The Great City of Gorina

[Cyc]

It was a new day in Gorina. The feastivities of the night before were running through my mind. Gladiatus had set up the entertainment for the rest of the night perfectly. Popular local bands took the stage to fill the night with music. Food and wine flowed as crowds discussed and sang and danced through the night. Everything pretty much ended when a national recording star finished up there music and said good night.

I had brought Gladiatus over to Octavian's table and we ordered a couple of bottles of Gorina's finest wine. We spent most of the night remembering the good ole bad ole days. But there was still plenty of current news to discuss. We basically had the run of the Colosseum, so there were constant smiles on our face.

The night ended and we knew we would see each other the following day. It again promised to be a busy one.

 

[Cyc]

I had arrived early at the Colosseum and had spent much of the morning as a spectator. I was simply astounded by the resources that Gladiatus had available to him. It must come from doing this for a living. We've seen a Chinese ethnic dance troupe amaze us with color and movement. A small contortionist clown circus followed that up. These were the late morning and lunch-time shows. I was very impressed. After lunch, Gladiatus took me up to the Security Control Room, in anticipation of Rik Meleet's arrival.

 

[Cyc]

Domestic Leader Rik Meleet and I had been communicating via cell phones all morning. The transition from one Wonder to the other was going smoothly. He was prepared to make the trip to the Colosseum.

I could see him arriving at the gates in his limo in the security screens piped into my laptop. I contacted all the checkpoints he arrived at to authorize his passage. He may need help getting through the inner rings of security. Basically guiding him down the right corridors, I awaited his arrival in person.

As he came down the corridor, I saw RM in a fine Italian suit. All business as usual. He looked great. We shook shook hands and exchanged close looks and the smiles of two men about to face large audience. Nervous but present.

We walked up on the grandstand and RM took a seat while I headed for the podium. I wasted no time.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, without futher adeu, I like to introduce the man you've all been wating for. A man that arrived in Gorina not long after we started this quaint little town. A man who's hard work and dedication to Gorina is only matched by his love for this city. A man who always comes back to make sure things are right with his hometown. A man that has grown from being a city employee here in Gorina to the Domestic Leader of Fanatica, Rik Meleet."

The applause was thundering as Gorinians welcomed home their favored son. "Rik, Rik.." the crowd cheered. Everyone was on their feet. It was a fine day in Gorina.

 

[Rik Meleet]

Rik Meleet stepped out of his limo, dressed in his finest suit. It had been a long time since he laid eyes upon Gorina, except from the air in his plane. The site of the city stunned him, as always.

He saw his old friend Cyc moving towards him with his hand stretched out to greet him. Rik didn't take his hand, but hugged him dearly instead.

Cyc guided him to the podium where he greeted all attendees, reserving a special ancient fanatican greeting for Gladiatus. He chatted with the officials and talked with Gladiatus about the time Gorina was nothing more than a peasant-village and how it had grown to this number 4 city of the world.

Cyc tapped Rik on his back and whispered: "Your honor, it is time. The crowd is awaiting the presentation of the Camelot Award".

Rik stepped on the podium and walked to the microphone.

"Gorinians, Fanaticans and CFC-officials. We are assembled here for a very special and rare occassion, which has only happened to this great forum once before; the presentation of a Camelot Award.

This is an award handed out to a city which makes it into the top 5 cities of the world in a Democracy game. I am very honored that I, as Domestic Leader, am allowed to present you this award. But first I'll have a quick historical overview of great city of Gorina; Great you say? ...yes, great.

These were the words I often spoke in my time as deputy Mayor of Gorina and what a prophecy they turned out to become. When I first spoke these words Gorina the city, or 'village' as it was then known, was very busy building a granary. It sounds insignificant, but that building trained our architects, builders and logistic-people how to build buildings. With the passing of time bigger, more impressive buildings were build; a temple, a courthouse and a collosseum; the one we are standing in right now.

The true building capacities of all Gorinians where first known throughout the entire world was in 860 AD with the completion of Sistine's Chapel. But this turned out to only be the prelude of Gorina's future. Very soon after that, in 1060 AD another building stunned the world; Copernicus Observatory was build by Gorina. This opened up options never expected by then. Recently the best Fanatican astronomers have used this Observatory when they discovered a planet, far far away, which is very suitable for colonisation. The whole nation is preparing to leave our current planet and settle there, free from all enemies around us.

