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Post by miokalia on Jan 17, 2011 22:20:39 GMT -5
[[[OOC: This is a thread between ASE and Miokalia. This is intended to be a non-military thread focussing more on economics, fun, etc... Bear in mind, things that characters say in this thread are not being said in a public, international venue, and thus characters may act differently than they do at multinational events.]]]
Presidential Manor, Zye, ZCFD
The name is misleading, while the building is probably about the size of a manor, it looks like a pile of concrete logs with windows at the ends and is hardly by any classical standard, a manor.
Andertol was pushed out the door by Tajir-Secretary Vuela Konig on account of being "a distraction" and was sent home for the day. There was no room for hotheads in this situation.
A brown and purple raptor entered Vuela's office, which she was haphazardly trying to make look organized by conventional standards, and rang a small bell and announced, "Anean Dignitaries Incoming in 2 hours."
"What's with the bell?", she said after she spun around and threw a filebox into an overhead cabinet above a closet.
"It's Tuesday", he said, then walked out.
Vuela had no idea what he was talking about, but also didn't much care, so she grabbed another file box, then spun around to gain momentum and threw it into the overhead cabinet, where it probably burst on contact with the other box in there.
"I don't even know what these papers are", she said in exascerbation.
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At home, Andertol laughed uncontrollably as he tried to tell Itka about how he printed up all the lower-house proposed bills from the last 6 months and placed them all around Vuela's office to make her look more frazzled.
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"Anean dignitaries incoming in 1 hour." that guy said again, along with the bell. All though this time he actually had his rollup computer with him, which made him look slightly more productive.
This time, it was Secretary Lars Domkoehlr, from the Apparat of Commerce who asked, "The bell? What for?"
"It's tuesday.", Vuela said, "It's gong-tuesday."
"What?", Lars asked.
"It's not appropriate to bring a whole gong to work, so I'm observing gong-tuesday with a more appropriate implement.", he said.
"It's like no-pants friday.", said Vuela, "google it or something."
"So this is why there's been so much ringing going on everywhere I go....
This is really bad. We can't have this! The Aneans are going to think everyone is making fun of them or something. Or at the very least, they'll be irritated. This won't make sense to them!
It doesn't even make sense to me! You... uh..."
He looked at the purple raptor's ID badge, "Elvis? seriously?"
"Hey", Elvis said, "If you don't like it, talk to my parents"
"I'm sorry. Do you get a lot of crap about that?
Nevermind.
Put the stupid bell away!", he ordered.
Elvis hit the bell extra hard and glared at him, then walked away.
"Oh my god oh my god oh my god.", Lars said while rolling his head back and forth on the desk in frustration, "This isn't going to work. Something is going to go wrong. I know it is. We're going to be too weird for them and they're going to hate me. Us, I mean. They're going to hate us."
"I don't know. I think this kinda thing is more about attitude.", said Vuela as another aide walked through the room. Naked.
Her expression dropped, "At least most of us keep our genitalia on the inside. So we're fine."
Lars was unimpressed by this reassurance.
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Elysee National Airport, Zye, ZCFD
They shut-down a whole concourse for the ASE delegation to arrive. In the empty hall, Vuela, Lars, Elvis and a few others waited near the gate for the Aneans to disembark.
Elvis pretended to hit an invisible bell and said, "Anean dignitaries, incoming."
"Why is he here?", Lars asked.
"Because he's Andertol's page.", she said, "And Andertol has been ordered to stay away from us for a while because he's Malych now and we've gone to great lengths to keep Malych away from the delegation today."
"Uh, how?", Lars asked.
"I'd rather not say.", she said, "It's not like there's that many of them around to start with. All the ones around here are in Dorigan and Ellias."
(All of the host delegates are wearing normal business attire)
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Post by The Anean Star Empire on Jan 17, 2011 22:58:58 GMT -5
Emperor Isaiah Xaimoungkhoun My 747 touched down, finally, after a long flight. After sitting in near silence the whole flight, it makes me wonder why I am coming alone. Other than the fact that, if any treaties are made, it only requires my approval. At least I can take pride in not being flashy as hell today. Just a simple business suit. Once we pulled up to a gate, and after the guards made sure no one was waiting to attack me, I walked off the plane. As always, I have a shoulder holster on with a Desert Eagle. Under the suit so no one notices unless they are trying to find it. Or unless I go through metal detectors. Well, I am in a strange land, surrounded by... well not strange people yet. They are in front of me. As I got closer I said, "Well, I am the only one here. Couldn't get anyone else to come along." I extended my hand. "As I'm sure everyone knows by now, I am Emperor Xaimoungkhoun."
