NationStates Jolt Archive

Connected to this RP from the old arms limitation talks that never went anywhere:


http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6740036&postcount=180

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6740041&postcount=181


http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6755109&postcount=510

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6755111&postcount=511

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6769237&postcount=518

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6769243&postcount=519

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6779557&postcount=523

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6779558&postcount=524

CM RPed Roger Fabus, Seryown RPed Mississippian Egyptian President Alice Carrion.
(At the time, she was just governor-general and ME had little autonomy, and Libya was still Mississippian Libya. But the influx of Hatarian Mammalian women to the Eugenics programs, had just begun)

Alice woke up in the morning, still hugging Roger, keeping him close to her, he was alive, but not doing that well, she could tell from his pale complexion.

She let go of him slowly and stood up, trying to think clearly about the few hours before she'd fallen asleep.

The phone suddenly rang.

Alice grabbed the phone. She was about to snap something before she took a breath and spoke. "Yes?"

(Paul Stahlecker) "Governor. Carrion, the peace talks were canceled; there is no need for them. We're all okay, you just stay put in Alexandria and try not to worry your pretty little head too much, okay?"

Roger let out a weak moan, and then, "Who is is Alice?"

(Alice) "Tell me, did you ever tell your brother he had a pretty little head when he had this post?"

(Paul) "Why no, that's no way to talk to a man."

(Alice) "Then don’t talk like that to me either. Got that?"

(Paul) "Yes sir... I mean ma'am." (He started to laugh) "Somebody sure is feisty!"

(Alice) "Feisty? Did you just say feisty?"

(Paul) "Yes, why?"

(Alice) "I don't think you ever met my husband."

(Paul) "Well I imagine that a woman like you needs a man around, to keep you under control. Is that what you mean?"

(Alice) "No, that wasn't. Did you ever meet him?"

(Paul) "Unless he was a diplomat or a foreign high official, I'm afraid likely not."

(Alice) "I guess not, then. It's too bad. Your brother Peter met him, though. I'm sure of that."

(Paul) "Peter is a wreck, he'll be fine in a few months though."

(Paul) "Peter is actually back in Angola!"

(Paul) (In a tone of contempt) "Helping people escape!"

(Alice) "My husband died getting Peter Stahlecker out of Angola."

(Paul) "Yes, I'm quite aware of that."

(Paul) "And yet I heard Roger Fabus in the background, meaning you share your bed with him... Is that how you got your position as governor-general?"

(Alice) "Perhaps you should ask him the same question. From my perspective, the reason you heard him in the background was because I'm currently helping him recuperate from an illness. When he wants to tell you more than that he can. In any case, thanks for the information, and don't ever call me again." She hangs up the phone.

Roger let out a meek, "Who was it Alice, you seem upset", his voice was weak and he barely managed to choke out the words.

(Alice) "Paul Stahlecker. Don't speak right now, okay?"

(Roger) (Trying to smile) "Is that an order, governor?"

(Alice) "I told you not to speak. Now shut up."

Roger was ill, and barely aware what was going on, but he could tell something was wrong, he just struggled to roll over and eventually did so, facing away from Alice who for some reason was yelling at him... He had no idea why, but he didn't want to make her mad.

Alice felt bad, all Roger had done was try to be nice, and she'd practically chewed him out for it.

Alice looked down for a second, made up her mind, and rifled around for the pills that the doctor had given her.

Roger heard noise, he managed to roll back over and speak with difficulty, "Are you okay Alice? You're not still mad at me... Are you?" She could detect in his voice a yearning for an acceptance that he'd never known, something he sought all his life.

(Alice) "I'm not mad, Roger, but if you keep talking I might be."

Roger nodded and then rolled back over, not saying a word, he was confused, and he didn't know what the problem was... He'd never understood women and he doubted he ever would.

Alice looked around, growing more worried. She couldn't find the pills.

A servant knocked on the door and said, "May I come in?"

(Alice) "What do you want?"

(Servant) "I am stopping by to see if you and Mr. Fabus are well?"

(Alice) "We're fine."

(Servant) "Okay then, call if you need anything."

Roger struggled to sit up in bed, he reached for a cigar holder on the stand next to him.

Alice looks back and frowns. "No cigars." She goes back to looking worriedly.

(Roger) (Shocked, finding the strength to speak) "Not even just one?" (he starts to caugh and hack up mucus)

(Roger) (Holding his hand against his stomach) "Alice, why are you so worried, what is wrong? Tell me, if something is bothering you, I can help."

(Alice) "You were supposed to get some pills. I can't find them."

(Roger) "Check by the fireplace, I seem to remember the doctor set something there perhaps."

Alice smiled. "Thanks. Now shut up again."

She went over and found the pill bottle, then walked back to the bed, the bottle read, "Take two every twelve hours."

(Roger) "How about a good swig of brandy to wash it down with, eh?"

(Alice) "No alcohol either."

(Roger) "Well, now I know I'm either dying, or they're trying to kill me!"

(Alice) "You're Roger Fabus. Someone is always trying to kill you."

(Roger) (Trying to laugh, but coughing up mucus instead) "Yes, I guess that could be so."

Alice counts out two of the pills and hands it to him. "Swallow these."

He takes the pills and swallows them

(Roger) (Holding his chest and stomach as he speaks) "You know Alice, there is something I want to tell you... I don't know how you'll react."

(Alice) "I told you to shut up, so this better be important."

He paused for a minute and hesitated, nervous, "Well Alice... I wanted to say... I wanted to... Never mind." He rolled back over on the bed.

(Alice) "If you say so. Who am I to tell you when to talk anyway?"

Roger rolled back over and then looked at her, gazing into her eyes, and then said, "Alice, I'm falling in love with you. I don't want to return to Mississippi, I want to stay here, with you."

Alice looked down for a few seconds. "Well, I want you to think about that for a while. I want you to be sure, and I don't think you are right now."

Roger sat up, holding his stomach, "I've never been more certain of anything in my life."

(Roger) "But I'll do as you suggest and think for a while."

Roger smiled at Alice as he grew weaker and then slipped in a light sleep. The phone rang, Alice wondered who the hell it was, she was getting annoyed.

Alice picked up the phone. "If this isn't important..."

(Rutledge) "Hello governor Carrion."

(Rutledge) "We're having some transport issues with the slaves."

(Alice) "Slaves?"

(Rutledge) "We won a war with Hatarian Mammalia, we took about 50 million of their women deemed fit for breeding. A few million are already here in Egypt, being auctioned off to rich men. We need to allocate more ships to get the rest here so we can sell them fast and make more money."

(Alice) "Not a single ship from Egypt will be allocated to any such project."

(Rutledge) "Well we already have auctions going on in Alexandria, I mean millions of women are already being sold. What's a few million more?"

(Alice) "Absolutely nothing. That's why we won't bother to allocate any ships to that project. In fact, that's also why we'll stop all the auctions right now?"

(Rutledge) "I'm sorry ms governor, but the law allows for this."

(Alice) "I'm sure it does. But I'm also sure that those auctions are going to be stopped right now."

(Rutledge) "You just keep thinking that governor. I have to go, I might just buy a few of them for myself. Nothing beats breaking in a fine beast, usually I'm breaking in horses, but I'd like to mount something else."

Rutledge laughed, "Well Governor, I wonder how much you'd go for! Just be glad you're a citizen!"

(Alice) "Glad is something I am not. In any case, Senator, you'd better rush there, because I'm shutting them down now."

(Rutledge) "Oh and governor, I'm still waiting for you to come to my penthouse for a personal meeting to discuss some matters of mutual importance."

(Alice) "You know, I'm pretty sure that this place records all the calls in and out, so I'll just advise you not to go any further in that vein."

(Rutledge) "Well governor, the impeachment proceedings are making progress.”

(Rutledge) "I'm sure a skilled lady such as yourself wouldn't need more than twenty minutes to convince me to derail the proceedings."

(Alice) "I'm glad to hear it, but the answer is still no, senator. Goodbye now."

(Rutledge) "Well I'll see you around governor, remember what I said... 20 minutes of your time, is all I'm asking. .You don't even have to do anything other than relax, I'll do the work."

Alice hung up the phone disgustedly.

She turned on the TV and saw the news, they were at the slave auctions in central Alexandria, a young woman was being paraded around on a platform, the guard lifted her dress above her head and the rich nobles started shouting numbers.

Roger leaned up in bed, groggy, but feeling better, "Alice, what the hell is that on the news? What is going on? What savage country is that! Selling people!"

(Alice) "That's Egypt."

