Revolution Day Parade {Sunalaya Only}

[United Soviet Jason Republic]

Revolution Day Parade

Dear nations,
In celebration of Revolution Day we would like to invite you to the celebrations that will be taking place on that day to celebrate the Revolution and the Congressional Constitution that lead to the creation of the United Soviets of the Jason Republic. Several festive activities are planned to take place on 30th of March.
The USJR will host all leaders in the Federal Quarter of Jamestown and will provide for the security of these representatives, will special allowances being made. Leaders have the option of staying in their embassies or in a local hotel. Transportation within the country will be provided.
The day will start off with a parade and then a lunch in. After this time any leader wishing to meet with President Grimpen Mortimer personally to discuss or address other topics will be allowed behind closed doors.
Thank you for your time,
Issac Leon, Minister of International Affairs

ooc: this will take ICly on the 7th because I am not able to post on the 7th
Morning of April 7th
The morning sun rose over the city of Jamestown as the city slowly came to life. Since this day was a national holiday. The narrow streets, twisting and turning, slowly became busy with people in cars, bikes and on foot walking to the parade route. Most buildings had USJR flags hanging from their facades. Many more carried flags in their hands, or pins. Some kids wore furry “Revolution” hats and sung the national anthem in the streets. Many eat in the cafes that were still open with their families.
In Red Square the parade was ready to be start. Posters, flags, bands, stands and speakers were set up around the entire square. The main route through the city, the largest road running through the city, was closed down. Many choose to leave their cars to walk or bike to get a good spot on the parade route. This was the main spectacle of the day and would be broadcasted throughout the country.
In the Federal Quarter Grimpen Mortimer, the President of the United Soviets of the Jason Republic, awaited the arrival of his guests. In the Federal Quarter the President waited next to the ramparts that led to the viewing platform. The guests would watch the parade from the walls of the Federal Quarter in comfort. Mostly comfort that is, as the platform was not enclosed or heated. Thought there were heaters for the cold to enjoy, the President could not be seen taking to the heat. It would be a sign or weakness. Instead he wore a thick dark green woolen jacket, military cap and dark green pants with red highlights. His gloves were leather. Next to him his vice President and Minister of International Affairs stood waiting for the arrival of their guests.

The guests would arrive in a convey of limozines after arriving at Jamestown International Airport. Each car flew the USJR and their passenger’s flag. Inside the black leather seats, drinks and other luxuries would keep their passengers entertained during their ride.
After waiting for several minutes the black convey could be seen arriving through the central gate of the quarter. They would turn and continue down a narrow street flanked in grass, trees and shrubs. Upon arriving at the rampart the cars were parked. Attendants ran to open the doors for their guests.
The events were about to begin. Grimpen Mortimer stood, waiting to greet his guests before the parade started.

[Zanera]

After a very long lecture from the Supreme and several affirmations as to the knowledge of Zanera-USJR relations, James Vitchell was sent to the USJR with Supreme Onerius to observe and apply his knowledge of international politics to a meeting with the USJR president to discuss some things. One topic would be the current situation between Zanera and the USJR. If relations could be made warmer, or put on track to being warmer, then they would bring up the topic of the Rezua empress, assuming they would be given the chance to talk privately, away from the Rezuans. But first they had to go through the celebrations, which they had properly dressed for, as they were in their off-work clothes, and ready to get rowdy in the rowdier places, as Zanerians usually party what other countries would think as 'hard'. "Well, here we are. That was a nice trip," said Supreme Onerius.
"You got tired and I ended up with a foot in my face. I didn't want to wake you, but I found out you were a heavy sleeper after a flight attendant dropped the platter. That's why I was on the other side of the aisle," said James Vitchell.
"Well, don't worry, we're getting separate hotel rooms."
"So, we are partying first?"
"Yes, I have heard you are an awkward partier, so I'll have to show you how to party."
"Oh goodie."
"I assume there are bars here..."
"Oh my..."

