Der Kaiserin Weihnachten ball [IC] | [CLOSED]

[The Kaisers Syndicates]

OOC
For the first time in recent Kaiserin history, the doors of the Syndicalist Minister's residence would be open to ambassadors. A grand ball was being prepared, the Weihnachten ball, a prestigious ball for some of the high ranking officials within The Union State guests such as Former Syndicalist Minister Théotime security, Ambassador Amadeus Franz, even Hans and Fritz. (Although they are only here for extra security.) and now as the time to the ball grows ever closer a T-800 now stands outside waiting to open the doors and greet the first guests to arrive. Let the ball begin!

[Kostane]

A small black plane flies through the sky overhead, traveling at a speed of around Mach 8. The plane is marked with a small Kostan flag on it, the blue of the flag mixing with the blue of the sky around it. As the plane begins to slow down, two wheels drop from the bottom of the plane, and it begins to land directly outside of the ballroom. A loud clicking sound can be heard as the break engages with the ground beneath the plane, the wheels slowly bending before they both fall off with a snap. In the back of the plane, the engine begins to light on fire and the smell of gas is heavy in the air. The cockpit begins to open, and a plume of smoke emerges from the opening in the plane. A figure can be seen through the smoke, stepping out of the plane.

Barely comprehensible over heavy coughs, the following words can be heard:

"I knew I should have taken one of those premium planes. Well, at least they didn't need this piece of crap for any important war anyways. But this is not the type of dramatic entrance I was looking for."

A woman can now be visible as the smoke clears away. She is around 5'10" tall, although she hardly looks intimidating at the moment due to being bent over, coughing uncontrollably. As she looks up for a second before coughing again, her hazel eyes are visible, filled with tears from the oxygen loss. She turns her head down towards the ground again as she is consumed by yet another coughing fit. Her long brown hair falls over the front of her face as she keels over, the waves shaking down to her neck. She stands up again, taking a deep breath and collecting herself before finally speaking again.

"Hello. My name's Annabelle. Annabelle Harver of Kostane. I apologize if there is no one standing in front of me because my eyes still aren't working right due to the whole," she gestures vaguely behind her, apparently not noticing the fact that the plane is to her right, "thing."

She then begins to straighten her blue tie and fluffs up her forest green suit jacket before grabbing her glasses from her pocket. As the black rims surround her eyes, she looks at the world in front of her, with everything now seeming so much clearer.

"Ah, that's much better."

[The Indios Bravos]

"Well that...huh."
"Should I...should I apologize for this unsight, Mr. Fu-"
"Adrian, we've known eachother since 1st grade."
"Well fuck you."
"Fuck you too."
The small private jet touched down on the runway. Even with its wear and tear from its prior military service, the aircraft looked pristine, like the first production model, compared to the burning wreck only a few yards away. The plane taxied to a suitable position before the door slid open. The two men walked out. Adrian Ramos took the lead.
He was a youngish man of 27 and 5'6", sporting neat black hair a nice suit and tie, aviators with a slight brown tint, and some black shoe-boots. His suit was a little puffy due to a kevlar vest underneath. Rene Fulgi, the diplomat Adrian was guarding, was 31 and 5'4". Otherwise, they both wore the same clothing.
The pair walked past the burning wreck, visibly chuckling although that couldn't be heard. Adrian was...struggling...to keep something in.
"Hey lady, you can't park there!"

[Kostane]

"Well that...huh."
"Should I...should I apologize for this unsight, Mr. Fu-"
"Adrian, we've known eachother since 1st grade."
"Well fuck you."
"Fuck you too."
The small private jet touched down on the runway. Even with its wear and tear from its prior military service, the aircraft looked pristine, like the first production model, compared to the burning wreck only a few yards away. The plane taxied to a suitable position before the door slid open. The two men walked out. Adrian Ramos took the lead.
He was a youngish man of 27 and 5'6", sporting neat black hair a nice suit and tie, aviators with a slight brown tint, and some black shoe-boots. His suit was a little puffy due to a kevlar vest underneath. Rene Fulgi, the diplomat Adrian was guarding, was 31 and 5'4". Otherwise, they both wore the same clothing.
The pair walked past the burning wreck, visibly chuckling although that couldn't be heard. Adrian was...struggling...to keep something in.
"Hey lady, you can't park there!"

Annabelle notices the rude Indios Bravos people. Eh, it’s not like she could expect much mros from someone who came from the Indios Bravos. She was fine with the alliance and all, but the people were just so… crude.

