Coronation of the new monarch of Vulshain

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81

— Begin quote from ____

His Majesty, King Samuil Rainard
The King of The Confederacy of Vulshain

I’m sincerely sorry, about missing the coronation. With the sudden destabilization that a small minority in Miurian Cauldron caused, we were preoccupied with the endeavour to maintain peace in the region. I hope it won’t negatively affect relations within our nations.
However I congratulate you on becoming the next king of Vulshain, and hereby hope for the improvement in the relations between our nations. Relations that were neglected by the former King, I must sadly admit.
If there is such a possibility, I’d like to congratulate you in person.

Signed
His Graciousness, Duke Albert Johans von Richenstein II
Duke of The Grand Duchy of Smigsachenweiz

— End quote

— Begin quote from ____

His Majesty, King Samuil Rainard
The King of The Confederacy of Vulshain

On behalf of the Serenitech Corpocracy I would like to congratulate you, on the coronation and becoming the next ruler of Vulshain.
Know, that we would be glad to open business relations with your country, and trade with you. If you need to improve the standards of lives of the people of Vulshain, or you want to modernize your army, we would be glad to give you a new-ruler discount.

CEO Malcolm Sharpe
Serenitech Corpocracy

— End quote

82

The Octagon, Kilenov County, Jugikanista, Southern Yugoslavia

The elevator came to a stop at F-4 in the heavily guarded Octagon, the headquarters of Southern Yugoslavia’s military. The uniformed man had a briefcase handcuffed to his hand. He walked into the long and narrow hallway. A steel door sat on the other end guarded by two armed soldiers. The man walked up to a small terminal to the left of the door, and placed his thumb on the scanner, and looked into the retina scanner. The door unlocked, and he signed the clipboard that the soldier handed him. The other soldier opened the door, and the uniformed man walked in. Behind him, the door shut and locked.

Inside, a massive digital map of the world sat on the wall. Under the wall, security-cleared workers worked at computers and terminals, monitoring the world. In the center, a digital map of Southern Yugoslavia was marked with multiple red spots. Around the map stood high ranking members of the Department of Defense, Head of the Internal Intelligence Agency and the Secretary of Defense. The uniformed man walked down the stairs and placed the briefcase on the table next to map. The Secretary of Defense handed the man the key, and then opened the briefcase. He pulled out files and pictures.

“So, General Vance. What do you have for us?” the Secretary asked.

“Well, Secretary Svenichok, we have our deck of 52,” Vance pulled out a deck of cards with photos where the spades, diamonds, clubs, and spades usually go. “and thirty of which have been confirmed killed or captured. The only ones left are the Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, tens, and the Nine of Hearts and Diamonds.” He put the cards on the table. “We have confirmed reports that the Ace of Spades is currently meeting with the other top officials, and is located in this region along the border with Vulshain. Our troops have surronded the area, but the Vulshain side is still open. Our concern is that Al-Jawhar, their leader, will flee once we begin our attack. Now, we don’t want to get Vulshain involved, since they haven’t had issues with them before.”

Svenichok nodded. “We’ve noticed they’ve actually beefed up patrols along this area.” Svenichok touched the map and zoomed in a section of the border between Southern Yugoslavia and Vulshain. “This is also the area where the KRT leadership is located, correct?” Vance nodded. “Then they must have noticed our troop movements, even though it’s relatively forested. Either way, if they make their way across the border, he should be stopped by their border guards.” The Chief of Staff of the Army, General Pylli Skranesti, piped in. “Secretary Svenichok, I’ve brought in attack helicopters and transport helicopters to quickly insert and support our troops. As long as intel is accurate, we’ll have them locked in. Our only main concern is hurting relations with Vulshain, since we’ll be having a shooting war just across the border. Hopefully, we’ll capture the top personnel, and we won’t have to deal with this kind of stuff ever again.”

General Vance looked over to Secretary Svenichok. “Secretary Svenichok, all it requires is your signature, and we can begin the assault. We’ve already had verbal clearence from the President, and once you sign we’ll move in.” Svenichok slid the paper over, and signed. “Begin the assault.” General Vance nodded, and returned the paper to the briefcase. He cleaned up, and exited the room.

