The World Assembly Strangers' Bar

[Brutland and Norden]

"I can see how the people back home would be annoyed, we haven't been very pleased with the latest string of resolutions. This one that just passed isn't particularly popular in some areas of our nation." said Richard. "Caterina has gone already? So now that the geminio have been found, will you all be returning to the United Kingdom immediately?"

"Yeah, and it's likely that we'll follow, but I'm still hoping that we won't," Carol said, the tone of her voice laced with sadness and worry. "Ambassador Spicolli and the Foreign Minister absolutely opposes such move, but the weight of the country and much of the government is against them." She cast her gaze downward, unable to look at Richard. Oh how she will miss him. Perhaps there is some way for them to stay...

[Absolvability]

"Oh, yes, you're right." Elena Petrovna spoke after a short pause. "A, ah, Long Island Iced Tea for me as well then." She smiled. "What is your name?"

-She seemed to take a moment to figure out exactly where the voice was coming from. Antonius smiled, waiting patiently, until she might swivel her eyes around and meet with his own. An unobtrusive gaze, though his eyes were all but gold in color, and quite metallic.-

My name is Antonius Veloci. I'm a drinker... and I represent the Rogue Nation of Absolvability in my free time...

-He laughed, a not so deep voice that somehow still had the ability to carry across a great distance. Constantly aware of that fact, it seems, he couldn't resist occassional urges to look around himself and see who was or wasn't paying attention. Though he suspected he'd be much more comfortable after his drink arrived.-

And you? -He asked, taking advantage of a person recieving their drink and leaving the bar area so that he might sneak behind the row of bar stools and push himself back up onto the one beside Elena Petrovna.- I don't believe I've seen you here before.

-About that time the bar tender was returning. A smile pulled Antonius' thin lips apart as he reached out to take the one Long Island Iced Tea and place a few Absolvability citations upon the bar in its stead. Both drinks came with a straw, but Antonius opted out of the minor convenience and took an appreciative swig.-

[Zemnaya Svoboda]

"Of course you haven't, I've only just arrived here. President Menshikov felt Morozova's ambassador had served his time here, and I've been sent to replace him." She sipped from her cup. "Is it usually this warm around here?"

[Absolvability]

Of course, -He repeated a bit incredulously, though still smiling, figuring she didn't realize that he was a bit new himself.- I've seen you debating some things here and there... I must say you're doing a fine job so far.

-Just small talk really. He no more thought she wanted his opinion than he thought that he should be the one to judge her. Even still, it was nice to talk... to get away from it, though looking around at all the familiar faces he felt decidedly IN it, whatever 'it' was.-

-From the polished bar his hand came, holding the glass of tea up before his eyes for examination. What was he looking for? Not a thing. Upturning it progressively, his mouth struggled to keep up... but managed, just barely, to quaff down the last bit as a droplet crept out of the corner of his mouth and down over his chin. The back of his hand swept it away as he breathed,- OOooooh, that's cooold...

-And, a moment later,- Mm, strong too! Barkeep, let me get another one of those... easy on the tea, eh?

-Eyes coming back to Elena, he laughed,- Warm, is it? I suppose it is... you know, -leaning in closely, as though telling a secret,- I think somebody is making it warm on purpose. To get some environmental bill through.

[Zemnaya Svoboda]

As Elena set down her half-full cup and proceeded to take off her immense coat, she smiled and replied, "That would be very inconsiderate of them. While the environmentalists in Zemnaya Svoboda tend to get most of what they want, we wouldn't let them get away with such exaggeration so they don't try it." Setting down her coat on a convenient peg, she continued, "The State Department gave me this reservation for a hotel room, but I'm not sure how to find it. Do you know where Lomonosov Boulevard is?" She smiled wanly.

[Absolvability]

Inconsiderate?? -Antonius seemed a little distracted, watching the bartender with impatient eyes as the man moved just a little too slowly for his tastes,- Ha, you know, I've had an environmentalist or two call me inconsiderate. Even still, I wouldn't put it past some of these basst...

-The word caught in his throat... or, more precisely, halfway out of his mouth before he must've caught his tongue between his teeth or something. Whatever happened, the word died in the very air, and he quickly developed a serious face. No doubt he hadn't had enough to drink yet.-

You're in luck, incidentally, because I'm definately not normally who you'd want to ask. As it so happens... once you leave this place, you'll be going north for three blocks before making that left. Can't miss the hotel after that... first one you come to, and the biggest building on the street.

-The tender deposited that second drink infront of Antonius and his hand came out to cradle its cool exterior wantonly. The trouble with Long Island Iced Tea, really, was that they were deceptively strong. It was really hard to pace yourself when it tasted so good. Especially as hot as it was! He began gulping it down yet again before, with an air of self-consciousness, he paused to examine Elena's progress on her first drink.-

[Zemnaya Svoboda]

Elena sipped her glass dry and turned to Antonius, "Thanks. Hey are you..." She peered at his hands.

