The Artabanos Canal Opening Party

[BrumBrum]

Moira Dubhshlin MacPheadair left Strathae by air for the first time in a while. They assessed the land routes by train and sea options but decided it would take too long so quickly booked a Aer Strathae economy seat for her and offset the carbon.

She arrived at the airport where she was met by the ambassador who arranged travel onwards. She asked how the ambassador and her family were doing lately. She was quite good friends with the ambassador. At arrival to the venue they were impressed by the venue and its glitz and glamour it was gonna be a party alright. They quickly started on some of the alcohol.

[Elthize]

It had been a couple of hours since the ride to the canal had started. The Elthic crew were separated into three cars: one that carried Eva and Oscar, one that carried Grimwald's children and the last one that carried Grimwald himself and Councillor Liam Zachary. On the last car, there was silence for a while, until Grimwald finally started a conversation:

"How's the neutrality motion coming along?" Grimwald asked.

"Well... I don't think we have enough support for that yet, sir," Liam replied.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, do you know how the other countries would react? I believe you need to do more summits before I take any initiative... Have you asked Mouri-Kudo?"

"Asked what?"

"Have you asked her if she'd support such motion, sir?"

"No... It's Leagio! Of course, they'd support us!"

"What about Yosai?"

"I did ask them. I think they'll support."

"Oh, great. Any other summits on the table?"

"Well, I'm considering striking a deal with Spain and Inquista this summer."

"Ooh, that's exciting. Very exciting."

"Eh, not really. It's my job. Why are you here anyway?"

Liam could not answer the question. After the allegations that he was forced by Inimicus to vote in their favour, he wasn't sure if attending this party was a good look. Alas, it was too late now, and the cars would reach their destination very, very soon.

[UK and California]

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived first on the Royal Yacht flanked by several patrol boats and a Type 23 frigate for security. The yacht was closely followed by a patrol boat carrying the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields orchestra playing the Water Music.

"Don't you think this excessive?" Kate asked.

"This is our opportunity to be stereotypical," William answered. "Go with it." They undocked.

[Inimicus]

"Oh, it's the Elthics", Nestor excitedly announced after the first motorcade's flags and decals were close enough for him to see, "So that's... let's see, President Greenwich Grimwald and his children -- all three of them -- as well as ----"

"Wait, you agreed to having children on this yacht today?", Artabanos interrupted, exceedingly baffled.

"They add something, Artie. Let it go." After an unusually quiet and muffled response from the Inimician Emperor, Nestor continued, "His three children, as well as the Elthic Foreign Affairs Minister Oscar Crofton and his wife, and their European Councillor Liam Zachary. I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting any of them."

"Nor I, as a matter of fact", Artabanos replied, "We'll see how party-going they are." Soon after, the Elthic delegates approached President Karaman and Him, and were greeted warmly with drinks and snacks. "Ah, President Grimwald", President Karaman began, "How good of you to come -- we've heard so much about you -- how go things in your country?" While Karaman was chatting up the Elthic President, Artabanos could be seen pouring drinks for Crofton and Zachary, until the next set of delegates appeared into view.

"Oh, Peter Key and his wife. Be nice, Artie, he's not here to negotiate more." The Peter Keys were briefly received by Curator Palatii Martin von Royston before being introduced to Karaman. "Please, help yourself to drinks and food. We are so honoured to have you here. Also, I'm sure you've heard of President Grimwald of Elthize? You'll get along brilliantly, for sure." This was a favourite trick of Artabanos that Nestor Karaman had copied -- tie two guests together to move on from both. Worked every time.

The appearance of the Junckyacht was met with cheers from Diessenar citizens on the nearby shoreline. "So uh, who gave him permission to do that?", asked President Karaman after Jean-Claude Juncker's yacht steamed into view. "I thought this Canal wasn't open to traffic just yet."

"Oh, never mind Jean-Claude", Artabanos replied, "He's an old friend, and quite harmless. He asked Me beforehand." When Juncker and the Spanish royals arrived on Artabanos's yacht, it was the Emperor who greeted them. "Amazing to see all of you again, and welcome. Meet Nestor Karaman, my good friend and new President of North Diessen. You'll get along great." There it was, thought Nestor, Artabanos's trick in action once again.

The Leaogioan and Strathaen delegations arrived more or less at the same time -- to the visible discomfort of Ran Mouri-Kudo, and indeed most everyone on the yacht thus far. "Ah, Madam President Mouri-Kudo, such a great honour", Karaman greeted, "I trust your journey was comfortable? Please, help yourself to drinks and food while we wait for the others to arrive. I hear you have an election coming up very soon? You'll have to tell me all about this today, and I can tell you all about how to win them." He winked.

The Strathaens had, meanwhile, walked right past Artabanos and Karaman and had started downing several 12-year barrel-aged whiskies, which drew the looks of Jean-Claude Juncker in particular. Artabanos saw the former European Commissioner was about to intervene, before He stopped him. "Just let them be, Jean-Claude. Ignore those things you cannot change -- your opponents might say you were good at this during your Commissionership as well!" He, too, winked.