83

Gedi, Province of Acounor, Vulshain

Captain Alicja Maja sighed as she saw a green stationwagon drove up. She walked up to the the driver’s side. “Sir, I need to see license and papers, please?”

“Only another hour, and I can get back home to a comforty bed and my husband’s arms.”

The driver and his passenger had dark sunglasses and hats on. “Sure, just one moment.” He handed her the papers.

She looked at them. “One moment. I need to check your vehicle.” She looked around at the stationwagon. She placed her hand on her Mateba Autorevolver. She looked at the vehicle.

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes…Wait.” She looked at the license plate on the car and then looked the driver’s license. “Sirs. Step out of the vehicle. Now.”

“Ma’am?”

“Step. Out. Of. The. Car. Now.” She switched the safety off her AK-74. She yelled something in Polish.

Several Border Guards surrounded the vehicle.

“Um…Is there a problem?”

“Get the hell out of the car now!” The Border Guards aimed their weapons at the driver and the passanger.

“Punch it, man!” The driver slammed on the gas, almost running over some of the Border Guards. Alicja fired her AK-74 at the driver. The driver was riddled with holes as his body twisted the steering wheel, causing the van to do a very sharp U-turn, one in which caused the van to flip over. The van’s front bumper was barely touching the gate.

The Border Guards surrounded the car. The passanger was yanked out of the car by two Lobo Border Guards. Two more passangers, were pulled out as well, while a fourth was put on a stretcher, blood pouring from a nasty head wound.

“Yes, sir! Several people tried to get into Southern Yugoslavia. No, sir, I don’t know who they are. The driver’s dead, and one of the suspects may not make it. Serious head injury, sir. We have three of them in custody. Yes, sir,” a senior sergeant told the head of the Gedi Vulshainian Border Guard HQ.

Podpolkovnik Johann Maja had been asleep in bed, waiting for his wife to get off work, when he got the call about some crooks trying to break into Southern Yugoslavia. He was worried about his wife, but right now, he was busy getting any avaliable Border Guard personnel to get into high gear. Security had to be tightened. He knew his wife would hate it, but she would understand that this meant more patrols and guard duties.

“I want the 41st Armored Corps on immediate standby. Alert all other Border Guard Stations along the Southern Yugoslavian-Vulshainian Border to be on high alert. I want to be informed of anyone or anything trying to get across the border!” He hung up the phone as he got out of the bed to get dressed. “Looks like me and Alicja will have to get our private time together another night. Better check up on the pups, first.”

84

OOC: SY, I went ahead and posted what we’ve done so far, just to keep the thread going. Oh and this collab post between me and Southern Yugoslavia (SY).

Cecilia held Stu’s arm as she asked, “So, where’s the best place to get a drink?” She smiled.

Stu led Cecilia down the snow-laden sidewalk. “There’s a little family owned inn a couple of blocks over, in the older part of the city. It’s always nice and quiet.” Stu led Cecilia to the inn, and proceeded to open the door. The warm inn was like an oasis in a cold winter. Inside, a few off-duty soldiers sat in their winter gear. Stu and Cecilia passed them. The highest-ranking soldier, a Master Sergeant, nodded to Stu, and recognized his rank. “Kommandant.” Stu nodded in reply, acknowledging him.

Stu approached the bar with Cecilia, and an elderly lobo appeared from the back room. He recognized Stu, and greeted him in Lobonese. “Stu, my friend. How are you?” They shook hands. “I’m good, Mishkai. And how are you and Veralia doing?” “Ah, we both are quite well. So, what can I do for you?”

Stu looked at Cecilia. “What would you like?”

Cecilia greeted the bartender in Lobonese before looking at Stu with a smile. “Vodka, please.”

“Okay. Mishkai, one vodka and a Red Wolf.” Mishkai nodded, and quickly prepared both drinks. He handed them to Stu, who led Cecilia over to a table near one of the windows. He pulled Cecilia’s chair out, who then sat down. Stu sat down across from her. He took a sip from his drink. “So, what do you think of Southern Yugoslavia so far?”

