Stories from Astyria

[Aurora Confederacy]

OOC thread found HERE

Astyria is a land of extremes, from the hot desert plains of Riysa and ViZion to the tropical jungles of the Blackhelm Confederacy, or even to the polar tundra of Nouvel Ecosse and the Aurora Confederacy, this RP covers it all. The regional news board quotes "Welcome to Astyria, a region of vast, ancient continents and wide-ranging cultures, both young and old. There is plenty for new explorers to conquer", to this We ask, Are you that explorer?, well why not come and find out.

As well as the diverse geography, residents of Astyria are just as diverse yet Astyria has many possibilities as well as places in which to settle with each place as diverse and different as its neighbour from Riysa and its islamic culture, to the easy going and relaxed culture of the Aurora Confederacy.

Like social RPs across NS, this one is about character buildings rather than wars or terrorism, mass plagues and pestilence, however its scope may range from the halls of power where leaders meet leaders, engage in diplomatic talks to discuss travel without borders or the price of bread, or maybe the small cafe tucked away on an alleyway somewhere, serving what could be said as being the finest cappucinos. Will Astyrian Nations manage to flesh out diplomatic deals with other nations? Will visitors to the region get to see the pomp and circumstance of ceremonies such as opening of parliaments, even a royal wedding who knows what lies in store. Can diplomats and bureaucrats bring in political harmonisation?, can foreigners settle and thive in this land of opportunity?, that is all down to you!

Getting Around Astyria is easy, with most of the major nations within the central area connected by Astyrail, providing rapid(ish) transport between capital cities on japanese style Shinkanesen, or you could take the vast interstate highways that cover the country, for once you are in Astyria, you need not be confined to one part such as Nouvel Ecosse, Nikolia or the Aurora Confederacy... You can be that holiday maker, that truck driver, the sales rep and travel the nation, the choice is yours!

To Join: sign up here

[Gaveria]

Gaius Claudius Scipio

Senatus Turrim
Nova Roma, Aurelia
XXV Mensis Maii, anno CCCIII publicae
1200 hours

Politics in Rome depended not on your policies or character nor on your promises or honesty but on your family. Life in the Republic centered around blood ties and bloodlines and in a country dominated by an almost impractical obsession with family; who you were related to was of the utmost importance.

If you came from a family of trustworthy and wealthy public servants then your entry into politics was almost guaranteed to be swift and without scandal; come from the opposite end of the spectrum and find yourself beset by challenges and obstacles at every single turn.

Fortunately for Gaius Claudius Scipio; he came from a family of not only public note but of tremendous wealth. Gaius came from the Claudii, a clan of Aurelians of immense political and monetary power. The Claudii had since the founding of the Republic been integral public servants; known the world over for their commitment to virtues of Rome and it's people. In the last two hundred years alone they had produced an incalculable number of senators,praetors and consuls; a fact that only served to enhance their reputation as men of the Republic; as patricians of the old type and a family firmly rooted in the traditions of old.

As a family of tradition and honor; it was mandated by the gods themselves that the cursus honorum be observed in it's entirety for all aspiring politicians of the Claudii clan.

Which was why Scipio was attached to Lucius Julius Marius; a Senator of the Republic only six years older than Scipio himself but a man who also came from a respectable and proper roman family who respected the traditions of old. Marius was elected a senator of the Republic during the last round of elections in 2012 and needed a political adjutant after his last one had been caught up in the scandal provoked by Eduardo Snow's whistle blowing.

Scipio's father had asked Marius's father to guide his son in his entry into the political circles of Rome and Marius elder had volunteered his son to the task as was expected. In Rome; one was groomed for politics from the beginning not elected an pushed into the flames without a clue as in other less civilized nations.

Gaius Claudius Scipio was to accompany Senator Marius practically everywhere he went and learn everything there was to learn from him while he could. If law and custom permitted it; he would attend every meeting,every encounter and become a permanent fixture of the Senator's entourage until it was time for him to obtain a office of his own.

It was this unique patronage that had Scipio waiting in the living room of Marius' apartment in Rome as the Senator dressed and prepared for the days business. Residential buildings in the capital were limited by the city's planning commission which itself was appointed by the Senate directly; and as a result only the most important politicians lived in their own houses and those that didn't rented mansions,houses and apartments from those families that didn't need them which was what Marius was doing.

Scipio stood up as the bedroom door opened and revealed his mentor for the past six weeks. Marius was the exact opposite of Scipio; where Gaius was short and stocky, Marius was tall and athletic; where Gaius possessed a sparsely kept head of raven colored hair and possessed dark mysterious eyes, Marius kept his golden hued locks cut tight to his head and his deep blue eyes made him appear less mysterious and more enchanting, atleast to the womenfolk who he pursued relentlessly while Gaius tried his best to avoid their attentions.

''Marius, to what business do we attend to today?'' Scipio inquired passively. He was the student and in no position to offend the Senator who was his superior in almost every way.

''We attend to the business of the Republic. The princeps senatus is insisting on trying our dear friend Eduardo Snow in the Senate and I have to attempt to dissuade him before testimony condemns to many of our peers to political death. ''

Marius was always nonchalant about everything, no matter how serious but the capture of Snow had brought about a serious change in him and alot of other senators. Snow had leaked documents that linked dozens of senators to a massive corruption scandal, a scandal that he had only barely dodged by using his former political attache- a poor young lad without the connections to dodge the charges and the political wit to not rat on anyone else-to do his dirty work for him.

''The man should be brought to justice before the senate; his crimes were against the senate and it is before them that they should be judged.''

''No. He should be judged by a tribunal appointed by the presiding magistrate as the law and precedent explicitly states. If he brought before the Senate; then the senators who weren't caught in the scandal will turn the trial into a witch hunt to attack their enemies and the ones who were implicated and managed to keep their office will try to end the trial as quickly as possible.We have to keep the focus on Snow as a traitor and not as a champion of a free and open government. Now let's get going before we opportunity passes from fucking horizon.''

[Aurora Confederacy]

Peace Valley,
Scorpio Mirala's residence,
8km from the airport
Thursday
18:00
Auroran Local Time

Scorpio Mirala, used to being on the road and has been doing so since she was 21 doesnt need a great deal of space to live in, as such her home is a small static caravan on the outskirts of Peace Valley, as she wakes up a Trans Polar Airlines service makes its final approach to the airport, flying directly overhead and not very high, it however does not disturb Joanne, however Ravage does.

When Scorpio gets up, Ravage, a 3 year old Bichon Friese terrier, follows Scorpio into the kitchen and grabs a toy before heading back into the bedroom where she jumps on the bed and drops the toy on Joanne's face before sitting down across from Joanne, letting out a high pitched yap, Joanne groans and opens her eyes before looking at the clock [18:00], she yawns and Ravage barks again before moving closer to lick Joanne's face, after which she picks the toy up again and drops it ON Joanne's head. The toy is a small soft ball about the size of a tennis ball, so Joanne reaches for the ball and hurls it down the caravan, does Ravage go and chase after it?

NO! she just sits there wagging her tail with a wide eyed look on her face, "Ravage leave me alone" groans Joanne, this however goes unheeded by the little dog as Ravage just curls up against Joanne, her neck on top of Joanne's arm, tail half-arsed wagging as she waits for Joanne to get up, though she soon makes a move when she hears breakfast being prepared.

Scorpio by this stage is wearing Jeans and a sleeveless top as well as a load of jewellery, much of which is in her face including a ring through the middle of her nose which has a chain to an ear ring, a spike in her lower lip a ring and 4 studs in her tongue, she is in the caravan's galley area making a couple of drinks and preparing Ravage's breakfast which for Ravage is a bowl of Turkey and rabbit dogfood. Sat on the chair by the dining table are 3 large sports bags containing clothes for the up coming trip and other items.

