Politics and Diplomacy
I DO NOT own Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs or Sei Jushi Bismarck, they are owned by their respective animation companies.
The Price of Peace
Chapter 41: Politics and Diplomacy
"Okay, I suppose I'll arrive tomorrow for the meeting then, April. Are you sure the others will be there?" Saber asks.
April nods over the video com-link. "Yeah. We've got the representative from Jarre coming too. King Roland wants to renew their ties with us, since the Outriders still attack his people on occasion," she replies. "I can't wait to see his face when he sees all of us. It's been so long."
"Aye, that it has. The last time I saw him was when my father died," Saber replies quietly.
"Yes, his father came when General Whitehawk passed, he stayed on Jarre then," April says quietly. "I just hope he doesn't try and hit on me. Fireball might try and hurt him."
Saber manages not to laugh, but is unable to hide his amusement. "I can only imagine what he'll think of the lot of us. Your father is retired, I'm running Cavalry Command with you, Fireball, and Colt to help me. I'm not sure if he even knows that I'm considered legally blind now," Saber replies.
"Let's not say anything. Surely by now he is aware of what all has happened," April says.
"He never bothered to keep up with things before," Fireball says as he walks up behind April. "I wouldn't be the least surprised if he had no clue that you're even married, Saber," Fireball says.
April and Saber both laugh at his comment.
"Well, that could be an interesting meeting then. Surely his father kept him abreast to the goings on elsewhere aside from Jarre," Saber states.
"I wouldn't be so sure, Saber," April says quietly. "They always were a little more self-absorbed. It could prove entertaining. Especially if you could convince Amanda to come along in her dress uniform for the meeting. She is a Brigadier Colonel, so she technically should be included in this meeting."
Saber shakes his head and laughs. "I don't think it would be too hard to get Amanda to agree to come along. The kids are all old enough now to be trusted, and Thomas and Elaine are here, as are Marianna and Mikhail. So there would not be a lack of supervision," he replies. "I'll go and talk with her and let you know when to expect us."
"Sounds good. April out," she replies and terminates the connection.
"You and mother are going to Cavalry Command?" Eryn asks as she enters the study.
Saber looks up and nods. "Aye. I'm hoping to leave within the next couple of hours. We have a few meetings to attend," he replies rubbing his temples.
"Are you all right?" Eryn asks concerned.
"Headache, I'll be fine, Eryn. I've been doing a lot of reading, and that tends to make my head ache," Saber replies as he stands up.
"Um, father?" Eryn begins hesitantly.
"Yes?" he replies.
"Could I come along with you and mother?" Eryn asks quietly, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"I take it there is someone you wish to see while we are in meetings?" he asks struggling not to smile.
"Yes sir," she replies not looking up.
"And does this person have a name?" Saber prods, finding her uneasiness amusing.
"von Rohr," Eryn says.
"Ah. So you have been talking with Seth again?" he asks.
"Aye. We've kept in touch since graduation. He is through basic training now, so I thought I could maybe..."
"Go and pay him a visit?" Saber finishes.
Eryn nods.
"Very well. But pack for at least two days, perhaps three. Your mother and I will be in meetings for a lot of that time, so you will have your own room. I expect you to be on your best behaviour. I will find out if you are doing something you shouldn't be. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir! Thank you father!" Eryn replies and kisses his cheek before dashing out of the study to go pack.
Saber chuckles at her reaction and heads off in search of Amanda. He finds her in the sitting room, talking with Elaine over tea. "Hello, Love," Saber says as he sits beside her.
"You're finally out of the study?" Amanda asks with a smile.
"Aye. But we need to go to Cavalry Command," he replies.
"Is something wrong?" Elaine asks as she sets down her tea.
Saber shakes his head. "No, but we have a couple of meetings we need to attend. And since you are a Brigadier Colonel, you should be included in those meetings, Love."
"Ah. When are we leaving?" Amanda asks.
"I am hoping to leave in a couple of hours. I've got a rather bad headache, so I'd like to rest after we arrive before the meetings first thing tomorrow," Saber replies.
"Aye, if we go tonight, then you can rest beforehand, instead of rushing about. Not a bad idea," Amanda replies.
