Link to OOC/sign up thread: http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1464410-american-council-ooc-thread-i/

Principality of Solus: The Forge

The Forge of Solus, the pride and joy of the Principality and it's capital. The seat of power in the Principality, and the home of the Chancellor himself for over fifty years, no expense has been spared on the grand port. A bustling hub of commerce, the city is always abuzz with activity from all sectors. On this day however, the majority of the civilians remain inside. In their stead, the military, all dressed out in their Power Armor and such, stand at attention in the streets, ensuring the safety of all delegates.

The city itself is quite large, with many different things. Factories of various things, military bases, grand statues, civilian dwellings, and businesses all line the cobblestone streets of the Capital city. Around the city, various statues of the first Chancellor, Geoffrey Harlond, can be seen, as well as more than a few of the current Chancellor. Towards the East, the delegates will be able to catch glimpses of the massive port of the Forge, complete with the many civilian and military vessels docked within. The http://files.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/181572_S/Fable-III-Concept-Art----Bowerstone-Revisited.jpg architecture of the buildings and landscape of the city, coupled with the shimmering summer sun on the water of the Gulf of California is truly a sight to be seen.

Delegates will arrive via the Harlond Memorial Airport, where they will be asked to disarm and the escorted by the faceless PSICOM agents to a motorcade of sorts, where they will then be driven to the gated personal estate of the Chancellor.

The estate of the Chancellor is perhaps the most extravagant dwelling in the entirety of the Principality. Various military checkpoints are set up along the way, with PSICOM operatives manning them. The Chancellor's dwelling itself is quite large, resembling a Victorian-era manor. Delegates will be driven up to the dwelling itself and escorted into the building. Inside, the splendor of the estate becomes even more apparent. Inside are many different statues and pieces of art work, a testament to the Chancellor's fondness of such things.

Delegates will be moved further inside the estate, toward a type of throne room. Inside the large and lavish room sits a long, polished oak table, furnished with various refreshments. Along the sides of the room are the Principality's Honor Guard, soldiers dressed in ornate versions of T-51b armor and armed with various weaponry.

At the far end of the room, there are three individuals. On the left sits the blue-robed figure of an aged McNamara. On the right, Scorch, the Principality's finest soldier, fully garbed in the PSICOM armor. And in the middle, wearing a black and gold robe, is none other than the Chancellor himself, a thoughtful expression on his face as he awaits the delegates from the various nations to arrive.

Chancellor Griff, Principality of Solus

"Are you sure this is such a great idea Lord Chancellor? We know nothing of these outsiders. They could prove to be hostile. We know not of what they are all like, and save for the Legion and the NCR. We both know of the NCR, and I can personally recount stories of the..." McNamara said thoughtfully until he was cut off by the raised hand of the Chancellor.

"That's enough of that McNamara. That is precisely what this meeting is for, to find out exactly what has been happening. As for the NCR, do not forget, the Principality has not been had any major interaction with them for close to 60 years now. And while their expansionism is indeed perturbing, there has been no indication of them having any intention to "annex" us. And if they try, like always, Solus will prevail. As for the Legion, we've had no prior contact with them, and the only things we know about them have come from word of mouth by travelers. Let's keep an open mind about everyone hmm? As long as they aren't mutants of course!" The Chancellor said with a small chuckle at the end.

McNamara sighed. He wasn't convinced, not at all, but it was useless to try and convince the Chancellor of anything. He always was a rather hard-headed man. It wasn't his place to do so anyway. When the Mojave Brotherhood made their way to the Principality and forsook the precious Codex, they also swore complete and utter fealty to the very man sitting next to McNamara. And whether he liked it or not, the Chancellor's word was absolute.

And so the group waited for the delegations from the many nations of the Post-War world to arrive.

THE UNITED EMPIRE OF AMERICA

"Senators, senators please let order be restored to the court room!" Exclaimed Senator Sidney Relvott, the most senior human senator in the Empire.

"Silence Relvott, it is not your people who have been murdered endlessly by the Brotherhood of Steel. We will not tolerate such an insult as to be offered to join this 'American Council.' A council that will undoubtedly be filled with Mutant killing and slaving nations!" Answered Senator Brodan Dash, the super mutant senator with the most influence.

