[ WP ] When a new president is elected , they are given a special security briefing . In reality , this is an old tradition where various directors , military officers and current ministers present fake evidence and compete to see who can convince the president of the most ridiculous things .

The alert popped up on General Gerald Paxton's computer monitor. 
 
 *15 minutes until next meeting* 
 
 He casually clicked'snooze' to buy a few more minutes to close his eyes and relax. This was n't just any meeting, it was THE meeting. The meeting to brief the new president on all issues related to national security - both foreign and domestic. At least, that was what the media and the rest of the world believed. Regardless of the number of times he has been part of these briefings, Gerald knew they would never get any less stressful. 
 
 The sounds of knuckles rapping on the old oak door removed all hope of any peace before the storm. Before Gerald could invite his guest in, a woman already made her way to the center of the office. 
 
 `` Yes, please come in Prime Minister'' Gerald said with a hint of sarcasm and a smirk on his face. 
 
 `` I bloody well will'come in' where ever I please!'' said Prime Minister Melanie Williams. 
 
 The two burst into laughter as Gerald got up from his desk to embrace an old friend. The two exchanged pleasantries before getting down to business. 
 
 `` Have you seen this email going around about the details of this years meeting?'' asked Gerald. `` I swear, these people want way too much. First we ca n't reuse any old material, and now the bet has gotten way out of control. I mean, seriously, cars?'' 
 
 `` Oh, you know how people get - especially people with power. I told you we should have never started betting on this meeting. It was all good fun until you opened your big mouth and said the person with the worst story has to buy everyone else drinks. Eight years of planning for the next briefing allows for a lot of one upping!'' Melanie threw her arms up in dismay. `` I do n't want to buy any of these smug bastards a car, but there is no way in hell that I am backing down from this challenge.'' 
 
 `` Oh, you will be buying me a car. I have had my eye on a new Mercedes for a while now...'' Gerald trailed off, enjoying watching his friend become unraveled at the thought. He could n't contain his laughter when he heard Melanie mumble something about how she might get him a Smart Car if he was lucky. The the two of burst into laughter at the thought of Gerald driving a incredibly tiny car. 
 
 `` But seriously, what are you going to say?'' asked Gerald. 
 
 `` Would n't you like to know! All out of ideas? I do n't think something like Bigfoot or UFOs will cut it this time.'' Melanie said. 
 
 `` I'm glad you remember your embarrassing Bigfoot attempt Melanie, but I am thinking about going with a high tech charade this year. Remember the Large Hadron Collider scare I stirred up last time? I hope I will be just as convincing this time'' Gerald said as he began to make his way to the door. 
 
 `` Ah yes, but I think I will win this year with my mass extinction virus. I have some pretty incredible evidence. Photo shopped of course. `` Melanie said as she followed Gerald into the hall. `` As long as those crazy bastards from NASA do n't come up with another'doomsday' comet, I have this in the bag.'' 
 
 `` No matter what, I ca n't wait to see the Presidents face.'' Gerald said. 

