LOTF Special Events Thread

[Concerned American Workers]

SPREAD DEBATE
MARTIN SPELLMAN

"So I've proposed policy, whether its the minimum wage or decreasing our troop presence to support other things back home like education programs. But the Secretary, he's just proposed flowery language. This is not a speech competition. This is not some essay that you have to meet the word limit. Let's be clear and simple and not hide behind slogans."

Marty gestured to the man.

"Make America Great Again makes us think we were great once. And perhaps we were...but only for some. Millions of Americans were not great before. Millions of Americans were forced to be slaves. Millions were not afforded the right to vote. And now, today, so many more are still fighting for recognition. So let's not get blindsided. The Secretary can wage war and make us feel good with all this praise. But we need fewer hotheaded men making decisions and more true leaders, and I don't mean just myself. I mean blue collar, white collar, men and women, of all groups. We are better together and whether that starts by passing civil rights legislation and voting reform to letting Puerto Rico and D.C. become states, let's get more people involved. And yes, that means young people!"

"So stop the slogans Secretary, and just be plain to the American people. They deserve clear answers."

[Alozia]

PORTER-SPELLMAN SPREAD DEBATE
STEFANI FRANCOTTA

"I can tell that there is a lot of tension on the stage, so let me ask this question next - what qualities about your opponent do you admire?"

[Concerned American Workers]

SPREAD DEBATE
MARTIN SPELLMAN

"His tenacity perhaps?" questioned Spellman.

"He is a resolute man who has stuck to his beliefs and fired back harshly at his critics. But I still think his strong will could be used for better things, not the message he has delivered over and over. I know the Secretary can do better and I am eager to see him employ his might onto bigger and better things."

[Emazia]

PORTER-SPELLMAN SPREAD DEBATE
STEFANI FRANCOTTA
(Image)

"I can tell that there is a lot of tension on the stage, so let me ask this question next - what qualities about your opponent do you admire?"

"Well, I like his acting. Maybe if he loses he should get back to that-" He interrupted himself before making a passive-aggressive comment, returning to a genial tone. "I've watched a few of his films and they're not bad."

[Alozia]

PORTER-SPELLMAN SPREAD DEBATE
STEFANI FRANCOTTA

"Thank you gentlemen for your... enthusiastic responses. Moving on. Who or what do you see as the biggest threat to America and why?"

[Alozia]

---

Rose Garden, White House

Friday, May 8, 2020

Washington, D.C.

---

Having received the notification that the Representative Jay Dietrich had been confirmed by both chambers of Congress, Tawney instructed the Secret Service to invite his vice-presidential appointee to the White House, where the preparations for an official swearing in had been already underway. White House staff was rushing to set up the stage and create the space needed for the press and other attendees, including the First and soon-to-be-Second Families and the Congressional Leadership.

Soon, the guests would arrive. Guided by the staff, they were seated in various places in the Rose Garden. The congressional leadership, to the right of the podium. Families, to the left, with the First Lady seated almost right in front of the podium. Richard and his Chief of Staff waited for Dietrich before entering the garden. A short, customary introduction accompanied them and the President took the podium shortly thereafter.

Thank you all very much for coming.

Today we're gathered here in the Rose Garden to officially swear in Jay Joseph Dietrich of Alaska as the 49th Vice President of the United States. I would like to thank Justice [not-Gorsuch] for agreeing to participate in today's ceremony.

Before we begin, I would like to say a few words.

Today the United States is going to get a new Vice President. Having experienced the challenges that come with discharging the duties of the office myself, I am glad to say that today's event is not a mere formality, but rather an elevation of a distinguished and accomplished public servant to one of the highest positions in our democratic system. Having been granted the honor of working with Jay in the past, I can say that there are very few leaders in this country who could even come close to matching his determination. A man of immense experience, who's career in the public eye has spanned almost five decades, if not more, his counsel will be highly valued in the Tawney administration.

There is a quote from President Reagan that I would like to expand today.

'Some people work an entire lifetime and wonder if they ever made a difference to the world. But the Marines - and Jay Dietrich - don't have that problem.'

So, without further ado Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to invite Jay Joseph Dietrich to be officially sworn in as Vice President of the United States.

[Sanabel]

Rose Garden, White House, Washington, DC

Dietrich stood solemnly as the President made his remarks. Then, he stepped up to take the oath of office.

“Thank you, Mr. President for your kind remarks,” Dietrich said bluntly. “I will not let you, or this nation down.”