The next great Gorinian generation of builders surpassed even their already magnificent predeccessors with Newton's University. The path Gorina followed then makes a change. This university kindled a complete new way of thinking; where did we originated from ? The longest-lasting memories people had were from 4000 BC when a group of the first Fanaticans wandered around the desert near what is now known as "Noshuret" and decided to live there, starting our nation. But what was before that; people didn't just originate, so where did they come from ? The seeds for a new theory were sown, right here in Gorina. This way of thinking reached his peak in 1480 when it was discovered that animals and fanaticans share common ancestors. The Theory of Evolution was discovered and a world-impressing building was build in Gorina.

Until around the 1550's Fanatica was a purely male-dominated nation. Gorinian philosophers realised that women are equal to men and deserve the same rights as men. Although the nation and the world seemed reluctant to accept these ideas in first, the Gorinian movement continued and in 1585 women were accepted as equals. To celebrate this huge leap forward the Universal Suffrage was designed and build in Gorina. Again the world was flabbergasted at Gorina's achievements. Some voices other than fanatican voices started to gain volume; perhaps Gorina is the greatest city in the world !

But not until a few years ago Gorina's status in the world rose so high that it truly is considered the 5th city of the world !!! "

At this moment former president Donovan Zoi and Lord-Mayor Cyc both jump up and whisper to Rik "Sir this afternoon Gorina rose on the list and is currently the 4th city already".

Without even a small change in his voice, but with even more shining eyes Rik continued:

"I repeat, But not until a few years ago Gorina's status in the world rose so high that it truly is considered the 4th city of the world !!! And it's glory is rising higher and higher. With the completion of SETI, which had it's roots in Copernicus Observatory, we can talk to aliens in space and invite them to our soon-to-be next homeplanet for an intergallactic celebration ! And if the @#%@**& Germans beat us to it; they'll regret it as we will change this building, currently being build on Manhattan's way into a project to create such a detterrent weapon that no-one will ever declare war on us again. At least they won't survive to the magnificent day we'll have lift-off.

But now it is time to reveal the Camelot Award. This award is for you all, and for all your effort you put in into getting Gorina into the top 5 cities of the world. I can't look into the future, but I expect Gorina to one day reach the top 1 spot. "

The trumpets sounded, the 1000 dancers enterred the pitch and the crowd and officials rose from thir chairs. Rik walked to the center of the pitch where a huge covered up 'something' had been all day. Mayor Cyc guided Rik to the 'something'

With a huge, symbolic, gladiator sword Rik cut the ropes holding the covering sheets in their place and for the first time the Gorinians, the Fanaticans and the CFC-officials could see the Camelot Award:



The crowd was struck with awe. Rik's last official words of that day were: "Our nation was number 1 in the medeavil times and will be the first to reach for the stars; let this be an inspiration for all of you in our long road to space ! "

 

[Cyc]

After about an hour or so, Gladiatus has an array of different utility vehicles load the Award up and moved next to the podium Grandstands. It's photo op time! Everyone and their cousin wants a picture of this. The media is going wild. Gladiatus has special flood lights brought in for perfect lighting. The speechmakers are watering at the mouth. This is a Journalist's and Pavarazzi's wonderland.

 

[Cyc]

Cyc had been overcome emotionally, to the point of tears during the Presentation, and had sought peace and solitude in the Executive Lounge. He now re-emerged and was prepared to thank Rik Meleet in an address to the audience. He talked briefly with some of the people on the grandstands and then approached the podium, beaming.

"People of Gorina, this is a proud moment, a proud occaision for me to stand before you today. I'm so very glad I could be a part of it. The city of Gorina has not only achieved our goal of Camelot status, but we are improving on the mark daily.

"I accept this award on behalf of Gorina and its citizens.

