the three or the sole, had a piece of cloth fitted underneath it, making it look like an upper. Fur around the wrists completed the ensemble.
Felicia, much to her charging when she looked at some of her colleagues, only had a smaller chest - average by international standards, but certainly not the image one usually had of Selkie-women.
I was in a similar boat, though I did not suffer from envy.
I was a sworddancer by trade and large body parts, be they those, legs or whatever, only hindered one. The only concession I allowed myself from that was my long, culy blue hair, matching my steel-blue eyes. It was a different blue from, for example, Marla Faorach's (Gods, it still felt weird to think of her as a married woman now, but here we were) deep blue hair, more of a blue-green, but it was still beautiful, I think.
Filly wore Monaghan's Red and White, I wore Westmeath's Dark Blue and White - the Geansai, by its colour, showed the allegiance.
We had contemplated to get General Taoiseach to send a few officers along, this was a military parade, or to allow us to kidnap two Ensigns from the Naval School, but at the end of the day, we decided against it: Yes, it was a military parade, but we were here as diplomats.
And we would stick out enough as it was.
Filly put on the last touches of makeup, I smiled. I wore none, I did not think, that I needed it. I was a simple woman, when it came to that.
She closed the last jar and rose, wiped her hands off and smiled at me.
"Lookin' pretty, there, Ava.", she said with a smile in Selkie.
"A compliment I can return with pleasure.", I rose myself and looked her up and down, then adjusted her sleeves. "Do I look finished as well?"
"Yep." Filly smiled. "You remember our plan, right?"
I nodded. "Represent the Free Lands, deepen our relations to the Commonwealth and Lauzanne, try to find new friends, stay away from the Niffies and the Qassadians."
"Exactly.", Filly replied.
I knocked on the door.
"Seems to be our ride.", she added - it was.

by **Chunar** » Sun Nov 07, 2021 5:08 am

Ibrahim Akbar Shah was a man of calm look of his face, sharp chin, long nose and wide lips. His outlook was so handsome that legions of women always looked in his direction, handsome enough to land on cover of a fashion magazine. The Muslim royal's hair was black as a raven, and his eyes green like pair of jades. He wore a black turban decorated with jewel as green as his eyes, black but richly decorated suits with red vest and yellow, silky sash behind which a ceremonial dagger was hidden in a golden sheath.

The sultan looked outside the window. The buildings of Lauzanne slowly tarted to emerge, as the plane lowered down.

"The kuffar can build quite beautiful cities, don't they?" came a voice from behind him. He turned around to look at tall, well built man in a military uniform with long, bushy beard of black colour, wearing military uniform with black turban.

"Indeed" responded the Sultan, closing a book he was holding "Not as grand as Sikandarbad, but certainly a sight to see..."

The man looked at the book his sovereign was holding.

"Shahnameh?" asked the soldier curiously "I see your majesty is studying the classics?"

Though their faith was Muslim, the upper classes of Chunar were througly persianized and based their identify on pre-Islamic Persian legends. The Sultan spoke mostly in Persian, and knowledge of Persian classics was how one became a man of culture. The clerics objected to status Shahnameh had among the elite, but could do little. Rostam travelling on Simurgh was far more attractive after all.

"Indeed" responded Ibrahim "Rostam having to kill his son struck me rather hardly..."

"I can see why, your majesty" the soldier sighed "Rostam isn't the only one to deal with his own kin turned hostile, isn't he?"

His name was Bahram Khan, 3 star general and Minister of Defence - one of few allies that young sultan had aside from Minister of Interior, Idris Mirza. In the old days, Bahram was struck by a manufactured scandal created by his opponents, and only then crown prince choose to stand at his side until he was able to prove his innocence. From that time on Bahram swore eternal loyalty to Ibrahim. The young sultan was the only person in the court the old soldier could relate to, despite their differences. The rest of the court preached about Islam while engaging in every activity said religion condemned in private. Worst of them all was Mirza Zahir ud Din, Sultan's brother, who loved to see himself as "Sword of Islam" despite the fact that everyone in the court knew about his homosexual excesses done always during the night - because at night Allah doesn't see, and what he doesn't see he can't punish for.

The sultan gazed into the horizon.

"That is why I am here after all..." he spoke slowly and calmly "My brother, the Hindus... If we are going to take on them we will need to secure alliances. No better place than here."

"Indeed..." the soldier said "There are plenty in the army who dislike your brother... When you give order we shall strike!"

The sultan suddenly paled, his eyes opening wide. Was Bahram Khan suggesting they strike first? Against his own brother?

"Bahram Khan" he spoke in warning tone "I want to believe that there is good in people. I want to believe that I will reconcile with my brother. I am no fool and I know I have to be ready... but I won't order execution of my own brother!"