Cecilia had taken a sip of her drink when Stu asked her his question. She smiled, wagging her tail a bit. “I like it a lot. I wish I had more time to see the beaches and even other parts of the country. Sam and I will have to return the favor to you and Zach, once Sam’s tour of the East Pacific is over. Of course…” She took few sips of her drink. “…I was wondering…what did you think of last night?” She smiled at him.

“Last night was great.” Stu took a drink from his Red Wolf. “Maybe I can talk Zach into letting me take a few days leave, and I can take you to some of the areas here in Southern Yugoslavia.”

Cecilia smiled.“I would like that. Of course, it will have to be after my brother’s tour of the East Pacific. Maybe, if you’re able to take off for a few days, you could visit Vulshain.” She drank some of her vodka before continuing. “Do you think we can make this relationship work?” She looked at him.

Stu looked back at her. “I went through the toughest training in Southern Yugoslavia’s military to get into the Republican Guard. I think we can make a long-distance international relationship work. Now, I can’t say how the people will react, but, it doesn’t matter.” He took a drink of his Red Wolf.

85

OOC: A collab post between me and Southern Yugoslavia.

IC:

Stu turned his attention towards the group of soldiers as they got up. They opened their wallets, and put down a §10 bill each. Putting their winter jackets back on, they thanked the owners, and stepped back out into the cold. They passed the window behind Cecilia, and nodded to Stu. One of them lit a cigarette as they walked. Stu looked back to Cecilia.

“So what’s it like being related to Sam?”

“Well, growing up we got along quite well. We did argue some, but that’s normal among siblings. After…the Civil War, and we both lost our parents, as well as trouble finding the rest of our family, we grew closer. There were…a lot of bumps, let’s put it that way. Finding out that we were of royal blood was quite a surprise for us.”

Stu nodded. “I hope I’m not hitting a few nerves here, but have you had any luck finding any of your other siblings?”

Cecilia smiled. “No…You’re not hitting any nerves.” “I think we received word that Taisyia and Erik were found. Taisyia appeared on the news when she gave a speech at the Day of the Victorious ceremonies. I can’t wait to see them, and I know that Sam is happy too. We’re still looking for Natalka and Anna.” She then took Stu’s hand and held it as they walked.

They left the bar, and thanked the owners. “Do you have any idea where they might be?”

“Anna and Natalka? I’m not sure where they are. Natalka’s listed as MIA and Anna was listed as KIA. I…always refused to believe that both of them are dead.”

Stu sighed. “I’ve got some connections with the Internal Intelligence Agency. I’ll try to see if I can have someone find out what happened to them. Where were they last before they went MIA?”

“Thank you. Anna was onboard the Reskoveyia when it was attacked by an enemy submarine in the Gulf of Itur. There’s a lot of ground, or water, to cover. Natalka’s unit was ambushed, but her body was never found. She’s my sororal twin sister: we were born at the same time.”

“While I can’t guarantee anything, I’ll try my best to get some people on it.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Cecilia then said, “I will admit: I was not happy when my brother made me his Royal Confederate Premier. I never did like politics.”

“Well, look at it this way: You get to see the world.”

“That’s true,” she answered with a smile. “I did always wanted to see the world.”

Cecilia looked at Stu, especially his white fur with streaks of black. “I like your fur pattern. It…makes you very attractive.” She blushed and wagged her tail when she said that.

Stu smiled as they walked onto Capital Street. “Thanks. I like your eyes. They compliment you well.” Stu’s tail wagged as he looked in her eyes.

Cecilia smiled as she wagged her tail as well. “Thank you. Would you like to…um…how do I put this…sleep with me again?”

Stu smiled. “Of course.” An engine came to a stop beside them. Inside was a patrol of Republican Guard soldiers. One of them climbed out. “Kommandant, need a lift? Kind of cold out.” Stu looked at Cecilia. “Shall we return to the Wolfsden?”

“Yes. Let’s,” she replied with a smile.