[Rezua]

OOC: this has happened after Rising Strength 2

IC:

Ymira stepped out of the limo having drank nor touched anything in it. Her job was not to enjoy herself or to have nice things. She was here to get stuff done. Ymira's face was certainly changed, instead of her usual faint grin she was emotionless. Behind her was Lt. Commander Leonart, her cybernetic eye had been implanted and was working very nice. Leonart claimed it ensured she'd never miss a shot. Ymira's full guard numbered 10 riot police with Leonart. It was shocking to see guards more greeting than a leader, one who used to be so energetic. Ymira shook hands with the Soviet who had come to open her door but didn't as Ymira got out herself. "Where are the leaders meeting?" Ymira asked.

[Rhodevus]

Queen Diana's plane had landed softly on the tarmac in the United Soviet Jason Republic. Sierra was back in Rhodevus. Diana was given a limousine to ride in, on her way to Jamestown. It was quite nice inside. She had a lovely conversation with the driver about day to day life in the USJR. She did have a drink or two. Diana did love Jasonian wine. She thought it was one of the best in the world for sure.

(OOC: Not much to say )

[Rodrania]

"Alright Vladimir, turn left here" Sokolov personally asked the USJR government to let him bring his own driver, Vladimir. An old and slightly dumb old man, but who was the only one Sokolov trusted. Vladimir knew every single street on Rodrania, but not the ones at the USJR... "No! Dumb oldman! I said LEFT, not RIGHT". After several minutes of driving around the busy streets of Jamestown, Sokolov's limousine finally arrived at the door of the Rodranian embassy. As soon as he stepped down of the Limosine, a man came out of the embassy and ran towards Sokolov...

"Niko?", Sokolov said

"Look who we have here! Good old Skolovo!"

"Hah! Long time no see, old man"

"Oh shut up, I'm only 50, I'm as young as I was ever before"

The men kept talking while going towards the embassy door and disappearing behind it.

[United Soviet Jason Republic]

At the Rampart

President Grimpen Mortimer waited for the other leaders to arrive and would greet them as they came. The first to be welcomed was Supreme Onerius of Zanera. The President stepped forward to shake the leaders hands with both of his hands. "Welcome to the Republics, It has been a while since we have met. I hope you are alright with the cold weather, we have had a rather chilly winter!" the President greeted. Besides him the aids also took turns greeting the representatives. "It is a pleasure," Issac Leon said, shaking both of the men's hands. As Ymira walked over Grimpen Mortimer would quickly turn his attention to greeting the leader. "I hope you are well on your way to recovery, he said, not bowing but sticking out his hand to shake.

Issac Leon, during this interaction, would greet Queen Diana. "Welcome, I am so glad you have come back to the country! Hopefully the next time you come it will be a little warmer!" The ambassador bowed his head in respect. "I hope the flight was a smooth and quick one," he added.

Security noticed the Rodranian group but did not act, as they were in their embassy.

[Rhodevus]

At the Rampart

Issac Leon, during this interaction, would greet Queen Diana. "Welcome, I am so glad you have come back to the country! Hopefully the next time you come it will be a little warmer!" The ambassador bowed his head in respect. "I hope the flight was a smooth and quick one," he added.

Queen Diana bowed her head back to Isaac Leon, "As always." She said. "It is very nice to be back in Soviet Republic. We must visit more often. I am very excited to see such a proud day for your people."

[Rodrania]

At the Rampart

President Grimpen Mortimer waited for the other leaders to arrive and would greet them as they came. The first to be welcomed was Supreme Onerius of Zanera. The President stepped forward to shake the leaders hands with both of his hands. "Welcome to the Republics, It has been a while since we have met. I hope you are alright with the cold weather, we have had a rather chilly winter!" the President greeted. Besides him the aids also took turns greeting the representatives. "It is a pleasure," Issac Leon said, shaking both of the men's hands. As Ymira walked over Grimpen Mortimer would quickly turn his attention to greeting the leader. "I hope you are well on your way to recovery, he said, not bowing but sticking out his hand to shake.

Issac Leon, during this interaction, would greet Queen Diana. "Welcome, I am so glad you have come back to the country! Hopefully the next time you come it will be a little warmer!" The ambassador bowed his head in respect. "I hope the flight was a smooth and quick one," he added.

