Jump to content

Celebration on the Coral


Recommended Posts

Alice preferred to avoid the pomp and ceremony of other arrivals by heads of state. After arriving in Brisbane on the aircraft carrier, Imperial Majesty, she took her personal helicopter from its decks and flew to North Stradbroke Island. The carrier back in Brisbane was opned to the public whilst it was in Port, doing tours for the local residents. The rest of its fleet dropped anchor far out to sea.

Once on the island, she clambered out not so gracefully and handed over her invite to the security and showed them her passport as ID and then made her way to the bar. Her black dress was thin and strapless to keep her cool from the Australian sun. A small, smart dress jacket over the top allowed the small Umbrella lapel pin.

Ordering an orange and lemonade drink she wandered the party and found herself sitting outside in some shade.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 115
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

[quote name='KaiserMelech Mikhail' timestamp='1338856093' post='2977155']
"Thanks hon," Anastasia said, "and the proper term is 'your highness.'" She took her ID card back from the soldier with the clipboard and ran it in front of his accomplice's face. "You can call me Annie," she said into the man's ear in a sultry voice. With a quick wink, they rode on to the ferry, Anastasia first with the three mooseriders chuckling behind her.
[/quote]

While the other soldier blushed crimson, the officer with the clipboard kept his professional composure, watching the delegation board the ferry with a little bit of an upturned eyebrow. As they watched the Marscurians board the ferry, the officer would shake his head, and look at his subordinate.

"Son, there were women that your mother warned you about, Hell, maybe she warned you about all of them. Take a word of advice from an old head, [i]those[/i] are the ones that your mother was [i]really[/i] warning you about," he said, tapping the forlorn soldier's arm with his clipboard.

[quote name='Centurius' timestamp='1338858412' post='2977171']
"Ah the Western Emperor has become Emperor of Rome and one of the two consuls below me after our own change in government a few months ago implementing both more democracy and a single central executive. I must offer you my congratulations on the marriage even though it is about seven years too late."
[/quote]

"Thank you, it was a rather private affair, we've stayed away from announcing anything about it," nodded Lizzie, after listening to Ariadne. "Well, do wish the Emperor well, I trust that you yourself have been very busy since our last meeting?"

[quote name='Mara Lithaen' timestamp='1338864613' post='2977222']
Jade Lithaen was sent for the Northern Imperium, a gorgeous dress of green and gold draped across her figure, arriving in an Imperial limousine brought with her aboard the HMS Illustrious, her personal yacht donated to her by Silverman & Sons of Skagway. She stepped out of the vehicle, at the head of a sextet of ceremonially-armored Imperial Marines, her granduncle in tow in a dashing suit of light-drinking black. She smiled as she entered the area, seeing the sharply-dressed and even more sharply-drilled members of the Australian honor guard go about their duties with precise, flowing ease. "I think that we shall like it here, Uncle..."
[/quote]

The arrival of a vehicle instead of an aircraft at the airport from the Port of Brisbane puzzled Lizzie, but the identifying flags on the limousine, a requirement of diplomatic regulations, would denote the arrival of another North American nation. Like her other counterparts, she would be afforded the same honor of present arms as the other heads of state and delegates, one of Lizzie's aides would indicate that the Imperium's vehicle could join the rest of the convoy which was quickly preparing to leave for the ferry station which would take them to North Stradbroke Island.

"Ah, the other coast of North America is represented! Welcome to the Commonwealth, your majesty," said Lizzie, when Jade departed her limousine. "I trust your arrival over the seas was smooth and pleasant? It's good to see another Pacific neighbor coming to our celebration here."

[quote name='JEDCJT' timestamp='1338872150' post='2977306']
Vilhjálmsson smiled warmly as he shook hands with Whittaker. "Likewise, it is good to meet with you. I must say, the Commonwealth of the Southern Cross is a beautiful place from what I've seen on my way to here. And certainly warmer too, at least compared to Greenland proper." He said with a chuckle.
[/quote]

"I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here, Point Lookout is probably one of the best spectacles on the continent, its a sought-after venue," she responded with a smile. "I look forward to talking to talking to you further, as well as our other guests over the next couple days. Although we might be on the other side of the world from one another, I believe there are a number of countries here, that share our own interests in economic prosperity and maintaining stable diplomatic relationships."

[quote name='Curristan' timestamp='1338898313' post='2977438']
"I would like to thank you for inviting me here. Yes of course we will as soon as this party is over. I have been considering an alliance with Australia for some time." President Mkanava replied. He grinned. "I hope that this party is successful."
[/quote]

"It is our honor that you accepted our invitation, thank [i]you[/i] for coming, Mr. President," smiled Lizzie, as she listened to Mkanava spoke. She seemed to nod firmly when the President revealed his own ideas about an alliance or some sort of pact with the Commonwealth. "We have similar strategic interests and economic concerns, it would seem logical for us to speak of them candidly. I look forward to talking to you further during the party, and possibly afterwards in a more formal fashion."

[quote name='Zoot Zoot' timestamp='1338904208' post='2977468']
Alice preferred to avoid the pomp and ceremony of other arrivals by heads of state. After arriving in Brisbane on the aircraft carrier, Imperial Majesty, she took her personal helicopter from its decks and flew to North Stradbroke Island. The carrier back in Brisbane was opned to the public whilst it was in Port, doing tours for the local residents. The rest of its fleet dropped anchor far out to sea.

Once on the island, she clambered out not so gracefully and handed over her invite to the security and showed them her passport as ID and then made her way to the bar. Her black dress was thin and strapless to keep her cool from the Australian sun. A small, smart dress jacket over the top allowed the small Umbrella lapel pin.

Ordering an orange and lemonade drink she wandered the party and found herself sitting outside in some shade.
[/quote]

Although the arrival of the Umbrella monarch in a more private fashion was surprising, the helicopter from the Umbrellan aircraft carrier would be provided safe conduct to North Stradbroke, it would be afforded an escort of two helicopters in a loose formation. The arrival of a large foreign vessel for a port call had indeed attracted a lot of attention, and there were a number of visitors that would flock to the Umbrellan ship of war to see these foreign visitors. The city council, and Foreign Ministry would issue a letter of thanks for providing the attraction and the hospitality shown by the Umbrellan Navy in their port visit. Upon landing at a designated helicopter landing zone on North Stradbroke, a security team would quickly vet the South American dignitaries' credentials as per standard procedure, and the monarch would be allowed onto the premises, even before the other guests arrive, while the event's staff were still doing final checks before the rest of the guests arrived.

The bar would serve Alice, however, without a second thought, and she was arrived to roam the venue freely, but she was not left alone for long, despite her early arrival at the venue, there were others there that would not see one of their guests sit alone. A man in his mid-to-late twenties would slowly walk over towards Alice, taking his time, sipping on his own drink, wearing a short-sleeved button-up shirt, a necklace of flowers, some khaki shorts, and thatched flip-flops.

Standing at a distance, he would look out to the water, "I'm sure that the Umbrella Commonwealth has natural spectacles of its own that rivals' these, but no matter where we are, a place like this exudes relaxation." He grinned, and looked back over at her, "Her Royal Highness, Alice Wesker, I presume? Michael Abel, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth. It is an honor to meet you."

---

[b][OOC: We can continue the conversations we have going on the tarmac, but I'd like to move this whole shindig to the island, so we're all at one spot and we can all start mingling. Feel free to continue talking to Lizzie if you want, but the best parties have everyone interacting together, so I want to get to [i]that[/i] part. :) Anyone who hasn't "arrived" can still roleplay their arrival out if they want, and fast-forward to joining the party.][/b]

Upon all the various delegations arriving, the convoy of white government limousines and sedans, accompanied by police and military escorts, all smartly and professionally dressed, would begin their excursion around the perimeter of Brisbane. They would leave the airport and head south on the M1 Highway, able to glimpse the Brisbane skyline, and the various citizens of the city going about their business. The highway was cleared of traffic for the convoy, and they would get a great view of the beautiful city crossing the bridge across the Brisbane River near its mouth where it opened to Moreton Bay. The convoy would leave the limited access nature of the M1 at Belmont, and head through the well-manicured suburbs of Brisbane, which was lined with flags from the various countries in attendance of the event, the closed route had attracted many onlookers, who appeared to be very enthusiastic in waving to the passing convoy of world leaders and dignitaries. Onlookers lined the entire route, as well as police or military forces, all looking professional and curt in appearance, as the convoy pressed onto Cleveland, where the ferry was to depart for North Stradbroke.

