NationStates Jolt Archive

It wasn't until 10AM when the Czar rolled over in his and his wife's lavish bed. He turned over, fully expecting Katherine to be at he side--she wasn't. He stretched slowly, eventually standing up and adorning his robe. He pulled open the large double doors, walking out into a lavish room full of sofas and chairs. He turned to a small door, opening it and going down the stairs that were beyond. He entered the kitchen at the foot of the stairs. Charlene, the head house-keeper was there, in her deep southern accent she yelled,"Bah! Your Highness! Shoo! Shoo!" Charles was quickly ushered out of the room. He knocked on the door, rather baffled,"Isn't this my house?" "Not now it isn't! Well.. It is... But Her Highness would kill me if she found out you were trying to get to the food before the ball!" Charles smiled lightly... Every year his wife made up plans for a lavish ball on his birthday: February 10th. He was turning 45 this year, but was as fiesty as ever. He always tried to figure out what cake he would have for the ball, but it was always thwarted by his wife.

Charles made his way to the second floor balcony. Their, leaning against the rail was Katherine with Konrad on her hip. He smiles, quickly pulling Konrad into his arms, hugging him tightly. He held him with one arm, embracing his wife with the other. The two kissed momentarily, interrupted when Charlene hollered out the announcement that breakfast was ready.

Once sitting in the dining hall, the food--the Czar's favorite--arived. It was simple: pancakes with syrup, some biscuits and sausage. No lavishes of blue-berry jam or caramel coated trinkets, merely what Charles' mother made every morning. The two ate their breakfast in peace since Charlene was handling the baby... More likely playing with the child and feeding him part of the Czar's cake--or just the icing. Finally, Katherine spoke,"Alright then, tonight at seven will be the ball. I've already sent ou the announcement and invitation list to everyone." "Oh really? I sleep in for an hour and you take over the country." He laughed; His wife wasn't amused. "Eh..yeah.. Thanks sweets."

* * * * * *

You are graciously invited to a royal affair. At seven this wonderful evening of February 10, 2005, a ball will be held in honor of Czar Charles Wilheim Hayden. For today is the day of his birth. The Czar will be rolling the clocks as he has turned fourty-five and wishes to have his closest friends and allies at his side.

The following is a list of the nations in which the royal families, presidents, and families are invited. We request that they come unarmed without bodyguards. The State Apprehension Syndicate and Committee For State Security will be guarding the affair. Once you arrive, an escort will take you to The Imperial Hall--where the ball will take place. We hope you all attend so that we all can celebrate amongst friends:
The Mississippian Federation
The Parthians
Kahta
JRV
The Island Of Rose
Soviet Bloc
FCD
Dostanuot Loj
Doomingsland

~Das Zitadelle~
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v521/Fascist_Confederacy/CoatOfArms.jpg




OOC: You can request to attend here or via IM. And any terrorist attacks, coups, or anything of the sort at the ball will be ignored. Also, it is my birthday in real life. Enjoy.

OOC: Happy birthday in real life

OOC: Thanks

Happy B-day.

"This is your pilot speaking, we are about to touch down, so please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for landing, thank you."

Partyleader Leon Vladimirovich Covski thightened his seatbelt slightly, looking out the window. Next to him, his second-in-command, Richard Fredricson, was sitting, reviewing the list of the guests from the Federation.

Leon Vladimirovich Covski, Partyleader
Richard Fredricson, Vice Partyleader
Harold and Elizabeth Bernard, Deputy Foreign Minister and wife
Illyin and Mariana Komorev, Vice Adjutant of the Partyleader and wife
Jennifer Kostetnov, First secretary of the Partyleader
Francis Wyatt, Diplomatic associate
Adrian Marks, Diplomatic associate

The last three people on the list weren't actually selected because of importance, but because Covski considered them quite sociable people, just the kind of people he enjoyed associating with on occasions such as these.

