I own only what's in my head. The rest belongs to various authors/producers/ and government agencies.

Here's chapter 26 of Magic vs. MA.

This one is going to be fun to write. There's a field trip to London from 2 different groups, a Death Eater attack, and hopefully lots more. Should be fun.

Okay, lot's of talk in early part of chapter, plans being made that kind of thing. Then some good stuff later on. Hope to get to do a DE attack soon. Oh and communication problems also soon to be solved.

I tried the little blurbs last time, but no one seems to like them. which I found odd. But, since no one liked them except me, I guess I have to stop ... hey wait a minute it's my story and if I want them in, then I'll put them in, damn it!

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Everyone had gathered in the Room of Requirement at Harry's urging. The only people absent were Xian Pu, who no one had been able to find, and Mu Tsu, who had declined, sighting a desire to keep his eye on some of the more troublesome members of the Slytherin house. It seems that there were some who were using the lessons he and Xian were sharing with them to bully the weaker students for various favors. Mu Tsu had decided to hang around the common room as often as possible so as to limit the damage the bullies were able to inflict.

The room looked like a small version of the Gryffindor common room, since it was Harry that had shown the rest how to enter. He was currently sitting next to Luna on a large chair/small couch that was facing several such furnishings facing each other in a circle around a round table piled with foodstuffs. The others were arranged as they felt comfortable in the chairs. Hermione was sitting in Ron's lap, her face holding a slight blush as Ron whispered occasionally in her ear. Ginny was sitting between Taro and Ryoga, throwing admiring glances at the pair of powerful young men. Her face was nearly as flushed as Hermione's, and she shifted every so often to rub against the pair on her sides. Ryoga was fighting a blush and nosebleed from the girl's actions, and Taro would look down at her every so often and smirk, as though he knew what his nearness was doing to her.

Khu Long was seated on a high chair of appropriate dignity for her size and position. Smoke curled around her as she took occasional puffs on her long pipe. In the seat next to her, a proud but worried Tofu sat next to his very visibly pregnant wife, more concerned with her health then the current political situation. Kasumi indulged his worry with gentle smiles that were only enhanced by her maternal glow. Every so often her hand would move to caress the growing swell of her stomach and the life contained within and the aura of love she projected would increase tenfold.

Akane was twisting a blanket in her hands as she fretted silently in her seat. Her eyes were following Ranma as her husband paced the room. Ranma was so frustrated and annoyed with the situation that he was leaking ki at alarming rate and he had to use it in some manner or risk blasting Umbridge into the atmosphere. So his pacing included the occasional walk up the wall and across the ceiling and down the other side of the room as he subconsciously used his ki to defy the laws of gravity. It was that or spend a few hours sending ki blasts into the sky. He'd probably have to go dragon later and spend a few hours flying around the country side.

"So I was wondering if there's anything you can do about this? I mean, you got her to back off a bit last time, but it didn't stick." Harry asked, leaning back in the plush chair. He closed his eyes and allowed some of the tension to ease out of him when Luna's soft hands started kneading the muscles in his neck and shoulders. He was spending more and more time with Luna, and finding out that she was even more interesting then the odd mannerisms she showed to others. She was bright, nearly as smart as Hermione, and was one of the quickest to grasp the lessons in HarHarTu. So quick that she was now helping him to plan lessons and teach the others. When she relaxed and felt comfortable with some one, she could be quick charming. And without those overly large owlish glasses, she was quite attractive. Harry blinked his eyes open and fought the soothing nature of the massage being given to him to pay more attention to the others and any ideas they had about the newest problems.

Ranma sighed and stalked over, sitting next to Akane. He glared at the table and the assorted foods laying there. "I don't know what else to do. It was pretty clear that if I try anything against her, it would cause the Ministry to have us ousted from Hogwarts and exiled back to Angwan. There's nothing we can do here to stop her."

