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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 29, 2008 23:54:52 GMT -5
She had seen the South African delegation off at the tarmac, and Usagi was relieved to see them go. Several days of discussions, paper-signing, and very stuffy tours of "important" areas of Tokyo-- basically tours of places where gratuitous political photoshoots could be held, such as in hardhats in a factory-- she found herself more than happy to be watching their Learjet taxi down the Palace runway. Best of all-- she knew that New Earth scientists finally got hold of the biological samples she was so worried about. At least one very important thing had been accomplished while they were here.
She started walking back to her offices, Hikari-san rattling off her schedule and to-do list, shaking her head at the litany of things to do. "I need a break." After running off a few days ago, she had learned that for her own sanity, she had to say 'stop' now and then. "I want to do something fun, go exploring for something..."
The Palace was big enough that Usagi could get lost in it-- and if it wasn't for her attentive security detail, she would have been many times before. There were definitely things here that she had yet to see, and for some reason, with the sunset's beautiful rays shining, she figured that now was the perfect time to stretch her legs and observe her own dominion. "Maybe I should see what everyone is working on..." Usagi mused to herself.
"I think that's a great idea," Hikari said, with a tinge of glee. Usagi glanced questioningly at her.
"You really think so?"
"Absolutely, your majesty. A snap inspection. They'll be so surprised, and it is a good chance to see if everything is going to your specifications."
Now Usagi understood her mischievous tone. "Oh, yes, Hikari-san," she said, matching her Chief of Staff's smile. "I completely agree. Here I go!" she declared, stepping out of the elevator and deciding to randomly go to the left and see what she ran into.
"Have fun your majesty! I will speak with the Minister of Agriculture while you're gone," Hikari-san said cheerfully as the gleaming doors closed and she was whisked away.
The further she went along, the more fun Usagi found she was having. Everyone was astonished to see the Queen walking around and checking out their work. The reactions were hilarious. She chatted up a few of the construction workers, listened to a translator work on a classified interception from Russia, inspected one of the drilling reserve units, petted a few of the bomb-sniffing dogs, watched some of the stock returns come in at the Trade Ministry, and listened to research reports from the secret scientist team (they were working tactical lasers). She was amazed at what her government had accomplished here, and quite happy to see some of what was going on. Usagi could tell that morale was higher for her visit.
She was walking through the public parts of the palace when some of the visitors there would run up to her, amazed to see the Queen for themselves. Usagi enjoyed this part the most; talking with them, hearing their complaints and speaking about her policies. She didn't even mind taking pictures with them, and even signing a few autographs. I'll have to do snap inspections more often! she promised herself as she made her way through the ground floor, watching the bustling life around her.
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Post by Khalid ibn Maleec on Dec 31, 2008 16:01:12 GMT -5
Khalid had just come from a meeting about energy concerns in the New Earth. He was not surprised that there seemed to be a move from fossil fuels towards alternative, cleaner fuels. Fortunately, even before the coming of New Earth, they had seen the writing on wall regarding the movement of fuels. They had already begun making progress in that direction, which was the reason that Khalid was not too stressed, just wanting to make sure that they got in on the ground floor.
The meeting itself had gone well. He was quite confident that he had impressed the officials, not only with his sincerity but also with the plans and progress that had already been made. Eventually, he knew that he'd have a meeting with the Queen herself, but for now he was confident that they were definitely moving in the right direction.
When he reached the ground floor, Khalid raised an eyebrow at seeing that the queen was actually present in a crowded "normal" part of the Palace. He briefly wondered if her security was aware of where she was, and instinctively he scanned for any threats. Hopefully, whatever security detail was assigned to her had things well in hand.
Moving towards the queen - yet another person who was triggering some unexplainable protective instinct in him, he stopped just short of her and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty. I had not expected to see you today. Khalid ibn Maleec, at your service."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 31, 2008 16:26:43 GMT -5
Such a cute girl! Usagi thought to herself, smiling as the young visitor who had just waved to her ran to catch up to her classmates. Schools are holding field trips to the Palace? This is surreal, sometimes... She glided through the crowd, stopping as a man approached her and bowed deeply, stating his name.
