A New Rome/Metrics

## Plot Summary

### Welcome to Paradise

* Resting upon the desk of his office at Mile High City, Benjamin Tabart waits for the representatives of Iron Legion to discuss for a new partnership.
* The Imperator Vánagandr, accompanied by his attendant Durga, reaches the upper echelons of Tir Na Nog via hovercraft, avoid any contact with any of Tabart’s subjects.
* Once landed, the two Legionnaire meets a woman sent by Tabart to escort them. The woman greets the duo, then asks them why they have come by the higher docks, as they were supposed to meet Tabart’s entourage at the lower realms.
* As Durga is voicing her confusion, Vánagandr reveals he ordered the Iron Legion to take a different route and land to a more discreet spot. The cyborg explaines he did so because he was ashamed of his ugliness, using oddly specific and very derogatory terms to describe his appearance, and felt uncomfortable with too many people staring at him.
* Making the best of Vánagandr’s ugly mug, the woman gives the Imperator a short pep-talk, then accompanies the duo to Tabart’s office.

### The Horrid Guests

* The moment Tabart looks at Vánagandr for the first time, he makes the same specific and unflattering comparison the cyborg as made to describe his own look. That prompts Durga’s rage, making her shout so much that the attendant passes out for the shock.

* Tabart apologizes to Vánagandr and greets himself to the duo. Vánagandr takes the apologies with stride and immediately goes to discuss about business.
* Tabart explains his proposal: having managed to create genetically modified IQ that produces a breed of SIQ capable of altering the genetic makeup of humans in addition to animals. He asks for the Iron Legion’s expertise and resources to mass-produce and manufacture the altered serum.
* Daydreaming about the possibilities arising from combining the modified IQ with the Iron Legion’s nanotechnology, Durga loudly voices her enthusiasm. Vánagandr reprimands her unbecoming behavior with a tap on her face, and tells her to present herself to the Shichibukai, which Durga immediately does in an apologetic and respectful fashion, addressing Tabart as “Saint”.
* Tabart eagerly makes amend with Durga, though she advises her not to address him as Saint. Apparently, the Bathory family repudiate the appellative adopted by their Celestial Dragons brethren, as a saint only purpose was to achieve glory in death. Then he asks Vánagandr what he thinks about the deal.

### New Pact

* Vánagandr agrees to Tabart’s proposal. He reflects he has no choice on the matter, given that Weil’s order was to agree with every term set by the World Noble’s proposal. He is at least content that Tabart did not required to be called a Saint, as he is disgusted by the hypocrisy and cruelty of the World Nobles.
* Tabarts thanks the duo, revealing he wanted Midium’s representative to talk to him in person as he feared spying from Den Den Mushi. The two cyborgs activate their sensors to confirm the lack of spying tools in the vicinities. As the moments of greetings comes, Tabart invites both Vánagandr and Durga to stay at Tir Na Nog and participate to the festivities held in the Mile-High City.
* Durga’s eyes beam at the proposal, making evident she loves celebrations, which is something abhorred by the Iron Legion’s grim, utilitarian philosophy. Vánagandr realizes his companion desire and gives his permission for Durga to party on his behalf. Durga thanks him for the gesture.
* Pleased for the outcome, Tabart gives a Vivre Card to Vánagandr, which he accepts before departing from the office. Durga and the Shichibukai discuss about the best attire she could don for the festivities. Durga asks the female attendant for guidance, only to realize just now she knocked her out with her introductory outburst. Amused, Tabart flings one of his special beans to Durga to get the attendant back to proper shape. After telling Durga the time of the party, he leaves the room.

### Reverie and Beverly

#### Center Stage

* The banquet begins and Tabart is seen standing among the center of the room with his bodyguards, Zy and Lester.
* He is approached by Ais Eis Bebe and her entourage. She and Tabart share a dance where they discuss the possibility of him attempting her drug, FUN, however he declines at the moment due to the necessity to chat with other guest.
* The duo agree to meet up later to partake in her drug, and they both head off to discuss with other people.

