When Tropics meet the North (Closed)

[AHSCA]

Asuka's eyes widened a bit at the surprising speed and direct surgical precision they could quickly swap the film out for a fresh role. "I'm impressed. Well then certainly, I'm excited to keep grabbing more pictures."

"Hehe that's the spirit!" Marcella praised. Looking out the window again seeing more of the city passing under them. "How much further? Not that i'm not enjoying the view from up here, it's a lovely city."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Thanks, replies Jane to Marcella's compliments. Our final destination is there, you can already see it in the distance."

As she says that, the Grand Duchess points to the north. Surrounded by the 4 or 5 story buildings of the Downtown area, lies a large patch of land surrounded by a 15-meter high wall. In this area, one can see first the Imperial Palace, with its inner courtyards and various aisles, named the Silver Palace for a good reason, for the large cupola gilded in Silver, which reflect the sunlight rays, and the light grey marble stone used to build it, which gives an eery silver glow to the entire structure. The roofs are covered in slate tiles.
Next to it, a hundred meters to the left, one would see a smaller building built in a similar manner, built with the same stones and slate tiles.
Iin the background, various other buildings can be seen as well, apartment building for the most part, as well as a small airfield on the West side, jouxting the wall separating the Compound from the Potomoac River.

"This is the Imperial Compound, explains Jane as she points to the area, with the Silver Palace, the Keiserlig Custos, or Imperial Guard, Headquarters, and the various apartment and service buildings housing the staff and their families. I will tell you more once we arrive there. But for now, please look down below." she asks the group.

And indeed, down below, one would see that the helicopters (which have now slowed down a bit to allow the guests to enjoy the view.) are now overlooking a basin next to the Potomac, with grass and trees surrounding it, and a building with a small cupola on the southern most part, while a bit further on the west side of the basin, another building of a similar size, but with no cupola and a flat roof stands in a garden.
"These two buildings are two of the Primarch Family Memorials," explains Jane to the AHSCAians. "The south one with the cupola is the one honoring the Melnik family, my husband's , and the west one honors the Morozov Family."
" It is also where the crypts housing the remains of the different family members, continues the Secretary of State. Just for reminder, the Primarchs are the five most powerful noble families in the Imperium's nobility, overseeing the other nobles. They're a bit like the Ilkhans of Kyrenaia, to give you a comparison with something familiar to you." finishes Foxter.

[AHSCA]

"Oh yes, I do see it coming up!" Marcella was just eager and excited to get to meet the Royal Family and their gracious hosts. "Crypt you say? Very interesting, a way to continue to honor the passing of your loved ones. Remains intact or cremated?"

"Uh, sis" Gisella put up a bit of a front, "Isn't that a bit morbid of a topic?"

"Well, hehe I suppose it is. Eh feel free to answer or don't answer. It can be a sensitive topic, I realize. Still a nice way to remember those lost, I agree."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Do not be afraid to ask Duchess, replies Jane with a warm smile. Even thoufh death is alwaysa sensitive topic, as followers of the Astarian Star Polytheism, we consider that Ymir, Star of Life and Creation, is also the one overlooking the Afterlife. Therefore, death appears to us as just a transition state, from our physical life to an etheral one.
"That does not mean, of course, that death isn't painful for you when it happens to your loved ones. It still hurts deep down. But as you said Your Highness, it's nice to remember them." Says Michael, to which Jane nods in approval.
Now," continues the Grand Duchess, " the death are either remaining intact or cremated depending on their personal preference. But in those memorials below, no matter which one you choose, you will have a recumbent statue in your image just the same."

As she explains that, the group of helicopters have now moved a bit north, the Potomac now to their left, and now arrives on top of another building, large and rectangular, built in ghe same kind of stone as the Silver Palace. Starting from this building and going eastwards, a large avenue of grass, with a rectangular basin at the start, and some monuments visible along the way, with the avenue ending near a white building with a large cupola.
"We are now overlooking the Blachkor Family Memorial," says Jane as she designates the building to the AHSCAians women. "The resting place of all Emperors and Empresses since the beginnikg of the Empire. Starting from it, this large avenue of grass and trees is the National Mall, a place where people come to meet and have a good time. with many landmarks dotting its sides We'll now fly slowly over it, and I'll give you some insights along the way. Don't worry, you'll get to see it tomorrow during the visit." Finishes the Melnik woman.

