Fwurg

[Veolian Commonwealth]

((OOC: This thread takes place on Mirda, in the capital city. This thread is private to the following factions: Astai Republic, Astrian Colonial Authority, High Chiefdom of Skuldda, Hiocan Society, IO Protocol, New Communist Imperium of the Rising Suns of Deominius, Praetorian Empire, Sundarian Federation, Teprogrenaian Consensus, Unified Republic of Darya, Veolian Commonwealth.

This thread is part of the G-22 Galactic Economy Summit -- this thread takes place at the end of the summit.))

Invitations
On the morning of the next-to-last day of the summit each registered member of each delegation receives a handwritten invitation:

You are cordially invited to attend the closing Ball
at the G-22 Galactic Economy Summit.

The starlit ballroom,
Mirda Convention Centre
Mirda, Smi-Halek.

Veolian ball traditions,
Black Tie

Gifts & Arrangements
On the morning of the last day, those that accepted the invitation receive a small package.

The ladies receive a package containing a uniquely painted ladies fan, a dancing card, a small datacube containing some information on Veolian dancing etiquette, the names of few renowned tailors specializing in gowns and a small list of male and female veolians with names and pictures, and last but not least a handwritten note by Empress Saret Neferti:

"Please accept this gift as a token of my pleasure of receiving you at the closing ball of the summit. Should your busy schedule prohibit you from finding someone to attend the ball with, I have included a small list of noble veolians that would be honoured to escort you. -- Empress Saret Neferti"

The gentlemen receive a package that looks largely the same, albeit a little bigger. Contained within the package is a small datacube containing some information on Veolian dancing etiquette, the names of a few renowned tailors specializing in gentleman's clothing and shoes, and a small list of female veolians with names and pictures. The package also contains a well-crafted scale together with two sets of weights: one customized to match the measuring system of the homeworld of the dignitary, and one matching the veolian measuring system. A note accompanies the gift:

"I give you this scale so that you may always find a trade partner in the Veolian Commonwealth. Since your work will most likely have left you without opportunity to find a suitable escort for the ball I have attached a list of unattached noblewomen that would be honoured to be your escort, should you wish this. -- signed by Emperor Saret."

Those that have previously been to the Inter-Species Procreation and Culture Summit will recognize the gifts and notes as being roughly to same as the previous invitation. Though different nobles are mentioned on the lists, and both the fans and scales are uniquely handcrafted, the overal idea is the same as previous time.


The information on the datacube is the same for both ladies and gentlemen:

Veolian ball traditions

Both the ladies and the gentlemen datacube contain the same information on Veolian ball etiquette. A selection of these is presented here.

• Duties of Gentlemen.
  Gentlemen whom the master or mistress of the house requests to dance with these ladies, should be ready to accede to his wish, and even appear pleased at dancing with a person thus recommended to their notice.
• Duties of Ladies.
  Ladies who dance much, should be very careful not to boast before those who dance but little or not at all, of the great number of dances for which they are engaged in advance. They should, without being perceived, recommend to these less fortunate ladies, gentlemen of their acquaintance. It is also proper to comply with the wishes of a lady of higher station to introduce her to another lady at or below a ladies station.
• Representative right of Ladies.
  Any lady attending the ball without the accompaniment of a gentlemen from her noble house or bloodline may assume the role of a gentlemen to represent her house or bloodline. In representing her noble house or bloodline she will assume the noble station of the highest ranking gentlemen of her noble house or bloodline.
• Refusing to dance.
  A lady cannot refuse the invitation of a gentleman to dance, unless she has already accepted that of another; or she is unacquainted with him and of social station exceeding the asking gentleman.
• Giving a reason for not dancing.
  When a young lady declines dancing with a gentleman, it is her duty to give him a reason why. No matter how frivolous it may be, it is simply an act of courtesy to offer him an excuse; while, on the other hand, no gentleman ought so far to compromise his self-respect as to take the slightest offence at seeing a lady by whom he has just been refused, dance immediately after with some one else.
• How to ask a lady to dance.
  In inviting a lady to dance with you, the words, "Will you honour me with your hand for this dance?", or "Shall I have the honour of dancing this set with you?" are more used now by gentleman than the older "Shall I have the pleasure of dancing with you?", or "Shall I have the pleasure?". The latter two are commonly used by ladies representing their noble house or bloodline.
• How to arrive.
  Gentlemen are accompanied by a lady. Married ladies are accompanied by their husbands, or other ladies; unmarried ones, by their mother, or by a lady escort.
• Wall flowers.
  The master of the house should see that all the ladies dance; he should take notice, particularly of those who seem to serve as drapery to the walls of the ball-room, (or wall-flowers, as the familiar expression is,) and should see that they are invited to dance. But he must do this wholly unperceived, in order not to wound the self-esteem of the unfortunate ladies. If necessary to accomplish this, the master of the house should introduce his wife and possibly some of his daughters or other ladies of his noble house or bloodline; in this single case are ladies allowed to represent their noble house or bloodline whilst a gentlemen of their noble house or bloodline accompanies them.