#### Food Table

* Tabart approaches Madam Raguma near the food table, expressing his gratitude for her acquisition and generous donation of the banquet's wine.
* Majorum expresses her own gratitude for the invitation, but briefly notes that as business people, she expects that Tabart understands that her donation was generous, but for another purpose.
* Before she can clarify, Roxy, disguised as a woman named *Violet*, approaches the two and interrupts their conversation.
* Noting that she is a woman of the Underworld, she attempts for forge a deal with both Tabart and Majorum, noting that she would like stock in their company. While Tabart agrees, in exchange for information, Majorum declines under the guise that she does not do business with those of the Underworld. Violet accepts and departs, leaving the two to finish their conversation.
* Majorum informs Tabart her trademarked Labemsteel has organic properties, and expresses that she would like Tabart's assistance in the mass manufacturing of it.
* Interested, Tabart agrees and offers to discuss the details with her later in the evening, or in the week, noting that his associates would contact her when he was prepared.
* The two exchange pleasantries and depart; Tabart notes that she is a nice woman, annoying Zy.

#### Cozy Corner

* Phoebe and Remilia are present, antagonizing one another as Remilia is revealed to be a slave of Phoebe's.
* Durga arrives and begins speaking to Phoebe and Remilia, albeit unaware of Remilia's identity due to her mask.
* Tabart arrive and begins conversing with the group.
* Phoebe instructs Remilia to introduce herself, removing her mask, and unveiling her true identity.
* Surprised, Durga inquires on whether Remilia put a good fight, to which Tabart replies.
* Phoebe notes that the World Government will destroy all pirates, using Remilia is a weapon for her plans.
* However, Tabart informs her not to underestimate pirates, and claims that there is one pirate in the entire world who will save the world: Soren.
* He later leaves, leaving the three to finish conversating.

#### Sushi Bar

* Tabart arrives to the Sushi Table where Fiona and Scarlett are waiting, and welcomes them as delegates of the Delian Alliance.
* Fiona and Tabart begin discussing, and take their conversation to an office in his manor, where they have a deep debate about politics.
* Fearing that the Delian Alliance will cause unnecessary division in the world, Tabart discusses the possibility of the Delian alliance disbanding and joining the WG, expressing concerns over the departure of the Providence Kingdom from the World Government as an example of his point.
* However, Fiona cites that they are democratic and believe in the leadership of Ogre.
* Believing that her confidence in Ogre is unfounded, Tabart instructs her to bring Ogre to him to have a battle, so that he can prove to her that he cannot withstand any notable threat, but Fiona declines.
* Tabart begins breaking down as he cannot convince Fiona, and claims that the Black Widow Pirates are on the verge of controlling the world, and claims that Fukuoka Koyuki's destiny surpasses everyone elses in the world, even the gods.
* Fiona refutes that they are not afraid, and the two agree to end their discussion on terms of disagreement.

#### The Life Of The Party

* Tabart encounters Moulin Rouge, who shows up to the banquet with her courtesans who go off to impress and entertain the guest.
* Desiring an alliance, and to have her do business in Tir Na Nog, Tabart offers her a noticeable sum of money to which she declines.
* Instead, she asks him to give Angel a kiss, to which he reluctantly does, instantly regretting it afterwards.
* Impressed, Rouge jest that she would have taken his deal for a little more money, but offers him the contract as a man of his word.
* The two depart and go their separate ways.

### Progress

* Tabart addresses everyone at the party at the end of the banquet, instructing them that he created Tir Na Nog to assist the people of the world.
* Claiming that the Black Widows were the biggest threat in recent centuries, he notes that they all must cooperate, and therefore reveals his plan to humanitarianly assist the world in their efforts to unite against them.
* Tir Na Nog and Jack Bean's will work to provide healthy, cheap foods to nations around the world to free up money for the heavenly tribute, and then for those that still cannot afford it, they will subsidize the cost so that all nations can become members of the World Government and receive protection.
* At the end of his speech, welcomed by applause, he leaves the banquet to which Zy congratulates him.
* Interested, Tabart inquires what Zy wants, to which she replies that her efforts will yield her fruits of labor in due time.