"Nice.", Fredricson uttered. "But I'd preferred if they'd let us bring bodyguards, seeing as we're bringing half of the Upper Party with us."

Covski looked at the big, rather unkempt man, and smiled. "Not every party is an ambush, Richard. This will be enjoyable, I assure you." Fredricson nodded.

Within moments, they were touching down, and the guests from the Federation were soon preparing to leave the plane.

"Happy birthday to Charles Hayden. May you celebrate many more birthdays. I'm sending a present of a high quality plasma powered torture grade cattle prod."-The Great Leader Li.

ooc: Happy B-Day IRL too.

OOC: Thanks. I'm guessing you're gonna reply more attentively and come to the ball later, aye? This is a reply to DA.

OOC: Thanks MP.

* * * * * *
The escort watched as the plane was taxied into the hanger. As it slowly came to a halt, the parade unit got ready. The door of the jet slowly opened and they began to play The Confederate Anthem. Field Marshal Yevegney Volgin Borisovitch along with two members of the Ocelot Unit walked down the red carpet towards the mobile stairs. The men from FCD began to exit the plane. Borisovitch quickly stood at attention and lifted his right hand, palm down, to a 45 degree angle and shouted: "Heil Hayden!" The Ocelot Unit members and Parade Unit did the same, all in unicen.

As the FCDian representatives stepped onto the ground, each had their hand shaken by Field Marshal Borisovitch who greeted them anxiously.

As Covski descended the stairs of the aircraft, he was quite impressed with the preparations for their arrival. Smiling cordially, he looked the field marshal in the eyes and gave him a firm handshake, radiating an aura of confidence as he surveyed his surroundings. Fredricson followed behind him, polite but with the sense of waryness he always bore with him. The rest of the guests came down the stairs one by one, all with the appearance of control, a trait common in most officials of the Party of FCD.

Borisovitch smirked lightly at each man, "Alright. If you'll please follow me, we have a limo waiting to take you all to The Imperial Hall." Borisovitch took the men to the limo and istructed the driver to go.

As they exited the airfield, the Field Marshal spoke, "This is the first time behind the walls of Das Zitadelle for all of you, correct?"

"It is indeed.", Covski said, still smiling. "It's going to be a pleasant experience, from what I've heard."

"Indeed.", Wyatt spoke up. "I've heard a lot about it, always wanted to see it with my own eyes."

"It is truely magnifict. The Czar doesn't live there, but it's made so he could. He lives in a mansion in the nearby mountains. But, never-the-less, we're here." The limo pulled up to a guard shack and towering brick wall. From here, they could see the newly finished Union's Church of Christ, the key church of the entire Church of Christ. They could also see the citadels of the political head quarters. The guard waved them through as the large doors opened, allowing them to pass. Guard towers within the walls were visable, and so were the .50 and .30 caliber machine guns. They pulled inside and were greated by a magnifict landscape. They turned and pulled up to The Imperial Hall. One of the servants opened the doors and they exited. Borisovitch lead them inside the lobby. "Alright, these maids will take you to your chambers. You can freshen up and put on your appearal for the ball. If you need help, tell a servant and they'll get you what you need." With that Borisovitch left to greet the other arrivals.

The servants ushered the men down the hallways to their rooms...

The guests from FCD let themselves be led to their rooms, admiring their surroundings as they went, occasionally commenting on things of special interest. Upon reaching their rooms, they all freshened up, got dressed for the ball, etcetera. Once they were done they settled in and got a bit of rest, waiting for the festivities to begin.

A servant came in and told the men that they could come into The Imperial Hall and treat themselves to a little food before everyone else. As the servant escorted them, they passed a famous portrait of Czar Hayden...
http://www.bestofrussia.ca/images/nicholas.jpg
"He is a handsom man, isn't he?" was softly uttered by the female servant, looking at the enourmous portrait...

Covski took a moment to study the painting. A fine work, quite fitting for a man of power. "Quite.", he uttered. "He seems to match the appearance expected of a man in his position very well."