Then, he faced the Justice, laid his hand on the Bible supported by his younger wife, and recited the Oath of Office.

After that, he posed for a picture with the President, and made a few more comments.

“My fellow Americans, I know I was not elected to the office which I now hold. However, I promise you all, the people of this great country, that I will live up to the standards of good government and do everything within my power to rise to the historic moment our nation finds itself in. Now, I’m not one for eloquent speech making, it isn’t my style and I find it boring. But the first President I worked with, John F. Kennedy, he was quite interested and good at that sort of thing. He said, of course, ‘ask not what your country can do for you- but what you can do for your country.’ I believe the present moment calls for this sentiment, but in a different way from before. I believe the American people need to ask what your country can do for you, and what you can do in return. As the social fabric of this country seems to fray, made worse by this recession, we need to revive the spirit of service, and also re-establish the responsibilities of our government. I believe the American government has a duty to uphold the dignity of all, and create equality of opportunity for all. I intend to propose policies and advise the President to act in such a way that does exactly this- so I hope he’s ready. Thank you all for entrusting me with this office.” He paused. “I will not let you down,” he repeated.

[Sarenium]

---

The Frankson Party
The 'Franch'

---

Howard put on his cufflinks as Maria selected a necklace.

"Are you ready?" she asked her husband who's walking stick rested under his hand.

He grunted, "something like that," he kissed her and headed downstairs. Joe was out in the yard, while his daughter-in-law was with the grandkids in the den. His daughters were both too busy to attend (and preferred not to), Joe was here purely to solicit donations from politicians which was a stroke of political irony, thought Howard. The musicians had set up on the deck just outside, while there was a beautiful lady as their lead vocal, the night would feature Congressional bands too, Howard never was in one, but he did expect to see the musicians of Congress play a song.

The setup was relatively simple, the courtyard was where almost every guest arrived. The President included, most cars would be placed around the place, with Secret Service effectively locking down the entire place. The Agents already around the place looked happy, which was always a plus. Howard trekked down the slight hill to the pavilion by the lake, past another of the bars, and onto another of the dancefloors. Joe was further down, by the stables where the de-facto vomit station was set up. That, and more places to drink and dance. The roast and food tables were situated on the flat between the pavilion and the stables, which was always a piece of joy.

The chefs began making entrees as he heard the first few cars arriving. The expected first guests were generally older, closer friends of the Frankstons, Governors or Senators who Howard was particularly close with. From here, well, the guests would begin to arrive soon enough...

OOC: You know who's invited. Get them arriving! Don't kill anyone (duh), don't make anything need to be retconned, know where the line is (duh). As always, I am perpetually excited.

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Wyatt Hagerty
The Frankston Ranch

Wyatt believed firmly in the value of being early, and so arrived at the Frankston ranch before many other guests had gotten there. The elder Utahn strolled down the path to the pavillion by the lake, after briefly checking in with the Secret Service to assure them that he wasn't an assassin masquerading as an old Mormon.

"Howie!" he called as he walked down to the lake, leaning heavily on his cane. "Your wife told me to tell you my cane is cooler!"

[Jovuistan]

THE FRANCH PARTY
GOVERNOR JOHN HOLLAND

John and Joyce Holland arrived by car very early for the event. The elder Governor and his wife walked down from the parking lot, and after the procedure with the secret service they were off to the pavilion. John smiled when he saw Howard and Wyatt conversing.

"Senators! Great to meet you both. Y'all doing okay today?" He went to shake hands with both of the Senators, which Joyce mimicked as she introduced herself.

[Sarenium]

Senator Wyatt Hagerty
The Frankston Ranch

Wyatt believed firmly in the value of being early, and so arrived at the Frankston ranch before many other guests had gotten there. The elder Utahn strolled down the path to the pavillion by the lake, after briefly checking in with the Secret Service to assure them that he wasn't an assassin masquerading as an old Mormon.

"Howie!" he called as he walked down to the lake, leaning heavily on his cane. "Your wife told me to tell you my cane is cooler!"

"I swear I read something about lying and Mormons once upon a time," Maria grinned to Wyatt.

"No, you read something about Wyatt, being nothing but an old grouch," Howard smirked embracing his old friend.

THE FRANCH PARTY
GOVERNOR JOHN HOLLAND

John and Joyce Holland arrived by car very early for the event. The elder Governor and his wife walked down from the parking lot, and after the procedure with the secret service they were off to the pavilion. John smiled when he saw Howard and Wyatt conversing.