Kasumi spoke next. "Maybe that's the problem then, Ranma. If you can't do anything from here, and they are blocking our mail, then they are interfering with OUR home. You are the leader of a nation Ranma, and tied to the Imperial house of Japan. By halting and blocking your mail, they are breaking long standing treaties on the treatment of diplomats. By international law, both Wizard and Muggle, any representative of a foreign nation is to be given full and complete access, unhindered or monitored, to their councils and leaders at home. You have every right to confront them and demand that they stop blocking your mail from getting through. You might not be able to stop them from blocking or reading the students mail, but your, and our mail should be untouched."

Ranma frowned. This whole leading a nation thing was very uncomfortable for him. It was why he had his mother and Nabiki helping him out back home. They took care of all that stuff, and he signed his name to whatever they came up with. He trusted them to make sure he didn't sign anything that was potentially harmful to anyone, though when it was explained that he had signed a document that legalized duels to the death, and public executions for certain vile crimes, he'd disappeared into the mountains for a week. It had taken a combination of Akane's seduction and Haabu and Ryoga's brute force to drag him back to civilization.

"So what do you think I should do? It's not like I can bring them to Angwan and throw them in jail, right?"

"No, but you can go in person and suggest that if they don't stop interfering, then you will be forced to pull all diplomatic relations with Britain and the European Councils. And as you know, the Emperor has publicly stated since the ceremony of Angwan's inception that he will do everything in his power to help you in any way. I didn't realize it at the time, but now that I think about, I realize that some of his message was meant to assure the Wizarding population of the world that you were not to be trifled with. While the British and other European nations might hide the Wizarding population away, it's not the case in most of the world. In most Asian countries, magic is not only accepted as real but is considered a valued commodity and natural resource. I know that in China, real wizards and witches are considered above the rest of the population, and given special judiciary powers allowing any wizard or witch to act as Judge, Jury, and Executioner as long as they qualified with the PRA.

It was this that was a major factor in the Amazons, Musk and Phoenix being more then willing to abandoned their ancient homelands when you and Haabu raised Angwan, Ranma. They knew that while they could likely find a way around the more mundane but powerful weaponry of the so called normal people that they would have difficulty fighting off a wizarding population that is likely the highest in the entire world. I know that in America, it's kind of passed off as being other things. Like mutants or aliens and the like. No one really makes an effort ot hide what they can do, but they don't really come out and do anything really spectacular in public. If YOU went to America, Ranma, they'd likely consider you as some type of mutant. Like the Xmen or some one similar. They wouldn't understand that you got to where you are by the sheer amount of effort and willpower you possess.

What the Emperor did after you raised the islands Ranma was give you legitimacy in the Western world by acknowledging you as a separate nation with all rights and legal gifts granted to any nation in the world community. He basically told the rest of the world that while you weren't a part of Japan, you were still under Japanese protection. Much like the US has with Puerto Rico, except we have more leeway in making our own laws and customs. I know that doesn't really matter to you, Ranma, but for the rest of the world it's a big issue. You are the head of the nation, elected as King over the Three Tribes. The rest of the world might simply consider them mutants, but you know that they are so much more then that. And as head of a nation, even a democratic monarchy, you have certain powers in the world community. The European nations can't afford to do too much to annoy you and have you abandon them as they know that doing so risks their loosing the support of the Japanese government. And losing the Japanese would pressure the other nations to choose sides against each other, bring the economies to a grinding halt. With the diamond 'mines' you and Haabu found and Nabiki was able to claim for us, we are suddenly a very wealthy nation, and everyone wants to be your friend. They know that they might need our wealth and special talents if those with special 'gifts' start revolting or rising against the established governments."

It took a few moments for the words to rearrange themselves to make sense in Ranma's mind and while he thought, he stood and paced again. "So what you're saying is that I have the political power to get the British Ministry to do what I want. At least where it concerns me and any citizens of Angwan. They have no standing to block our contact with the government back home and that by doing so, they are breaking international laws and treaties and that if I make a fuss, other nations would have to step in and force them to do what they should be doing: Leaving us alone? But that unless Harry was a citizen of Angwan, I can't really do anything about how they are treating him?"

Kasumi smiled, pride tinting her voice when she replied. "That's exactly right, little brother. They have no right to block your mail. We can't force them to rescind the rules against their own people, but they don't have standing to hinder you in any way. If they want, they can force us to leave, but then they risk your giving financial help to people who aren't in the current government."