The guests reached the hall, and were quite pleased to have something to eat after the flight.

Once they reached the hall, upper-class men and women from around the nation began to stream in. The nobility of the nation. Head of Ruger Industries was there--he was talking to the CEO of The Suhkoi Corporation. Some of the key officials there were: Maximilian von Braun (Law & Order Director), Dr. Hans Schrader (Special Ordinance Director), Alexai Boldun (Defense Director), Jackson Kilpatrick (Foreign Relations Director), Cody Foster (Interior Director), Pastor Ray Redfairm (Morality Director), William Pierce (Media Director), Otto Frabruiter (Govenor-General of Oman), Jackson Mullins (Govenor-General of Exetoniae), Bernhard Axmann (Govenor-General of West Belarus), Albert Drittes (Gevenor-General of Latvia), Robert Bourdun (Govenor-General of Lithuania), Karl Sturm (Govenor-General of Estonia), Gustav Breslau (Govenor-General of Kaliningrad), Vasilli Danilovich Dolgorukov (Govenor-General of Russia Major), and Pastor Clayton Townley (Grand Wizard of The Confederacy).

Robert Bourdun stepped over towards Leon Vladimirovich Covski and extended his hand,"Covski I presume? I'am Robert Bourdun, Govenor-General of Lithuania. Anyway, are you enjoying your stay?"

As the other guests started to arrive, most of the visitors of FCD spread out, engaging others in pleasant conversation.

Covski shook the man's hand. "A pleasure, Mr Bourdun. Ah yes, I'm certain our stay here will be most enjoyable. The reception has been grand, the accomodations are top-notch, and I have full faith that the rest of our stay will not be a disappointment in any way." Covski smiled. "Say, when is the Czar himself expected to arrive? I am looking forward to meeting him in person."

"He's suppose to be here around 7:30, but he tends to be fashionably late. I haven't quite figured out if it's his fault or the Czarina's!" he chuckles. Alexai Boldun stepped towards the two,"Ah, hello Robert. Who's this chap?" "Leon Covski, party leader of FCD." "Ah! Hello Herr Covski. The names Alexai, Director of Defense. Nice to meet you. May I ask you a question? How do you think our 'little' Iron Curtain is?" He smirked, refering to the fact that The Armed Union conquered most of northern Europe and northern Asia in a month...

Covski chuckled. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr Boldun. I must say, this iron curtain of yours is quite an impressive achievement indeed. Though, according to my experience it is always easier to conquer with military might than it is to pacify and keep in times of peace. But then again, from what I've heard of your civil security measures, this may not be too much of hassle in your case, eh?" He smiled again.

The two directors chuckled lightly,"I suppose. But you'd have to talk to Maximilian about that, he's head of Law & Order. Him and his Behfl 101. 'Build a wall!' Heh.. It works though, you must agree. And yes, we do have an extremely low crime rate."

"Indeed. Personally, I prefer a more... ...psychological approach to crime prevention, rather than a physical approach. It is quite amazing how even a basic knowledge about the human mind can help one when controlling a people. An effective and decisive judicial system combined with an illusion of choice works wonders. The key to our preventive measures is choice, or lack thereof. A man will never make a choice he believes to be a bad one, and as such, with the proper preparations one could make sure that the thought of crime never even occurs to your citizens. Make sure you create the illusion of choice, and people will be as content as ever. Deception is the very nature of the human mind, don't you think? But ach, I didn't intend to bore you with my theories." Covski smiled at them, shaking his head very slightly as if apologizing for his long-winded monologue.

"We would certainly attend were it not for the fact that we are right now, basically headed out the door and on our way to South Africa, for a funeral... Also when we get back, I have to go to Tennessee for a few days, and then it's Alice's birthday and we're busy then obviously... Terribly sorry for not being able to attend, but this is just an awful time for us, our schedules are packed."

Czar Roger Fabus, speaking also on behalf of Alice.

