Upcoming Dedication of the New Council Hall

[Ciata]

Represenative Reana, formerly Martus, is taking a short leave of absense to go on her honeymoon with her new husband Rowan Stormwake. They should be gone for about 4 days or so, at the end of which they should be returning to their duties. Reana sends her personal appologies to Represenative Waldo.

[The Union of Tinis]

"Here's the printout," says Waldo as he hands the First Speaker a sheet of paper.

"Thanks. I don't know how much of it I will actually use though. But its a start. But this speach isn't what's important."

"Of course not. Its the action we can now take without living in the grey zone."

The Firs Speaker sighs. "I fear I've let the vote drag on to long though. A week was to long. They still haven't rescued the hostages and Ciata's suffered heavy losses."

The First Speaker's eyes fall to the paper in his claws. Waldo speaks up after a puase, "Reana got married."

"Oh?" the white dragon looks back up to his chief advisor.

"She and her new husband are on their honeymoon, so she won't be here for the closing of the vote. In the communique, she's also appologiezed, though I don't feel its necissary really, no harm was done."

"Ya know, its not common knowledge, but I've gotten like that on occasion. Sure its only once a decade or so, but it happens."

"Wow, I don't think I've ever heard anyone mention that."

"Politics Waldo. I have to keep my composure almost to much I'm afraid. Really that's one of the reasons this is my last term. I've done all I can being a political leader, but I've failed to be the personable example that my bones call out for. But shall we go?"

[The Union of Tinis]

<Speach by First Speaker Izixs to the (partially) assembled Furry Federation Council>

Today the promise of this federation is realized. In short order, representative Waldo will offically close the vote on Resolution 101, the Shimandu Stabilization resolution. This will establish a method of conduct for federation members to partake in their united efforts to return peace to Shimandu. It will remove the grey area that exists around our current actions in their territory. It might even encourage a researgence of peace.

The Furry Federation was founded this previous year by the Military Empire of Shikeishuu with the blessings of Tinis, Shimandu, Drensnake, Neralli, and others. The reason we did this was not to try to enforce our will on each other, not to stifle our nation's individual growths. It was for our mutual protection and benefit.

Before the federation, the region of Furry was invaded several times by outsiders. Human invaders from distant lands took control of the official United Nations offices and killed many in their path. The terrorist organizations of DEN 2 and the Dark Axis Alliance demanded submission to their so called might. But we refused to bow. As their petty war machine turned its attention to other endevors and we removed their allies from our region, talk went up of a way to prevent a recurrance of this violation of the soverighty of all our nations.

After discussions, Shikeishuu established the Furry Federation. As the earliest members began to join, of which I am proud that Tinis is one of, we decided to begin construction of the Furry Federation Defense Forces to protect each other. To establish this very council of which we now hold in order to establish the rules of this protection and to settle disputes between our members. And that is why we are here today.

Shimandu's government has fallen and will likely never recover. That is why I am here today at the finalization of the vote on our first resolution. I must thank you for believing in the federation. And I must thank you for our united efforts to insure that protection goes beyond who's in charge of a government, but for when a government collapses, that we will continue to protect our neighbors and friends.

Thank you.

[Ciata]

From Opalance Calaminion:

"Pardon my not telling you of our temporary represenative. My spiritual advisor Kohen Lucias will be standig in representing our clans for the next few days. He should be arriving sometime tonight."

[Ciata]

A very old Uncia of the northern breed, long and darker fur, yet speaking with a southern Ciata accent, or lack of one, approches Waldo with a decided hobble, aided by a ornamental staff.

"Hello, I am Kohen Lucias, Spiritual advisor to the Diacanos of the Chattan, most of my own people call me father, but I dought you would prefer that, so you can call me Lucias if you wish. I am going to be here for the next few days in light of Mrs. Reana's leave. I am terribly sorry for not meeting you sooner, but I arrived late last night and was very tired, so I'm afraid I over slept. Huh, I guess that happens when you get as old as me, but still......(he shrugs).

If there is anything you need me to do, just inform me, just not too late, (he chuckles)."

[The Union of Tinis]

"Well met Lucias," comes Waldo's reply. "I am honored by your presence. Actually I only just regained my official position this morning after First Speaker Izixs left to return to Arx. While he is here, I act as deputy representative, so you probably wouldn't of met with me if you had been up to it last night.

