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James looks up thoughtfully. “Well, the weather is always really nice, and so are the people. Everyone is really accepting and inclusive of each other, regardless of who you are or where you come from, we’re all the same, but we also celebrate our differences. Most of the people are generally lazy but will do anything when they find a cause that matters. We love each other almost as much as we love breakfast,” he laughs, “and we sure do love breakfast. Often the first question a Kansan will ask when they meet someone new is ‘what’s your favorite breakfast food?’. We have a lot of holidays. Almost everyone thinks we currently have good leadership, well, maybe not Governor McKenzie anymore... but our Queen is amazing. I met her once. She actually reminds me a little bit of Kiralyn...” he trails off for a moment. “I don’t know, the only other word that comes to mind for Kansas is peaceful. I guess that’s about it.”
“Yep! Got a good movie to watch tonight while you’re sitting on this couch all by yourself?” Connie quips without missing a beat.
Ophelia smiles and takes Sarah's hand as they walk over to the dance floor, where (luckily) Bella hasn't gotten to the DJ yet, and the song that is playing is a nice slow song
Evan is worried about Jonathan, but doesn't know what he could do about it
(Okay first of all, as someone who is allergic to sooooo many things I feel James' meal choice on a deep, personal level. And I guess Taryn will just have to milk James for all he's worth before he's broke like her 😂)
Bella smiles, but inside her mind she's screaming "start the Macarena!"
But when they get to the dance floor, it's a slow song
"Um, Kiki, Can I have this Dance?" Bella says, laughing
(Bonus points for a high school musical reference, right?)
Emily hears it's a slow song but that doesn't stop her from doing the running man like she was doing before
Cara runs from Cait, laughing, eventually tripping because of her Mermaid dress, and Cait falls on top of her
(Idk it seems cute in my head 😂)
Taryn smiles as she walks back with the drinks
"Um, be careful, it's a bit... Intense." She says as she downs hers really fast
Kalliope smiles as she walks off stage and sees Shunni, James North south kansas, and a stranger sitting at the table
She walks over after ordering another Appletini
"Do you all mind if I join you? I'd join Taryn but it looks like she's in the middle of something"
Taryn glances over at the table with James, with a concerned look on her face
(Okay good, I don't have a lot of allergies so I tried to base him off some of my friends who have allergies but I wasn't sure how well I was writing him so I'm glad it works well)
(Lol yes I love it)
Kiki just smiles gently. "Take my hand," she says, offering her hand. (I only remember bits and pieces of that song from the thousands of times my sister played it over the years but that's the first line lol)
Nathan and Carissa are both dancing wildly with Emily as everyone around them settles into the graceful slow dance.
(It's definitely cute)
Cait trips and lands on Cara, managing to get only a smudge of glitter on her cheek before he gets completely lost in her eyes as the slow song starts.
(Lmao all of this is so cheesy and tacky and I love it so much)
James nods, glancing over at Taryn and catching her eye for a moment before turning back to the group gathering around him.
"Sure! How's your night going?" He asks Kal.
Tsarina let out a small laugh.
“Go get dressed you silly bugger,” Tsarina retorts with a roll of her eyes.
The door is closed as Tsarina gets dressed.
Sarah begins to slowly dance, placing her hands on Ophelia while looking into her eyes, a small smile on her face.
Evan sees as Jonathan nods to the man and looks over to Sarah and Ophelia, he mouths something, and begins to leave.
Connie goes and gets dressed as well, smiling to herself as she hums a little tune while sliding into her dress and fixing up her hair.
They get ready in silence. Connie hears Tsarina walk into the bathroom briefly, then leave again. From around a corner Connie hears Tsarina say: "Hey? you ready?"
"To a clothing store, then a 'kinky' store." Demmy said as the two walked out of the dorm.
"sounds very lovely, but not as lovely as Shunni..." Zyth looks back at Shunni, who blushes
"Sure, come join us!" Shunni says, "Kalli this is Zyth, Zyth this is Kalli, another roommate of mine."
Connie smiles a little. “Yep!” She is still in the process of putting on her left shoe as Tsarina comes out.
