Vignettes

Useful Contacts Achkaerin, Libby, DaveIronside

"What is a Vignette?" I hear you ask. Well in simple terms a Vignette, which we post in this forum, is a short story or series of short stories that add to the RP, usually this is by portraying events behind the scenes as it were, I generally think of them as opportunities for character development and laying the foundations of future story lines, in this way they allow you to RP an event that would if put in Diplomacy and Events otherwise be a one hander (i.e. you're the only person posting). So this would be for example the death of a King or Queen, the assassination of a President etc, in short anything that would not normally require another nation or player. Also if I may refer back to the concept of a Villian a Vignette is a useful tool to introduce and develop such a character.

There are many ways of writing Vignettes, you could have a specific story line in mind and use the thread simply for that story line, alternatively you could focus a thread around a specific group of your characters. My approach to Vignettes is the latter because it suits the way my mind works I compartmentalize so I have a thread for stories about the Achkaerin Royal Family, another for the politicians, one for the space agency etc. Importantly this is my personal preference there is nothing wrong with either approach, what matters is that however you write a vignette works for you.

So what should I write about?

Ah yes the million pound question. The answer is actually quite simple - whatever you like, provided it falls within the RP rules so for example writing a story about a detective in your nation would be fine, something out of the Famous Five would be fine but obviously something out of the Chronicles of Narnia in terms of the wardrobe effect is a big no no.

Are there rules as to content?

Yes there are - some of these may not be as hard and fast since the switch of forums but these should still be decent guidelines.

1) Be fair and respectful to the audience - this is more a guideline than an actual rule. It's common sense that not everyone is going to have the same stomach for violence, torture etc as others. So I encourage people to get into the practice of putting "SPOILER ALERT - POTENTIAL UPSETTING CONTENT" at the top of posts (put in a different color and bold it if necessary) if you're writing something that is quite graphic, this allows the reader to know that there may be something in the post that may upset them, now before you think 'Nanny state' let me explain why I encourage this - many years ago I did character based RP in a different genre, part of the story line we were running at the time involved plenty of 'darker' elements, I 'd been having my evening meal, I came back to the computer and played catch up ten minutes later I read a specific post and felt quite ill because of some of the details contained within. Don't get me wrong it was a quality post but the content was such that it would not agree with everyone hence why I have since advised such things as Spoiler Alerts, this is no way means you can't write such things (provided they fall within the terms of service) it just gives the reader the awareness that the content may be a bit too much for them personally.

2) Sex Scenes - Ok let's get one thing straight right from the start, romances between characters have no issues, there's nothing wrong with characters going on dates, no problem with them kissing, no problem with them touching (within reason), this point is not about the romance element it's about how far you can take things when they get intimate. Now in this regard I want to make something clear this is not I repeat NOT Fifty Shades of Grey, from a story point of view there's nothing wrong with that sort of dynamic existing however as with all sexual elements when you put characters in the bedroom I advise people to be very general about it and avoid being overly graphic.

So what is overly graphic? That's a matter of judgement, what I will say is that I've written erotica style stuff for ten years and I've written in my time a lot of detailed posts is this sort of setting and I have never put anything like that in any vignette here, firstly because it was when we were on Zetaboards a breach of their terms of service, secondly if I could do that here would I? In all honesty I probably would, but I wouldn't do it every story because that degrades the characters involved. Ultimately with this kind of scene focus on the characters thoughts and not necessarily their actions too much. And remember use a Spoiler Alert if you're worried about things.

3) Language - Do characters swear? Yes of course they do. But not to Malcolm Tucker levels, general advice would be one maybe two major swear words per post but swearing rants? No, please don't while it's not against the rules it's a major readers turn off.

Now a point for readers of Vignettes

This is quite important to bear in mind - don't take things personally. It's entirely possible that in another players vignette you may see your characters or nation referenced in some way, now depending on how that persons characters view your nation or characters which means it's possible for such views to be negative, so please remember that. I cannot count the amount of times I've had people messaging me to flag up something they've viewed as unfair when it is simply understandable from an IC context. All characters will have IC opinions of various things and they won't all be positive, so to be blunt this is not a harmonious utopia of a world.

