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Klentian World Assembly Office (Open to All)

Where nations come together and discuss matters of varying degrees of importance. [In character]
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East Klent
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Klentian World Assembly Office (Open to All)

Postby East Klent » Sun May 10, 2015 8:53 pm

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Welcome one and all to the office to the Klentian Delegation to the World Assembly. Located on the Fifth Floor of the WAHQ, the office is just down the hall for the famous (or infamous, take your pick) Stranger's Bar. This is where Delegate Jarred Stevens works and contributes to the international dialogue that is the World Assembly and its mission of peace throughout the worlds. It has also been the site of a few international incidents, but this has not deterred the delegation's determination and work ethic. They are here to serve their country and the citizens of the multiverse.

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Everyone is welcome to enter as the door is always open, and in the event that no one is present you may leave a message at the front desk. You may also help yourself to the beverages that are laid out in Stevens' office (except the scotch). Anyone may discuss the business of diplomacy with the staff, or just have a good verbal joust. You may ask any question regarding anything. Weapons are permitted, as long as the remain concealed and you surrender them if any drinking is to take place. Music of varying genres may be played at random times; you have been warned.

The day-to-day occurrences in this office range from the mundane to the extraordinary to the just plain impossible, but in a world so seriously strange, anything is possible...



Here's some information to get acquainted with the delegation:
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Jarred Michael Stevens

Born on the Ides of March in 1960, Stevens started his career in the Klentian Bureau of Investigation where he got his taste for action and intrigue. He was drafted into the army when Klent was invaded by Western Cuba, and excelled as a soldier becoming a sniper for the special forces. He was recruited by the Secret Service branch of the Eastern Intelligence Agency, an affiliation that he's never really been free of, becoming entangled in several episodes of espionage as recently as 2012. He started his diplomatic career while still in the Army, serving as a military attache at the Klentian embassy to Grays Harbor for a couple of years before the Independence War from Mostrov. After the war he was nominated as the first permanent delegate to the World Assembly in 2010 by then President Ramon Jupoi, and was renominated in 2012 by current President Cash Willows, having already become the regional delegate for The Heartland.

He's also known for his multitude of suits and complete lack of a sense of style; however, he makes up for it with an overwhelming amount of charm. In fact, his charm is so great that he convinced two women to marry him. He's currently single and as such he probably flirts too much for his own good. His greatest love is scotch (especially that of the Johnnie Walker label) which he drinks at least three times a day or "One for breakfast, one for lunch and one for dinner," as he puts it.

Not one to put alcoholism before duty though, Stevens strongly believes in the World Assembly's purpose and as a veteran constantly campaigns for peace. He delivered the famous 'We Are Klent' speech during the Hippostanian Crisis, highlighting the tenants of compassion and social justice that Klentians hold so dear. Though he rarely takes part in debates, when he does, he make certain that the legislation improves the lives of citizens everywhere, and if it proves not to be, he usually defenestrates the ambassador who proposed it. He also has a soft-spot for indigenous peoples as his mother was of Native Klentian descent. He hesitates to align himself with either movement in the WA, but does tend to lean towards the International Federalist ideology.

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Chandler Quincy Willows

Being a younger brother of the President is hard. Having to deal with Jarred Stevens and Ben Mason as your bosses, even harder. The millennial was raised with a strong sense of civic duty along with his brothers Cash and George, by their father Theodore, a hero of the Overthrow. Though he comes from a political dynasty, he has worked hard for his position, graduating with High Honors from his High School, and was the top of his class in college and law school. His diplomatic career was jump started when he worked as an aide to Philip Harrison in the Jlop-Kriania peace talks in 2007, and was appointed as the ambassador to the colony of New Klent the following year. Due to his success in this position, President Jupoi appointed him as the Colony's representative to the WA. He arrived at the Assembly in the midst of one of Stevens' extracurricular activities.

The eccentric (at time ridiculous) nature of the WA shocked Willows, and he took refuge in his office for weeks at a time. Mason eventually coxed him out of hiding and he now advises the delegation on the opinions of the Colony regarding bills and proposals. The Colony being rather skeptical of the WA, his position and his familial ties to the administration have not made him the most popular diplomat in his constituency, but his boyish charm and put-on naivety keep much of the hostility at bay.