Bahram Khan again sighed, fuming in anger. This man had no leadership qualities, no traits necessary to be a good leader. If it wasn't for gratitude he owed to him for when this very man alone defended him from false accusations, he would have deserted the young sultan young ago. But debt of honour was owed.

"Your majesty...." he shouted "Your brother is..."

He sultan stepped back, fear painting in his eyes. He slowly burried his eyes in his hands, and started sobbing, looking as pitiful as a man could.

"Why does it have to be like that?" he sobbed "I believe that humanity is good at heart! So why no one is trying to exercise this goodness? Why me? Why do they all have to try to destroy me?"

Even Bahram Khan couldn't feel anything but pity at this sight. He slowly approached his sovereign, and placed a hand at his shoulder:

"Compose yourself, your majesty!" he spoke, calmly, but firmly "Tears do not benefit a sultan."

"Thank you, Bahram Khan!" replied Ibrahim "I know not what I would have done without you!"

The plane landed, and now calm sultan walked out, Bahram Khan to his right. Their security walked next, ready to repeal any threat to them, waiting to whoever was sent to greet them.

by **The Jamesian Republic** » Sun Nov 07, 2021 6:46 am

The Jamesian Republic has had some sort of contact with Lauzanne. It was during the peace negotiations for the end of the Italian War. However this didn’t go really well. In fact it broke down completely. Prince Fazluddin mysteriously disappeared to never reappear and Douglas Hopkins was never more flustered in his life. However now he had a mission he was to make peace with Lauzanne and if possible the Polish Prussians. President Lewis and his wife accompanied him to the Independence Day celebration. The plane landed in Lauzanne. Then the trio was taken to a hotel to prepare for the celebration. Later Scott and Douglas met with each other. “We need to find the leadership of the Polish Prussian Commonwealth and Lauzanne and put the matter of what happened in the negotiations behind us.” Scott said. “We should also try to negotiate for the release of Nura.” Douglas said. “No. Not here not now.” Scott said. “We can’t mess this up.” He added. “Agreed”. Douglas said.

by **Polish Prussian Commonwealth** » Mon Nov 08, 2021 8:42 am

”COPE AND SEETHE MONARCHOID
LAUZAN GREATEST COUNTRY
GREETINGS FROM PPC”

- Liutgarde ‘Lilly’ Fischer, co-Administrator and co-Founder of PruCh, 2020

Raselan - Federal Republic of Lauzanne
“Right!” Brevet-Major General Lillian Macduff tossed her coat off as soon as she hit the tarmac. “Let's get a bit o’ circulation up in here, eh?”
Besides her, Minister of Defense Kuczera breathed in the crisp morning air. “Aye.” he replied. “It’s been awhile since I’ve last been in Lauzanne.”
“You haven’t ever been in Lauzanne, have you?”
“... Fair enough, fair enough.”

Kuczera yawned and stretched a little as Lillian went on a tangent about her own time in Lauzanne during the Spring War-- not that he wasn’t interested, but being on a flight tended to take the wind out of a man.

Still, despite the jet-lag, he cut a decent figure for himself. His face was clean-shaven, his hair neatly cut, and his clothing -- slacks, button-down shirt, tie, and a pair of sturdy leather shoes -- was crisp and clean. He looked exactly how Crassus had first sold him to the Sejm: a young, bright logistician.
Lillian, for her part, was dressed in the traditional style of a Prussian-Polish officer; olive-green dress uniform, spit-shined leather boots, a thin sword at her side, and a heavy coat that she had already doffed. Quite a few ribbons and medals adorned her left breast, while the right held her nameplate.
However, she also grasped a leash -- and at the other end of that leash was a large golden retriever.
Lillian normally used a sword-cane when in a warzone; Lauzanne, however, was not a warzone, so her seeing-eye dog, Herat(or 'the goodest of boys'), came along.
The two -- well, three, if one counted Herat -- were accompanied by the present Ambassador to Lauzanne, one Johann Tserclaes. He was an older man, with a thick, healthy moustache and greying hair. He dressed much the same as Kuczera.

“Right.” he said, as they approached the motorcade. “We all know what to do, right?”
“Strengthen ties with Lauzanne and the Free Lands, as well as any other nations of interest. Avoid the Cassadians like the plague.” Kuczera recited.
“And kick the Jamesians to the curb.” Lillian added, with a smile.
“Aye.” Tserclaes nodded. “Let’s be off, then.”

Without much more fuss, the three boarded their motorcade of 4 Humvees and were off.

by **TURTLESHROOM II** » Mon Nov 08, 2021 12:09 pm

GREAT BOUNTIFUL EMPIRE OF THE UNITED TURTLES, MUSHROOMS, AND MEN OF TURTLESHROOM
EXECUTIVE CABINET OF PEERS
IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
GOOD OVERSIGHT DIVISION
BUREAUCRAT

TO THE PATRIOTS OF LAUZANNE:

"I refuse."