Finally, the British Royal Yacht, accompanied by warships and a marching band, was a spectacle all guests present paid close attention to. Artabanos took the opportunity, with everyone drawn to the waterside of His yacht, to swiftly empty His hip flask and refill the contents. It appears, however, that Moira, the Strathaen, had roughly the same idea. "Eh, yes, can I help you?", Artabanos asked. When no response was apparent, He simply poured the full remaining contents of the bottle He was holding into MacPhaedair's glass, and she left.

"Welcome, Your Highnesses, to North Diessen", Karaman greeted the British royals as they entered the Imperial Yacht. You truly have a sense for how to make an entry, it must be said. Although, well, perhaps Commissioner Juncker would like to have a word with you about this, who knows." Turning to all guests who had gathered thus far, he announced, "In any case, feel free to continue mingling until we set off on our grand tour of the Artabanos Canal. Thank you, once again, for coming so promptly."

[UK and California]

"Thank you," William said. "Theresa wanted me to tell you she can't make it and neither can the California delegation. They are dealing with a wildfire."

"We are delighted to attend," Katherine added. They got into the Imperial Yacht and saw its absolute splendour. It spared no expense.

"What a lovely yacht," Katherine complimented.

[Elthize]

The drive had ended and the Elthic crew were finally at the stage, ready to see the emperor in flesh for the first time. Grimwald felt a bit odd, given that he wore a simple suit & tie, compared to all other people who were very well-dressed to the brim. Either he was careless or the Inimicians were just show-offs, he thought to himself. Seems like overthinking was on his agenda today, for whatever reason. As he came closer to the yacht and got a more clear view of it, he felt like Artabanos was weirded out by their presence, for whatever reason.

"Hey, Grimmy, cheer up, will you? Are you going to be the grumpy cat here?" Oscar interrupted, chuckling.

"Oscar, you gotta quit with the nicknames. I'm hitting seventy soon, for goodness sake."

"Whatever. Aubrey seems more excited than you do, so..."

"I should tell the security to keep an eye on him."

Aubrey was the black sheep of the Grimwalds in a sense, or at least, compared to his elder siblings, who always blamed his age for it. Greenwich considered going with Will and Holly alone, but Imogen got mad at him over it, and he couldn't handle an argument with his beloved. It felt like Aubrey was actually aware of this and went extra on his outfit, which was very flamboyant, at least, according to Greenwich's standards. Meanwhile, Will was dressed very similarly to his dad, and Holly was in a simple beige dress with no make-up.

"Ah well," he thought to himself. "At least he'll keep attention away from me."

The crew had set foot on the yacht. Grimwald was greeted by North Diessen's president, Nestor Karaman. He started chatting about how things were going in Elthize and what not.

"Ah, it's alright! I feel kind of great, you know, the election stress is gone and I'm Mr President for four more years!" Grimwald replied, laughing to himself, which seemed a bit hypocritical, though he didn't realize it at all. Instead, he looked around a little to see what was going on. The Emperor was chatting up with Zachary and the Croftons, and the Duchian guests were right behind him. He was forced to chat with them instead, though, after a small talk, he excused himself and left. He saw Will and Holly chatting, but couldn't see Aubrey. He'd be panicked about that but he completely forgot about it once he saw the Strathaean guests.

"Well, those are some strange folk," Oscar said, having just left a conversation with Artabanos. "Please don't tell me we have to make a summit with them according to your World Country Plan... or whatever the hell you named it."

Grimwald didn't respond, but Oscar could tell from his bewildered face that they wouldn't have to visit Strathae's capital anytime soon.

[BrumBrum]

Moira Dubhshlin MacPheadair looked out at the beautiful views of the country. She greeted the North Diessan and other delegations. She wanted to be as friendly as possible. She was dressed slightly more casually though but this was traditional in Strathae. There was a tradition to not dress too "posh" as it makes you stand out more from the people . She complemented the Diessan delegation "This is one amazing canal and beautiful country you have here. I'll have to visit for a proper holiday sometime, we love viewing countryside and doing walks" . The aim was two fold here establish rapports and show people the true Strathae , the friendly welcoming , hospitable Strathae. Not the Blairite intolerant bigotted Strathae. She could only hope the government was doing enough to overhaul that.

THe Duchian High Duke Nikolai and his wife Elizabeth had gone in so incognito apparently he hadn't been noticed. That was fine with him low key was good sometimes. He started going on rounds of the room but of course first went to greet Artabonos first and said "Congratulations your Majesty on this brilliant achievement. Seems you have a wonderful canal from what I've seen." Of course he'd been kept briefed on the progress and details of negotiations but he wasn't here to be political , a high duke should never be politically partisan.

[Spain]

Jean-Claude, the Spanish Royals and Donald Tusk shook hands and greeted Nestor Karaman, leaving Jesús Aguilar diplomacy skills alone and dealing with the President of one of the nations Spain was allied to. After a brief talk to Emperor Artabanos while Karaman was entertained with the other members of the Spanish delagation, his wife and himself introduced theirselves to the Confederal President: "Mr. Karaman, nice to meet you! This is my wife, Rocío. I am pretty sure that this party will help us to get to know each other way better before the Telum Treaty summit in Madrid -the President smiled- Also, I have to congratulate you too for the nice work you have done alongside Inimicus in the construction of this canal. I am sure it will be worth the wait".