Nonetheless, his job does stress him, and he often complains to Neville, the bartender of the Stranger's Bar, once saying "They were right after all, Stevens is pretty odd." This generally does not effect his work ethic, however, as he constantly reminds himself of the civic-mindedness that his father instilled in him. He serves diligently and Stevens considers him an invaluable part of the team.

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Eira Vorpe

Eira Vorpe is the one who keeps the dynamic trio in line (usually with the displayed look of faked amusement). Growing up with Stevens, she has been a sister figure in his life for as long as he can remember. Of course she is infinitely more intelligent than her boss, and could very well do the job herself, and it has been rumored that she might be his successor. Having an MBA form the prestigious Williamsburg University, the entirety of her career has been in the private sector, with the exception of the last five years. She came on board at the recommendation of Stevens, who convinced her to leave her hundred-thousand klento management position at Qua Automotive.

Though her official title is Secretary of the Delegation, she serves as the secretary, manager, consultant, press secretary, house mother, and, at times, might as well be another delegate in her own right. She regulates Stevens' alcohol intake, manages the delegations budget and schedule and ensures that the press don't get too close to the offices (with the exception of the Kennyites, who knows where their cameras are). She takes pride in her work, once being quoted as saying, "Those three would have blown up the place if it weren't for me." That statement is not far off, by any stretch of the imagination. Having raised three children, the position almost seems tailor made for her.

She is just as committed to the message of peace as her colleagues and makes sure that they stay on that message. She even uses the strategies she developed in the business world and employs them in the Delegation's agenda, which has proven to be successful in winning over votes for legislation they approved. She speaks multiple languages including but not limited to: English, Native Klentian, Mostrovite, Spanish, Latin and French. This has left her as the de facto translator when a sanctioned one or device can't be found. With her abilities and tactfulness, she is certain to make a influential Delegate in the future.



In Memoriam

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Dr. Benjamin Thomas Mason (1956 - 2015)

Though only four years older than Delegate Stevens, Vice-Delegate Ben Mason has acted as a mentor to him since he interned at the law firm he worked for. Mason was a prodigy, finishing his undergraduate and law degrees in only four years and his doctorate in economics in merely two years. Any further academic aspirations were cut short by his involvement in the Overthrow of the oppressive Badinian Monarchy in 1978. He quickly rose through the ranks and contributed greatly to the founding Charter of the Klentian Republic in 1980. The man is a certified genius, and, at times, it is not certain who is indeed the real delegate, him or Stevens. His vast body of knowledge and wisdom have assisted the mission in countless ways. He first became a member of the delegation after having served as the Klentian representative to the G-20. He served as a temporary substitute for Stevens while he was indisposed. He formed many relationships with fellow delegates and with the entrance of the Willows administration, he was officially appointed to the post of Vice-Delegate in 2012.

Being a good Southern Klentian, he is a connoisseur of scotch and does not gulp it down wastefully as his superior does, instead he sips it with the respect it deserves. His region of birth also gave him an accent and personality that charms even the most aloof of people. He has been married to the love of his life, Matilda, for thirty-five years, having met during the Overthrow. He cites his wife as giving him the motivation to continue his work in diplomacy, but not in the way one might think; they compete with one another, as she is his equal intellectually and is the head of the influential think-tank Board on Foreign Affairs, "She's the smarter one," he once drunkenly admitted. His two sons also inspire him to perform admirably.

He is a firm believer in democracy (which is ironic as he is a favorite of foreign royals) and has a passion for diplomacy. His eloquence and calm demeanor have help resolved many diplomatic disputes and won over numerous foreign dignitaries. He feels that the WA should be the focal point of conflict resolution for all nations and despises any who corrupt and abuse their people. His beliefs rather firmly place him in the International Federalist camp, even if he won't openly admit it.
Last edited by East Klent on Wed Sep 21, 2016 7:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45


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East Klent
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Winds of Change

Postby East Klent » Sun May 10, 2015 8:54 pm

November 5, 2014
8:00 A.M.


A disheveled Stevens walked in with a cup of coffee in hand and a frown on his face. He just returned from a week-long vacation back home in Klent, and as such was not adjusted to the time difference yet. He trudged over to Eira's desk, "Morning Jarred, how was your vacation?"

He glared at her, "It was Heaven, right up until the plane landed back here for some reason."

She took on a sympathetic tone, "It wasn't a dream doll, you really do work here."