The Island of Rose was invited, of course. Now the last time a Rosian came to the Confederacy, shit went down. Now a Rosian was invited again, and who come in in the name of the Rose? Why, the Imperial President Frederick von Hattensberg (http://www.geocities.com/veldes1/karl.jpg) of course! Now you would think he would come with bodyguards too, right... wrong. It would be rude not to trust the Czar on his birthday. Plus, they weren't socialist so they were semi-safe.

Lucky for him, he was already at Der Zitadelle. Or however you spell it. He entered the large Palace and he saw....! He saw a party. He was dressed in a tuxedo, of course. The man was not as loose as Sergei. He analyzed the guests one by one, until he saw the Defense Director. And yes, he approached him.

"Ah, Mr. Boldun." He said as he walked up to him. "This is a very nice party yes?"

((OOC: And happy b-day in real life :P))

"No need for the appoligies Roher. We understand what you're going through. We merely wish you the best."

* * * * * *
Hmm.. That's rather interesting... So, you're saying you use alot of propaganda?" Alexai chuckles softly.

Alexai gets tapped on the shoulder and turns,"Fredrick! Ah! Long time no see! Yes, it is a great party, here, come here." Alexai walks off with Fredrick leaving Covski to talk to Robert. "Well, that was different..." says Robert to Covski.

* * * * * *

Bouldun and Fredrick are standing by the large table of food. Alexai stands pouring two glasses of Cognac. "Ah, how are you Fredrick?" As they speak, commoners enter the ball room. Each of them is just as lavishly dressed as the royalty. The commoners were the men who worked on The Union's Church of Christ. They sperse out amongst the crowd.

Alexai gets tapped on the shoulder and turns,"Fredrick! Ah! Long time no see! Yes, it is a great party, here, come here." Alexai walks off with Fredrick leaving Covski to talk to Robert. "Well, that was different..." says Robert to Covski.

* * * * * *

Bouldun and Fredrick are standing by the large table of food. Alexai stands pouring two glasses of Cognac. "Ah, how are you Fredrick?" As they speak, commoners enter the ball room. Each of them is just as lavishly dressed as the royalty. The commoners were the men who worked on The Union's Church of Christ. They sperse out amongst the crowd.

Frederick picks up the glass of Cognac and takes a sip... with his pinky up no less. "I feel good. I just finished passing a bill through Congress that will put more funding into the military. Sergei meanwhile is in Fodmodmadtol trying to resolve a conflict." He cleared his throat. "You wouldn't know about it."

He watched as the commoners entered, and Frederick knew they were commoners. They weren't as... gentile as the other Fascians in the ballroom. He thought to himself. They must've done something special.

He looked at Alexei. "So today is the Czar's birthday. How's the Confedracy?"

"Ah... Sergei in Fodmodmadtol solving a conflict eh? Stupid communist prick... Anyway. The Armed Union, as it is now called, is doing alright. The resistance in Estonia finally ceased and we're occupying it without any conflicts now. Stupid little Muslims. They tried to kill my Landwehr... Bastards. Anyway, how's the Island doing? Any new major expansions?"

"Ah yes." Covski chuckled slightly. "Those Rosians are quite something else, I've understood." He paused, smiling. "Ah, it seems this party is getting under way, eh? How many guests are expected, in total?"

Frederick chuckled and thought. Prick yes, but not stupid. He started speaking. "As you know, we own Algeria and now we own Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Or as it will soon be known, the Combined Imperial Protectorate of Rosianasia. That's going to be hard to do."

He smirked and looked at Covski. "You don't know the first thing about us...." He looked back at Alexei. "So yes, we're expanding. We even have some projects that we're working on. This will protect us sevenfold, literally."

"They are a bunch, that's for sure." he laughed, then replied, "No idea. Czarina Katherine planned it, so half The State could be attending."

"Yes, I'am well aware of your claims in the Far East. You remember, we have Exetoniae, which is near there." Alexai sipped his Cognac, looking about mentarily then talked somewhat quiter,"Just remember, you're always within my influence." He smirked...paused...then laughed heartily.

