NationStates Jolt Archive

He smiled a bit, "I am the Pope of the Mississippian Roman Catholic Church, as a church official, I am quite indeed immune..."

Matsumoto then said, "Good point."

The paramedics then came. As they picked up Benkei, one of them went, "Sweet Gorodon Freeman! What the Hell happened here?"

Herman smiled, "Something hit him on the head, it looks like pretty hard too."

The paramedic shook his head, saying, "Crazy tourists, think they can pick fights.....not referring to you, but to the guy I'm pickin up."

He put him aon a gurney, and put him in the ambulance. Meanwhile, the paramedic said, "Jesus, sir, you need to get that hand in a cast. Think I better take you to the Hospital."

the czarina is welcome into the eastern bloc at any time, the czar will help our gulags considerably, as a head of gulag workforce in kolyma, the czarina can carry the children of comunism into the next genration, together we can rise up and overcome these capitolist westerners..
but only with your help.

Ooc- This thread is closed to anybody that is not either Upper Xen or Decisive Action.



Ic- Herman sighed, "Fine. I'll go to the hospital..."

The paramedic led him aboard the ambulance, and Matsumoto followed them in the Range Rover.

They soon arrived in the hospital, and, as Matsumoto watched, Thaller got a cast for his hand. The man, meanwhile, had to endure some surgery and a cast for his face.

The doctor meanwhile, after applying the cast on Thaller went, "There you go buddy, good as new. Don't do too much with that hand, and in a few weeks it will heal. How will you be paying for this, anyway? You look like a tourist, you don;t have a National Health card...."

He handed the man a wad of bills, at least five thousand dollars, "Hmmm... A cast? How barbaric and medieval... We in my nation would just use regeneration technology to fix the bones."

The doctor sighed, "Very well, here, we only use the regenerative nanites for extreme situations, like that other guy we just pulled in......"

He pulled out a syringe. "Hold still."

He then injected it into the hand. "There you go, 50cc's of medical nanites. The hand should return to normal in a few minutes. It is free this time."

OOC: I operate with postmodern to modern tech, 2000-2015, i.e practical hydrogen engines and nano-carbon chainmail (I actually bought that from someone, so the capacity to machine that could lead to medical nanites as well).

Herman frowned as they injected him with the needle, he never cared much for needles.


After the paramedics left, Herman smiled at Matsumoto, held up his hand, and whispered, "I'm still pretty sore... Perhaps you'd like to kiss it and see if that makes it feel better?"


He then added, "Although on second thought, perhaps if I kiss you I'd feel better..." That said, he pressed his lips against hers as he gently pulled her closer to him.

Herman frowned as they injected him with the needle, he never cared much for needles.


After the paramedics left, Herman smiled at Matsumoto, held up his hand, and whispered, "I'm still pretty sore... Perhaps you'd like to kiss it and see if that makes it feel better?"


He then added, "Although on second thought, perhaps if I kiss you I'd feel better..." That said, he pressed his lips against hers as he gently pulled her closer to him.

Matsumoto smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll make that boo-boo feel better...."

She then kissed Thaller, once on the hand, and once on the lips, returing the favor.

He smiled and then kissed her back as he heard a clock tower chiming twelve. After he'd finished kissing her, he looked at his watch, twelve exactly, "Hmmm... Think we should go get some lunch, roughing up punks on the beach has made me hungry."

He smiled and then kissed her back as he heard a clock tower chiming twelve. After he'd finished kissing her, he looked at his watch, twelve exactly, "Hmmm... Think we should go get some lunch, roughing up punks on the beach has made me hungry."

Matsumoto said, "Hmm....yes it is that time of day, isn't it? We will find something to eat....perhaps a Chinese dinner. You can pay this time."

Herman nodded his head, "Sounds good to me..."

Thaller sighed a bit, "On another matter, would your president ever consider visiting Mississippi? Since I've managed to learn through my sources that the Czar is somewhat bed-ridden, he's not doing too well in health, and the Czarina is now running the nation and has to take care him on top of that... So the likelihood of either of them being able to go to a foreign conference..."

He chuckled and shook his head, "It's not at all likely..."

Herman nodded his head, "Sounds good to me..."

Thaller sighed a bit, "On another matter, would your president ever consider visiting Mississippi? Since I've managed to learn through my sources that the Czar is somewhat bed-ridden, he's not doing too well in health, and the Czarina is now running the nation and has to take care him on top of that... So the likelihood of either of them being able to go to a foreign conference..."

He chuckled and shook his head, "It's not at all likely..."

Matsumoto said, "Well, he is curious about the land of Mississippi, so that may be a possiblity. Don't get too pessimistic."

Herman smiled a bit, "Well China is rather well-liked in Mississippi, largely due to events that happened in 1984."

Matsumoto smiled. "That makes things even better...ah yes, the 1984 War. It is well remembered here, the Nationalists like to say they made a contribution to society through their help, and list it as President Hu's great acheivements."

Herman nodded his head, "Yes, in the last few months of the war, things really picked up after the Soviet reversals in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Belarus, and southern Russia meant they had to draw most of their troops out of Mississippi... Finally the massive Chinese invasion of the Eastern USSR meant that almost all of their troops were out of Mississippi by October, then it was just a matter of a few weeks to mop up the last few government strongholds."

Herman nodded his head, "Yes, in the last few months of the war, things really picked up after the Soviet reversals in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Belarus, and southern Russia meant they had to draw most of their troops out of Mississippi... Finally the massive Chinese invasion of the Eastern USSR meant that almost all of their troops were out of Mississippi by October, then it was just a matter of a few weeks to mop up the last few government strongholds."

Matsumoto smiled. "Well, the Soviets were backing rebels in the Xinjiang and Yunnan regions, generally being ornery along the Amur, we had to do something....and maybe get some new lands. Besides, the Soviets weren't exactly friendly with us, after the 1958-1964 Federalist Wars, they fumed over their failure to install their favorite candidate in power. Of course, the Greens took power and gave it all back. That is one reason why nobody votes for them anymore......"

Herman chuckled a bit, "I'm just glad the Chinese saw fit to choose 1984 to attack the USSR..."

Herman chuckled a bit, "I'm just glad the Chinese saw fit to choose 1984 to attack the USSR..."

Matsumoto then said, "Well, Amen to that."

The doctor came back in. "Okeydokey, I think I should remove the cast, your hand is okay now........."

He poked Thaller's hand, and then removed the cast. "There you go. You can go now, if you want."

Thaller smiled, "Bout time..."

He put his arm around her and said, "So then, shall we be on our way?"

Thaller smiled, "Bout time..."

He put his arm around her and said, "So then, shall we be on our way?"

Matsumoto then said, "Yes, let's go....."

They then left the Hospital, and went back to her Range Rover. Getting in she began driving off.

Herman looked at his watch, "Hmmm. Where to now? That hospital crap almost ate up two hours..."

Herman looked at his watch, "Hmmm. Where to now? That hospital crap almost ate up two hours..."

Matsumoto said, "Well, I hear the American Peking Restaurant sounds cool, they've got an awesome Peking Duck, dumplings and all kinds of goodies."

Herman nodded his head a bit, "Yeah, that sounds good..."


He smiled and then continued to talk, "So, would you like to go to Mississippian Egypt in a few days then?"

Herman nodded his head a bit, "Yeah, that sounds good..."