"And if we refuse this diplomatic offer, we may very well alienate ourselves in the eyes of the other great nations of this world! Is your arrogance so great as to harm the political standing of our great Empire simply because you do not trust this nation of Brotherhood chapters?" There was an uproar in the council room, super mutants and ghouls showed their distaste of Relvott's comment with chilling growls and grumbles.

Emperor Randall Debeaux sat, arms folded listening to his advisers debate. The offer had reached Imperial land one week ago by caravan, needless to say the mutants of the empire did not much enjoy the idea. The council room was the largest and most central room in Vault 42, it could hold 200 people comfortably. However even with only 50 Senators and Debeaux it felt crowded. The yells of enraged senators could be heard throughout the entire Vault.

"Well Relvott, what if this is a trap hmm? What if the Brotherhood simply wishes to kill our delegate and declare war on the Empire?" Das exclaimed. Cheers erupted from the other mutant senators in the room.

"What would the Principality gain from such an act? If Solus wished to declare war against us would they not simply attack. Why go through all the trouble of bringing a single delegate to their lands just to murder them?" The mutant crowd grew silent, Relvott's argument seemed to have made sense.

"Enough," Debeaux yelled raising his hand into the air. He did not speak with the raspy voice of most ghouls, but instead sounded like a learned human with a deep authority filled tone. "Senator Relvott, do you suggest we accept this offer?" Debeaux asked.

"I do, my lord."

"Then it will be so." The entire crowd nodded in agreement. Emperor Debeaux's word was final. "Relvott you will be representing the Empire in this 'council' do not disappoint me."

"Yes my lord, thank you." Relvott replied with a bow.

"Good, this meeting is over. Return to your respective territories." Debeaux commanded. The room slowly emptied and silence returned to the Vault.

President Wayne H. Shepard -- New California Republic

The President stepped into the Vertibird along with his companions, Admiral Howard Lee, and his secretary Abby Schaffer. They boarded the Vertibird for the short flight south, as they flew he spoke, "Alright, I understand you may have doubts, but we are not to disrespect them any of them. They are a 'principality' I do not care if you don't agree with their ideals, even I may not but they are our neighbors and they are to be treated as such. Am I clear?"

His assistant was the first to respond, "Yes, Mr. President."

"And Admiral? Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes... Mr. President," the Admiral had never liked the new President but that's why Shepard told him to accompany them.

After a few more minutes of no sound but the Vertibirds engines the pilot spoke, "Mr. President, sir, we are approaching the airport now."

"Alright, people, let's go meet our neighbors."

They exited the Vertibird and were escorted to a motorcade which took them to a building which they entered, they saw three men on the far side of the room they approached, Shepard leading and once they approached a respectable distance, Shepard kneeled and was followed by Abby and reluctantly, even the Admiral kneeled. Shepard spoke loud enough for the 'prince' to hear, "I am honored by your invitation to join this 'American Council,' your majesty. I approach you with humbled respect to represent the New California Republic."

Chancellor Griff, Principality of Solus

The first delegates, the NCR, had arrived and bowed before the Chancellor. The Chancellor merely smiled and motioned for them to stand.

"Greetings! I am Chancellor Griff of the Principality. To my left is Viceroy McNamara, who knows of the NCR, specifically the Mojave Campaign. You may remember a group called the Mojave Brotherhood of Steel, he was their former elder before they journeyed here to the Principality and swore fealty to me. To the right of me is my personal guard and the head of our special operations division, a man known only as Scorch. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Now, what are your names, representatives of NCR?" The Chancellor asked in a jolly tone.

President Shepard - New California Republic

Shepard stood and motioned for the others to follow suit. Then he answered the Chancellor's question, "Thank you Chancellor, my name is President Wayne Shepard, the man to my left is Admiral Howard Lee and to my right is Abby Schaffer. And I do remember the Mojave Brotherhood, I apologize humbly Mr. McNamara, our nations did not get of on the right foot, however my predecessor is no longer in power and we hope you will forgive any actions taken against your Brotherhood."

