Gunboat Diplomacy [IC|Kylaris|Closed]

[The Kingdom of Glitter]

GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY

A Kylaris RP

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The wreckage of the FAS Benning, preserved as a memorial.

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National Great War Museum at Caipitilbonn - Spálgleann, Glytter

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Dramatis Personae:
Benjamin Avery - President of the Federation of Asteria.
Aaron Russo - The Federation of Asteria's Secretary of State, having formerly served as Federation ambassador to Glytter.
Alexis Walker - President of the Euclean Community having previously been a long-serving Glytteronian Taoiseach.
Rasa Šalaševičiūtė - High Commissioner of the Euclean Community and a former Chancellor of Werania. Is responsible for ensuring the EC functions on a day to day basis and does not care much for the usual fanfare of politics.
Ābēodan Cēolsiġe - Foreign Director of the Euclean Community, hailing from Buckland.
Jean Vallette - President of Gaullica. Affectionately known as the Grandfather of Euclea, his charismatic abilities help him mediate any situation.
Veronika Althammer - Vice Chancellor of Werania.
Anne Buckett - Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Estmere.
Humphrey Dumfries - Glytter's newly appointed Taoiseach who came to power amid a corruption scandal that rocked the democratic bulwark.
The Laird Dunbroch - Glytteronian Minister of Foreign Affairs. An old and tired aristocrat who initially held the post as a figurehead.
Helmut Jorśsun - Azmaran Ambassador to Glytter

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Humphrey Dumfries
Spálgleann, Glytter
29 January 2019 9:06 EST
National Great War Museum

He was tired. Of course, that was not an unusual occurrence. Sleep had become more of a rarity in recent weeks. If it was not the demanding hours of Humphrey's new job that kept him up at night, it was the anxiety that had begun to slowly overcome him. Tossing and turning in the middle of the night was hardly uncommon for the Taoiseach. Ever since Frank had been sacked and taken into custody by the Independent Review Board Humphrey had been on edge. The allegations made against the disgraced former Taoiseach were never supposed to be true, or at least that is what he had believed. Yet, they were found to be true and far worse than anyone could imagine. Since the IRB informed Humphrey and the National Security Board of Casarnach's collusion with the Tribunes, Humphrey had grown even more anxious. He loathed his job.

Simply put, Humphrey was not ready to be Taoiseach. Embarrassing headlines said the same. One in particular was stinging, a GBF news story that led with a quote from a former staffer at Loveland House. "Dumfries has 'no idea what he's doing' as Taoiseach" the story reported. It was not false reporting, just reporting that personally devastated Humphrey.

A yawn interrupted his silent thought. The sun was glaring down on him, making Humphrey feel the need to sweat on what was otherwise a rather chilled day. It was fortunate though. Unlike past years, the commemoration was able to take place above the FAS Benning. When the temperatures drop and the waters of Caipitilbonn ice over, the memorial service must take place on land. It was much more somber taking place above the sunken Asterian battleship, generally making the overall ceremony more powerful. Today marked the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Glytter, so that was an ideal setting Humphrey thought.

His eyes wandered around the seemingly floating white platform. To his immediate left was his friend, or someone Humphrey supposed he considered a friend. He was unsure if the Laird Dunbroch actually liked him. As the aristocrat and long-serving Liberty TC continued to age and became quite vocally bitter. Humphrey was usually spared by the old man's insults, but he could not tell if it was out of pity or a sense of mutual admiration. As Humphrey looked at him, his Foreign Minister sneezed.

"Bless you" Humphrey whispered quietly. The bagpipes had not yet started, as the clock had not quite reached 9:10 EST. Historians generally agree the Gaullican attack began at approximately 9:10 in the morning. It completely took the Federation by surprise and its results were devastating.

Humphrey watched as the old man wiped his face with a handkerchief. "Thank you" he replied as he shoved the cloth tissue back into his jacket pocket.