Commonwealth Treaty Organisation
General Assembly Resolution

Resolution #0021
Adopted by the General Assembly on 4th January 2018

General Assembly,

Aware of the ongoing crisis in Lakhzovia follow the recent elections,

Recognizing that the perception of democratic mandate is vital to the stability of the political system,

Appreciating the importance of restoring public and international confidence in the Lakhzov government,

1. Endorses the new elections in Lakhzovia

2. Accepts the East Moreland offer to send an Election Monitoring Team

3. Agrees that this mission should be led by Alex Redfern

4. Resolves to accept and endorse the outcome of the elections upon receipt of a satisfactory report from the Election Monitoring Team

Mind boggling Serenity thought, typical wasn't it? There was no need for an assurance in truth because the assurances already existed as far as Achkaerin was concerned Somerset was the successor to Seaforth and Seaforth had been an Achkaerinese ally, Serenity knew if she went off for a drive towards the Lakhzovian border she'd come to cities where during the Eugenics War there had been fighting, where Achkaerinese soldiers had died, if she went north she'd come to Halstead Village where the Seaforth Catholic Church had strung up and hung civilians for no apparent reason, with Achkaerinese soldiers having already fought and died on this soil there was no way that memory was going to be disgraced. But if it was assurances McKenna wanted it was assurances he'd get.

"I doubt Kadassa is stupid enough to let this escalate to an extent where threats would extend beyond borders nor do I think that any militia involved are going to instigate things beyond the Lakhzovian borders to do so in the manner you are concerned about would be for them to lose their position in this, if they take things out on the international community they seal their own fate, likewise so would pro Lakhzovia factions. You know as well as I do that this country of yours is the remains of Seaforth a lot of Achkaerinese soldiers fought and died here not that long ago." Serenity said slowly "We don't forget that sort of thing so the assurances you want already exist and even if it didn't one would presume an action against Somerset would at the moment concern Pyrena which in turn through treaties and organisations could involve plenty of other nations that is surely assurance enough."

"Now then Mr McKenna" Kakashi said "While I appreciate you trying to accommodate my requests your suggestion of the Joint Forces Base is I'm afraid  impractical for our purposes, we need airfields and facilities around the Lakhzovian border area, we cannot afford to have jets having to burn a third to half of their tanks just to get into position, no we need them closer to the area we need them to be able to be in position with as little flight time as possible."

Group C

Achkaerin 4-0 Rodina (at Isemura Club)
Ui Cenneslaig 3-1 Herrunbucht (at Ise-Kokoda Hub)

Group D

Zimalia 0-2 Nya Aland (at Yuzukemyouji Lightbox)
Germanic Kingdoms 2-2 Foxtrove (at Ise-Kokoda Hub)

Group E

Hygelac 2-1 Cantabria (at Isemura Club)
Iwi 2-0 Solonia (at Marumaru)

Group F

Borland 3-3 Arda Tuluva (at Yuzukemyouji Lightbox)
Vaguzia 2-0 Phuebra (at Marumaru)

Current Standings

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***Reply to this post by personal message to Achkaerin and not on the forum to keep your choices private***
Middlesborough will play Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on the 6th of January (13:00 KO)
Pick the winner for 2 points and pick the first team to score for 1 point. If you pick the total goals scored between both teams you'll get a 2 point bonus as well. There is potential for up to 5 points on this one.

Qualifying

1. Ryo Yokazura (Chiyoko Motorsports Division)
2. Sam Halliday (Rytol-EMAC Racing)
3. Quintus Varusi (Tifosi)
4. Enric Tomàs (Magpie Racing)
5. Mark Lindley (Rytol-EMAC Racing)
6. Megan Harrison (Riviere Corporation Racing)
7. Z Kennedy (Riviere Corporation Racing)
8. Marcus Apollonius (Tifosi)
9. Takeshi Nakanishi (Chiyoko Motorsports Division)
10. Téo Arrivacca (Scuddor Ornati)
11. Àlex Andreu (Magpie Racing)
12. John Gever (Furious Honeybadger)
13. Mathis Oleksow (Furious Honeybadger)
14. Quentin Yanone (Scuddor Ornati)
15. Branislav Pietrov (Natalka)
16. Madeleine Kromer (Umbrella Corporation Racing)
17. Monim Sabbagh (Bassanid Airways Racing)
18. Ivanoe Parco (Umbrella Corporation Racing)
19. Louai Nazari (Bassanid Airways Racing)
20. Alexi Smenko (Natalka)
21. Jorgaah Vasaaq (Molo T Racing)
22. Willow Buurlap (Molo T Racing)
23. Marcus Pilskin (Argus Corporation Racing)
24. Andre Nolte (Argus Corporation Racing)

