"Master Admiral, it is good to see you." The massive Harold said, moving forward and holding out a hand larger than most men's heads. "How is our fine nation doing?"
Tanjo bowed on Davis' approach, it had been a long time since he had been around this sort of ranking officer.
"Likewise, Mayor," He took the hand that engulfed his easily. Davis hoped that the huge man didn't shake too vigorously, otherwise it'd dislocate his shoulder. "Our independent nation is burgeoning with opportunity and growth. There are some difficulties with those who do not share the same beliefs we do, but they are losing their battle." The Master Admiral nodded to Tanjo, as he couldn't return the bow at that moment.
"Good to hear, had the terrible feeling that the nation might go to pot while I was away what with the rebellion. Now for how long should we be giving each others pleasantry for the sake of the Media and then give a sign of unification through waving or somesuch? Then we can discuss the other matters, such as the Destiny." Harold looked down at Davis, and spoke with a respectful yet pleased tone of voice.
Apesael managed to stand still even as he was controlling his mind, and fighting the temptation to look for his father. He knew that if Seru saw him looking for him he'd interpret it as a sign of weakness.
Seru on the other hand had no inhibitions at looking at Apesael. He studied his posture, the way he held himself, how he dressed, even his hair critically. This was proving to be an interesting evening.
"I have a personal transport awaiting our group. We will discuss the Destiny and its future, as well as the condition of Funky City once we've finished with your speech to the media. Tanjo and Asesael, it is good to meet you in person. I would appreciate you coming with us, as there is much to sort out." Davis turned to lead Harold toward the podium where he would address the public.
The power armor up in the sky took this as its que, and put its plan into action. Over the surface of its armor powerful LED's snapped into action, as it began to blaze like a star, and began to descend, fast at first, but slowing down at around one meters, looking like a blazing speck of light, a falling star. Wings outstretched it looked like a mechanical angel descending to earth. The light was specially monitored to be as bright as possible without damaging eyes. After a brief flare as it touched the ground, the light receded to a slight glow, and the power armor walked up to Davis. Its arms went up to its head as its wing folded up behind it, "Good afternoon sir." It said in a mechanical voice, and the helmet came off, "I am Ephesus, I believe we've talked." And he held out the power armor's hand for Davis to shake.
Davis turned and broke a smile at the sight. It was a good time for such fanfare, with the media being there. Anything to demonstrate the power of Nepleslia would make waves to the public. He nodded to Ephesus. "Good afternoon, Ephesus. That's an impressive piece of equipment you have there. If you'll forgive me, I wouldn't like my hand crushed under your armor's tremendous force. But don't take any offense, my friend. I extend an invitation to you to join us to discuss business matters as well as cultivate friendships."
"No offence taken." Ephesus smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of his eyes, "Good to meet you in person."
"So that's what you meant by making your own way down. Impressive Ephesus, very impressive." Tanjo laughed.
"Indeed, now if the entrances are over, if I can get this speech out of the way I'd be grateful," Harold said. "But my friend, your entrance will be in the papers for many days, I forgive you for taking the limelight of me."
Apesael had seen the armor before, but not in action. It was strange to see the frail looking Ephesus inside the large power armor, but the light show had been very good, and Apesael thought that Ephesus looked to be having the most fun he'd had in quite some time.
Seru had watched the show calmly, correctly guessing that if Ephesus was going to show up it would be with some flair. Well he couldn't hope for his son to be hanging around with any better company.
"Mayor, if you'll please." Davis led Harold to the podium and with a quick introduction, opened the floor to the Mayor.
"My people, it is good to be back on solid land, after my time in space, it is better still that I am back here, in Nepleslia, my country no ... our country. And I take pride in this, that our country has reached independence... that we are now in charge of our own fate, our own Destiny. And let the Destiny be a symbol of our own collective Destiny, that we can go to the starts, and spread our great nation, our great culture and heritage, to planets we have not even heard of, whose light has not even reached this planet. People of Nepleslia, I will do this for you!" Harold's voice rang out, loud and powerful, full of the confidence that Harold always had in abundance, and more than that, the feeling that he had confidence in the nation, in the people that where in front of him, and listening to him.
