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RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - Qwert - 01-28-2019
Vimmru didn't immediately recognise him despite his looks and unusual clothing. Upon hearing a faint Transsunerian accent and typical Forinsel name he remembered. Sebastien. Lister. He was currently the most famous Transsunerian. The Transsunerian president had rather bluntly asked Vimmru who was best for Transsuneria's reputation, a murderous dictator or some poor guy emigrating from the nation after Soormann had finally been defeated. Vimmru was convinced it would turn out to be a good thing for Transsuneria in the long run, and most certainly for Sebastien.
Vimmru reached out with his hand for a handshake.
"Good evening agent Lister, and thank you." Vimmru answered with a friendly smile, though slightly uncomfortable being called 'highness'. He knew that Lister was being polite, but no Sedunnic king or queen since the 18th century and the laws reducing their personal power had insisted on royal titles or treatment.
Both Vimmru and Aenn were curious to hear more about Lister and his life, but it could be a sensitive topic. After all, he had been so eager to leave his old life behind.
"This ship looks amasing. I am sure we will have a great evening" Aenn nodded.
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - VPRB - 01-28-2019
On the road to Lian
![[Image: 5b1fe6891ae66248008b5099-750-563.jpg]](https://amp.businessinsider.com/images/5b1fe6891ae66248008b5099-750-563.jpg)
Hunt looked outside the window of the armored limousine and took a puff of his cigar. The smoke stagnated inside, as the protection offered by the bulletproof glass could not be avoided. McFaul, sitting in front of him, coughed, by did not dared to reprimand his superior.
The motorcade, all armored cars packed with Red Jujus acting as bodyguards, was traveling from the military airport, where the Bruuman Ilyushin Il-96 had landed, toward the capital. The men spotted a monument in the distance and McFaul began to explain: “That you see Comrade Minister is…” “Thank you Comrade McFaul, but I’m not here for sightseeing” interjected Hunt “I’d rather use this chance to discuss with you our mission, before we have to hide behind the formalities with our Embassy staff”.
McFaul sipped on his can of coconut water, imported from the homeland, and calmly answered: “As you please” “This Spring Festival Ball may seem a mere formality, but it is actually a precious chance for our diplomacy. The Eternal Leader has high expectations, as my presence here suggests” explained Hunt, his voice betraying a scarce enthusiasm for its trip.
“I can assure you Comrade Minister, I have scrupulously prepared for this event” the Ambassador answered, flaunting his confidence. “I’m sure you have” Hunt said drily “The Peony has proven a reliable ally so far, a commodity which we lack of especially these days. Your task is to take advantage of this neutral ground to provide more, strengthening relations with already friendly nations and easing those with neutral ones” he continued.
“I will do as is the will of our glorious Leader” McFaul tried to reassure “I believe Huawan diplomats will be of help as mediators” “Use all the resources you see fit, but don’t lean on them” warned the Minister “Or if they pull out of you, you will fall. And fail” he paused for effect “I suggest you to exploit the presence of our Kai Fa comrade. The cultural affinity of his country and this can be a precious shortcut for negotiations” he leaned toward the stiff McFaul “And keep an eye on him. We trust our fellow socialists, but they are rebuilding Kai Fa diplomatic presence, and the Peony may try to take advantage of it”.
“Your wise guide is a blessing of the Loas, Comrade Minister” muttered his underling. “Brighten up. The harder task is for me: negotiating with our enemies, with whom we cannot deal officially. Especially regarding the war in Reizen, a well-conducted diplomatic move can change more than a thousand crates of guns”.
Hunt puffed again from his cigar, the finest Bruuman brand, and eased his tone “I like you Anatoly, you can have a brilliant career. It is not of everybody to be appointed Ambassador at such young age in such a crucial country. And by choice of the Leader nonetheless” he pulled up a wicked smile “Just remember this: whichever country you find yourself in, carry Bruuma in your heart and mind first. Always. I have seen to many let their side switch without even realizing. But only the Motherland gives and takes, and your destiny depends entirely on Her. Wear local culture and customs as your suit: look good in them, but never ever let them rub off on you”. McFaul stood silent, barely nodding back to Hunt.