"My sentiments exactly." Peter said, it had been a long time since his last foreign visit abroad, there wasn't any reason why he couldn't do them more regularly, in fact he intended to now that he had a lot less on the hectic scale to deal with. He'd have to start giving the less experienced members of the family the opportunity to come along and get some much needed experience in this regard, after all Simon and Serenity were now highly experienced in this sort of thing. Peter allowed himself to relax his mind, he'd been over this in his head he knew what this sort of meeting was like though obviously not all the special rituals of the hosts were known to him and it wasn't the first time he'd almost regretted that, still he did do his homework, which would undoubtedly please his old teachers if they could see him now.

However despite all his experience of such meetings Peter also knew how much he wasn't aware of, he knew that this was about forging a relationship between Achkaerin and Arda Tuluva, something that could benefit both nations so he had a broad understanding of what was likely to come up, but each nation was different in how they went about this sort of thing so he couldn't afford to take anything for granted. Still in these surroundings he felt a little inspired, not even consciously noticing his artificial arm for once.

"It was a most excellent evening Proconsul." Peter continued "Everyone who helped make it so no matter how small a part they played in preparation or execution of the occasion is a credit to this nation and they do it a great service by being so welcoming and accommodating. And with such a strong foundation to build upon I believe we can accomplish something truly special here today and I hope you will give us the chance to show our gratitude before the end of this very enjoyable occasion."

Group A

Vafleon 0-2 Lodja (at Ise-Kokoda Hub)
Victoria 0-3 Saheristan (at Marumaru)

Group B

Rokkenjima 0-2 Ecclesiastical State (at Isemura Club)
Weremark 1-4 Kerajaan Agung (at Yuzukemyouji Lightbox)

Group G

East Moreland 2-1 Nemerie (at Ise-Kokoda Hub)
Rhand 1-3 Kaitaine (at Isemura Club)

Group H

Himeyama 3-0 Mountjoy (at Yuzukemyouji Lightbox)
Akhabnil 3-1 Quintelia (at Marumaru)

Current Standings

The Silverwoods had taken to perusing the various stalls, it was a great opportunity to get present buying done, Robin was looking over a jewelry stall while Elianor was admiring the craftsmanship of a hunting bow, being an archer it was something that fascinated her. Marion and Courtois were sat eating a local snack which meant that at least they weren't running around. Robin paid for what he'd bought, it was a silver hair pin with a ruby and sapphire on it in the shape of roses, a perfect present for Elianor, he started to make his way over to where she was discussing the bow with the stall holder when his phone rang.

"Yes Manius?" he asked, it was his older brother calling
"It's happened." Manius said "Dad's...dead."
"When?" Robin asked almost in shock, they'd known this was coming but hadn't expected it this soon.
"An hour ago." Manius said
"I see." Robin said
"We're going to put out a press statement surely so be advised it may get picked up over there." Manius said
"Ok thank you for letting me know." Robin said

Elianor was still talking to the stall holder when she saw the look on Robin's face, she was his twin she knew how to read him, there was no need to say anything she just hugged him tears in her eyes
"How do we tell them?" Elianor asked
"Like we practiced." Robin said, trying to sound as brave as he could but he was borderline losing it as well "Take them off somewhere private and tell them."

King Richard (Silverwood) V has passed away, following a lengthy battle with cancer. The King aged seventy eight was diagnosed with the disease several years ago and was thought to be progressing well against it until his health took a downward turn in the last two years. In an official statement Redwall Castle announced that the King was dead and that effective immediate Crown Prince Manius was assuming the necessary leadership responsibilities. Details regarding the late King's funeral and the coronation of the Crown Prince are to be released at a later date. The family have requested privacy to grieve at this time.

