The Imperial Ball

Roleplay Library
, ,
41

“Look,”-said Rita to her husband and pointed to the guests coming in-“a military family. They’re just you type.”

“I ware this uniform to scare and intimidate the others and not becouse I’m crazed whit all these military things. You know that.”

“Yes, I know. But still, go over to them and talk to them. They will like your uniform and your medalls.”

“Good idea, but why don’t you come too.”

They stood up and went over to the new guest.

“Hello and greetings. My name is Lazlow, the President of Lazlowia and this is my wife, Rita.”

42

“Ah” said Alana “We’re being approached by someone, go talk to them, Alex”.

“Ugh, I came here to enjoy a dinner then leave, that’s it”, said President Joseph.

“Oh come on, it won’t be painful”, she said as she motioned him forwards towards their guests. The two who approached were one of the many political families present at the gala. The wife was dressed in elegant attire while the husband had a smart military uniform. The gentleman introduced himself as Laslow, President of Laslowia.

“Hello President Laslow, I am President Alexander Joseph of the Revolutionary Socialist Republic of Bakostrovia, and this is my family. We’re honoured to meet you. Just fill me in here, what’s it like in Laslowia”.

43

P’aanil looked a little concerned at the Drakken President’s comments, but nodded in understanding.
“Things are not too bad in Dannistaan at the moment. Having said that we are still cleaning up after our…“altercation”…with the Bai Lungese, our neighbours across the ocean to the west. We are having some issues in establishing some form of democratic Government there and I admit things are not going there smoothly, but we are slowly getting there and hopefully things will be normalised between us and Bai Lung.”

P’aanil looked around the hall, taking into account who was there before leaning forwards towards Ludwig and beckoning him closer.
“I am slightly disturbed about the situation in Pommpistan, but I understand and will not comment any further on the matter, other than to say tread carefully. We were in a similar situation when Bai Lung became hostile to our interests…”
P’aanil glanced at the Kandarinese table, taking stock of the Elven Lord in his power armour before turning back to Ludwig.
“Don’t worry about it. As far as I’m aware, the Kandarinese have their own ideas on formal dress. I’ve seen them at formal functions in Dannistaan and it’s not unheard of for them to wear such equipment.”

P’aanil sat back down.
“So, Mr. President, I hear the weather has been quite nice in Drakkengard as well. Mother nature treating your homeland well then?” he asked with a smile, “Wish I could say the same. The weather in Dannistaan has been quite terrible, with snow on the high ground around Mount Dannistaan and rain lower down. We have been hit by a few cyclones recently as well, most notable Cyclone No’vos which was quite fierce.”

44

Khagan-Chancellor Ânâtöl Êfösêbâd and his niece, Âvrâ, walked across the ballroom to where the Dannistrian Prime Minister was sitting. Seeing that his counterpart was in the middle of a discussion, he engaged Marie Clahrk’sohn, the Governor General.

«Good evening, your excellency. It’s so nice to see you again, especially in this more relaxed setting» the Khagan-Chancellor exclaimed as he shook the Governor General’s hand for what must have been the millionth time, by his count. «Please allow me to present my escort this evening; my niece, Ms. Âvrâ Êfösêbâd. Âvrâ, this is Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Marie Clahrk’sohn of the Confederacy of Dannistaan» the Khagan-Chancellor said in a formal, yet friendly manner.

Âvrâ was dressed in a modest, but vibrant red ballgown, wore no jeweler, and had her hair done in short, simple waves, attempting to put forth a professional, but not decadent image that best represented her country. She extended her hand to greet the Governor General and, in practised English, she spat out «Good evening, your excellency, it is such a pleasure to meet you».

45

“-Well,”-Lazlow started to the bakostrovian president"-we can be also described as a revolutionary country, becouse I came to power through a revolution and a civil war. But we made many improvements since than. The economy has never been better since 1990. So, to get to the point, my country is a communist one. We have many islands with lot of tropical rainforests and other exotic things. We recently had a war against Algaisia, which we won, so we got the easter part of that country. Which means new lands for my people. And we are spreading communism. But don’t think that our whole life goes around Marx and Engels. Our economy is strictly communist and we have a large communist propaganda, but we also let the people to travel to the West. At least they will see tha bad side of kapitalism. And what about you?"

46

Upon hearing P’aanil comment on the Kandarinese Ludwig thought about the odds of making full battle gear the formal dress on Drakkengard as well. And after remembering how much Alexa complained about his concealed gun, he realized that the chance was the same of a snowball surviving hell…

“Snow, rain and cyclones… Hope there were not many casualties. Well, if your country ever need relief, you can count on us. We still own your people for the help against the British.”