"That still doesn't tell me what I need to do to get their attention! All the mail is being blocked and we aren't able to get messages out either. The only thing I can think of is flying to London myself and storming in to see this Fudge person face to face." Ranma collapsed again next to Akane, who squeezed his shoulder and leaned in for a hug.

"So that's what you should do then." stated Ron, his face buried in Hermione's hair. He shifted his girlfriend to the side and leaned forward. "Listen up, mate. Fudge is an idiot, and a liar, but he's also somewhat of a coward. If you face him in person, he'll back down fast. Especially if you mention that there's an election coming up and that you might back his opponent. Fudge doesn't really care about anything except being Minister and the influence that gives him. Threaten to take him out of that position, and he'll do anything you ask to remain on your good side."

"How do I do that? I don't know anything about Fudge or the Wizard politics. I just barely understand what's going on at home and in Japan, never mind a country on the other side of the world."

"Here's what you should do. How many can you carry in dragon form?"

"A few. Not everyone here if I wanted to fly very far, but Akane and I once flew from Nerima to Jhusenkyo and back in a few hours. For a short flight, I've never really tried to carry lots of people. Just Akane really. Oh, and my mom a few times just to show her what it's like for me now."

"Okay, so you take 1 or two people with you. Harry should go, since he knows Fudge, and despite what Fudge was saying and implying in the Prophet about Harry being daft, he knows he can't do anything too public against him. While most might not like to believe that You-know-who is back, they do fear that he WILL return one day. And everyone thinks that if he does, that only Harry would be able to stop him. So if Fudge does anything to harm Harry, then there'll be a lot of angry people heading into the vote. And Harry is pretty good at magic too, so if Fudge does try something, he could help you out that way."

"Okay, so Harry's in. Who else should come?"

"Now, I would think you'd want to bring some one you know and trust to back you up in your area of specialty. Kasumi can't go because . . . well every one knows why. And Tofu needs to stay here for her. Akane can't go since you are, and one of you needs to stay and both keep an eye on the toad and teach the Martial arts lessons. I wouldn't be of much help, and don't really want to risk Fudge taking out his anger on my dad. Hermione should stay and help me and Ginny keep track of Slytherins with Elder Khu Lon. So really, it's between Ryoga and Taro. One of them going wouldn't be too worrisome when Umbridge sends word to Fudge that you've disappeared. Aside from the martial arts stuff, neither is too noticeable to any of the non Ravenclaws."

"I think you should bring Taro." Akane stated, trying hard to get a handle on her anger as the words 'trust' and 'Ryoga' fought each other in her mind. She was trying to forgive, but it was hard. "And that's not because I don't trust Ryoga. It's that Taro's cursed form is nearly magic-proof, and he can fly himself, meaning you won't have to carry him. Plus, if they do try something, just his changing forms will give you a few moments to fight back. I doubt any of them have ever seen anything like that before."

"I'd have to agree, sonny. Taro would be a better choice for those reasons, but also because Ryoga still has that problem with getting lost if he goes too far out of the bounds of the Anti-Aparation wards placed on the grounds here." Khu Lon stated, tapping the pipe on the table and then putting it away. "No offense boy, but we can't risk you going outside the range of those wards until we find a way to control those aparations you're doing every time you turn around."

Ryoga sighed but nodded. He understood how much of a liability that particular curse of his could be on a mission like this. He had nearly forgotten about his little problem since it had vanished during his time here. "I hate to admit it, Ranma but you should bring Taro. He's a little more uh, intimidating then I am without actually destroying things. And his cursed form would be of more help then my own." He gave Akane a sheepish glance as he always did when mentioning his immaturity.

"Okay, so this Saturday, me, Taro, Harry will go to the Ministry to confront Fudge. How do we get in? I doubt he'll want to see us."

Luna spoke up. "I have a cousin who's an Auror with fairly high clearance." She had continued to rub Harry's shoulders and back, taking a great deal of pleasure in being able to touch the object of her affections without his being nervous. "In fact, some of you know her. Nymphadora Tonks." She was glad that her face was hidden behind her overlarge glasses as she was forced to say her true name. "She's only been an Auror for a year, but she's got high clearance because she's a metamorphmagi. That automatically triples her wages and clearance to twice that of a 5 year Auror."

