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Coronation of the new monarch of Vulshain; Vulshain elects a new king
Topic Started: Jul 7 2010, 02:52:15 AM (13,567 Views)
Southern Yugoslavia
Member Avatar
Wolfman
OOC: Collab post between myself and Vulshain.

Sam looked at Zak. "Oh?" Cecilia was busy asking a waiter to bring her and Stu some sake. "Stu, do you care for any sake, or do you prefer something else?"

Stu looked over to Cecilia. "Sake's fine."

Cecilia nodded to the waiter, who smiled and went to fetch the sake.

He soon came back with some.

Stu smiled and thanked the waiter.

Zak looked over to Sam. "Yes, I think we'll have to deal with Listonia soon. Although I'd much rather just let Vekaiyu handle it."

"Yes, I feel the same way. Listonia used to belong to Vekaiyu anyhow," Sam said.

"Just like Rygard used to be a Vulshainian penal colony," Natalka added. "Of course, I remember we had to give its independence after we had trouble governing it. Too many warlords causing problems."

"That's true. I'm just afriad of what might come from Vulshain annexing Rygard after we remove the current junta." Zak replied.

"I don't know," Sam said. "A lot of the Rygardi people are demanding that we annex them. I'm not too thrilled about it. And I worried that if we put it to an election, it will surely lead to annexation."

"Well, we could put a provisional government in place after we get rid of the junta. However, what plans do you have in store for Evesuni," Cecilia asked.

"We're just planning hypothetical situations, hopefully none of them become reality. If war does break out, I'm hoping it'll remain regional and not affect our nations." Zak responded.

Sam nodded as he took a bit of his food. "I hope so too. It might affect trade a little, but I doubt it will have a major impact on our nations. Still, I did find some interesting things about Evesuni." Sam smiled a bit.

"Oh yeah? What's that?" Zak asked.

"Apparently, he was in league with a lot of the more powerful Vekaiyun and Listonian criminal organizations, especially the mobs during Listonia's Fight for Independence. DIEIS kept an eye on him during that time. I wonder if he was ever a member of the mob."

"That's a good question."

"He probably was, judging how corrupt his government is," Cecilia added. "I mean crime rates in Listonia are at an all-time high ever since he came to power.
Besides, Evesuni reminds me of a cross between Stalin and Mao."

"That's not a good fusion," Natalka replied. She looked at Stu for a bit. "So, how's the sake?"

"It's quite good." Stu replied.

Cecilia smiled.

"Still, Evesuni does have many of the same characteristics and qualities as both Mao and Stalin."

"That's true. Neither man was good. You combine them and you've got a bigger threat." Stu added.

Sam nodded in agreement. "I never really liked his attitude. When I talked to him about visiting his nation after I had just been crowned king, he kept asking about my nation's law enforcement, drug laws, immigration, and other things. I didn't think of it at the time, but if he was a member of the mob, he probably wanted to expand their criminal activities to Vulshain."

"Sounds like it would be a possiblity." Zak replied.

Sam nodded.

"So, how are things in Southern Yugoslavia, Zak," Cecilia asked.

"Quite well, actually. Projected poll numbers are showing quite high for my reelection in November. The economy's doing well, better than last year, actually." Zak replied after taking a drink.

"That's good to hear. So your Centrist Party is doing quite well then," Cecilia said.

"It will be good when our economy picks up steam again. But things look good for us as well."

"That's good." Zak smiled and continued eating.

Cecilia was almost finished eating her meal. "So, Stu what would you like to eat
for dessert?"

"Well, what do you recomend?" Stu asked.

"Hm....Well there is the Weosian Forest Cinnamon Honey Cake, but it is extremely sweet. There is the gingerbread cake, peach cobbler, red velvet cake, and
pumpkin pie as well."

"I'll take a slice of red velvet cake."

Cecilia asked the waiter to bring her and Stu slices of red velvet cake. "I'm guessing you didn't want anything really sweet?"

"Actually, I just wanted some cake." Stu smiled.

Cecilia giggled a bit. "I'll have to remember to make you a lot of cake on your birthday." She took a sip of her sake. "Anyhow, I'm not too sure about Vekaiyu. From what I've heard they experiment on criminals and even experiment on cadavers gained from hanging criminals."

"Hm...I don't see the ethical reasoning behind that," Sam said.

"I suppose it's one way to get cadavers. Not necessarily a good way, but it's a way nonetheless." Zak replied.

"Does Southern Yugoslavia experiment on cadavers and criminals," Taisyia asked. She never did think that Vekaiyu's experiments on criminals was morally right, no matter what the criminals had done.

"No, we've got the Sixth Amendment in place, so we can't experiment on criminals. As for cadavers, we can only experiment and use them for research if the family agrees to it, or if the person leaves it in their will."

"Same thing here with us. The problem with Vekaiyu is that it is too...hm...what's the word...oh yes, dark in its tastes. Even their artwork is very morbid if you will."
Sam nodded with Cecilia's statement.

"So, Stu when is your birthday," the Queen Dowager asked.

"March 14, 1979." Stu replied, smiling.

"He's the youngest Commandant of the Republican Guard yet." Zak added, patting him on the back.

Cecilia smiled, wagging her tail a bit. "Not to mention, honest, trustworthy, and brave," Cecilia added. "He would be perfect for your country's military liaison to Vulshain."

Zak finished his desert and set his silverware down. "That's true."

"Well, he is," Cecilia said. Sam smiled. "So, Stu, are you going to dance with my sister when everyone is dancing in the Grand Royal Ballroom?"

"I planned on it." Stu smiled.

Cecilia smiled. "Well, some people are already heading to the Grand Royal Ballroom. Would you care to join me, Stu?"

Sam nudged Zak a little as he winked at him.

Zak smiled as Stu took Cecilia to the Ballroom. Zak stood up and took Tanya's hand.

The orchestra was playing Hungarian dance number 5. Natalka was busy dancing with a young vulpine soldier. Taisyia was busy talking with some friends.

A vulpine vixen about the same height as him then asked if Sam wanted to dance with her. Sam smiled and nodded.

"Wow, Stu. I didn't know you could dance...so, divinely," Cecilia said, wagging her tail a bit.

Stu smiled. "Thanks. You can dance pretty well yourself." His tail began wagging as well.

Cecilia smiled. "Uh-oh. Mistletoe," she said. They had danced right under a mistletoe hanging from some decorations.

Stu smiled and kissed her.

She kissed him back. Several guests smiled and nodded as they saw them kissed.

"They make a wonderful couple don't they Zak," Sam said as he and his dance partner had danced close enough to Tanya and Zak.

"That they do." Zak smiled.

"You're such a great kisser, Stu," Cecilia said.

Stu smiled. "Thanks, so are you."

"You're welcome and thank you," she said. "I'm looking forward to celebrating Christmas with you," she said smiling, wagging her tail.

Stu smiled and kissed her again. Zak and Tanya continued dancing nearby with

Sam and his dance partner.

Sam smiled. "So, Zak, you think you could get Stu to become your nation's military liasion?"

"Of course. Narodnoe just has to authorize it, and he'll be the military liasion as well." Zak responded, smiling as he danced with Tanya.

Sam nodded. "That's good. I know that Cecilia will be thrilled to hear that."

Cecilia asked, "I never asked before, but are you an only pup, Stu?"

"No, I've got a younger brother. He's in Rygard with the 1st Armored Division. Last letter I got from him said he was pushing out of Greenhurst Downs after they captured it." Stu replied.

"Oh okay. You must be worried about him," she said.

"Yeah. I'm sure he'll be fine though." Stu said.

She nodded. She smiled. "I'm sure he'll be fine, too." She continued dancing with him. "From what I've heard, the civilians were causing more riots in several more cities. From the looks of it, the civilians are the ones doing the majority of the fighting. Even the Rygardi military is in a state of confusion what with the citizens taking up arms against it."

"I guess they never had that happened before, or never before on such a large scale if it has happened before," she added.

"That's true. Thankfully, our troops have a little bit of training in peacekeeping."

"Ours too. It will be difficult though, since the civilian population see us as saviors and are probably tagging along with the military units making it difficult to keep civilian casualties from occcurring." The orchestra had started playing some Christmas music. "Ah, this is so romantic," she said. "Oh look outside! The city looks beautiful covered in snow."

Stu smiled. "It does."

She smiled and wagged her tail.

Stu smiled and wagged his tail, and brought her closer to him.

Cecilia blushed a little as he brought her closer to him. She kissed him on the cheek. "My, you are so romantic."

"Why thank you." He kissed her cheek in return and smiled.

Suddenly, there was a loud clapping. They looked around to see everyone clapping for them!

Zak and Tanya joined in, smiling.

The Queen Dowager placed Christmas wreath crowns on both Stu and Cecilia's heads. "Oh my," Cecilia said blushing.

Stu smiled and placed his arm around Cecilia.

She placed her arm around him as well. Soon, it was time for everyone to leave to go home. "Well, I guess we best get to bed ourselves," Cecilia said.

Stu smiled. "I agree."

Cecilia led the way back to their room. "I'll just be minute. You're welcome to join me in the shower," she said with a wink as she went into the bathroom.

"Once, I change that is," she said sticking her head out.

Stu smiled and followed her into the bathroom after a few minutes of waiting.

Cecilia smiled as she nuzzled Stu's neck. "I had a wonderful night, Stu. And you?"
"It was perfect." Stu smiled, his arm around her.

"I'm glad." She yawned a bit. "Excuse me. I must be very tired." She nuzzled his neck again.

Stu smiled and kissed her cheek. "I wouldn't worry too much about being tired." Stu said, smiling.

"Oh you," she said, smiling before kissing his cheek. "I wonder how Tanya and Zak are doing. This must be their first state visit, huh?"

"Yeah. Zak wanted to focus on national issues this term, and move onto both national and international next term. Seems like it worked. Economy's never been better." Stu replied. "I do wonder how Zak's doing, though. He was wounded a second time just outside of the city back in 1980. He lost one of his guys then, too."

"I'm sorry to hear about that. You must have served with him some. When did you two meet?"

Stu thought for a moment. "I met him the first time in 2003, back during the civil war. He was in command of the Republican Guard at the time, and briefed us on a few operations we were sent in before we 'officially' entered the war. We got closer when he selected me to be on his personal bodyguard detail in 2006. We got close between then and 2009 when he selected me to replace him."

"I see. You must have been surprised when he had you to succeed him," she said, cuddling up closer to him.

"I was, actually." He hugged her tighter.

"So, what did you do in the Civil War," she asked.

"Well, I can't tell you everything for obvious reasons, but I can tell we that we hit a few insurgent camps and supply routes." Stu responded.

"Same here. I hit several insurgent forces during the civil war myself," she hugged him tighter as well. She yawned again. "Well, I guess we should both go to sleep now. Good night love," she said kissing him on the cheek as she pulled the covers closer to them.
Laiatanese Federation | Lupine Race (INCOMPLETE) | Defense Forces
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Southern Yugoslavia
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Wolfman
OOC: Collab post between myself and Vulshain.

It was Christmas Day morning. Cecilia had made sure to keep the curtains closed so any sunlight wouldn't wake up her or especially Stu. Outside, the snow had covered the capital of Vulshain in a white blanket.

Stu woke up at 8 o'clock, his usually time with his arms still around Cecilia.

Cecilia was still asleep. Her ears twitched a bit as she softly snored a bit. Her arms still around Stu.

Stu smiled and gently kissed her forehead.

She stirred in her sleep. "Is it morning, already," she asked, still asleep.

"Yes, it is." Stu replied, stroking her hair.

Covering her mouth as she yawned, she smiled. "Good morning. And Merry Christmas," she said as she kissed his cheek.

"Merry Christmas." Stu replied, kissing her check.

"I guess we better start getting ready." There was a knock on their door. "Cecilia! Stu! Are you up yet?"

Smiling, Cecilia replied, "Yes, we're up." "My sister, Natalka, always the early bird."

Stu smiled. "Well, we probably should get up."

Soon, both of them were dressed. Cecilia had decided to wear her new Premier uniform. "Looks good on me doesn't it?"

Stu smiled. "It does." He had come down in his service dress, his service cap under his arm.

"Thank you and you look good too." They both came out. "I think everyone is going to be in the Dining Hall. We usually eat breakfast before opening gifts and presents."

"Yeah, we usually do that too."

They soon arrived at the Dining Hall. "You want me to bring you a plate of food," Cecilia asked.

"If you'd like." Stu walked next to her. Behind them, Zak and Tanya came down.

Zak wore his suit, and Tanya wore another dress. "Morning you two." Zak said, smiling.

"Good morning," Cecilia said. "You must really tell me where you get those dresses, Tanya," she said. Sam and the rest of his family had come down as well.

"Ah, you are in for a treat, Zak. A full Vulshainian breakfast."

"Can't wait." Zak said, smiling. Tanya smiled as well. "Thank you. I'll have to give you the name of the company."

"Thank you," Cecilia said.

"Here, we're get you your breakfasts," Taisyia said. "We are the hosts after all."
Cecilia brought Stu his breakfast. The plate consisted of bacon, pancakes, grits, hash browns, scrambled eggs, sausages, fruit pudding, cinnamon rolls, honey-filled biscuits, and ham. A glass of orange juice finished the meal.

Stu smiled. "Thank you."

Zak and Tanya's breakfasts consisted of the same thing as well. "You're welcome, Stu. Oh by the way, would you like any coffee?"

"I'd love some."

"Okay. Black or room for cream and sugar?"

"Black."

"Could I have some too, please?" Zak asked.

"Sure," Cecilia said. She came back with two cups of black coffee for both Stu and Zak. "I prefer a little bit of cream and honey in mine," she said.

The others sat down as well.

Josef and Ryan came down together and sat down as well.

"Good morning you two. Did you sleep well," Sam asked.

"Yes, we did." Ryan replied. "Your palace is quite amazing."

"Thank you," Sam said. Taisyia brought both Josef and Ryan their breakfasts as well. "I hope you two like hash browns, grits, ham, and pancakes? We are having a full Vulshainian breakfast."

"Of course. It's the cornerstone of any Southern Yugoslavian breakfast as well." Ryan said, smiling.

Taisyia smiled. "That's good to hear." Soon everyone began to eat. "So, Stu, I hope I didn't put too much on your plate," Cecilia said.

"Not at all." Stu replied after wiping his mouth.

She smiled. "So, Zak, how are things going with the other political parties you're up against," Sam asked.

"Pretty well. After the last couple of years with the Centrists in power again, numbers are up even more. We're looking at holding 72% of the vote come election day." Zak replied, taking a drink of orange juice.

"Okay, so what parties are you most worried about? I doubt the communist party would be any problem, but then again, who knows."

"Mostly the Democrats. Our party is right leaning, so we've got the Republicans on our side. But even then, the Democrats hold less power than the Republicans."

"Hm...I guess, the Democrats are more liberal. I'm actually worried about Vekaiyu's political parties. A few of them have outrageous ideals like sterilization and forced employments," Natalka said.

"Forced employments," Cecilia asked.

"The government picks the job it thinks you're best suited for, whether you want the job or not," her sister answered.

"Ah, yes. I've heard about that." Zak replied.

"Vekaiyu has always been prideful. I never liked some of their ideas, although, I will say that you handled the whole Vekaiyun submarine crisis very well, despite what the Vekaiyuns are saying."

Sam said before eating some of his pancakes.

"Thank you. We like to think so too." Zak said, eating a bit more after replying.

"The Vekaiyuns are still saying that your military plundered through their submarine technology, but Vekaiyuns? They are very paranoid," Cecilia said.

"They would accuse their own shadows of spying on them if they could."

"Yes, they are." Zak said, taking another drink.

"So, what are your opinions on Ikrisia Levinile," Sam asked before drinking some orange juice.

"She seems like she knows what she's doing, but I don't know about her experience, considering her age."

"Yes, that is true," Sam said.

Cecilia added, "She does have some gaps in her background. She seems a little...odd for some reason. I can't explain it, but I just feel on guard when I'm around her. As if I'm standing right next to a cobra. I don't know when or even if she will strike. I just know that she will eventually strike."

"I haven't met her face to face, but through the phone, I do feel like something's up with her." Zak said, taking another bite.

"Best to be on guard around her," she added. "So, Ryan? Josef? How are your studies going?"

"They're going well." Ryan replied. "So are mine." Josef said, taking a drink of orange juice.

"That's good. So what hobbies do you two do," she asked, before taking a bit of her scrambled eggs.

"I run and shoot." Ryan said. "I run as well and play baseball." Josef said before taking another bite of his food.

"Ah. So, Ryan do you play any video games? And how about you Josef," Cecilia asked.

"Of course." Ryan and Josef both said at the same time, smiling.

"Oh I see. Your parents must wonder what you see in them sometimes," she said with a smile. "Don't worry, you two, I like video games as well."

"No, no. I play them a bit when I can. Which isn't often." Zak said, smiling.

"How about you Tanya," she asked.

"Every once in a while." Tanya said, smiling at Zak.

"Old people can enjoy them just as much as young ones." Zak said, chuckling.

"That's true. Take my grandmother for example," Cecilia said. The Queen Dowager smiled a bit before chuckling. "It's true. This old she-wolf here is quite skilled. Stu, you should really let Cecilia take out for a bit," she added.

"She means riding with me on my motorcycle," Cecilia explained.

"We'll have to do that some time." Stu said, smiling.

While Cecilia was smiling, Sam added, "Cecilia here was the youngest jousting champion during the National Jousting Championships at the age of 17." Cecilia smiled.

"That's quite impressive." Zak said.

"It was a huge honor. Although, it did get intense a few times."

"Indeed. So, Zak, how are the Strikers coming along," Cecilia asked.

"Very good, actually. We've got our first all Striker squadron, and moving towards replacing older aircraft." Zak replied.

"That's good. I know that you will like seeing our new technologies," Natalka said.

Eventually everyone was finished eating. "Did you enjoy your meal, Stu," Cecilia asked.

"I did, thank you." Stu said, smiling.

"Alright, I guess, and judging from Josef's wagging tail," Sam said, "it's time to open the Christmas presents."

"We didn't know where to do it, so we're going to do it in the Silver Chambers." They went to the Silver Chambers, which had several silver chandilers hanging from the ceiling as well as a mural of St. Aiya on it. In the center was a large Christmas tree with presents around it.

Cecilia helped hand out the presents. "Here's one for Tanya, and a couple for Stu, and two for Josef..."

Tanya's present had a lovely kimsari decorated in the Southern Yugoslavian national seal. "I hope you like it," the Queen Dowager said.

"I do, thank you." Tanya said, smiling and looking over it.

Ryan's gift was a book about the history of Vulshain up to the Five-Year War between Southern Yugoslavia and Vulshain. "I thought you might like it, since you're big into history," Sam said.

"Thank you." Ryan said, flipping through it.

Josef got a few popular Vulshainian video games, courtesy of Cecilia.

Josef smiled and thanked her.

Zak and Tanya had gotten together a lovely music box. Inside was a gold pocket watch for Zak and a set of sapphire blue rose earrings for Tanya.

"Thank you." Zak said, looking over the music box and then the pocket watch. Tanya thanked them for her earings, putting them on.

Stu had gotten some traditional Vulshainian clothing from Cecilia.

Stu smiled and thanked her while looking it over.

"You're welcome. I thought you might like it."

One of the FSO agents brought in a bag with gifts to the Rainard family. Zak and Tanya handed them out to each of them.

"Thank you," Sam said.

Each of the Rainard sisters got a traditional Southern Yugoslavian dress, each in a different color. Cecilia received a dress similar to Tanya's. Sam received a new wristwatch and an ushanka. Cecilia got a dress from Stu, similar to the traditional dress.

"It's so lovely," Taisyia said smiling and wagging her tail. Natalka smiled and thanked them. Cecilia loved the outfit. She gave Stu a kiss. "Thank you," Sam said as he tried on the ushanka and wristwatch.

Stu kissed Cecilia back. "You're welcome." Zak said, smiling.

"So, Zak, did you want to take your family to see the new technologies as well? Oh, I was also going to show Ryan some of our national treasures," Sam said.

"Sure, that would be fine. Do you think we could stop outside of the city as well?" Zak asked.

"Sure," Sam said. "Now, I guess, Ryan and Josef would like to play in the snow some?"

"I suppose they could while we're out there." Zak replied.

Sam smiled. "Just make sure you're both warm, you two. I don't want your dad and mom to be placing sanctions against my nation just because you got a cold while visiting here," Sam said, before laughing a bit.

"Okay, that was not even funny," Cecilia whispered to Stu.

Zak smiled a bit. "Yeah, we wouldn't want that."

"We will be seeing the new fighter jets I was talking about. We will have to wait till tomorrow to see the rest as they are delivering them from another base to one of our bases around the capital," Cecilia said.

They travelled by car to a military Air Force base on the outskirts of the city. "Here we are. Ah, the Heimdal!" Two Heimdals flew over head before they both transformed into walking mechas.

"Impressive." Zak said.

"Thank you," Natalka said.

"So when was this base built? I don't remember it back in '80." Zak asked.

"Oh this base was built just before the Vulshainian Civil War," Sam said. "That Heimdal seems armed to the teeth."

"Indeed it is. It is armed with gatling guns and 8 tube-missile pods on the shoulders if you will. Capable of transforming from a fighter jet into a mech walker. The technology came about due to our alliance with you."

"Stu, what do you think? Since you will become your nation's military liasion, you have a say in this," Natalka said.

"They're quite impressive. How much do they cost per unit?" Stu asked.

"Well, probably the same price as two Hind gunships," Cecilia said. "Then there's the Banshee. It has a lot of firepower, and functions like a Harrier. Think of it as a cross between a A-10A Thunderbolt and a Harrier jet."

"Costs just as much as a few Harriers, though."

"Ah, interesting." Stu said. Zak seemed a bit distance, looking over at a ditch nearby.

"Something wrong, Zak," Sam asked.

"Hmm? Oh, it's nothing." Zak replied, looking back at Sam.

"Oh okay. If something's bothering you, feel free to let me know."

"And here it is! The Excalibur!" Cecilia grinned as she showed them Vulshain's newest fighter jet.

"Alright, I will." Zak said, looking at Sam. He looked over at the Excalibur. "Wow, impressive."

"Thank you. It is truly indeed impressive. It is armed with not only a 300 missile payload and dual machine guns, but also dual railguns as well. The extra missiles are because of the ADMM, or All-Direction Multi-purpose Missile launcher. They are capable of wiping out entire enemy groups. This makes the Excalibur a multirole fighter."

"Wow," Sam said.

"Wow, 300? Where does it keep it all?" Zak asked, still seeming a little distant.

"In special missile pods attached on the sides and under the jet," Cecilia said.

"Zak you sure you are alright," Sam asked, noticing his guest's distanceness.

"Ah, I see." Zak said to Cecilia. He turned to Sam. "Well, the ditch over there..."

"What about it?"

"This is the last place I was in Vulshain before we were airlifted out in 1980."

"Ah. I see. I'm sorry. I hope we didn't open any old wounds," Sam said, worried about his guest.

"Oh no, it's fine." Zak took a deep breath. Tanya took his hand and squeezed it. Zak smiled and kissed her.

"Okay. I see you are in capable hands then," Sam said, smiling at Tanya.

Cecilia seeing that everything looked okay, introduced the Caladbolg. "This is a mainly air superority fighter. It is extremely fast, agile, and deadly, especially because of the TLS."

"Impressive." Zak said, still holding Tanya's hand.

"TLS stands for Tactical Laser System. It fires a laser stream capable of cutting through things like a hot knife through butter. The Caladbolg probably costs as much as one or maybe a little bit more than your Strikers."

"And this is the Fenrir. It is our sixth-generation fighter. We're still working the bugs out of it though. Mainly with the controlled interface system that will allow a pilot to fly the fighter by just using his mind. It will be as if you were actually flying through the air or something along those lines."

"Wow. I'm quite impressed. I didn't think so much would come from our treaty."
Zak said.

"Indeed. You will be amazed when you see Ragnarok," Cecilia said.

"Cecilia!"

"What, Natalka?"

"Oh alright. Ragnarok is a new type of weapon: a siege-walker. It can literally level bases and armies. It is a behemoth of a weapon, about the size of a small skyscraper and armed with two twin-linked cannons, shoulder mounted missile pods, and four 330 mm howitzers as well as the capability of launching tactical ICBMs and nukes."

Cecilia whispered to Stu, "She is really thrilled about Ragnarok. But I'm a little worried."

Stu whispered back. "Why?" Zak looked impressed. "Impressive. Those must be expensive."

"Indeed, and unfortunatelly, it is indeed expensive. We couldn't move the Ragnarok, without starting a panic, as it is too heavy to airlift and we would have to walk it from the other side of Vulshain to here."

"Ah, I see."

Cecilia whispered back, "I'm worried that people will become frightened, and to be honest, I thought you and Zak would have a fit over us creating such a behemoth capable of such utter destruction."

Stu whispered back. "Oh. I think the biggest problem with it would be the resources used up for it."

"That too. I don't think it's possible to build more than one. And just to maintain the thing! I'm worried about that too. So, any suggestions?"

"Economically speaking, it wouldn't be a good idea."

She nodded. "Well, we will have to talk with Natalka about that. Maybe convince her to cancel the project or even change it into something else. There's Project Yorktown, where we are working on an aerial fleet, but I'm thinking that should be canceled as well."

"Economic reasons," she explained.

Stu nodded. "Yeah." He looked over at Zak. "This is where he lost one of his guys. That's why he's off a bit." Stu whispered.

"Oh. Oh I didn't know. And we built a base right over where he lost one of his comrades. Must be hard on him right now," Cecilia said.

"Probably. It was over in the ditch. They were pinned down until they got rescued by helicopters." Stu added.

She nodded. "I see. Maybe we should put up a plaque to honor his memory."