The Minister looked again outside the window and asked: “So what do you suggest I must try of the local cuisine?”.
Hunt looked outside the window of the armored limousine and took a puff of his cigar. The smoke stagnated inside, as the protection offered by the bulletproof glass could not be avoided. McFaul, sitting in front of him, coughed, by did not dared to reprimand his superior.
The motorcade, all armored cars packed with Red Jujus acting as bodyguards, was traveling from the military airport, where the Bruuman Ilyushin Il-96 had landed, toward the capital. The men spotted a monument in the distance and McFaul began to explain: “That you see Comrade Minister is…” “Thank you Comrade McFaul, but I’m not here for sightseeing” interjected Hunt “I’d rather use this chance to discuss with you our mission, before we have to hide behind the formalities with our Embassy staff”.
McFaul sipped on his can of coconut water, imported from the homeland, and calmly answered: “As you please” “This Spring Festival Ball may seem a mere formality, but it is actually a precious chance for our diplomacy. The Eternal Leader has high expectations, as my presence here suggests” explained Hunt, his voice betraying a scarce enthusiasm for its trip.
“I can assure you Comrade Minister, I have scrupulously prepared for this event” the Ambassador answered, flaunting his confidence. “I’m sure you have” Hunt said drily “The Peony has proven a reliable ally so far, a commodity which we lack of especially these days. Your task is to take advantage of this neutral ground to provide more, strengthening relations with already friendly nations and easing those with neutral ones” he continued.
“I will do as is the will of our glorious Leader” McFaul tried to reassure “I believe Huawan diplomats will be of help as mediators” “Use all the resources you see fit, but don’t lean on them” warned the Minister “Or if they pull out of you, you will fall. And fail” he paused for effect “I suggest you to exploit the presence of our Kai Fa comrade. The cultural affinity of his country and this can be a precious shortcut for negotiations” he leaned toward the stiff McFaul “And keep an eye on him. We trust our fellow socialists, but they are rebuilding Kai Fa diplomatic presence, and the Peony may try to take advantage of it”.
“Your wise guide is a blessing of the Loas, Comrade Minister” muttered his underling. “Brighten up. The harder task is for me: negotiating with our enemies, with whom we cannot deal officially. Especially regarding the war in Reizen, a well-conducted diplomatic move can change more than a thousand crates of guns”.
Hunt puffed again from his cigar, the finest Bruuman brand, and eased his tone “I like you Anatoly, you can have a brilliant career. It is not of everybody to be appointed Ambassador at such young age in such a crucial country. And by choice of the Leader nonetheless” he pulled up a wicked smile “Just remember this: whichever country you find yourself in, carry Bruuma in your heart and mind first. Always. I have seen to many let their side switch without even realizing. But only the Motherland gives and takes, and your destiny depends entirely on Her. Wear local culture and customs as your suit: look good in them, but never ever let them rub off on you”. McFaul stood silent, barely nodding back to Hunt.
The Minister looked again outside the window and asked: “So what do you suggest I must try of the local cuisine?”.
Mangsten International Airport Terminal 3
![[Image: wang-yi-rtr-080617.jpg?ext=.jpg]](https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/overseas/08/06/wang-yi-rtr-080617.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Ri Wang let the Sun warm his face as he disembarked from his plane at Mangsten International Airport. If there was a perk of being the Minister of Foreign Affairs, running from the damp cold of Tom Yam was definitely it.
As the Huawan delegation greeted him, he was pleased to see familiar somatic trait and a close accent. Brother Lo Pol had stressed much the importance of taking advantage of the occasion to seal a deal with the Peony, and he felt confident about the task. Not overconfident though.
As an avid card player, a vice his position allowed him to have, he knew that fate could always turn your best hand against you. Still, with the Bruuman treaty already in place and the all the cultural affinities, the opening of an embassy and a trade deal did not seem an unreasonable objective. And if some other nation thought they can fool him, they’ll learn at their expense that he had a few aces up his sleeves.