Once the chat with Karaman was over, Rocío headed to get a drink for his husband and herself while the Spanish President approached the Leagioan President, Ran Mouri-Kudo, her husband and her son, Conan Mouri-Kudo. "Ms. Mouri-Kudo and family, it is a pleasure to see you here on board today. How has your journey been like?", asked Jesús, before being surprised by his wife, who had broguht drinks for him and herself. "Oh, this is my wife, Rocío. She is the one that deserves the credit of keeping my family united..." -the couple laughed, and Rocío spoke- "Indeed, this is something Ms. Mouri-Kudo's husband might also know. It is sad that frontline politicians do not have the time they wish to have to spend with their families, but I guess serving your country is worth that sacrifice!"

Meanwhile, Felipe VI and Letizia took the opportunity to approach the British royals, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Elizabeth was one of Felipe's aunts, so the parenthesque was there. Felipe gave the first step: "William, Kate, what a surprise! How are you and 'Aunt Lilibeth' doing? What about your kids? I have to apologise to you and 'Aunt Lilibeth' for not advising Leonor to visit you all, but I am confident that she will on her next year in Atlantic School in Wales. We are really happy about her performance so far on that school." Letizia listened quietly, as she did not like parties at all. She would have returned to Spain and stayed at Zarzuela Palace if she had had the chance, but the Spanish President programmed it so smartly to avoid more scandals.

Last but not least, Donald Tusk finally found Jean-Claude with the help of Emperor Artabanos, and the Spanish Councillor had some words with the Candidate for Premier Commissioner, to advise him about some things of relevance: "Jean-Claude, try not to get close to the Strathaeans at all... They will likely try their best to make you join their weird eco-lifestyle and they are a little bit weird. They will not vote on the European Election either, so we can chill out concerning them." Juncker nodded, and approached the Elthic Councillor alongside his friend, who had to improvise as they approached him; due to Juncker's lack of knowledge about his name. "Liam, awesome you are here! Have I introduced you to the former Internal Affairs Commissioner, Jean-Claude Juncker? By the way, are you attending alone or is President Grimwald around?"

[Czech Slavia]

Sofie Čikarová had a very privileged position in the Socialist Republican Party, her two victories in the Commission elections propelled her to massive popularity in Czech Slavia and this was most beneficial for the Party. It was reported that she was the second most popular public figure in the Democratic Republic right after the President for Life herself. Thus, whenever she was speaking her fellow party members were listening and carrying out their duties according to her words. But alas, as she has heard from Councillor Kohout, the Earth can not revolve around two suns. so when Reiserová informed her to wait and not disturb her for a moment, she knew she had to sit down in front of the President's doors and wait for her in silence, otherwise her career in politics could come to an abrupt end.

After waiting in silence for almost an hour she finally heard the door opening and saw Reiserová emerge. The President for Life has spent all this time putting her make-up on. "Comrade President, you look fantastic!" commented Čikarová standing back up.

"Aw, thank you! And allow me to congratulate you! You will be the Socialist Republican Party candidate for the Councillor election this September." Responded Čikarová, smiling.

For Čikarová this was completely unexpected news. She aimed at becoming the Speaker of the National Assembly, which she couldn't become if she was serving in the European Council. For this reason, it was Mejzlík and Saková who recommended that Čikarová should replace Kohout in the Council, to bar her from becoming the Speaker. "I didn't know comrade Kohout won't be seeking reelection, he didn't tell me anything." commented stunned Čikarová, she knew too well that any arguing would be pointless.

"Oh, comrade Kohout doesn't know that he won't be seeking reelection yet." Reiserová shrugged her shoulders and walked past the former Premier Commissioner, then she turned back at her, staring her in the eyes.

"Ah,... yes, thank you dear comrade. I am.. truly honored. So, I understand that it is a certainty?" Čikarová reacted to Reiserová's stare.

"Fait accompli!" confirmed Reiserová, nodding.

After another, rather silent, expression of gratitude by Čikarová the two spend few seconds in awkward silence. "So, you ever been to North Diessen before?" Čikarová broke the silence.

"Well I had their food you know. And I met their current President, but I have never been there, no. I just hope it's all safe now. You?"

"Neither, comrade President."

The two were interrupted by an announcement that their plane is about to land. Once they landed, they were both taken to the luxurious yacht belonging to the Inimican Emperor. On they way they saw few billboards propagating the event, which reminded them of home even in this distant land.

"Damn it, we are a bit late." said Reiserová upon seeing that many other guests have already arrived at the occasion. She exhaled and tried to locate the DIessenar and Inimican Heads of State. When she noticed them she continued "Well nevermind, follow me Sofie, let me introduce you to our hosts."

[Inquista]

The Girls on Tour jet landed in North Diessen, at the airport closest to the newly-opened Artabanos Canal. Before deboarding her lovely pink jet, the Archbishop examined herself in a full-body length mirror, eyeing every seam of her blue gown. The Artabanos Canal project was very expensive, and so the Archbishop made sure to look equally as expensive as the project itself. Mikaela thought that her colour choice for her gown was rather clever, with blue resembling the colour of water.