Grand Inquisitor Drake Velan, The Inquisitory of Whitetower, Whitetower Six Days Prior to the Date of the Convention

"Grand Inquisitor sir, may I speak?" A http://cdn5.brusimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Alan-Tudyk-as-Alpha-on-Dollhouse.jpg had dared to request to speak with the Inquisitor in the Ivory Hall, Arbiter Matthew Fortis. One of the most decorated scientists that had participated in combat against raider patrols. The Arbiter had busted in immediately after a Conclave, the Praesul fired warning shots around the Inquisitor's feet and subdued him. The Grand Inquisitor grabbed his laser pistol and fired over the man's shoulder. "Arbiter, if you dare to interrupt the peace of my meeting room again I shall see to it that you are flayed by a pack of rabid wolves. What is the meaning of your interruption." The Arbiter simply spoke a quick request in his calm and collected voice. "Would you please have one of them obtain a scroll from my left pocket?" The Praesul responded by obtaining the parcel. It was an invitation to a diplomatic meeting. "Sir I was sent to give this to you, the Ordo Novae has recommend I attend with you." The Praesul unshackled the Arbiter immediately. The Grand Inquisitor's tone shifted to a more friendly tone, "Thank you Matthew, where is this being held?"

The Arbiter's face shifted to one of a grim but hopeful demeanor, "A foreign nation known as The Principality of Solus." The Grand Inquisitor smiled and popped a microfusion cell into his laser rifle, "Then let's depart." He turned to the Praesul nearby, "Ready the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadair_CT-114_Tutor!" The Arbiter interjected, "Sir I would not think that to be wise, it has not been fully repaired." The Grand Inquisitor turned his head back to the Arbiter, "How long till its repair?" The Arbiter frowned, "It'll take another five days sir." So they began their plans.

----

OOC: Kinda meh post but it's my first since my hiatus so hopefully it turned out okay.

President Adam Chadbourne - The Confederate States of America

President Chadbourne, his secretary Laura Myers, and General Walker walked across the tarmac towards the waiting airplane. The trio entered the aircraft and it took off, headed towards the Principality. The President spent the trip sleeping while General Walker looked over documents of what they knew on the other nations. Walker looked over at the President, a look of distaste on his face.

Insolent fool, I'll be glad when we're rid of him.

After another few hours of flight the plane touched down in the Principality and after General Walker handed over his sidearm the trio entered the motorcade and were escorted to the Chancellor's House. They walked into the room and sat down at the table and President Chadbourne greeted the Chancellor.

"Hello there sir, pleased to meetcha. I'm Adam Chadbourne this is General Walker and Laura Myers."

OOC: Sorry, little long. But I had to write a flashback.

-The Pitt 20 Years Earlier-

“This won’t solve anything Ashur! You may kill me here, but my rebellion will remain. The slaves will one day rule the Pitt, even if I am not around to see it.”

Werhner, along with Midea and a variety of other slave rebellion leaders were positioned on the Pittsburg Bridge on wooden planks, overlooking the disgusting, churning, and highly irradiated waters below. Their arms were bound with rusty wrought iron chains, and they were all completely nvde. Their bodies bloodied and beaten, showing the tell-tale signs of torture: brutal at that.

Overlooking the proceedings, Ashur sat on a throne carried by Pitt slaves. Kenshaw and raiders of the Pitt looked on, guns pointed at the rebellion leaders. Ashur let out a deep laugh, which carried through the ranks of the raiders.

“Any who dare to impede the progress of the Pitt will suffer your same fate, Werhner. It’s a pity, you should have remained loyal to me. You would have made an excellent Lieutenant. It’s fortunate that Krenshaw proved to be a far better man than you.”

“Please Lord Ashur,” Midea pleaded, “Don’t do this. I didn’t mean to rebel. Werhner tricked me! He lied and led me astray!”

“Poor, poor Midea, I’m afraid I can’t sympathize with your plight. You followed the wrong leader and tried to take my child from me at that!. I would have lead you to freedom, but instead you followed your false savior to death. The Pitt will remember you for who you are: a traitor.”

“Enough of this,” Ashur continued, motioning his hand towards the river, “Get it over with.”

“Fill em’ with lead boys!” Krenshaw yelled out, smiling from ear to ear.

With a scream from Midea, the bodies of the rebel leaders were riddled with bullets, and they fell tumbling into the irradiated water.

Making a sport of it, the raiders gathered around the edge, taking pot-shots at their bodies.

----

The Pitt- Haven, Current Year

Ashur awoke from his bed, sweating. His nightmare about the end of the rebellion continued to plague him. Night after night it seemed lately. He wasn’t sure why, the death of the rebel leaders had been his greatest triumph, second only to the beautiful birth of his daughter. He couldn’t help but feel something though, a twinge of guilt maybe, or even fear. It troubled him greatly, but he let no-one know this, not even his wife, Sandra, who now slept softly by his side.