[AHSCA]

"You're most correct in that, for certain!" Marcella heartily agreed. And I look forward to seeing it for myself. To see the resting place of your past leaders is something I find fortunate you know. Given there's no real resting place of mine or my sisters, in AHSCA at least, perhaps morose in our father's homeland. National Mall it's very pretty with lots of green. A real symbol for your nation it seems like."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Oh." simply says Foxter with a sad look as Marcella says there's no resting place for her or her sister.
"Anyway, time for the show!".exclaims Jane with a light tone to refocus everyone's attention to the scenery below them, and to lighten up the mood that had dropped a bit in the helicopter's cabin.

With that said, the group of MH-20 and MHA-80 now slowly starts to advance over the Mall.
"So, as you can see below you, we are now over the Blachkor Reflecting Pool," starts the Grand Duchess as she points below them, to the rectangular basin. "On your right, the Korean War Memorial, and on your left, the Vietnam War Memorial.
-And further from the Vietnam War Memorial," continues Foxter as he points to two buildings, "The Imperial Academy of Sciences and the Morozov Building, the Department of State Headquarters building. In other words, my office." Adds the Secretary of State with a small smirk.
- Now, as we continue," follows Jane, " we have the Ymir Gardens to the left, and the Colonial Wars Memorial, to honor the lives lost during the time the Europeans, namely the British, Spanish and French, occupied our land in the 16th century.
And now below us, the World War Two Memorial," finishes the Grand Duchess for now, letting their guests take in the sights and ask questions if they feel the need to...

[AHSCA]

"Quite the history there and many conflicts by the sound of it. What a lovely pool as well, I guess true to its name, it's reflective huh? And your HQ office, very nice."

"Pretty gardens" Gisella praised what she could see from the air. "And Academy of Science, so it's a school for learning the sciences by the sound of it?"

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Glad you like it Duchess, replies Foxter to Marcella. The pool is indeed reflective. As for the many conflicts, that's unfortunately an inevitable part, if not the main part in humanity's history.
As for Acedemy of Science Princess Gisella," continues the Secretary of State as he turns towards Marcella's sister, "contrary to what many people think, it is not a learning centre. Instead, it is an organization where Astarian scientists from various fields of study meet to serve as advisers of the nation on science and technology, whenever called by any government department.
Along with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine, they form the Astarian Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine."

"Now," adds the Secretary of State as he points outside again "the white obelisk you see is the Adrean Blachkor The First Monument, honoring our first Emperor. The obelisk allows visitors to climb to its top by elevator and enjoy the panorama."
Indeed, on the left side of the MH-20, Marcella, Gisella and the rest of their group would be able to see the white obelisk, 171-meter high.

[AHSCA]

"Goodness a tall spire building!" Gisella exclaimed at the monument obelisk. "And so high up too! You really do have many impressive buildings here."

"First Monument is a real tribute by the sound of it." Marcella responded. "Back in our ancestor's time, writings spoke of a very tall tree much like that, that for the time was the center of Duchess Tamura's government. As such that tree is long gone now and our stone palace in place and stone temple."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Thank you for your kind words Your Highnesses," replies Jane to Marcella and Gisella with a small bow of the head. "But to correct you Duchess, the First designates Adrean Blachkor, as he was the first Emperor to be named like that, just like my son is law is named The Third. It is not tied to the monument being first in anything. To be more precise, this particular obelisk was erected in 1855, at the same place where a smaller, granite obelisk was standing a few centuries before, but who was destroyed during the Colonial Wars. The actual one is instead made of reinforced concrete and steel.
Now, we are going to get on the second part of the Mall, so open your eyes." adds the Grand Duchess.