"Okay, so Tonks will get us up to Fudge's office, and then Harry could get us IN the office, and I'll deal with Fudge." Ranma was leaning back into Akane now, letting his wife's touch bring him comfort. "Any hints on what I should say to him?"

"Basically tell him to back off, or you'll be forced to recommend that Japan and other Asian nations halt all aid and support of the European nations." Kasumi said, her eyes half closed as Tofu applied his manual dexterity to work on several points along her spine, easing the pain of carrying around an extra 30 pounds. "That should be sufficient enough for him to pay attention to you. Especially if you let your aura flare around you and do that levitation trick Haabu likes to do to look taller. Wizards can't float themselves so that should impress them about how serious you are."

Ranma looked at his sister-in-law with surprise on his face. "That's not like you, Kasumi. Usually it's Akane who wants to scare everyone into doing what I want." He threw a grin over his shoulder as his wife punched him lightly in his shoulder.

"So this Saturday, the three of us will go? It's not like I have to worry about Quidditch anymore, though Ginny and Ron are still on the team." Harry stated, feeling somewhat ambivalent about the ban. On the one hand, it meant that he could no longer feel the freedom of that came of flying and the thrill of the chase against someone who, usually, wasn't trying to kill him only beat him to the Snitch. On the other, Luna had offered to help him out with some of his subjects he wasn't that clear on, though she'd also hinted at the possibility of a different kind of study between them. It had frozen him for a moment, but he found the idea thrilling and somewhat nerve wracking. His only previous experience with girls came through his disastrous and failed courtship of Raven Claw Seeker Cho Chang, who had been dating the sadly deceased Cedric Diggory for most of last year.

At times, he'd really hated Cedric for having what Harry wanted, but he'd come to terms with the fact that he and Cho weren't really suited for each other. Maybe he and Luna could fit together better. After all, both had been able to see the Threstals during the carriage ride and like him, Luna had suffered the loss of her mother at a young age. Though unlike him, she'd still had her father. At the very least, he certainly had more fun spending time with her then he'd ever had either gawking at Cho, or trying to comfort her during her periodic bouts of crying and moaning about poor Cedric. Sure, he hated that Cedric was killed because of him, but that didn't mean he wanted to listen to Cho go on and on about the guy when they were supposed to be talking about each other. And other, more interesting things like grass growing, or the likelihood that Stubby Boardman would come out of retirement now that he'd escaped his evil captors bent on controlling the world through his hypnotic musical styling.

"Okay so we know what were going to do and when, the only question is how? I've got detention with Umbridge every Saturday, and every evening for the next month. How am I going to get out of that?" Harry asked.

Khu Lon leaned forward and cackled in her familiar, irritating way. "Leave that to me, boy. I'll handle the toad, you make sure sonny here doesn't do anything stupid. Like blow up London."

Their plans made, they decided to have a late snack in the room before heading towards their own chambers. Kasumi and Tofu left first, citing fatigue from the excitement. Khu Lon left after, muttering about finding her ungrateful granddaughter and giving her refresher courses on manners. Ron and Hermione sneak out next, Hermione claiming to be going to the Library, and Ron to bed, but from the heated glances they were exchanging, Harry could guess that they were probably sneaking out to find a private place for a lengthy snog session. After all the snacks on the table were gone, Ranma started whispering in Akane's ear, and soon her face was match for Ron's hair. She stood abruptly and said they had to leave, but they'd see Harry and Luna the next day. This left Harry and Luna alone in the room, seated next to each other and nearly leaning against one another.

"Er, I guess it's getting kind of late. Ah, did you want to go over the next lesson for HHT?" Harry asked, nervous about the look Luna was giving him. Sometime during the evening, she'd removed her glasses and was looking at him with an odd clarity that was normally missing on her face.

"Actually, Harry, I think Ron and Ranma had the right idea." she stated in voice far different from her normal tones.