Getting up, Ashur dressed in his royal red and black robes and walked out of his bedroom into his main chambers. Haven was far removed from what it had looked like 20 years ago. It was cleaned, refurbished, and beautiful with objects of gold and other precious minerals dotting the rooms and hallways. Great banners of black and red draqed from ceilings and cascaded over balconies. The exterior had been improved as well, and beautified. Haven Guardsmen with their halberds patrolled the corridors and the large outer fence which encircle the massive building which was once Pittsburg University’s http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Cathedral_of_Learning_stitch_1.jpg The grounds of Haven itself, being the former grounds of the college.

Now, it was truly a “Haven.” For the beautiful fa?ade of Ashur’s palace gave way to the industrial hell which was the Pitt. Fires of industry burned brightly, sending great wafts of smoke upwards and filling the air with a brackish smog. Slaves toiled under the whips of slave-masters, and companies of raiders marched through the streets. While conditions were improved, it was still far off from the glory that Ashur yet envisioned. Time was all it would take, and he may not see the fruits of his labors. But he hoped his daughter would.

As Ashur looked out over the main balcony outside of his chambers, he suddenly heard a soft voice. Gentle and beautiful,

“Father?” Marie asked, dressed in her white sleeping gown, “I heard a noise. Why are you up so early?”

Ashur ushered his daughter in, and held her tightly, she was now twenty years old, and he a man of sixty-three. She had been born untouched by the ravages of the Trog Degeneration Contagion, and as such she had always remained. Beautiful and pristine, like an angel: living amongst the hell that was the Pitt,

Krenshaw walked quickly down the red carpeted hallway leading to the chambers of Lord Ashur. He too, had changed much in 20 years. He was now an older man, only a bit younger than Ashur. As second-in-command, he had also taken on a new title as well: Marshal of the Pitt.

Now, instead of his previous raider attire, he wore a http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=67378582. He still wore his hair in the “Mohawk” style though. Which provided a strange contrast between civilization, and his raider past. Old habits die hard.

Opening the door to Ashur’s chamber with his white gloves, he walked in just as Marie was returning to her room. Lord Ashur remained on the balcony, and Krenshaw approached,

“Lord Ashur,” he said in his gruff voice, “This message just arrived from a broadcast array near Detroit.”

He handed a piece of paper to Ashur, who took it and looked it over,

“If you’ll believe it, it looks like it came on the same frequency that was used by the Western Brotherhood. Based on what you told us. Apparently, they are calling themselves, the Principality of Solus. Odd name for the Brotherhood’s nation.”

“A meeting of nations?” Ashur replied, surprised, “How intriguing….perhaps the Western Brotherhood has learned from its mistakes after all.”

OOC: I couldn’t find a picture close enough to Ashur’s outfit to make it worth posting. But basically it looks like a modified dark red version of Elder Lyon’s robes without the side-bag and with a black cape.

Lord Ishmael Ashur- Empire of the Pitt

Ashur’s plane touched down in the Airport outside of Solus, After which, Lord Ashur, dressed in his royal robes, exited the plane, followed by his entourage, which included Marshal Krenshaw (dressed in his black coat) and a group of Haven Guardsmen. After departing from the plane, the delegates from the Pitt were led through the Principalities’ city: to the palace of the Chancellor of Solus. Ashur was impressed with the Chancellor’s dwelling, and in some ways in reminded him of Haven. Certainly this man had good taste.

The group entered the convention room, where a raider guardsmen called out,

“Presenting Ishmael Ashur, Lord of the Pitt.”

Ashur and Krenshaw took their seats.

THE UNITED EMPIRE OF AMERICA

"Ah, senator Relvott, I'm glad I caught you!"

Relvott turned on his heel annoyed by the disturbance. He was half way in the helicopter when the stranger yelled his name. Relvott turned his gaze behind him to see Emperor Debeaux himself accompanied by senator Dash. How had Relvott not recognized his lord's voice?

"My Emperor, what can I help you with?" Relvott asked with respect in his tone.

"It has come to my attention that it would be best to send more than on delegate, and my curiosity got the best of me. We are accompanying you to the council." Debeaux said with a smile. His rotting flesh somehow had a charm to it.

"Is senator Dash to accompany us as well?"