((OOC: Should you have any questions with regard to veolian dance etiquette, do not hesitate to PM me. Most veolian dancing etiquette is based on Manners, Culture and Dress of the Best American Society but portions have been changed to better fit veolian society.))

[Veolian Commonwealth]

The Starlit Ball Room of the Mirda Inter-Galactic Convention Centre by day.

The starlit ball room is in one of the more central towers of the conference complex. Where the roof was simple and uninteresting during the presentations and discussions held here, now it attracts much more attention: the roof has been replaced with a nearly invisible material that features ribbons of energy slowly shifting through it as it amplifies and project the light of the starlit sky onto the dancing floor.

The slow and formal music of the ball is played live by a small group of musicians consisting of four veolian women, two Twi'Lek women and a Bith conductor. The ladies' dance cards indicate a few more involved pieces will be played later. Refreshments and small snacks from all over the Union are served by a smattering of unobtrusive servants.

Those arriving are greeted by one of the ladies-in-waiting attached to Empress Saret Neferti. Important dignitaries are announced in fluent galactic basic by a male veolian wearing military dress uniform. Once the ball has gained some momentum, about three quaters of an hour in, the Empress herself makes an appearance. She carries with her a ladies' fan akin to those given as a gift to the ladies attending the ball. As the empress entered, her four handmaidens subtly entered the starlit ballroom as well, making sure to keep the empress in view while they took up positions that were out of the way.

Before getting to the dancing herself, the empress started with greeting and the making smalltalk with all foreign dignitaries.

((OOC: To clarify: there are enough musical pieces to allow for at least 18 dances, and the empress will accept any dancing partner if asked politely. There is enough time in between the pieces to allow toasting, speeching, or other forms of public display.))

[Dana Lantria Asillion]

A young Astrian woman entered with a young woman on her arm. Despite the fact she did not get announced she did draw an amount of attention.

Partially this was because of her unconventional clothing. While clearly not made by any of the tailors named in the invitation package. No one could deny the skill of the maker. For somehow they had managed to combine a formal dress with a suit. The result was a pair of dress pants underneath a skirt that stopped just above the knee. A sleeveless jacket and shirt that where shaped in such a way that the woman's back remained exposed. And as a finishing touch her hands where wearing a pair of long silk gloves.

Along her spine where a series of artfully engraved metal plates that where part of her back. With long flowing black hair and a body that could make rags look appealing, it was difficult to describe her as anything other then drop dead gorgeous.

After she and her companion entered they split up. She checked the time on an expensive looking pocket watch. She took a position a small distance from the dance floor and leaned against the wall.

[Salaha Mahatvapūr]

Not being announced either, Salaha Mahatvapūr and his wife join the ball a few minutes after the previous party-goer.

While he seems to pay close attention to who was dancing, his wife seemed more interested in those not dancing. They stay together for a few minutes, after which they split up.

[Teprogrenaian Consensus]

The Teprogrenaian Delegation arrived simultaneously at the ball. They clearly did their best to adhere to the Veolian ball traditions, but their group composition just wasn't completely suitable to make all the correct matches between Ladies and Gentlemen. The fact that most gentlemen and ladies were married and thus that according to the etiquettes the females couldn't accompany a male made it all also very difficult. The result was that that multiple males were accompanied by a single lady, and that the other ladies were accompanied by each other in groups of 2 or 3.

They general theme of their clothing was something between an armour and black dress. Shining golden shoulder plates, with bright coloured gems and decorative arch structures. Some Teprogrena had from the arms down wide black sleeves, others had shining decorated arm guards. There was some alternation between breast plates and clothing made of black fabrics in the suits of the dignitaries. All of them wore a black loincloth made of a fine fabric which exactly reached to the ground which softly swing in a graceful manner as they walked. Just as with the Veolian clothing style, the clothing seemed to be focussed on being single layered suits. Some of the teprogrenaian dignitaries wore a black tie over their clothing, clearly they misinterpreted the dress code as written in the letter.

Being a group of 36 Teprogrena, 6 of them were being announced:

• Senator Danar Tassar of the Political Consult from the Teprogrenaian Consensus
• Danar Sylvia of the Political Consult from the Teprogrenaian Consensus
• Danar Torig of the Economical Consult from the Teprogrenaian Consensus
• Fecta Curssum of the Economical Consult from the Teprogrenaian Consensus and his wife
• Danar Disentris of the Economical Consult from the Teprogrenaian Consensus
• Danar Mia of the Economical Consult from the Teprogrenaian Consensus and his wife

Tassar and Torig both were accompanied by Sylvia where she walked in between of them, Curssum by one of the unannounced females.