Seemingly uninterrupted, Humphrey's eyes once again started to wander. He noticed that the Federation's president, Benjamin Avery, had just been handed a piece of paper. Briefly he wondered what it could be. The Federation was under pressure over potential involvement in a foiled coup in Nimear. The Nimearean government alleged the Federation backed the plot, something the Federation has denied. The issue was brought before the International Council for Democracy, leading to a contentious vote that in effect failed to pass a motion.

However, the issue was not yet put to bed. After the Satucinais prime minister flew to Kesselbourg over the weekend, the Euclean Community indicated it may reevaluate its position if the investigation was separated from a condemnation. Just yesterday Allaire watched as a new motion, seemingly one reached as a compromise between the Community and Allaire, was tabled before the Council. A vote was pending, which was exactly why senior Euclean officials were invited to the commemoration with little notice. After the ceremony, a meeting would take place. Surely that is what the paper Avery had been handed was about.

There was little time left for silent reflection. It was ten after and the bagpipers began to play their songs, starting with a rendition of Amazing Grace.

[Liecthenbourg]

Jean Vallette
Spálgleann, Glytter
29 January 2019 9:09 EST
National Great War Museum

Vallette was getting too old for this.

He could feel his knees groan out in annoyance as he stood alongside the fellow heads of states, Euclean giants and the Glytteronian suits. They were all charming and friendly, more than he could ever have legitimately been at this early hour of the morning.

Staring out into the ocean, glancing up at the sun momentarily to take in the beauty of the day, he lamented on the fact that on this day 90 years ago Glytter -- and the Federation -- were shaken to their cores. Like most Gaullicans Vallette had been rigorously drilled in the 'Great Gaullican Shame', the history of the Great War, the morally repugnant state that plunged the world into chaos. Yet he could not help but feel a finger pluck at the strings of his heart: not just for the Asterian sailors that were brutally slain on that dreadful day, but for the Gaullican sailors condemned to a reputation of maliciousness and evil.

9:10 is when the last holder of the honorific title 'Grand Admiral of Gaullica' supposedly orchestrated his greatest victory. Creeping up like a great sea beast -- a leviathan -- did the Northern Fleet strike the stationed Federation Navy. There was no mist today, as was often said of the early hours of the Battle of Glytter. The mist that gave the Gaullican ships their dreaded visage of ships of death, ethereal ghost ships from the depths of hell. As if the 'Phantom of Cathia' had risen, ready to haunt the very shores she had sunk in.

The guns came crashing down soon after, as did the host of naval bombers that brought about horror from the sky. It was utterly terrible from all Asterian acc- 'achoo'

The lamentations of yester-year were interrupted by the Laird Dunbroch, caught in the chill of the morning, and then by Dumfries polite 'bless you to the man'. He smiled warmly at Humphrey. He felt bad for the portly Taoiseach. But the smile was genuine. He was a friendly fellow - if nothing else - and had seem receptive to Vallette's recommendations and concerns when he had met him shortly after his appointment.

He just hoped that Humphrey Dumfries would not have a great fall. Casarnch, God willing, had been removed. An unpleasant man.

But Dumfries didn't deserve the criticism thrown against him. Not many men would be a source of strength when plucked into the disaster he was in.

The bagpipes began to play, a beautiful rendition of 'Amazing Grace', and Vallette could not help resist hum the words as silently as he could to himself. His hands were clasped over his stomach in silent reflection, eyes shut in thought and prayer and regret.

It felt bad to mentally think that this would be the easier part of today. But it was going to be. Alexis Walker and Benjamin Avery - where they met, well, things were going to get discussed. The Nimear Criticisms, the ICD investigation -- hell, Tsabara, Marolevia and even Etruria could potentially come up. He wondered if the Asterian President would be upset that Allaire had gone to Kesselbourg. He wondered if all this was really the time for it. But he shrugged. He was here to do his bit: for the ceremony and for the future.

[Alinora]

Benjamin Avery
St. Mary’s Harbor, Splágleann, Glytter
January 29th, 2019 - 9:11 EST
National Great War Museum

Benjamin, standing with his arms crossed at his front whilst Amazing Grace played through the quiet memorial, couldn’t help but wonder what this bay had looked like on that fateful morning eighty years ago. Sure, the history books describe it as a foggy morning, but Ben longed to see the flash of cannon fire through the fog - to see the planes that tore from the clouds - so he could put himself in the shoes of those who experienced this attack, which would ultimately define the course of history.

