NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=78927&highlight=

((This is a 'Tie up loose ends before I go away on business and I still have time to be an active rper' thread))

<<<<Roania News Special Announcement>>>>

We interupt your regular programming to bring you this message.

CRO Edward Black died last night at the age of 67 years. He had suffered a triple coronary two days ago, and fallen unconscious.

His condition was on the mend until last night, when he suffered an unexpected relapse. At 2:00 am, he was dead.

His son, Alexander Black, will be returning to Roania shortly to take his place.

More within the hour.

<Bump, for Tor>

The Brotherhood sends it's deepest condolences to Roania and congratulates Alexander Black with his new position.

Javin and the medical crew started packing up their equipment. Javin's cell phone beeped.

"Hello?" he asked as he picked it up. "Yeah Takeo, we couldn't do anything more to help... We're packing up now... No, their new leader is on his way back... No, I don't know when he'll get here... the Parliament wants what? OK, I'll give them a full report when we get back."

He hung up the phone and finished packing his briefcase.

Alexander stormed into the council room, followed by several Inquisitors.

"My CRO, we" Alexander silenced Douglas with a glare.

"I hereby render the post of CRO null and void. This council is defunct."

"What?"

"I am retaining my title of Prince. You will all cease use of your C titles. From now on, you are all ministers. My son, should I have one, will be Archduke of Port Agua."

"M'lord?"

"In fact, you are all being given a promotion. Edmund, you are now an Earl, not a Baron. Dean, I understand you want to retire, so nominate a succesor, and I will name him an Earl. M'lord Leopold, congratulations, you now control Trenshaw as well as Fort Derricks. Devian, I approve your request to study to become a Farseer. When you get back, we'll look into naming you Baron of Alaitoc."

"Yes, m'lord."

The Holy Empire of Pantocratoria extends its deepest condolences to the people of Roania, and wishes Prince Alexander the best of luck in his reign. We hope that all Roanians will find comfort in the friendship of the Pantocratorian people.

ANDREUS I IMP. PANTOCRATORIA

We give our thanks to you, Honored Emperor.

ALEXANDER BLACK, THE FIRST OF THE NAME, BY THE GRACE OF GOD PRINCE OF ROANIA

((Devout Catholicsm has its spin-offs))

Interesting indeed Still several things first...

'We send our most sincere condolences to the Government of our Noble Protectorate on the loss of this great man, we watch with great interest the change in style Prince alexander is taking. We will of course accept Devian's choice to remain permanetly on the Path of the seer, and will accept him as Mein'shens Pupil as he learns the true depths of this path....

In the spirit of this new change we too shall be anoucing some changes to the Protectorate states, but we will wait for a time more settled to do so.'

Alexander relaxed. "I needed this like a hole in the head."

"It's okay... there's a surprise for you, for us both. Apparently it just arrived from Io."

"Really, send it in."

Several soldiers marched in, slightly alarmed. "Your highness, may I present to you..."

Rachel Black walked into the room. "Hello, Kelly, Alexander."

<<<BUMP, for Phalanix>>>

((Yay I got Kelly again!))

Dekker's digital jaw dropeed "Holy shit!!! And I thought Kelly was seeing things!" he says

"Shut up befor I disable your speach comands."
"Damn it Cortana get out of the armor!"
"Make me bitch."

Alexander stared at Rachel. "It's... you..." He fell backwards and fainted.

Kelly quickly caught Alexander and smirked "Good to see you again. And please ignore Dekker and his rival bitching," Kelly says
"I'M GONA KILL YOU CORTANA!!"

"Might I ask what's going on here?" Rachel looks around. "Why are you here, and why is Alex in father's chair?"

"Just one second," Kelly says as she grabs the speaker unit and ripps it out killing off Dekker and Cortana's voices. "Sorry bout that. Any ways your father is dead."

Rachel collapses. "No..." she buries her face in her hands. "No!"

"And Phalanix was nuked 9 times in a row," Kelly says as she slaps Alexander's cheek lightly "Over 10 million died in that one night."

"It never ceases to amaze me how cold you can be sometimes, Kelly." Rachel states flatly. "Now, why are you here?"

Alexander looks up. "Hmm. Kelly is here, I'm here, Rachel is... oh." Alexander jumps up.

"Try having your life stolen from you at age 5," Kelly says coldly "Then finding out one of your brother's is a vampire."

"Sorry?" Rachel sits down in one of the chairs. "Fine, but that still doesn't answer my question."

"I need a drink..." Alexander mutters. He presses a button on the desk. One of the servants runs in.

"M'lord Alexander, M'lady Kelly, M'lady-oh my dear god... I take it you will all be wanting a stiff drink."

"Hey get me a big f*cking bottle of vodka," Kelly says "I'm gona need to be sloshed at this rate."