These were the words that broke the chains of Marxist oppression, as Lauzannite General Dmitri Stefanovic woke up to the reality of the left.

"I refuse."

This was the declaration of a man who more than self his country loved, and mercy more than life.

"I refuse."

They refused to be oppressed. They refused to lay down their arms. They refused to bend to Marxism any longer. They refused to shoot their neighbors and starve themselves.

The people of Lauzanne stared the Soviets in the face and, against all odds, waged a great civil war to liberate themselves. From the defeat of the Marxist menace to the survival of the nation through Soviet-backed loyalists, Lauzanne's unconquerable spirit and selfless dedication of its patriots to a cause greater than themselves.

Through adversities and hardship, this country has grown to a modern state, with the rule of law, fair trials, and a purity in government with corruption low enough to gain recognition in all of Nationstates. The example of Lauzanne's liberation is a beacon of hope and freedom to the rest of Nationstates, and to all peoples oppressed by the chains of Marxism, tyranny, and evil.

We hope, in the near future, that our mutual opposition to Qassadia and similar cultural origins, plus our commitments to capitalism and virtue, will foster a prosperous relationship between our realm and theirs.

The Great Bountiful Empire of TurtleShroom congratulates the Lauzannites and their great nation's fortieth anniversary as a free state. God willing, may they know four thousand years more.

God bless you. God bless Lauzanne.

-BUREAUCRAT ON BEHALF OF THE IMPERIAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE GREAT BOUNTIFUL EMPIRE OF THE UNITED TURTLES, MUSHROOMS, AND MEN OF TURTLESHROOM

by **Lauzanne** » Sun Nov 14, 2021 4:26 pm

The Leytenant had checked off his uniform one last time in a mirror that adorned the end of the hotel's hallway, ensuring his uniform was spotless and perfect. His hat sat in the crook of his left arm, the brim of the peaked cap an inch away from his three medals: One for five years' service, a brass clasp adorning the black and red-striped ribbon holding the medal up indicating 10 years of impeccable service in the LDF. The next was green with a white stripe in the center, it's Dog Rose an indicator that he had served during the Spring War. Lastly, the red ribbon with a purple stripe that carried a flared cross showed all that he had served with courage under fire, having lead his platoon in a desperate defence of a small town from the Red Star Army. With one nod, he had turned around to head towards the door of his assigned guests: A pair of Selkies that were part of a mobile ambassador group. He did not know much of them, only that it was two women. Nevertheless, it was his task to escort them to the area, and to answer any questions they may have asked.

A simple task, far simpler than any field op he had encountered. He rapped his knuckles on the door, hoping to get their attention.

Visayan Embassy to Lauzanne, Raselan, Lauzanne
October 17th, 2021
0735

Starshina Scherbakov was ahead of schedule, having left earlier than expected with his detachment to pick up the New Visayan contingent and bring them to the viewing area for the parade. It was intended to begin relatively early in the day to ensure that the proceedings were done by roughly 1PM, allowing visitor and native alike to mingle and enjoy the festivities. In contrast to many of his comrades, being a member of the Gotovy meant that he was in camouflage field uniform. Neat and tidy, but hardly as impressive as the ceremonial uniforms. Scherbakov approached the Embassy, getting let in by the gate guards and announcing his presence to the attendees.

Outside, a convoy of government-owned SUVs was led and trailed by the far larger Jaguar LAV's,their size dwarfing the transports for the dignitaries.

Prince Mikhail Alyuk International Airport, Raselan, Lauzanne

Kapitan Ciobanov and his security detail were awaiting the arrival of the Sultan. They had been very well briefed beforehand on the current situation of the country, and thus a team of the SVRL's Vityaz team was employed to ensure the safety of the Sultan. All of them wore plain green fatigues and were armed with shorter ZL-RX carbines compared to the standard Army fare. They also all wore balaclavas that concealed their identities, given that they are officially state secrets.

Ciobanov saw the Sultan past the guards, not liking how... Upset the man seemed. He had put on a mask, but Ciobanov had met many people in his time. Nevertheless, he strode towards the group, flanked on either side by Vityaz operators to ensure close protection should the need come to it.
"Greetings Sultan Shah, General Khan. I'm Kapitan Ciobanov, here to escort you to the parade. Given the circumstances, we've chosen to take you in these." He points out the Jaguar LAV's, massive beasts of vehicles designed to keep the passengers safe, even under the blast of a mine. The convoy was headed by a Ferret, with vehicles aplenty for the Sultan and his entourage.
"It's not the most luxurious ride but safety first, Sultan."

The Polish Prussian motorcade was escorted by LDF ferrets, the soldiers happy to see their Polish-Prussian compatriots once more. The men on the guns wave at the party as they approach their own vehicles, before they all set off together for the stands.