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Post by miokalia on Jan 17, 2011 23:34:24 GMT -5
For introduction purposes: Vuela is in a black suit, she is a wolfptor (when a raptor and a wolf love eachother very much...), whitish-gray fur, impossible to determine gender superficially. Lars Domkoehlr is an orange/brown allosaurus with black feathers. He's in a black pinstripe suit. Elvis is wearing a gray tweed suit, very 70's, very ironic... maybe.
Vuela didn't waste any time shaking his hand and said, "Hi, I'm... President Vuela Konig. That's Secretary of Commerce, Lars Domkoehlr, And that's Sudo to the Apparateur, Andertol's page, Elvis Hncheterindolparhecan.
Before we do anything else: let's get food."
"There's a McDonalds on floor 1 in this concourse.", Elvis said.
"No... um... NO. no. ", Vuela said, then turned to IX and said, "He's kidding", then she quickly glanced at Elvis.
"No I'm...", Elvis started and then realized that Vuela had that look she gets right before furniture gets damaged, "There's a gloss black AutoZell Regent 604 on the tarmac which has been provided by the chamber of commerce for your transportation enjoyment."
"I'm going to be quite honest", Vuela said, "I just figured that food is a good place to start. We don't have to start there.
Obviously there is a mountain of politics to discuss. A mountain of little things and details.
Probably best that Andertol not be the one to talk about them though. His problem seems to be that he thinks he understands you for some bizarre reason, even though he really doesn't. I don't know where he got the idea you came from the United States originally, like him. Especially since it's pretty widely accepted knowledge that you're not actually from this planet.
Back to food.
Any kind of food. You name it."
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Post by The Anean Star Empire on Jan 17, 2011 23:58:31 GMT -5
Emperor Isaiah Xaimoungkhoun "Actually, in all honestly, McDonalds doesn't sound like a bad idea. Simple, quick, good, and artery clogging. Believe it or not, I am not a very... well, I enjoy simple things. Not a big fan of the upscale, wealthy things. "Though I suppose if you have a better idea of a place to eat, I am for it. Might as well learn as much as I can while I am here. The way people eat can be important at times." I laughed, ever so slightly, at that comment about me not being from here. "And he's right. I am from the United States originally. Los Angeles to be exact. Long story though to explain how I went from street urchin with nothing to Emperor. I just haven't lived most of my life here."
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Post by miokalia on Jan 18, 2011 1:43:46 GMT -5
Vuela laughed, "I thought you were kidding and Andertol was being gullible.
Huh.
Andertol's from Nebraska. Well, he was born there, but all three of his parents are from here, one of them was from up north in KZ I guess.
Kinda a big difference in location I suppose."
Elvis pointed down the hall and said, "McDonlods it is!
It's automated. The food looks exactly the same as it does in the menu. The Big Mac is stacked perfectly and best of all, no cheese!"
Lars almost smacked him.
"Unless you want it with that.", Elvis added, "It's the little things.
Hey Lars, don't look at me like that. I just found a common ground with the Emporer, do you realize how important this is?"
Soon some others caught up with them in the concourse. Some important-looking critters in suits who weren't sure wether to bow or curtsie, all of them appeared to be afraid to smile too widely. Some of them were actually press, however it was hard to tell since they were dressed the same as the others. They took photos quietly, one of the reporters handed the delegation some cards and politely said, "For your review".
Elvis took one of the cards and the fox continued to hold the card out to IX waiting for him to take it.
Lars explained, "Take the card.
There's a private web address on there, and they post any pictures they take of you on there before they're published so you may review them. As a condition of letting them into the concourse today, the press has to follow some... manners."
They went to the McDonalds, much to the press' confusion and extreme intrigue. As well as the confusion of the other three host delegates.
