In which The Demon Princes confuse many Legenians with their costumes and Gregory meets the Republic's leaders.
Foreign Ministry types abound as we are 'briefed' on local customs and possible misunderstandin
Legena wanted to supply the shuttle and initially Short was reluctant for security reasons. At least he was polite about it and the Legena security was as well. Both sides agreed to perform security checks of their own.
Met the Republic delegation for Dinner aboard their flagship. Short and Argyle stayed on the Triumphant (The EIC flagship) and had dinner with Magnus's daughter. I have no idea what went on there yet but the staff tells me it all went off well.
The Republic sent both the President and opposition leader. They make an interesting pair because they are so different and because beyond their political rivalry they detest each other.
President Teddy Rose is a classic ultra nationalist and jingoist. He truly believes the Republic is 'destined' to take it's place in the sun alongside the other great powers. He also seems to be a social Darwinist, believing that the wealthy are destined for their position and in the 'evolutionary competition of war'.
Evidently he grew up sickly and weak and by sheer effort built himself up physically (so the intelligence briefing tell me). He still carries the marks of his childhood insecurity by asserting himself and boasting about his prowess,(in my opinion)
The opposition leader RKO Smith is a completely different creature as is his wife Maria Smith. Smith is, to a certain extent, returning home. He grew up in Legena and has family there. He served in Legena's armed forces but was pensioned off. (some curious local custom evidently to retire everyone about a term limit. I didn't really understand it)
When that happened he was hired by the Republic, took Republic citizenship and after a Military career there went into Politics as their Secretary of War. He lost an election but is currently leader of his party.
He is a cool professional man and we had a brief discussion on the last war. We will meet later for a more detailed conversation on the subject.
His wife is very interesting as well. She is of Arcturian descent and grew up in one of the Republics many slums (They are pretty grim I understand). She also come from the lowest caste of the Arcturians.
Socially she seemed rather overwhelmed and shy. It was hard to get her talking until it came to politics. Then she is quite articulate though very strident. At one point I though she and rose were going to resort to fisticuffs. Despite her tiny size I'd still hedge my bet on the outcome. She reminds me of one of those smaller dogs who make up in ferocity for what they lack in size.
She, like Rose, believes that the Republic can be a great power. Despite her lack of formal education she has a far more balanced view and conceded it 'would be long hard road'.
On Legena
The Ball doesn't formally begin until the day after tomorrow but a party was held for us this evening hosted by the Queen.
She is a radiantly beautiful woman who is quite charming. We are going to have lunch with her tomorrow at her 'palace'. I was sure Short was going to hit on her, but evidently the numerous groupies were more interesting to him.
Short went local and wore no clothing. He was a big success and had crowds of admirers of both sexes following him around. He hasn't been back so presumably he ended up in someone's bed. Knowing Short maybe even in several somebodies' bed.
Argyle and I went in 'costumes' from the EIC.
Argyle wore a dress uniform with a kilt with a Campbell tartan and bright red coat. It was very military.
I went business with a black outfit with a black tuxedo and tails. I added a top hat, white gloves and an ornate cane.
My costume was the object of curiosity as was Argyles.
My cane convinced several I was lame and had a war injury. Evidently Argyle was compliment on his skirt and it was suggested his war injury could be remedied by the replacement of an 'missing parts'.
Argyle was embarrassed though Legena foreign ministry officials soothed ruffled feathers.
I just hammed it up saying things like "my manbotic legs just aren't the same". Again it was suggested I consult a spare parts expert.
Better then that I used it as an opportunity to tell old war stories that everyone in the EIC is sick of from repetition.
More serious was informal meetings with the Prime minster and defense minister, again I will be meeting both over a meal tomorrow.
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