[ACTION] Heads of State Meeting

[tntoverlords.livejournal.com]

[Regent Cid is at the head of the conference table, naturally. Somehow it's fallen to him to preside over world affairs, which is exactly what he's here to talk about...]

CID
Lords and ladies, royals and heads of state. Let's get straight to business. Since that first light in the sky brought strange new places into Gaia, it has fallen to me, Regent Cid, to govern these realms as best I can...

However, I cannot rule these places alone. It is simply too much work for one man. That is why I have gathered you here... to ask for your advice, and your help.

My dear Queen Garnet... Do you wish to speak?

[Garnet sits silently, looking serious, and listening intently. She's still wearing some ill-fitting Guado fashion. She glances around the table.]

GARNET
Most of these places aren't ones that any of us native to Gaia are familliar with... are there no forms of government in place already?

[Seymour's head rises slightly.]

SEYMOUR
If I may?

CID
Go on, Maester.

SEYMOUR
As you doubtless may recall, my home of Guadosalam has found refuge in this new land. As far as government, I may be able to assist there. My people will answer my requests and perhaps we may be able to aid you.

CID
Thank you, Maester Seymour. That's a load off my mind, I can tell you! Is there anyone else here whose home realm has appeared in Gaia?

[Vayne lifts a single finger in response to that question.]

VAYNE
The Hunter's Camp along the coastline of the Outer Continent is one of our Imperial territories.

[Laguna comes in, slightly out of breath but looking for all he's worth, the president that he is. And then, he grins sheepishly]

LAGUNA
I'm so sorry, I... actually got lost. [Sits next to Seymour]

[Garnet looks in the direction of the late arrival, blinks, but says nothing. She wouldn't actually be surrpsied if someone got lost on the Invicible]

[Jote shifts and shoots Laguna a disdainful look but says nothing]

CID
Never mind, never mind! I was just asking the group here - has your home realm appeared in Gaia, by any chance?

LAGUNA
Oh! Yes, actually. Dollet and the Gardens are all from my world.

[They all have a world map with all the new locations marked on it, by the way.]

CID
Oh, are you the ruler of Dollet? I thought the Gardens were independent...

LAGUNA
No, no. I'm actually the President of Esthar, but that hasn't appeared here.

CID
Ah, I see.

LAGUNA
[Smiles suddenly] Hey, the Shumi village is here too! It's so small, I missed it.

JOTE
[glances at him] That is part of your homeland?

CID
If what Doctor Tot tells me is right, they are a self-governing people?

LAGUNA
Yes, they are. They are home to people called the Shumi and Moomba.

JOTE
I have lived among them of late.

GARNET
[quietly, more to herself] Shumi and Moomba...? [looks down at her map again, curiously]

CID
Did you find them agreeable, ma'am?

ASHE
[Ashe looks away from Laguna, to finally address Cid.] Your Grace if I may, surely the new locations who are not self-governing - their success will depend on the presence of their rulers here? Should they be absent, many places may fall into disrepair.

JOTE
...More so than any other company I have found.

LAGUNA
Oh, really? [He's happy to hear, since he's lived with them before too] How did you like it? They are really nice and all.

CID
Exactly, Lady Ashe.
That is what concerns me. We have countries with no leaders to govern them, and leaders with no country to govern.
I'm sure you can see my train of thought here...

[Seymour shifts]

SEYMOUR
Then perhaps those who are gathered here may be of use to you.

CID
[Nods at Seymour.] I hope so, if you are willing.

[Jote seems to tense considerably.]

CID
Is something the matter, my dear?

SEYMOUR
[nods graciously in return.] I would be, of course.

VAYNE
[Vayne is sitting silently through the discussion, hands folded peaceably in his lap, although on occassion, he spares a glance at the map critically.]

LAGUNA
Well, what about the people in the cities who are currently without a leader? How would they feel about it? I haven't actually been to Dollet since I was 30, until now that is. [He looks serious at this point, brushing his bangs back slightly] So I don't know if those are the same people that are from my world or just Gaian inhabitants. I'd feel pretty uncomfortable suddenly being their leader. For example, anyway.


