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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 24, 2008 2:29:36 GMT -5
Mamoru smiled in agreement about being able to steal away a moment after the meeting, but he was still far from certain how he wanted to handle the rumor. He knew he would need to discuss it with her, but he needed to figure out how to go about doing it. Mamoru really didn’t want to stress Usagi out even further then she had already been and a rumor like this one was bound to upset her. He did know that it would be better for her to hear it from him, or even Ami, perhaps later this evening he would have worked everything out in his mind sufficiently to be able to discuss it with her.
He glanced over at Hikari and nodded in agreement with Usagi murmuring, “Usagi is right, I can follow her lead for the introductions. Don’t worry.”
Mamoru listened as Hikari continued her tirade of things that Usagi should know and decided that all of the stress that he had been under lately was nothing more then a drop in the bucket to what Usagi had been under. They had barely even begun to talk before they were at the doors that would lead to where the delegates were. He smiled sadly at Usagi and said, “You don’t need to apologize Usako. There will be time later ...”
At Usagi’s question about whether there was anything else he needed to talk to her about Mamoru wondered if he ought to tell her about the situation with Ami. However, once again he decided that now wasn’t the right moment to tell her. Not only were they surrounded by the caravan of people around them, but Usagi was also about to go into an important meeting. She didn’t need to be bothered by something like this right before she entered the room. He would find the time to tell her later that night. Having made his decision, Mamoru shook his head and replied, “There isn’t anything that can’t wait for later Usako. Let’s get through this and perhaps we really can have those stolen moments later tonight.”
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Luna
Senshi/Shitennou
Advisor to Neo Queen Serenity
Posts: 185
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Post by Luna on Dec 24, 2008 2:31:51 GMT -5
Luna declined to say anything at all. The hall was simply filled with far too many people for one lone cat to be heard anyway. She wanted more people to recognize her as more then a cat, but she wasn’t nearly as ready as she thought she was to start speaking up in front of this many people.
When they arrived at the door she crept closer to Usagi’s feet and prepared herself for the flashing cameras. She wondered faintly if it had been such a wise idea to agree to come here with Usagi, but at the time Luna hadn’t wanted her to go alone. Mamoru was here now, but it was far too late to change her mind. Besides, she wanted to stay close to Usagi at the moment. She was still rather worried about how upset Usagi had been earlier. Turning her gaze back up to Usagi, Luna gathered her courage and said, “Good luck ...”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 24, 2008 3:09:41 GMT -5
Usagi gave a small laugh and shook her head at both of them, glad that Mamoru recognized that they would have time later tonight, and that he wasn't miffed about her diverted attention. "Good luck to both of you..." It was worse the first time, and it never got better, but at least Usagi was used to it by now.
The doors open, and the band started up. Usagi had always hated the idea of someone playing a song whenever she entered a room; it seemed so pompous. She thought that politics was rather like grade school sometimes-- if the cool kids had something, you had to get it too so that you could compete with them. Only with politics the stakes were higher. If someone had a private Learjet, you had to get one too. If someone had a song played when they entered the room, you had to have it too...
She plastered a smile on her face and stepped out, the cameras popping and flashing, sounding almost like firecrackers; there were so many of them going off.
It was only because she had practiced it before that she managed to get across the room, and shake the hand of Kgalema Motlanthe, who was the last president of South Africa before the rise of New Earth. "It's such a pleasure to meet you at last."
"Ah, your majesty. You are so beautiful! I see now why all the world follows you..." He bowed, and Usagi dropped into a curtsy, painfully aware at the entire world was watching this. She knew that though it sounded like a compliment, it was really a political barb-- meaning, that the only reason people accepted her leadership was because of superficial reasons, like her looks.
She had always wanted to have a snappy comeback, but her press secretary had always advised against that, and she could never come up with something quick enough, anyway. At least he will be surprised when I am followed by Mamo-chan! She just smiled and murmured a thank you, turning towards the cameras as they snapped the photo of Motlanthe and her together. They both turned at different angles, and kept shaking hands for several minutes, allowing all of the cameras to take their picture several times over, or at least that was the way it felt. Usagi figured one day she'd go blind from the flashes.
After enough time had passed, she moved onto the second member of the delegation, hoping Luna was doing alright in this disorienting environment.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 24, 2008 15:19:18 GMT -5
Mamoru forced himself not to wince the moment the doors opened and the music started. He carefully controlled his expression to not give away anything of what he was really thinking or feeling. He really was a master at keeping his thoughts to himself and this time would be no exception, the only expression he presented to the world was a polite smile. Mamoru hesitated a fraction of a second before the flashing cameras, however it was hardly noticeable as he continued to stay a step behind Usagi.
