Shield, Scepter, and Crown

Greetings, and welcome to the Imperial Dominion of North America! I'm Alfred Jones Kirkland, representative of this glorious land and right hand man to the the greatest empire this world has ever seen. What's your business here? ((RP blog for APH America in an AU where the British Empire never fell; read info for details))

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

((bbl))

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

victorian-kirkland1 has wandered into the workshop.

[victorian-kirkland1]

That’s the exact way to take it. 

*His eyes brighten even more, a smile forming on his lips to match the spark* I’d love to actually. If it’s not too much of a bother that is.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

[His grin grows a few degrees sunnier and had his hands curl into excited fists before his chest]

Right, let me show you what I've been working on in terms of ammunition, first of all. As you might know, our personal handguns are based on the old flintlock designs, but with the added benefit of being loaded with several shots and high accuracy. They don't just fire off gunpowder- the bits that set it off are actually inside the bullets. We just keep the design for aesthetic sake. Each and every one is capable of taking someone down from about 100 metres.

[He starts picking his way through several bulky machines, which hum and whir as he slips past them with practised ease] But, I've found ways to improve them even more! If you'll just come this way, and be careful not to step on anything, please.

[theamericanperspective-deactiva]

*Chuckles.* It’s awesome isn’t it! That’s designed by Zaha Hadid. This one is Lord Foster’s work. *He flips through the sketchpad and then shows another sketch, this time colored.* You better wait ‘til I become an architect and I’ll be making lots of buildings as cool as these!

I think you’re the… second one? Dunno. Probably met one. And he’s human too!

Haha you talk like you’re an alien or something.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Wow, I've never thought of using these sorts of curves-- they're so sleek! Your job is to design these sorts of things?

No, I'm a nation, of course! [In his world, nations are very commonplace, forgive him for being so casual about it]

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

victorian-kirkland1 has wandered into the workshop.

[victorian-kirkland1]

I believe it, without a doubt. I’ve met some strange characters myself. Not that it’s a bad thing honestly, it’s how I’ve met most of my friends.

*His eyes trail around the room, a slight glint in his eyes considering he adores things like this. He feels more at ease, his shoulders loosing that tenseness, though remaining rolled back and proper* I see…Sounds like my kind of job honestly.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Yes, exactly! A lot of people have things to share, and even if they're not particularly compatible with me, I can usually find some sort of inspiration from them. 

It's the highlight of my duties. [A genuine smile and he seems to brighten a little] ...Would you like to see a few of my projects? 

[virtuesandmutts]

intrepidingenuity started following you

[virtuesandmutts]

"Well sure there are, there’s the sins and zodiacs too. What you thought countries were the only ones to take form?" -she giggled-

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Oh, really? Yes, actually, I was only aware of nations personified. I had no idea anything else like us existed.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

britannicumimperium has wandered into the workshop.

[britanniankingarchive]

I did not let him win! -He hissed out, letting out a long breath and shaking his head- I did not let him. Like I said, it was a number of factors that led to the loss. Don’t you take that tone of voice with me-

I see, I see. -He nodded, sighing slightly and shifting his weight from side to side. He can’t wrap his head around it. A world where the colonies didn’t even try to revolt? That would’ve been so much easier..he can’t help but yearn for it-

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Well, [He scratches the back of his head] there was only one real dispute in my history, ages ago, but we resolved it rather quickly. I think you have it backwards, you have no right to speak to me like I'm your lackey.

Like I said, there were issues, but... [Shrugs] My fath-- the Admiral was understanding and there was no need for further conflict. To be honest, I'm glad we figured it out. The idea of fighting the full might of the British Empire, even then, is really... daunting.

[theamericanperspective-deactiva]

Who. Man. Those are one of the legendary architects! 

*Look at him get really excited and get his sketch pad and shows him a neat sketch of this image*

Pfffssshhh. Hell yeah I am. Unless I’m some kind of superhero then probably not human. But hey, still human.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Oh! Wow, that's actually-- [He comes a bit closer, looking at it from different angles as he grins] This is a building? What else do you have like it? [He sounds excited]

Heh. Well, I think you're the first actual human with my face I've met!

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

victorian-kirkland1 has wandered into the workshop.

[victorian-kirkland1]

Well, I’m sure that leads to some interesting encounters. Invention can be a beckon to come rather…different people.

*Gives a slight smile in return, a bit strained as he’s still confused as to his surroundings* I get that quite often actually.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Heh, you're right about that. I've met people from all over, and from other universes too, if you can believe that. 