“Luckily, there’s a little thing called diplomatic immunity. I can park wherever I want!” she yelled back. It was better for her to attempt to engage with the Indy people on their own level, even if it was a rather primitive one. After all, if she tried to communicate with them like she would another Kostan person, they would almost certainly be lost. She was so not looking forward to this party. A bunch of several nations’ worst diplomats, all in one spot? Terrible idea. Especially if you add in alcohol, which was almost certainly a possibility. She was still mad at Abbi for assigning her to this role, but determined to do well so that she wouldn’t have to take these sorts of jobs anymore.

[Sardinia-Sicily]

*Lord Vivaldi pulls up in an Gold Chariot* "Greetings fellow diplomats, I am Lord Earl Vivaldi of Sardinia-Sicily. I am an pianist. I am looking forward to knowing more about you, and I hope we can become acquaintances." *This was all stated in sign language*

[The Indios Bravos]

"Well that...huh."
"Should I...should I apologize for this unsight, Mr. Fu-"
"Adrian, we've known eachother since 1st grade."
"Well fuck you."
"Fuck you too."
The small private jet touched down on the runway. Even with its wear and tear from its prior military service, the aircraft looked pristine, like the first production model, compared to the burning wreck only a few yards away. The plane taxied to a suitable position before the door slid open. The two men walked out. Adrian Ramos took the lead.
He was a youngish man of 27 and 5'6", sporting neat black hair a nice suit and tie, aviators with a slight brown tint, and some black shoe-boots. His suit was a little puffy due to a kevlar vest underneath. Rene Fulgi, the diplomat Adrian was guarding, was 31 and 5'4". Otherwise, they both wore the same clothing.
The pair walked past the burning wreck, visibly chuckling although that couldn't be heard. Adrian was...struggling...to keep something in.
"Hey lady, you can't park there!"

Annabelle notices the rude Indios Bravos people. Eh, it’s not like she could expect much mros from someone who came from the Indios Bravos. She was fine with the alliance and all, but the people were just so… crude.

“Luckily, there’s a little thing called diplomatic immunity. I can park wherever I want!” she yelled back. It was better for her to attempt to engage with the Indy people on their own level, even if it was a rather primitive one. After all, if she tried to communicate with them like she would another Kostan person, they would almost certainly be lost. She was so not looking forward to this party. A bunch of several nations’ worst diplomats, all in one spot? Terrible idea. Especially if you add in alcohol, which was almost certainly a possibility. She was still mad at Abbi for assigning her to this role, but determined to do well so that she wouldn’t have to take these sorts of jobs anymore.

"Well still, spare everyone the eyesore. Get your trash out of the way."
Adrian looked behind him to gauge Rene's expression, only to be met with an expressionless, blinking face.
"God dammi-"
"If you were a bit taller I would take you seriously."
Rene simply accepted defeat and waved it off. He couldn't argue with Adrian, he'd say the same thing.

[Sardinia-Sicily]

"Seems I am being ignored" Vivaldi would sign. "Whatever, they are all a bunch of narcissistic peasants anyway" Vivaldi would sign in anger and frustration while walking slowly up the steps. He would then pull out an Flask with Wine and take a massive swig as he knew this wouldn't be the only time he would end up getting triggered.

[Republic of Libriano]

A Dark Blue Mazda CX-5 pulls up and parks before the entrance and other Ambassadors as well as important people as Ayumi leaves the car with her bodyguard Andre she smiles and bows down before greeting everyone.

"Greetings fellow Ambassadors, Leaders and people of high Importance my name is Ayumi Uhokuno Ambassador of Libriano in TKS and this is my bodyguard Andre. I look forward to this party. Not only to know you all better, but to have fun as well as discuss some important matters."

Ayumi is looking simple for a Librianese diplomat. Having long black hair, blue eyes as well as having modest looking makeup. Her hands elegant with long white nails. She also wears traditional Librianese formal attire consisting of a blouse, tie, pleated skirt and heels. She is just shy of being 1.67 meters tall while nearing her 30s being 29 years old. Keeping her elegant composure she looks at her bodyguard Andre whom with she works at the Embassy. Andre is a very down to Earth guy always seen with his Desert Eagle which he loves taking to sporting events. Andre is tall being 2 meters tall. He is wearing a Burgundy suit with a black tie. He is often compared to Shaquille O’Neal in appearance.