Suddenly the landscape around her seemed frozen, darkened, her periphreal vision giving out, focusing narrowly on the sight in front of her. A sense of elapsed time took over, and instead of the Crystal Palace, she was in the Moon Palace... That bowing figure, so familiar... She opened to mouth to greet him, the name on her tongue--
"Your majesty." The clipped words from Agent Phillips widened her periphreal vision again, sound returning to her ears. Usagi sucked in a quick breath. Her security detail, which had been maintaining a respectful distance and blending into the crowd, suddenly emerged at her back.
What the...? Her memory seemed to be clicking, as if trying to fix together the wrong puzzle pieces. Thank goodness her detail was so attuned to the slightest change in her body language, otherwise she might have called him.... What would she have called him?
You are going crazy, Usagi, really now... "It's nothing, Agent Phillips, I am just having a little déja vu, that's all..." She curtsied politely to Maleec-san, wishing she had more of a dress to do it in. For walking the delegation to the tarmac, she had chosen a more sensible Armani suit. "It's a pleasure, Maleec-san. I am sure that we have not met before, but I must have been briefed on you in the past few days, otherwise you would not seem so familiar." She glanced at his visitor's badge; apparently he had access to at least one of the Ministry's offices, and must be someone quite important, to be allowed access to more than the public areas of the Palace.
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Post by Khalid ibn Maleec on Dec 31, 2008 16:43:21 GMT -5
As Khalid straightened, an eyebrow rose as he too noticed the change in Queen's bearing. Perhaps he should not have introduced himself to her, but a quick mental review of the exchange left him confident that he had not done anything untoward, nothing to create a reaction of alarm.
Seeing her security detail approach, he took a small step backwards to make it clear that he was not in anyway threatening the petite ruler. His eyebrow did raise even higher at hearing her explain whatever it was as déja vu. Normally he would have dismissed such an explanation, but the fact of the matter was that she felt vaguely familiar to him - and was not the first person he'd encountered in the past couple of days to feel like that to him.
"I'm honored that you would have been briefed on me, Your Majesty." Khalid had not yet expected that to have happened. After today, yes, he knew it would be soon, but he was rather impressed that she was kept that current. "I look forward to working with you and your people on clean, safe, and renewable energy."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 31, 2008 16:56:38 GMT -5
He was honored. That was good, because from her words she made it evident that she was not immediately familiar with exactly who he was. Usagi had been afraid that her words might have caused offense-- you never could tell with these important types. At least he spoke impeccable Japanese, so she didn't have to fuss with English or a translator.
She was going to have to apologize for not recalling exactly what he did, but was thankful when he stated he would be helping New Earth with energy concerns. Usagi relaxed slightly, her lips widening into a sincere smile.
"The pleasure will be all ours, I assure you Maleec-san," she replied. "I take it you were here on official business at the Energy Ministry? I am glad I got to meet you, then. Clean energy is one of the issues I am most concerned with." The supply lines for New Earth forces were continually hampered by petroleum; even as the infrastructure was moving away form such things for the cities, it was still a critical issue not only for commerce but security as well. "Where are you from?" She could tell he had an Arab name, but was looking for a more specific location. It was rather refreshing to see someone wanting to develop natural resources for renewable energy; Usagi had had her fill of Gulf oil sheiks coming begging for petrodollars. "I hope I am not keeping you from anything important. I would love to continue this meeting if you have the time right now."
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Post by Khalid ibn Maleec on Dec 31, 2008 17:09:29 GMT -5
Was Khalid self important? Absolutely. However, he was also politically suave and knew better than getting offended by some ridiculous perceived slight.
"I was. A preliminary meeting to show that the company I represent is sincere in our desire to part of finding a solution to the energy problems and are willing to move past reliance on fossil fuels."
He raised an eyebrow at the question. He wondered if the claim to have been briefed was a bit of a cover. "The Emirates. I'm a Vice President at UAE Oil." He smirked slightly, "An outdated name, perhaps. But we have been making progress towards other sources."