"I turn to honor Rik Meleet, for beyond his work here in Gorina, beyond the work he did as Governor of Esquiline Province, beyond his current position as Domestic Leader, and the many other positions he's filled, he still has time and energy to go above and beyond the call of duty for the well-being of Gorina. You may have presented this award to us today Rik Meleet, but your are surely on the receiving end of this ceremony also. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as I'm sure the rest of Gorina does." A flurry of applause arose from the audience. Turning back to crowd,

"This is your award Gorina, you have done well, as you shall remain doing so. It's in your nature. Congratulations". The tears had returned as Cyc finished his acceptance speech. He waved and left the podium.

 

[donsig]

The crowd stands, the applause for Mayor Cyc, Rik Meleet, Gladiatus and Gorina continues unabated for many minutes. Among the crowd is an old man, remembering his glory days in the Judicial Hut. No one applauds louder than he as a tear rolls down his cheek...

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Originally posted by Rik Meleet



At this moment former president Donovan Zoi and Lord-Mayor Cyc both jump up and whisper to Rik "Sir this afternoon Gorina rose on the list and is currently the 4th city already".

Once awake from his first great night of sleep in several months, Donovan Zoi laughed heartily when he heard the news. So effective was his body double that he even fooled the eagle eye of the great Rik Meleet. Donovan had known he would be late to the proceedings, but did not want to show any disrespect nor let the world know of his earlier plight. Mayor Cyc was in the know, however, and went along with the charade after the former President promised not to be a no-show this time.

While reflecting on the many times he had stood up the honorable Mayor of Gorina, Mr. Zoi pondered his reclusive past. He had pretty much stayed under the radar after his Presidency, save for a a small dance with the public late in Term 4. His vocal trips to the capital at that time led to his successful bid for Domestic Leader in Term 5. However, he left the keys on his desk less than halfway into his tenure and had hardly been heard from since.

Now, from his hotel suite in Alexandria, Donovan Zoi wondered if it was too late to right these wrongs. He wondered if time had taken away for good his talent and desire for speechwriting. Reading the transcripts from Rik Meleet's powerful address, he wondered what he could possibly add to such eloquence. Only one way to find out, he thought. He grabbed a seat, opened up his laptop and started tapping away furiously at the keys before him......

 

[Donovan Zoi]

While writing his early drafts, Donovan felt that there was something that needed to be said. Something that just couldn't wait. It didn't need to be said publicly; it just needed to get into the right hands. So he took a break from his mission and fired off a quick email to Mayor Cyc:

To my good friend Cyc,

I am glad to see that there will be a new wonder on the horizon for your great city. My only fear is that it will be the wrong one.

Let me ask you one question: On this most glorious of days, do you really want your world-class city to soon be associated with a Wonder that will bring fear and possibly destruction upon the entire world? While I have no problem with our further pursuit of the Manhattan Project, I really feel that it an endeavor better left to the military industrial complex that is Aureus. Let us switch the objectives of our two great cities so that we may build the United Nations in Gorina. Not only will this further enhance Gorina's world-class stature, it may also provide enough cultural benefit to send your great city past the paltry town of Washington on the world stage.

Let's make Gorina a symbol of world unity, not world degradation. If you find my idea to have merit, please go through the proper channels to make this happen. As promised, I will address your proud citizenry tomorrow.


My eternal respect and friendship,

Donovan Zoi

 

[Cyc]

Email to Donovan Zoi
Priority: High
Subject: Arrival in Gorina

My good friend DZ. I'm pleased you've received my correspondance and are heading this way. We await your arrival. My encrypted cell number is *** *** ****. Use it when you get close.

I totally agree with you about the Manhattan Project. It was just the way things turned out. We are trying to sway public opinion towards your suggestion now.

The celebration is goin strong and will continue on through the night. Travel safe.

Mayor Cyc

 

[Shaitan]

An elderly statesman steps up to the podium, unannounced and seemingly unexpectedly. There is much consternation with a handful of guards moving to intercept the gentlemen until called back by a discreet sign from the Mayor. The crowd is full of murmured questions from the younger attendees and respectful replies from their older neighbors. "Who is that?" "It is Shaitan, founder of Noshuret and Gorina, our first President."

His shoulders are a bit stooped with age and his hair is a silver mane where once sable locks flowed but his eyes are clear and steady and his voice retains the calm strength that first led Fanaticans past their fears and tribulations to the road of their current greatness.

"Friends, Fanaticans, Countrymen and Women. Today marks a culmination of greatness first glimpsed thousands of years ago. Gorina was founded with hope and great expectations and these have indisputably been fulfilled.