Although the world knew him as the man their queen was going to marry, it was Usagi that the world wanted to see right now. She was their queen, the one that was expected to know everything and be everywhere. Therefore he hadn’t really been subjected to as much of this kind of environment as she had. It took some getting use to, but Mamoru dealt with it just like he did anything else. He kept himself calm and composed and took things one step at a time.
He bristled somewhat the moment the Kgalema Motlanthe opened his mouth to compliment Usagi, but he managed to keep the smile on his face as she shook the man’s hand. He certainly didn’t want to insult the man and cause any diplomatic incidents. Inwardly he seethed at the way Usagi was being treated, she was far more then just a pretty face and he wanted this man to know it. Regardless of how he felt though, he simply bowed politely and murmured his own greetings to the man.
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Luna
Senshi/Shitennou
Advisor to Neo Queen Serenity
Posts: 185
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Post by Luna on Dec 24, 2008 15:20:55 GMT -5
Luna was momentarily disoriented by the flashing cameras and almost got left behind at the door. However, she quickly scurried across the floor to catch up. She couldn’t help pinning her ears back against her head and allowing the fur along her spine to bristle uncomfortably as she kept close to Usagi’s feet. This was a far bigger crowd then she was use to, but she refused to abandon her charge. Luna had said she would come here with Usagi and that is what she intended to do.
She kept herself from spitting angrily when someone nearly stepped on her tail, instead just pressing closer to Usagi’s feet. After all the last thing Luna wanted to do was start a diplomatic incident that Usagi would have to deal with simply because her ‘pet cat’ hissed at someone important.
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 24, 2008 15:53:58 GMT -5
Usagi advanced to the next delegate, and looked down as she felt Luna press in closer. Sighing, she quickly knelt down and scooped Luna up into her arms, holding her close with her left hand as she used her right to shake hands with Nelson Mandela. "What a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"The pleasure is mine, your majesty. I was not aware that your fiancé would be joining us."
"We're both very excited about this opportunity, and think it's important to present a united front on these issues." Usagi was speaking as much to the cameras as to the politician in front of her. "And this is Luna, my advisor." Now that Usagi was holding her, she had to offer up some explanation. She just hoped Luna wouldn't hate her for putting her on the spot. Well, it's time the world gets used to the fact that Mamo-chan and Luna are going to be very important when it comes to these things...
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 24, 2008 17:41:21 GMT -5
Mamoru once again bowed politely and shook the hand of Nelson Mandela. “It is a pleasure to meet you sir. U ... Serenity is right, these are some very important issues to discuss tonight and if my presence in anyway helps make things easy then I wanted to be here.” He didn’t mention of course that his main reason for being here was that it was a way to spend some time with Usagi, not to mention supporting her through this.
He watched Usagi pick up Luna and introduce her to the world as her advisor and stiffened slightly. Mamoru could see the skeptical looks that many people in the room instantly threw her way. He only hoped that Luna would indeed speak up, otherwise people like Nelson Mandela and Kgalema Motlanthe were going to have a very unwanted impression of Usagi.
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Luna
Senshi/Shitennou
Advisor to Neo Queen Serenity
Posts: 185
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Post by Luna on Dec 24, 2008 17:43:35 GMT -5
Although Luna was extremely grateful that Usagi took the time to pick her up, she wasn’t exactly pleased to be put in the spotlight. She made her irritation known by kneading her claws into Usagi’s arm, not enough to hurt of course it was more like a sharp prick so that Usagi would know she wasn’t entirely happy with the situation. Now she had no choice but to speak up, otherwise the people in the room might think that Usagi’s mental status wasn’t entirely stable. Luna obviously couldn’t allow that and well, she had wanted the rest of the world to know she wasn’t just a pet cat. As hard as it was, this was probably the perfect opportunity.
Forcing herself to relax, Luna took a deep breath before looking straight at Nelson Mandela and bravely saying, “It is a pleasure to meet you sir. I do hope that everything goes as planned this evening.”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 24, 2008 23:21:21 GMT -5
Mandela's mouth fell open. The nearest photographer dropped his camera, and it swung heavily from the strap on his neck. Motlanthe took two steps forward. The rest of the delegation openly stared. Suddenly a hush fell over the room; the flashes stopping. Neo Queen Serenity smiled serenely.
"...I... Did that... cat...."
"Speak?" Usagi said sweetly, enjoying herself for the first time since entering the room. "Oh, yes. She is one of the closest and most trusted advisors to the Serenity line."
"...No one... knew... about... how?" Motlanthe stuttered, the entire delegation crowding around to have a good look at Luna.
"'There are things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'" Usagi quoted at him, again thanking her university for the English classes that she used to agonize over. Take that! Now you'll see I'm more than I appear to be! "It seems strange, I know, but she has the full cognitive abilities of any other human being-- actually more than most, I would say. We simply didn't concern ourselves over revealing this, but Luna kindly offered to be present tonight. I so much value her input on these matters."
