General Double Memorial Arena

 

        It is a slightly awesome thing to stand within the center of the General Doule Memorial Arena. All around one who is within, massive holographic generators stand ready to project any kind of combat environment. Surrounding the perimiter of the 'fighting floor', huge blue force-shields shimmer in place to protect the many thousands of people who pack the stands. Quite into the fighting they are, roaring approval or disproval at every blow as their favorite fighters duke it out on the ground below. It should be noted that at rest, in the few occasions when nobody is fighting a massive image of the Coalition General Double is projected into the middle of the arena, occasionally cycled out with advertisements for popular products built at home on Eurasia.

 

 

Contents:

Nova

Arena Stands

 

Though the stadium was finished construction over a week ago there were still several workers buzzing to-and-fro like bees running final checks on issues to ensure it was all running smoothly by the time of the tournament. There was also a healthy amount of Eurasia Security patroling to ensure that no one decided to protest the Coalition's presence here for the tournament through violent or destructive means. The hologram depicting advertisements was already going on a loop in the center of the arena acting as a rather nice backdrop to Captain Nova's current position. A small area had been set up in preparation for the interview about to follow. Some tables and chairs were available for Chest and any crew he might be bringing, though she opted to stand at the moment herself.

 

Chest hovers along the hallowed hallways of the arena, frowning slightly as he passes by workers and the like putting the final touches on the stadium. 'General Double Memorial Arena'. Bah, that name's going to be plastered all over the globe along with whatever other idiotic names the Emperor has thought up. Talk about sutble propaganda. 'Memorial'? Double was a vicious individual and the world is better off for his defeat. Ah well. Rare is it that the billionare strays from GNN HQ to conduct these sorts of interviews. "Feh. Better get used to it," Chest mutters to himself, thinking of how the Masters have been banned from his home city of San Angeles. Chest is smoking one of his cigars as he scouts the place out. If there's any No-Smoking signs around he hasn't noticed them. At least, that's his story and he's sticking to it. Passing by one of the halls that lead to the actual stands and arena itself, Chest can catch a glimpse of the Double hologram in the middle of the pitch. Oy.

        Finally, Chest makes his way to the dugout being used as a studio. That they're conducting this interview on Eurasia (aka Death-Trap-In-Space, according to Chest when in one of his more protective moods) reminds him to speak to Lime about certain business ideas he had. Or Lemon. Or whichever one happens to be agreeing with him at the time. Already the camera, lighting, and make-up crews are all ready to go.

 

Nova turns to watch that very same hologram as it pops up with a growing frown. While the world would be seeing it soon to begin with, at the moment there was no need to shock them with such images. Associating herself further with the Maverick was not her intent. Tilting her head towards one of the nearby aids she requests, "Arnold, please ensure that only the paid advertising is visible for the next twenty minutes." A sharp salute is snapped off by the man who leaves to see to that matter passing by Chest as he goes. A disaproving noise comes from him at the smoke from the cigar but the throat-clearing sound also helps to inform the captain that her visitor has arrived. Sparing one last glance for the unpleasant image Nova turns around smiling warmly towards Chest. "Welcome to Eurasia. I apologise for any inconvenience you may have had coming here, but unfortunately issues demand my constant presence on the station at this point in time."

 

Chest finds it's tough at times /not/ to associate yourself with the Mavericks. They're in the news, they're visible, and they are -everywhere-. It's annoying, really. Ignoring the polite coughing at his cigar smoke, Chest smiles and gives a casual wave/salute that would get any member of Repliforce (and Nova's team, I would imagine) a swift kick in the ass. "It's a pleasure, Captain." Chest replies, gesturing with his cigar, "It's no trouble at all. People are always telling me I should get out more. Can't get any further 'out' than Eurasia, right?" Chest doesn't react as the image of Double disappears, replaced by an advertisement for batteries. Instead he heads for his chair. The set is a simpler one than normal. Two couches partially facing each other and partially facing the camera. The backdrop, normally artificial, is the bright green pitch of the arena. There'll be the odd glimpse of an ad or two depending on how the pair are leaning in their seats, but they aren't intrusive. Chest plops down in his seat and raises his hand to his earpiece, connected as always to his green shades. "I've got word from GNN HQ that we're all ready when you are, Captain." A make-up butterfly flutters over and gives Chest a last-minute powdering of his face. Then she moves on to Nova with her make-up kit unless she objects. "We need you to look presentable!" she explains happily.

 

Nova begins to step towards the seat that Chest doesn't choose only to find her trek halted by the makeup fairy. Or butterfly as the case may be. She doesn't object if only for the fact that she finds herself blinking rapidly in surprise. "-Of course, presentable." That particular line of thought causes her to reach up to adjust her orange hair back over her shoulder just to make sure she looks professional. Satisfied (and duly powdered by the butterfly) she sinks carefully into her seat. It only takes a moment of minute adjustment for her to find a way to stretch her legs out without seeming too awkward as being tall did have it's disadvantages. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

 

Camera <Chest> has arrived.

