The Mechanical Pen

[Sarah Tintagyl]

The black limousine seemed a bit old fashion compared to the technological advancement that sprung up around it as it hastily drove though the wide streets of Vienna. Sunlight poured down from the sky, between the skyscrapers, breaching the shield of the veil that covered the Countess' face, but for as far down as the sun had to travel through the metropolis, it was wonderfully warm. She smiled and looked out the window at the buildings surrounding her and smiled, she wished it was night and the city would be filled with the lights that she had remembered from so long ago. Back then, there had been another metropolis that had captured her heart with metal spires climbing to the skies. "Ferinh." She leaned back in her seat and remembered that city from so many years ago. "Hopefully Mr. Leclerc is still as hospitable as he was before, he was always such a charming man....Pierre?"

The chauffeur sat back at the lady's call. "Countess?"

"We have been on this road for a half hour please tell we we're at least close."

"The Palace of the Republic is coming up Your Grace, we should be there in a few moments.

Weaving through the last bit of traffic, the Countess' limousine pulled up to the stairs of the Palace of the people as she let herself out of the car to begin the walk up towards the entrance way. She was an interesting sight, dressed in all black, Victorian style wear, a long flowing dress, a corset with lace sleeves down to her hands, which were then gloved. Her face was covered in a long black veil, while her head was fashioned with a plumed hat, with a black rose at the top. Passing the people around her and the guards at the door, the Countess proceeded into the near crystal interior of the Palace of the Republic. The Southern Germans had a beautiful taste of architecture and it seemed that the entire room shimmered in light, mainly because it did anyways. Walking with her heels echoing through the room, she approached the central directory to the person that was on duty and bowed. Her face still covered by the veil, only the pale skin of her neck showing any semblance of humanity.

"I apologize for bothering, I am the Countess de Saint-Germain, I have been told that Chairman Obama has allowed me an audience, if I could be directed to his office I would be very thankful." She said smiling through the cloth and her head titled to the ground in respect.

Edited April 24, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Lynneth]

When the Countess walked into the large building, people would look at her. She was clothed quite unusually; few people nowadays walked around in clothing resembling the english victorian style.
The woman behind the bullet-proof glass nodded. "Yes, you have an appointment, officially scheduled to be in two minutes. I'll have to ask you to take the veil off before proceeding into the building. Additionally, you'll be escorted by two men of the [color="#FFA500"]Amber Guard[/color]. Security for the Chairman is necessary."

Whether or not the Countess answered, two of the orange men would walk to her within the next thirty seconds, waiting for her to go deeper into the building. Luckily for her, there were plenty of signs into the various parts as well as maps at strategic locations, where many people came through.
She wuld thus easily be able to find her way to Obama's office.
Without a veil.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

There was no reason to protest, well there was and Sarah wanted to, but in reality, it wasn't that big of a problem and removed her veil without any hint of unease. She smiled at the receptionist, her blue eyes bright as the Amber Guards approached her and from there she was led off deeper into the Palace, the black heels of her outfit continuing to echo as they walked across the floor. The Palace was as immense as it was beautiful and Sarah couldn't keep her eyes from darting across the corridors taking in the environment around her as they neared Obama's office and she was allowed inside. Once inside, before being offered a seat or any such refreshment, Sarah bowed low, her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. "Your Excellency, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, you have inherited one of the greatest countries in the world and one that has a special place in my heart, I hope you are able to care for it as well as Chairman Lynneth and the monarchy before him." She smiled.

"However, not wanting to waste too much of your time on entertaining me. And old acquaintance of mine, Fjodor Leclerc works for you and I would very much like to be able to speak with him. Would that be possible?"

[Lynneth]

"First off, I'm no excellency. Unlike you, Miss Tintagyl, I'm no baron, king or any kind of noble. Just a man who's an adept General and a decent politician."
He didn't smile at her, but neither did he frown, his expression essentially staying neutral.
"Regarding Leclerc...It would technically be possible, yes. However, I'd like to know why. He's living in a rather secluded location."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Sarah closed her eyes, he apparently was not one for flamboyance, which made sense, humility seemed to be the theme of the South Germans, aside from the scientific advances of course. They did with science what a Hanseatic did with culture. "Of course Mr. Chairman, my apologies for titling you as such, I meant no disrespect. As for my desire to meet Fjodor, I need to ask a service of his, relatively scientific of course, but one that would effect the course of the world from this point on. The man is a genius after all along with a great leader in his own rite, his advice to me is indispensable and that is what I need from him, advice. Along with a knowledge of science I could never hope to possess."

