707 Coming Out of the Sky...

[Captain Enema]

[b]707 Flight Sudan One[/b]

"She's a small town girl...." sings President Thomas Mbembe to himself as he taps his feet while untying his tie. The wrinkled face staring back at him in the mirror shows his years. Those long years of struggle first with the African Legion, then for the cultural crisis Sudan faced, and finally the waning days of the Kickapoo Confederation crisis. Word had just been sent that Mad Dog Bob Denard had been retrieved from the Kickapoo Renegades, and it was with that word President Thomas Mbembe of the Sudanese Republic decided to put on his best suit and pay his neighbors a visit.

"Sir, Port Sudan Overwatch sends their best regards," informs the pilot via the intercom.

"Pass along our own regards for their expediting our take off," returns the President as he takes a seat behind the desk that fills the corner of his office in the sky.

"Copy sir, we are slated to arrive in France within 8 hours, clear skies, and a fine selection of films are available," the Pilot states as he switches off the intercom and goes back to work.

"Who can watch a film at a time like this?" asks the President as he fingers the documents on his desk. His mission is a simple one, to procure the future of one of his oldest comrades in arms through a personal request of a person he's long admired but never had a chance to meet. As the 707 heads towards France a message is sent to the French government, it is short and too the point.

[quote]To: The Government of France
From: President Thomas Mbembe of the Sudanese Republic
Regarding: Urgent Matter of Importance

My personal aircraft is on route to Paris and will arrive in roughly eight hours. I've a busy schedule ahead of me and much to accomplish as I wish to pay my respects to other European leaders as well. My visit to France is both official and unofficial. As we speak the last flickers of resistance from the Kickapoo Confederation is being smashed. It is my wish to meet with a high ranking member of your government in order to make a specific request of diplomatic importance. We won't be long within your borders as this is an unannounced visit, but we hope to make it a productive one for both our respective governments.

Our thanks proceed us,
President Thomas Mbembe [/quote]

Once finished he has an assistant take care of the task of transmitting the message to the French Government. While this transpires he scans the reports in front of him regarding the recent violence involving the white slavers in the midst of his nation. He never expected events to take the turn that they have with the appearance of a third party from within the ranks of the Kickapoo who have been resisting the brutality of their brethren. While completely unexpected the news had also been most welcome.

Rather than being faced with an entire population of criminal foreigners, he's now facing a population of very heroic individuals with the capacity to greatly contribute to the success of the Sudanese Republic. The complex nature of racial politics of Africa isn't so readily a problem with the Sudan. A long history of British Colonialism had exposed the Sudanese to the powers of Europe. While Kitchener's brutal suppression of the Native Sudanese had never been forgotten, the quiet reminder of the British presence is still seen in these modern days in the buildings of the British constructed city of Port Sudan.

Port Sudan itself is the modern day equivalent of a Tower of Babel as dozens of ethnicities from across the world call it their home. They play, make love, do business, and lay their heads to rest at night in that sleepy city that lies along the shores of the Red Sea. This exposure to the Western World has done a great deal to temper the fierce resistance to Europeans that traditionally drove the average African man and woman into a fit of rage. There is still a resentment of sorts, but the outright hate has for the most part passed on.

With this in mind the President of the Sudanese Republic is making is way to the heart of one of the old colonial powers to make a request on behalf of a friend who can't.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Sudan?" Therese said with a bit of shock in her voice. "What on Earth would the Sudanese want with us, I thought that Aphrike only allowed Africans to talk with certain Europeans." She chuckled at the Foreign Minister as he stood straight after delivering the transmitted letter. "Such a small country and with nearly nothing in common, this meeting, should be quite interesting."

"Not only that we were barely able to make sure that the plane wasn't targeted by our air force, just appearing out of no where like that. Mbembe has a lot of nerve."

"Hush Charles." Therese put her hand up silencing the Foreign Minister as she stood up from her desk. "We have no contact with the Africans this would be the perfect opportunity to come alive to that continent to the south. Did they say when he would be arriving?"