"Language, my dear." Alexander mutters to her.

Rachel catches it. "Your dear? Then... I need a scotch."

Alexander blinks. "I'll take a vodka too. And call the council in, there's a good chap."

"Well time to learn military language," Kelly says almost laughing

The council enters. "M'lord Alexander, I am pleased to see you." Cardinal Richelieu begins. "I'm afraid tha... what in the name of the Lord!" Dean and Edmund collapse. Duke Darquis grabs a wall for support. Christine and Charles grab eachother for support, and Graham lowers himself to the floor.

"Princess Rachel? Is that... you?" Warlock Devian asks, confused.

Kelly just laughs at the mass confusion and says "Eather that your your medication got switched from some dope."

Warlock Devian stares at Kelly in confusion. "Sorry, Princess?"

Richelieu nudges him into silence. "Not yet... Um, Prince Alexander... we need to speak to you about... marriage."

"Sorry?" Alexander says, as he watches the councilors regain control over themselves.

<Bump, in case allies missed it>

Joint announcement by the Catholic nations of Holy Latin Empire and Jeruselem

While Edward Black will be in hands of God now, we welcome the successor, Alexander, to the throne to Roania. We are delighted Rachel is not dead and hope the family (which is part of our family) can move to better times for Roania. May the new administration take Roania forward into the future.

We will sending high level delegations to the funeral and coronation. The Queen of Jeruselem will make the visit on behalf of both nations as the Emperor is unable to travel due to his doctors advice about deep vein thrombosis at the moment.

Count Richard of Jeruselem will be acting regent in the Queen's absence from Jeruselem. He is not related to the Queen.

Emperor Kienny I of Holy Latin Empire
and acting Arch-duke of Tailand

&

Queen Mariah I of Jeruselem
Keeper of Holy Lands

We are pleased that our most glorious cousin will be attending. The Principality has not been host to such a visitor in years.

The Queen's royal transport plane will be arriving soon. It is being escorted by 4 fighters of the Jeruselem Air Group (which are armed). We trust all security measures for a sovereign of an ally are ready.

Member of delegation
* Queen Mariah I of Jeruselem
* Cardinal Robert Scholes of Jeruselem
* Bob Beckham - personal guard of Queen
* 5 attendants (1 is a member of Knights of Jeruselem, supervisor)
* Sir Charles Holdsworth - master interpreter and diplomat
* Victoria Cantres - Queen's personal female servant, member of SAS too

"Get several thousand Legionarres and 200 Inquisitors over there immediately." Prince Alexander ordered Sir Charles Stryke, Minister of the Judiciary and Security.

"Yes, m'lord."

Royal transport lands on the Airport while fighters circle above. Queen looks outside "Well, our friends are all outside. Time to meet some relatives" and Victoria bows "We'll get everyone ready, your majesty".

* Ten minutes later *

Bob Beckham leads the entourage out looking around like a hawk as normal. Queen in her Golden chainmail mini-dress leaves last. They move towards the welcoming party. Bob says "They don't muck around here with security." and Queen replies "No, but I expect it is such. They look a little stressed as well". Personal servant says "Rachel looks a bit like you ...".

Alexander and Rachel step out to greet the queen. "Greetings, cousin. It warms our heart to see you come this far south."

Queen warmly returns the welcome "Nice to see the family. The Emperor would like to come, but his doctor warned against it. I'm glad you are both alive and healthy after the turmoil with Edward. It's been a long flight we would like to rest for a little while.". Looks at Rachel a little closer and says "Rachel, you do like me more than I though."

Victoria Cantres steps forward, bows and says "I am the Queen's personal servant. Any personal dealings with the Queen are my business and I would like to help organise the Queen's lodgings with your royal staff".

(Note - Victoria is often the Queens body double in crisis)

Alexander blinks. "I'm seeing triple" He mutters. "I thought that her majesty would stay inside the Palace?"

Rachel smacks the back of his head. "It's up to her, Alex."

Alexander blinks. "I'm seeing triple" He mutters. "I thought that her majesty would stay inside the Palace?"

Rachel smacks the back of his head. "It's up to her, Alex."

Victoria speaks "The Queen would love to stay in the palace. I'm sure it is all secure and safe. Shall we go the Palace? This sun is rather warm".

Queen looks tired and yawns "To the palace, Alexander?".

"Of course, Mariah." Alexander opens the car-door for the women and steps in after them. "Driver, to the palace."

In the car, Queen says to Alexander "I hope you don't get confused with three same looking women around. I assume you know my personal servant is trained SAS member. She has sworn to die for me. She's taken two bullets shot at me already." We all dress differently.

Meanwhile, Bob shouts at the attendants at the airport "Hurry up the Queen's stuff, OK. Make sure everything is off the plane.". He turns to the Roanian official nearby "This is normal ... servants are loyal, but a little stupid sometimes.".