As Scorpio mashes the food up for the little dog, Ravage runs down Joanne, not along side Joanne, NO, it climbs onto her breasts then runs down her, jumping down onto the floor and running to the dining area, its paws pitterpattering on the lino floor of the Caravan which has all the subtleness of a TV testcard in its colours, a fact made worse thanks to the ceiling of the kitchen made up of individual mirrors 2cm x 2cm, making it look like someone has taken a glitterball and unfolded it before laying it on the roof. Ravage annonunces her presence to Scorpio by getting on her hind legs and putting her front legs on Scorpio's legs then yapping loudly, as such Scorpio places the bowl of food onto the floor for the little dog to eat before turning to finish off making her coffee, "JOANNE!" she calls.

Joanne stirrs and gets up, "if its not you its your bloody dog, did you train it to be like that?" she jokes as she gets out of bed to get dressed. By the time she leaves the bedroom she is wearing jeans and a tank-top, donning a pair of slippers she walks into the kitchen, as she does so Scopio gives Joanne a hug "yep" she says before kissing Joanne's cheek, "We are going on a long run again, down to New Heysham to load, then across to Nikolia then to Neu Engollon, we have a ferry to catch from New heysham First drop is in Neo Beograd, Nikolia" says Scorpio

"Sounds a good one, how long that going to take?" asks Joanne

"couple of weeks" says Scopio

"And Ravage?" asks joanne

"pet Passport, she is certified diesese free" replies Scorpio, reaching for her coffee, "and this is our first real long run. Did you hear about those who work the blue doubles up here, nine months they were on a run for, they got back the other day to a frozen house"

"yeah and they have a slightly bigger cab than us" says Joanne, "where will all of our stuff fit?"

"Thats why I have packed everything we need into two sports bags, but there won't be much room for souveniers" says Scorpio "but the camp ranger will take them if we do send things back, so lets get breakfast done with, let Ravage into the garden and get ready to head to South Sands for the ferry.

sat next to the caravan on what is effectively another caravan plot is a truck, a Diamond Star Kvasir, this 12 year old model has been lovingly looked after by its previous owner who had it from new, and now Scorpio has it and again it is kept in good condition though Scorpio also felt the need to burn holes in the sun so has fitted 16 spotlights to it. Its trailer, a 12m long tri-axle trailer is one of the shortest trailers on the market, designed to keep it within the overall length limits for Dungeyland to the south and Novel Ecosse to the north, yes you may be able to run a full length American style rig in the Aurora Confederacy but thats its patch, it would be too long to run in Nouvel Ecosse unless it has a shorter trailer, running a double is OUT of the question.

Scorpio and Joanne sit down to have their breakfast once Scorpio has made it, the breakfast being relatively un sophisticated consisting of a few rounds of buttered toast though its a breakfast and so sets the day up
"before we go, lets get some bottled water" says Joanne, "that way we can make sure we have water to drink on the way down there"
"Good idea" says Scorpio who getting up from the seat makes her way to the door and opens it, and so Ravage jumps down and goes to play on the snow covered lawn for even in summer in the Aurora Confederacy, the north of the country never really gets snow free.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Riysa
FRIDAY May 28
MORNING
Dawn, as the Adhaan's blare out from the speakers of various mosques across Hamdan, the Trans Polar Airlines DC10 makes its final approach giving Isis a vew of the city, yet down below Riysan citizens head out from their homes to go to morning prayers. The DC10 touches down onto the tarmac with a thud sending smoke from the tyres as they protest about being spun up as they hit the tarmac. Moments later the trust reversers deploy and the 3 engines go full power to bring the DC10 to a speed where it can turn off the runway.

As it turns off the runway and begins to taxi to the gate, Isis pulls her camera up from the floor and takes a few photographs and jots some notes down though she is a trail guide, she is here to write a piece on Riysa to generate tourism from the Aurora Confederacy and probably other nations as well, the image of the mosque not too far away from the airport is captured on the SD card for all eternity. Though for the next 10 minutes the DC10 sits on the taxi way as its slot comes available on the ramp, and so gradually the aircraft creeps forward until it comes to a stop against the jetway and so Isis uncouples her seatbelt and pulls down her holdall.

Around 2 weeks ago she was on holiday in Krjder, now she is closer to home though not quite and on a different assignment, Visit Riysa and see how touristy it is, a job that is not usually done by Isis but its a job all the same and so she makes her way out of the airport picking up an English-Arabic phrase book on the way so at leasts she will be able to order a meal in Arabic and probably get laughed at by the locals as she tries to get her tongue around local phrases.

"inshallah" she says to herself, basically meaning "god willing", as she gets off the plane and walks up the gangway past various airport officials, as she does so Isis breaks into song singing a traditional Auroran hiking song designed to keep rhythm, similar in many ways to the R/L US Marine corps marching songs though this one has quite peaceful lyrics.

[Riysa]

Air Marshal Tamam Memorial Airport, Hamdan, al-Raha Governate, Riysa



The airport itself was a definite change from what one mostly would expect in this age. Large enough of course to accommodate all the international traffic coming through Hamdan, but it was pretty simplistic and functional. Walking past the few shops selling food and souvenirs, all that stood between Isis and the airport exit was airport security...which was the most stunning change compared to your average Western airport. There was of course the initial border guard gate, where people were waiting in line (and Isis had to fill out a foreign visitor form and present it and her identification to a young and bored-looking guard), and the usual x-ray scanners for baggage and walk-through metal detectors, but virtually nothing else. Although, perhaps it wasn't necessary when there were guards with automatic rifles in full view keeping an eye on everyone there.

Having passed security, and assisted by a baggage handler, she was now in the main lobby of the airport, with a full view of Hamdan. There were a couple more cafes for last-minute refreshments, and a giant flag of Riysa with the national motto in Arabic draped over the entrance/exit to the airport. Hamdan itself looked like a conglomerate of modern steel-and-glass construction mixed with 50s-styled buildings and even older ones that have been in continual use for decades.

A few minutes later, a man and a woman entered and rushed up to Isis. The man nodded, and the woman offered her hand. "Sabah al-khair! I'm Najmah, and this is Adnan, remember, we talked on the phone? On behalf of Hathihi Biladi magazine and our nation in general, welcome to Riysa! I hope you'll find your time here enjoyable. Come, now, lets get your baggage into the car." Both were smiling.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Thursday
18:30
As soon as Scorpio finishes her drink, she washes the cup out and places it on the drainer then turns to Joanne, "ready?" she asks as she reaches down to turn off the water supply.

"aye" says Joanne, who then walks to the electrical pannel to turn off the caravan's electrical supply as Scorpio goes outside, as soon as she gets outside Ravage comes running up behind her, Scorpio then turns off the propane valves and disconnects the pipes that feed the caravan, As Scorpio does this, Joanne walks over to the truck carrying two sports bags. At the cab she places the bags on the floor and pulls out a set of keys and puts a key into the lock of the door then turns it, firstly the right hand door unlocks though Joanne holds the lock over for a second, this then sends a signal to the passenger door which then unlocks.

With the doors unlocked Joanne opens the drivers door and reaches in behind the drivers seat and pulls a lever, unlocking the side locker, and so the two sports bags are put inside the side locker which is then closed again behind the bags. Scorpio then comes over with Ravage bounding behind. At the truck Scorpio bends down and picks up the small terrier and places her in open drivers door before climbing in.