The guests would then be ushered on board the ferry, with Elizabeth Whittaker in tow the entire way, the ferry ride would provide some nice scenery of Raby Bay, both of coastal suburban Brisbane, as well as the archipelago surrounding the bay, with long expansive beaches and a tropical feel. The bar on the ferry would also be open, as well as all the open decks, to provide the guests with areas to sit and talk and enjoy a drink, or just watch the scenery. Southern Cross Coast Guard boats would loosely escort the ferry across the open bay, their weapons stowed, whilst helicopters loitered at a distance above, like protective eagles watching their nest from afar as they hunted for prey. The ferry would dock after about a thirty minute ride, and then another convoy of open-top jeeps would take them from the ferry dock through the lush green forests of North Stradbroke, sometimes along the picturesque coast to the more isolated northernmost portions of the island.

Hints of security presence on the island could be seen every so often, a couple light tactical vehicles mixed into the foliage, their crews not in formal dress, but rather completely decked out in combat gear. The scattered units, whose section commanders, usually a sergeant, who would salute the passing convoy, were few and far between, but were nonetheless there to protect the guests, and give them a sense of security, but not overbearing. The most glaring example of security was an ASLAV armored personnel carrier backed into the foliage at the gateway to the government compound at Point Lookout, the vehicle covered in camouflage but still visible. There would be security patrols along the compound perimeter, unseen in the foliage, in keeping with the government's doctrine of allowing people to relax.

The convoy would pass by a line of bungalows, each with flags out in front of them, denoting whose bungalow was whose, each bungalow was the size of a respectable small family home, equipped with amenities for both the delegates and their aides. In keeping with a strong sense of hospitality, each bungalow was stocked with food that corresponded with the country of the delegation's origin. A mini-bar in each bungalow was well stocked, and they all afforded amazing views of the compounds' beach and the flora that lined it, each with a back upper and lower porch, hedges separated each for privacy, and staff were on call to provide room service at any hour. Luggage was already transferred into the national bungalows from the airport, as well as fresh fruit platters. The main building for the venue was a larger version of a bungalow, with expansive rooms including a bar and a dining room and ballroom. There were various lounges, as well as a large porch overlooking the beach, with lots of chairs and chaise lounges.

At the entrance to the venue, an older woman with blonde hair, strong figure, even evident underneath her sundress, she also wore a thatched wide-brimmed hat, her skin well-tanned from her years outside in exile and living on the continent, would be awaiting the arrival of the delegates, some might recognize her, many probably wouldn't, some were probably born even after her high-water mark in Hanseatic Commonwealth Politics. Her green eyes surveyed the arrival of the individuals who had arrived, and she smiled lightly, a mysterious twinkle in her eyes. She would greet Lizzie with a hug and a quiet whisper, before Lizzie turned to the rest of the arrived dignitaries, and spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Valeria Sangral, the first Lady Protector of the Commonwealth of the Southern Cross, Duchess of Brisbane."

"My friends, majesties and presidents alike, welcome to North Stradbroke Island," said Valeria, her tone soft but still exuding a confidence that told of years of politics, foreign adventures, and of being a Lillian officer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Well met, miss- and it is wonderful to be here. Your country is far warmer than mine at the moment, and it's a great pleasure to not have to wear layers anymore. I hope that your leaders and others' will enjoy our company as much as we shall yours." Jade replied with a smile, heading for the ferry with the rest of the crowd of dignitaries, a smirk playing across her lips with a wry, dry humor as she though of what an ill-intentioned person with a sufficiently large weapon would do to the mass of world leaders and their aides, and what that would do to the world's power structure. Brushing the thought off, she boarded the ferry with the rest and spent the ride to the island idly twisting a loose curl of red hair around her left index finger, drinking in the sights of the bay but generally keeping to herself, waiting for the actual party to begin as Major Anatov and his handpicked portion of Marines took it in turns to mix with the security forces of other nations' leaders, going in pairs to meet their counterparts while the rest kept a weather eye on their impressionable and generally hyper-energetic young monarch.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote]Although the arrival of the Umbrella monarch in a more private fashion was surprising, the helicopter from the Umbrellan aircraft carrier would be provided safe conduct to North Stradbroke, it would be afforded an escort of two helicopters in a loose formation. The arrival of a large foreign vessel for a port call had indeed attracted a lot of attention, and there were a number of visitors that would flock to the Umbrellan ship of war to see these foreign visitors. The city council, and Foreign Ministry would issue a letter of thanks for providing the attraction and the hospitality shown by the Umbrellan Navy in their port visit. Upon landing at a designated helicopter landing zone on North Stradbroke, a security team would quickly vet the South American dignitaries' credentials as per standard procedure, and the monarch would be allowed onto the premises, even before the other guests arrive, while the event's staff were still doing final checks before the rest of the guests arrived.

The bar would serve Alice, however, without a second thought, and she was arrived to roam the venue freely, but she was not left alone for long, despite her early arrival at the venue, there were others there that would not see one of their guests sit alone. A man in his mid-to-late twenties would slowly walk over towards Alice, taking his time, sipping on his own drink, wearing a short-sleeved button-up shirt, a necklace of flowers, some khaki shorts, and thatched flip-flops.

Standing at a distance, he would look out to the water, "I'm sure that the Umbrella Commonwealth has natural spectacles of its own that rivals' these, but no matter where we are, a place like this exudes relaxation." He grinned, and looked back over at her, "Her Royal Highness, Alice Wesker, I presume? Michael Abel, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth. It is an honor to meet you."[/quote]

"Mr Abel, a pleasure to meet you too. You would be correct, the Empire has its share of natural glories to feast one's eyes on, but my god it gets humid and sticky in the bloody summer. Least here its more or less bone dry hot. It makes a change being able to relax with an orange juice without having to worry about how long the cord is on the fan" she replied with a smile.

"Even more so, it is a nice change to just sit down and relax, did you know this is the first time I have sat down and chilled out since my damn wedding. First the Wedding, then a trip to Mexico, then I had to tour the fleet in the Pacific whilst it was on exercises and then to Para before returning to Montevideo to pack a case to make this shindig on time. Honestly Mr Abel, once you get married, everything goes to hell on the work rota. Anyway, enough of my gripes. I hear the Commonwealth had some teething problems when it regained its independance?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[i]Before the Arrival on Othel -- In the Kitchens on North Stradbroke[/i]

To have fun in life, one goes to where the music sounds, where the liquor flows, and where the money is ripe for taking. It was for these reasons that Morgan Obuarei and a few of her crew members found themselves running through the bungalow kitchens on the Australian island having been hired as cooks and cocktail waitresses in the wake of the conclave of world leaders in the Commonwealth. The Captain of the [i]Passion's Pain[/i] was no stranger to Australia and it was fitting, a continent for criminals often attracted criminals and some of the worst civil wars and civic conflicts happened here. During the recent civil war as Communist supporters were uprooted, territories controlled by Flemming's regime became hotbeds of illegal activity and as such, Morgan's career flourished bringing in smuggled arms and munitions to the Communists for a good price. Now with that party ending it was only right that she share a drink with the victors of the conflict and see what would change in Australia. It was hard enough already with Tianxia patrolling the seas, but perhaps, if one was an intelligent scoundrel, the Pirate Captain could get a glimpse of what the future held; provided she stayed sober enough to become part of the party.

"Hey you!" Morgan heard a scream from behind her as she put a bottle of rum up to her mouth. "What in the hell do you think you're doing? That's for serving, not for drinking!" One of the chamberlains said and grabbed the bottle out of the pirate's hand. "I swear this is the last time I hire scum off the street."

Bowing, she smirked and walked away from the chamberlain. "My apologies sir. Just needed to get a bit of a boost if I'm going to be on my feet all night and I assure you, I'm sea scum, not street scum."

"Some poor Polynesian at the harbor, you're scum either way." He said and snapped his finger at one of the servants who brought Morgan a tray of shrimp and mint cocktails. "Take these out on the floor, don't talk to anyone. No one out there gives a care what you think or who you are."

"Someone's bitter." Laughed Tepau from across the room.

Morgan smiled and brushed her chopped red hair behind her ears before taking the tray in her hands. "That's what happens when you work for the better's of society your entire life. I don't eat scraps." She turned on her feet, swaying her behind to pick up a much needed sultry attitude and walked out into the bungalow areas where the elites were gathered.

This was the life, she thought, as she plopped a shrimp into her mouth.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Vice President Julia Manuel greeted Lady Protector Valeria Sangral: "Pleased to meet you Lady Protector".

