At the cruise ship dock in Mutare Harbour, the Premier, his Executive Ministers and the welcoming party stood waiting as the gangplank of the official yacht was lowered to the shore. "I can't believe we still have to go through all this nonsense every time some toff from the FU comes down. Bloody ridiculous" mumbled Home Affairs Minister William Burges to the Premier. It was bad enough they were obliged to be on the docks at six in the morning for the Governor General's arrival, but having to wear the tight, stiff court dress expected on these occasions just made it worse.
The Burgesian military band and guard of honour stood waiting, equally agitated at the outdated rigmarole. Once thousands of people from the port city would have turned out to greet the new representative of their monarch and an entire battalion would have formed the guard, but now the government was accompanied by only a company and the only spectators were the few dockers who happened to work nearby.
The guard of honour
Onboard the yacht Engellish sailors began to form ranks on either side of the gangplank and as they saluted, the Earl of Cadogan - in full dress uniform - became visable on the deck. As he reached the shore the band unenthusiastically struck up the national anthem, at the conclusion of which C.B. Clifford, Her Majesty's Premier in the Free Territory of Burgesia stepped forward and stifling a yawn issued his formal greeting to the Governor General. "Your Excellency, on behalf of Her Majesty's subjects in Burgesia, I welcome you." Cadogan was introduced to the Executive, then accompanied by the Premier, inspected the guard of honour.
The formalities concluded, The Engellish peer made his way to the waiting limousine that would take him the four hour journey to the capital. Once out of sight, the Burgesian government removed their top hats and tried to make themselves slightly more comfortable in the anachronistic court dress. This accomplished, they made their way to the waiting BAF helicopters that would have him home in about an hour.
In keeping with custom, the following day the Premier and his ministers were summoned to Government House, the Governor's official residence in the capital.
Government House, Henrietta
Lord Cadogan was brought up to speed on government policy and briefed on the general situation in Burgesia. He in turn discussed Free Union foreign policy with the Executive and invited suggestions that he would pass on to the government at home. The formal audience over, tea was served on the South Veranda of Government House, overlooking the extensive parkland in which the opulent residence sat.
There was a certain awkwardness around the table, the Earl by now aware he was an unwanted governor and the ministers consequently uncomfortable. "Rather pleasant morning, what?" said the Governor, attempting to break the silence.
"Yes, I hear it is to get incredibly warm this afternoon", replied the Finance Minister Sir Joseph Wentworth.
Silence again descended. It was broken this time by the cantakerous Home Affairs Minister who, having finished his third slice of fruit cake, bluntly asked, "Tell me Cadogan, why the devil won't your lot back in Woolwich let us deal with our own trade? Simply contrariness if you ask me."
The Burgesian military band and guard of honour stood waiting, equally agitated at the outdated rigmarole. Once thousands of people from the port city would have turned out to greet the new representative of their monarch and an entire battalion would have formed the guard, but now the government was accompanied by only a company and the only spectators were the few dockers who happened to work nearby.
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The guard of honour
Onboard the yacht Engellish sailors began to form ranks on either side of the gangplank and as they saluted, the Earl of Cadogan - in full dress uniform - became visable on the deck. As he reached the shore the band unenthusiastically struck up the national anthem, at the conclusion of which C.B. Clifford, Her Majesty's Premier in the Free Territory of Burgesia stepped forward and stifling a yawn issued his formal greeting to the Governor General. "Your Excellency, on behalf of Her Majesty's subjects in Burgesia, I welcome you." Cadogan was introduced to the Executive, then accompanied by the Premier, inspected the guard of honour.
The formalities concluded, The Engellish peer made his way to the waiting limousine that would take him the four hour journey to the capital. Once out of sight, the Burgesian government removed their top hats and tried to make themselves slightly more comfortable in the anachronistic court dress. This accomplished, they made their way to the waiting BAF helicopters that would have him home in about an hour.
In keeping with custom, the following day the Premier and his ministers were summoned to Government House, the Governor's official residence in the capital.
You must be registered for see images
Government House, Henrietta
Lord Cadogan was brought up to speed on government policy and briefed on the general situation in Burgesia. He in turn discussed Free Union foreign policy with the Executive and invited suggestions that he would pass on to the government at home. The formal audience over, tea was served on the South Veranda of Government House, overlooking the extensive parkland in which the opulent residence sat.
There was a certain awkwardness around the table, the Earl by now aware he was an unwanted governor and the ministers consequently uncomfortable. "Rather pleasant morning, what?" said the Governor, attempting to break the silence.
"Yes, I hear it is to get incredibly warm this afternoon", replied the Finance Minister Sir Joseph Wentworth.
Silence again descended. It was broken this time by the cantakerous Home Affairs Minister who, having finished his third slice of fruit cake, bluntly asked, "Tell me Cadogan, why the devil won't your lot back in Woolwich let us deal with our own trade? Simply contrariness if you ask me."