"Ah, they did? What idea is that?" he asked, growing increasingly nervous as Luna shifted in the seat and her expression grew almost feral and hungry.

He eeped as she gave her response by launching herself at him, and knocking them both over the back of the sofa. Needless to say, his mouth was otherwise occupied to repeat the question for some time.

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Nabiki was nervous, something that she couldn't ever really remember feeling. She was about to be let into the presence of one of the most honored and respected people she'd ever known. An entire nation of people would do anything this woman asked. She came from a line of honored samurai and Shogun, and her family was of the purest lines. It was also a little known fact that she was a very well learned and powerful witch. She was the leader of the wizarding community for the nation of Japan.

Behind her, Haabu was standing in his parade ground attention manner. He might hold no allegiance to the rulers of Nihon, but his wife and family did and he would do his best to bring them honor. Next to the tall stoic man was a short, wrinkled woman seated comfortably atop a tall, knobby staff. This was Lo Tin, one of the Amazon elders. She was widely considered the most diplomatic of the Elder council, and so she had been chosen over Xo Me to accompany the delegation to speak with the Empress. Chervil had come to represent the Phoenix and all 4 groups of the 3 Tribes were represented.

The guards, a pair of anxious looking men wearing the latest wet-wear and armed to the teeth with enough firepower to stop a small army (which was what they were facing) received a communiqué through their head gear and stepped aside, pulling open the gilded doors as they did so.

Not wishing to raise the ire of the Empress' guards, Nabiki and her associates bowed to acknowledge the guards and stepped in, removing their shoes and putting on the soft slippers for guest kept next to the door, and slightly out of sight. There was an indication that the Empress had known who was coming, as there were slippers to fit Haabu's larger feet as well as Lo Tin's small feet and even, to the elder's amusement, a single sock like slipper for her staff.

They walked through the open space of the room, admiring the hanging silk wrappings and the tasteful decorations. There were signs of wealth and power, but nothing overly ostentatious and pretentious. Everything in the room fit a theme and was chosen for it's beauty and serenity instead of it's market value. There were candles spaced out along the walls at regular intervals. They were unlit, and the lighting of the room came from soft recessed lighting spaced along the edge of the ceiling at the same range as the candles.

At the end of the room there was a traditional low table with pillows around it and tea already waiting on the table. Seated on one side of the table, facing them with the light of the open windows filtering in behind her sat the Empress. She was dressed in Western style business attire and was talking quietly on a cell phone. The petitioners waited silently and patiently for her to finish her business. It didn't take long and she soon motioned them to approach and sit at the table.

Nabiki took a seiza position and bowed deep enough for her head to nearly touch the table. She could tell that Haabu also bowed, though not as deeply. Lo Tin did the Amazon equivalent, clasping her closed fist over her heart and bowing only her head. Chervil performed a similar gesture, and Nabiki was not surprised to see the Golden Flower of Japan flawlessly execute their gestures.

"Honored Guests, it is a pleasure to see you again. It has been too long since we have last sat at tea together, Lord Haabu." the Empress stated, pouring them each a glass of dark, aromatic tea. "I have heard through my contacts in the wizarding population that you have need of my aid for a situation concerning Lord Ranma and the British Ministry of Magic."

Nabiki replied, going into her carefully considered tale. "Your highness, as you may know, several months ago, Happosai received a request for aid from an old ally of his, one Albus Dumbledore of the British empire. Dumbledore is apparently the Headmaster of the largest and most desirable wizarding school in all of Great Britain and the European nations. Recently, there has been a resurrection of one of the Dark Lords of western fame, a man who calls himself Lord Voldemort. He first began to terrorize the United Kingdoms population nearly 20 years ago. He created an army of wizards and witches that he calls his Death Eaters. Each such person is marked with his symbol, and he can call them to his side or punish them for failure through the use of this Mark. His first reign ended when he sought to kill off the members of a young family that he feared might one day become a danger to him.