He smiled and then continued to talk, "So, would you like to go to Mississippian Egypt in a few days then?"

Matsumoto said, "Cool....can I bring a camera? Nothing sensitive, of course."

-----------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, President Gordon Lew's Militarized BBJ flew close to Santiago de Chile. The pilot, Tim, radioed Santiago International.

"Santiago International, this is ANO#74856-AS2. Requestiing permission to land."

He nodded his head, "Yes of course you can, that would be okay... If anybody bothers you, I'll just tell them by bothering you they're bothering me."

He nodded his head, "Yes of course you can, that would be okay... If anybody bothers you, I'll just tell them by bothering you they're bothering me."

Matsumoto said, "Excellent. I am quite glad.....I've always loved going to other lands."

She got onto the bridge that would take them from Hong kong Island to Kowloon, where the restaurant was located.

She then smiled as she drove on the bridge, and said, "I heard that the folks at National Armscorp are staging a big air tech contest.......word is that your superiors have submitted their MiG-41 for consideration."

OOC: Post No. 527, bottom, needs a response.

Matsumoto said, "Excellent. I am quite glad.....I've always loved going to other lands."

She got onto the bridge that would take them from Hong kong Island to Kowloon, where the restaurant was located.

She then smiled as she drove on the bridge, and said, "I heard that the folks at National Armscorp are staging a big air tech contest.......word is that your superiors have submitted their MiG-41 for consideration."

OOC: Post No. 527, bottom, needs a response.



Ooc- Arghh... There is nobody in Chile, just fly to MS himself and meet with the Czar and Czarina at Stalingrad estate. Don't worry, nothing will happen to your guy unless he goes crazy and tries to kill somebody.



Ic- Herman smiled at the mention of the MiG-41, "I'd be willing to wager they'll want me to be flying it, eh?"

Ooc- Arghh... There is nobody in Chile, just fly to MS himself and meet with the Czar and Czarina at Stalingrad estate. Don't worry, nothing will happen to your guy unless he goes crazy and tries to kill somebody.



Ic- Herman smiled at the mention of the MiG-41, "I'd be willing to wager they'll want me to be flying it, eh?"

Tim went, "Ah, man, I went off course, get the Extender to fuel us up, we're going to Mississippi."

Gordon sighed, "Tim, what the hell, man? Don't do this again...."

The Extender refueled them, and they flew close to Mississippi about 6-7 hours later. The pilot, Tim, radioed in to MS Air Control:

"Mississippian Air Command, this is Xenizen National Airways ANO#75645-092. Requesting permission to land."

------------------------------

Matsumoto said, "Oh yeah......I'd actually want to get tickets to see that, they are holding the competition in Manchuria. Other nations will be there, I'll be rooting for you....."

In Mississippi, the Air Defense Command quickly replied, "You are clear to enter Mississippian airspace, fly no at eleven thousand feet and be ready to be guided to Stalingrad Estate Airport by a flight of MiG-41s..."


The plane started to rumble as MiG-41s at Mach 4.2 approached, and quickly slowed to match speeds with the plane.





[][][][][][][][][][][]



Herman smiled, "Rooting for me even over UX pilots?"

In Mississippi, the Air Defense Command quickly replied, "You are clear to enter Mississippian airspace, fly no at eleven thousand feet and be ready to be guided to Stalingrad Estate Airport by a flight of MiG-41s..."


The plane started to rumble as MiG-41s at Mach 4.2 approached, and quickly slowed to match speeds with the plane.





[][][][][][][][][][][]



Herman smiled, "Rooting for me even over UX pilots?"

Tim followed his MiG escorts, lowering himself to below 11,000 feet, to Stalingrad Estate Airport. Sec. of State Taira Yuna noted the planes, and said, "Wow."

--------------------------------

Matsumoto said, "Well, this competition is solely between other nations, we won't be participating."

Ooc- I suggest we start a separate thread in a bit for the visit to Stalingrad.






Ic-

Herman nodded his head, smiling, "Ah, well that's good... I wouldn't want to have to create more tensions between our two nations when I win." He grinned a bit, "And I will win."

He then kissed her on the cheek before whispering in her ear "And after I've won, perhaps I'll borrow a two-seater MiG-41 from some nearby aircraft carrier and I'll fly us to Mississippian Egypt, eh?"

Ooc- I suggest we start a separate thread in a bit for the visit to Stalingrad.






Ic-

Herman nodded his head, smiling, "Ah, well that's good... I wouldn't want to have to create more tensions between our two nations when I win." He grinned a bit, "And I will win."

He then kissed her on the cheek before whispering in her ear "And after I've won, perhaps I'll borrow a two-seater MiG-41 from some nearby aircraft carrier and I'll fly us to Mississippian Egypt, eh?"


Matsumoto said, "Oh, you...that would be wonderful. Here we are."

They parked in a nearby garage next to the restaurant, and after making sure everything was okay, she and Thaller got out, and began walking to the restaurant.

Herman smiled and followed by her side as he took her hand in his and said, "Hmmm... Don't forget, I get to pay."

Herman smiled and followed by her side as he took her hand in his and said, "Hmmm... Don't forget, I get to pay."

Matsumoto said, "Heard, understood, and acknowledged."

As they walked in, the waiter came up to tthem and said, "Good day, sir, smoking or not?"

OOC: Got the part about the separate thrread, who will make it?

Herman shook his head, "Non-smoking is fine... Everybody ought to be able to go for a dinner without needing to smoke, eh?"


Upon being guided to their table and left alone, Herman took her hands in his, kissed her, and then took a deep breath before asking, "So... Would you ever say, consider moving out of your country?"

Herman shook his head, "Non-smoking is fine... Everybody ought to be able to go for a dinner without needing to smoke, eh?"


Upon being guided to their table and left alone, Herman took her hands in his, kissed her, and then took a deep breath before asking, "So... Would you ever say, consider moving out of your country?"

Matsumoto said, "Nah, I've got too much here, a nice job, a family that still calls, friends, and cable bills to pay, NHK really wants me to pay up." She then laughed.

"Cable bills....is television privatized in Mississippi or is it state-run?"

OOC: Made the thread for Lew's visit.

Herman sighed, "Hmmm... I see."


He smiled and moved along to another topic, answering her question, "Yes, it's largely state owned but only in that everything is censored for content and to make sure it doesn't contain counter-revolutionary material... So, shall we order something to eat then?"

Herman sighed, "Hmmm... I see."


He smiled and moved along to another topic, answering her question, "Yes, it's largely state owned but only in that everything is censored for content and to make sure it doesn't contain counter-revolutionary material... So, shall we order something to eat then?"

She then said, "Yes, let's do so."

The waiter came up to them and said, "Good day, sir, ma'am, what can I get you?"

Matsumoto then turned and asked Herman: "You up for Peking Duck?"

OOC: Not to pester, here is link to thread: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=388072

Herman smiled and nodded his head, "Yes, that sounds great..."


As soon as the waiter left, he looked into the eyes, smiling, and nervously yet somehow smugly said, "So, tell me, are there many jobs around here for people who are qualified fighter pilots? I've got a lot of vacation time coming and don't see any real need to hurry back to Mississippi... I think they'll manage without me for a bit, eh?"

Herman smiled and nodded his head, "Yes, that sounds great..."


