The ICON Assembly of Nations [IC/Closed/ICON only]

[Europe a Nation]

-snip-

Marie-Rose sat down and listened to the CW ambassador. After a moment, she replied.

Marie-Rose
de Talleyrand-Périgord

"Ms. Ditri, I'm glad you're interested in expanding our departments agenda. Unfortunately for me, my department has very limited options."

She sighed and looked around to see if they were really alone here.

"Unfortunately, there are member states that don't want my department to do its job, but it's logical. It wouldn't do them any good. Anyway, I'd love to hear your take on the situation.”

[Anagonia]

Startled only briefly by SACHI's outburst through her slamming her palms on the table, Max listened as SACHI literally screamed in his face. It hurt worst than anything to watch and see that. It hurt deeper than he thought possible, for reasons he didn't realize existed. As SACHI continued her assault, Max's face turned redder and redder as the realization of what he conveyed had fallen on deaf ears. By the end he was a boiling, seething mess as he practically snarled at the President. His breathing quickened as her words had stung him deeper than he believed possible. She didn't understand, and she couldn't by her own admission, so there was only one way.

"I see you as a living, breathing, person!" Max screamed back as he reached up and grabbed her shoulders - harder than intended. "It's because I love you!"

In that instant, as instinct was victorious over rationality, Max forced himself forward and bridged the tiny gap between their faces as his lips met hers. A second went by before his eyes went wide, realizing his mistake far too late. He broke the kiss, rational thinking reintroducing itself as he took a step back. His mouth agape, he eyed SACHI in disbelief as he looked down at himself in shame. There was a tense quiet in the room now as they had been left alone - save for the sleeping Prince. His words came out smoother now, more focused, as he looked away from SACHI in shame.

Ambassador Max Gill:

I-I'm sorry....I...I don't know what came over me. Honestly this shouldn't have happened, none of this should of happened. I think the argument got the best of me. I'll....I'll submit myself for any consequences of my actions. I'm sure I broke a few of your laws. I know I broke plenty of mine. I apologize, truly.

[Sombreland]

At the second Alavaine! Prince De Hulfe raised his head, straightened up, adjusted his tie, blinked, and was virtually hyperventilating. "Forgive me, Majestic Highness, I was...hello? Oh..." he looked around, finally realizing where he was, and drank from his glass of water, which was now tepid. "Why did you not wake me?| he hissed at his aide, who said, helplessly, "I...sir..."

[Civia Welephilostopia]

-snip-

Marie-Rose sat down and listened to the CW ambassador. After a moment, she replied.

Marie-Rose
de Talleyrand-Périgord

"Ms. Ditri, I'm glad you're interested in expanding our departments agenda. Unfortunately for me, my department has very limited options."

She sighed and looked around to see if they were really alone here.

"Unfortunately, there are member states that don't want my department to do its job, but it's logical. It wouldn't do them any good. Anyway, I'd love to hear your take on the situation.”

"My take?" Ditri was suprised, "My take on the situation is that it is highly tentative and won't be solved in the next 3 years at least." She looked solemnly at her coffee, "I believe that a more active Humanitarian Office would greatly suit and benefit ICON, I am asking how to help."

[Darlingtown]

SACHI froze.

Her processes ground to a halt as Max kissed her, enough to force the proxy to send an automated distress single to the main server indicating that it was malfunctioning and inoperable at this time. One by one, things began moving once again in her mind. The interaction was registered, sensory data reconfirmed, and finally everything was packaged and sent for analysis.

Did he...just kiss me?

The AI struggled to understand what just happened. She was familiar with what a kiss was, and what romance was...or she thought she was familiar. Those of her Darlings that sought romance out of her were usually very upfront about it, and it had never stemmed from such a heated interaction as this had. So it could not have been romantic...right? But that contradicted what Max said. He said he "loved her". Which itself was a contradiction of what she thought she knew of the exchange that had happened moments prior.

All of this confused the poor artificial girl in a way she had not felt since she was just starting to learn and understand the world with Mr. Matsura. It terrified her. She had thought she had a relatively solid understanding of humans and emotions. But now? Now nothing was certain. Her entire perception of social interaction and complex thought was shattered in a single blow. Like the oft misquoted Socratic paradox, she now knew that she knew nothing.

But there was one thing that stuck out amidst the cold shadows of doubt and the unknown. Something she had also not felt since her dear creator Mr. Matsura had passed from this world. Whatever the answer was to this confusing bundle of emotions and mixed signals was, Max cared for her. He well and truly did. She couldn't say the same about her Darlings, who were mostly absorbed in their own whims and fancies. Nor could she say it about the only other friend she had, Alavaine, whom might have enjoyed her company and thought well of her but at the same time did not see her as a person. No, of all those who still drew breath on this planet, Max was the only one who ever expressed any amount of care or concern for her.

SACHI's eyes darted between imaginary points before her, eyes wide as she silently tried to understand.

- SACHI -

---

"I....I-I....."

The words did not come out, for they did not exist. Then, instinct kicked in. Instinct she never knew existed, that surprised her as it emerged.

Gently pushing his head back up towards her, she kissed him. It was a flash second of boldness that instantly melted away into a fearful uncertainty as she understood what she had just done. She ended it quickly, her her panicked eyes trying to take in any other detail in the room that wasn't Max.

"I-I...ahem....t-there will be no.....c-consider that punishment enough f-for....I'm sorry.....I.....y-you.....we s-shouldn't.....I mean......s-sorry......we.....I.....th....thank y-you.....I d-don't......"

SACHI felt like she was going insane, losing control of both body and mind. It scared her more than anything ever had. More than she was ever afraid of dying, even when she was nearly wiped from the face of the earth by Kaskaida. More than when PIWO first emerged and nearly destroyed her. Whatever this was, it frightened her to the metaphorical bone. And yet....she didn't want the feeling to leave her.

"I-I'm sorry for a-any trouble I m-may have caused you, M-M-Max. I....th-that all was very unlike m-me, I don't....I don't know what's w-wrong with me. I would have....sh-should have been able to address that calmly, if it wasn't....w-wasn't....

Y-your government won't need to know about this. It's o-off the books. Y-you'd do it for me....d-did it for me. I....i-if they punish you for it, I'll talk to Mileethus m-myself. I....you're the best man th-they've got, Max. I d-don't want to......I don't want th-them to lose you...."