The soldier opened the back door for them. Once they entered, he climbed back in. “We can take you as far as the Square, we’re still on patrol. But you can walk from there.” Stu nodded. “Well then, let’s go.” The HUMVEE lurched forward, and in a few minutes arrived at Capital Square. The soldier got out and opened the door for Cecilia. “Here we are. Have a good night, Kommandant. Premier.”

“Thank you.” She got out standing beside Stu as the HUMVEE drove away. “What is your family like,” she asked as they walked to the Wolfsden?

“They’re pretty nice people. My father, Frederik, served in the Air Force for 25 years. He was a combat pilot, and flew MiGs before we started replacing them with the Striker. He’s a pretty nice guy, but he can make your life hell if you get on his bad side. My mother, Natalia, is a teacher and is a great cook when it comes to traditional foods. She’s a great lady. They live in Hijiati, so I always get a chance to go visit them. I don’t have any siblings, though.”

She nodded as she listened. Cecilia envied Stu that his parents were still alive. “Your father must have wanted you to go into the Air Force,” she asked.

“Oh, they both supported me all the way. My grandfather was in the military, as well. The military’s in my blood, all the way back to the earliest records of my family we have. And yes, he did want me to go into the Air Force. Joining the Republican Guard allowed me to do that, so he’s pretty happy about that.”

“The same is true for my family. Both my father and mother were in the military. Mom was in the Confederate Resistance, and dad was one of the Vekaiyun soldiers who came over during the Monarchical Revolution when Vekaiyu and Southern Yugoslavia helped us retake our nation from Rivers. All of my siblings, except for Erik, he’s the youngest, are in the military. Of course, a lot of my friends tried to convince me to become an art model before I joined the Air Force.”

They approached the doors to enter the Wolfsden. Stu looked at Cecilia before entering. “I think you would have made a great art model.”

“Thank you,” she smiled. “I actually was a model back in high school, along with Anna, Natalka, and Taisyia. We did it to earn some money and because it was fun…well, not at first. Anna was the one who convinced us to do it. It never occurred to us that being an art model meant posing nude in front of our peers.” She chuckled. “It was…a new experience let’s leave it at that.”

Stu chuckled. “Gotcha.” He opened the door for Cecilia, and walked in behind her.

“Anna taught me how to draw. I’m pretty good at it, but she was way better than I was. Dad and Mom had invited some friends over one day, and they didn’t realize that Anna was doing a life portrait of me nude for a homework assignment. I will never forget the looks on my parents’ muzzles when they walked in on us. Our parents’ friends found it very funny.”

Stu chuckled and look at his watch. “It’s getting late. Shall we go to bed?”

“Sure.” She led the way back to her room. After she closed the door and made sure it was locked, she kissed him as she rubbed the back of his neck.

86

[OOC: This is a collaboration post between Vulshain and I.]]

Cecilia woke up, having fallen asleep next to Stu. She had made sure to close the curtains to keep the morning sun from shining through. She smiled as she looked at the Lobo who she had fallen in love with and was still sleeping. “He looks so peaceful.”

She gently embraced him, being careful not to disturb him as she nuzzled her head against Stu’s neck. She glanced at the clock. It read 9:57 AM. “I’ll let him sleep for several more minutes. He’s probably exhausted from last night,” she thought. Cecilia smiled as she recalled what had happened last night. She wished it didn’t have to end but Samuil and her had several more countries to visit and more world leaders to meet. Still, she could always visit Stu once in awhile and she could always invite Stu and Zach to Vulshain after Sam’s tour of the region. She smiled.

Stu awoke a few minutes later and wrapped his arm around Cecilia after feeling her touch. “Good morning.” Stu smiled and kissed her forehead. A heavy knock came at the door. It slightly opened, and a muzzle came through. “Kommandant, you’re needed downstairs.” The muzzle left and the door shut.

Cecilia smiled as he kissed her. “Good morning.” When, the door opened and someone asked Stu to come downstairs, her heart skipped a beat. After the person had left, Cecilia’s eyes widened. “I thought I locked that…oh wait. They have keys.” She looked at Stu. “I hope you’re not in trouble.” She could imagine how much trouble he might be in.

“I’m hoping this who I think it is.” Stu said, as he began putting on his uniform. He buttoned his tunic, and approached the door. “I would suggest getting dressed. Hopefully, you’ll be coming downstairs as well.”