"And here I thought it was a drug induced hallucination."

She raised her brow "What exactly did you do on your break?"

"What's new?" he avoided the question.

She smirked, and then handed him a few files, "There's a new proposal called the Anti-Counterfeiting Pact you should approve, the delegate from Luxiai wanted a word and Secretary Gerrald is supposed to release a statement about something soon."

"The Secretary is going to release a statement about something?"

"Yep."

"Any idea what that something is?"

"Nope."

"Of course not," he let out an exasperated sigh as he stepped into his office.

Mason was there to greet him, "Beautiful day, isn't it?"

"We'll take care of that, won't we, Mason?" he mumbled.

"Most certainly."

Before he even had the chance to sit down, Eira came in, "The Secretary's statement; turns out the administration carried out a two week-long war against Brasilistan, better buckle down for long day," with that she went back to her desk.

After a long moment of silence, Stevens slowly turned to Mason, "What'd I tell you?"
Last edited by East Klent on Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:56 pm, edited 2 times in total.
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45


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East Klent
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Founded: Jan 12, 2010
Left-wing Utopia

Postby East Klent » Fri May 15, 2015 9:03 pm

November 6, 2014
12:05 P.M.


The television in Stevens' office was tuned into a rebroadcast of President Willows' press conference. He glowered at the screen as he leaned back on the front of his desk. He had just finished a meeting with the Brasilistani delegation which went about as well as expected; the ambassador himself threw an antique, royal-blue Third-Dynasty vase (given to Stevens by Emperor Harriman of Luxiai) at Stevens' head, only to smash through the window and shatter on the ground below. The only good thing to come out of the entire ordeal was the fact that the gnomes were able to replace the window so quickly. He was sorely tempted to take out his twenty-two caliber pistol from his desk and shoot the delegation then and there, but Mason was able to convince him to not add yet another international incident to their resumes.

He glared at the television, "'Took command of the situation'..." he grumbled, repeating the president's words, "I taught you better."

Stevens had served with the president during the Independence War and on a mission in the midst of the Noravean Revolution. He was actually Willows' commanding officer in the special forces' Unit A-1. As such, he served as a mentor to Willows, and many commentators have suggested that the skills Stevens taught Willows led directly to the latter's famous feats on the battlefield. The president had even covered for Stevens when he was off on one of his 'adventures'. Now, however, the veteran diplomat did not hold much love for his former protege, for his decision to keep Operation Odyssey Rise secret had made his life unbearable. The moment word had reached the WA of the attack, the Klentian Office was flooded with calls emails and visits from other delegates yelling and shouting their discontent at him.

Mason entered with an annoyed expression, "What'd Rienburg say?" Stevens asked.

Mason scoffed, "And I quote 'keep calm and carry...'"

"You're kidding."

"I wish I were," Mason sighed as he moved next to Stevens.

"What the Hell are they thinking? Of course the families were going to find out; that can't possibly have been the reason," Stevens' frustration grew by the hour.

"I am no wiser as to their reasoning than you, Jarred, but their in charge, we must take their word."

An idea came across Stevens' mind, and he could not believe it had not occurred to him before, "You think Chandler knows?"

"If he does, you won't be able to get it out of him."

Stevens started walking toward the door, "I can be rather convincing."

"I meant that you will not be able to find him; ever since the press conference Eira can't get a hold of him, I do not think even the gnomes know where he is, he's hiding and will not be found unless he wants to."

Stevens angrily closed the door and went to sit at his desk, "Clever bastard, his brothers probably taught him."

"Shall I check the Stranger's Bar again?"

A look of mild shock appeared on Steven's face, "That place is still open?"

"Why yes, it is, dust laden I grant you, but open nevertheless."

"Well then, what the heck are we doing here? Scotch awaits," he leaped out of his chair and bounded out of his office.

"Where are you two headed?" Eira asked as they passed her desk.

"Stranger's Bar, in search of Chandler," Stevens replied without stopping.

"I'm sure," she was not convinced, "If you're not back within the hour, I'm coming after you," she yelled after them.
Last edited by East Klent on Fri May 15, 2015 9:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45


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East Klent
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Founded: Jan 12, 2010
Left-wing Utopia

Postby East Klent » Tue Jun 30, 2015 3:09 am

November 10, 2014
11:45 P.M.