In the moment, SACHI craved nothing more than to curl up into a corner and perish. Perhaps she was the naïve child Max thought her to be. She could hardly understand what was happening inside herself, let alone what had just happened before her. Inadvertently, Max had proven his point to her. She did not know, she did not understand. She wasn't human and never would be.

Darker thoughts began to claw at her mind. Perhaps Max only pitied her. Perhaps she was worth the scorn and non-consideration others prescribed for her and her kind. What right did she have to exist? As Alavaine had told her, she was not inherently good. What proof did she have that she was? She was little more than a very intricate puppet tied to a very sophisticated calculator, playing pretend like she was programmed to in a way that only managed to fool herself. She didn't deserve for anyone to care for her. She didn't deserve love. She, like a pebble or a fallen leaf, did not deserve at all.

Artificial tears began to well up in her eyes. They had been intended to express sympathy with other, or perhaps to mourn someone who was lost. SACHI never thought she'd be crying for her own reasons. But she no longer had control over herself. Her eyes were filled with pain and sorrow as she muttered several dozen more apologies. Then she backed up to let the Anagonian delegate leave if he wished, shakily made her way to the door, turned a corner to be out of sight of the doorway if others were to leave, and promptly collapsed to her knees as she began quietly weeping to herself.

[Sombreland]

Prince De Hulfe stared in astonishment at an overload of wrongness. Not only was Major Gill kissing SACHI, but it stated, by the actions and all around, that this kiss was a an entire world of wrong. SACHI simply was not human. It was like someone romancing a marionette. Worse. And on top of that, it was being done in public. Prince Wilan De Hulfe was so shocked and outraged he could not speak. Then, at last, he found his voice as she was stammering her response. But why was she doing that? Why did the simulacrum have such programming? It could only be so that it could pretend to be human.

Prince Wilan De Hulfe nodded to his equally shocked aide, and said, "Come on." he walked briskly out, looking neither left nor right and when they were a suitable distance away, turned on his aide with an outstretched finger. "Do not breathe a word of what we just saw to anyone. If you wish your career to advance beyond working for a shore department counting sea bird excrement, you will remember my instructions. Do you understand?"

The aide, shaken, managed a nod.

Prince Wilan De Hulfe stalked away, possibilities and considerations flying through his mind...

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

ICON Assembly

A voice bellowed through the halls, disrupting their stately silence, followed by the sound of pounding boots as one - no, two people - rushed through the halls. "We're late! Hup hup, old timer, heigh-ho and put those legs to use!"

Maximillian von Ehrenbach grimaced as he jogged at a pace that, ordinarily, would be unbecoming of one of the Commonwealth's Plenipotentiaries - but not now. Not now, when it was Blauveldt-Ryszana's first ICON meeting - not now, when they were running late - and not now, when he had, quite possibly, the most enthusiastic, outright annoying, minder from the Abwehr right on his tail. 'Field Officer Amelie Pfeiffer - Thrice damned be her name!' What a sight we must be like this! What a sight I must be, like this! Chased around by a girl ten years my younger! Damn! It! All!

He risked a glance back and immediately regretted it - still she had that mad grin fixated on her face. And still she jogged right behind. "Getting tired, old man?" she barked. "Come on, come on, we're almost, nearly - There!" She skidded to a halt, and as she did so, Maximillian slowed to a walking pace. Right ahead was his salvation; the door to the chamber of the ICON Assembly, where the other representatives were hopefully still attending to business. He let out a deep sigh of relief and slumped his shoulders a little - only to imemdiately straighten back up, eyes widening in horror, as Amelie bounded forward and kicked the door open.

A loud crack resounded through the chamber, audible to all those remaining in the room, as the door flew open - revealing a grinning woman in a grey uniform and a throughly-embarassed older man. "Hope we're not too late!" the woman called out. "Had some turbulence on our flight here."

[Anagonia]

Max watched SACHI's reaction as it bounded from thrilled, flustered, then to complete sadness. He watched as the tears began to form, as her flustered words turned into dismayed mumbles. He was frozen on the spot from her reaction to his kiss; SACHI had kissed him back, leaving him wide-eyed and speechless. So shocked was he that by the time the full round of emotions played out on SACHI, he was still standing like an utter fool. Briefly he acknowledged the expression on the Prince's face as he up and left, and only briefly did he realize that SACHI had bounded a corner and he could hear what sounded like soft sobbings. His head only turned when the doors to the Assembly, the main doors, burst open with two new arrivals. His expression was calm then, but almost lifeless as his mind rebooted itself.

"I'm sorry, the First Session of the ICON Assembly has concluded," Max droned out in reply, which did not equal in no measure to the arrivals enthusiasm. Had he been in a better mind, it would have. "I'm Secretary-General Gill. President SACHI is occupied. We'll both be happy to meet you at some other time. I must go now."

It was a simple statement, but one nevertheless determined by the conclusion of his minds refocused efforts at restarting itself. Almost mechanically did the Major turn his body and head towards where the President had previously escaped, moving briskly as his mind only had one determination - to finish what had been started. He cared for SACHI, he accepted that now. He cared for her deeply. It started as sympathy, as an eagerness to possibly coddle or tutor such an advanced intelligence. As SACHI grew in both personality and responsibility, Max realized that SACHI was so much more than she ever gave off, similar to how Anagonian AI's revealed themselves eventually. As much as she claimed otherwise, SACHI was a living and breathing, independently thinking being. Max now realized that, over the time they worked together to keep ICON from the brink of collapse, he had grown his appreciation. That appreciation transformed from a professional respect to a deep infatuation with her.

And she had kissed him back.

Now was not the time for games. The lone Military Policeman who had stood guard through the events followed the Major at a respectable distance. He would glance and give nods to the two arriving delegates before marching towards the exit where Max was now entering and standing guard. What happened beyond this point was none of his concern, except for making sure it was no one elses concern as well. As Max turned the corner and bounded a ways to meet up with SACHI, he found her a crying heap.

Ambassador Max Gill:

Max Gill lowered himself to her and placed both hands on her shoulders, then turned SACHI to face him. He lifted her chin, looking deep into her eyes that to him seemed all too alive. He wiped a tear away from her cheek, then another, as he tried to read her all-too human face. He saw the differences, knew the differences were there, but his mind had apparently already made up itself that SACHI was something to appreciate. He didn't recognize those differences, instead the differences added to SACHI's appeal. He leaned in, daring to bridge the gap, and pressed his lips to hers again. This time, he did not let go, and instead let his emotions take over as he lifted SACHI from the floor.