You drop Camera <Chest>.

 

If it makes you feel any better, that reploid never finds anyone presentable without at least a few of her touch-ups. After a dab here and there, the butterfly smiles and squeaks, "Perfect!" before fluttering off to the sidelines. Chest, still smoking his cigar, holds out an extra one to Nova as an offer. It's a tradition of Chest's to offer one to whoever he's interviewing. Regardless of whether or not Nova accepts the cigar or not, someone off screen says, "Five seconds!" 4... 3... 2... 1... cue music, and...

 

The Camera turns on.

 

"Chest here, live and on the scene at the Memorial Arena here in exotic space-bound Eurasia!" We open Chest in one comfortable couch. Opposite him is Nova. Unlike most of Chest's sets for interviews, this one is more on-location. They're televising from a dugout in the General Double Memorial Arena. Behind the pair is the grassy green turf of the pitch that will soon be used for the Coalition Challenge. It's no doubt convertable to concrete and other surfaces for whatever you bloodthirsty twits are going to be killing each other on. Regardless, Chest has clearly been very busy with interviews and the like recently, and he probably needs a vacation from this soon enough. Hint hint. "We're here today with Nova, Captain of the Eurasian forces and one of the main components behind policy setting here on the space station. Thanks for joining with us tonight, Captain." Focus on Nova.

 

Nova sits back in her own chair carefully keeping one leg crossed over the other to ensure that her overly long apendages don't get in anyone's way. In one hand is a cigar still unlit and likely received from Chest as he himself is smoking one. "It's a pleasure, Chest. I'm glad to have you here tonight." With a winning smile she adds in a more laid-back manner, "It gives me a decent excuse to take a break from making arrangements to host the upcoming tournament."

 

Chest chuckles. At least for this interview he doesn't have to get too worked up. Really this is just an informative piece, and not a super-secret investigation of betrayal, death, and destruction. Those are always stressful... "The fact that Eurasia is participating in these events has caught some by surprise. Exactly what is the current Eurasian policy behind involving itself with the major warring factions? Complete neutrality? It seems that by supporting and helping to host these games, you're essentially endorsing the Coalition for Reploid Freedom."

 

Nova gives a small nod as Chest asks the most obvious question, one she had already anticipated. Any decent reporter would be quick to jump on it. "Eurasia's stance remains, and always has been, neutrality. The station has always offered the option to rent out space for events. To deny the Coalition the same services we offer everyone else would lay waste to our credibility." The captain's smile remains though she begins to twirl the cigar between her fingers absently. "Even so I would like to state that Eurasia in no way condones or supports the Coalitions methods."

 

This reminds Chest of what he was thinking about before the interview began: It's not easy to /not/ associate oneself with the Mavericks sometimes. His deal with Sigma regarding air-time for safety being an example of when you have little choice but to work with them. Mind you, renting out space in return for cash is a bit more. GNN does not sell commercial time to the Mavericks. "Is there anything that the Coalition could do that would be 'bad enough' to warrant a reversal on this policy? The example I'm getting at, mind you, is the recent Robot Master attack on San Angeles. They, like you, held a position of neutrality. They've since had to revoke Robot Master permission for being within the city limits. What would it take for the Masters or Mavericks to get them banned?"

 

Nova purses her lips thinning her smile out though it doesn't quite become a frown. If anything the question seems to bring a surge of amusement as her eyes glint in the light. "I'm well aware that the seige on San Angeles has brought Eurasia's stance into question, and the current events more so. Being neutral does /not/ mean being defenseless." The captain leans forward at this throwing further emphasis onto her next words which are already forceful and confident. "If any should attempt to lay claim to Eurasia, rest assured that we will respond in whatever method necessary to ensure the safety of our providence. We will staunchly defend our home, our beliefs, and our ideals. Eurasia will remain neutral. As such we find ourselves in a position to offer the various powers of the planet a service it can no longer provide itself: A place where representatives of all nations may meet in a civilized and orderly manner to work towards a peaceful resolution to Earth's conflict. Instances of banning will be entirely on an individual basis so that we will not automatically exclude any of Earth's warring factions. Attempts to steal, damage property, infect, or otherwise actively attempt to recruit converts will be grounds for expulsion when it comes to security's attention. As it is our security protocols are being tightened to accomodate the upcoming events. It will remain in place afterwards as our permanent methods from now on. Anyone entering the station will have their ID scanned and recorded, and it will likewise be scanned upon their leaving. Every individual on Eurasia will be accounted for at any particular time. If something does occur it will allow us to narrow down our list of suspects so that the matter can be dealt with in as effective and efficient manner as possible."