[Absolvability]

-Antonius lifted a brow. Once upon a time... some time ago now, he had made an attempt to joke with a female Ambassador. The joke was of a flirty nature and, though it was indeed a joke, hadn't been recieved so well. Now, as he regarded Elena, he wasn't sure exactly what was happening. A joke of her own? Or was he about to go the wrong way again.- Am I... what? Married?

-Attention returned to his drink... suddenly aware that the condensation puddling across his ringless fingers wasn't as cold as it used to be. Was he catching a buzz? Hard to say, really, it'd been so long since he last drank. He finished the drink, set it back to the bar thoroughly neglected, and leaned towards Elena's stool a bit.- Oh no. No woman would put up with me for that long, -he laughed.-

[Zemnaya Svoboda]

After looking for a few seconds at Antonius' hands, Elena continued, "Do you ... have a, ah, significant other?" She smiled, her cheeks reddening to match her blouse.

[Absolvability]

Nope... not that either, -He offered her a bit of a smile, though feeling a little uncertain of himself in this place. He hadn't really come here to pick anyone up, so to speak, and was certainly aware of all the prying eyes. Politicians were always politicians... even when drunk.-

I take it you're single as well? -He finally managed to say, indicating her blush with a finger and then extending that hand forward to flatten gentle fingers to her cheek, sweeping away towards her neck just beneath her ear.-

[Murray the Evil Skull]

An unspeakably evil, yet distingushed looking skull sat on the bar near the Kawaiian Shrine of the Manifestation. Watching over the happenings of the bar, his eyes glowed a malevolent red as he said to Neville,
"You've been serving Tea again, havent you, Mortal? If you keep it up, it looks like you'll need to rent out cots in the storeroom."

Then the skull turned its malevolent and EVIL attention to the delgate from Absolvability.

"Perhaps you should get a room, Mortal. didn't your mother ever tell you that public diplays of affection are in bad taste, Mortal?"

[Absolvability]

-Whenever a voice eminated from beyond what mortals might consider plausible 'existance' it was disconcerting to mortal ears. Afterall, this skull had no accompanying vocal cords. How exactly was it projecting words into the air, Antonius wondered. And from where? These intonations reverberated more from within his head than it did seem to penetrate his ears.- ... the hell??

-That incoherent question was answered soon enough however, Antonius' eyes finding the source of this 'voice' despite ears not being much help. A distinguished looking skull. How in the world this skull looked distinguished was ineffible... since he... or it... didn't seem to possess any features particularly special or unique to any other skull.- Is my touching her face inappropriate? I wouldn't think you have a stomach to unsettle. Perhaps we will get a room... that isn't your business. Nor it is your business if I intend to hold her hand on the way out.

-Despite his words he was removing his hand from Elena's face, offering her a rather quizzical smile... eyes searching her own to see if she found the skull as disconcerting as he did. Distantly aware that the skull could probably overhear... but a little too buzzed to consciously worry, he again leaned close to Elena to speak a bit more discreetly,- This place is really weird.

[Philimbesi]

"Neville a round for the skull." Nigel called out from his position opposite the floor show. He raised his whiskey in the general direction of all involved. Smiled slightly and took a sip, savoring.

[Absolvability]

And a towel, if this neckless wonder plans on ingesting liquid this evening.

-Antonius laughed, lifting his own glass towards Nigel before drawing it towards his lips in mirror image of the other Ambassador. Eyes moving down, he soon realized that he was empty, and pursed his lips sheepishly at whoever might've been watching.-

Neville, is it? Start me a tab would you? I'll be needing a bottle of Captain Morgan and at least two shot glasses.

-He pushed the tall glass that was no longer of use to him towards the tender's side of the bar as well as a few more citations that would be taken as a tip, since he'd be paying later, and slapped a hand down on the side of him opposite Elena.- Well if it isn't Nigel Youlkin, the "man of many offices." The "inhabitor of unfamiliar chairs." Park yourself on this stool, friend, and lets debate one more issue before the night's over. We badly need to get to the bottom of "This Bottle."

[Philimbesi]

I shall sit and I shall discuss and I will drink. Then later I shall introduce you to the world of single malt scotch. prattle on good sir. Nigel said with a wink.

[Absolvability]

Introduce... haha, yes, that might be in order. I suspect I've visited such lands before, but have only a vague recollection of blurred images and funny smells.

-Antonius recieved the bottle with a gracious nod to Neville, who busied himself collecting the rather large tip... large for a single grab, though Antonius intended to do enough consumption to merit its size. Besides, he couldn't very well appear stingy on his first social venture, could he?-

Speaking of introductions... I'd like you to meet Elena Petrovna, if you haven't already.

-The proper hand gestures accompanied and, once free of their duties, found purpose in handling that newly acquired bottle. Distributing it far more cleanly that he rightfully should have, present condition considered, he poured two shots and nudged one along the bar towards Nigel's future stool.-

[Philimbesi]

With a smile and bit of flourish Nigel took Elana's hand, "Or course Tony the ambassador from Zemnaya Svoboda needs no introduction to me. Charmed as always, Ambassador. " he said.