She nodded as she got out of bed and quickly got dressed. She hoped that Stu wasn’t in any trouble.“Alright, let’s see what is going on.”

Cecilia appeared at the top of the stairs just as Stu shook a man’s hand and hugged him with one arm. “It’s good to see you, Skylar.” Skylar smiled. “And you, Stu. Kommandant of the Republican Guard. Last I saw you, you were Vice.” Skylar had a smile on his face as he said it. “And you’re head of the I.I.A. Look at you, moving up in the world.” Stu retorted, also smiling. “So, what do you have for me today?” Skylar pulled two files out of a satchel. “I heard you were looking for this.” Stu opened up the folders, and looked up to the stairs. He saw Cecilia at the top. “Cecilia, come down here for a minute.”

Cecilia descended the stairs, and stood next to Stu. “Cecilia, this is Skylar Postrnov, head of the Internal Intelligence Agency. Skylar, this is the Vulshainian Premier, Cecilia Rainard.” Skylar smiled and offered his hand to Cecilia. Cecilia took his hand and shook it. “Premier, I have some information I heard you were interested in.” Stu handed her the folders, which she promptly opened the one on top. Inside of the folder was a Polaroid of Natalka staring back at her. Written on the white space was 6-21-2009.

Her hands were trembling. “Where is she?” She continued to look at photos.

The front door opened, and Natalka stood in the doorway.

Cecilia looked at her sororal twin sister as tears ran down her muzzle. “Oh by the Den Mother, Natalka.”

The two walked up to each to other. “It’s been awhile, Cecilia,” Natalka said with tears in her eyes. The two sisters smiled and embraced once another, tears running down their faces. The sisters had been reunited.

87

[OOC: This is a collaboration post between Vulshain and I.]]

Cecilia turned and looked over her shoulder at Stu, smiling at him, tears still in her eyes. While unspoken, the message in her eyes told him two simple words: “Thank you.”

Natalka broke the embrace, smiling. “So, how long has it been? Seven years? A lot has probably changed since I was gone.”

Stu stood beside Skylar as they watched the sisters reunite. Stu responded to Cecilia’s look with a nod and smiled.

Cecilia sighed as she told Natalka, “A lot has change. Sam’s well he’s the king now.”

“What!? You’re kidding me, right?”

Cecilia shook her head. “No.”

“Next you’re going to tell me that you’re the Premier of Vulshain.”

“I am. And…”

This was the hard part. “Mom and dad are dead.”

Natalka was shocked and stunned. “I…I need to sit down. Seven years…seven years…I can’t believe everything that’s changed.”

“Are you going to be alright?”

“Yeah. It is…just a lot to take in.” Natalka sighed as she sat down. “So where’s Sam?”

88

OOC: This is a collaboration post between Southern Yugoslavia and me.

Sam wondered what was going on. He had been talking with Zach about some things, such as the military alliance between their two nations as well as thanking him for the visit and capturing Rivers. “I wonder what’s going on. Are you throwing some kind of party for me?”

Zach chuckled. “Well, we weren’t planning on any party. But, I do believe Stu has a surprise for you downstairs. Let’s go.” Zach stood up with Sam and exited the room. They proceeded down the stairs, where Stu and Skylar were waiting, with Cecilia and Natalka hidden from sight.

“I wonder what it is.” Sam saw Stu and another lobo. “Hello and good morning Stu.” Sam looked at the other lobo. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” Sam smiled at him. Sam wondered where Cecilia was.

“No sir, we have not. I am Director Skylar Postrnov, head of the Internal Intelligence Agency here in Southern Yugoslavia.” Skylar shook Sam’s hand as he introduced himself.

“A pleasure to meet you, Director.” Sam shook his hand. “Now, can someone—Oh Almighty!” Sam saw his older sister Natalka standing next to Cecilia. “Natalka!?” Sam rubbed his eyes in disbelief. “I can’t believe it. Is it really you?” Natalka came over smiling, doing her best to keep from crying. “In the flesh, Sam–I mean Your Majesty.”

