[color=fff200]Most Serene Key Republic delegation-[/color] [color=00aeef]Bartholomew Hemingway[/color]
 
Bartholomew gave Marie a wide smile as they ended their bit of business. He had discussed the fate of the East at length with His Serenity in preparation for this Convention, and ensuring that the Cult of Ug-Qualtoth was willing to work with the Republic was a major step towards crafting a Key-friendly East Coast. 
 
“Wonderful! We’ll be visiting you later before the Convention is concluded.” He paused for a moment, before continuing awkwardly, “I believe Alexander had business with you as well, so I’m sure he will be attending both of you tonight.”
 
As Marie bid her farewell and Alexander focussed on conversation with the Texans, Bartholomew sat back down in his seat and observed the happenings around him. The reveal of ‘Kimball’ as a double and the subsequent brawl that broke out between the Californian and Jaded delegations came as quite the shock to Bartholomew. He did not foresee a physical confrontation at a political summit of this scale, and it showed him just how comparatively sophisticated Gulf politics were. 
 
Speaking of Gulf politics, it seemed that the Texans had fetched the Angels of War to discuss regional matters. Bartholomew made his way back to Alexander’s side, just in time to hear his response to the Ghoulish Texan President.
 
“I certainly agree, President Harris. While His Serenity could unfortunately not make it today, the first matter on his agenda for us was ensuring mutual security and friendship for the Gulf nations. As His Serenity sees it, our fair Gulf is under potential threat from all around, and we seek to encourage peace in the region to ensure prosperity for the Keys and all of its friends. As for the pirates, Bartholomew would probably be more well-equipped to answer that question.”
 
Bartholomew was somewhat surprised when Alexander handed the conversation to him. He took in stride however, continuing with a wide smile.
 
“Our main trade routes have been secured and the pirates have been pushed to their old strongholds in the south. Instead, our focus has now turned to the Atlantic side of the southern states, where those lawless vagabonds have been capitalizing on our growing trade in the North. As for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, they have proven to be good trading partners and peaceful folk, but we have yet to engage in any further political negotiations with them. The Cult, however…” Bartholomew shot a quick glance at Alexander “They are a wild faction, certainly, though they have shown a willingness to accept our traders. The claims of… supernatural power coming out of their lands have yet to be officially confirmed, and we in the Keys suspect something more mundane is at work instead.”
 
This final statement elicited the quietest of laughs from Alexander, who followed it with a small smile. If only these politicians knew truth, he thought. This awkwardness was thankfully interrupted when the two delegates from the Angels of War entered the picture. As expected, they stated their support for their Texan brethren but on of them, rather rudely, reminded the assembled delegates that they were, in fact, soldier for hire. As it seemed the first day of the Convention was coming to an end, Bartholomew made a suggestion.
 
“Perhaps we could all discuss the details of a formal agreement over dinner somewhere else? The Tops is an excellent location, from what I’ve heard. We could invite the Commonwealth in Pennsylvania, if you wish, President Harris.”