Nigel slid on to the stool and accepted the drink. He raised it and said "To Debate". Then downed the shot.

"So scuttled the time travel idea I see."

[Cookesland]

"Yeah, and it's likely that we'll follow, but I'm still hoping that we won't," Carol said, the tone of her voice laced with sadness and worry. "Ambassador Spicolli and the Foreign Minister absolutely opposes such move, but the weight of the country and much of the government is against them." She cast her gaze downward, unable to look at Richard. Oh how she will miss him. Perhaps there is some way for them to stay...

Richard paused as the news he had feared was confirmed. What would become of them now? His thoughts were swirling around. He looked at Carol, she was looking down towards the floor of the bar. The clamour and noise of the bar all seemed to merge into a silence. He lifted up her face, looked her in the eye for a moment, and kissed her.

[Absolvability]

Debate? Ugh... -Antonius seemed to want to contradict the toast, but, seeing that Nigel wasn't waiting for anybody, hurriedly brought the other shot glass to his lips and delivered the liquor down the hatch with as much haste as possible. Even still, not a proficient drinker per se, his face wrinkled for a moment following.-

Well, I still don't think it was such a terrible idea. But it definately wasn't worth all that.

[Cats Keep]

A small figure, his ears barely topped four foot, a determined look upon his furry face, strode in to the strangers bar.

"Please, "Scuse me?" He hoped his call out was loud enough to attract someone's attention "Who do I speak to about getting a nation condemned? They ponce on about how they're a member of the World Assembly, but they practise open genocide."

[Zemnaya Svoboda]

The "Iced Tea" seemed to have affected Elena as, after the necessary pleasantries, she yawned and began falling asleep leaning against Antonius...

[Absolvability]

-Easily distracted, he didn't really take notice of Elena drifting off until her head came to rest upon his shoulder. Focused as he was on building a proper buzz the feeling startled him... and his abrupt movement seemed to unsettle her innate balance. Down, down, down, her head went though-- just quickly enough, Antonius brought his arm around her, catching her far shoulder, and erecting her upon the stool that he head might find a more stable resting place upon him.-

-Meanwhile, though the bar was full of ambient noises, occasionally his ears would pluck out a few words of a nearby conversation. Possibly interrupting whatever Nigel was about to say, Antonius thumbed towards the feline addition to the scene,- Now, if you want to talk about terrible ideas, and/or clusterfucks, how 'bout them condemnations?

[Cats Keep]

Khatt stepped up to the man with the lady asleep beside him, his ice green eyes very determined.

"I want to talk about officially condemning The Golden Simatar. They are committing open genocide against part of their populace. Many of the other nations in their region have complained to them about this, and a number have ceased interaction with them, but they continue. They're also in violation of the the Charter of Civil Rights. I looked it up and even I could understand what it said." Khatt said "I have proof!"

[Philimbesi]

Nigel downed yet another shot, agreed he said. The idea has some merit but simply springing on a new form of resolution and trying to jam it all in one tidy package is never the way to do things around here. It's against the very fabric of who we are and what we do.

Nigel turned to the feline, proof of a WA member committing genocide you say?

[Qumkent]

Mongkha, the Khan of Kashgar, formerly the Ambassador of Urgench to the WA and his more nervous than ever assistant Tarmashirin wandered in to the bar. Recent disturbing developments, calling in to question the fabric of reality, had persuaded the CSKU to remove itself from the WA, but the Divan recognised the need to remain in contact with the WA and had decided to instruct one of its all too numerous autonomous vassal principalities to apply for WA membership and make sure that Urgench's voice would still be heard. To that end Mongkha had been made Ambassador of the Principality of Qumkent to the World Assembly and sent back to his much beloved place of work. The application of Qumkent to join the WA was yet to be confirmed, but Mongkha had thought some preliminary work might be necessary.

" Ah Tarmashirin it appears our usual seats are free, ask the Noble Neville to prepare me some Bengen tea will you ? I will have need of the help of mind altering substances to be able to comprehend some of the bizarre things which have been going on around here. "

Tarmashirin, grey with worry and bewilderment, scurried off to the bar to try and catch Neville's attention without speaking above a whisper. Not an easy task.

Mongkha settled himself in the corner of the bar he and the other members of the Urgenchi mission had so frequently made their own, and contemplated the instructions the Department of Foreign Affairs of the CSKU had given him. Minister Nogai, the Khan of Tabagatai, had been quite specific, and indeed had also been rather mystified. A huge list of WA measures to commend or condemn an array of states were before the consideration of the WA, these measures implied deeply unsettling things about the nature of the world which was assembled here, and indeed seemed to take great interest in the playing of some kind of game. Needless to say, Mongkha was highly disturbed by this strange turn of events, and was anxious to make sure that the WA returned to dealing with real issues of universal import.

Tarmashirin returned from the bar with the venerable Khan's Bengen tea. Mongkha stirred it and watched the steam rise from the pinkish infusion. Worries and questions swirled in his mind mirroring the eddies and whirls of the steam.