Ravage scampers up onto the drivers seat then onto the engine hump as Scorpio climbs in, Joanne walks back to the Caravan to close the windows, curtains and then close the door, locking it as she leaves before walking back to the truck and climbing inside it. As Joanne opens the passenger door, Scorpio puts the key into the ignition and turns it one click, turning the radio on, as she does so Ravage curls up in a ball by the vents of the air conditioning system. Scorpio then reaches up and presses [1] on the hours of service recorder, taking the tacho off rest and onto other duty before taking a pack of tachograph discs from the locker, where she the removes one before putting the pack back in its location. The new tachograph centre is filled out as she listens to the radio. With the tachograph filled out, Scorpio then puts the disc onto the hours of service recorder then closes the drawer thereby allowing the recording of her drivers hours to start

Scorpio then turns the key again to a second click and the dashboard lights up, turned again the glow plugs come on, then once the lights for the glow plugs have gone out Scorpio turns the key again and slowly after a few moments cranking, the 19 litre V12 begins to crank over before it catches sending a plume of grey smoke into the air. Ravage opens an eye for a moment as the engine starts then closes its eye afterward.

With the engine running Scorpio climbs back down to do a check of the truck, making sure that lights are working and such, these are then documented on a vehicle check sheet, one of many that Scorpio has stowed in the cab, and so the time comes to move so Scorpio floors the clutch and selects 1st then gradually pulls the clutch up and releases the handbrake as she manouvres the truck off the trailerhome park.

At the security gate, the gate man raises the barrier and gives Scorpio a wave, she responds by flashing 14 spotlights and 2 headlights at the gate keeper, he shields his eyes when she does that! "Scheise, meine Augen!" he says. As soon as the truck is on the main road Scorpio works her way through the gears heading West towards T2 and the motorway to New Heysham......

[Aurora Confederacy]

Air Marshal Tamam Memorial Airport, Hamdan, al-Raha Governate, Riysa

(Image)

The airport itself was a definite change from what one mostly would expect in this age. Large enough of course to accommodate all the international traffic coming through Hamdan, but it was pretty simplistic and functional. Walking past the few shops selling food and souvenirs, all that stood between Isis and the airport exit was airport security...which was the most stunning change compared to your average Western airport. There was of course the initial border guard gate, where people were waiting in line (and Isis had to fill out a foreign visitor form and present it and her identification to a young and bored-looking guard), and the usual x-ray scanners for baggage and walk-through metal detectors, but virtually nothing else. Although, perhaps it wasn't necessary when there were guards with automatic rifles in full view keeping an eye on everyone there.

Having passed security, and assisted by a baggage handler, she was now in the main lobby of the airport, with a full view of Hamdan. There were a couple more cafes for last-minute refreshments, and a giant flag of Riysa with the national motto in Arabic draped over the entrance/exit to the airport. Hamdan itself looked like a conglomerate of modern steel-and-glass construction mixed with 50s-styled buildings and even older ones that have been in continual use for decades.

A few minutes later, a man and a woman entered and rushed up to Isis. The man nodded, and the woman offered her hand. "Sabah al-khair! I'm Najmah, and this is Adnan, remember, we talked on the phone? On behalf of Hathihi Biladi magazine and our nation in general, welcome to Riysa! I hope you'll find your time here enjoyable. Come, now, lets get your baggage into the car." Both were smiling.

Isis has her documents always ready at hand making them easily presentable which makes the passage even more swift than the passing of the average tourist, As Najmah approached, remembering her Arabic, Isis holds out her hand "Asalaam Alaykum" she says, hoping she has the right phrase, "Aah yes I rememeber now, i have finally got around to getting here" says Isis as she walks to their car, holdall over her shoulders and a suitcase following disobediently behind, both of which are carefully placed in the trunk of the waiting car. A glance at her watch reveals the time difference "yeah I hope to enjoy it, so shal we make our way to the hotel?" she asks "but first I need to get into something a little more local, I feel that these western clothes may make me stand out" she says.

[New Edom]

VALERIA PORT AURORA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Catalina felt so embarrassed as she began to get up from her seat. It was her first time on a large plane, first time traveling abroad, first time wearing clothing that covered her in such intimate ways. Not just a dress—she had refused the idea of wearing pants, they seemed obscene—but also the underwear that Tim had explained she’d need to wear. Her bra and panties felt incredibly confining, and actually having had to do it—they had taken a ViZion Air clothing optional flight so she would have a last few hours of comfort—was so embarrassing. And Tim! Tim looked like some kind of rapacious foreigner to her in his slacks, sandals (at least they were wearing sandals, not confining awful shoes—or those torture devices, high heels that some rich women in New Edom wore), and dress shirt.

“It’s alright, lots of people do it, everywhere,” Tim said, rubbing her shoulders tenderly. “I’m very proud of you, you know. You’ve really done a lot in the last two years, and this is brave of you.”

“Really?” said Catalina. “People who trek across war torn countrysides with their families to refugee camps are brave. This is just…well I feel silly for feeling bad, I didn’t think it would be like this. At home it was playful, just between you and me, or something foreigners did.”

The hem of the dress brushed against her knee as she got up to reach into the overhead for her luggage. Tickling. Her breasts were pressed into a bra whose strap dug so deeply into her back and shoulders, unable to relish the air around her. “Tim I don’t know if I’m going to enjoy this vacation.”

“Now’s a great time to say that,” Tim said, barely able to hide his impatience. “Look, I do it all the time. Catalina, you’re not a housewife anymore, you’re a person with a career, who really is representing her country. You’re a brave woman, and I know you don’t see yourself that way, but I do.” He looked into her eyes. “I’ve never been prouder to be married to you.”

Catalina sighed and squeezed his hands. “I’m going to try, I really will—“ she felt bumped into by someone, it felt weirdly unnatural, all the clothing between them, she felt like a temptress, but she got her bag down, and she and Tim were moving with the crowd, heading towards the exit, a smartly dressed ViZion Airlines attendant smiling at them and bidding them farewell as they stepped into a new world.

She missed her kids so much already, but she needed to accept the idea of enjoying their journey. The idea of going on a vacation--so many feelings warring in her as they often did, but she put on a brave smile in response to the attendant, bowing her head politely. "Thank you!" Tim did as well, and they walked out together.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Wearing clothes may seem unnatural to the average Edomite, however considering that clothing is the need for the rest of the world, they'll probably soon get used to it as everyone else is wearing something. Security at the airport is like any other with police officers walking around sporting HK53 assault rifles. Through the window of the terminal building, thanks to a recent eruption of Mount Halvaar the shades are black white and a lot of grey, the grey of volcanic ash, from above them comes the sound of Arvo Part's Spiegel im Spiegel for the uncountable'th time for that song seems to be on an eternal loop.

In the baggage reclaim area the carousel goes about its business of bringing luggage in, though as with any airport their luggage is waiting for them on the loop, whilst across the room, a young woman with a shaved head except for a strip of hair down the left hand side of her face is struggling with a bag, cursing and swearing as he suitcase it seems has less manners than the average abused supermarket trolley, eventually it is put onto a trolley and wheeled out. The airport itself is a short distance from the city of Valeria Port Aurora, yet despite being high summer, the high lattitude often means that light snow flurries are a common occurance, and yes its snowing, though not particularly heavy as you make your way to the transit area to catch a train or bus into Valeria itself, which is now no longer the capital city but still an important city.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Friday morning, 00:00

"Good Morning Aurora Confederacy, I'm Robert Crilley, here is the news

In Lake Hai'lu'kai today, The city council are getting ready for the Foundation day celebrations, celebrating the founding of the Aurora Confederacy, as such traffic around the city is expected to be nightmarish as tourists and partygoers descend on the city for a weekend of festivities ranging from beer to music. Already many of the major hotels within the city and upto thirty kilometers away from the city are reporting being fully booked however as with last years celebrations there is expected to be little in the way of trouble for this event is generally well behaved if a little rowdy.