As she talks, the helicopters continue their way along the National Mall, with Jane citing the different monuments as they go.
"First, to your right," starts the Grand Duchess, "the Holocaust Museum and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, responsible for emitting various secure materials for government use, including bank notes. Next to them, the Department of Agriculture Headquarters Building, along with the Federalis Communicatio Commission.
To the left, across them on the other side of the Mall, two buildings of the Vanga Natural History Museum, who belong to the greater Vanga Institution, a scientific institution and union of 19 museums and research centers, named after our deity of Intelligence, Science and Culture.
Going on to the right again, a garden surrounded by three other Vanga museums, one of them the Afro-Amaurican Culture Museum. ehind them, the Headquarters of the Department of Energy and the International Spy Museum.
Across them to the left, the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Arts and the National Archives Museum behind them, where many important documents of the Astarian History are preserved.
To the right again, the Vanga National Air and Space Museum, housing a vast collection of planes and some spacecrafts. Next to them, the Columbia Public Observatory.
Across them to the left, the National Gallery of Art Main Building.
And finally, just before we reach the Capitol Building, the Native Astarian Museum to the right, and the East Building of the National Art Gallery to the left." finishes Jane.

During all the presentation of the different landmarks dotting the sides of the National Mall, the UIS women would clearly see one thing. The buildings, although built in different styles, some more classical with sone and slate or tile roofs, some more modern built with concrete and glass, were not higher than 5 or 6 stories high.
"If you're wondering why the buildings around this area, and in the rest of the Downtown area as well are not higher than that," explains the Secretary of State to the guests, "its because of the 1855 Building Act, who restricted the height of buildings to a certain size, in order to create a harmony in the urban landscape."

[AHSCA]

"I see." Marcella acknowledged about the history of the obelisk. The Arieal tour continued over a museum, another government building which sounded like their printing presses for money, the building for agriculture and another history museum, "This must be a real draw for tourists with many landmarks and educational institutes to learn at. That sounds like a good law. I mean why would anyone want many tall structures to obscure the sun and sky? Well that's me anyway, I know there's plenty of cities with towering buildings in the modern world."

"But many different types of buildings. I guess uniformity is less valued as much as individuality." Gisella added.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"It is indeed one of our major tourists hotspots Duchess, replies Jane to Marcella. Although the Department buildings can't be visited, they still are eye-catching.
As for the different types of buildings Princess, she continues as she turns to Gisella, it shows what we are. From Many, One, in Strength and Brotherhood says our national motto. From afar, it appears the buildings are all the same, but when you come closer, you realize that they also unique, each one in their own way.
Anyway, we are now arriving to the center of the federal legislative branch of the Federalis Imperium, the Astarian Capitol, which houses the Congress, composed of the Represae Huset and the Forsta Styres, or respectively the House of Representatives and the Senate." finishes Jane as she points outside again.

Indeed, below the AHSCAian eyes now appears in all its glory, the Astarian Capitol Building. Its grey and white tone reflecting the daylight in its surroundings, its massive dome at the center, the stairs leading to it, the gardens and park surrounding the building, everything in it screamed of grandeur, yet humbleness. Contrary to other buildings though, the roof was green in color, most likely from copper tiles.
To the right, aka the south side, one would see three other buildings, each one 5-story high, with an inner courtyard, aligned in a row, and to the left, aka the north side, three other buildings as well, but with a slightly different designs.
"This is the Capitol, says Foxter to the guests. The South Wing, the one closest to us, houses the House of Representatives, the lower house, while the North Wing houses the Senate, the Upper House. The buildings you see on each side are the office buildings used by their members. The south ones for the Representatives, the north ones for the senators. To get from their office to the chambers proper, they can either cross the road or take an underground passageway.
And finally, located between those two sets of offices, two other buildings who also belong to the greater Capitol Complex, the Headquarters of the Astarian Supreme Court, the head of our judiciary branch, and the Library of Congress, where major works in literature, music and cinema are conserved." explains the Secretary of State.