Starshina Popesca was the one to greet the Jamesian delegation, knocking on their door. He knew of the Jamesian's antics regarding Insaanistan, but it was clear they bore no hostility. Despite his reservations, he was here to carry out a job.
"President Lewis... Here to pick you up."

by **The Jamesian Republic** » Sun Nov 14, 2021 7:21 pm

Starshina Popesca was the one to greet the Jamesian delegation, knocking on their door. He knew of the Jamesian's antics regarding Insaanistan, but it was clear they bore no hostility. Despite his reservations, he was here to carry out a job.
"President Lewis... Here to pick you up."

“We are ready.” Scott said. The First Lady and Mr. Hopkins followed the man into the limo. Douglas had hoped he could meet General Markov again and officially apologize for the events at the conference.

by **Chunar** » Mon Nov 15, 2021 8:34 am

Kapitan Ciobanov and his security detail were awaiting the arrival of the Sultan. They had been very well briefed beforehand on the current situation of the country, and thus a team of the SVRL's Vityaz team was employed to ensure the safety of the Sultan. All of them wore plain green fatigues and were armed with shorter ZL-RX carbines compared to the standard Army fare. They also all wore balaclavas that concealed their identities, given that they are officially state secrets.

Ciobanov saw the Sultan past the guards, not liking how... Upset the man seemed. He had put on a mask, but Ciobanov had met many people in his time. Nevertheless, he strode towards the group, flanked on either side by Vityaz operators to ensure close protection should the need come to it.
"Greetings Sultan Shah, General Khan. I'm Kapitan Ciobanov, here to escort you to the parade. Given the circumstances, we've chosen to take you in these." He points out the Jaguar LAV's, massive beasts of vehicles designed to keep the passengers safe, even under the blast of a mine. The convoy was headed by a Ferret, with vehicles aplenty for the Sultan and his entourage.
"It's not the most luxurious ride but safety first, Sultan."

"It is sufficient, thank you!" the sultan replied calmly "It is better than what I have at home. I understand this is necessary."

In truth, he despised the sight of men with guns, but the Sultan was no fool; he knew all too well the threat his brother and the hindus posed. Chunar was, aside from religious tensions between Muslims and Hindus, involved in a religious war between Saudi sponsored Madrasas and local Sufi groups, each of which struggled for power. While the Sufis were dominant among the elite, the Salafis had massive following among the rank and file Muslims.

And he had no heart to close the salafi madrassas, despite Bahram Khan's pleas. After all, he accepted all - without regard for religion.

by **The Selkie** » Mon Nov 15, 2021 8:57 am

Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath.
I rose, when there was a knock on the door and motioned to Felicia to stay, where she was. She leaned back and looked to the door, awaiting whom I opened the door for.
A... Lieutenant if I read his shoulders right.
A decorated officer, too, in impeccable uniform. I had no idea, what the awards meant, but they looked both important and quite decorative. He looked cute, too.
Which was one of the reasons why I leaned against the door, looked him up and down with a smile.
"Good morning.", I said, "Can I help you, Lieutenant?"

by **New Visayan Islands** » Thu Nov 18, 2021 9:07 am

Atty. Francisco T. Ishikawa, CPA, LlM
Visayan Embassy to Lauzanne, Raselan, Lauzanne
October 17th, AD 2021
0736 Local Time

As Francisco Ishikawa greeted the senior NCO assigned to the Visayan delegation, he couldn't help but notice the starshina's demeanor. From what the Vice President of the New Visayan Islands understood, the delegation's liaison would be analogous to a Master Sergeant or a First Sergeant in the Army, which meant Scherbakov was someone no career officer worth their commission would take lightly. This was something the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Ursula Rabuya, knew all too well, as did the DCM, who would be assigned to the lead SUV with the attachés. Pleasantries would be exchanged, vehicle assignments made, and soon after the convoy would be on its way.

by **Lauzanne** » Tue Nov 30, 2021 6:15 am

Popesca escorted the group towards their limo. Not the first choice for such a day, owing to the relatively tight streets of Raselan. The city never got a huge makeover for high traffic save for some bypasses, most people in the city preferring to use smaller cars or the robust public transportation system. It mattered little to him, seeing as he was in front of them and wouldn't have to see the poor driver get stuck on a tight corner.

The interior of the Jaguar is actually quite spacious and comfortable for a military vehicle, the multi vehicle convoy accommodating the Sultan and General in the central vehicle with his entourage and the Vityaz operatives on either end.

Kapitan Ciobanov sat in the same vehicle as the Sultan, ready to answer any questions or queries him or the general had.