Security noticed the Rodranian group but did not act, as they were in their embassy.

"Holy crap, go faster Vladimir, we are going late! Damn Nikolay and all his talking, he's making us arrive late" the limousine was speeding trough the road until it finally arrived in front of the Rampart. Sokolov hurried and entered the place, trying to find the President of the USJR and say hello. He finally found him after searching.

"I'm really, really, really, REALLY, sorry. I wanted to meet an old friend and... Well... We drank a bit and spoke for a bit too much"

[Rezua]

At the Rampart

President Grimpen Mortimer waited for the other leaders to arrive and would greet them as they came. The first to be welcomed was Supreme Onerius of Zanera. The President stepped forward to shake the leaders hands with both of his hands. "Welcome to the Republics, It has been a while since we have met. I hope you are alright with the cold weather, we have had a rather chilly winter!" the President greeted. Besides him the aids also took turns greeting the representatives. "It is a pleasure," Issac Leon said, shaking both of the men's hands. As Ymira walked over Grimpen Mortimer would quickly turn his attention to greeting the leader. "I hope you are well on your way to recovery, he said, not bowing but sticking out his hand to shake.

Issac Leon, during this interaction, would greet Queen Diana. "Welcome, I am so glad you have come back to the country! Hopefully the next time you come it will be a little warmer!" The ambassador bowed his head in respect. "I hope the flight was a smooth and quick one," he added.

Security noticed the Rodranian group but did not act, as they were in their embassy.

Ymira didn't make a big deal about not being bowed to. She knew it was Soviet custom to bow though. She was very tempted to refuse his hand shake though. However, she took his hand. "Hello, sir, we haven't met before. When shall the discussion begin? I only came here to talk with you. And there is much to talk about sir."

[Zanera]

At the Rampart

President Grimpen Mortimer waited for the other leaders to arrive and would greet them as they came. The first to be welcomed was Supreme Onerius of Zanera. The President stepped forward to shake the leaders hands with both of his hands. "Welcome to the Republics, It has been a while since we have met. I hope you are alright with the cold weather, we have had a rather chilly winter!" the President greeted. Besides him the aids also took turns greeting the representatives. "It is a pleasure," Issac Leon said, shaking both of the men's hands. As Ymira walked over Grimpen Mortimer would quickly turn his attention to greeting the leader. "I hope you are well on your way to recovery, he said, not bowing but sticking out his hand to shake.

Issac Leon, during this interaction, would greet Queen Diana. "Welcome, I am so glad you have come back to the country! Hopefully the next time you come it will be a little warmer!" The ambassador bowed his head in respect. "I hope the flight was a smooth and quick one," he added.

Security noticed the Rodranian group but did not act, as they were in their embassy.

"Oh?! Well after the soaking, chilling rains of Zanera, this is nice. We want to go party with the people, and party right. We will talk later, if you don't mind. Come with?" asked Supreme Onerius, almost being swept into a small crowd of partiers.

[Aznazia]

At the Rampart

Chancellor Livington had arrived in the USJR after his announcement to support a Turkish state ad walked quickly to join the other leaders. He Spotted Queen Diana and the other leaders gathered and went over to greet a strong allied leader.

"Hello Queen Diana. I hope your flight was pleasant. How is the wine? Is it as good as the critics say it is?"

[Rhodevus]

At the Rampart

Chancellor Livington had arrived in the USJR after his announcement to support a Turkish state ad walked quickly to join the other leaders. He Spotted Queen Diana and the other leaders gathered and went over to greet a strong allied leader.

"Hello Queen Diana. I hope your flight was pleasant. How is the wine? Is it as good as the critics say it is?"

"Hello Chancellor." Diana said, shaking Livington's hand. "My flight was quite nice. The wine here is my personal favourite, so, not to sound biased or anything, it is very good."
Diana chuckled. "And Chancellor, how are you?"

[Aznazia]

At the Rampart

Chancellor Livington had arrived in the USJR after his announcement to support a Turkish state ad walked quickly to join the other leaders. He Spotted Queen Diana and the other leaders gathered and went over to greet a strong allied leader.