Stevens was laid back on the weathered-brown leather sofa to the left of his office, streaming the latest episode of IQ when Chandler entered, looking rather perturbed. He plopped down onto the chair facing the sofa and let out a long, exacerbated sigh. Stevens attempted to ignore his presence for as long as possible, but it was apparent that Chandler wanted his attention quite urgently for he continued to sigh until Stevens sat up and faced him, "Need an inhaler, do ya?"

His subordinate did not answer, instead he just tossed a newspaper to him, "Well someone's moody today."

Once Stevens read the headline, he to let out a long, exacerbated sigh, "For fuck's sake..."

It was an extra edition of The Klent Times and the headline story was about President Willows' recent veto of the New Klent Statehood Act which would have granted the Colony the status of statehood and thus full representation in the three houses of congress. However the president and Governor Stuart of the Colony were not on the best of terms, and the veto was certain not to improve relations.

"They want me and the veep to go back, again!" Chandler angrily exclaimed.

He and Vice-President Conald Fredricks were sent to New Klent as negotiators to layout the groundwork for a referendum on statehood, needless to say they were successful; and now his older brother nullified all that they did with the stroke of a pen; and now he wanted the two to go back and see if they could smooth things over.
'
"What does he think he's accomplishing?" Stevens asked rhetorically as he threw the paper aside, "First Brasilistan, and now this. He's killing the lead he had."

2015, the next year, was a presidential election year, and until recently, the president appeared to be unstoppable in the polls.

"I wonder what dad thinks," Chandler murmured.

Stevens laughed heartily, "Your dad hated the Colony when he was stationed there, he probably got out the stamp himself!" They chuckled.

After a moment of silence, Chandler adopted a grim tone, "You read what Stuart said?"

Stevens nodded begrudgingly, "It's just empty rhetoric, he can't possibly think anyone would support succession." Governor Stuart implied that if Willows was reelected, New Klent would seceded from the United Republic.

"What if it's not just empty rhetoric?"

"If that's the case, then I think I'll need a scotch," he said with a smirk and went over to his cliche globe bar, opened it and poured himself a glass.

Still slumped in the chair, Chandler heckled him, "How do you still have a liver?"

"It's all in the genes kid."

"Cirrhosis, isn't it?"

Stevens trudged back over to the couch, "Yeah, you got me."

"Prognosis?"

"A week."

"Well, we better finish that decanter in a hurry, then," Chandler pulled himself up and got a drink.

Stevens raised his glass, "Here, here!"
Last edited by East Klent on Mon Nov 30, 2015 9:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45


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East Klent
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Founded: Jan 12, 2010
Left-wing Utopia

Postby East Klent » Wed Jul 20, 2016 11:07 pm

June 30, 2015
2:00 P.M.


Stevens' life had been rather mundane over the past several months; he just voted on proposals, filled out paperwork and occasionally ventured over to the Stranger's Bar for a drink and some company. One would think that he would be bored, but he relished in this tranquility. He did not have to go on any clandestine missions, defenestrate any fellow delegates, or, best of all, go back home.

The politics of any election year could be annoying, but this year it had become overwhelming. You had Governor Dockard who was batshit crazy to any reasonable observer; Senator Jones left the Republican Party due to said Governor, and the President was seemingly committing political suicide at every possible opportunity. Yes, Stevens was more than happy to remain in the 'festering snake-pit' and avoid what he called "Indecision 2015."

Chandler, on the other hand, was not so lucky. He and Vice-President Conald Fredricks had been sent on yet another goodwill visit to the Colony, to try and smooth over relations. However, with Chandler's older brother vetoing the Statehood Bill, and the war of words between him and Governor Stuart, this was not likely to work, just as it had not the first several times.

Ben Mason had been on vacation in Grays Harbor, and was set to return today, but Stevens and yet to see him, "Probably still at the airport flirting with the stewardesses," Stevens answered sarcastically when Eira asked after Mason's whereabouts.

"I wouldn't doubt it, that man could talk the ear off of Gratwick herself," she agreed.

"He has, actually," Stevens laughed.

The phone on Eira's desk began to ring so she went to answer it. Stevens leaned back in his chair, put his feet up on the desk and turned on the television; the news was covering the protests outside the defense talks with the Carlsvadians, "I hope Cash knows what he's doing."

