NationStates Jolt Archive

Moscow, Derscon

Prince John Rekjyavich was praying in the chapel of the Lutheran Church there, beside his father's casket. Prince Alexei came in behind him.

"Tomorrow, my brother." John opened his eyes and embraced his brother.

"Tomorrow we will put him to rest. Tomorrow you shall be Czar. Tomorrow this will be over."

o____O

Outside the Church

The bands, the military divisions, etc, were going over the plan together. In the front, Honour Guards will be carrying two Dersconi flags on the outside, with the Greater Prussian flag in the centre. THere will be four Honour Guards around them, acting as colour guards.

Then, the Corneliuian military divisions will be placed after the Colour Guard. Behind them is a line of Honour Guards, and behind them will be the casket carried by the Praetorian Guardsmen, with the two Princes behind the casket. Behind them will be the casket formation, which looked like THIS:

(Key: P = Prince; C = casket; H = Honour Guard; G = Praetorian Guard)

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
H HHHH G HHHH H
H GG GGGGG GG H
HHH GG GCCCG GG HHH
H GG GCCCG GG H
HHH GG GCCCG GG HHH
H GG GCCCG GG H
H G GGP PGG G H
H H HGGGGGH H H
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Behind them would be the Ridgian Outfits, behind them would be a section of each of the Dersconi Armed Forces -- Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force. Behind them would be PP's Mobile Suits, and bringing up the rear is another row of Honour Guards. Last minute fill-ins will go between the Ridgians and the Dersconi Armed Forces. Security will be tight, provided by Marines and Rangers, mostly in the form of snipers and tanks that are rolling along with the procession.

President Server and Secretary Sheridan prepare for the funeral that'll take place tomorrow.

OOC: Small post yea I know. More tomorrow if I'm feeling up to it.

Reverend Rainley and Bishop Jacob were preparing for the funeral. Jacob was giving Rainley some help about the protocols and encouraging him. "You seem experienced in these things?" the Reverend asked.

"Cardinal Brown goes to conferences and Papal meetings, the Queen goes to weddings, Bishop John attends security meetings and I go to funerals. At least you'll get some variety." the Bishop sighed.

Emperor Antonette was still in the Kremlin. He pulled out his cell phone and called up Prince John,
"John, Its Antonette. Do I have permission to pray int he Catholic chapel?"

Inside a hangar somewhere, Shogun Himura Kenshin sat in the cockpit of the Freedom. The door was open, but the screen was down, hiding hime from view. The sound of typing eminatted from it.

"Final system rundown. Let's see. HiMAT, off, good. Fixed armarment, disabled, good. I'll get someone to double check that. Ah, missed something. Adjusting stride calibration from 02.734 to 01.742. That'll keep me instride, and avoid stepping on anything. Arm movement, suficient..."

His voice continued, going over checks and stuff. He had a very dangerous machine, and was honored that it would be allowed to march. It was the only way he could think of honoring the Czar, a friend of his whole nation. His adjustments were basically to ensure that it would maintain stride in the formation as outlined by the heads. As it marched, the plan was for the right arm to remain up in an eternal salute toward the casket. The Shogun knew such a machine would look odd and out of place, but again, it was the only thing he could think of.

(OOC: Derscon, only one suit is marching, as per your request. You had put plural on it in one of your above posts, so I'm just checking for you.)

The Corneliuan Division of soldiers dressed in their finest uniforms. They made sure that their parade gear was shined and ready to go. When everything was in order, the begin to make their way to their spots in the procession.

The hatch infront of the Shogun shut with a hiss. The eyes lit up with a brilliant light, and the suit's color was restored. Slowly, due to the new adjustments, it moved to its own position.

"ZGMF-10A-Freedom, reporting ready, over."

The HCAF (Hockey Canadian Air Force) asks permossion to fly overhead and give a 21 missile salute to the fallen comrades.

The HCAF (Hockey Canadian Air Force) asks permossion to fly overhead and give a 21 missile salute to the fallen comrades.

While the Prince thanks you for your condolences, we have had no dealings with you in the past, and, frankly, as you are a socialist nation, the Prince is not full of trust towards you. He respectfully declines your offer.

Count Franz von Papen
Foreign Minister of Derscon

The President of Formal Dances wishes to attend the funeral procession.

President's Office
Waltz City

May we send 3 diplomats to show our condolences?

May we send 3 diplomats to show our condolences?

Absolutely. We thank you.