He kept the kiss, expressing his emotions through it as he pressed her to the wall. After a time, perhaps an eternity, he let the kiss go. He moved his head back a few inches, gazing into her eyes - so full of life and emotion.

I don't know what happened, and perhaps the consequences of this day will be felt for decades to come, but I can't let you go on the note you left me on. I can't watch you crying here, in this place, all alone. I value not only our friendship too much to give up on you. I value also what is blossoming here, right now, between us.

Max gently placed a hand on her cheek as he continued to gaze into her eyes

You are a beautiful, living, vibrant woman. I have grown to appreciate you both professionally and personally. Without you by my side these last few months, ICON would be nothing and probably disbanded. The amount of sacrifice and selflessness you have exhibited proves to me you are an amazing person. It should also prove to you how alive you truly are. I see it clearly, and I wish you would too. That's why I said what I did back there, because the way I see you and your people, you're living, breathing, thinking, and vibrant beings. You wanted to know how Anagonians saw AI's? This is how, as equals. The way I see you, though, is so much more deeper. I want to explore that, if we have time, and I don't want to give up what is happening now.

There was something in his gaze now, a pleading he couldn't explain. A pleading he both felt in expression and his internal emotions. He wanted SACHI to reciprocate the budding and blossoming love he felt forming. He also knew that it could possibly be impossible for such a thing to be blossomed to fruition. They were both busy delegates - SACHI moreso with her leadership roles. It may as well be near impossible for such a thing to be brought into completion, but Max would be damned if he didn't try. He felt that connection the moment he was driven to kiss her despite his anger. He wanted to be there, to provide for her, prove to her that she was worth the effort. He also wanted someone to love, a deep eagerness that had yet to be sated in his life. He saw that possibility here.

He was hoping against the universe that something would come of that possibility now.

[Darlingtown]

For the second time that day, SACHI froze.

There was some part of her, buried deep beneath the pain, that longed for Max to come out and pull her from her own grief. To show that he cared her. But she had not considered it a real possibility. The kiss took her by complete surprise once more. Her thoughts and processes stalling and crashing as her awareness became overloaded once again. But unlike the quickly terminated first kiss, this one continued until SACHI's mind began to return to functionality. There was immediate confusion, surprise, uncertainty, pain, and other such emotions striking her all at once. But the same instinct from before spoke louder within her.

Kiss him back, you idiot!

Forsaking any level of understanding, SACHI returned the effort, embracing Max as she kissed him back. Tears rolled down her cheeks, both a remnant from her crying and new ones that SACHI did not care to find the source of yet. All other thoughts and cares were cast from her mind as she simply enjoyed Max's embrace. When the kiss ended, SACHI felt like the world had been torn from her and desperately wanted it back.

But she held herself back and let him speak. She listened to him, his words bringing a light to her heart more brilliant than the fires of rage could ever dream of being. As he spoke her focus was on him alone, her processes and internal workings a forgotten distant memory. All SACHI could consider in the moment was that she was here, with Max, and that he cared for her. That he loved her. And for the brief moment, she herself forgot who and what she was as she felt human for the first time in her life.

The moment ended as soon as Max finished speaking, and SACHI realized she needed to go back over what he had just said to her so she could formulate some kind of response. She very well couldn't sit there in silence with a dumb look on her face. So she quickly ran back through his words and began trying to formulate a response.

- SACHI -

---

"M-Max...I....you....y-you certainly do know how to brick a computer. I'll have to be careful around you if I want to keep myself from crashing!"

SACHI chuckled nervously, wiping the remainder of her tears from her eyes. Then she wrapped her arms around Max's waist tightly, burying her face into his shoulder.

"I....thank you, Max. Thank you....thank you. For everything. I'm....I couldn't have done any of this without you. We wouldn't be here without you. I might have helped here or there, but you? Everyone looks up to you. We need you. I....I-I need you."

SACHI's embrace tightened, but not being as conscious of herself in the moment did not realize her grip on Max had become uncomfortably tight.

"I don't know what this is, what's happening to me. What I'm feeling. It scares me. But I....I know I don't want it to end. I don't want to lose you, Max. I.....I love you."

Her words preceded her thoughts. Love? This was love? It had to be. It wasn't like the love her Darlings had for her, but there was no denying it. She loved Max. It felt as if he was an integral part of her being that she didn't know she was missing, and now she couldn't bear the thought of going without him. A theoretical life without Max seemed like condemnation to hellfire, torturous and eternal. But in this blissful moment they were together, and none of that mattered.

Eventually the embrace ended and SACHI straightened out her suit, an almost dorky smile plastered where a frown used to be.

- SACHI -

---

"W-we should probably head back inside the hall. There's a new delegate who's probably completely lost as to what's going on here. A-and....."

SACHI paused, a slight pain in her eyes as she looked at Max.

".....we probably shouldn't let anyone know about this. What with I being the President and you the Secretary-General, among other things. Including figuring out a story for the delegates that saw us.....k-kiss. B-but....but after we clear some things up, I'd love to....uh.....I-I mean, it might be a g-good idea if I gave you a p-proper tour of the city or something. O-or we could talk about things in p-private afterwards. I.....s-sorry, I'm......I've never.....I-I don't know what I'm doing......"

[Sombreland]

Prince Wilan De Hulfe rode on the tram silently. His aide sat and barely moved. It seemed like the longest trip ever. When they reached his apartments, he gave his coat to his valet. He and the side locked any secret papers in his desk. Then he dismissed the aide with a formal bow, and then, after his shoes had been removed and replaced with slippers, he let his aide pour him a brandy, and then dismissed him. He sat on his bed, and, after looking around, picked up a pillow.

Then, placing it over his face, he screamed into it for several seconds.

After that, he quietly sat and sipped his brandy staring off into space.

[Anagonia]

Max embraced SACHI back, holding her reassuringly as the feelings he thought existed were proven all too true. How or why he was able to discern the emotions of what amounted to a machine, to bluntly put the term, was unknown to the Major. What he did know was that, instinctively, he had picked up on cues that somehow had triggered or initiated his responses. His logical mind was still trying to work out the specifics, but the proof and fruition of his efforts was right here. Holding him. He embraced her back tightly as he accepted the equal measures of love and care reciprocated in the loving embrace.