Leytenant Kristijan Morozić wasn't sure what to expect as the door opened, but a woman with blue hair, blue eyes and very... Focussed clothing. His iron discipline was being tested to it's limits as he kept his attention to her face.
"Uhhh... I was going to help you to the uhh... Car. Parade." Kristijan said, nodding.
"I'm your escort. Leytenant Morozić." He held his hand out for the lady to shake.

The convoy was escorted by lighter Ferret GPV's, their crews ever vigilant nonetheless. The Raselan streets were mostly empty, most people choosing to come in by the underground Metro or by bus, so they arrived without incident at the staging area.

Generals, politicians, assistants and guests of honour were all mingling in the area near the stands, chatting and interacting prior to the big show. Marshal of the Army Markov was in one corner, recounting war stories to a captivated audience of his fellow general staffers, uniformed officers and even enlisted assistants in field uniforms.

Waffenschmidt, the current President, was with his long-term partner, recently married with the Autumn Equinox. He was having a quiet time, reading his speech.

The NVI delegation are welcomed, the soldiers who open the doors for the delegation salute.

by **The Selkie** » Tue Nov 30, 2021 7:15 am

Lauzanne wrote:[...]

Leytenant Kristijan Morozić wasn't sure what to expect as the door opened, but a woman with blue hair, blue eyes and very... Focussed clothing. His iron discipline was being tested to it's limits as he kept his attention to her face.
"Uhhh... I was going to help you to the uhh... Car. Parade." Kristijan said, nodding.
"I'm your escort. Leytenant Morozić." He held his hand out for the lady to shake.

[...]

Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath.
Oh, he was quite the gentleman, focussing on my face. I saw, how hard that was for him, so all the more credit to him.
Leytenant Morozić... I had been right with his rank. I shook his hand, wanted to say something.
"One moment, please.", I heard Felicia's voice and so did the Lieutenant, undoubtedly. She must have just finished up, putting away her makeup.
I smiled at our guide, shifting my posture slightly. "Nice weather today, innit?"
My attempt at casual conversation was thwarted by Felicia showing up with a smile of her own.
"Good morning, Leftenant Morozic.", she said and bowed her head slightly. "Thank you very much. I feel quite honoured to know, that such an accomplished soldier has been assigned to us." She smiled. "Please, lead the way."

by **New Visayan Islands** » Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:25 am

Dr. Matthew Edward N. Advincula, DBA, MPA (Agent Jarvis, VIA)
Staging Area, Raselan, Lauzanne
October 17th, AD 2021
0811 Local Time

That the Commercial Attaché of the Visayan Embassy to Lauzanne had a reputation among the embassy staff for being a particularly crisp person on par with Military never crossed his mind. Matthew Edward Advincula was from the Diplomatic Service Agency of the Department of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce; as Commercial Attaché he found himself both representing the Confederation's economic interests and reporting economic developments in Lauzanne to Ambassador Melencion. This was, however, not the only hat Advincula wore: in addition to his official duties with DepAIC, he had declared status as the Visayan Intelligence Agency Chief of Station. He had to be declared, after all; Lauzanne and the Confederation had worked side by side both as part of the Coalition Against Program 10 and the Gazgiriyeva Bombing, and Jarvis, as his cover was known, would not be surprised if the SVRL already knew who he was.
Advincula could see Admiral Rabuya and the DCM participating in what had become an informal forum started by Marshal of the Army Markov. He knew the retired Rear Admiral had prior to her appointment as Deputy Chief of Mission commanded an expeditionary strike group that was part of Joint Task Force Unforgiven, and wondered what could have been had developments in Palmyrion and Cassadia gone for the worst...

by **The Jamesian Republic** » Tue Nov 30, 2021 2:05 pm

Lauzanne wrote:
The Jamesian Republic wrote:
“We are ready.” Scott said. The First Lady and Mr. Hopkins followed the man into the limo. Douglas had hoped he could meet General Markov again and officially apologize for the events at the conference.

Popesca escorted the group towards their limo. Not the first choice for such a day, owing to the relatively tight streets of Raselan. The city never got a huge makeover for high traffic save for some bypasses, most people in the city preferring to use smaller cars or the robust public transportation system. It mattered little to him, seeing as he was in front of them and wouldn't have to see the poor driver get stuck on a tight corner.

Chunar wrote:
"It is sufficient, thank you!" the sultan replied calmly "It is better than what I have at home. I understand this is necessary."

In truth, he despised the sight of men with guns, but the Sultan was no fool; he knew all too well the threat his brother and the hindus posed. Chunar was, aside from religious tensions between Muslims and Hindus, involved in a religious war between Saudi sponsored Madrasas and local Sufi groups, each of which struggled for power. While the Sufis were dominant among the elite, the Salafis had massive following among the rank and file Muslims.

And he had no heart to close the salafi madrassas, despite Bahram Khan's pleas. After all, he accepted all - without regard for religion.