"Senators! Great to meet you both. Y'all doing okay today?" He went to shake hands with both of the Senators, which Joyce mimicked as she introduced herself.

"Wyatt and Howard are measuring canes nothing new," Maria smirked to the Hollands as Howard chuckled to the euphemism.

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Wyatt Hagerty

"I just want to know when you'll teach Howard to read" Wyatt joked, embracing Howard and Maria in turn. The Frankstons had been friends of his for nearly two decades, and Howard had been there for him during the darkest time in his life, when Miranda Jeanne died. As they embraced, Wyatt imagined he could feel a new fragility in his old friend, and it cut him to the core.

Wyatt turned to Governor Holland, thumping his cane on the ground. "This is a serious matter, Maria, not a time for dirty jokes. Besides, my cane is clearly cooler. I've had Bessie here since I was twenty-one years old. This old man," he jerked a thumb at Howard, "is copying me."

[Sarenium]

Senator Wyatt Hagerty

"I just want to know when you'll teach Howard to read" Wyatt joked, embracing Howard and Maria in turn. The Frankstons had been friends of his for nearly two decades, and Howard had been there for him during the darkest time in his life, when Miranda Jeanne died. As they embraced, Wyatt imagined he could feel a new fragility in his old friend, and it cut him to the core.

Wyatt turned to Governor Holland, thumping his cane on the ground. "This is a serious matter, Maria, not a time for dirty jokes. Besides, my cane is clearly cooler. I've had Bessie here since I was twenty-one years old. This old man," he jerked a thumb at Howard, "is copying me."

"Perhaps he'd copy you in using it more regularly," Maria smirked, gesturing to the bar as one of the hired butlers brought around champagne, Maria took one, Howard instead looked at Wyatt and John.

"Whiskey, gentlemen?" he grinned.

[Gordano and Lysandus]

Various Characters
The Franch

Speaker Caroline Simone

Caroline was, as ever, the first to arrive at the biannual shindig down in Texas. This wasn't her first time, of course, but this was her first time as someone of importance. Not merely that, but with the expectation that she give one of the keynote roasts of the night. Caroline was not known to be a particularly funny woman, but she braced herself for that role carefully and delicately. Driven in in the back of a nondescript black SUV by her Capitol Police handlers, she went through the Secret Service security cordon with relatively little issue, before emerging in a silver-gray gown with an over the shoulder handbag, going to greet the Frankstons in turn and offering over a bunch of vividly colorful flowers to Mrs. Frankston.

"Howard, Maria, so good of you to have us. I think we all needed this after the few weeks we've had."

Governor and Mrs. Prendergast, and Zachary Prendergast

The Prendergast convoy was not quite so dramatic, and certainly not guarded in the same manner as the Speaker's, but it features no less amount of tension. For them, there was the obvious political divide between the elder Prendergasts and the younger, whose full-throated embrace of liberalism was more than enough to cast a wedge in the family. Yet despite it all, Jonah wanted Zachary to succeed, and to that end, maybe being able to rub shoulders with some of the Democratic cognoscenti here might do him some good. Or the boy might just stay out of trouble.

Jonah had a large grin on his face as he greeted his Texan friend, and all in all, was very happy to be here. "It's good of you to make sure the show still goes on despite everything that's happened personally and nationally. You two are a bedrock of our democracy, truly."

Senator and Mr. Merriam

Augusta slapped her husband's hand as he went to reach for the bag of hard candy that they keep in the car for long trips, shaking her head. "Don't, or you won't want your drinks tonight." This wasn't Augusta's first time to this event either, but that notwithstanding, she had long prided herself on her ability to drink Kim Dunbar under the table, and the last thing she needed was Christopher taking on too much sugar that night and crashing and proving a distraction from the party.

She too, made her greetings when it was her turn.

[Jovuistan]

Senator Wyatt Hagerty

"I just want to know when you'll teach Howard to read" Wyatt joked, embracing Howard and Maria in turn. The Frankstons had been friends of his for nearly two decades, and Howard had been there for him during the darkest time in his life, when Miranda Jeanne died. As they embraced, Wyatt imagined he could feel a new fragility in his old friend, and it cut him to the core.

Wyatt turned to Governor Holland, thumping his cane on the ground. "This is a serious matter, Maria, not a time for dirty jokes. Besides, my cane is clearly cooler. I've had Bessie here since I was twenty-one years old. This old man," he jerked a thumb at Howard, "is copying me."