The Inevitable

Redwall Castle in Oakshield had a heavy atmosphere around it, not that this was anything new, the atmosphere had been there for weeks the monarch King Richard Silverwood was dying and everyone knew it and that meant everyone from his immediate family to the Nobles to the Clergy. Out in the Castle garden's Crown Prince Manius Silverwood and two of his sisters Princess Catrain and Princess Adela were throwing a baseball around, they were just trying to get some time to themselves in all honesty though the nine siblings did play in the local amateur league, Manius was Second Base, Catrain the pitcher while Adela played First Base.
"What do you think our chances are this season?" Manius asked throwing the ball to Catrain
"No clue." Catrain said "But just for once I'd like to show that team from the Theology College what it feels like to lose."
"I know what you mean." Adela said "If Catrain pitches her best we might win it this year don't you think Manius?"
"No pressure at all." Catrain said rolling her eyes.

"Your Highness!" a voice shouted out, Manius turned one of the Palace Staff was running towards him "You must come."
"What is it?" Manius asked
"It's your Father come now." the member of staff said.

Manius, Catrain and Adela all followed the man indoors, up the stairs and down the landing to their father's bedroom. Once inside they found their father lying on his bed a doctor listening to his heart through a stethoscope, a Priest stood next to him.
"Where's the Queen?" Catrain asked, referring to her stepmother Queen Isabel
"Opening a Museum in Dragonstone." came the answer, that was in the far north of the country. The doctor straightened up and looked at the three Royals
"I'm sorry Your Highness's." he said "The King is dead."

For a moment none of the three registered it, then it sank in - Manius walked from the room went into his own bedroom, which was just a little way down the landing and punched the wall.
"Don't." Catrain said, she'd followed him in "You'll only hurt yourself and it won't bring him back, nothing can." Manius looked at her as Adela joined them. The three of them hugged, they were three of the strong five in the household they rarely let down their shields when any of the younger four were around but when it was just them they were more honest about their feelings, displayed more emotion.

"What do we do now?" Manius asked
"We need to tell the others before the Press breaks the news." Adela said "I'm picking Amulius and Stephanie up from school in an hour. So I can tell them."
"Robin, Elianor, Marion and Courtois are in Royal Seleucid." Catrain said
"I'll call them." Manius said sitting down on his bed "What else?"
"We need to make plans for your coronation as quickly as possible." Catrain said perching on the edge of Manius's oaken desk "After dealing with Dad's funeral."
"I agree." Adela said she was leaning against a wall "You know the opinions of some of the Nobles."
"You mean the Duke of Highbury?" Manius asked, this was a member of the Nobility known to be an ambitious man who a couple of years earlier had tried to install a regent to govern while the King was ill. Fortunately that had been defeated but it hadn't been forgotten least of all by the five eldest Silverwood children, they had their suspicions about Highbury's motives believing them to be more than 'concern for the nation'.
"Yes." Adela said "You know the ceremony, you take the throne the nobles swear allegiance to you. Highbury would have to swear before God a solemn oath to you."
"We should also get together with Robin and Elianor when they get back from Royal Seleucid and figure out an international plan of action." Catrain said slowly "The stronger we make our position the more trouble free your reign will be. The Coronation festivities will provide the opportunity to act on what we decide to do."
"I see." Manius said
"Well." Adela said looking at her watch "I'd better go and pick up Amulius and Stephanie."

Adela left the room and after a few moments silence Manius sighed
"How do I do this Cat?" he asked "I don't know if I'm cut out to be King."
"Hey." Catrain said "If you trust nothing else, trust us. You will be a great King, you are more capable of doing it than anyone because you don't think you can do it. I've been with you the longest so I've seen it most so I know it most, but you have grown into someone who has the potential to be a fine ruler."
"Thanks." Manius said with a weak smile
"Should I make the arrangements for Dad's body to be transported?" Catrain asked
"Yes." Manius said "Then we should draft a press release that we hold until after everyone knows."