This would be the third he would attend this ceremony, though this year, the nerves were even more intense than usual. Not only did Gaullica’s president choose to attend - the first to do so - but there was also the matter of the ICD, and the recently-failed vote to investigate the Federation. It was an issue that had certainly caused the Asterian president to lose a deal of sleep, especially as it became increasingly-clear that populist governments are now using the ICD as a tool-- hoping to score political points back home. With Allaire proposing a new set of resolutions, which are essentially the same as the last, which was voted down. In the eyes of himself and his administration, the fact that a ICD member can repeatedly hold the same vote, in order to investigate an agency vital to Asterian national security, with no evidence to support any claims, was ridiculous and a massive overreach. He was confident that there was nothing for the ICD to find, though the principle of the matter remained: the Federation was a sovereign country, and this sovereignty should never be violated on a ‘hunch’.

Avery refocused his attention on the ceremony-- now was not the time to stress over politics, but to honor those who lost their lives on this day, eighty years ago. In silence, with his State Secretary at his side, he lowered his head in prayer.

[The Kingdom of Glitter]

Alexis Walker
Spálgleann, Glytter
29 January 2019 9:13 EST
National Great War Museum

"Children of God, as we reflect upon the souls lost on that fateful day some ninety years ago, we gather together to..." Alexis listened attentively as the Archbishop of Spálgleann addressed those gathered above the sunken FAS Benning. She had always admired the man, with the two enjoying a friendly relationship during her tenure as Taoiseach.

Haines continued to address those gathered as their heads looked down in silent prayer. After the noise that had engulfed the international community, Alexis did not mind a few moments of silent reflection. The Nimerean issue, as she had privately called it, presented the Euclean Community with a number of dilemma. There was no clear pathway forward. Internally, many of the member-states wanted to shoot down the first motion put forward by Nimear. Walker did not disagree with their opposition, in fact she held similar views. The Estmerish view that the International Community for Democracy may be used as a bully's pulpit worried her. Populists, she thought, were the greatest threat posed to modern democracies. It was hard to fight them, as their use of democratic institutions seemingly validated their successes. However, to Walker, populists appealed to the very worst of democratic societies. Their ability to mobilize fear was potent, and cause for tremendous concern. To provide evidence for this view, she simply needed to look to Etruria.

"... and today we gather together with officials from across this continent and this ocean to remember the lives lost not just in the battle that raged upon these shores some ninety years ago, but the death and destruction that consumes millions of souls across this country" the Archbishop bellowed as Walker prepared her response.

"May the peace and guidance of Our Lord be with us always".

Alexis uttered an "amen", in unison with many of those gathered.

A long piper began to play taps as two soldiers, one from Glytter and one from the Federation, flanked the Ghaillish monarch. The three walked towards the bow of the sunken battleship. Alexis watched somberly as they placed the wreaths against the white wall of the platform that sat above the FAS Benning. The two soldiers joined the king in a salute before taps came to an end.

As the song of the pipes came to a close a twenty-one gun salute began on the shoreline. Walker visibly shook as she heard them, clutching her fists to try and calm herself. The sounds of the guns brought back vivid and horrifying memories of the 23 August attacks, which devastated the Ghaillish capital and left her suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. It was hard to cope with, and in many ways influenced her decision to stand down as Taoiseach, something she had announced two Januarys ago.

How things had changed.

If you had told Alexis she would serve as the President of Euclean Community, she would not have believed you. The journey that she embarked on was unexpected, but one that she accepted. The argument made to her by the European Liberal Party was a convincing one. Dykstra presented an existential threat to the Community as it was known, and her borderline populist rhetoric was alarming. Despite this, Alexis still admired her former political foe, even with the personal attacks Dykstra launched against an "old, sickly woman".