In Barentsburg where a new nuclear power plant is being built, South Sands Nuclear have announced that the current station will close down in twenty sixteen once the new plant is fully operational, bringing an end to fifty years of safe generation of power from the current magnox reactors in the city as well as opening a new chapter in the Aurora Confederacy's relationship with nuclear power. South Sands Nuclear say that construction of the new power plant is on schedule for completion in the second half of twenty sixteen.

Travel: New Heysham harbour, owned and operated by South South Sands Nuclear has just announced its harbour development has been completed. This small harbour is now catering for ferries that now sail to Cadenza and Nikolia. People wishing to seek guided tours of the power plant can visit the plant on saturdays but must prebook in advance with South Sands Nuclear.

Weather for the Aurora Confederacy is expected to be good over the weekend though the arctic region of the country is expected to have light snow flurries around Valeria Port Aurora and rain around Peace Valley. Lake Hai'lu'kai is expected to have clear skies with a temperature of fifteen degrees centigrade."

[New Edom]

John Carmel was the younger brother of the former Attorney-General, Sarah Carmel (now serving as Ambassador to the Republic of Adiron), and had been Governor of the Province of Raith Immel before being appointed Minister of Commerce. He was very aware of the possibility of being on borrowed time. The end of the 2nd Civil War had resulted in the Interim Government, with Brigadier-General Pahath-Moab becoming President, at whose pleasure he served. This was the price of peace.

Mr.Shale, his Private Secretary, was reminding him of their itinerary. A lot of the ‘fact finding’ was actually a cover for his real work: planning the international trade phase of the projects involving development of Magna Lacuna, the large lake dividing New Edom and Deadora, disputed by both nations which were trying to have a détente. The Deadorans were ahead in the race; the New Edomites had to catch up. This was why he was visiting Space Night Transportation, to look into the possibility of having a foreign company with an innocuous appearance help build the infrastructure to create a real container and transport hub port on the New Edomite side of the lake.

The staff had hired cars and notified the government of the need for a police escort, advised the foreign government of their impending tour and had (ideally) obtained agreement to this trip. No expense would be spared for the hotel though they wouldn’t go ostentatious; a nice suite with a good view, good security and an excellent record for foreign guests would suffice. Cooperation with the government about concerns about possible demonstrations or violence was planned as well.

What he was struck by was how cold it was when he arrived; he was wearing a dark suit, a lamb’s wool black toggle coat, gloves, a fur hat and low fashionable boots, but he hadn’t been in a place with snow in a while.

Along with them were a large steamer trunk, several suitcases and valises. Within were vacuum sealed clothing sets.

“Brrr, it’s so cold!” exclaimed Catalina as she and Tim got out and towards their taxi. “Oh, look, Tim, it’s snowing!”

“It is, my gosh, it is,” he exclaimed, raising a hand in wonder. “You know you see it on television or in the movies, but…”

They had both put on warm coats before they went out, and even so they were almost shivering, and were grateful to get into the taxi.

"Look, there goes the Minister," said Catalina, nodding her chin in that direction.

"So he does," said Tim.

"Aren't you going to interview him?"

"About what? The weather, his flight? We have guaranteed interviews, we'll talk to him later." Tim said.

[Aurora Confederacy]

TAXI- New Edomite's - Valeria Port Aurora

The taxi, a Toyota Landcruiser with a large heavy duty bullbar is driven by a small female driver, about 5'2 in hight with short blonde hair and wearing a pair of black jeans and a tracksuit top, she welcomes the part aboard before putting their luggage in the trunk, it has no problm swallowing it all up!.

Once she is in the cab she turns to Tim "Which hotel" she asks as she slips the 4x4 into drive. In the coming from the speakers of the Toyota is some trance music which is being played at a relatively low level as not to disturb or annoy fellow passengers.

Eitherway, the road to Valeria Port Aurora City is smooth concrete, most of it in an open tunnel, (a bit like the Monaco tunnel) where it is open to one side. Judy, your taxi driver is a smooth, careful driver so gives you a safe ride to your hotel which in the centre of Valeria Port Aurora is about half an hour from the airport with the road passing a large nuclear power plant on the way. Through the windows of the taxi, the observant will notice that up here in the far north of the Aurora Confederacy, 7 out of 10 vehicles have some sort of bull bar, even things as small as Geo Metros and Smart cars! though they are more like nerf bars as opposed to the full on heavy duty type worn by some 4x4s.

"So have you had a good flight?" she asks "and May I ask where you guys are from?"

[Aurora Confederacy]

Earlier on Friday
Heading to New Heysham

About 10 kilometers out of Peace Valley the asphalt ends and the dirt begins, as such the Kvasir drops into a rut and bounces a couple of times then the rattling begins as the truck thunders along a dusty road. This is the view for the next few hours as the road plunges south-west towards New Haysham.

As the truck hits the dirt Joanne is bounced vertially out of her seat, Ravage gets bounced up as well then scampers to the bunk and cowers in fear, Scorpio's thighs hit the underside of the steering wheel, as such she soon slows down. "wow that's gotten worse since I last came down here" says Scorpio as she threads her way along the road which surprisingly is marked down as a MAJOR HIGHWAY. Behind the truck is a wall of dust and spray from the wheels and slowly the trailer is getting dirtier and dirtier, almost to the point where it becomes a streaky brown colour.

Feeling the wheels sliding at the front, Scorpio eases off the throttle and flicks a switch engaging the all wheel drive transmission system allowing the cab at least to get better traction on the loose surface, and this is how it is for the next few hours until the large ominous sight looms on the horizon, that of New Heysham nuclear generating station and its two buildings, each with a pair of gas cooled reactors housed within.

"Not long now" says Joanne as she looks behind to see where Ravage is.
As it happens, Ravage is curled up on the pillow of the bed shivering and cowering as she was un-nerved by the bouncing of the truck across the unmade road surface
"Ravage, come here" says Joanne, offering her hand out, yet the dog just looks at Joanne, however the little dog summons up the courage to come forwards and so creeps gingerly forwards back onto the engine tunnel of the cab then onto Joanne's lap where she then looks out of the window.

"Abot twenty kilometers now" says Scorpio as the truck returns to tarmac after 6 hours of pounding the unmade road. Eventually Scorpio and Joanne pass the sign that says "Welcome to New Heysham", from the ring road that runs around Heysham itself the powerstation is never far from the view. The harbour itself has 4 ships in it, one of which is their ferry which is due to sail later on today.

[Gaveria]

I'm just copying a post from Kelonna's wedding thread since it includes appearances from all my new characters.

The Marshall Family

Daniel McCoy International, Kelowna
XXIX Maii mensis, anno CCCIII publicum
1400 hours

The functions of the Consul in the Republic were the same as the functions of a President or King in other less civilized nations; that of chief diplomat and spokesperson for the nation among the world's most exclusive and elite club of world leaders. Such responsibility of course meant that it was his duty as Consul to attend various international events on behalf of the Republic to foster good will and what not; even if he personally didn't care for him.

Being the loving family type of individual both when cameras were rolling and when they weren't meant that if he had to suffer through a foreign despot's wedding then it was only right and proper for him to bring along his family for family bonding and such.

His daughter, Sandra or Adrian as she was called by her close friends and family, had just completed her first semester of college at the Universitas Caprica and it wasn't too hard to persuade her to take off to a foreign country for a weekend for a exotic foreign wedding before starting her summer properly with her friends and whatnot and even if she didn't want to, she couldn't refuse the Consul of the Republic; a infinitely useful title for a father to possess.