"I think that'd be just fine."

She nodded. "We will need his name and when he died. Also, what do you think of the Heimdal? I thought you didn't care much for mecha."

"I'll have to go through the records for that, I'd rather not make it even harder for him. As for the Heimdal, I'm not sure about it. While it is impressive, I'm still not completely sure about it's reliability. Having to change from jet to mecha probably uses a lot of energy."

"It does use some energy, now. However, the servos are interchangeable, making any repairs easy to do. While the versatility is a great advantage, it could be a weakness. Not too many pilots can easily handle both combat modes, especially in the heat of battle."

"We could just go with the mecha mode instead of having a transformable jet/mecha machine."

Stu smiled. "It's your project. You know your economy better than I do. You make the choice."
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OOC: Collab post between me and Southern Yugoslavia.

Cecilia nodded. "Well, since it does use Southern Yugoslavian technology, would you be willing to share in creating more Ragnarok mecha?"

"That's not my decision to make." Stu said, looking at Zak.

"Hm...Do you think that your country would be willing to make more Ragnaroks?"

"Possibly, but once again, that's Zak's decision, not mine."

"Okay. I understand Stu. So, what else do you not like about mecha weaponry," she asked.

"Economically, they aren't easy to maintain, they can't get into places easily, and quietly, if they have to, and the cost." Stu replied.

"That's true. I guess, that while their strength, firepower, and armor gives them some advantage, they do have a lot of disadvantages, that evens it out. Still, it might be possible for both of our nations to work together in sharing the cost, but only if Zak thinks we should."

"I'll ask him when he's...feeling better."

"That'd probably be best."

"Okay...Oh dear. Tanya don't move. That's a...." A few inches away look like a landmine. Several engineers came running. "Don't worry, we removed the explosives from--"

Suddenly, the harmless landmine sprouted four legs and a robotic eye. It looked at Tanya as it scurried around her.

"What in the world?" Stu said.

"That would be a spider mine, a robotic mobile landmine. I guess the engineers here were going to show you, but..." Cecilia glared at the engineers.

"We're sorry about that First Lady, but this one somehow got away," one of the engineers explained. Suddenly, the spider mine began to move closer to Tanya.

Tanya moved closer to Zak. "It's fine."

"Again sorry about that."

"It's perfectly fine."

The engineer was able to deactivate the spider mine. The mine's legs and eye went back inside.

"It is a good thing you removed the explosives, or else, both the President and First Lady of Southern Yugoslavia would be dead," Cecilia was angry. Sam was glared at the engineers. "That could have been much worse," he said.

"We're sorry about that. But um...maybe we could explain how they work, if the President is okay with that," the head engineer asked.

"Of course." Zak said.

"Well, the spider mine, when deployed, burrows into the ground. When a target enters the range of its motion sensors, it digs itself out of the ground and scurries towards the target before detonating. The neat thing about spider mines, is that a group of them or nest as we like to call them, share sensor data making it very difficult to traverse a spider mine field undetected."

"Unfortunately, there are problems with the mines' IFF sensors. If one of our soldiers is fighting an enemy soldier near a spider mine field, the spider mines still go after the enemy target regardless if our soldier is right next to the enemy or not. We're still working on that."

"Ah, I see." Zak said. "Quite a useful weapon."

"Indeed. Unfortunately, like he said, the IFF sensors are still being worked on. Of course, maybe your engineers might be able to solve that problem," Cecilia replied. "Now this is cool."

Three soldiers jumped down off the roof of a building, and hovered a few feet off the ground. "These are our new Marauder soldiers. Um...Not sure about the name, though. They are jetpack equipped hit-and-run specialists. Trained for guerilla warfare and scouting missions."

"Wow, impressive." Zak said. "How much fuel do they carry for the jet packs?"

"About several hours worth of fuel," Natalka answered. "Ah! Here they are! Vulshain's new tanks! The T-95 Siege Tank!"

A tank with a twin cannon rolled along. Suddenly, it stopped. Several side pontoons appeared that dug into the ground. A large cannon rose up from the tank. After a few moments, the tank went back to looking like it was. "It is capable of transforming from tank mode to siege mode, and the siege tank can either reinforce a defending army or blow it to kingdom come and back."

"Amazing. How much do they cost?" Stu asked.

"About as much as two or three T-90 tanks, we did the math. Still, they are quite impressive. And we need something to outdo the Vekaiyuns and their laser-armed light tanks. We saw their tanks when we visited Vekaiyu last year."

"Ah, yes. I've heard about those." Zak said.

"Well, I'm betting your tanks, what are they called," Cecilia asked.

"The Prowler." Zak answered.

"Ah yes, I doubt the Prowler costs as much as the Siege Tank. So, Zak, what do you think so far," Cecilia said.

"I'm quite impressed." Zak replied.

"I know what Stu thinks of mecha, but what do you think of them," Cecilia asked.

"Personally, I'm not a fan of them either."

"Ah. So has Southern Yugoslavia ever tried developing one before," she asked.

"No, we haven't. We've stuck to producing a bunch of good tanks instead of one excellent mecha." Zak replied.

"Hm....That is something we'll need to think about then," Cecilia said. "While these mecha might be extremely useful, cost wise, they might not be a great idea. Of course, Zak if your nation wants to and is willing to, maybe we could both work on Project Ragnarok together."

"I'm kind of on the fence about it. While it would be incredibley effective, there's just no real need for it." Zak said.

Cecilia thought for a good bit. "You're right. There really isn't a need for it. Maybe we should postpone Project Ragnarok for a while," Cecilia said. Natalka sighed and nodded in agreement.

"And what do you think of the spider mines, Stu," Sam asked. He was still mad at the engineers for probably giving Tanya and Zak a scare.

"I like them. It would surely bring down innocent deaths after a war if they can be remotely deactivated." Stu said, looking at Sam.

"We are still working on that," one of the engineers said. "And this is the Specter. Not a pretty piece of aircraft, but..." Cecilia grinned as she nodded to the pilot. The pilot nodded and pressed a button. The fighter vanished!
"Cloaking technology!"
Sam whistled.

Zak spoke up. "We've got that down, actually." He looked towards where the plane was. "Wow, impressive."

"The cloaking technology is quite impressive, but there are some problems. Mainly, while invisible to the naked eye, the energy put out by the cloaking device actually makes it visible to radar. No way around it," Cecilia said. "Not to mention the Specter, plus the device is very costly."

Zak nodded. "I see. It seems like stealth might be better than just cloaking, considering radar can still see it."

"True. We are working on streamlining the Specter in order to make it stealthier. The cloaking device was just something they came up with, to be honest."

"Ah, I see." Zak said.

Sam looked at Zak, wondering if he was still alright. He decided to try something. "Ryan, Josef, you both must be very proud of your father? I know a lot of people here are proud of him as well. I remember hearing how he broke every prisoner out of Rivers' infamous maximum security gulag, Hell's Pit."

"Every philosopher, free thinker, political prisoner, POW, and innocent was busted out of there by your father. I remember reading how Rivers threw a chair out a window after hearing about it. He was cursing, 'I will kill whoever busted open my Hell's Pit!'"

Zak smiled. "And now he's in our custody."

"Yep. That prison was designed to be impossible to break out of, but your father busted into the prisoner, thereby busting everyone out. He even shut down Rivers' inhuman research projects where the prisoners were used as guinea pigs."

Zak smiled. "Well, it wasn't JUST me in there." Ryan and Josef smiled as well, recognizing their father's war story.

"True. Well, that concludes this tour. And now, I guess we should have a Christmas Day lunch back at the palace before we head on over to the Royal Museum to see the Crown Jewels and other historical relics," Sam said.

"Alright." Zak said. "Let's go."

(Back at the palace)

"Here we go. So, Stu? Zak? What did you think of our newest technologies? Did you see anything that you liked or didn't like?"

"I thought they all looked impressive, but some of them seemed like they would be too expensive." Zak said.

"True." The Christmas meal consisted of smoked, honey glazed ham, oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, steamed carrots, macaroni, roast beef, and fluffy biscuits.

"Looks good doesn't it," Sam asked Tanya.

"It does." Tanya said, smiling.

"Thank you. You should thank Cecilia, too, since she cooked some of the meal. She is an excellent cook," Sam replied.

"Well, I made some of the desserts and the macranoi, and the fluffy biscuits," Cecilia said blushing.

Stu smiled. "It's good." Stu said, taking a bite.

"Oh quit being so modest Cecilia," the Queen Dowager said. "You are an excellent chef and any man who marries you will be begging you to take a break from cooking!" She winked at Stu.

Cecilia blushed. "Thank you Stu."
"So, Ryan? Josef, what did you think of the tour of our military base," Natalka asked.

"It was impressive." Ryan said. Josef nodded. "I agree."

"That's good."

"You know Ryan, I was in the Air Force during the Civil War," Cecilia said. "You must be studying very hard. You must if you want to earn your wings."

"Oh, I know." Ryan said. "I'm hoping to fly the Striker." he added, smiling at his father.

"That's good." Cecilia smiled before eating some of her ham. "And what are you hoping to be, Josef?"

"I'm hoping to fly one of the AC-130s." Josef replied.

"That's good, too. Seems both of your sons like flying, Zak. Now who do they get that from? You or Tanya," Cecilia teased.

Zak smiled. "Both of us, probably. We both are licensed pilots."

"Oh! I didn't know you flew Tanya. When did you start flying?"

"When I met Zak. He got me into it."

"Ah. I hope he didn't propose to you while flying, or sky diving," Cecilia replied.

"No, he did it when we were together during Christmas. Our parents came out to visit." Tanya said, smiling.

Cecilia smiled. "That's quite romantic. You must have been very happy that day," she said.

"Yes, I was. He told me my parents gave him their blessing the day before." She said smiling, taking his hand.

"Ah!" Cecilia smiled as she took Stu's hand.

Stu smiled.

She smiled back, while wagging her tail. "For dessert we have Christmas puddding, fruitcake, sugar cookies, apple pie, peacan pie, sweet potato pie, and pumpkin pie," Cecilia said.

"Sounds good." Zak said, smiling.

"Yes, it is. You should try the fruitcake, Christmas pudding, and sweet potato pie, Stu. Cecilia made them."

"Grandma. Don't turn him into a pig now!"

Stu smiled. "It's fine."

Sam smiled. "So, what would you like to eat Zak?"

"I'll take a slice of sweet potato pie." Zak replied.

Sam got him a slice of the sweet potato pie. "Enjoy now." Cecilia asked Stu what would he like to drink. "We have tea, orange soda, and well, diet cola."

Zak thanked him. "I'll take tea." Stu said.

She got him some tea. "Would you care for some tea as well Zak, Tanya, Josef, and Ryan?"

"Sure." Each of them said.

She got them some tea as well, Taisyia helped her bring them their tea. "So, Ryan I was thinking of showing you the Armory, where you can see all of our nation's suits of armor."

"That sounds great." Ryan said, taking a drink of tea.

Sam nodded. "How about Stu, Zak? Would you like to see anything in particular at the Royal Museum?"

"I'll take the whole tour." Zak said, smiling.

"I see. Well, you will enjoy it very much," Sam said.

Zak smiled and finished eating his dessert.

They were soon finished eating. "Alright, let's head to the museum."
(At the museum)

"Here were are. Here is a portrait of King Fersoltsy Arkadyon. He is the one who wrote our Constitution," Sam said.

"Ah, I see. It's quite a nice portrait." Zak said.

"Indeed." Sam answered. Cecilia covered Josef's eyes. "I don't think your mother would appreciate us letting you see The Phoenix-Dragon Queen of Vulshain, a life-sized portrait of a naked Queen Sybilla Merririn wearing her royal headdress and jeweled fan."

In front of them was a portrait of the nude lobo queen. "It was painted by Yuliy Shotarion, a Vekaiyun-Vulshainian painter who fell madly in love with the queen. The queen was so impressed by his artistic talent that she took him on as her lover."

"Wow." Zak said. "How'd that work out in the end?"

"She made him her consort. Sadly, he suffered an accident where although he lived, he was rarely able to use his hands to paint due to the pain caused by his injuries. He became destitute. Taking pity on him, she helped finance an art school where he trained new artists. She continued to love him, saying that among her lovers, he was her true love," Cecilia said.

"He could still paint, but not as often as he could," Sam explained. "To be honest, Queen Sybilla Merririn considered herself a devout Laiatan Protestant, although I don't think flirting with every man you see as a trait your church would like to favor."

Zak chuckled. "Yeah, the Church doesn't smile upon it, that's for sure."

"Ah. She did take part in a lot of charities to help the poor and misfortunate, so I guess they probably forgave her for that. Yuliy painted many other pictures such as ones of her reading, horseback riding. He painted others like cherry blossoms, and snowcovered cities. He was indeed a master artist. Although, I'm not sure about the fact that he painted her with no clothes on."

Cecilia explained. "Ah here are the Crowns of Vulshain," she took her hands off of Josef's face. "Sorry Josef, but like I said, I don't think your mother would have liked you seeing any of those pictures."

Tanya smiled. "Thank you, Cecilia."

"No problem, Tanya. Now here are the crowns. This one here is the Crown of Royal Vulshain, the one used at King Fersoltsy's coronation. It was commissioned by his father, King Konstantin Arkadyon. Sadly, it was finished the same day King Konstantin passed away."

"That is sad." Tanya said.

"Yes it is. It is said that King Fersoltsy refused to be crowned king until a statue of his father was built in memory of his father."

"And this is the Crown of Imperial Vulshain. It was commissioned by King Maksimilian Aleixo, the king who tried to unite Vulshain and Southern Yugoslavia, and thus started the Five-Year War," Taisyia said.

"It is beautiful and excellently crafted," she added.

"Yes, it is." Zak said.

"But to some, it represents imperialism and over-patriotic nationalism. Maksimilian didn't believe it was wrong to unify both of our nations, and he admitted that there would be some who would resist, and that he would mourn those who died, unifying the nations and in the long-run, the peoples of both nations would benefit from the unification," Cecilia said.

"Well, thankfully for us, he didn't succeed." Zak said.

"He wasn't a bad king, now. He did do many good things," the Queen Dowager added. "He did things like abolish the death penalty, end serfdom, which had continued in many provinces, although several other provinces had already abolish serfdom. And after the war, he held no grudge against Southern Yugoslavia or her people, and worked hard to repair the damage that the war had caused."

"He personally traveled to your nation and laid flowers on the graves of your nation's soldiers, in the hopes of showing your people his sincerity."

"Well, I guess he realized that maybe Vulshain and Southern Yugoslavia were better off not being united," Cecilia said. Sam nodded in agreement.

"That may be true, but he isn't shone in as much positive light in Southern Yugoslavia." Ryan said. "His war did result in millions of dead on our side."

"True," Sam replied. "So, how is he depicted in your nation?"

"He's viewed as imperialistic and a war-mongerer. While most books do include the good stuff he did, it still isn't seen as enough to make up for the millions dead, wounded, and displaced. " Ryan replied.

"It's one of those, 'History is written by the victors." Zak added.

Cecilia nodded. "True."

"It's a shame that history doesn't talk about that after the war, he felt great remorse at causing so much grief that he did his best to fix things. He talked with the leaders of Southern Yugoslavia in opening up trade, helped reunite families torn apart by the war, and allowed part of our nation to be annexed by your nation." The Queen Dowager added. "He may have been foolish, but he wasn't all bad. A fool with a big heart, I guess."

"He did do other things like helped organize food kitchens to feed the starving, and had hospitals built and staffed by very educated doctors. In fact," Taisyia pointed at a photograph of the king visitng and even helping in one of the food kitchens, feeding the sick. In another one, he is seen comforting a dying Southern Yugoslavian soldier.

"I guess he's one of the few leaders to admit that 'Hey, I did something stupid and foolish, but I'm going to do what I can to make things better," Sam added. "But he still shouldn't have caused that war."

"That's true." Zak said.

"So, what do your history books say about our other leaders, like King Fersoltsy and Queen Sybilla Merririn," Sam asked, curious.

"Their deeds are mentioned, mostly their best actions and the actions that didn't work out so well." Zak said.

"That's good to hear. Sybilla Merririn did do some bad things, like flirting everywhere she went. And Fersoltsy has been compared and called Vulshain's Peter the Great, although he didn't do some of the same bad things that Peter the Great did in Imperial Russia," Sam said. "And here is the current crown we use today, the Crown of the Confederacy. I'm the most recent person to wear it."
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OOC: Collab post between myself and Vulshain.


"It's very impressive." Zak said. "Who commissioned it?"

"King Alaric Aurelivolod, who became monarch after Maksimilian."

"How often is a new crown commissioned?" Ryan asked, looking at the crown.

"Depends on the monarch," Sam answered.

"So if they want to wear a new crown, they commission it?"

"Pretty much." Cecilia then showed Ryan and Josef a tapesty of a female headless
Lobo knight howling at the moon. "What do you think of this tapestry? It's about the legend of the Lobo dullahan, or headless knight. She would howl at the moon to warn travelers and hunters of danger and towns of disasters."

"It's quite impressive." Ryan said. Josef nodded. "Who made it?"

"Not sure. To be honest, I didn't think lobos howled at the moon," Cecilia said.

She looked at Stu, wondering.

"We don't." Stu said.

"Not anymore, anyway." Zak added. "Howling was used as a form of communication between villages for quite a long time."

"Neat. I think the Anireptian Gypsies still howl during their festivals and dances," Sam said. "Here's a painting by a 17th century artist named Martin Ivanich featuring one of their dances."

"Who exactly are the Anireptian Gypsies?" Ryan asked. "I've heard about them, but aren't sure who they are."

"Mostly nomads and travelers. They are an ethnic group. They were very talented and excellent horse breeders and riders, not to mention amazing dancers, singers, and musicians. They have always been loyal to the Crown. A few tribes still live in nomadic camps, but the majority live in permanent homes, like everyone else,"
Cecilia said.

"Ah, okay." Ryan said.

"They are an important part of Vulshain's culture and history. In fact, many monarchs and nobles have at least one or two Anireptian Gypsies in their family tree," she added.

"Wow." Zak said. "How many of them are there?"

"Nobles or gypsies?"

"Gypsies."

"Hm....Approximately 100,000," Sam answered.

"Were there more or have their numbers decreased?" Zak asked.

"There used to be more, but their numbers are slowly getting back up ever since Merrill Rivers tried to wipe them out when he was in charge. There are a few pure-blooded Anireptian gypsies, but the gypsies don't care how thin your gypsy blood is. If you have even a drop of gypsy blood in you, then you're a gypsy."

Zak nodded. "I remember seeing some of the grave sites of the executions when we came through."

"Yes, there are some like that I'm afraid. Merrill Rivers was much like Hitler, maybe even worse," the Queen Dowager replied. "So, Stu, what was your last name again," she asked.

Stu looked a bit confused. "Riskotov. Why?"

"Hm...A scholar approached me a while back. He showed me a listing of those who were descended from the Royal Family of Southern Yugoslavia. I vaguely recall seeing Riskotov as one of the families descended, but I might be mistaken."
Cecilia laughed a bit. "Well, then I guess that's makes you royal blood then," she said, holding Stu's hand.

"Huh, interesting." Stu said, smiling at Cecilia. "Doesn't mean anything back home, but it's interesting to know."

"Yes. Although, if they ever decide to restore the monarchy in your nation, you would probably be the first one to take the throne," Cecilia teased.

Stu chuckled. "I doubt that'll ever happen." He continued smiling.

"True. But I wonder about something else: have you ever eaten sushi?"
Stu shook his head. "We like our fish cooked in Southern Yugoslavia."

"It's actually quite good, especially when it's spicy," she said.

"Either way, there aren't many sushi places in Southern Yugoslavia." Stu said.

"There's a good many here in Vulshain," Sam replied. "Maybe when you two get a chance, you and Cecilia should go out to one."

"Maybe." Stu said, smiling.

"So, after we show you all the Jewel Exhibit and the Armory, maybe we could show you the Church of the Forest," Sam said.

Zak nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

"Here is the armory," Sam said. There were suits of armor for humans, lobos, and vulpines. The lobo and vulpine armors had armor designed to cover the tails.

"What do you think? Some of them are quite fearsome, while others are beautiful and elegant. The style depended on the wearer's tastes," he added.

"They're quite impressive." Zak said. "Different from what our soldiers wore."

"Oh? What did your soldiers wear," Cecilia asked curious.

"Most of our soldiers wore either light plate armor or chainmail, similar to the Russians. We preferred a 'shock and awe' tactic by using speed on the battlefield. Some of that is still seen today in our military." Zak replied.

"Yes, from what I read, after you got over the sudden shock of a sudden invasion of your country by our forces, you quickly gathered a counterattack and pushed us back into our country," Sam said. "Still, our soldiers were led by knights. There are armors like yours during the early days of our nation's medieval history," Sam said. "What do you think Ryan?"

"They're quite impressive suits of armor." Ryan said, looking over them.

"I'm glad you like them. So, do you want to see the Jewel Exhibit. It's where many other treasures are shown."

"Sure." Zak said.

Sam led them to the Jewel Exhibit. The exhibit had several pieces of jewelry, including a stunning black diamond the size of a baseball, and a pumpkin-orange-colored diamond necklace. There were rubies, gold nuggests, silver dishes, a few tiaras, and a few small statues made of rose quartz crystal.

There were also emeralds, sapphires, quartz crystals, and other gems and jewels.

Zak walked over to the black diamond. "Where'd this come from?"

"From the mountains in the north. It was a rare find. A nobleman found it after Vulshain had been unified, and began the Jewel Exhibit. Every monarch after him has contributed something to the exhibit," Sam said.

"What have you contributed?" Zak asked.

"Well, this pink diamond here," Sam pointed at a pink diamond about the size of his thumb. "I found it quite by accident during the Civil War. Sometimes we soldiers would do a little prospecting on the side to make a bit of quick cash." His sister Natalka looked at him. "I was shifting through some dirt in a river, when I found it along with some quartz crystals and a couple of amethysts."

"I also found some spinels too."

"Wow, it's quite beautiful." Tanya said.

"It is. I got lucky finding it to be honest," he replied.

"Why didn't you sell it if you found it prior to being named king, since you were trying to earn some extra money?" Zak asked.

"I don't know to be honest. I guess I wanted to keep it. Not sure why I never did sell it. I guess, it's one of those 'your guess is as good as mine' reasons," Sam said.

Zak nodded.

Sam showed them some other exhibits featuring some statues, artifacts, and other items. "Well, I guess that is everything then. And we even have some time to see the Church of the Forest, the largest Laiatan Protestant Church in Kitsuniva," he
said.

"Great." Zak said.

They went outside and walked to the Church of the Forest. The exterior of the Church of the Forest was constructed with green mosaic tiles, as well as being topped with decorated façade and colorful octagonal towers. There are five towers, with the central tower being the largest. This tower sits on top of a large onion-shaped dome. On top of the middle tower is a large Laiatan Cross.

There were three sets of artistically bronze doors with relief sculptures of various religious Lobos. The largest of the three doors, called the Door to the Forest, was decorated with forest symbols as well as a relief sculpture of the Laiatan priest Erigian Nelerusy. "That's Erigian Nelerusy, he brought Laiatan Protestantism to Vulshain. What do you think," Cecilia asked.

"It's amazing." Zak said.

"Thank you." They went inside.

There were several stained glass windows, especially rose windows, decorating the Church of the Forest. The interior was decorated in malachite panels and columns decorated with ivy reliefs. Underneath a large Laiatan Protestant cross is the sarcophagus that contains the remains of Nelerusy. The Church of the Forest is a cross between Romanesque, Renaissance, and Gothic architectural styles.

The floor was made of mosaic marble tile.

There were a few murals depicting Nelerusy's life.

The group looked around inside. "This is incredible." Ryan said.

"That's the Laiatan Protestant Bible translated from Lobonese to Unonian. Translated by Nelerusy himself," Cecilia said.

"How long did that take him?" Zak asked.

"Several months. He apparently learned a good bit of Unonian during his travels here."

"Impressive. What do each of these murals depict?"

"His life," Cecilia answered. "Erigian Nelerusy was born in the city of Iska, the same city where St. Emir was executed by the Chancellor. Erigian was the son of a simple cobbler. At the age of 14, Erigian claimed that he had a vision from St. Emir himself telling him to join the Laiatan Protestant church and become a priest."

"When he was 18, he received another vision from St. Emir telling him to travel east and spread the teachings of the Den Mother to the people of Vulshain. He became a missionary. He was quite surprised when his teachings convert many vulpines to Laiatan Protestantism. He later died in 830 AD. The whole city mourned his death. He was buried here."

"I'm still surprised today that vulpines converted." Zak said.

"Well, at the time there was a huge famine, and many people wanted something to believe in, but in a way, his coming and spreading Laiatan Protestantism helped create our culture," Cecilia said. "In fact, Laiatan Protestantism is the second largest religion here in Vulshasin. The first is Celiam Methodism, while the third largest is Vayan Catholicism."

Zak nodded. "Wow, I never realized that many followed Laiatan Protestantism here."

"Indeed. Laiatan Protestantism appeals to many people here," Cecilia said. "So,
what do you think of the Church of the Forest? It' isn't as grand as your Church of the Den Mother back in New Skopje D.S."

"It's pretty close." Zak replied.

"Oh really?" Cecilia was quite surprised by this.

"Yes, it is." Stu agreed.

"Oh! Well...um...thank you," Cecilia said blushing.

"You're welcome." Stu said, smiling.

She squeezed Stu's hand for a bit, smiling. "So, Stu, ever ridden on a motorcycle before?"

"I have, actually." Stu said, still smiling.

"Cecilia here is quite the motorcyclist," Natalka said. "I guess tomorrow, you two could go out for a bit. Think of as a date," Cecilia's sister added.

"That'd be great." Stu said, smiling.

