The World Assembly Strangers' Bar

[The Palentine]

Ogenbond notices what can only be a gorilla in a man suit entering the bar and ordering a drink. His eyebrow barely raises as he sets down his papers to get a better look at the newcomer. "Sir, that suit doesn't seem cut for your measurements. Everything looks too small, in fact. Perhaps you need a new tailor?"

" I'm always interested in finding a good tailor. This suit was a rush job. I just recently received this appointment from the Empress. Apparently she's a fan of my syndicated column, so she appointed me here. I normally just go with slacks, a shirt and tie and sport coat at the paper, however I figured that a suit would be more appropriate for the new job. I bought the suit as Weisberg Brothers in The 'Burgh. Normally they're pretty good, but this time not so much. ", Philo responded to his fellow patron.

[Wallenburg]

Ogenbond notices what can only be a gorilla in a man suit entering the bar and ordering a drink. His eyebrow barely raises as he sets down his papers to get a better look at the newcomer. "Sir, that suit doesn't seem cut for your measurements. Everything looks too small, in fact. Perhaps you need a new tailor?"

" I'm always interested in finding a good tailor. This suit was a rush job. I just recently received this appointment from the Empress. Apparently she's a fan of my syndicated column, so she appointed me here. I normally just go with slacks, a shirt and tie and sport coat at the paper, however I figured that a suit would be more appropriate for the new job. I bought the suit as Weisberg Brothers in The 'Burgh. Normally they're pretty good, but this time not so much. ", Philo responded to his fellow patron.

"You're a journalist then? An unusual appointment to be sure, but nothing absurdly out of the ordinary." Ogenbond looks to his companion, a lean humanoid man scraping nine feet tall. "Gerald, you need anything from the bar?"

The tall man considers the offer. "Neat whisky perhaps? And some crackers."

Ogenbond stands up and walks to the bar, taking a stool nearby Philo Simeon. "Neat whisky and crackers for Mr. Gensalkes. Iresburg druustnaman for me." He turns his attention away from the ever-available barkeep Neville and toward the simian patron. He reaches out an inviting hand. "I'm Representative Mikael Ogenbond, assigned here by the republics of Wallenburg."

[Scherzinger]

Hiei von Platz, new to the scene had finally gotten a hold of her eyeglass tool. She quietly adjusted the nosepiece and put her glasses back on before anybody could she her with them off. She then went off and ordered a shot of saki. Hiei very rarely drank, but in the WA, she felt she was going to probably need one or two. She sat at a smaller table, people-watching. Her amber eyes, enhanced by her red framed glasses, gently scanned the room, looking for a reason to get up and socialize. She crossed her legs, swinging around a red high heeled foot slowly, thinking about her performance during the last two proposals.

Visual (since this would be the first time ive ever introduced anybody here): https://i.imgur.com/tOWorGH.jpg

[The Palentine]

" I'm always interested in finding a good tailor. This suit was a rush job. I just recently received this appointment from the Empress. Apparently she's a fan of my syndicated column, so she appointed me here. I normally just go with slacks, a shirt and tie and sport coat at the paper, however I figured that a suit would be more appropriate for the new job. I bought the suit as Weisberg Brothers in The 'Burgh. Normally they're pretty good, but this time not so much. ", Philo responded to his fellow patron.

"You're a journalist then? An unusual appointment to be sure, but nothing absurdly out of the ordinary." Ogenbond looks to his companion, a lean humanoid man scraping nine feet tall. "Gerald, you need anything from the bar?"

The tall man considers the offer. "Neat whisky perhaps? And some crackers."

Ogenbond stands up and walks to the bar, taking a stool nearby Philo Simeon. "Neat whisky and crackers for Mr. Gensalkes. Iresburg druustnaman for me." He turns his attention away from the ever-available barkeep Neville and toward the simian patron. He reaches out an inviting hand. "I'm Representative Mikael Ogenbond, assigned here by the republics of Wallenburg."