Lars pulled Vuela aside for a moment and said (in Kohtohkhan), "This is ridculous. I said before, I don't want us spending any less than 100Њ (140 USD) per plate on him. I want his experience to be solid gold, damn it. This is not appropriate for business or a diplomatic meeting."
Vuela replied, "Well then bring out the bottle you have in your jacket to gussy up this luncheon if it's so important"
Lars then pulled out a silvery-translucent bottle with a simple label on it, and a ridiculous cork on top. And put it on the table near IX. He then said, "For your refreshment, Ordognac Diamond, vintage 1980. It is a light and sophisticated wine. Only 24 proof, but with a boquet which is often described as 'ostenatiously complex'."
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Post by The Anean Star Empire on Jan 18, 2011 12:32:33 GMT -5
Emperor Isaiah Xaimoungkhoun "No cheese? Nonsense. I want something that should give me a heart attack just looking at it. Of course, I don't have McDonalds on my island. Surprisingly the ASE has never had fast food places." I took that card thing. Oh yes, pick out pictures that I like. Because a couple pictures would make all the difference in fixing my image down here."Press? Manners? That's a first." When he set the bottle down, and said, 'Light and sophisticated' I was tempted to make a comment. Screw it, I will. "Light and sophisticated you say? Oh! That was what I was trying to think of before. 'Believe it or not, I am not a very sophisticated person.' Anyway, thank you for this, though it is a little bit... excessive for a place such as this don't you say?"
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Post by miokalia on Jan 18, 2011 18:39:27 GMT -5
Fortunately, since it was in an airport, this McDonalds did have the cheese option.
"Let's go to the presidential manor", Vuela said once things were finished, "And get to business."
"Something you might find refreshing", said Lars, "Calie Royals don't have the same kind of share ownership they used to have of businesses operating in this country. A good example being after Dorvan Interfreight had to file for bankruptcy protection, they basically handed Duke Leck his money back and cut all their ties to him. They've pulled out 75% in Sarue Nu. Since then, they have started to return to profitability.
Their CEO, Mr. Schlomp is one of the people who is really eager to speak with you.
Additionally, Container City SIA. has sent us a representative who wishes to discuss the housing situation in the colony.
Also: when we step out that door to the tarmac. Reporters are going to want you to say something.
It doesn't have to be a whole lot, just something brief. And positive.
Remember, these people still don't know you very well, Thus, they're easier to sway in your direction, you have them in your hands."
Outside there was a small army of reporters along a roped-off path to the limousine.
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Post by The Anean Star Empire on Jan 18, 2011 23:59:06 GMT -5
Emperor Isaiah Xaimoungkhoun Positive... that's going to be a pain in the ass. I could just say nothing and avoid making myself look bad. I do hate media and reporters anyway."Yeah, positive can't be done right now." I said just before I left. I headed out and ignored every reporter. Chances are if I was to say anything I was thinking it would look worse than if I say nothing.
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Post by miokalia on Feb 28, 2011 21:51:47 GMT -5
OOC: Due to me not being able to think of where this thread should go, I'm now using it as a thread to house other stuff between Miokalia and ASE that needs to have a place to go
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Post by miokalia on Feb 28, 2011 22:21:40 GMT -5
Following a recent declaration banning foreign AIs in the ASE, Secretary Tajir Vuela Konig called for a summit including ASE leadership to be held to discuss this matter (and air grievences).Dorringantden didn't want the summit to be held there, but it was their turn to host something. They'd rather have the Furlympics again, since that at least brought money into the city. A triangular block of the city was cordoned off, protest zones were established to help prevent rioting when IX and company came in. Meeting the Anean delegation was secretary-tajir Vuela Konig, sd-sptr Hiyike Andertol, mediator-general Hcre, MRZF lieutenant Maxwell Chon, and the governors of the tajirates (states) of Dorringantden and Kohtaron (mostly there just to glower and look upset, because they're good at that). They met at a nondescript, 1950's-like federal building which featured a prominent brise-soliel which in effect made it more nondescript and overly bureaucratic looking. (Brise soleil is a thing they put in front of the windows on buildings: looks like this: www.flickr.com/photos/hypo_style/2348565185/
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Post by The Anean Star Empire on Feb 28, 2011 22:54:24 GMT -5
"Explain to me why we're coming south again?" IX said as his AIJ-8000 began to land.