"Some of you were with me in Gorina's early days. The early days of Fanatica itself, for the two are closely linked. You remember the excitement of the settlers as they first built along the banks of a great river. You remember the fear and uncertainty as our exploring troops brought back reports that we were not alone. That Gorina had neighbors of foul disposition and barbaric mein. You remember the terror as Gorina was sacked, the bloody streets as our people were slaughtered and our warriors were overrun.

"And you remember how we picked up the pieces. How we rebuilt the homes. You remember the fierce pride and iron determination that infused the people of Gorina. A pride that has never faded, never waned. That fierce pride that spread from a tiny village and has become synonymous with Fanatica itself.

"This is what we celebrate today. That pride, that selflessness, that assurity and determination. The willingness to help a neighbor, the fierce protectiveness of the Gorinian heritage. These things have been manifested in the great city you see around us now. Gorinians have always known the wonders of their city but now the world itself has acknowledged it. 'That city', they say, 'is a city of greatness. That city is an example of what a city can be, a beacon to others, an example that not only should be but must be followed.'

"I give you Gorina, The Pride of Fanatica!"

Deafening applause erupts from the crowd as Shaitan steps down. He exchanges words briefly with his old compatriots and he smiles with genuine goodwill as he is introduced to newer prominent citizens. Eventually the crowd settles back down and he is escorted from the Collosseum.

 

[Cyc]

Cyc gets up and addresses the crowds which are quite noisy, probably discussing that remarkable speech.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Honorable SHAITAN!" Another round of applause to go up, one that maybe Shaitan's escort heard on the way out of the Colosseum, and into the parking lot, and then out onto the street, ....

"Quite a speech, I'd say, and we still have more coming. So grab an ale or a glass of wine, snarf a ballpark frank or burrito, and enjoy our next wave of entertainment.

"Please join me in welcoming from Noshuret, The Capital Clowns!" At this circus music came over the stadium speakers (which still sound good!) and out onto the field tumbled a dozen or so clowns. Each was dressed to represent n historical political figure of Fanatica, plus over-sized shoes. They were quite good actually, tumbling and tossing each other around. The families were thrilled and entertained for about twenty minutes, then the Keystone Kops came running out, followed by an old jalopy, which in turned was being chased by the bad guys. Hilarious...

 

[Donovan Zoi]

It was a long ride from Alexandria, but not as long as he'd once remembered it. In the years of his absence, Fanatica had made great strides --- especially as far as public transportation was concerned. From his train window, Donovan Zoi saw the coming town as it seemed to build itself before his very eyes. Before he knew it, he found himself traveling through the heart of Gorina.

The city was a marvel to behold, and virtually unrecognizable from how it looked during his last visit. Donovan knew that the continual metamorphasis of Gorina was a testament to the dedication of several people --- he himself had participated in some closed door meetings --- but ultimately bore the stamp of two men: Cyc and Rik Meleet.

Their vision could be experienced in every corner the sprawling metropolis. There was something worthwhile waiting at every railway stop. Streets looked safe. Traffic flowed quite smoothly, which seemed quite an accomplishment for the world's largest Top 5 city. And suddenly, the train slowed for Donovan Zoi one last time. As he rose from his seat, he couldn't help but notice the large structure to his left. The Colloseum. Once again, Mayor Cyc's understanding and respect for his constituents shone through. Thoroughly dazzled, Donovan joined the hordes of Fanaticans emerging from the train. As if by habit, the now-empty silver railbus closed its doors and continued on its course, although there was certainly no reason to so do. Everyone was right here, either inside or gathering around the great Colosseum.

Donovan looked across the platform to see a new building under construction, although no one seemed to be working there today. He would have thought that the day off was due to the celebration had he not seen an eerily similar sight earlier in the day, as his train glided through Aureus. Perhaps construction in both cities was halted to discuss his suggestion. Donovan usually disgusted himself with his own presumptuous arrogance, but had to chuckle when his instincts were confirmed to be correct.