Philo accepts the handshake from the ambasssador and returns a firm handshake while replying,
" Philo Simeon, Deputy Ambassador, and columnist. I suppose you could call me a journalist, but truthfully I tend to stick to writing an advice column, you know advice for the lovelorn, how to deal with relatives at holidays, ettiquite, and such. Its not exactly deep but its fun and pays the bills. On occasion I fill in for the City Editor. Now that is a great job. I get to smoke cigars and yell at the freelance photographers to go out and get me some pictures of the Empress and her Kennyite
Imperial Prince Consort Husband for the front page. "

[Yohannes]

Hiei von Platz, new to the scene had finally gotten a hold of her eyeglass tool. She quietly adjusted the nosepiece and put her glasses back on before anybody could she her with them off. She then went off and ordered a shot of saki. Hiei very rarely drank, but in the WA, she felt she was going to probably need one or two. She sat at a smaller table, people-watching. Her amber eyes, enhanced by her red framed glasses, gently scanned the room, looking for a reason to get up and socialize. She crossed her legs, swinging around a red high heeled foot slowly, thinking about her performance during the last two proposals.

Ambassador Elisa was reading the latest report on the International Bankruptcy Comity draft. She was happy: Ambassador Bell did not laugh at her earlier question. There was another thought in her mind, tucked away and concealed in a dusty corner. I am still too insecure—will the other ambassadors, will they laugh at my ideas, my proposals? The thought made her squirm.

As she was about to leave, Elisa noticed someone sitting alone at the table in front of her. Hopefully, she and I would have a nice casual conversation, Elisa thought. She smiled softly to herself.

“Greetings,” Elisa said, using the form of address she’d use to another high-ranking diplomat. “Your Excellency, which country—what government—do you represent here?”

[Scherzinger]

Hiei von Platz, new to the scene had finally gotten a hold of her eyeglass tool. She quietly adjusted the nosepiece and put her glasses back on before anybody could she her with them off. She then went off and ordered a shot of saki. Hiei very rarely drank, but in the WA, she felt she was going to probably need one or two. She sat at a smaller table, people-watching. Her amber eyes, enhanced by her red framed glasses, gently scanned the room, looking for a reason to get up and socialize. She crossed her legs, swinging around a red high heeled foot slowly, thinking about her performance during the last two proposals.

Ambassador Elisa was reading the latest report on the International Bankruptcy Comity draft. She was happy: Ambassador Bell did not laugh at her earlier question. There was another thought in her mind, tucked away and concealed in a dusty corner. I am still too insecure—will the other ambassadors, will they laugh at my ideas, my proposals? The thought made her squirm.

As she was about to leave, Elisa noticed someone sitting alone at the table in front of her. Hopefully, she and I would have a nice casual conversation, Elisa thought. She smiled softly to herself.

“Greetings,” Elisa said, using the form of address she’d use to another high-ranking diplomat. “Your Excellency, which country—what government—do you represent here?”

Hiei stood up, semi startled, but played it off. Hiei bowed reverently as was customary in her country. She pushed her glasses back to tye correct spot on her face. With a neutral look on her face she spoke. "I represent the nation of Scherzinger. Under Emperor Erwin Zenzefer III. No need for that title though. All respect, i am hardly excellent."
Hiei pressed her toes in her heels, feeling off balance from the sudden rise.

[The Palentine]

Philo turned his attention back to his drink and pretzels from a bowl on the bar. Seeing nobody in the bar was paying much attention to the TV, he politely asked Jimmy the Barkeep to switch it to K-Span. Instead of an episode of the WA Reality show, the network was rebroadcasting Captain Chiang's victory party and speech from the Recent Kennyite elections. If any Patrons were observing his reactions, they might have noticed a visible shudder from him when Chiang and Susa were on the screen together. He thought to himself,
"That is a match made in the very bowels of Hell!"

gaining Jimmy's attention he said, " Another Blue Marlin, Jimmy. I think I'm going to need it. "

Philo resumed watching the TV, while waiting for his drink.

[Yohannes]

"I represent the nation of Scherzinger. Under Emperor Erwin Zenzefer III. No need for that title though. All respect, i am hardly excellent."

“That’s so amazing!” Elisa put on her best fake smile and extended her hand to the Scherzingerian ambassador.