"Indeed I am, human. Although I am not sure how the other nations will react to a super mutant senator and our Emperor's presence. We are mutants after all." Senator Dash replied. The large mutant tried his best to mask his anger toward Relvott for defeating him in the council room earlier that day.

"Nonsense, I'm sure everyone will treat us with the utmost respect." Emperor Debeaux replied, again his charming rotting smile showed itself.

The trio entered the helicopter. The flight took hours, and those hours were spent with Relvott and Dash going back and forth on how to open the negotiations. They were both silenced when the Emperor told them to let him handle it.

The helicopter landed and the trio were greeted by Brotherhood paladins who raised their weapons at the first sight of a super mutant. The leader of the group assured the others that Debeaux and his delegates were in fact invited. The trio entered the large building that was serving the purpose of the council building. When they entered the main room, they were greeted with gasps. The other delegates apparently didn't expect to see a Ghoul and a Super Mutant.

"Ah, I guess that is our cue to introduce ourselves." Emperor Debeaux exclaimed. "I am Emperor Randall Debeaux of the United Empire of America. My human companion is Senator Sidney Relvott, and the charming super mutant to my left is Senator Brodan Dash." The trio all bowed in unison and took the nearest available seats.

Chancellor Griff, Principality of Solus

The Chancellor smiled at the men from the NCR once they made their intent clear that they would like to patch things up. The Chancellor spoke in a friendly tone.

"Yes, I believe there may be some bad blood to discuss, but know this, we of the Principality are not Brotherhood. At one time we were, but we've made a few changes since then. And as such, we are more than willing to hear you out, and I'm sure we can patch things up quite nicely."

More and more delegates poured in, and the Chancellor began to realize there would be more than they had originally thought. Which meant that it would be far more efficient to just give a general greeting to everyone further on in the meeting, rather than introduce themselves to everyone individual nation. He did however make sure to greet those who approached him, and nodded with a smile at those who didn't.

First, a delegation from a place known as the Confederacy. They talked... oddly, but the Chancellor couldn't help but find it rather amusing. He smiled at the group and introduced himself.

"A pleasure to meet you sirs, and ma'am. I am Chancellor Griff, lord over the Principality of Solus. The men you see before you are my most trusted tenants, Viceroy McNamara, and the leader of our Special Forces division, Scorch. On behalf of the Principality, I welcome you to our lands! Please, make yourselves at home, you are among friends here." The Chancellor said warmly.

It was at this time the Chancellor's face grew stone cold, rage evident.

A mutant delegation dared to walk in. Mutants of all things. Scum that was to be enslaved, not bargained with. As they walked in, Honor Guardsmen raised their weapons at the trio in an instant, preparing to eliminate the defilers. They were waved down by the Chancellor, albeit reluctantly. McNamara wasn't fazed by the new comers, but the Chancellor heard Scorch curse under his breath and watched as the super soldier slowly placed his had on the Gauss pistol strapped to his leg.

The Chancellor spoke slowly, trying to calm himself down as much as he was the rest of the delegation.

"Mutants. I know not who you are, though I have an idea about why you are here. I'll not mince words with you, normally, your kind are not allowed in the Principality, except in chains. However, I will permit your presence as long as you remain civilized. But be warned mutates, if you cause any sort of trouble, no mercy will be shown to you."

President Adam Chadbourne - The Confederate States of America

"Good to meet you gentlemen. This is a mighty fine home you got here, Victorian era I belie....." Chadbourne looked over at the mutants that had just entered the room, a look of disgust on his face.

Thank God they didn't sit next to use, they probably smell like ass

General Walker leaned over next to the President and whispered in his ear "See? If we kept our guns we could have got some shooting practice in" They both laughed and Chadbourne turned back to the Chancellor.

"As I was saying before we were interrupted by such unpleasant company, this house is a Victorian correct?"

The Arbiter Novae, Matthew Fortis and The Grand Inquisitor, Drake Velan, The Inquisitory of Whitetower

The Arbiter ran scientific tests on the plane, its fuel was running smoothly, its wings were working. There was no error, they could depart. He turned to the guards, "take me to him." The guards led him into the room, "Grand Inquisitor, the plane is ready." The Grand Inquisitor grabbed his rifle, "Let's go." The duo marched onto the airstrip, "Is there anything I should know about this... Principality of Solus before we depart Matthew?" The Arbiter Novae smiled and said, "Sir they have similar ideals to our own. They will be a powerful ally for the Inquisitory." With that the plane dashed away through the fog and snow of Whitetower towards Solus.