As the Archbishop approached the door to descend and exit from the jet, she noticed that Captain Jimin was standing ready to bid her a warm farewell as he always does.

"Thanks for yet another safe flight, Captain Jimin. Smooth as butter as always," Mikaela smiled.

"Not to worry, it's my pleasure, Your Holiness."

"By the way, I'm also so sad to hear about the permanent disbandment of your band, BTS. Just know that you will always have a position as my pilot, for as long as you'd like!"

"Thank you! Well... actually, that's just thing. We actually disbanded because of that," Captain Jimin stated rather meekly.

"Oh?"

"Yes, I mean, you pay me way better as pilot than Mr. Bang ever did as a member of BTS! I also much prefer flying to singing, to be honest. I'm much more passionate about the work I do for you, and I'd like to do it all the time! I will fly you wherever you need to go."

"Aww, Captain Jimin, you are too sweet. It's my pleasure. I knew that paying you a 18.5 million Inquisto salary per year was a good investment, despite what my personal accountant Rhonda had to say," Mikaela answered proudly.

"A great investment, that's for sure! We gotta fire Rhonda," Silas stated, suddenly appearing from behind Mikaela. "Have you seen what people are saying on Twitter? It's amazing!"

Mikaela looked puzzled. "No, what?"

"Literally every teenage girl on this planet is attacking you right now. I've never seen so many death threats!" Silas explained in amusement. "You're single-handedly being blamed for the disbandment of BTS. #KligenbergIsToBlame #KligenbergEndedBTS #MikaelaKligenbergIsAWitch are all trending on Twitter!"

"That's horrible!" Mikaela responded in bewilderment, grabbing Silas' phone to scroll through Twitter comments. "How could you say it's amazing!?"

"Well, 16-year olds can't vote..."

"So, and?"

"... but adults can. Take a look at our latest polling numbers. They're all up, across the board! Your approval rating has never been higher. Every demographic above the age of 18 almost universally approve of the BTS disbandment. Our largest demographic support base, the Himbos, are especially approving of the fact you ended BTS. Re-election in next year's elections is all but certain for us!" Silas gleamed in excitement.

"Aww, but I feel horrible now! I don't want to break the hearts of all these girls," Mikaela sighed.

"It's really fine, Your Holiness. Don't blame yourself. I really want to move forward with this career, with you, forever," Captain Jimin assured, patting the Archbishop on the back.

"I can't believe this is the second time I've done this, after I convinced Chris Kirkpatrick to go solo from NSYNC," the Archbishop pouted.

"Who?" Captain Jimin and Silas asked in unison.

"Well, not my best moment. Who knew that Justin Timberlake would be the one to break out from the group?"

"I mean..." Silas began.

"Don't worry Captain Jimin, we will take good care you, especially after such a sacrifice," Mikaela said, turning back towards Captain Jimin, and giving him a steady smile. Captain Jimin simply nodded in return.

"Anyway, let's go. We're gonna be late," Silas announced, prodding Mikaela forward.

The Archbishop and Bishop Secretary quickly descended from the aircraft and to their limousine, which then promptly drove them towards the canal opening party. The road to the party location followed along the canal, and the Archbishop and Bishop Secretary admired the water as they drove along. Silas grinned every time the limousine passed a billboard that advertised its opening.

Silas had recently invested significantly into a consortium of Inimican and Diessenar shipping and transportation companies, all of which were looking to greatly profit from the opening of the canal. Silas thought it best to see the opening of the canal himself, and to meet with some of his billionaire 'friends' who would likely be in attendance as well.

"I hope nobody minds me crashing the party, I didn't RSVP to the invitation," Silas wondered.

"That's fine, but you should have told me you were coming. If we have table, there might not be a seat for you."

"Perfectly alright, someone can just sit on my lap and use me as a seat instead," Silas retorted, looking pleased with himself.

The Archbishop visibly shuddered and instead just looked out of her window. "You know, I flew right over the canal not long ago and it wasn't even close to being done, but now it is! Isn't it funny how time works soooooo fast in our world sometimes?"

"Just tell that to the cyclists in Angleter," Silas murmured. "Say, don't you think we should have traveled here by yacht? We could have pulled up straight to the party."

Mikaela's eyes widened the moment Silas suggested that they travel by yacht. The Archbishop was overcome with PTSD as she remembered crashing a yacht into an Inimican port.

"We could have stopped by in Spain and picked up President Aguilar. I hear the Spanish are great seafearers," Silas added.

The Archbishop nervously laughed as her face turned red with embarrassment. "Oh? Really? Good to know!" Mikaela replied while gritting her teeth.

"Look at the canal! Isn't it so beautiful?" Mikaela stated, quickly changing the subject. "Well, obvi it is, because is named after Artabanos himself, who is so handsome! It makes so much sense to name something so beautiful it after someone like him!"

"But what does that say about you, then? The only thing named after you is some shitty school in the middle of nowhere in Czech Slavia that teaches kids to shovel dirt for a living," Silas replied with confusion.

"Hey, Si! The children are our future."

"Is that why you're collecting them like Pokémon cards? You've got like, what, three now?"