"Same here," she said.
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OOC: This is a collab post between myself and Vulshain.

"Okay, so where to next?" Zak asked.

"Hm...Do you have anything in mind," Sam asked.

"No, not really." Zak said. "What do you suggest?"

"Well, we could go see a fashion show going on. Or we could go see a little bit of
the city if you want before we head back to the palace for supper."

"I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of the city." Tanya said.

Zak nodded. "I agree."

"Very well, I'll have a limo waiting for us then." Sam called the CPGs to bring a limo around to pick them up so they could see some more of the city.
The car arrived and they went to see a bit of the city. "Over there, is the Wolf Bridge. It's one of our historical bridges here. It's so named because of the wolf statues at both ends of the bridge," Cecilia pointed out

"Ah. When was it built?" Zak asked.

"Around 1565 as part of the efforts to restore the city after the Great Fire of 1509. To this day, no one knows how the fire started. Some say it was an accident involving a glue maker's workshop, or by arachists on purpose. It was a miracle that no one died in the Great Fire."

"Wow. That is a miracle." Zak said.

"Yes it was. Much of the city was spared, but a few districts were heavily damaged by the flames. Now, it looks beautiful, doesn't it?"

"Yes, it does."

"We have many parks and botanical gardens here as well as many fine restaurants. Museums, theaters, operas, and stores are huge attractions as well. The Universal Shopping Center is Kitsuniva's most famous and historical shopping store as well."

"How old is it?" Tanya asked.

"Not that old. It was built back in the early 1950s. You can find many food stalls and food vendors there as well as many clothing, jewelry, art, antique, and electronics stores there," Cecilia answered.

"Ah, I see." Tanya replied. "Are there many shopping malls here in Vulshain?"

"There are, mostly found in large cities. Smaller cities will have them, but there are rare," Cecilia replied.

"I must say, you have a very nice capital Sam." Zak said, looking at him.

"Thank you. And how about you Stu? What do you think?"

"I agree, it's beautiful." Stu replied.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I know we will be glad to have you working here Stu as the military liasion between our two nations," Sam said.

Stu nodded. "Let's not get too ahead of ourselves, the Narodnoe has to authorize it." Zak said.

"Do you see any problems with the Narodnoe authorizing it," Cecilia asked, a little worried. "I mean it would greatly help our alliance, so you would think they would be supportive of this."

"I don't think they would. I know they'd authorize a liasion, but they have to authorize and pass my nomination. I don't have unlimited power." Zak replied.

"I never said that you did," Sam said. "But I do hope you nominate Stu. He would be perfect as a liasion due to his many excellent talents, traits, and qualities. The Royal Congress should be voting on their decision soon, but I don't think they would be against it. I know the communists and socialists might, but the communists might have some problems what with their party leader going senile

"Yeah. They're thinking about getting a new one. So there is some internal friction amongst the communists, so there should be no problem with the vote in our favor," Cecilia said.

"That's true, but it isn't my decision to make." Zak said, looking at Sam.

Sam nodded. "We can't leave Stu out of this decision as well. He also has to make the decision as well." Cecilia upon hearing that, squeezed Stu's hand.

"That's true. But if he's going to remain in country here in Vulshain, I'll have to appoint a new Republican Guard Commandant." Zak said, looking over to Stu.

Stu nodded. "I understand, Zak."

"Um...Uh..." Cecilia wanted to say something. But then the driver interrupted.

"Sorry Your Majesty, we have to take a detour."

"How come?"

"Apparently, an underground courier got hit by a driver who lost control of his car. The police are having us detour immediately before we get there. Just for safety and security reasons."

"Is the courier alright," Taisyia asked.

"I think so. The driver skidded on the ice and bumped into the courier. He should be fine."

"Alright, take the detour then."

"Sorry about that, Zak."

"It's fine, no worries."

Cecilia saw the puzzlement on Stu's face. "You're wondering about the underground part aren't you, Stu?"

"Yes, actually." Stu replied.

"Alright, but before I explain, what do you think the underground part means," she said grinning.

"Probably has something to do with a metro." Stu guessed.

"Ah! Correct! Some people think the underground part means illegal, like a drug dealer or gun runner, something like that, but you are correct. Underground couriers are people who are hired to carry packages and letters to people in different parts of the city. Especially if they need the letters or packages delivered at once. The quickest way is the metro system."

"If you need a letter delivered to a friend in another district, but you can't go yourself and the letters needs to reach them immediately, an underground courier is hired to take the letter. Underground couriers are sort of freelance mailmen, but they are paid by the Postage Service since they have to be screened to prevent criminals from using the system. Like airports, bags and packages are inspected, so it is very difficult for criminals to smuggle stolen items or drugs in the city. We are not about to have criminals and low-lifes using our metro system as their own little well, delivery system," Cecilia said.

"Ah, that makes sense." Stu said.

"Yes it does. We also make sure to have police officers around in the metros in case of emergencies. We are now having undercover CPGs after the suvavi bombing last year when my brother was shot upon arriving back from Vekaiyu," Natalka said.

"Ah yes, I remember that on the news." Zak said, looking at Natalka.

She nodded. "I just wished someone had spotted it before it went off," Cecilia said.

"Fifty people were killed by the bomb. Imagine if that bomb had gone off when people were going to work and school! The casualties could have been much much worse! We are still waiting from Vekaiyu to tell us how the terrorists got their hands on such deadly chemicals."

"Well, hopefully you'll get it soon." Zak said.

"Suvavki is a very deadly and highly toxic chemical. Even the smallest amount is deadly. Back during the 2010 Vekaiyun Civil War, the Maxists had tried to smuggle some suvavki, but the canisters were destroyed by the Alleghenian soldiers who were assisting the Vekaiyun loyalists. The Alleghenians just fired with no regard to what they were shooting at. The chemicals killed over a million people in the city of Iruk. I called Premier Levinile, requesting for an explanation to how terrorists got ahold of such a dangerous chemical. If suvavki is such a guarded chemical and everyone goes through screening, which is what I've been told by the Vekaiyun ambassador, how did the terrorists get the stuff, and brought it to Vulshain?"

"That's a good question."

"Indeed. But enough such talk aside. Did you want to see anymore of the city
before we head back to the palace for dinner," Sam asked.

"We can go ahead and head back to the palace." Zak replied.

"Very well then."

(Back at the palace)

"Alright we fixed some beef and shrimp stroganoff along with some sweet and sour chicken, mashed potatos and carrots," Sam said. Cecilia handed Stu his meal.

"So, Stu, um...Do you have anyone who you think would be perfect for your replacement as head of the Republican Guard," she asked.

"Not sure. They'll probably place an older member in charge." Stu replied.

"Ah. I see."

"So what exactly does the Republican Guard do, if you don't mind me asking," Sam said before eating some carrots.

"They're pretty much the equivalent of the US Navy SEALs. So they perform anti-terror operations, deep strike raids, and missions where nobody else would be able to operate in." Zak said after taking a bite of his meal.

"I see. Sort of like our C-SAT members. Of course, there are the Demon Eyes."

"Who are they?" Zak asked, taking a drink.

"Specially trained C-SAT members. They are covert ops specialists. They get their name Demon Eyes from their helmets that have red eyepieces or red visors. They are quite menacing not to mention deadly in urban terrains. They are also called demons because of their...well, let's just say they are very good at their job of wiping out the enemy. I'm just glad that they're on our side."

"Ah, okay. Sounds like I'd rather not be on the receiving side of their attacks." Zak said.

"Well, if you're not a terrorist, then you have nothing to worry about. The Demon Eyes have a strong hatred of terrorists, serial killers, rapists, cannibals, and others like them. They work with the police sometimes in taking down crime bosses and drug lords. Since these people have a lot of power and influence and can sometimes be troublesome as they have the means to try and be beyond the
reach of the law. But the Demon Eyes have a motto: 'The Law Can Reach anywhere and everywhere.'"

"Sounds about right." Zak said. He continued eating.

"So, Stu, how long have you been in the Republican Guard," Natalka asked. Cecilia was a little surprised by the question.

"Roughly 12 years." Stu said.

"Ah. So, that would make you how old," Natalka asked.

"I'll be 33 this year." Stu replied.

"Ah I see." Cecilia nodded. "So, Stu, what was basic training for you to become a Republican Guard?" Sam asked, taking a drink.

"I had to go through a 12 week basic training, where the first four weeks they break you down, then build you back up the next eight weeks. It's pretty much the Air Force basic training, and then they ship you to the Republican Guard Initial Training Course in northern Southern Yugoslavia which is an absolutely brutal 36 1/2 week process. After that I was sent to the other side of the base and you
finish your training with the Advanced Training, which takes 17 months to complete." Stu said after taking another bite.

"How brutal is it," Sam asked. "Basic training is brutal for us in the Ground Forces, but I'm guessing for you it was like walking through hell barefoot."

"They spray you down with firehoses when you crawl through the mud under barbed wire and live machine gun fire. So they break you down mentally and physically." Stu said.

"Live gun fire?" Cecilia looked at him worried.

"Fatalities must be high," Taisyia said.

"Not really, actually. It keeps you down in the mud. There have been a few fatalities over the years, but the families are compensated." Zak responded.

"We went through the same thing in the Ground Forces, except we use rubber bullets. Still hurts."

"I'll bet." Zak said.

"We go through something called, All Hell Broken Loose. It's a training execrise where you're trained to fight the enemy in the worst possible situation: in the middle of a natural disaster like a tornado or a hurricane, or even an earthquake. You have to avoid getting shot at while trying not to get knocked off your feet by the wind and rain. Sometimes, if it's lightning real bad, they have
you train in that. But it's rare these days for them to try and have you train in an actual weather disaster. They now just shoot rubber bullets at you while pelleting you with water and a bunch of very large fans."

"Wow, sounds brutal." Stu said.

"It is. Keeps you on your toes and makes you think and act fast, as either the weather, the enemy or both will do you in if you're not careful," Sam said.

"Right." Zak said.

Cecilia had finished her meal. "So, what types of sports did you take part in Stu?"

"I was a boxer and a Vzrosliy Razryad in Bovmyest, like all members of the military." Stu replied, finishing his meal.

"Hm....Maybe tomorrow morning, you could join me for some martial arts practice. I could show how Siacater is done."

"Sure, that sounds good." Stu said.

She smiled. "Thank you."

Zak finished his meal. "So Sam, did your government clean up the SAM sites in the north that were destroyed in 1979?"

"Of course. They removed all of the debris and stuff from those sites. Did you want to see where they once were?"

"Sure. If I remember correctly, we hit the northernmost one along the front." Zak said.

"Yes, that's the one. We were thinking of making some memorials for the Southern Yugoslavian soldiers who died in defense of our nation. I hope to have you there when we do the dedication ceremonies," Sam said.

"Sure, that would be fine."

Sam smiled and nodded.

(Back in Cecilia's bedroom)

Cecilia was busy drying her hair with a blowdryer. "Sorry I didn't talk as much tonight, Stu. I had some things on my mind."

"What's on your mind?" Stu asked as he approached her.

"Well, I had hoped to have it where you could be both the liasion to our nation's military and Commandt of the Republican Guard. I didn't realize that you would have to step down from your position." She sighed as she turned the blowdryer
off.

"Ah, yes. That." Stu said. "It's a situation where they want someone to be able to be called in at any time, which I can't do if I'm here."

"I see. I didn't realize that part though. I thought you mostly did paperwork, like me." She rubbed her hand on his cheek. "I was looking out for you love."

"I do usually, but I'm also the commander for the Republican Guard. So if there was any reason we'd need to send in the Republican Guard somewhere, I'd have to see the plan in person at the Octagon before authorizing it." He said, holding her.

"Hm...I see." She smiled as he held her. "Well, I do hope that you do become our liaison. Means that you can help fix the cracks in our alliance caused by DIEIS." She held him. "Now, let's get to bed. I'm looking forward to seeing you do your Bovmyest. I've never seen much of it before, so I'm quite curious to learn more about it."

"Well then, you're in for a treat tomorrow." Stu said, smiling.

"Oh?" She looked at him as she got in bed. "You mind telling me some of the history of Bovmyest then, before we go to bed."

"It's origins have been traced back to Pre-Unification times, even before the city states rose in 501 AD. It evolved over time, and now it's taught to every soldier in basic. It focuses on grapples and full contact, and today pistols and knives have been integrated into it." Stu said, climbing in after her.

"Hm...Interesting. Very different from Siacater. Siacater is a cross between Capoeira and Taekwondo. Capoeira combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance. Siacater is one of the most popular forms of martial arts in Vulshain."

"Ah, interesting. Bovmyest closely resembles combat sambo. It's practiced widely in Southern Yugoslavia."

She nodded. "Well, I think we can discuss more tomorrow morning, say around 7:30 AM." She kissed him.

"Sounds good." He said, kissing her back.

"Goodnight, love." She turned off the lights.

"Goodnight."
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Southern Yugoslavia
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Wolfman
OOC: This is a collab post between myself and Vulshain.

Stu awoke to the sun shining through the opened window. He turned over and felt for Cecilia, only to find her gone. A note lay on her pillow. He picked it up and scanned over it. He got up and set it on the night stand and went to the bathroom for a quick shower. A few minutes later, he came out and put on his SBU camouflage pants and Republican Guard t-shirt, which was red with the Republican Guard seal on it, and had the letters ЮЮPГ under it. He laced up his combat boots and went downstairs to meet Cecilia in the gym.

Cecilia was busy practicing her Siacater moves. She was dressed in a tight-fitting Chinese-styled dress of red silk and black trim. It had no sleeves and fell to about the top of her thighs and was cut high over the hip. Under this she wore a second skirt, which was white with red trim and about the same length as the red dress. The white skirt covered up the hips. On her arms she wore
wide sleeves of red silk with black trim. These sleeves were held on by straps at her upper bicep. On her feet were instep guards that left her heels and the front parts of her feet exposed. Her moves were almost like dancing involving a lot of footwork and kicking, along with some backflips and cartwheels.

Stu walked into the gym and smiled when he saw Cecilia. "Seems like the dress is different for our martial arts as well." He said, leaning against the doorway.

"Oh. Good morning. Sorry about not waking you up earlier. I thought you might want a little bit of extra Z's before we started," she said. "And yeah, Siacater martial arts outfits usually are light and loose in order to allow better movement."

She looked at Stu's clothes. "Hm...I thought for a moment that Southern Yugoslavian martial artists wore something similar to those wore by kung fu
masters or something like that."

Stu shook his head. "No, Bovmyest was used by the soldiers and warriors of the city states. It's just recently been spreading to civilian use."

"Ah. I see. So, I'll let you..." she stopped in order to do a handstand with one hand before continuing, "...stretch and warm up before we begin."

Stu nodded and started to stretch out his arms and legs. He did a few basic exercises and stood back up. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Cool. Now, don't go easy on me, just because we're lovers." She winked at him as she jumped and did a backflip towards him. She smiled. She started moving back and forth as if she was rocking back and forth. "Siacater often uses dance moves to confuse and annoy one's opponent as confusion and annoyance often distract opponents."

Stu smiled. "Don't worry, I won't." He said as he dropped into his stance, ready for her next moves.

She smiled. "Good." She did a kick that resembled that of a horse where both her hands were on the ground while one of the legs is pushed outward towards Stu's knees.

Stu sidestepped the kick and reached for Cecilia's legs, trying to pull her off of her hands.

She snickered. She immediately fell backwards into a crab-walk position, followed by scurrying backwards and away from her opponent, before jumping back onto her feet. She did a slide towards him, and catching him in a head lock.

Stu threw his weight into Cecilia, attempting to bring her to the ground and break the headlock. He tried to sweep her legs out from under her and take hold of her head.

"What the!?"

They ended up on the ground, Stu holding Cecilia in a headlock and kept her legs pinned between his.

"Okay! Okay! I yield! I yield!" She laughed a bit.

Stu smiled and let her go.

"First time, someone has ever done that before. So, that's Bovmyest, huh?"

"Pretty much. Except usually it results in the opponent's death." Stu said, putting his arm around her.

She laughed a bit. "Good thing, I'm not an enemy." She rested her head on his shoulder. "You almost had me earlier. And here I am, a master of Siacater getting beaten." She laughed and smiled, wagging her tail some.

Stu laughed. "Well, at least you were beaten by another master." His tail began wagging a bit.

"Oh? Maybe you can teach me some moves. And I'll teach you some Siacater moves. Might impress some big-ego-headed Republican Guard cadet."

"Sounds like a deal."

She giggled a bit. "You know maybe I could show you around town and introduce you to some friends of mine. Of course, a few of them are a little bit strange."

"Sure, sounds fun." Stu said, smiling.

"Hey Stu, before you go anywhere," Stu turned around and found Zak leaning against the wall near the door, wearing the same thing as Stu. "feel like a quick match?"

Stu smiled. "I don't know Zak..." Zak cracked his neck and stretched his arms. "Oh come on Stu, just because I'm old doesn't mean I can't hold my own." Stu chuckled. "Oh, alright."

She patted Stu on the back. "Go get him, tiger." She kissed him on the cheek.

She got up and sat down next to the wall cross legged and decided to watch them spar.

Zak got into position across from Stu, and touched fists with him. Stu threw a couple of punches that missed Zak. Zak grabbed Stu's arm and pulled him to the ground, getting him into an arm bar. Stu struggled a bit and finally submitted. Zak let him go and helped him up. Zak slapped him on the back. "You forget, Vzrosliy Razryad, that I'm an actual Masyeuk." Stu chuckled. "I know, I know."
Cecilia stretched for a bit before getting up. "Mind if I tango with you Zak. I'll try and go easy on you."

Zak rolled his shoulders and stretched out his arms. "Of course, Cecilia." He said, smiling.

She grinned. She did a few cartwheels, moving behind him, where she did a fast kick to the spine of his back.

Zak moved with the hit and rolled forward on the ground. He got up and spun around, facing Cecilia again.

"Pretty good." She did a few spins, like a ballet dancer. She did a few kicks while doing a cartwheel and spin.

Zak grabbed her leg through the kick and pulled her body towards him, and dropped to the ground, bringing her with him.

"Dang it!" She used her other leg to kick him in the jaw as they went down.

"Good shot." Zak said as he maneuvered into a leg bar.

She nodded her thanks, before turning blue in the face.

Zak let up a bit, but not giving her much room to maneuver. "You alright Cecilia?"

"Yeah." She coughed a bit. "Stu wasn't kidding when he said this was a deadly form of martial arts. Siacater was made to confuse and baffle your opponent until you knocked them to the ground. But it wasn't made to kill an opponent just to subdue them. Siacater is also something of a dance too."

"Yeah, that's why it's taught to our soldiers." Zak replied, still keeping Cecilia pinned.

"Okay. You win."

Zak let her go and helped her up. "Good match."

"You're welcome. I hope I didn't rough you up too much. Your wife might not appreciate that."

Zak laughed. "No, she's used to it by now."

Laughing a bit. "Oh? Do you mean she's the one who's dominant in bed?" She teased him a bit.

"Uh...Don't tell her I said that. Two Bovmyest masters is my limit."

Zak laughed. "Alright, I won't. Besides, she gets her night every once in a while." he said, still chuckling. "Anyway, I was referring to me coming home a little beat up."

"Beat up? How does that happen?"

"Back before I was the Commandant. We would do Bovmyest training a few times a week. I didn't win all the time." Zak said.

Chuckling a bit, Cecilia said, "So, I'm guessing that she was worried sick about you."

"You could say I was when he'd come home bruised and a bit bloodied." Tanya said, walking up to the group and putting her arm around Zak, smiling.

"So, Tanya you know any martial arts?"

"A bit. Just some stuff Zak taught me."

"Hm...Well, I might teach you some Siacater, or I could have Natalka teach you some kickboxing. Of course, if I do that, you might end up putting Zak in a full body cast."

"I don't know, he's still got that spark." she said, still smiling as Zak put his arm
around her.

She smiled and nodded. "Still, Stu and I have some...plans for today. So, I'll be borrowing him for a while. I think Sam had to do some important political stuff today, but he should be back a little bit after lunch so we can take you to see where the old SAM sites used to be."

"Sure, that sounds just fine." Zak said.

"So shall we get something to eat?" Stu asked.

"Sure. Let's take a shower first before eating some breakfast," she answered.

"Race you." She kissed him on the cheek before taking a head start towards her bedroom and her shower.

Stu smiled and chased after her. Zak smiled as he walked out of the gym with Tanya on his arm. "I should probably take a shower too." Tanya smiled. "Yeah, you should." she said, teasingly. "Alright, I'll head up then." Zak replied. "I'll meet you there." Tanya said, smiling.

(Later at the breakfast table, minus Sam due to a meeting with the Royal Parliament)

"Here you go Stu. Some pancakes. I still can't believe how slow you were in getting to my shower," she teased him.

"I didn't have enough energy after beating you." Stu replied, teasing her back.

"Oh you!" She chuckled. "Just remember we have to meet my friends later."

"Oh that reminds me Cecilia, those two are back," Natalka said. With that Cecilia groaned. "Oh no! Not those two!"

"Who are those two?" Stu asked, taking a bite of his pancakes.

"Oh two friends of mine. Both of them are brothers: Alexander and Martin Heirezhnev. Alexander, the older one, likes to tease and make fun of his little brother, Martin. This annoys Martin so much he gets angry and starts demolishing everything in sight just to beat his brother into the ground. Martin is amazingly strong. I used to hang out with them, but their constant fighting got on my
nerves. Still, while Martin was strong, and Alexander was very cunning, both of
them were terrified of me."

"That's because you could beat them in a fight," Natalka added.

"True."

"Well then, I bet we could take them on." Stu said, smiling.

She smiled and giggled a bit.

Zak and Tanya came down and took their seats.

Taisyia gave them their pancakes.

They both smiled and thanked her.

Zak began eating. "So what else do you two have planned for the day?"

"Oh. Hm...Well, I hope to go shopping with Stu for awhile. And maybe we could go out and eat for lunch before returning here and joining the rest of you to see where the old SAM sites used to be. And maybe this evening, I thought we both could go out for a romantic dinner." She smiled at the last part, wagging her tail.

"That sounds great." Stu said, smiling.

"Sam's meeting with the Royal Parliament to see what they will say about the decision to have a liasion from Southern Yugoslavia," Taisyia said.

"We'll have to be back in Southern Yugoslavia before we can do anything about a decision from the Narodnoe." Zak said between bites.

"That's understandable," Cecilia said.

Stu finished his pancakes and finished his glass of orange juice. Zak and Tanya finished soon after.

Cecilia finished as well. "Alright, let me just grab the coat you got me for my birthday and an umbrella and we'll be off."

Stu smiled. "Alright, I'll be here."

Cecilia had gotten her coat and an umbrella. "Are you sure ma'am?"

"I'm sure Fred. Besides, Stu will be with me."

Stu buttoned up his service coat and grabbed his service cap. "Ready when you are." Stu said, standing next to her.

"Alright, let's go."
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SCKnightVulshain
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The Boll Weevel
OOC: Collab post between me and Southern Yugoslavia.

It was snowing outside. "Ah I love the snow," Cecilia said as she opened up the umbrella. "Looks beautiful doesn't it?"

"Yes, it does." Stu said, walking next to her.

She smiled as they walked. "It's not far from here. Ah there is. They live in an apartment."

"Ah, okay." Stu said, looking up at the apartment.

They went inside the apartment. "Let's see...4A...4B...4C...."

"Ah-ha! 4H." She rang the doorbell a few times.

"Coming! Coming! Hold up!"

"So which friends are we meeting this morning?" Stu asked Cecilia.

The door opened a bit, and a petite red and black furred vixen peaked out a bit. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. "Oh Saint Aiya! Cecilia Rainard!" Both women made girlish screeches as they kissed on the left cheek followed by a hug and finally a kiss on the right cheek. "Oh it's nice to see you, Tessara!" "Stu, this is my friend Tessara Lanliss."

Stu smiled. "Nice to meet you."

The vulpine wore a pair of blue jeans and a pink sweater. "Nice to meet you. And you must Stewart Riskotov. Cecilia mentioned she was bringing you over."

"Yes, that would be me." Stu said, shaking Tessara's hand.

"Hm....Wow. Cecilia, you should have said that he was such a fine catch. Well, come on in you two. I know it's early, but maybe a light early lunch would okay."

Stu walked in with Cecilia and placed his great coat on the rack, followed by his service cap.

"Remember to take your shoes, off," Cecilia said as she took off her coat and shoes.

He untied and pulled off his shoes, leaving them near the door.

"Hey, Variel! Cecilia is here along with Stu!"

"Okay!" A lobo about Stu's height came out. He apparently had been in the kitchen as he was taking off an apron. "Hello. I'm Variel. Nice to meet you Stu." He shook Stu's hand.

"Nice to meet you too, Variel." Stu said, shaking his hand.

"Variel, you rest for a bit. Cecilia and I will get the early lunch ready."

"Thanks love." He kissed Tessara on the cheek as she and Cecilia went into the kitchen. "So, Stu," Variel said as he sat down on the couch, "how are things with you and Cecilia?"

Stu sat down in a chair next to him. "Pretty good. It's nice to see her again after a few months apart."

"That's good to hear. So, have you given her a massage yet?"

"No, I haven't gotten a chance to yet."

"Ah. Well, you probably will eventually." He took a ring out of his pocket and put it on. It was a silver ring with a Celtic motif around it and it had three orange pumpkin diamonds on it. "Yep, Tessara gave me this ring when she propose to me."

"Wow, it's nice." Stu said, looking at it.

"Thanks. I turned around and proposed to her."

"How long have you two been married?"

"Several years now. So, do you plan on proposing to Cecilia?"

"It's a possibility." Stu said, rubbing his chin. "I would like to give it a little bit more time, considering that's tradition back in Southern Yugoslavia."