At her expressed interest, he actually allowed himself a small smile and bowed again, "I'm at your service, Your Majesty. My time is yours."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 31, 2008 18:33:40 GMT -5
Usagi nodded politely at his mention of the company, hiding her grin as he said it was an outdated name. More than just sources like oil, the UAE is no longer in existence... There aren't any real Emirates any longer... But everyone still introduced themselves from their Middle Earth countries, which Usagi understood. She would have to come up with another name for the place, for now it was just under the regional Middle East or Central Command. It was an interesting location; the cash flowing in had brought the old nation to a player on the global scale-- Dubai with its ostentatiousness-- the underwater Hydropolis hotel, the man made palm tree island branching out into the Arabian Sea, and Abu Dhabi, with its huge holdings in the global financial industry... Yet, the Emirates had still been under strict Sharia law. Yes, Usagi realized, she had in fact, been briefed on Khalid ibn Maleec, a little, but had spent more of her time learning about the President of UAE Oil, and several other heads of important conglomerates in the region. "Yes, it's coming back to me now," she nodded. "We're running a competitive negotiation for a contract." That's why she knew him... right? She had been briefed on him, and many others, for this important process, though right now it was nothing more than asking for advice. She hoped she hadn't gotten it mixed up; she knew there was a contract on the table but nothing was solidified yet... It would be just like her to think of the wrong person... Why was she having to fish for details on why she should know him? It didn't make sense, that he could seem so personally familiar... She was grasping at every reason she could find to be able to identify him. And yet, his small, quick smile and bow brought back that whole sinking feeling of déja vu all over again-- as if she was sliding through the floor, and time, all the way back to a previous life... What is wrong with you today? she scolded herself, hiding the strange sensation behind a smile, beckoning him. "Please, walk with me, then. We can't really discuss things here." They would get interrupted too much. Usagi began to head to elevators, her detail falling in behind them. "I do sincerely mean it when I say I am pleased to meet you. The reason we have decided to use a competitive negotiation process for an upcoming contract-- which you may or may not have heard about depending on my Energy Minister's discretion--" she threw that in to cover herself in case she really had gotten things mixed up. I'm really pulling at straws here to understand the reason I know him-- or know OF him... Why is this confusing me so? I can be a ditz, but not this bad... "--anyway. There is a major contract on the table and we are looking at major companies who have the scale to be able to handle it. We need to get know people, because what's at stake here is more than just costs, otherwise we have gone the sealed bids route." She raised an eyebrow at him, smiling. I'm being so direct, too, as if I know I can speak to him this way. "However, Maleec-san, I am probably getting ahead of myself, I hope I haven't disturbed you with my forwardness already. Perhaps the most important question right now would be, how was your meeting at the Ministry?" After all, if he hadn't liked the Ministry, he probably wouldn't have been interested in hearing about contracts at all. Reaching the private elevator at the end of the row, she pressed her hand against the cool screen of the biometric sensor to register her hand print, and tried not to blink or fidget as the eye scanner quickly took record of her retinas. She managed not to tap her foot impatiently, either, just because it wouldn't look good with Maleec-san with her. "Access Granted," the computerized voice purred coolly at her, and the elevator doors opened. (holy cow I wrote a novel.  This is what happens when you all go away and leave me to write by myself XD) |
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Post by Khalid ibn Maleec on Dec 31, 2008 19:29:11 GMT -5
Yes, they had been under Sharia Law, but Khalid and his family were not particularly religious and often managed to get around the laws. After all, his father was the President of UAE Oil, and money spoke, even in the Emirates.
His eyes held an amusement in them as he watched and listened to the young queen, though not remotely belittling. She might not have been what he would have expected for a ruler - much less a world ruler - Khalid was very well aware of how competent she had proven herself to be thus far and just how powerful she was as well. He would allow himself to be amused, but he would not make the mistake of underestimating her again.
Again? I really am losing my mind.
He shook his head slightly as he followed her to the elevators. Well aware of the Queen's security which were with them. It occurred to them that they should have probably asked for his credentials, though it was entirely possible that he had already been fully cleared since he was the representative for UAE oil in the competitive negotiation, and there had always been a chance he would get to meet with the Queen. Still, he would feel more confident about the queen's safety in general if her security double checked his identity before allowing him to accompany her anywhere - especially somewhere that required biometric signatures to access.
"The meeting went well. I hope to be able to prove to you and your advisors that we are the best candidate. Having said that, I believe that this is the best way to make the decision. Even if we don't win it, we do still want to be a part of the solution."
While he did not enter the elevator before and check to make sure it was, indeed, secure, he still glanced into it, scanning it quickly to make sure it was empty.
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 31, 2008 20:02:36 GMT -5
Usagi stepped in without hesitation, and it noticed that he seemed to check it out. He certainly is cautious. Four agents also entered and stood in each corner; the rest would take another trip. There were no buttons on the gleaming and scratch-less wall, save for a red emergency stop, the rest of the functions were run by the voice-activated computer.
"Floor 23," Usagi said, and received a low tone in response to her words.