As soon as the waiter left, he looked into the eyes, smiling, and nervously yet somehow smugly said, "So, tell me, are there many jobs around here for people who are qualified fighter pilots? I've got a lot of vacation time coming and don't see any real need to hurry back to Mississippi... I think they'll manage without me for a bit, eh?"

The waiter nodded, "Yup, one Peking Duck."

He handed them glasses of water, and left to give the order.

Matsumoto then said, "Well, the Air Force Academy needs good men to run its Top Gun Program.......they would be honored and quite pleasantly surprised if you appeared as an instructor."

He nodded his head a bit and then grinned, "Why wherever would I stay though?"

He nodded his head a bit and then grinned, "Why wherever would I stay though?"


Matsumoto said, "Well, I would bet that they have onsite dorms, and theTop Gun Program is near Hinata City, the instructors live in the apartments there provided by the Air Force."

He frowned a bit, "I was rather hoping perhaps to stay with a certain intelligence officer I might know..."

Herman gently took her hands in his, smiling as he looked into her eyes again, adding, "If she would be willing to let me, that is."

He frowned a bit, "I was rather hoping perhaps to stay with a certain intelligence officer I might know..."

Herman gently took her hands in his, smiling as he looked into her eyes again, adding, "If she would be willing to let me, that is."


Matsumoto said, "That's cool, I'll let you stay with me, anyway, I'm sure we could work something out with the Air Force."

He smiled, clearly he'd heard the answer he wanted to hear, he didn't know what to say, so he just leaned in and gently kissed her. After that he whispered, "I look forward to it..."

Matsumoto purred softly and said, "Indeed..."

The wiater came back and said, "Here you go sir, ma'am, one Peking duck."

He placed the very large and exquisite duck on the table, it was a feast for the eyes and the belly.

"Enjoy."

The waiter walked away.

Matsumoto said, "Well then, let's eat!"

Herman nodded his head and started to eat, right after she had taken a bite he asked, "Do you like it?"


As they were eating, a paper boy walking by the restaurant shouted, "Extra, Extra! Non-Aggression Pact to be signed with Mississippi! Presidential Visit! Read all about it!"




Ooc- You do have paper boys, yes? I hope so, if not, I can edit.

Herman nodded his head and started to eat, right after she had taken a bite he asked, "Do you like it?"


As they were eating, a paper boy walking by the restaurant shouted, "Extra, Extra! Non-Aggression Pact to be signed with Mississippi! Presidential Visit! Read all about it!"




Ooc- You do have paper boys, yes? I hope so, if not, I can edit.


OOC: Well, why not, anyway we still have papers. :)

IC:

The people in the restaurant reacted suddenly in a variety of ways.

Some cheered and said "Thank God!", others freaked out screaming "That sellout Lew!", some just shrugged and ate their meal.

The manager said, "Okay people, this is a restaurant, not a Nationalist Party Convention. Relax, or else I'll have Hong Kong PD on every one of you for disturbing the peace."

The people calmed down, and returned to their meal.

Matusmoto said, "Anyway....mm-mm! Good as ever. Always liked Peking Duck, I've been a fan of poultry."

Herman looked around a bit, then said to one of the other customers, "I think it's a good idea what he is doing, peace is to be preferred to war, yes?"

Herman then turned back to her and smiled as he continued to eat, "Yes indeed, this is very good."

Herman looked around a bit, then said to one of the other customers, "I think it's a good idea what he is doing, peace is to be preferred to war, yes?"

Herman then turned back to her and smiled as he continued to eat, "Yes indeed, this is very good."

Matsumoto replied, "Ah yes....I tell you, this is a good place for Peking Duck. I've been to several different spots, so far, this is the only one I know outside of Shanghai or Beijing or Yokohama's Chinatown that bothers to do it right."

Herman nodded his head, "Hmmm. Interesting, so say, what is next? Where to after this?"

Herman nodded his head, "Hmmm. Interesting, so say, what is next? Where to after this?"

Matsumoto smiled, thought for a minute, and then thought: "Well.....hmm....you up for a movie?"

He smiled, "Ah, sure, which movie would you want to see? Any suggestions? Is the 1984 Civil War movie showing here?"

He smiled, "Ah, sure, which movie would you want to see? Any suggestions? Is the 1984 Civil War movie showing here?"

Matsumoto then said, "Hmm....hold on, let me see if they got the move listings....."

She walked up to the front, where a rack of "Local Happenings" newsletters was sitting. Piciking it up, she returned to the table and began leafing through.

"Hm....let's see, Samurai Adventure 3, nah, Hell Down Under? Hm.....I 'll consider it, Generic Teen Sex Comedy?? Nah. Magical Sakura Adventure? A kids flick? Heck no. Gordon Lew Is A Big Fat Loser, the Movie? Heck no. Hm...no sign of the 1984 movie, not even in the Foreign Movie Hut, they have Our Borderworld Cousin."

"There is always Hell Down Under, its a WWII film set in the Xenizen invasion of Australia, dealing with a squad of men fighting the US and Australian troops. Slightly heroic, slightly poignant, it seems to be a hit with the critics. They don't seem to have your 1984 movie, I think we could always rent it and see it over at the House, there is a Big Bob's Movie Rental Hut nearby."

Herman smiled, "Yeah, renting it is fine with me if you want to, my brother and father are both in the movie."

Matsumoto then said, "Cool. I don't see it often myself."

"So, are we done here? You should get someone to pick up the check, if so."

Herman nodded his head and tossed a handful of British pounds down on the table, but then stopped and asked her, "They accept pounds here, right? The only money I have in Mississippian dollars and British pounds..."

Herman nodded his head and tossed a handful of British pounds down on the table, but then stopped and asked her, "They accept pounds here, right? The only money I have in Mississippian dollars and British pounds..."

Matusmoto then said, "Well, I think they'll take your cash, after all, you are Herman Von Thaller......anyway, I am sure they will take the Pounds, probably charge a surcharge for exchange."

He smiled, "Yes, I am Herman Von Thaller... And besides, if they don't take my money, you can arrest them on trumped up charges..." He smiled a bit wider at that part and then tossed a few more bills on the table, "For their troubles, having to deal with foreign currency..."

He stood up, pulled her chair out for her and helped her up and then said, "Shall we then?"

He smiled, "Yes, I am Herman Von Thaller... And besides, if they don't take my money, you can arrest them on trumped up charges..." He smiled a bit wider at that part and then tossed a few more bills on the table, "For their troubles, having to deal with foreign currency..."

He stood up, pulled her chair out for her and helped her up and then said, "Shall we then?"

Matsumoto smiled and said, "Yes, dear."

They got up, and left the restaurant. The waiter picked up the bill, and was just a bit amused by the fact they had paid in British pounds. Still, he smiled and took the money.

The two then walekd outside to their Range Rover, and then got in, proceeding to exit the garage they were in and find a Big Bob's Movie Rental Hut.

Herman paid for the movie and bought a box of microwave popcorn when he paid for the movie.

He read the back case, and then pointed to the spot where the name "Dieter Thaller", "Gunther Thaller", and "Herman Von Thaller" appeared. He smiled, "I was in it, I was just a high school student when the 1984 was going on, but I did do a few things, mainly I flew a captured Su-25 and took out a few dozen Soviet tanks..."

Herman paid for the movie and bought a box of microwave popcorn when he paid for the movie.