After greeting everyone Ayumi speaks to Andre. "Andre do you have the documents and the gift with you per chance?" Andre responded calmly with replying jokingly "Of course I do! I'd be fired faster than the Maglev train can travel from Soratsuya to Kotsubo if I wouldn't have them. Here you go Ayumi." Andre smiles and hands the documents and a gift that is meant for Mark and Oliver from Chairwoman herself. "Thank you Andre."

Ayumi then hears the the rude behavior of the diplomat of Indios Bravos and his bodyguard. She sighs disapointed at the lack of proper etiquette and looks at Annabelle giving her a look of understandment as she feels her disapointment as well.

[Sardinia-Sicily]

What Lord Vivaldi is wearing and what he looks like (Because I forgot to mention it in my first post) The lord is currently wearing a Venetian Suit with an dark purple shade with an black vest, hand stitched by an local Italian Company, while having his traditional Monacle, and Top Hat. For the pants, he has gone with an black pair of sicylian slacks and is wearing Buckled Dress Shoes, homemade in Sardinia. And for his cane, it is made from wood from an Canadian Maple Tree. For his watch, he has gone with the traditional Savoy Watch with gold rims, and diamond hands.
Vivaldi is around 6 foot and is 58 years old while also not in the greatest health as he was born deaf and has been remarked as an hot head.

[Shinseikoku]

Shinseikoku Attendance

Scene: Onboard the Helicopter – En Route to the Syndicalist Minister's Residence

The rhythmic hum of the helicopter's rotors filled the cabin as it glided smoothly through the evening sky. Princess Hanako R. Ayame, seated elegantly near the cabin window, reviewed her notes with meticulous care. Despite being only 16 years old, her diplomatic skill and natural poise made her a formidable envoy of the Holy Technocratic Crown of Shinseikoku. Across from her sat Kyouji Tashiro, the 28-year-old Minister of Foreign Affairs, who observed her progress with a subtle nod of approval.

Princess Hanako: Without lifting her gaze, her tone was intent. "Minister Tashiro, it's important that we make an impression tonight. The Syndicalist Union must see that we are both firm and approachable. Have we accounted for any potential challenges in their guest list?"

Kyouji Tashiro: He looks at a tablet in his hand. "Your Highness, the key players are Former Syndicalist Minister Théotime and Ambassador Amadeus Franz. Both are known for testing their counterparts with indirect comments and layered questions. I have no doubt you'll handle them effortlessly."

Hanako gave a small smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she placed her notes back into the folder beside her. Across the cabin, the two members of the Royal Shinatakugawa Guard sat in silence, their AR-74s secured but ready, their postures alert.

Princess Hanako: (to Guard Captain Akimoto) "Captain, remember our priority is diplomacy. We are here to demonstrate strength in unity, not aggression."

Guard Captain Akimoto: (firmly nodding) "Understood, Your Highness. We will remain in the background unless required."

---

Scene: Helicopter Landing

The helicopter landed smoothly on the mansion's helipad. The estate of the Syndicalist Minister shone bright in the distance, in great contrast with the darkening sky. As the rotors whirred to a stop, Hanako rose with poise, smoothing the sash on her gown with a firm hand. Kyouji Tashiro gave her a reassuring look.

Kyouji Tashiro: (calmly) "Your Highness, the stage is set. Let us show them what Shinseikoku represents."

The helicopter doors opened, and the guards exited first, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Hanako followed, her steps measured and deliberate, exuding a quiet authority. Minister Tashiro walked beside her, offering a steady presence. Together, they approached the grand entrance, where the T-800 stood waiting to greet them, its mechanical precision underscoring the gravity of the event.

Princess Hanako: "This is not just a ball. This is the start of a long conversation. Let us ensure it begins on our terms."

Tashiro nodded, and with that, they crossed the threshold into the residence, the warmth and hum of diplomatic intrigue awaiting them within.

[The Kaisers Syndicates]

As the ambassadors walk up the steps, a T-800 opens the door to the main entrance hall, its robotic voice ringing out."Frohe Weihnachten" to anyone coming inside. As the ambassadors arrive, Oliver is the first to greet him, standing at 6'0 ft (1.829 m) tall and in a jet-black suit, his pin of the country's flag polished just enough that it shines in the light. He greets them.

"Guten Abend! Thank you for coming. I am Syndicalist Minister Keifer. Oliver, your gracious host, the ball will be in the east wing; festivities should begin shortly."

