The Kindred Foes [the orre alliance]

[/color] He gestured to the seat across him before moving on, this time adding a more welcoming smile. "It's a pleasure to be with you. I've heard great things about you. Your service to Cipher and Orre are commendable."[/color]

Shamees raised a hand to Tika's direction. "She's a member of our fine, sentinel force, Tika. Tika, watch your manners for a while. All the munching can be a little distracting," he gently reminded.

"Now,"[/color] he said, turning back to Ardos, "according to what your company informed us, Cipher wants to help Lux in the war against Nox. I'd like to hear what your reasons are for this alliance, politically and personally. It is uncommon for foreigners to intervene in a civil war. I would know. I've dealt with a war of a bigger scale than this."[/color]

Just as Shamees had done his research on Cipher and Ardos, he was sure they did the same thing. Just how much information they got, Shamees couldn't be sure, as that would depend on how well their intelligence was. There wasn't so much behind Shamees around this country and secrets was something he was very careful of.

NOTES Ardos gets no food.[/style][/td]

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Ardos' smile grew a bit wider toward Shamees, and he gladly took a seat. Or at least he attempted to, standing for extremely long periods of time can really make sitting not so fun. Eventually, he was able to take a seat, though he sat in a rather awkward position with his legs to the side. He smiled warmly at the president, as the man ask what was Cipher's interest in the war. Ardos was all too happy to explain, his smile turning into a grotesque grin.

The executive cleared his throat and began his explanation, "My region is hurting, Mr. President. Due to unforeseen events, Orre has turned into hell on Earth. Crime rates are unthinkable, violence is everywhere, and food is so scarce that a majority of the population have turned to cannibalism. I assume that with your experience you've seen your fair share of dead children but your soul would simply break if you saw them being ravaged over by inhuman creatures that once called themselves husbands or aunts." Ardos' smile turned to a mere smirk, to show his distaste for this activity. Yet, on the inside he honestly didn't care what the crazy citizens of Orre did. He just needed Shamees on his side.

He continued, "My organization, Cipher, has the funds and resources to save these people sir, to bring the damned back into the light. Our healing programs have so far worked, and we are slowly mending our civilization. However, we've reached a snag. Cipher hasn't been known for its kindness in the past, and even though we have chosen to help them, some citizens who barely hold on to their sanity choose not to trust us. Every time they resist our help, Orre goes further into the darkness. Our funds are being waisted on keeping back the scum when it should be used to help those who are hurting." Ardos quivered a bit, really getting into character, "This...scum has already approached you, or the leaders of them I mean. Insolent fools who dare think they can deny others a better future, just because those who hand it to them on a silver platter made a few bad choices in the past."

Ardos took a deep breath, as he almost got too into his character and lost his cool. To think what would of happen if he had frowned made Ardos shiver slightly, which may have helped. After taking a moment, he said, "All I want, is help Mr. Shamees. My late father's remaining funds are running dry. Soon, we will not be able to fight back the scum, and Orre will become doomed. They think they can help, but you must understand these people are insane. Would you give your home to hatters?" Ardos paused for a moment, simply staring at president Shamees for a moment. Eventually he continued, "Then I hear about the war over seas Mr. Shamees. Of the grand power of Lux being tortured by similar forces. Our struggle seems somewhat parallel when you think about it. Only difference is you have enough resources to keep this war running for decades. I shall pledge my allegiance to you and Lux, and all I ask for in return is that after the war is over and Lux is triumphant, you help me rebuild my home region and prevent a similar war from happening."

Of course, Ardos never mentioned the fact that he was an insane sadist that wanted to rule Orre with an iron fist and he would demolish any opposition using Lux's gifted resources, though you can't really blame him for not mentioning this fact because you know, that would be stupid. Ardos simply waited for the president to respond, hoping that his speech had reached him.

Ardos' smile grew slightly larger as the good president responded. It would seem that he bought his masquerade, though it wasn't likely. Ardos knew he should have just out flat said his true intentions for Orre, but dictatorship is apparently not looked fondly on. For the time being though, it would seem that he bought it, though Ardos wouldn't be surprised if Shamees didn't trust him. Who the heck would be crazy enough to trust a man with Ardos' reputation right off? Oh well, at least trust could be bought.

Ardos quickly responded when Shamees mentioned having to wait for extra resources. "Yes yes, that will be fine. Cipher has enough resources to keep Orre just above savagery for a while. However, what I need is to keep the scum from ruining everything after the war. They've backed off now since they are trying to win your affections but when Lux wins and we travel back home nothing would have changed. They'll just continue to hinder the evolution of Orre. I shall gladly wait for resources, but what I would very much want is an extra...bat to threaten the scum with, if you catch my drift." Ardos was somewhat sure that Shamees would stick to his current offer and Ardos would have to suck up to get the extra offerings, but he thought he would throw that out there while he had the president in one place.

Ardos looked at the president's hand wearily, but after only a moment of gazing upon it he clutched it with his own gloved hand and lightly shook Shamees' hand to seal the deal."The pleasure is all mine Mr. President." Ardos said with a pleasant smile. He wasn't sure if joining with Lux would turn into a horrible mistake, but if all went well then Orre would soon belong to Cipher alone.

He gazed at the strange cat girl who had questioned his loyalty before as she gave him her congratulations. Ardos just stared at her for a moment, with his calm, horribly creepy smile. He sensed insincerity in her words thanks to her previous questioning, though Ardos could really care less about what she thought about him. "I look forward to working with you." He said in an even tone before turning to Shamees and asking, "If you wouldn't mind me asking sir, where shall this plane take us?"