Some of the unannounced Teprogrena looked around in distaste towards the humanoid people who walked around, though they tried to hide it as best as they could.

[Aosen]

The Hiocan delegation has arrived right on time. They made a remarkable small group, they were with 5 perfect pairs, perfectly dressed in matching clothing. They had been to one of the recommended tailors but there is a clear Hiocan touch. The suits of the man look more like dress-robes and the dresses have long sleeves and in each the Hiocan symbol is suitable embroidered. As they entered only two of them are announced.

• Merchant Aosen of theTrade office of the Hiocan Society
• Professor Tenek head of intergalactic economy department of the Iskan University of the Hiocan Society

Merchant Aosen is wearing red and is leading the ways with this wife waving the ladies fan. After him follows his assistant with wife in yellow then professor Tenek with wife in gold and then his assistants with husbands in silver and white. The color of the outfits of the delegation match the Hiocan flag.

Professor Tenek finds a nice spot on a balcony so he could have a nice view of the dance floor. He was not the youngest and preferred a seat. They drink a glass whiling looking around and then the youth is away dancing. Merchant Aosen is quite a good dancer although it is clear the Voelian isn't his style.

[Dana Lantria Asillion]

Dana observed as people entered, though no one peaked her interest.

She noticed the distaste of some of the Teprogrenaians. An amused look spread across her face.

Having already decided this party wasn't going to be fun, Dana thought she could at least try to make it interesting. Practically beaming with confidence, she grabbed two glasses of champaign. Walked straight past a few Veolian nobles, not even bothering to notice them. Until she finally neared Empress Saret Neferti.

With a charming smile and a small bow, she offered the Empress one of the champaign glasses.

"Could I offer you a drink, your highness?" Dana asked with a sultry voice.

[Empress Saret Neferti]

The empress' handmaidens already spotted the astrian moving straight at their charge the moment she picked up the two glasses, yet did not do anything to interfere. From beneath their dark hoods, two pairs of implant-enhanced eyes were watching the Astrian's every movement.

The empress herself either didn't notice, or did not react until the astrian woman was near her.

"That fully depends on your intentions, young lady", the empress replied, her expression showing a hint of amusement.

[Dana Lantria Asillion]

"I'm just hoping to have a conversation with with someone I usually don't have the chance to meet." Dana replied. Not a hint of hesitation noticeable on her.

"You and your handmaidens have nothing to worry about. I assure you my intentions are honourable." Still holding the two champaign glasses, Dana continued.

"Though I can understand that doesn't happen very often to a beautiful and high ranking woman such as yourself."

[Aosen]

After a few dances with his wife merchant Aosen changes partners. He is looking for a Veolian noble lady so he could improve his danceskills and have maybe a short conservation.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

As an important, and well-known, member of the Hiocan diplomatic corps Aosen had little trouble finding a dance partner. After a few minutes of wandering and talking, he was on the dance floor again. This time holding lady Susri, a veolian noblewoman seemingly his age.

She seemed content to let Aosen determine the pace and direction of the dance.

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"I am glad then, that my handmaidens have nothing to worry about", her tone seemed to imply that there was a joke in there somewhere.

After the compliment, the empress reached out to accept one of the glasses offered by the Astrian woman.

"It happens less often then I would like. It is one of the reasons I like dances like this, as they give me the opportunity to talk with someone outside of the usual circles."

[Aosen]

"Thank you, lady Susri for honoring me with this dance. Could you tell me more about yourself? To which House do you belong?"

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Lady Susri looked a little surprised at the question.

"I am of house Susri, of course.", she smiled as she answered the question, realizing where the confusions stems from. "I take it you have no concept of noble houses in the My'enru system?"

[Dana Lantria Asillion]

"Then please, allow me to introduce myself, your highness." Dana said.

"I am Dana Lantria Asillion. I attended the summit as the representative of the Bluethread Financial Group. A pleasure to meet you."

She made a small curtsy at the last sentence.

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, miss Asillion.", the empress replied after the curtsy.

"Are you here only as a representative of the Bluethread Group, or are you here on personal title as well?", the empress asked after a she took a sip of champaign and took her time to taste it.

[Aosen]

"My deepest apology, lady Susri. How can I make it up to you.

We indeed do not know nobility within the Hiocan Society. I only know the name of the big Houses. Could you tell me more about House Susri and the Veolian nobility."

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Lady Susri looked at Aosen. "Don't worry about it. It's better that you make such a mistake now than later on, when an important negotiation might break up because of it."

