Spreigas, only the second democratically-elected president since before World War II, addressed a rejoicing nation. It was 2000 hours.

“My friends,” he began, “this is truly is a momentous day for our people, as we celebrate seventeen years of our independence from the Evil Empire. We have always been a wonderful and glorious nation, even since the dawn of time. Our history is full of tales of how we went up in battle many times—against Hittites, Mongols, Ottomans, Nazis, and then the Soviets. And now we find ourselves in the midst of altogether a new battle, the battle of finding ourselves again.”

Applause.

“It is seventeen years tonight since 1992 that we officially declared ourselves an independent and sovereign nation, free of any lasting Soviet influence. And still we continue, ever onward, ever upward, in the spirit of our ancestors. The red has given way to blue, a blissful and blessed blue. We need no longer live in fear. We have overcome. Good night.”

Applause.

Curtain.