"Si! You're talking about your niece and nephews!" Mikaela responded rather angrily, then turning her body away from Silas and falling silent. It was rather rare for the Archbishop to get upset, but Silas managed to strike a nerve.

The Inquistans sat in silence until finally arriving at the party. Silas got out first and walked around the limousine to the other side of the vehicle, and opened the door for Mikaela, who Silas then helped out.

"We're probably the last to arrive," Silas remarked. The Archbishop didn't respond. "True to its meaning, we're fashionably late, because you look so great, and so glamorous in your dress. Easily the best dressed here tonight," Silas added.

"Alright, I forgive you!" Mikaela let out in exacerbation, as if she was holding her breath. "I can never hold a grudge against you!"

"That must have been the hardest five minutes of your life," Silas laughed.

The Bishop Secretary offered his arm to the Archbishop, ready to escort her into the party. The Archbishop smiled and wrapped her arm around his.

"I need something to drink," Mikaela suggested.

Silas nodded approvingly. "Now you're speaking my language. Let's beeline."

The duo headed straight to the drinks. The Archbishop grabbed herself a glass, while the Bishop Secretary took glasses in both of his hands. "Cheers!" they toasted in perfect synchronisation.

[Inimicus]

It appeared that Artabanos's main duty throughout the day would comprise the safeguarding of His yacht's drinks supply: not only the Strathaen delegation kept gunning for the liquor cabinet whenever He wasn't looking, but even the Elthics appeared to want something to lift the pain of having to interact with people they didn't like, and now that Čikarová, Reiserová, and the Kligenbergs were on site, Artabanos wondered how He was ever going to keep His stock secure.

With all guests aboard, the signal was given for the yacht to start its journey down the Artabanos canal. The trip would take this strange, wonky collection of foreign dignitaries through the urban scapes of Fatima and Gessel, before turning south through the Great Plains of Linnich (for whose weather Artabanos had had special, highly reflective sunroofs installed on the yacht). Traversing several locks on the way south, the Imperial yacht would finally exit the 'new' portion of the Canal where it met the river Sarkaya, and would terminate on the shiny Persian Gulf beaches near Waspik. Obviously, a massive container ship (or, as Artabanos was more fond of imagining, one of the Imperial Navy Supercarriers named after Him) would take really quite some time to traverse this whole section, but His famous yacht, the HIMS Eric Pickles, would blitz through it in no time at all, helped by the fact there was literally no other traffic on the whole route.

Soon after departure, with Fatima and Gessel behind them and with the straighter, newer parts of the Canal around them, the yacht passed the first of many massive billboards Artabanos had insisted that Nestor have installed.

"Well, Nestor", Artabanos said, having caught the Diessenar President away from the guests, who all appeared to be standing around Mikaela Kligenberg and Elthic President Grimwald, engaged in a fierce drinking competition, "We've done it. We actually did it. It took months, several hundred eliminations, and a civil war, but the Canal is here, and it's open."

"You say several months", Nestor responded, "But You planting me at that soddy Diessenar newspaper was years in the making. That must've been my favourite part of the whole process though, I will say: trying to work as a journalist was absolutely not hard at all. It's the pretending to be an autonomous president that's the real challenge."

Sadly, the two men had not noticed that Silas Kligenberg, the Inquistan Archbishop's intensely weird associate, had been standing right behind them. The three exchanged strange looks, but Artabanos wasted no time. He walked up to Silas and took a stack of Inimician Guilder bills from His coat pocket -- of which He always carried several for such occasions -- and stuffed them in Silas's jacket. "Drop me a line and we can chat about all that uranium ore I've got hiding in the mountains", He said, and walked off.

---

Nestor, still dumbfounded by the spectacle that had just unfolded, went to join the group of guests. President Grimwald had ended up on the yacht's floor in what could only be described as really quite a sorry state, and aides quickly arrived to reinvigorate him with one of Artabanos's "special tonics". Nestor moved on, and saw the Spanish delegation chatting up the Czech Slavians a few metres away. "Mind if I join you all?", he said. "This, as far as the eye can see, are the Great Plains of Linnich. It's a mixture of protected nature reserve, agricultural land, and, well, prime real estate. Who knows, perhaps some Spanish and Czech companies would care to invest in this stunning landscape now that the Canal is here."

"Anyway, is this your first time in North Diessen? I will say we've had quite the turbulent time of late, but really, thank goodness for Artie -- I mean, Emperor Artabanos. He's been quite good at pacifying these nasty folks around here, and you can rest assured that everything is peaceful and quiet in North Diessen", Nestor declared, as the yacht proceeded past a building site shrouded in mysterious curtains which obfuscated what was being constructed there. The Czech President, indeed, enquired about the purpose of the site, prompting Nestor to swiftly and diplomatically excuse himself.

Meanwhile, Artabanos ran into Jean-Claude and the Duchian Prime Minister, Peter Key. The latter appeared to be questioning Juncker on his proclivity for theme park design and business infrastructure, and there was a visible sign of relief on the former Commissioner's face when the Emperor appeared. "Ah, John Peter", Artabanos said, "How are things? Quite the shocker of aviation-related events in the Duchies of late, am I right? Naturally the Empire was glad to help out wherever. Anyway, perhaps we should do something like this with your canal? Unless of course that's disallowed as per the Treaty you all signed."