The Vice President would then ask both the Prime Minister & Lady Protector of the Southern Cross if they would like to, at some point in the future, visit the United States of Oceanesia: "It would be our pleasure to host you. I hope we can establish formal bilateral relations at a meeting in the USO".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Zoot Zoot' timestamp='1338946975' post='2978005']
"Mr Abel, a pleasure to meet you too. You would be correct, the Empire has its share of natural glories to feast one's eyes on, but my god it gets humid and sticky in the bloody summer. Least here its more or less bone dry hot. It makes a change being able to relax with an orange juice without having to worry about how long the cord is on the fan" she replied with a smile.

"Even more so, it is a nice change to just sit down and relax, did you know this is the first time I have sat down and chilled out since my damn wedding. First the Wedding, then a trip to Mexico, then I had to tour the fleet in the Pacific whilst it was on exercises and then to Para before returning to Montevideo to pack a case to make this shindig on time. Honestly Mr Abel, once you get married, everything goes to hell on the work rota. Anyway, enough of my gripes. I hear the Commonwealth had some teething problems when it regained its independance?"
[/quote]

Michael would lean against a tree as he nodded and listened to Alice, "We certainly have our rainy seasons as well, it can get very humid here, especially on the eastern coast, I'm sure it does not rival one of the wettest places on Earth, though." He would sip lightly from a tumbler filled with whiskey, and grin as the South American monarch would speak of her wedding.

"I wouldn't know about marriage, although my older brother would, I'm not sure how he manages to stay out of the political spotlight, what with his wife now our Foreign Minister. I think Robert finished with politics after serving as Governor General during the Union years, he and Lizzie had an understanding that he would raise the children, he's had his fill of politics, but Elizabeth, she's one that is much more driven, I think. Its probably why she and Valeria Sangral, our new Lady Protector, get along so well, they have similar personalities," he said, looking out at the ocean as he spoke.

"And yes, since our independence we have been facing off with an insurgency that has stylized itself the Australian Socialist Liberation Front, mainly supporters of the old Flemming Regime, many of whom had much to lose with his departure from leadership. He led the insurgency, but we were luckily able to track him down, and a significant portion of the insurgency's numbers were chewed up during an attack that spoiled national elections across the country, the attacks focused on Melbourne. We are still facing scattered resistance, but mostly in the deep interior of the country, where it is relatively easy to disappear, in urban areas and along the coastlines, we basically hold the cards," said Michael, a little gravely as he spoke and sipped his drink.

"Why the quiet arrival? If I dare ask?" asked Michael, he had heard the cars of the others approaching the compound. Valeria could be faintly heard making a greeting announcement that he probably should have been present for, but hospitality and manners dictated otherwise.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1339085744' post='2978795']
[i]Before the Arrival on Othel -- In the Kitchens on North Stradbroke[/i]

To have fun in life, one goes to where the music sounds, where the liquor flows, and where the money is ripe for taking. It was for these reasons that Morgan Obuarei and a few of her crew members found themselves running through the bungalow kitchens on the Australian island having been hired as cooks and cocktail waitresses in the wake of the conclave of world leaders in the Commonwealth. The Captain of the [i]Passion's Pain[/i] was no stranger to Australia and it was fitting, a continent for criminals often attracted criminals and some of the worst civil wars and civic conflicts happened here. During the recent civil war as Communist supporters were uprooted, territories controlled by Flemming's regime became hotbeds of illegal activity and as such, Morgan's career flourished bringing in smuggled arms and munitions to the Communists for a good price. Now with that party ending it was only right that she share a drink with the victors of the conflict and see what would change in Australia. It was hard enough already with Tianxia patrolling the seas, but perhaps, if one was an intelligent scoundrel, the Pirate Captain could get a glimpse of what the future held; provided she stayed sober enough to become part of the party.

"Hey you!" Morgan heard a scream from behind her as she put a bottle of rum up to her mouth. "What in the hell do you think you're doing? That's for serving, not for drinking!" One of the chamberlains said and grabbed the bottle out of the pirate's hand. "I swear this is the last time I hire scum off the street."

Bowing, she smirked and walked away from the chamberlain. "My apologies sir. Just needed to get a bit of a boost if I'm going to be on my feet all night and I assure you, I'm sea scum, not street scum."

"Some poor Polynesian at the harbor, you're scum either way." He said and snapped his finger at one of the servants who brought Morgan a tray of shrimp and mint cocktails. "Take these out on the floor, don't talk to anyone. No one out there gives a care what you think or who you are."

"Someone's bitter." Laughed Tepau from across the room.

Morgan smiled and brushed her chopped red hair behind her ears before taking the tray in her hands. "That's what happens when you work for the better's of society your entire life. I don't eat scraps." She turned on her feet, swaying her behind to pick up a much needed sultry attitude and walked out into the bungalow areas where the elites were gathered.

This was the life, she thought, as she plopped a shrimp into her mouth.
[/quote]

"You know, its not polite to be eating the profits," a man wearing black slacks and a black button-up short-sleeved shirt, with a wiry, short stature would say, as Morgan walked towards the bar area, where much of the platters were being laid out. He would flick his eyes left and right, then pop one of the shrimp into his own mouth, as he cleaned out a shot glass.

"Why the rush from the kitchen? The Lady Protector is still giving the guests their impromptu orientation," said the man, as he finished cleaning up his glasses, and set his rag down, affixing Morgan with a look.

Lieutenant Stan Benteen was one of the many security personnel disguised as regular attendants, a former member of the USC's Z-Unit, and having recently seen action in Melbourne, Benteen was a veteran who had fought his way to the top of Mount Dandenong to rid it of its insurgent defenders. The exploits of his unit and its Lillian Guard leader, Sibyl Descartes, were well-known in Victoria as well as in the Southern Cross Defense Force. He still sported a nasty scar along one cheek from the encounter, and his cover story attributed the scar to a row with an unruly customer at a bar he served as a barkeep for. His slight and wiry build did little to underscore the true lethality he possessed as a special operations soldier, but it [i]did[/i] help him look the part of being "just another barkeep".

Despite his official business of working as both a barkeep and a plainclothes high-value individual security officer, he wasn't above trying to at least enjoy the celebration, where was the fun in working all the time?

[quote name='Knowz' timestamp='1339089495' post='2978808']
Vice President Julia Manuel greeted Lady Protector Valeria Sangral: "Pleased to meet you Lady Protector".

The Vice President would then ask both the Prime Minister & Lady Protector of the Southern Cross if they would like to, at some point in the future, visit the United States of Oceanesia: "It would be our pleasure to host you. I hope we can establish formal bilateral relations at a meeting in the USO".
[/quote]

As the guests would greet Valeria, she would smile and shake the Oceanesian VP's hand firmly when she greeted her, "Well met, Vice President. I would like to personally thank you and your government for once again giving this country back to the hands of its people. I would certainly like to engage in some sort of negotiations with your government, I'm sure that we could at least arrange Lizzie to come along with me for the soiree. We could, of course, engage in such talks at some point during this celebration, if you would so like. But there is no need to rush such things, we have a high opinion of the USO, and look forward to engaging in neighborly discussions."

---

After introductions, Valeria would go over a quick orientation of the premises with the guests, who were shown around the large function-hall bungalow, as well as given maps of the compound and the surrounding area open to them. The island's interior was open to romps through its wooded hillocks and the beach stretched as far as the eye could see. Valeria would let everyone go their separate ways upon finishing up giving small details on the schedule, which included supper and a live orchestra that would play for that evening. From there, the guests could mingle with one another, go to the bar to satiate their alcoholic tastes, romp to the beach for time in the surf and sand, retire to their bungalows for naps, or basically do anything that so pleased them...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For unknown reasons Lord Decimatious and his slave left without a word or explanation much to the other Georgian party's relief. This left Mr Brown and his assistant in a much better mood and to celebrate they both went straight to the bar. There they would order simples glasses of juice as they would not allow alcohol to interfere with their work. Standing with their drinks the two men would look over the maps and discuss the location and the people they had seen so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339107586' post='2978957']
"You know, its not polite to be eating the profits," a man wearing black slacks and a black button-up short-sleeved shirt, with a wiry, short stature would say, as Morgan walked towards the bar area, where much of the platters were being laid out. He would flick his eyes left and right, then pop one of the shrimp into his own mouth, as he cleaned out a shot glass.

"Why the rush from the kitchen? The Lady Protector is still giving the guests their impromptu orientation," said the man, as he finished cleaning up his glasses, and set his rag down, affixing Morgan with a look.

Lieutenant Stan Benteen was one of the many security personnel disguised as regular attendants, a former member of the USC's Z-Unit, and having recently seen action in Melbourne, Benteen was a veteran who had fought his way to the top of Mount Dandenong to rid it of its insurgent defenders. The exploits of his unit and its Lillian Guard leader, Sibyl Descartes, were well-known in Victoria as well as in the Southern Cross Defense Force. He still sported a nasty scar along one cheek from the encounter, and his cover story attributed the scar to a row with an unruly customer at a bar he served as a barkeep for. His slight and wiry build did little to underscore the true lethality he possessed as a special operations soldier, but it [i]did[/i] help him look the part of being "just another barkeep".