I don't doubt it. Oh! I should explain where you are. This is my workshop. I come up with most of the prototypes for a good percentage of the technology of the Empire here, as well as some of my personal projects! [There's a very steampunk feel to the area, and though the spot they stand in is a bit cramped, the room is actually very large; it's just filled with constructs of brass and copper, some things covered in sheets. To the back of the room, there seems to be a small door. It's dim, compared to outside, but there's a bright light over Alfred's worktable. The air might also seem a bit thicker, and there's an odd scent to the air, something akin to a nutty sort of oil, with a hint of metal to it.]

[virtuesandmutts]

intrepidingenuity started following you

[virtuesandmutts]

"We’re at the park just near my home. I am the virtue of Patience so maybe you were directed towards me."

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Patience? I can't say I've heard of virtues being personified, but, well... with all the weird stuff that's been going on lately, I can't say I'm too surprised! I'm the Imperial Dominion of North America, by the way. And I'd like to think I have patience already, honestly, but you seem like a nice person to talk to!

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

britannicumimperium has wandered into the workshop.

[britanniankingarchive]

I mean exactly what I say. We lost. There was a number of reasons why..and I don’t exactly want to delve into it. Needless to say, I am proud of my world’s Alfred..and at the same time, if we hadn’t lost, then the Empire would be around still, as it is here. Excuse you? I am, too. It was the sole purpose of my creation, so shut your mouth, boy-

-He blinked, eyes widening slightly- Sixty-five percent..holy shit. -he breathed out, taking a deep breath and clearing his throat slightly- In my world..America is very much independent, and very much thriving. It has its own government and all that..there’s no such thing as Empires anymore, either, unfortunate to say.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

... But the Empire never loses. It can't. [Conall u cray] Did you mean that you let your world's Alfred be his own nation, maybe? I only take orders from the Admiral, sir so I'll have to decline. 

Yes, the Admiral hasn't managed the whole of it just yet, but we're definitely getting there! [He tilted his head] I'm the most independent of all of those under Lord Kirkland's command, actually, and I run a lot of my things myself! Obviously, I defer to him, but if he ran everything I did, well, it'd be a big, unnecessary hassle. And we're the only real empire around. The others are that in name only, really. [Oh he sounds a bit arrogant, oops]

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

paralianprince has wandered into the workshop.

[paralianprince]

… I get this a lo’.

Pet’er Kirkland, then! You probly recognise me from my bruvver. Which is no’ to say you ought sort us togevver.

…

Are you dressed up for son’in?

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

[Frowns just slightly, still fairly pleasant] I've met his siblings, but, and I'm sorry to say, no one's mentioned you. Er... I'm Alfred, though. But you probably know who I am.

Not at all! But if you've only been among the working class, I suppose this might seem a bit sharp.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

victorian-kirkland1 has wandered into the workshop.

[victorian-kirkland1]

Not supposed to be here? My apologizes then. I’m not exactly sure how I arrived here to begin with but I most definitely didn’t mean to wander somewhere I shouldn’t be.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

Oh, don't worry about it! A good lot of people end up popping in; I'd say it's just the appeal of invention!

[Smiles at him, but there's a hint of bemused amusement there too] You seem sort of familiar.

[theamericanperspective-deactiva]

*Laughs.*

Thanks bud. Of course, if ya look good, that means I do too!

Name’s Alfred by the way. Future second Lord Foster and male version of Zaha Hadid in the making!

*Reaches his hand out.*

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

I have no idea what that is, but good luck! [Smiles and takes his hand]

My name is Alfred too, actually. You're human, right?

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

britannicumimperium has wandered into the workshop.

[britanniankingarchive]

-He let out a long breath, tapping his fingers on his side and nodding- That is exactly it. You see, in that universe, I’m the British Empire, and..we..lost..the American colonies in that revolt. -The words left a bitter taste in his mouth. Lost. Eugh. He hated that word-

At least somewhere things went right. -He sighed, crossing his arms slightly- Tell me, what’s it like? The British Empire is still around, I know that much.

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

What do you mean lost? The British Empire is infallible. It's part of the reason I didn't-- It's why we've done so well. And, sorry, you look a bit like him, but you're kind of... not exactly empire material.

[He grins at that, however] We're doing great! We've recently taken over Mexico and I've even had a good chunk ceded to me after I was allowed to play a key role. I think, at the moment, about 65% of the world is under the Admiral's control, and we dominate the seas! From what I understand of your world, we're much more peaceful and our people as a whole are happier. I can't speak for the outlanders, of course, but I doubt they're very well off.

[virtuesandmutts]

intrepidingenuity started following you

[virtuesandmutts]

-oh yay a nice person-

It’s nice to meet you too Alfred, what brings you here?”

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

I'm not really sure, actually. I was peeking around for inspiration and somehow ended up here. 

Where is here, anyway?

[intrepidingenuity-blog]

paralianprince has wandered into the workshop.

Hey little guy! You look a lot like someone I know, but I've never met you before. What's your name?