His son, John Marshall III who had been nicknamed Trip by his mother was a different animal entirely. He attended a incredibly expense and elite private school in Nova Roma and with only a single week left in the calender school year his absence wouldn't be missed. However the trick was persuading a sixteen year old boy to accompany his father, literally the most powerful man in the Republic and his sister and mother to a wedding. He had been less than trilled at the prospect and only the promise of quality father-son time had brought him in line with proposition that a significant bribe of denarii to be used towards extracurricular activities during the six week school break this summer.

The only true challenge had been posed by his wife, Elizabeth, who despite her lovely exterior was quite the cheeky woman. She argued that her presence at a gala in Cansæ and a fundraiser in Nova Romanthe day after tomorrow was more important than making small talk with a few barbarian royals about the weather but she relented when he pressed the issue of spending more time together as a family. In some ways, Elizabeth or Liz as he called her, was more of a workaholic than himself and that was truly saying something considering that he hadn't worked less than 40 hours a week since he left home to join the ASDF more than twenty years ago.

The opposition to the visit didn't only come from his family; even the Praetorii had been vehemently opposed to having the entire 1st family together in a foreign nation where their ability to protect the VIPs was limited by local custom and public relations considerations. Regardless they had also relented under pressure from the Consul and turned their energy towards lighting a fire under their foreign counterparts to ensure security was as airtight as possible and then some.

They left Nova Roma more than six hours ago in the custom built passenger airliner that served as Consular One towards Kelonna, a nation where diplomatic relations were limited to not trying to kill each other on site; a reprehensible situation in the Consul's eyes and one he would be sure to attempt to begin rectifying during the event if at all possible.

Daniel McCoy International was just beginning to become visible to the passengers from inside the jet and as a result the interior of the aircraft began to resemble a beehive in activity. Stewardess and Stewards moved to clear trays and all litter from view, the Praetorii began their last equipment checks and liaised with their equals on the ground, his children bickered with one another as was their custom while he stared dreamily into his wife's eyes as she tried her best not to be charmed by the deep blue oceans that were his eyes.

''My love, dispatch dark clouds from thoughts and look toward brighter future with beloved husband and youthful children.These days are not infinite by nature.'' Marshall spoke to his wife, attempting again to get her to at least open up to the possibility of having a inkling of fun during this trip.

She replied as he expected she would; with light hearted sarcasm.

''The dark clouds are present because of beloved husband and youthful children; the clouds depart as soon as we do.''

The consul sighed and turned to watch his children who continued to bicker with one another.

Adrian was trying in vain to impart some of the knowledge she had gain away at university upon her brother who responded in a manner not dissimilar to his mother's sarcasm.

''Trip, These visits are vital to maintaining the Republic's diplomatic image and credibility abroad.Surely you understand the need to maintain face among our neighbors; to ensure they are aware of who is truly civilized and who isn't.''

''Of course I do, but I don't understand how we are supposed to show them how civilized we are with you tagging along. Six minutes with you and they're going to think we're all stumbling hormonal morons with self-esteem issues and drug problems. Father and I could have handled this by ourselves; your just hear to be eye candy for the barbari.

The boy had a talent for comedy and the Consul couldn't help but let out a chuckle in response; which only served to add fuel to the fire.

''See, even father agrees with me. Your completely useless; even with a semester of university under your belt.

''Dad, tell Trip he is being immature and a pest.

''You know my rules Adrian, I don't get involved in disputes of this nature. Ask your mother.''

His passing of the buck to his wife earned him a look that could have killed him if he wasn't saved by the crackling of the airplanes intercom system.

''Consul, we are beginning our landing process. I recommend everyone buckle up and we will be touching down shortly.''

Almost right after the Captain's announcement; Marshall felt the tell-tale signs of a landing and signaled for everyone to button down and prepare to greet the world. Sibling banter was fine and appropriate among themselves but when the world was watching; they had to represent the very best of Aurelia to the world and embody all the Roman virtues from Dignitas to Pietas.

The cabin was absolutely quiet as the plane landed on the runway and was taxied out of the way and security ran their checks to ensure everything was the way it should be.After the necessaries had been taken care of; the First family was given the all clear by security and exited the aircraft and was escorted to terminal where the King of Kelonna waited patiently for them.

As they approached the King; Marshall couldn't help but feel pride in his family who not only possessed more than their fair share of personal intellect but also as conceited as it might be for him to think it, looked magnificent.

Liz wore a beautiful scarlet red sun dress made in Caprica City just for this occasion, the dress complimented by her eloquent ruby earrings and black heels. Her blonde hair flowing majestically behind her as she walked forth, matching his stride effortlessly, a product of their many years of marriage. In his mind she appeared every bit the goddess Minerva and if anyone got on her bad side; they would see she just didn't look like a goddess she had the temper of one as well.

Adrian wore a gold sun dress almost an exact copy of her mothers with the exception of the length; her mothers fell below to her knees while hers stopped just above the top of the knee. Adrian complimented her outfit with diamond studs and yellow heels of her own. Even so modestly dressed; she channeled the goddess Juno perfectly.

His son wore a grey blazer over his black dress shirt and charcoal tie to complement his slate black slacks. He had either forgotten or decided against any jewelry and it made him appear even more youthful than he already was. His wisdom and intellect was only conveyed through his ocean blue eyes, eyes that were only a shade lighter than his own but all the intensity was there.

The Consul himself only wore a simple slate grey two-piece suit with a blood red tie and a Calibre de Cartier watch he inherited from his deceased father. It was a simplistic look but one that did the job effectively; his family were the eye catchers as he planned; he was here to make things happen behind the scenes to lay the groundwork for future diplomatic work after the event was over.

Marshall's silent admiration of his clan was interrupted by their swift arrival to the appropriate terminal where they were to meet the King. His intelligence dossier hadn't revealed a plethora of information on the nation nor it's monarchy but he could assume that the King at least spoke passable English, it being the language of business and such so he should be safe initiating contact in a neutral dialect.

''Salutations Your Majesty, I am John Marshall, Consul of the Republic of Aurelia and it's Allied States; this is my wife Elizabeth and my children Sandra and John the 3rd. We are extremely pleased to make your acquaintance. ''

[Woodstead]

Brother Bays District Police Headquarters, Wharfdale
0904 hours local time

---

A desk adorned with paper sheets cluttered the office of Jeanne Levitt, the new Police Commissioner for the Brother Bays District. Among this white pile, she picked her nails and rubbed her rippled, aged talons as she waited for her morning visitor- and her very first. In walked a man clad in loud, vibrant suit right down to the socks.

The man nodded in acknowledgement and found himself a seat opposite the new official.

"Well, well well," he whispered as he dusted his shoulders of raindrops. "Miss, do yer know 'oo I am?"

The man was now leaning back as his muddy shoes littered all over the papers. Jeanne stood up and waited for a spontaneous answer.

"A better question, Sir, would be as to if you know who I am," she uttered, now obsessively fiddling with her jewellery- and with that this man saw the nerves, and found his feet.

"Miss Levitt, I know 'oo you are - 'zactly 'oo you are. Tha's why ahm here, an if yer know me, ah'd be happy as punch!"

Jeanne, looked at the man's knuckles which were bruised and scarred. The man pulled back his long sleeve to reveal a tattoo reading "Ronald" and "Father" on two ribbons; instantly, Jeanne took meaning from the tattoo. She connected instantly with a face she knew- someone she had the displeasure of knowing decades before and miles away.

"Y-you are Miles..his son?", Jeanne asked as she tried to compose herself.