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - Hammerstar - 01-29-2019
(OOC: Please check the reizen thread @Bzerneleg)
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - Rebeltopia - 01-29-2019
"State your business."
The driver of the blacked out Crown Victoria pulls out an ID card, flashing it to the security guard.
"Very well. Theres a takeoff at fourteen-oh-two. You'll be cleared to cross the runway after that time." The guard backs away as the gate in front of them opens, the car pulls forward.
"We'll be..." the driver checks his watch. "...a minute thirty, Mr. President."
"Thank you."
The window between the driver and the back seat raises, slowly coming to a stop as it fully closes. Sam turns to his wife.
"Are you sure you still want to come, my love?"
"Why wouldn't I? I always have loved a good shindig."
"That you have. But this one could get very ugly, very fast. We're one of the only nations ignoring whats going on in Reizen. Its surely going to be brought up, and we're very likely to get pressure from both sides."
"Oh, Samuel. You always have mistaken me for a woman who couldn't hold her own." Sam's mouth opened, but words failed him. "We've been married for more than thirty years. You know me better than my own mother. Do you really think I can't spend a few hours ignoring politics and enjoying the company of one of our closest neighbors?"
The car rolled to a stop, and the driver side door opened. Jessica looked at her husband, who looked like he had the weight of the Commonwealth on his shoulders.
"Lets go enjoy our time in the company of the Peony, and worry about politicking as it comes." She took the hand of the driver and slid out of the car. Sam slid to the open door, pausing to take a deep breath, then exited the vehicle before making his way to the plane.
The plane landed in Lian, and much was still going through Samuel's mind. Jessica walked up behind him placing a kiss on his right cheek, which seemed to snap him out of his trance.
"Relax, Love."
"I'm trying. This is my first real delve into anything outside of Rebeltopia. I wasn't built for this."
His wife sighed. "Don't knock it 'til you try it. Now lets go strengthen our ties to our northern neighbors, and continue to ignore what we've been ignoring for months now."
Sam got up, hugged his wife, giving her a peck on the cheek, before straightening his suit coat and taking a deep breath. "Let's do this. We're probably running late." Sam checked his watch, then made his way down the steps to the awaiting car, waiving off the driver. He helped his wife into the back, took another big breath, then entered the car. As he shut the door, the car took off toward the exit of the airport.
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - GI-Land - 01-31-2019
(OOC: German)
Sighs were heard throughout the night as the Gianlucian leader made himself ready in his palace.
The last year was rough, mostly personally for him. Too much stuff happened and GI-Land hasn't played an active role in foreign politics apart from the Serevan War. The populace does not excuse his inaction on so many important topics and the polls are still showing this bigly. The coalition in power lost quite a few percentages, while libertarian parties of the right wing are gaining a little more power again, and he's in the middle of it - feeling numb, a bit sad, disappointed even about himself - packing up what he needs to have at this occassion.
He picks up a list on his coffee table and goes through all the items he wanted to pack, making sure he doesn't forget the little wagon he bought for the Peony's miniature train. It's a normal "InterCity" wagon of Gianlucische Bahn, the GI-landian train company, but with a special light-green colouring that should show, how nowadays the trains are all driving with eco-friendly produced electricity. Only 500 wagons were produced like that, so he really hopes the Huawanian head of state will see the worth of it.
Carefully he closes his suitcase with the zippers on each side and tests the weight of it. 8 kg. That's not too much. His head turns to face the hologram clock on the other end of the dark room. 5:24 am. It's time to go to the underground station.
Like when he hosted a meet with Vimmru in 2017, he will also take the presidential train to the airport. Of course he could've gotten all the way to Huawan just by train too, but it was a hassle to ask all governments and rail companies to give the King a good time corridor where his vehicle could've used the international railway system, so in the end he just stuck to the old fashioned, not very environmentally friendly habit of travelling to state visits by plane.
No one was bothering him, everything was quiet. The occassional hello to the employees and the foot steps were the only thing one would've been able to hear.