She was brought relief when the guns went silent. The successive bangs had come to their end and Alexis was able to return to a resting calm. The king, who maintained his salute throughout. It was his turn to speak. He walked slowly over to the podium that sat to the right of the wreaths. Standing behind the clear Plexiglas podium, Kenneth IV began to address those gathered.

"As we reflect on the horrors of the past" the King began. "We must not forget that ..."

Kenneth IV was a young monarch, one that Alexis had become exceptionally proud of. She was Taoiseach when his uncle, Elton II, named a sixteen year old Kenneth, then known as Kevin, as heir designate and Prince of Ghailles. He became monarch following his eighteenth birthday. At first he was quiet, worried, and nervous. However, the famous resolve of his grandmother, the late Ellen II, soon emerged from the young sovereign. Walker worked very closely with him and overtime the two formed a very strong personal bond. She was proud of Kenneth. He was a good king, her king.

"Above all, in our remembrance and reflection, we hope for a time when aggression between peoples and nations is transformed into friendship and collaboration". A strong sentiment that Alexis could agree with. Many Ghailles would find it hard to believe a ceremony such as this would ever happen. Walker was one of them. Relations between Glytter and the Federation were severely strained under Avery's predecessor, Ronald White. They were gradually repaired upon the ascension of Avery to the halls of power. Walker's successor, Jimmy O'Reilly, continued that process - but Alexis did not want to spend time thinking about Jimmy, not now. Not for a while. Not after Frank.

[Alinora]

Benjamin Avery
St. Mary’s Harbor, Splágleann, Glytter
January 29th, 2019 - 9:36 EST
National Great War Museum

The Ghallish King’s words, and the ceremony itself, were quite remarkable to Avery. Despite historically-rocky relations, Glytter had treated the ceremony with the utmost level of respect. They treated fallen Asterians in the same manner that they treated their own dead, and Avery was grateful for that.

The King’s speech inevitably came to an end, which meant that it was now Avery’s turn to address the crowd. Taking his place at the podium, he gazed out at the bay around him-- how it had changed in the near-century since the attack. His glanced went over the Glytteronian party, followed by President Vallette and his group. It was strange to see Gaullica attending services designed to honor those that died in an attack they were the perpetrators of, though, it was a sign that the world was truly moving on and putting the scars of that war behind them. Hopefully, Avery thought, the world wouldn’t do the same with its lessons.

“It has been ninety years since that fateful morning” Avery began, “the fateful morning that would propel the Federation into the most destructive conflict in human history. For decades, Asterian and Glytteronians have made it tradition to assemble here to honor those who gave their lives-- and whose lives were taken. However, ninety years after the Battle of Glytter, we are able to welcome Gaullica to stand with us in memoriam-- an honor and a privilege, and a gesture of respect and goodwill that has not only added to the great amount of respect I hold for President Vallette, but the respect I have for the Gaullican people.”

After a nod and smile to Vallette, he continued. “As a nation, we have learned to cope with the losses of the Great War-- time has helped, certainly, but much of it allows us to leave the mistakes of the past, in the past. We are able to come together and honor those whose lives were taken on this tragic day, ninety years ago, not as former-enemies, but longtime friends. Having Mr. Vallette here today is proof that the mistakes of the past aren’t always bound to be repeated, and that we can look at this conflict with compassion, rather than anger. There is no anger here-- we will not trouble the souls that rest in this warship beneath us. We owe it to these men to ensure that their watery graves, are peaceful ones.”

After clearing his throat, Avery straightened his tie and adjusted his stance, resting both hands on the podium and shifting his weight foreword. “I would like to thank President Vallette for attending this ceremony on Gaullica’s behalf, as well as Glytter, which so generously has allowed this event to be held annually without interruption. I also would like to thank the brave individuals who gave their lives here, on this day in 1929. Their sacrifice would lead to the defeat of an abhorrent regime bent on domination, and for that, we owe them everything. We can all rest easy, however, knowing the God is watching over all of the men, women, and children who were brought home to his Kingdom that day. Thank you.”

President Avery stepped down from the podium, crossing his arms in front of him and gazing out at the crowd.