While dancing Lady Susri explained the history of House Susri in short. She started her tale about three thousand years ago, with the the exploits of commander Susri during the aftershock wars. Commander Susri was in service to House Yagah, one of the larger parties in the aftershock wars. During the wars it became clear that House Yagah was not going to survive the war, Susri cleverly took command over a part of the House Yagah army, and made sure that it marched out to defend a stronghold in a remote part of the Yagah territory. When House Yagah fell, commander Susri claimed the territory as his own. This territory is now the core domain of House Susri.

Lady Susri explaines how a lot of the smaller houses survived the aftershock wars or were formed in it. This is in contrast with the great houses, of which only House Shebi survived the aftershock wars. All other great houses fell.

"I hope that this gives you some insight into our culture, merchant Aosen."

[Dana Lantria Asillion]

"If your asking me if my function has a lady-ship title, then no it does not." Dana said, not entirely certain if that was what the empress meant. Though that could not be seen as she still stood confident.

"However I am one of the senior partners of the Bluethread Group, so you could say I'm here on personal business as well."

[Empress Saret Neferti]

The empress expression once again showed a little hint of amusement.

"I meant to ask whether you are here only as a representative of the organisation that employs you, or if you are also here as yourself."

The empress looked at the Astrian in silence for a moment.

"There is a difference between 'personal business' because you have a stake in the organisation, and just being here purely as yourself.

Maybe an example would explain it better. I am the highest ranking attending member of House Saret. My husband is the emperor, so I also represent the whole of the Veolian Commonwealth. Depending on the context an opinion I voice, or an agreement I make here, is the opinion of my husband, the opinion of House Saret, or even an agreement with the Commonwealth."

The empress took a sip of champaign as she paused for a moment.

"Luckily, I am here on personal title as well. This means that I can say and do things in no capacity other than myself."

"So, on personal title", the empress smiled as she immediately used the term again, "I would like to ask you something. What is your relation to your escort to the ball?"

[Aosen]

"Thank you, Lady Susri for the information. I am sure this will be useful in the future.

I am wondering do all those power struggles not go at the expenses of the Veolian welfare. Competition is good, but it should be in a friendly matter, war only costs money. "

Merchant Aosen waited for a reply of lady Susri. After which he would like to share some Hiocan history with her.

"About four thousands years ago the Hiocan lived in tribes and they fought each other, just like the Houses. The Hiocans were very emotional and aggressive, really primitive as to speak.
Then there was one great leader Lotak who wanted peace and enlightenment. He preached for reason and logic. The tribes collaborated and grew to a modern society after some time. "

[Veolian Commonwealth]

"Those struggles serve to make us stronger, merchant Aosen. And contrary to what you might think, there is very little all-out warfare in the Commonwealth. The last world wars, the aftershock wars, were three thousand years ago. Since then, only a few of conflicts have grown into open warfare. Usually, the conflict remains at an economic and judicial. If the conflict escalates it will remain at the level of covert violence."

"This means a handful of assassinations and a maybe a covert military strike on the estate of a small noble house, always on private property. Nothing that harms the economic viability of the Commonwealth. Anything more overt is likely to draw the attention of the imperial shadows, which usually ends the conflict prematurely. Of course, the exact things a house can get away with is largely determined by both their standing and influence, and the standing and influence of the other house.

I would give you an example, but I think this is enough of a cultural shock for you. You won't like the details."

Lady Susri didn't seem perturbed by the topic at all, discussing these things as if they were the most normal topic in the world.

She listened to Aosen's explanation, and as he speaks she seems to understand something in his words that he did not mean. Luckily, by now lady Susri learned that the Hiocan she was dancing seemed unaware of most aspects of veolian culture.

"You should be careful how you phrase things, merchant. If I wouldn't know better, I might get the feeling that you are trying to call all veolians aggressive and really primitive. It is not smart to liken your tribes to our houses, and then immediately declare your tribes really primitive. If you tried that with someone more important in the Commonwealth, you might well get slapped across the face."

[Danar Sylvia]

At some point, Danar Sylvia approached professor Tenek of the Hiocan society for a dance.

"Professor Tenek, may I have the pleasure to meet you under the entertaining circumstances of a dance?"

[Dana Lantria Asillion]

"I see. Astrians don't make such distinctions, but I suppose I'm here on a personal title as well."

Taking a sip from her champaign Dana went on.

"She's an intern from another company. When she told me she had never attended a high society event such as this ball, I asked her to accompany me.

After all it's good to learn from experience. Wouldn't you agree, your highness?"

[Empress Saret Neferti]

"It is one of the best sources of education.", the empress replied, "Also one of the most dangerous."

"I take it you and she will be leaving together, after she has been suitably impressed by the going-ons?", the empress asked with a knowing smile.