He was shocked, "Good lord, you mean Mississippian Egypt? Or Parthian Egypt?"

(Alice) "Here."

He tried to stand up, but fell onto the floor, "Help me up, this must be stopped!"

(Roger) "Alice, call the office of commonwealth affairs, tell them that Roger Fabus is ordering this all to stop immediately and without delay."

Alice picked up the phone and looked around for a moment. She found a note with the number and dialed quickly.

(Man) "Hello, Commonwealth Affairs."

(Man) "Are you calling to inquire about breeding stock, well we are currently getting shipments of women deemed fit, we are getting shipments in hourly."

(Alice) "Actually, I'm calling on behalf of Roger Fabus, who's ordering that this be stopped right now."

(Man) "Let me patch you through to slave trade direction center, Senator Rutledge is handling it."

(Rutledge) "Hello."

(Alice) "Hi again, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Ah governor, call to arrange a meeting with me?"

(Alice) "Actually, I'm calling on behalf of Roger Fabus."

(Rutledge) "Ah yes, the former acting premier. What does he want?"

(Alice) "He wants this stopped immediately. That means right now, if you didn't know."

(Rutledge) "Sorry, but he is no longer in command. Last night his father resumed the premiership."

(Rutledge) "Now I could stop this, if you come by and meet with me."

Roger struggled to sit up and speak, leaning against a drawer, "Let me duel him."

Alice turned to Roger. "You will do no such thing." She turns on the speakerphone and begins talking. "Could you repeat that last part, Senator?"

(Rutledge) "I want you to meet with me, and I'm sure you can use your skills at persuasion to convince me to see things your way."

(Rutledge) "Well governor, are you going to be coming by then?"

(Alice) "How exactly would I be persuading you?"

(Rutledge) "Like I said before, I'll do the work, you just let me do the work."

(Alice) "What work would that be, exactly?"

(Rutledge) "Just lying down and doing your best to relax and enjoying the ride."

(Alice) "The ride?"

(Rutledge) "Governor, I've wanted you since I first saw you walk into the senate chamber. You're a feisty one, did anybody ever tell you that?"

(Alice) "Actually, once or twice? You've wanted me, you say? How so?"

(Rutledge) "Let's not play games governor, you're a smart girl, figure it out."

(Alice) "I'm trying to figure it out, but I'm not sure what I'm figuring out, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Just get over here and you'll figure it out soon enough."

(Alice) "Well, maybe I will, if you'll tell me what I'm going to be doing there."

(Rutledge) "You'll be enjoying what many women have, quality time with Senator Simon Rutledge."

(Alice) "Quality time? What sort of quality time?"

(Rutledge) "Governor, I'm starting to realize your brains didn't get you this job. But I can help you keep it, just come over here, lay down, when I'm done, I'll see you keep your job."

(Rutledge) "Besides, when I'm done, you can gossip with all your girlfriends about how you were fucked by Senator Rutledge."

(Rutledge) "So when are you coming over governor?"

(Alice) "I'm not."

(Rutledge) (Shocked) "Why not? Don't you want to keep your job?"

(Alice) "No, I think I'm okay with that. In any case, shut down the auction now."

(Rutledge) "The auctions will be shut down if and when you adequately convince me."

Roger struggled to shout, as loud as he could, "Rutledge! We're meeting tomorrow, outside the senate building, bring your pistol!"

(Rutledge) "Ah, a duel... I accept!"

Alice slams the phone down. "That was particularly stupid of you."

(Roger) "He needs to be stopped."

Alice knew that Rutledge had been in over 200 duels and never lost a single one.

(Alice) "And it didn't occur to you that you might not win?"

(Roger) "I could win though. I can beat him."

(Roger) "He'll probably fire in the air, and declare an apology, he won't dare shoot at me, I'm the premier's son."

The phone rang again.

(Rutledge) "Hello, governor..." (His voice was nervous and embarrassed) "I must decline the challenge, I realized who it was issuing it... I'm sorry."

(Rutledge) "But the auctions will have to continue unless you wish to do something about it."

(Alice) "Here's what I'll do about it. Tomorrow, everybody in Egypt will know that you were trying to get into bed with a superior, and that even more importantly; you'd been turned down. And yes, it will get worse if that doesn't turn out to be enough to make sure you never have any power ever again. Or you could stop the auctions."

(Rutledge) "You think the public doesn't know what I do?"

(Rutledge) "I can get any woman I want, and the people know that... Hell I've fu--ced over five hundred women and I'm not even 30!"

(Alice) "The important part is that you were turned down, Senator."

(Rutledge) (Starting to sound nervous) "Well you don't want to tell anything like that to the people... Do you?"

(Alice) "The entire public knows tomorrow ... unless, of course, you shut down the auctions right now."

(Rutledge) "Well that still leaves us with the impeachment proceedings."

(Rutledge) "Governor, you'll enjoy it... Trust me, I'll even let you be on top, I'm sure you'll really go for that."

(Alice) "Go to hell, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Governor, hear me out please."

(Rutledge) "If I start a move to ban slavery in the senate, it will hurt my greatly, all the other senators, well most of them, own slaves. Many of them have stock in the trade."

(Rutledge) "If I'm to make so many enemies... I need compensation."

(Alice) "Your compensation is your job, Senator, and your reputation."

(Rutledge) "That's not quite enough governor. Besides, what do you have to lose; you'll enjoy it... I can guarantee that... If you don't enjoy it, we can try again until you do!"

(Rutledge) "You don't have any of this on recording anyway... Nobody will believe you."

(Alice) "If you want to be able to live in Egypt without being spat on every time you leave your home, you'll shut up. In any case, Mr. Fabus certainly heard the first part of this conversation."

(Rutledge) "The people love me. Besides nobody will believe Fabus, because you've obviously got him trained."

(Rutledge) "Besides, I heard some most unfortunate news via the grapevine that Roger is ill and suffering delirium, he won't be able to swear he heard anything in his current condition."

(Roger) "Is he giving you trouble Alice?"

(Alice) "Very well then. The people will find out that I turned you down, and you'll go ahead with the impeachment process. That sounds fair to me."

(Rutledge) "There is a much more pleasant way out this... All you have to do is come here for a while."

(Alice) "I'm perfectly fine with it this way, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Well... The thing is, I'd rather nobody found out about any of this."

(Alice) "Simple way of doing that, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Well could we give my way a try first?"

(Alice) "No."

(Rutledge) "Well if you change your mind... You know where to call me... I guess that's everything thing then... Oh, tell Roger now I'm challenging him to a duel, if he doesn't accept, I'll see he is branded a coward."

She was worried now; Roger was in no shape for a duel.

(Alice) "Peculiar. Then it will be found out that you had to deny his offer before you made your own."

(Rutledge) "Well then I retract my earlier rejection, we shall still duel! And I have never lost yet, he's never been in a single pistol duel, if my memory serves me."

(Alice) "I'm sure you'll be perfectly happy to shoot the Premier's son."

(Rutledge) "Honor demands we duel... The premier will understand, besides, he has other sons if something happens to this one."

Alice realized he was dead wrong; Roger was the premier's favorite son.

(Alice) "All right. Could you pay the Premier a courtesy call, just to make sure he knows, beforehand?"

(Rutledge) (Nervous) "There is no need for that. Roger challenged me, I accepted. It was his choice!"

(Rutledge) "His choice to challenge me that is."

(Rutledge) "I'm willing to call off the duel if you're willing to be more accommodating with me, much more."

Roger stood up, and fell onto the bed, "Let me duel him, I can take him" he struggled to speak, as he grew pale.

(Alice) "I'm being very accommodating. All I'm asking you to do is to call the Premier and tell him you're about to fight a duel with Roger Fabus."

(Rutledge) "I mean more accommodating as I want you to be. As in you come over here and personally accommodate me."

(Alice) "Go to hell, Senator. If you insist, I'll make the call myself."

(Rutledge) "No I'll do it. I want to be sure he hears my version, rather than your lies!"

(Alice) "All right. I'll call him in an hour, then, just to make sure you called him?"

(Rutledge) "After Roger falls in the duel, then you're impeached and arrested, you'll come around to my offer."

Alice slammed the phone down after Rutledge started rambling on

(Roger) "Are you okay Alice? I can win the duel!"

(Alice) "No, you can't. But there won't be a duel."

(Roger) "What do you mean, no duel?"

(Alice) "Was I unclear? I said there would be no duel."
:
(Roger) "But he challenged me... Are you forbidding me to duel him?"

(Alice) "I doubt that it will ever get to such a stage where I would feel the need to do that."