"But I believe I should inform you, as I will inform everyone shortly, that despite the fighting still going in Shimandu, the official dedication will be held in a five days. It has of course been delayed several times to the lack of representatives being physically present at the hall, and then again by the collapse of the Shimandan government. However, I believe we may have enough to at least have the appearance of federation wide solidarity. I don't know your schedule of course, but both you and Mrs. Reana are invited to attend. I would also like to ask that if either of you attend, that if you are up to it, to give a few words before the council for the occasion. But you are under no obligations of course."

[K IX]

In the foyer, two figures begin to enter. As they come into focus, they take the shape of a male fox and a female human.

"Typical of Richard, disposing of us at his convenience," says the fox, clearly distracted. "He should know better than to send us overseas when a controversial bill comes forward."

"I know, Mark," replies the human. "He just wants us out of the way until he comes Friday, just so that we won't oppose the anti-tobacco laws. Even though he should know that it discriminates against smokers. I mean, is it really necessary? It's not like they're harming people as is, what with doing it outside where the smoke disperses quickly..."

"Whatever, Sharon. The point is, it shouldn't be a commonwealth-wide decision. That's infringing on the dominions' decision-making. And we've already established that tobacco control is within their mandate. This shouldn't be necessary."

"Well, here we are," Sharon announces to Mark. "The Furry Federation Council Hall. May as well take a look around."

Suddenly, a throng of reporters approaches the unusual pair.

"Oh, please..." groans Mark, raising his forepaw to his forehead. "Must the press always follow us around!? Can't they focus on Niner for once?"

"Prime Minister Echs, is it true that the Triumvirate is planning to increase military funding and deploy ground troops into Shimandu?" asks one reporter.

"No comment," replies Sharon.

"Senator Pine, where is Prime Minister Niner?"

"He is presently doing his job back in Eruda, representing the people of K IX," snaps Mark. "Now, this is not the best time..."

Sharon Echs and Mark Pine walk off in separate direction, followed by two smaller groups of reporters.

[Ciata]

(Father Lucius wonders the halls of the building, hobbling down one hallway after another, pondering the thoughts that have haunted his dreams. Then he spies, a human? In this of all places, looking like it had just escaped someone. He ponders this anomaly, and then realizes he is staring, and what appears to be a she noticed him doing so. He quickly hobbles over and says in a slightly quivering voice.....)

"Greetings, um, I suppose you part of the new delegation arrived from K Ix. Now that I think about it, I seem to recall something about a human when they were informing about everything.

Oh, please forgive me for staring, but in all my long years I have never met a human. We have none at all in Ciata, and I have only ventured outside of it a handfull of times.

I am sorry if I disturbed you, usualy I am well asleep at this time, with my age and all, I seem to fall asleep everywhere, but lately I've had trouble sleeping, at least at night (he laughs).

Oh dear, I cant seem to get it all off my mind. I'm supposed to be a spiritual advisor to the Diacanos, but I have been keeping my advice and messages to myself of late, because I've been afraid of what they might mean. Opalance is a good leader and servant, he isthe youngest Diacanos we've ever had, it usualy taked many years to establish such a reputation of servitude and strength, but he was exceptional. However, it troubles me, the things I've been dreaming, and what my God has told of late in my hours of meditation. Though Opalance is doing what he thinks is right, he isn't listining to our God and what His will is, he has been focusing on the holy passages and ignoring the words that are being spoken to him now. I believe he is afraid of letting go, of letting our people be free to choose, to allow others to choose also.

I have so much to talk to him about when I return, if I can gather the will to do so.....

Oh dear me, I've just been rambling on like an old fool, "No one can tame a tongue" this is true, especially when both it and your mind wander.

Well, I do feel better now that I've gotten that off my mind and out my tongue, please forgive me if I've detained you. I hope we meet again."

[K IX]

"Don't worry about it, sir," replies Sharon. "Where I come from, this sort of thing is a non-issue. Anyways, I don't quite know your name, as I've only recently been elected to my post. I'm Sharon D. Echs, Prime Minister of the Minority, from K IX as you already know. It's a pleasure to meet you."

[Ciata]

"Oh, oh, I'm sorry. I'm Kohen Lucias, the spiritual advisor of Ciata. I'm the temporary represenative here, the normal one, Reana....uh...Stormwake, just got married and is off on her honeymoon right now. She should be back in a couple days or so. I'm so sorry I didn't introduce myself, I'm just so absent minded these days."

[K IX]

"Well, Mr. Lucias, it's a pleasure to meet you," announces Sharon, extending a handshake gesture.

[Ciata]

(Lucias looks stammered for a moment, then hesitantly extends his paw)

"Oh please, just Lucias, or Kohen. Kohen is my title after all, it means priest somewhat.