After what must have been atleast a day of travel, the Grand Inquisitor and the Arbiter Novae emerged from their vessel. They were promptly disarmed, they handed their weapons over reluctantly. "If there is a single scratch on my lord's rifle I will burn a heart out of you and then I will make you breathe out of an artificial organ for the rest of your days, do I make myself clear? Good." Matthew Fortis smiled and continued to the convention room with The Grand Inquisitor.

The Grand Inquisitor's footsteps in his T-45d Power Armor marched with as much order as they did chaos. His face was visible to his new allies and foes, something he found more comfortable than the cowardice of a helmet. His eyes narrowed at the very sight of the mutant, "Bastards." The Arbiter Novae calmed the Grand Inquisitor as what he assumed to be the Principality's delegate put the vile beast in its place. The Arbiter Novae approached the man from the Pitt, "Hello sir, I am the Arbiter Novae of the Inquisitory of Whitetower. I have come with the Grand Inquisitor to this meeting, my name is Matthew Fortis. What is your name sir?" The Grand Inquisitor approached the Chancellor with a smile and a cigar in his mouth, "Glad to see someone put the monsters in their place, I am the Grand Inquisitor Drake Velan of the Inquistory of Whitetower. It's a pleasure to meet a nation similar to our own even over such distance."

Caesar Arcturus - Emperor of the Legion

The bright day's sun cast its rays down upon the bustling city of New Rome, filling it with a sort of wild beauty. Smoke rose slowly from stacks jutting from factories, slaves marched under the lash of their betters, Legion-financed caravans paraded down the streets. A glorious, pristine day. Inside the massive, imposing structure called simply the Imperial Palace, sat Caesar Arcturus, Lord of the Legion, its supreme ruler. He gazed out into the sunny, cloudless skies and grinned. A beautiful world, this was. Caesar, as was customary, sat dressed in his royal robes. A plain white toga covered his body, beneath it lay a light white tunic as well, while a thick red sash wrapped around his torso diagonally. Weightlessness at its finest, gold embroidery adding the regal touch. However, Caesar could not dally today, for today something grand was to be held.

A meeting, a summit of nations to the nearby Principality of Solus. The Frumentarii had kept him posted as of their activity, as they had the First Caesar. It seems the Brotherhood on the West Coast, even coming from the Mojave, had all sought refuge there and found it. Arcturus had been uninterested in them entirely, until their invitation. He saw it, as his predecessor would, as the perfect opportunity to show his Empire to the rest of the world. To show its grandeur and might and it seemed he'd need to get about it quickly, as the world seemed to be changing rapidly.

Caesar rose with an uncanny grace, his robes gently flowing. The time was nigh and he'd not have himself being late. He stepped past his large, round mahogany desk and made way for the door, his luxurious sandals near silent. As he opened the door, he was met by a Praetorian who bowed instantly, a golden wreath on a silk cloth before him. Caesar smiled, pleased, and took the small item, placing atop his blonde head of hair. He then brushed past the Praetorian without a word, as a cadre of them formed up behind him. The Guard never let him be, even when they seemed to be gone, they were always protecting their liege. So Arcturus strolled, through his Palace and out into the street. A motorcade of sorts awaited him and once he got into the vehicles, they sped off.

Praetorians flanked the procession, adding to those sitting with Caesar himself. A centuria, 80 warriors, marched with the procession. Nobody would dare assault Arcturus in his own capital, rather, it showed his power and esteem more than anything. Slaves dropped to their knees as their supreme lord passed. The sort of parade continued until Caesar arrived at the airport, where he chose one of the few luxurious craft and entered with 6 Praetorians to act as his honor-guard for the meeting. Once inside, he sat quietly as the machine roared to life and soon after, brought him to the skies.

The trip was uneventful, but Arcturus found plenty of time for thought. He wondered if the NCR would show its hideous face and gallivant around, shoving its horrid Democracy down the throat of everyone around it, polluting the world with its capitalistic filth. The thought alone disgusted Caesar, though he did indeed wish to see how his greatest enemy fared. Sallow, the First, almost roared in his ears with the tales of its corrupted decadence. It boiled Arcturus' blood, though he remained calm, knowing when he saw them that he would look upon his Carthage. His Rubicon lay far off, but his Carthage would appear before him. And that pleased Caesar.