[Jote doesn't answer, immediately, seeming to take her time.]

JOTE
If it would be of use to you, my wish was to return to Shumi Village, where the voices of the Humes do not harm my ears. Perhaps an agreement could be reached regarding my own ability to aid you.


[Garnet shifts in her seat, glancing around the table a fair amount, and then back at the map]

CID
Yes, yes, I know. My feeling now is that the people need leadership, however.

GARNET
...What's a Hume?

JOTE
[She glances at Garnet] All who gather here, excepting myself. and perhaps the Maester.

CID
If you would like to return to the Shumi Village, Jote, I'm sure they would welcome you. I am particularly keen to establish ties with our non-human friends.

[Jote nods once in answer.]

CID
[Shuffles some papers.] Ahem.

LAGUNA
[He wants to go to the Shumi village too! He hadn't seen the moombas and shumi there in ages, but he refrains for now. Staying silent.]

CID
So, as things stand, Maester Seymour wishes to return to Guadosalam, and Jote to the Shumi Village. We have a host of countries on the Lost and Forgotten Continents which are presently isolated and in desperate need of governance... Any volunteers?

SEYMOUR
[Nods] I am also capable of traveling, so if there are lands in the vicinity of Gaudosalam who require assistance, I would be glad for the opportunity.

ASHE
[Ashe casts a glance to Vayne, ever suspicious of his motives, particularly across the negotiation table.]

VAYNE
[He knows she's eyeing him and it matters little to him. He considers her a non-player at this table.] I will go.

SEYMOUR
[casts an appraising look at Vayne.]

LAGUNA
Well, since the Gardens are used by the SeeDs and Jote will be going to Shumi Village, I'd like to go to Dollet. [He wonders if Esthar will show up. That... would actually be kind of scary. Two places to govern? Oh boy...]

VAYNE
If I might be of service to the people, it matters little to me where I am located.

ASHE
[Matters little indeed.] Truly a noble gesture.

CID
Ah, well, I should say that I am quite willing to continue ruling the realms which have appeared in the region of Lindblum - including Dollet. Garnet, are you also happy to do the same in Alexandria?

GARNET
[She nods] Though there's very little to govern in Midgar, it has fallen default on Alexandrian territory. There's really very little in that region that wasn't there before... [glances down at her map again]

JOTE
[seems to debate something internally for a time before she speaks up once more] If my aid would be better served elsewhere, as long as I may retreat from the Hume's voices- [And insolence, though she doesn't add that in] -I will closely watch another village other than the Shumi.

ASHE
[Ashe looks downward, silent now. All those volunteering around her, and she's due to give birth in a matter of weeks. Governing a city or settlement wouldn't really fit in with adjusting to motherhood...]

GARNET
[Garnet resists the urge to nibble on her thumbnail, finally speaks up] It seems Mysidia also falls within Alexandrian territory. I know of several people who are familiar with this city, and I may be able to gain some assistance from them. . . but what about Burmecia? Since Galbadia Garden gained mobility, it's also gained independance, and succeeded from Burmecian governance... but I've not heard a word of Puck in some time...

CID
I believe the Burmecian king is quite happy to allow Galbadia Garden to remain independent. It isn't restricted to one realm, after all.

GARNET
No, no, of course not. It's not Galbadia I'm worried about, it's Burmecia.... I worry about their well being. I admit, Alexandria's aid has been limited as of late, and his Majesty is an unreliable contact...

CID
That is true, Your Majesty... They do like to keep to themselves.

LAGUNA
They seemed fine, actually, when I was there upon my arrival to Gaia. If you would like, I got to know the people a little when I was there, I can always check it out again.

VAYNE
[Privately, Vayne's giving Ashe's widening figure consideration too, only along the lines that the woman is ill-suited to govern anything and with good luck, her maternal instincts will disqualify her altogether from volunteering.] Might I inquire, these locations, are there not already nations present that could oversee the new additions, as you have both done?