[AHSCA]

"Oooh very similar to Kuronami's motto though there's is a lot shorter." Gisella nodded. They passed over the Capitol building and a lovely building it was. "Your center of Government." Marcella nodded with a smile. "The heartbeat of your entire country. So your nation operates a bicameral system, very different from us, you well know we're a unicameral system. You just learned that in your own lessons, haven't you, Gisella?"

"That's right, we did study the pros and cons of various systems between uni and bi." Gisella responded

""And your national library, where all your fine works are preserved." Marcella continued

"That's great, a place to put all your national treasures and great works of culture and art and history!"

"And a high court too. Important."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Indeed, this area, along with the Imperial Compound where the Silver Palace is located, is the political, cultural heart and brain of the Federalis Imperium." replies Jane with a proud smile. "Although just to clarify, not all works we produce are conserved here, only the major ones that are selected. Don't worry though, we have plenty of other buildings and warehouses that help us in that task, along with computer servers." clarifies the Grand Duchess.
"And since it is an important area for our country, continues Michael, it is therefore well protected. Do you see the little platforms here and there that seem to spin and follow our path?" he asks as he points to some small structures on some roofs, as well on the ground. "They're SAM, or Surface-to Air Missiles platforms. If someone would try to attack from the air, he would have a bad time." explains the Secretary of State.

As they talk, the group of transport and attack helicopters now turns to the left in a U-turn, now having the Mall once again to their right.
"We will now see the last main landmark before we land, the Columbia District City Hall, where the Mayor works. Just so you know, the actual Mayor is in fact the Dowager Empress, Adrean's mother, Agatha Blachkor. To clarify, she wasn't appointed by her son, but she ran as candidate for election this Spring. And she won." finishes Jane.

"So Miss Kotobuki, having fun taking pictures so far?" asks Foxter to the young journalist. "I hope you're making good use of the additional films we gave you." adds the Scretary of State with a smile.

[AHSCA]

"SAM Batteries around your capital, makes sense. Well protected it seems." Marcella acknowledged.

Asuka nodded "Getting plenty to fill a whole scrap book full! Anyway I think I have plenty of good arieal shots, so I can't wait to get some good shots from the ground, including of Miladies Duchess and Princess. Thanks for the bump on film stock, I appreciate it."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Indeed, the capital is sometimes nicknamed the Porcupine District, because of all the defensive measures and military units stationed there, "replies Jna with a small chuckle.

"Glad to hear, that Miss Kotobuki," replies Foxter with a smile to Asuka. "Anyway, look down below while you're at it, here's the City Hall."

Indeed, below the helicopters, now reveals itself another building, built in the same silver-white stone as some others they've passed before, his roof flat in certain places, but mostly covered by red tiles. Located just a few streets north, and behind of the Mall, it was a bit difficult at first to catch him entirely
5 stories-high, in a U-shape, large stairs leading to a grand entry, with a large courtyard dominated by a large fountain at the center, the Columbia District City Hall was really a sight to behold. If the AHSCAians paid attention, they would be able to see some cards on the southern (rear) side of the building, getting in and out of an underground parking garage.
Around the building and into the Courtyard, some people were seen walking around, going about their day, or instead having their phones raised in the air, most likely to tak pictures of the helicopters.

"This is the Columbia District City Hall," introduces Jane with pride in her voice. "The center of this bustling metropolis. And facing it on the other side of Ymir Avenue, the Silver Portal, or the main entry gate of the Imperial Compound."

And indeed, on the other side of the large avenue, a 15-meter high wall stands proudly, with guardtowers every twenty meters or so, Astarian flags flying proudly over them.
Just across the City Hall and its Courtyard, a large portal, 11 meter high and 8 wide, set into a gate of stone, and flanked by two towers, with on the front, statues representing a Silver Eagle and an Astarian Wolf, two of he Imperium's endemic animals.
As for the Silver Portal, (actually plated in stainless steel mostly, with only a few silver parts.), on it can be seen what some people may recognize as the Keiserlig Seal, or Imperial Seal: a Silver Eagle, his head turned to the right, holding a sword in one of its talons and a crossbow in the other, and in his beak, a banner reading the Imperium's motto, but in Astarian.