"Err... Well, we're... flattered... that her first public... appearance..." Mandela stuttered.
"....Was with us," Motlanthe finished. They exchanged glances while Usagi quickly introduced herself to the rest of the delegation. After Luna's pronouncement, she figured that introduction orders had gone out the window. Suddenly there was a clamor in the room as the reporters seemed to recover themselves, and Usagi found herself bathed in the bright flashes of cameras again; though the rate that they were snapping photographs seemed much more frenetic.
"You'll find many things are yet to be discovered. There's so much work to do... who knows where events will take us," Usagi beamed, flashing a saccharine smile at the nearest television camera. Now these were the moments as queen when she did enjoy her job-- surprising people and pulling a political one-up on them. She'd never forget the look on their faces, and decided Luna would get some cream at dinner tonight just for her help.
Usagi winked at Mamoru, and smiled to the delegation. "Now, shall we eat?" She asked brightly.
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 24, 2008 23:45:54 GMT -5
Mamoru’s spirit immediately lightened somewhat at the expressions and reactions from everyone else in the room. This was turning out to be more amusing then he thought it would be. He followed along at Usagi’s side greeting the rest of the delegation still throughly enjoying himself, though he could have done with a little less camera flashing.
He gave Usagi a much warmer smile then he had given the rest of the room at her wink before returning his attention back to the delegates and saying, “Unless there is anything else, the meal that has been prepared for you was made by one of the finest cooks that I know ...”
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Luna
Senshi/Shitennou
Advisor to Neo Queen Serenity
Posts: 185
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Post by Luna on Dec 24, 2008 23:47:12 GMT -5
Although she hated being in the spotlight and she hated the incessant flash of cameras even more, Luna actually was pleased with the results of her speaking up. It was amusing watching the delegates react to a little black cat talking. She gave the reporters and the delegates a kitty smile before responding to Usagi and Mamoru’s question about eating by saying, “I think that would be a wonderful idea ...”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 25, 2008 3:43:57 GMT -5
The delegates nodded to the question of food and Mamoru's remark about it being prepared by one of the best chefs he knew...
"We look forward to it then," Mandela responded, glancing warily at Luna as she spoke. "It was a pleasure to meet all of you. Including you, Ms, uh... Luna."
"I'll see you there, then," Usagi said triumphantly, sailing out the doors to a very welcome bit of privacy, at least for the moment. They would have to go to dinner eventually. She knew she had made a hasty retreat, but was more than happy to be out of there. Perhaps now she could have that private moment with Mamoru...and get to the bottom of what distracting him.
"So, Luna, that was your first introduction to the world. By tomorrow morning your picture will be on all of the front pages of every newspaper. Your name will be talked about on all of the news stations. They will call in 'experts' to talk about 'this new development.' The requests from interviews with you will pour in. How do you feel?" she teased slightly. Of course, Usagi had every expectation that Mamoru's surprise visit alongside her would make somewhat of a splash as well. She certainly didn't mind sharing the limelight, not in the least.
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Luna
Senshi/Shitennou
Advisor to Neo Queen Serenity
Posts: 185
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Post by Luna on Dec 26, 2008 1:32:34 GMT -5
Luna purred happily at Usagi before saying, “Actually that was rather fun, I could have done without all of the flashing lights but their expressions were amusing enough to make up for it. As for interviews, must I really accept them ... I have far better things to do with my time then to talk to a bunch of reporters.”
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Post by Chiba Mamoru on Dec 26, 2008 1:34:01 GMT -5
Mamoru followed Usagi out of the doors, grateful for the chance to be away from the flashing cameras for the moment. He knew very well that they would have to go into dinner, but he wondered how long they could get away with not being there. He really wanted a chance to talk to Usagi, to be able to tell her what had happened before she heard it from some other source. He knew very well that she would be upset, but he hoped that by informing her of the situation himself he could reassure her that it was all just lies.
He listened to her conversation with Luna for a moment before asking, “Usako, how long do you have until you have to make an appearance at dinner? There really is something that I need to talk to you about, but if there isn’t time now I certainly understand.”
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Post by Neo Queen Serenity on Dec 26, 2008 2:19:45 GMT -5
Usagi just laughed at Luna's response. "That's how I responded to interview requests! Just don't let them hear you say that, Luna. I said something very similar when a mike was hot and I was absolutely vilified. There is nothing the press hates more than a politician or politician's aide being disdainful of them. So yes, you have to do a few interviews. Just be glad I'm not taking you to a press conference. Those are hell," Usagi said with a grimace, though it brightened into a smile as Mamoru followed her out.
"You survived, Mamo-chan," she teased. "I can wait 20, maybe 30 minutes at the most to get to dinner." She knelt down and let Luna go, standing up and making her way over to him. "But of course, for you I have all the time in the world, no matter who is waiting on me. What is it, Mamo-chan?" she asked in concern.
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