"Floor 23. Resume playlist?"
"Err-- no thank you." Usagi was sure that Maleec did not want to hear the playlists she queued in replacement for elevator music.
She turned to him, wanting to get a look at the man as he spoke about such matters, and was pleased with what she heard; at least relieved that the meeting had gone smoothly. "That's the kind of attitude I'm looking for. We're hoping to contract with a company that will be in it not just for the revenue. We want to establish a relationship; we certainly need advice on these matters and nothing can be accomplished without a good working relationship. I also need to find a company that I can have full faith in-- I'm sure you're aware of the strict corruption and ethics laws that have now gone into affect. Those are things I do not compromise on." Unfortunately, many big energy companies were awash with corruption and fraud. Furthermore, especially in the Gulf, there was a habit of disappearing money, that would later wind up in the bank accounts of al Qaeda and liaison organizations. "I am also looking for a company that has no history in industrial espionage. I'll be honest here..." she paused, wondering why she was taking this chance, and then plunged ahead. "We are in dire need of a solution to petroleum when it comes to supply lines. Every week I get a message from my commanders in the far regions of the world begging me to stop strangling them with oil. So-- I must be able to trust the company the contract is given to. These men and women serving over there-- they are putting their lives on the line every day to pacify these regions and bring basic services to these people-- including electricity and other energy needs. I have to think of them first when I choose a company... I hope you understand?" She asked, hoping she hadn't come across too strongly. But when it came to those who served on the front lines, she could be quite passionate.
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Post by Khalid ibn Maleec on Jan 1, 2009 1:04:21 GMT -5
Khalid followed her into the elevator, making sure that his hands were visible to the security personnel at all times. There was no need whatsoever to cause them to be concerned with the Queen's safety around him.
He smirked again at her declining the playlist. It made him wonder what was on it, but he did not say anything.
"I find that very commendable. I've commanded men." There had not really been any women in the army of the United Arab Emirates, so this was not a lack of being "politically correct" or a difficulty with a second language, but rather an accurate statement. "The measure of a true Commander of any level, whether a Sergent, a General, or a Queen is how much regard he or she," He nodded respectfully to her, "has for those who serve under him or her."
"And I assure you, I am well aware of the laws in place. If we did not feel that we could rightfully win this contract, I would not be here to compete for it. I understand any... misgivings... you might have about companies from the Arab world. However, I assure you, UAE Oil has and continues to take honor and justice very seriously."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jan 1, 2009 15:25:00 GMT -5
Usagi found herself warming to the man the longer she was with him. He was respectful, and could communicate his ideas in few words. Perhaps a little formal, but not everyone shared her views on formality.
"Thank you," she smiled, glancing at the doors as the soft toll came again and the doors opened. Some of her aides were there to meet her, but they took in the guest and immediately dispersed on different errands. Usagi advanced, planning to find an open room, of which there were plenty around her executive offices.
For some reason when he said his company was committed to justice and honor, she believed him. Usagi told herself to be careful; anyone could tell her what she wanted to hear. But she just knew, it was a part of who he was... I don't know this man, I don't know who he is.
"Would you like anything to eat or drink?" Usagi asked, doing her best to be a good hostess. "It is getting later in the day." The staff around could fetch Maleec anything he might desire.
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Post by Khalid ibn Maleec on Jan 1, 2009 15:38:16 GMT -5
Khalid watched how others responded to the queen, curious to see that they did not tend to bow, but that there did also seem to be respect.
"You're quite welcome, Majesty." The compliment had been true, an observation and something that Khalid himself had had to learn. He did not tend to think much about those with lower station than himself, but the military had forced him to do so to some degree, enough that he knew that a good commander took care of those under him.
"Perhaps some coffee, if it is not too much trouble." While he would not be opposed to having a meal with the queen, he would absolutely not eat if she did not. Besides, the woman was engaged and it would be inappropriate to eat with her without her fiance present.
"Will someone else be joining us? I do not wish to have an appearance of impropriety or to in anyway impinge upon your reputation."
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Jan 3, 2009 16:43:46 GMT -5
"It is no trouble at all," Usagi smiled, and glanced at one of the lower level aides that was making her way through the corridor. She didn't even have to open her mouth before the woman responded; apparently she had been listening attentively.
"I'm on it, your majesty," the aide said; Usagi glanced at her name-tag for a moment and noticed it read 'Miharu.' "I will prepare the Celestial room, if you'll just give me a moment."