[/size]

Group A

Vafleon 0-2 Saheristan
Lodja 4-0 Victoria

Group B

Rokkenjima 1-3 Weremark
Ecclesiastical State 1-0 Kerajaan Agung

Group C

Achkaerin 3-1 Ui Cenneslaig
Rodina 2-2 Herrunbucht

Group D

Zimalia 0-1 Foxtrove
Germanic Kingdoms 0-3 Nya Aland

Group E

Hygelac 2-0 Iwi
Solonia 2-2 Cantabria

Group F

Borland 5-0 Vaguzia
Phuebra 1-3 Arda Tuluva

Group G

East Moreland 1-4 Kaitaine
Nemerie 0-2 Rhand

Group H

Himeyama 5-1 Akhabnil (opening game of the tournament)
Mountjoy 3-1 Quintelia

Current Standings

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***Reply to this post by personal message to Achkaerin and not on the forum to keep your choices private***

AC Milan play Inter Milan on the 27th of December in the Coppa Italia (kick off is 19:45 UK time)
Two (2) points for picking the winner, three (3) points for picking a draw correctly or four (4) points for correctly picking the score.

Snowflakes, Songs and Something More

Christmas Eve, and the Royal Theatre had never looked quite like this, for the period of Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day the place had been transformed into a mission for the homeless of the Capital, there was a determination at the highest level that anyone who wanted to have a Christmas meal would have one. For Christmas Eve though there was the Snowflake Concert to deal with, a fundraising venture for the homeless and needy as well as an evening of entertainment for people put on by the Royal Family and everyone was participating. Backstage there were rapid last minute rehearsals going on, there were costume change logistics being worked out and secret surprises being kept as well. It was almost show time, just a few more moments and they'd be under the lights and the show would be on. Peter was taking a few deep breaths, he had the lead part for the opening number, he glanced over his shoulders and then left and right at the rest of his family each of them nodded, they were ready.

The curtain came up then the lights, the full house audience cheered, then the music started they'd opted to open with Somebody to Love, it was a nice easy starter for this sort of evening, could be sung as a group and was a crowd pleaser. When the song finished Peter took a step forwards
"Good Evening Valtheim." Peter said "It's a great night, cold perhaps but it'll be a great night, welcome to the first ever Snowflake Concert tonight we start a charity drive to help the homeless and the most needy in society because no one should have to live in poverty, no one should be left with no choices like this. So tonight the number on the screen behind me goes live for donations to this cause." he glanced at the broadcast camera's having the television companies there was helpful "So let's keep things going." The Royals cleared the stage leaving just Peter's nephew Jack Azurewind, now of anyone with the surname Azurewind he was probably the most comfortable in this sort of situation, he took a moment and then performed the first solo of the evening's entertainment Angels, when he'd finished he smiled waiting for the applause to abate
"Ladies and Gentlemen boys and girls it is a pleasure to introduce our Les Miserables Medley." he said

Jack stepped aside heading backstage as the trio of Serenity, Simon and Simon's wife Lydia took to the stage, the orchestra struck up, they weren't doing anything clever they were reprising their version of In My Life/A Heart Full of Love they'd performed this two years earlier and were in the same roles, Simon as Marius, Lydia as Cosette and Serenity as Eponine if there was one sequence of songs that was going to go right on the night it was going to be this one because they knew it well, this knowledge had been why they'd put this sequence up first once they'd finished there was no break as the music shifted and the spotlight shone on Lisa, Serenity's eldest as she took over with Castle On A Cloud, she was likely the most nervous of them all but she'd wanted to be part of it, when the spotlight went off her Serenity made her way over and placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders she'd done well. Now though out walked Carth Vittori
 he was in a different role from when this had been the charity gig, he was doing the character of Javert's big solo Stars a song he'd had to learn quickly, he knew it though and di it well.
 Next Renee Sandiego, Peter's fiancee, walked onto the stage the light on her this was the role she knew best, the role that had made her famous in musical theatre, the role was Fantine so naturally her contribution to the Medley was I Dreamed a Dream, then came the easiest transition of the Medley as the tune was virtually identical they just played right on as the spotlight came up on Serenity who went right into On My Own, it was weird singing this with Lisa directly in front of her but weirder was to come as she finished singing Lisa and Simon traded spots, Lisa went to Lydia while Simon came and stood behind Serenity, this had been the difficult number back when they'd done the Les Mis charity production purely because of how weird the song felt to them and here they were doing it again - A Little Fall of Rain, the end of that song meant that the sequence was almost complete there was just one last part to come as Peter returned to the stage reprising his Valjean role with the big finishing solo of Bring Him Home. When he'd finished the lights went down and the applause echoed through the theatre, on the stage they were all looking at each other that had gone well.