“Oh for crying out loud! I don’t need my sister calling me that!” Both siblings laughed as they embraced each other. “So, you’re the king now. I guess a lot has changed since I’ve been gone.” Sam nodded.

“I think I have you to thank for this,” Sam said to Zach.

Zach smiled and shook his head. “It was no problem at all. Just think of it as a gift from a new ally to a new ally.”

Sam smiled. “I’m going to be honest with you Zach: what you have done, by reuniting me with my sister, well, I am indebted to you. I can’t thank you enough for this.”

Natalka nodded. “Yeah, especially since they got me out of Rygard.” Both Cecilia and Sam were shocked. “Rygard!?” They turned to Skylar for the answers.

“She was a prisoner of war being held in Esteroak. When she came up on some of our Marines pinned down by a few Rygardi troops, she took them out. We shipped her here on the first flight out.”

Natalka was glad he left out the part that she was naked when they found her. “Thank you. I appreciate it very much,” Sam said. Cecilia smiled, especially at Stu. Natalka noticed her smile, but said nothing, deciding to confront her sister about it later. Sam then said, “I wish we could stay longer Zach, but I’m afraid that me and my sisters have to leave. I have a lot of nations to visit.”

“Thank you for inviting us and giving us an excellent experience and warm welcome during our stay here,” he finished as he shook Zach’s hand. He then said, “When my tour of the East Pacific is finished, I’m going to invite you and your family to stay with us in Vulshain.” Cecilia was quick to add that Stu should be invited as well.

“Of course.” Zach smiled as he shook Sam’s hand. “It’ll be nice to see what changes have happened in Vulshain since Stu and I last saw it.” Zach chuckled.

Sam nodded. “I would be honored to show you both around. And…I think my sister would enjoy Stu’s company.” Sam smiled. Cecilia blushed and had difficulty controlling her wagging tail. “I…I think we should get our belongings together,” Cecilia added before anyone noticed.

Stu also felt his tail slightly wag. “Of course. Go right ahead.” Stu smiled as Zach and Skylar stood beside him.

The Vulshainians quickly gathered their belongings and were ready to leave, although Cecilia wanted to kiss Stu goodbye badly, but was afraid of causing a scene.

Zach spoke up. “Cecilia, would you come here for a minute. I have something for you.” He motioned for her to come towards him. “She’ll be right out.” Zach said, directed towards Sam and Natalka.

Cecilia nodded. She walked towards him. “Yes,” she asked.

Zach watched as Sam and Natalka exit the building. Zach simply said, “Go ahead.” He then left the room with Skylar.

Cecilia followed Zach, wondering what was going on.

They entered the dining room, where Stu was sitting. Zach motioned towards Stu, and left with Skylar, shutting the door behind them.

“Um…Stu wants going on?”

Stu stood up. “I wanted to say goodbye, until we visit Vulshain.” He smiled.

Cecilia smiled. “I suppose that Zach knows about…our relationship.” She kissed him.

He returned her kiss. “We’ve been friends for years. I’m sure he picked up on it from the start.”

Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad that he understands. I was afraid that he would be upset at you or something. I probably should have known better, since you have been friends for a long time.” She embraced him. “I hope to see you soon.”

“Me too.” He kissed her once more.

Cecilia kissed him back. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Cecilia smiled. “I’ll be sure to show you around Vulshain after my brother’s tour of the region. I’ll keep in touch.” Cecilia wagged her tail, as she kissed him on the cheek one last time. “I better get going now. Don’t want to keep my brother and sister waiting.”

Stu smiled as his tail wagged. “Can’t wait to hear from you.”

“Same here.” She allowed Stu to escort to where her brother and sister were waiting.

Stu walked her out to the limo where Sam and Natalka were waiting inside.

Cecilia got into the limo. “Goodbye Stu,” she said as she got in. Sam and Natalka said their goodbyes, too. “We better get going,” Sam said.

Stu nodded. “Of course. Goodbye and good luck to you all.” Stu smiled and Cecilia, and shut the door to the limo. He hit the roof three times, and the motorcade began moving back towards the airport.