"Ah. Well, if she proposes to you, you might have to propose. It's not polite to leave a girl waiting around after she proposes to you," he said.

"That's true." Stu replied.

"Okay you two. It's ready now."

Stu stood up and headed to the table.

"Stu, we're eating some egg rolls and kabayaki, which is filleted, boned and dipped in a sweet soy sauce-base sauce before broiled on a grill, and some honey filled rolls."

"And if he doesn't like that, we have Tempura, or deep fried shrimp and salmon," Tessara said. "We also have some wheel cakes for dessert."

"Sounds delicious." Stu said.

"Yep. Didn't think you ate eel," Cecilia said.

"Well, we try everything at least once." Stu replied.

"Oh? Have you ever eaten eel before," Tessara asked.

"No, so it'll be a first."

Variel put some eel, two eggrolls and a few pieces of deep fried shrimp and salmon on Stu's plate. "Here's some hot tea to go with it."

"Thanks." Stu said as he sat down in front of it.

Cecilia sat down next to Stu. "Tessara was telling me about a sale going on at the Universal Shopping Center. Traditional male clothes!"

"Be prepared to wear a lot of loincloths, my friend," Variel warned. "Last time they had a sale like that, I had to try on ten different ones."

"Oh you! Besides, you picked the sarong outfit, didn't you?"
"Yes, a little bit more coverage, love."

Cecilia smiled and shook her head as she ate some eel. "You always did know how to cook the finest eel Tessara," she said. Tessara thanked her.

Stu began eating the eel as well. "I agree, it is good."

"Also, there's a sale on books and surfboards. Maybe we could even visit one of the mall food stall vendors," Cecilia said with a smile.

"Sounds like a plan." Stu said, smiling.

"You should take him to the baths, Cecilia."

"Oh no! I couldn't. I mean, I um...I don't know if it is proper in Southern Yugoslavia to have co baths where men and women bath together. I mean, I don't want to make him uncomfortable."

"Oh, I'll be fine." Stu said.

"Well. Okay, if you say so," she said as she bit off some of her egg roll.

Stu continued eating a took a drink of his tea.

"So, Stu, you must really have done something to make Cecilia fall head over heels in love with you," Tessara said.
Cecilia blushed deep red.

Stu smiled. "Well, all I can remember is that we got some time alone and it went from there."

Both Variel and Tessara smiled and grinned at each other. "Oh we know the feeling," Variel said.

Stu smiled as he finished his plate.

Soon, everyone had finished. "Here you and Stu go out relax some more while we take care of the cleaning up. We'll let you both know---" Suddenly there was crying coming from one of the rooms. "Oh dear. The little one has woken up from his nap," Variel said as he went off to get him. A few moments later, he came back with a little lobo pup wrapped up and snug as bug in a rug.

"Whose this little guy?" Stu asked, looking over Variel's shoulder.

"Oh this is little Roth here." The lobo pup upon seeing Stu began to coo and giggle a bit.

"He's a cutie." Stu said. "How old is he?"

"Two years old," Variel said. "You want to hold him?"

"Sure." Stu said, taking Roth into his arms.

Roth began to giggle and coo some more. "He really likes you," Tessara said. "I think you and Cecilia would make excellent parents."

Stu looked a bit surpised by the comment. "Oh yeah?"

"Well, you two get along quite well, and it seems Roth there really likes you and Cecilia." Cecilia stopped playing peek-a-boo with the lobo pup when her friend made the comment. "Well, I always did like children. I was always asked to babysit for people's kids back home when I was in high school. The kids always loved having me babysit them. I guess I have a way with children."

"Yeah, I'm pretty good with kids too." Stu said.

Cecilia smiled. "Well, you two keep Roth company and we'll get dessert ready."

"Okay." Stu said as he sat on the couch, smiling at Roth.

"Mind if I hold him for a bit," Cecilia asked.

"Of course." Stu said, handing him to Cecilia.

Cecilia smiled and thanked Stu as she held Roth. "Aren't you a sweetie, aren't you? Yes, you are. Yes you are." Roth giggled and cooed. Cecilia rubbed her nose against Roth's, which Roth seemed to like. "Cute little guy isn't he?"

"Yeah, he is." Stu said, smiling as he put his arm around Cecilia.

Cecilia smiled as she rocked Roth in her arms. Roth yawned and went to sleep.

Stu smiled as he watched Cecilia rocked Roth.

Tessara came back in and smiled. "Well, I'll take him back to his crib," she whispered. "You two go and get some wheel cake."

Stu smiled and walked with Cecilia to the kitchen.

"Wheel cakes are small cakes filled with sweet red bean paste. They're really tasty," Cecilia explained to Stu.

"Ah, sounds good." Stu said.

They arrived in the kitchen. Stu took a plate and a wheel cake. He took a bite. "It's pretty good."

"Thank you," Variel said. "Always glad to hear someone compliment my cooking."

"You're welcome." Stu said, as he continued to eat the cake.

Cecilia smiled. "Stu has taken a strong liking to Vulshainian cuisine."

"Yeah, you've got some good food over here." Stu said.

"Well, you do too now."

Stu smiled. "Yeah, we do."

"Stu's here with the President of Southern Yugoslavia while the President is here on his state visit."

"Really? Wow, Cecilia it's a shame you had to leave the military, you would probably make a great Minister of Defense."

"I would have. But I got honorably discharged from the Air Force, I'm afraid."

"Well, look at where you are now." Stu said.

"True. You do have a point love."

"So, Stu how do you like it here," Tessara asked.

"It's pretty nice here. The weather's pretty similar to New Skopje."

"I should visit New Skopje one day," Variel said.

"You should. Plenty of things to do." Stu said.

"I see. And what are some of these things I could do," Variel asked.

"You could go see some of the museums around the city, the war memorials, the Zukov Monument, the Wolfsden, the Octagon, or at least the outside of it, the Wolfsden, and the Church of the Den Mother." Stu replied.

"I've been inside the Octagon. Well, just the reception area, but that's about it," Cecilia said.

"Yeah. That's our military headquarters, so it's not very easy to get in." Stu said.

"You could go see the Narodnoe Building or Supreme Court Building too. You could probably see a case at the Supreme Court, but it's really hard to get in since only about 400 seats are available, and usually about 150 are taken up by students." Stu added.

"Ah. I see," Variel said. Tessara came back. "So, Stu, have you visited any of the historical and famous places here?"

"Just the Palace and a military base where Zak was pinned down in a ditch back in 1980."

"Ah. Have you been in any battles," Tessara asked.

"Only a few black ops during the Civil War here." Stu replied.

"I doubt he could tell you anything. Probably classified," Cecilia added.

"At least for another ten years." Stu said, looking at Cecilia.

"I thought so," she said, winking at him. "Well, Variel and Tessara do you need us to help you clean up any?"

"Oh no. It's okay. We got a lot of it done, but we appreciate the offer. You two probably are exploring the city. So, we will be fine. You two take care now." Cecilia nodded and thanked them both for letting them visit. She got her coat and umbrella.

Stu put on and buttoned up his coat and placed his service cap under his arm. He opened the door for Cecilia. "It was nice to meet you two."

"You two drop by anytime you like now," Variel said.

"Alright, thanks." Stu said smiling.

After they had gotten outside, Cecilia opened her umbrella again. "So, did you enjoy it?"

"I did." Stu said, his arm around Cecilia.

Cecilia smiled wagging her tail. "Ah. You know I'm glad you came into my life Stu. And to be honest, I think we both would make fine parents."

"That's true. I bet we would." Stu said.

"Well, let's head over to the Universal Shopping Center for a bit. "I wanted to check out the sales before we head on back to the palace. Oh and we might grab a quick snack from the food stall vendors."

"Okay, let's go." Stu said, arm still around her.

They walked a good while until they got to the Universal Shopping Center. "Well, what do you think? It's quite big and has three stories." Unusual for a mall were several stained glass windows.

"It's impressive. Quite unusual as well." Stu said, looking up at the mall.

"Yes. The stained glass windows were added in order to make the place look more relaxing and calming. They seem to do their job of course, there are some gardens and fountains as well to help calm people down, so they aren't so stressed out while shopping."

"So where should we go first?" Stu asked, walking inside and removing his service cap.

"Hm...Not sure. Ah. Let's go to that bookstore," she said pointing out a bookstore.

"Okay." Stu said, walking with her to the bookstore.
Confederacy of Vulshain
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Southern Yugoslavia
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Wolfman
OOC: This is a collaboration post between myself and Vulshain.

Stu walked around looking at the various books in the store. He opened up a few a flipped through them.

Cecilia was busy looking through a few books on sale. She noticed Stu was looking through a few books on fishing. "I guess you like to fish some."

"Yeah, when I can." Stu said, putting it back and picking up another book.

"See anything you like?"

"Yeah, I think I'll get these two." He said, showing Cecilia a book on fishing in Vulshain and another on Vulshain's history.

"Okay. Ah. This one looks good. It's one of those science-fiction novels featuring the what if types of stories. This is one is about what would have happened if Vulshain had defeated Southern Yugoslavia." She then remembered who she was with. "Um...Uh..." Her ears pressed against her head as she bit her lip.

Stu smiled and chuckled a bit. "It would be interesting to find out."

She smiled. "Cool. I might get it then. Also, I think this one looks good." The book was on cooking Southern Yugoslavian food. She smiled when she saw another book. It was a fantasy novel.

"What's that?" Stu asked, looking at it.

"Dragons of Nedenia. First book in a new series: Knights of Nedenia. I could get you a copy too, if you like."

"Sure."

She smiled as she got another copy of the book. "So, see anything else?"

Stu looked around for a few more minutes. "No, I think that's going to be it."

"Okay same here for me. Let's go check out and see what other stores we can go to. How about an electronics store and maybe some clothes store. I do need to go by a sports store, too."

"That sounds fine." Stu said walking to the checkout counter with her.

The cashier rung up their purchases. Cecilia handed him her debit card. He then said. "Alright, that shoudl be it." He handed back her card.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome."

Stu walked with Cecilia to the electronics store a few stores down.

"Looks like they just released a lot of new video and computer games," Cecilia noted. "Hm...You play video games, and what kind do you play?"

"Every once in a while. I usually play strategy and role-play games." Stu said, looking around.

"Ah. Oh cool." Cecilia went over and picked up a roleplaying adventure game. It read: Kingdoms of Bakoris: Destined Hero. "I've read about this. It's supposed to be an excellent game." She saw Stu looking at some sci-fi strategy games.

Stu looked at it. "Oh yeah, I've heard about that."

She nodded. "See anything you like?"

Stu looked around and picked up a computer strategy game. "Yeah, this looks good." He showed Cecilia the cover, which read: Syd Mayer's Civilization V.

"Cool. Looks like something you'll enjoy."

"Yeah, I think I'll get it." Stu said.

"Okay. I think I'm good here. Let's check out and head on other to the sports store."

Stu checked out and walked with Cecilia to the sports store.

Cecilia looked around and spotted someone at the help desk. She went over and talked to the lady. The lady nodded. Cecilia waved for Stu to follow them. They went over to the rollerblades and rollerblading equipment. "Alright, sir, let's get you size up for some rollerblades," the help desk lady said.

"Rollerblades? Alright." Stu said, following them.

Cecilia saw the surprise on Stu's face. The lady showed Stu some rollerblades.

"See any you like?"

"Yeah, these." Stu said, pointing out grey and red ones.

"Alright. Let's see your shoe size." She asked Stu to take off one of his shoes so she could measure his shoe size.

Stu took off one of his shined dress shoes and handed it to the woman. "It's size 11 1/2 in Southern Yugoslavia, but I don't know if it's different over here." Stu said.

The lady looked up and chuckled a bit. "Same here in Vulshain." She nodded and went and got the one he had picked out in his size. "Here we are."

Stu took the rollerblade and slid it on. "Perfect fit." Stu said, fastening it.

"Looks good on you," Cecilia said.

Cecilia then mentioned that he needed to get some kneepads, elbow pads, wrist and hand guards, helmet, and a carrying bag.

"Alright then." Stu said, taking off the rollerblade so he could walk.

"I'll let you get the stuff and meet me back at the check out desk," Cecilia said.

Stu put on his shoe and began walking around, picking out protection gear and a carrying bag similarly colored to the rollerblades. He took it to the checkout desk.

"Okay, this should be everything." Stu said.

Cecilia smiled. She then paid for all of Stu's stuff. The clerk thanked her. "Alright, the clothing store is on the second floor. Let's take the escalator."

Smiling, Stu walked with her to the escalator and rode up to the second floor behind her. The two walked to the clothing store after getting off.

"So, how are you liking this shopping day?"

"It's pretty nice and relaxing for a change. It can be pretty stressful most days back home." He said, walking into the store with Cecilia.

"Oh. It must have gotten stressful during the DIEIS incident and the attempt on my brother. Also, there's the whole raid on DIEIS HQ."

"Yeah. When we heard about the raid the War Room went nuts." Stu said.

"Oh? Do tell?"

"News tends to travel quickly when there's an intelligence ageny and automatic weapons involved, so when we found out we didn't know if it was an attack or a sting operation. We almost always assume the worse and put the military on alert." Stu continued.

"What did you think had happened?"

"We didn't know exactly, but we thought it was some terror attack or someone was ballsy enough to attack a nation's intelligence agency."

"So, when you found out that it was our own military attacking our own intelligence agency, you and the rest of the War Room must have gone ballistic," she said.

"We didn't find out until it was done by the Royal Family until they came out, so we were at least able to take the military off alert. After that happened, things calmed down just a little bit." Stu responded.

"I wonder if you and the rest of the War Room saw the broadcast where we exposed the corruption in our own intelligence agency."

"Yeah, all of us worked 33 hours that day, so we all saw everything. There's TV screens in the War Room that allow us to watch news agencies and such." Stu said.

"You have to show me the War Room one day," Cecilia said. "That is if you are allowed to."

"It should just take a thorough background check. Since you're the Confederate Premier, it shouldn't be too difficult to get you in. You don't have any felonies I should know about, do you?" Stu asked, half jokingly.

"Nope."

"Well then, you should be just fine getting through the background check." Stu said, smiling.

"Ok--Oh great. Him." Cecilia groaned when she saw a human man come up to them. He was wearing a black business. "Ah. Cecilia Rainard, my dear. How have you been?"

"Just great Kent Smith. Just great."

He tried to kiss Cecilia's hand which she snatched from him. He apparently didn't say anything and just smiled. "And you are," he asked Stu.

"Commandant Stewart Riskotov, Southern Yugoslavian Republican Guard." Stu said, extending his hand to shake Kent's.

Kent shook Stu's hand. Although Kent's grip was a little tight, almost like he wanted to crush Stu's hand. "Sorry, but a firm handshake is important in my line of work. And it seems you don't have such a grip." He joked with Stu. Cecilia rolled her eyes.

"And what would your line of work be?" Stu asked, a bit suspicious bit.

"Why I'm in the arms manufacturing business," Kent said.

"Ah." Stu said. "All kinds or do you specialize in one?"

"All kinds."

"Yeah, especially dangerous ones," Cecilia added.

"That is true. But if the military wants dangerous weapons, then who am I to deny them such a request."

"I feel like you've had an experience with one of his weapons Cecilia." Stu said, looking at her.

"Well, she did deny me creating anti-matter weaponry for the Vulshainian military. Of course if your---"

"You know good and well that the storage of such weaponry is extremely dangerous and foolish. Besides, it would cause a lot of money to even store such weapons. It is better to just use regular missiles. Besides, they are a lot safer to store."

"I've got a feeling it was more than just that." Stu said, picking up on something else.

"Ah. Well, that is all of the chit-chat that I can do for today. I will be seeing later, my dear. Stu." He left.

"Den Mother," Cecilia said when she was sure Kent was out of earshot. "That guy gets on my nerves."

"I don't know, he seems like a great guy." Stu said, sarcastically.

"So a guy with a Narcissistic personality disorder is great?"

"I tried dating the guy," Cecilia added. "He is clingly and possessive, let's leave it at that."

"Ah, okay." Stu said. "So, shall we continue with our day?"

"Sure. And sorry about that," Cecilia said.

"It's okay. I've met plenty of people like that."

"Ah. Everyone you have to work with?"

"No, not everyone. Just a few people I worked with before I got put behind a desk."

"Ah. Okay. So, what do you think of Kent Smith?"

"He comes off as a narcissist." Stu said.

"Yep."

They went to the clothing store. "Alright. Let's look around. Oh! There's some swimsuits on sale." Cecilia went over to them.

"Oh yeah. That one looks good." Stu pointed out one.

It was purple with flowers on it. "I like it too. See anything you want?"

Stu looked around the men's section for a bit. "I think I'll get this." Stu said, holding up a pair of swimming trunks that were black and grey.

"We should try them on," Cecilia said as she went over to the Women's Changing Room.

Stu nodded and made his way to the Men's Changing Room.

Cecilia came out wearing the bikini. "Looks good," she said to herself.

Stu came out wearing the swimming trunks. "Not bad." Stu said to himself.

"Looks good on you," she said.

"Thanks. You look good too." Stu replied.

She blushed a little. "You're welcome and thank you."

"You're welcome." Stu said, smiling.

She went back in to change back into her regular clothes.

Stu walked back in and changed into his uniform. He walked out with the swimming trunks in hand.

Cecilia did the same as well. "Alright, do you see anything else you like?"

"This should be fine." Stu said.

She nodded and took Stu's swim trunks with her to the checkout desk. She paid for everything. She came back later with the swim suits.

"Alright, now where to?" Stu asked, walking out with Cecilia.
Laiatanese Federation | Lupine Race (INCOMPLETE) | Defense Forces
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SCKnightVulshain
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The Boll Weevel
OOC: Collab post between me and Southern Yugoslavia.

"Hm...Well, I need to get something for Josef. I think he'll enjoy these gifts. Of course, I'm not sure if Zak and Tanya will like the idea of me giving a puppy and a kitten. What do you think?"

"They've got two German Shepherds at home, but it's your call." Stu said.

"Hm...Well, do you think his German Shepherds will hurt his new pets? I don't want to give him a puppy and kitten and then they get mauled by his father's dogs. That would not be good."

"I don't think that'll happen, since they are pretty well trained."

"Alright." They went down an escalator. Stu then noticed that a nearby escalator was designed for those who were handicapped.

"How's that work?" Stu asked, looking back to Cecilia.

"Oh it was designed around 1999. You see the mayor back then, a member of the Green Party, wanted to gain some votes in order to win reelection. So, he had some scientists and engineers get together and design an escalator for handicapped people. Long story short, the design was praised by a lot of people."
"Until they found out that it raised their taxes a good bit. Emphasis on good bit."

"Then why are they still around if the taxes were raised and nobody was happy about it?"

"I didn't say that they weren't happy about them. They weren't happy about the taxes. Of course, a group of nobles offered to help fund the maintance and upkeep them. This is one reason why we still have nobles in Vulshain: they provide a way for support to charities and good will projects."

"Ah, okay. Is there any particular reason you've still got a monarchy, even though the king's similar to a president?"

"Hm...Well, the people have always loved the monarchy. I also guess that when Merrill Rivers tried to establish a presidential system but turned it into a military dictatorship, it left a bad taste in people's mouths about having Vulshain be a republic. Still, in a way, my brother and I share leadership."

"While I'm the head of government, and he's the head of state, leadership is technically de facto split between us. Sort of like a system of checks and balances: neither one of us can get too powerful without the other stepping in to stop the other."

"So in a way, it is a bit presidential. Sounds a bit like our system, except Zak's the head of state and government."

"But he can't do anything legislation-wise unless the Legislative branch passes it. Likewise, the legislative branch can't put a bill into law unless Zak signs it."

"About the same here," she replied.

"So then he's a figurehead compared to other monarchs?" Stu asked.

"Kind of. He does have some power now. Ah here we are." They went into the pet store and looked around.

Stu followed Cecilia around the store and looked at some of the fish.

Cecilia came back holding a little Siberian husky/great dane mix and a Norwegian Forest cat/Maine Coon mix. "Aren't they adorable?"

"Yeah, they are." Stu said smiling as he pet both of their heads.

"Josef isn't allergic to cats is he?"

"No, I don't think so."

"That's good. I don't want to give him a rash or anything. That would be bad, personally and internationally." She smiled.

"Yeah, that wouldn't be good at all." Stu said, smiling back.

"I'll be right back." She seemed to skip a bit as she went to get the puppy and kitten. She came back with a pet carrier. "All good. Well, we should head back. Oh there's one of the food stall vendors." She went over and got them both two fish-shaped cakes filled with vanilla custard.

Stu took the cake and took a bite. "This is pretty good. What is it?"

"Fisherman's cakes. They are similar to the Japanese taiyaki cake."

"Ah, okay."

"You seem to be developing a taste for Vulshainian food. I wonder if you're going native." She laughed a bit.

"I doubt it." Stu said, laughing.

"That's good. Although, I wouldn't mind if you did." She kissed him on the cheek. There is a faint scent of violet and lilac on her.

"That scent's nice." Stu said. "What is it?"

"Oh you like it? It's a new perfume I'm trying, lilac-violet mixture. Weird name," she answered.

"Yeah, but fitting." Stu said.

"It is. Alright. I guess that is it. Did you want to go anywhere else?"

"No, that should be everything." Stu replied.

"Alright. Let's go back home now."
(Later after they had just gotten back to the palace)

"We're home!" Cecilia called out. She spotted Zak and Tanya looking at some of the paintings of Vulshain's past rulers.

Zak turned around and smiled when he saw them. "Welcome back."

"I got something for your son, Josef." She smiled at him.

"Oh yeah, what's that?" Zak asked.

"These little fellows!" She took out the puppy and kitten.
Southern Yugoslavia says (10:20 PM):
"Aw, look at these two." Tanya said, coming over and taking the kitten while Zak took the puppy.

"I think he will love the both," Cecilia said.

"I think he will too." Zak said.

"I'll go put them in his room." Zak said, taking the kitten from Tanya and heading upstairs.

Cecilia smiled. Sam came back. "I'm back and exhausted."

"How was it?" Tanya asked.

"It went well. The Vulshainian Communist Party is getting on my nerves to be honest. They are against us taking part in the upcoming Winter Olympics VII, and they were strongly against having a Southern Yugoslavian military liasion."

"But the Royal Congress voted yes to having a liasion from your nation." Cecilia smiled and wagged her tail.
"YES! I mean...Um...That's good to hear."

Stu smiled. "Now we just have to have our Narodnoe to allow it and figure out who the liasion will be."

Cecilia slides up to him and leans into his side, enveloping his arm between her firm breasts. She kisses his shoulder and hugs him, smiling.

Stu smiled and kissed her forehead.

"Well, I think we should let Stu and Cecilia rest for a bit before we head over to the old SAM sites. I know that Zak is looking forward to seeing them."

Zak came downstairs as Sam spoke. "That's true, I am."

"So what did Josef say about his new pets," Cecilia said.

"He loves them." Zak said.

"Has he named them," she asked.

"Not yet, he said he'd figure it out later."

"Okay," she said. "Well, Stu and I are going to take a nap for a bit." She led Stu back to her room.
"So, Zak, I'm guessing you did some exploring of the palace. What do you think of it?"

"It's pretty nice." Zak said. "What building style is it anyway?"

"Mostly Rococo and Baroque. They were very popular building styles back when they started work on the palace. Vulshainian rulers wanted people to feel calm and relaxed. They didn't like to make their subjects feel threatened or insignificant. They also paid all of the workers quite well."

"Huh, interesting." Zak said, looking around a bit more.

"I meant to ask back when I was visiting your nation, what was the building style of the Wolfsden? Come to think of it why is it called the Wolfsden?"

"The Wolfsden was built in the Laiatan Baroque style, which is essentially Russian, Ukrainian, Naryshkin, Petrine. It's called the Wolfsden for simple enough reasons. Quite a few wolves lived in the area it was built, so they named it after them. It's not the Wolvesden because it's the presidential home, so it's Wolfsden for the president." Zak explained.

"Ah I see," Sam replied.

"So does the palace have a name?"

“Silver Canis Hall,” Sam answered.

"Why's it named that?" Zak asked, intrigued.

“Mainly because the architect wanted to honor Vulshain's two largest races: vulpines and lobos. Silver Canis Hall was also chosen becuase King Edgar Desmond Owen, a lobo, had silver fur."

"Ah, interesting." Zak said.

"Yes it is. So, what did Josef and Ryan do while I was gone," he asked.


"They went out and explored the surrounding area a bit." Zak replied.

"Ah I see. And what did they do while they exploring?"

"They went into a few local stores."

"Did they buy anything," Sam asked, curious.

"Just a couple of books and some chips from the convience store down the way." Zak replied.

"Okay. You know a lot of the Royal Congress members were curious to know who I thought our military liasion will be. I told them I didn't know and that would be up to you. So, you should expect some reporters asking about it, either here, or back home I guess."

"Okay, thanks for the heads-up." Zak said.

"No problem."
(Later after Cecilia and Stu's nap)

"Ah, looks like you two seem well-rested," Taisyia asked as she was just finishing up some work on her PDA.

Stu smiled. "Yup."

"Well, since you two are up and ready, I guess we can head on over to the old SAM sites."

"Great." Stu said stretching.

(After getting in the limo, they drove over to the old SAM sites)

"Well, here we are," Sam said. "They still have a few buildings left, but mostly for historical reasons. They turned the SAM HQ into a museum. But it's closed at the moment for repairs to the lights."

Zak chuckled a bit. "I hope that wasn't our doing. We put quite a few grenades through there."

"Nah. It was just a few lights that needed to be replaced and fixed. That's all."

Zak walked up to the building and ran his hand over some of the bullet holes. He looked back and pointed up to a hill. "We came down from over there and killed the guards out here."