Despite his official business of working as both a barkeep and a plainclothes high-value individual security officer, he wasn't above trying to at least enjoy the celebration, where was the fun in working all the time?
[/quote]

"Yeah, profits." Morgan scowled as she set the tray down on the table and turned to the scarred barkeep. "I'm sure these are the people who tip rather handsomely. Doubt they're going to miss one or two pieces of shrimp." She said and took another one, chewing down on the soft meat. "As to the rush, partly because I was asked to, partly because I don't have any intentions of staying back and listening to those !@#$%^&* tell me how to serve food. I don't do this for a living, just need a bit of money on the side and I think it'd be interesting to see how the other half of society live. I'm quite impressed thus far." She smirked.

She walked over to the bar and leaned onto the wood with a smile. "Now you stole one of mine, how about you fill me up with something good. I'm partial to rum if you need to know." Morgan looked up at him and bit her bottom lip. "Nice scar by the way, someone didn't like what you poured them?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As the convoy went through the city of Brisbane and eventually made its way through the island, the three accompanying Chancellors stared in awe at the beauty of the place and its incredible nature. Siberians by birth, they had never left their region, and Australia was proving to be quite a shock for them. The High Chancellor of Defense, however, was well-traveled and found himself looking more for security measures than natural wonders. He chuckled when he realized the subtle presence they were trying to achieve, by giving the guests a sense of safety while not overwhelming them with assault rifles. He was genuinely impressed by the impression, and thought of employing such measures himself should the need ever arise at a Cyrantian event.

Likewise, once they entered the event, Antonov, Kalinin, and Vitsin immediately began to greet their fellow guests as well as their hosts, whom they thanked tremendously. They were polite, likeable, and social men, so anyone meeting them would enjoy their presence, but Zherdev wasn't much for formalities or high-class smalltalk. He found himself walking around the party, looking over the guests and the setting, doing nothing much other than tossing large-value Cyrantian bills on waiters' trays without actually taking anything. Against his better judgment, he made his way over to the large bar and ordered a heavy vodka-based drink, and sat down at one of the stools. Seeing a rather good-looking Siberian man in an expensive dark suit slightly hunched over at a bar downing liquor would surely be rather against the nature of some of the leaders in attendance, but he didn't care. Two seats empty to his left and right and a drink in hand that reminded him of his homeland was all he needed to enjoy himself.

Edited by Domingo the Honored
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1339110844' post='2979023']
"Yeah, profits." Morgan scowled as she set the tray down on the table and turned to the scarred barkeep. "I'm sure these are the people who tip rather handsomely. Doubt they're going to miss one or two pieces of shrimp." She said and took another one, chewing down on the soft meat. "As to the rush, partly because I was asked to, partly because I don't have any intentions of staying back and listening to those !@#$%^&* tell me how to serve food. I don't do this for a living, just need a bit of money on the side and I think it'd be interesting to see how the other half of society live. I'm quite impressed thus far." She smirked.

She walked over to the bar and leaned onto the wood with a smile. "Now you stole one of mine, how about you fill me up with something good. I'm partial to rum if you need to know." Morgan looked up at him and bit her bottom lip. "Nice scar by the way, someone didn't like what you poured them?"
[/quote]

"Fair enough," grinned Benteen, as he arranged some of the liquors behind him carefully, turning back to see the red-haired woman leaning on his bar. He would look around carefully, the group of dignitaries were still in the venue's atrium and hadn't entered the bar yet. When one of the other barkeeps turned his back, he slipped a glass out from underneath the bar, deftly filling it liberally with rum. Although straight-laced as a military officer, the middle-aged Benteen still believed a stiff drink really could solve any situation. "Its a fair trade, I guess," he chuckled, as he slid the glass across to her.

He saw her eyes affix on his scar and when asked about it, he shrugged simply, looking straight into her eyes, "Well, m'dear, we had some sailors from various ships get into a nice walloping festival at the bar I usually work at in the Port. One of them tried to use a mug to clock someone, well, anyone can attest that one's aim decreases exponentially with every drink, and these sailors were rather sloshed. It missed and, well, this is the result, not much of a story to tell the [i]Sheilas[/i], eh?"

[quote name='Domingo the Honored' timestamp='1339113442' post='2979061']
As the convoy went through the city of Brisbane and eventually made its way through the island, the three accompanying Chancellors stared in awe at the beauty of the place and its incredible nature. Siberians by birth, they had never left their region, and Australia was proving to be quite a shock for them. The High Chancellor of Defense, however, was well-traveled and found himself looking more for security measures than natural wonders. He chuckled when he realized the subtle presence they were trying to achieve, by giving the guests a sense of safety while not overwhelming them with assault rifles. He was genuinely impressed by the impression, and thought of employing such measures himself should the need ever arise at a Cyrantian event.

Likewise, once they entered the event, Antonov, Kalinin, and Vitsin immediately began to greet their fellow guests as well as their hosts, whom they thanked tremendously. They were polite, likeable, and social men, so anyone meeting them would enjoy their presence, but Zherdev wasn't much for formalities or high-class smalltalk. He found himself walking around the party, looking over the guests and the setting, doing nothing much other than tossing large-value Cyrantian bills on waiters' trays without actually taking anything. Against his better judgment, he made his way over to the large bar and ordered a heavy vodka-based drink, and sat down at one of the stools. Seeing a rather good-looking Siberian man in an expensive dark suit slightly hunched over at a bar downing liquor would surely be rather against the nature of some of the leaders in attendance, but he didn't care. Two seats empty to his left and right and a drink in hand that reminded him of his homeland was all he needed to enjoy himself.
[/quote]

"Getting an early start, eh?" asked an older gentleman, with silvering hair, addressing Zherdev. The older man plopped down on a stool one down from Zherdev, ordering up a tumbler of whiskey for himself. Minister of Defense Arnold Sweeney was an old-time soldier, a veteran of the Union of the Southern Cross' SCGDF, having since retired from the military life, and having taken up politics. He had been only recently appointed to the MoD position, after a long discussion between the political parties involved in the coalition, Sweeney was well-liked by those who had served with him. He had a likeable, fatherly persona that emitted confidence and wisdom gained from years of education and much mental deliberation, a by-product of those who had done long periods of service.

"What's a younger digger like you doing up here on the bar stools alone?" asked Sweeney, with a grin, before introducing himself. "Arnold Sweeney, Member of Parliament, and Minister of Defense."

Edited by TheShammySocialist
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1338938229' post='2977898']
"Thank you, it was a rather private affair, we've stayed away from announcing anything about it," nodded Lizzie, after listening to Ariadne. "Well, do wish the Emperor well, I trust that you yourself have been very busy since our last meeting?"
[/quote]

"I understand completely, there are those matters that do not belong to the public or world at large" Ariadne said. "I wouldn't even know where to begin. The last decades have been hectic, but we're looking to a more peaceful and quiet future. So what are your future plans now the Southern Cross has returned?"

---

After enjoying the trip Ariadne greeted the Lady Protector before moving inside. After observing the area a bit she decided to move to one of the bars. "Double vodka martini please"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339107586' post='2978957']
Michael would lean against a tree as he nodded and listened to Alice, "We certainly have our rainy seasons as well, it can get very humid here, especially on the eastern coast, I'm sure it does not rival one of the wettest places on Earth, though." He would sip lightly from a tumbler filled with whiskey, and grin as the South American monarch would speak of her wedding.

"I wouldn't know about marriage, although my older brother would, I'm not sure how he manages to stay out of the political spotlight, what with his wife now our Foreign Minister. I think Robert finished with politics after serving as Governor General during the Union years, he and Lizzie had an understanding that he would raise the children, he's had his fill of politics, but Elizabeth, she's one that is much more driven, I think. Its probably why she and Valeria Sangral, our new Lady Protector, get along so well, they have similar personalities," he said, looking out at the ocean as he spoke.

"And yes, since our independence we have been facing off with an insurgency that has stylized itself the Australian Socialist Liberation Front, mainly supporters of the old Flemming Regime, many of whom had much to lose with his departure from leadership. He led the insurgency, but we were luckily able to track him down, and a significant portion of the insurgency's numbers were chewed up during an attack that spoiled national elections across the country, the attacks focused on Melbourne. We are still facing scattered resistance, but mostly in the deep interior of the country, where it is relatively easy to disappear, in urban areas and along the coastlines, we basically hold the cards," said Michael, a little gravely as he spoke and sipped his drink.