Inside the train he just seated himself in his hobby area and continued playing his savefile of Stardew Valley. He could barely play one and a half days before he arrived at the airport already and got walked rapidly to the gate of his flight. The boarding of the normal passengers already got finished - he was the last person, who got his own seat in the business class. That's when the calm morning was over the latest, because as soon as some foreign person - the accent could've been Ryccian - noticed, the Leader is sitting next to him, he was of course polite enough to answer the fan's questions and take a picture with him.
Luckily this soon ended and he could just lay back and lazily sleep throughout the flight, not having much interest today to use the entertainment provided on board.
---
Maybe it were 4 hours, maybe longer, but soon Gianluca noticed a tap on his shoulder. A wonderful looking stewardess was smiling at him and told him, he needs to sit up right, because the plane will land in a few minutes on the Mangsten Airport. He just nodded shyly and did how he was told, looking after the cute girl as she slowly made her way to the front, telling all other passengers to also get in a safe position.
15 minutes later the pilot was making contact with the ground and the King experienced one of the worst landings ever - considering this is not a charter airline, but AtlantisAir, so normally top notch. Like always he let all other passengers get out of the plane first, before getting off last, but before arriving at the front exit, he got stopped by the stewardess again. "May I take a photo with you for my husband? He was really supporting your party in his constituency. read all your books, watches all your shows - It would make him very happy!", the stewardess said to him.
The Leader nodded and gave in to her wish. "Where do you come from, if I may ask?", he asked the stewardess out of interest.
"We're living in a village near Atlantis. Gachingen? It's near the airport."
"Yeah, yeah, I know it", Gianluca responded nodding. "Well then, have fun with the photo and maybe we'll get to see us again soon, maybe also with your husband", he furthermore said, patting her shoulder a little before getting off through the jet bridge into the terminal, where he looked around, if anyone was waiting for him, since he needed some counselling, where his accomodation would be or where the ball itself would take place.
Eventually someone of the Gianlucian embassy in Huawan showed up - a co-worker of ambassador Gürdal - and he brought his boss to the ship next to taking care of his luggage. The present for the Peony of course got taken out before though.
As he entered the ship he really tried his best to just ignore the press, but the flashing lights and all those questions, where he had been, what he has done, how he sees GI-Land in the world right now, were too much. He accelerated and hasn't even stopped really for a photo, until some reporter got wild and managed to get behind security lines to take a picture of a weirded out Gianluca just in time before he got erased from the royal carpet by security.
"Just get out of here and try to have a fun night tonight, Gianluca. Don't worry, everything will be alright", he assured himself, before taking even huger, faster steps towards the room where the main even would take place.
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - Rebeltopia - 01-31-2019
The car pulled up and before it completely stopped, the door swung open.
"Remember. We're here to have a good time." Jessica said softly to her husband before taking the almost disembodied hand reaching into the car and existing through the door.
Another deep breath left the President's body and he put on a smile before existing the vehicle. Cameras flashed as he fixed his suit and took his wife's hand.
"Mr. President! Why hasn't Rebeltopia picked a side in the Reizen war?" It seemed like hundreds of variations of this question were all voiced at the same time. After taking a few steps, President Cartwright stopped and addressed the reporters.
"Rebeltopia is in the midst of their own internal struggles with our own disgruntled residents in Amlos, leading to the murder of President Joseph Detwiler not two months ago. We're 150 years from our first, and we'd like to say last, civil war. And the world is strained enough picking sides in Reizen." He quickly turned back to his wife and they made their way up the walkway before the reporters could ask any followups.
Once inside and the doors closed behind him, his shoulders sunk into a relaxed position.
"You handled that quite graciously, Love."
"Its a good start. I doubt the people inside will be as easy to shrug off as reporters, though."
Another deep breath was taken, then he put back on the smile, took his wife by the arm, and they made their way into the fray.
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - Hammerstar - 02-02-2019
"He is quite brave your excellency," said The Peony as she told the Bzerne first lady, "usually rehabilitation for heart failure is quite extensive, especially after a heart transplant. Talking as a doctor I am truly concerned for his condition, and if you may, I shall see to it myself that his condition remain healthy and stable in your visit."