"We blew down the door with some C4 and went in. There were a few guys knocked down from the blast and we took them out. We went down the hall clearing it along the way, which is where I got shot in the left shoulder." He put his finger on the healed bullet wound hidden by his clothing. "A soldier came out with his pistol and caught me pretty much point blank. The guy behind me, Svedoka took him out. We kept going and reached the controls and wired them with C4. After that we got out and detonated it in sync with other sites. We went back down to the site and defended smoldering rubble from a counter attack until army units finally showed up an hour later."

Zak fumbled around in his pockets for a moment. "I actually still have the bullets that hit me. I keep them for good luck, as ironic as that is." He pointed to a mushroomed bullet. "This is the one that hit me in the collar bone at the ditch at the base we went to. This one's the pistol round." He continued, pointing to the other bullet.

"Does he collect all of the bullets that hit him," Taisyia whispered to Tanya.

"Well those are the only two, so I guess so." Tanya said, smiling.

Taisyia nodded and went back to listening to Zak.

"It's pretty weird coming back here, to be honest." Zak said, turning back to the group.

"Oh. So, what else can you tell us about that day," Sam asked.

"We were dropped in by helicopter four miles out, so we had to trek out in silence for four miles until we got up to the hill. I took in five other soldiers with me while the other four provided overwatch. After the army showed up, we were airlifted back to a small village just inside Vulshain."

"What other missions did you have to do? Maybe we can visit them before the day ends," Sam asked.

"We led a breakout of the 1st Cavalry in a plain a few miles from Kitsuniva, and in 1980 we went in to Kitsuniva itself to destroy some gun emplacements that were giving us a hard time. We got pinned down in the drainage ditch we already went to trying to escape. Luckily the Army finally decided to show up in helicopters and bailed us out just before we were overrun. They got so close that we killed a few with Bovmyest."

"Ah. I see. Hm...Anywhere else you want to go visit?"

"I can't think of any other places at the moment, so surprise me." Zak said.

"Hm...Well, I think we should see the New Year Star, being set up."

"Okay, sounds good." Zak said, walking back to Tanya's side.

(They later went to see the New Year Eve Star)

"Amazing isn't it," Sam said. The star was designed to fall and light up when it dropped upon midnight on December 31.

'Wow, it is amazing." Zak said, looking up at it.

"Thanks. What does Southern Yugoslavia do on New Year's Eve," Cecilia asked.

"About the same. We've got a ball that drops though, and fireworks go off as soon as the clock hits midnight."
Zak replied.

"Same here. We have fireworks go off too."

"So, Ryan, what do you think of our capital city? You must enjoyed exploring it earlier," Natalka asked.

"It's amazing. Pretty different from back home." Ryan replied.


"Thank you," Sam said.

"You're welcome." Ryan said.

"So, Zak, do you wish to explore our capital some? Maybe you and Tanya can go on a date tomorrow," Cecilia said, as she thought her's and Stu's date tonight.

"Sure, that'd be nice. We don't get as much time as we'd like to spend time together. Comes with the job." Zak said, smiling at Tanya.

"Well, you can spend as much time as you both want here," Sam said.

"We'll probably head home in a few days or so. There is an entire country waiting for our return." Zak said.

"That is true. So, when do you plan on leaving? I do hope you will stay and celebrate New Year's Eve with us," Cecilia asked.

"Probably a day or so after New Year's." Zak said after thinking for a moment.

Cecilia grinned and wagged her tail for a bit.
(Later that evening.)

"Stu, I'll be out in a minute," Cecilia called from the bathroom. She was getting ready for her and Stu's evening to dinner.

"Okay." Stu said back, tying his tie while looking in the mirror. He was wearing a black sports coat and a white button down shirt, as well as black pants.

Cecilia came out of the bathroom wearing a strapless black tight halter dress that cascaded to the ground in layers. She wore a white taffeta piece that served as a belt. She also wore a pair of white gloves that reached past her elbows. Her high heel shoes were silvery.
She had styled her hair, and she had put it in curls.

Stu smiled when he saw her. "Wow, you look nice."

"Thank you," she said. "You look nice too.

"Thanks." Stu said smiling. "Thought it'd be nice to wear something different than my uniform."

"It looks good on you," she said, smiling.

"Thanks." Stu replied, still smiling.

"So, what's a good restuarant to go to?" Stu asked, walking with Cecilia to the door.

"Le Restaurant Des Amoureux De Clair de lune," Cecilia answered.

"Alright, off we go." Stu said, opening the door for Cecilia.

(At Le Restaurant Des Amoureux De Clair de lune)

"This way, Premier Rainard," the waiter said. He took them both to the VIP longue.
"Sorry, but the weird part is the VIP longue was the only avaliable," Cecilia said.

"It's okay." Stu said, walking with her.

The two got to their table. Stu pulled out Cecilia's chair for her, then sat down.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome." Stu said back, smiling.

The waiter returned and handed them menus. "So, Stu, do you see anything you like?"

Stu opened the menu and scanned through. "I think I'll have the carrot and potato stew."

"Okay. I think I'll have the orange battered shrimp and red cabbage

Stu smiled and handed the waiter their menus. "Do you have Sirvovk?" he asked, looking up at the waiter.

The waiter nodded. Cecilia asked for one too.


"Okay, two glasses of Sirvovk." Stu said, still looking at the waiter.

The waiter nodded. The waiter returned with their drinks and food.

Stu smiled and thanked the waiter. He set his napkin in his lap and recited a quick prayer in Lobonese and began eating.

Cecilia did the same as well. "How is your carrot and potato stew?"

"It's delicious. How's your food?"

"The same."

Stu took a sip of his vodka. "How's your Sirvovk?"

She smiled. "It is good."

Stu smiled. "Made from the finest Southern Yugoslavian winter wheat."

"So what've you been up to since I've been gone for the past few months?" Stu asked, continuing to eat.

"Oh. Political stuff here and there. Not to mention trying to clean up the DIEIS incident mess."

"What kind of stuff did you have to deal with after that?"?

"Oh just trying to make sure something like this doesn't happen again. We are doing much more thorough back ground checks, screenings, psych evaluations. Things like that."

"Ah, okay." Stu said, taking a sip of his drink.

"Indeed." She stopped eating for a bit and sighed. She took something out of her purse. "Stu...um..."

"Hold on a moment." Stu said as he noticed another lobo walk in. "I'll be right back." He got up and walked over to the lobo at the door.

She sighed a bit. She held a small velvet blue box. She hid it under the table.

The lobo at the door smiled when he saw Stu and shook his hand. The two began talking and the lobo handed Stu something that he opened and looked over the contents. Stu smiled and gave the lobo a friendly hug. The lobo left and Stu came back to Cecilia, and sat back down across from her, something still in his hand. "Sorry about that, I had one of the FSO agents pick me up something."

"Oh okay. Um...I wanted to ask you something," she said.

" I've got something I wanted to ask you as well." Stu replied, opening the hidden box under the table.

"Huh...Wait...What?" Her mind was having trouble figuring out what was going on and what was about to happen.

Stu stood up and kneeled next to her. "Would you marry me?" He showed her the box with a ring that held a ruby.

"Oh my Den Mother!" She began to cry tears of joy. "Yes! My answer is yes!" She got on one knee as well. "And I think I know the answer to my question as well." She opened the same blue velvet box. The ring was an 18 karat yellow gold engagement ring with a 58-facet round cut blue-white diamond centerpiece. Encircling the diamond were eight smaller deep red diamonds.
Inside the ring was engraved with Stewart "Stu" Riskotov in Lobonese, while a swirling S and C were engraved on the outside.

"Will you marry me," she said, smiling.

Stu smiled and kissed her. He took out the ring and put it on her left ring finger.

As he did this, she put the ring for him on his left ring finger.

Stu smiled and helped her up and back to her chair.

She wiped a tear from her eye. "You know this is quite a night. I had plan on proposing to you, but you beat me to the punch," she said smiling.

"I think that's just fine." Stu said, smiling and holding her hand from across the table.

She blushed a deep red, the white fur around her face becoming pinkish red.


Stu smiled and kiss her.

She kissed back. She was in heaven. The waiter came back to check on them. "Oh, I see you two are busy. I'll come back later to check on you." He left snickering a bit.

"What's his deal?" Stu asked.

"Oh it's probably nothing." She looked at her ring. "I love it."

"I know it's not much, but those are typically how rings are in Southern Yugoslavia. Thought you might want something a bit more personal." Stu said, smiling.

"Thank you. I had hoped to find something special for you as well. I had it engraved with your name, and the letters of our first names on it."

Stu smiled. "Thanks. I love it."

"You're welcome, love." She smiled, wagging her tail. The waiter returned. "So, how are your meals and the Sirvovk?"

"Excellent, thank you." Stu said, finishing his plate.

"Excellent," she answered. It took her a while to finish her meal.
"Would you like anything for dessert?"

Cecilia looked at the dessert menu. "Um...I'll get whatever he's having," she replied.

"How about two pieces of pumpkin pie?" Stu said.

The waiter nodded and took their dessert menus. Cecilia smiled. "So, I wonder if you have a sweet fang," she said with a giggle.

Stu smiled and winked. "Well, I got engaged to you."

Cecilia was a little surprised by this. "Oh...oh you!" She blushed a deep red.

Stu smiled and kissed her again.

The waiter returned with their desserts.

Stu thanked him and began eating.

Cecilia thanked him as well before eating.
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OOC: Collab post between myself and Vulshain.

Stu took the last bite of his slice of pie and set his fork down on the plate.

Cecilia was just about done with her dessert. "So, Stu, I was thinking about having our wedding in the spring. I always wanted to get married right when the flowers start blooming." She smiled at him.

Stu nodded and smiled. "Did you have anywhere in mind?"

"I was thinking of my hometown. Unless, you want something else? I don't really want a huge royal wedding." She laughed a bit. "I might have royal blood, but I want to have a simple wedding day."

"Okay, sounds good." Stu said smiling. "Where is Kieounava anyway?" he asked.

"Not far from here. About twenty-five miles from Kitsuniva."

"Ah, okay." Stu said, finishing off his glass of vodka.

"I was thinking...You know, I'll let you decide what we should do tomorrow," Cecilia said. "I can't be the one who makes all of the decisions."

"Okay." Stu thought for a moment. "How far are we from the closest beach?"

"Hm....Well, Kitsuniva is located just 11 miles northeast of Vulshain's geographic center in the central Province of Velra, so....about several hours if we go by car, but if we go by bullet train, about two and a half hours."

"Well, why don't we go to the beach?"

Cecilia grinned. "Sure. I would love that! By the way, do you like to surf or do you waterski? Oh we can also take our rollerblades as well."

"I've waterskied a few times, but that's about it."

"Oh? No surfing?"

Stu shook his head. "Nope."

Cecilia laced her fingers together as she placed her chin on her hands.

"Hm...Looks like I will be having to teach you how to rollerblade and surf." She grinned as she wagged her tail.

"Oh, I've rollerbladed before." Stu said smiling.

"That's good. By the way, what languages do you speak?"

"Just Lobonese and a bit of English. I've picked up on some Unonian, but Lobonese is the one I'm fluent in."

"Oh? Hm...I speak and fluent in Unonian, Lobonese, French, Russian, and English. I know a little bit of Japanese and Scottish Gaelic."

"But I mainly speak Unonian, Lobonese, French, Russian, and English."

"Wow. Why so many?"

"Well, while Unonian and Lobonese are the official languages of our nation, French, Russian, and English are also spoken by many people as well. So, it pays to know them."

"Besides, we Vulshainians love languages and many Vulshainians are skilled in linguistics."

"Huh, interesting." Stu said.

"So, is there anything you don't like to eat or you're allergic to?"

"I'm not allergic to anything, at least nothing I know of. As for food, like most Southern Yugoslavians, I try everything at least once. Can't say I've come across anything I wouldn't eat again yet."

"Hm....Okay. I'm the same way as well. So, what do you...not like to do? Just curious here, now."

"Well, I'm not the biggest fan of doing nothing but work all day, so I guess that's something. What about you?"

"Hm...About the same. I like to unwind after a hard day's work."

"It's too bad you have to go back with Zak after New Year's Eve. But I guess you have to see what your government says about having a liasion to our nation."

"Yeah. Hopefully they'll say yes to me being it, though." Stu said.

"What do you think your chances are of them picking you," she asked.

"I think they're pretty good, but they might pick someone with more years in the military. I have no idea." Stu replied.

"You have a lot of experience don't you?"

"Not as much as some of the others we've got serving. Some have racked up 35 to 40 years."

"I see. Hm...Well, what sort of experience do you have? I mean are skilled in tanks, helicopters, or urban warfare?"

"We never fly our own helicopters or planes, that's the Air Force's job. I have driven a few armored vehicles, but we're at our best in counter terrorism and guerilla warfare."

"Hm...Okay. Well, since we are getting married, I should meet your parents."

"Yeah, that'd be a good idea."

"Not to mention the rest of your family," she added.

Stu nodded.

"So, what is the rest of your family like?"

"They're pretty nice people." Stu said. "Loyal, too."

"Loyal?"

Stu nodded. "They've got your back in any situation."

"That's good. Do you have any who might be...oh say, unsure of having a vulpine in the family?"

She wagged her tail nervously.

Stu shook his head. "No, none that I can think of off the top of my head."

"So, no annoying cousins or nosy aunts or uncles?"

"No more than any other family, but they usually keep their noses out of marriage matters. At least in front of the people getting married."

"Oh. So, they do it behind our backs," she said with a sly smile.

"If they do, that's where it'll happen." Stu said, smiling.

"Interesting. Well, what else can you tell me about your family? Maybe a little bit about your parents?"

"Well, my dad was in the Air Force, and my mom was a teacher. My dad's a real good guy, and my mom's pretty nice too. They're like most lobo parents, taught their kids respect and manners, and weren't afraid to use punishment."

"Punishment? As in spanking or boxing your ears?" Cecilia was a little puzzled.
Her parents never did use physical punishments. They mainly used time outs and grounding instead.

"Yes, lobos don't view grounding and timeouts as very good punishment techniques. I think the worst thing I got was when my dad made me go outside and grab a branch from a tree and he hit my backside a few times, then sent me to my room." Stu said, grimicing a bit reliving that day. "But, it worked."

"What did you do?"

"Myself and a few friends tried to steal some concrete at night to build something when I was younger. It had gotten dark and I went home, so I didn't help actually steal it. Turns out my mom called me for about an hour, got a call from my friend's mom who left a few minutes before, and told my dad. I finally ran back home and he stopped me at the door and made me get a branch. So he beat me because I stayed out too late, which I was eight at the time, so about 7:30, and I tried to steal concrete."

"Oh. Hm...What were you and your friends trying to build?"

"We found a bullfrog out in the woods, so we wanted to build a pond to keep it in."

"Ah. That was nice of you. Well, did you tell your dad about that?"

"Yes, but since we tried to steal the concrete, it didn't really help."

"Well, dad and mom never did spank us. They didn't think it would work.

Although they did box our ears a couple of times. Once, I got boxed by mom for doing something I wasn't supposed to."

"What'd you do?"

Cecilia blushed in embarrassment. "Well...Looking back, it was silly. Let's say, I sort of wanted to play dress-up with my mom's makeup. But mom told me not too. I did anyhow. Of course, she didn't box me too hard. She said that I looked adorable, although I did use her most expensive makeup."

"Got lipstick all over her clothes too."

"Dad had me work to pay her back. Sold a lot of lemonade that summer. Made more than enough to pay her back too. I bought really cute fox and wolf plushies."
"There was another time I got boxed by mom again for doing something crazy."

She blushed even more.

"And what was that?" Stu said, smiling.

"I...Oh Gosh!" Cecilia began laughing a bit. "Well, I hung out with some friends of mine, and we pretended to be a motorcyce gang, although we weren't really. We just dressed up like one and rode motorcycles. We called ourselves the Wild Dryads. We went around, helping people and cleaning up the local park."

"Although, I sort of was a wild tomboy. I...I..." Cecilia was laughing. "I rode around without a bra on! Oh Den Mother! When my mom caught me, she was red in the muzzle! She boxed my ears so hard, I swear they rung!"

Stu laughed a bit. "I bet that was a sight."

"What? Me getting my ears boxed or riding around bra-less?"

"You riding around without a bra."

"Well, I do have a picture of me during that wild years of mine. By the way, do students in Southern Yugoslavia wear uniforms?"

Stu shook his head. "No, they don't. Private schools usually have uniforms, though."

She nodded. "So, what else can you tell me about your family?"

"My brother's in the army, and he's fighting in Rygard at the moment."

"How about your grandparents? Aunts? Uncles? Cousins? What else can you tell me about your parents?"

"Well, my grandparents are pretty kind too, cook every time we go to visit them. My grandfather was in the Air Force as well, and my grandmother was a psychologist, so she can read people pretty well. As for my parents, I can't really
think of many more distinctive things about them."

"What about aunts and uncles?"

"They live up in Bordein, so I don't see them often. I do know that my uncle's an accountant and my aunt is a social worker."

"Bordein?"

"It's the northernmost province in Southern Yugoslavia. Quite mountainous."

"Ah. I see."

A waiter came by and said something in French. Cecilia looked surprised and said something in French in return. She wrote a check out and handed him it.

"Huh, I guess French is pretty useful here." Stu said.

"It is. Besides the name is French. It translates to Restaurant of the Moonlight Lovers.'"

Stu nodded. "I knew it was French, I just had no idea what it meant." he smiled.

"I'm guessing French isn't spoken much in your nation?"

"If it even is spoken back home. I've never heard French used."

"Okay. Well, we better get going now. The waiter told me that they are about to close."

"Wow, already?" Stu looked at his watch.

"Yes, I know it seems time moves quickly when you're in love."

Stu smiled and stood up, sliding his chair back under the table.

Cecilia stood up as well. "So, what's it like being friends with Zak?"

"It's pretty cool. You meet people you'd never meet plus he gave me this job. He's really a great guy."

"So, how did you meet him?"

"He was the Commandant at the time, and we met because I headed a unit that was going into a location. We got closer over the years and we've been friends since."

"That's cool. So, were you involved in the Vulshainian Civil War?"

"That's classified." Stu said with a grin.
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OOC: Collab post between me and Southern Yugoslavia.

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Gelara, the provincial capital of Catael
(The Next day)


Cecilia was glad to have taken the day off. She had already gone to the changing station, and had changed into her purple flower-covered bikini. She wore a sun hat and a pair of dark sunglasses. "Come on Stu. I found a perfect spot for us." The beach wasn't crowded due to it being winter, although there were some people laying out in the sun, reading or taking a nap.

Stu came out of the changing station wearing his new swimming trunks and walked out with Cecilia, also wearing sunglasses.

She began setting down the beach chairs and beach towels. There was a cooler filled with some drinks and sandwiches, and chips just in case. Cecilia smiled as she sat down in the chair. "It feels nice doesn't it?"

"Yes, it does." Stu said as he sat in his chair and relaxed.

She glanced at him a bit. "You know Stu. I think you should let your hair grow out some. Maybe put it in a braided ponytail or something." She smiled and wagged her tail, thinking how nice her future husband would look with longer hair.

Stu shrugged a bit. "Hair restrictions with the military. Besides, I like it short." he said, smiling.

"Hm...Okay. Vulshainian military's hair restrictions are pretty lax. After basic training, they don't really care if you have it long or short, but during basic training you have to have it short. Still, if you do become your nation's liasion, I don't think they will mind if you grow it out some, but it's okay." She lean back in the chair some.

Stu opened up a water bottle and took a drink, then leaned back in his chair as well.

"So, did you tell your parents about proposing to me?"

"Not yet. I'm visiting them for a few days after we get back, so I'll tell them then. I think they'd rather hear it in person."

"Do you foresee any problems?"

Stu shook his head. "No, none that I can think of."

She nodded. "That's good."

"I'm trying to think of some good names to name our kids. For daughters, I was thinking Merveille, Celeste, or Dawn. For sons, I was thinking Gren, your name, and Savarin. The last one is the name of the central Savarin Region of Vulshain."

Stu looked a bit surprised. "Kids already?"

Laughing a bit, she said, "Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself already. Oh and for your bachelor party: no wild and crazy stunts." She pulled her glasses down some, to show that she was serious.

Stu smiled a bit. "Same goes for your bachelorette party."

"Deal." She laid back in the chair again, before saying, "We're both clear that neither one of us has strippers or exotic dancers at our parties, right?"

"Right."

"Good." She opened an energy drink and drank some. "By the way, I was reading up on what the Vekaiyuns think of Southern Yugoslavia. For one thing, the Vekaiyun government wasn't happy that you didn't want to hand over the Vekaiyuns who opened fire on your naval vessels."

"And we weren't happy when they shot at us." Stu said.

"Apparently, from what I can understand about Vekaiyun law, those soldiers, because of their crimes, have lost their rights as citizens and the state can do whatever it wants to them and no one can do or say anything about it. Pretty...fascist if you ask me."

Stu nodded. "We aren't the biggest fans of the Vekaiyuns, and the Vekaiyuns aren't the biggest fans of ours nowadays."

"True. And what else don't y'all like about them?"

"I'm not sure how much I should be saying, but it's really just their socialist values and government."

"Well, socialism isn't really that bad, as long as it doesn't get too out of control. We Vulshainians don't really have a preference for socialism or capitalism, but we really don't care much for communism. Come to think of it, I've been meaning to ask who Zak was going up against in the reelections."

"We aren't sure yet, but he'll be facing a candidate from every party. Their conventions are coming up to select their candidates. The election's in November."

"Okay. Anybody he should be worried about?"

"Not really. The Centrists have been doing great the past twenty or so years. And Zak's done a good job, so I don't know why they'd change something that isn't broken."

"Well, what about the Green Party, or the Liberals, or even the far right wing party?"

Stu shook his head. "Nope. They're pretty much no threat at all. Especially the Green Party or National Socialists."

"Hm...So why is the Green Party so powerless?"

"They're viewed as weak. Lobos prefer stronger political parties, as well as strength. That's one thing we value."

"So what do people not like about the Green Party?"

"They want our military cut back extremely, increase environmental standards so much cars would be way to expensive, those kinds of things."

"Of course. Well, there are nations out there where the Green Party is in charge. Let's see...Well, Kelssek comes to mind. Of course, their government is willing to help us prosecute the two guards who opened fire during that Rygardi Embassy Shooting two years back. Also, I just remembered that in Vekaiyu, their church, the Vayan Catholic Church, is quite powerful, and none of the political parties want to get on the Church's bad side. Apparently, the Church has a lot of say and influence in how the government and society are run. Never did like that: religion and politics don't always make good combination. Sorry, I'm rambling on now."

"Oh, it's fine. Gives me a taste of the future." Stu said, jokingly.

She smiled. "Besides, Vekaiyuns are paranoid. Dad was the exception, though. Anyhow, after we soaked up some sun, I thought we rollerblade some or we could surf and swim some. Your choice."

Stu thought for a moment. "Let's go swiming a bit."

"Sure," she answered.

Stu stood up and stretched his arms.

Cecilia stretched a bit as well. "Well, grab your surfboard and let's head on out." She handed him his surfboard, while she grabbed hers.

Stu took his surfboard and walked out to the ocean next to Cecilia.

"Vulshain is well known for its surfing."

"Ah, interesting."

"How about Southern Yugoslavia? Are there a lot of surfers there?"

Stu nodded. "Yup."

"Alright. Oh! There's one right now. Hang ten!" She dove into the water. While a little rusty, she soon began to show what a natural she was at surfing.

Stu followed suit and began surfing as well.

Cecilia rode the board briefly into the air above the wave, landing back upon the wave, and continuing to ride the wave, before she rode well inside the curve of the finely-shaped breaking wave. She does a several more surf moves.

Stu tries to copy Cecilia's moves, but only manages a few. He comes to rest after the wave passes.

Cecilia came in after he did. "You did pretty good out there for a beginner. With a little more practice, you will be an expert like me," she said.

Stu smiled. "Thanks."

"No problem," she said, before kissing him on the cheek. She sat back down into her chair to rest. "So, what did you think of your first time surfing."

"It was pretty fun."

"I'm glad to hear that. It was a great idea for you to pick the beach, Stu. I needed this rest and relaxation. Work has been stressful."

"I'm sure. Any reasons other than what's happened?"

"Well, Natalka is trying to increase production of the Exoskeleton Armor Suits. They are good, but back during the Civil War, your forces shown how soldiers who had no experience facing such weapons were able to defeat them after some of the Exoskeleton suits were captured by insurgents. She wants to make Vulshain a force to be reckoned with."

"It isn't already?"

"It is. But personally, she might be going overboard. I might have to talk with her some later about it. We could probably use the money that would be used to make mechas to make cheaper tanks and CBAs. Have to prioritize, I guess. Also, I have to deal with the Communist Party of Vulshain possibly splitting into two smaller factions: the Unified Communist Party and the People's Communist Party. One side, the latter, is more dedicated to the teachings of Lenin and Marx, while the other, the former is dedicated to more moderate communism, like Titoism and Luxemburgism. Of course, the Communists might not separate and just choose a leader who is strong. The Socialist Party follows Democratic Socialism. And I have been staying up very late at night trying to understand everything I can about their ideals. Oh Den Mother! I'm getting a headache just remembering them. I had to give up because there are so many different variants and concepts, it made my head spin."

"Let's just agree that it wouldn't be a good thing if they split. Although if they did, they'd be a lot weaker, so that's a plus. If you're not going for communists running the government, that is."

"Agreed. I doubt the communists will win many seats. The most likely parties are the Yelizaveta and Konstantin Parties, along with the Iziaslav Party. They are the most popular, with the Yelizavetans being the most popular."

"What are their ideals?"

"There are very similar to your Centrist Party, although they are known for their moderation in terms of conservative capitalism and liberal democratic socialism."

Stu nodded. "Ah, okay."

