That Special Time of the Year...

Back at the location of the dignitaries, Dmitri is leading people in song, with one starting with "On the first day of Life Day, Darth Vader gave to me a Wookiee in a tutu."

(OOC: Wait, what? The foreign dignitaries aren't in one place right now. That's for after the ceremony, which I might actually delay until Christmas Eve )

(OOC: Yeah, Shein is still mingling with the common folk, so if there's a meeting, he don't know about it. )

Regardless, he's leading a bunch of people in song.

(OOC: Sorry for the late response, but hey, holidays )

After a few hours in the Central Cathedral, a giant roped-off circle in the center of the room suddenly comes to life, and a carefully detailed hologram of Sister Miriam emerges, which quickly silences the crowd. Miriam then softly clears her throat, and begins to speak.

"Almost two thousand and three hundred years ago our Lord and Savior was born on our ancestral homeland, Earth, in the Holy Land. We have traveled long and far away from our origins, but the message that he spoke remains clear, and it can and will persist through the ages. All must remember that his message was one of peace, for both the Believer and the Unbeliever, and none of my fellow Believers here today should not do anything to violate such a message. And if you are scorned you must remember his teachings to turn the other cheek.

"Still, the message is still a religious one, and it must persist. The religious truths will not be diluted, but they will not be forced on anyone either. You are welcome and encouraged to explore our Belief, Unbelievers, but no one will make you. It would be best, for only that way could you feel the true extent of the festivities, but we cannot force good upon anyone, much as we would like too. But the Believers here should be open as well to the beliefs of the others among you, for only in understanding them can you understand your own Beliefs and why you feel them so strongly.

"But in any case, I do not wish to dilute the joy and merriment of our festivities with a prolonged dour speech. In a moment, food and entertainment will be brought into the public space in front of this building, free of charge, and various events will soon begin throughout the base. A continued service will be held here by one of my subordinates, and is welcome for both Believers and Unbelievers. I am sure that you will all find something of interest. With that, let the festivities begin! A merry Christmas to all who are before me!"

As she says her speech, guards come to all of the official foreign dignitaries and offer to escort them to the location of the state dinner.

And they head forth, Svetlana trying to make Dmitri act with some sort of Imperial dignity on the way.

Yeah, Arren is having that problem with Shein too. Only, Arren will give up on it and resign himself to picking up Shein's messes once again. At least Christian is acting like he should. In fact, he's with Arren on this one. Can't understand why dad is acting like a 5 year old in a candy store, after closing, and after the owner has locked up and left. In any case, they get there to the designated place.

Once they arrive, they see Miriam, Lal, Diedre, Morgan, and Luther sitting at a circular table, chatting quietly. Miriam then gets up, and bows to welcome the foreign representatives (which may or may not include Verdia Prime's, once he/she comes). She then says, "Welcome to our dinner, esteemed representatives," while the other nod on in acknowledgement. She then sits back down, and waits for them to get into the empty seats.

Shein nods to all present and he and his son both sit. Arren, however, seems to prefer to stay in the background. He doesn't join them at the table. Oh, he will if directly asked, but Shein, nor Christian, seem inclined to do so. "We appreciate the rather warm reception and we're glad nothing... bad has occurred in this particular thread." The way that's worded indicates he knew about the guy with the really bad mojo that was identified. Oddly enough, it also might clue them into the fact that he's got future sight and saw a nasty possibility occur. Of course, once that decision changed, so did the future. But hey, it probably happened on another thread of the future. It should be noted that his eyes are starting to really reflect the Sikarran's eyes. They're almost pure blue within blue now, though there's still a faint flickering of the Rutian shifting eye colors left. He's obviously been using far more spice than he should. His son is starting to have that eye color, though it's not as intense.

Christian glances at his father, then over to the others. "I noticed that the local flora and fauna seemed to react to us when we flew over. Do they do that with all visitors?"

Miriam nods to Shein, and says, "Yes, we were a bit worried for a moment there... I assume you noticed that man too. But thankfully this is a day of peace, and God was generous enough to keep it that way for us. That, and perhaps the presence of most of our army to keep the peace in his name."

Then once Christian asks his question, there's silence for a few minutes, as most of the others at the table have no answer. After a brief moment, Deidre replies, "They reacted? Interesting. I've seen similar things happen when a large group of Empaths come near xenofungus. The psionic abilities of your people must have affected them... perhaps it increased Planet's interest in your people?"

She then shrugs, and says, "Still, that's all speculation. Perhaps later it could be investigated in further detail."

Once she's done, Miriam nods, and says, "Yes, yes, very interesting. I believe that now that we've all arrived, it is time for everyone to decide what they will have today, and have the kitchen immediately prepare it. Anything that can be prepared in thirty or so minutes without exotic ingredients will be fine, really."