"Oh, and Eryn wishes to accompany us," Saber says almost as an afterthought.
"She does?" Amanda asks.
Saber nods. "She wishes to see Seth von Rohr," Saber states with a small smile. "I have a feeling we may have yet another betrothal before long."
"von Rohr?" Amanda asks. "Wasn't he in the class above Eryn and Moria?"
Saber nods.
"He's of German royalty isn't he. Why would he be going through Cavalry Command?"
"Probably for the same reasons that I did, Love."
"But we're not technically at war right now," Amanda replies.
"True, but if people waited until we were to train, we could have problems. We weren't technically at war when I began my training. Although it wasn't long afterwards that we were. Besides, a good leader should know how to defend what is rightfully theirs."
"I suppose I see your point. I just think it's funny that they are all staying so close. My family spread out pretty far."
"And you almost lost your identity because of it," Saber replies. "I don't want our children to have to fight for their heritage. I want them to just be able to live happily."
"I know you're right, Saber. I just still question everything that is different from how I grew up," Amanda says quietly.
Saber chuckles and kisses her lightly. "I'm glad you question it. I don't want you to just blindly agree to something. I admire that you aren't afraid to question something, unlike me when I was younger," he replies. "Now, we should go and pack, as I'm sure Eryn will be down momentarily and ready to leave."
A few hours later, they are settling into their quarters at cavalry command. "Eryn, call us if you need us and you should be back to your room by midnight, are we clear?" Saber says firmly.
"Yes, sir. I will. I also know that Seth is not to come to my room. We will stay in the public areas and I'll call if I need anything," Eryn replies.
"Good. Now, your mother and I are going to unpack and rest for a while. You are free to do as you wish within your normal boundaries."
"Thank you," Eryn replies before she turns and heads for her room.
The couple watch her go before heading into their bedroom. After unpacking, they head to the living area and plop down on the couch to rest for a while. "Was it really necessary to tell her not to allow Seth into her room?" Amanda asks curiously.
"Her twin sister is already engaged, and her other siblings either married or dating, Seth is the first boy to take a serious interest in her and he's a little older, I don't want her to feel like she's being pressured into something," Saber states.
"I suppose I can see your logic. If they went to her room, even under the most innocent of circumstances, things could...change and she might feel like she had to do something she wasn't ready to, right?"
Saber nods. "I don't want either of them in such a situation," Saber states quietly. "This way she can use me as an excuse if on the off chance Seth tries to talk her into going to her quarters."
"Ah. Good point. I know you don't mind being the bad guy," Amanda states with a smile.
"Not in the least," Saber replies with a smirk as he pulls her against him and kisses her lightly.
"So, what is this meeting about?" Amanda asks after he pulls back from kissing her.
"Well," Saber begins as he pulls her against him, "Jarre is an independent colony that has been ruled by the same family for centuries. King Jared was the Monarch at the time of the Outrider wars. More recently, his son, Roland has advanced to the throne. He apparently wishes to reconfirm our alliance, as they have had a few skirmishes lately with some of the remaining Outriders."
"Ah, so this is a bit of a political meeting?"
"I suppose so."
Amanda chuckles. "So you are playing the part of both your father and General Whitehawk and General Eagle?" she asks amused.
"That is one way to look at it. I guess there was no way to escape the political aspect of all of this," Saber says suddenly sounding more tired.
"Are you all right?" Amanda asks moving so she can look at him directly.
"Aye. I've just had a bit of a headache and it doesn't seem to be subsiding."
"Have you taken anything?" Amanda asks.
Saber nods. "This morning. I may have to take something stronger after dinner. I am hopeful that we can put off meeting King Roland until the morning. Perhaps Fireball and April can run interference for the evening."
"I'll call them and ask if they would mind. If worse comes to worse, I could go with them. April should be high enough to appease him, right?" Amanda asks.
Saber shrugs and runs a hand through his hair. "I think so, Love, but it having been so long, I just don't know. I was never good at political games," Saber replies quietly.
Amanda leans in and kisses him lightly. "I think you need a break and time to rest tonight, Saber. Surely even this King Roland guy will understand. We can always have April tell him that we didn't arrive until tomorrow."