He read the back case, and then pointed to the spot where the name "Dieter Thaller", "Gunther Thaller", and "Herman Von Thaller" appeared. He smiled, "I was in it, I was just a high school student when the 1984 was going on, but I did do a few things, mainly I flew a captured Su-25 and took out a few dozen Soviet tanks..."

Matsumoto then said, "Wow. That is pretty cool......we had a guy like that once, Aleksandr Batov...he left us to lead the Committee of Vigilance, he was a famous commando during the 70's and 80's, and he introduced the SWAT team to Upper Xen."

She pointed to the back of the box. "And its Dolby enhanced, too...with a wealth of special features. I always love the goodies they put on movies nowadays."

Herman smiled, "Ah, I believe I may have heard of the man a few times, from what I heard, a fine soldier..."

Herman smiled, "Ah, I believe I may have heard of the man a few times, from what I heard, a fine soldier..."

Matsumot said, "Indeed, more than fine, he once hijacked a Mi-24, took some SOG men, dressed up as Russian military men, and went into an important base in Tajikistan. He got them to surrender by saying that the Ghost was coming....and by now, Batov had blown up so many enemy troops and did so many ambushes from the mountains that he was feared, they called him dukhi, the Ghost."

"He also was known for leading pistol and RPG charges against Russian convoys using horses.....amazingly, he and his men survived all of them. He could hide, run and shoot with the best of them, did time in Vietnam, Tokyo SWAT, and later in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan during the 3rd Russo-Xenizen War, the one in the 80's."

Herman smiled, "Sounds like he is an infantry version of myself... I was never good on the ground, being in a plane up in the air, it always felt like, well it felt like being at home to me, you know what I mean? I feel sort of naked on the ground..."

Herman smiled, "Sounds like he is an infantry version of myself... I was never good on the ground, being in a plane up in the air, it always felt like, well it felt like being at home to me, you know what I mean? I feel sort of naked on the ground..."

Matusmoto said, "Ah yes.........I know that feeling, I get that drawing and doing kendo and just after I get out of work, its like, you feel free, and at home doing what you love, and just feel good, well, I think it sort of resembles what you described."

She then said, "Hm....whaddya say we crack open the popcorn and pop in the movie. We've got surround sound......"

Herman smiled, "Great idea, let's..."


He put the movie in and it started, the first thing was a large atomic bomb going off, it said, "Mississippian Atomic Studios" beneath that it said, "We'll blow you away".



The dedication rolled by, "Dedicated to those who fought in 1984, especially to those who never made it 1985, may they rest in peace and may their sacrifice never be forgotten."

Herman smiled, "Great idea, let's..."


He put the movie in and it started, the first thing was a large atomic bomb going off, it said, "Mississippian Atomic Studios" beneath that it said, "We'll blow you away".



The dedication rolled by, "Dedicated to those who fought in 1984, especially to those who never made it 1985, may they rest in peace and may their sacrifice never be forgotten."

Matsumoto sat back, and began eating the popcorn, watching the screen attentively...

Herman moved over next to her and put his arm around her as the movie started, "So, like it so far?" he asked as the first ten minutes of the movie went by, showing the deployment of soldiers in a white parachute division in Cambodia, and the communist government oppressing people from Jackson.

OOC: Just thought i give you some insight. First of all in english its spelled Tsar, second of all even if you spell it Czar, Czarina should be spelled Czaritsa, or Tsaritsa if to be correct.

Herman moved over next to her and put his arm around her as the movie started, "So, like it so far?" he asked as the first ten minutes of the movie went by, showing the deployment of soldiers in a white parachute division in Cambodia, and the communist government oppressing people from Jackson.

Matsumoto said, "Mmmmm...very intriguing, it grabs you, and it definetly makes you pay attention.......I'm likin' this....very Potemkin-esque, they way film it and put everything together, it defiently has a big effect."

Herman chuckled a bit, "Yah... Oh!! Oh, one of my favorite parts is coming up."



The part that was coming up was an actual December 1983 media clip of the Communist president of Mississippi saying, "Curtis Fabus will not be leader of this nation, regardless of what elections say, they are irrelevant. The only way he will be leader of this nation is if he seizes power, and such an attempt would certainly fail!"

Herman chuckled a bit, "Yah... Oh!! Oh, one of my favorite parts is coming up."



The part that was coming up was an actual December 1983 media clip of the Communist president of Mississippi saying, "Curtis Fabus will not be leader of this nation, regardless of what elections say, they are irrelevant. The only way he will be leader of this nation is if he seizes power, and such an attempt would certainly fail!"

Matsumoto smiled afterwards and said, "Guess he was wrong, huh?"

Herman grinned as he said, "Dead wrong..."


Suddenly the phone rang, she wondered who it could be, it was a rather late hour.

Herman grinned as he said, "Dead wrong..."


Suddenly the phone rang, she wondered who it could be, it was a rather late hour.

Matusmoto said, "Darn it, good thing this is a DvD.......I'll get it."

She got up and picked up the phone, taking time to pause the movie.

"President's House, Agent Matsumoto speaking. Who is this?"

It was Dieter Thaller, Hermans father, he was a bit upset, a bit being an understatement, "Hello! Where the hell is my boy! You commies better release him right away! Well answer me!"

It was Dieter Thaller, Hermans father, he was a bit upset, a bit being an understatement, "Hello! Where the hell is my boy! You commies better release him right away! Well answer me!"

Matsumoto, turning red, handed the phone to Herman. "It's your father, he sounds angry."

Herman smiled a bit, but then frowned, "Hmmm, father, wonder how he figured out where I am..." He then whispered to her, "How mad was he?" as he took the phone and said, "Hello father..."

Herman smiled a bit, but then frowned, "Hmmm, father, wonder how he figured out where I am..." He then whispered to her, "How mad was he?" as he took the phone and said, "Hello father..."

Matsumoto, looking dismayed, said, "Very, very mad........like a dad that finds his kid tried pot, very, very mad....."

Herman shook his head, whispering, "Nah, that wouldn't get my dad mad, he and his friends used to snort cocaine and smoke opium together, sort of a group thing they did every so often, at their special Illuminati ritual, the annual one."


He then turned back and spoke into the phone, with his father. They talked for a few minutes and then Herman smiled as he said, "Goodbye" and hung up.


He smiled again, "Just had to assure him I was safe, he was worried."

Herman shook his head, whispering, "Nah, that wouldn't get my dad mad, he and his friends used to snort cocaine and smoke opium together, sort of a group thing they did every so often, at their special Illuminati ritual, the annual one."


He then turned back and spoke into the phone, with his father. They talked for a few minutes and then Herman smiled as he said, "Goodbye" and hung up.


He smiled again, "Just had to assure him I was safe, he was worried."

Matsumoto said, "Well, parents are like that, that's their job....as long as he knows you're fine, things will be fine. "

"So, where were we?"

Herman shook his head, "It's paused yes? So we can resume watching it in a bit..."

That said, he put his arms around her and started kissing her.

Herman shook his head, "It's paused yes? So we can resume watching it in a bit..."

That said, he put his arms around her and started kissing her.

Matsumoto kissed him back, and held him close, saying, "I must say, you never fail."

OOC: Check TG's.

He smiled, "I aim to succeed..."


That said, he looked over at the clock, then suggested, "Shall we go off to the bedroom for a bit and resume the movie in a while?"