(Roger) "So how can there not be a duel. I challenged him, he challenge me, we both accepted."

(Alice) "An hour from now, one way or another, your father will know that Senator Rutledge is out to kill you."

(Roger) "Father will not be happy. Rutledge could wind up in the Mediterranean."

(Roger) "But father recognizes honor is important. He may allow the duel."

(Roger) "I must duel him Alice, can't you see that?"

All she could see was outdated trivial games, and issues that made no difference to most people. She thought they were all carrying on like madmen overloaded on testosterone.

(Alice) "I can see nothing of the kind."

(Roger) "I'm going to duel him, because I love you Alice, and your honor must be defended."

(Alice) "Just be quiet, okay?"

(Roger) "If you don't want me to duel him just say "Roger, don't duel him." That's all."

(Alice) "I won't tell you that."

(Roger) "Do you or don't you want me to duel him. I think your honor needs to be defended, but it is your call.”

(Alice) "I will not let him brand you a coward."

(Roger) "So you think I should duel him then?"

(Alice) "I think there will be no duel."

(Roger) "Alice, I'm confused, you say you won't let him brand me a coward. You're sounding like you're protecting me from him... It is I who must protect you from him, your honor must be defended."

Try as he might to make her see his point of view, she didn't see the reasons he felt the need to risk death for a concept that meant little to her.

(Alice) "I am confident that your father will put a stop to this."

Roger started to gasp for air and then in a spasm, he coughed up some blood and mucus into his hands. She could tell he was obviously in no condition to do anything other than rest.

The phone suddenly came to life, ringing, as it had seemed to have been ringing almost without end the entire morning.

(Premier) "Hello, this is Premier Fabus. Is this governor-general Carrion?"

(Alice) "It is an honor to finally speak to you, Premier."

(Premier) "Yes, we've spoken before though, remember?"

(Alice) "Have we? I'm afraid I can't recall that conversation, sir."

(Premier) "Remember, I asked you how Roger was, you said he was good. All Fabuses are good."

(Alice) "From the few I've talked to, I certainly get that impression, sir."

(Premier) "I thanked you for making my Roger a man, remember?"

(Alice) "Yes, I do recall now, Premier."

(Premier) "How is Roger? I hear he is ill and is having an issue with a possible duel."

(Alice) "Your son feels it necessary to duel with Senator Rutledge, sir."

(Premier) "Yes, well Rutledge has contacted me. Honor is an important matter... Don't you agree?"

(Alice) "I'm afraid that I had heard very little about honor at all before I arrived in Egypt, sir."

(Premier) "I want to know, do you not like the idea of a man defending a woman."

(Alice) "With respect, sir, not when the woman is better able to defend herself than the man is."

(Premier) "Are you saying my Roger is unfit to defend you? He is a battle-hardened Republican Guards officer of my cavalry."

(Alice) "And he's recovering from tetanus and pneumonia, sir."

(Alice) "And he's recovering from tetanus and pneumonia, sir."

(Premier) "Well yes, but he is the man and he does the defending, that is how it must be."

(Alice) "If he fights this duel, sir, he will die. That is how it will be."

(Premier) "Roger is capable, he can do anything he puts his mind to."

(Premier) "Besides, it's not as though you actually care for him, is it?"

(Alice) "Sir I would prefer not to answer that right now."

(Premier) "Why not?"

She looked over and noticed Roger had fallen asleep, she could answer if she wanted.

(Alice) "Because I'm not sure what my answer would be."

(Premier) "Well I don't want you hurting my Roger. He's always been a shy boy... I guess I should have been there for him more often. But I always saw he had what he needed to succeed. I couldn't double as his mother though, she died when he was just about 5 years old."

(Alice) "Sir, if he goes out there he will get hurt. He will die, sir."

(Premier) "Dishonor is worth than death. Besides, Rutledge won't have the balls to do anything other than aim high into the air."

(Alice) "Senator Rutledge has fought hundreds of duels, sir. How many has your son?"

(Premier) "Well there is a first time for everything yes?"

(Alice) "Is this the best time for that?"

(Premier) "I suppose you are right. Tell him he may not duel until a doctor gives him a clean bill of health."

(Alice) "Thank you, sir."

(Premier) "You take care of him now, you hear... He's always been shy, holding back how he's felt, never opening up to anybody, never letting anybody in, not even myself. Roger has always been my favorite son, but he's always been one of the most troubled. I mean he's rarely gotten along well with others."

(Alice) "I understand, sir."

(Premier) "You take of yourself too. When Roger gets better, I'm sure he'll help take of you. But something tells me you're not the kind of woman who needs or wants to be taken care of by anybody."

(Alice) "You could say that, sir."

(Premier) "Well thank you for speaking with me."

(Alice) "Sir, we both know I don't agree with most of your opinons, but...this call tells me that you're a good man."

(Premier) "Thank you."

(Premier) "I never wanted Roger to have go through what I've been through, you know, worrying about being assassinated, the scandals, the media attacks... I never wanted that for him... But he was my favorite and he wanted it, and I couldn't deny him anything."

(Alice) "I can understand that, sir."

(Alice) "In answer to your question, sir..."

(Premier) "Go on."

(Alice) "I do care for him."

The Premier smiled, but she'd not know, but she could tell by the change in his voice, "That is good. I am pleased."

(Alice) "Thank you, sir."

(Premier) "Perhaps you and Roger might come to Mississippi someday... But I imagine you're busy doing the work your position demands."

(Alice) "If I'm still welcome in Mississippi tomorrow, I'll seriously consider that offer."

(Premier) "You'll always be welcome... Why would you think otherwise?"

(Alice) "As I said, sir, my opinions are not the same as yours are, and I have enemies here who would like to put that to great use."

(Premier) "Any friend of Roger's is a friend of mine."

(Alice) "Thank you, sir."

(Premier) "If Rutledge presents a persistent problem, I can have him silenced."

(Alice) "I think I'll be able to deal with him myself, sir."

(Premier) "Okay, well I have to be going. You take care, nice talking with you."

(Alice) "I am honored, sir."

Roger woke up from his nap with a loud yawn

(Roger) (Smiling at Alice) "Hello Alice, are you doing okay?"

(Alice) "Yeah, I'm fine."

(Alice) "I was talking to your father just then."

(Roger) "Yes, I've just been thinking... I'm not going to duel, at least not for a while, until I'm in good health."

(Alice) "That's good, because your father ordered you not to."

(Roger) "Ah, I see."

(Roger) "Well Alice, what now? What about Rutledge?"

(Alice) "I need to get in touch with some newsies."

(Roger) "All news is government controlled, but you can contact the one opposition news station if the government channels won't listen."

(Alice) "I'm confident the government-controlled news station will agree with what I have to say."

(Roger) "Well you have my full support and confidence."

(Roger) "For whatever it is worth."

(Alice) "Thank you."

(Roger) "So what will you do now? Will you move against Rutledge now? Or is that a plan for the near future?"

(Alice) "No, that must happen now."

(Roger) "Okay, well when you get back, if you're willing, perhaps we can sit and talk about issues of varying degrees of importance. I so enjoy talking with you Alice." Roger coughed as he was talking, he moved his hand quickly in front of his mouth, to conceal that he'd hacked up blood and mucus.

(Alice) "All right. You'll be fine while I'm gone?"

(Roger) "I think I'll be okay. Yes, I should be able to manage. You take care of yourself and watch out, political intrigue is a dangerous game."

(Alice) "I've known that for quite a while. Goodbye then."

(Roger) "See you soon. Take care, Alice."

Alice smiles vaguely and walks out.

As she was rounding the corner outside the room, she could hear Roger coughing and wheezing, he'd been waiting for her to leave to let out the coughs he'd been holding in.

She strode down the stairs and to the vehicle garage, where the driver was waiting with her limousine, he opened the door for her and she got inside. It was a short drive to the main media office, but on the way, her cellular phone rang.

She flicked it open quickly. "Yes?"

(Rutledge) "Greetings governor, how are you... I've been thinking about what we discussed earlier."

(Rutledge) "Are you there, governor?"

(Alice) "I'm here."

(Rutledge) "I think we got off on the wrong foot, yes?"

(Alice) "I don't think there is a right foot for us."

(Rutledge) "Well to show you that I would like for us to be friends, I've set in motion the events that will derail the impeachment proceedings."

(Alice) "That's nice."

(Rutledge) "Yes, I was just hoping you might forget about all that was said over the phone earlier... Although the offer still stands, if you're ever bored and in the area, my door is always open."