He was fixing his uniform to make sure everything was just right. Might as well put on a good appearance in a country that hates him. He's wearing his all white - save for the gold stripe on the pants - uniform, a blue cape, and a "ceremonial" sword. A ceremonial sword that is completely capable of decapitatingsomeone.
As his guards, he has a pair of Goliaths. The new Dweller Goliaths. Large, intimidating - with their 8 glowing red eyes - and among the strongest soldiers in the Empire. Both of them are far larger than the Emperor, standing 10' tall.
Commander Soldavini, accompanying IX as a hopefully more popular semi-politician, said, "We're going to smooth out your problems that you love to cause."
"Oh but the problems I cause are fun."
"Not for everyone else dumbass."
"Right."
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The plane pulled up to one of the gates. IX put on his hat - also white, but with a big gold eagle on the top - and his sunglasses. The Goliaths had assault rifles and their armor. Soldavini had what Aneans called his Trademark Greatcoat. All black with five gold stars on the shoulders and the Federation flag on the right arm.
Once the door opened, the four of them walked out - the Goliaths had to crouch slightly - and into the terminal. IX lit a cigar on the way, just in case someone wants to complain.
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Post by miokalia on Mar 1, 2011 0:03:12 GMT -5
The all-organic security team directed them to the transportation, which consisted of a large security convoy. They didn't say a whole lot, eyed the Dwellers oddly, but little else. The trip to the Federal building was uneventful, save for a stretch along the freeway where protestors had draped banners over the billboards and retaining walls.
The most common themes included: "DESPOTS GO HOME", "BROBY DIED FOR YOU" referencing the 3rd federation war. The windows on the vehicle tinted down before the rest of them could be seen.
In the triangle around the Federal building, the military had deployed riot control, just to make sure an overwhelming presence was shown. Dorringantden was not known to riot, with their last riot being during the 1960 Furlympic games after a very heated badminton match.
Arrival was uneventful, although all the way around the building, military and security was quite visible.
Inside it wasn't too ornate. The Miokalian delegation was already waiting for them at a table.
Vuela Konig stood up to greet the Anean delegation, as did Hcre who was the friendliest one there. Andertol refused to stand, constantly glaring at IX. After a pause, the Tajir of Dorringantden also stood and offered an appropriate handshake but the Tajir of Kotaron did not stand. This was somewhat telling of a few things, mostly culture and how much that culture didn't like IX or how much they could hide it.
"So it seems we have some issues regarding events that occurred during the operation up north, from what I've gathered.", Vuela said.
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Post by The Anean Star Empire on Mar 1, 2011 0:38:16 GMT -5
IX ignored all the handshakes and sat down, a hand on the hilt of his sword. There was a reason for the sunglasses, even inside. Conceal the hate. A whole country mad at him for running his country and making decisions that wouldn't even affect them. Last place anyone would go is the colony, other than for diplomatic reasons.
Soldavini, on the other hand, accepted the handshakes. He was about to start saying, "Thank you for letting us in the country to work this out", but IX cut him off.
IX said, "No no, I am fully aware of the events that happened during the N.A. Campaign. Well, the events that'd warrant a meeting down here. I gave my people an order to destroy the Commonwealth drones. My people somehow fired on yours. Friendly fire incident was looked into, and that was enough for me.
"Our Supreme Military Tribunal looked into this and a Commonwealth fault was blamed for the miscommunication. She ordered the drones to protect me, but somehow ended up attacking. I, seeing it for what it was, said it was an attempted assassination. By who? Probably some shady organization. Maybe not the Commonwealth as a whole, but I sure as hell am going to spin the news to make it sound like that."
He laughed.
"And before you bitch at me about manipulating the news, keep in mind all governments do it. I am just willing to admit it because no one can do anything to me. I am untouchable."
At that point, Soldavini put his head in his hands. Taking the hint, IX went back to the subject.
"Anyway, lucky me, I had my armor on. Otherwise I wouldn't be here right now. Though judging by the looks, I think y'all wish I was dead.
"Now I am sure that there's more important matters you wanted to complain at me about."
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Post by miokalia on Mar 1, 2011 1:38:49 GMT -5
Andertol burst out, "It's not about how you run your country. Otherwise I doubt we would have been fighting in the defense of your regime.