"I suppose we could," Saber replies as the doorbell rings.
"I'll get it. You go and get your darker glasses, wearing those might help some, until you can take something," Amanda says as she heads to the door. Upon opening the door she is greeted by April and Fireball. "Hello. I didn't expect to see you guys for a while yet," Amanda says as she steps aside to allow the couple to enter the room. They go and take a seat across from Saber, Amanda takes the seat beside him.
"You don't look so good, Saber," April states quietly.
"I've had a bad headache today," he replies quietly. "The worst one in a while."
"Maybe it's from traveling from your place to here?" Fireball suggests.
"It started this morning and hasn't let up since," he replies as Amanda returns from getting his darker glasses.
"Well, his Highness should be here soon and evidently wants to see all of us. I think I will tell him that you have been delayed, so that you can get a little rest," April says quietly.
"How soon does he want to meet?" Saber asks.
"Probably in a couple of hours," April replies.
"Then let me take something a little stronger and lay down for a little, perhaps after an hour or so, I'll feel better enough to make an appearance," Saber states as he gets up and heads for the bedroom.
"Even if Saber can't make it, do you think you could come, Amanda?" April asks.
Amanda nods. "Yeah. How would you want me to dress?" she asks trying to gage the situation.
"Unfortunately, tonight would be a banquet, so a semi-formal dress if you have one," April says begrudgingly. "I'd also recommend Eryn come too. I think having a representation of family there would be an asset."
"Ah, so you knew Eryn came along?" Amanda asks.
"Yeah. I saw Chihiro drag her to go dress shopping. Eryn was sort of in shock. I also heard Chihiro teasing her about a boy."
Amanda chuckles. "Probably that van Rohr boy. She has been communicating with him frequently as of late," Amanda replies.
"So they are serious?" April asks.
"Honestly I'm not sure," Amanda replies. "I think it's her first serious boyfriend, but whether they end up together, I'm not sure they've been around each other as a couple to know if that is in their future. But we shall see eventually, I suppose."
"Well, her twin is engaged, her older siblings married and Edon and Samantha are practically betrothed, so she may feel a little left out," April replies.
"Don't forget our Chihiro and Dylan," Fireball adds. "She keeps begging me to talk to you two about a formal betrothal."
"What about Jason?" April asks. "I've not heard anything about him and a relationship."
"Really?" Amanda says surprised. "I'd have thought Colt would've told you by now. A while back Samantha needed to have Jason accompany her to some school function where she was going to meet Edon, I can't remember exactly why Jason had to escort her."
"Edon was stuck escorting a young noble lady," Colt says. "His mother was trying to persuade him to change his relationship ideas."
"Colt?" Amanda says in shock. "I didn't hear you knock."
"Y'all left the door open, so we just came on it." Colt says. "So I take it y'all are talking about how Jason met Juli?"
"Juli?" April looks confused.
"Juli Hido," Colt says. "His lady friend."
"Hido..." Fireball says. "Isn't that the last name of one of the original members of the Tirpitz?"
"Yuri Hido," Amanda replies. "I remember helping pick them out. Who's her mother?"
"Gabrielle Weber," Robin says and everyone looks at her in shock that she knew that. "Sorry, but being a housewife does put one in a position to hear what's going on." Everyone chuckles.
"So Jason and Juli and together then?" April says.
"One could say that," Colt replies with a hint of amusement. "I'm just hoping those two don't make me a grandfather before Wil and Moira do," he adds as an afterthought.
Amanda chuckles. "Think you're still too young, cowboy?"
"More like they are," Robin replies.
"I'm waiting to hear that Anna's pregnant anytime now," Amanda says with a chuckle. "It just doesn't seem possible that the kids are old enough to be having kids of their own."
"You already have one granddaughter, so you should be used to the idea," Robin says with a chuckle.
"I don't think I'll ever get use to the idea. Nora's a God send, such a wonderful baby. And the last time we saw Rory she looked ready to pop, so I expect to hear that she's gone into labor soon and we'll have another name to put on our family tree."
"It just doesn't seem possible. We're all sitting here talking about our kids having kids," Robin says.