"Why the quiet arrival? If I dare ask?" asked Michael, he had heard the cars of the others approaching the compound. Valeria could be faintly heard making a greeting announcement that he probably should have been present for, but hospitality and manners dictated otherwise.
[/quote]

"Well at least you hold you cards where they matter then, unless I am mistaken, Australias interior is quite... barren and hostile to human life, let them suffer under the sun, which if im not mistaken is possibly three quarters of a mile away, I swaer i could hear the airports staff skin audibly crackling becuse of it" she said with a laugh.

"As for the quiet entrance Mr Abel, I might be an Empress, but I am just as normal woman. Iv'e been a soldier most of my life, its only recently that I have begun to settle down. Even back home in the Falklands I was on the frontlines with ground units on the west Island trying to clean up the mess my late father made. I hated drawing attention then, and I still do now I guess. Im about as far away from the rest of your guests as I could be as far as entrances go." she replied quietly. Shall we retire inside? I fear your guests will be missing your company."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Jade listened attentively while the Lady Protector was introduced, and wandered about a while, mainly sticking towards the beach area, walking the sands and wishing she'd thought to bring a suit. Major Anatov and her guards took it in shifts to keep an eye on her, only two on her at any one time, and for the first time since her birth she had a notion of what a normal person felt like- on her own, with no one watching. To be perfectly frank, she felt naked, but she rationalized it as one of those "not-used-to-it" situations where one would have to have known what the feeling is like to miss it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339115858' post='2979086']
"Fair enough," grinned Benteen, as he arranged some of the liquors behind him carefully, turning back to see the red-haired woman leaning on his bar. He would look around carefully, the group of dignitaries were still in the venue's atrium and hadn't entered the bar yet. When one of the other barkeeps turned his back, he slipped a glass out from underneath the bar, deftly filling it liberally with rum. Although straight-laced as a military officer, the middle-aged Benteen still believed a stiff drink really could solve any situation. "Its a fair trade, I guess," he chuckled, as he slid the glass across to her.

He saw her eyes affix on his scar and when asked about it, he shrugged simply, looking straight into her eyes, "Well, m'dear, we had some sailors from various ships get into a nice walloping festival at the bar I usually work at in the Port. One of them tried to use a mug to clock someone, well, anyone can attest that one's aim decreases exponentially with every drink, and these sailors were rather sloshed. It missed and, well, this is the result, not much of a story to tell the [i]Sheilas[/i], eh?"
[/quote]

"Nope, you're right about that," she said glancing away from the scar. "That's a !@#$ story, I'd make something better up really quick if I were you or you have no chance to impress anyone with some drunks lucky swing. At least say you fought and pulverized the guy, if nothing else, say that." Morgan said and guzzled back the glass of rum. The moment the alcohol hit her, the pirate's entire body spazzed for a moment and then she pounded her fist down on the table. "Its best that way. That's the good stuff."

She turned over to watch the Greek come near and order a martini before smiling at Benteen. "Well looks like the big wigs are here. Means I should go back to my shrimp tray and walk around. You should bring me another glass during the night though, I get thirsty really quick."

Morgan got to her feet and walked back over to tray, winking at Benteen and then started to mingle throughout the crowd, holding her shrimp tray with a bit of a swagger.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

André Boisclair, President of the Greater Quebec Republic, arrived quietly. Originally his prime minister was to come along, but other commitment related to the northern part of the country prevented the two heads of the executive branch from leaving the country. Being a bachelor, that did make him a bit freer than having the social conservative prime minister with him. He had come with a group of four sunglassed security service. What was noticeable was that only one of them was a white male, the others being of colored ethnicity and female. It was a deliberate act on part of the more liberal parts of the government, which was not really in line with Boisclair Quebec nationalism. But he would tolerate it, since he was coming to a "liberal" social democratic country, as compared to conservative social democratic Quebec.

He listened to the small talks, but focused mostly on the women, while two of his security guards, a short raven-haired Asian and a tall South Asian Amazon, rolled their eyes behind the black sunglasses.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339115858' post='2979086']
"Getting an early start, eh?" asked an older gentleman, with silvering hair, addressing Zherdev. The older man plopped down on a stool one down from Zherdev, ordering up a tumbler of whiskey for himself. Minister of Defense Arnold Sweeney was an old-time soldier, a veteran of the Union of the Southern Cross' SCGDF, having since retired from the military life, and having taken up politics. He had been only recently appointed to the MoD position, after a long discussion between the political parties involved in the coalition, Sweeney was well-liked by those who had served with him. He had a likeable, fatherly persona that emitted confidence and wisdom gained from years of education and much mental deliberation, a by-product of those who had done long periods of service.

"What's a younger digger like you doing up here on the bar stools alone?" asked Sweeney, with a grin, before introducing himself. "Arnold Sweeney, Member of Parliament, and Minister of Defense."
[/quote]

Zherdev smiled at the older man's little wise-crack and took another gulp of his drink. "But of course. If I don't begin now I won't be horse-drunk enough for the rest of the party later on. Looks like you've got a pretty strong brew there yourself." He extended his hand out to the man to shake.

"As for me, I'm not too partial to going out and chatting about how best to oppress subjects and drop bombs on neighbors with the stuffy masses. At least not until I've got enough of this stuff downed." With that, Zherdev took another large gulp and finished off his initial glass of vodka mix. He raised an eyebrow when the man formally introduced himself. "Well, Mr. Sweeney, it would seem you and I have similar positions. I'm Mikhail Zherdev, High Chancellor of Defense for the Chancellery of Cyrantia. I'll take it you've heard of us, but just in case, we're the guys up in north-east Siberia. Just gotta go a couple thousand miles," Zherdev pointed north with one hand, "That-a-way."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Centurius' timestamp='1339118283' post='2979116']
"I understand completely, there are those matters that do not belong to the public or world at large" Ariadne said. "I wouldn't even know where to begin. The last decades have been hectic, but we're looking to a more peaceful and quiet future. So what are your future plans now the Southern Cross has returned?"

---

After enjoying the trip Ariadne greeted the Lady Protector before moving inside. After observing the area a bit she decided to move to one of the bars. "Double vodka martini please"
[/quote]

"The Commonwealth is working on its internal affairs, cleaning up the rest of the insurgency that has retreated into the continent's interior, we have much work to do there, but the back of the insurgency has been broken. We're working on a number of internal initiatives that will help boost manufacturing and agricultural efficiency, as well as continuing to shore up and kick the economy up to snuff. Of course, defense expenditure has been relatively high due to the recent insurgency, but it is helping boost other facets of the economy, seeing as most of our weapons manufacturing is domestic," nodded Lizzie, as she spoke on the tarmac to the Athenian monarch. "Peace is something we all strive for, although it seems elusive in a world such as this."

---

"A double vodka martini for the Mediterranean Goddess, comin' up," said Stan Benteen, with a grin, well aware of who Ariadne was.

Benteen would nod lightly at the approach of Valeria Sangral, who would sit down next to Ariadne, and saying, "Whiskey, if you would, Stan."

"Of course, Miss Sangral," he said, as he delivered a drink to Ariadne.

"It's a pleasure to make an acquaintance of one of the leaders of the current hyper-powers," said Valeria, affixing her lightly weathered stare on Ariadne. "Robert Abel speaks highly of you, and of many of the leaders he met during the last soiree in the sun."

[quote name='Zoot Zoot' timestamp='1339122842' post='2979163']
"Well at least you hold you cards where they matter then, unless I am mistaken, Australias interior is quite... barren and hostile to human life, let them suffer under the sun, which if im not mistaken is possibly three quarters of a mile away, I swaer i could hear the airports staff skin audibly crackling becuse of it" she said with a laugh.

"As for the quiet entrance Mr Abel, I might be an Empress, but I am just as normal woman. Iv'e been a soldier most of my life, its only recently that I have begun to settle down. Even back home in the Falklands I was on the frontlines with ground units on the west Island trying to clean up the mess my late father made. I hated drawing attention then, and I still do now I guess. Im about as far away from the rest of your guests as I could be as far as entrances go." she replied quietly. Shall we retire inside? I fear your guests will be missing your company."
[/quote]

"It is quite desolate, but we're still going to continue pursuing a campaign against them, if we do not, although their back may have been broken, they can still terrorize local populaces, its something we can't overlook, unfortunately. But it will only be a matter of time before the campaign will finish off the insurgency for good," nodded Michael, as he polished off his tumbler and continued looking out at the ocean.