-----

As the craft began its descent, Arcturus peered out the window. He could see some of the city and it actually looked... impressive. For profligates. His craft touched the paved runway and as it did, he stood. Caesar made his way quickly out of the plane and into the sun once more. The environment here was much alike home, which should be expected, yet it comforted nonetheless. The Praetorian Guardsmen formed around their liege and guided him to the transport arranged by Solus. Once inside, he gazed out into the city, glad to see another nation had a sense of what pleased the eye. The short ride ceased when the vehicle stopped before an impressive, sprawling estate. One that wouldn't look paltry compared to the Palace, now that became the true surprise.

Caesar entered and as they neared the doorway into the proper chamber, one of the guards threw the heavy doors open with ease and stepped forth. " Presenting his Imperial Majesty; Son of Mars and the Emperor of the Legion, Caesar Arcturus! " The Praetorian bellowed the proclamation and stepped aside as Caesar entered the room. He nodded to the assembled powers and took a seat without fare. Before any speaking, he intended to watch.

THE UNITED EMPIRE OF AMERICA

"Mutants, I know not who you are, though I have an idea why you are here. I'll not mince words with you, normally, your kind are not allowed in the Principality, except in chains. However, I will permit your presence as long as you remain civilized. But be warned mutates, if you cause any sort of trouble, no mercy will be shown to you." The apparent ruler of the Principality spoke, hate evident in his voice. The other delegations also let out discourteous comments. It took everything Debeaux had to keep civilized.

Prejudiced bastards.

In the next moment, Caesar himself appeared followed by multiple guards. They trumpeted his presence and he sat without a word. He certainly was an arrogant bastard. Relvott laughed to himself, he wondered if the Empire's national neighbors even knew of their existence.

"We are certainly civilized, um I'm sorry is your title Prince?" Debeaux started. "However I believe that it would be easier if you put aside your feelings of mutants during the course of this so called 'council.' And before you judge us by our appearance, think. Are we the true monsters, or is it you, who so openly despise us and enslave members of both human and mutant kind? The Empire believes that all men are created equal under God, no matter if they are mutant or human." Debeaux paused and looked around the room. The other delegates seemed to hate the fact that he had even opened his mouth. The Ghoul put his head down and laughed, these are the other great nations. They seem more like Neanderthals willing to beat each other to death over a meal, much like the state of Imperial lands before Emperor Debeaux brought peace and freedom.

"We are not a nation of only mutants, in fact the majority of our population is human like myself. I encourage you all to listen to the words of my lord, Emperor Debeaux, bringer of peace to the lands of Louisiana and Texas. He may surprise you and allow you to see that all races are of equal stature and that not all mutants are mindless beasts." Relvott stated.

"Thank you senator, now if we may take our seats without any further hateful comments aimed at us, we would like to begin the negotiations."

Grand Inquisitor Drake Velan, The Inquisitory of Whitetower

The Inquisitor's wrath would not be contained, he turned back to the filth in the room. "Look here you mutant swine, I will tolerate your presence, and I will tolerate your position, but I will not dare call us equal." The Grand Inquisitor turned to the Chancellor, "I believe you share our views?"

Caesar Arcturus - Emperor of the Legion

Unbelievably quickly, hostilities emerged. From the word go, as the mutants raised their heads, the " Chancellor " or so he was called threatened them. A blatant remark that could have either ended in death for them, or war between the two nations. Moments in, who'd have thought. Caesar watched silently as the mutants retorted and caught one of them, the human amongst their group, glare at him. Arcturus almost laughed, and almost had him strung up. For someone to do that in his lands, they'd have been killed on the spot, or worse. Regardless, Caesar waited until the mutates had ceased and readied a comment.

However, the man from the North, from a land called Whitetower or some such, lost his composure and shouted at what seemed to be the top of his lungs at the mutants. As he ended his short rant, Caesar, having had quite enough bickering, rose to his feet and made his own statements.

" Now, gentlemen, as you may be called. I don't believe we've been summoned here to berate each other and behave like children. We're all quite better than that. Now, if we could put an end to this senseless vulgarity, I'd like to ask our host a question. "

Turning to Griff, Arcturus regarded him a moment. " Good Chancellor, since we all have one another's attention, what is it you've called us here for? "