Shein nods to Miriam. "Arren was ready to act, just in case it came to that, as it is likely no one else would have been able to stop him in time. I did get a sense that security was a factor in the change of plans though." He shrugs. "I didn't just notice him. I saw several possible outcomes. I'm just glad it went the way of peace."

Christian looks at Deidre. "Maybe. Most of us are gifted. At least the Rutians are. The others don't have any special talents."

Shein smirks a little at the mention of without exotic ingredients. He doesn't speak up about it though. He only leans in near his son and whispers something. Afterward, he removes a cylinder from his pocket and removes two sticks of a soft material. He hands a smaller piece to Christian, keeping the larger for himself. They both place them on the table next to themselves. "Any suggestions? Preferably something without meat."

Tomasa reacts, saying, "The last time I felt something like that was in the presence of a Sith lord." She purrs away in contemplation and orders a meat-heavy dish. Obligate carnivore and all.

(OOC: OK, looks like Veridia isn't posting, which is a shame :/ Anyways, on with the show.)

Miriam gives the cylinders a curious look, but doesn't care to mention it, and begins quickly taking down everybody's orders on a small tablet. At Shein's inquiry, she simply nods, and says, "I'll have the kitchen arrange something for you." (OOC: Assuming this was directed at her, because I sometime have trouble with determining who is asking who a question.)

Anyways, once she's done with writing down everyone's orders, she takes her tablet and places it on a square in the center of the table. The tablet glows momentarily, and then the words "Information Received" appear. With that, she relaxes a bit, and says, "The food will be arriving momentarily. Until then, we can simply commence with our discussions."

Tomasa speaks to Johan, "What have you been doing since the Battle of Lehon?"

Johan replies, "I've been with the Spartans, mostly. Trying to learn more about my adopted past. I've spoken with the other leaders too, sometimes at the behalf of Santiago."

Shein does note the curious glance from Miriam. Since she didn't mention it, neither does he. He listens to what all is going on, not really feeling the need to speak. Sometimes it's best to remain quiet while gaining information.

Christian does the same, obviously taking his father's lead.

"How has that been going along so far? They do not mind the fact that you were once the Sith lord who attacked their world?"

"Reasonably well, actually. After some very lengthy explanations of the situation, Sparta Command realized that I was worth keeping around if only because I knew so much about the galaxy and could help them in that regard, and of course my fighting capabilities."

Lal adds, "He's helped all of Chiron by explaining much to us about the situation with the Jedi and the Sith, and so on. We have few qualms with him. It is clear that he is not the man who had attempted to seize Chiron anymore."

She purrs in contentment.

Dmitri asks Morgan, "Did you ever regrow your foot or do you still have your mechanical one we provided?"

Morgan says to Dimitri, "I decided not to. Longevity treatments always take priority over that of limbs, and the limb treatment can't take place in the same time period. All of my energy for recuperating goes for a longer life span, as it stands. The foot is very well made, however, and it has not significantly impacted my mobility."

Meanwhile, some kitchen workers come out, bringing the food ordered as well as drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Once all the food has been brought to the table, Miriam says, "Now that the food has arrived, would all of you care to join me in a brief moment of prayer? Even if you do not subscribe to my beliefs, it would be wonderful of all of you if you could simply bow your heads down briefly in respect."

They comply and bow. Dmitri is of whatever the Russian Orthodox Church mutated into after centuries, anyway and Tomasa likely sees the whole God thing to be another aspect of the Force.

Shein and Christian also comply. Though Christian does so only after what might have been a kick to the shin under the table. They may not have the same beliefs, but they're willing to play along.

Miriam clears her throat, and begins. "Lord, thank you for allowing the people of Chiron and the people of Korel to come to our blessed city of New Jerusalem to celebrate the coming of our savior two thousand and two hundred and eighty three years ago in peace, and for providing to us this wonderful food for our nourishment and pleasure. Your greatness is unsurpassed and all under Heaven are indebted to You, and You alone. With that said, we shall now celebrate in Your name. Amen."

The other Centauri leaders follow quietly a bit sluggishly. Finally, Miriam then raises her glass, and says, "A toast, for the good fortune of all. After this, let us eat."

"Amen," says Dmitri. As much as it pains him to do so, he does not just devour his food in a matter of seconds. Neither does little Nikolai, for that matter.

Neither Shein nor Christian even so much as mutter 'Amen', but they do raise their glasses in a toast.

Shein, in all innocence and curiousity, has to ask just one question of Miriam. "Have you ever seen your God?" Hey, he comes from a society where their Gods are real. They may have some Christians in Rutianas, but Shein probably didn't pay much attention to them. He's obviously not trying to poke at Christianity here. In fact, there's nothing in his expression other than that curiousity.