Correspondence with the Bear 6

Below are various events, correspondence, and happenings that have occurred post-Culture Shock for Ivan Stanislav. Public events are obviously public, but private matters are just that.

Stanislav’s further notes are written in red. Alexei is orange. Arina is blue.

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CLASSIFICATION: SECRET

DATE: 31 March 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR: Starshy Praporshchik Ivan Sergeiovich Stanislav - Russian Ground Forces (Retired from Active Duty)

SUBJECT: On PRIME Event “Culture Shock”

Starshy Praporshchik Stanislav,

Allow me to congratulate you on your victory at PRIME Event “Culture Shock.” My understanding is that Tom Battaglia has been a consistent thorn in your side (and thus the side of Russia) since your return to PRIME.

Well done.

Will this silence our detractors? No. But a statement has been made. One that we knew would be delivered.

The situation at the event “War Games” was troubling. We can only deduce that a rabid gorilla-human hybrid escaped from a Welsh science facility and ran roughshod through the arena.

War Games was unimportant, anyway. The group of misfits you were saddled with would hardly form a cohesive grouping, regardless of your exemplary leadership qualities.

Furthermore, congratulations on the successes of Americans Victoria Hall and Jonathan-Christopher. Despite what appears to be marital problems, your impact on the Hall’s ability to win the Universal Title cannot be denied.

Now it is time to acquire it for Mother Russia.

Hold the Hall’s accountable for their promise to “finish your story.”

And if not? Finish them both, Starshy Praporshchik Stanislav.

For the Motherland,

R. Borisov Director. FSB.

Alexei- Figure out what’s going on with the Halls, I want that title. Also, send me the transcript of the Hall’s conversation at the Sheraton. You know the one you so expertly bugged while I was throttling Jonathan-Christopher.

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Transcript of Speech Given by I. Stanislav “Stars in the Sky, Guiding us to Victory” Given at Red Square Upon Stanislav's Return from Culture Shock 3/31/24

Dear Countrymen,

On March 22, 2024, we lost a great many of our countrymen due to a cowardly, terrorist attack.

The heart of our dear Motherland weeps. Her streets are stained with sorrow. Her skies are gray and heavy with grief. Unbidden hatred violated our way of life, and the echoes of that anguish continues to linger.

We shall not forget.

Heroes, far greater than myself, emerged to protect our people. Our emergency workers, hospital staff, police, military, the full bulwark of Mother Russia will be brought to bear against those who would dare attack the defenseless, and yet most noble of Russia’s children!

*cheers*

Remember our fallen brethren’s laughter, smiles, and cleave to their hopes. Allow these things to blossom in your hearts and carry their memory with you forever.

As you know, I travel to distant America frequently to show the West and the world the true might of our country. I show them her resolve. Mother Russia’s unending diligence to the rule of law and her unfathomable fury when it is necessary. And yet, there are those within our own people who wish to move closer to America. To the West. They think that maybe we can be friends.

We cannot.

Do you know, not a single, solitary individual in the ranks of my organization offered a single hint of concern for you? For us? For our children? Not a word of condolence. Not a shred of humanity. Not even from those who I thought could, possible, have such humanity inside of them.

The “good” and “thoughtful” Americans think only for themselves. Their silence is hidden laughter at our suffering.

As our people’s blood soaked through our boots and seeped up our legs and ultimately into our hearts, they have nothing to do but gloat. To silently spit on Russian graves!

I promise you, I will squeeze them until they squeal, and their screams will echo from Moscow to Vladivostok! I will never allow myself to forget nor forgive them for their silent callousness. And neither should any of you!

*cheers*

Every Russian soul taken shall rise to be a star in the sky. And they should guide us through the darkness!

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Voicemail from Olga Karishnikov (Russia One International Sports Correspondent) to I. Stanislav (Starshy Praporshchik) March 31, 2024

Hi Ivan, it is Olga. Congratulations on your victory at Culture Shock. I, and many of my colleagues, were cheering you on from the better section of Europe.

Could you hear us?

I know you are busy returning home and they have a great many events scheduled for you at Red Square, but I wanted to still take the time to congratulate you.

Does it inspire you, even if you’re in Western Europe, to be that much closer to our Motherland? I feel the people have greater connection to you when they know how close you are, fighting the good fight against so many of Mother Russia’s enemies.

It has been quite the journey for you, hasn’t it?

If I may be so bold, it’s been quite the journey for us. And I do not mean Russia as a whole, but you and I.

I have said it many times in the past, Ivan, but I still remember the first time I actually met the great Ivan Stanislav, in the newsroom, while you gave such an excellent speech. I was in awe. I am still in awe, Ivan.

Can I be candid, Ivan?

When you were the Universal Champion, I feel like we were able to spend so much more time together, but afterwards, I worry you are consumed with regret. No one thinks less of you for what happened. We all saw it. It was a travesty.

I think no less of you. If anything, you have continued to fight despite adversity and it is inspiring.

Anyway, myself and the news team sent a bouquet of flowers to your mother while she recovers. I know you will be spending more time in Arkhangelsk, rather than your office in Moscow, and while I am busy as you are, do you think you can make some time for me?

Off the record, of course. It was refreshing to meet you at the hospital and have our chat afterwards, and I would very much like to do it again.