"Ye, liddle ol' Miles. But ah've com 'ere for... business to be sorted", Miles softly answered--though he was still masked by a smug and rather sinister smile.

Jeanne reached slowly, but not so surreptitiously, for a button under her desk, then rasped, "you lay a finger on me, Sir- and I don't care who you are, and I will contact sec-"

"---no need, Comm'sioner", he chortled.

"This proposal's a two-way street, f'you would 'cept it. Lemme be blunt, Miss- I were told by an 'idden accomplice, 'oo shall remain nameless, tha' night in 1983...the bank robbery, yer the one 'oo throttled ol' Ronnie with a bonnet an' left him fer dead. Listen 'ere, an' I would ne' snitch if you comply. Yer taking on the distri't, an' it's criminals- but my self and a few others would like a bit of the ol' benefit or'the doubt."

Miles pushed forward a small white card with 5 known criminals who had been known in areas of the district for anything between holding unlicensed gambling events to smuggling, and all five were now working with Miles. He ran his bulbous finger down the paper-thin edge and tapped his mugshot.

"Miles Ainsworth- tha's me. I'as tha' toddler in tha' car you pulled over thirty years ago. Walked away, didn't yer? There's you an' yer' badge for all those years. He was a criminal, and so're you, and me!"

Flickering her eyelids in motion to the flashback, which rang true from the mouth of Miles, she was sitting with her mouth agape and in a fragile state. It was only natural that her first day would be so stressful with this bureaucratic mess on her hands, and now she was greeted by this other mess which was not easily trivialised in a day so different to that day, where police brutality was sometimes marginally justified by the courts. The flickering continued as Miles left with an approving smile, holding some of her papers- mostly those relating to the trafficking problem which has been under scrutiny for years in the Port of Wharfdale. As Miles passed that threshold and the door clicked shut, she was overcome by hysterical crying, though she was Commissioner now, and no one could see into her world in such the way she wished to get out.

[Aurora Confederacy]

New Heysham
Sometime before 1AM
Friday Morning

The first thing that Scorpio did having arrived in the city was to thread the truck through the traffic in order to locate the loading point, for they were taking 21 pallets of assorted cargo including solar panels and machine parts. It took about half an hour to find the place that they were loading at, which when they found it were able to drive straight onto the complex and park up against a loading dock.

With the truck parked against the dock Scorpio climbed down from the cab and made her way over to a fork lift operator to arrange the loading of her trailer whilsy Joanne tried to teach Ravage to fetch a ball by bouncing a small ball across the cab, Ravage however was NOT interested, instead just sat on the engine hump looking out of the drivers window for her owner who was across the parking lot. With the ball not attracting any interest off Ravage, Joanne climbed onto the seat squab of the passenger seat to look in at what is stowed on the bunk and pulled down a squeaky toy. Despite Joanne squeezing the squeaky toy, Ravage remained uninterested!

At the rear of the trailer, a warehouse operative opened the shutter and set the dock leveller before driving in with a pallet-rider which caused the truck to rock slightly, this attracted Ravage's attention, however it by now was Joanne who was not quite so interested as she know what was going on. Scorpio however was making her way to the trailer to supervise the loading of the trailer, as she entered the building where the loading was being carried out one of the workers blew a wolf whistle at her, this made Scorpio look across but she made no responce, she was just interested in how her trailer was being loaded and wanted to make sure that the loaders were not hammering the living daylights out of the floor.

with a pallet going in every few seconcs as there were two pallet riders in use, Scorpio was loaded in around a quarter of an hour, so before she moved off the dock she spent an extra 10 minutes with straps and spring bars making sure everything was loaded as she wanted it as once the roller door is closed and sealed with a customs seal and a padlock there would be no unlocking it until the first drop in Belgrade, Nikolia, so Scorpio wanted everything to be "just so". Then, and ONLY then did Scorpio sign the documents to formally take "posession" of the goods for the trip on the ferry to Nikolia, and so with the goods secure and signed for, Scorpio closed the shutter door and put a seal on the door then padlocked it.

"Have a nice day missy" said the guy who had just loaded her as he handed Scorpio the documents.

"Thanks" said Scorpio.

In the cab, there was a destinctive *Beep* from one of the lockers, Ravage looks up and lets out a yap, then goes berserk, barking and wagging her tail as Scorpio walks across the loading bay having left the warehouse, Scorpio gives Jo a wave then a thumbs up.

"well 'ikkle dog, we're on the move again" says Joanne to Ravage, tossing the squeaky onto the bunk, again Ravage is uninterested in it. Joanne climbs up onto the engine hump then down into the driving seat as Scorpio climbs up into the cab on the left hand side, which for this Kvasir is the passenger seat, She doesn't get chance to get into the cab before Ravage starts to lick Scorpio's face.

"In a min dog for gods sake, let me get into the bloody cab first" says Scorpio as Ravage DEMANDS a fuss by wagging her tail and yapping. Once in the cab and the door closed Scorpio leans back into the seat as Ravage jumps onto her lap, puts her front paws on Scorpio's chest as she stands on her hind legs then licks Scorpio's face. "okaaaay dog" says Scorpio, as she makes a fuss of the little dog. Jo at this point gets the engine fired up and pulls off the dock, as she does so she points to the locker,
"I think the PDA went off" says Joanne

"yeah, that will probably be the electronic paperwork for the load" replies Scorpio, "can ya pass it please, I need to confirm it"

Joanne reaches up to the bin above the door and picks up the PDA then places it on her lap before passing it across to Scorpio, "there ya go" she says.

The display is asking for a confirmation of a load so Scorpio picks up a pen and taps the YES icon before putting it back into its docking cradle, the PDA beeped twice as it started to charge up. Throughout this time, Ravage was standing on her hind legs making a fuss of Scorpio. After placing the PDA in its cradle, Scorpio flicked her fingers and pointed to the engine hump, Ravage jumped off Scorpio and onto the engine hump where she curled up.
"good girl" said Scorpio as Joanne made her way to the harbour. Arriving at the harbour complex to catch the ferry to Nikolia, Joanne pressed the down button on the electric windows and showed the gate attendant the tickets and the 3 passports, one of which is the pet passport for Ravage, showing that her jabs and vet history is all up to date. Joanne also showed her boarding pass for the truck and trailer.

Truck: _ACPV02 M1RA

Trailer: _ACSC0RP10

Having checked the paperwork, the gate attendant handed the paperwork back to Joanne "Lane twelve laides" he said as he pressed the button that sent the barrier up, and so Joanne made her way forwards to the parking lot, looking for lane 12. Once she had found it Joanne parked the truck up behind an ASTRA haulage Scania R730 with a half-canvas drawbar trailer heading back to Nikolia, then as soon as the engine is shut down, the Tachograph is set to break.

Scorpio turns to face Joanne, "well looks like we're following him onboard" she says as she turns round to look for the lead.
"Where's doglead?" asks Scorpio

"top bunk" replies Joanne, "drivers side i think"

Scorpio, standing atop the engine tunnel reaches in,"got it".

Hearing the lead jingle, Ravage starts to jump up and down, though soon settles down when Scorpio has her by the collar and clips the leash to it,"okay dog calm the frigg down" she says as the leash is clipped to the fluffy white dog. Scorpio then climbs down holding the dog as Joanne climbs down the other side, yet remarkably both doors close at the same time then give out a sound like an AK47 bolt being released as the locks engage, securing the truck. And so Scorpio and Joanne walk to the terminal building where they can wait, Ravage walking nicely beside Scorpio.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Ferry terminal building
New Heysham harbour

Scorpio and Joanne walked calmly upto the doors which when the PIRs detected heat movements close to the doors, the PIRs sent a signal to the doors which slid open in near silence, and so the warmth of the ferry terminal was there to greet them, and so the doors closed behind them and a second set opened moments later, again these closed as Scorpio and Joanne entered the main lobby area. It wasn't just warmth that struck them for the speakers on the PA system are playing classical music on a never ending loop.