The Peony gazed at the entry as he saw president Blythe enter the party once more, and received a sake for her to pour for the First Lady
"If there is anything else that we can help you with, your chaperone would be happy to help." Said The Peony, "I beg your pardon, your excellency."
The Peony then turned and bowed once more to President Blythe, signalling her exit. He then saw a lone man standing with the Gi-Lanndian ambassador, both she knows all too well. The guardians had escorted them quickly.
The Peony walked to them and did not hesitate to welcome them.
"Gianluca! Ambassador Gurdal!" She exclaimed, as she pecked Gianluca's cheeks and ambassador Gurdal's. For really, it has been a while. "
"It is a pleasure to become your chaperones for your visit your excellencies," said Agent Lister to King Vimmru and Aenn, "if there is anything that you need I am at your disposal. Now, would you like to go to your table immediately or would you like to converse with other dignitaries?"
Lady Miss Diao Chan looked around the party and saw a figure she recognizes, and keen to ensure good impressions, she decided to approach her Bruuman counterpart.
"Minister Hunt, ambassador McFaul. Welcome to Huawan, it is an honor to have the Voodoo republic join us for the Spring Festival Ball." Bowed Diao Chan, "how have you liked our country so far?"
Lord Zheng He tried to walk around the party smiling at the other guests. His mind clouded with much thoughts, not only does he have to assume a strong impression with the other guests, he hopes that his eight grandchildren does not stir up an international incident.
He looks at the entry and saw a familiar face, president Samuel Cartwright, a man who has currently struggled against his internal affairs of the late president. He knew that with the introduction of the Port city of Hai Lan, there should be a revision to the previous Peo-Rebeltopian trade agreement. Seeing The Peony currently tending the other guests, he took his role in tending another.
"Honorable President Cartwright," bowed Lord Zheng He, "I am Lord Zheng He, High Commodore and Trade Minister for the Peocracy of Huawan, it is an honor for you to visit us once more, how are you liking our humble Peocracy?"
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - VPRB - 02-02-2019
“High Diplomat, I bring you the gratitude and the salutes of our Eternal Leader and of the Republic” answered Hunt, bowing slightly. “I am positively impressed by your country’s rich culture and your high quality of life. I am confident a strengthening in our relations will be beneficial for both countries, and our friendship will prove further fruitful. For those matters, I leave you in the company of our ambassador McFaul. Perhaps he will also introduce you to our Kai Fa comrades” added the Minister, before excusing himself.
McFaul put up his best smile and continued: “The positive sentiment in Bruuma toward The Peony keep rising. As our Minister hinted, we have identified several fields were our cooperation can be enhanced in the short time. I don’t want to burden you too much with state business in such an enjoyable event, but may I perhaps outline our ideas while we get a drink?”.
McFaul put up his best smile and continued: “The positive sentiment in Bruuma toward The Peony keep rising. As our Minister hinted, we have identified several fields were our cooperation can be enhanced in the short time. I don’t want to burden you too much with state business in such an enjoyable event, but may I perhaps outline our ideas while we get a drink?”.
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - Hammerstar - 02-02-2019
"Well... Alright.." Said Diao Chan as he saw the minister excuse himself, honestly quite rudely, ahe thought.
"Well ambassador McFaul, it is a pleasure to meet you once more. I am aware that you have plans to outline but I wonder whether Ive made a bad impression on the minister ? " Asked Diao Chan as she led Ambassador McFaul on to his table.
RE: (IC) Spring Festival Ball - VPRB - 02-02-2019
"Of course not" McFaul tried to reassure the High Diplomat "I beg your pardon if it seemed the Minister did not enjoyed the meeting, but I can assure you that it is not the case at all. In Bruuma we have a more...rigid and schematic structure inside the Ministries than perhaps here, and us part of them not usually overlap while conducting our functions, in respect for each other assigned competence" he quickly added. I don't think that was a mistake from Hunt though he was actually thinking This is a test on me. I better pass this one and quick, others will surely come.