Tanjo smiled to himself, he didn't believe in the whole patriotic thing, he'd stopped being patriotic a long time ago, and didn't have much faith in Nepleslia, but he did think the speech might appeal to the masses, and as such serve its masses.
Cheers from the crowd erupted in response to the Mayor's statements. Davis clapped at the well-delivered speech. As a fellow politician, he appreciated skillful public speaking. "Citizens of Nepleslia, thank you for your time and enthusiasm in greeting your kin. We will be hosting a celebration behind the lines for you as well as those arriving from reconditioning. I invite you all to extend your welcome to your long-awaited friends and family!" With that, the military line began to dissolve and return to headquarters. Davis and the group were then quickly escorted to a private APC. Some military vehicles remained behind to ensure the peace during the festivities, and the media as well turned their focus onto the events of the celebration. Once inside the APC, Davis finally let his shoulders droop as he slid onto a couch. The APC was a comfort ride as well as one for protection, and Davis used it to transport VIPs. "Make yourselves comfortable, friends."
Apesael had managed to protect his mind, not from the thoughts of others, but his minds tendency to reach out to others. It was that which he needed to protect himself, and others from.
"Why thankyou I'll try. Strange to be in a car after the Destiny. There are no cars there you know, just a lift system." Harold said, smiling, pleased the car was large enough to accommodate him.
Tanjo automatically was on guard. In his mind comfort on Nepleslia was almost always linked to corruption and crime, and that meant him distrust a little Davis. Well not Davis himself, but the organization he was head of. It wasn't entirely rational. But Tanjo, growing up on Nepleslia, had learnt to be cautious around powerful Nepleslians. Power corrupted, especially when one often got to power through corruption.
Ephesus on the other hand loved the car. So large, with the high roof for ID-SOL's. He simply ran through his mind how he'd improve it with a shield generator, a AG drive and a few HEX's. That amused him for a while.
Davis wasn't relaxing-- he was composing himself. It had taken a lot to maintain his facade after hearing about the attack. There could've been children among the victims... "Excuse my lack of manners, would you like a glass of wine?" Davis stood up and walked to the small bar, taking out glasses. "We have a wide selection."
"Thank you, but no thank you sir, not while I'm on duty." Tanjo rejected politely. Partially because he wasn't thirsty and wanted his wits about him, and partially because the bottle could be poisoned. One did not simply except gifts where he came from in FC.
"Wheras I shall most gladly take one. A glass of wine to steady the nerves never hurt anyone." Harold laughed quietly, you should see how much wine is taken in bureaucracy, Tanjo, if we didn't have it to steady our nerves we'd have to resort to coffee, which would be disastrous."
"Heathen, speaking against the giver of life." Ephesus muttered, almost below his breath. Normally he'd be yelling at the attack on his beloved coffee, but for now he didn't want to appear rude in front of Davis. "None for me, thanks." He said quickly regaining his compose.
"No thank you." Apesael said quietly. He felt out of place here, not too out of place, since he was used to being around moderately important people that would talk to his father, but Davis was on another level. In addition he didn't know what effect alcohol would have on his telepathy. He didn't want to find out.
Back at the runway, Seru finished his glass, "Alright, lets get back to central. Reports in, there's been an incident." He's just received a note through a piece of his jewelry. Not good, there'd been an attack.
Davis poured two glasses and handed one to Harold, sighing deeply. "Harold, there's been a problem. Not all is well. There's been a terrorist attack in our city. It seems that the black market presence doesn't appreciate my efforts and they're willing to take out their frustration on the innocent. A lot's happened since you've been gone. Read these files." Davis took a datapad out of his pocket and handed it to Harold. It contained general information on Davis' social programs. "As an independant nation, we need to gain control of our own government and protect our citizenry from fear and terrorism."
Harold read them quickly, he had always been a fast reader, "Yes, the Crime-lords aren't going to like this. Surprises me they haven't done more, given there control of the government. But attacking the agents of change would certainly fit in with there cause. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to take your life. I approve of the programs, it's what our nation needs. Shame that many people will disagree."
Davis chuckled, a half smile on his face. "They've already tried once, and it won't be the last.â€