Joanne slides her arm across Scorpio's shoulders and gives her a gentle hug as Ravage looks up before looking down and sniffing the carpet floor. Scorpio looks up at the destination board then across to the nearest speaker, "oh gawd" she thinks to herself in regards to the music, Their ship was due to sail in a few hours for they were in fact very early, and so with that Scorpio made her way to the check in desk with Joanne and the dog Ravage.

The check in desk was against the center of the back wall, a big yellow and black sign above it says _CHECK IN DESK_ giving a clue to what it is whilst the receptionist, a yound woman around 27 years old and wearing a pair of black trousers and a white blouse, her hair is short though not shaved, more formal than skinhead, she looks up at Scorpio and Joanne
"Hello, may I help you?" she asks

"yeah, we have a ferry for Borca to catch" says Scorpio as she reaches down to pick up Ravage before placing said dog onto the counter.

Seeing the check out worker, Ravage wags her tail as the receptionist gives her a stroke, "What breed?" asks the receptionist

"She's a Bichon Frise, most dangerous dog in all of the country" jokes Scorpio as she hands over the documents

"Aww cute little critter" says the receptionist as she then stamps the ticket, "two AM we start loading, you in lane twelve?" she asks

"Yeah, behind an Astra transport truck" says Joanne

"Ah yes, I see your registration now on the camera" replies the receptionist, "well the lounge is through the door on the left for commercial drivers,just keep the dog on a leash here okay"

"We will" replies Scorpio, "oh whats the ship?"

"The M V Precision, stern loading ship for trucks and trailers, twelve passengers and one twenty trailers. Has about a hundred unaccompanied trailers on and six accompanies trucks. Your cabin is cabin six, a non smoking cabin"

"Thanks" says Scorpio before looking at Jo, "come on, lets head through here", as she talks to Jo, scorpio picks up Ravage and puts her on the floor, Ravage looks up at Scorpio with a wide-eyed look as if to say "so, you want me to WALK do you" and so Scorpio, Joanne and Ravage make their way into the lounge.

The departure lounge is around 20 meters by 30 meters with a row of slot machines on one wall, 3 pool tables in the centre and some tables to the left where drivers can relax before boarding. A 52 inch TV is on the far wall with some chairs infront of it. Not the best facilities, more akin to what you would expect in a transport cafe than a cruise ship waiting area for Heysham is a working port rather than a tourist port. Tourists bound for Nikolia fly, however commercial drivers go through New heysham.

[Riysa]

Air Marshal Tamam Memorial Airport, Hamdan, al-Raha Governate, Riysa

(Image)

The airport itself was a definite change from what one mostly would expect in this age. Large enough of course to accommodate all the international traffic coming through Hamdan, but it was pretty simplistic and functional. Walking past the few shops selling food and souvenirs, all that stood between Isis and the airport exit was airport security...which was the most stunning change compared to your average Western airport. There was of course the initial border guard gate, where people were waiting in line (and Isis had to fill out a foreign visitor form and present it and her identification to a young and bored-looking guard), and the usual x-ray scanners for baggage and walk-through metal detectors, but virtually nothing else. Although, perhaps it wasn't necessary when there were guards with automatic rifles in full view keeping an eye on everyone there.

Having passed security, and assisted by a baggage handler, she was now in the main lobby of the airport, with a full view of Hamdan. There were a couple more cafes for last-minute refreshments, and a giant flag of Riysa with the national motto in Arabic draped over the entrance/exit to the airport. Hamdan itself looked like a conglomerate of modern steel-and-glass construction mixed with 50s-styled buildings and even older ones that have been in continual use for decades.

A few minutes later, a man and a woman entered and rushed up to Isis. The man nodded, and the woman offered her hand. "Sabah al-khair! I'm Najmah, and this is Adnan, remember, we talked on the phone? On behalf of Hathihi Biladi magazine and our nation in general, welcome to Riysa! I hope you'll find your time here enjoyable. Come, now, lets get your baggage into the car." Both were smiling.

Isis has her documents always ready at hand making them easily presentable which makes the passage even more swift than the passing of the average tourist, As Najmah approached, remembering her Arabic, Isis holds out her hand "Asalaam Alaykum" she says, hoping she has the right phrase, "Aah yes I rememeber now, i have finally got around to getting here" says Isis as she walks to their car, holdall over her shoulders and a suitcase following disobediently behind, both of which are carefully placed in the trunk of the waiting car. A glance at her watch reveals the time difference "yeah I hope to enjoy it, so shal we make our way to the hotel?" she asks "but first I need to get into something a little more local, I feel that these western clothes may make me stand out" she says.

"Walaiki," Najmah said. "I'm glad that you managed to come. Ah, if you had arrived just a few minutes earlier, we could have taken you to Fajir prayer! Ah well, we can show you Friday Prayer and the mosques later on if you want. Ya Adnan yallah, sha'il al-sayarah!" she told Adnan after Isis had loaded her bags. The car - a BMW 3-series GT - barreled past the gate and exit and down the highway towards Hamdan.

Najmah turned towards the back. "Oh sure, there's a bunch of tailors in the downtown area of Hamdan that we can take you to. I know one - Tayri's - that does women's clothes and should be on the way to the hotel. Adnan, ka'm wa'at bi khud?" She asked Adnan for the time. "Should be about 10 minutes, although it might not be open yet considering the time. Want to try it out?" She replied back to Isis.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Isis has her documents always ready at hand making them easily presentable which makes the passage even more swift than the passing of the average tourist, As Najmah approached, remembering her Arabic, Isis holds out her hand "Asalaam Alaykum" she says, hoping she has the right phrase, "Aah yes I rememeber now, i have finally got around to getting here" says Isis as she walks to their car, holdall over her shoulders and a suitcase following disobediently behind, both of which are carefully placed in the trunk of the waiting car. A glance at her watch reveals the time difference "yeah I hope to enjoy it, so shal we make our way to the hotel?" she asks "but first I need to get into something a little more local, I feel that these western clothes may make me stand out" she says.

"Walaiki," Najmah said. "I'm glad that you managed to come. Ah, if you had arrived just a few minutes earlier, we could have taken you to Fajir prayer! Ah well, we can show you Friday Prayer and the mosques later on if you want. Ya Adnan yallah, sha'il al-sayarah!" she told Adnan after Isis had loaded her bags. The car - a BMW 3-series GT - barreled past the gate and exit and down the highway towards Hamdan.

Najmah turned towards the back. "Oh sure, there's a bunch of tailors in the downtown area of Hamdan that we can take you to. I know one - Tayri's - that does women's clothes and should be on the way to the hotel. Adnan, ka'm wa'at bi khud?" She asked Adnan for the time. "Should be about 10 minutes, although it might not be open yet considering the time. Want to try it out?" She replied back to Isis.

"Thanks", said Isis as she sat back in the seat of the BMW, "i feel that being in jeans, sweatter and a jacket, one I may melt later on this afternoon, or maybe before then, and two I feel that I will stand out like a sore thumb, so to blend in a bit better I figured more local clothes would be better, and besides everything I have is geared to the more temperate climate of back home, rather than dealing with the desert heat"

She reached into her hold all and pulled out some sweets "here, have one of these" she said, offering Najmah and Adnan a boiled sweet, "The hotel I am staying in is right in the heart of town and a traditional one rather than a chain hotel, these little guest houses seem to give better service to the traveller rather than the big corporate chains" Isis then reaches into her bag or a bottle of glucose rich water, one of those athletic rehydration drinks that are little more than water, flavouring and sugar, this particular one is orange flavoured, well according to the label anyway! she takes a sip.