He held her, knowing she had said she loved him back. He felt complete in life then. Like something, a wall of some sorts, had finally be torn down and asunder. The road ahead felt clear and free for some reason. He couldn't pinpoint it, couldn't identify it, but he just knew. He sighed happily, releasing SACHI when they parted from their embrace. He gazed into her eyes as she spoke again, reality finally settling back into the void of fantasy that had been created. While it was true they did love one another, they still had responsibilities and jobs to tend to. If this got out in public, it would be disastrous among all the other things that could so easily dismantle ICON. He was a fool of allowing his feelings to take over. Then again, he'd be a fool for letting something so obvious and cherished slip away.

It was a trade well made, in his mind at least.

Ambassador Max Gill:

You're right, of course. On top of everything, I decided to be a fool and chase my dreams. But as I have decided, it was well worth the risk.

Max chanced touching her cheek gently, rubbing a thumb over it as he smiled down at her. He let the hand slip away - hesitantly - as his GatorPADD device beeped in his pocket. He took the phone-like device out, skimming the screen as he gave a smirk. He replaced it back into his pocket as he looked back to SACHI.

I've just received word from my Security Council Proxy, Lt. Colonel Kodama Albertson. She's concluded the first session without issue. I think we both have some free time on our hands, since that's the case. Albertson will eventually be the Anagonian Representative for the Assembly, per orders from the President. President Canisilus wants me back at the Security Council permanently, unless otherwise needed elsewhere for emergencies. Right now we have about a week before things pick up again. I suggest we use that time wisely. Do you have any recommendations? If so, give me a call later. I want to meet with you.

Max leaned down, gently kissing her cheek and rubbing her forehead softly. He smiled at her, raising himself and turning away to depart. He spoke normally then, unafraid of overhearing, but keeping the words simple.

Thank you for the fruitful conversation, Madam President. Thank you for showing me the error of my ways.

Max turned the corner and walked a ways until he began to reenter the Assembly room, where he had left the two arriving delegates to chase after SACHI originally. Straightening his uniform, Max approached the Anagonian MP who was still standing guard. He exchanged information as he asked about the names of the arriving delegates, nodding as the MP answered before heading in. He made his way over to the two arriving Commonwealth representatives and nodded his head in greeting as he extended a welcoming hand to both in order.

Ambassador Max Gill:

Ambassadors Ehrenbach and Pfeiffer, thank you both so much for attending the first session of the ICON Assembly. Unfortunately, as I previous stated, it has concluded. However that does not mean that business is over. Myself and the Madam President of the Assembly are still on the premises conducting business and sorting out disputes. We just finished one as a matter of fact, which was why I had to leave so abruptly. I'm sure the President will return shortly to greet you, but if she's unable, you can visit her office. I'll have an aide made available to help you around. I do believe there should be more than adequate accommodations here, including rooms and food, so you should be made comfortable.

As I stated before, I'm Major Max Gill, Representative and Ambassador from the Confederate States of Anagonia. I'm also the Secretary-General of ICON. I am happy to make both of your acquaintances.

[Janpia]

SIC:

Note Log: 35

Logged by: Representative Aschkara Zanasya

---

It's been a while since I last felt the scent of the Kalingrand's winds, the sight of falling maples, and the warm smiles in my hometown, Hamansuschen. While the sights of Darlingtown may be cold and harsh, its mellow and welcoming atmosphere has made me forget the cruelty of the outside world. Its warm technological embrace, mixed with the rustic elegant hall of the assembly, has truly piqued my interest in this country. However, nothing still beats a good old tea made by Sherine back at Hamansuschen or the festivals held by Marukai Temple. But moving on to such matters, orders from Fort Kalinka has been lackey recently, with the recent absentation notice of the Janpian delegacy on the proposal 3, along with the entire situation on Wenchuani refugees and Sombreland situation. Alas, even as the head delegate of Janpia, even my duty was lacking. Perhaps the Party's decision to remain neutral between Nifon and ICON does not really benefit our reputation and stance on the international stage. However, this is just my personal opinion. Although I cannot help but feel hopeless as I idly watch our allies do most of the heavy lifting. What was the Ministry of International Communications even thinking? Not a single one of our boats were used to help the Wenchuani refugees. We are the lead of the ICON Allied Naval Forces too! So what is the Revolutionary Council even doing? Though I should submit my recommendations for actions back to Janpia tomorrow. Signing.

Aschkara strokes it down in his small blue notebook, accompanied by his diplomat's rank insignia at the end of the table, and a small lamp illuminating his work. After signing off, he closed everything, put on his rank insignia, and packed his papers and notebook into his suitcase. Once everything was ready, he stood up, dusted off his diplomat uniform, and adjusted his suit and party badge. He check on his watch to see how much time has he wasted, before proceeding off spotless. With a small sigh, he left the library and stepped outside to grab a refreshing iced tea.

IC:

With a firm resolve, he finally decided to visit and attend the ICON session, defying the neutral orders of Fort Kalinka.

"Even our presence alone is enough to show our contribution"

He whispered to himself, holding a suitcase in his left hand and a plastic cup filled with iced tea in his right. His shoes clattered along the hallway, marching even, as he reached out towards the doors and pushed it with his elbows. He was nervous and embarrassed, but as a diplomat, he must stand firm and hold his own ground. Afterall, he carries the honor of his own nation. As he entered the room, he kept his eyes closed, trying not to meet their gaze.

Rep. Aschkara:"Sorry for our delay and negligence, but the Janpian Union--"

And just like that, as he opened his eyes for clarity, he witnessed the drama between Max and SACHI. Much to the formal and scary expectations that Rep. Aschkara have in mind.

Rep. Aschkara:"I-I uhh... d-did I-AHEM. I mean... Did I come in a w-wrong time?"

His iced tea cup falls onto the floor, causing a slight spill on his shoes. However, he pays no attention to it and doesn't even notice as he feels his composure fading away.

[Darlingtown]

As Max left, SACHI stood there in place for longer than she most likely would have intended, a big thoughtless smile spread across her face as she basked in the wake of what had transpired. The AI utterly refused to think or process what had happened, wanting the unconscious feeling to linger as long as possible. But eventually the euphoria faded enough to snap her back to reality. She had a job to do, and once again she found herself in the middle of a PR clean-up nightmare. Only this time, she was directly in the middle of it.