James just smiles. “Yeah, Kansas is great and I miss home. I definitely miss being able to get toast anywhere I went, and the selection of cereal around here is a joke- though I’m maybe a little too obsessed with cereal.” He laughs lightly. “But Gondor is really nice too!”
Hey 
Fuzy, this is yet another puppet of The olivavan union.
"Um...ok...well...lead the way! I'll follow your lead I guess." Mary said.
Tsarina walked out, her hair tumbling down her shoulders. She was wearing a red, silk dress that hugged her upper body before it loosened at her waist and fell freely just past her ankles. She was wearing a small amount of make up and was wearing some flat soled sandals of a similar red colour.
"How do I look?" she asked, leaning against the wall.
Bella laughs
"Take a breath?" She says jokingly
Emily keeps crazily dancing and spinning and bumps into a few people too, but she doesn't care, she's having too much fun
Cara smiles
"Woah, I guess you really.. Fell for me, huh?"
She says as she rolls her eyes, annoyed at the joke she herself made
(I think I need to watch a DCOM because my references can't stop... Singing? Like Mack in TBM! Omgosh someone help me 😂)
Ophelia smiles back, and leans against Sarah
(I hope that makes sense cuz I can't figure out how else to describe it)
Evan at this point is a bit concerned, wondering what his best friend has to do with their conversation, but there's really nothing he can do at this point, he feels
Kalliope sits down
"Hi! I'm Kalliope, you can call me Kalli though, everyone else does!" She looks to James
"My night is going rather well, thank you, I got to sing up on stage which was a blast! Are you doing okay? You drank a lot, I figured you'd be... Mildly Inebriated by now"
Taryn sees that James has turned back to her other roommates, so she turns back to Yiu
"Sorry, I didn't mean to zone out for a moment, my friend looks a bit... Stocious"
She has another glass of Whiskey brought to her, and she starts drinking it
"Anyway, uh, you're pretty cool, we should... Hang out more" she says as she drinks her whiskey
"The issue with Aerlanica is that it's too obvious a hiding spot, and the wasteland aspect of it will make finding us very easy. To the south of us is the Empire of Shingukai, I know the Empress and the Prime Minister personally, and it would be suicidal to try and hunt us down there. And even if we decide not to stay, we will still need to go south to find somewhere we can fly out of." Explained the ex-president as he handed the prince a passport and then said: "You're going to need this."
----------------------
"So flattening cities is your threat? I can hardly believe you think won't benefit us." Explained the woman before the well-dressed man from before spoke.
"Our interests are quite simple. Economic. And having studied your economic developments and your economic system in detail, we are not particularly satisfied or amused regarding what the rule of your kind holds for us. We are not fools, we've seen the astronomical inequality of the planets you control, we've seen how your economy works and we are not impressed. The return on investment for us does not look promising, nor do the prospects for long-term market stability." Explained the man as the head of the Monsonian delegation went pale with terror.
"Maybe tone it down." The delegation head suggested to the well-dressed man in Monsonian.
"Silence." The well-dressed woman hissed back in Monsonian.
"As I was saying, your economic policies and economic system are atrocious and frankly shameful for a so-called empire. And we want to part of it, Monsone wants no part of it. If Monsonian sovereignty and independence are not upheld, you can expect your economy to greatly suffer while ours will boom. We are more trouble than we are worth, and I can ascertain that the proletariat will rise up against your rule once they see how inept you are compared to the 'barbarians' we are." The man said forcefully.
"You must please excuse them." Said the head of the Monsonian delegation.
"Excuse us? Excuse us?! Take him away!" The well-dressed man shouted as the head of the Monsonian delegation was dragged away by several of the people in black suits and sunglasses.
"Now, what are your terms?" Asked the woman in a somewhat relaxed tone of voice before adding on: "He'll be fine."
----------------------
The Monsonians reluctantly agree to follow the Aerlanicans.
Connie looks up, still standing on one foot as she awkwardly tries to put her foot in the shoe.