(Alice) "The auctions?"

(Rutledge) "Well those can be stopped, but the institution of slavery is codified into commonwealth law. It would take months, maybe years to change it, possibly cause a civil war. But I can motion to stop the auctioning, so the people who want slaves will have a much harder time getting them. But they could just go to Tobruk in Libya, buy them there, and then bring the slaves across the border to here."

(Alice) "That's fine. But you make that motion. And these auctions will be stopped now."

(Rutledge) "Well okay, I can do that. It'll mean I'll lose a great deal of money and friends, but if you insist, I guess I have no choice. Remember though, my offer to let you spend some quality time, it still stands, it's an open offer, whenever you want."

(Alice) "I heard you the first seventy-five times."

(Rutledge) "You know governor, you're the first woman who has ever turned me down. I'll consider you a challenge, eventually, I think you'll come around."

(Alice) "I don't. In any case, thanks for all that. I've some other things to attend to."

(Rutledge) "Well you take care governor... Personally, I'd wager it’ll be less than three months before you're coming over for dinner and staying for breakfast."

(Alice) "Three months? You want to put money on that?"

(Rutledge) "How does fifty sound."

(Alice) "That's fine to me."

(Rutledge) "Fifty thousand."

(Alice) "That's fine also."

(Rutledge) "Well governor, don't worry, I'll let you keep your money when you lose. Hearing you shout my name over and over will be quite enough satisfaction for me."

She was somewhat shocked at his arrogance, his sheer, utter, and unfaltering confidence in himself. He was truly a proud man, and he'd probably never tasted defeat.

(Alice) "I will have no such consideration for you, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Well governor, I look forward to winning the bet, more than you might know. I don't loose, I never loose..."

(Alice) "There's a first time for everything, Senator. Good day."

(Rutledge) "Oh really quick, I almost forgot, that whole ruin my reputation thing, that is going to be brushed under the rug, right?"

(Alice) "As long as you carry through with your promises."

(Rutledge) "Okay, understood."

He hung up and she did likewise.

She figured she might as well go back to the mansion now, and wait to see the news that he was following through on his promises.

She arrived back at the mansion and walked through the garage to the upstairs and the room where Roger was, he was relaxing, still awake, yet barely... He smiled when she walked into the road, and tried to sit up to talk, but he was feeling too weak so he just slumped back down.

Alice smiled and sat down, rubbing her eyes.

Roger held his stomach and spoke with great difficulty, "What happened with Rutledge? Media?"

(Alice) "You shouldn't speak. But everything's solved."

Roger smiled and nodded, and mouthed, "ok".

Roger tapped the bed next to him, motioning for Alice to move closer to him.

Alice nodded and did so quickly.

Roger gently stroked her hair; smiling while he did so, he was so glad that Alice was with him. She saw how he looked though, hardly the strapping young cavalry general, he was pathetic, sickly, weak, but it didn't change her opinion of him.

Alice realized Roger needed to eat something; the doctor had said to make sure he ate well and drank lots of water.

It was about the time that they usually ate, and so a servant brought a cart of food up and knocked on the door, "May I come in governor? I have lunch ready."

Alice looked up. "Very well."

The servant walked into the room and slowly wheeled the cart in as he entered.

(Servant) "Here you are governor. Shall I leave now?"

(Alice) "Yes, thank you."

The servant turned and walked out.

Alice looked at the food, chicken and fish, Roger just shook his head, motioning he wasn't hungry, she knew he had to eat regardless.

(Alice) "Look. I don't care what you want. You're eating this."

Roger smiled and then struggled to speak, "So there is no use fighting eh?"

(Alice) "No use at all."

Roger struggled to sit up in bed, then he opened he nodded his head, acknowledging he'd eat.

He struggled to speak, "Okay Alice, I'll eat it, but I can barely sit up, you'll have to help me." He hated having to admit he was too sick, too weak, to do something for himself. More than that, he had to ask a woman to help him, granted her had strong feelings for Alice... But he didn't think it was right for women to be taking care of men, but he wasn't going to object, he got to spend more time with her this way.

(Alice) "I suppose."

She helped him eat, she could tell he indeed did need her help, he was in a bad way. When she finished, Roger smiled at her and through great pain in his chest, managed to choke out, "Thank you."

Alice smiled. "Of course."

Roger yawned and then said, "Did the doctor say no snuff?"

The doctor hadn't said no, but the habit disgusted her, and she'd rather he didn't do it.

(Roger) "Alice, would you please grab me my can of snuff?"

(Alice) "No."

(Roger) (Surprised) "No? Why not? I'm sick, it's good for the health."

(Alice) "Get it yourself."

(Roger) (In a weak voice) "But I can't..."

(Alice) "Well, when you can, it's right there."

He looked at the can, a few feet away from him, on the stand, he made a feeble attempt to reach for it, but his arm dropped down, totally weak, his energy spent. He looked at Alice, almost pleading her with his eyes to help him... But she didn't want to help him kill himself slowly by poisoning his body.

(Alice) "Like I said, when you can get it, it's right there."

(Roger) (Smiling at her) "You're enjoying this, aren't you? The mighty Roger Fabus, helpless and at your mercy..."

(Alice) "Not at all."

(Roger) "Then why don't you help me?" He didn't understand, that she was trying to help him by keeping him from poisoning himself slowly with tobacco. Perhaps she needed to make that clearer to him.

(Alice) "That's not helping you."

(Roger) "What do you mean? The surgeon general in Mississippi said that tobacco is a great way to improve the health. I mean look at me... I'm in great shape." He had barely been able to get out those thoughts before he started hacking and wheezing, and spitting up mucus.

It suddenly dawned on her, there was no enforced tobacco age in Mississippi, although 14 was the posted age... They were all addicted early on, by calculated ad campaigns, and such.

(Alice) "The surgeon-general lied."

(Roger) "Are you sure?"

(Alice) "I'm very sure."

(Roger) "Then I'll stop, if you want me to."

(Alice) "All right."

(Roger) "I'd do anything for you if you just ask it of me."

Alice smiled. "You should be a little less gullible than that."

Roger smiled back, "I trust your judgement."

Roger struggled to roll over onto his side, and face her more directly, as he spoke, "Alice, I want to talk to my brother Henry, can you help me get in touch with him, please."

She was delighted that he wanted to talk with his brother who he had earlier so readily shunned.

Alice smiled. "Of course. Just a second."

Alice stood up slowly and walked over to the phone. She picked it up, thought for a second, and put it back down. She searched among her notes around the phone for a full minute and half of another one, finally found the proper label - "Henry Fabus (House Arrest)" - and dialed the number on it as she walked back over to Roger. She gave the phone to Roger, still smiling.

Roger took the phone and in a weak voice said, "Hello Henry, are you there?"

She could hear both men speaking since she was so close.

(Henry) "Roger? This is a surprise. Are you okay?"

(Roger) "I'll be fine." (Cough, hack) "Don't worry about me. Are you and Zeltzin okay? You two going to get married then?"

(Henry) "Yes, but I thought you said I couldn’t marry her, she's 3% under the 93.75% cut off to be legally white."

(Roger) "You marry who you want, you hear."

(Henry) "Thank you Roger."

(Roger) "Did you hear, dad is well again, he's back in the premiership."

(Henry) "Yes, I heard, he released me from house arrest."

(Roger) "I was getting ready to do that."

(Henry) "Thank you for helping me out in Mexico, I knew it was you who called to tell the general to let Zeltzin and me live... He might have killed us both you know."

(Roger) "I sent the mercenaries there that caused the problem, it was my duty to fix it. I know you killed the general, but I heard what he did to her, he deserved to die after what he did. I support you fully."

(Henry) "So you're not mad at me?"

(Roger) "Henry, you're my brother and I love you."

(Henry) "I love you too Roger... You sound awfully ill though, why don't you get some rest. By the way, father tells me you've found yourself a nice woman."

Alice smiled and suppressed a laugh.

(Roger) "Yes, God has been kind to me and blessed me in that I have met a superb woman. She's helping me through my illness."

(Henry) "Well I hope you get better fast little brother."

(Roger) "Little? I'm only a year younger than you!"

(Henry) "Yes, but to me you'll always be my little brother. Even though father favors you like most favor the first son."

(Roger) "Yes... I will admit it; he favors me. But don't you ever think he doesn't love you just as much as the others and me. He loves us all equally, it's just he thinks I'm the one best for the job, no reflection on your work though. You are an invaluable part of the regime."

(Henry) "When will you be back in Mississippi?"