"Hello Queen Diana. I hope your flight was pleasant. How is the wine? Is it as good as the critics say it is?"

"Hello Chancellor." Diana said, shaking Livington's hand. "My flight was quite nice. The wine here is my personal favourite, so, not to sound biased or anything, it is very good."
Diana chuckled. "And Chancellor, how are you?"

"I am doing well. I have unveiled a new plan for a Turkish state east of Yaramaqui. It is my hope the international community will support it and allow the people there to have their voices finally heard. Otherwise everything is going well." Said Livington who took a glass of wine and sipped it.

[Rhodevus]

"Hello Chancellor." Diana said, shaking Livington's hand. "My flight was quite nice. The wine here is my personal favourite, so, not to sound biased or anything, it is very good."
Diana chuckled. "And Chancellor, how are you?"

"I am doing well. I have unveiled a new plan for a Turkish state east of Yaramaqui. It is my hope the international community will support it and allow the people there to have their voices finally heard. Otherwise everything is going well." Said Livington who took a glass of wine and sipped it.

"I hope that comes out well." Diana said, taking a small sip from her own glass. "Before coming here, I was in a large senate meeting about the same subject. The Senate should release a statement soon. It is probably in the paper already."

[Rezua]

Ymira had drifted from the Soviet leader as they had exchanged greetings and learned when the talking was to be done. Ymira walked toward Livingston and Diana but stopped cold when she hear them talked about a Turkish nation. Ymira turned her head from the two other leaders, who she'd have once called friends, but now wasn't sure. She changed her path as if she had been heading to a table along. Ymira sat down with her back facing Livingston and Diana. She pulled her tiny bottle of Rezuan wine from her coat and placed it on the table along side the Soviet ones. Very unlike Ymira, under the coat was a new Rezuan General's Uniform. The greyish-blue uniform had polished sterling silver buttons and 5 general stars on it, a screaming eagle on the right arm and a Rezuan flag on the left. Ymira had declared herself a 5 star-general. Just weeks ago she refused such a unifrom. But the young Empress had changed. She emptied the Soviet wine into a glass and the Rezuan wine into another. It was a clever illusion, to make it seem as though she were deciding between the superior wine but Ymira already knew she'd never drink Soviet wine. Ever.

[Zanera]

"How does everyone drink wine on this occasion? Are you some rich snobs? Hey! Anyone willing to party with the Zanerian camp?" asked Supreme Onerius.

[United Soviet Jason Republic]

"Holy crap, go faster Vladimir, we are going late! Damn Nikolay and all his talking, he's making us arrive late" the limousine was speeding trough the road until it finally arrived in front of the Rampart. Sokolov hurried and entered the place, trying to find the President of the USJR and say hello. He finally found him after searching.

"I'm really, really, really, REALLY, sorry. I wanted to meet an old friend and... Well... We drank a bit and spoke for a bit too much"

"Today is a good day for that comrade," the President replied smiling, shaking Sokolov's hands with both of his. After a few moments he put one of his hands on his shoulder. "There will be plenty of that later!" He laughed. Out of the corner of my eye he saw the Aznazian and Rhodeve leaders. Quickly excusing himself, and offering more drinks, he walked over to the Queen and Chancellor.

"Ah! Hello!" he said, joining the group of leaders. He didn't glance at the Rezuan monarch. "I am glad to have you all once again in Jamestown. I hope you have had a nice flight. It appears that the USA has had a lot more work recently... I thank you for giving those bureaucrats a run for their money." he joked.

Issac Leon heard the supreme leader shout. He would hail back in the same cheery tone. "My friend, the wine is terrible, the vodka though, that is the drink of the revolution!"

[Rezua]

"How does everyone drink wine on this occasion? Are you some rich snobs? Hey! Anyone willing to party with the Zanerian camp?" asked Supreme Onerius.

Ymira drank her wine and called over to the Zanerian "No thank you. I do not party." Ymira continued to sip at her drink and stayed to herself.