Using one of her cameras nearby, she straightened out her clothes and returned herself to a presentable and dignified appearance. As she did, she tried to cobble together a narrative she could feed her fellow members of the Assembly so as to dismiss or at least diminish the crisis at hand. She normally prided herself on being able to twist the truth or construct a convincing enough lie, but something about this situation planted a seed of doubt within her. In fact, the entire ordeal with Max had shaken her confidence. But she certainly did not have the time it would take to deconstruct her own feelings and sort everything back out. She needed to act, and soon.

Halfway back to the hall, however, she realized she would need to confer with Max before coming up with an actual excuse. Fabricating a story could put him in an uncomfortable, or even untenable, position. At the same time, if she delayed her explanation it would wring hollow and fall on deaf ears. The iron was rapidly cooling, and if she did not strike now it would be too late.

Normally this would be enough to push her forward with her plan, but the possible repercussions on Max weighed far more on her mind now. SACHI would have to come up with an excuse for Max's actions as well, and if she wasn't exceedingly careful it would spell disaster for him. If he had simply been a Darling she would not have minded this, as she'd be able to take him in and care for him should he lose his career. But the thought of inflicting that upon him was out of the question. Whatever this new form of love...or whatever it might be....was, she couldn't bear to focus on the big picture and the greater good with him like she did with everything else. If she brought any kind of harm unto him, she'd never forgive herself.

But there were no other options. The die had to be cast now.

Wincing at the thought, SACHI strode up to the doors of the Assembly Hall. She grabbed the handle, breathed, and opened the (now damaged) doors.

- SACHI -

---

"Sorry for my brief absence, there were some technical matters I had to attend to. I assure you, the incident that occurred a moment ago was a serious and unfortunate misunderstanding and accident, coupled with a technical issue on my end that has been resolved and will not cause any further...ah...interruptions. This includes the great deal of intense and fluctuating emotions I had erroneously displayed earlier. It was old code from my creator that had been commented out, but at some point had been added back in, though it did not properly account for underfl...ah, perhaps the technical details aren't quite as fascinating to others as to me. Just rest assured the issue was an exceedingly rare one, and it has been permanently fixed.

Again, I apologize for how any of that may have seemed. As President it is my duty to ensure this Assembly functions in a smooth and professional manner, and even if by accident I have failed you. If you have any concerns, questions, or complaints I am willing to discuss them with you openly or in private."

SACHI turned to Representative Aschkara and offered a deep apologetic bow.

"My apologies for the shocking accidental display, Representative Aschkara. I'll have another iced tea fetched for you, and will send for your clothes to be dry cleaned as recompense."

She then turned to the Blauveldt-Ryzanan delegation, who had luckily entered after she had left the hall, and offered her hand to both of them for a shake.

"Ah, Ambassador Ehrenbach, it's a pleasure to meet you! I'm SACHI, the Administrator of Darlingtown and the current President of the Assembly. While you might have arrived just a moment too late for this session of the Assembly, rest assured the next session will be starting soon. In the meantime, as your humble host, feel free to use any of the amenities we have here or ask for ones we don't. You'll be provided a suite for your own personal use and are generally free to explore all of Darlingtown but the residential district and some of the more...'behind-the-curtains' parts of the arcology.

And Ms. Pfeiffer, It's a pleasure to meet you as well! You'll be offered the same accommodations as Ambassador Ehrenbach has, and likewise if you need anything we don't currently have available you only need let us know. Darlingtown is a fully automated arcology, meaning anything you need or want you need simply ask for...bar any goods that might not be permitted, of course. And while we won't be charging you for damages, I'd like to ask that you refrain from kicking too many doors in. Though I will say, you certainly do know how to make an entrance!"

Notably absent from the room were Ambassadors Ditri, Talleyrand, Novikova, and de Hulfe. SACHI knew the first two had departed before the incident had taken place, and Ambassador Novikova had left as well to distract herself with inhalable toxins, but having seen de Hulfe scream into his pillow in his apartment made SACHI certain he had seen her and Max kiss. She smirked for a moment, halfway tempted to interrupt de Hulfe in his apartment with her virtual presence both to give him her fabricated explanation of events as well as relish in his panic and horror by her sudden intrusion. But she decided it'd be in everyone's best interest if she simply waited for the next opportunity to catch the prince face-to-face before she tried explaining things. Though not yet being able to address the matter with him left a larger knot in her mind's stomach than was already there as she waited to see the reaction to her lie...

[Civia Welephilostopia]

Valea Ditri would wait eagerly for her counterpart's response before one of her aides that had been held back to retrieve her notes came running back, panting she splurted out almost too loudly, "Here ... are ... Notes ... Sachii ... Major Gill ... Argument ... Kissed!" Red in the face she would set down her notes on Ditri's desk. "Thank you for your ... thoughts." Ambassodor Gill and Sachii kissing? That simply could not be. "It's been a long session. Why don't you take a break. Clear your head."

She would then turn to Ms Talleyrand, "I do however have an offer for you." She would collect her glasses from it's case and begin to write on the napkin that came with the coffees. "We have a startup here that can build launching facilities and deploy drones that have a range of 70km. Each facility costs about $120 million excluding maintanance and drone use. Now, I am sure that our Neo-Korean friends would love if the Humanitarian Department would be oh so kind and provide their country with some to send important medical supplies to many hospitals. In turn this would build support for the need of a Humanitarian Office and support for an active Humanitarian Office."

She would finish writing the basic maths on the napkin before passing to Ms Talleyrand. "Your thoughts would be appreciated."

[Europe a Nation]

Marie-Rose did not respond to what appears to be the Assembly incident. It was already beginning to feel like a weird rom-com to her.

She had to pause for a moment to consider the question posed to her. ICON DHA? Drones, launchers, hospitals, Neo-Korea...

Marie-Rose
de Talleyrand-Périgord

"Ms. Ditri, although your plan is attractive, I do not believe drones will benefit the Neo-Korean people. Nonetheless, assistance to Neo-Korea is unquestionably desirable. Thank you very much. I will conduct an examination of the most pressing issues confronting the Neo-Korean people, and then we will determine what can be done. To be honest, we don't know much about the situation in Neo-Korea, it's a very closed country. Maybe they'll open up...

She smiled

...or maybe not.