And so, the HIMS Eric Pickles executive yacht continued on its way south, passing a wide selection of covered-up construction sites, immense seas of grass, and the occasional bystander waving in slight confusion. While the Leagioan President was learning the arts of campaigning from Juncker, the Strathaens were being kept from the drinks cabinet by what remained of the Elthic delegation, and the Czech and Spanish were watching it all go by, the progress of the yacht ushered in a new era for the continent.

[UK and California]

The Cambridges engaged with the Spanish royals.

"Since we, Dad and Camilla take up more, Grandmum has been great. She does need a break; good Lord, she has earned one," William said. "I'll tell Dad to check in with Leonor."

"Elizabeth would love to see her," Katherine added. "The Spanish and British look out for each other."

"I hope she has a great time," William said.

[Istkalen]

Rikkalek had time to think, now. The past month had been busier than usual, although perhaps that should have been expected. Although perhaps it had, in a way, been easier. Without the constant infighting, the constant interference, everything was much calmer, much smoother.

Of course, he was now just as powerful, if not more, than the emperors had been. That had given him pause, at first. Now, really, he was just exhausted, too exhausted for it to matter in any significant way. He had stopped dictating; his role was more or less as an administrator, trying merely to keep the country together and functioning Well, of course, that had been his dream, when he had been younger, after ditching traditionalist Catholicism, for the transformation of governing into the administration of things - although this was different in a way, in many ways.

But he had come here not to work, but to have fun. He hadn't been able to enjoy himself for a while; in the Diessenar sun, he'd thought that things might be different. They weren't, as of now, although the warmth and the mild sunshine were a pleasant change from Kirelesile, where the weather was perpetually frigid but the sun burning. The only thing bad about an otherwise wonderful city, really.

He put down his copy of The Society of the Spectacle, less something he was reading seriously than an attempt to remind himself of or maybe relive his twenties - he feared, a little, becoming old - placing it in a briefcase otherwise containing an envelope and a folder containing orders he had written and signed on the plane (every second needed to be used, nowadays), of a nature that was surely illegal by European law. A task that unnerved him, that made him feel sick and nauseous and disgusted with himself, the only task that made him, again, fear what he was becoming - but all the same one that was necessary. The people he condemned were irredeemable, terrorists and genocidal maniacs who were incompatible with his republican project.

He really needed to get his mind off work. Locking the briefcase, but making sure to take out the envelope he stretched his legs, his arms, glanced, a little longingly, at the drinks cabinet (per Liris, government officials ought to lead in example, and it wasn't as though he had liked the debauchery of previous cabinets, so a few things had to given up), before looking out to the canal, its shores, and the occasional billboards. All fairly unfamiliar to him; he'd never been this far south, never seen, for himself, the gently rolling plains, drenched in sun, of this part of the world. The billboards were to him bizarre; why was the brotherhood of two states represented by its leaders? In Istkalen it would be unacceptable and nonsensical, a sign of an inappropriate ego but also a complete disconnection from the reality of the state. It was ostentatious, decadent, something he couldn't help but feel both disgusted and completely confused by. Culture shock, probably.

It wasn't as though Artabanos was a bad leader. He was an example, in a way; excessive, certainly, but all the same effective. Stabilizing the unstable; well, that was something he could, would, learn from. Almost an obligation at this point, really.

He quickly snapped back to the yacht. He used to be a more social person; governing the least governable country in all Europe had destroyed that. All the same, lest he seem strange - a disaster not merely for him but for Istkalen, which he needed to normalize, after the chaos, after the insanity - he needed to make an effort.

He greeted, finally, Artabanos and Karaman - "congratulations on the opening of this Canal, what a magnificent effort!" - before quickly moving to Silas.

"Ms. Areai wrote a letter to you. I haven't opened the envelope they sent it in, so I don't know what exactly's in it."

He smiled, softly, and handed the envelope to Silas, before walking away.

Confirming, in part, what he had said, the envelope was addressed to Rikkalek's office. There was also a return address, but all that could be read of it was "Helvetines en" (the administration of); the remainder had been blacked out.

The letter was very short, although Rikkalek did not know this, and was as follows:

Dear Silas Kligenberg,
Well, this will never get to you. You've become more or less an imaginary figure, whom I write to in anger, at myself more than anything. But I've found it strange. I want to escape who I was, and I felt as though I did, here, even like this. But I occasionally remember the things you tweeted, and I remember again. I don't want to remember, I don't want to revisit that. But I think, now, that it's inescapable. So long as people remember, I won't be able to cleanse myself of what I did - whether it's celebrated, by people like you, or condemned, by the rest.

I often wish that you wouldn't exist. That I would have a chance at atonement. But you do, and so I must face the fact that I did things, terrible things, forever. I will not feel whole until I am forgiven for what I have done, and when people like you exist, I feel as though I will never receive that forgiveness, and so will live in suffering, like this. Perhaps I deserve it; I probably do. Perhaps this suffering is my atonement, given to me by some deity. Perhaps there is some hope in this. But for me I know that there is no God; my only relief, relief through good works and through forgiveness, is taken from me by this.
Your love is blind, twisted, but blind nonetheless. There's something a little heartwarming in that. For you, perhaps, it's liberatory in a way. But it chains me down, in so many ways, and I know that it will never end. For you, it's a blessing, but for me it's a curse.
I've only a few moments, nowadays, to myself, to think like this. Perhaps it's a good thing that I spend it like this, perhaps not.
With respect,
Josephine Areai.