As Ludwig was ready to sit down as well, he felt someone coming closer and thanks to decades of soldiering he already was holding his gun under the tuxedo and turning to confront the “foe” when he realized they were only an old man and a young woman, both looking pretty harmless and speaking with Marie.

After both sat down Alexa said:

“Don´t worry P’aanil. Ludwig was just curious about that adorable couple talking with the Governor General.” and looked briefly to Ludwig with an exasperated face.
Ludwig then whisperd on Alexa ear:
“Calm down, looks like no one noticed. And they shouldn´t have got so close without announcing themselves anyway.”

And moved the attention back to P’aanil

“You asked about the weather in Drakkengard right? Well, luckly mother nature is treating us fairly as you said. Sometimes both tides and winds hit our coast a little stronger than i would like, but aside that our weather is as good as it gets.
But changing the subject to something more serious, i recall hearing your government was having trouble with something called PLF Dannistra group. So, is this situation solved?”

47

“Pleased to meet you, Khagan-Chancellor and Ms. Âvrâ Êfösêbâd,” Marie said, “And how is Dovakhan these days?”

P’aanil turned back to the Drakken delegates after checking that he was not needed for the moment.
“Well, as for the cyclones, we are fine. We are used to it by now,” he said, “As for the PLF Dannistra group, there is little I can say at the moment. They are still causing problems. So far their activities are limited to one state and that is West Dannistaan but as it is a far right group in a hard left wing part of Dannistaan, there may be further problems ahead. I envisage that we may need to take more drastic action when the time comes.”

48

Glendale, looking over the the closest table, where her son was seated, noted that his bodyguard wasn’t doing his rounds like she expected coming from an outstanding officer. She noticed that Justin and him where talking with everyone else and that he was looking around discreetly; she knew Justin used his power over him to make him set. She was going to have a talk with him on that. ‘I’m glad Justin has been doing so much better lately’

Glendale drew her attention to the table and the people standing up talking. She was glad people where starting to warm up to each other. She was essentially finished with her meal, so she decided to walk around the table and be social. As she stood a few people automatically looked with a curious look to what she was doing.

She walked in the direction of the Khagan-Chancellor and Governor General.

49

Âvrâ quickly and quietly stepped aside to give way to her uncle who addressed the Governor General.

«I’m really just beginning to recover from the two week vacation I took for the Winter Solstice holiday» he said with a chuckle. «Other than that, it’s mostly just been politics» the Khagan-Chancellor continued, hoping that the Prime Minister would soon be free. He didn’t have a chance to ask the Governor General the same question, because the Empress came over to greet them. In the interest of monarchal protocol, of which the Dovakhanese Khagan-Chancellor though very little, he waited for the Dannistrian viceroy to present herself before he did himself.

50

“The Revolutionary Socialist Party overthrew the Emperor and his crew back in the mid 20th century. My father was in control for a short time, but he ruled the people with too much power, putting a brain drain and a labour drain on the country. He wasn’t very popular, so that’s when a few junior army officers and I overthrew my father and established a more socialist style of government. Our economy is a socialist free market, meaning that major companies are allowed into our country, but they are heavly taxed compared to smaller businesses. Due to the fact that these are multinationals, we recieve billions in coporate taxes. Our society is based on party membership, if you are a member of the party, you get many benefits. For example, those who are party members recieve discounts at stores and other positives. As a result, the majority of the population are party members, but we don’t ask much from them. Dissenters or those who oppose the government are either asked to refrain from doing their activities. If they continue to repeat their actions, we deport them to a nation where they would probably fit in more. Our country is a mix of rolling plains and rugged mountains and it is relatively quiet, for the most part”.

51

After the Governor General had exchanged pleasantries with the Empress, the Khagan-Chancellor bowed himself.

«Your Highness, it is great pleasure to meet you. Please allow me to present my niece, Ms. Âvrâ Êfösêbâd. Âvrâ, this is Her Imperial Highness the Empress of East Malaysia» he said in a dignified manner. After the usual greetings had been given, the Khagan-Chancellor struck up a conversation.

«I see that the EPTO has gained new members» he said. This seemingly innocuous statement was really much more than that because Dovakhan was a member of the East Pacific Non-Aligned Movement, that had opposed EPTO intervention in the Dannistaan-Bai Lung conflict.

52

“Yes the EPTO did gain new members, I almost completely forgot. I have so many things I must keep up with. How does Dovakhan feel about the EPTO and its members?” Glendale asked.