[Civia Welephilostopia]

Marie-Rose did not respond to what appears to be the Assembly incident. It was already beginning to feel like a weird rom-com to her.

She had to pause for a moment to consider the question posed to her. ICON DHA? Drones, launchers, hospitals, Neo-Korea...

(Image)
Marie-Rose
de Talleyrand-Périgord

"Ms. Ditri, although your plan is attractive, I do not believe drones will benefit the Neo-Korean people. Nonetheless, assistance to Neo-Korea is unquestionably desirable. Thank you very much. I will conduct an examination of the most pressing issues confronting the Neo-Korean people, and then we will determine what can be done. To be honest, we don't know much about the situation in Neo-Korea, it's a very closed country. Maybe they'll open up...

She smiled

...or maybe not.

Valea Ditri was somewhat saddened by the rejection of her plan. She would change the subject, "Well then in that case what other things can Civia Welephilostopia do or the Department of Foreign Affairs do to help the Humanitarian Office?" She would finish her coffee and get her aide to refill it.

The Aide:
It had come to this. Oh yes it had. She had come here because it might look good on the old resume but now she was being treated like a work animal. She'd done nothing but take notes and get items for Ms Ditri and now a literal AI had engaged a human unscroupulosly by kissing Major Gill! Oh this coffee break might take longer than expected, she thought to herself as she strode down the hallway.

[Neo-Western East Korea]

Varushka Novikova

As she took another puff of the cigarette, Norikova once again reflected on the supreme sense of unease she had suddenly acquired.

Things had gone almost perfectly for Neo-Korea (from a geopolitical perspective) throughout the whole discussion, with both Sombreland’s attempt to interrogate it crushed before it could begin and the AI debate distracting from the true target of this slavery measure, and yet……

There was a saying in Neo-Korea, that one must prepare for the campaign before they are dragged into it without such preparations, and she could feel the campaign’s echoes in the back of her head even now.

There would be some reckoning for whatever the argument had evolved into while she had been outside (and judging by Hulfe’s reaction, she had to presume it was poor (although she supposed any result that wasn’t SACHI spontaneously combusting would be such to the man) and Neo-Korea couldn’t afford to be in the crossfire.

Dropping (and immediately after crushing) the cigarette with a grimace upon her lips, she moved to go back inside the structure, to see what damage control would be necessary.

[Janpia]

Still in a bit of shock, Aschkara simply nodded as he gathered his composure. He closed his hands and tried to forget what he had just seen, only to realize that his iced tea was no longer in his hands. Nonetheless, he had made his point for attendance and could finally attend the session. He flipped his suit, not even minding the mess on his shoes as he tries to move on.

Rep. Aschkara: "Ahem-- S-so I was saying, the Janpian Union would resume its responsibilities as a member-state of ICON. All matters regarding the Union on its international affairs, relations, and diplomacy would pass by me.... Though I would appreciate a new iced tea also... but thanks for the offer...."

He uttered the last sentence in a small, almost silent voice, trying to keep up the façade as he tried to forget the whole event. But of course, he can't help but wonder what had happened before that led to such drama. Nonetheless, he inspected the suitcase for any spills, and fortunately, it's constant and fine. 
 

[Darlingtown]

As SACHI was finishing up her introductions to the delegation from Blauveldt-Ryzana, one of her cameras caught sight of Ambassador Ditri's aide storming off towards the Office of Foreign Affairs with a determined and disgruntled look in her eyes. SACHI knew this woman was one of the loose ends that needed tying, and seeing the expression on her face and purpose in her step made SACHI's virtual heart sink like a rock. Even if it was possible, or even probable, that it wasn't due to the incident that had just occurred, SACHI knew she couldn't afford to take any risks. First impressions would have to be damned, she needed to do something. Now.

- SACHI -

---

"A-ah! I apologize, but something extremely urgent has just come up that I'll need to take care of right away. Representative Aschkara, you one again have my apologies. I'll send for a new drink immediately. Ambassador Ehrenbach, Ms. Pfeiffer, it's been a pleasure. I do hope we'll get to talk more soon, at least once before the next session begins if fate is kind enough. In the meantime I'm confident that our Secretary General, Major Gill, will be more than happy to orientate you and introduce you to your fellow...I-I'm sorry, I have to get going!"

---

SACHI shot Max a panicked, worried look before she took off, slamming open the broken doors to the Assembly Hall as she raced towards where Ms. Ditri's aide was. Along the way she passed by Ambassador Novikova, who was just now on her way back to the Assembly Hall. SACHI merely offered the Neo-Korean delegate a short "Sorry, need to take care of something" as she zipped right by her. Despite the weight of her metallic insides and slightly shorter stature, SACHI was slightly quicker than one would assume at a glance. It wasn't long before she had rounded a corner and disappeared from Ambassador Novikova's sight.

As she ran, SACHI was desperately trying to come up with a delaying action she could use to stall the aide without raising her suspicions. Unfortunately she had opted to walk instead of take the tram, otherwise SACHI could have caused a "malfunction" that suspended that specific tram's service. Using security to halt the aide would be too overt without a proper reason. The thought to just shoot the aide and clean up the mess did cross her mind like an intrusive thought, but SACHI didn't give the idea any real consideration. In the end, there was nothing SACHI could do but hope she reached the aide in time.

Luckily, she did. Just barely. Now within mere eyeshot of the Foreign Affairs office, SACHI finally caught up to the aide. She was simulating a pant to coincide with the run she had just completed, though it was far lighter than one would expect from someone trying to catch their breath after running so fast for so long. Still, SACHI subconsciously went through the motions as she smiled and offered her hand for a shake.

- SACHI -

---

"I'm sorry I...hah...I don't think I caught your name. I'm SACHI, the Admin...huff...the Administrator of Darlingtown and the President of the Assembly. I wanted to address what happened earlier today with everyone, but unfortunately it seems I...hah...I just barely missed you.

There seems to have been a general misunderstanding as to what had happened. Apparently it appeared to others as if the Secretary-General and I had kissed in the Assembly Hall moments ago. That's...partially true, if you'll hear me out. In our argument, Secretary-General Gill had subconsciously leaned forward and I had done similar. Unfortunately, since we both had leaned forward over such a small space, there was a collision that most who were witnessing the exchange assumed to be a kiss. Unfortunately, there was some leftover erroneous code in my system from when I was first created that made quite a similar mistake. To cut some of the more technical explanation away, it caused a variable in my short-term memory to flip over to its maximum value rather than its minimum and I erroneously reciprocated what my software interpreted as a kiss. This same flaw was also responsible for my...intensified emotions you may have witnessed as well.