"I had the Air Marshal direct their flight to Paris, General Delacour should be meeting with the President now to bring him to Versailles for his meeting with Your Highness."

"Most excellent, have tea made and I will be in the library when he arrives."

"Of course Highness."

---

Meanwhile at Paris International Airport, the 707 that had flown out of Sudan was finally being directed down to the ground and at the end of the lines of a hastily constructed ceremonial guard, General Claire Delacour stood panting heavily. She had been alerted of the Sudanese arrival not even three hours ago, barely enough time to put on her uniform and apply makeup to make herself look presentable. Normally her face was lightly rouged, her blonde hair straightened, she was the pinnacle of military discipline, but given the suddenness of their coming, she was happy her boots were on the right feet. Right? They were on the right feet weren't they? Snapping out of her thoughts, Claire heard the fanfare from the guard as Mbembe was escorted down from the plane. He was walked through the raised swords of the guards where Claire bowed and smiled taking his hands.

"You gave us all quite a scare Mr. Mbembe, the Empress especially, from what I have heard she nearly darted out of bed when your flight was approaching French airspace. But needless to say, we are all very happy to have you here. The meeting will be taking place at Versailles and a limousine has been prepared for your arrival, if you would kindly follow me." Claire led Mbembe to the limousine and helped him inside, once in, she pulled out a bottle of champagne from the passenger seat and poured two glasses. "In the best way possible Mr. President, welcome to France."

The trip wasn't extremely long as they drove through first the streets of Paris then the French Countryside en route to the palace. Finally they reached the iron gates of Versailles and drove into the outer courtyard, the first sight of the splendor of the French Empire. From the gardens, full of fountains and trees, Delacour lead Mbembe up into the palace itself, through the gilded corridors and marble floors. Up flights of stairs to a pair of large wooden doors that were slightly ajar. The General knocked quietly and pushed the door opened. "The Empress has been expecting you Mr. President, right this way."

They walked in as Therese stood up, a long blue dress was draped over her body, she was average height, with blue eyes, golden hair and a slender neck. She smiled and bowed to the President as she walked over and took his hand. "Thomas, if I may call you as such and of course you may call me Therese, welcome to France and welcome to Versailles. Please." She gestured to a wide leather chair. "Sit down, General you are dismissed, just alert the butlers to bring in our tea."

"Of course Highness." Claire bowed to both and left the room as Therese sat back down.

"Your flight caught everyone by surprise Thomas, I hadn't even thought that Sudan cared much about the workings of France or of Europe, especially given the Africa-First policies that come out of your continent. Personally I find the continental blocs a bit silly and some hypocritical, in this world it all comes down to personal strength and defense. Something that I don't believe most nations have unfortunately, Sudan however I don't see why that couldn't be contrary to the mainstream politics. Especially if you are coming this far from your land to speak to me. I am quite honored. So tell me, Thomese, what brings to you France?"

[Captain Enema]

President Mbembe took upon himself the luxury of enjoying the ride to the Versailles. This is his first time in Paris and by all accounts it is as lovely as reported. Perhaps not as lovely as Khartoum, but no city can truly beat the ancient elegance of Khartoum. He chuckles to himself and thinks, "Now Thomas, don't allow yourself to buy into the propaganda being put out by the Sudanese Republic Bureau of Tourism," as he admires the stately streets, buildings, and other notable sites. Definitely while in town he'll need to take the time to visit the Lourve and the Eifel Tower as he's never seen either of the buildings.

Perhaps with enough time he'll take a stroll along the Seine without his traditional horde of assistants, body guards, and anti-terrorism teams following him. Just himself and a few quiet hours of aimlessly enjoying the sights along the river that runs through the heart of Paris. Once at the Versaille he allows himself to be escorted into the presence of Therese and he makes himself comfortable as he listens to her opening comments. There is a certain refreshing bluntness about her that he quickly finds himself appreciating. As she finishes her opening comments he takes a moment to collect himself prior to speaking as he smooths his tie, a nervous reflex that he's tried for years to unsuccessfully stop himself from doing.