"Of course, Miharu," Usagi said with a smile, being sure to thank the woman by name. "Thank you. I appreciate it." The Celestial room, named because it was decorated by handcrafted Celestial crystal beads, was a small, informal sitting room but nonetheless had all the amenities required for such a meeting. I'm always amazed at how Hikari-san manages to pick the best staff...
"You're welcome, of course." Miharu replied with a quick curtsy, and hurried off to the nearest kitchen in the Executive portion of the palace. Usagi always expected things to be fully stocked for just these reasons; and getting a good coffee service wouldn't take long at all.
She turned her attention back to Khalid when he asked if someone else would be joining them. Usagi pretended to watch two aides in conversation just so she could hide the twitching at the corners of her mouth. "I assure, Maleec-san, that meeting alone would not in any way impinge upon my reputation-- my reputation is in a poor state indeed merely from being in power and what people will make up off the top of their heads to feed gossip." Considering what they said about her already, a rumor, even if true, of her having a meeting alone with a VP of an energy company would be considered tame, perhaps even boring.
"However, if it will make you feel more comfortable, I can certainly ask someone to join us. Luna would perhaps be the best person, I could use her input on these issues as well. Maria--" she called, recognizing one of her senior aides outside the office. "Find Luna for me, please. I require her presence in an important meeting."
"Right away, your majesty," Maria said, immediately ending her conversation and going to do Usagi's bidding.
"Thank you!" Usagi called after her. "Maleec-san, I will warn you-- Luna takes a little getting used to. She's one of my advisors and I greatly value her opinion, but some people can be a bit shocked when they meet her."
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Post by Khalid ibn Maleec on Jan 5, 2009 21:04:44 GMT -5
Khalid nodded slightly, "People in power are often the source of rumors. However, I would not do anything to feed the rumors. And your reputation is not as tarnished as you might think that it is, Majesty. After all, only those who embrace ignorance believe what is found in the tabloids. You may have your critics, Majesty, but there are many who believe that you have and are showing yourself to be more than capable."
At the warning about her advisor, Khalid raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure that I will be able to accept and respect her whatever... differences she may have. After all, you obviously find her worthy of advising you." The man assumed that this Luna must have some kind of physical deformity.
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Luna
Senshi/Shitennou
Advisor to Neo Queen Serenity
Posts: 185
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Post by Luna on Jan 5, 2009 23:46:38 GMT -5
Luna was currently drowsing on a particularly warm and sunny window in the quietest part of the palace that she could find. She might not have been a normal ‘kitty cat’, but that didn’t mean that she couldn’t enjoy the benefits that being a cat could give her. The sun was warm on her fur and she didn’t have anything particular to do at the moment, therefore there was nothing wrong with taking a nap.
However, she rose her head from her paws and glanced down the hall when she heard her name being called. Luna noticed the woman immediately and quickly leaped down from the window, landing gracefully at Maria’s feet. She gazed at the woman for a brief moment before asking, “May I help you ...”
Maria managed not to jump when Luna leaped down and spoke to her. She had been around long enough to at least have the appearance of not being startled anymore. Of course she still found it rather unnerving to be speaking to a cat, but she was professional enough not to let it show. “The queen requests your presence in an important meeting in the Celestial Room ...”
Luna sighed only once before nodding and saying, “Thank you, I’ll be right there ...” Without a second glance, Luna trotted off in the direction of the Celestial Room. As she made her way there, Luna wondered what kind of meeting it could be. She hadn’t been aware of any meetings that Usagi was having today, although she knew that Hikari would be more in tune to everything on Usagi’s schedule then she herself was.
It didn’t take her very long to reach the room, after all she hadn’t really been that far from it. She paused outside a moment before slipping in through the door. Once inside, she glanced curiously at the man in the room wondering who he was. She hadn’t ever actually seen him before, but then until recently she hadn’t really paid much attention to any of the people Usagi tended to work with these days. Luna wondered vaguely if the man was aware that he was about to have a meeting with a cat, but then she figured it didn’t really matter. If he didn’t know, then it wouldn’t be long now before he found out.
Although she knew that Usagi would prefer to remain Usagi to her friends, Luna chose to keep things formal in the interest of appearances. She bowed her head slightly and asked, “Did you need me, your majesty?”
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This is what happens when you all go away and leave me to write by myself XD)