[AHSCA]

"And a fine center this is!" Marcella responded.

"And it seems we're drawing a bit of an audience!" Asuka noticed from the zoom of her camera the dots of people looking to catch gimpses of the areal entourage. She continued to snap pictures of the other attractions and sights pointed out to them.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Glad you like it Your Highness," replies Jane to Marcella. "We are soon going to land, time to snap some final pictures Miss Kotobuki," adds the Grand Duchess to Asuka.

With that said, the helicopters are now losing a bit of altitude, and pass slowly over the Wall, now hovering over the ground of the Imperial Compound.
Below them, one can see that the paved road going from the Portal quickly separates in two, one going to the left, towards the Keiserlig Custos Headquarters, the four story building with black slates tiles being visible a few hundred meters away.
Going to the right though, is the path leading to the Silver Palace, flanked by tall, maple trees, and some statues as well.
All around, one would see an impecable, well trimmed lawn, with some bushes here and there.

As the four MHA-80 Wendigos now break apart from the formation, going towards the small airfield located at the Northwest of the Compound, the three MH20 continue following the path, where after a few seconds (or two hundred meters), the treeline stops, and now reveals the Silver Palave Couryard in all its glory.
To the left, a large fountain, representing a young woman, in a simple, white sleeveless dress, holding a sword in her right hand and a basket of fruits in her left hand.
To the right, another fountain, this one representing a man in armor, with a light beard, holding a crossbow and aiming down the sights.

And finally, the guest's destination, the Silver Palace. If it had seem large and grand from afar, seeing it up close would only reinforce that feeling.
As previously said, it was built in a very special kind of grey-white marble with a slight silver glow seemingly emanating from it.
The front entrance was very similar to what someone would think of when they first heard the word Imperial Palace, with a set of large stairs leading to a set of massive wodden doors, currently opened. There were also columns supporting a balcony overlooking the entrance
And finally, now taking the main part of someone's view if they were to raise their eyes up, the Silver Dome, located just after the entrance aisle it seemed.

On the roof, some flagpoles were located, currently flying the UIS flag.
And in the courtyard, a red carpet was going from the Palace's entrance to a few meters away from the helicopters, flanked on either sides by three rows each of Imperial Guards in their armor, their Ensidur swords and daggers strapped to their backs, their black capes worn over their backs, and their Langasta lances held straight at their sides. They wear also wearing their Keiserlig helmets which concealed their faces.
Additionally, they were also carrying some modern equipment, as each one had his pistol strapped to his right thigh, and an M14 rifle slung around their chest.
Near the entrance, a military fanfare ready to play, all of them in Imperial Guards Dress Uniforms as well.

"All right everyone, last stop!" exclaims the Secretary of State in a joking tone as the MH-20 finally touches the ground, and the two Imperial Guards who had been riding with them stand up and open the door and unfold the stairs, before getting out and standing on either side of the helicopters.
"Your Royal Highnesses, Miladies," adds Jane to the UIS women, "welcome to the Silver Palace." says the Grand Duchess as she stands up, before inviting them to follow her out of the helicopter.

[AHSCA]

Asuka snapped off a few more pictures from the air before they landed. Everyone firmly readied themselves as they came in for their nice landing. A sight to behold as they could see their flag fly atop a pole. How kind and thoughtful of them. The grand palace before them was imposing but welcoming at the same time. This was a very different place from back home. Asuka inquired if it would be all right to snap a few photos of it, given sometimes certain buildings are more restrictive about what photos can be taken. She of course snapped pictures of The Duchess and Princess as they emerged from the chopper.

The band struck up to play a welcoming tune for them. "A pleasure to be here. And what a marvelous Palace this is!" Marcella praised.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Of course you can snap a few photos of it," replies Jane to Asuka. "Don't worry, we'll tell you when we get to sensible places or when secret talks happen." adds the Grand Duchess to the young journalist.