He smiled, "I aim to succeed..."


That said, he looked over at the clock, then suggested, "Shall we go off to the bedroom for a bit and resume the movie in a while?"

Matsumoto then said, "Sure, why not?"

Herman lifted her up gently into his arms and carried her off into her room...


A while later, they were back watching the movie, he casually said, "So, did you enjoy that little intermission from the movie?"

Herman lifted her up gently into his arms and carried her off into her room...


A while later, they were back watching the movie, he casually said, "So, did you enjoy that little intermission from the movie?"

Matusmoto then said, "Ah yes, it was quite fun..."

Herman smiled as he let out a light laugh before finally saying, "Well remember, in the air force we aim to please."

Herman smiled as he let out a light laugh before finally saying, "Well remember, in the air force we aim to please."

Matsumoto said, "Indeed, that has been proven a number of times here......"

Herman smiled as he said, "So tell me, would you like to come with me to Mississippi, they need to see me and make sure I'm actually okay..."

Herman smiled as he said, "So tell me, would you like to come with me to Mississippi, they need to see me and make sure I'm actually okay..."

Matsumoto smiling, said, "Well.....why not? Of course, I am Japanese, that might be a little stumbling block...."

He chuckled a bit, "Maybe with some, but I think there are enough Mississippian National Socialists to make you feel welcome, the National Socialist Party, which I'm a member of, is very Axis oriented, meaning we want to recreate the old Germany-Italy-Japan alliance, if things didn't work the first time, we think we can get them to work this time, knowing all we know now."

He chuckled a bit, "Maybe with some, but I think there are enough Mississippian National Socialists to make you feel welcome, the National Socialist Party, which I'm a member of, is very Axis oriented, meaning we want to recreate the old Germany-Italy-Japan alliance, if things didn't work the first time, we think we can get them to work this time, knowing all we know now."

Matsumoto said, "Cool.....I'm likin' the sound of that."

Herman smiled as he playfully tickled her before kissing her on the lips. After they'd been kissing for a few dozen seconds, he looked over to the door, saying, "Shall we then, the door to Mississippi awaits..."

Herman smiled as he playfully tickled her before kissing her on the lips. After they'd been kissing for a few dozen seconds, he looked over to the door, saying, "Shall we then, the door to Mississippi awaits..."

Matusmoto then said, "Alrighty then, lemme inform Carl."

She then summoned Carl to the scene.

"Carl, we'll be off for a bit, watch the house, please."

Carl nodded and said in his warbly voice, "Very well, may the Vortesscence guide you."

Matsumoto said, "It's a Vortiguant good luck saying, anyway, let's go!"

He picked up her bags and then let her jump onto his back, carrying her as well, he asked, "Well, since you've got yourself a ride and a pack mule, it seems that we don't even need a car to get to the airport, eh?"

He picked up her bags and then let her jump onto his back, carrying her as well, he asked, "Well, since you've got yourself a ride and a pack mule, it seems that we don't even need a car to get to the airport, eh?"

Matsumoto smiled, "I guess not.....still, the old Range Rover was pretty cool, too. And I wouldn't want to wear out my pack mule..."

He smiled as he walked to the garage, "Very well then, the Rover it is..." Herman grinned a bit before adding, "I'm sure you'll want to tiring me out in other ways later, anyway, eh?"

He smiled as he walked to the garage, "Very well then, the Rover it is..." Herman grinned a bit before adding, "I'm sure you'll want to tiring me out in other ways later, anyway, eh?"

Matsumoto winked and said, "Just like you, we National Police aim to please."

They got inside, and she started the car.

He smiled, "Lucky for me you're in the National Police then, eh?"

He smiled, "Lucky for me you're in the National Police then, eh?"

"Oh yeah....say, what about the movie?" she said.

He started to laugh as he said, "Dear, you know how it ends, we win..."

He started to laugh as he said, "Dear, you know how it ends, we win..."

Matsumoto smiled and said, "Ah well, anyway, that chain doesn't charge late fees...."

She then began driving to the airport. The evening traffic was reliatively light, not many people were out, save for ravers and arcade junkies, and Hong Kong PD.

Herman looked out the window, noticing things were pretty slow outside, the city seemed to be sleeping. "Hmmm, nobody out and about like earlier, eh?"

Herman looked out the window, noticing things were pretty slow outside, the city seemed to be sleeping. "Hmmm, nobody out and about like earlier, eh?"

Matsumoto said, "Well, I suppose it is because people need their sleep. We have the concept of third shift, and cops always have a job to do, but mainly, people need their sleep....."

They drove by some ravers, lining up to enter a nightclub.

"Ah yes, ravers.....the zombies of modern times."

He smiled at the crowd she called "zombies", saying, "No, I've seen real zombies, they aren't anything close to what real zombies are..."

He smiled at the crowd she called "zombies", saying, "No, I've seen real zombies, they aren't anything close to what real zombies are..."


Matsumoto smiled and said, "Really? I don't doubt the existence of zombies, we've got headcrab zombies in Upper Xen....but zombies in Mississippi?"

He shook his head, laughing a bit, "No, I mean Zombies, like the flesh-eating type, and they were in Mississippian Libya a while back, when Mississippi owned Libya, an incident, a virus leaked out and spread into a city... The virus was being held in a hotel for a conference to discuss it, and some terrorists set off a bomb."

He shook his head, laughing a bit, "No, I mean Zombies, like the flesh-eating type, and they were in Mississippian Libya a while back, when Mississippi owned Libya, an incident, a virus leaked out and spread into a city... The virus was being held in a hotel for a conference to discuss it, and some terrorists set off a bomb."

Matsumoto said, "Oh my....that must have been horrible."

"We actually have zombies like that in Upper Xen, I made reference to headcrab zombies earlier, these are people that have been infested by an introduced species, the Headcrab, an awful, awful parasite, it infects anyone that it successfully kills, then, it latches on to their heads, and turns them into a flesh-eating, feral, moaning, killing machines. Words don't do justice to them."

She continued, "These things are so terrible, that the Zhang-Sakura Consortium, and later, the UX Government itself, did successful experiments to weaponize these things. We introduced them a while back as the Headcrab Bomb."

Herman shuddered a bit, "Oh, that is just... scary.. Tell me, are we almost there?"

Herman shuddered a bit, "Oh, that is just... scary.. Tell me, are we almost there?"

Matsumoto said, "Yup."

They pulled into Chek Lap Kok International, and parked in one of the Long Term Lots. Then, they proceeded, with their bags, to the desk.

"Xenizen National, or which other airline?"

He shrugged a bit, "I have no idea, it's your nation, you certainly know the airlines better than me, yes?"

He shrugged a bit, "I have no idea, it's your nation, you certainly know the airlines better than me, yes?"

Matsumoto said, "Guess we will take Xenizen National Airways, then. You up for First Class, or are you up for sitting in Coach with the kids..."

They walked to the counter. The receptionist said, "So, where will you be flying today?"

Herman chuckled a bit, "Oh, First Class of course, kids annoy me, well most kids, kids I'm not related to, they annoy me! Hehehehe..."

Herman chuckled a bit, "Oh, First Class of course, kids annoy me, well most kids, kids I'm not related to, they annoy me! Hehehehe..."

The receptionist said, "Great! I need to see some ID. And the 100 Xenthaler Security Tax, or equivalent currency. Oh and do you have any luggage to check in?"