He turns and gestures behind him. "If you're wondering about the person doing the hand gestures behind me, that is Saskia Manfred, and she has decided to take the job of being our sign language translator for the evening for our Italian friend over there," he points to Vivaldi. "Sadly, he will not be able to hear our wonderful orchestra play part of his ancestors namesake, Winter from the Four Seasons."

After the conversation wraps up, Oliver leads the ambassadors into the east wing into the ballroom where two other guests are already talking to each other.

"I just don't get why we're here, Hans." One says, "We're here for security, Fritz." The other replies, "But why? There are plenty of T-800s." Fritz says, but Hans just sighs, "Just... don't question it. Besides, this is a very prestigious ball; we should be grateful to be here."

The conversation finishes as the ambassadors walk into the lavish ballroom. The chandelier above glistens and shines, the stage is prepared for an orchestra to play, and soon the ball will begin, but till then, politics will take the stage, in this ballroom where no music plays.

[Azurnailia]

Above the skies of the Syndicalist master's house a dimensional rift opens up, out comes a Azurnailian T-12 Azgaria VIP transport, escorted by two RITA I-17v Akagis. They fly over towards the nearby airport, requesting clearance to land. "This is Alpha Delta Bravo 79 requesting landing permissions on runway 17R" The control kindly responds with a "Alpha Delta Bravo 79 clear for landing, runway is all yours"

The two RITA I-17 Akagis leave the airspace and head back through the dimensional rift. The rift then closes as the T-12 touches down on the tarmac, the sound of reverse thrusters roar as the plane comes to a near stop. The plane has the Azurnailian Obami star on its tail, with a crimson stripe that ran through the body.

Inside the pilot taxis to the nearby terminal, where he gets up and tips his hat the the three passengers inside. The right side door opens up, and a staircase is provided for the three to step down. Three girls, dressed in white and blue exit the aircraft, with the pilot and the Co-pilot staying behind, taxing the aircraft back onto the tarmac to prepare for takeoff.

The three stepped off of the tarmac and called for a transport. The three girls step into the taxi with their luggage. The taxi driver, who looked back at the three, asked them "where to today?" The oldest responded with "we are going to the Syndicalist's master's house, please." The three girls then conversated about the upcoming party that they were going to.

-------------------------About 30 Minutes later-------------------------

The yellow Taxi pulls up to the large house, lined with lights visible from a hundred miles away. It looked like it was a ball alright. As the girls walk up to the entrance in their fancy white and cyan dresses, a Robot greets them in, which the youngest found to be astonishing, holding the sisters up for 5 minutes as the other two tried to drag her away from the robot.

The three girls walk into the house which had guests already there. The three girls spot two men dressed in military uniforms, and begin to walk up to them.

"This is the Kaiserin ball correct?" The Middle one asked.

"That is correct miss, this is the Kaiserin ball" Hans told the three.

After a small conversation the three girls proceeded to go explore a bit. The oldest told the other two to stay close to her, as anything can happen at any moment.

The three girls were, Ishikawa, Shirakami and Shiroko Kyumi, of Azurnailia. Ishikawa, the oldest, is the current president of the nation and has decided to bring her two sisters along. Shirakami, the youngest, is a Virtual Youtuber (or Vtuber for short) who works with a major broadcasting company called "Hololive". The middle child, Shiroko, is part of the 19th Support unit, the only all female sniper unit in the Azurnailian army.

The three were separated at childhood, but they have found their ways back together to represent Azurnailia at this ball.

[Kreigsreich of Iron]

A sleek black plane landed, the Bloody Banner emblazoned on its wings. Four transport helicopters touched down in a square around the black plane. Skull-helmeted soldiers rushed forward, their power armor gleaming in the sun. The sound of their boots filled the air as a quartet of servitors rushed to prepare the descent for the Reichsmarschall. Von Stahl marched out, boots polished to a mirror shine.

[The Kaisers Syndicates]

A sleek black plane landed, the Bloody Banner emblazoned on its wings. Four transport helicopters touched down in a square around the black plane. Skull-helmeted soldiers rushed forward, their power armor gleaming in the sun. The sound of their boots filled the air as a quartet of servitors rushed to prepare the descent for the Reichsmarschall. Von Stahl marched out, boots polished to a mirror shine.

Hans and Fritz look at this and begin to talk
"Uhhhh should we tell someone?"
"Hans if they weren't on the guest list the T-800s would have fired already."
"So this man is just extremely paranoid?"
"Yes Hans..."