She sighed. "I realize I sound a bit cryptic, but I guess my nature has become rather cryptic in itself of late. But if the idea of remaking the world for the 'Greater Good' is enough, I would humbly ask to be allowed to see him again."

[Lynneth]

The black man, currently wearing his sexy hat (which one, if one had a weak will, might want to touch, which of course was a natural response to a hat so sexy), sighed and looked directly into Sarah's eyes.
"I've made a habit of being able to more or less 'sense' whether people lie or not. It's in their eyes, I always say, even though I know I'm just good at judging the entire face and expression.
Now, about Leclerc...Your reason is sound, and good. I know he's a genius, even though I disapprove of his methods and practises. I'll give you a transport. Just one thing, Miss Tintagyl:
Don't touch anything. Especially not the big red button in his lab that has "Nord Destruction Device" written under it."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

There was no doubt that Obama would be able to see the truth in her eyes, Sarah's eyes were if one could say, nearly mythical. These were the eyes that had charmed dozens of men, the eyes that had the endearment of millions of Australians and thousands more across the world. They flashed sapphire at the Chairman as the magic of their color and passion poured from the irises. She smiled and stretched out her hand for Obama to take. "I appreciate it Chairman, thank you for the transport and I promise that I won't touch anything at all. Especially not a button like that, I served Austria before I don't need to serve the nation again in that way. My best wishes for the prosperity of the German Democratic Republic."

She bowed to the Chairman again and turned to the two Amber Guards at the door. "Well, if you two would be kind enough to escort me to the transport. I would be very appreciative." Sarah said smiling and walked towards them.

[Lynneth]

The Chairman waved them away, going back to his work.

The two [color="#FFA500"]Guards[/color] complied and brought Sarah to a helicopter on top of the building, entering it with her. From here to the Alps it would take a while, but it'd be an eventless journey.
So eventless that before they realized it, they'd landed already in a hangar built into the side of the mountain.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Reaching the hangar of the bunker and the doors of the transport opened, Sarah took a breath of the fresh Alpine air before the hangar gate closed and looked around the new environment. She had only met Leclerc a few times personally, but many times diplomatically, however, she considered herself his friend, after all, he had saved her husband's life. Turning to the Amber Guard she bowed and smiled. "Gentlemen, while I greatly appreciate what you have done for me thus far, I have to ask you that I can take my safety from here, you have been very generous in your ability to protect me and for that I thank you, I am anticipating an equally safe journey back to Vienna." With that she hopped off the transport onto the metal floor, her heels making a loud sound as she hit the floor. Sarah didn't know much on what was through the laboratory, but what she could do is explore and so long as she didn't touch anything as the Chairman had instructed, she would be fine.

Getting in an elevator at the end of the hangar, Sarah pressed the button to descend to the middle levels of the laboratory, taking a deep breath as she felt her descent further into the mountain. As the doors opened, she found herself in a relatively homely looking area, still metallic, still with the feeling of scientific progress around and the thoughts of Leclerc's machinations, which by and large creeped Sarah out to no end, but one could relax in here, even if the walls were of sterile metal. She continued to creep around, examining the corridors and the various quarters, not finding anything of importance and definitely not Leclerc. However, soon the sounds of footsteps would sound from behind her, as the lady in black too another deep breath and turned, ready to stare at the 'welcoming wagon' as if she would be a welcomed guest. Sarah fixed her hair and stood straight, bracing herself as the shadow crept around the corner and would come face to face with the former Lady Protector of the Hanseatic Commonwealth.

[Lynneth]

It'd been a bad day for Laura. Too much to mention, but just...bad.
Just as she rounded a corner, still in full combat gear, including her heavy sniper, she saw a woman dressed in black turning around - and immediately drew her carbine, pointing it at the woman.
"Who're you, and what're you doing here?"
_____________________

Meanwhile, Leclerc had been informed that he had a visitor.
Right now, he was in the elevator, going up to the level where she presumably was waiting, somewhere in the living quarters.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

The woman drew her gun and Sarah's hands immediately went into the air in front of her chest, she did have a derringer on her, but killing someone who Leclerc had on guard would be no way to start of their new friendship. Plus, if it was Leclerc, this girl was probably not a normal girl anyways of that much Sarah most definitely knew. "I'm a friend of Leclerc's, Sarah Tintagyl. Please, the doctor and I are friends, I came to visit, just searching for him, that's all. I assure you, there's nothing wrong." Sarah smiled to the young girl, to be honest, they looked quite close to the same age. "So please, put the gun down, I'm just hear to talk to Leclerc, I'm a friend."

[Lynneth]

"Tintagyl...? I've heard of that name, but I don't remember where. And you say you're a friend of Leclerc?"
The girl walked closer, gun always aimed at Sarah, but the finger not on the trigger. She had trigger discipline.
Sarah could soon see that the girl had some rather...cat-ish features.

