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Ignorance is Bliss

Posted: Sep 20 2007, 05:37 PM

Some of the most important people in the region were beginning to arrive at the SDL HQ just south of Kafra, and security measures had never been so high. In these turbulent times, with what might be considered the First AO War, there couldn't possibly be something as too much security. In fact, just mere hours away from the southern coast of Nedalia, to the east, there was war, as the ongoing attack of Nedalian forces on the Starblaydi base on the Hypocrian island of Sinistra.

Speaking of Hypocria, President Dala'a was fuming. One of her closest allies, King Falcon, had personally invited the dicta-,ahem, President of Hypocria, Vyntra. She couldn't help but feeling slightly betrayed, since Falcon knew full well the situation between Nedalia and Hypocria. It was ironic, the war between the two countries, because the Nedalian people and the Hypocrian people loved each other. It was the governments that had a problem with each other. Relations with Falcania were bound to cool after this incident, but Dala'a was more concerned about the inner crisis going on within the SDL. This was absolutely the wrong time for any internal strife...

Nedalia

Emperor in Training

Posts: 486

Posted: Sep 21 2007, 12:57 AM

Stone was already in the SDL building, and was waiting for the meeting to start.

He was already noticing Colonel Heracles looking at King Falcon with a most "interesting" look. If he had to guess, Heracles would rather kill Falcon than talk to him. Either way, this was not getting off on the right foot, despite the fact that most SDL members hadn't even arrived yet.

Since the Nedalian President wasn't physically in chambers yet, he couldn't even attempt small talk with someone who was considered "neutral" in this dispute. Then President Stinson spotted Dala'a, and decided not to bother talking to her yet. She looked ENRAGED about something, though he didn't yet know what it was.

Lamoni

Democratic Maniac

Posts: 1952

Posted: Sep 21 2007, 12:06 PM

Falcon had to admit, he felt a perverse reassurance in the amount of unrest he was causing - As his father said, "You can tell you're doing well when people want to kill you - and if they refuse to, you're doing even better". He had deliberately failed to veto Hypocria's invitation to what was soon to be a very interesting party - Falcon knew full well that improved relations between Hypocria and the SDL would bode well for Falcania, as a cessation of conflicts on that front would help the war effort no end, sorting out the governmental conflict with Nedalia would be useful, and moreover there had been unofficial confirmation that Hypocria recognised Falcanian territorial boundaries.

In addition, the look on Dala'a's face was absolutely priceless.

Speaking of priceless looks, a Spartuhn gent was looking at him with an expression that could only be described as murderous. One of the perks of diplomacy is that nobody's allowed to hit anyone; accordingly, thought Falcon, one could say whatever one wanted. Falcon approached Heracles and bowed his head gently. "You must be Heracles. It is an honour to meet you, sir, as such a ruler as Leonidas would only send his most skilled and experienced warrior in his stead." He cocked his head slightly. Falcania's warrior instincts had been denied a kindred spirit on the regional stage - military force was always a fact of regional politics but single, ritual combat was not. Falcanian myth was awash with stories of dominion rulers settling disputes through noble duelling. "I wouldn't mind seeing your experience myself. What is the Spartuhn view of single combat?"

Falcania

Winging It Since 2004

Posts: 776

Posted: Sep 21 2007, 08:03 PM

Foreign Minister Ley was interested in catching the SBL game, and said so. Knowing her Greek history, she expected a more violent version of the game than most other nations played.

While the pair was heading to the game, she asked her counterpart, "I was eventually going to ask King Leonidas about the prospects of an embassy exchange with Spartuh, but i'll ask you instead. What do you think? Would it have a prospect of working out?"

Lamoni

Democratic Maniac

Posts: 1952

Posted: Sep 21 2007, 08:39 PM

Colonel Heracles was growing increasingly annoyed by the Falcanians in general and their King in particular. His mere presence made the Chief of Agoge Instruction long for the days past when he could've just thrust a spear into the man's gizzard and gotten it over with. But maybe that would be letting him off easy - something made Heracles feel that a death in combat would be too good for the man. No, defeat and then being left to live would be more suitable.

It was made even worse when King Falcon came over to rub in the diplomatic immunity thing in his face. Or just to be annoying as usual. Whatever the case, Heracles temporarily let his hand waver over his sidearm, but ultimately he dropped it. No reason to ignite an incident here. The man's question was puzzling as well.

"That's Colonel Heracles to you," the old soldier answered at first. After a moment, he raised an eyebrow and added, "The Spartun view of single combat? Well, that depends. In modern warfare, it is useless apart from special operations missions. Spartun warriors have always fought by the traditional concepts of a unit rather than an individual. Do you recall something called the phalanx? Each man carried a shield to cover the warrior next to him from thigh to neck, and formed one single impenetrable line. A single weak spot, and the phalanx shattered. So Spartuns have always stressed the unit, nation, and people over the individual. Even in today's modern warfare, which we have embraced, mind you, the unit and group are prioritized over the individual."