"So what are the communists like in Southern Yugoslavia?"

"Pretty hardcore, 'take everything from private hands and put it in the hands of the people' thinking."

"Hm...Well, that's expected. Anything else?"

Stu shook his head. "No, they're your average communist party."

"Ah. Okay." Her stomach growled a bit. "I guess we could eat some sandwiches and chips for a bit. Before we just relax and lay here for awhile."

Stu nodded and took one of the sandwiches and a bag of chips.

She did the same and bite into her sandwich. "You know I was surprised by the look on your face when that spider mine activated. You jumped a bit," she teased.

"No, I don't think so. I think if anyone did, you jumped." Stu teased back.

"I did not! Well, I was about to strangle the engineers and techs. They should have know better than drop one and forget about it. You were greatly surprised by it coming online. Do you think the Southern Yugoslavian military will be interested in acquiring some spider mines?"

Stu shrugged. "Possibly. We've got our own system of mines that allow us to deactivate them at any time, and only go off to signatures not in their system."

"That's good. What problems do you think the spider mines would pose?"

"Probably issues with movement and possibly deactivation."

"Well, there isn't much with the deactivation, but the movement does have some hiccups from time to time. They get kind of sluggish in snowy and ice conditions."

Stu nodded. "Probably with the joints, right?"

"Most likely. They're working on that part. Still, besides that, they are pretty reliable and effective. Help kept civilian accidental deaths from land mines really low during the Civil War."

"How can it tell the difference between civilians and enemy troops?"

Well, for one thing, it has very good AI. Of course, there are accidents. But we tried to lay them far away from civilians as best as we could. Still, their AI could use some more work to be honest."

"Ah, okay."

She finished with her chips and sandwich. "Ah. Now I'm going to rest for a bit, then we can go rollerblading."

"Okay." Stu said, laying back on the towel.

After a hour, she woke up from her nap. "Ah. That was a good nap. So, are you ready to start rollerblading?"

"Sure." Stu said as he began putting on his gear.

Cecilia did the same. She noticed that Stu was having trouble staying still. "Easy there, Stu. Whoa there!" She caught him before he fell.

Stu laughed a bit. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. Now, ready?"

"Yup."
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OOC: This is a collab post between myself and Vulshain.

Cecilia was already rollerblading down the sidewalk.

Stu followed suit and kept up with her.

"You're doing pretty good, Stu," she said. "Considering this is your first time."

Stu smiled. "I've rollerbladed a couple of times, but that was way back when I was about 12 or 13."

"I guess it's like riding a bike."

"Pretty much," she replied. "So, what do you think of the idea of living here once we're married?"

Stu shrugged. "I admit it is nice, but I don't know. Southern Yugoslavia's my home."

"I understand," she said. "Well, you have plenty of time to think I guess."

Stu nodded. "That's true."

"But, whatever you decide, I'll be with you all the way," she said, smiling. She did hope that Stu would eventually move to Vulshain once they were married, but she couldn't force him. Things like this needed time.

Stu continued rollerblading next to Cecilia. "Just a heads up, I still take orders from the government, so I may have to leave every once in a while."

"Perfectly alright. I understand. You have a lot of responsiblities, especially if you become your nation's military liasion to our government. Besides, I don't want to slow you down with a ball and a chain." She skated backwards before turning around.

"Not to mention, as a liasion, you will also be in charge of any technologies that our government wants to trade with your government," she added.

Stu caught back up to her. "That's true. Hopefully we'll be trading quite a bit."

"Yep. The only snag is the worry about some members of our government who question the status of Southern Yugoslavia's bioweapons. Chemical and nuclear weapons are okay with us, but bioweapons are kind of iffy among the brass."
Stu nodded. "We've never actually released a bioweapon, but we've got them just in case."

"Same here, but just to research defenses and countermeasures in case of bioterrorist attacks."

"That's one thing I'm worried about, especially since Vekaiyu continues to experiment on their own citizens, even if they are criminals, for research of new biological and chemical weapons."

Stu shrugged. "Yeah, that's another problem we have with them."

"What Vekaiyu or storing all of those bioweapons?"

"Vekaiyu and their bioweapons."

"Yeah. So, besides the submarine incident, what other dealings has Southern Yugoslavia had with Vekaiyu?"

"That's about it. I think there were a few clashes a few hundred years back, but no war. We just shot at each other."

"Oh? What happened?"

"I think there was an issue with our merchants or their vessels. Being the open-market capitalists we are, we weren't too fond of their economic beliefs, even back then. I think government troops tried to seize a vessel, and the guards on the boat started shooting."

"Ah. I see. Yeah, we tend to be more moderate when it comes to capitalism and socialism. We try not to lean too far either way. Full-blown capitalism, in our opinion, causes too much greed, while communism and full-blown socialism just makes it hard for anyone to progress or advance in the workplace. You have to find a middle ground between the two," she explained.

"That's true, but that's also why communism doesn't work. Greed."

"Yep. I never did like communism. I will admit that there are some good points, but unfortunately, way too many people have screwed up the ideals and viewpoints, it's nearly impossible to tell how communism was supposed to work!"

She laughed a bit. "Anyhow, there was an incident a while back where someone who had glass bones tried to enlist in your military. I remember hearing about it."

"Oh yeah. He was told 'no' because he was considered too much of a liability."

"A shame really. He probably had a lot of potential. Still, if he had tried to enlist in Vulshain, we might have allowed him to join, depending on how severe his condition was. 'As long as there's a job you can do, there's a place for you,' is a common saying in our military."

Stu nodded. "We like to keep our soldiers as elite and healthy as we can."

"Same here, but still, if someone is willing to fight for his country, we are willing to overlook that, but he has to prove himself like everyone else. He has the determination, he gets the job. Of course, we wouldn't have given someone the chance if we didn't think they had the guts to prove themselves. Anyhow, I decided to pick a new test pilot for our new fighters. I've been doing it myself but I guess I was still dreading hanging up my wings. But now, I think it's time to hand the torch over to others."

"Who'd you pick?"

"Oh, he's one of our best pilots. I flew with him back during the civil war. He was a rookie, but a damn excellent fighter pilot. When we return to the military base to show Zak the remaining new technologies, I'll introduce you to him."

"Okay, sounds good."

She nodded. "Still, what conditions would guarantee someone would be denied being let into your military?"

"Blindness, being deaf, major mental handicaps."

"Actually, I think they let you in now if you're deaf, considering we've developed a technology to help repair their ears."

"That's good. Blindness isn't really a problem. We need secretaries and spies. Besides, who would expect a blind person being a spy," she chuckled a bit. "But seriously, major mental handicaps would certainly deny you admission into the military. Although at one time we...Um...I'm not really supposed to tell you that.
It's kind of classified."

Stu nodded. "I understand."

"Thanks." She stopped and sat down at an empty park bench. "It's just that. Well, it's not really classified. It's just kind of taboo to talk about as those in the military are ashamed that we did it during the Civil War. Under normal circumstances, we would never had done it, but the Civil War caught us by surprised, especially considering how well-coordinated the initial attacks and insurgent activities were."

"What happened?" Stu asked, sitting down next to her.

"Well..." She drew in a deep breath through her teeth. "During the Civil War, a group of scientists and military officials thought it would be a good idea to brainwash a bunch of criminals to help our numbers. However, because the military would never condone such actions, they did it under the radar, sort of speak. Of course, when it was discovered, the military was outraged at what they did."

"They kept it quiet until they could clean up the mess before telling the public what had happened. Of course, they made it sound that the brainwashing hadn't been successful, which was a lie, as it was successful. There were some politicians who liked the idea as it meant a more peaceful solution to punishing criminals than resorting to prisons and the death penalty. Luckily, the brainwashing was shut down before it really began. They never did get a chance to test it on serial killers, rapists, murderers, arsonists, and other dangerous criminals. Mainly it was tested first on pickpockets, burglars, carjackers, and other minor criminals. Only about fifteen people were tested on."

"Sounds useful, but I don't know about the whole brainwashing thing."

"It was useful on paper, but the brainwashing was too much. There was a lot of conspiracy nutcases who thought the project was started by Vekaiyun spies who wanted to see if the program could work by testing it on foreign criminals before using it on Vekaiyun criminals."

"Sort of sounds like something they'd do."

"It does, but there is no proof that they did, so the conspiracy nuts continue their ranting. Besides, I have to deal with my brother's little puppy dog love with Premier Ikrisia Levinile."

"That'll go over well."

"I hope that was a joke," she said. raising an eyebrow. "I don't care much for her.

She is kind of...sneaky. There are a lot of holes in her background. She's doing a good job, but still, it doesn't help that she just gives me a bad feeling."

Stu nodded. "Yeah, we're wary of her as well."

She nodded and smiled. She kissed him on the cheek. "Good to know that some people have my back."

Stu smiled and kissed her back. "You've got the whole government behind you on that."

She laughed a bit. "Thank you." She got up. "Well, let's head back now. I want to catch a rays." She proceeded to race back to their spot at the beach.

Stu followed close behind and came to a stop at their spot.

After they got back to their spot, Cecilia laid down on her chest, and undid the back for her top bikini. "I'm going to take a nap for a bit. You can read that book I bought. The one where Vulshain wins the Five Year War."

"Okay." Stu said, smiling. He sat back and began reading the book.

About an hour later, Stu set the book down and took a water out of the cooler. He took a drank and sat back down.

"How long have I been out," Cecilia asked. She stretched her arms out a bit, before refastening her bikini top. "Did you enjoy the book?"

"About an hour. And I am enjoying it, it's pretty good." Stu replied.

"That's good." She turned over and laid back into the chair. She then asked, "So, are you enjoying our time today?"

"I am." Stu said, smiling.

"How about you?"

She smiled back. "That's good. Same here. I am really our time together today. You know, you made me the happiest Vulpine vixen in all of Vulshain when you propose to me," she said, smiling.

"And you made me the happiest Lobo in the world when you said yes," Stu replied back, smiling.

She smiled back at him.

"So, when do you want to head back to the Kitsuniva? Too bad we couldn't just stay here," she said.

"I'm ready to go whenever you'd like."

"Okay. Maybe we can rest here just a bit longer," she answered as she took a bottled water out of the cooler and drank some.

Stu nodded. "That sounds fine."

A while later, Stu began helping Cecilia pick up their spot.
Laiatanese Federation | Lupine Race (INCOMPLETE) | Defense Forces
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Southern Yugoslavia
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Wolfman
OOC: Collab post between myself and Vulshain.

Cecilia looked out at the sea. As she did, an ocean breeze caused her hair to blow in the wind, giving her a very attractive and mesmerizing look.

Stu watched her and smiled as he finished packing up. He walked beside her and put his arm around her, and placed a kiss on her cheek.

Cecilia smiled as she placed her arm around him as well, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Ready to go?" Stu asked, keeping his arm around her.

She nodded. "Yes," she said, kissing him on the cheek.

Stu picked up their things and began walking with Cecilia.

She smiled as she brushed the hair out of her face.

(The next day)

(They had arrived back at the military base)

"Well, as a gesture of goodwill, and also to strengthen the alliance between our two nations," Cecilia said as she led them into a building, "we created a prototype CBA
for your soldiers, starting with the Republican Guard."

A lab technician stood by a chair. "Commandat, if you would remove your shirt, please."

Stu unbuttoned his shirt and removed it.

"Thank you. Please sit in this chair."

Stu sat down in the chair after handing Cecilia his shirt.

Cecilia looked a little worried. A couple of lab technicians monitored some computer screens. They secured his arms and legs. "Sorry but this is for your safety." "Alright sir this might hurt." He had a strange device and placed against the back of Stu's neck.

Stu cringed a bit. "Okay."

A very sharp needle stuck the back of his neck. The lab technicians monitored.

"Okay, careful now, we don't want to turn this guy into a vegetable."

Stu sat as still as he possibly could.

"Okay. Start attaching the chip to his spiral cord. Easy now." The technicians monitored the screens closely. Cecilia saw that Stu was gritting his teeth. "You okay, love?"

Stu looked over at Cecilia with only his eyes. "Yes."

"Okay. We're almost done....There."

The device withdrew the needle from Stu's neck. "There we go. You are now officially a member of the Vulshainian Confederate Armed Forces."

Stu looked a bit concerned. "Really?"

"He's just messing with you, Stu," Sam said. "What he just did was installed a small microchip in the back of your spinal cord. This helps you control your CBA's functions and readings. You might get a bad headache, if you're lucky."

Stu chuckled a bit. "Good, I think there's laws against being a member of a our armed forces and another country's."

Stu thought for a moment. "Wait, IF I'm lucky?"

Cecilia smiled. "If you're not, you will get a really nasty migrane."

"Ah, okay. I suppose it's better than paralysis."

They released Stu from the chair. "Alright Commandant please follow me. We need to run some tests to make sure the chip is working properly. You will have to remove all of your clothes once we get in there." The technician led Stu into
another room.

Stu followed close behind.

"So, Zak what did you think," Cecilia said after Stu left.

"It's quite impressive, but I don't think we'll be using biotics for our upcoming suits."

"True. Still, it would---" A loud scream followed by a string of cursing in Lobonese came from the other room. The technician came out with a black eye. "Well, the tests show the chip is working. Next time, we will probably just skip the pulling tail test."

"Probably not the best idea to do that." Zak said, looking at the technician.

"Yes. Although, I had no idea that he had such a mean left hook."

"That's the years of training." Zak replied.

The technician nodded. "He should be out shortly."

Stu came out of the room.

Cecilia had to keep from laughing after seeing the annoyed look on Stu's face.

"Yeah, I recommend not doing that again." Stu said, cracking his knuckles.

"Yes, well. You seem to be doing fine. The headaches, or the migrane should start hitting you later tonight. I strongly advise you to avoid any form of alocholic drinks and to get plenty of sleep once they start. You should just lay in bed or oversleep a little."

Stu nodded. "Okay then."

"Alright. Follow me to the prototype. Oh you will need to strip back down to your underwear once we are inside."

Stu followed behind the technician and undressed when they reached the prototype.

"Step onto the platform."

Stu stepped onto the platform.

The machines around him began to put the armor on him. Soon, he was wearing the armor. "Very good. Alright, we are now turning on the sensors. Inside your helmet you will be seeing a holographic HUD, showing you GPS, communications, ammo readouts, etc. Now, trying moving your arms."

Stu moved his arms.

"Alright, trying moving about, flexing your muscles, or execrise some."

Stu did as he was told.

"Everything seems to be working."

"What do you think Stu," Cecilia asked.

"It's pretty nice." Stu said as he moved around. "I wonder if ours will be similar to
it."

"Ah. So you are working on one of your own," Natalka asked.

Zak nodded. "Yes, it's due to begin entering service in a few months."

"That's good. Hopefully, our prototype can assist you in making it better," Cecilia replied.

Zak nodded. "Hopefully it will."

"Any headaches yet?"

Stu shook his head. "None that I can feel yet."

"That's good. But you will probably start feeling them soon, that or the nasty
migraine."

Stu nodded. "Probably should get going in a few minutes then."

"Alright. Are we finished then?" The technicians nodded. "Alright, Commandant we are removing the armor now." The machines removed the armor leaving Stu standing in his underwear. "After the prototype is completely finished, you can
wear regular clothing underneath it instead of being in your underwear."

Stu nodded. "Okay." He began redressing.

As they left, Cecilia asked, "So, Stu, did you really need to give that technician a black eye?" She smiled a bit.

"No, but we really don't like having our tails grabbed."

"No one does, but usually we yelled. You're the first person to punch the examiner," she added.

Stu shrugged. "First time for everything, I suppose is one way to look at it."

"True. I'm betting you're going to want to rest for a bit, before the headaches start
kicking in," she said.

"Yeah, that'd probably be the best idea."

(Timeskip)

"So, how are your headaches," Cecilia asked as she stroked Stu's hair.

"Not too bad. But they're there."

"Poor baby," she said as she kissed him on the cheek. "Want me to get you anything?"

"I'll take an aspirin." Stu said, kissing her back.

She smiled and went to get him some aspirin. She came back with a glass of water and the medicine.

Stu took the aspirin and took a drink of water. "Thanks." He said, smiling.

"No problem love," she replied back. "So, I hope you weren't in too much pain when they put the chip in your neck."

"Eh, not really." Stu said, gently rubbing the back of his neck.

"That's good. Usually, people have a slight pain in their neck after the procedure.
So, I guess this will be the first time you will ever oversleep huh?"

Stu shook his head. "Nope, in college on the weekends, I always slept in. Have to admit though, it’ll be nice to do it again."

She smiled. "Well, all Vulshainian soldiers have the chip. And it is never removed, even after you leave the military."

"Why not? Too invasive?"

"That and there's the strong possiblity you will be one of several things: 1) you'll be paralyzed, 2) you'll be brain-dead, 3) you'll be mentally handicapped, or 4) you'll be dead."

"Yeah, so then it's just safer to leave it in."

"Yep. Also, it saves money in case you'll ever called back into service."

Stu nodded. "That makes sense."

"Yes it does." She ran her fingers through his hair.

"You should probably rest now, love. If you start getting the migrane, let me know, and I'll get you some stronger medicine."

"Okay, thanks." Stu said smiling as he kissed her.
Laiatanese Federation | Lupine Race (INCOMPLETE) | Defense Forces
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Southern Yugoslavia
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Wolfman
OOC: This is a collab post between myself and Vulshain.

Cecilia smiled as twirled some of his hair in her fingers. "So, are you ready for our big New Year's Eve Celebration?"

"I sure am." Stu said, smiling at her.

"Good." She got up and took her coat. "By the way, there's something I always
wanted to do to you."

She grinned.

"Oh yeah? What's that?" Stu asked, puzzled a bit.

"This!" She pounced on him, kissing his face.

Stu looked surprised then smiled. He kissed her back.

"I can't wait for you to see the outfit I'm going to wear for the New Year's Eve Celebration," she said, smiling as she resumed to kissing him.

"Oh yeah? What are you going to wear?"
"Ah-ah. It's a surprise."

"Oh, alright." Stu said smiling.

(Timeskip to the New Year's Eve Celebration)

"As our nation heals from the crisis, we look forward to a new year, one where I hope will be filled with hope and happiness, as well as peace. We have endured much, but our endurance and strength has seen us through much strife and hardships. As we get closer to 2012, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!"
Sam finished his New Year's Eve Broadcast. "Now, a special guest would like to say a few things as well." He nodded towards Zak to say a few things for the viewers.

Zak walked up to the podium and set down a small piece of paper. He looked up and began speaking. "Our two nations have had their share of history with each other over the past few centuries our two great nations have existed. Throughout their history, they have faced war, invaders, tyranny, and countless other hardships. With a new era of peace and friendship, I can only hope the year
two thousand twelve will be beneficial and prosperous to both of our great nations."

Zak smiled and stepped away from the podium.

Sam smiled. "Good work," he said, shaking Zak's hand.

"Thank you," Zak replied shaking Sam's hand.

"Ah. Stu, how are things? Feeling any better," Sam asked.

Stu nodded. "Yes, I am."

"That's good." Sam grinned a little. "You got some lipstick on your collar, you know."

"Oh, really?" Stu tried to check his collar and attempted to remove it.

"No need to worry. My sister has taken a strong liking to you."

"Oh he's taken more than a liking to me, Sam," Cecilia said as she came in wearing a blue leotard that tied around the neck with a gold ring, gold cuffs adorning her wrists and upper arms, blue wrap sandals, a large feathered headdress and skirt, as well as a long red cape with gold trim. "We're engaged."

Sam smiled. "What!? Natalka! Taisyia! Come here! Cecilia is getting married!"

Cecilia's sisters squealed with delight as they congratulated both Cecilia and Stu.

"Hehehe! This is great!"

Taisyia gave her future brother-in-law a big hug."

Stu smiled and hugged Taisyia back.

Natalka patted Stu on the back and whispered, "If you do anything to hurt my sororal twin sister, you'll regret it seriously!"

"Natalka! Stop threatening my future husband! Stu will be an excellent husband."

"Yeah, but still, it's better to be safe than sorry. Besides, Stu, shouldn't you say something about Cecilia's outfit. Looks like she's ready for Mardi Gras."

"I like it." Stu said, smiling as he put his arm around Cecilia.

"Thanks! Maybe next time, you should wear a loincloth." Everyone laughed at the image of Stu wearing a loincloth.

Smiling, Stu shook his head. "I'm alright with my suit and tie."

"Oh, you would look really stunning in a loincloth, love," Cecilia said as she kissed his cheek.

"Maybe not in public," Stu responded, still smiling.

Cecilia shrugged. "Come on, let's have some fun."

"Okay, lead the way."

Sam smiled as both Stu and Cecilia went to dance floor to dance the night away, or until the star dropped ushering into the new year. "A great turn of events, wouldn't you say, Zak? Looking forward to seeing those two tie the knot?"

Zak nodded. "Yes, it should be an enjoyable day when they do get married."

Nodding, he then asked, "So, what are your plans to do when you get back to Southern Yugoslavia?"

"Get ready for the elections in November."

"Besides that."

Zak thought for a moment. "Well, focus on ending the war in Rygard, and just hope everything stays the way it is up until the elections are over."

"Same here. I'll be ready to end the war in Rygard. Not looking forward if the Rygardi demand we annex them. Still have got to find a way around that problem."

"We're supposed to liberate them and put them in power, not bring them under us."

"I know. But have you seen the news lately? The Rygardi citizens are demanding that Vulshain annex them. No matter how many times we till them no, they just keep demanding it! And telling them no is not helping either."

"I'm not going to be able to back a decision on annexation unless I want to commit political suicide. I've stated numerous times I am not for annexation of Rygard. Allies or not, I cannot back you if you choose to annex them."

"Well, help me in figuring out some way to get it through their thick skulls that I don't want to annex them. You can at least help me out there now, can't you?"

"Yes, I can help with that."

"Thank you. That takes a load off me. I already have Lazlowia breathing down my neck, trying to paint Vulshain as a conqueror, just because the Rygardi want us to annex them. The Lazlowians think we put them up to it, which is straight lie. I guess Rygardi bow to whoever they think is the strongest."

"Well, if they've been under a dictatorship for so long, they're bound to do that."

"I figured the same thing as well. Of course, it will take a lot of...deprogramming for a lack of better words to help them out."

"We could probably set up a provisional government from officials of our choosing until we can set up elections."

"That works."

Zak nodded. "Now, let's stop worrying about political stuff for the night unless
something huge happens."

He nodded. Sam looked over and noticed that Stu and Cecilia were drinking a bit.

"Tell me is Stu a drinker? He seems to be drinking a good bit."

"I wouldn't worry too much. Southern Yugoslavians can hold their alcohol." Zak said, looking over at the pair.

"Okay. That's good. So, I guess you will leaving either tomorrow or the next day, huh?"

Zak nodded. "Probably so. We'll probably leave after tomorrow, let things calm down a bit."

He nodded. "By the way, what did you think of Cecilia's outfit? Not too tribal," he asked.

"I think it looks nice," Zak said, looking over at Tanya.

"So, do you and Tanya plan to have anymore pups," Sam asked, drinking some ginger ale.

Zak shook his head. "No, those days are long gone."

"Oh. I'm surprised you two don't adopt then."

"Oh, no. Not like that, I was meaning age-wise," Zak said, clearing things up.

"I knew what you were talking about. By the way, how does Josef like his new puppy and kitten. He much like them a lot since I've seen him playing with them alot."

"He loves them. Thank you again," Tanya said, smiling.

"You should be thanking Cecilia," Sam said. "Oh great what is that sister of mine and your Commandant doing?"

Cecilia was trying to get Stu to put on her feathered headress, which apparently he didn't want to.

Zak chuckled a bit watching the two.

"Such a future cute couple."

Zak and Tanya nodded in agreement.
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The Boll Weevel
OOC: Collab post between me and Southern Yugoslavia.


Sam noticed Ryan was flirting with two young ladies, one of whom was a human. "So Zak, it seems your son is quite the Casanova. He is going after a human and a vulpine vixen." Sam grinned at Zak.

Tanya chuckled. "He gets it from his father." Zak chuckled as well, and put his arm around Tanya. "Well, it got me you, didn't it?" Tanya smiled. "I suppose it did." Zak kissed Tanya's cheek. "So Sam, have you been 'testing the waters' any?"

"Hm...Well, I have been pretty busy, although I did find that vulpine baroness from the Christmas State Dinner to be quite attractive. I believe her name was Isidora Agata Roksana. Can't remember what province she's from though. But there are a bunch of rumors that I have a thing for well...this is quite embarrassing, but some say that I have a crush on the Premier of Vekaiyu. Don't know how that got started."

Zak shrugged. "Tabloids, maybe."

"Probably. So, when do you think your government will make the decision involving Stu or whoever is picked to be Laiatan's military liasion to our nation?"

"Probably when we get back. I went ahead and told my Vice President to bring it up in the Narodnoe, so they've had time to discuss it. They won't make the final decision until I get back." Zak replied.

"That's good. Hopefully, it will be Stu. If it is, I know Cecilia would be very very happy about that. Which reminds me: what sort of duties should we give the military liasion? Can't have him sit at desk doing nothing all day." Sam smiled. "But seriously, it would be best to decide on what those duties are."

"I would say at least monitoring cross training between our two militaries. Possibly military arms deals as well, and tech trading."

"I was thinking the same thing. Maybe also being an adivsor for any deals with other nations as well. I know that you and Vekaiyu haven't been the best of friends in the past, but some of my advisors have suggested that maybe you should let bygones be bygones. Of course, I know that the issue of the submarine crisis is a sore topic, so I'm not going to push the issue."

Zak nodded. "True, but it's really quite hard to tell a Laiatanese man to just forget about a past event where his people were murdered. We're a pretty stubborn people."

Sam nodded. "So, any plans on patching up things with Vekaiyu?"