Think about it. You have a brief hiatus right now, don’t you?

I should get going, and I know you are busy. But think about it. I’ll be waiting.

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CLASSIFICATION: SECRET

DATE: 1 April 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR: R. Borisov. Director. FSB.

SUBJECT: RE: On PRIME Event “Culture Shock”

Director Borisov,

Thank you for the congratulatory words. I can only say that Culture Shock was a resounding success for myself and The Red Army. Not only was I able to silence another detractor in the form of The Anglo Luchador, but the Hall family were able to win the Universal title, as you state.

They are a strange collection of people, and I do not quite know what footing they stand upon, but I assure you I will make every effort to regain the prize that was stolen from The Motherland.

The Universal Title yearns to return to Mother Russia’s warm embrace. I have no doubt.

In regards to this strange gorilla creature that attacked me, I will put the little monster down in due time, should it dare to try to gaze up at The Russian Bear. Retribution will be swift, decisive, and unexpected.

I appreciate your continued and unwavering support,

Strashy Praporshchik Stanislav

Ivan- Lindsay Troy's fear will never allow this. You have given her too much leeway. I think the time for hesitation is over. How many times do you need to grant her pause? She stood on that ramp and watched that moron crash your match because she wanted to make a splash. Even Youngblood has lost faith in her. When the dog loses faith in its handler, that tells something, does it not? Prepare for the worst, and we will deliver swift retribution where it is needed. I promise, old friend. If she does not want to give us a Title? We should burn the place down.

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DATE: 1 April 2024

To: General Staff (Arina Timofeyevna, Yanukovich Yanovich, Maksim Stepanov) From: Starshy Praporshchik Stanislav

Subject: Victory

Staff,

As we chart a new course in this new year, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and diligence. It has been difficult, but most worthwhile endeavors are not easy.

I am affording each of you one week off, as PRIME is on a brief hiatus, but then our work will resume.

-Starshy Praporshchik Stanislav

Arina- Thank you very much for tending to my mother while I was abroad. I am currently leaving Moscow and will return to Arkhangelsk presently. Upon my return, you may take your break.

Starshy Praporshchik Stanislav- With respect, I would prefer to remain with your mother and not take my break. She is a wonderful woman, and I enjoy spending time with her. She tells me some very funny stories about you.

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Transcript of Sheraton Brooklyn Hotel Surveillance of Jonathan-Christopher Hall (Codename: Loverboy) and Vickie Hall (Codename: Victoriya)

NOTE: Complete conversation somehow destroyed by high frequency disturbance. No data collected.

Alyosha- What is the meaning of this? Did the Hall’s know that you were surveilling them?! How could this happen?

Vanya- My people tell me, believe it or not, Vickie Hall’s voice completely corrupted the bug. This has never happened before and yet, I am unsurprised. However, we are confident no real substantive information was lost.

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Transcript of Phone Conversation between Ivan Stanislav and Fanya Stanislav 1 April 2024

I.Stanislav- Beautiful mother. How are you?

F.Stanislav- I am fine, Ivashechka. I watched your match with your assistant, Arina, she is a nice girl and very helpful. Are you all right?

I.Stanislav- Of course. Did you see me destroy the American luchador?

F.Stanislav- Yes. Is your leg hurt? I was worried and could barely watch. These matches of yours get harder for me as I get older.

I.Stanislav- It is nothing, beautiful mother. That little ant could barely phase me. I am returning home shortly, but I wanted to call you. I have been worried about you. How are you feeling?

F.Stanislav- We Stanislav’s like to worry. I am fine. I am in pain, and I am still angry at you for–

I.Stanislav- This had to be done, Mother. I want to see you dance again.

F.Stanislav- And I–

I.Stanislav- I do not want to talk more about it!

F.Stanislav- Very well. Did you find that Troy girl and give her a hug at the event, like I asked?

I.Stanislav- …of course I did.

F.Stanislav- That’s a good boy.

I.Stanislav- I have to get to the airport and we can talk when I arrive. I will see you soon, mother.

F.Stanislav- Travel safely, my victorious Ivashechka. Oh, and Ivan?

I.Stanislav- Yes, Mother?

F. Stanislav- Your family is proud of you. Russia is proud of you. And I, Ivan, am so proud of my son. Always.

I.Stanislav- I love you, mother.

F.Stanislav- And I love you, my Ivashechka.

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A Collective Poem created by elementary school children, inspired by Ivan Stanislav’s triumph.

Hear the roar of the Russian Bear His beard bristles, his eyes a-glare He grapples foes with warrior’s grace And yeets the enemies into space

At Culture Shock, with lights ablaze, The Anglo Luchador met his gaze Luchador fell straight to Hell The Russian Bear with victorious yell

Children cheer, our voices soar Ivan Stanislav, victorious once more His triumph echoes through the hall A Russian hero, proud and tall

Dear Russian Bear Accept our rhyme A gift of love A tribute in time

From elementary hearts Pure and bright We celebrate your valorous fight.

May your victories echo through the years The Russian Bear, conqueror of fears

Arina- This tribute was very moving. Please create a professionally crafted version of this. Have it hung in my Moscow office. Send thanks to each of these wonderful schools and I want the names of each student who had a hand in this. I want to meet them.