“I was an ambassador in Knootoss before being demote—assigned, here. My name is Elisa—well, Elisabeth, what’s yours?”

[Wallenburg]

"You're a journalist then? An unusual appointment to be sure, but nothing absurdly out of the ordinary." Ogenbond looks to his companion, a lean humanoid man scraping nine feet tall. "Gerald, you need anything from the bar?"

The tall man considers the offer. "Neat whisky perhaps? And some crackers."

Ogenbond stands up and walks to the bar, taking a stool nearby Philo Simeon. "Neat whisky and crackers for Mr. Gensalkes. Iresburg druustnaman for me." He turns his attention away from the ever-available barkeep Neville and toward the simian patron. He reaches out an inviting hand. "I'm Representative Mikael Ogenbond, assigned here by the republics of Wallenburg."

Philo accepts the handshake from the ambasssador and returns a firm handshake while replying,
" Philo Simeon, Deputy Ambassador, and columnist. I suppose you could call me a journalist, but truthfully I tend to stick to writing an advice column, you know advice for the lovelorn, how to deal with relatives at holidays, ettiquite, and such. Its not exactly deep but its fun and pays the bills. On occasion I fill in for the City Editor. Now that is a great job. I get to smoke cigars and yell at the freelance photographers to go out and get me some pictures of the Empress and her Kennyite
Imperial Prince Consort Husband for the front page. "

Ogenbond's eyes bulge as Simeon's hand envelops his own. When Ogenbond's drink arrives, he takes the opportunity to free his hand and grab the glass. The glass is filled with deep red liquid, faint black particulate swimming inside it. Mikael sips gently, then sets the drink down. "Ah, that's good. It's a real blessing to enjoy your job. Take pride in those little things. One day or another, you'll find that the little things are all you have left."

Mikael throws back his head and steadily downs half the glass. He sets it down, consciously opening and closing his eyes as the buzz washes over him. He notices the television switch over to Philo's requested broadcast. "Hey, what's that on the picture box? Celebrities? Government officials from your nation?"

[The Palentine]

Philo accepts the handshake from the ambasssador and returns a firm handshake while replying,
" Philo Simeon, Deputy Ambassador, and columnist. I suppose you could call me a journalist, but truthfully I tend to stick to writing an advice column, you know advice for the lovelorn, how to deal with relatives at holidays, ettiquite, and such. Its not exactly deep but its fun and pays the bills. On occasion I fill in for the City Editor. Now that is a great job. I get to smoke cigars and yell at the freelance photographers to go out and get me some pictures of the Empress and her Kennyite
Imperial Prince Consort Husband for the front page. "

Ogenbond's eyes bulge as Simeon's hand envelops his own. When Ogenbond's drink arrives, he takes the opportunity to free his hand and grab the glass. The glass is filled with deep red liquid, faint black particulate swimming inside it. Mikael sips gently, then sets the drink down. "Ah, that's good. It's a real blessing to enjoy your job. Take pride in those little things. One day or another, you'll find that the little things are all you have left."

Mikael throws back his head and steadily downs half the glass. He sets it down, consciously opening and closing his eyes as the buzz washes over him. He notices the television switch over to Philo's requested broadcast. "Hey, what's that on the picture box? Celebrities? Government officials from your nation?"

Philo chuckles at that remark and responds,
" Smile when you say that, my good man. No, its the results from the Presidential elections in Ohmigodtheykilledkenny. Captain Chiang is the President elect now, so the good news for Ambassadors is soon she'll no longer be posted here. Its a re-run though. I was hoping K-SPAN would be showing one of the new season's episodes from their WA Reality Show. I'm a big fan of the show. Even though its a Kennyite show, its very popular in The Palentine. The last episode about the furor over "joke" C&C's in the Security Council was hilarious. You'd have thought somebody suggested the ambassadors should club baby seals or something "

[South Reinkalistan]

There's a squeal of joy as a dishevelled-looking yet cheerful man in a cheap suit dashes in through the doors, screeching to a halt with his heels dug into the floor. It's almost comical. On his lapel is a badge shaped like a crimson 8-point star, with a white hammer and sickle in the centre. "Why hello, everyone," he exclaims loudly, "I'm Ambassador Vandov Desket, and-" He's cut off by a taller, more slender man who walks through quietly in a charcoal-grey suit. He holds a briefcase in one hand, and bares the same badge on his lapel.