It's about how after we fought in the defense of your regime, you decide to reiterate your distrust because of something, as you say, went wrong on Cal's end. Although I would dispute that, doing such right now is irrelevant. I'm not even angry at the friendly fire. Especially given that it was a relatively small, isolated incident. And I'm certainly not angry about your policies because our state department has been assuming these things for quite some time.
I think the problem is: making that statement right after we helped you secure your country from those terrorists was insulting. I can't speak for the Calie and their remote drones, nor do I care about them. But ours are not remote-operated, they're people and they do have an honor code. One which you just stomped all over by reiterating your contempt for them after they helped you restore order.
I know you think everyone's out to get you, but I assure you, it is quite the opposite. The Apparateur is convinced that you're out to get him. I won't go into much more detail there because I'm not sure if it's appropriate to, also he's very upset at the moment and it could just be that."
Vuela cut him off by saying, "Shut up, Andertol. IX knows why you're angry. I brought him here so we could get this situation figured out, not for you to air greivances.", then she addressed IX, "It's your country, your rules. Of course.
This... whole kinda... thing... is not acceptable for normal relations though. I think you should find a softer, more diplomatic way to say you don't want people like him" She pointed at Andertol, "In your country, without looking like a complete turd sandwich, like you just did. Hcre, go ahead."
Hcre then said, "How about saying something like 'I recognize the part which Malych had in securing the island and neutralizing the terrorist assets, however, at this time, the policy on foreign robots of any kind will remain as we continue to re-establish normalcy in the colony...' yadda yadda, say something about building bridges of commerce... rebuilding a better empire through trade... and so on.
Basically the problem here seems to be that there was no official, softened statement made. In my professional opinion, as the mediator-general for Andertol's office: this entire situation could have been drastically softened to a point under the threshold of protests if you had issued the statement in a much more positive and positioned manner. It's also not too late to do such.
I recommend doing so, as it would start to repair this situation."
Andertol got up and left, still incredibly angry and full of more things to aggravate IX.
"Please excuse the sudo to the apparateur, as he is very upset right now", said the governor of the Tajirate of Kotaron in an accent which was notably stronger and different than that of Vuela, Hcre or Andertol.
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Post by The Anean Star Empire on Mar 1, 2011 3:05:57 GMT -5
"Regime... what a negative connotation. How about I commit countless acts of genocide? Would that make you happy? That's what my predecessor did and I have no intentions of getting that bad. And yet, no one got pissy with him. Only me. I am always the goddamn bad guy. Why? Because I don't have the same values as everyone else? Or is it something a little more petty than that?
"Sure, I do things that the world doesn't like. I do that intentionally. I don't conceal what I do under politics. If I believe something, I make sure people know it. I hate robots. I will make that clear right now. I hate bending to the will of other people. I especially hate that. So I won't make what I said sound better. It's a little late for that anyway.
"I do, however, like that you all at least recognize that I can run my country how I want. The Commonwealth doesn't, as I realized with the slavery thing. That, I will admit, was my only major error so far in my reign.
"And honestly I have gotten used to looking like... well the term you used. If I'm not, then I am being a warmonger... or satisfying my compulsion to constantly clean things. Don't ask about that. Anyway, the one time I get that time in the spotlight for doing something right, I will be amazed.
"I've tried to do right, but it backfired. Since then I have set my mind on just ruling as I want without any foreign influence. I can't build a better empire through trade anyway. Look at the colony, look at the troubles we have had lately. Our economy is gone. Nothing. Money not worth the paper it's printed on.
"As of right now, my forces are fighting in what will probably be the Empire's longest and most destructive war. Beneficial to the economy? No. Necessary? Well, unless you want the people I am fighting to attack everyone on this planet like the Federation, then it's necessary."
Soldavini cut IX off.
"Alright, you need to shut the hell up." He said. "It's amazing you even managed to become Emperor." He turned to everyone else. "Sorry, I am Commander Soldavini. Former Federation Marshal, now Anean Supreme Commander. I am the more sensible of the Federation commanders. That's why I lost my job.
"Anyway, as the Emperor said, he won't make it sound better. However, he will address the crowds and, while in here, try to make an agreement and specify the ban to allow your robotic populations in. The Malych is what they are called correct?"
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