"A far cry better than making battle plans," April states.
"Speaking of which, I need to see if I have a dress that would work for tonight," Amanda says with a grin.
April and Robin laugh. "I suppose for you a dress is a bit like going into battle," April says in a teasing manner.
"Aye. I really don't like to dress up, especially to try to impress people I don't know. But I suppose it's all part of being with Saber and a part of this life. None of which I would give up," Amanda says as she stands up.
"I've got a dress you could wear if you don't have one that you think would work," April offers.
"Well, let me go and check on the dress and on Saber. I'll be out in a minute," Amanda replies as she gets up and heads into the darkened bedroom. "Saber?" she whispers and hears the soft rhythm of him breathing. "Always pushing himself too hard," she mutters and pulls out a small flashlight she carries on her for occasions when light bothers him too much. She heads to the closet and checks to see if she has a proper dress. She takes a few out front to see them in better light.
"Any luck?" April asks seeing her carrying a couple dresses.
"It was hard to tell my the light of my flashlight, and I didn't want to wake Saber," Amanda admits.
"He's asleep?" April asks surprised.
Amanda nods and starts going through the dresses and holds up a light green dress. "I don't remember packing this," she mutters.
"Isn't that the dress you wore to Nora's Christening?" Robin asks.
Amanda nods. "I'd put it in the back of the closet as a keepsake, I didn't intend to wear it again. Marianna must've packed it for me."
"It should still fit you fine, Amanda," April says. "And you looked marvelous in the pictures, I'm sure it'd be more than presentable for tonight's banquet."
"I don't have the blouse I wore underneath it that day, and it's um, rather low cut otherwise," Amanda replies quietly.
"Let King Roland drool a little," April says amused. "It'll serve him right for only wanting to talk to us when he's in trouble. I doubt Saber would complain about you being in the dress," she adds with a mischievous grin.
"Only if you and Robin have similar cut dresses and we go in together, just to make him wonder," Amanda replies laughing.
Colt and Fireball blush and Colt goes to comment when Eryn enters the apartment, followed by Chihiro.
"Oh, I didn't know everyone was here," Eryn says looking around to the people present. "Where's father?" she asks noting his absence.
"He's resting. He took something for his head finally," Amanda replies.
"So it hasn't improved?" Eryn asks hesitantly.
"Not before he went to lie down," Amanda replies quietly. "He was sleeping peacefully a little bit ago, when I went foraging for dresses."
"Did you find anything?" Eryn asks.
"I think the best choice is the dress I wore for Nora's Christening," Amanda states.
"But?" Eryn prods, noticing her mother's uneasiness.
"I don't have the blouse that I wore under it. Marianna packed the dress for me and evidently didn't think about packing the blouse."
"So wear it without it," Eryn says simply.
"It's a bit low-cut, Eryn," Amanda states.
"So flaunt what you have. The point is to impress this guy isn't it?" She asks looking at the amused faces of the adults around her. "I know dad wouldn't complain," she adds as an afterthought. Causing the others to laugh out loud.
Amanda shakes her head and laughs. "The lot of you are incorrigible. I'm not even sure Saber will be up to going tonight."
"He will be if he sees you in that dress," Colt quips, getting a glare from both Amanda and Robin. "What? I'd feel the same way if it were Robin in the dress," Colt replies, making Robin blush and April laugh.
"Well, we have an hour now until we need to be ready, do you wish to all meet here?" Amanda asks, trying to get everyone back on task.
"Yes, let's do that. Do you want us to walk in or knock?" April asks.
"Just let yourselves in," Amanda replies.
"All right. We'll see you in about an hour," April replies. They all say their goodbyes and head off to get ready, leaving Eryn and Amanda alone. "Do you need help getting ready, Love?" Amanda asks.
"No, ma'am. Chihiro is coming back to my room and she's going to fix my hair and do my make-up," Eryn replies.
Amanda nods. "Very well then. I shall see the two of you in about an hour," she replies. Eryn nods and heads happily out the door. Amanda takes the dresses and retreats to the bedroom. After placing the other two dresses back in the closet, she takes the one she is going to wear and hangs in on the back of the bathroom door before starting the shower and getting in.