"Not officially. My administration's trying to focus on internal affairs and working on getting relected, even though there's a report saying if the election was today, I'd win by a landslide with roughly 79% of the vote."

"That's good. Well, just keep up the great work then. I can probably help you if you need any help with repairing relations with Vekaiyu. But, unofficially, what is Laiatan doing about working things out with Vekaiyu?"

"Pretty much just talk, nothing set it stone. We're going to either try to set up a visit to Vekaiyu, or have the premier come here."

"That's good. Which one would you prefer to do?"

"I'm not sure how safe it would be the Vekiayun premier to come here considering the submarine incident, but we aren't sure at this time."

"I see. Well, what about you visiting Vekaiyu? It is a nice country after all."

Zak nodded. "I've certainly thought about it, but, we'll have to wait and see. Odds are, I'll end up going to Vekaiyu. It makes the FSO kind of nervous they don't allow military aircraft escorts."

"Yeah, that was actually a big surprise for us when I visited. I can't blame them though. The Vekaiyuns are just beginning to understand how diplomacy and foreign relations work, since they have mostly kept to themselves since Max was in power," Sam replied. "But of course, the CPGs weren't too thrilled either because of the Vekaiyuns not allowing military aircraft escorts."

"That's true, but we'll have to work out the details later."

Sam nodded. "Almost time. About an hour left before the New-Year starts," he said checking his new watch, the same one Zak had given him for Christmas. "By the way, and you don't have to do this if you don't want to but several members of the Vulshainian Green Party had come to me with some concerns. They believe that any trade with Laiatan needs to have certain conditions to ensure the environment isn't harmed or something along those lines now. They wanted to know your views on environmental protection and laws and things of that nature. Just something to keep their worries down."

Zak nodded. "Okay, that'll be fine. We do have pollution standards and are working on ways to reduce it as well as new renewable resources, but the environment isn't our top priority. I'll have an entire report sent to you when I get back."

"Thank you. I appreciate that. Ah, I see one of Cecilia's old Air Force buddies. Joker, how are you?"

"Doing okay, how about you Paladin?"

"You know I don't go by that name anymore." The human named Joker wore a Confederate Air Force uniform but he also had leg braces on as well. He seemed to be growing a beard too. "This is Joker, Zak. Joker, this is---"

"The President of Laiatan, yeah I know. The same nation that refused to let my cousin joined any of their military branches simply because he had brittle bones." Joker glared for a bit at Zak.


"Joker! How are you?" Cecilia had brought Stu over with her upon seeing Joker and figured what was going to happen.

"White Fang! How are those fangs of yours? Still sharp and white as ever I bet."

Cecilia smiled. "Joker this is Stu."

Joker glared at Stu as well. "Nice to meet you."

Zak and Stu adjusted their stance to be more defensive. "Nice to meet you as well." Stu and Zak said, both extending their hands.

Cecilia then said, "Now, Joker, you know good and well that what happened to your cousin is and was not Zak and Stu's fault. I may not be part of the military anymore, but I still have alot of pull to get your tailless ass thrown into the stockade." Cecilia glared at Joker.

"Alright. Just tell them not to shake my hand too hard."

She nodded. "Like his cousin, Joker here also has brittle bones." Joker shook both Stu and Zak's hands.

"Well, I apologize for what happened to your cousin, but I do hope you understand. We require everyone in the military to be able to fight if needed, even if they are behind a desk." Zak said, trying to explain it to Joker.

Joker gave them a weird look. "Who said anything about me being behind a desk. I'm one of the best damn pilots here!"

"Yes, yes, but you mainly pilot transport planes. Still, you are quite good at it," Sam reminded Joker. "Saved my hide and the hides of others when we had to do a night-time drop, especially in stormy weather."

"I'm not saying you weren't, I was just saying that somebody behind a desk in my military has to be able to fight if they have to."

"Yeah, yeah. Still, just because someone--"


"Drop it Joker. Now." Cecilia was starting to get ticked off.

Stu leaned into Cecilia and whispered into her ear. "Cecilia, it's alright. Everybody has their own opinions. Let's go get something to eat."


She nodded and left with Stu. Joker left as well. "Sorry about that Stu. Joker means well, but when he heard that his cousin was turned down by the Laiatan military, he wasn't too happy, seeing it as discrimination. He tried to get a petition and even tried to form a protest against what your military did. I guess he still holds a grudge."

"It's fine. I'd be upset too if my cousin was turned down for having a disability. Then again, brittle bones is a pretty big liability if you're in combat."

She nodded. "I guess he needs to cool down some. By the way, the Excalibur has been approved to begin mass production. So, you can expect the Excalibur to have some combat experience in Rygard. Although, I do hope that the War in Rygard ends soon. Reports have come that the Rygardi are facing massive problems with criminals and prisoners escaping jails in several major cities, even the capital city is starting to have problems like that. And now, we have some people asking if the could help us in restoring order to the nation."

"Good, hopefully our new planes will compliment each other. As for the war, I hope so too. Wouldn't mind having my brother back home, as well as all of our troops."

"Yep. But these people who want to help us...I'm scared we would be making a deal with the devil if you will."

"I know what you mean."

"Apparently, some merc groups want us to hire them and send them into Rygard where they will clean house. Personally, I don't want to get mercs involved."

"They can't get involved, it's against the Geneva Conventions. I don't want Laiatan to effectively commit a war crime by hiring mercenaries."

"I know. Of course, during the Civil War, civilians who were afraid that the terrorists and insurgents would attack them before the military came to the rescue hired mercs to defend them, despite our warnings not to. Not all mercs are bad. One saved my life when I crashed behind enemy lines."

"Still owe me sweetheart," the merc said.

"Oh Den Mother!"

"Simon Hunt, at your service. Hm...A Republican Guard. You look familiar? You ever involved in sting operations to take down smugglers and drug lords?"

"Weapon smugglers, yes." Stu said, looking over Simon.

"Ah. I thought you look familiar. Can't remember the bloke's name, but I was hired to take down a weapon smuggler a while back. Can't recall if it was rival or someone he ticked off, but I blew up his warehouse. Made sure no civilians got caught in the blast. Still, you Republican Guard folks didn't like that. You especially. You jumped me. Quite the fight. Had to headbutt you a few times before ramming the butt of my rifle upside your head. Got away too. You must still be sore."

"Oh Den Mother," Cecilia groaned. "I'm just glad that MMID has you under survellience as part of the deal."

"Yeah, I do recall somebody hitting me with a rifle."

"Hahahaha. You must really want to return the favor, don't you pup?"

"Eh, it's alright. That was a few years ago."

Cecilia smiled and whispered, "Good thing you don't hold grudges. I think he still has a few warrants for his arrest from Laiatan."

"Well, I best be going now. See you later pup. Sweetheart." He kissed her on the cheek, causing Cecilia to cringe and shudder.

Stu put his arm around her and whispered back. "Well, good thing he's on this side of the border."

"Yes. We caught him a while back. MMID cut him a deal, realizing that a man with his vast knowledge and underworld connections and contacts would be quite valuable. So, in exchange for assisting us in bringing down his former clients, we give him protection from their wraths as well as not throwing him in jail or turning him over to you. What would be his punishment if we did turn him over to Laiatan?"

"Well, that depends. What crimes did he commit?"

"Multiple counts of use of high explosives, contract killing, use of military weapons and equipment with the intent to commit crimes with said equipment, destruction of property, murder, extortion, theft of military equipment and weapons, and reckless driving."

"Death." Stu said blatantly.

"Ah. Well, that might be too easy on him then."

Stu nodded. "To us it would be. We are strong supporters of the death penalty, and actually use it quite often for violent crime. It's pretty efficient too, so nobody stays on death row in any province more than five years."

"Well, the death penalty might be a better way to die for him." She tapped the side of her head. "Inoperable brain tumor. He was diagnosed two years ago. He only had ten years to live at that time."

"Wow, that's pretty sad." Stu said.

"Well, he's lived a...pretty interesting life I guess. Come on, eat some of this shrimp cocktail."

Stu took a couple of shrimp and ate them. "Yeah, I suppose. How old is he?"

"I think either late 40s or early 50s."

"Ah. Either way, that's a pretty bad way to go."

"Yeah it is. But...enough with this talk. Let's talk about something else, like when do I get to meet your parents. I would love to meet them before our wedding."

"Whenever you can get to Laiatan." Stu said smiling.
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OOC: Collab post between me, Southern Yugoslavia, and Todd.


Cecilia smiled as she hugged his arm. "I'll try to find some time to visit you in between my duties as premier. Besides, they will most certainly be surprised when they found out you're getting married."

"Oh, I know. It'll be interesting." Stu said, smiling.

She smiled. "Cecilia!" Cecilia turned and saw a vulpine vixen with red and brown fur coming over. The vixen was a tight black dress. The two vixens were quite happy to see each other. "Liedel, it is so nice to see you!"

"Same here." Liedel looked at Stu, puzzled. "And you are?"


"Commandant Stewart Riskotov, Laiatanese Republican Guard." Stu said, extending his hand.

Liedel shook it. "So, how do you two know each other?"

"Cecilia is my fiancé." Stu said, smiling proudly.

Liedel's eyes widened. "Oh! Well...um...this is quite a surprise."

Cecilia crossed her arms and smiled. "Oh come now Liedel. Don't tell me you still have a little crush on me?"

"Well, I mean...I thought...Um....I knew you didn't...still I kind of hope."

"Did you two used to...?" Stu asked, a bit puzzled by the encounter.

Cecilia looked at Stu. "Of course not!"

Liedel stared at Stu. "I always knew she was straight, so you shouldn't worry about anything. But you have to admit she is quite attractive." She winked at Stu.

"Still, I see why you were so attracted to him, Cecilia. Hm...Quite the body you got there, Commandant." She looked Stu up and down some.

"Liedel stop it! You making me and him blush."

Stu smiled. "Well thank you."

"No problem. So, you really thought Cecilia was into other women?"

She grinned at Stu. "Liedel!"

Laughing a bit, Liedel said, "Sorry, couldn't let that one go. So, how did you two meet?"

Stu shrugged. "Hey, I don't judge. Anyway, we met when she and Sam came to Laiatan for the first time."

"Ah. I see. You must have fallen head over heels for her, or was it the other way around?"

"I was the one who was smitten with him," Cecilia replied.

"Oh! I do love gossip!" Liedel grinned.

Stu smiled. "Well, I certainly wasn't repulsed by her advances, that's for sure."

Liedel laughed for a bit. "Ah, so Cecilia finally broke out of her shell. You know, even though she was a tomboy, she was quite shy around the guys."

"Yeah. Don't remind me," Cecilia said. They all laughed a bit.

Liedel grinned. "And let me guess, it was your first time?"

Cecilia's tail puffed out like a bottle brush from surprise.

Stu sucked in air through his teeth and looked at Cecilia. "N-no. I did go to college."

Cecilia looked at him. "So, how many before me?"

"Uh-oh, someone's in the doghouse," Liedel laughed.

Stu thought carefully about his next words. "Three. Two in college, one a couple years after college."

"Oh. Hm...." Cecilia grinned. "Well, I dated a few people back in high school and at the Academy. Of course, you are my first, but I guess we can call it even. You just have to make it up to me tonight." Liedel giggled.

Stu grinned. "I'll take that deal any day."

Liedel was having trouble from laughing. "Oh you two are quite the pair, or should I say couple. So, Stu, you must be excited to have met such a wonderful person like Cecilia."

"Of course. She's one in a million."

"And the same about him too. He's one in a million. Sort of like my knight in shining armor."

"Well, I'll leave you two alone then. See you two lovebirds around." Liedel left Stu and Cecilia and headed for a female lobo wearing a silver dress.

"Liedel, still a flirt like always," Cecilia said, shaking her head.

"Sorry about that one question, it sounded like you two dated." Stu said, chuckling a bit.

"No harm done. I never dated her or any other woman. I told her back in high school that I wasn't into girls. But don't worry." She smiled at him. "You're the only one for me."

She laughed a bit. "Den Mother, that was corny, but true."

"It'd be alright if you did. Like I said, I'm not one to judge." Stu said smiling as he wrapped his arm around her. "And you're the only one for me."

Smiling, she wrapped her arm around him as well. "Anyhow, have you heard from your brother any."

"Yes, actually. I was fowarded a letter from him last night. He said that he was in Dorden, and that they were going to attempt to take out a mall."

"Hm...Well, I'm sure he'll be alright. He is probably very tough and brave."

"I would hope so. He's hard-headed, but not stupid. I think he'll be okay."

"Hm...I wonder how hard-headed you are." She pretended to knock on his head. "Yep. Hard as a diamond."

Stu laughed and proceeded to do the same to Cecilia. "So are you. Sounds like a perfect match."

"Oh stop."

"You two seem to be made for each other," her sister Natalka said. Taisyia was with her as well.

"You know Mom and Dad would be very happy to see you get married."

Cecilia smiled. "I know." She sighed. "Sometimes I feel like they are right here with us still."

Stu rubbed Cecilia's shoulder.

Cecilia smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder. Suddenly several people were looking at what appeared to be an argument between Sam and a human man. "Oh no. Looks like Sam and Senator Andrew are at it again," Natalka said.

"You should not have allowed her to have a sparring match with the President of Laiatan! What would have happened if she had injuried him! Do you have any idea what kind of political shit-storm would have been in!?"

"And for the last time Senator, I believe my sister knows how to hold back," Sam countered.

"It does not matter! The fact that our two nations' relationship was damaged by the DIEIS fiasco is apparent to everyone. Allowing your sister to have a fighting match with the Laiatan President could have ended in disaster!"

Zak walked over with Tanya on his arm. "Thank you for your concerns Senator, but I can still handle myself in a fight. I agreed to the fight, so I would be liable. Now if you wouldn't mind, I think everybody here would like to get back to enjoying the party."

The Senator was quite surprised by Zak's interruption. "....I see. Well, as long as you were in no harm or there was no possiblity of injury, I guess it was okay. Have a good night Mr. President. First Lady. Your Majesty." The Senator left.

"Thanks for the save. Sometimes I would like to knock him up side the head. Along with a few other politicians I might add," Sam said as soon as the Senator was out of earshot.

"No problem." Zak said, patting Sam on the back.

"That was Senator Andrew Lipston. He's a member of the Vulshainian United Nationalist Party. They're sort of nationalists, but they aren't too proud to work with other nations. Still Andrew is quite the nationalist. And--oh crud. The new leader of the Vulshainian Communist Party."

"Your Majesty. Mr. President." The gray and black vulpine extended his hand. "I am Sebastion Ivanstroff, the new Party Leader of the Vulshainian Communist Party."

Zak shook his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Yes, the same here as well." Sebastion didn't sound sincere. "I must ask if you will be opening relations with Lazlowia or any other communist country. I know in the past your nation has been...not so friendly in terms of allowing the promotion of the communist movement."

"He's trying to steer you in a corner," Sam whispered.

Zak nodded to Sam. "At this time, no. It isn't a focus in our government."

"I see. Well, I will say that and no offense to you Your Majesty, but I believe Vulshain would be much better as a communist nation. You may desire to protect the workers of our great nation, but still the royalty and nobility are relics of the past."

"Not this again," Sam whispered to Zak.

"I will take my leave of you both. Have a pleasant evening," Sebastion said before leaving.

Zak nodded to him. "You too."

"That was a wonderful experience. How bad are the communists in your nation," Sam asked.

"They're kind of loud expressing their views, considering they are few in number." Zak replied.

"Same here actually," Sam added.

"Oh well. Everybody has their own beliefs." Zak said, taking a drink of vodka from his glass.

Sam nodded. He drank some sparkling ginger ale.

"Well, seems you both dodged the bullets from those two," Cecilia said, walking hand in hand with Stu.

"Eh, it wasn't too hard to dodge it." Zak said, Tanya still next to him.

"So, what opponents do you think you have to worry about? No one who is a nationalistic fanatic I hope," Natalka asked.

"According to recent polls, I have nothing to worry about from any particular party. The polls said if the election was a couple of days ago, I'd have 79% of the vote." Zak replied.

"That's good to hear. I guess congratulations are in order then," Sam said.

"I'll take them after the election. There's quite a bit of time between now and November."

"That's true. But is there anything that might cause a sudden change in the polls?"

"Not that I know of."

"Well, I hope you do get reelected. It would be great working with you again, Zak."

"I hope so too. Sure it's been stressful, but there's plenty of good things about being president. Plus it would be great to continue strengthening relations between our two countries."

"That is true. Not to mention, in case things go south with Vekaiyu, we could always help you out. It is strange that the the Foreign Relations Officer isn't here. You know, all of their ambassadors are always female," Sam mentioned.

"Huh, interesting. Probably to relax or distract male ambassadors or leaders."

"Actually, Vekaiyu believes psychology plays a large role in foreign relations and believes females are more likely to gain a positive response than a male presence. So far, that school of thinking hasn't proven them wrong. Yet."

"I suppose that makes sense."

"Yes it does. Still, you have to understand something else: their religion. The Vayan Catholic Church has a lot of influence on their government and culture. So, you will probably find it quite, a culture shock. Sex is considered beautiful and a gift from the Almighty, and therefore should not be censored. Death is likewise typically uncensored, no matter how gruesome it may be. In other words, censorship is a sin as it hides the truth."

"Kind of hypocritical if you ask me," Cecilia added. "They believe censorship is a sin, yet, they feel that women who wear two-piece swimsuits and bikinis are indecent."

"Yeah, I agree with you there." Zak said.

Sayli Novoleskvu entered the room, after enjoying a walk around the grounds in solitude. She adjusts the cuffs to her rather drab Vekaiyun Foreign Officer outfit and moves out of the way of the main entrance, deciding to first assess the situation and see what all was happening.

She moves toward a group of two people, with one dressed rather lavishly. "Hello," she greets them, but then realizes one to be a part of the Vulshain royal family, while the other to be from Laiatan judging by the pin on his lapel. "Ah, I mean hello there! No doubt this is a fine New Year's eve party isn't it?" She smiles, getting back into character for her role as a Vekaiyun representative abroad

Zak turned around and sized up the Vekaiyun representative, his wife next to him. After scanning over her for a second, he looked down and made eye-contact. "Hello there. You must be Vekaiyu's representative to Vulshain."

She nodded at the lupine individual. "Yes indeed!" Sayli then paused, realizing she may have interrupted a conversation. "But I must apologize for my interruption, My name is Sayli Novoleskvu. It is a pleasure to run into both of you!"

"Ah, Ambassador Novoleskvu. I see you were able to make it," Sam said. "This is President Zakhari Kreskov of Laiatan, and his wife Tanya Kreskov. And this Commandant Stewart Riskotov, Laiatanese Republican Guard."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Zak said, questioning within himself if he should extend a handshake to the Vekaiyun ambassador. He decided to go for it, and extended his hand.

She smiled and shook it back, firm but gentle enough where she could come across as friendly and inviting. Cultural colloquisms were old hat to her nowadays, but she often wondered if such traditions would eventually replace the familiarities of home. "Likewise, Mr. President, I am charmed!" She decided everyone else was into shaking hands, so she went around the group. "Definitely I am."

"Same here Ambassador. We were just discussing some of Vekaiyu's culture, especially since President Kreskov here might visit your country one day," Natalka added.

"Interesting," she replied with a strong smile. "I would be happy to help if needed!"

Zak nodded and smiled back. "Well, hopefully we'll be able to arrange something."

"Of course," Sayli encouraged. "We are always looking to accomodate!"

"So, are you enjoying the party," Cecilia asked.

"Yes I am. I've been on a walk to relax, but I am enjoying the atmosphere around here."

"It's certainly been an interesting evening." Zak said, sipping from his glass of vodka.

"That's good to hear. We will be starting the Star drop in about say fifteen minutes," Sam said.

((Sayli says nothing, attempting to be polite))

"So, Ambassador Novoleskvu, are you enjoying being in Vulshain," Taisyia asked.

She nodded. "Of course. It's lovely this time of year, and it's great to be immersed in a culture I studied for while in my home, in Iliesla."

"That's good. You must have had quite the culture shock when you started working here," Taisyia added.

"Quite, but I was prepared for it. Vekaiyu is adamant about learning other peoples' cultures and creating a means for mutual understandings."

"That is good to hear," Sam said.

"I hope the incident where I was almost assassinated didn't scare or worry a great deal," he added.

"Yes it was a concern over in Vekaiyu, but as I recall the premier wished you a speedy recovery," she replied

Sam laughed a bit. "Yes, yes she did. So tell me, how is Premier Levinile?"

"The last time I spoke with her she said she was doing well. Just the common stresses of leading, which I am sure you and Kivo Kreskov are familiar with."

Zak nodded. "I know what that's like."

"That is true. Being a world leader is quite stressful. But there are ways to reduce that stress."

"So, what do you like most about our country Ambassador Novoleskvu," Natalka asked.

"Well I have always had a knack for architecture, and I do enjoy the diverse and stunning buildings around the land! The cathedrals are my favorite, I believe. Such landmarks, especially around the Ryrinina River corridor. I've taken many photographs."

"That is good to here. You must really love the Cathedral of the Brave Lady, one of our nation's most famous Vayan Catholic Cathedrals," Sam replied.

"Aye," Sayli admitted, "it is breathtaking."

Sam smiled. "It is indeed. What did you think of the other cathedrals?"

"It's hard to simply categorize them," she replied with a smile. "The diversity makes it quite difficult."

"Yeah sometimes it does. But Kitsuniva is known for its exhibiting many different types of architectural styles," he added.

"Yep," she laughed. "Like I said, I've taken many pictures."

"That is good. Ah. The star is about drop."

Everyone watched as the star began to slowly descend.
10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1

Just as she star dropped, Cecilia kissed Stu on the lips.

Zak turned and kissed Tanya as Stu returned Cecilia's kiss.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Music began playing as fireworks exploded in the sky above the city. "Let's keep this party going," Liedel said.
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OOC: This is a collab post between myself and Vulshain.

Sam smiled at Tanya and Zak, and he smiled also at Stu and Cecilia. "So, should we continue this party, or are you four going to need a room," he teased.

Zak shrugged and smiled. "Doesn't matter me."

"I think we should continue the party, and then, we can find a room," Cecilia said, laughing a bit.

Tanya chuckled. "Sounds like a plan."

Cecilia started dancing something similar to a Highland fling. People were clapping. "You know Stu, you have made my sister very very happy."

Stu smiled and nodded. "I can tell. I'm quite happy I met her too."

Sam nodded. "So, have you two made any plans for the wedding yet?"

"Not yet. We're still trying to decide where to have it, where to live, all that stuff."

"Well, since my sister is the premier you most likely live here. However, if you like you could live somewhere else, and just work here. There are many options. So, are you planning on having twelve pups and kits?"

"No, not that many." Stu said, shaking his head.

Sam laughed a bit. "I was only teasing. You would probably want only two or three. Although, you should be careful if she has twins."

Stu nodded. "That's true. Thankfully, twins aren't common back home."

"Well, if she does have twins, there will be some health-related problems," Natalka added. "Our mother, when she had me and Cecilia, was very very weak. She lived, but they had to do a C-section on her to deliver us. Vulpines don't often have twins mainly because it is difficult on the mother to give birth. Although some think that Vulshainian vulpines have more twins than Vekaiyun vulpines is because of our Lobo blood."

"That would make sense."

"Regardless, don't worry Stu. She'll be fine."

"It's not like you're going to have the first Lobo/Vulpine hybrid child," Natalka joked.

"You've been reading those blasted Judas Scientists' reports haven't you," Sam asked.

"Have to. The military wants to follow up on some leads on their current locations. Probably be more dead ends, I'm afraid."

"What are the Judas Scientist reports," Zak asked as he walked with Tanya back to the group.

"They were a group of scientists who betrayed Vulshain and worked for the Republican Regime, many of them performing terrible and unspeakable experiments on people. However, halfway through the Monarchical Revolution, thirty scientists realized what they had done, and well, they vanished. All of their records, notes, research, poof! Gone as if they were never there. They are called the Judas Scientists after Judas Iscariot, the disciple of Jesus who betrayed Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, allowing the Roman soldiers to easily arrest him and turn him over to the be crucified. Judas, was horrified at what he did, and returned the bag of thirty silver pieces to the high priests of the temple that he had been paid for to betray his master. He later went out and hung himself. A spilt bag of thirty silver coins is the symbol of the Judas Scientists. They are wanted for war crimes and treason, but so far, not one of the thirty scientists has been found."

"Huh, that's odd." Zak said. "Any leads?"

"Yeah, it is strange that we have never found them," Sam said.

"Doctor Walery Iosif Guntram is one of the scientists. Turns out he was a German physicist and a Nazi war criminal who came to Vulshain just as Rivers came to power. Dr. Guntram researched fusion energy as well as nuclear physics. A shame really. A brilliant man like him working for people like Rivers and Hilter," Natalka said.

"Professor Vlad Stanstoff is another one. A lobo scientist, he believed that vulpines and lobos shared a common ancestor and this ancestor was much more powerful than modern day vulpines and lobos. He attempted to try and recreate this shared ancestral super-soldier if you will by testing various serums and experiments on innocent lobos and vulpines," Natalka continued.

"Huh. What ever happened to him," Zak asked.

"He disappeared like the others. Not even Rivers and his Head of the Rivers Republican Regime's Department of Intelligence, Espionage, and Counterintelligence, the Shadow Director knew what happened to them. The Shadow Director is someone will would really like to get our hands on. His identity is unknown and even when Rivers was in power, no one knew who he was, not even Rivers himself."

"Now, the Shadow Director offers his services to the highest bidder. However, those who deal with him are always wary as the Shadow Director always warns that he can destroy anyone and everyone with information. It is believed that the Shadow Director has knowledge of many top secret and damning information on several governments around the Gulf of Itur, but this is speculation," Natalka finished.