(Roger) "Maybe in a few months, I don't know. I'd have to run that by Alice first."

(Henry) "Getting permission from a woman? My, you have changed over the last few months! I hope you're mellowed out some now that you're a man and not an over-aggressive teenager."

(Roger) "Time will tell dear brother."

(Henry) "Well you get plenty of rest, I'll pray for you. Love you Roger."

(Roger) "Thank you Henry, I love you as well."

Both men hung up their phones, Roger turned to Alice, totally spent from the energy he used to speak to his brother, he struggled to hand her the phone.

Alice took it from him. She stood up and walked back to hang it up, but before she did so she seemed to make a decision and called the number again.

(Henry) "Hello."

(Alice) "This is Alice Carrion, Mister Fabus."

(Henry) "Ah hello... You and Roger are something of an item, from what I've heard. Yes?"

(Alice) "Yes and no, I suppose."

(Henry) "Yes and no? How does that work?"

(Alice) "It means you can think of it as yes, for now, I guess."

(Henry) "Ah, well in Mississippi a man doesn't sleep with a woman unless he is willing to accept any and all possible consequences. So Roger must be quite fond of you."

(Alice) "I think he is."

(Henry) "Well Roger always was bad with women, never even had a date in his life, nothing... I think since he lost the only woman in his life, his mother, when he was only about six years old, he was afraid to get close to any other women for fear of losing them. Father tried to help Roger along, but Roger was always a loner for the most part."

(Henry) "You must be quite some woman Ms. Carrion... To have Roger such as he is, I've never known him to act or talk like he did just now on the phone."

(Alice) "Thank you. Listen...I wanted to tell you something."

(Henry) "Okay..."

(Alice) "Don't ever let yourself get intimidated. Go on thinking what you want to think and telling it to whoever you want to tell."

(Henry) "Did you call me up just to say that? Surely there must be something more... Besides, father's made it clear he doesn't want to hear opinions that differ from his own on more than a few minor points."

(Alice) "Listen. I'm the most liberal person in the entire country, probably, and I'm the Governor-General of Egypt. So you go on with what you want to think, okay?"

(Henry) "Okay, thank you for the words of encouragement... I must say one thing though."

(Henry) "From what father has said about Roger and you, and how happy Roger sounded telling me about you... I'd not be surprised if in a few months, you became Alice Fabus. I'd be willing to bet on it."

(Henry) "How would you like being in the Fabus family?"

(Alice) "I'm sure I'd be quite the black sheep."

(Henry) "How so?"

(Alice) "I've already told you. I'm probably the most liberal person in Mississippi."

(Henry) "Yes, and Roger is one of the most right-wing, people will associate his beliefs with you, most likely. Although Roger seems to have moderated out in many of his beliefs, recently. I imagine this is due to your influence."

(Alice) "That could be."

(Henry) "And besides, there are some people more liberal than you, even bonafide Marxists and communists. They're in the camps... I mean... Oh my, just pretend you didn't hear that."

(Alice) "You think we couldn't tell something happened to them?"

(Henry) "It wasn't my idea or even done with my input."

(Alice) "I can imagine."

(Henry) "Well then Ms. Carrion, I must be going... I look forward to seeing you in Mississippi someday, and I believe it will likely be the day you become Alice Fabus."

(Alice) "That could be. Keep thinking, Mr. Fabus."

(Henry) "Well you take care of my little brother, ya hear?"

(Alice) "I will."

(Henry) "And take care of yourself too. It's been nice talking with you, thank you for the call... God Bless."

(Alice) "Goodbye."

She hung up the phone and he did likewise.

Roger turned and looked at her, "Alice, may I ask why you called my brother back? Was there something you wanted to talk to him about?"

(Alice) "No, not really. I just wanted to know a few things."

(Roger) "Okay, well that is nice you getting to know my family better. Perhaps you might want to talk to my other brothers and my two sisters..." He started to trail off as he drifted into unconsciousness

She decided to turn on the news to see if Rutledge kept up his end of the deal. She turned to the Commonwealth news channel for ME. It was announced, the slave trade auctions had been ended, but slavery was still quite legal, as Rutledge said would happen, the motion to ban slavery was defeated in the eight man committee by a vote of 6-2.

The motion was being brought up again, but it would need to be pushed through committee, and what were the odds of that. There were two senators who had the power to push it through, Simon Rutledge and Hans Luck.

The phone rang; it didn't even cause Roger to stir from his deep sleep.

Alice picked up the phone slowly. "This is the Governor-General."

(Rutledge) "Hello governor, I kept my word, the auctions are over. But as I said, it'd never make it beyond committee, that is, the motion to ban the whole practice of slavery... Well I also said they'd simply go to Libya for slaves, and that is what they're doing."

(Alice) "Okay."

(Rutledge) "There are over 20 million slaves in Mississippian Egypt, they nearly outnumber the free colonists, it's a large number. There are also over 10 million children here, as part of the Aryan relocation program, children from HM were taken to be raised by party members incapable of having their own children, and they’ll be raised in the warrior code."

(Rutledge) "Now do you understand that... There are 75 million whites here, and 30 million of them are here against their will, well largely against their will, it's better than being in the rubble piles of Hatarian Mammalia. But let me also point out, we expect the numbers of those here against their will to rise to over 80 million in the coming months."

(Alice) "What's your point?"

(Rutledge) "And you want me to put my career, my reputation, and my position on the line to do something about this."

(Alice) "Not today, Senator. You've done enough today. We've all done something today."

(Rutledge) "My question for you is how badly do you want these people freed."

(Alice) "I value it more than my own life, Senator Rutledge."

(Rutledge) "Remember, we have a bet, and I never lose a bet."

(Rutledge) "Well then surely a few minutes of your time in exchange for my moving the motion along... A fair trade, yes?"

(Alice) "Senator, I have ways that allow me not to betray everything I am."

(Rutledge) "A friend of mine, Senator Hans Luck, he would also like a few minutes of your time... Combined, him and I can get anything pushed through the senate, but if either one of us stands against it, it will likely die, if we both stand against it, it has no chance."

(Rutledge) "I can have the bill pushed through in a week, depending if you let me push something else through... I think you know what I'm talking about."

(Alice) "As I said. I have ways that allow me not to betray what I am."

(Rutledge) "You said it is worth more to you than your life, so surely 20 minutes of your time is a bargain!"

Freeing over 30 million people from slavery, was it worth it?"

(Rutledge) "Well governor, what will it be?"

(Alice) "I will not say it three times, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Well then there will be no end to this institution you so hate."

(Alice) "I disagree. Good day, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Well I have to go anyway my property is getting restless"

Alice could hear several women in the background complaining about matters of various importance. She was guessing that Rutledge had procured himself some slaves.

(Rutledge) "Well goodbye governor, you have a fun time doing whatever it is you're doing."

Rutledge hung up the phone.

The thought of Rutledge and hundreds of thousands of other petty nobles just like him, owning other people, almost made Alice physically sick. But Rutledge wasn't a petty noble, he was one of the most well known orators in the territory, and he was a vocal proponent of the right of those who wanted to, to own slaves.

She sighed and turned the news back on, it was a debate on slavery, showing footage from ML of various ME nobles right across the border in ML buying slaves, then taking them back into ME.

The phone rang again, yet again, the wretched thing that never seemed to cease ringing.

Alice picked up the phone "What?"

(Hans Luck) "Hello governor, this is Senator Hans Luck, perhaps you have heard of me.. I am from the southern-central region of Mississippian Egypt. I represent mostly commercial farmers, and rural citizenry."

(Alice) "I've heard of you."

(Luck) "I was under the impression that you want slavery ended."

(Alice) "Yeah."

(Luck) "Well a friend of mine, a senator Rutledge, has already told you how to get it ended. All you have to do is meet with Rutledge and we can work out a deal... Do you find this acceptable?"

(Luck) "Remember that without our help, the anti-slave bill will fail."

(Alice) "Sir, unless you have a different offer than Rutledge did, you will get no further."."

(Lucks) "My offer is that you come to my estate, and that you, Rutledge, and myself, spend at most an hour discussing the topic at hand. Just sufficient time for Rutledge and myself to get more acquainted with you, yes?"

(Alice) "Then no deal, Senator."

(Luck) "Well I have a bet with Simon that I can get you to accept my offer before you accept his offer... And I haven't lost a bet in three years, I don't plan to start now."

(Alice) "That bet could last quite a while, Senator."

(Luck) "Very well then, watch the news in two hours, you'll see something quite interesting in the senate."

(Luck) "Watch the news, I'll be waiting for your call." He abruptly hung up.