"I am hoping to get to the touristy bits over the coming week before I return home to type it all up, even possibly do some sea fishing and scuba diving as well if its safe round here" she says.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Waiting lounge
New Heysham Harbur
Earlier on Friday Morning

With a few pool tables charging a dinar a game, Scorpio and Joanne pulled out a 50 Dirham coin and placed the coins into the tray, Scorpio then pushing the tray inwatds and so releasing the balls. With the balls released, Joanne placed setting triangle on the felt and filled it up with red and yellow balls, before lining it up and removing the setting triangle and placing it back in its storage rack before getting the black ball out and putting it on the slot.

Scorpio reached down for the cue ball and put it in the D at the top of the pool table then chalked the cue, as she did so, Ravage stood by Scorpio's feet, "well Joanne, who goes first?" asksed Scorpio

"dunno, toss for it, heads" says Joanne,and so pulling another coin up, Scorpio flicked the coin up and watched it land tails side up.

"sorry Jo" said Scorpio, "its tails" and so Scorpio handed the leash to Joanne as she walked around the pool table. Placing her left wrist on the felt, she held the cue in her right hand and rested it across her left thumb and fore finger before drawing it backwards and sighting up down the cue to the first ball of the triangle, carefully she slid the cue forwards then backwards a couple of times before drilling it forwards into the cue ball sending the cueball cannoning across the table into the waiting balls.

As the cueball struck the waiting balls, the dissipating energy scattered them across the table, not one ball however went into a pocket but they were well scattered. Scorpio then made her way to Joanne, handed her the cue and took hold of the leash for Joanne to take a shot....

[New Edom]

TAXI- New Edomite's - Valeria Port Aurora

Guys thought Catalina. What an odd way to address us. But the woman seemed friendly. She'd never seen a female cab driver before, and such a beautiful modern taxi! “We’re from Glasstower in New Edom,” replied Catalina. “I don’t know if you’ve ever been there, but it’s a lot warmer than here.”

“We had a good flight, thank you, on ViZion Air. I’ve flown with them before but this is my wife’s first time.” Tim explained.

There were no tunnels like this that either of them had ever seen in New Edom, they were both a bit breath taken at first seeing it and going through it. They had once felt that Fineberg was the most modern city ever—most cities in Southern Acheron, the continent New Edom was on, were ancient, a mix of modern higher buildings of concrete glass and steel mixed with ancient churches and temples, streets paved with stones from centuries ago. This city felt futuristic and strange to them.

“Why do so many vehicles have bull bars?” asked Catalina curiously. One thing she had come to appreciate from working with refugee children was that the world had as much wonder in it as it had terror, and that the moments could be fleeting.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Friday Afternoon
Taxi - New Edomites

Valeria Port Aurora

"Why so many bull bars, simple, Polar bears roam the wilderness along with moose" replies the cab driver, "and no, never left the confederacy, I have been down south near lake Hai'lu'kai, thats beautiful. a lake several hundred meters deep and water so clean you can drink it straight from the lake. the streams and rivers that feed it are glacial mountain ones, they also provide the water for the capital and its not filtered or treated."

The cab journey continued on down the tunnel which seemed to go on and on, almost the entire journey was down this tunnel, The cab driver glanced up in her mirror as she talked, "so you here for business or pleasure then?" she asked as a truck thundered by. About every half kilometer down the tunnel were little yellow cameras, occasionally a static camera would flash as a vehicle drives by it, the taxi however is not flashed by the cameras, the truck isn't quite so lucky, a camera on a gantry flashes as the truck passes underneath it, so someone is getting a ticket in the post!

[New Edom]

Taxi - New Edomites

Valeria Port Aurora

"Polar bears!" exclaimed Catalina. "I've never seen one outside of a film. We don't have any bears where we come from, just birds and reptiles."

"They're large birds though," chuckled Tim. "But we have both in our Region, Cat, just not in our country. Way up north."

"What are those cameras for, security?" asked Catalina curiously. "We have cameras in our cities too."

As they drove along and the woman asked about what they were visiting for, Tim explained, "I'm here for work. I'm a journalist, I'm covering one of our politician's trips to Astyria to visit various companies and governments as part of a project for economic reform in our country. But my wife is here on vacation, and we're both going to enjoy that. The first time we haven't been working like the devil and looking after kids--left them with the grandparents."

[Aurora Confederacy]

Taxi - New Edomites

"Those cameras, they're not security cameras, the security ones are the white ones. Those yellow ones are speed cameras and there's a strict eighty kilometer per hour speed limit on this tunnel, one hundred kilometer per hour speed limit else where so if you go over the posted limit like that black truck there, you get a ticket. Some time your average speed, others get you on a spot speed and he's just gota ticket!" replies the cabbie,

As the taxi passed a sign saying Valeria Port Aurora 1Km , she moved into the far left lane ready to exit the tunnel and onto the surface, gently decelerating as she guides the taxi around the bend, and so the city of Valeria Port Aurora was in the distance, not a particularly high rise city by any standards, nor is it a particularly modern one but it has a few high rise buildings which are mainly concrete, but there is a large glass domes structure to the south-west of the city that seems to have a look all of its own. To the left of the taxi is the great northern sea, which has a shingle and shale beach, ok to walk on but for those who want to build sand castles, not a chance!

Eventually the taxi pulls up by the hotel, "pass us your air line ticket" says the cab driver, as she reaches for a PDA , "let me scan the barcode on the ticket, now the railway terminal is in the city centre and the mall over there, you can't miss it as its a glass structure has plenty of stores in it so you are bound to find something of use". At which point the cab driver shuts the engine down and gets out of the cab to go and assist the family with the luggage.

[Aurora Confederacy]

Early Friday Morning
Waiting room,
New Heysham docks

Having had the pool balls scattered by Scorpio's first shot, Joanne takes the cue and hands the leash to Scorpio, "get us a drink, a light ale I think" she says as she does so before walking to the table. placing her hand on the felt she leans forward and sights up down the cue before driving the cue forwards into the cueball. The resultant strike sends the cueball driving head long into a red ball, sending it bouncing across the table from cushion to cushion the eventually into a pocket,as the ball dissapears down a hole Joanne looks up, "Sorry Scorpie and you are on yellow balls" says before taking aim on her second shot.

Again she sights up before driving the cue into the cueball, sending it charging to a red ball however this time she was not quite so lucky, the cue ball strikes the red ball at an angle driving it off to the left where it rolls down the cushion and comes to a halt half way between two pockets.

Scorpio makes her way to the bar where she leans up against it and eyes up the drinks,
"pint of light ale please" she says, pulling the wallet out of her pocket, "oh and a couple of packs of pork rind please" ,

The barkeeper duly obliges and gets a pint glass and places it by the tap which he then pulls back, drawing with it a pint of light ale before handing the glass to Scorpio. After which he then gets from behind him 2 packs of pork rind, "four dinars missy" he says and so Scorpio pulls out a five dinar note, "keep the change" she says. The barman puts the one dinar coin as change into the seamans mission charity box,

Walking back to the pool table, Ravage still on her lead looks up at Scorpio, eyeing up the pork rind and Joanne's beer,
"OH NO dog, you gotta be kiddin," says Scorpio "you ain't havin the beer" Scorpio looks at Joanne, "There you go" she says, placing the beer on the side of the table.

"Thanks, oh next shot is yours" replies Joanne, handing Scorpio the cue and taking hold of Ravage's leash....