"Sorry, I think my feet have grown since the last time I wore these shoes, so I--" she stops abruptly as she takes Tsarina in, falling on her butt. She pales, looking like she's going to throw up for a moment, but doesn't. She finally manages to get her shoe on and gets back up, her cheeks the same color as her dress.
"Um... wow," she breathes lightly.
She is also wearing a tight red dress, showing off her modest curves quite well. Where the dress she had worn to the bachelorette party had been a softer, brighter shade of red, this dress was a darker, cooler, sexier red. The dress was low cut, with a sheer lace trim coming up over her chest and sheer lace sleeves reaching just past her elbows. The skirt is also short, with trim reaching down to about the middle of her slender, tanned thighs. She also wears a pair of gold stud earrings, a small gold chain necklace, and gold heeled shoes, and of course her ever-present red string is tied securely around her wrist. Her lips are also a shade of dark red that seems to bring out her deep brown eyes sharply. Her hair is tied up neatly, with a gold pin on the side in the back. She opens her mouth to speak but can't find the words.
(Love the DCOM references, it's been way too long since I've watched a DCOM though lol)
Kiki grins widely. "Pull me close," she says, pulling Bella in and taking the lead, "and take one step." She begins to move gracefully, almost sweeping Bella off her feet, the many years of dance lessons kicking in automatically.
"Hey, I bet I can't spin longer than both of you!" Nathan says to Emily (and Carissa because he knows she's nearby), his voice bold, daring her to take him on.
"I wonder if ghosts can get dizzy," Carissa muses. "I guess now seems like as good a time as any to find out... Emily? You in?"
Cait giggles a little bit. "I just can't stop myself. When it's meant to be..." he trails off, smiling down at her. (I love this so much XD)
James tilts his head a bit. "Yeah, I saw you on stage. You're pretty good. And I'm fine. I've got a pretty strong tolerance. Ask me again in the morning, though, I'll probably have a hard time when I wake up. Though I am a little worried about Taryn over there..."
Grand Strategy Post #4
Reconstruction
98-17 BRW
It doesn't matter how many times you fall down, as long as you get up again.
Even with the September Agreement's foreign aid, it would be a long time before the Union was back on its feet.
The Unionists, with their supporters, cheat and manipulate their way into power again, though Democracy remained, and they were no longer the dominant party.
Slowly, but surely, Talvouse 4's massive shipyards were rebuilt. People got jobs. Entire generations of children were born. Communities mourned their losses, then moved on, but never forgot.
Olivavan presence in the stars grew, inch by inch, day by day. No matter what new challenge was thrown by them, they persisted, and they progressed.
25 June, 17 BRW
On the summer Solstice of the 200th year of The Federal Republic's reign, Olivavans hailing from all systems cheered and celebrated the rebirth of their free and fair nation. As a show of their strength, the 1st Armada was launched. The ships were larger and bigger than ever before. It consisted of nearly 1000 warships and 16000 fighters and gunships, 164 cruisers, 36 Battlecruisers, 14 Battleships, and the biggest ship ever constructed by Union shipyards. 10440 by 3167 meters in length and width, respectively. Many, many plasma repeaters, lasers, and light coilguns. And a substantial amount of class 1 and 2 capital weapons, entirely consisting of plasma railguns that can anhilate anything that wasnt a capital ship with only a single turret. The deflectors and shielding were absolutely ludicrous, along with the armor. Nothing that wasnt a capital ship could survive its sheer firepower or make a dent in the shields. This, however, came at a massive maintenance cost for the Union and it was extremely sluggish, to the point where it was essentially an immobile weapons platform outside of FTL travel.
Jonathan walks up to Ophelia and Sarah.
“Dearest apologies, but some urgent work has come up and I must take my leave.”
Jonathan gave a nod.
“Princesses, may joy be with you and may your lives be very happy.”
Jonathan turned and begun to leave the venue.
The Aerlanican vessels slowly "dock and lock" (as the Aerlanicans say it) onto the destroyer. In front of them, a swirling portal of purple-pink-blue energy appears as they slowly move towards it. Soon, they cross the threshold as the Monsonians feel a slight shift around them.