He was still laughing to himself as he descended the stairs and headed through the crowd toward an inconspicuous door on the outer wall of the colosseum. As he got to the door, it opened and he was greeted by Mayor Cyc and someone who looked a lot like ---- him. A murmur started throughout the surrounding crowd as they saw this development. As the throngs of frenzied citizen's closed in for a glimpse of Mayor Cyc and Donovan Zoi, the real DZ quickly ducked into the opening.

All was not lost for the disappointed onlookers however. They did get a chance to best each other for a souveneir, as the mysterious man cast his dreadlock wig and trenchcoat out to the crowd before the door closed behind all three men entirely.

 

[Cyc]

"Whew", says Cyc as he closes the door behind the other two men, "It's a madhouse out there.

"I'm so glad you called, DZ. Welcome back my friend. The years have treated you well. Are you hungry? Need to rest?...Is there anything I can get you?" To which Donovan Zoi replied that he could stand for a glass of wine, as the train ride was not that restful. "Follow me," Cyc answered.

As they traveled up the steps to the executive lounge, Cyc motioned towards a small maintenance door, and opened it slightly.

"Take a look at what awaits you, DZ. Hmm, it looks like they've already put the tarp down for tonight's concert. Too bad you couldn't see this in the daylight...." Both of the other men take a closer look...



Cyc closes the door. "Just a little hint of what's to come" he says with a smile. They continue on to the executive lounge, where a glass of wine is had by the men. DZ's body double fills him in on wanted details. When everyone is ready, they head for the podium grandstands.

 

[Cyc]

Cyc leads as the three men climb the steps of the grandstands, and he heads again, straight for the podium. DZ and his double begin to speak with others about the events of the day. Cyc is all smiles as he reaches the podium.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my exxtreme pleasure to introduce to you a great leader. A man who has been around since the begining of this game as inspiring new ideas and helping to build Fanatica. He has been your President and your Domestic Leader. He has drawn up guidelines that have helped Fanatica move into the future. After a brief hiatus, he has returned to us tonight to help us celebrate. Please join me in welcoming...Donovan Zoi."

A rousing round of applause goes up for what looks like might be the last speaker of the celebration...

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Upon hearing the voices of 120,000 strong roaring in approval at the mention of his name, it was hard for Donovan Zoi to believe that just three days ago he was still foraging for sustinance in the hills northwest of Tokyo. It was even more unfathomable to him that less than 12 hours after kissing mainland Fanatican soil in Alexandria 2 days ago, he found himself once again locked in an all-too-familiar role: finding a cause, opening his mouth and going head-to-head with some of Fanatica's best and brightest.

So there was plenty to talk about backstage before his name was announced. Rik Meleet's quick handling of his request to bring a referendum before Congress. His own quick detour to the Capital Building in Noshuret to vocalize his support for the referendum, locking horns with former President Ravensfire in the process. The fact that the voters decision to bring the UN to Gorina hung in the balance. The fact that nukes were coming from somewhere, even if he could successfully persuade them away from Gorina.

Even as the voices seemed to grow louder, the uncertainty of the day made Donovan unsure of how he should address the city. So, once again he just decided to "wing it", like he had so many times before. He advanced to the podium, shook hands with Mayor Cyc and began to speak......

Ladies and gentlemen of Gorina, this is indeed a glorious time. One of many that your great city has experienced since the first brave settlers headed south from Noshuret to embark on a grand adventure. They travelled until they came to a river, and from that river sprang forth a city ripe with boundless opportunity and promise. And for each day thereafter, the dedicated citizens of Gorina have maximized every opportunity so that it could one day fulfill that promise.

Citizens of Gorina......that day is today.

The frenzied crowd of thousands erupts in approval until it feels like the very foundations of the Colloseum will collapse.

From the depths of my heart, I congratulate the noble citizens of Gorina for earning the coveted Camelot Award. And while this award will bring to your great city a significant increase in stature, I hope you all realize that with this stature comes responsibility. Responsibility to your country, responsibility to your fellow man, and responsibility to our vast world.

I am sure that many of you will ask: why does he ask of us what we already know, and provide? And you would be justified in asking. The people of Gorina have always set the bar when it comes to these things. But this is a new age, and we have a new set of decisions before us.