"Ignore him." He sighs. "Exterior Commissar Lakersk Turnov, at your service." He takes a seat, Desket sitting next to him with a faux indignant expression. Turnov continues. "I'll have a bottle of Chanoine Tsarine; such must be seen as terribly bourgeois, but I have a sensitive palate. He, however," Turnov points to Desket, "will likely have something a lot more... alcoholic."

[Scherzinger]

"I represent the nation of Scherzinger. Under Emperor Erwin Zenzefer III. No need for that title though. All respect, i am hardly excellent."

“That’s so amazing!” Elisa put on her best fake smile and extended her hand to the Scherzingerian ambassador.

“I was an ambassador in Knootoss before being demote—assigned, here. My name is Elisa—well, Elisabeth, what’s yours?”

*Hiei gently takes Ambassador Elisa's hand and firmly shakes it.*
"Im Princess Hiei von Platz. Im here as Anzu's replacement. I completed the Emperor's test just last week. He had grown tired of how childish Anzu was in front of the assembly. I have it on good authority that even Ambassador Bell's patience ran thin with Anzu. Anzu has since been recalled and has returned to her job as a domestic affairs worker."

"If you prefer Elisa better, than that is what i will refer to you as. You hardly need to explain yourself to me. I understand completely." *Hiei attempted a smile. She wasn't fond of smiling for it expressed more emotion than she liked.*

[Wallenburg]

Ogenbond's eyes bulge as Simeon's hand envelops his own. When Ogenbond's drink arrives, he takes the opportunity to free his hand and grab the glass. The glass is filled with deep red liquid, faint black particulate swimming inside it. Mikael sips gently, then sets the drink down. "Ah, that's good. It's a real blessing to enjoy your job. Take pride in those little things. One day or another, you'll find that the little things are all you have left."

Mikael throws back his head and steadily downs half the glass. He sets it down, consciously opening and closing his eyes as the buzz washes over him. He notices the television switch over to Philo's requested broadcast. "Hey, what's that on the picture box? Celebrities? Government officials from your nation?"

Philo chuckles at that remark and responds,
" Smile when you say that, my good man. No, its the results from the Presidential elections in Ohmigodtheykilledkenny. Captain Chiang is the President elect now, so the good news for Ambassadors is soon she'll no longer be posted here. Its a re-run though. I was hoping K-SPAN would be showing one of the new season's episodes from their WA Reality Show. I'm a big fan of the show. Even though its a Kennyite show, its very popular in The Palentine. The last episode about the furor over "joke" C&C's in the Security Council was hilarious. You'd have thought somebody suggested the ambassadors should club baby seals or something "

Ogenbond smiles. "Ah, I see. I'm afraid I leave all Security Council matters to my deputy, Mr. Holt. He's the only one on my staff that doesn't get turned inside out by that chamber's dysfunctional reality stabilization matrices. He tells me that the people over there have absolutely no concern for quality control, and will pass or fail resolutions on a whim. Certainly not anything we'd do in the General Assembly!"

Ogenbond turns to face Gerald for a moment. "Mr. Gensalkes, could you contact Mr. Holt and ask if they are clubbing seals over there? You never know."

[Wallenburg]

The bar's telephone begins to ring. One of Neville's assistants answers, says a few words, then stops. She looks to Ogenbond. Her face grave, she carries the phone to the Wallenburgian representative. "It's for you, Mr. Ogenbond."

Mikael puts the receiver to his mouth. "Yes?...Dear God, are you serious?...We've got some more compliance audits to review...Do you think they would actually attack?...No, I understand. I'll be through the portal in five minutes."

He slams down the receiver. He turns to Philo briefly, his voice apologetic. "Mr. Simeon, it's been a pleasure, but there's an emergency. Enjoy your day."