--Prince John Rekjyavich

As soon as we enter your airspace, we request an escort as soon as we enter Derscon airspace. Our Prime Minister/Dictator sends his respects.

Absolutely. Four Flying Falcons will link up with you as soon as you enter the Dersconi Exclusive Economic Zone.

OOC: Don't forget about Formal's Request!

OOC: Don't forget about Formal's Request!

OOC: Sorry. :)
=====================
The President of Formal Dances is welcome to attend the funeral.

OOC: Sorry. :)
=====================
The President of Formal Dances is welcome to attend the funeral.

OOC: No problem. I know how things slip through the cracks, especially in a beurocracy.

OOC: No problem. I know how things slip through the cracks, especially in a beurocracy.

OOC: Not Beurocracy, General forum. Jeez, the ignorance there is astounding, and it continues to pile up. I'm almost overwhelmed. Now I know why the conservatives don't go there anymore -- they gang up on you and beat you into submission with propoganda and ignorance. There's intelligent ones that I can have a decent debate with, though, thankfully.

The people in the parade got into formation as citizens lined the streets.

After a three hour setup, the procession was off.

OOC: Not Beurocracy, General forum. Jeez, the ignorance there is astounding, and it continues to pile up. I'm almost overwhelmed. Now I know why the conservatives don't go there anymore -- they gang up on you and beat you into submission with propoganda and ignorance. There's intelligent ones that I can have a decent debate with, though, thankfully.

OOC: tell me about it. SHould see the political debates that go on. Its enough to make your hair stand on end.

The President of Formal Dances is welcome to attend the funeral.

The President's plane shows up over Dersconi Airspace. When landed, President Rice debarks and gets escorted to the spot reserved for her.

OOC: Sorry for posting it. I saw that the procession started and I didn't want to miss it.

The President's plane shows up over Dersconi Airspace. When landed, President Rice debarks and gets escorted to the spot reserved for her.

OOC: Sorry for posting it. I saw that the procession started and I didn't want to miss it.

OOC: No problem.
======================
The funeral procession continued marching on, with bands playing "Amazing Grace," the Dersconi National Anthem, and one playing "God Preserve Thy People." Mourners lined the streets until they finally reached the gates of Rekjyavich Andropov Military City.

The procession went into the City, walked around the Pentagonigal structure that was RAMC, and into the newer "Kremlin Komplex," laid out like a cross.

The gates to the KK were at the head of the cross, with Andropov Tower in the center, Kremlin Kathedral to their left, Kremlin Palace to the right, and the Kremlin Gardens at the foot of the cross layout.

Obviously, they went left. The people lined the courtyard of the Cathedral as the Casket formation went inside, and the doors were sealed.

OOC: Will, if you ever make it here, presume Paisley is inside the main chapel.

A caravan of cars drove through the streets of the Dersconi Capitol. A jet black 1945 Mercedes Limousine escorted by several modern Mercedes which were armoured quite well.

Inside the 1945 Limousine rode the former Emperor of Greater Prussia, and close friend of the Czar, the Reverend Doctor Ian R.K. Paisley, chosen by the Czar to preside over his funeral.

No flags adorned the car as they had in years past. He was on unofficial business. The Emperor Napoleon himself would be representing the Crown at the Czar's funeral. His plane was about an hour out.

The Caravan stopped at the place where the graveside service was to be held. Ian got out of the car without the help of his Chauffer and walked over to the grave. He looked down into the deep hole, the bottom of which was nearly invisible, enveloped in darkness.

He looked up at the headstone and traced the engraved letters with his finger. His upperlip tightened a bit, and his face tensed up...but he turned back, clearing the look from his face and said. "Thankyou...I just wanted to see it before everyone else got here. Let's go to the palace."

(Skip forward)

Paisley stands at the pulpit and looks over the crowd.

"This man was not a Czar. This man was not a world leader." he started out.

The audience looked shocked. "This man was, before anything else, a Christian. He was a Protestant, and that dictated every decision he made. He raised Christian Children to take his place and serve God with all their hearts just as he did."

"There are those of you who may be struggling...wracked with grief..." he paused and looked to the crowd...looked to see the reactions in the people's faces. "Look at this wooden box. It has carvings...it is gilt in places...but it is a box as surely as are the cardboard boxes you pack your trifles in at home. This box contains a body. It contains a face you knew well. But the person you knew, is not in that box. We will not be burying Czar Andropov. We will be burying a body...but his soul has sprouted wings and he has joined the choirs of Angels...where every voice is more beautiful than our human ears can understand. It is at times like these, the times where we feel most downtrodden, the most depressed...It is in our GREATEST HOUR OF DARKNESS that the Lord reaches out his hand and says, MY CHILD YOU ARE SAVED! THE BLESSING OF HEAVEN IS UPON YOU! YOU ARE ELECT..." his voice dulled to an intense whisper..."And you shall never fall away."