"Some conspiracy nuts think the Shadow Director is actually a very intelligent AI, which would explain how he can acquire such sensitive information, if you believe things like that," Sam added.

"Of course, computers weren't that advanced as they are today, so the conspiracy nuts think the Shadow Director is from the future. And of course, DIEIS tended to believe the conspiracy nuts. MMID on the other hand was more realistic and mature to separate fact from science fiction baloney," Natalka said.

"Well, that's good," Zak said, sipping from his cup. "So, what are your plans after we leave?"

"Well, I still have to finish working on reforming DIEIS. I want to get rid of all of the paranoia and nonsense. MMID has been quite helpful in that area. DIEIS was extremely good at collecting information, but they tended to also believe the wildest stories and tall tales. MMID, in contrast, analyzed the facts and threw away the nonsense. I might model the reformed DIEIS on your intelligence agency if you don't mind me doing that. Might be useful."

"Not at all," Zak said smiling. "It's always a good feeling when another nation models their agencies and such on your own."

"That is true. I need to make it so that it would be very difficult to have the level of corruption DIEIS had before. How does your agency cope and deal with corruption?"

"It doesn't really cope, there is actually very little-if any - corruption in the AVR. If corruption is found, those dealing in it are jailed and lose their jobs."

"Ah. Very useful. I also need to figure out a way to keep DIEIS from trying to work on secret projects and stuff. How is that handled? And by secret projects, I mean ones that are quite questionable."

"They don't have as much freedom as DIEIS did, so they know what they can and can't work on. They report directly to me."

Sam grinned. "You do know that they would have to report to Cecilia as well," Natalka reminded him.

"I know but it might be better if they report directly to her."

"Report directly to what?"

"Oh we were discussing having the reformed DIEIS report directly to you," Sam
told Cecilia.

"No way!"

"Huh?"

"I never did like spying and espionage, so I don't think it would be a good idea to have spies report to someone who prefers things head on," she said.

"What do you think Stu? Zak," Sam asked.

Zak shrugged. "Your intelligence agency, your business."

"We'll see what happens when that bridge is about to be crossed," Cecilia said.

"Besides, we should be having fun, not worrying about politics and government business. Now, Stu come with me on the dance floor."

Cecilia led Stu to the dance floor. "I'm worried Stu may find Cecilia to be quite energetic," Sam said before laughing.

"I'm sure he has enough energy," Zak said, chuckling.

Sam nodded and watched. "By the way, you wouldn't happened to have your old military uniform with you would you?"

"With me? No, but I still have it," Zak said.

"I see. Just curious." Sam smiled. He could at least carry out his plan.

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh just curious," he said smiling.

Zak raised an eyebrow. "Okay." Tanya stretched a bit and yawned.

"Looks like Tanya is ready for shut eye," Sam said. "The party is starting to end anyhow. I see some of the guests are starting to leave." He turned to Fred and another CPG and said, "Make sure no one is driving home drunk. If you have to escort them home."

"Yes, sir!" Fred and the lobo CPG went out to make sure no one was driving drunk.

Zak finished off his glass and set it down on the table.

A waiter came by and took the empty glass. Sam continued to drink his ginger ale. In fact, he was the only person who didn't drink a drop of alcohol at the party.

Zak had noticed a couple of times, but thought nothing of it. Stu had noticed it as well, and decided to ask. "Hey Sam, if you don't mind me asking, is there any reason you didn't drink any alcohol?"

"Well, um...I'm was an alocholic after the Civil War. But..."

"I helped him get through it," Cecilia said. "He was a total wreck, and I helped him recover. He has been sober for several years since I helped him. And we plan to keep it that way."

"Cecilia has always been the emotional support of us Rainard Children," Taisyia said. "She would look after us and help us when we were in trouble."

Stu nodded. "Ah, okay. That makes sense."

Cecilia nodded. "Well, it is late, so Stu and I will turn in for the night."

"I believe we all will do that as well," Sam said. "Good night everyone and Happy New Year."

"Goodnight you guys," Zak said as he and Tanya began walking to their room.

Cecilia and Stu went to their room as well. "So, enjoyed your stay here," she asked.

Stu nodded. "I did. It was nice seeing the country without being weighed down with gear."

"That's good to hear. I guess you were suprised to see a friend of mine who was a lesbian. I'm glad you don't judge people because of that."

Stu shrugged. "Everybody has preferences. Most of the country chooses to accept that and leave it alone."

"That's true here as well." Cecilia got dressed for bed. "I'll be busy once you leave trying to see about getting the Republican Guard some of those battle armor prototypes. Not sure how your people will like having microchips surgically installed into the back of their necks and heads. Still, I guess if you want to be in the Republican Guard you have to do it."

"We're actually getting ready to start deployment of the Bronvolk, so I'm not a hundred percent sure how much use the prototypes would get," Stu said, climbing into bed.

"Bronvolk?"

"It's our own battle armor that'll cover the body and protect from most small arms. It won't stop a .50 cal though."

"Neat. Any similarities with our armor?"

"Not sure. Most I know about it is that it'll have a digital HUD in the visor, allow our troops to carry their gear easier, and protect them from small arms fire. Of course, it'll be punctured if it takes too many bullets in the same spot."

"Same with our armor. Except it has life support and gives other benefits as well. Well, maybe I'll see it when I come to visit. I do hope it will be soon though. I'll contact you and give you some heads up for when I will be visiting."

Stu smiled. "Can't wait."

"Same here." Yawning, she cuddled up next to Stu. "Well, hopefully, your government will make their decision about the military liaison."

"I sure hope so," Stu said, putting his arm around Cecilia.

She nuzzled his neck. "Well, good night and happy new year, Stu." Yawning, she kissed him goodnight before drifting off to sleep.

"Happy New Year," Stu said, kissing her forehead.

The next day...

"Well, Zak it was a pleasure and an honor to have you visit my nation," Sam said shaking Stu's hand.

"It was an honor to visit it," Zak replied, shaking Sam's hand after he shook Stu's.

"And also," Sam said as Fred brought several medals to him. "I present to you these medals, the highest in the Confederacy of Vulshain: the Hero of the Confederacy, the Star of St. Aiya, the Leaf of the Den Mother, Royal Cross Pin, the Shield of St. Jorkett VI, the Emblem of St. Kitsuniva, and the Order of Konstukov. I also present to you the honor of being awarded the Order of St. George
1st Class. These are in recognition of your bravery and courage in helping to free our nation from the ironfisted grip of tyranny and evil." Sam saluted Zak.

Zak smiled and returned the salute. "Thank you, Sam."
Brenton Hudson says
"You are welcome. And as for you Commandant," Sam said, "I present to you the Hero of the Confederacy, the Star of St. Aiya, the Leaf of the Den Mother, Royal Cross Pin, the Shield of St. Jorkett VI, the Emblem of St. Kitsuniva, and the Order of Konstukov, in addition to being awarded the Order Of Saint Andrew the Apostle First-Called, for your services in helping to save our nation in its darkest
hour."

Stu smiled and saluted Sam. "Thank you."

"You are welcomed," Sam said. As he saluted them as well.
"Ryan? Josef? You two behaved for your parents now," Sam said.
"Stu, you take care now, and if you ever need anthing just call me," Cecilia said with a grin.

Stu smiled and kissed her. "Will do." Ryan and Josef smiled and shook Sam's hand. "Thank you for your hospitality," Ryan said.

"No problem. Maybe during Spring Break and Summer break you can come visit and I can show you some more famous battlefields."

"Maybe," Zak said. "We'll have to see where everything stands, and besides, I think I promised them I'd take them somewhere this summer."

"Oh? Where do you plan on taking them?"

"A few historically significant places throughout Laiatanese history. Inn where the last korol and his family were executed by a death squad from Zukov's Army, a couple of battle sites, then probably to the beach in Okezuka for a little while, and spend some time at the manor in Greenshill."

"Zukov seems to remind me of Mao and his Chinese Revolution," Natalka said.

Zak shrugged. "Only he was pro-democracy, capitalist, and stepped down after two terms of presidency. Of course, there was the Ipatiev Death Squad under Zukov’s Army which executed any influential noble that didn't renoucne their noble ties, plus there was a provisional government led by Zukov and the military until elections could be held, but other than that, he's probably considered the greatest president of Laiatan."

"Whatever happened to the Ipatiev Death Squad," Natalka asked. "I heard that they got out of control as they tried to eliminate anyone who had noble blood, even small children weren't spared from their wrath."

Zak shook his head. "No, they were disbanded by Zukov in 1758. By then every noble family got the idea and renounced their nobility."

"Read somewhere that a few noble families who didn't renounced were able to safely cross over into our nation. Of course, there were very few who did make it past the Ipatiev Death Squad," Sam said.

"The Royal Family wasn't so lucky. They stopped at an inn a few miles from the border and were captured and shot in the backyard of the inn," Zak continued.

"Ouch," Sam said. "Well, I wish you all a safe trip back home. And take care now. And good luck with your elections!"

"Thank you. You take care as well," Zak said, shaking each of the Rainard children's hands.

"You take care as well Stu," Natalka said. "I expect you to make my sister a very happy vixen."
"You know he will," Cecilia said.

Stu smiled as he kissed Cecilia again. "You take care as well."

They all said their goodbyes.

One by one, the First Family and Stu got onto the plane. Zak turned around and waved goodbye, and walked into the plane. The door shut and the plane began to taxi to takeoff.

"This is Control Tower Red Wolf 1 you are cleared for takeoff. Have a safe trip home!"

"Red Wolf 1 copy. Thanks Tower, have a nice day," the pilot said as he slowly increased the throttle. The Grobovich 210 sped down the runway and lifted off into the sky, heading back to Laiatan.

"Red Wolf 1 you have a safe flight back home now," the Fifth Squadron, the Devil Hounds, said as they escorted Zak's plane back home.

About an hour later, the aircraft neared Laiatanese airspace, where a flight of Strikers waited for their president.

"Red Wolf 1 take care now," Devil Hound leader said as they handed over the task of escorting Zak's plane to the Laiatanese pilots.

"Thanks for the escort Devil Hound, have a nice day," the pilot said as the 210 sailed into Laiatanese airspace. The Strikers fell into their escort formation. "Welcome home Red Wolf 1," the lead escort said over the radio. "Good to be home, good to be home," the pilot of the 210 replied.
Two hours later, the 210 passed into the Volkapita province. "Volkgoroda Tower, request permission to land." The tower responded, "Copy that Red Wolf 1, permission granted." The 210 began its descent and touched down safely on the runway.

Laiatanese Federation | Lupine Race (INCOMPLETE) | Defense Forces
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SCKnightVulshain
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The Boll Weevel
OOC: This happened on May 23.

IC:

Kitsuniva, Vulshain

Sam straightened his uniform as he waited for the Elephanian delegation to arrive at Skayarem International Airport.

Elephana Air One, EA 1, an Airbus A319-115-XCJ, appeared on the horizon, along with an Elephanian Air Force escort of three F-16E Fighting Falcons and two F-15SA Eagles. Three Vulshainian Excaliburs and two Caladbolgs joined the military escort.

"This is Elephana Air One requesting permission to land," the Elephanian pilot said.

"This is the Control Tower. Request granted. Proceed to Runway 4-B Alpha 1. Welcome to Vulshain, EA 1."

"Thank you Control Tower. Proceeding to Runway 4-B Alpha 1." The Airbus landed at the runway while its military escort landed as well.

A staircase rolled over towards the door after the Airbus had stopped. President Ravi Madhu stepped out of the plane, smiling and waving. He was dressed in a dark blue suit, a red waist-slash, and a fez. Behind him was his niece and daughter, as well as a few bodyguards, dressed in maroon Pagri turbans and khaki dress uniforms. One of them, Sam believed to a high ranking officer, was a tall Elephane with an eyepatch over his right eye and dressed in a dress uniform. He also wore a maroon Pagri turban. He had huge scar running across his right cheek, and part of his left ear was missing. The bodyguards were a mixture of humans and elephants.

Sam smiled as he greeted the President. Sam did a slight bow while he pressed his hands together, palms touching and his fingers pointed upwards, in front of his chest. He smiled as he said, "Namsite, Your Excellency."

The President merely smiled and did the same gestures that Sam did and said, "Namaste, Your Majesty." The Elephane general glared at Sam and said something in Swahili. The President spun around and said to the General in Hindi:

"जनरल! आप हमारे मेजबान अपमान की हिम्मत कैसे हुई?आप उसे यह तुरंत माफी माँगता हूँ!"

The general argued back in Hindi:

"महानुभाव!वह अपने ग्रीटिंग सही ढंग से स्पष्ट नहीं किया था जब वह आप को बधाई दी!यह वह था जो 1 का अपमान!"

President: "यह बात नहीं है!मैं अपने ग्रीटिंग में कोई अपमान देखा.यह आप है जो न केवल महामहिम का अपमान किया जा रहा है जो है, लेकिन यह भी रूप में अच्छी तरह से मुझे और अपने राष्ट्र के लिए!"

Quote:
 
OOC: Translation for those who can't read Hindi (Neither can I.  I just used Google's Translator ;): "General!  How dare you insult our host?  You will apologize to him this instant!"

"Your Excellency! He did not pronounced his greeting correctly when he greeted you! It was he who insulted first!"

"It doesn't matter! I saw no insult in his greeting.  It is you who is the one who is being insulting not only to His Majesty, but also to me and your nation as well!"



The General nodded and turned to Sam. "I apologize for my behavior Your Majesty. I saw your ignorance as insulting."

"Perfectly alright. I will admit that I had trouble trying to make sure I pronounced the greeting correctly, which it seems that I failed to do."

The general smiled a bit. "Ah. So, it was not ignorance, but nerves that stumbled you." The general performed Namaste. "I am General Isingoma Mahesh of the Elephanian Army. I am honored to be welcomed to your nation."

"Thank you and you're welcome," Sam said.

"This is my niece, Rukmini Sunitha." The Elephane young woman wore a head scarf and niqab, or veil in the half niqab that left part of her forehead and eyes visible. She wore a long black robe with a gold waist-slash. She greeted Sam. "And this is my daughter, Rumbidzai."

Rumbidzai was dressed in a white sari embroidered with bright golden brocade (known as kasavu) at the edges. She wore a pearl headdress and belled collar. "And this is Rumbidzai's...um..."

"Girlfriend, father," the President's daughter finished for him. A thin human woman bowed and greeted Sam as well. She was dressed in blue and sea green sari with gold and silver edges. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Su Laxmi."

"It is nice to meet you as well," Sam said, as he noticed the President's uneasiness about his daughter's girlfriend. "Now, if you will, I will take you to Silver Canis Hall."

After they got there, and a minor argument between the President and the General, during the Reviewing of the troops, Sam gave them a quick tour of the Confederate Palace. "You have such a beautiful architecture and style of art, Your Majesty," the President said.

"Indeed," General Mahesh said, "very unlike the Vekaiyuns and their gothic and dark tastes."

"Well, we will never did like our southern cousins' dark art styles." As he continued the tour, Sam added, "You will be happy to know that we are opening an embassy for Elephana here. Once we have the paperwork done, we might be able to open an embassy in Elephana."

"Splendid! Splendid indeed! I am grateful that you are doing this," the President of Elephana said, his eyes lighting up with joy. "And now, we must honor our host with our traditions! Rumbidzai, if you will." Sam took them to the Grand Ball Room where they could see the performance.

Rumbidzai performed the dance. Sam watched in interest as she danced. "What kind of dance is this, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Ah. This is a dance very similar to the Odissi dance of India. Elephana has many similarities to India, Turkey, and Pakistan in terms of culture and customs."

Sam nodded. "You must be very proud of her."

"Indeed I am. Although she can be quite a handfull, to be honest. I will be honest, her choice of...um..."

"Her choice of being a lesbian," Sam finished with a smirk. The General raised an eyebrow at this.

"Yes...Not many were pleased that she came out of the closet, although, that is one thing I am trying to do is end such discrimination in my nation. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done. But, having someone like the High Yogini Lama Yamuna Rati Aysun preached peace and friendship among others is a blessing."

"And a danger," General Mahesh added.

"I'm sorry, the High Yogini Lama Yamuna Rati Aysun?"

"The High Yogini Lama Yamuna Rati Aysun is a spiritual Buddhist leader in our nation. She is a vulpine vixen. The daughter of a Vayan Catholic mother and a Buddhist father, Aysun helped bring peaceful relations between the Vayan Catholics and Buddhists of the Nandithilas Valley. She has traveled throughout Elephana and parts of Listonia, preaching peace and equality to all, regardless of race, gender, religion, etc.," President Madhu explained.

"The High Yogini Lama is also a problem as more and more people view her a bringer of peace, which is causing problems for the military as she preaches non-violent solutions to our problems with Listonia and Vekaiyu. She has even volunteered to serve as an envoy of peace between us," the General explained further.

"Nothing wrong with that. We all could use some non-violent solutions these days," Sam countered.

"Yes, I guess so," the General said.

After Rumbidzai's performance, the President's niece gave Sam a golden satin sash with the Vulshainian National seal on the front. "Thank you."

Later, after a quick meal (Sam made sure to have the food to be appropriate for Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists before hand), Sam was given two gifts by the President: a bronze Nataraja statue depicting the god Shiva dancing and the other a silver statue depicting a four-armed vulpine vixen dancer performing the Ananda Tandava, the joyous dance of creation.

"Thank you. These will look excellent in our Royal Museum," Sam said.

"You are most welcome, Your Majesty."

Sam then had two performances in honor of his guests. "This is my older sister, Royal Secretary Taisyia Rainard." Taisyia bowed. She was dressed in a balleria outfit, minus the tutu. "And this is the Baroness of Celiam, Isidora Agata Roksana." The Baroness was wearing the traditional Vulshainian natmaria outfit. She bowed to her nation's guests.

Taisyia performed a Vulshainian ballet for the President. "Amazing. Simply amazing. We don't have many people do ballet in Elephana."

"I can't see why," Sam said. His sister was accompanied by Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A major as she performed her ballet.

After she was finished, the Baroness performed the traditional Vulshainian dance of Kuchinatya. "Interesting. It seems similar to Indian dancing," the General pointed out.

"Indian dances have had some influence on our culture," Sam explained.

"I see. It is always a pleasure to learn more about another's culture and traditions, Your Majesty."

"Indeed it is." Sam watched the Baroness, his tail wagging once in a while. His guests didn't notice this.

Finally it came for the Elephanians to leave. Sam had given his guests a model replica of the RVS (Royal Vulshainian Ship) Determination, one of Vulshain's most famous ships during the 1700s.

"I am glad to have you as Ambassador to our nation, Ms. Sanjana Fungai," Sam said. The green and silver sari-wearing elven woman smiled. "The honor is all mine, Your Majesty."

"You must visit Elephana once the Listonian Crisis is resolved, King Rainard," the Elephanian President said.

"Thank you and I look forward to visiting you," Sam said.

EA 1, after being cleared to take off, departed the airport, accompanied by its military escort.







Confederacy of Vulshain
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Queen Ravenna
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Aurora DiLaurentis
OOC: I'm relatively new to the NS public RP. Please be lenient.

Her Majesty Ravenna Fontainon, Queen of the Thirteen Kingdoms, received an invitation from the Royal Court of Vulshain 3 days before the annual Ceremony of Fire.
Queen decides that the Ceremony was more important and delayed her travel.
But she was determined to visit the mysterious land of Vulshain. It was a great opportunity to..explore the new lands.
The Ambassador from Vulshain saw the golden glory of Ravenna's court and his new King probably knew how prestigious guest would visit his palace.

On Friday Queen Ravenna entered "The Majestic" - her royal ship - with a convoy of other gigantic 15 warships and left the port city of Chaire in Ilerien.
The journey was quite safe thanks to Queen's magical powers (they affect weather too).
On Tuesday Ravenna arrived to the shores of Vulshain and travelled to the capital city of Kitsuniva. She was pleased seeing the Vulshainian landmarks.

"Looks civilized. They are not poor. That's certain." she said to her aide, Alessa Valiarde, while sitting in her golden carriage.

The Queen with her net worth of 196 billion dollars was accustomed to the expensive luxuries and the glamorous spectacle of power.
Her expectations were very high. But even a quick glance at the royal palace proved that Vulshainians were worthy of attention and could be proud of themselves.
Vulshain was certainly equal to Aberdon or Bisra..

Queen Ravenna Fontainon decided to show Vulshainians herself in her full prime, but maintaining respect and feeling of kindness.
Ravenna wanted especially to make an everlasting impression on the new King. That was the main point of her visit.

At the noon the Queen entered the palace's main hall, with her most trusted bodyguards, in all grandeur. Suddenly she heard loud "Oh, Queen Ravenna herself!" and turned back slowly.

Posted Image

PS: My net worth of 196 billion dollars isn't a godmod! Cleopatra with one kingdom of Egypt had 96 billion dollars, while I rule over 13 kindoms, 5 especially large - which is one great Empire. So it's quite logical that I have much more money than Cleopatra.
To find more infos search for "the richest people in history" etc.
Posted Image

Her Imperial Majesty Aurora I DiLaurentis
Empress of Oceania


Loving Wife of Tim Stark (Tim-Opolis)

Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead.
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Nahris
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You got blood on my Suit.
"REPUBLIC! REPUBLIC! REPUBLIC! REPUBLIC! REPUBLIC! REPUBLIC! REPUBLIC!"

The protesters continued to chant as they waved signs in Nahris City's Union Square Gardens, the main designated area for public protests and other events. Many of the placards showed slogans such as "No room for monarchies" and "People, not Princes". The Nahrinese were not impressed with the coronation of King Samuil and with a lack of foreign representation of his kingdom there, they chose to make their point in the most prominent part of their homeland. The massive banner made their sentiments clear.

"NO GODS OR KINGS. ONLY MAN."

Prime Minister Kenny Cuthbert looked on from the balcony of the National Assembly Offices and gave a small nod of approval as he walked away. He had no interest in the goings on of King Samuil other than to hear of when the monarchy in Vulshain falls. Some would say he is biased as the Nahrin Union has had a bad experience with monarchies, firstly with the many divided kingdoms, tribal lands, principalities and fiefdoms that made up ancient Nahris, then the Trans-Nahrin Royal Families, the monstrosity made up of of those different royal families ruling jointly before General Smyth overthrew them all in a coup, only to rule himself as some sort of twisted monarchical tyrant in all but name and title.

These centuries of bad experiences meant that the Nahrin Union had a particularly anti-royalist stance, had no time for royalists and any that popped out of the woodwork would be lectured on the power and goodness of republicanism until they either submitted to that voluntarily, or submitted to it involuntarily. There wasn't any other opinion as far as the citizens of this strange autarkic nation were concerned.

Cuthbert strolled past a large wall with several engravings on it. It was formally a lavish fresco depicting the Trans-Nahrin Royal Families as God-like beings, as the National Assembly Offices were previously one of their palaces. As is to succinctly symbolise the new found hard republican stance, the mural had deliberately been defaced and preserved in its defaced form. There were only two phrases left that was legible. Cuthbert looked at them and nodded in silent approval, as if to affirm his belief of strict rule of law over all.

"NO GODS OR KINGS. ONLY MAN."

"KOWTOW NOT TO EMPERORS, NOR DEITIES, BUT TO THE PEOPLE'S WILL."
The Nahrin Union/Republic of Nahris
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Trying to deal with the Nahrin Union is like getting blood from a stone...
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SCKnightVulshain
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The Boll Weevel
Sam was a little surprised when he heard that the Queen of the Thirteen Kingdoms was coming...by sea! This was a first, but still he had the Home Guard Fleet escort her and her ships into the harbor of Gelara, provincial capital of Catael. According to what the Confederate Protection Guards (CPGs) reported, she was travelling by carriage. Sighing, he informed any and all cities she might pass through on her way to Kitsuniva. He had informed several ministers to work overtime to get the city ready in time for her visit.

When she entered the capital city, there were police officers and soldiers stationed as crowd control. Motorcycle police officers and CPGs helped out as well. Sam figured that the Queen would like to have a traditional escort, so he had the Royal Cavalry Guard escort her.

"From what my ambassador has told me, they use magic or something similar to magic. I probably should wait and show her our Confederate Battle Armors (CBAs) later. Don't want to spook her," he thought.

Lobos, vulpines, and humans waved the flags of both Vulshain and the Thirteen Kingdoms as the Queen entered Silver Canis Hall's Grand Entry. Designed in elegant Baroque style, the ceiling was covered with that of a pleasant star-filled night sky, while the floor was made of white marble. The walls were crafted from both oak wood and marble and were adorned with gilded carvings.

In front of them was a superb marble staircase. Ten solid columns of granite, decorated with ivy reliefs, supported the vaults of the Great Staircase. The banisters were made of red marble, while the gliding was made of silver. The walls of the Grand Entry displayed portraits of many of Vulshain's kings and queens.

Above each painting was the emblem of their family coat of arms.

Sam smiled as he approached her. Accompanying him were Fred and four other CPGs, three of them were wearing the CPG uniform, while the other two were wearing suits with the CPG insignia worn on their suit lapel, a blue necktie and pocket handkerchief, as well as sunglasses and a communication earpiece.

Samuil was wearing his Ground Forces uniform. Along with him was his grandmother, Queen Dowager Anatansya Olekalexein. She wore a dark purple kimsari decorated with red and gold butterflies. It left her shoulders bare. Around her waist was a gold and black ivy-patterned obi belt. In her hair was a silver butterfly hair piece.

The lobo Queen Dowager smiled as she said, "Oh, Queen Ravenna herself!" Samuil smiled as he greeted as well.

"It is honor to have you visit our nation, Queen Ravenna Fontainon. I hope you had an enjoyable trip here," he said. The Queen Dowager bowed slightly to her.
Confederacy of Vulshain
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