Suddenly, the doors to the hall were cast open, and a massive, dark figure stepped through the threshhold. When he looked up, he had a big grin on his face. It was none other than Emperor Helldawg V. He had on a big, heavy suit of scary looking black plate armor. Purely ceremonial, of course. He was followed by a swarm of tall, mafioso-looking men in suits carrying large gift-wrapped boxes.

"Greetings, my friends."

Frederick smirked. "And vice-versa Alexei." He sipped his Cognac. "The Ballroom looks very nice. Much better then the Villa, then again I don't want to drain the budget." He laughed heartily. "So how are politics in here? Rosian politics are strange these days. The Reds and the Libertarians are thinking of forming a coalition. And so do the Nationalists and Militant Communists. That would be one very strange mix. We're the most centrist party on the Island."

He chuckled. "We were never meant to be normal." He then looked as Helldawg entered the room. "Ah, Emporer. Nice to see you here, I wished to talk to you personally and this is a better time to talk to you."

Helldawg approached him and shook his hand, "Yes, I don't believe we've met in person. So, how are things on the Island?"

Covski chuckled again. "I see. Well, it's only your birthday once a year, now is it?" He smirked, wondering where his FCD had scurried off to.

Helldawg approached him and shook his hand, "Yes, I don't believe we've met in person. So, how are things on the Island?"

He chuckled. "I'm Frederick von Hattensberg, Imperial President. Everything is fine, just the standard politicking. I wanted to talk about a treaty of some sorts, and maybe an effort to design an assault rifle."

The crowds watches as Helldawg V entered. Alexai raised his glass in recognition. "Bah.. Politics are.. Blah. Better than usually. And we didn't drain the budget. Das Zitadelle was built while under Marxist control."

Suddenly, after the doors had been closed again, two men with large trumpets entered. They began playing The Confederate Anthem. The doors slowly opened and the guests say Czar Charles Wilheim Hayden, Czarina Katherine Hayden, and Czarevich Konrad Maximilian Hayden. The Czar was wearing his full royal regalia and military honors and crown. The Czarina was wearing a long, lavish dress and the crown. A precesion followed her, holding the tail of the dress. Her hand was firmly aroudn that of the Czarevich's. The childs attire was like that of the Czar's, only smaller and less medals. He too had a crown, that seemed to want to naturally fall off his head. Everyone smiled at the site of the smile child as the royal family made their way to the three throwns at the top of the room. The Czar took seat with the Czarevich at his right, and the Czarina at the left. Once they had been seated, the trumpeteers gave the tune, ordering all to bow to the royalty in respect. Finally, the Czar stood, smiling back at Katherine,"Well.. Let the festivites begin!" People began to applaud. He motioned them to quite down momentarily,"But first, will those here who constructed the church please step forward?" The did so. Each of the men kneeled on one knee before His Highness. He stepped down to them and instructed them to stand. He lifted from a pillow being held by a servant a medal. "Every man that worked on The Union's Church of Christ deserves our blessings. With that, I'am awarding each of them 'Hero Of The Union' medal."

Applauds rang through the hall once the awards were given out, and the ball officially began.

He chuckled. "I'm Frederick von Hattensberg, Imperial President. Everything is fine, just the standard politicking. I wanted to talk about a treaty of some sorts, and maybe an effort to design an assault rifle."
Helldawg chuckled to himself, "Ah, my friend, we are no longer in need of a new rifle, for sometime today we will announce the release of our latest infantry weapon. Well, actualy, you'll get to see it much sooner, when the Czar unwraps his gifts." he smiled. "But we can certainly arrange a treaty of some sorts..." He was inturrupted by the Czar's arrival. "Ah, I'd better go wish him a happy birthday." he said, striding off to the Czar and his family.

Frederick raised his glass. "God Bless the Czar!" He took a large sip and thought. Gotta keep public appearences.