"Understandable that you would rather keep your entrances rather low key, my sister-in-law, who you would have met at the airport, used to be a nervous wreck when greeting international dignitaries. I think she's improved a lot, seeing as she is now our Foreign Minister," he said, with a chuckle. "There are many people to meet and engage in conversations with, whether they be much ado nothing, or all business, I believe it would be good to move our own selves inside, and talk to some of the other guests as well."

[quote name='Mara Lithaen' timestamp='1339125547' post='2979189']
Jade listened attentively while the Lady Protector was introduced, and wandered about a while, mainly sticking towards the beach area, walking the sands and wishing she'd thought to bring a suit. Major Anatov and her guards took it in shifts to keep an eye on her, only two on her at any one time, and for the first time since her birth she had a notion of what a normal person felt like- on her own, with no one watching. To be perfectly frank, she felt naked, but she rationalized it as one of those "not-used-to-it" situations where one would have to have known what the feeling is like to miss it.
[/quote]

While many of the rest of the Commonwealth's government dignitaries plied the main bungalow, Lizzie Whittaker had resigned herself, rather easily, in fact, to donning a white conservative two-piece bathing suit, along with a long flowing skirt, thatched straw hat, and a set of aviator sunglasses, and making her way down to the beach with a towel. She would make her way down to the beach from the main bungalow after changing in her own personal suite in the venue, and walking along the surf, after dropping some of her things off in the dry sand above the surf-line. She walked lightly through the cool surf, enjoying the sand squishing between her toes, she was a beach-goer at heart, and before her soiree into politics, whenever she had time off from her job as a Qantas Executive - one of the youngest, in fact - she would rush to the beaches near Melbourne.

She would exchange a few words with some aides who would inquire about business, as well as pass on some various briefings which she would scan for any important events, but she would shoo them away once she found nothing was of any real consequence. Continuing down the beach, she would spot one of her fellow beachgoers, and she smiled as she slowly sidled through the ankle-deep surf to approach Jade Lithaen.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one that can appreciate this place just for the booze," she said, with a grin, with a glance pointedly over her shoulder at the main bungalow in the compound in the distance, whilst approaching the North American monarch. "How are you enjoying yourself, Miss Lithaen?"

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1339132582' post='2979238']
"Nope, you're right about that," she said glancing away from the scar. "That's a !@#$ story, I'd make something better up really quick if I were you or you have no chance to impress anyone with some drunks lucky swing. At least say you fought and pulverized the guy, if nothing else, say that." Morgan said and guzzled back the glass of rum. The moment the alcohol hit her, the pirate's entire body spazzed for a moment and then she pounded her fist down on the table. "Its best that way. That's the good stuff."

She turned over to watch the Greek come near and order a martini before smiling at Benteen. "Well looks like the big wigs are here. Means I should go back to my shrimp tray and walk around. You should bring me another glass during the night though, I get thirsty really quick."

Morgan got to her feet and walked back over to tray, winking at Benteen and then started to mingle throughout the crowd, holding her shrimp tray with a bit of a swagger.
[/quote]

"Who says that I didn't get my own licks in?" grinned Benteen, indicating his bruised knuckles, having earned them not in a barfight, of course, but in a hand to hand fight that had ensued when his unit had moved on the last leg of their attack on Mount Dandenong. "Even with the scar, I think I came out ahead," he said with a laugh, as he looked intently at Morgan. He watched her take the glass in one gulp, and chuckled softly, as she seemed to recoil from the drink that hit her almost right off the bat. "Only the [i]best[/i] stuff, for the [i]best[/i] of people, and for giving us common folk a bit of a kick when we need it." He would pour a small gulp of the rum for himself in a shot glass, and downed it before the guests began filtering in, and nodded in confirmation.

"That [i]is[/i] the good stuff."

"Yes they are, duty calls, doesn't it? I'll be sure to remember to make sure a tumbler finds its way to you later on," he said, with a warm, giddy smile, a twinkle in his eye. Watching Morgan take off into the crowd, watching her before quickly addressing the Athenian monarch's needs.

[quote name='Domingo the Honored' timestamp='1339164912' post='2979366']
Zherdev smiled at the older man's little wise-crack and took another gulp of his drink. "But of course. If I don't begin now I won't be horse-drunk enough for the rest of the party later on. Looks like you've got a pretty strong brew there yourself." He extended his hand out to the man to shake.

"As for me, I'm not too partial to going out and chatting about how best to oppress subjects and drop bombs on neighbors with the stuffy masses. At least not until I've got enough of this stuff downed." With that, Zherdev took another large gulp and finished off his initial glass of vodka mix. He raised an eyebrow when the man formally introduced himself. "Well, Mr. Sweeney, it would seem you and I have similar positions. I'm Mikhail Zherdev, High Chancellor of Defense for the Chancellery of Cyrantia. I'll take it you've heard of us, but just in case, we're the guys up in north-east Siberia. Just gotta go a couple thousand miles," Zherdev pointed north with one hand, "That-a-way."
[/quote]

Sweeney would shake Zherdev's hand firmly, and nod lightly, "For a shindig such as this? I need a strong brew to be able to play nice with others, whether it be in an international party or a cabinet meeting." Sweeney would thank the barkeep for his drink and quickly take a gulp from the tumbler, close his eyes, and sigh. "Yes, that is what I needed, only the most high-class."

"I made a flagrant assumption that you probably shared some commonality with me, I daresay I hope that we defense ministers are not always resigned to have to keep each other company, I can't say that I know from experience," Sweeney said, with a chuckle, smiling wider when Zherdev animatedly went out of his way to point Sweeney northwards. "I have indeed heard of your country, Mr. Zherdev, our country likes to keep an eye on the Pacific Rim, we are well aware of your presence to the north, a rather strategic position, being on the northeast flank of Tianxia and its' Marscurian client state. Your last conflict with Yoitsu has been in the press a little, although I haven't been thoroughly briefed on the situation or its' cause for that matter, I assume your occupation is keeping you busy?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339199175' post='2979612']While many of the rest of the Commonwealth's government dignitaries plied the main bungalow, Lizzie Whittaker had resigned herself, rather easily, in fact, to donning a white conservative two-piece bathing suit, along with a long flowing skirt, thatched straw hat, and a set of aviator sunglasses, and making her way down to the beach with a towel. She would make her way down to the beach from the main bungalow after changing in her own personal suite in the venue, and walking along the surf, after dropping some of her things off in the dry sand above the surf-line. She walked lightly through the cool surf, enjoying the sand squishing between her toes, she was a beach-goer at heart, and before her soiree into politics, whenever she had time off from her job as a Qantas Executive - one of the youngest, in fact - she would rush to the beaches near Melbourne.

She would exchange a few words with some aides who would inquire about business, as well as pass on some various briefings which she would scan for any important events, but she would shoo them away once she found nothing was of any real consequence. Continuing down the beach, she would spot one of her fellow beachgoers, and she smiled as she slowly sidled through the ankle-deep surf to approach Jade Lithaen.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one that can appreciate this place just for the booze," she said, with a grin, with a glance pointedly over her shoulder at the main bungalow in the compound in the distance, whilst approaching the North American monarch. "How are you enjoying yourself, Miss Lithaen?"
[/quote]

Jade grinned a bit, Lizzie's Australian drawl reaching her ears before she looked up. "I'm enjoying myself rather immensely, Miss Lizzie." she said, smiling at her, her own British returning to her, the current fad of the capitol - and Jade had always been a good actor, so it sounded nearly like she had been born in upper-class British society. "I can't stand the lot of those booze-swilling old codgers... though I'm quite sure my granduncle would get along famously with them." she finished, wryly. She raised a hand, sweeping it across the surf, horizon to horizon. "This is quite a beautiful island you have here, and from what I gather most of your coastlines are just the same. We don't get such fine weather in the North, except down by the Space Center, and there it's just... muggy." she finished with another quick grin, twisting her red hair around a finger, wiggling the toes of her bare feet about in the sand, summer dress shifting a little in the breeze.

Edited by Mara Lithaen
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339199175' post='2979612']
"Who says that I didn't get my own licks in?" grinned Benteen, indicating his bruised knuckles, having earned them not in a barfight, of course, but in a hand to hand fight that had ensued when his unit had moved on the last leg of their attack on Mount Dandenong. "Even with the scar, I think I came out ahead," he said with a laugh, as he looked intently at Morgan. He watched her take the glass in one gulp, and chuckled softly, as she seemed to recoil from the drink that hit her almost right off the bat. "Only the [i]best[/i] stuff, for the [i]best[/i] of people, and for giving us common folk a bit of a kick when we need it." He would pour a small gulp of the rum for himself in a shot glass, and downed it before the guests began filtering in, and nodded in confirmation.