"Thank you, thank you." Peter said "I'd forgotten what doing that was like, for our next act allow me to introduce someone I'm really glad to have back in my life my sister Esme."

Everyone who'd been on stage for the Les Mis Medley departed the stage as Esme walked out onto the stage.
"Wow." she said upon reaching centre stage "I didn't expect it to be quite like this, mind you I didn't think I'd be here tonight, but here I am so I hope you enjoy this." she had a simple enough task she had a small set list of three songs the thinking was to give everyone time to recover from the hard work of the Medley this was why they'd grouped themselves into waves as it were, the music started her first song was Skyfall, her second song was Set Fire to the Rain, however her third was probably the one that meant the most to her being a former boxer and all that not to mention being the prodigal Princess her third choice was Fight Song, she smiled her way through this one and took the applause.

Backstage Simon stood side by side with Serenity
"She's here." Simon said
"Good." Serenity said "Does Dad suspect?"
"I don't think so." Simon said "Nor Renee."
"Well they're going to get the surprise of their lives." Serenity said

Out on the stage Carth and Jack were back performing a duet version of He Lives In You, then the pair were joined by Jack's sister Cerys for a rendition of Can You Feel the Love Tonight, in which Carth provided provided the support to the main roles of the siblings. But brother and sister weren't quite done yet, Carth left the stage following that song and the pair went right into a performance of Sun and Moon & Last Night of the World, in the wings Esme was looking on with pride as from the opposite wing was Peter. When the end of that song came, Jack gave his sister an encouraging nod, there was one number of the section left, Cerys moved to centre stage and after taking a deep breath started to sing Don't Cry for Me Rokkenjima.

"She's good." Renee said as she stood next to Peter in the wings "I just recorded that for that film I'm in."
"How fitting." Peter said
"I'll tell you one thing." Renee said "We're certainly doing more of these concerts."
"Agreed." Peter said

Cerys took her bow and applause and left the stage she was replaced by Becky Leighton and Peter's niece Sakura Sheppard
"Ok what have you dragged me into Sakura?" Becky asked
"Thought you volunteered for this." Sakura said
"Fair point." Becky said, sending a ripple of laughter through the audience "So can I go first?"
"Please." Sakura said

Becky half smiled, a calculated bit of fun prior to starting their bit of the evening to break the ice and settle in, they only had three songs to get through and it was hopefully going to be worth it, so first up Becky sang Don't Rain On My Parade, then it was the pair of them in a duet of Defying Gravity, Sakura as Glinda and Becky as Elphaba, something that they'd decided with the toss of a coin, and then staying with their roles they went into their version of For Good.

Now they cleared the stage as Renee came back on this was hers and Peter's section of the show and she was starting off with I Need a Hero, it was one of her favorites and it did what she and Peter wanted to do, she was starting a conversation with that song then Peter answered with Go the Distance, then Renee went for Writing's on the Wall followed by Peter choosing Music of the Night, they'd spent all their songs dancing around each other to the point where they were inches apart when Peter finished now it was time for their big duet of the night from West Side Story Tonight. They'd sang a fair few duets over the course of their relationship little did they know what they were letting themselves in for that evening. When they'd finished singing Sakura and Becky returned to the stage it was time to start the run in to the evening's shock or as Sakura thought of it Christmas Present, it was their job to get the ball rolling and that was exactly what they intended to do, their song this time was All That Jazz.