He frowned a bit, "ID? Why? It's clear I'm Herman Von Thaller, how many people could impersonate me? I don't have my ID with me... But here is for the tickets and the tax..."

He handed the woman the proper amount, well actually about 500 over the amount, since he was paying with 1000 dollar bills.

He frowned a bit, "ID? Why? It's clear I'm Herman Von Thaller, how many people could impersonate me? I don't have my ID with me... But here is for the tickets and the tax..."

He handed the woman the proper amount, well actually about 500 over the amount, since he was paying with 1000 dollar bills.

The receptionist smiled, after checking Matsumoto's ID and receiving her tax, "Very well. Any luggage to check in, or will you be on your way?"

Herman shook his head, "I have nothing with me except the clothing on my back, well and what clothing I've been given, in this small bag..." He held up the bag, it was rather small, "I think I should be able to carry this on though, yes?" he asked.

The Receptionist said, "Okay, and you, ma'am?"

Matsumoto then said, "Me, I only have a few carryons."

The Receptionist then printed out the passes and said, "Gate 74, that is where you wanna go. Enjoy your flight."

Herman shrugged a bit as he lifted her bags up, "So, which way is the gate again? Oh, what is the plane like, do you know?"

Herman shrugged a bit as he lifted her bags up, "So, which way is the gate again? Oh, what is the plane like, do you know?"

The receptionist smiled and said, "Gate 78, down and to your left....walk a few, it should have a big sign. And you'll love Xenizen National Airways, you'll be flying the Lambda Special. It has the utmost in luxury.....anything you can think of, we've got it, and it has been modified for speed, too."

Herman carried all the bags as he and Matsumoto walked towards the proper gate. It took a few minutes of moving around annoying children asking their parents, "Are we there yet" to which the reply was always, "We've not left the airport yet."


Herman heard a few men talking is Mississippikaans, he smiled and waved hello to them, asking, "Where are you headed?"

All five of the men replied in unison, "Damietta." One elaborated, "Leave is over, it's time to get back to the base, but we got to see Hong Kong and the Great Wall, so it was a good time."

The men talked for about thirty seconds, with Herman having to quickly sign autographs for all five of them. Then the initial boarding call for his flight was announced so he turned back to Matsumoto and quickly continued on down to the gate.



At the gate there were some "Mississippian airline police" (DISFB) in blue uniforms near the gate. They were officially there to check who was getting on the plane and make sure that since Mississippi was the final destination, that nothing suspicious was going on.

In actuality, they were really more concerned with watching for people on the "Don't admit" list or the "Terror watch" list. Known communists, anti-Mississippian activists. Although in some cases, these people were allowed on the plane, but it would be diverted to perhaps New England or the Balkans or Argentina, where they would be arrested and transported to Mississippi in a more secure craft.

One of the agents looked at Matsumoto with a bit of suspicion, he recognized her immediately from profiles of known UX agents that he had looked through for days in a row before this assignment.

He smiled as he said, "Have a nice flight..." making sure to tick a check mark on the passenger manifest. He wrote done a number, which was a code to the pilot and the secret police on the plane, it told them a foreign operative was on the flight.


Herman tucked the bags away in the overhead compartment and sat down next to her, smiling as he buckled, saying only, "Here we go..."

Herman carried all the bags as he and Matsumoto walked towards the proper gate. It took a few minutes of moving around annoying children asking their parents, "Are we there yet" to which the reply was always, "We've not left the airport yet."


Herman heard a few men talking is Mississippikaans, he smiled and waved hello to them, asking, "Where are you headed?"

All five of the men replied in unison, "Damietta." One elaborated, "Leave is over, it's time to get back to the base, but we got to see Hong Kong and the Great Wall, so it was a good time."

The men talked for about thirty seconds, with Herman having to quickly sign autographs for all five of them. Then the initial boarding call for his flight was announced so he turned back to Matsumoto and quickly continued on down to the gate.



At the gate there were some "Mississippian airline police" (DISFB) in blue uniforms near the gate. They were officially there to check who was getting on the plane and make sure that since Mississippi was the final destination, that nothing suspicious was going on.

In actuality, they were really more concerned with watching for people on the "Don't admit" list or the "Terror watch" list. Known communists, anti-Mississippian activists. Although in some cases, these people were allowed on the plane, but it would be diverted to perhaps New England or the Balkans or Argentina, where they would be arrested and transported to Mississippi in a more secure craft.

One of the agents looked at Matsumoto with a bit of suspicion, he recognized her immediately from profiles of known UX agents that he had looked through for days in a row before this assignment.

He smiled as he said, "Have a nice flight..." making sure to tick a check mark on the passenger manifest. He wrote done a number, which was a code to the pilot and the secret police on the plane, it told them a foreign operative was on the flight.


Herman tucked the bags away in the overhead compartment and sat down next to her, smiling as he buckled, saying only, "Here we go..."

Matsumoto smiled and buckled up, saying, "I tink you'll love the Lambda Special Plane......leather seats, etc. I'm finding it rather comfy."

The passengers were getting on, and things looked to be running smoothly.

One of the attendants got up and began performing the safety lesson, doing the usual instructions like "your cushion is a floatation device."

Herman smiled before he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then leaned back in his seat to get some sleep for the long flight ahead of them.


About six hours later, the plane had been diverted to Santiago, Chile. Twelve men from a DISFB secret police unit were waiting at the airport. Four of them moved onto the plane and walked over to Matsumoto, one said, "You're a spy from Upper Xen, correct? Get up, you're under arrest for attempting to enter into the Mississippian Federation..."


Herman was awoken by the disturbance, he looked outside and realized immediately they were in Chile, he'd been to this airport before. He shook his head, "What's going on?" he asked.

Herman smiled before he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then leaned back in his seat to get some sleep for the long flight ahead of them.


About six hours later, the plane had been diverted to Santiago, Chile. Twelve men from a DISFB secret police unit were waiting at the airport. Four of them moved onto the plane and walked over to Matsumoto, one said, "You're a spy from Upper Xen, correct? Get up, you're under arrest for attempting to enter into the Mississippian Federation..."


Herman was awoken by the disturbance, he looked outside and realized immediately they were in Chile, he'd been to this airport before. He shook his head, "What's going on?" he asked.

Matsumoto said, "Herman, they think I'm a spook."

Turning to the men, she said, "Now hold on, I'm not a spy, I'm a detective, I handle domestic stuff, like drug dealers. This isn't right."

Herman frowned, unsure what to say, so he only said, "I'm Herman Von Thaller, you can't treat my guest like this, she's my guest!"


The man sighed, shaking his head, "Sir, you could possibly be guilty of violation of the racial purity act. Anyway, she is a spy and is going to be arrested."


One of the other agents took a step towards her, it was obvious he was intent on pulling her from her seat, probably so the other two agents, one of whom was taking his handcuffs out, could handcuff her and take her away.


Herman stood up and physically stood in the man's way, defiantly stamping his left foot on the ground, "I said no!"

Matsumoto sat back nerovusly, wondering about her fate.....

None of the men wanted serious trouble with Herman Von Thaller. The obvious leader of the unit shook his head and asked her, "Ma'am, would you please just come with us, you won't be harmed, we at the DISFB believe in justice and fair treatment of all until proven guilty."