"That said, every Spartun is taught personal combat as part of the Agoge; it is to both encourage the killer instinct required to be a true Spartun, and to harden the nerves of student warriors," Heracles added, then smirked savagely, "And if you are suggesting an interest in sparring with a Spartun, I would advise you not to pursue it. Have you not heard of the Agoge? It is the most brutal warrior training ever conceived by man. A good number of Spartun boys - already hardened from early combat education - do not survive it. Spartuns are taken at age seven from their families to participate in it, after being taught basic concepts from the time they can walk. Not only has a man in my position survived that and years in the Royal Army, but I am in charge of making that training more brutal and difficult when neccessary.."

He was about to go on, but just then the RAF transport bearing the King landed and taxied to its ultimate destination nearby. Finally, the plane stopped, and a door on the side fell open to reveal a set of stairs. Down the stairs came the twelve Royal Bodyguard soldiers in their full traditional uniforms and armor. The only difference between them and the Spartans they were descended from was the assault rifle each carried in place of a spear. Seeing their arrival, Heracles' grin widened.

Stepping back, he announced loudly so that all nearby would hear, "I present the King of Spartuh!"

King Leonidas hesitated coming out at first, thinking about the newest information about Falcon's antics. Apparently, the Falcanian had invited the Hypocrian leader to the meeting. That mad Leonidas mad, as this was intended to be a meeting between the SDL nations and those directly concerned by the Falcania-Spartuh territorial issue. Hypocria was not only not involved in the sitaution, they were AT WAR with the SDL, and had directly attacked the host nation! Falcon had to be a madman, or an idiot. Either way, there were many ways Spartuh could exploit this to its advantage. If the Nedalians were as furious with Falcon as she assumed they'd be, it would be an opportune time for Spartuh to gain more support.

That in mind, she put her helm on and walked down the steps with a regal, warrior-like bearing. She was shorter and smaller than Falcon, true. But she carried herself as if she was back in her old body, rather than that of a 13-year old girl with her hair in pigtails. The armor looked impressive too, even if it was custom built for her current size.

Upon her appearance, the Royal Bodyguard raised their fists in the air and shouted a robust salute consisting of, "Haroo! Haroo! Haroo!"

Leonidas marched forward and returned the salute given by Colonel Heracles. She then saw King Falcon in person for the first time, and stepped towards him. Part of her wondered what Falcon would think now that he could see her in person himself. It was amusing to her.

"You must be King Falcon II," she nodded to him, then removed her helm, tucking it under an arm.

Spartuh

Inexperienced

Posts: 13

Posted: Sep 22 2007, 04:03 AM

As he was escorted deeper into the bowels of the SDL Headquarters Vyntra couldn’t help but smile at the irony. He never expected to be here, particularly in the current climate. But the Diamindokere question was a local issue and he had every right to voice his own opinion. And the fact that his presence might help drive a wedge between SDL members was an added bonus.

King Falcon had provided transport to Kafra for the Autokrator, something for which he was grateful. Any plane emblazoned with the Autocracy’s markings would not have got far into Nedalian airspace. And the King’s had sent an advisor to ensure Vyntra adhered to all the tiresome security protocols. He was all set.

As his escort slowed his pace Vyntra knew they were nearly at their destination. He smoothed down a non-existent crease on the front of his immaculate black military uniform and brushed a tiny piece of fluff off one of his silver epaulettes. He was definitely all set.

The Nedalian lackey opened the door and Vyntra crossed the threshold into the very heart of the SDL. Again he couldn’t help but smile at the reaction.

“Greetings all. Nice place, I suppose a tour is out of the question.”

Hypocria

Experienced Senator

Posts: 287

Posted: Sep 22 2007, 12:08 PM

President Stinson couldn't believe the arrogance of the man. Though, it was just like Vyntra to not make pretenses. Although, if Dala'a was mad before, Stinson was betting that she was hoping for any little excuse to shoot Vyntra here and now.

Still, Vyntra had diplomatic immunity with his head of state status, so they couldn't do anything physical to him. Or jail him, or any of a million other things that they would dearly love to do to him.

Stinson decided that it was time for the meeting to get underway. Vyntra would only get more insufferable with time.

Reaching for his microphone, Stinson announced, "I suggest that we get this meeting underway; SDL members, and guests." The last bit was said with an ironic glance at Vyntra.

Lamoni

Democratic Maniac

Posts: 1952

Posted: Sep 22 2007, 01:15 PM

Falcon held back a smirk at Leonidas's entrance. One of his aides had earlier discreetly informed him of the peculiar situation regarding the King's age and gender. As she tucked her helmet under her arm, he gave the Falcanian salute, horizontal fist thumped to chest, then rotated 90 degrees to vertical while unsheathing claws. "Honoured to make your acquaintance, sire." He gestured to Heracles. "I was talking to your countryman about combat. This fine warrior was doing his best to discourage me from sparring a Spartun. I have a great respect for your nation: They say a Spartun will do the thing everybody knows is right but is too scared to do." Idly he sheathed and unsheathed his claws. "I look forward to seeing the outcome of these talks."

Falcania

Winging It Since 2004

Posts: 776

Posted: Dec 11 2007, 03:23 AM

Due in part to the change in government, upcoming election, constitutional convention and civil war that's all explained here; but mostly due to the fact that the other nation no longer exists, the 95X (temporary) Board of Directors repeals the original order (the first post in this thread).

This post has been edited by 95X-Scottfire on Dec 11 2007, 03:23 AM