His soft tone hardens immediately as he looks to his tall companion. "Gerald, get to the office now! Gather the guard, I'm going to visit the Imperium Anglorum. I want my field uniform, my guns, and my music. I'll radio back for the rest. Tell Helen she's in charge now."

Before Gerald can answer, Ogenbond is already out the door. Gerald looks between Philo and the door for a moment, then leaves the bar as well.

[Aeritai]

Alex Ha'mil walks into the bar wearing what looks like clothes from the 1700s, his light brown hair is tied into a man bun, a small beard can be seen on his chin as his light brown eyes scan the bar seeing all the Ambassadors talk among themselves. Alex never did get the chance to visit the World Assembly bar due to the fact that the Prime Minister of Aeritai has been sending him across the Multiverse to establish diplomatic ties with other nations and going to WA meetings to discuss propsals. And with that over Alex can finally have some time to relax and just forget all about the political drama that he had to deal with during the last five hours of hoping around the Multiverse. Alex walked to the nearest table to take a seat letting out a small sigh as he finally sat down. After seating down Alex kept looking around the bar amazed at how beautiful and relaxing it looked.

I need to take Eliza here some day, she would love it. Alex thought to himself as he thinks about his wife as he waits for a waiter to come by.

[The Palentine]

Philo nods at the Wallenberg ambassador and his aide as they leave and turns his attention back to the TV. After about a half hour he gets bored with the program and starts to look around the bar and its patrons to familiarize himseld with the place. He then notices an empty wall in a corner of the bar, near the stage. He gets up an walks over to it while checking out its dimensions. Smiling and nodding to himself he walks back to his barstool. Once he sits down, he pulls out his smartphone and types in a text message. About an hour later some members of the WA maitenace team rolls an upright piano with an oversized stool and places it the spot where Mr Simeon was checking out. Once they leave, Philo gets a large empty Brandy Glass from Jimmy and walks over to the piano. He places the glass on top of the piano and sits down. After spending a few minutes flexing his hands and fingers he starts contentedly playing The Pine Apple Rag, by Scott Joplin( and playing it quite well as a matter of fact).

[Omigodtheykilledkenny]

As it happened, Philo's impressive ivory-tickling (for which he received extra credit for having to play with such gargantuan, chubby fingers) had gotten the attention a fellow musician in the bar, who at that moment was setting up on stage with her back-up band to perform. A bass guitar slung over her shoulder, the attractive Xtap woman with raven hair walked over to the oversized furry gentleman at the piano to slip a fifty-spot into his glass. "Expert playing," she observed appreciatively. The two probably recognized each other, but the lady didn't really know a lot about her new acquaintance. "I think I've seen you at the Imperial Court," she recalled. "That Jhessan is something else, isn't she? Anyway, I was wondering if you could follow along with us for a song or two? I'm sure you'll pick up the tune without missing a beat." Smiling gratefully, she turned about and climbed up onto the stage again and tapped the microphone.

"Good evening, World Assembly, I'm Susannah! Some of you should know me already," she announced. A few drunken male bar patrons hooted their approval at the shapely ambassador. "This number is for my kid brother Susa! Let's help send him home to Paradise City!" She indicated a pickle jar sitting on a nearby table, marked "SUSA'S MOVING FUND," as the band began to belt out a familiar rock standard:

You don't care for me! I don'-a care about that!
Gotta new fool, ha! I like it like that!
I have only one burning desire,
Let me stand next to your fire!

(Let me stand next to your fire!
Let me stand next to your fire!
Let me stand next to your fire!
Let me stand next to your fire!)...



As the K-SPAN footage from the TV above the bar indicated, Capt. Chiang and Susa were indeed leaving the World Assembly; however, few diplomats upon learning this rather encouraging news probably didn't stop to consider who would be taking their place. But as luck would have it, K-SPAN had an answer to that, too:

Chiang: ...but don't you worry, folks! We're not leaving our WA mission high and dry! Someone's got to stay behind to show those fluffy bastards what's what!...[cheering]...and man, have I found the perfect woman for the job! She's currently a member of Congress, but I'm about to give her a YUGE promotion!...[laughter]...ladies and gentleman, please welcome my right-hand girl, our nation's most famous Army Brat, Erica Dolittle!