Indeed, as soon as the Duchess and the Princess step out, the Keiserlig Custos Band starts to play the UIS anthem, as a way to welcome their guests.
At the same time, on a command from their commanding officers, both rows of soldiers flanking the red carpet swith to Present Arms with a precision and coordination one would expect more from robots rather than humans.
And finally, as the group steps on the red carpet and advances towards the Main Entrance of the Silver Palace, at the top of the stairs appear from the opened set of wooden double doors three persons.
The first one is a two-meter tall man, apparently looking in his early to mid-fifties, with short black hair, a small beard and goatee, and green eyes. He's currently wearing the summer version of the Imperial Guard Service Uniform, consisting of a dark green, short sleeved shirt, a pair of dark green pants with a silver and red stripe, and black shoes. His short-sleeved shirt has also a nice row of ribbons and badges over his left pectoral, and they also allow to see some tatoos on both of his muscled arms. And finally, strapped to his right thigh, a Masada 35 pistol in a holster.
The other figure is a woman, apprently in her middle to late forties, with long black hair reaching to the middle of her back, and golden-brown eyes. She's currently wearing a version of the Jarningur, the traditional clothes of the Imperium, consisting for her in a dark blue, ankle-length skirt, a cream-colored blouse with a navy-blue sleeveless vest over it, and brown boots.
And finally, the last one is another man, 2.01 meter tall, with short black hair and a right blue eye, the other one covered by an eyepatch. Also looking in his mid-fifties, wearing a simple apparel consisting of a green polo shirt, with a military plate carrier on top, an Nix Grevling PDR attached to it. Completing the apparel, a pair of dark-grey jeans with a pistol strapped to his right thigh as well, and hiking boots.

As these two figures emerge from the doorway, they exchange a few smiles from afar with Jane and Michael, before going down the stairs and advancing towards the group. After a few steps, they meet them a few feet away from he stairs.
"So, did they enjoyed the flight?" asks the woman to Jane in English.
"They did Agatha, they did." replies the Grand Duchess, before turning to the guests. "Your Royal Highnesses, Miladies, may I introduce to you Her Imperial Majesty Agatha Blachkor, mother of the Emperor, Dowager Empress of the Imperium, and current Mayor of Columbia District."
"A pleasure to meet you Your Highnesses, and you Ladies as well." says Agatha as she takes a small bow.
"This fine gentleman is her concubine and bodyguard, Colonel Bradley Myers." continues Jane as she points to the eyepatch man.
"Your Highnesses, Ladies, welcome to the Silver Palace." replies Myers with a small bow as well.
"And finally, this fine gentleman in a uniform is none other than Magnam Stoher, or Grand Duke, Constantin Melnik. General of the Imperial Guard, and my husband." finishes the Grand Duchess with a smile as she looks to her spouse.
"Duchess, Princess, Miladies, in the name of the Astarian Keiserlig Custos, I welcome you to the Federalis Imperium and the Silver Palace. I hope you will enjoy your stay with us." says the General as he takes a bow too with a smile.

[AHSCA]

"We thank you for the warm welcome and the lovely flight over." Marcella thanked, "the areal tour of the city was a wonderful idea for all of us to really get to see the whole city and the many sights it has to offer."

Asuka snapped a few pictures of their greeting.

"Thank you for having us." Gisella also thanked politely.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"You are very welcome Duchess Villa," replies Agatha as she extends her hand towards the Palace in an inviting gesture. Please, follow us inside, we have some refreshments and snacks ready if you want some."
And with that, the Dowager Empress/Mayor turns back towards the Palace, followed by the rest of their small group. Behind them, they can hear the helicopters powering their engines again, ready to take off and go away.