[Lusitanovetonia]

The Lusitania and Vettonia delegation plane arrived at the nearest airport in time to avoid being late for the inauguration. Throughout the trip, they interacted very little with other delegations. Elisa Ubrique has taken control of all international relations during the trip, and this has prevented Governor General Orato Gonzo from talking to the other nations.

The reason for Ubrique's international chatter is her role as head of state and the deep differences between the government (controlled by the Conservatives, with a parliamentary majority) and the liberal head of state. Orato has submissively accepted this role throughout the visit because she knows the risks of confronting someone who can call elections.

While the First Gentleman, Eduardo Malera, talks with Orato about some domestic political issues, Ubrique begins in his role of trying to open up Lusitania and Vettonia to the European Union. So after a while of maintaining the shyness that characterises the people of his country, he has begun to greet the different delegations, talking to them about all kinds of international political matters and commenting on things about their respective countries on the cultural and sporting level.

At one point in the party, Orato finally manages to talk to Ubrique:

+Then with the natives...

-We're having a party Jose. It's not the time to start with domestic political negotiations, we've already talked about this.

+Yes, excuse me madam president. I can't help but be impressed by this display.

-That's the thing about investing money, then you have to show the world the results. Is the sustainable project progressing well?

+I'm concerned that the Neathians are opposed to putting solar panels in the desert. But the project is almost ready.

-We have enough kilometres of desert to have to put them on top of it. We don't need to magnify the problem.

+On international affairs. I think it would be appropriate for Your Excellency to visit a country in a short period of time. We need to get international investment and open up the country to the outside world.

-That is what we are here for... Don't worry, all in good time.

[Kingdom of Reitzmag]

Of course, it was important that the EU's chief executive be in attendance to the opening. Joe wasn't much into partying and caught a late commercial flight to finish off some papers at his very busy work, quite a testament considering his term will end soon. And then, there he came landing at the nearby airport taking the public transport to the canal area. There he was very simply, wearing a very simple suit with a very simple tie and a very simple shirt and pants. He arrived quite late, but of course he hoped he could be understood considering he has a big responsibility as Premier Commissioner, although ultimately he just apologized for being late. He went on to have a look around and see what the canal compared to when he last saw it for inspection as part of his IAC duties then ultimately just sat down and looked at the other guests seeing who came and who didn't.

[BrumBrum]

Nikokai III was feeling a bit nervous. He'd done some foreign engagements and trained for it but he was 19 after all one of the youngest here. He started his rounds first he talked to the Cambridges and then continued round the room the Inquistans, Czechslavians , Spanish and of course Artabonos , everyone until he had met everyone and talked to everyone. He greeted Artabonos "How are things in Innimicus, you've got a grand canal here perhaps I should sail in my High Duke yacht up here some day."

Meanwhile the Strathaen delegation was still chatting away while moderating on the whiskey it was a party but no need to get drunk they went up to Artabonos and Karaman and started talking "Nice canal you got here. I'll be sure to encourage some of our companies to use it to ship goods to the Caspian." She wanted to impress them and the whole of Europe this was a new leader not nationalist, not too proud not basically blairite. One who instead of focusing on catholic hate would show catholics some love, foreigners more love and lead a new policy of more leniancy to foreigners and good relations towards other nations.

[Elthize]

"Oh, I have no idea where Grimwald is, actually. Sorry," Liam replied, not at all bothered with where he really was. It might have been a mistake to come here, after all. Meanwhile, Eva, who was still sober, found Greenwich, quite drunk, at least, drunker than he usually gets. Just as she was approaching him, Artabanos also entered the floor and assured Eva that he'd be given care. Oscar was... chilling, making sure he didn't consume too much alcohol. Will and Holly were casually chatting about their jobs and lives, as they lived on the opposite ends of the country, and Aubrey was desperately looking for someone to chat with. And Aubrey reached someone, someone that he didn't know at all... Nikolai III, aka the High Duke of the United Duchies.

"Hey, hi, hello!" Aubrey entered, in an exuberant manner. He wasn't drunk, but he had enough alcohol to make him more confident than he usually is. "You seem interesting enough for me to not be bored to death in this so-called party... So, who are you? If you don't mind, of course."

[BrumBrum]

Nikolai III was not surprised by this question. Abroad he often faced that question, to be honest it was a kinda nice feeling where he was just Nikolai and not High Duke. Being more incognito had its blessings.It really didn't help for recognition he was a generally down to earth person.

He replied "I'm Nikolai technically Nikolai III of United Duchies but honestly I prefer Nikolai after all I am a person not a position." He laughed at the comment about the party saying "Yeah , I get that feeling sometimes when there is a alot of the special events and parties . I find it better when you just go out and meet people or like host a group of ordinary people in the palace overnight, there is just something about ordinary people doing their hardest to help others that appeals to me." He was not a materialistic High Duke and truth be told he liked to keep low key like driving an MG or X-On or catching the train. He asked Aubrey "What about you ? I recognise your accent is Elthic , guessing you are here with Grimwald? Whats life like for you right now?"