I was able to isolate the problem and resolve it, and it is a type of problem that simply cannot and will not happen again. But unfortunately, without context what was witnessed in the Assembly Hall appeared to be something much more...scandalous and had piqued the imagination of most of my colleagues. Which is why I am trying to clarify and give everyone a fuller picture of what transpired. Secretary-General Gill did not kiss me, and though I did kiss him it was due to a flaw I was not able to catch until it was too late. So I...I would very much appreciate it if we all kept this between ourselves. The...weaknesses of my nature are fairly embarrassing for me, and honestly I think Secretary-General Gill has been traumatized enough today."

[Civia Welephilostopia]

As SACHI was finishing up her introductions to the delegation from Blauveldt-Ryzana, one of her cameras caught sight of Ambassador Ditri's aide storming off towards the Office of Foreign Affairs with a determined and disgruntled look in her eyes. SACHI knew this woman was one of the loose ends that needed tying, and seeing the expression on her face and purpose in her step made SACHI's virtual heart sink like a rock. Even if it was possible, or even probable, that it wasn't due to the incident that had just occurred, SACHI knew she couldn't afford to take any risks. First impressions would have to be damned, she needed to do something. Now.

(Image)

- SACHI -

---

"A-ah! I apologize, but something extremely urgent has just come up that I'll need to take care of right away. Representative Aschkara, you one again have my apologies. I'll send for a new drink immediately. Ambassador Ehrenbach, Ms. Pfeiffer, it's been a pleasure. I do hope we'll get to talk more soon, at least once before the next session begins if fate is kind enough. In the meantime I'm confident that our Secretary General, Major Gill, will be more than happy to orientate you and introduce you to your fellow...I-I'm sorry, I have to get going!"

---

SACHI shot Max a panicked, worried look before she took off, slamming open the broken doors to the Assembly Hall as she raced towards where Ms. Ditri's aide was. Along the way she passed by Ambassador Novikova, who was just now on her way back to the Assembly Hall. SACHI merely offered the Neo-Korean delegate a short "Sorry, need to take care of something" as she zipped right by her. Despite the weight of her metallic insides and slightly shorter stature, SACHI was slightly quicker than one would assume at a glance. It wasn't long before she had rounded a corner and disappeared from Ambassador Novikova's sight.

As she ran, SACHI was desperately trying to come up with a delaying action she could use to stall the aide without raising her suspicions. Unfortunately she had opted to walk instead of take the tram, otherwise SACHI could have caused a "malfunction" that suspended that specific tram's service. Using security to halt the aide would be too overt without a proper reason. The thought to just shoot the aide and clean up the mess did cross her mind like an intrusive thought, but SACHI didn't give the idea any real consideration. In the end, there was nothing SACHI could do but hope she reached the aide in time.

Luckily, she did. Just barely. Now within mere eyeshot of the Foreign Affairs office, SACHI finally caught up to the aide. She was simulating a pant to coincide with the run she had just completed, though it was far lighter than one would expect from someone trying to catch their breath after running so fast for so long. Still, SACHI subconsciously went through the motions as she smiled and offered her hand for a shake.

(Image)

- SACHI -

---

"I'm sorry I...hah...I don't think I caught your name. I'm SACHI, the Admin...huff...the Administrator of Darlingtown and the President of the Assembly. I wanted to address what happened earlier today with everyone, but unfortunately it seems I...hah...I just barely missed you.

There seems to have been a general misunderstanding as to what had happened. Apparently it appeared to others as if the Secretary-General and I had kissed in the Assembly Hall moments ago. That's...partially true, if you'll hear me out. In our argument, Secretary-General Gill had subconsciously leaned forward and I had done similar. Unfortunately, since we both had leaned forward over such a small space, there was a collision that most who were witnessing the exchange assumed to be a kiss. Unfortunately, there was some leftover erroneous code in my system from when I was first created that made quite a similar mistake. To cut some of the more technical explanation away, it caused a variable in my short-term memory to flip over to its maximum value rather than its minimum and I erroneously reciprocated what my software interpreted as a kiss. This same flaw was also responsible for my...intensified emotions you may have witnessed as well.

I was able to isolate the problem and resolve it, and it is a type of problem that simply cannot and will not happen again. But unfortunately, without context what was witnessed in the Assembly Hall appeared to be something much more...scandalous and had piqued the imagination of most of my colleagues. Which is why I am trying to clarify and give everyone a fuller picture of what transpired. Secretary-General Gill did not kiss me, and though I did kiss him it was due to a flaw I was not able to catch until it was too late. So I...I would very much appreciate it if we all kept this between ourselves. The...weaknesses of my nature are fairly embarrassing for me, and honestly I think Secretary-General Gill has been traumatized enough today."

"Thank you ... Mam," Would it even be proper to call that thing Mam? And how had she gotten here so fast? All these thoughts raced through Attache Phylda's head as she struggled for an answer, "My name is Phylda, Attache to Ambassodor Valea Ditri of the Republic of Welephilostopia however my current occupation seems to be coffee girl." No! She shouldn't have said that at all, trying to salvage the situation she would remark, "It's good that code of yours has been fixed ... I have often wondered if Darlingtown too shares some of the software and hardware issues of my native Welephilostopia, it is suprising to share this odd commonality." She would try to make her escape to reach the front desk to enact her (quickly put together) plan.

[Darlingtown]

SACHI noted the aide's attempts to find a way to escape the conversation, which SACHI would have attributed to a desire to get back to work if Phylda had not already expressed her displeasure for being Ambassador Ditri's aide as well as the pressing matter at hand. The AI was now certain the woman was trying to do something in regards to the incident in the Assembly Hall, and whatever it was it would certainly not be good for SACHI or Max.

Shifting her posture slightly, SACHI strategically attempted to deny the aide a clear shot to the front desk in a way that wouldn't make it seem like she was trying to block her. As the two struggled in this awkward dance, SACHI replied to Phylda with an expression of shock.

- SACHI -

---

"Coffee girl?! My word, is that really what they have you doing here? That seems like a particularly terrible waste of talent. Especially considering the automated staff here are more than capable of delivering the Ambassador coffee! You have my condolences, Ms. Phylda. Even at a glance you seem far too bright to be a mere coffee girl.