"Ma'am let me first begin by thanking you for accepting within your airspace. The Sudanese Republic very much is Sudan-first, but such is to be expected of a government that is charged with furthering the native interests of Sudan. The Sudanese Government at this time has not chosen to align itself with the one larger bloc commonly known as Aphrike. We reserve the right to collectively think as individuals and not to be tied into the machinations of a larger bloc that wishes to prevent colonialism, yet has member nations that are actively participating in colonialism, and allows colonialism of Africa. Just so long as the nations doing so are good chums to the chaps in Aphrike. To us it seems that Aphrike is one of those self-serving racist good ol' boy clubs that we'd rather be caught dead than publicly affiliating ourselves with," Thomas comments as he straightens the knot on his tie.

As he straightens the windsor knot of his tie he reflects on the true purpose of his visit. It is a very sensitive matter, but one that is important to him. After a moment of silence he plunges directly into the matter by asking, "How familiar are you with one Mr. Robert Denard, aka Mad Dog Bob Denard?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese grinned. "Monsieur, you and I share the same likes and dislikes. If I were to put myself in the shoes of the Africans I can already tell you the Slavic dominion in the Canary Islands is humiliating, of course France is already being grilled for our joint-occupation of Hong Kong, of course the beauty of being the Rebel Army and Novak is never having to say your sorry and never having to deny your colonialism. Especially for a ripe continent such as Africa." Her eyes flashed with delight for a moment, on the fence between humor and truth. "But don't worry Thomas, Europe has its only problems that must be taken care of. Organizational bureaucracy is making the West extremely weak, my own expansion into the east of Iberia is being halted by an organization that does literally nothing for the region but exclaim peace. I'm a hawk in a cage of doves, it hurts sometimes." She laughed.

"Continuing on though, Monsieur Denard, unfortunately I haven't heard much about him other than he was one of the front runners to the Africa-First movement. A hero to the Somalian and Sudanese people I believe, liberating them from occupiers. Needless to say, though I don't know much of him, I'm sure he has had some influence on my fight for a truly French France as well. Why do you ask?" The Empress tilted her head.

Edited June 4, 2010 by Sarah Tintagyl

[Captain Enema]

"Of late Mr. Denard has been held captive by a force inside of the Sudanese Republic. I'd like to say I'm teasing you, but I'm not when I say this force is known as the Kickapoo Confederation. Clearly they had a bit too much to drink the night they dreamed up that name. However, to the point, Mr. Denard's helicopter was shot down as it carried him to the front. He's been held captive by these slave holding cretins, and from the latest reports forwarded to us by a high ranking officer taking part of the rescue mission he's been badly tortured," states Mbembe.

He takes a moment to compose himself as he is talking about one of his oldest and dearest friends, even if that friend is the root cause of some of the gray hair on his head, and continues with,"Not long ago Mr. Denard expressed the wish to continue his studies in International Relations. He possesses a Master's Degree in International Relations from a North American University. A few months ago he discussed with me his desire to study here in Paris for a year or two as a working holiday of sorts. The current state of affairs with him so badly injured, beyond the scope of Sudanese medical care, brings me to my request. Would it be possible for Mr. Denard to receive medical care here in France and for him to pursue his studies while recovering as a personal representative of the Sudanese Government?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese smiled patting Mbembe on the leg. "My dear, in the interest of furthering Sudanese and French relations, Monsieur Denard is welcomed to my personal physician and care here at Versailles. I'm sure there is something that we can both learn from each other and I would love to have the freedom fighter of Africa in my palace more than anything. But I am sorry to hear what is happening to him and what has happened to your country, I do hope that everything gets better for Sudan and Monsieur Denard as well. So yes, as soon as he is ready to travel, land him at the International Airport and I will receive him myself."

A butler then brought out cups of tea for them both as Therese took her cup and sipped she looked out the window. "Is there more to discuss Monsieur?"