CID
Well, that's the thing, Emperor. There isn't, at least not like there is on the Mist Continent. It isn't the Mist Continent, I'm concerned about, it's everywhere else.

SEYMOUR
[glances around, also giving Ashe an apraising glance]

CID
The dwarves of Conde Petie keep to themselves, as do the Genomes. They have no interest in ruling anywhere else.

GARNET
[Garnet seems pretty focused on the task at hand now] Until just recently, the other continents of Gaia had very little settlement, and those that existed were very small and self-sustained.
I have to admit... I'm not certain I feel comfortable with the idea of simply moving into these foreign places and assuming responsibilty... but it is for their best interests, isn't it?

ASHE
[At that, Ashe focuses again, looking between Cid and Garnet] ...Of all the worlds in existence, of which we ourselves are proof, you must wonder why this entire occurrence has taken place in yours.

CID
We do, we do... I hope that, the better placed we all are, the better a chance we have of figuring this whole mystery out.
So many parts of Gaia are isolated. The moogles have done their best to connect us, but we need to do our part.

SEYMOUR
[Seymour gives a noncommittal shrug] perhaps we could simply act as overseers? If there are nations who seem to get along well enough without our aid, we may simply watch out for them rather than deliver a direct hand in what happens? Or more accurately, serve as that connection should they need anything and step in should the need arise.

LAGUNA
[Frustrated a little, this feels like the council meetings back when he first started, only with less old people and big words. Not to mention he still doesn't like the idea of simply placing themselves in the cities that aren't really in relation to them--oh, Seymour had a similar idea! Yay!] I agree, I think we should simply watch out for them for now.

CID
[Nods.] If you would prefer to act as ambassadors - if that is the best interests of the nation, then I wouldn't ask anything more of you.

LAGUNA
Rather than simply going in just because they don't seem to have a leader quite yet. If they want one, they'll let us know?

GARNET
The ideal goal, would be to find a way to return all the displaced people and places, to their worlds of origin... but it may take a long time to find the answers we need.. until then, we want to be sure that everyone is provided for. that is the ideal short-term goal, right?

CID
Exactly, my dear. You speak sense, as ever.

SEYMOUR
I am only concerned for the well-being of the people. Some may not take kindly to being usurped of their power. Particularly in such a situation as ours.

VAYNE
And yet the presence of established leadership would provide the people with assurances that their safety and wellbeing are seen to. This latest episode demonstrated that order is necessary to keep the peace.

LAGUNA
No offense, but unless they want to elect a leader, I think we should leave them alone and simply watch out for them.

SEYMOUR
Perhaps we should offer them the choice?

LAGUNA
We don't know the cause of why we missed most of the fall months, but that doesn't exactly scream that we must be their leader. Let them choose.

ASHE
[Order? Now, Ashe has to bite her tongue, looking to Vayne. She's heard that spiel before.] I agree, a choice.

SEYMOUR
[He offers a gentle smile, glad to see that someone agrees.]

CID
All right, how about this? I'll send you out as ambassadors. We need to organise, and I can't do it myself.

GARNET
[Garnet seems very unsettled, eyes going out of focus a bit] We're not in this to gain territory, and certainly not to start any wars. Gaia has seen enough of that in recent years. It's just a matter of making sure that no one is left without aid...

LAGUNA
No, no, really, I get that. But sending out aid is different than saying they need leaders.

SEYMOUR
That is my intention, Your Highness.

JOTE
[Jote simply watches. Humes have never been particularly interesting to her, but with the way these are debating such an issue... it's almost comforting to see them be actually concerned for something other than themselves.]

VAYNE
[Vayne nods in agreement at Garnet's words.] I believe war is the last thing most of us desire. [He's not all that convinced Ashe wouldn't like one still.]

CID
Vayne and Seymour, you've already spent some time in the Outer Continent. What would you say is the situation there?

JOTE
[Jote finally speaks up] In a situation such as this, war would be our undoing. It would unravel the threads we have left. [And each person is going to receive a pointed look at that.]