[Czech Slavia]

"We could have brought other guests with us? Because I am fairly certain that Mr. Tusk is not a life partner of any Head of State or Government here." Reiserová started complaining to President Karaman and Emperor Artabanos almost immediately after greeting them, "You should have told me, if I knew that I..." she paused for a brief moment remembering that Čikarová stood right besides her and not wishing to insult her, "I wouldn't change a thing, you know." she lied, with disappointment in her eyes. If it was truly up to her she would bring either Saková, Šín or Mejzlík with her instead of Čikarová.

"And congratulations on the Canal, it looks that your workers did truly magnificent job!" Čikarová said immediately after Reiserová stopped complaining, which reminded the Czech President the reason of why she is here and forced her to smile and nod in agreement.

After this exchange with the hosts the two women went to greet the Spanish, much to displeasure of Čikarová. She was smiling when greeting the Spanish President, the Royal family members and her former oponent Juncker, but when greeting Donald Tusk her smile disappeared, "Mr. Tusk." she greeted him coldly.

"Jesus!" this time it was Reiserová attempting to diffuse the situation, "I have yet to congratulate you on the mature handling of, you know, our problem. Justice triumphed." she smiled, referring to the willingness of Aguilar to hand over Czechs who were now sentenced for attempting a coup in the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia. "I hope the Spanish companies are satisfied with the conditions for conducting their business in Czech Slavia?" she continued, but before getting the answer the two delegations were approached by the newly elected President of North Diessen.

Both women confirmed that this is their first time visiting the country. "Well you are in luck, because, regarding the Czech companies, I do know," Reiserová nodded at Karaman's comments about Czech companies investing in North Diessen, "they won't invest in this stunning landscape. You know, our laws forbid our companies from operating outside of our borders. Sorry." she shrugged her shoulders before the covered construction site caught her attention. But right after she asked about it, the Diessenar Head of State excused himself and disappeared. Right when Reiserová wanted to remind him of the invitation to her own country.

"Can you believe that, he just..." Reiserová started talking to the Spanish delegation again, but when she turned to face them, she noticed they meanwhile started conversation with the British, leaving her alone with Čikarová. She left out a frustrated sight while the former Premier Commissioner's eyes were directed straight at her. Reiserová's eyes met those of Čikarová and she signalled to her to go somewhere else. Normally the President for Life would go directly to the Archbishop of Inquista, but the Archbishop was currently preoccupied drinking with still dominating the Elthic President in a drinking contest. This would not be an issue under most circumstances, but there was a risk that a picture of either Reiserová or Čikarová with a drink could be published, which would go against the norms of the Czech strick anti-alcoholism campaign.

Finally Rekiserová spotted Rikkalek and Silas, the latter reading some sort of paper, and she has decided to go join them, followed closely by Čikarová. "Can you believe some of the people here? Some just leaving in the middle of a conversation and some, you know, just interjecting themselves in the conversation of others." complained Reiserová, interjecting herself to the conversation of Silas and Rikkalek, while sitting down close to them. "Today you are not the only one who will not be drinking Mr. Rikkalek, me and comrade Čikarová will be joining you in your struggle." while Reiserová was speaking, Čikarová physically blocked Rikkaleks path when he was about to leave. She looked him straight in the eyes, bit her lips and slightly shook her head pleading him not to leave. She knew that if the President for Life will end up even more frustrated than she was at the moment, all the blame would fall on her own head. And while Čikarová didn't exactly wish to become the Councillor for Czech Slavia she preferred it to the alternative of becoming a director of a potato farm in some village, which she would become if the President became too dissapointed with her.

"Oh, Mr. Kligenberg allow me to thank you for your principled stance on all issues concerning the friendship of the Most Blessed State and the Democratic Republic. It means a lot to me." said Reiserová and looked at Silas. He seemed concerned to her. "Is everything alright?" she asked sounding concerned. She also looked at Čikarová briefly and nodded at her. Čikarová rolled her eyes and pulled out a small, foldable chess board and small chess pieces, placing them at the table. "Well I know what always gets me in a better mood." Reiserová smiled at Silas, despite the fact that contrary to her statement chess has so far always contributed to getting her in a bad mood as she was so far still unable to win at the game.

[Elthize]

"Ah, I see," Aubrey replied. "Man of the people, eh? My father likes to play that when he's out at rallies!" He continued, but the joke didn't land as he expected, as Nikolai had no clue who his father was. He wasn't even sure if he knew his name. "Wait, no... I didn't tell you... I'm Aubrey, son of Greenwich Grimwald. President of Elthize. Don't tell my dad I told that joke, please." Before continuing, he went blank for a while.

"Oh, you said what? Yeah, yeah, my life... It's fine. I do art, mostly. I paint, draw, take photos... On occasion, I sing and play, I dance... I write, also- I have projects I work on, though I can't tell you much now," Aubrey laughed. "I just balance all that with the university I'm going to. But it's fine."

"And what do you do? Any hobbies you got? How does it feel being here?"