[Captain Enema]

The President of the Sudanese Republic finds himself very relieved at the acceptance of his request. Normally he would have made such a request via secured communications. The sensitive nature of this matter though made him more inclined to make it in person. Besides, there is something so very impersonal about sending a diplomatic cable. Meeting a person face to face allows you see inside of their thoughts as they form. The rest of his diplomatic mission is very basic in nature, simple matters of trade and finance. However, before he gets to those matters he says, "My personal thanks for your generosity. I only suggest you keep the liquor cabinet locked during his convalescence," as he takes up his cup of tea and enjoys a small swallow of the beverage.

While his official business is finished he still finds himself eager to clarify certain matters of his personal curiosity. To do this he asks, "The Sudanese Republic has no vested interest in the situation, but I can't help but be curious as to your intentions on the Iberian Peninsula. Could you give me some understanding as to the long term French plans for the people of Iberia?"

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Therese laughed at the liquor reference. "Of course, I'll be sure to keep my pantry closed, I wouldn't want to cause an international incident in my home." But when he mentioned the recent French escapades in Iberia, her tone and her demeanor became much more serious. "Monsieur, I will not try to sugar coat things, France is an Empire and I have every intention of the expansion of this state. My long terms goals of course would be the total subjugation of the Iberian Peninsula, after that, we'll roll the die. The removal of outsider colonies from Europe while maintaining the Empire's own across the seas. People may see me as a scoundrel or a villain, but my people see me as the first leader France has had in decades that cared for the French people."

The Empress sighed and clasped her hands. "Thomas, if you would allow me, let me tell you about the Empire." She stood up and walked over to the window that looked out into the bright courtyards below. "For many decades, France has not been ruled by the French people. Because of our past we are one of the laughing stocks of the world, our people are not taken seriously, our military is underestimated, our willpower is perceived to be nothing. I might sound nothing more than an angry child, but all across the world you have movements, Africa-First, the Zeon Movement in China, where is France's glory? Where is my peoples power, their respect? We have been ruled by Scots, Welsh, Nordlanders, and German Pretenders, and the Frenchmen that come to rule do nothing but corrupt the state. I will not let that happen again."

"This has been the most powerful the state has ever been before and I will fight forever for my people's empire, for my empire." Therese looked at him and smiled, touching him on the shoulder. "Europe, the Americas, Africa, I hope to touch all those lands in some way, perhaps not the way I have Iberia, but my influence nevertheless. But I can assure you of something Thomas, I have learned what madmen can do. Destroy culture, antagonize the people. I hear on the news of droves of people welcoming invaders, they're liars. Leaders are liars. I am not out to make a utopia, but I am here to change the world and in some way, a way I don't know, the world will change."

[Captain Enema]

"Perhaps if you can elaborate on how you would like to touch Africa? I might be of some assistance in this matter. Though it sounds odd the French and Africa have far more common ground than let us say Africa and some of the newer upstart states of Asia. Some of these states are proving worrying to my staff and myself. Worrying in the sense that I suspect, but have no real evidence to support my suspicions, that they have their own less than noble ambitions for Africa and the rest of the world," responds President Mbembe as he takes another sip of tea.

"I appreciate your position regarding France. In my corner of the world the Sudanese have not been their own masters for far too long. It worries me that there are those who wish to subjugate pieces of Africa as a token for their crown with no interest in promoting self-rule. Academically I have no opposition to a foreign power assisting another providing they have that intention encouraging a hands off attitude with a clear plan of action to bring about self-rule. Far better something like this than the common horde of troops flooding into a nation with no interest in protecting or promoting the native culture, language, and history," he concludes.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"My dear, I am always looking for new outposts for the Empire. In fact, if perhaps there was a way to station the Foreign Legion within Sudan to become better acquainted with African affairs that would be lovely and I'm sure that French engineers and scientists could help Sudan as well. From there it would only be a matter of building up our alliance as well as French and Sudanese presence in Africa. From there maybe I can dispel the fears of European conquering that the Italians did in Somalia to one of understand and cooperation. In truth, the French Royal Empire of the Eighteenth Century was one of understanding and the mixing of cultures. I want to grow stronger through diversity, not division and oppression. I think that can be done in Africa."