After climbing the stairs, passing under the balcony and through the wooden double doors, where one can see they are engraved with silver and bronze, representing stars in a circle, the group now enters the Entrance Lobby of the Silver Palace.
Rectangular in shape, about fifteen by ten meters, the two main things that would catch the eye first would be the floor and the ceiling.
The floor first, was a mosaic of different kinds of marble, silver grey and blue-grey, in wavy patterns, and arranged in a circle, twelve stars made of brass.
The ceiling on the other side, was a bas-relief made of different kind of woods, with different colors, (all natural, not painted.) representing the arrival of the first Astarian settlers on the coasts of America a millennium ago, proud Vikings getting off their ships and taming the lands, and meeting with the first Natives.
"If you look carefully "explains Agatha to the guests as she points to the ceiling, "you'll see that the bas relief is not made in one piece, or even small pannels assembled together, but they are in fact made of tiny pieces of wood carefully put together, like a mosaic. By choosing different kind of woods, with different colors, we are able to give a feeling as if this was a painted work where it's not. This kind of wood mosaic is the Imperium's cultural pride."

As for the walls, they would be made of white stone and stucco, with some woods engravings as well depicting plant and animals themes, such as a humming-bird drinking nectar from a flower, or an Astarian Wolf playing with his pups...
To the sides and the back of the Entrance Lobby, three sets of wooden double doors would reveal corridors leading to other parts of the Palace.
And finally, in the room as well, some handmaidens and servants would be there, also wearing the Jarningur, (with a dark green shirt, black skirt or pants, grey sleeveless vests and black dress shoes, these colors showing their employment by the SIlver Palace.), with some carts holding trays of snacks and refreshments for the guests. And let's not forget some other Imperial Guards in their black Dress Uniforms, standing at attention with their M14 at their sides.

"So, Duchess, Princess, Miladies, if you are hungry or thirsty, please help yourselves." says Constantin as he points to the snaks and drinks with an inviting gesture.

[AHSCA]

Everyone admired the lovely interior. The lobby alone was enough to make it worthwhile and they were told some of what really made up the decoration of this palace. Tales of vikings, early natives and other settlers especially were a sight to behold. "It's simply wonderful, the artistry and craftsmanship into the wood! And everything else of course." Marcella praised. Asuka snapped a few photos of everything and of course the Duchess and Princess.

"Thank you, I certainly don't mind if I do." Marcella grabbed a beverage, Gisella politely declined , "Thank you but, my stomach is a bit in knots from the flight over."

"I'm sure that will settle soon enough." Marcella replied to her sister. "In the meantime just relax and allow yourself to get settled in. And you three," Marcella acknowledge to her two guards as well as Asuka "I'm sure our hosts would also be all right if you felt the need for something, so feel free."

"Thank you, Milady." Her guards politely replied. In time they would but for now they held off. Asuka also was fine for the time being.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Thank you for your kind words towards this fresco, replies Agatha to Marcella with a warm smile and a nod. In the meantime, do you have anymore questions about the Silver Palace while we wait a bit more?" asks the Dowager Empress.
Meanwhile, Michael, the Secretary of State, has approached the cart of drinks and taken out of an ice tray a can with the words "Aquila Energy" written on it, before opening it and taking a long drink from it. Once that is done, he grabs another can of diet coke, before going back towards the Duchess, the Princess and the Dowager Empress. He hands the can to Agatha, who thanks him with a nod.

At the same time,Jane and Constantin have also picked drinks too, a can of diet coke too for the Grand Duchess, and a simple glass of strawberry syrup and water for the General.
With their drinks in hand, the Melnik Couple approaches the group formed by Asuna, Sayaka and Asuka.
"So, Ladies," stars Constantin with a smile to the two guards and the young journalist, "I hope the security measures you've seen so far satisfy you. In the meantime, if you have additional questions, about the Guard or anything, don't hesitate to ask."

[AHSCA]

"None at present. I'm certain we'll be hearing more of this time but if anything pressing comes up, I'll be sure to ask. I do agree your security is more than adequate, I was hardly concerned but you have really gone out of your way to really secure this. Maybe a bit overkill, I hardly think I'm that valuable of a target for a would-be-assassin." Even Marcella could have a bit of a dark side of her humor.

"As such, we'll continue to be vigilant for you, Milady." Asuna countered, flatly. It wasn't her job to question that after all, her job was to protect Milady Duchess and protect her she shall.

"Forgive my bit of gallows humor." Marcella apologized "Once in a while I do let it slip out at inopportune times. But yes, I'm appreciative."