The Tour Begins

[Luxa]

The Commonwealth of America was to be the first stop of the HLS Vanguard.  The Americans and British had close ties through most of history.  So it was only natural that after the collapse of the majority of the US that the British would approach them.  The Lord Protector prepared himself for the meeting with the Americans.  They had been spared a vast majority of the conflict that had occurred and their homefront, unlike those in Europe, was mostly untouched by attacks.

[Mergerberger]

The HLS Vanguard was to be escorted up the Potomac by six American Corvettes. From the bankers in their banks to the shipbuilders in their shipyards, most welcomed the return of the British flag to the waters of the former United States, for they were well aware of how important the Anglo-American alliance was. They knew in their hearts that restoring relations with the British, first, was the right decision for both their two nations and the world.

Others were more skeptical, with some believing that the Commonwealth should begin diplomatic relations with their own hemisphere, others distrusting outsiders because of the collapse that had just happened, and still others who thought the Commonwealth should be focused entirely on domestic affairs, and not have a role on the world stage.

As it pulled into Washington Naval Yard, the HLS Vanguard, it was greeted by both the Secretary of State, the President, and much of the national media taking pictures and yelling questions they already knew the answers to. They were ignored as the Secret Service escorted the three to a black limousine accompanied by a large convoy of police vehicles carrying both the American and British flags. The car took them to the White House, where they were met by both Mrs. Vanderbilt and the rest of the cabinet. This was a special occasion, after all.

[Luxa]

"It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Vanderbilt. It is an honor to be the first Lord Protector to dine with the President and First Lady of America." He politely kissed her hand. "And it a pleasure to meet with you as well," he said, shaking the hand of each member of the cabinet. "Shall we eat before business or will that disturb the flow of the evening?"

[Mergerberger]

"Oh let's not get into business just yet," Hannah Vanderbilt smiled, "why get into business when there is feasting to be done?" And so did they proceed into the White House.

"This will be your accommodations. As you can see, it comes fully equipped, with more space and amenities than any hotel in the city," the First Lady said to the Lord Protector with a smile, "Of course, we could also set you up in a hotel, if you prefer to not stay with us in the White House. We still remember what you did to it in 1812," she grinned.

"I wouldn't dream of setting this building ablaze," Snow said jokingly, "and besides, if I did a freak tornado would come and tell me to get out." Everyone present laughed politely.

"Very well. Once you've unpacked your things, you may meet me in the State Dining Room at 7pm. After that is concluded, we may either then speak of the state of affairs between our two nations, or we can save that until tomorrow. I would recommend the latter, as the dinner will likely last three to four hours," said Alexander, in his usual frank, straight-to-the-point tone.

[Luxa]

(OOC: Next time ask before using my character please Nothing's wrong but I would like to be the one to have him answer )

"I believe that both of us have grown past that stage," Snow said smiling. "After all Britain is proud of the adult it's oldest child has become." At Alexander's statement he nodded. "I have little to unpack, after all there is limited space on a battleship. And I do agree discussions would be better served tomorrow, especially if dinner is as good as I suspect it will be."

[Mergerberger]

(OOC: Sorry! I figured it was trivial, so I went ahead and made the joke anyway.)

The dinner was even better than expected. Turkey, ham, chicken, beef, and pizza were served as the American half of the food, while signature British foods such as Bangers and Mash, chicken, beef, and pork. In reality, the two varieties of food were very similar, having come from very similar backgrounds, one European, and one a mix of different European foods melded into a typical British, no-taste-whatsoever dish. The feast culminated in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner accompanied by a peach cobbler.

Toasts abounded. First President Vanderbilt, then Lord Protector Snow, then a bunch of minor characters. Drinks were had, ales from Britain, and traditional Yuengling Lager from Pennsylvania, the oldest brewery in the Commonwealth. By the end of the night, most were quite drunk, drunk enough to be forced to go home. But not Alexander. Rather, Mr. Vanderbilt went up to Mr. Snow, and they spoke for the first time since toasting one another.

They exchanged niceties, then they left to go somewhere they would not be disturbed: a maintenance hallway deep within the White House. It was here that Alexander Vanderbilt asked, "So, what brings you here? Do you want to be allies again and share almost all information with one another like before the war? Or do you just wish to belittle my people and make us feel inferior, as it was in the earliest days of the Original Republic," Vanderbilt smiled a sly smile.

[Luxa]

(OOC: Again no problem! Snow just has a drier sense of humor )

The dinner went well in Snow's eyes. The food was decent and was all together well put together and thought out. When it came to drinks however he drank sparingly. He wasn't a heavy drinker, a side effect from an attempted assassination during the war. He did drink a little however so as not to seem rude. And then it came down to business.

"I would rather us go with during the war rather than before," he said dryly. "You were quite isolationist before the Japanese attacked you. As for making you feel inferior I don't think you need us to do that." Snow smiled in return at the jest.

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