“So, where are we going?” Natalka looked towards Sam for an answer.
“I have to return to Vulshain for a bit. Some things have recently come up, and I need to take care of them before I travel to Vekaiyu,” he answered. “I know that you probably want to visit…mom and dad.”

Natalka sadly nodded. “Yes…I…” She was quiet. Cecilia finally spoke up. “Let’s not ruin this happy occasion now. Natalka’s back, relations between Vulshain and Southern Yugoslavia are strong.” All three of them smiled. Eventually they arrived at the airport.

Armed guards opened the doors, and escorted them to the waiting aircraft. Above them, a flight of Strikers flew over, ready to provide an aerial escort.

Cecilia smiled when she saw the Strikers fly overhead. “I really need to start pushing for a new fighter for Vulshain,” she thought. Sam allowed his sisters to board the plane first. He turned around and waved goodbye to the reporters and the people of Southern Yugoslavia before entering the plane. The pilot of the plane, after making sure Sam was onboard, then contacted the control tower for clearance to take off.

The tower cleared their take off request.

The pilot acknowledged and began the procedure to take off.

The Strikers moved into position next to the aircraft carrying Sam and his sisters.

“You know it’s strange. I’ve always wanted to return to Vulshain, but a part of me dreads going back,” Natalka said as she sat back in her chair.
“You’ll be fine Natalka,” Cecilia said. She was sitting next to Natalka as she patted her twin sister’s hand. Meanwhile Sam was busy working on speeches, possible treaties and other things. “Look at you,” Natalka told her brother. He looked up at her. “Huh?”

“I never thought you would be interested in politics,” she smiled. “You two can tell me how you got these jobs on the way home.”

The plane carrying them would soon reach the Vulshainian-Southern Yugoslavian border, where the Strikers would hand over the escorting to the Vulshainian Air Force.

The lead Striker pilot saw Vulshainian MiGs hovering around the meeting spot above the border. He called to them over the radio. “Here you go boys, your package is intact. We’re heading home.” The Strikers rolled away from the aircraft, and formed back up heading in the opposite direction.

“Thanks for the package,” the lead MiG pilot replied. “We’ll take it from here. Have a safe trip home.” The Vulshainian MiGs then took over the escorting the king’s plane.

On board, Sam and Cecilia had told Natalka what had happened. “Wow, never thought you two would be take up politics.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice,” Cecilia answered.

“Please, you had every chance to turn my offer down,” Sam replied. The two eventually started arguing. Natalka laughed.

The two looked at her. “I never thought I would be so happy to hear you two arguing with one another!” The three of them laughed together.

89

Sam embraced his sister and brother. “Erik! Taisyia! I can’t believe you two are alive!” He wasn’t the only one who was overjoyed and almost brought to tears. Natalka was so happy to be home that she couldn’t stop crying until they got back to the Confederate Palace. Sam remembered his grandmother’s tears of joy as she embraced her lost granddaughter.

Today

Sam was glad to be home, even if it was for a short time. He hadn’t expected that his workload would have piled up during his time in Southern Yugoslavia. There was one good thing: he had been reunited with his sisters. Still, he remembered Natalka’s comment that he was becoming good at politics. He never thought he would become so skilled at politics. He had been granted a chance to watch Southern Yugoslavia’s Congress in action, which gave him some ideas on how to improve Vulshain’s own legislative branch. It was probably time to restore Vulshain to a bicameral parliament. However, he felt that there were a lot of details that needed to be worked out before he could proceed with such a major change. He had been watching the elections for the new Royal Speaker of Parliament. He was pleased to see both Kili Ankeremia of the Yelizaveta Party and Myaneli Olinoweo of the Konstantin Party were tied for the position. Sam was not, however, comfortable with the fact that Zandra Avice Rachyl of the Federalist Party was catching up to them. He never liked the Federalists. They were strongly against his plan to tour the East Pacific and strengthen relations with other nations.