53

«Dovakhan is a nation-state formed around a unique culture and isolated language group. In order to assure the perpetuation of this culture through the defence of its unique interests, and its interests alone, the politics of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan stress political self-determination. That is why my predecessor and fellow New Democratic Alliance party member, Jân Drâpö, led this nation to join the Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan in the East Pacific Non-Aligned Movement

Now, I must stress that though the Republic-Khanates is commited to its own self-determination, the People of Dovakhan are eternally grateful to those countries, East Malaysia included, that came to Dovakhan’s aide when the Krech invaded. Indeed, the Continental War was the result of Dovakhan’s assertion of its national sovereignty by revoking the terms of the New Socialist Union and the subsequent support of other countries in this noble endeavor» the Khagan-Chancellor explained.

«However, as the former Dovakhanese envoy to the EP-NAM, I must admit that I’m a bit biased on the matter» the Khagan-Chancellor said jokingly.

«Now, do tell me, your Highness, do you dance?» he asked in the typical beguiling manner of a well-raised Dovakhanese man.

54

“Yes, every nation must take its own path. East Malaysia always tries to stands up for nations that need help. We where only doing what we felt was right,” Glendale smiled at his remark on him being a bit bias.

Glendale was thrown off when he asked if she could dance, “Why yes, I can. I would imagine being the gentleman you are, you would like to dance?” She made a hand jester to the ballroom floor, “By all means, this way.”

55

«So, they do teach proper dancing in East Malaysia» Khagan-Chancellor Êfösêbâd remarked with a wry smile as he and the Empress twirled about the dance floor in an elaborate waltz.

Meanwhile, Âvrâ continued polite conversation with the Governor General of Dannistaan. «Please excuse my uncle, he is quite the extrovert, even by Dovakhanese standards» she said with a smile.

56

“Yes Khagan-Chancellor, dancing is one thing East Malaysians do love,” Glendale spoke with a almost laugh, as they continued around the ballroom floor. Others started to join them slowly.

At the same time Amanda was watching the ballroom floor thinking, ‘I can only wonder who is going to ask me to dance,’ but she quickly went out of her daze when she heard Justin say something to his bodyguard as they walked by, “I can tell them if I want to Derek; you can’t stop me…”

She was about to get up and follow them to find out more when someone came up from behind her. “Excuse me. May we dance?” A man said and she automatically turned around falsely smiling; she’d recognize that voice from anywhere.

“If it isn’t my good old ex-husband. Charles, I didn’t expect you to come to me in a thousand years. What’s the occasion? Dying yet?” Amanda said bitterly as her fake smile wore away.

Charles cringed at her bitter tone, “You are still mad at me I see. If you had listened to me, you would still be in power and we would be happy together…” Amanda cut him off sharply.

“You are worthless. I would have never ordered that massacre. I hated you from the time I had to marry you. Now if you will excuse me, I have other things to tend to. Now be a good boy and go back over to the Bishop’s line.” Amanda said and turned to follow Justin and Derek without giving him another chance to speak. ‘Where did that boy go to now…’

57

“Justin, you can’t,” Derek said as he stopped him from going up the steps to the small stage.

Justin turned around, “DJ, I can and I will…” but he was cut off as Amanda caught up.

“Justin, Mr. Jones, what is going on?” She asked but before any of them could react, they all noticed someone about to give a speech and it started off shockingly.

“That leader of ours son is gay. We can’t accept that as Bishops and East Malaysians. How can we have a future with that little bastard child of hers. She is not our leader with that abomination…”

Glendale quickly excused herself from her dance partner and cut off Charles Bishop and she was loud without any type of amplification. “How dare you insult my child like that,” she spoke as she marched to the stage.

“I love my son and I don’t care what his sexual preference is. This is East Malaysia and we are a open and free society.” Glendale said as she stopped about ten feet from Amanda, Derek, and Justin, who she eyed for a split second as Charles spoke again with her hands on her sides.

“You may not care but we do and I am sure the people will agree. We can’t have him anywhere near leadership. He is nothing…” was all Charles was able to get out as Glendale spoke again.

“I will not allow this at this event and will I have your trash talk. Guards, remove Mr. Charles Bishop from my palace.” Glendale said with a harsh tone.

“Don’t worry, I know my way out. I’m sure my fellow supports will too,” as he turned to go down the steps and other Bishops and Phelps began to leave he stopped and looked at her directly, “See you on the battlefield Glendale.” with that him and his supporters left.

Glendale went over to her son and held her hand up as he tried to speak. “I have known for a while Justin. I love you but we have bigger problems to face,” then she turned around to face her guest who where standing and some getting their thing together.

“Excuse me, I am sorry to close this event short but I do not want any of you here at the moment with that final statement said. All of the visiting leaders and guest, you are leaving right now from shuttles provided by me, or if you have your own, but I do not care nonetheless. Your safety is my highest priority. Thank you for visiting my nations.”