______________________
The elevator opened, Leclerc stepped out of it, looking around. "Well, where'll they be..?"
He sighed and simply started walking.

Edited April 25, 2010 by Lynneth

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Sarah nodded, her hands still in the air in front of her. "Yes, Sarah Tintagyl, the former Lady Protector of the Hanseatic Commonwealth. Fjodor Leclerc saved my husband from disease, we've been friends for years." Noticing the cat ears and the tail though, she closed her eyes and smirked, shaking her head. "I remember seeing the pictures of what Leclerc did with these experiments, the cat-girl, he presented the idea to my tutor many years ago. You're a very beautiful girl Laura, they only add to your features. But please, may I put my hands down, I don't want to be on edge when I meet the good doctor." The Countess nodded enthusiastically and nodded with Laura to put the gun down, she was doing her job but anyone having a gun pointed at them got extremely nervous.

Edited April 25, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Lynneth]

Laura blushed slightly when Sarah claimed her to be beautiful.
"Fine, fine."
She put the carbine back onto her left. "But if I see you draw a weapon of any kind, you're full of lead before you can say 'Hallelujah'."

______________________________
Finally, Leclerc came from a side-way, standing right between the two. He turned his head first to Laura, then Sarah.
"Laura, hello. Sarah! What a suprise, I absolutely didn't expect you to be the visitor."
Turning his head to Laura again, he smiles. "I see you two are acquainted already?"
The girl nodded barely. "I thought she was an intruder..."
"No worries." He walked to Sarah. "What leads you here?"

Meanwhile, the commando came closer as well, visibly more relaxed.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Sarah breathed a sigh of relief as Leclerc turned the corner and with his welcome turned the commando off from potentially killing the woman in black. "Yes, Fjodor, it is a pleasure and I see that you're experiments are still going well." She looked at Laura's ears and smiled. "Tomas would excited to see something like this finally done, even if it went against his beliefs." As Leclerc walked over, she took his hands in her own and held them tightly. "It is a blessing to see you again and in a country as prosperous as Saboria was in the past. If what I have seen just by driving through Vienna is your work, it is beautiful. I still remember Ferinh, how beautiful the city was at nighttime, for technological advancement, you always had a way with beauty."

Clearing her throat she adjusted her dress and crossed her hands. "Fjodor, what I wanted to talk to you about was..." She sighed. "We've both been through the a great deal and I feel as though the world is finally turning me into something that I used to fear as a little girl. Strength. I realized after I left my position as Duchess of Brisbane that the world is extremely screwed up. I traveled for about six months around the world, looking at the changes going on and what was happen. The world has organized itself into alliances that care more about their governments and their resources then they do of their people. Fjodor, I want to change that, I realize that the world cannot live in peace and that people will never allow each other to live in peace. But what if you can create a bond of those influential people on Earth that strive to protect the world. A Society of people, not of nations, not of armies, but people that actually strive to change the world and that have. Your work has Fjodor, you are a genius and there is no doubt of that. Together we can create order and chaos wherever we see fit, together we can make a dream that I have had since I was a child, tangible. All I ask is that you can help me with this Fjodor, help me make this a reality. We can change the entire world." She smiled and held his hands tighter, her eyes betraying no doubt of hope.

[Lynneth]

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='25 April 2010 - 08:19 AM' timestamp='1272176331' post='2274034']
She looked at Laura's ears and smiled. "Tomas would excited to see something like this finally done, even if it went against his beliefs." As Leclerc walked over, she took his hands in her own and held them tightly. [/quote]
Fjodor chuckled. "I doubt it, he'd immediately engage in a philosophical discussion with me to convince me my work is bad."

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='25 April 2010 - 08:19 AM' timestamp='1272176331' post='2274034']"It is a blessing to see you again and in a country as prosperous as Saboria was in the past. If what I have seen just by driving through Vienna is your work, it is beautiful. I still remember Ferinh, how beautiful the city was at nighttime, for technological advancement, you always had a way with beauty."[/quote]
"Little, if any is my work, aside from a few technologies applied here and there. Sarkara led the nation for the last dozen years or more, he made all this what it is."