LAGUNA
[Hey! No need to give him a look like that! He never started any wars. But he refrains from saying anything and looks almost comically pouty.]

SEYMOUR
[Seymour barely glances at Vayne to see if he wants to reply first]

ASHE
[Giving a nod to the Viera, unsurprised by her accusatory look since she's been on the receiving end of it before, Ashe looks to the two men addressed by Cid, waiting.]

VAYNE
Difficult to say with any certainty. The stories varied from person to person. Most simply wished to return to their lives and families, although any number of them reported that they were not of this world and simply trying to survive. They sought answers we did not have to give.

SEYMOUR
[SNods in agreement.]

VAYNE
You will find in speaking with the people that they desire security above all else. It is difficult for a man to lead a fulfilling life when he must needs worry if he should be taken by thieves or half a world away at a moment's notice.

CID
Hmm. Yes. And the situation is especially difficult now...
Especially in the east of the continent, I imagine, with the desert climate.

ASHE
My own country, Dalmasca, has such a climate, and her people have managed ways of thriving amongst such conditions for many centuries. Should there be any suggestions I could pass which may aid them to do the same, I would, and gladly.

CID
Ah, Lady Ashe, I thought that was the case. With your condition, I wouldn't want to ask for your help, but with things as they are... Your experience would be valuable.

ASHE
My condition may hinder my body, Your Grace, though I remain able to at least offer words of advice.

CID
Your advice would be most helpful in the place it is needed, I think... Would you and your husband be willing to relocate? Perhaps to Figaro?

ASHE
I... I would need to discuss the matter with him, I hope to remain in Alexandria for the birth. After that, our situation may allow us to relocate, yes.

GARNET
I agree -- It may not be my place to say, but it wouldn't be wise to relocate to somewhere where medical resources are unknown, and potentially non-existant.

ASHE
[Ashe nods, agreeing with Garnet on that key point.]

CID
[Cid gets a pointed nudge from Hilda, and quickly changes his mind.] Of course, of course, forgive me...

SEYMOUR
[Glances at Ashe] Considering the relative closeness with which Guadoslam and Figaro have to each other, I would be willing to lend my aid, and that of my people, should the lady relocate and need assistance.

ASHE
[Hmm. This is the second time he's offered to help her.] Thank you. Should it come to that, I wold be glad of your aid.

CID
Ahem. For now, may we move on to the Forgotten and Lost Continents?
They are the most in need of aid, particularly the remotest areas... Wutai, Troia, Jidoor and Narshe, for example.

VAYNE
I believe Lady Rydia knows of Troia from her own world, and might then be of interest to Cecil to advise.
[Vayne's been a busy politician and found a way to schmooze with practically every leader alive in Gaia at the moment.]

CID
Hmm. I do feel that we need a presence on the southern islands in particular. Before we were all scattered, I'd received reports of pirates in those waters. It would take someone with great courage and fortitude to bring the area under control.

GARNET
Pirates? All the way out there? [Garnet seems... surprised]

SEYMOUR
[Seymour glances surreptitiously at Vayne at this, smirking slightly.]

LAGUNA
[Laguna blinks.] Pirates? Really? [They don't really exist on his world anymore, so let him be surprised at the moment.]

CID
I know. They sometimes reached Lindblum's shores.


[Just one more reason for Jote to dislike Humes]

CID
We were unable to flush them out, however...

CID
The waters of Lindblum are guarded well, but Troia and Wutai aren't as lucky.
...No volunteers?

GARNET
[Garnet looks around the table... and seems a bit irritated]

VAYNE
I know something of establishing order and securing the peace. I shall volunteer.

ASHE
[Ashe looks irritated too, but her reason is likely different from Garnet's.]

JOTE
[Jote reciprocates that look. Why do the Humes all assume she's being laxy or not helpful when she's already been committed?]

CID
Thank you, Vayne! Believe me, I'm most grateful. Lindblum will do all we can to assist you.

VAYNE
[And yet Vayne remains stoic with as bland an expression as ever, even though he'd quite like to point out that Ashe and her insurgence was the source of the aggression.] No thanks are necessary. I would gladly repay the debt I owe you and Garnet both.