"The Czar knew the grace of God, and in his death, we find a great reminder of how we should live. The Southern General, Stonewall Jackson once said that 'My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concerne myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter what may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, then all will be equally brave.'. God has appointed the time when we shall leave this earth. It could be right now, and it could be 90 years from now. Whatever time it is, you should always be ready, just as the Czar was always ready. Your faith in Christ is not somethign that you can take or leave, use it when you like it, discard it when it becomes inconvenient. No sir, a faith in Christ is the most important part of anyone's life and all other aspects should regulare themselves around it! And I say if any among you are not saved, I call you to fall to your knees and repent on the occasion of this great reminder of God's love! A death is ONLY A BEGINNING if you BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND SOUL!"

His voice reached a moderate level again. "You know there was a hymn my mother taught to me as a child. And I've been singing it ever since. It says, "We talk about Heaven...but what must it be like," he gave a slight pause, "to be there?"

"What must it be like to be there?"

Prime Minister Salvador Castello wishes to attend the funeral along with Foreign Minister Anneta Legarda

The Ridgian procession marched solemly down the street. They carried the Ridgian flag at a dip.


First came a Ridgian Naval Honor Guard platoon. (http://img180.exs.cx/img180/8885/navyparade3qq.jpg).


Directly behind them was a marching band playing the Ridgian national anthem. The national anthem is Immaculate Mary. The band could feel the stares.
(band-http://www.oakweb.freeserve.co.uk/festival2001/marinedisplay2.jpg


Next came an armored limo. It carried John Antonette, Emperor of Cherry Ridge and King of Burgundy, and Cardinal John Hughes, archbishop of Cherry Ridge.
(limo-https://carmellimo.com/images/limo2.jpg)


Finally came a Ridgian Army platoon.
(http://img202.exs.cx/img202/7940/army3yb.jpg)






ooc- national anthem-
http://www.catholictradition.org/immaculate-mary.htm

As John Antontte and Cardinal Hughes sat and listened to the sermon, they were surprised nothing anti-Catholic was said. Emperor Antonette nodded at Paisley as he finished his sermon. They both sat there, and said a silent prayer for the Czar.

Prime Minister Salvador Castello wishes to attend the funeral along with Foreign Minister Anneta Legarda

OOC: The sermon is in progress, consider yourself already there.
================================
The Honour Guards around the room, normally with their bright red and gold armour, are now clad in black and white armour, as were the Praetorian Guard. The armour and shields were split half and half down the centre, to represent the sadness yet glorified moment of this day.

In the front row, John was in tears, while Alexei maintained his composture -- for about thirty seconds.

When Paisley was done, Prince John got up.

"I am not as articulate as Doctor Paisley here, but as you can see by my red face, I am just as emotional!" He smiled weakly and a few chuckles could be heard from the audience.

"Today is a time of mourning and praise, a time for grief and happiness. By the armour of the Honour Guards you see, split black and white. These tears that roll down my face are tears of sadness and joy. My father, your leader, and, most of all, our brother in Christ, has left this earth, and for that, it is a sad day. Yet where he has ascended to -- to be forever in the presense of the Lord, our Holy Father, Creator of all existance, giver of life. That makes this day one of praise. God be with you all." He stepped down back to his seat, beside Alexei and Paisley.

John Antoentte leaned over to Cardinal Hughes and whispered,
"This is a religious service, not a state function. You will speak"

Cardinal Hughes, clad in his Cardinalatial robes walked to the Pulpit,

"I offer my condolances to Prince John and Alexei." he paused for a minute, allowing for a silent prayer. He then began his sermon,

"Death is not something that we like to face. It is viewed as a 'bad' thing by some people, and a subject many avoid. It is true, none of us like a loved one to die. It is stupid to think of death as the end. It is not the end, but the beginning, the beginning of our life with Jesus Christ. We will all share in his second coming. When he comes in glory, to judge both living and dead. Liveing and the dead. Won't that be a day? When the dead will rise up along with the living to see Jesus Christ face to face? Right now, Czar Czar Rekjyavich Ivan Andropov the third, Czar of Derscon and Archchancellor of greater Prussia, is living in glory with God." He then lifted his hand and blessed everyone saying, "God Bless You all in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen". He returned to his seat, knelt, said a brief prayer, and then sat, waiting for the next speaker.