She turned to Amanda who was now standing behind her, “Amanda, please gather the cabinet in my office as of now.” Amanda left quickly, and grabbed Justin as she went out a secret door.

Meanwhile Glendale went over to a wall console and pressed a series of code then spoke. “All stations, please report to your battle stations, this is not a drill.” Then she left to return to her office.

58

As soon as the exchange had ended, Vire Khaz reached for a small headset stuck into his ear and tapped it slightly. “Vendetta, did you get that?”

“Every last word, my Lord.” A crisp female voice appeared to reply from nowhere. It had the exact tone of police dispatchers the world, indeed, the universe over.

“Report. What are you seeing up there?”

“You’re not going to like it.” The voice said apologetically. “Several capital ship squadrons just warped out of the system. What’s worse is that they’ve been getting in position to do that for hours. I’m picking up ships scattering every which way from Hawkins.” Hawkins Station was one of two East Malaysian orbital naval yards, and by far the larger of the two. “About half the ships in dock are staying there, but we’re detecting small arms fire breaking out on every last one of them.”

“And the Dominion Major?” Khaz spoke the name of Jung’s flagship trepidatiously.

“Still separated from the rest of the fleet. There’s one squadron of escorts.”

“Thank you. I’ll be up there in the next twenty minutes. Tell the fleet to get on standby.” Lord Khaz flicked off the comm and stalked toward the exits. This was going to be another long day.

59

Ânâtöl Êfösêbâd and his niece gave each other a worried look. The intolerance in this nation worried the Khagan-Chancellor, especially since he himself was homosexual.

After the heated exchange between Mr. Bishop and the Empress, the Republican Guards present at the ball escorted the Dovakhanese delegation to a pre-arranged station in the palace where they were disguised and escorted to a safe house within in Eastrovia by taxi.

«As best I can tell, this is some sort of family feud with high-tech interspace weapons» the Khagan-Chancellor said.

«That’s just about it, Khagan-Chancellor, and we’re the sitting ducks. Currently, our only option is to remain in the safe house near the outskirts of Eastrovia until the situation calms down» the Khagan-Chancellor’s chief of security said.

60

The Situation Room of the Blue House served as the nerve center for communications, command, and control for the President. It was created for use by every federal agency that could need Presidential leadership in a time of crisis, designed to allow the leaders of any agency, as well as the President, to oversee any operation of any magnitude. In terms of complex equipment, it was defeated only by the War Room, its equivalent in the Blue House Nuclear Bunker, which served the purpose of the Situation Room when the Blue House was felt to be in danger of attack.

On a given day, the room was staffed by several dozen officers, as well as a twelve man, armed security detail. It was the eight security-oriented people that didn’t normally work in the room, however, that were the most significant of those that spent time within it. As President Matthew Terrus entered the room, these eight persons came to attention, along with the half dozen military officers walking about the periphery of the chamber.

“As you were,” Terrus stated as he entered, motioning dismissively, as he made his way to his seat. “Whats the situation?”

The Free Pacific Intelligence Agency (FPIA) Director, charged with overseeing foreign intelligence operations, replied immediately. “It appears that an internal division within the East Malyasian royal family has led into a civil war.”

The President froze. “A civil war?” He asked, shocked. “Didn’t we see this coming?”

The Director shook his head. “I’m sorry, sir. The tensions have been there, but, we didn’t see anything suggesting it’d escalate to this level.”

“The Vice President has already been evacuated to our military base within East Malyasia,” the Secretary of Defense, Christopher Herfield, stated. The Vice President, Henrik Kroidrik, had been sent in place of Terrus (who had a nasty cold). “They’ve got him in a secure bunker there. He should be safe. We’ve put it at high alert just in case; Galactica is holding position near enough to provide assistance if necessary.”

The President nodded. “Good. What about civilians and diplomatics?”

Boris Kresnov, the Secretary of International Affairs, handed a file to the president as he spoke. “We’ve issued a Travel Advisory, we’re contacting every national and expatriot there, and we’re evacuating the non-essentials form the embassy to the military base. We’re also getting in touch with everybody from the Rezelians to the Kandarinese to get permission for our people to get sanctuary in foreign embassies, should ours become inaccessible.”

“That sounds good,” Terrus stated. “Has the EPTO convened?”

“Not yet,” Kresnov stated, “but it’ll happen soon. We’ll try to get you an intelligence report before then outlining exactly whats happening.”

“Good,” Terrus stated, rising. “I’ll make a decision regarding policy then. I’ve got a meeting.”