[Liecthenbourg]

Jean Vallette
Spálgleann, Glytter
29 January 2019 9:45 EST
National Great War Museum

The King of Glytter, Kenneth, had spoke. Striding up powerfully to the podium came President Avery, of the Federation. His words moved mountains, his words of compassion and over-coming, the ever changing world in which we lived. How rocky relations could never truly come in the way of compassion and progress - and how even when Glyterronian and Asterian relations were down - this event brought them together.

"However, ninety years after the Battle of Glytter, we are able to welcome Gaullica to stand with us in memoriam-- an honour and a privilege, and a gesture of respect and goodwill that has not only added to the great amount of respect I hold for President Vallette, but the respect I have for the Gaullican people."

He smiled and nodded back to Avery, before standing back in his solemn solidarity. He had spoken to Humphries over the phone a few days prior, and confirmed it with President Avery, that he wished to say a few words after the Asterian President.

The moment of truth came: the podium vacated, Avery's speech capturing the moment better than any picture could. And Jean felt his legs quake slightly, but defiantly he strode up to the podium too.

"I begin by saying that I speak on behalf on the entirety of the Gaullican nation when I say: 'thank you for allowing us to be here.'" He inhaled. "Gaullica has, for too long perhaps, sat in regret in relation to commemorations and reflections in relation to the Great War. 90 years ago today, just half-an-hour or so ago, the Gaullican navy under Admiral Voclain assaulted the Federation navy here. A devastating engagement, to be sure, with horrendous bloodshed and cruelty."

Vallette stared outwards silently for a few moments: if remembering his words or for dramatic flare, known to him alone. "Yet the resentment and animosity we shared for each other, the maliciousness that enabled the Battle of Glytter to even take place, has dissipated into the wind like the very fog that concealed the Gaullican navy all those years ago. I am glad we have done away with our anger, as a respect to the dead here. But also as a respect for the present. And a respect for the future generations that have yet to set foot on Kylaris. Let us say in solidarity here and let the sacrificial defence of the Asterian fleet be not in vain as we stand together and declare: never again."

He clutched the end of the podium and took in the sea-breeze and air, smiling at Avery, Dumfries and Walker in turn. "Look at us here, friends, in an age that but less than a century ago no one would have considered possible. I think it is fair to say that within Heaven, many are smiling down on us - to be able to share in the peace and prosperity they fought to ensure and protect."

"Gaullica has, continues to, and will continue to in the future, shoulder her responsibility for the Great War. We understand the actions we committed, their dreadful repercussions and the lives that were lost because of it. But to be able to share in the commemorations of all who died is a step forward in an acceptance that, we have indeed been forgiven. Forgiven, but not forgotten. And it never shall be, as long as the Republic is here to remind all those of what we once did."

[The Kingdom of Glitter]

The Laird Dunbroch
Spálgleann, Glytter
29 January 2019 9:53 EST
National Great War Museum

Of the officials gathered, the Laird Dunbroch reckoned the only one that could compete with him in terms of age was the Gaullican President, Jean Vallette. The two had first met each other some years back. Dunbroch was a bit of a perennial figure in Ghaillish politics. In his time, he had seen his fair share of foreign politicians come and go. They were unlike other foreigners, always coming and never going. Nearing ninety, it was unknown if Dunbroch would retire or opt to die in office. He was left bitter by the decisions of his family members, especially his niece. Abandoning the family craft of governance for reality television? It was abhorrent. The Fitzgerald name had been disgraced.

".. as long as the Republic is here to remind all those of what we once did" the old Gaullican finished. Dunbroch paused for a moment before joining those gathered in offering applause. His soft claps could not be heard from the podium, but given Vallette's age Dunbroch questioned if he could hear much anyway. That was one of the things Dunbroch dreaded losing, his hearing. It had been declining for sometime, but his hearing aides helped. Despite Drunbroch's resistance, his daughters insistence that he be able to hear the voices of his grandchildren ultimately won out. While his hearing had declined, his sight, however, remained strong.

He watched as the old Gaullican slowly left the podium. Thank Sotrias he thought to himself as he sat in his chair. This is almost over. In his old age Dunbroch cared little for this nonsense. He was here to make sure his newly appointed boss, Dumfries, did not fuck anything up too severely. The speech the Taoiseach was about to read was written by Dunbroch, meaning the old aristocrat was able to tune it out easily.