It sounded a lot better in his head, he should have said, "unless" proven guilty. But he made a Freudian slip, with the DISFB, it wasn't a matter of if but a matter of when you were proven guilty.

None of the men wanted serious trouble with Herman Von Thaller. The obvious leader of the unit shook his head and asked her, "Ma'am, would you please just come with us, you won't be harmed, we at the DISFB believe in justice and fair treatment of all until proven guilty."


It sounded a lot better in his head, he should have said, "unless" proven guilty. But he made a Freudian slip, with the DISFB, it wasn't a matter of if but a matter of when you were proven guilty.

Matsumoto said, "Very well, I will come with you....."

She got up, and put her hands in the air.

Herman shook his head, gently pushing her back into her seat, whispering, "The DISFB are monsters, you're not going anywhere with them."

He turned to the agent, "Nope, she is not going... If you want trouble, come through me to get her, see how long you keep your jobs or indeed your lives killing the Commander of the Air Force..."


The agents muttered curses under their breath as they walked away, they knew he was right.

Herman shook his head, gently pushing her back into her seat, whispering, "The DISFB are monsters, you're not going anywhere with them."

He turned to the agent, "Nope, she is not going... If you want trouble, come through me to get her, see how long you keep your jobs or indeed your lives killing the Commander of the Air Force..."


The agents muttered curses under their breath as they walked away, they knew he was right.

Matsumoto said, "Something tells me I just escaped a very cruel fate, and I didn't even realize it...."

He nodded his head, she was indeed right, but he didn't want to go into too much detail, "Yeah, you're right, you're right... Anyway, do you want to get off and stay here in Santiago for a bit or head on right to Mississippi?"

He nodded his head, she was indeed right, but he didn't want to go into too much detail, "Yeah, you're right, you're right... Anyway, do you want to get off and stay here in Santiago for a bit or head on right to Mississippi?"

Matsumoto said, "Well, I wouldn't want to keep the relatives waiting.....let's go to Mississippi, as soon as we can sort this out."

Herman nodded his head but seemed to be looking out the window, he suddenly shook his head before saying, "My friend has a private jet over there... Want to take that the rest of the way, guaranteed no further incidents."

Matsumoto smiled. "By all means, yes. And tell your friend I said thanks."

Herman made sure to tell the security chief on the flight to make sure her bags were unloaded from the hold at the airport and then delivered to his estate. He slipped the man a 1000 dollar bill to make sure he wouldn't forget.


After that, Herman led her to the waiting plane a nearby hangar.

Herman made sure to tell the security chief on the flight to make sure her bags were unloaded from the hold at the airport and then delivered to his estate. He slipped the man a 1000 dollar bill to make sure he wouldn't forget.


After that, Herman led her to the waiting plane a nearby hangar.

Matsumoto, after walking up to the plane, said, "After you."

There were two guards in the hangar, when they saw Herman, one helped him get the bags on the plane, the other one said to Matsumoto, "Ma'am, you'll have wait a while here with Colonel Thaller while we go get a pilot for the plane, okay?"

There were two guards in the hangar, when they saw Herman, one helped him get the bags on the plane, the other one said to Matsumoto, "Ma'am, you'll have wait a while here with Colonel Thaller while we go get a pilot for the plane, okay?"

Matsumoto then said, "Not a problem."

Herman smiled and nearly laughed, "You do know, I am Herman Von Thaller, an ace pilot, I can handle this..."


The guard quickly apologized, "Sorry sir, I forgot... But it'll just be a few minutes, besides, you and the lady could relax and enjoy the flight if we get a pilot for you."

Herman smiled and nearly laughed, "You do know, I am Herman Von Thaller, an ace pilot, I can handle this..."


The guard quickly apologized, "Sorry sir, I forgot... But it'll just be a few minutes, besides, you and the lady could relax and enjoy the flight if we get a pilot for you."

Matsumoto said, smiling: "The man's got a point, Herman....."

Herman looked down at his watch and sighed, saying, "I guess we have a bit of time to wait, yes? Anyway, it shouldn't take much more than ten or fifteen minutes, right?"

Herman looked down at his watch and sighed, saying, "I guess we have a bit of time to wait, yes? Anyway, it shouldn't take much more than ten or fifteen minutes, right?"

Matsumoto said, "I guess so...." and shrugged. "That sounds about right."

Suddenly the pilot and co-pilot arrived in the hangar, introduced themselves to Herman and Matsumoto, and then they boarded the plane to start the pre-flight check. Although the co-pilot stayed out and walked around the plane, checking it for any hints of possible sabotage.

After about ten minutes, he was satisfied and boarded the plane, walking lightly up the stairs, barely making a sound.

Herman and Matsumoto had gotten on just after the pilot and were sitting down on a couch towards the back. Herman glanced over and saw the man getting on, and politely asked, "Oh sir, would you please tell me before you're ready to take off, I'll be in the bathroom."

The copilot nodded his head, replying, "Yes, of course." Before Herman went to go to the bathroom, something he had been about to do before the plane was landed in Santiago and stormed by the DISFB.

About forty seconds later, he was out of the bathroom and the plane had still yet to move. But just then the buckle seatbelt light came on, they were getting ready.

Suddenly the pilot and co-pilot arrived in the hangar, introduced themselves to Herman and Matsumoto, and then they boarded the plane to start the pre-flight check. Although the co-pilot stayed out and walked around the plane, checking it for any hints of possible sabotage.

After about ten minutes, he was satisfied and boarded the plane, walking lightly up the stairs, barely making a sound.

Herman and Matsumoto had gotten on just after the pilot and were sitting down on a couch towards the back. Herman glanced over and saw the man getting on, and politely asked, "Oh sir, would you please tell me before you're ready to take off, I'll be in the bathroom."

The copilot nodded his head, replying, "Yes, of course." Before Herman went to go to the bathroom, something he had been about to do before the plane was landed in Santiago and stormed by the DISFB.

About forty seconds later, he was out of the bathroom and the plane had still yet to move. But just then the buckle seatbelt light came on, they were getting ready.

Matsumoto then said, "Hopefully, we can get to Mississippi, and not have to deal with your friends at the DISFB....this will be fun."

Herman chuckled, but his humor betrayed his nervousness, "Oh, they're not my friends. But anyway, if they were, with friends like that, who would need enemies?"

Herman chuckled, but his humor betrayed his nervousness, "Oh, they're not my friends. But anyway, if they were, with friends like that, who would need enemies?"

Matsumoto said, quietly: "Well stated.....and I thought some of my co-workers were interesting people."

She then got up and said, smiling: "Enough about that, what do you plan on doing when we get there?"

He smiled back as he answered with, "Well that depends on what the Czar has to say. Perhaps I can a job assigned as the ambassador to Upper Xen?"

He smiled back as he answered with, "Well that depends on what the Czar has to say. Perhaps I can a job assigned as the ambassador to Upper Xen?"

Matsumoto hugged him, let go, and said simply, "That would be awesome."

Herman smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead as the plane started and headed out of the hangar for the runway.

He held her hand gently in his own as the plane started to take off, saying, "Soon, we'll be in Mississippi, guests of the Czar... I'm sure we will all have much to talk about, eh?"

Herman smiled and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead as the plane started and headed out of the hangar for the runway.

He held her hand gently in his own as the plane started to take off, saying, "Soon, we'll be in Mississippi, guests of the Czar... I'm sure we will all have much to talk about, eh?"