OOC: Bump. Corneliu, your turn, or I skip you. :p

OOC: Bump. Corneliu, your turn, or I skip you. :p

"I have known the former czar since he was a young man. I found him to be politically cunning and someone that I would not want to run up against. This man knew how to rule a nation for a long period of time. When I heard of his death, I was heartbroken. He was a testiment to his people."

When President Server sat back down, John got up again and walked to the altar, which had a microphone in it, which is where everyone was speaking from.

"Now, if you please, join me in signing the hymn "God Preserve Thy People." When everyone stood up, the organ player and choir prepared.

*song begins*

*song plays*

*song ends*

"Please, join us in prayer to Our Lord." As everyone bowed their heads, a long bagpipist played Amazing Grace one time through. Then the choir started, and everyone took their cue and sung along. When it was done, the Prince looked over the crowd.

"Today is a day of mixed emotions, but like all troubles, we must move on. My father would not want you to dwell on his passing, making yourself miserable, he'd want you to remember him for the great things he did for this nation, and continue.

"I am not the world's greatest speaker, but I can tell you this -- you do our nation a disfavour if you dwell on the passing of our leader. What would my father do? He'd do as I tell you now -- remember him with joy, and continue making this nation great. May the Lord be with you, goodnight."

The public and the media were dismissed with the organist playing "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Only personal friends of the family, which included Napoleon, Paisley, the Princes (duh), Server, Antonette, and the Cardinal were left. Once the public was long gone, the Praetorian assembled around the casket and lifted it. Prince Alexei turned to the group.

"As is custom, the formal, public ceremony is done, but the burial itself is to be done at sundown, and only the closest friends of the family are invited. It is considered an honour to be listed as one of these people. This is Dersconi custom. Come, the sun is almost gone." With the casket and the Praetorian in the center, the others around that, and the Honour Guards around them, they went silently to Andropov Tower. The Kremlin Komplex was devoid of life, as the gates to the complex were sealed.

When they reached the tallest structure in Greater Prussia, which was also the geographical center of Derscon, the two Praetorian Guards, dressed in all white Armour, stood at attention as they opened the massive vault doors to go under. They all went inside and went down the stone staircase. Prince Alexei was addressing the group.

"Andropov Tower was built under the great Czar Andropov III, fourth Emperor of Derscon. Built with Roman-era construction tools, it is the tallest free-standing structure in Greater Prussia -- possibly the world. It was built as a final resting place for the Czar's of Derscon." As they finally reached the end, a white iron door with a cross painted in the center over the Dersconi Coat of Arms was in their path. The Prince pulled out a key.

"This key is handed down from generation to generation, and kept in one of the most secure places on earth." He placed it in the door and opened it. He whispered a small prayer before entering. Cardinal Hughes and Antonette crossed themselves.

They just entered the catacombs of the Dersconi Czars.

The group went down the rows and came to the spot with a gold plaque.

Czar Rekjyavich Ivan Andropov III

The Prince opened the concrete door and placed the coffin inside the compartment.

"In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, may your spirit be eternally blessed with the presence of the Lord." He paused a bit and choked back some tears as a voice echoed inside his head.

I'll be waiting for you, son.

He closed the door and looked to the statue at the far end. It was the body of Ivan the Great, the founder of the nation of Derscon. He shook it off and escorted them all back outside. It was dark. They all walked to the Kremlin Palace, and went into the Star Office. They all sat down in front of the massive desk.

"At high noon tomorrow, the coronation ceremony will begin. I entrust all of you will be there. I suggest you all get some sleep. Your rooms were prepared by the guards. The Praetorian will escort you there. Goodnight, and God Bless."

OOC: Thread over. New thread for the coronation.

"Of Course we will attend" said Antonette

"We shall attend as well"

"To attend, or not to...WAIT! What am I saying? Of course I'll attend!"

“I issue both my personal, and official condolences to both the family of the deceased Czar and the Dersconi people. He was a great man and a great statesman and will be sorely missed. I will attend his funeral myself.”

Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, President of the United States of Allanea

“I issue both my personal, and official condolences to both the family of the deceased Czar and the Dersconi people. He was a great man and a great statesman and will be sorely missed. I will attend his funeral myself.”

Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, President of the United States of Allanea

OOC: Funeral's over, buddy. :) Come to the coronation, though.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=402445


The coronation.