[Zanera]

"Holy crap, go faster Vladimir, we are going late! Damn Nikolay and all his talking, he's making us arrive late" the limousine was speeding trough the road until it finally arrived in front of the Rampart. Sokolov hurried and entered the place, trying to find the President of the USJR and say hello. He finally found him after searching.

"I'm really, really, really, REALLY, sorry. I wanted to meet an old friend and... Well... We drank a bit and spoke for a bit too much"

"Today is a good day for that comrade," the President replied smiling, shaking Sokolov's hands with both of his. After a few moments he put one of his hands on his shoulder. "There will be plenty of that later!" He laughed. Out of the corner of my eye he saw the Aznazian and Rhodeve leaders. Quickly excusing himself, and offering more drinks, he walked over to the Queen and Chancellor.

"Ah! Hello!" he said, joining the group of leaders. He didn't glance at the Rezuan monarch. "I am glad to have you all once again in Jamestown. I hope you have had a nice flight. It appears that the USA has had a lot more work recently... I thank you for giving those bureaucrats a run for their money." he joked.

Issac Leon heard the supreme leader shout. He would hail back in the same cheery tone. "My friend, the wine is terrible, the vodka though, that is the drink of the revolution!"

"How does everyone drink wine on this occasion? Are you some rich snobs? Hey! Anyone willing to party with the Zanerian camp?" asked Supreme Onerius.

Ymira drank her wine and called over to the Zanerian "No thank you. I do not party." Ymira continued to sip at her drink and stayed to herself.

"Ye come to a nation-wide celebration to not party? You Rezuans are an odd people," said Supreme Onerius. "Well, it has been decided that we may have alcohol on this mission. They said it was 'to help relations with the USJR through accepting their customs,' but I think they wan'ed 'eem to 'ave an alcoholic celebration, this James Vitchell right here. Oh, don't look embarrassed lad, it suits you too well. Well, we'll be off. See you la'er, uptights!" shouted Supreme Onerius, before taking up James's arm and Zanerian Highland dancing through the crowd, eventually receiving a couple of vodka bottles from an especially cheery crowd in the highest of spirits.

[United Soviet Jason Republic]

Red Square

The crowds came to the edges of the square, holding out flags and waving red banners. At the front of the square a row of guards stood at attention, the beginning of the parade. Dressed up in full military uniform, the honorary guard carried the USJR flag, accompanied by the flags of the other Soviet states. To the right of the USJR flag, on a lower poll, flew the old USO flag, with the new Alliance flag flying to the right of it. Their flags flew in the wind as the crowd cheered on the unflinching guards. The guests of the President were brought up to a box to watch the parade start. Their box was above the floor of the square, with the red walls of the Federal Quarter behind the guests. Chairs with name cards were placed, with the USJR President in the middle. Below the grand stand a massive speaker.

Once the leaders were in their seats they waited. Suddenly, from the palace gate, a man, in a white uniform, with golden buttons and yellow pants ran forward. On the front of his uniform was blood. He waved his sword around and shouted at the top of his lunges. "čoшrādėś! thė ėшpėrœr ís deād! lėt uś rísė ín thė śtrėėtś!"

The crowd roared back in approval. The man rushed back into the palace. The ceremonies had begun. Now it was the President's turn to speak. Grimpen Mortimer rose to the podium. He took a moment to look at the crowd.

"tœdāy wė rœsė ín thė śtrėėtś! tœdāy wās thė dāy thāt wė shœwėd thāt wė, thė wœrѯėrś, ruюėd! wė rœsė ín bāѭѭюė āgāíцśt œur œpprėśśœrs ānd wė wœц! ьuѭ wė wœц tœg'ėthėr! wė шuśt āюwāyś rėmėmьėr thāt thė ėndíng' oѯ thė rėvœюuѭíoц wās цœt ьy thė śwœrd ьuѭ ьy thė čoцg'rėśś! ѯœr wė uphoюd thė índívíduāl ānd thė sœčiėѭy'! tœdāy thė rėśt oѯ thė wœrюd юœœѯs tœ uś! thėy sėė uś ās ėíthėr a ѯríėnd œr ān ėnėшy'! lėt œur ėnėmíės fāюю ín āshėś! lėt œur ѯríėnds rėčėívė thė wārшth oѯ thė sœvíėt pėœpюė! hāíю! hāíю! hāíl thė uцítėd sœvíėtś!"