"Perhaps he'd copy you in using it more regularly," Maria smirked, gesturing to the bar as one of the hired butlers brought around champagne, Maria took one, Howard instead looked at Wyatt and John.

"Whiskey, gentlemen?" he grinned.

John laughed a bit at Maria's jab. "Well, I don't have no stake in this matter. Just don't let it spill over the Sabine River or we'll have a problem."

He then turned to Howard, "I don't drink, personally. If you have any tea or anything like that'd I'd appreciate it. Now she on the other hand..." he tilted his head towards Joyce, who nodded enthusiastically.

"Let me tell y'all, I have dealt with too much the past couple days. I cannot wait to destress." She chuckled lightly.

[Sarenium]

Various Characters
The Franch

Speaker Caroline Simone

Caroline was, as ever, the first to arrive at the biannual shindig down in Texas. This wasn't her first time, of course, but this was her first time as someone of importance. Not merely that, but with the expectation that she give one of the keynote roasts of the night. Caroline was not known to be a particularly funny woman, but she braced herself for that role carefully and delicately. Driven in in the back of a nondescript black SUV by her Capitol Police handlers, she went through the Secret Service security cordon with relatively little issue, before emerging in a silver-gray gown with an over the shoulder handbag, going to greet the Frankstons in turn and offering over a bunch of vividly colorful flowers to Mrs. Frankston.

"Howard, Maria, so good of you to have us. I think we all needed this after the few weeks we've had."

Greeting the Speaker first was Maria, who took the flowers kindly, "Madame Speaker," she smiled, "welcome, welcome. Howard is down by one of the bars, I imagine with Wyatt."

She alluded to her husband's eagerness to drink calmly.

Governor and Mrs. Prendergast, and Zachary Prendergast

The Prendergast convoy was not quite so dramatic, and certainly not guarded in the same manner as the Speaker's, but it features no less amount of tension. For them, there was the obvious political divide between the elder Prendergasts and the younger, whose full-throated embrace of liberalism was more than enough to cast a wedge in the family. Yet despite it all, Jonah wanted Zachary to succeed, and to that end, maybe being able to rub shoulders with some of the Democratic cognoscenti here might do him some good. Or the boy might just stay out of trouble.

Jonah had a large grin on his face as he greeted his Texan friend, and all in all, was very happy to be here. "It's good of you to make sure the show still goes on despite everything that's happened personally and nationally. You two are a bedrock of our democracy, truly."

Howard chuckled, "you my friend, are behind already," he ushered them towards the bar, "Martha, as radiant as ever."

Maria flashed her husband a smile then embraced Martha, "hello lovely," she smiled.

Senator and Mr. Merriam

Augusta slapped her husband's hand as he went to reach for the bag of hard candy that they keep in the car for long trips, shaking her head. "Don't, or you won't want your drinks tonight." This wasn't Augusta's first time to this event either, but that notwithstanding, she had long prided herself on her ability to drink Kim Dunbar under the table, and the last thing she needed was Christopher taking on too much sugar that night and crashing and proving a distraction from the party.

She too, made her greetings when it was her turn.

Howard saw Augusta and scurried to the bar where he poured a neat whisky, returning with it in hand, "you're well and truly, far behind."

Maria knew Christopher as Senate Spouses, smiled kindly, "welcome back to Texas!"

------

Elsewhere, Deborah Feyrer made her arrival. She towered over the guests and donned a complete black dress.

"Who died?" asked Howard as a joke well after their greetings.

Deborah looked at him with a complete stone face, "the better candidate."

Howard's face slowly dropped, "WYATT!" he called to his friend by the bar, "oh dear, Wyatt seems to be calling for me."

Deb smiled to herself, while maintaining a stiff upper lip and instead found herself near the Speaker, "watch your back," she said to nobody in particular as she passed.

[Sarenium]

"Perhaps he'd copy you in using it more regularly," Maria smirked, gesturing to the bar as one of the hired butlers brought around champagne, Maria took one, Howard instead looked at Wyatt and John.

"Whiskey, gentlemen?" he grinned.

John laughed a bit at Maria's jab. "Well, I don't have no stake in this matter. Just don't let it spill over the Sabine River or we'll have a problem."

He then turned to Howard, "I don't drink, personally. If you have any tea or anything like that'd I'd appreciate it. Now she on the other hand..." he tilted his head towards Joyce, who nodded enthusiastically.

"Let me tell y'all, I have dealt with too much the past couple days. I cannot wait to destress." She chuckled lightly.

"You can drink his share then," Maria smiled, "now, I hope tequila works for you all, because we have much to shot and toast this year," Maria smiled innocently.