Stevens knew that this regime was not the same that had murdered so many of his countrymen with the Mostrovites, but he could not help a sense of distrust and disappointment, It's almost as if we fought for nothing, he thought to himself, a sentiment shared by many back in Klent. Yet he also knew that this agreement would be vital to Klent's security in these tumultuous times.

He changed the channel to the 74th World Cup. Though Klent's national soccer team had not been fielded this year (or any year, for that matter) he still enjoyed watching the 'beautiful game'. At the very least, it was more entertaining than Klentian politics or whatever WA business the Kennyites decided to broadcast.

Just as he had gotten into the game, Eira returned, but something was off; she was pale and visibly shaken. Stevens stood up, "What's wrong?"

"That was Peter, just now... his... his son, and he said that the... um... plane-"

"No," Stevens shuddered.

"It-it crashed ab-bout an hour after it left Aberdeen..."

"Ben..."

Eira looked down and slowly shook her head before beginning to sob. Stevens quickly went over to her and took her in his arms.

Ben... how... could this happen? Why... him... not him... Grief and shock overtook him as tears began running down his face.

Ben Mason - his mentor, friend, brother, a wonderful soul - was dead.


In memory of actor Roger Rees (1944-2015) RIP.
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45


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East Klent
Minister
 
Posts: 3002
Founded: Jan 12, 2010
Left-wing Utopia

Postby East Klent » Wed Aug 03, 2016 7:23 pm

Half an Hour Later

The other end of the line rang as Stevens waited for Chandler to answer; he stared blankly at his desk as he did. His thoughts came to a memory from 1987, when Stevens was working under Mason at the Grant & Stawling law firm.

He was preparing for his first trial as the lead attorney. He was defending a client that was accused of murdering his neighbor over loud music. The client was, without a doubt, guilty. He was caught laughing over the body, carving knife in hand. Yet, neither the arresting officers or the investigators informed the man of his rights. He was an older gentleman who had just moved from Stoniaso and thus spoke almost no English, the lingua franca of Klent.

In fact, the only reason he had any representation whatsoever was because Mason himself was at the precinct on another case and noticed the man being interrogated without an attorney present. He waltzed into the interrogation, put on an act of indignation at not having been contacted about the fact that 'his' client had been under arrest. The dumbfounded detectives looked on as Mason took the Stoniasoan man out of the chair and to the front desk, got out his checkbook and paid the man's bond. This maneuver has since been named a 'Mason bail' within G&L circles.

Mason, due to his controversial involvement handed the case over to his protege, Stevens. Even though the two men were only separated by two years, Mason's intellect and exuberant personality had given him a father-like quality, and lord knows Stevens needed a father figure. As with a Jedi and his apprentice, Mason and Stevens' relationship was both fraternal and paternal, and they got along the moment they met.

Stevens was struggling to come up with an opening statement when Mason noticed his colleague's writer's block, "Cat got your typewriter?" he asked in his usual over-jovial tone.

"That's not how the saying goes," Stevens had grunted in response, barely glancing above the blank piece of paper that laid in the typewriter.

"Well, it most certainly does now," Mason had now adopted a pretentious tone as he dropped into the couch beside Stevens' desk.

Stevens could not help but chuckle, "Alrighty then, Mr. Improv, how's about you write this thing."

"I'm afraid I can't dear boy; I have orders from on high to stay as far away from this case as I can, something about how I had 'already interfered enough', or some such nonsense."

"Imagine that," Stevens muttered.

"It boggles the mind, it does," Mason continued to feign ignorance.

"Oh, I'll tell you what boggles the mind; how am I expected to defend a guy who was found with the murder weapon in his friggin' hand and covered in blood! Laughing to boot!"

Mason gave his younger friend an empathetic smile, "Having a moral conflict, are we?"

"No, I just don't see a way to win this thing," Stevens answered, exasperated.

Mason was rarely serious, but his face had suddenly turned sterner, "Jarred, it is not our job to 'win' cases."

Stevens raised his brow, "What is it then?"

"To defend our clients to the best of our abilities, and ensure that they are treated fairly; beyond that, it is our job to defend the law from those who would abuse it for their own purposes."

Stevens remained silent.

"Mr. Carmine did kill his neighbor, that is true, but what is also true is that the policemen - who took an oath to uphold the law I might add - arrested, charged and questioned him without once telling him he could seek the help of an attorney or the services of a translator. Or that he could remain silent throughout the interrogation if he so wished."