While Serenity sang, behind her the male members of the family were assembling Peter towards the front there was another big song coming, not to mention a costume change for Renee but first things first the men led by Peter treated the audience to a version of Who Wants To Live Forever, but there was no resting on their laurels as almost immediately following this, after some audience interaction, they along with the rest of the family went straight into Get Me to the Church On Time, Peter had thought this an odd choice for the night but then he had turned the set list over to Simon and Serenity so he'd been expecting odd and quirky, and his tap dancing wasn't that good, it was passable but not brilliant, still he soldiered on and when the song finished he was face to face with Renee who was now wearing a simple white dress, there was nothing surprising in that but the fact that standing on his left and her right was High Priestess Alexis Minette was the surprise, she'd been sneaked onto the stage towards the end of the song. Then the stage cleared so that it was just Peter, Renee and Alexis with Simon stood next to Peter and Esme stood next to Renee, also remaining on the stage were Serenity and Cerys who were stood on opposite sides of the other five, the started to circle the group of five as the orchestra struck up again it was time for a Serenity and Cerys duet their choice Sevendays Love, Sevendays Friend

When the song that Serenity and Cerys got to its instrumental section Alexis glanced at first Peter and then Renee, she was miked up so that the audience would be aware of what was happening
"I'll keep to the shortened version." Alexis said "Your Imperial Majesty Peter Azurewind are you lawfully free to marry?"
"I am." Peter said while mentally noting that his children were going to be in a world of trouble for this.
"Renee Sandiego are you free to lawfully marry?" Alexis asked
"I am." Renee said, at this point Simon produced the wedding rings handing them to Alexis
"Do you Peter take Renee to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, in sickness and health through good times and bad for as long as you both shall live?" Alexis asked, Peter looked at Renee and smiled
"I do." he said, he placed the wedding ring on Renee's finger.
"Do you Renee take Peter to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and health through good times and bad for as long as you both shall live?" Alexis asked, Renee looked at Peter almost disbelieving that this was happening
"I do." Renee said, she place a wedding ring on Peter's finger
"Then I pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulatations" Alexis said "You may kiss the bride."

Serenity and Cerys might have just hit the second vocal part of the song but that wasn't about to stop Peter and Renee, they kissed passionately, the audience cheered wildly and then there were hugs from Simon and Esme, then the song finished which meant Serenity and Cerys gave their hugs
"You set us up." Peter said when Serenity hugged him
"Of course we did." Serenity said "You two were dragging your feet over this."
"You two are so grounded." Peter said
"Been five years since you last threw that one at me." Serenity said "Worth it for this."
"I bet." Peter said

The stage cleared except for the newly weds and Serenity, with this being a wedding it was only fitting that the newly weds got their first dance and Serenity had chosen the music for it, it was a song that had come to mean something to Peter and Renee - I'll Burn With You, so Serenity sang it from one side of the stage while Peter and Renee, both grinning like cats that had got the cream danced centre stage neither taking their eyes of the other.

When that song was done Peter and Renee were ushered off the stage, there was now the small matter of the marriage register to sign while they were doing that Simon, Carth and Jack joined Serenity on stage.
"Shall we?" Jack asked
"I think so." Carth said
"Ladies and Gentlemen we're almost done this evening but not quite yet so our next song is one of our favorites" Simon said, he had the lead on this one "Bohemian Rhapsody" this was yet another crowd pleaser, specifically chosen because it was such a popular song. In the wings everyone was getting ready it was very nearly time for the big finish. Once they'd finished Bohemian Rhapsody, a cheer came from the wings as everyone went made their way back onto the stage. The number this time was My Life Would Suck Without You, they were cutting loose now and really enjoying themselves, the audience were into it, Lydia led this song as Peter and Renee returned to the stage getting smiles, hugs and pats on the back from everyone. Then when they'd finished that song Peter took centre stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls it's been a wonderful...and eventful evening, more than I thought it would be." Peter said with half a chuckle "We  come now to our final song of the evening, thank you for coming and please donate to this cause we're supporting tonight. Have a very Merry Christmas. Our final song of the evening is Footloose"

This was Peter leading what was a fast paced, dance heavy song, it had the most intricate choreography of the night to boot as well. When it finished with the appropriate pyrotechnic finale, everyone on the stage was sweating, they took their bows and their ovation and then headed backstage.
"So Mrs Azurewind." Renee said
"More than that Renee." Serenity said "That's Renee Azurewind, Duchess of Rosemoor."
"I'd forgotten about that." Renee said
"By the way you three." Peter said looking at Serenity, Simon and Sakura "Next time you're going to pull something like that...warn us."
"And miss the look on your faces?" Simon said "You must be joking."
"Priceless absolutely priceless." Sakura said
"Perfect Christmas Present reaction." Serenity said