About two and one half hours later, the news was announcing, "The passage of a new bill, allowing masters to beat, whip, torture, and even kill disobedient servants, it passed remarkably quickly after one of the more respected senators, a young Hans Luck, threw his weight behind it.”

(TV) "Senator, do you have any words for us?"

(Luck) "Yes, only that this is a necessary measure to assure servants remain compliant."

Alice looked down. She frowned to herself, and then shrugged. She looked around, found a computer ... she didn't understood why she needed two of them in one home, but she shrugged and turned it on. She waited patiently for it to boot up.

The phone rang, again, ringing, it nearly drove her mad.

(Luck) (In a very sly voice) "Hello madam governor, how are you doing?"

She started to talk to him, while the computer was loading.

(Alice) "I'm okay."

(Luck) "Have you seen the news lately?"

(Luck) "That is the sort of power I have, I can tip things either way."

(Alice) "I see it."

She smiled as the computer began booting and she opened up a word processor.

(Luck) "Well governor, will you be coming to my estate then?"

Alice began selecting a font from the wide variety. "I'm still not thinking I will."

(Luck) "I can tip more bills, ones you'd like even less. It's much easier to have me on your good side, than to make me an enemy. I'll be honest, I've had a grudge against you since day one when you had the arrogance to march into the senate, a man's room, and declare that you where the governor-general."

(Alice) "If you were listening, actually, I asked for you to vote for me. I didn't declare anything."

She began typing, almost smiling.

(Luck) "You didn't have a problem fucking your way into the governorship. But you won't fuck to keep yourself from being impeached... We're not asking that you fuck the whole senate, just myself and Rutledge wants a go also. Fair enough, isn't it?"

She was quite offended that he was suggesting she only got her position by sleeping with Roger.

Alice paused in her typing for a second, and then continued. "No, it really isn't."

(Luck) "Why isn't it fair? You'd be getting what you want, we'd be getting what we want."

(Luck) "Consider it a business transaction."

Alice finished typing, pressed the print button and smiled in satisfaction as her short document printed at a printer nearby.

(Luck) "Well you're the sort that believes women need to empower themselves, well take advantage of your natural talents and empower yourself... What is that noise in the background?"

(Alice) "Hmm? That's nothing. I was just thinking that I don't need to empower myself."

(Luck) "Oh come now governor, deep down, you know you want it."

(Luck) "You just can't do it, because Roger is keeping you on such a short leash!"

(Alice) "Not really."

(Alice) "Could you hold on for a second, Senator?"

(Luck) "Sure thing governor. You take your time to decide, my offer is good indefinitely."

Alice hung up the phone and picked up the document. She called for a servant quickly.

As she was waiting, she signed a line on the right side of the paper, at the bottom of the writing.

(Servant) (Arriving through the door) "Yes governor? You called?"

(Alice) "Yes. Make sure this gets in the hands of someone at the Senate building."

(Servant) (Curious) "May I ask what it is governor... I've never been to the senate building before. I'm quite curious about it."

(Alice) "It's an emergency gubernatorial order. That's more than you need to know."

He nodded and then ran off to a car, and in ten minutes, he was at the senate building. He handed the paper to the speaker of the senate.

The man started to read it.

It read: "All laws in any way permissing slavery are invalidated. Those laws are to be replaced with the following wording: "Slavery or forced, unpaid labor of any kind is hereby banned." All those who were slaves are now considered citizens, regardless of race. In addition, any impeachment of the governor must be carried out by a vote of the people, rather than a vote of the senate. Signed, Alice Carrion, Governor-General of Mississippian Egypt."


The senators started to shout, "Impeachment! She cannot issue an order unless it is for the safety of the nation!"

They started to vote, immediately it was 20-8 in favor of impeachment, 14 more of the 22 votes were needed to impeach her. Rutledge and Luck could tip it either way. They were also suggesting she be arrested for treason

The phone in her office at the mansion rang.

Alice smiled and picked it up. "Yo."

(Rutledge) "Hello governor, how are you doing?"

(Alice) "I'm feeling great, Senator. You?"

(Rutledge) "Well seeing as how you're 14 votes away from being convicted of treason and arrested... I'm feeling great also, but you know what. Luck and I, we could tip it the other way... Whether we do, is up to you. Or perhaps you'd like to languish in a filth ridden prison with no light, running water, or heat."

(Alice) "On the contrary, sir. Perhaps you missed it, but you actually can't impeach me."

(Rutledge) "We are in the process currently. The commonwealth army will soon be arresting you."

She heard tanks rolling by outside, followed by dozens of BMP3s

(Alice) "You don't understand. The vote must be carried out by the people."

(Rutledge) "Have a nice day governor."

(Rutledge) "Well governor, I can end it all, derail the impeachment, and you can stay in power, it's quite easy really."

(Alice) "This is a nice day indeed." She hung up the phone and quickly called down to the SRG men below her.

The captain of the SRG detachment came up and asked her, "What are your orders ma'am?"

They TV was reporting, "Alice Carrion has been impeached by the senate, pending a vote by the people, she will then be convicted and kicked out."

(Alice) "The state senate is in the process of a coup attempt. The army movement outside is in direct violation of one of my emergency orders. As such, you will defend against them, and you have my permission to destroy as much of it as needed to do so. The federal army will assist you in a few minutes."

(Captain) "Ma'am, the units outside, they are federal and commonwealth units, and they outnumber us, there are over 20,000 of them, and scarcely 300 of us."

Rutledge had mobilized all federal commanders in the area by telling them that Carrion was plotting to hand Egypt over to blacks and jews.

(Alice) "You're in the SRG, Captain. Are you telling me you're unwilling to fight for the people in this room?"

(Captain) "No ma'am, we will attempt to hold until the 6 Republican Guard divisions scattered throughout Egypt can arrive to relieve us. Hail Fabus!"

(Alice) "Thank you, captain."

She turned around quickly and began dialing the federal forces high command.

Roger jumped up in bed, "Alice what is going on! I had an awful dream, rivers running red with blood, brother killing brother, it was awful, what is going on?" He started to cough and hack.

(Alice) "Nothing's going on." She finished dialing and waited patiently.

The phone rang in the Federal Army High Command in Jackson City, "Hello, Field Marshal Reginald Smith's office, Republican Guard branch of the AHC."

(Alice) "This is Alice Carrion. I need to talk with whoever's got the highest rank in there."

(Secretary) "That would be Field Marshal Smith. Let me patch you through to him, he is currently hunting pheasants with the Premier."

(Smith) "Smith here... This better be important."

(Alice) "You could say important. I'm in the middle of a coup attempt and your own commanders are helping it out."

She heard a shotgun sound in the background and the premier yelling, "Reginald did you see that shot!"

(Smith) "Yes, is this the lady governor of ME?"

(Alice) "That's me."

(Smith) "And what do you want me to do, tell the men to play nice... You're in a man's world, deal with it like a man would, rally your troops, inspire them with your words."

(Smith) "Command from the front."

(Alice) "I have two hundred who are bothering to listen. Do you suppose you could tell the other hundred thousand or two to do that too?"

(Smith) "The Republican Guard has six divisions in ME, they will be enough to save you. Might I ask how this crisis arose... Does it have anything to do with your refusing to sleep with Luck and Rutledge?"

(Smith) "I get bored, so I listen to recordings of commonwealth officials telephone calls."

(Alice) "It does have quite a bit to do with that. My problem is that I could be dead before the six divisions arrive."

(Smith) "Don't you think it'd have been easier for all involved to just have fucked them and got it over with?”

(Alice) "But that's my problem. Here's your problem."

(Alice) "Your problem is that Roger Fabus could be dead before the six divisions arrive."

(Smith) "Nobody would be foolish enough to harm him. I can have the premier address all of Alexandria over the speaker systems... Talk them down."

(Smith) "You must promise me, you won't go on a vengeance spree, as Rutledge and Luck are necessary to commonwealth prosperity, believe it or not."

(Alice) "Sir, this was a coup. Tell me what would happen if someone tried to take your position by force."

(Smith) "I would crush them, ruthlessly... But you did attempt to outlaw slavery, against regulations, by issuing an order, not lobbying a bill. They had every legal right to impeach you... Basically if you get any help, it won't be from me or my RG, it will be from the Premier."

(Smith) "Answer me this, would it not have been easier for you to just have fucked both of them, at least fucked Rutledge, and been done with the whole issue?"

(Alice) "Sir, what would it take to get you to fuck him?"

Smith started to laugh! "Satan himself could make me do it! I'm not gay!"