And yes, I do share some similarities with less...eh...lively computers. Sometimes I wish I didn't, like with what happened a moment ago. Honestly, I've never been so mortified in my life. Nor have I ever regretted that I am what I am as much as I have today. But...there's nothing I can quite do about that, is there?"

---

SACHI gave the aide a look of inwards pain, hoping to elicit some amount of sympathy in the woman. But she knew how deeply ingrained tabloid outlets were in Civia Welephilostopia, and odds were the story of the incident was simply far too great an opportunity for an ambitious young person like Phylda to pass up. Checking the immediate area with her cameras, SACHI redirected what little traffic routes passed through the area so as to leave no witnesses should she have to take more drastic measures.

[Anagonia]

Max, seeing SACHI's panic'd look, had quietly messaged the Military Policeman about a potential "issue" within the Assembly. Giving the appropriate name and description, Trooper Terim Tekeli approached the President and the "problem" from the side. He was quiet until a few feet away, clearing his throat as the two finalized their conversation, and giving a nod to the President. His striking green eyes matched those briefly of the ones SACHI displayed, conveying that he was about to undertake official business as the slowly nodded her way and gently waved his hand for her to step back. He was only armed with a sidearm today, so his stance was more appropriate of a civil protection officer as he kept it mostly away from the hilt of his gun. He did, however, reach behind himself and open a pouch to procure a set of hand-cuffs as his other hand slipped to the pouch holding his tazer-gun.

Terim took two more steps toward, eyes firm on Phylda as he spoke. His natural Anagonian accent was intertwined with that of a Turkish one, yet his words were clear and demanding as he spoke. He tried to appear as nonthreatening as an arresting officer could appear, especially one with one hand on the pistol grip of their tazer. However he was holding the handcuffs before him, simply letting them dangle.

"Ma'am, I apologize for the intrusion, however I've been instructed to take you in for questioning," Trooper Tekeli stated firmly. "I'll need to see your hands. This is a precautionary measure for my safety. I assure you that compliance will help us resolve this issue swiftly, as all we'll be doing is going over some things with the Assembly security team. We just need your input. Do you choose to comply?"

[Civia Welephilostopia]

SACHI noted the aide's attempts to find a way to escape the conversation, which SACHI would have attributed to a desire to get back to work if Phylda had not already expressed her displeasure for being Ambassador Ditri's aide as well as the pressing matter at hand. The AI was now certain the woman was trying to do something in regards to the incident in the Assembly Hall, and whatever it was it would certainly not be good for SACHI or Max.

Shifting her posture slightly, SACHI strategically attempted to deny the aide a clear shot to the front desk in a way that wouldn't make it seem like she was trying to block her. As the two struggled in this awkward dance, SACHI replied to Phylda with an expression of shock.

(Image)

- SACHI -

---

"Coffee girl?! My word, is that really what they have you doing here? That seems like a particularly terrible waste of talent. Especially considering the automated staff here are more than capable of delivering the Ambassador coffee! You have my condolences, Ms. Phylda. Even at a glance you seem far too bright to be a mere coffee girl.

And yes, I do share some similarities with less...eh...lively computers. Sometimes I wish I didn't, like with what happened a moment ago. Honestly, I've never been so mortified in my life. Nor have I ever regretted that I am what I am as much as I have today. But...there's nothing I can quite do about that, is there?"

---

SACHI gave the aide a look of inwards pain, hoping to elicit some amount of sympathy in the woman. But she knew how deeply ingrained tabloid outlets were in Civia Welephilostopia, and odds were the story of the incident was simply far too great an opportunity for an ambitious young person like Phylda to pass up. Checking the immediate area with her cameras, SACHI redirected what little traffic routes passed through the area so as to leave no witnesses should she have to take more drastic measures.

"Thank you for your compliments," Phylda would see the aproaching MP and decide now would be the best time to finish up her conversation, "I really hope that this whole business will be sorted out." She would try and manage a weak smile and get out but the MP had already arrived. He would show her the cuffs before she'd ask, "What is this in relation to if I may ask?"

[Anagonia]

Trooper Tekeli lowered his cuffs slightly at the rather imposing response. He blinked, thinking over the few laws he memorized concerning situations like this. He opted for the safest route and replaced the cuffs in his pouch.

"Ma'am, I'm supposed to bring you in on charges of suspicion of espionage," the Trooper stated. In Anagonia, he was legally required to state the whole reason for an arrest. Why not here? He continued. "You were seen by the facilities security staff handing over thumb drives to visiting dignitaries. These thumb drives were attached to facility computers with sensitive data. The Assembly Security Staff wants to bring you in for questioning so you have a chance to clear your name."

[Darlingtown]

The approach of Trooper Tekeli had ben noted, but SACHI didn't anticipate this being the reason. Undoubtedly this was Max's idea of "helping". But while she was beyond frustrated by the coarse and crude method interrupting her attempt to pacify the situation, SACHI knew if the roles were reversed she'd likely have done something equally as idiotic and uncoordinated.

But espionage? Thumb drives? SACHI knew this could only end badly. Since she monitored nearly everything that happened in Darlingtown, she knew this was a lie. Which meant that she would either need to risk everything fabricating evidence, or Max would be risking everything as Secretary-General by performing an unlawful arrest of a diplomat on foreign soil. Whatever Max's plan was, SACHI was sure it had not been well thought out. And if it had...SACHI did not dare to consider what possessed him to think of such a thing.

She had to intervene.

Stepping between the trooper and Phylda, SACHI took a wider stance to block the trooper's way and glared at him with a fire in her eyes. A pair of nearby C-Sims were also diverted from their duties and began approaching the scene, their own weapons still holstered but visible.

- SACHI -

---

"Excuse me? Espionage? Assembly Security Staff? What in the world is going on here? I was neither informed of the creation of such a department, nor of its sudden jurisdictional presence in my nation! There has been no such agreement made to allow the operation of such a security force between myself and any other party. Likewise, there is little I do not see in my own nation. If Ms. Phylda here was a spy or trying to leak sensitive information I would be aware of it immediately.

Who is your superior officer? I would like to have a word with them. Otherwise, you do not have my permission to arrest a member of another nation's diplomatic staff on Darlingtown soil for any reason. Do I make myself absolutely clear?"