He didn’t like the candidates from the Conservative, Socialist Labor, and Communism United Parties. He felt that those three were too out-of-control. “A lot of their policies and ideals are too…extreme for my tastes, and probably everyone’s tastes for that matter.” He couldn’t ban them nor had their leaders arrested. He was most certainly not going down the same path as Merrill Rivers and Max Venavle. “The world doesn’t need another Rivers or another Max,” he said to himself. Still, as king, he could sway the public to turn against the Conservative, Socialist Labor, and Communism United Parties, but he had to do it discreetly as it would look like he was playing favorites and the Monarch of Vulshain was supposed to distant himself from favoring one political party over others. He still had an interview to do later tonight. He could use that to his advantage. It was sneaky, but he had to do something to help his people.

He also had to find some way to reel in DIEIS, especially after they had accused Natalka of having been brainwashed. “I should have asked Skylar how IIA is run. I probably should split DIEIS in half or at least reduced that waste of money’s power.” He had confirmation from IIA that his sister hadn’t been brainwashed and was perfectly okay. Still, DIEIS wasn’t happy. Their mood wasn’t improved by his answer of ‘I’m the king so shut up.’ He wasn’t happy with the department’s underhanded methods, especially their spying on his distant cousin in Azulcena. He had made sure to shred the photos and documents of his cousin and the king of Azulcena. He even had a CPG incinerate the shredded remains.

He checked the clock. “A few more hours before my interview,” he said to himself. "I still need to find grandma a Mother’s Day present before I leave for Vekaiyu.” He wondered how Natalka was doing…

(OOC: Natalka is visiting her parents’ graves in the Rainard Reunion thread)

90

Sam had made sure everyone was ready. “Erik, you got your suitcase ready?”

“Yep,” his little brother said over the phone. Erik was bringing his girlfriend, Coline, along, too. “What about our sisters? Are they ready?”

“They’re ready. I just have to call Premier Levinilie up and let her know we’ll be leaving soon.” Sam and Erik said goodbye as they hung up.

Sam then called Vekaiyu. He waited for the line to be picked up so he could talk to the Premier of Vekaiyu.

91

Ankya, Ikrisia’s secretary, sighed as she cleaned out her documents folder, trying to sort her files by month and theme as she continued to work despite her superior still being away for an unspecified reason. “Meeting. May. Armed Forces. March.” Of course she couldn’t just say it was an unspecified reason if someone did need her. She’d have to choose from a Rolodex of excuses, from ribbon cutting to swimming somewhere to take her mind off things. Of course most of the time she’d be “in dispose” and “unable to comment at this time”. “Kivreskov. April. Listonian Affairs. April.”

Suddenly the phone rang. “Hello?” she asked.

92

"Hello, this is King Samuil Rainard of Vulshain. May I speak to Premier Levinile, please?

93

“Oh. This is her secretary. She’s in dispose at the moment and unable to comment at this time. Perhaps I could leave a message?”

94

Sam mentally sighed. “Yes, can you please tell her that I will be travelling to Vekaiyu in a few days, sometime this week. I hope this isn’t sudden. I did tell her that I would be visiting Vekaiyu after I visited Southern Yugoslavia.”

95

Ankya brought up her excel file that contained a running schedule for the premier. “Certainly. Normally most leaders plan their visits at least a week in advance, but I believe she will be able to accommodate.” She paused as she entered it in. “Anything else I can do for you, sir?”

96

Sam thought for a moment. “I will be bringing some members of my family with me as well. And I hope to meet Premier Levinile soon. My family and I will probably be leaving for Vekaiyu this Wednesday or Thursday. I hope that gives her enough time to prepare for my arrival. I don’t want her to rush. If it’s too much trouble, I can reschedule.”

97

“Yes, that should be workable. I will inform her and if it does not work out for her I shall inform you and request you reschedule. If you do not hear from me by tomorrow, assume there are no problems and you shall gain clearance to fly to Vekaiyu.”

98

“Thank you very much. You take care now, Ms…um…what is your name? I apologize I should have asked.”

99

“It’s Ankya,” she added. “Ankya Ileskari. Thank you for your time sir I shall relay the message to her.”

100

“Thank you Kivia Ileskari. And take care now.” He said goodbye before hanging up. “Alright, now, I just need to wrap up any last minute stuff before I leave Wednesday,” he said to himself.