UNN

PRINCE JACK BUYS LUXURIES FOR SOLDIERS

Shiloh (RKG) – Prince Jack Benjamin generated controversy this week when he made excessive withdrawals directly from the Treasury in a royal shopping spree for his company of soldiers, according to sources in Unity Hall.

"These men defend a nation with honor and courage, and should be rewarded with all fruits of the land," Jack told a UNN reporter outside Unity Hall. "They defend those in suits, the same who send them to war. Why should they not be entitled to a fine tailored piece themselves?"

Concern grew during a fiscal reform meeting at Unity Hall as several ministers and aides noted the excessive withdrawals from the Ministry of Treasury.

Several direct withdrawals totaling over 500,000 Laurels were made via a debit card owned by Prince Jack Benjamin. The transactions were flagged by a computerized ledger tracking government spending.

Items purchased include designer suits, platinum watches, and even a new sports car, according to Gabrielle Moran, vice president of sales at Carpenter & Williams, a luxury department store on Carmel Avenue.

When the purchases were called into question by bookkeepers at the Treasury, Prince Jack defended the withdrawals as "necessities" for his fellow soldiers. But not everyone was impressed with his act of generosity.

"While Prince Jack's affection for his fellow soldiers is admirable, it is the state of the Treasury that raises concern," said Niles Rusoff, chief economist at Royal Kardos Bank. "With the recent instability in gold reserves, the government has to clean up its act. We need accountability and transparency at the Treasury."

But others praised the Prince for putting the needs of his subjects first.

"It shows he's a man of the people," said Alice Coburn, a hair stylist in Shiloh. "After hearing so much about Prince Jack partying with the rich, I'm glad to see that he is beginning to pay attention to the needs of the less fortunate. He'll need that empathy when he is King someday."

Her view was echoed by one of the soldiers who benefited from the Prince's largesse. "Major Benjamin may be my leader in combat, but he also treats me like royalty," said Sergeant Michael Sullivan, who received two tailored suits and a set of diamond cufflinks from the Prince. "He takes care of his own."

King Silas Benjamin declined to comment about the shopping spree, but sources inside Unity Hall say that the monarch is pleased that his son is beginning to think about the needs of others.

"Prince Jack will be allowed to preside over the next petitioner ceremony," according to one royal employee at Altar Mansion who asked not to be identified. "It's a sign that the King Silas thinks the Prince is ready for real responsibility."