[The Indios Bravos]

The pair tossed the recent turn of events to the side. They hadn't been in the country for more than an hour and already Adrian had soured how the other diplomats saw them. Rene instead hoped that the night would go on as normal. As the two walked for the main building, they began commenting on the 800s.
"So...what do you think the purpose of humanoid robots is?"
"Novelty? Honestly no reason to spend so much money trying to replicate the human body when you can just strap a gun onto an RC car?"
"You're right."
"Wait I know those guys..."
"Oh please, there's enough Hanzi and Fritzes here to repopulate the Ear-"
"Hey!"
"Fuck..."

[Kreigsreich of Iron]

A sleek black plane landed, the Bloody Banner emblazoned on its wings. Four transport helicopters touched down in a square around the black plane. Skull-helmeted soldiers rushed forward, their power armor gleaming in the sun. The sound of their boots filled the air as a quartet of servitors rushed to prepare the descent for the Reichsmarschall. Von Stahl marched out, boots polished to a mirror shine.

Hans and Fritz look at this and begin to talk
"Uhhhh should we tell someone?"
"Hans if they weren't on the guest list the T-800s would have fired already."
"So this man is just extremely paranoid?"
"Yes Hans..."

“Hans, you are aware that my levenbrech can hear you?”

[Republic of Libriano]

After going inside with everyone Ayumi along with Andre go to Oliver for a little chat as well as to discuss some matters.

Ayumi along with Andre bow down. "Mr. Oliver first things first. Chairwoman sends her warm wishes to you as well as to the entire nation and the government. Before discussing other matters, she tasked us to give you this present on behalf of the Librianese nation. Those are the blueprints for the new APCs and Anti-Air Defense systems. In this basket is also a letter from her as well as she'd like to say that she has lifted tarrifs for TKS goods as well as new crucial investments has been anounced to be made in your nation." Ayumi hands the basket with blueprints and other things mentioned. "We also have the trade documents regarding the exchange of our PL-01 based upgraded Lokuyatsa LT-1 tanks for TKS guns."

[Czesfjord]

An armour plated car pulls up in the driveway,

2 people walk out, one Czesfjordinger ambassador and a GCN representative, a drone follows the Czesfjordinger ambassador, as if it were a secretary. The GCN representative keeps an eye on the ambassador, looking out for any anti-GCN talk. The ambassador grabs a glass of red wine, takes a sip and enjoys it.

[The Kaisers Syndicates]

The pair tossed the recent turn of events to the side. They hadn't been in the country for more than an hour and already Adrian had soured how the other diplomats saw them. Rene instead hoped that the night would go on as normal. As the two walked for the main building, they began commenting on the 800s.
"So...what do you think the purpose of humanoid robots is?"
"Novelty? Honestly no reason to spend so much money trying to replicate the human body when you can just strap a gun onto an RC car?"
"You're right."
"Wait I know those guys..."
"Oh please, there's enough Hanzi and Fritzes here to repopulate the Ear-"
"Hey!"
"Fuck..."

Hans and Fritz turn around as they were called too and talk to each other, "You recognize them?" Hans says as Fritz replies, "I think so... in the Kommissariat auf Tidecrest, no?" Hans chuckles, "Fritz, you know I was drunk that entire deployment." They wave the man over, though.

After going inside with everyone Ayumi along with Andre go to Oliver for a little chat as well as to discuss some matters.

Ayumi along with Andre bow down. "Mr. Oliver first things first. Chairwoman sends her warm wishes to you as well as to the entire nation and the government. Before discussing other matters, she tasked us to give you this present on behalf of the Librianese nation. Those are the blueprints for the new APCs and Anti-Air Defense systems. In this basket is also a letter from her as well as she'd like to say that she has lifted tarrifs for TKS goods as well as new crucial investments has been anounced to be made in your nation." Ayumi hands the basket with blueprints and other things mentioned. "We also have the trade documents regarding the exchange of our PL-01 based upgraded Lokuyatsa LT-1 tanks for TKS guns."

Oliver warmly welcomes Ayumi and begins to speak, "Ah yes, I remember we sent Amadeus over there to talk about it. We can assure you the deal has been approved. I can take you to the range out back if you'd like to test them; however," he gestures toward another door guarded by a different T-800 than the one out front.

[Kostane]

Annabelle stands watching as more people begin to enter into the building. Obviously, she would not want to enter before the last person. Based on the people who had already showed up, being prepared would be an absolute necessity. Although, it looked like the only people she would have to ever be prepared to fight would be the soldiers from the Kreigsreich of Iron. Luckily, they were allies.

