[OOC: yeah but calling someone a "Democratic Socialist at most!" in the form of an insult sounds kinda dorky. And Capi bro, the room is literally teeming with guards that watch your character's every move
(cuz they honestly dont trust him) so they're gonna notice if you abruptly open your jacket in the midst of an argument. Holsters stand out under business clothes, trust me) ]
"Dammit dammit dammit DAMN IT!"
The Emperor grumbled, rubbing temples then frantically waving away the Guardsmen from Stratton.
"Gentlemen I'm an firearms ownership right extremist but you have to check your weapons at the door. Security protocol prohibits bladed weapons or firearms of any kind from entering this building as long as I or my family is present."
he explained.
"Octavio,"
he barked,
"Down boy."
the latino head of security reholstered his pistol and directed the two black clad guardsmen to release Vugoe, although his handgun was temporarily confiscated, locked in a safe by the entrance for safe keeping until the guest's departure.
They were at least more polite with Stratton, politely asking for his sidearms, complimenting the craftsmanship, guaranteeing their safety, THEN taking them to the safe.
The Emperor placed a hand on Vugoe's shoulder and pushed him into a seat across from Stratton.
"You two need to calm down. I love a good crucifixion just as much as the next guy but the Capisarians are, for the most part, our friends. Now, everyone calm down a bit and let's enjoy the festivities."
at least Castillo was being good. Honestly he favored the Americans over the Capisarians particularly for this reason. They tended to be less...hot headed at times while still maintaining a healthy level of martial prowess.
"Both of you sit here, enjoy the party, drink a little, and DON'T get into another fight...Stratton will probably win."
he said a bit teasingly.
"Taylor has an announcement to make."
Down below, the streets had been filled by the populace, the parades passed for now and News Crews were set up on adjacent buildings, watching the balcony closely as the Empress handed Raphael to a Guardsman and stepped onto the balcony, tapping a small microphone to ensure it was working then smiling angelicly.
"As you all know, a little over a year ago God saw fit to give me a beautiful, healthy, baby boy, Raphael."
she began proudly,
"Two days ago, I found out that another miracle is being sent into my life..."
she paused a moment, the crowd utterly silent in anticipation.
"I'm pregnant."
she concluded. Instantly the crowd erupted into shrieks of excitement and loud cheers, most of them waving their tiny Phonencian Flags over their heads ecstaticly.
Sandra smirked, arching an eyebrow,
"Oh really?"
she leaned back a bit, crossing her legs and taking a small sip of wine.
"I've been tested plenty of times before so feel free...but I never lose."
she said slyly and teasingly.
Lieutenant O'Leary and 2'nd Lieutenant Roarke were the closest thing to a celebrity couple the Military Entertainment world had. Reporters for DHEP Army Magazines and websites would often hound them for details but today was a holiday and most of them were covering more important subjects. The couple was still recognized as they rolled down the street, the throngs of people cheering loudly for them. Alvin and Jenna were seen as living symbols of peace and forgiveness, as proof that two nations despite their differences or a bitter history, could still become friends.
After about 45 minutes or so, the convoy/parade finally rolled through the gigantic gates of Fort Shelton, the largest military base in the country, housing three Army Corps, a total of 135,000 soldiers and their equipment. It stretched across over a hundred thousand acres and went past the Gracemeria city limits into the Phonencian Desert where infantrymen and special forces were trained for everything from evading capture to waging guerilla warfare. There was a large airfield on the base as well, long enough for a
C-17 Globemaster to land on. AH-64 Apaches, RAH-66 Commanches and AH-28 Sabers sat in hangars all across the base as did thousands of M1114 HMMWVs, LY-219 Ironhearts, M-35 Cargo Trucks, and
LY-7 Rottweilers. The base had a massive underground section as well, a super-bunker of sorts that was impenetrable by Chemical, Biological, or Radiological weapons. A small Nuclear Reactor sat in the center of the base, surrounded by guards 24/7 and churning out power to that section of the city with ease.
Phalanx CIWS cannons and SAM Emplacements dotted the rooftops of the buildings all around the base and just across from the Nuclear Reactor was a massive tower, slightly taller than the base's air traffic control tower, with gigantic steel blast doors and literally a years worth of food, water, weapons, ammunition and medical supplies stored inside as well as a CH-47 Chinook parked on the roof. Windows (firing points) ran down the sides of the building, giving a commanding view of the area around it and massive loudspeakers sat high out of reach of the ground, normally used for broadcasting important messages across base but intended for a more militaristic purpose. This tower was not much of a threat to conventional foes but, were there ever another outbreak of the dreaded virus "Solanum" the only defense better than it would be the Gates of Heaven.
Soldiers looked down from the high, massive concrete walls and waved excitedly to their brethren as they returned from the parade, a massive fireworks display being prepared by Engineers and demolitionists for the night's festivities.