 

Chest appears surprised at the idea that if the Mavericks/Masters/Neo-Arcadians attack, they wouldn't be banned. The GNN boss wonders if, upon seeing your buildings in ruin and the entire city in disarray like his home town of San Angeles was just a few months ago would change the minds of the Eurasian policy-makers. He doesn't ask that, though. "What other services will Eurasia be offering, Captain? We know that you're willing to rent out space and allow other factions to build facilities here. What if... oh I don't know, the Masters wanted a warehouse?" Pause. "What if the warehouse holds weapons and stockpiles munitions? What happens when the lines between the war and the 'civil' parts of a faction become blurred? The last thing you want, I'm sure, is a Neo-Arcadian task force sent up to Eurasia in order to destroy what they suspect - truthfully or otherwise - to be a Maverick weapons depot."

 

Nova allows herself to relax minutely once more. The smile returns to her face, and her head nods in approval at the very good question. "Eurasia's economy is based primarily on tourism. Events, activities, any such thing that generates more tourism is allowed. Anything that is to work towards the eventual /peaceful/ resolution of the war is allowed. To rent or lease property it must follow a strict criteria to ensure that such a situation doesn't occur. However, only Eurasian citizens are allowed to actually own property or businesses. The application for such businesses is rather rigorous and time consuming. Any leased location is always under security's watchful eye to ensure that unlawful use does not occur. Those who do will be summarily shown the door with no chance of reimbursement for their down payment, and any items, illegal or otherwise, will become Eurasia property to be used or disposed of as the case may be."

 

Chest gestures around him at the stadium with his cigar. "So the General Double Memorial Arena is owned by Eurasia?" He asks. Regardless of the answer, he moves onward, "Like San Angeles, Eurasia has often been threatened by those who... well, just plain don't like neutral individuals. What's to stop, say, the Robot Masters from launching a few missiles this way in an attempt to send the station plummeting into the Earth's atmosphere because they don't like how the Mavericks are making money off of this challenge of theirs? After all, the profits they make are going to be helping fund their war-time effort, no doubt. Also, Captain, how does Eurasian policy differ from that of San Angeles? There's been rumours saying that Eurasia and San Angeles might enjoy an alliance of sorts for mutual security. It does seem that your goals are virtually identical, after all." What rumours, you ask? The ones Chest started ten seconds ago.

 

Nova raises her eyebrows a bit at the mention of rumors, which she assuredly had never heard of. One matter at a time needed to be dealt with so for now that nagging question brought up by Chest's remark is pushed aside in favor of answering the first. "In this particular instance special accomodations had to be made. The materials for the arena were purchased by the Coalition, the blueprints were drawn up by the Coalition, but in the end it was Eurasia builders that constructed it. The space the arena rests on is what is being rented. Once the Coalition's tournament has ended they're free to take back the materials used as we've acertained that there is nothing illegal about them in the least. The Coalition has been up-front and quite willing to work within the terms we've set." A deep breath is taken in spite of the fact that reploids really don't need to breathe. It was a way of gathering her thoughts for a moment before continuing on.

        "As for what's stopping any particular faction from attacking us, nothing at all. I don't deny that, at any point in time, someone might attack the station. To point out however nothing stopped that from happening in San Angeles, either. What others choose to do can never be predicted, but it can be reacted to. We expect to be attacked and make as many common sense precautions to help us deal with such incidents should they occur as we possibly can. Not only has Eurasia security provided ideas, but outside contractors such as Cossack Industries have aided in our defensive measures in the past. I am confident that Eurasia will be able to respond to and endure any situation that may arise."

        Here again Captain Nova finds herself smiling while her hands shift to lace fingers together over her knee. The cigar is still entwined between two fingers though she hardly pays it much mind. "As far as alliances with San Angeles go, we do indeed have many a similar goal. Eurasia takes it one step farther, however: We are not an Earthly nation. For too long mankind as fruitlessly sought peace on Earth. Since it has not been found on Earth, we seek to find it in the stars."

 

Cossack Industries has been helping with Eurasia's defensive measures? Now admit it, you evil types out there... aren't you just a little bit curious what these measures are? What in the world would happen if you attacked the station? Only one way to find out for sure!

        Chest, meanwhile, nods every so often, but smirks at that last little bit. Poetic, sure, but it doesn't /mean/ anything. Given the ease of teleporting to Eurasia, Chest doesn't see why peace would be easier up here than it would be down there. But he doesn't bother with any of those trivial points. The information about what Eurasia's stance is regarding the other factions is now out there. "Good luck with that dream, Captain," Chest says in reply to the 'seek peace in the stars' comment, "And thank you for setting aside some time to speak with us about Eurasia's policy in the modern political situation." Focus on Nova for any parting words from her.

 

Nova bobs her head in a pleasant nod as she's managed, somehow, to weather through Chest's commentary with good spirits. "You're quite welcome. I do hope that everyone will respect the station's rules and enjoy the upcoming tournament. I hope it will help people to realise that Eurasia has a great deal to offer other than just it's club district so that they will be eager to come back and visit for our upcoming anniversary."

 

The Camera turns off.