The crowd roared back "hāíю! hāíю! hāíl thė uцítėd sœvíėtś!" and continued to cheer. After several moments of waving the President turned to the flag in the center square and turned, hand on his heart, to face it. The band began to play.

As the music filled the air the crowd became hushed. People turned to the flag, hands on their heart. Many mouthed the words to the anthem which stood for their country. Everything stood silent. In the final drum beets of the anthem artillery could be heard, on rythem, with the anthem. The crowd once again roared in approval.

Grimpen Mortimer then spoke into the microphone. "gėnėrāюś, yœu māy prėsėцt ārшś!" The crowd continued to roar. At the end of the square boots could be pounding against concrete. The parade had started.

[Zanera]

Red Square

The crowds came to the edges of the square, holding out flags and waving red banners. At the front of the square a row of guards stood at attention, the beginning of the parade. Dressed up in full military uniform, the honorary guard carried the USJR flag, accompanied by the flags of the other Soviet states. To the right of the USJR flag, on a lower poll, flew the old USO flag, with the new Alliance flag flying to the right of it. Their flags flew in the wind as the crowd cheered on the unflinching guards. The guests of the President were brought up to a box to watch the parade start. Their box was above the floor of the square, with the red walls of the Federal Quarter behind the guests. Chairs with name cards were placed, with the USJR President in the middle. Below the grand stand a massive speaker.

Once the leaders were in their seats they waited. Suddenly, from the palace gate, a man, in a white uniform, with golden buttons and yellow pants ran forward. On the front of his uniform was blood. He waved his sword around and shouted at the top of his lunges. "čoшrādėś! thė ėшpėrœr ís deād! lėt uś rísė ín thė śtrėėtś!"

The crowd roared back in approval. The man rushed back into the palace. The ceremonies had begun. Now it was the President's turn to speak. Grimpen Mortimer rose to the podium. He took a moment to look at the crowd.

"tœdāy wė rœsė ín thė śtrėėtś! tœdāy wās thė dāy thāt wė shœwėd thāt wė, thė wœrѯėrś, ruюėd! wė rœsė ín bāѭѭюė āgāíцśt œur œpprėśśœrs ānd wė wœц! ьuѭ wė wœц tœg'ėthėr! wė шuśt āюwāyś rėmėmьėr thāt thė ėndíng' oѯ thė rėvœюuѭíoц wās цœt ьy thė śwœrd ьuѭ ьy thė čoцg'rėśś! ѯœr wė uphoюd thė índívíduāl ānd thė sœčiėѭy'! tœdāy thė rėśt oѯ thė wœrюd юœœѯs tœ uś! thėy sėė uś ās ėíthėr a ѯríėnd œr ān ėnėшy'! lėt œur ėnėmíės fāюю ín āshėś! lėt œur ѯríėnds rėčėívė thė wārшth oѯ thė sœvíėt pėœpюė! hāíю! hāíю! hāíl thė uцítėd sœvíėtś!"

The crowd roared back "hāíю! hāíю! hāíl thė uцítėd sœvíėtś!" and continued to cheer. After several moments of waving the President turned to the flag in the center square and turned, hand on his heart, to face it. The band began to play.

As the music filled the air the crowd became hushed. People turned to the flag, hands on their heart. Many mouthed the words to the anthem which stood for their country. Everything stood silent. In the final drum beets of the anthem artillery could be heard, on rythem, with the anthem. The crowd once again roared in approval.

Grimpen Mortimer then spoke into the microphone. "gėnėrāюś, yœu māy prėsėцt ārшś!" The crowd continued to roar. At the end of the square boots could be pounding against concrete. The parade had started.