They fly through a tumultuous nebulaic landscape; clouds of that same purple-blue-pink interspersed with similarly coloured lightning cross the sky. After a few minutes, another portal opens; revealing the pleasant reaches of space and a Monsonain world (you can describe it if you want)
Tsarina takes one look at Connie and smiles.
"Well hot stuff," she says, "you seem a bit lost for words."
The prince took the passport.
“Well, I am unfamiliar with this planet so…I shall trust your judgement.”
He looked out the window.
“I mea this place may become a waste-land soon.”
“Why?”
“Well, the Primaeri will most likely give an unfair peace deal, and expect the Monsonians to refuse it…once they do, well, they will practically jump at the opportunity to strike.”
******
The Admiral looks at the woman, then at the man. He whispers something to his aide and they share another small laugh.
The Admiral began to speak then, and so did the Aide, translating word for word.
“The Admiral says that such uprisings have happened in the past against the Grand Emperor’s righteous authority, some spanning several planets even, however they have all been quelled and dealt with abruptly. They were better armed than you, so I suggest you do not cite to us how to deal with rebellions.”
The admiral scoffed and spoke again.
“The Admiral is…uncertain that he is, in fact, speaking to a proper and professional authority in this matter, he is also unsure that you are treating us with respect…however since you are barbarians we will let this blatant insults slide…unless you aren’t.”
They paused. The Admiral then produced a device. They soon discovered it was a data pad as the Admiral began to read from it.
“As for our terms? Well, our terms are clear; the Monsonian armed forces is to remain no larger than two hundred and fifty thousand troops with a maximum of one armoured division, the airforce is to possess no more than fifty five thousand personnel, with a maximum of one thousand planes total, the Space force cannot have more than twenty five vessels, and none of them are to possess ballistic weaponry, or FTL capabilities, Civilian vessels without weapons are allowed to possess FTL capabilities.
“No less than two cities are to be partially ceded to the Primaeri,” the aide continued, “and Primaeri businesses are to be allowed to set up establishments in the Primaeri controlled areas of Monsone. Likewise, you are to select half of your planetary colonies to cede to the Primaeri, and leave the rest demilitarised. You may gain no further colonies.”
“There is to be, at all times, no less than five Primaeri officials in your government as to ensure that no actions of this treaty are broken, and that all actions by Monsone do not negatively affect the Primaeri. Grievances with the Primaeri may be addressed to these officials.”
“And finally, reparations worth two hundred tonnes of gold-“
The admiral waved a hand briefly and seemingly amended himself.
“The Admiral apologises, reparations worth twenty tonnes of gold are to be paid for the damages caused to the harvest world of La’warla and the families affected by your dishonourable bombardment.”
They placed away the device.
“The autonomy of the Monsonian markets and nation will be preserved, however it is clear that you cannot be trusted with weapons of war, and until such a time the Grand Emperor believes you have discovered restraint and are no longer warmongering, violent barbarians, you will have to follow the terms stipulated in the treaty.”
Connie takes a sharp breath. “You, um... hah, um, wow,” Connie says intelligently.
Tsarina stares directly at Connie.
"Well don't just lie down there, stand up."
Connie gets up, fidgeting with the red string wrapped around her wrist as she just stares at Tsarina.
“So, um, where are we going for dinner?” She asks, a soft smile gracing her features.
"I found a nice restaurant down the street...unfortunately everything in the Super Duper Nice People is vegan so we'll just have to grin and bear it."
Tsarina linked her arm with Connie and began to walk out the door.
"Oh and by the way, the dress has pockets." Tsarina boasted.
Connie smiles again. “I don’t mind it much, the food here is still pretty good, although when we first got here it threw my immune system for a loop to have the sudden change in nutrients. And my dress also has pockets, although they’re kinda small.” She follows Tsarina.
"I have my gun in mine."
They walked out onto the street.
"This is nice, I haven't been on a date in a while."
Connie glances over as they walk. “Huh. I didn’t even realize, but it’s been four years to the day since the last time I went on a date.” She looks down, a bitter look coming over her for a moment, then looks back at Tsarina again. “This is really nice, and I’m glad you’re here with me.”