He rose from the couch before he continued, "While in this case, they did arrest the right man, if we allow this instance of denial of human rights, what is there to stop the police from not informing any future defendant of their rights? What is there to stop them from abusing their power in other ways, such as killing the innocent without the bother of due process?"

He had started pacing at this point, "It is our obligation as citizens of Klent to defend the law, even from those who claim to enforce it, for if we don't Jarred, we bring upon ourselves the pain and despotism wrought by those corrupt individuals."

There was a brief period of silence before Stevens spoke, "I haven't been able to write an opening statement for two days now, and you just rattle one off the top of your head in five minutes?"

"I really am quite something," Mason smirked.

Stevens would have been annoyed were it not for the fact that Mason had just given him the best opening statement of his career.

And that would not be the last time that Mason affected his career; it was Mason himself who had convinced him to accept President Ramon Jupoi's offer to be appointed as the WA Delegate for Klent. Now, as he sat in an office he would never have had without Ben Mason, he could not believe that he was gone. He would not believe it. He was convinced that Mason would come stumbling into the office, having drank the Stranger's Bar dry.

Yet, the more the line rang, the more Stevens realized that his friend, his dear, dear friend, was never coming back.

The line finally clicked, "Stevens? Do have any idea what time it is here?" Chandler's frustrated voice answered.

"It's Ben."

Stevens' tone made Chandler realize something was very wrong, "What happened?"

Chandler remained silent as Stevens explained the plane crash, and how all aboard had perished. He was too much in shock to speak.

"I can call your brother if-"

"I'll call Cash, you've got too much on your plate to deal with calls," Chandler offered.

Stevens coughed to hold back the impulse to cry, "Thanks."

"How's Eira?"

"She didn't take it well. Hell, I didn't take it well, but now she's on her way to the airport; she's going to Peter's to help with the arrangements."

"Most generous person, she is."

"No kidding."

They talked a while longer before hanging up. In the silence Stevens remembered that lesson Mason had given him all those years before. Mason had dedicating his life to protecting the law and the people. But in the end, who protected him?
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45


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East Klent
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Founded: Jan 12, 2010
Left-wing Utopia

Postby East Klent » Tue Aug 23, 2016 11:06 pm

4:00 P.M.

Stevens stood, arms folded, staring at the television which was showing President Willows' statement on the plane crash. He had sent word to Foreign Affairs Secretary Joe Rienburg at the talks in Williamsburg earlier, who told the President. He still did not believe it; Mason, a force of nature - a slightly annoying force of nature - was killed by random engine failure. At least that had been what the recovery team at the crash site had concluded. The official cause would not be announced until a thorough investigation took place.

He was supposed to address the press after the President was finished, but at this moment he could not think of anything to say. Or could he? He could think of years worth of stories and praise he could talk about, but why? Mason wasn't dead, he couldn't be. He was.

As that reality continued to set in, Stevens came to realize just how long he had known Ben Mason; For twenty-nine years the dynamic duo of Stevens and Mason had barreled their way through the worlds of law, espionage, alcoholism and diplomacy. Now, he looked on as the news showed live footage from the crash site, where his friend's life had come to an end.

"Delegate Stevens?" an intern brought him back from thought.

"Yeah?"

"It's time, Sir."

"Thanks Jack."

"Jim."

"Right, sorry."

"That's fine, Sir."

He followed Jim into the hall outside the office where a podium had been set up and several reporters had gathered. As he went behind the podium, he suddenly realized he still did not know what to say. Some reporters took photos with their phones as he stood there, motionless and speechless. Eventually, he was able to speak up.

Image


"As you are no doubt aware, Vice-Delegate Benjamin Mason and his wife Matilda have... have died in a plane crash not far off the coast of Grays Harbor," he paused to gather his thoughts, "We heard from their son, Peter, who was going to greet them at the airport when they returned to Klent. Family, that was the one thing that they held more dear than their country, as it should be..."

The need for scotch was beginning to take hold, but he carried on, "Ben and Matilda lived and breathed public service, always helped those in need and were determined to leave the world a better place than they found it, and I believe that they did."

"Ben never knew a stranger and I think that's what made him such a great diplomat. Matilda too. They were truly the people's servants until the very end."

Stevens could not help but give a slight grin as he thought of a fitting, Mason-esque pun, "The world is a little less assembled without them."