(He, somewhat shakingly, breaks the handshake)

"I'm sorry, but I'm not used to this gesture, have not had to use it for some long time. Chattan usualy greet each other by touching foreheads, but this gesture must seem very odd I'm sure.......

Well, I suppose I had better go....do...something. Or sleep of course (he chuckles). Well, uh, it was very nice to meet you, uh, Ms. Sharon."

(With that, he hobbles down a hallway, most likely not the right one, on a course back to his room.)

[Ciata]

(The full time represenative Reana Stormwake has returned from her honey moon with her husband/body guard, Rowan. She seems very, very calm and collected now and greets Kohen Lucias who filled in with her role)

Reana, "Thank you father so much for fillling in for me, I'm sorry I wasn't able to fulfill mah duties here when I was needed the most it seems."

Lucias, "Oh, dont worry about it, it was nothing really, just a bit of a vacation and change of scenery for me, hehe. I was glad to be able to get out and clear my mind for a bit. I hope you two are happy now."

Reana, "Oh yes, it's a lot less stress now, a lot less worries. It should make my time here much easier, regardless of wot happens."

Lucias, "Ah, well, I guess I should be heading back now, seeing as I now have no excuse to be here at all, hehe. I have much to talk and "advise" when I return. Many more changes are coming, how we face them I fear may be up to me in a way."

Reana, "Well, whatever they are, I'm sure you will well. Have a safe journey Kohen."

Lucias, "Thank you, and you two keep safe also, farewell."

With that the represenative authorities pass back over to Reana and Lucias heads back home.

[K IX]

Overlooking the inland sea from the hills outside the new council hall, Mark Pine is sitting on an exposed rock, looking blankly out at the body of water.

"Homesick, eh?"

Mark jumps, then looks around in a panic, noticing that a large canid is a few yards behind him.

"Wha-? Richard!? Do you always have to sneak up on people like that?" complains Mark.

"Hey, it's your fault for not paying attention to your surroundings!" Richard laughs.

"Well, to answer your question, yes. Now, what was really going on in the House?"

"Relax. I just had to quickly deal with some problems that came up. We're waiting on you and Sharon, now. When we go back in a couple days, you'll find..." Richard trails off, and starts counting on the fingers of his forepaws. "One ... two ... three ...... seven." Turning back to Mark, Richard concludes, "Seven new bills on your desk."

Mark groans. "So this is what I get for listening to your advice and arriving five days in advance?"

"Well, yeah. But don't worry too much about it. We're not here to discuss politics - we're here to represent the Commonwealth."

"Whatever. Glad you could make it."

"Good. Now, there's a press conference just outside the front doors in half an hour. I expect you to be there, and took the liberty to notify Sharon as well. See you then." Richard walks off, leaving Mark alone with the shore.

"Typical. Always wingin' it without giving anybody time to prepare," mutters Mark.

"I heard that!" hollers Richard from off in the distance.

[The Union of Tinis]

"Syren," says Waldo. "How's the media situation look?"

"Well K IX has their gaggle of course. Simon Skunk is arriving tonight for Tinis Public Broadcasting. I have limited information on Ciata, Drensnake, and Vylland. And even less from the others at this point. I could check with security if any more passes have been issued."

"Don't worry about that. Just wondering."

"Is there a problem sir?"

"This is the real thing. In only a few hours the whole shabang will be running and going. We'll officially be at council. Its all to big."

"Big... should we schedule a smaller orchestra then?"

Waldo gives the smiling weasle a raised eye.

"The orchestra is fine. Plus its a little difficult to find one who has twenty four national anthems memorized on short notice."

They sit there for a moment while Waldo looks off into space.

"I know this might sound strange Syren, but for some reason at this time, with so much pomp and circumstance and war and hostages, I have something on my mind that is completely unrelated."

"Pardon?"

Waldo laughs. "Sorry. But representative Reana's pouncing... a couple weeks ago now? ...it reminded me of my old job in Arx actually. I kind of wish I was back there now."

"Sir? I'm kind of confused."

"Well, ya see, a couple years ago I worked at the state department in agriculture trends. I was dating one of my colleagues, Illumi, at the time. But she would always make it a point to surprise me a couple times a week in a similar manner."

"So you miss her?"

"A little, but we broke up and she works at the Tower now as an analysist. But I liked it back there. Less pomp and circumstance and war and hostages. I could be myself, ya know?"

"No sir. I don't."

Waldo sighs and looks at Syren again. This time with a slight frown and the other eye raised.