The interior of the Jaguar is actually quite spacious and comfortable for a military vehicle, the multi vehicle convoy accommodating the Sultan and General in the central vehicle with his entourage and the Vityaz operatives on either end.

Kapitan Ciobanov sat in the same vehicle as the Sultan, ready to answer any questions or queries him or the general had.

The Selkie wrote:
Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath.
I rose, when there was a knock on the door and motioned to Felicia to stay, where she was. She leaned back and looked to the door, awaiting whom I opened the door for.
A... Lieutenant if I read his shoulders right.
A decorated officer, too, in impeccable uniform. I had no idea, what the awards meant, but they looked both important and quite decorative. He looked cute, too.
Which was one of the reasons why I leaned against the door, looked him up and down with a smile.
"Good morning.", I said, "Can I help you, Lieutenant?"

Leytenant Kristijan Morozić wasn't sure what to expect as the door opened, but a woman with blue hair, blue eyes and very... Focussed clothing. His iron discipline was being tested to it's limits as he kept his attention to her face.
"Uhhh... I was going to help you to the uhh... Car. Parade." Kristijan said, nodding.
"I'm your escort. Leytenant Morozić." He held his hand out for the lady to shake.

New Visayan Islands wrote:Atty. Francisco T. Ishikawa, CPA, LlM
Visayan Embassy to Lauzanne, Raselan, Lauzanne
October 17th, AD 2021
0736 Local Time

As Francisco Ishikawa greeted the senior NCO assigned to the Visayan delegation, he couldn't help but notice the starshina's demeanor. From what the Vice President of the New Visayan Islands understood, the delegation's liaison would be analogous to a Master Sergeant or a First Sergeant in the Army, which meant Scherbakov was someone no career officer worth their commission would take lightly. This was something the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Ursula Rabuya, knew all too well, as did the DCM, who would be assigned to the lead SUV with the attachés. Pleasantries would be exchanged, vehicle assignments made, and soon after the convoy would be on its way.

The convoy was escorted by lighter Ferret GPV's, their crews ever vigilant nonetheless. The Raselan streets were mostly empty, most people choosing to come in by the underground Metro or by bus, so they arrived without incident at the staging area.

Generals, politicians, assistants and guests of honour were all mingling in the area near the stands, chatting and interacting prior to the big show. Marshal of the Army Markov was in one corner, recounting war stories to a captivated audience of his fellow general staffers, uniformed officers and even enlisted assistants in field uniforms.

Waffenschmidt, the current President, was with his long-term partner, recently married with the Autumn Equinox. He was having a quiet time, reading his speech.

The NVI delegation are welcomed, the soldiers who open the doors for the delegation salute.

The company noticed how tight and compact the city seemed. It wasn’t really fit for much traffic. Some of the turns and motions of the car made them feel a little uncomfortable. But any discomfort ended once they reached their destination.

by **Polish Prussian Commonwealth** » Sat Dec 04, 2021 6:01 pm

Lauzanne wrote:The Polish Prussian motorcade was escorted by LDF ferrets, the soldiers happy to see their Polish-Prussian compatriots once more. The men on the guns wave at the party as they approach their own vehicles, before they all set off together for the stands.

Their wave was gladly returned, with Lillian shouting a quick greeting out the window as their car sped by.

Soon their car would arrive at the parade ground. Lillian leaned in to Kuczera's ear as they walked to their seats, and muttered into it. "Be my eyes, please. I'm looking for an old friend. Greatcoat, plenty of medals. Chances are that's Markov. Haven't talked to him much since Italy."
"Alright--" he replied. "I was planning on picking his brain as well, quite honestly. And I'll keep an eye out for any other persons of intrest."
"As will I." Tserclaes butted in. "Aside from the obvious allies like the Free Lands...I hear Chunar's Sultan is here."
"Atta, boy." Lillian nodded, before cocking her head a little at the mention of Chunar. "That country? Their Sultan's in a bit of a pickle, aye?"
"Aye, if what the Foreign Ministry sent over on him is right. But it usually isn't, though I suspect they haven't pumped their report full of bullshit this time."

by **Chunar** » Mon Dec 06, 2021 6:50 am

The interior of the Jaguar is actually quite spacious and comfortable for a military vehicle, the multi vehicle convoy accommodating the Sultan and General in the central vehicle with his entourage and the Vityaz operatives on either end.

Kapitan Ciobanov sat in the same vehicle as the Sultan, ready to answer any questions or queries him or the general had.

The Sultan spent the journey in silence, not asking even a simple question, but the captain could see something in his eyes - fear.

Ibrahim Akbar indeed was afraid. Afraid of his fate and his own future, and what will come next. Aside from assasins, his main fear were other foreign dignitaries in that he was going to meet. The motivation of other nations in helping Chunar was always simple - greed. A scenario where his brother was switched with a new, this time foreign, threat wasn't too far fetched.