However, his evil deeds failed, and instead of taking the life of the child, his soul was stripped from his body and cast into the ethers. Unfortunately, this was not the end of his existence or danger. He soon came to possess several of his former associates. Through the control of there bodies, he was able to arrange for the rebirth of his own form. This even occurred about a year ago. And since then he has again called his servants and begun recruiting young, like minded members of the wizarding community to his side. He has been responsible for several attacks on the school grounds, and Dumbledore feels that the safety of the students is endangered. Voldemort has proven that no one has the power to stop him, save perhaps for the same young child that he was unable to kill during his first reign. He has faced or had his minions attempt to destroy the boy several times, and has failed each time. This boy is the only person that Voldemort has wanted and tried to kill, and been unsuccessful." Nabiki paused for a moment to see if the Empress had any questions.

The Empress sipped from her tea and seemed to consider the words. "This young boy, that would be Harry Potter? The one that they call 'The-Boy-Who-Lived'? "

"That is indeed the case, your highness. So Dumbledore contacted Happosai and asked for his aid in protecting the young man. Happosai then turned to Ranma and others of Angwan to travel to this school and instruct the students there in some of the true martial arts and not just the weaker version once taught to the Western world. Happosai and Dumbledore agreed that with skill in both Martial Arts and Magic, then the students stood a better chance of surviving the coming conflict with Voldemort's army. Especially since in the wizarding population of Europe, the martial arts and physical conditioning is practically non existence. They rely totally on their magical gifts and ignore anything that isn't related to magic. They look down on those unable to perform even the simplest of magic's. They are divided among lines of racial purity and consider any born of non wizarding parents to be lesser beings."

"So that gives your brother and other associates an advantage over these Death Eaters. They are not used to fighting by hand and have no idea of how powerful a martial artist can truly become. They will be overconfident and out of shape to deal with the young warriors the Dragon is teaching." The empress replaced her cup and a servant came out from a hidden door, taking the pot of tea. Seconds later, another servant came from the same direction carrying a different pot, with a sweeter smelling tea.

Lo Tin spoke for the first time. "Unfortunately, your highness, that should have been the case, but unfortunately, Voldemort has enlisted allies of his own from the world of martial arts. He has somehow convinced Lord Saffron of the Phoenix to join his side. And Saffron has taken several of the most powerful of each of the Tribes with him."

Chervil spoke up, his voice strong but filled with age. "We also suspect that they are recruiting from among Lord Ranma's many enemies. There are some powerful and dangerous individuals who owe allegiance to no one but their own whims who would relish the chance to battle and possibly defeat Lord Ranma."

Several moments passed as the empress considered the implications of such a move. She had met Saffron on a few occasions during those months of trying to get all of the Three Tribes moved secretly out of China and to their new homeland just off the Japanese coast. She had been weary of his power, and put off by his personality. He obviously cared little for his people, except in that they continue to worship him as they had in previous generations. He seemed to be the type to use his power for his own benefit and to take what he wanted from those too weak to defend themselves from him. She'd seen the way his eyes had roamed over the forms of the servants and entertainers during the inaugural celebrations of Angwan's creation, and she shuddered to think about how many maidens he had taken by force during his irrationally long life.

"So why have you come to me? As I see it, you should be contacting Lord Ranma to advise him that his enemies are allying against him."

"Unfortunately, your highness, we have been unable to reach Lord Ranma in nearly 3 weeks. Non of our messages are getting to him and non of his are reaching us. The British Ministry has placed a ban on all mail going to and from the school, Hogwarts. We are here to humbly ask for your aid in the use of your influence to speak to the British Minister and have him give us access to reaching Lord Ranma." Nabiki paused a moment. "We would like to visit the Minister and speak to him in person. We ask that you contact him and arrange the meeting, using your power as leader of the Japanese Wizarding council and head of the Asian Council."

"If he refuses the meeting, Nabiki-chan?" the woman asked, finishing the glass of the new batch of tea.

"Then we will have no recourse but to mass our armed forces and march on Britain. We would have to turn over every rock, leaf and blade of grass until we find our Lord. It would mean our having to declare war against the British Ministry with the stated conditions that the war would only end when the current Minister, one Cornelius Fudge, was either removed from office or killed."

"So if I aid you, and get you in to see this Minister, I would be averting a war that might spill out into the non magical population, and would most certainly draw the attention of the Americans? Then I best send a message to Mr. Fudge to let him know to expect you. Will you be travelling by commercial plane or private? Or perhaps, Lord Haabu shall be carrying you?"