(Smith) "Besides, I'm married and have children. The only one for me is my wife."

(Smith) "You're single and in politics, what do you expect?"

(Alice) "I expect to be treated like a man would be treated. That's exactly what I would expect. In any case, I was once married, and I'm seriously considering it again." She noticed the presence of Roger, but didn't care.

(Smith) "Ah yes you mean you are considering marriage to young Roger Fabus?"

(Alice) "I mean exactly that."
(Smith) "Well I tell you what then... Rutledge and Luck are both friends of mine, good friends. I will talk them down, you grant them amnesty, and this all becomes a memory, deal?"

(Alice) "I'm more worried about the army outside my door, general."

(Smith) "I can use my phone to tap into the speaker system of Alexandria, the premier can talk them down."

(Alice) "Thank you."

Smith turned, held his hand over the phone, while he spoke, informed the premier of the situation, the premier took out his own phone, and dialed the numbers. He said, "This is your leader, Premier Fabus, return to your bases and posts, I order you to stand down!"

The SRG told Alice that the army outside had vanished almost immediately.

(Smith) "Are you okay governor?"

(Alice) "I'm fine, thank you."

(Smith) "With such powerful enemies as Rutledge and Luck, you need allies, consider joining the WKM."

(Alice) "I'm fine."

(Smith) "Good, I must go, the Premier wishes you well and says he hopes the job isn't stressing you out, he calls it "a typical day in the governorship". Funny eh? Well take care." He hung up.

Roger smiled at Alice and then in the clearest voice he could muster said, "Were you serious Alice? What you said to Smith?"

Alice turned back to him. "I'm going back to Seryown."

(Roger) "What? Why?"

(Alice) "It's not worth it, Roger."

(Roger) "Please Alice, stay, what happened today, happened for a reason... You made it through, you're a fine governor!"

(Alice) "Every day I spend here is ten years off my life. It isn't worth it."

(Roger) "Then come with me, to Mississippi, or Fabus Island, or Tennessee, please."

(Alice) "What do I have there?"

(Roger) "Donald Stahlecker handled the pressures, and you're a better governor than 10 Stahleckers combined. You can make it, I know you can."

(Alice) "I told you, Roger. It isn't worth it."

(Roger) "Then let me come with you to Seryown, I'll resign from the guard and father can name William as his heir."

(Alice) "You suggested we go to Mississippi. What's there, that means I should go there and not back?"

(Roger) "I'd be in Mississippi, we could be there together... Wherever you want to go is fine, just let me be there with you."

(Alice) "All right. We'll go wherever you say to go. Just not here. I'm done here."

(Roger) "John Stahlecker, a nice man, not like Donald Stahlecker, he was once governor here, he settled in Ohio because his wife was not safe here... How about we try Ohio, it's quiet and peaceful."

(Alice) "Ohio it is, then."

(Roger) "I'd say Mississippi, but something tells me you'd not take well to Mississippi herself."

(Alice) "I suppose so."

(Roger) "If you want to move to Mississippi herself though... I'm for whatever you are for."

(Alice) "I said we'd go where you said to go."

(Roger) "How about we try Mississippi for a few months, if you don't like it, we'll go anywhere you want then."

(Alice) "All right. Mississippi it is."

(Roger) "Could you get the servants to get me a wheelchair, I fear I will not be able to move. Also, if you would please get me a phone, I must tell father I am resigning from the cavalry."

Alice nodded. "Of course."

(Roger) "Thank you."

She called for the servants who promptly brought the wheelchair, then she handed him a phone.

He dialed the number for his father.

(Curtis) "Roger is it you? I recognized the number."

(Roger) "Yes... I'm going to Mississippi, Alice is coming with me..."

(Curtis) "Very good! I look forward to seeing you both!"

(Roger) (He just blurted it out) "I'm resigning the guard!"

(Curtis) (Enraged) "WHAT!"

He was shouting so loud, Alice could hear him

(Curtis) "She put you up to this, didn't she! To give me a heart attack!"

(Roger) "No father, not at all."

(Roger) "I was thinking, I'm your heir and son... And I mean to get married, if I were to die in a meaningless campaign, the kind you are so fond of sending me off to, it'd hurt far more people than it'd help. I've proven my courage in over 20 battles; I have nothing left to prove. Only a fool fights when there is no need."

(Curtis) "I'm glad you speak your mind with me son, that is partially why you are my favorite, you've always told me what you wanted to say, not what I wanted to hear. I respect your decision, you will remain my heir, as you and I both wish."

(Curtis) "Put Alice on, would you."

Roger handed her the phone.

(Curtis) "Ms. Carrion, hello."

(Alice) "Good afternoon, Premier."

(Curtis) "So you're coming to Mississippi..."

(Alice) "Right after I resign, yes."

(Curtis) "Well I think the people will be sad to see you leave. But it is your choice to make. I respect your decision as I respect Roger's decision to quit the guard."

(Alice) "Thank you, sir."

(Curtis) "I think that soon I'm going to have to call to Alice Fabus though... Something tells me that...”

(Alice) "It could be."

(Curtis) "Yes well I'm glad Roger has picked you, rather than some drone of a woman as have most of the generals in my armies."

(Alice) "I am glad as well, premier."

(Curtis) "Roger is still quite ill though, yes?"

(Alice) "Yes."

(Curtis) "Is he well enough to travel from Egypt to Mississippi?"

(Alice) "I think he'll make it."

(Curtis) "Good, well I look forward to seeing you both... And I know you'll make a fine Fabus."

(Curtis) "Have a safe flight, see you soon."

(Curtis) "Tell Roger the same."

The Premier hung up the phone and went back to working on papers and documents.

Roger smiled at Alice and then slowly struggled to say, "I must do one thing first."

He carefully slid out of bed and while groaning from pain went down on one knee as he struggled to clearly speak the words, "Alice, will you marry me?"

Alice looked down. "Not yet, Roger."

(Roger) "But soon, right?"

(Alice) "I hope so, Roger."

Roger smiled, as he struggled to stand up, pushing himself into a standing position by using the bed and a nearby chair.

He let out a moan of pain as he started to walk, he'd been in bed for a while and it hurt to walk, and so he used the wheelchair the servants provided, an SRG man pushed it.

Alice followed alongside, as they were moving down towards the limousine waiting outside. Alice's cellular phone rang.

Alice picked up the phone. "What?"

(Rutledge) "Hello governor, you dodged a real bullet today! You nearly were arrested for treason!"

(Alice) "Call it what you want."

(Rutledge) "Well if you want to keep your position as governor, you'll do as you're told, understand?"

(Alice) "Actually, I'm resigning."

(Rutledge) "I can hardly believe it! Whatever will you do now? Retire from politics all together?"

(Alice) "I'm thinking about it."

(Rutledge) "Oh dear me... This doesn't have anything to do with me, does it?"

(Alice) "I've decided the job wasn't worth it."

(Rutledge) "Ah so now what job will you do?"

(Alice) "I don't know yet."

(Rutledge) "I'm sure you'll find some other man who by sleeping with him, you can get to where you want. Pity though, poor Roger, how you used him, sucks for him really. Doesn't it?"

(Alice) "We're going to Mississippi together. I'm hoping to get a good vacatio there, where I can get back the decades I lost."

(Rutledge) "So you're staying with him! I had you pegged all wrong. I must apologize, I thought you were only using young Roger to get ahead... If it means anything to you, you've been the strongest political opponent I've ever faced off against."

(Rutledge) (In a grumpy tone) "As well as the only woman to turn me down."

(Alice) "Good luck, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Perhaps one day, you'll return to Egypt? Until then, good luck wherever fate takes you."

(Alice) "Thank you, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Oh by the way, I won a bet just now."

(Alice) "Which one?"

(Rutledge) "Thirty senators each took bets on whether it would be myself or Senator Luck who drove you to leave first... I guess this means it was me?"

(Alice) "No, I would say it was Senator Luck. Sorry, Senator."

(Rutledge) "Really? How'd he do it?"

(Alice) "That stupid act at the end."

(Rutledge) "You mean his "kill the disobedient slaves" business."

(Alice) "That one."

(Rutledge) "That wasn't real! He had the media report it, to make you upset!"

(Rutledge) "He'd never advocate violence like that. He just wanted to win the bet."

(Rutledge) "And I never bought any slaves, those women in the background, were all voluntary domestic servants I paid them bonuses to act upset to cause you grief! My word Ms. Carrion, we sure had you fooled!"

Alice smiled. "I guess so. In any case, I'm done."