Saber wakes to the sound of the shower cutting off and sits up slowly. Looking around, he reorients himself before grabbing his glasses and glancing at the clock and sighs. He slowly gets up and makes his way to the bathroom door and knocks softly. "Amanda?" he says quietly.
The door opens and he is immediately blinded momentarily. "Did I wake you?" Amanda asks quietly.
Saber shakes his head, blinking a few times before he can see again. "No. I'm sorry that I fell asleep," he says quietly. He goes to say more when he sees her in the dress. "You look good, Amanda," he says with a weak smile.
Amanda smiles back. "I'm still not sure about this dress. April and Robin seem to think it'd be perfect for tonight."
Saber chuckles. "If you're comfortable in it, then wear it, Love. It looks flattering on you. I certainly won't complain," he adds as an afterthought.
Amanda looks up at him in surprise. "You're going?" she asks.
"Aye. My head isn't hurting like it was. I think if I keep the darker glasses on, I should be able to make a sufficient appearance."
"Well, the others are going to be here in about fifteen minutes, does that give you enough time to prepare?" she asks.
"I showered this morning, and we've not done anything strenuous, so if I change, I think I'll be fine, unless you'd prefer me to take a quick shower," he replies.
Amanda shakes her head. "I think you're fine. I'm actually glad you're up, you can zip the dress for me. I was going to ask April or Eryn to do it otherwise."
He signals for her to turn around and she does so. He zips up her dress then pulls her against him, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her shoulder and cheek. "It really does look good on you, Amanda," he says quietly. "This is the dress from Nora's Christening, isn't it?"
"Aye, I guess Marianna packed it for me. She didn't include the blouse though, so I'm not sure about it."
"It looks more like a formal dress this way," he replies as he slowly releases his grip from her waist.
"A bit lower cut than I'm used to wearing," Amanda replies.
"I'm sure there will be some others wearing some a bit more..."
"Lower cut?" Amanda finishes, looking at him with an amused expression.
Saber nods. "And if Eryn is one of the girls wearing one, she will go and change," he says firmly, causing Amanda to laugh.
"She's technically an adult, Saber. We can't dictate such things now," Amanda states obviously amused as Saber starts changing into his dress uniform.
"It sounds like Eryn and Chihiro have arrived," Amanda says as she hears a knock on their bedroom door followed by giggles.
"Aye. God only knows what they're up to," Saber replies amused as he steps out fully changed.
Amanda nods, satisfied with his appearance and he escorts her out of their room to find Eryn and Chihiro chatting on the couch.
"Father! You're feeling better?" Eryn says as she stands up in a dress similar to Amanda's, but shorter.
Saber nods. "Aye, I'm glad I had some time to rest, it seems to have helped," he replies as he glances over her attire.
"Hoping for a date?" he says in a teasing tone.
Eryn grins. "I went more conservative than what Chihiro wanted me to get. Is this appropriate?" she asks hesitantly.
"You look very pretty, Eryn. Very grown up," Amanda replies.
"Just remember what we talked about earlier," Saber says quietly.
"Yes sir, I do," Eryn replies as April, Fireball, Colt, and Robin enter the apartment. "And I'll be sure to behave as you expect of me," she adds quietly.
"Then you two go on and enjoy yourselves," Saber replies.
The girls quickly get up and leave, chatting happily as they head out.
Fireball chuckles to himself as he watches the girls leave. "I bet Chihiro wishes Dylan were here."
"Stephen and Raisa are bringing him later," Amanda states. "Of course I don't think Eryn knows, so I'm pretty sure that Chihiro doesn't," Amanda says with a grin. "I hope I'm where I can see her reaction."
"At least we don't have to worry about Chihiro being asked out by other boys," Fireball comments. "Unlike you do with Eryn. The ring serves as a nice deterrent."
Saber chuckles. "Aye, and don't think I won't have an eye on her."
"More like an eye on who talks with her," Amanda adds with a smirk.
"Perhaps a little of both," Saber replies amused. "So, shall we go and get this over with?" he asks obviously dreading the occasion.
"Yes, let's go. Perhaps we can make a clean break before too awfully late," Amanda replies sympathetically.