CID
Now that leaves Jidoor in the north of the Forgotten Continent, and the Lost Continent.

LAGUNA
I can go and help too, if you don't mind. I had to rebuild and get things back in order when the Sorceress wars were done in Esthar.

GARNET
[Garnet looks at Laguna with interest] Sorceress Wars?

LAGUNA
[He nods] It's a bit of a long story to get into. [He rubs the back of his neck] But Sorceress Adel used to rule over Esthar, trying to take over the world basically. My friends and I helped the Estharian Rebels and and sealed her away.

CID
Would you be willing to visit Jidoor, Laguna?

LAGUNA
[He looks to Cid] I've never been to Jidoor, but if they need help, I'll go.
What kind of city is it, anyway?

CID
It's similar to Treno, as I understand it.
In other words, full of people who have no idea how to make a living off the land.
As I understand it, they often trade with Warjilis, but trade has grounded to a halt recently...

LAGUNA
Ooh, okay. [Hm, living off the land... that'll be a little tough. He's been in Esthar a bit too long, but... nah, he'll make it work. It's not like he's alone in this anyway.]

CECIL
[Cecil quietly enters the room, all too aware that he's a little bit late to the meeting. He has yet to fully recover from his injuries, but at least he‘s able to move around without too much difficulty now. He takes whatever chair is available and sits down, nodding courteously to those around him.] Please excuse my lateness everyone.

JOTE
[He's going to receive an irritated look from the Viera]

CID
Ah, Cecil! We're just discussing the future of Gaia... [Chuckles at this.]

ASHE
[She looks at Cecil with interest, he's the one who travelled with Rasler to rescue Eiko, isn't he?]

CID
Cecil, you've heard of Troia, isn't that right?

CECIL
[Cecil nods.] Troia is one of several kingdoms where I come from.

CID
Your kingdom?

GARNET
[Through all of this, Garnet can't help observing the different people at the table, for long periods of time]

CECIL
Not my own, no.

CID
Ah, then, perhaps... Vayne? If you would like assistance...

VAYNE
Certainly. I would quite welcome it.

CID
Good, good.

CID
The people of Troia need help and guidance, just like the rest of Gaia. Would you be willing to offer it, Cecil? If you good people agree, I intend to send you as ambassadors all over the world, to rebuild and make sure that we survive this winter.

JOTE
[Jote still looks annoyed, though at herself or everyone else in the room isn't clear... or maybe it's her default expression. Who knows at this point.]

CECIL
I would be glad to lend my assistance to the people of Troia.

CID
Thank you, Cecil!

LAGUNA 2:02 pm
[Raises his hand a bit] If I may, I was wondering if I could also over see Dollet? It's a city I'm at least a bit familiar with and work with the tech of that place, it hasn't really changed over the years since I was last there back on my world.

CID 2:03 pm
Well, Dollet is in the kingdom of Lindblum at present.
Of course, if you insist...

GARNET 2:04 pm
Uncle Cid, it might be beneficial! Especially if he knows the technology.

CID
True, true...

LAGUNA
I'm not asking to rule it, just keep watch on it. It's not mine to rule. In this world or the original. I just... it's one of the few things I'm familiar with, is all.
I'd just like to keep an eye on it.

CID
Oh, of course! I'll certainly keep you updated. And I would like to know more about this radio tower...

GARNET
[Garnet is slowly starting to look less and less pleased in the general sense. Slightly uncomfortable? maybe? she's actually been somewhat distracted throughout the meeting]

CID
...Is something the matter, Garnet?

Stella 2:06 pm
[Seymour passes a glance to Garnet...]

LAGUNA
The radio tower is pretty cool, I haven't been inside in ages and-[Stops when he notices Garnet's look.]

ASHE
[Ashe looks to the other Queen, starting to feel a little uncomfortable herself, only physically.]

GARNET
[She looks up suddenly, as if startled] No! No, I'm sorry, I'm jsut... thinking. It's a lot to take in.