As people began to start moving towards the door, she approached one of the guards.

“Excuse me, where can I go to get into this ball?”

[Sardinia-Sicily]

Lord Vivaldi after not one delegate approached him yet, eventually gave up and moved to a nearby bench and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one up, awaiting the long ball ahead and wondering why the Foreign Affairs office would pick him. Then he though "Oh wait were Italian, no wonder they made such a dumb decision". He would then ask Private Tula if he could go get Vivaldi's bottle of wine left in the carriage, as Vivaldi has already gone through his entire flask.

[Kostane]

Lord Vivaldi after not one delegate approached him yet, eventually gave up and moved to a nearby bench and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one up, awaiting the long ball ahead and wondering why the Foreign Affairs office would pick him. Then he though "Oh wait were Italian, no wonder they made such a dumb decision". He would then ask Private Tula if he could go get Vivaldi's bottle of wine left in the carriage, as Vivaldi has already gone through his entire flask.

Seeing a man who had a lot of wine, Annabelle decided to take the risk of going over to converse with him. She had noticed him using sign language earlier, which she had fortunately learned during a humanitarian relief effort in Tyflipoli. Her understanding of sign language was still incredibly limited, and there still remained the possibility that this mysterious man used a different version of sign language.

She went up to the man and signed:

My name is Annabelle. You?

[Sardinia-Sicily]

Lord Vivaldi after not one delegate approached him yet, eventually gave up and moved to a nearby bench and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one up, awaiting the long ball ahead and wondering why the Foreign Affairs office would pick him. Then he though "Oh wait were Italian, no wonder they made such a dumb decision". He would then ask Private Tula if he could go get Vivaldi's bottle of wine left in the carriage, as Vivaldi has already gone through his entire flask.

Seeing a man who had a lot of wine, Annabelle decided to take the risk of going over to converse with him. She had noticed him using sign language earlier, which she had fortunately learned during a humanitarian relief effort in Tyflipoli. Her understanding of sign language was still incredibly limited, and there still remained the possibility that this mysterious man used a different version of sign language.

She went up to the man and signed:

My name is Annabelle. You?

"My name is Earl Vivaldi, Lord of Parma" Lord Vivaldi would sign. He would then hold out a cup, basically asking if she would like a glass.

[Imperial Cecilia]

Suddenly, a helicopter can be heard roaring overhead, making a hasty landing right on the airstrip. Even before it touched down, a man, around 6' 2", wearing a three-piece black suit, jumps out of the heli and lands on the pavement perfectly. He is holding a brown leather briefcase. He looks down at his watch before cursing.

"Well, shoot, I'm running late for the-" He pauses as he spots Annabelle conversing with the man and immediately changes his tone. He walks up to her, taps her on the shoulder, and asks, "Am I late for the event?"

[Kostane]

Seeing a man who had a lot of wine, Annabelle decided to take the risk of going over to converse with him. She had noticed him using sign language earlier, which she had fortunately learned during a humanitarian relief effort in Tyflipoli. Her understanding of sign language was still incredibly limited, and there still remained the possibility that this mysterious man used a different version of sign language.

She went up to the man and signed:

My name is Annabelle. You?

"My name is Earl Vivaldi, Duke of Parma" Lord Vivaldi would sign. He would then hold out a cup, basically asking if she would like a glass.

Annabelle’s sign language is incredibly rusty, and most of what she knows is only useful in the context of helping people suffering in a war zone, but it’s starting to come back.

Nice to meet you. Then, noticing the cup: Yes. Thank you. She takes a drink from the glass. She wants to ask how he’s doing, but they didn’t really cover that part as extensively in emergency training. Instead she signs: are you okay?

Suddenly, a helicopter can be heard roaring overhead, making a hasty landing right on the airstrip. Even before it touched down, a man, around 6' 2", wearing a three-piece black suit, jumps out of the heli and lands on the pavement perfectly. He is holding a brown leather briefcase. He looks down at his watch before cursing.

"Well, shoot, I'm running late for the-" He pauses as he spots Annabelle conversing with the man and immediately changes his tone. He walks up to her, taps her on the shoulder, and asks, "Am I late for the event?"

Annabelle turns around to look at the man who had so rudely interrupted her conversation. Finding him to be quite possibly the only person taller than her here, she briefly says hello before refocusing on her current conversation. Offhandedly, she says, “I’m pretty sure these events don’t have a designated start time. Of course, it’s all just a bunch of amateur diplomat wannabes here, so it hardly even matters.”