[Louisianan]

Rep. Linda Lazare

Linda drove herself to the 'Franch' as it was known, she had thought about inviting a guest but she didn't want gossip to start. She arrived at a decent time, wearing a floral print dress that ruffled at the neck and covered one shoulder. It was a twenty-dollar dress, but it was in high fashion and looked like something Lady Di could have worn. She wore open foot heels with straps, along with her engagement ring and mother's wristwatch. In her hand, was a matching white handbag that completed the motif better than any other accessory on this side of the border. Linda had never really been in touch with the Frankton's before, but ever the charmer, Linda thought it best to acquaint herself as much as possible beforehand using google and such.

She went through the security, making a joke or two with the Secret Service, before continuing on her journey to the party. Upon entering the estate, Linda made it a point to seek out Senator Frankston's wife, as Linda's mother used to say, "Mingle with the girls first so they don't get suspicious if you sleep with their husbands." The full quotation isn't applied here, just the part about mingling with the girls.

"Good evening, Mrs. Frankston. Linda Lazare, wonderful to have finally met you. What lovely flowers! I didn't know if I should have brought anything, but I hope my presence is a gift enough." Linda laughed, offering her hand for Maria to shake.

[Dentali]

Senator Moore
Frankston Ranch



"Will they have Karaoke this year?" Moore asked his wife as they entered the home of the Texas Senator


Governor Richardson
Frankston Ranch



"Don't be nervous" Amanda said straightening Richardson's tie "You've been here before, these aren't professional comedians... you'll be fine."

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Wyatt Hagerty

"I just want to know when you'll teach Howard to read" Wyatt joked, embracing Howard and Maria in turn. The Frankstons had been friends of his for nearly two decades, and Howard had been there for him during the darkest time in his life, when Miranda Jeanne died. As they embraced, Wyatt imagined he could feel a new fragility in his old friend, and it cut him to the core.

Wyatt turned to Governor Holland, thumping his cane on the ground. "This is a serious matter, Maria, not a time for dirty jokes. Besides, my cane is clearly cooler. I've had Bessie here since I was twenty-one years old. This old man," he jerked a thumb at Howard, "is copying me."

"Perhaps he'd copy you in using it more regularly," Maria smirked, gesturing to the bar as one of the hired butlers brought around champagne, Maria took one, Howard instead looked at Wyatt and John.

"Whiskey, gentlemen?" he grinned.

"He's much to stubborn for that, and he very well knows Mormons don't drink," Wyatt said to Maria, smirking at Howard, "if you have tea I'll take some as well."

He turned to face Holland, a maneuver made awkward and lengthy by his bad knee, which required him to shuffle around, leaning on his cane. "Governor Holland, I don't believe we've had the opportunity to formally meet. I'm an admirer of yours," Wyatt said, "you're doing a lot of good already."

He heard Howard calling his name, and muttered a brief "excuse me," to Holland, as Howard hurried down the hill toward them. Wyatt followed his path visually, and found a nightmare in black near the top of the hill.

"Deb spook you already, Howie?" Wyatt asked.

Representative Jason Evander

Jason and Marilyn arrived shortly after Linda did--Jason in an XXL Twins jersey and jeans, Marilyn in a white blouse and faded blue jeans that stood out against her dark skin.

Jason was absolutely convinced his fiance was the most beautiful woman in the world, and he twirled her around playfully while they walked.

"Someone's in a mood," Marilyn said, giggling, as she stood on tiptoe to kiss Jason's cheek.

"Nah, just in love," he rumbled, hugging her close. He spotted Richardson and called out, "Hey, Nate!"

Senator Kimberly Dunbar

Kim and Michael arrived around the same time the future Mr. and Mrs. Jason Evander did, although they were delayed by a brief struggle of unpacking Kim's wheelchair from the van. Once that was resolved, they went to the backyard, Michael with his hands protectively laid on his wife's chair.

"Gosh, this is never not overwhelming," he muttered to Kim, who giggled.

"Just stick by Augusta's husband and drink all night, sweetheart, you know the drill," she responded, reaching behind to squeeze his hand briefly. They rolled down to the growing party, where Kim steered her wheelchair over to Augusta with a cheeky smile. "Speaking of Augusta...you ready get drunk under the table this year?"

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Wesley Bucknell

---

After being "randomly searched" and exchanging dark looks with the Secret Service, Governor Bucknell of South Carolina was allowed onto the Ranch. As Southern courtesy dictated he grumbled acknowledgement to the hosts before drifting toward a tall woman all in black whom he recognized from his alternative newsfeeds.