The stout Humphrey waddled up to the podium as Vallette approach his seat. My God, he looks like a penguin Dunbroch thought to himself. Now he wished his sight had gone as well.

Dumfries positioned himself awkwardly behind the podium. It was painfully obvious he had not grown used to public speaking. Would this be a disaster? Those gathered would soon find out.

Luckily for Dunbroch, he had his sunglasses on. So he took the opportunity to doze off. Earlier in the ceremony it was decided that it would be best for him to fight off the urge to slumber. Dumfries effectively brought that consensus to an end.

He was awoken to the sound of applause. The Taoiseach had finished his address and Dunbroch had managed to sleep through the entire thing, an ideal scenario. Offering a faux applause, Dunbroch stood from his chair as a show of support for the Taoiseach he chose to ignore. He watched as Dumfries motioned to Vallette and Avery. The two men, one old and one young, approached him and stood on either side of him. Standing in front of the wreaths laid down earlier in the ceremony, the trio engaged in a three-way-handshake. A strong show of unity that many thought they may never live to see.

The clicks of cameras could be heard from the back of the platform, where reporters and photographers watched. After nothing short of a thousand photographs were taken, the three men let go of one another. The service had come to an end, but the day was not yet over. Those assembled now had the option to mingle, oh how Dunbroch hated mingling. Slowly, he approached Dumfries in order to be at his side. He knew the Taoiseach would need him.

Only a short one now, he thought to himself. After a the mingling ending, they would head off to Spálgleann Palace where the real diplomacy would begin.

[Liecthenbourg]

Jean Vallette
Spálgleann, Glytter
29 January 2019 9:57 EST
National Great War Museum

Vallette was content. Content indeed.

The speech, passionate and powerful, was seemingly well received. Even the Laird Dunbroch seemed to clap. Now, however, it seemed the obvious period of reflection was over. For better or worse. He inhaled, taking in that cold sea breeze that every-so-often pestered his suit jacket and trousers, sending them flapping into the wind and against his legs, respectively, before calming down.

A brief period of mingling was to ensure and whilst in situations like this he would normally happily and readily take to conversing with Alexis Walker, this time he felt different. Taioseach Dumfries stood, awkwardly, drink at hand. Every so often he tapped at his forehead with a napkin, staring around intently, making idle chit-chat with whom he could. Never far, often times next to, the Laird Dunbroch would be seen. An amusing caricature of Glytteronian politics if there was one: the portly PM and the skeleton in his closet.

Vallette mused for a moment: he was indeed 'the Grandfather of Euclea', yet in these meetings the age of the Laird surpassed his own. It wasn't often where he wasn't the oldest in the room. He had once jested to the Glytteronian noble that if he was still in politics by his age, he definitely want to be a lord, too.

Yet, setting his desire for friendly rapport and chit-chat aside, he strode off to speak to the Taioseach and the Laird. A spring in his step and smiling widely, he aimed to make the poor man, Humfries, comfortable -- not everyone was his enemy and, God willing, some actually appreciated him.

"Taioseach Dumfries." he began, extending a hand out to shake. "Laird Dunbroch." The hand moved on to him. "A fantastic ceremony, a fantastic day of remembrance -- I'm glad to have been a part of it."

[Alinora]

Benjamin Avery
St. Mary’s Harbor, Splágleann, Glytter
January 29th, 2019 - 10:01 EST
National Great War Museum

Despite the nature of the ceremony, Avery became much more nervous after the services had ended-- that was the easy part. After a few moments of chit-chat, he and Walker will inevitably be brought back into the city, and then will begin a much more strenuous conversation. The international community has been gripped with accusations that have been hurled at Asteria from Nimear, and Koeaara’s allies have been local in their support of an ICD investigation into the FIS. Though, Avery - and many members of the international community - thought that offering a single motion to investigate the Federation for claims that had no evidence was unreasonable. After it failed, however, Sutacin’s Allaire opened a second motion-- hoping for the same result. This was over the line. It was important to the Federation that an international body such as the ICD not be exploited over frivolous and unsupported claims, and should a motion pass, it would set a grisly precedent.