Nabiki glanced at her husband who was looking a little sheepish about the appreciative way the empress was looking at him. "Unfortunately, Haabu-chan can't carry all of us the entire way so we were likely going to be chartering a plane. At least, until my order on the private jet comes through. I am having trouble with the dealer and with getting some of the Tribe to understand why I need to pave such a large expanse of land that is quite fertile. They just don't understand the concept of the airplane and takeoff/landing fields."

"If I may make a suggestion?" the Empress looked Nabiki in the eyes, giving her the honor of a person of equal status. The gesture touched the normally cynical young woman. She nodded, tears pressing against the corner of her eyes. "Instead of a jet, perhaps you should look into purchasing one of the new generation of helicopters? Or perhaps one of the new water landing craft? They aren't quite as fast as the Lear or Concorde jets, but they do cover a great deal of area in a short time, and require less fuel and support land. If you aren't going to have a regular airport on the island, which would be a waste since you are only about an hour by slow ferry from one of the major world airports, then those might be options you could convince the more . . . traditional members of your land to accept."

Nabiki paused and considered a few financial matters. The helicopter, or perhaps a seaside airport, would take the wind out of the sails of those hidebound Amazons who wanted the land to grow food and medicinal herbs. After all, they only needed the airport for the occasional flight she had to take for business or to get to parts of the world too far for Ranma and Haabu to fly on their own. Plus the freight of goods which would be cheaper by ship. More time consuming, but much less expensive. Especially with the new engine her design team was working on. She'd managed to get some of the brightest minds from various engineering and electronic firms to join her newly formed R.A.K.T.H.N Incorporated. It had it's base as a mining company, with both Ranma and Haabu now able to produce diamonds and other coal based minerals on demand and in decent quantities, starting a mining company and placing claims on unclaimed lands in both the Arctic circle, and various international waters and unclaimed islands, allowed them to cover the true source of their wealth. The company had risen in stock rapidly since it opened trading 7 months before, and the plan to diversify into the electronic and vehicular markets had been well received by stockholders and investors.

"That might work better for us after all, your highness. Thank you for allowing us to waste a few hours of your time with our petty concerns. We are grateful for you aid in this matter, and for you advice regarding our transportation needs." Nabiki and the others bowed low and waited for the Empress' parting words before they left.

"Think nothing of it, Nabiki-chan. It is always a joy to aid the daughters of my deceased cousin. I am certain that your mother would be most proud of each of you, child. Now, take this." the empress slid a small case over to Nabiki, who took it and bowed over the gift. "Inside is a cell-phone with pre-assigned speed dials to my cell, my office number, my home number, the number at parliament, and the number to the American president and to Queen Elizabeth 2nd. There is also a letter of diplomatic immunity to all subjects of Angwan that has been approved by all the nations in the UN and other international bodies. Should you have any problems with Fudge refusing your requests, show him that letter and dial the people I mentioned. Pressing the last speed dial option opens a line to myself, my husband, the President, the Queen, the Canadian and Australian PM, and the head of the African and South American Wizarding populations. For unlike the close minded peoples of Europe, the rest of the world has incorporated the wizarding population into their standard governmental bodies. Europe has the only countries that force the separation of magical and non magical people."

Nabiki bowed as low as she could, instinctively knowing just how much power the Empress had just given her. And all that power contained within the slim, near weightless form of a piece of modern technology that their opponents and political detractors scoffed at. "Thank you, your highness. It is a great honor you bestow on me, and I hope to prove worthy of it."

The Empress rose and they followed. "It is the least I could do, Nabiki-chan. And it would honor me if at least in closed circles that you call me Auntie. Oh, and mention that to your sisters and their husbands as well dear. We are family, if distant, and family shouldn't be stuck being formal unless they are opposing each other."

The Empress gave the traditional Imperial bow and left out a second hidden door while the group waited until the door closed before retrieving their own shoes and leaving the day room as well. They had a lot to accomplish if they wanted to reach England in time to be of help to Ranma.

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