"That [i]is[/i] the good stuff."

"Yes they are, duty calls, doesn't it? I'll be sure to remember to make sure a tumbler finds its way to you later on," he said, with a warm, giddy smile, a twinkle in his eye. Watching Morgan take off into the crowd, watching her before quickly addressing the Athenian monarch's needs.
[/quote]

"I'd appreciate it." Morgan winked and threw an extra sashay into her ass as she continued to walk through the open spaces of people.

With the shrimp tray in her hand, the pirate had found her first objective and that was to leave with a full stomach as she waltzed around the room, grabbing more than her fair share of food when the guests weren't looking. Her second objective was also partly completed and while her barkeep friend was attractive, he wasn't exactly rich or powerful and couldn't do much to help her own ambitions, but if everything else failed, he'd be a good base fall back on. However, as she walked through the space between the bungalows, Morgan looked at who would be a good catch and it seemed she'd have her work cut out tonight.

Ah well, she thought, and threw another sashay to pick up another tray, the night was young and the alcohol had only just touched her lips. She still had a few hours ahead.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339199175' post='2979612']Sweeney would shake Zherdev's hand firmly, and nod lightly, "For a shindig such as this? I need a strong brew to be able to play nice with others, whether it be in an international party or a cabinet meeting." Sweeney would thank the barkeep for his drink and quickly take a gulp from the tumbler, close his eyes, and sigh. "Yes, that is what I needed, only the most high-class."

"I made a flagrant assumption that you probably shared some commonality with me, I daresay I hope that we defense ministers are not always resigned to have to keep each other company, I can't say that I know from experience," Sweeney said, with a chuckle, smiling wider when Zherdev animatedly went out of his way to point Sweeney northwards. "I have indeed heard of your country, Mr. Zherdev, our country likes to keep an eye on the Pacific Rim, we are well aware of your presence to the north, a rather strategic position, being on the northeast flank of Tianxia and its' Marscurian client state. Your last conflict with Yoitsu has been in the press a little, although I haven't been thoroughly briefed on the situation or its' cause for that matter, I assume your occupation is keeping you busy?"
[/quote]

Zherdev smiled at the explanation for public drunkenness and nodded sincerely. "I know the feeling, don't you worry. Let's hope the crowd here ease out once they're on stuff like this too." The bartender came to refill his empty glass but Zherdev waved him away, handing him a Cyrantian bill as a tip. "But tonight I think I may stay lucid. "After all, somebody needs to be able to stumble those three back to their bungalow. Maybe you've met them?" He pointed Sweeney towards the three other Cyrantian Chancellors in attendance, who were still talking among the guests, blissfully unaware that with each emptying martini, they were losing their sobriety.

"Anyway, I'm not normally one for assumptions, Mr. Sweeney, but I'm rather glad you saw that little connection. After all, most people can't seem to grasp the true meaning of social interaction. I'd prefer to have a drink at a bar with a fellow in my profession than have meaningless conversations with heads of state and people drunk with their own authority. Perhaps we Defense Ministers ought to get together more often. An annual reunion, perhaps?" Zherdev chuckled for both Sweeney's statement and his own. "I'm glad you aren't unaware of our presence. We don't mind our country's placement, it's pleasant enough tract of land. As I like to say, we never mind being by the turnip and the tiger."

Zherdev asked for a water and took a sip. He often got a dry-mouth or mild dehydration from the harder liquors, and tonight was no difference. "As for Yoitsu, I'm just glad the whole affair with the war has concluded and we're on to the talks about its future. You'd be right to think I've been busy. Between planning the invasion, carrying it out, and trying to win a war that proved to be much more costly than initially thought, this is the first time I've had a nice, relaxed moment in too long. As for the situation at hand, let me give you a short summary. We've had bad luck with unstable regimes to our north for some time, and this one was the worst. Their leadership was arguably insane and the whole nation was just a mess. We went in there to usurp the government and free the people, but to be honest, I'm not sure what will happen now that we've won. I've never liked that I'm told to win the battles, but I never get to choose the real outcomes."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Launching from the rear helipad of a expensive personal yacht just off the coast of the commonwealth was a black painted lynx helicopter which quickly took to the air and began to fly inland towards Commonwealth territory. However, well before the helicopter got anywhere near to the beaches the pilot onboard would attempt to raise Commonwealth air traffic control on an open frequency.
[quote]
"Commonwealth Air Traffic Control this is Helo Two One Actual from Georgian yacht Sunset. We have one passenger onboard who is the new acting security guard for Ambassador Bobby Brown from Georgia. He is unarmed as are we and we request permission to fly him to the international gathering to provide protection for the ambassador. Do we have permission to procede?"[/quote]

At the same time as the helo took off Mr Brown would recieve a call on his cell phone informing him of the new security protection and though a little shocked and surprised he would immediatly attempt to find someone from the Commonwealth to let them know that he was expecting a security guard to be flown in by helicopter.

Edited by Kevin Kingswell
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wei Hai, premier of the Empire of Tianxia, looked around the Australian party. It was evident that the Australians were trying to get everyones guard down for their nefarious schemes to bring hope and freedom to the beleaguered peoples of the world. Such idealism and compassion was... revolting. Wei made his way to the bar, his mind flashing back to the last time he was in this country. At that time he had the distinct honor of ending the Tudor Dynasty. He wondered what today would bring. Looking at the bar tender he ordered a drink, "Single malt scotch on the rocks, and if you would be so kind: no poison assasination attempts capitalist pig." he said dryly as he approached Benteen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='Mara Lithaen' timestamp='1339206518' post='2979647']
Jade grinned a bit, Lizzie's Australian drawl reaching her ears before she looked up. "I'm enjoying myself rather immensely, Miss Lizzie." she said, smiling at her, her own British returning to her, the current fad of the capitol - and Jade had always been a good actor, so it sounded nearly like she had been born in upper-class British society. "I can't stand the lot of those booze-swilling old codgers... though I'm quite sure my granduncle would get along famously with them." she finished, wryly. She raised a hand, sweeping it across the surf, horizon to horizon. "This is quite a beautiful island you have here, and from what I gather most of your coastlines are just the same. We don't get such fine weather in the North, except down by the Space Center, and there it's just... muggy." she finished with another quick grin, twisting her red hair around a finger, wiggling the toes of her bare feet about in the sand, summer dress shifting a little in the breeze.
[/quote]

"Now now," clucked Lizzie, looking over at Jade when she spoke about the people up in the main bungalow. "Some of those leaders up there probably have enough firepower just on the transports they arrived on to blow both of our nations into a fiery blaze. They have feelings too, you know." She spoke with an ever-growing grin on her face, adding quickly, "My brother-in-law is up there as well, and he's not old by any stretch, although he definitely acts much more older an age than my husband, his older brother, did when I first acquainted myself with him."

"I am glad you are enjoying our venue, we wanted to select somewhere appropriately calm and relaxing, here we are still close to the urban comforts of Brisbane, but yet at a distance, we cannot hear the sounds of the city. I come out here when I need to get work done, I'll sit on this beach and write out my weekly dispatches and do conference calls, I think some of the ambassadors posted in more colder climates are rather envious when we have video conference-calls," she added, with a smart chuckle.

"Speaking [i]lightly[/i] of business, how fares your own country?" she asked, making sure to emphasize that this was casual chit-chat. Having taken the post as Foreign Minister, and having lived in another culture for almost a decade, when she spent time amongst the Japanese population of the Bonin Islands, she was fascinated with learning about the cultures of other nations. She was hoping to have her fascination well-satiated by the time the weekend was out.

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' timestamp='1339213809' post='2979686']
"I'd appreciate it." Morgan winked and threw an extra sashay into her ass as she continued to walk through the open spaces of people.

With the shrimp tray in her hand, the pirate had found her first objective and that was to leave with a full stomach as she waltzed around the room, grabbing more than her fair share of food when the guests weren't looking. Her second objective was also partly completed and while her barkeep friend was attractive, he wasn't exactly rich or powerful and couldn't do much to help her own ambitions, but if everything else failed, he'd be a good base fall back on. However, as she walked through the space between the bungalows, Morgan looked at who would be a good catch and it seemed she'd have her work cut out tonight.

Ah well, she thought, and threw another sashay to pick up another tray, the night was young and the alcohol had only just touched her lips. She still had a few hours ahead.
[/quote]

Benteen would just grin as he watched the sassy server sashay away from him, throwing a wink from his own scarred face her way when she gave him one. He would share a few quick words with Valeria Sangral as he served both her and Ariadne Notaras, Valeria knew his identity, it was hard for her not to. She had pinned a medal on his chest nearly two days ago during a ceremony honoring the defenders of Melbourne and those who had stormed Mount Dandenong. Sangral was an old soldier herself, and although he was undercover, they could exchange a few words like they knew each other without giving away his cover. After his exchange with her, he'd flick his eyes about the room and affix a gaze on the smarmy waitress, grinning as he watched her look around carefully before grabbing bits of food from trays here and there.