The captain could see the Chunari monarch nervously strike his hands against his own knees, like a drummer on a percussion.

by **Lauzanne** » Thu Dec 09, 2021 3:00 pm

Oh Gods there's two of them.
Morozić felt the pressure ramp up as the second voice echoed out.
At the question about the weather, he smiled and nodded.
"Probably the best weather for a parade such as this. The Gods must have worked to make today a good one."
Indeed it was. Clear blue skies but even the mid-morning sun wasn't oppressively hot like in summertime.
Morozić kept his iron discipline unbroken as the second Selkie came out, clad in almost the same attire as the first.
But he stepped aside, indicating towards the elevator.
"We have a couple of vehicles for you, of course. Unfortunately a lot of the more civilian vehicles were taken but the Jaguar they did give us is comfortable enough."
The elevator ride was short, attention was drawn to the officer leading two very exotic looking ladies to the camouflaged 4x4 outside. As the Selkie approached, he went ahead, opening the door for them as the drivers of the lead and tail escort vehicles along with the gunners got to see the Selkie and feel a mix of amazement at seeing such pretty ladies in proximity to them...

... Along with a bout of jealousy that Morozić was so close to them.
"If you'll hop in, we can be on our way right away. If you have any questions feel free to ask."
Once the two Selkie were on board, they took off towards the central area at a steady pace.

As was the unspoken custom in any gathering with a significant number of military personnel, each arriving party would have seen a rather large crowd gathered around a jovial figure. Just above average height, with a handful of scars on the right side of his face courtesy of a Russian-made grenade, dark chestnut hair and a big grin, Marshal of the Army Arthur Alecsandrov Markov was almost unmistakable. His uniform was immaculate, a frankly ridiculous number of medals hanging off of it for no less than three wars, several accounts of distinguished and brave conduct, heroics and 40 years of service to Lauzanne's defence. Even though he was 63, he looked a decade younger.

"-So there I was, hearing some old man asking us grunts in a ditch a question in Russian. Without turning around, I said 'Didn't you all fuck off back to Moscow?'" and all the other soldiers turned pale. Turns out, I'd just mouthed off to the old Marshal of the fuckin' Army myself!"
The officers and enlisted helpers who were the primary audience erupted into laughter.
"Why didn't we say that to you!?" a Kapitan asks, causing the laughter to die down, all eyes on the Marshal.
"Hey now, if you tell me to fuck off to Moscow, I'll have you come with me with nothin' but a fuckin' 74."
"That's unfair on the Russians though! There'd be two of you!" A Praporshchik commented, causing the merry atmosphere to resume.

Even the President allowed himself a small smile at the remark, it fading as the Polish-Prussian and Jamesian groups arrived. He moved to shake their hands and welcome them, keeping things civil with the latter. It wasn't yet time for every official to get to their seats and the observers were still coming in, hearing the band perform some music to practice.

For now, parties can talk before the events kicked off, be it for small talk or more important matters.

It had not gone unnoticed by Ciobanov, the constant tapping. Plenty of soldiers he had gone into battle with had also done it, and it was understandable. Given the Sultan had a huge target on his head and a... Turbulent nation, it made sense that the man was stressed to Hell and back. He remembered what he would tell his troops if they gave a similar look, and he got the Sultan's attention.

"Hey, Your Majesty. You've made it this far, it's one more day. Make it through that and it's another victory for you."

He wasn't well versed in talking to heads of state, but he saw the scared man instead of the ruler of some faraway nation.

"We're taking all six?" Queen asked, looking up at the large plane that loomed over her and her squadron leader.
"Exciting, isn't it?" Rooster answered, nodding in satisfaction at what she saw.

The machine was big, it's body impressively smooth and immaculate. Given it was about as close to off the factory as one could get, that was to be expected. It was sleek, too. She'd used it plenty of times before in training, but it was always constrained by time and prying eyes. But not today.

"Get the APUs ready to go, we'll be taking off as soon as we hear the signal." Rooster ordered, Queen saluting
"Yes sir." Queen and Rooster saluted each other, before the former went off.