I know that you are all well aware of our current situation regarding the SETI program. However, it seems that many of you may not be aware of what lies ahead for us if we follow the current back-up plan set before us. Pursuing the Manhattan Project here will undermine everything that your great city has stood for all these years. If we were to see this through to completion, all that follows would stain Gorina's legacy for all eternity as the city would lead the way in unleashing an abomination that we couldn't possibly fathom.

For the record, I had lobbied for founding the United Nations here, so that representatives from around the world could take in the splendor of your world-class city. But that is not going to happen. Our only hope is that we can convince the powers that be to allow us to commence the Apollo Program here. We will have to scrap some of the hard work we invested in SETI, we will be able to use much of it to ensure a smooth transition into our Space Age.

Donovan Zoi's voice rose in tone.

So, citizens of Gorina, I ask you. Do you want the events of the last few days to culminate with the embodiment of death and destruction? Our would you rather we set our sights on a goal more specific to our grand scientific heritage? Let us build the Apollo Program here!

I ask for you all to join me in a call for No Nukes in Gorina! And if possible, no Nukes in all of Fanatica!

The crowd began to join in and soon most of the crowd was chanting "No Nukes! No Nukes!" Donovan Zoi had imagined it would be this loud, but tried to get in one last thing.

Congratulations, people of Gorina! Now, act with a newfound sense of purpose and responsibility! The entire world is watching us now!

As usual, Donovan thought he may have taken things a bit too far, but what was done was done and the crowd had now taken on a life of its own. For the moment, things seemed very under control so the speaker raised his fist in solidarity to the crowd and headed backstage to apologize to his host for once again turning one of Gorina's celebrations on its ear......

 

[Cyc]

Donovan Zoi was met by Cyc, who hands him a glass of Gorina wine. "Excellent. Excellent speech," as their glasses touch, "Gorina owes you a debt of gratitude, DZ." A sip is taken, smiles are had, and once again, Cyc heads for the podium.

The basic theme of DZ's speech had been very appealing to the younger crowd in the arena. With the under current of the No-Nukes theme bringing about a feeling of solidarity among the thousands who now fill the pitch, Cyc realized he should make his speech short and let th concert begin.

Cyc turns and raises his hand towards the Fanatican Leaders behind him, "Donovan Zoi, Ladies and Gentlemen, Donovan Zoi."

As the applause dies down, "What a night this has been. The brilliance of entertainment brought to you by Gladiatus, the delicious food and wine, which is still available, the diversity and controversy, the intrigue of high level meetings, plus we get a speech from Donovan Zoi." A quick round of applause erupts from the Colosseum, based on the tarped area. "I'll tell you, if there's one person who's autobiography I'd like to read, it would be DZ's.

"But enough of me, this night is for you Gorina. You have marched along side one another through the millenia, focused on the future, bringing forth the best of the best. Former President Ravensfire has called Gorina the "City of Knowledge", and he is right. But not only in Science and Mathematics. Also in the Cultural Arts, with our civic heritage we have produce the finest Historians and Mapmakers, Musicians and Artists. We are also the hub of religious studies in Fanatica, the proud home of the Sistine Chapel located in the Vatican. All of these areas have come together as our societal base and combined have made us one of the strongest, brightest stars on the face of the planet.

"And soon we shall gather and move on to another planet. Yes, Former Preseident Ravensfire has personally told me this evening that Gorina will not only build the first Spaceship component, but also the very last, as we prepare for lift off, after the completion of the Apollo Program.

"So party on, Gorina. You deserve it! With that, I'd like to bring out Gladiatus, the man responsible for all of the entertain you've witnessed here this week. Let's have a big hand for Gladiatus!"

Through the applause, a low chant starts to rise welcoming Gladiatus to the mic. With a huge smile, he raises his hands slightly and the crowd quiets. "Good evening people of Gorina, welcome again to the Fanatica Amphitheatre. We now move onto the final Concert of this celebration. We've had a slight shift in band rotation tonight, we're going to start off with a band that's sure to climb the charts like a rocket, the Nukeless Nucleus. Give us a few minutes to set it up and the music will begin. Thank you all for coming and enjoy the rest of the show." Again the chant starts as he smiles and waves and lets out one final "Strength and Honor" for the crowd and goes back stage to join the others.

The bands played on through the night into the wee hours of the morning as the Colosseum slowly emptied. A grand finale to a grand week. Gorina, Camelot of Fanatica.

