04-26-2017, 09:07 PM
The moment Evelyn accepted the offer, she became the new darling of the CCD. That would be two countries she conquered. Every individual of the press corps turned their attention to her. Their normal collegiality collapsed, and in its place was introduced the competition to win her favor. They wanted to know how long she would stay, what she thought of the palace, if her friendship with Secretary Trano influenced her decision.
Nikolai folded his hands before him and stepped back, watching the spectacle so to say. The twinge of a smile touched his lips. Evelyn was a fascinating creature, but it was the reactions of her peers that earned his interest. The Secretary weakly hid his displeasure.
They were shown to dignitary quarters within the Grand Palace. Each member of the party given their own space, or in the case of the Secretary, a suite. They were allowed one member of US secret service to stay with them, per person, but only if unarmed and fully documented. The Kremlin hid many secrets, and the Grand Palace was one of the oldest buildings within the fortress, but the group was made aware that their presence was being watched. Only one comment was made about the vulnerability of those stone walls, given their recent, devastating breech. No further comments were made.
Nikolai spent the afternoon dealing with affairs of running the empire. Everything from funding allocations throughout the custodies to matters of defense to assignment of the new Custody of Channelers. It was made known to him that the Greys had a channeler among them, a daughter in fact. Someone that might be of use to the CCD, and Nikolai made a note that she be contacted. In fact, it was to Marcus, the former Sigma now promoted to Consul, that he asked if he'd ever encountered a woman that used their power. The conversation was brief, but Nikolai was more intrigued now than ever. He watched the video of Evelyn's speech again, searching for evidence of her skill, but found it all terribly frustrating.
He also checked in with Aria, but there was no update to be had regarding the whereabouts of the missing Regus. The Atharim were dealt a terrible blow, but not destroyed. Not yet. It had never been Nikolai's intent to destroy them, but to remake them into what they were always meant to be.
The basement quarters were still under construction and redesign, so he adjourned to the Czar's rooms that evening. He ate alone, studying throughout, as usual, reading and updating himself with news of the day. It was standing before a window, looking out over the city, when he made the decision to check on the construction himself. The pool was also under construction, and he was itching for exercise. He left with two Barrier Preator agents following in his shadow.
No matter the hour, Nikolai did not allow himself to walk the halls of the Kremlin in anything but a suit. The jacket hung open as he walked, and the ever-present tie was replaced with an opened collar, but that was the extent of informality. That so many saw him in the hospital in not but a gown covered in blood continued to bother him, but it only strengthened the resolve to maintain his image. Everyone, from Generals to the cleaning staff, would see nothing less.
On winds of Aether did the doors of the palace halls open before him, but he paused in his tracks, stopped by the presence of the one on the other side.
"Good evening."
Nikolai folded his hands before him and stepped back, watching the spectacle so to say. The twinge of a smile touched his lips. Evelyn was a fascinating creature, but it was the reactions of her peers that earned his interest. The Secretary weakly hid his displeasure.
They were shown to dignitary quarters within the Grand Palace. Each member of the party given their own space, or in the case of the Secretary, a suite. They were allowed one member of US secret service to stay with them, per person, but only if unarmed and fully documented. The Kremlin hid many secrets, and the Grand Palace was one of the oldest buildings within the fortress, but the group was made aware that their presence was being watched. Only one comment was made about the vulnerability of those stone walls, given their recent, devastating breech. No further comments were made.
Nikolai spent the afternoon dealing with affairs of running the empire. Everything from funding allocations throughout the custodies to matters of defense to assignment of the new Custody of Channelers. It was made known to him that the Greys had a channeler among them, a daughter in fact. Someone that might be of use to the CCD, and Nikolai made a note that she be contacted. In fact, it was to Marcus, the former Sigma now promoted to Consul, that he asked if he'd ever encountered a woman that used their power. The conversation was brief, but Nikolai was more intrigued now than ever. He watched the video of Evelyn's speech again, searching for evidence of her skill, but found it all terribly frustrating.
He also checked in with Aria, but there was no update to be had regarding the whereabouts of the missing Regus. The Atharim were dealt a terrible blow, but not destroyed. Not yet. It had never been Nikolai's intent to destroy them, but to remake them into what they were always meant to be.
The basement quarters were still under construction and redesign, so he adjourned to the Czar's rooms that evening. He ate alone, studying throughout, as usual, reading and updating himself with news of the day. It was standing before a window, looking out over the city, when he made the decision to check on the construction himself. The pool was also under construction, and he was itching for exercise. He left with two Barrier Preator agents following in his shadow.
No matter the hour, Nikolai did not allow himself to walk the halls of the Kremlin in anything but a suit. The jacket hung open as he walked, and the ever-present tie was replaced with an opened collar, but that was the extent of informality. That so many saw him in the hospital in not but a gown covered in blood continued to bother him, but it only strengthened the resolve to maintain his image. Everyone, from Generals to the cleaning staff, would see nothing less.
On winds of Aether did the doors of the palace halls open before him, but he paused in his tracks, stopped by the presence of the one on the other side.
"Good evening."