"Today, my darling... You're going to get a lot of new fans." Rooster said to the massive plane, a grin forming on her face...

by **New Visayan Islands** » Thu Dec 09, 2021 8:47 pm

ADM Ursula S. Jao-Rabuya, VCN
Staging Area, Raselan, Lauzanne
October 17th, AD 2021
0818 Local Time

"I'm not sure I would understand much," Andrade said to Rabuya sotto voce. "Then again, Navy vs. Army is a rivalry that goes back ages," she added with a smirk. Admiral Rabuya understood; at 56, she had heard every possible Navy/Army joke Visayan servicemembers made, going back to her time as an ensign aboard FVS Iloilo, a corvette that sided with the nascent Navy during the Philippine Civil War. Ensign Ursula Jao didn't know it then, but Admiral Ursula Jao-Rabuya understood that command did come at a price, and interservice humor was often a means of coping with that price.
That price was reflected in her service ribbons: thirty-three years of service in what started as the Free Visayan Navy and became the Visayan Confederation Navy of today. Thirty-three years of memories, to comrades who gave their lives for freedom from the authoritarian yoke imposed by the future King of New Luzon, to leaders whose wit and skill were cut short both by enemy fire and the failures of allies, to family members who did not survive the unrest that heralded the war, and to loved ones that lost their lives even long after Independence.

by **The Selkie** » Fri Dec 10, 2021 1:39 am

Ava Coileán of the Tribe of Westmeath.
He replied to my attempt at small talk with praise for the weather - it was beautiful outside, so he was right. The local deities did a good job. It would be quite a spectacle.
And by the look on his face, and later on his comrades' faces, the parade would not be the only spectacle today. He kept his iron discipline, though, as well as his gentlemanly behaviour.
He thus did better then quite a few foreign diplomats we had the 'pleasure' with over the years.
"We have a couple of vehicles for you, of course. Unfortunately a lot of the more civilian vehicles were taken but the Jaguar they did give us is comfortable enough.", he said and motioned towards the elevator, leading us to it.
It also raised my will to tease him until his discipline cracked, but a glare by my travelling companion made me reconsider that.
The small convoy of armoured cars, Jaguars, as I remembered, stood outside and it looked as if they were on their way to a bout of civil unrest or even war - the soldiers were professional, though, only a small hint of jealousy at their officer on some of their faces as he escorted us to the vehicles.
Add in, that I added a barely noticable sway to my hips...
"If you'll hop in, we can be on our way right away. If you have any questions feel free to ask.", he stated and held the massive-looking door open for us, which Felicia thanked him with a smiled and a nod before she climbed in.
"Thank you.", I replied with a small curtsy before I followed my companion, scooting over enough so that the Lieutenant had enough space to sit next to me. Of course, we buckled in.
Once he was inside, I would ask: "If I may ask, Lieutenant, where are you from?"

by **New Visayan Islands** » Wed Dec 15, 2021 8:21 am

Michelle Andrade
Staging Area
0820 Local Time

In contrast with Admiral Rabuya, clad in full dress, the DCM wore the subdued formal attire typical of Visayan diplomats, with the Surface Warfare Officer device at the breast pocket of her coat the only indication of her previous service. The two ladies maintained interest in Markov's tales from back when he was a grunt all those years ago...and without so much as a thought, the 43-year-old reminisced of her days as a newly-minted ensign. There would be no handshaking from either woman, no thanks to the pandemic that defined the first years of this decade, but eventually they would have to introduce themselves to the good Marshal, with Andrade introducing herself before Rabuya.
Meanwhile, she could see the VP, the DDVIA, and the Ambassador at an acceptable distance from the Lauzannean President, while Peteros and Advincula were exchanging stories of what she could reasonably assume were their respective exploits. Also in her field of view were the Prusso-Poles, and she could expect the Free Lands to send a delegation as well if the morning's briefing was any indication. Another party to expect was a lone delegation from a certain nation that would sooner have seen her and hers wiped out from the registry of mankind...

by **Chunar** » Fri Dec 17, 2021 10:34 am

It had not gone unnoticed by Ciobanov, the constant tapping. Plenty of soldiers he had gone into battle with had also done it, and it was understandable. Given the Sultan had a huge target on his head and a... Turbulent nation, it made sense that the man was stressed to Hell and back. He remembered what he would tell his troops if they gave a similar look, and he got the Sultan's attention.

"Hey, Your Majesty. You've made it this far, it's one more day. Make it through that and it's another victory for you."

He wasn't well versed in talking to heads of state, but he saw the scared man instead of the ruler of some faraway nation.

"Thank you" the Sultan replied "I must say that I am relieved knowing that men of Lauzanne are willing to protect me today."

Bahram Khan observed the conversation, and his opinion about the people of Lauzanne also increased. They were kuffar, that was true, but it seemed that at least some of those kuffar were willing to exhibit the warrior ethos Bahram himself tried to exemplify. The chief of general staff was raised on tales of Rostam and early Islamic warriors; the fact that author of Shahnameh hated Islam seeming no contradiction to him.

"His majesty has good reasons to fear" Bahram spoke "Our nation is having problems with certain Hindu groups who would wish to kill us all in the name of their gods. Sadly all attempts at apprehending the leader of those groups, a certain swami, have been so far unsuccessful, though I hope Allah will grant us success soon. "

Lauzanne celebrates 40 years of Independence! [IC]

Lauzanne celebrates 40 years of Independence! [IC]

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