"As to self-rule, even Galicia has autonomy besides their foreign policy. It might sound oppressive, but it really isn't and we plan to build their nation as strong as we possibly can. It is a global world Thomas, I would like to see it an imperial global one, that that's on the back burner." She turned and smiled. "I appreciate that you took the time to listen to me though. I'm sorry I'm a bit long winded, but its a trait of mine." Therese chuckled. "But I hope this did do something for our relations and maybe I will have the chance to visit Sudan one day as well, surely Monsieur Denard and I will have a great deal to talk about when he arrives."

[Captain Enema]

"Indeed, I suspect you'll get on famously with Mr. Denard. The African Legion is in the midst of a fairly rough campaign at the moment, but once the fighting has stopped I'd be willing to do some sort of exchange program for the units to better come to know each other. The traditions of the two aren't all that far apart if my memory serves me correctly. It has been several years since I was on active duty with the African Legion. Once Mr. Denard is able to travel I'll have him transported to Paris for treatment. You have the my profoundest thanks for assisting him in this manner," replies President Mbembe as he stands to leave.

Prior to departing he unleashes a small smile and requests, "I've never been to Paris, perhaps with your permission I could avail myself to a few of the more prominent sites? I won't dally long, but as you know the likes of us rarely get the time to take in the local color and I'd dearly love to pay a visit to the Lourve of all places."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Of course Monsieur President, that would be most fine. In fact I would be more than honored to show you the capital myself. Paris is a beautiful city and I think it would be shown much better, by a native of at least France. In truth, I've lived in Bordeaux most of my life, but I've taken a fancy to the city. Of course if you would be so kind to escort an Empress around her capital city?" Therese held out her hand and smiled. "Monsieur?"

[Captain Enema]

President Mbembe takes her offered hand and can't help but thinking what a different world he is in. No less than nine hours ago he was in his office waiting for word from the front. An office filled with tension and silence. At times he felt as if the silence was a welcome relief to the bad news of men and women dying by his command, and this of course affected his mood considerably. Aides had learned over the course of the week that silence was a matter of survival when dealing with a worried and ill-tempered President.

That mood had been banished on the flight over. He had spent numerous hours counseling himself on the necessity of his actions against the Kickapoo Confederation. Actions that had cost others, many others, their lives. The course of the week had also inflicted on him the duty of making contact with the families of the soldiers and Legionnaires who had been killed, certainly not the most envied task of a leader. Further, with the fight rapidly coming to a close he feels a bit guilty about being absent from his seat of responsibility, a seat he takes very seriously.

As follows in the wake of Therese he reflects on his chosen duty. The duty to secure the future of his people. He understands Therese's drive for glory, but it is something he has no thirst for. President Thomas Mbembe of the Sudanese Republic, former African Legion Machine Gunner, father of one precocious little girl, widower, and a man with the weight of his nation borne up by his strong back only wants to see his people survive. Anymore he accepts that isolation will only bring their eventual enslavement.

By forging ties with France he has hopes for several things. The first being to come to understand the French from a French point of view. Their recent moves in Iberia makes this a matter of great importance. The second is to create a relationship with one of the more expansionists powers in the region that doesn't subjugate his people, but puts both parties on a even level of respect. Third, and something very near and dear to Mbembe's heart is making damn good and sure Denard spends his time recovering outside of Sudan.

His love for Denard is one of a brother, and as he views the man as his brother he knows that unless Denard is taken away from the hard drinking and wild partying ways of the African Legion he'll completely destroy what's left of his health. Mbembe has hopes that Paris will awaken that thirst in Denard for furthering his education and moving away from the way of the war and possibly towards a more peaceful pursuit. Only time will tell what becomes of Denard, hopefully time will reward everyone with a wiser and more temperate version of the infamous Mad Dog of the African Legion.