CID
If you have something to say, I want to hear it. Your opinion means a lot to me, Garnet.

GARNET
[She shakes her head] Really, it's nothing. I'm sorry, I'm plagued by... some personal thoughts is all. It's nothing I can't deal with myself.

CID
I'm afraid we can't afford to be distracted. Gaia's future... Well, it's up to us.

GARNET
[Garnet nods] I know. I'm sorry.

VAYNE
[Since Vayne is conveniently situated beside Garnet, he reaches over and places a hand under Garnet's elbow. A non-intrusive gesture of support.]

GARNET
[She glances up at him, and smiles, in what she hopes is a reassuring way]

CID
Ahem. So, have we all come to a decision?
Any questions?

SEYMOUR
[Seymour offers an encouraging nod at the first statement.] i think not, your Grace.

VAYNE
I have none at this time.

ASHE
[Vayne's action only adds to Ashe's discomfort, she's feeling considerable ache and pain, the baby lying uncomfortably. She gestures to Cid, a hand to her stomach.] Your Grace - if you will excuse me, I... I must take my leave.

CID
Oh, yes, of course! I'm so sorry.
[Cid is looking very uncomfortable. He doesn't know how to deal with pregnant women.]

SEYMOUR
[Seymour glances up at Ashe] If you are certain you do not require assistance at this time?

ASHE
[Realising Cid is quite unsure of how to respond further, Ashe nods once, making to stand only to turn to Seymour once again.] No, it's quite alright. I'll be fine.

SEYMOUR
[He nods graciously] If you are certain. Be safe, Lady Ashelia.

HILDA
[Can Hilda go with you, Ashe? Her husband might die of her glares at this rate.]

ASHE
[She looks to the table as a whole, taking her leave of them with an inclination of her head.] Of course, I would welcome your company, Lady Hilda.

[And off Lady Hilda goes.]

CID
[Cid stands up.] Very well. Let's wrap this up.

CID
The Invincible will take you all where you wish to go.

CID
If my memory serves me correctly... Seymour will go to Guadosalam, Cecil to Troia, Laguna to Jidoor - unless you'd like to return to Lindblum with me first to visit Dollet? - ahem, who else? Ah, Garnet, Lady Ashe and Lord Rasler to Alexandria...

SEYMOUR
[Seymour nods once more.]

CID
Jote to the Shumi Village...

LAGUNA
[Laguna nodded] I'll go with you to Dollet, first. I didn't get a chance to check it lal out. And then, I'll see how I'll get to Jidoor eventually.

CID
[Nods.] All right!
Vayne, where is it you said?

VAYNE
Wutai, to begin.

CID
Certainly! Is that everyone?
Lord Larsa, are you staying with your brother?

LAGUNA
Oh! Actually, I just remembered something. Did we ever decide on anything in Burmecia?

CID
The Burmecian king will take care of affairs in Burmecia.

LAGUNA
[Nods]

LARSA
No, I feel there is no need to remain at my brother's side, nor is there reason for him to remain at mine.

CID
Ah... Then there is still Narshe, if you would be willing to go to the Lost Continent?

JOTE
[Jote's eyes move to rest on the young lord, one of few Humes she would be willing to work so closely with.]

LARSA
[Larsa's quiet for a moment as he considers the option, looking from Vayne to Jote. Then he nods slowly.] Narshe then.

CID
Very well! Good! Thank you, everyone. I can't express how grateful I am... Gaia needs people like you.

JOTE
[Jote looks disgruntled. She is not a 'people.' She is a Viera. But she's not vocalizing that. Not important at the present time.]

CID
The Invincible will set off to these various locations tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy our hospitality.
[Cid looks quite pleased with himself. See, he doesn't need Hilda's guidance all the time.]

SEYMOUR
[Seymour inclines his head] It is our pleasure to serve you and those who are in need of what aid we may give.

GARNET
[Garnet finally rises from the table, smoothing the wrinkles from her clothes] I'm glad to see we're all willing to work together for something so important.

CID
[Nods.] Then let's take our leave. Thank you.