[quote name='Sarah Tintagyl' date='25 April 2010 - 08:19 AM' timestamp='1272176331' post='2274034']Clearing her throat she adjusted her dress and crossed her hands. "Fjodor, what I wanted to talk to you about was..." She sighed. "We've both been through the a great deal and I feel as though the world is finally turning me into something that I used to fear as a little girl. Strength. I realized after I left my position as Duchess of Brisbane that the world is extremely screwed up. I traveled for about six months around the world, looking at the changes going on and what was happen. The world has organized itself into alliances that care more about their governments and their resources then they do of their people. Fjodor, I want to change that, I realize that the world cannot live in peace and that people will never allow each other to live in peace. But what if you can create a bond of those influential people on Earth that strive to protect the world. A Society of people, not of nations, not of armies, but people that actually strive to change the world and that have. Your work has Fjodor, you are a genius and there is no doubt of that. Together we can create order and chaos wherever we see fit, together we can make a dream that I have had since I was a child, tangible. All I ask is that you can help me with this Fjodor, help me make this a reality. We can change the entire world." She smiled and held his hands tighter, her eyes betraying no doubt of hope.[/quote]
The scientist looked at Sarah, his eyes showing his age. They didn't glow with the mad glow of [i]Science[/i] anymore, looking almost...normal.
"Sarah. I'm an old man. I've a few years left in me, then I'm going to let myself be cryogenically frozen. I'm 74 years old. Nowadays I'm mostly overseeing projects, approving or rejecting them based on my experience and common sense, that kind of stuff.
I'm not sure I could join such an organisation..."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

It was easy to see her face droop that she was let down by his response. "Nonsense Fjodor, age has nothing to do with it. You've helped me so many times I wouldn't be able to count and your mind, it doesn't matter of your age, you're still a man that knows a great deal of life and how it works. Where is the glow Fjodor? I remember I used to gaze into a man's eyes like your one and see that delightful madness that shaped the world, I just see my reflection now. Don't let me see that. I've valued your advice for so long and I can't see it failing me now, this is our chance to give back to the world like we never have before Fjodor. A hope for the meek and the weary, a check on the strong and powerful and the thought that humanity might just be around to survive into the coming ages and even then...sometimes I have dismal hope for all of us."

Sarah took a deep breath and looked at the ground. "I won't pressure you, but I do ask that you consider it." With that she reached into her pocket of her dress and pulled out a necklace with a silver quill on its end. "It is a Society of Poets, our words and our actions to change the story that is the world we live in. If nothing else, please accept this and say you will stay in contact with me." The sight of hope returned to her blue eyes and a weary smile across her lips.

[Lynneth]

"Sarah, I'd really love to help you. But recent changes here in the GDR have done much to change who has what power. Some have lost all, others have gained much.
I for one am restricted to this laboratory, funds dwindling, my capability to research sinking. Obama has changed much in this nation, and to be honest, I feel he may be a better choice to induct into this 'secret society' than me, being not only younger but also the only one able to truly influence the nation.
However, I do appreciate you'd come to me of all people to help with this. And, if you really want me to join, not Obama..."
The scientist turns to the girl behind him and to his right, only enough to be able to look at her comfortably. In turn, she looks back, somewhat confused. "Then I'd say Laura would do a good job at this."
She gasped suprised. "Wait, wha-," but was interrupted by Leclerc. "She's already studying a lot of things, and having a secret society on her side might just give her the edge to one day become Chairwoman. Or change the world otherwise."
The girl stared at her adoptive 'father', then Sarah, back and forth for several seconds. Completely confused.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Yes, I came to you because of your individual influence, this isn't about countries, however I understand if you are not up to the task because of certain things happening that hurt us. Age too I'm sure plays a problem." She touched his face and then nodded as Laura looked at both of them in confusion and Sarah laid her hand on the young girl's shoulder. "Well I would rather not this be part of her resume to become Chairwoman, this is supposed to be subversive for a reason Fjodor, however if Laura can contribute to my cause, then by all means she is welcome to do so. You trust her and I trust you. The question is..." Sarah turned to Laura holding out the silver quill. "I can trust you Laura, after seeing you defend the dear doctor from a possible intruder, however, do you trust me?"

Edited April 25, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Lynneth]

"I...ah..."
She stuttered, absolutely not having expected any of this. However, to calm her, Leclerc put a hand onto her head, scratching it lightly similar to how one would scratch a cat. She closed her eyes, content.
"If...if Fjodor trusts you, Sarah, I'll trust you, too. He know when someone's good or bad."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Very well." Sarah dropped the silver quill into the girl's hand and nodded. "In the coming weeks you will be called. However until then, I have much more work to do. It was a pleasure meeting you Laura and it is always an honor meeting you Fjodor." The Countess side stepped them and bowed as she made her way back over to the elevator. "I see this as the continuation of a long and fruitful friendship." She smiled as the elevator doors closed and returned the Countess to the surface where she would be taken by the Amber Guard once again out of the Alps and back on her mission of making her dream a reality.