[loud cheering as a busty woman with wavy blond hair happily joins the captain onstage...]

Just then, a woman identical to the one on screen strode into the bar, staring into the TV image as though it were a mirror and adjusting her hair accordingly. Accompanying her was an attractive, short-haired gentleman sporting sunglasses and a dark suit. The twain briefly scanned the bar, stopping short once they spotted Jimmy busily wiping down the counter. Both of them dealt the handsome barhand an approving gaze. The one in the suit stepped forward toward the bar, but Erica blocked him with her arm. "Not so fast, Spence, I got this one. You grab us a table."

The man looked on in disappointment as Erica bounded up to the counter to catch the barhand's attention, but quickly recovered when he saw that evening's entertainment. He smiled as Susannah rocked out to the Hendrix classic; the Batko-Yovinos were always a blast. "Whoo!" he hollered as a pumped his fist in the air. Fun fact about Spence: he was known as Lt. Beuerman when he served under Erica's dad. Also, loud percussive noises, like those from a drum solo, always gave him frightening flashbacks to the Tiki Taki War. Unfortunately, the band's drummer was really on that night, and right then was his moment to shine.

There was a sudden persistent ringing in Spence's ears as the audience cheered the drummer on. He did not know why all the noises around him were distorting into one awful roar, or why everything in front of him was blurring into a horrible rainbow. All he knew was that everybody was about to die.

"SWEET JEEBUS, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!!" he cried as he pushed the nearest table onto its side and crouched behind it. Instantly he had his sidearm pointed directly at the lead singer as he opened fire. *poof!* At once Neville's ACME Deweaponizer™ transformed the Beretta M9 into a Super Soaker, and Susannah was sopping wet.

"You asshole!" she screamed as she lept from the stage and started swinging her bass at Spence's head. The band did not let up, however, as over at the bar Erica had jumped up onto the counter and was presently trying to impress Jimmy with some provocative dance moves. Meanwhile, Susannah turned her rage on her drummer when a flying drumstick struck her in the back of the head. Spence caught one glimpse of the piano player and fell to the floor in seeming agony, pounding the hardwood finish with his fist:

"YOU MANIACS!! YOU BLEW IT UP!! DAMN YOOUU!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELLLL!!!"

The Kennyite mission was clearly in very capable hands.

[Turpotia]

Glad to be entering this bar of sorts, drinking down all sorts of beer and drinks and getting fights in the old days. Now the buildings are refurbished and the World Assembly carries on with life.

[The Palentine]

As it happened, Philo's impressive ivory-tickling (for which he received extra credit for having to play with such gargantuan, chubby fingers) had gotten the attention a fellow musician in the bar, who at that moment was setting up on stage with her back-up band to perform. A bass guitar slung over her shoulder, the attractive Xtap woman with raven hair walked over to the oversized furry gentleman at the piano to slip a fifty-spot into his glass. "Expert playing," she observed appreciatively. The two probably recognized each other, but the lady didn't really know a lot about her new acquaintance. "I think I've seen you at the Imperial Court," she recalled. "That Jhessan is something else, isn't she? Anyway, I was wondering if you could follow along with us for a song or two? I'm sure you'll pick up the tune without missing a beat." Smiling gratefully, she turned about and climbed up onto the stage again and tapped the microphone.

"Good evening, World Assembly, I'm Susannah! Some of you should know me already," she announced. A few drunken male bar patrons hooted their approval at the shapely ambassador. "This number is for my kid brother Susa! Let's help send him home to Paradise City!" She indicated a pickle jar sitting on a nearby table, marked "SUSA'S MOVING FUND," as the band began to belt out a familiar rock standard:

You don't care for me! I don'-a care about that!
Gotta new fool, ha! I like it like that!
I have only one burning desire,
Let me stand next to your fire!

(Let me stand next to your fire!
Let me stand next to your fire!
Let me stand next to your fire!
Let me stand next to your fire!)...