(Rutledge) "Well, it was an unforgettable time locking heads with you in the political arena. God Bless." He hung up the phone.

Roger was being wheeled down to the car; he looked at Alice who was looking puzzled, "Was it Rutledge? What did he want?"

(Alice) "It was nothing."

(Roger) "Shall we go then?"

(Alice) "Let's."

One of the guards walking alongside his chair was smoking a cigar, Alice could see Roger eyeing it, craving it, he looked away and then told the guard, "Put that out!" he promptly complied.

The guards helped him get into the limousine and then Alice got in after he did.

Roger rubbed his forehead, "The last time my head hurt like this, was when I was in the field for four weeks and the cigars ran out."

Alice smiled. "You know, nicotine is addictive. You can't just quit. You need to actually work at smoking less and less until you don't have to."

Roger started to cough into his hands; a guard covered him with a blanket and then moved up to the middle section, shutting the privacy window.

(Roger) "I've never heard the word nicotine. They list the main ingredient as oxygen and enriched vitamins."

Alice shook her head. "Well, there's another lie."

(Roger) "Wow... I just feel, wow... The surgeon general would lie like that... It's just, awful."

Alice shrugged. "Yeah."

(Roger) "We'll be at the airport soon. Is there any particular plane you want to take?"

(Alice) "No... Why would there be?"

(Roger) "Just wondering, we could take a concorde and get there quicker."

(Alice) "I really don't care."

(Roger) "Well then a concorde it is."

(Alice) "Okay."

As the limousine is driving down the street, Alice can see that there are thousands of police in riot gear cordoning off a section of the street up ahead, and BMP-3s are arriving on the scene.

Alice stared at it. "What's going on there?"

Roger glanced over, then turned around like it was nothing, "ah probably the usual riot or something, the police will handle it."

She looked over and saw a large number of men in robes and hoods marching with signs reading, "Slavery is vile and disgusting" and a large number of men in suits marching towards them with signs reading, "Eugenics, it just makes sense!"

It was the WKM against the Society of Eugenicists.

Alice looked over again, and the scene was a melee, a massive brawl, signs being broken over peoples heads, men slammed into cars, thrown through windows.

The police started firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

(Roger) "I bet you think it's odd the WKM being against the breeding programs."

(Alice) "A little odd, yes."

(Roger) "The WKM is basically a good group, like all groups, they vary from person to person."

(Roger) "Most of the WKM are middle and lower closer, with a sprinkling of upper class. There are 3% of people in CM in the upper class, but the WKM is 17% upper class, so they join in proportions greater than their representation in the population."

(Alice) "Interesting."

(Roger) "It's basically a fraternal brotherhood, a secret society, but it also has political and social objectives. Also there is the military wing of the WKM, the trained paramilitaries, about 20 million of the over 150 million WKM are in the paramilitary units."

(Alice) "Quite a lot."

(Roger) "It's open to any White male Christian, heterosexual, with a clean record, aged 18 and older."

(Alice) "I see."

(Roger) "Then there are the youth units and the women's units."

(Alice) "So there are quite a lot of members?"

(Roger) "Oh yes, basically all high government officials are members, as are their wives and children. I'd say probably 400 million members overall, at least."

(Alice) 'I see."

Alice was wondering since Roger was a high government official and his father was the Premier, was Roger a member also... Perhaps he mentioned it earlier, but if he did, she hadn't been paying attention.

She shrugged it off and leaned back, trying to avoid the political discussion.

The limousine arrived at the airport, a guard opened the door and helped Alice out, then two guards helped Roger out and into the chair.

They got onto the plane; Roger was coughing and hacking, trying to lessen the sounds so Alice might not notice.

(Alice) "You sure you can do this?"

(Roger) "Oh yeah, I'm fine, don't worry about me."

After they got onto the plane and sat down, it started to move. They quickly buckled up, soon they were at the end of the runway lifting off into the air. Roger looked down and said, "Well Alice, there is Egypt, do you think we'll ever see her again?"

(Alice) "I don't know, really. I hope not."

(Roger) "Well then we never have to see Egypt again, we can avoid this land totally."

As the plane started to gain altitude and enter turbulence, Roger's coughing increased in frequency and severity.

(Roger) "I'm okay, don't worry."

He finally managed to control his coughing, he leaned back and looked at Alice, "I was wondering about something Alice..."

(Roger) "You want children yes?"

(Alice) "Maybe."

(Roger) "Maybe eh? Anything more definite? I mean are you leaning towards yes or towards no?"

She knew it was quite common in Mississippi for women to have between 12-18 children; she wanted nowhere near that many.

(Alice) "I'm not sure."

(Roger) "Well there'll be plenty of time to decide, eh?"

(Alice) "Yes, there will."

The plane continued on towards Mississippi, they'd not be stopping in Tennessee since Roger had clearance to land directly in Mississippi. The plane had already been searched over and had been under guard the entire time it was in the hangar. A few hours later, the plane landed in Mississippi.

After the plane landed in Mississippi, Roger and Alice were both helped out of it, Roger obviously received the most help, being in a wheelchair.

They had landed at the Premier's Stalingrad Estate in Neshoba County, he was waiting near the runway to greet them.

An SRG man was pushing Roger's wheelchair, the Premier called out, "Roger, Alice, how was your flight?"

We walked over towards them, smiling warmly at his son; he patted Roger on the back and then extended his hand to shake with Alice.

(Premier) "Ms. Carrion, it's a shame you resigned from Egypt, I think you would have been quite the leader, from an economic point that is."

(Alice) "That's possible, sir, but it wasn't worth it."

(Premier) "Well I'm currently considering reforming the structures of the government, both here and in Egypt... There may very well be a popular election in ME, and they'll elect a president who will exercise more power than the old governor-generals would have."

(Premier) "Wouldn't it be something if you won the election!"

(Alice) "I don't see that happening, sir."

(Premier) "Recent surveys suggest that if the election in Egypt was held today, you'd get 70% of the white vote and 80% of the Arab vote."

(Alice) "I can't say there's any reason that should be the case."

(Premier) "The WKM in Egypt is campaigning for you, rallying whites to do a write-in if you're not on the ballot... You could get yourself on the ballot."

(Premier) "Right now in Egypt it appears that the president will be either Nasser Aref, Simon Rutledge, or you. Between you and me, I don't think Aref stands a chance to get elected as president, maybe vice-president."

(Alice) "Interesting."

(Premier) "Rutledge is an arrogant prick who acts like an ass, getting into fights in the senate chambers and such..."

(Alice) "I've realized that, sir."

(Premier) "He's out of control also, doing things without orders... I want somebody who follows orders. I'd prefer you be president, but if you don't put your name on the ballot, oh well. I guess you could win a write-in, but then you could always turn down the victory and resign again."

Roger was sitting there, waiting for his father to finish, "Father, perhaps we should go inside."

(Premier) "Good idea, let's go. Alice you'll be staying here for a while, if you'd like. You can meet the entire Fabus family."

(Premier) "Of course William is off with a young lady from TBD, I think they're going to wind up married. And Henry, he is in southern Mississippi with his fiancée."

(Premier) "My daughter Victoria just married the king of Kahta, my other daughter Eleanor would probably jump at the chance if I agreed to let her marry Paul Stahlecker. It seems all the Fabuses are getting married."

(Alice) "It does seem that way, sir."

(Premier) "Which is good, because it means grandchildren, and lots of them."

(Alice) "That's true, sir."

(Premier) "Roger and you are young, you should both be able to get me at least 15 grandchildren, maybe more." Alice was slightly taken aback by his order-like statement as to how many kids they'd have.

(Premier) "You do like children?"

Ooc: The RP will continue! Seryown has decided it should go on! I am glad he has chosen thus, and I think it demonstrates he is an a-okay guy. :D (Thumbs up) Round of applause!


I have free time in a while, expect the next post then. :D

This will answer all the questions behind the "Selling out" of the ML whites, the rapid disintegration of CM and Commonwealth rule in Libya, and it may even tie into an RP I'm working on with Sharina about the HM atrocities (The soldiers combat drugs were tampered with)

I really like how all the RPs I get going seem to flow into each other, it's nice. I also really like how all the people I RP with are really quite good writers and they have good ideas to help the flow. Hooray for good Rpers!

up

TAG for interest and a BUMP to the top again

I'm digging through all the Roger+Alice Rps from the old peace talks, and going to start a new thread with the first posts from that as the first post, it will include all the posts here, and then all the new posts. I'm going to ask a mod to either lock or delete this, because the new thread will be better and more complete.