For now, however, Avery would focus on the social period. Straightening his tie, President Avery motioned for his State Secretary, Aaron Russo, to follow. He had noticed Mr. Vallette approach the new Taioseach, and decided that now was as good a time as any to speak to the Gaullican president. Approaching with a smile, he would allow the two to finish their conversation before extending his arm, and firmly shaking their hands.

“Mr. President, it’s very nice to see you again. Taioseach, congratulations on your impromptu promotion-- I look forward to working with you.” Looking at Dumphries, he motioned to the man at his side. “This is Aaron Russo, our Secretary of State.” Russo smiled and shook his hand before Avery continued, focusing on Vallette.

“Mr. Vallette, I wanted to personally thank you for coming to this ceremony, it certainly serves as proof that the scars of war do heal.” He straightened his jacket. “I do hope Gaullica will make a habit of attending the ceremony.”

[The Kingdom of Glitter]

Humphrey Dumfries
Spálgleann, Glytter
29 January 2019 10:02 EST
National Great War Museum

Humphrey took a sip from his class. The taste of a chilled glass of cola rushed down his throat. Caffeine was his vice of choice. Not alcohol, not nicotine, not narcotics, strictly caffeine. He cared little for the others, they could not deliver that same rush of energy a class of chilled cola could. So far he had managed to keep a relatively low profile he mingled briefly with a few ambassadors but nothing that was out of his league yet. Besides, Dunbroch had always been there to help him. The old man was a calming presence. Dumfries knew little of foreign policy, and well given how old the aristocrat was, there was little he didn't know.

As he lowered his glass, now half empty, Humphrey noticed that the Gaullican president was walking towards him. A sense of anxiety began to overcome him, and the glass in his left hand began to shake. He was, however, calmed rather quickly. Dunbroch noticed the shaking and moved closer to the Taoiseach, placing his right hand on Humphrey's left shoulder. Humphrey was reminded of his pleasant meeting with Vallette earlier in the month.

The old Gaullican shook both the Taoiseach's and Foreign Minister's hands. He smiled as he did so. "A fantastic ceremony, a fantastic day of remembrance -- I'm glad to have been a part of it" Vallette said softly after his handshake with Dunbroch had ended.

"We are happy that you were able to join us, Mr. President" Dumfries replied confidently. "It is with you that we can build bridges". It was an awkward statement, and Dumfries knew it. Perhaps more importantly, Dunbroch knew it.

Coming to the rescue, Dunbroch took over. "Yes indeed. Bridging the divides left by the War are important. Ceremonies of remembrance such as these allow us to do that without forgetting the tragedies of the past. Once we learn from this tragedies, we can come together and work to ensure they are never repeated. Glytter is happy to have you among us, Mr. President".

The trio was joined by the Federation's Avery. Dumfries was unsure what he thought of the young president. He knew Frank hated him, but he was not Frank. And after all, Frank hated most people - and was in prison. So perhaps, Dumfries thought, it was not always wise to inherit the views of his predecessor.

“Mr. President, it’s very nice to see you again" Avery said addressing the Gaullican. Dumfries was mildly nervous about the addition of Avery, as the two had not met prior to the ceremony. He listened as the young president continued "Taioseach, congratulations on your impromptu promotion-- I look forward to working with you.”

Humphrey didn't know what to make of the comment. He knew the Asterian was being polite, but he was being congratulated on a promotion that he did not want and one that came from the ousting and arrest of his former boss and friend. Well, Dumfries had always assumed Casarnach was his friend. Perhaps he was naive.

"Thank you, President Avery" the stout Taoiseach replied. He watched as the young president extended his arm towards to man standing beside him. “This is Aaron Russo, our Secretary of State".

The Taoiseach shook the man's hand and smiled. "Mr. Russo, welcome back to Glytter" he said with a smile. He could feel Dunbroch's watchful eyes and was comforted by his presence.