He went back to speaking to Alexei and Helldawg, first to Alexei. "Oh so this is a Marxist building? Well they must've been doing something right." He chuckled. "Politics are never good eh?" Then he turned to Helldawg. "Heh. We shall see."

He watched as Helldawg approached the Czar. "I might as well join him..." He started following Helldawg and approached the Czar also. "Very nice party Charles."

"Ah hello Emperor Helldawg, hello to you too Fredrick." the Czat stood, shaking both of the men's hands. Suddenly, right before he spoke, a small boy tugged on the back of his shirt,"Eh... Mister... Um... My Papa told me to give dou dis..." the Czar kneeled at took it, he read it:

Upon The Date Of Birth of the Czar, the workers of The Union's Church of Christ wish to give you the church, finished and completely built. God bless you.

The Czar read it allowed, then exclaimed that it shouldn't be just his, God elected them all, it is the peoples gift to themselves through God's grace.

The Czar sat back down, still speaking with the men, "How is your neck of the woods Helldawg?"

* * * * * *

Alexai watched as the men went and greeted the Czar. The Directors had now gathered about eachother and were discussing eugenics for some odd reason...

"Ah the usual: commies revolting here, new weapon to test there, gas this village, et cetera. By the way, I had the gifts I brought left on that table over there. So, how are things over here?"

"Ah, finally. The Czar himself.", Covski said, mostly to himself, just as Fredricson appeared by his side. "Ah, Richard. Enjoying yourself?"

"Quite."

"Of course you are. Well then, I suppose it's time to finally meet the good Czar in person and wish him a happy birthday, then. I don't suppose you'll be joining me in this endeavour?" Covski smirked at his friend.

"No, you're on your own here, Leon." With a quick smile, Fredricson disappeared into the crowd again. Covski stood quiet for a moment, before adjusting his tie slightly, and began making his way through the crowd towards the Royal family.

Happy birthday. I will try to attend, but I am not sure if I will be able to do so.

Czar Sam Fabus

OOC: Its my mom's birthday today too.

a convoy of gleaming armoured Mercedes-Benz G Wagons sweeps into the grand courtyard of the Czar's residence. A detachment of heavily armed bodyguards exit the vehicles and set up a close-knit parimetre. Once secure the small squat frame of First Minister of the Community of Sargacia, the Honourable Dr Geoffrey Baldwin exists.

"Greetings your royal highness from the people of Sargacia. Please accept my appologises for our lateness. I know our two countries are not formular but in the name of peace, understanding and purhaps future friendship I stand here before you"

"Brigadier, we're about to land." A soft female voice sounded as she gently shook Brigadier Josef Rommel awake. He had enjoyed a nap along the long flight to the Fascist Confederacy inside his personal airplane.
"Thank you." He smiled to the young woman, and then promptly sat up, and getting ready to land.
He had been specially chosen for this task, to not only allow better diplomatic relations with other, different, nations, but also to express the views of The Republic that a birthday for anyone, espically a Czar, was a grand ocasion.

As he looked around, the aircraft looked empty, he was by himself, only the pilot and co-pilot were with him, and the latter having just woken him up.
He yawned a moment as he felt the aircraft begin to land, gently touching onto the runway ad taxying to where it would unload the Brigadier.

After a few moments of the plane being still, Josef got up from his seat and got his baggage in order. He had with him a small suitcase for his personal belongings, and a two meter long plastic case that contained the Czar's birthday present. He hoped the Czar would like it.

Approaching the now open door of the aircraft, Josef breatehed the air deeply, enjoying the fresh air of a new land, and then he stepped out to meet those who would greet him.

OOC: Sargacia, you were't invited. Thus, get out of my thread before I alert a mod.

IC:
The Czar stepped over to the table, looking at the ornate boxes from many people, "Well, I feel like I'm seven again." he chuckled light as Covski approached. "Ah, hello. Covski correct? Glad to see you." The Czar began unwrapping Doominglands gifts first. He saw the three rifles sent to him. "Ah, your new design. Wonderful." The Czar lifted it to his shoulder, activating the sight as a red-dot fired across the room to a wall. "Appeard accurate. Thank you."