(Image)

The Supreme followed with the USJR people in their ceremonies, too drunk to disagree any, but he probably would have followed along anyway. These ceremonies were catchy, what with the vodka and the glee. When the anthem began to play, with the artillery, the supreme could not but feel that he was a citizen of the USJR, feeling proud to be in the USJR, amongst a culture-rich, alcohol enthusiastic people. It reminded him of Zanera, at the first military parade of The Change, when mead mugs were clinging and the goose-stepping soldiers were a stomp-stomp-stomping, when there were cheers and rock, bagpipes and shouting. Confetti rained from the windows for hours, parties going for hours into the night. In then the laws had been passed. He regretted them, but his predecessors were the ones to change them, not him. He would just have to wait patiently for death, as everyone did. Until then. He knocked back another swig of vodka.

[Rezua]

Ymira could understand what had been said. Ymira had learned several languages as a girl. Her sister, Christina was the one who struggled to learn English. Christina could really only speak English and Revon. Ymira watched the marching soldiers and made a note to herself make a parade big and better one day. For now though she waved when she should and looked on.

[Bubba Reb]

"Uncle Bubbs, are you sure about this? It's not like we've never been late before, but at this rate the parade will be over before we even get there. I still think we should have taken the Osprey instead of going by ground."

"Yeah darlin, the ol bird woulda been quicker no doubt. But you got to remember somethin." Bubba says patiently. "You been raised up your whole life in a nation where everybody carries guns and seeing folks drive or fly around in armed vehicles is normal. But as you've seen from visitin other places, there just aint no place like home. We caint just buzz in on foreign hosts in a flyin contraption armed to the teeth! They'd either try shootin us down, or poop their panties, and I don't reckon either way would make em want to invite us in fer sammiches."

"This is true... and I know you do like your "sammiches" Bubba" she says with an amused smile.

"Anyways girl, I've got an idear rattlin around in this ol noggin." He says, tapping his temple with a forefinger. "Dependin on what time we..... Girl you better git that worried look off yer face! I know yer fakin! ....besides, there aint no smoke comin out my ears so don't worry, I aint blowed no fuses yet"

Busting out in laughter she admits he is right. Activating the sixth sense penant around her neck, it's projector shooting the GPS image onto her outstreched hand, the current location indicator showing their proximity to the destination.

"Well, we are nearly there and the parade traffic is getting thick, so you might want to change your idea from a rattle to a plan!

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

As their vehicle approaches the parade blockade, they are stopped by the officer in charge of admitting parade vehicles.

Bubba leans out the window and speaks before the officer can begin.

"Man am I glad to see you! Grim would be mighty dissapointed if we missed the parade b'cause we never even found our position in the rear of the thing. Thats exactly what would happen if we kept circling around trying to find the end of it!"

Seeing a look of cinfusion on the officers face, Bubba backtracks a little.

"Oh, I'm sorry officer! I guess to you, he'd be "President Grimpon" or "President Mortimer". Old habits die hard, and I aint called the ol boy that in years! He'd probably look at me like I was a stranger if I just walked up and called him by his full name!

But anyway, we finally found ya, so we'll just go get in line where we're s'posed to be. You're doing a fine job officer! I'll be sure to let Grim know about it. Dang, did it again didnt I?Sorry bud, I'll let "the president" know about it."

With an apologetic grin Bubba signals the driver to drive the vehicle into position.

"I hope this works Uncle Bubbs"

"Me too girl. We're so late, everybody else has done shook hands with tha feller, and I dont see a better way to get through all this crowd in time to meet everybody afterwards. So we gonna give it a shot! Reckon we'll see if it works dependin on if that officer lets us continue on into line or if'n he starts shootin and mashin his radio buttons."

[Rodrania]

Sokolov followed the ceremony with respect, but drinking a glass of vodka when he had the chance. Back at Rodrania they celebrated the "Day of the Fallen" in a really similar fashion. Soldiers dressed in historical 1700s Revolutionary clothing marching on the streets with the Rodranian Anthem being played by the Army Ceremonial Band in the background. It was a nice thing to see, and a great way to show military power... But it still wasn't really THAT impressive for Sokolov. "Commies, I guess" he whispered to himself before drinking a bit of vodka.

[Vekalse]

Rhod, I think you're a little late.