Matsumoto said, "Oh yeah....there will be a lot to discuss. I'm not sure what the family will think, though."

He shook his head, "Nah, don't worry, we can sort all that out later, yes?"

He shook his head, "Nah, don't worry, we can sort all that out later, yes?"

Matsumoto said, "Sure......"

Herman smiled, he knew things would work out, even if he had to give up being the pope because of what he'd been doing in Upper Xen.

He just held her hand gently in his and whispered to her, "Things will be fine."

Herman smiled, he knew things would work out, even if he had to give up being the pope because of what he'd been doing in Upper Xen.

He just held her hand gently in his and whispered to her, "Things will be fine."

Matsumoto said, smiling: "That I agree with.....after all, you know them better than me."

She then sat back, and then said, "Hey, I had the oddest thought. You up for a game of Thumb War?"

Herman smiled, nearly laughing, but he just nodded his head and said, "Sure, I guess..." before adding, "Why not."

Herman smiled, nearly laughing, but he just nodded his head and said, "Sure, I guess..." before adding, "Why not."

Matsumoto said, "All right!"

Putting up her fist and locking her hands with Herman's in standard Thumb War form, she then said "Standard rules, 3 second pin leads to an elimination."

She then smiled and said, "Ready?"

Suddenly the pilot came over the intercom, "Attention, attention, sir, you might be interested to know, that fighting is raging in South Africa, terror attacks across the country there, a few dozen bombs went off, nearly a hundred are killed... And many army bases are coming under attack."

Herman looked into her eyes, sighing, "Hmmm, I bet that means as soon as I get back, they'll want me in a MiG-41 on my way to provide air support to the forces in South Africa, eh?"

Suddenly the pilot came over the intercom, "Attention, attention, sir, you might be interested to know, that fighting is raging in South Africa, terror attacks across the country there, a few dozen bombs went off, nearly a hundred are killed... And many army bases are coming under attack."

Herman looked into her eyes, sighing, "Hmmm, I bet that means as soon as I get back, they'll want me in a MiG-41 on my way to provide air support to the forces in South Africa, eh?"

Matsumoto said, "Well, an obligation is an obligation. I should know......a very wise man, my father, told me that once."

He nodded his head, "Yes indeed... You won't mind waiting a few days or maybe weeks for me while I'm off in South Africa, will you? It could take a while... You're more than welcome to stay on my estate in Mississippi, or if you'd prefer instead, I have a nice place in Argentina and another place in South Africa."

He nodded his head, "Yes indeed... You won't mind waiting a few days or maybe weeks for me while I'm off in South Africa, will you? It could take a while... You're more than welcome to stay on my estate in Mississippi, or if you'd prefer instead, I have a nice place in Argentina and another place in South Africa."

Matsumoto said, "Perhaps South Africa is good, especially since I would stand out a lot in Mississippi. And that may not be a good thing...."

Herman nodded his head in agreement, "Yeah, South Africa is probably a good choice, but it's a bit unstable there, perhaps Namibia then?"

Herman nodded his head in agreement, "Yeah, South Africa is probably a good choice, but it's a bit unstable there, perhaps Namibia then?"

Matusmoto then said, "Namibia.....well, as long as I can go on safari, I'm cool."

Herman quickly affirmed that they were indeed going to go on a safari, "Yes, of course, I was hoping you'd want to go... Do you want your own double-rifle for the hunting as well? Or have you another weapons preference?"

Herman quickly affirmed that they were indeed going to go on a safari, "Yes, of course, I was hoping you'd want to go... Do you want your own double-rifle for the hunting as well? Or have you another weapons preference?"

Matsumoto said, smiling, "Well, I actually was raised on a Mauser Gewehr '98, do you have one of those? If not, a Springfield will do."

He smiled a bit, nearly laughing, but he quickly stifled that urge and said, "Trust me, you'll want a 470 nitro express for the sort of hunting we'll be doing..."

Herman then added, "Don't worry though, I can help you with the rifle if you're unfamiliar with it..."

He smiled a bit, nearly laughing, but he quickly stifled that urge and said, "Trust me, you'll want a 470 nitro express for the sort of hunting we'll be doing..."

Herman then added, "Don't worry though, I can help you with the rifle if you're unfamiliar with it..."

Matsumoto looked at him, smiled with plenty of curiosity, and said, "An elephant gun? Sounds like a bargain.....I'll take it, I mgiht need the training. How does a .470 nitro feel like?"

He smiled before replying, "It kicks a lot, I'll say that much."

Matsumoto then said, "Well, in that case.....meh, first time for everything, eh?"

She then sat up and said, "I can tell you this, Upper Xen has really liberal gun laws, so I've tired lots of guns in my time....."

Herman smiled at that, "Ah, nothing like a good gun, eh?" He then grinned before making a little joke. "Nothing like a man who can use his gun well, eh?" he said.

Matsumoto nodded and said, "Oh yeah."

She then chuckled a little, getting the subtle joke: "My, you've quite an imagination, don't ya?"

Then, she looked at him, fixed her hair a little and said, "Well, I've always liked people with imagination, personally, I don't have much myself, then again, people say I am way too self-deprecating."

Herman shook his head before replying, "Ah, don't worry, most people just say things not even worth listening to... Anyway, we ought to be landing soon, eh?"

Matsumoto then looked outside, and said, "Yup, looks like we're getting close...."

Sure enough, the plane had just started the descent as it was approaching the outskirts of Jackson City. They were going to land at the Jackson City South Fabus International Airport, as opposed to either the Jackson City North Fabus International Airport, or the Jackson City East Fabus International Airport, or the Jackson City West Fabus International Airport. The city was so large it contained no less than a dozen or so international airports, each one being in a certain section of the city, zoned North, East, South, or West.

Herman then pointed to the main highway as it was now visible, "See that, the Fabus Super-Highway..." He then pointed to another one, 16 lanes on each side, "That is the Grand Fabus Highway."

Sure enough, the plane had just started the descent as it was approaching the outskirts of Jackson City. They were going to land at the Jackson City South Fabus International Airport, as opposed to either the Jackson City North Fabus International Airport, or the Jackson City East Fabus International Airport, or the Jackson City West Fabus International Airport. The city was so large it contained no less than a dozen or so international airports, each one being in a certain section of the city, zoned North, East, South, or West.

Herman then pointed to the main highway as it was now visible, "See that, the Fabus Super-Highway..." He then pointed to another one, 16 lanes on each side, "That is the Grand Fabus Highway."

Matsumoto was indeed amazed by the sights and sounds she witnessed below......the city was huge, and compared to Sendai or Hong Kong even, a veritable Xanadu. She was particularly amazed at the fantastic hustle and bustle below, and even more amazed at how naturally it seemed to come to the place, which seemed to sprawl for ages.

She simply said, too stunned to reply in any more verbose sentences than the one she would utter now: "Wow......its pretty."

Herman smiled at the compliments to his capital, he was pleased that she liked Jackson City. "I'll show you the best parts of the city, the government district if you'd like, when we've landed." He said.

Matsumoto smiled and said, "I'd be honored."

He took something out of his pocket just then, a diplomatic tag of some sort. He handed it to her, saying, "Here, clip that to your jacket, folks will be less inclined to try anything nasty if they think you're a diplomat..."