At the temple the Achkaerinese pilots sat in their briefing as Group Commander Alex Holden gave the briefing.
"The target is a missile launching base of operations, it's located in the middle of a cluster of mountains so its well defended geographically but the place is also according to recon bristling with Anti Air fire and houses two airfields used by we believe by the Phuebran Air Force. It should be apparent to everyone present that allowing a faction within this nation to start firing short range missiles is not a good thing. Wyvern's and Harpy's will approach from high, you'll use Charybdis missiles to target and attack the Anti Air sites and airfields from a distance, with luck this takes a fair number of them out, then we go in high and draw the remaining enemy jets into a fight in the sky. Meanwhile the Bat's will use this assault as a diversion to make the attack run at low altitude, there's a canyon that runs through the mountain range it twists and turns but there's a twenty five kilometre straight section of the canyon that runs to the target site, once the Bat's come out of this corner here." Alex tapped the map at a point designated 'Delta' "You arm, lock and fire Trinity missiles. We're not dealing with silo's so Trinity's should be enough to get the job done. If this doesn't work we'll be calling in requesting a Heaven's Hammer strike and that's not something particularly appetizing. May the Brave be with us and good hunting."

---

In Seriville Rhyth had arrived, she'd brought a squad of Achkaerinese soldiers with her for security reasons obviously. She placed her hands on her hips as through her sunglasses she took the scene in the streets in, it was good they were pushing the remains of the 'Phuebran Governments' forces back but this was still only the early stages and in relative terms the easy part, the hard part would be in fighting the various insurgent militia groups that were out there. It wasn't going to be easy but war had never been an easy business to be involved in, it was messy and it involved things that no one liked doing, this was why Rhyth personally disliked an awful lot of war films because they made it look so glamorous and heroic, war was never glamorous and was rarely heroic. She sighed, rubbed her brow and went inside the town hall, her eyes immediately on Sorya there were plenty of things she'd like to do, such as slap him for being a complete and outright liar to the media, but morale was important so far better not to.

"That depends entirely what the rewards are." Rhian said "Please don't confuse my previous explanation as a suggestion, it's more of an illustration. In truth what we would propose in terms of potential incentives for such business's would be quite different. For example Technology City in East Moreland uses the following:

*No business rates for 5 years
*Waiving of import/export duties for companies employing more than 400 East Moreland citizens
*50% discount on the use of Kings Institute of Science facilities.
*Fast Tract Work Visas for existing staff
*Reduced rates of tax for meeting set numbers of East Moreland citizens employed.

There are however certain conditions to being allowed to operate here.
*Companies must provide ten East Moreland students with at least three weeks worth of work experience each year.
*Companies based there will be expected to collaborate with at least one other company on at least one project every five years.


It's possible that we could apply this sort of scheme to this aspect whether that be in adapted or tweaked with format. But this something known to work there are many business's out in that city, in theory what we'd like to do is apply a version of this to our trading relationship as it would give companies incentives but also by tweaking one or two things we can ensure that the smaller business's can work well in harmony with big business."

There was probably only one clueless person in the room and that was Nettie, she like everyone else knew there was no connection between Barron and Bachelet after all off what the Ecclesiastical State ambassador had told them when they'd spoken there was no indication of any leanings on Barron's part that would indicate criminal conduct, there was also the lack of a relevant criminal record. So what was Peter's game? Why was he offering Bachelet? How did that get Barron to safety? And why wasn't Eve as Junior Royal Counsel looking worried? What did she know that Nettie didn't? Paint a picture and sell it Peter's words from the plane ran through her mind and it started to click together clever, very clever she thought, if it was handled right which was undoubtedly what Eve was here for - to make sure Peter didn't cross certain lines.

"Then with your permission Mr President" Peter said "We will require access to your airspace for the aerial reconnaissance and to know where a suitable location for us to bring the team in is. Following such permission I'll make arrangements to bring the people and equipment in."