(Image)

As the K-SPAN footage from the TV above the bar indicated, Capt. Chiang and Susa were indeed leaving the World Assembly; however, few diplomats upon learning this rather encouraging news probably didn't stop to consider who would be taking their place. But as luck would have it, K-SPAN had an answer to that, too:

Chiang: ...but don't you worry, folks! We're not leaving our WA mission high and dry! Someone's got to stay behind to show those fluffy bastards what's what!...[cheering]...and man, have I found the perfect woman for the job! She's currently a member of Congress, but I'm about to give her a YUGE promotion!...[laughter]...ladies and gentleman, please welcome my right-hand girl, our nation's most famous Army Brat, Erica Dolittle!

[loud cheering as a busty woman with wavy blond hair happily joins the captain onstage...]

Just then, a woman identical to the one on screen strode into the bar, staring into the TV image as though it were a mirror and adjusting her hair accordingly. Accompanying her was an attractive, short-haired gentleman sporting sunglasses and a dark suit. The twain briefly scanned the bar, stopping short once they spotted Jimmy busily wiping down the counter. Both of them dealt the handsome barhand an approving gaze. The one in the suit stepped forward toward the bar, but Erica blocked him with her arm. "Not so fast, Spence, I got this one. You grab us a table."

The man looked on in disappointment as Erica bounded up to the counter to catch the barhand's attention, but quickly recovered when he saw that evening's entertainment. He smiled as Susannah rocked out to the Hendrix classic; the Batko-Yovinos were always a blast. "Whoo!" he hollered as a pumped his fist in the air. Fun fact about Spence: he was known as Lt. Beuerman when he served under Erica's dad. Also, loud percussive noises, like those from a drum solo, always gave him frightening flashbacks to the Tiki Taki War. Unfortunately, the band's drummer was really on that night, and right then was his moment to shine.

There was a sudden persistent ringing in Spence's ears as the audience cheered the drummer on. He did not know why all the noises around him were distorting into one awful roar, or why everything in front of him was blurring into a horrible rainbow. All he knew was that everybody was about to die.

"SWEET JEEBUS, WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!!" he cried as he pushed the nearest table onto its side and crouched behind it. Instantly he had his sidearm pointed directly at the lead singer as he opened fire. *poof!* At once Neville's ACME Deweaponizer™ transformed the Beretta M9 into a Super Soaker, and Susannah was sopping wet.

"You asshole!" she screamed as she lept from the stage and started swinging her bass at his head. The band did not let up, however, as over at the bar Erica had jumped up onto the counter and was presently trying to impress Jimmy with some provocative dance moves. Meanwhile, Susannah turned her rage on her drummer when a flying drumstick struck her in the back of the head. Spence caught one glimpse of the piano player and fell to the floor in seeming agony, pounding the hardwood finish with his fist:

"YOU MANIACS!! YOU BLEW IT UP!! DAMN YOOUU!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELLLL!!!"

The Kennyite mission was clearly in very capable hands.

Philo nodded then followed Susannah's lead and played the keyboard arrangement of the Hendrix Song until all hell broke loose. The drumstick that hit Susannah's head ricocheted and knocked Philo's bowler off his head. Sighing, he reached down to pick it up. Then after brushing it off he placed it back on his head. He noticed his cigar went out so he fired up a new one. Before he could start back playing he heard a man yelling

"YOU MANIACS!! YOU BLEW IT UP!! DAMN YOOUU!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELLLL!!!"

Concerned, he got up from the piano stool and made his way over to the visibly shaken man. Bending over he gently put his large hand on the man's shoulder and compassionately asked,
"Are you okay, Sir? You seem to be having a panic attack. Can I see about getting you some medical assistance?"

[Yohannes]

*Hiei gently takes Ambassador Elisa's hand and firmly shakes it.*

"Im Princess Hiei von Platz. Im here as Anzu's replacement. I completed the Emperor's test just last week. He had grown tired of how childish Anzu was in front of the assembly. I have it on good authority that even Ambassador Bell's patience ran thin with Anzu. Anzu has since been recalled and has returned to her job as a domestic affairs worker."