"You know a lot of places offer all day breakfast, right?" Zyth says, partially confused
Shunni whispers in Kalli ear, "I think I've finally experienced a guy looking at me, and wanting me"
-------
"Yeah we definitely should...I uh need to go... can I have your number?"
Demmy lead them outside and found her car, "Hey... I'm really sorry I did all of that to you."
(Oops, I forgot some stuff. Add this to the previous journal.)
I found my way into the palace today. I was looking for food, but there were a lot of guards near the food cellars. Instead, I stole some meat and milk from the viper wolf area. I also got to see a viper wolf give birth. Five cubs, so cute. The last one was really small though, and he couldn't get to the food. The handlers threw him to the side. I looked at him and saw myself, thrown to the side and with no one who cares anymore. I think that he will be strong one day, they will see. I gave him the milk that I stole. He needs it.
...
I joined a group of other orphan kids in the city. There are six of us. Together, we are able to steal better and survive better. Tarth is a sort of leader. I don't like him, and he doesn't like me.
The next book seemed to come from some time later.
I have managed to find another journal. I remember from when I was four or five...so...several years back...that my mother gave me my journal. So, I'll write a bit about what happened since then.
Since my father died, I've been living on the streets. The gang has changed quite a bit. We now have a total of 40 orphans and kids of various ages.
Tarth is gone. He kept picking on me, supposedly because I am a girl but I think it is because he knew that I am stronger than him - in both mind and body. He tried to kill me. He got a couple of other boys and attacked me while I was making my rounds in the market. I broke one boy's arm, the other's leg, and Tarth's neck. I took over the gang from that point. Nobody questioned my place in the gang anymore after that.
I have been going to the Palace every week. I sneak out meat, bribe guards to get other stuff. I actually got a job there, catching theives and criminals for the capital security general. It is extra convenient because I can knock off my competition and get paid for it. I have made many friends in the Palace, which all help me get what I want. I even met the Princess. She seems to hate the Royal Emperor. I don't really care about him either way, but I told her that I secretely hate the Royal Emperor. She liked that.
I feed Echo once a week. (The viper wolf cub that I saw be born when I was five.) He is now the strongest of that litter. He has actually killed several other viper wolves. I have been training him without the handlers noticing. He is quite smart and I think he is loyal to me now more than to the handlers.
...
There was a mutiny in the gang. It was bad. Some 15 or so members allied with a gang from another part of town and tried to overthrow me. It was led by the boy whose arm I broke when I killed Tarth. I stopped it, but many of them escaped and they did a lot of damage to the gang. I learned an important lesson with that: mercy for one's enemies strengthens one's enemies.
...
Today is my fourteenth birthday. The capital security general presented me to the Royal Emperor, recommending me for full military, special operatives, and military command training, citing the help that I have been to helping maintain order in the capital through alternative methods. I have already gotten some training, but this will put me at the top in the military in every way. Well, there are some others who have the same training, but I doubt that they will be as good as me. The Royal Emperor was hesitant about a girl in such a position, but the general made a strong argument based on the results I get. The Royal Emperor agreed to let me try.
Few gangs remain in the city, but the one I lead is currently the strongest that it has ever been. In fact, the military is starting to make moves towards destroying it. Normally, gangs are small enough to go unnoticed by the main military forces, but having a powerful monopoly on crime seems to have caught the attention of actual war generals. The generals don't know that I am the gang's leader, thankfully. But the time has come.
The second journal ends with an entry a few days after the previous one.
Everything went according to plan. I killed a few prominent gang members who were starting to get suspicious of me. That made the whole gang worried. I told them to meet at specific locations to prepare a response to the killings. Then I notified the military that I discovered the meeting places of the entirety of the gang. The military proceeded to slaughter them all. No loose ends. Nobody left alive to connect me to the gang.
Well, there was the one exception. My most trusted member and closest ally. I told him to hide somewhere else in the city. I told him that I would not see him for a while, but that I would not forget him, and I won't.
Vara browsed the wardrobe.
"I can't think of anything that isn't already here it would seen. This is all very nice. I shall have to try on as many of these as I can. Are they all in my size?"
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