"Well, I'll be, if it ain't Deb Feyrer!" the old man greeted, bending in a stiff half-bow as if to kiss her hand.

[Dentali]

"Perhaps he'd copy you in using it more regularly," Maria smirked, gesturing to the bar as one of the hired butlers brought around champagne, Maria took one, Howard instead looked at Wyatt and John.

"Whiskey, gentlemen?" he grinned.

Representative Jason Evander

Jason and Marilyn arrived shortly after Linda did--Jason in an XXL Twins jersey and jeans, Marilyn in a white blouse and faded blue jeans that stood out against her dark skin.

Jason was absolutely convinced his fiance was the most beautiful woman in the world, and he twirled her around playfully while they walked.

"Someone's in a mood," Marilyn said, giggling, as she stood on tiptoe to kiss Jason's cheek.

"Nah, just in love," he rumbled, hugging her close. He spotted Richardson and called out, "Hey, Nate!"

"Good to see you Jason" Nate said shaking his hand "Have you met my wife Amanda?"

[Lavan Tiri]

Representative Jason Evander

Jason and Marilyn arrived shortly after Linda did--Jason in an XXL Twins jersey and jeans, Marilyn in a white blouse and faded blue jeans that stood out against her dark skin.

Jason was absolutely convinced his fiance was the most beautiful woman in the world, and he twirled her around playfully while they walked.

"Someone's in a mood," Marilyn said, giggling, as she stood on tiptoe to kiss Jason's cheek.

"Nah, just in love," he rumbled, hugging her close. He spotted Richardson and called out, "Hey, Nate!"

"Good to see you Jason" Nate said shaking his hand "Have you met my wife Amanda?"

"I don't believe I have," Jason said, shaking Nate's hand firmly, "and I do believe I would remember such a lovely lady."


He waggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly at Mrs. Richardson, before breaking out into a broad smile. "Lovely to meet you, ma'am," he said, his old Southern accent coming out as strongly as it always did at social functions. "This is my fiancee, Marilyn Southerland."

He gently tugged Marilyn's hand forward, and she--slightly starstruck--shook Amanda's hand and Nate's in turn. "N-nice to meet you, Governor," she said, smiling.

Jason laughed. "Marilyn's a fan of yours, Nate," he explained, "been donating money since you entered the primary."

[Dentali]

"Good to see you Jason" Nate said shaking his hand "Have you met my wife Amanda?"

"I don't believe I have," Jason said, shaking Nate's hand firmly, "and I do believe I would remember such a lovely lady."


He waggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly at Mrs. Richardson, before breaking out into a broad smile. "Lovely to meet you, ma'am," he said, his old Southern accent coming out as strongly as it always did at social functions. "This is my fiancee, Marilyn Southerland."

He gently tugged Marilyn's hand forward, and she--slightly starstruck--shook Amanda's hand and Nate's in turn. "N-nice to meet you, Governor," she said, smiling.

Jason laughed. "Marilyn's a fan of yours, Nate," he explained, "been donating money since you entered the primary."

"So you're the one" Nate said with a chuckle his own Carolina accent coming out "Honestly thank you... any support is appreciated... from you and your fiance." Nate gave a kind smile and an earnest look to Marilyn before turning to Evander "So are you going to be telling some jokes tonight?"

[Lavan Tiri]

"I don't believe I have," Jason said, shaking Nate's hand firmly, "and I do believe I would remember such a lovely lady."


He waggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly at Mrs. Richardson, before breaking out into a broad smile. "Lovely to meet you, ma'am," he said, his old Southern accent coming out as strongly as it always did at social functions. "This is my fiancee, Marilyn Southerland."

He gently tugged Marilyn's hand forward, and she--slightly starstruck--shook Amanda's hand and Nate's in turn. "N-nice to meet you, Governor," she said, smiling.

Jason laughed. "Marilyn's a fan of yours, Nate," he explained, "been donating money since you entered the primary."

"So you're the one" Nate said with a chuckle his own Carolina accent coming out "Honestly thank you... any support is appreciated... from you and your fiance." Nate gave a kind smile and an earnest look to Marilyn before turning to Evander "So are you going to be telling some jokes tonight?"

"Much to Tom Volker's consternation, probably," Jason laughed, beginning to head down to the groups assembled by the lake, "I have a reputation as an awful prankster to maintain."