"If you prefer Elisa better, than that is what i will refer to you as. You hardly need to explain yourself to me. I understand completely." *Hiei attempted a smile. She wasn't fond of smiling for it expressed more emotion than she liked.*

Princess Elisabeth showed her report on the International Bankruptcy Comity draft to Princess Hiei.

“See this report?” she giggled. “Ambassador Bell didn’t laugh at my question! Just between you and me—I mean, do you think he’s cute?”

[Scherzinger]

*Hiei gently takes Ambassador Elisa's hand and firmly shakes it.*

"Im Princess Hiei von Platz. Im here as Anzu's replacement. I completed the Emperor's test just last week. He had grown tired of how childish Anzu was in front of the assembly. I have it on good authority that even Ambassador Bell's patience ran thin with Anzu. Anzu has since been recalled and has returned to her job as a domestic affairs worker."

"If you prefer Elisa better, than that is what i will refer to you as. You hardly need to explain yourself to me. I understand completely." *Hiei attempted a smile. She wasn't fond of smiling for it expressed more emotion than she liked.*

Princess Elisabeth showed her report on the International Bankruptcy Comity draft to Princess Hiei.

“See this report?” she giggled. “Ambassador Bell didn’t laugh at my question! Just between you and me—I mean, do you think he’s cute?”

*Hiei looked at Princess Elisabeth in a confused nature. Her face never showing much in the terms of emotion, as she was unfamiliar with how to express it.*

"I think, all due respect, that you spelled the word Committee wrong, unless it is intended to be spelled that way. And i dont think that Ambassador Bell is cute or ugly. Im into women. I think the Ambassador is a capable and bright young man that has much more to worry about than what other women think of him. This is merely my opinion, and i am in no way trying to influence that opinion on someone as capable as you are Princess Elisa."

[The New Sicilian State]

*Hiei looked at Princess Elisabeth in a confused nature. Her face never showing much in the terms of emotion, as she was unfamiliar with how to express it.*

"I think, all due respect, that you spelled the word Committee wrong, unless it is intended to be spelled that way. And i dont think that Ambassador Bell is cute or ugly. Im into women. I think the Ambassador is a capable and bright young man that has much more to worry about than what other women think of him. This is merely my opinion, and i am in no way trying to influence that opinion on someone as capable as you are Princess Elisa."

Crawford picks his head off of the bar table and tilts his head towards Hiei and Princess Elisabeth.

"It's comity," Crawford mumbles. "It means an association of states for mutual benefit. In this case, it exists to stop states from tearing debtors apart in a game of tug-a-war."

He lets his head fall back on the table as Greene continues to annotate legal documents on a stool right next to him.

"Is that what it means? Huh."

[Denathor]

Callahan trips over his feet entering the bar, because it’s been that kind of month. Stumbling forward, he manages to grab onto a chair to keep his balance. Looking around the bar for something, he pulls out the tranquilizer gun he recently bought, completely unaware that it had turned into a water pistol. Stowing it back in his suit jacket, he sits at the table he had stumbled into and begins to fill out paperwork.

[Grays Harbor]

Give me a 6-pack of scotch, and a straw, to go. Now.

[Wallenburg]

From behind the doors to the bar emerges Helen Trevanyika. She walks in wielding a crutch under her left arm. Gingerly, she approaches the bar. "Neville, something sweet to start with. Nothing too strong."

She scans the room. Hmm, a bit busier than last she visited. Nearby, several ambassadors nurture drinks or share conversation. A couple men near passed out over there. A band making quite a bit of noise on the karaoke stage. A great big gorilla handling a screaming man nearby. Yes, a bit busier.

She turns her attention to another table at which two younger women seem to be sharing a conversation. She grabs the nearest chair and drags it over to Hiei and Elizabeth's table. Carefully but inexpertly, she falls into the seat of the chair. Her arm shoots to her leg. "Mmmnh! That's tender." She pulls the crutch from under her arm and sets it against the back of the chair. "Neville, right here! Thanks, sweetie." Trevanyika smiles at the two ambassadors, but says nothing else. Her drink arrives soon after. She cups the glass in her hands and sips intermittently.