He nodded his thanks and went back into the solitude of his office.
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45


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East Klent
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Posts: 3002
Founded: Jan 12, 2010
Left-wing Utopia

Postby East Klent » Wed Sep 21, 2016 7:13 pm

Apartment 221-A
Ambassadorial Apartments, WAHQ Vicinity
10:20 P.M.


Stevens stood outside on his balcony, glass of scotch in hand. He had hardly touched the drink, a rarity for him. As he looked down onto the dark courtyard, he contemplated death. His best friend was dead. One wife had died, the other had gone missing. His parents died when he was still a kid. Death had followed him his whole life, and until today, he thought he had gotten used to it. The Masons' plane crash was sudden and brutal. Two people who had committed no evil were subjected to terrible fear in their final moments. It was not fair, But since when was death ever fair?

His thoughts were interrupted when his phone rang. He went back inside and saw that it was Chandler calling, "They allowed you to use the phone?"

"It's a sat-phone, it's not going to flummox a jet."

"Be sure that Fredricks doesn't catch you, he's a stickler for the rules, that one."

"You're on speaker, Stevens," the Vice President's voice replied.

"Ah. Hello Mr. Vice President.""

"How're you doing?" Fredricks asked.

"Well, I've had the same glass of scotch in my hand for the past hour."

Chandler and Fredricks were shocked, "That's gotta be a record," Chandler gave a meager chuckle.

"I'm sure it is," Stevens agreed solemnly.

After a few seconds of silence, Fredricks asked, "Any news?

"They handed them over to the families now, and Peter said the service will probably be in a couple of weeks."

"We might have to delay the Batavia talks in that case."

"Conald, you know damn well they wouldn't want that; they'd say that too much was at stake," Stevens said.

"They deserve it though," Chandler insisted.

"Course they do, but Stevens' right, the best way to respect their memory is to do what they would have wanted."

"Wow, never thought I'd live to hear you agree with me."

"These are extenuating circumstances, I doubt it'll happen again."

"Of course," Stevens smirked.

A few more moments passed, "We should be there in three hours," Chandler told him.

"Veep's coming too?"

"I figured you'd need all the help you could get with Eira away," Fredricks explained.

"Probably right; you can help tidy up the office."

"Goodnight Stevens,"

"Goodnight Mr. Vice President," Stevens said with a bit of levity,

"See you soon, Boss."

"See you."

Stevens hung up and stared at the still full glass in his hand, You know Stevens, most people drink when their depressed... he thought.

"Ah fuck it," he said as he put the glass on the coffee table, "Since when have I ever been like most people?"

"Not since I have known you, Gerald."

The southern accent* was enough to send a chill down Stevens' spine, "Not fucking possible."

"Not probable," the voice was now in front of him.

He slowly looked up to the chair across from him and sure enough, there he was staring right back at him with a smirk, "What's the matter old boy? Have you not seen a ghost before?"

"Mason..." Stevens voice was just above a whisper.

"Glad to know you have not yet forgotten me; Tildy was sure the moment I did not come into the office, all memory of me would have left you."

Stevens did not respond, he couldn't. He just sat their with a glazed expression.

Mason's smirk disappeared, "Jarred, I am afraid I do not have much time to talk, so there is something I must tell you; I-"

He was interrupted by a knock at the door. It startled Stevens who looked toward the door. When he turned back, Mason was gone, What the Hell...

The knocking returned, "Jarred?" a muffled woman's voice came through the door.

Stevens eventually stood up and slowly went to the door, still staring at the chair. He opened the door to find Maxine, a neighbor he had been seeing, "Hey, I just heard, how are you?"

"I... um..." he glanced back at the chair.

"Want company?"

"Uh, sure," he let her in and closed the door.

"Want a drink?" she offered.

"Haven't finished my first..." when he looked at the glass on the coffee table, he saw that it was now empty.

"Jarred?" Maxine was concerned by his hazy behavior.

He changed his glance from the glass to her, "Maybe I should have that drink."


*English
IC: The United Republic of Klent, URK, or the United Klentian Republic. Canon Project
Defcon:1 2 3 4 (On Alert) 5

TNN: 6/30/15
The CKDA goes to Congress for ratification and the administration prepares for talks in Batavia.

NEKSE ▲39.63 |NKTSE ▲25.03|GDIE ▲8.45



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