For all the playful nature of her hijinks thus far, he also knew to keep an eye on her, he was soldier first, barkeep second, even if the second job appeared to be more of his first at the time, his eyes had a certain watchful gaze. She seemed like a person of interest to watch, and even if her sassy rebellious attitude turned out to be nothing but her usual personality and of no consequence, he didn't mind keeping an eye on her as well...

[quote name='Domingo the Honored' timestamp='1339247824' post='2979828']
Zherdev smiled at the explanation for public drunkenness and nodded sincerely. "I know the feeling, don't you worry. Let's hope the crowd here ease out once they're on stuff like this too." The bartender came to refill his empty glass but Zherdev waved him away, handing him a Cyrantian bill as a tip. "But tonight I think I may stay lucid. "After all, somebody needs to be able to stumble those three back to their bungalow. Maybe you've met them?" He pointed Sweeney towards the three other Cyrantian Chancellors in attendance, who were still talking among the guests, blissfully unaware that with each emptying martini, they were losing their sobriety.

"Anyway, I'm not normally one for assumptions, Mr. Sweeney, but I'm rather glad you saw that little connection. After all, most people can't seem to grasp the true meaning of social interaction. I'd prefer to have a drink at a bar with a fellow in my profession than have meaningless conversations with heads of state and people drunk with their own authority. Perhaps we Defense Ministers ought to get together more often. An annual reunion, perhaps?" Zherdev chuckled for both Sweeney's statement and his own. "I'm glad you aren't unaware of our presence. We don't mind our country's placement, it's pleasant enough tract of land. As I like to say, we never mind being by the turnip and the tiger."

Zherdev asked for a water and took a sip. He often got a dry-mouth or mild dehydration from the harder liquors, and tonight was no difference. "As for Yoitsu, I'm just glad the whole affair with the war has concluded and we're on to the talks about its future. You'd be right to think I've been busy. Between planning the invasion, carrying it out, and trying to win a war that proved to be much more costly than initially thought, this is the first time I've had a nice, relaxed moment in too long. As for the situation at hand, let me give you a short summary. We've had bad luck with unstable regimes to our north for some time, and this one was the worst. Their leadership was arguably insane and the whole nation was just a mess. We went in there to usurp the government and free the people, but to be honest, I'm not sure what will happen now that we've won. I've never liked that I'm told to win the battles, but I never get to choose the real outcomes."
[/quote]

"Even if Miss Lizzie Whittaker is the Foreign Minister, I have a job that requires a lot of knowledge of other countries, Mr. Zherdev, her diplomatic reports get passed through to my office as well. We are officials that look outwards, not inwards, a certain finesse of knowing your way about the global map is certainly required," stated Sweeney, taking a small sip from a tumbler. "I'm glad to hear that you've found a bit of time to relax here, and please do, Lord knows this is probably one of the best places in the world to do it in. Just get up in the morning, take a step out onto your room's back porch, and you can watch the sun rise, and you know its just going to be a good day, no matter what comes."

"I must ask if you are a former soldier, because I wholeheartedly agree with you when you speak of just getting orders, but then you don't get to choose the outcomes, of course, you can always [i]alter[/i] them, but you can never outright choose them. Many politicians just don't have the foresight to judge how the military operates, its a real problem when you're trying to discuss procurement orders for replacement equipment near ten years down the line, and they won't hear any of it! I can say that I agree with the military being under nominal civilian control, but sometimes it drives me bonkers listening to some of the bozos who occupy our governments don't have the foresight to see threats the way that you and I probably do."

[quote name='Kevin Kingswell' timestamp='1339250501' post='2979843']
Launching from the rear helipad of a expensive personal yacht just off the coast of the commonwealth was a black painted lynx helicopter which quickly took to the air and began to fly inland towards Commonwealth territory. However, well before the helicopter got anywhere near to the beaches the pilot onboard would attempt to raise Commonwealth air traffic control on an open frequency.


At the same time as the helo took off Mr Brown would recieve a call on his cell phone informing him of the new security protection and though a little shocked and surprised he would immediatly attempt to find someone from the Commonwealth to let them know that he was expecting a security guard to be flown in by helicopter.
[/quote]

Finding a member of the Commonwealth security staff wasn't very hard for Mr. Brown, there were plainclothes civilian guards outside most of the doors to each of the rooms in the main venue, and milling about the main entrance to the main bungalow. Once informed of the situation, a cell phone call would be immediately placed to the soiree's mobile security headquarters located in Cleveland, near the ferry terminal. When the helicopter went to open frequency, two MH-60S Seahawk medium utility helicopters were already closing with it, to escort the helicopter to North Stradbroke, once located, the two helicopters, both carrying doorguns, as well as an air-to-ground missile load, would fall in beside the helicopter, having been pulled in from fast reaction patrol duty.

"Helo Two-One Actual, this is Shangri-La Four-One, we copy your traffic, apologies if we spooked you chappies a bit, but we need to ensure the safety of the guests on North Stradbroke. We'll give you escort to the island, there is a helipad about two kilos south of where your good ambassador is staying, we're going to have to bring you there for a teensy-weensy security check, then we'll have some of our fellows on the ground drive him to the compound. Just keep your heading as current, and we'll stay with you fellows until you get there," responded the pilot to their starboard side, giving a little mock salute as he spoke in a smooth Australian drawl.

[quote name='Triyun' timestamp='1339254878' post='2979865']
Wei Hai, premier of the Empire of Tianxia, looked around the Australian party. It was evident that the Australians were trying to get everyones guard down for their nefarious schemes to bring hope and freedom to the beleaguered peoples of the world. Such idealism and compassion was... revolting. Wei made his way to the bar, his mind flashing back to the last time he was in this country. At that time he had the distinct honor of ending the Tudor Dynasty. He wondered what today would bring. Looking at the bar tender he ordered a drink, "Single malt scotch on the rocks, and if you would be so kind: no poison assasination attempts capitalist pig." he said dryly as he approached Benteen.
[/quote]

Benteen was shaken from his reverie of watching Morgan and turned to face his newest customer, who he recognized from his extensive knowledge of current affairs. "A single malt scotch for the Tianxian Premier, hold the cyanide," echoed Benteen, with a grin at his new customer, before fixing the drink for the Premier. He would quickly produce a tumbler for his northern neighbor filled with his request, and then go back to smartly drying glasses with a towel.

"And dare I ask how Tianxia is doing these fine days?" asked Benteen, with a polite smile on his scarred face, as he looked at the Premier, as he worked on drying off washed glasses carefully.

Edited by TheShammySocialist
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='TheShammySocialist' timestamp='1339199175' post='2979612']
"A double vodka martini for the Mediterranean Goddess, comin' up," said Stan Benteen, with a grin, well aware of who Ariadne was.

Benteen would nod lightly at the approach of Valeria Sangral, who would sit down next to Ariadne, and saying, "Whiskey, if you would, Stan."

"Of course, Miss Sangral," he said, as he delivered a drink to Ariadne.

"It's a pleasure to make an acquaintance of one of the leaders of the current hyper-powers," said Valeria, affixing her lightly weathered stare on Ariadne. "Robert Abel speaks highly of you, and of many of the leaders he met during the last soiree in the sun."
[/quote]

"You sure know how to serve a woman a drink" Ariadne said as she took the glass, "Mister?"

When she noticed Valeria was next to her she put down the glass. "The pleasure is mine Lady Protector, so far it is proving to be as enjoyable as the last time I was here."


[quote name='Triyun' timestamp='1339254878' post='2979865']
Wei Hai, premier of the Empire of Tianxia, looked around the Australian party. It was evident that the Australians were trying to get everyones guard down for their nefarious schemes to bring hope and freedom to the beleaguered peoples of the world. Such idealism and compassion was... revolting. Wei made his way to the bar, his mind flashing back to the last time he was in this country. At that time he had the distinct honor of ending the Tudor Dynasty. He wondered what today would bring. Looking at the bar tender he ordered a drink, "Single malt scotch on the rocks, and if you would be so kind: no poison assasination attempts capitalist pig." he said dryly as he approached Benteen.
[/quote]

Ariadne instantly recognized the voice without even looking, heck only the words would have already revealed it. With a short laugh she turned to Wei. "Ah Premier, I see you have come with your usual style."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...