* * * * * *
Field Marshal Borisovitch had been waiting for awhile. He finally saw as Josef began to exit the aircraft. He ran to him, shaking his hand firmly, "Sorry for the hurry but your late. We have to get you to The Imperial Hall." The two men jumped into the limo as Yevegny instructed them to drive to Das Zitadelle.

Neither spoke as they entered Das Zitadelle grounds. A servant escorted to two into the hall. They had to walk around an enter a side via not to draw too much attention. Yevegny nodded to the Czar and showed Josef the food and where to put the gifts.

After the breif rushing into The Imperial Hall, hoping his lateness would not offend.
After he uncovered the gift from it's plastic case, revealing a dark stained cedar box, inlaid with gold, and "Czar Charles Wilheim Hayden: May your life be long and prosperous."
Josef stood back, watching, feeling a little less extravagant in his smooth black dress uniform then those around him, however he quite enjoyed the imperial setting. He watched the Czar open his presents, and smiled. A grande man this Czar Hayden was.

The Czar watched as he saw the cedar box with the inscription. "From Dostanuot Loj... Hmm.." He opens the box. He admires what he sees: A SR-1 bolt-action rifle. The stock is carved ivory with intricate carvings--hand carved--and gold leaf in places. He gently removes it from the box, admiring it and the bayonet with it. "Magnificent... A wonderful piece of art. Thank you Josef. Thank you all for your gifts." He places it back in its ornate box, closing it as his royal servant detail take his gifts off so that they can clear the floor for the ball.

Charles looks up at his wife, who is now dancing and playing with Konrad. She'd removed the long portion of the dress, which now made it more mobile. The Czar removed his crown, placing it by the septar at his throne, for it wasn't normal for him to wear a crown for an extended period of time. He then proceeded to chat with the guests...

On behalf of the Republic, I would like to wish you a very happy birthday and best of luck for the future to you and your lovely family. Sophia and I apologize for not being able to attend the festivities, as we are currently in Mississippi on a state visit. Ambassador Richard Dean and his darling wife Marylin will go in our place.

- Rt. Hon. John Garrison, Chancellor of the Republic of JRV

Suddenly, Helldawg's beeper went off. He looked embarassed at that, and quietly vowed to kill the man paging him. When he took it out to shut it off, a smile came across his lips, "Well, what do you know, we're under the threat of invasion again. Well, I guess I'll have to make a DVD of our troops slaughtering their country and sell them." he chuckled to himself. "Oh, Czar, before I forget, let me show you the most important part of this new weapon." he said, taking the rifle from the Czar, and heading outside. An old BRDM-2 scout vehicle had been mysteriously parked out front. "Now, watch this," he said, sholdering the weapon, and hitting a button on the digital controls. Suddenly, a 20mm HEAT grenade flew out of the grenade launcher, and struck the vehicle, blowing the turret clean off. "My friend, this weapon gives the normal infantryman the capability to annihilate virtualy any threat he faces: bunkers, infantry, light armor, attack helicopters, and allows for him to fire on the driver's hatch of an MBT." he finished, handing the weapon back to the Czar as a second BRDM pulled up. "Five round magazine." he said with a smile, waiting for the Czar to pop the new vehicle.

The Czar looked rather impressed and shouldered the massive ordinance. He aimed the weapon carefully, aiming righting below the scout vehicle. He quickly pulled the trigger, firing the HEAT ammunition. The round spiraled under the vehicle, impacting the earth causing the explosive pressure to launch the flaming vehicle upward, flipping it several times before it impacted in a reversed, upside-down position on the flaming terra-firma. Imperial Guards quickly doused the vehicle in exstinguishing agents putting both fires out. "Again, I'am impressed. Thank you Emperor Helldawg."