 

[Cyc]

A special thanks goes out to Eric and Wendy Pastore of digitalballparks.com for the use of their pictures.

 

[FortyJ]

2:12am.... It's hard to believe how fast the time has flown by... FortyJ mused to himself. The not-so-faint echo of drums, guitars and screeching synthesizers from the Nukeless Nucleus could still be heard over the din of the crowd inside the giant arena.

From the exterior balcony of the luxury suite, FortyJ could see almost all of the new city as well as much of the old town that he remembered so well. He had politely excused himself from the group to reflect on the changes his home had undergone all these years.

Finally the world had recognized what he had known in his heart all along, that Gorina, his adopted home, was one wondrous place to be. It suddenly occured to him that although Noshuret may be the center of the Fanatican empire, Gorina has always been the heart of it.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of his old friend Cyc sauntering up beside him. "Band too much for you old-timer?"

Smiling and turning to face his seemingly ageless friend, FortyJ paused and shrugged as if to say "Perhaps".

A few seconds later, FortyJ finally spoke. "I want very much to thank you for including me in these celebrations, old friend. It has been an extreme pleasure to witness first-hand the honor bestowed upon our fair town these past few days."

FortyJ continued, "Your stewardship has ensured the prosperity of this town. Your courage helped ensure its survival during the darkest of days. Your generosity has blessed millions of Gorinians over the years who have in turn shared their blessings with others."

"Gorina has led our nation through the early wars, through the cultural revolution and now it is poised to lead us into the heavens themselves. Gorina is what every other city in the world aspires to become."

From inside the colosseum, the music came to a stop. Turning to face the silence, we could hear the lead singer shout over the loudspeakers "Thank you Gorina! We love you!"

Smiling at each other, we slowly walked back into the suite. "You know," continued FortyJ putting his hand on his friend's shoulder, "all these secret, urgent meetings throughout these festivities kinda reminds me of a time long since past, when I was President."

The two stopped and glanced at each other. "Of course, the difference being that I was included in those meetings." FortyJ winked at his friend and the two exchanged a laugh as they stood watching the crowd slowly file out of the colosseum.

"What are you going to do now?" asked Cyc.

"I think I'll go for a walk," replied FortyJ. "It has been far too long since I last walked the streets of this town. I think it's long overdue."

 

[Donovan Zoi]

As Nukeless Nucleus finished its second encore, Donovan Zoi reflected on the events that took place after his speech. Much to his surprise, Mayor Cyc wasn't disappointed at all by his inciteful words. As a matter of fact, his good friend payed him several compliments during his closing speech.

The event staging area was still brimming with Fanatica's elite. It was only after Donovan's address that he even realized that many of his good friends and acquaintances were in attendance. And it felt good to reminisce.

He traded kind words with Octavian X, as they fondly relived the days where the Doughnut Man got the best of him during his first Presidential bid. And then there was the well respected and much missed FortyJ, who recalled happily with Donovan the one night they hunted Elephant side by side until the wee hours of the morning, chasing the Great Leader windmill. He had finally gotten to meet Gladiatus, and was extremely impressed with how this man could command a room. And then there was his dear friend Shaitan, to whom Donovan felt he owed much of his success. The two men, mentor and protege, talked for what seemed like hours as they retold almost every tale that took place since young Donovan stepped into the Bank of Valhalla for the first time.

And then there were the phone calls. Mayor Cyc had motioned to his most vocal guest to join himself, Rik Meleet and Gladiatus in a conference call with the capital. After much heated debate, a suitable solution to Donovan's cause seemed to be at hand. It looked like President Bootstoots was going to lead the charge in bringing the Apollo Program to Gorina!

And so Donovan took in that last song from Gorina's most promising new band, as it was the only one he was able to enjoy all night. But the conversions and developments that took place during the last night of the Camelot Celebration were music enough to his ears.

Finally, the night was over and Donovan Zoi caught up with his good friend, Cyc.

DZ: Cyc, my friend, I am off to one of your fine hotels. In the morning I plan to head into Aureus to see if I can mend fences with that fair city. I think that in my haste to uphold Gorina, I did Aureus a grave disservice. Would you care to join me in an address to their citizens?