The Highest Honor

[Goyanes]

The Highest Honor

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As the Grand Emperor walked in, the room fell silent. He pulled the microphone up higher from the podium. He started speaking; "Good Afternoon everyone. I have scheduled a press conference today to announce my nominations for the 514th annual Imperial High Order Knighting. This year, the Privy Council and I have decided to induct for the first time, foreigners into the IHO. These three men have shown exemplary service to Goyanes, and have upheld the values of Goyanes. "To serve, to strive, and not to yield". These three principles are embodied in these three Jacksonian men, all who deserve the recognition they are going to receive. The first is Isaak Nikosovich. Isaak has served as an ambassador to Goyanes for five years, and is now the current Jacksonian Foreign Minister. The second is the late Vladimir Yakovlev. He strove to help Goyaneans living in Jacksonville, and was an inspiration to his people during his tenure. The last inductee is Luke Ray. He made headlines recently with the landmark negotiation of the Goyanean-Jacksonian MTT. He has made great strides in improving the relations of Goyanes and Jacksonville. These men and their families are invited to come here to Tageskiele Palace on Friday, February 24th, for their induction into the order. Thank You, that is all.

 

[Alexey]

Jacksonville International Airport, City of Jacksonville.

Following the announcement by the Government of Goyanes to award their highest honor to Jacksonians, two of the three chosen we immediately ready to head to Goyanes. The three men chosen are some of the most respected Jacksonians. As is very well known, one of the three men selected has passed on. The three men chosen as announced by the Government of Goyanes are: Vladimir Yakovlev, the former President of Jacksonville; Isaak Nikosovich, former Ambassador to Goyanes and current Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Luke Ray, the current ambassador to Goyanes.

"Minister Nikosovich, it is good to see you. It has been such a long time.", begins Ambassador Luke Ray.

"It is good to see you as well Luke. I should congratulate you on winning the award. It is a high honor to receive such a thing. So congratulations to you.", says Minister Nikosovich.

"Thank you Minister and as well congratulations to you. Where is Kolya and Aliaksandr Yakovlev? Aren't they still accepting the award on behalf of Vladimir?", responds the Ambassador.

All of the sudden, Kolya and Aliaksandr come walking into the airport and near the security stand where the Minister and Ambassador are waiting on them. They are wearing Jacksonian military attire and are pulling their passports and tickets out of their carry on bag.

"Hello Minister and Ambassador. It is an honor to meet the both of you.", begins Kolya Yakovlev, Governor of the Republic of Voldonsk.

"It is an honor to meet you as well Kolya. Your grandfather was an excellent man and I am sure that he is proud that you are accepting the award on his behalf.", says Minister Nikosovich.

"I am sure he would be proud as well.", says Aliaksandr Yakovlev, the son of Vladimir Yakovlev. "We are glad that the two of you were as well given the award. Let's get on the plane. We can talk more then."

The four walk outside and get on the plane. They are all sitting in first class and are eager to discuss some of the upcoming things. The plane takes off and will land in Goyanes in just a few hours.

"So. What are we going to do when we get to Goyanes? Go to the hotel I assume and then meet with the Government on Thursday?", says Ambassador Ray.

"I would guess that is what we are going to do.", says Aliaksandr Yakovlev. "We could grab a bite to eat as well once we get to the hotel. I am sure that they will have something to eat there. But let us not think of that now. We need to work on our speeches. I am going to discuss current relations with Goyanes. What about all of you?"

"I believe I am going to talk about how vital Gojans are to the region of Voldonsk and their significance in the country is. Their language has recognition in our state.", responds Kolya.

"I am going to discuss trade and how we need to have a better open door policy to Gojan trade and Gojan tourist wanting to come to Jacksonville.", says Ambassador Ray.

Minister Nikosovich waits a second to respond. Then he says, "I think I would talk about the impact of Gojans in Jacksonville in reference to our history. They played a major role during the civil war times, during the Fascist Wars, and during the Yakovlev period."

They talk the entire trip to Goyanes and eventually the plane lands. They get off and head to the hotel, awaiting to be awarded on Friday.

 

[Goyanes]

As the Jacksonian men and their families walk into the foyer of Tageskiele Palace, the Grand Emperor greeted them, using the rusty Jacksonian that he learned in high school. He took them to the throne room, where a crowd had already assembled, and a podium and two chairs was in the back, along with a portrait on an easel of the late President Yakovlev. As the men took their seats, the MC opened up the ceremony with the national anthems of Goyanes and Jacksonville. After the songs were done, the Grand Emperor stood from his throne, and walked to the podium.

"Greetings everyone. We come here today to honor these three men. They have embodied the values of Goyanes abroad, and the time has come for them to be honored. I would first like to honor Isaak Nikosovich. His commitment to the foreign relations between Goyanes and Jacksonville over the past few years as an ambassador, and now as the foreign minister, deserve substantial credit."

As Mr. Nikosovich stood before the Grand Emperor, he placed the medal over his neck, then with the golden rapier, dubbed him into the Imperial High Order.

He returned to the podium, and resumed speaking; "I would like to honor Luke Ray next. Mr. Ray brought the level of relations between our two nations to a new level, with the signing of the MTT."

Mr. Ray walked up to him, and the Grand Emperor conducted the same ritual, placing the medal on him, and dubbing him with the Golden Rapier.

"Last, but not least, I would like to honor the late Vladimir Yakovlev. Before and during his tenure as President of Jacksonville, he helped and represented the Goyanean community in Jacksonville, giving them a voice."

The Yakovlev family walked up, and received a framed Imperial High Order Medal, and the Grand Emperor placed a sash over the portrait, and plaid a wreath at the base of the easel.

"I now invite the newly-dubbed knights of the Imperial High Order to exit onto the balcony."

As they walked out, the sound of a cannon salute and a cheering crowd greeted them. There were two large flag posts in the lawn directly in front of the palace, one flying the Royal Standard of Goyanes, and the other flying the Jacksonian flag.