Gaudiano Air Force Base
Messelia, Sartoria
The flight had gone according to plan with little turbulence early on but nothing since. Chancellor Margrete Sardou organized some papers at her desk and kept looking up at the holoscreen which projected the top news stories in Merovia into the air in front of her. Nothing out of the ordinary was in the news today, thankfully, mostly just celebrity gossip and preparations for the Royal Gala which would be held towards the end of the month. Margrete wasn't a major supporter of excessive spending but she also understood the value placed upon such events by the Royal Household and by the well-to-do who would attend. Not to mention the fact that her major donors would be there as well. Fundraising was something Margrete rather abhorred which was one reason that upon returning from her visit to Sartoria she would be introducing her Campaign Reform Bill.
"Chancellor we will be landing in about ten minutes," the voice of the captain came over the intercom in her state room.
"Thank you Captain." Her reply was dry as landing was her least favorite part of flying.
As the Mereux Air 3380's engines began their tell tale low whirring signalling they were reducing airspeed for landing began Margrete strapped in her safety harness and began uttering a prayer to herself.
Gentle as could be expected and thankfully faster as well, the plane touched down and began to taxi over to where the Sartorian delegation was awaiting the Merovienne arrival. Margrete was wearing one of her retro styled outfits that was a soft blue like the Merovienne flag with gold and white trim. The style was very reminiscent of the mid-20th Century which had really come back into fashion in Merovia in the last few years. Everything from vehicles to fashion to music.
Once the plane was on the ground Margrete gathered her dossiers and headed to the designated disembarkation area on the plane. Already there and looking rather full of class with her Royal Sash, discrete tiara and knee length white and blue dress was Princess Katalina Tessier, aunt to the reigning King Jaufre. She was older than Margrete by about 20 years but it didn't seem to show really. Katalina was the Royal Representative on the visit as the Royal Family liked to send someone to accompany the civilian government for first hand account and to represent the King rather than just the Government of the Day. More liberal parties in Merovia called for an end to the practice of Royal Representatives dues to the appearance of the monarchy interfering in the policy making though the more Conservative parties and the Centrists like Margrete didn't mind as it was advisory rather than directorial in nature.
Foreign Minister Jules Pascaut, a balding and rather portly fellow, was standing next to the Princess and informing her and some of the assistants of the various people who would be meeting them at the base before proceeding with the visit. Ambassador Henri d'Orvon was to be there and would act as the secondary advisor for the visit to the Merovienne delegation. Normally the Ambassador would take the primary role but that would be filled by the Foreign Minister this time around.
"Well we best not keep our hosts waiting," Margrete said flashing a smile and fixing a small wrinkle that had formed on the flight on her dress.
The door to the plane opened and first out were two security officers who were being as discrete as possible though failing to not go unnoticed by Margrete. Then went Princess Katalina taking precedence and then Margrete followed by Foreign Minister Pascaut. The delegation approached the Sartorians who were led by Councillor Mario Candiotti who bowed politely which was returned by the Foreign Minister and Margrete whereas Katalina nodded her head in respect.
"Thank you for hosting us Councillor, I most look forward to our talks and am delighted as always to be in Messelia." Margrete said with her trademark smile before offering her hand for a shake to Candiotti and then to Ambassador d'Orvon.