"I would assume so." The official smiles. "Still, the Minister of Protocol does a good job of picking out butlers, so we let them deal with hiring servants."

-------------------

"There she is, Mariah. The Palace of The Council." Several onion-shaped domes can be seen in the distance.

Queen says "Very impressive. I can't go building Palaces like that as those damn Jews and Arabs will start demanding one for themselves of the same size. Anyway, my palace is always covered with desert dust, so bright colours are rather muted by then. Expecting any other visitors?".

Victoria is busy tapping away on notebook and muttering quietly to herself.

"Hmm? Well, a princess of Phalanix, the varied ambassadors... some other family," Alexander looks at a list, "several of the Cardinals from throughout the Principality... But that's it. Father would have preferred it to be just family, but if any other heads of state should turn up, they would be in the palace as well." Alexander looks confused. "Why should they have something? You are their queen!"

Queen sighs "At the moment, I'm keeping all religious moderates in power by not been to favour any religion. While some may tolerate some Catholic Christian bias, I can't go too far especially with the Moslems. Old Jeruselem is too crowded and the new parts are easy targets for terrorists. If I knock over any Holy sites, well I'm it trouble. How about we rest for the day and look around tommorow. Talk to Victoria about my required arrangements. She's got in on her notebook over there. Make sure Bob is informed about how palace security works. He's a zealot, but it's his job like any security officer should be."

Bob on Cardinal on another car "You're weird. Why the pink cap?". Cardinal "Crap, too much detergent again. Stupid trainee servants" and gets out red spare one.

OOC - Going now

"Jones will show you to your room, m'lady." A butler appears out of nowhere. "One of these days I'm going to figure that out."

Alexander excuses himself.

"I ain't a frickin princes Alex," Kelly says "Yet anyways."

Victoria examines the Queen's room like a hawk and tests all the facilities. She even checks what flowers are in the vases. In the end she says "All seems to be in order as we requested except for the dripping tap in the bathroom." as the Queen is busy taking down notes.

Bob Beckham and Cardinal come in and look around. Bob says "The Roanians have strengthen security around here and I spoke to their security officials". The Cardinal smiled "Can we built a church like theirs?".

The five attendants come in with the reminder of the Queens baggage. The supervisor says "All in order, your Majesty. All rooms are accounted for". The Queen says "Time to rest. We have a busy day tomorrow.. Victoria get the gift to Alexander ready and order some light food for me."
Victoria obeys.

"I ain't a frickin princes Alex," Kelly says "Yet anyways."

"Yes, Kelly."

Cardinal Richelieu coughs. "Kelly, what we are offering you is the rank of Princess."

Alex stops in his tracks and stares at the man.

Next morning, Victoria enters the Queen's quarters. Queen is watching a soccer match on TV - Real Madrid vs Macabees. "Our teams still can't compete. Time to get a real Jeruselem soccer team. Hey Victoria." Victoria replies "I agree. Shall I arrange a meeting with Alexander, Kelly and visit to Lucy's tomb". Queen nods.

Bob is outside, guarding as usual. Cardinal Robert is talking politics with a Roania Cardinal.

"Um....no. I hate all that royal crap," Kelly says "But I am already one in New Phalanix. Didn't see that one coming did ya?"

Next morning, Victoria enters the Queen's quarters. Queen is watching a soccer match on TV - Real Madrid vs Macabees. "Our teams still can't compete. Time to get a real Jeruselem soccer team. Hey Victoria." Victoria replies "I agree. Shall I arrange a meeting with Alexander, Kelly and visit to Lucy's tomb". Queen nods.

Bob is outside, guarding as usual. Cardinal Robert is talking politics with a Roania Cardinal.

"The Princess will see you now." A butler knocks on the door.

-----------------

"No, Kelly. You don't understand. Try to think this through. Try hard." Richelieu said, encouraging her.

"To hell with it. Kelly, we're telling you we want to know how..." Dean was silenced by a blow from Christine.

"Men, please leave. I want to speak to our, hopefully, future Princess on my own."

Mariah (Queen of Jeruselem) is ready and followed the Roania butler. Victoria follows the Queen while Bob still guards the Queen's quarters. They move along gracefully passing guards and officials.

A bishop passes by the entourage and looks twice "Rachel? Nope, the crests of Jeruselem. Must be the Queen herself and her assistant." he though.

Sir Charles passes by Bob and hands him a document. "This is an agreement for the Queen to sign. Had a talk to some companies yesterday. I love business." we winks and disappears again.

Dekker quickly hcks the backup speakers and bursts out in a electronic laugh. "God Kelly your WAY to blunt," he says in bewtween his laugh. "When I get my hands on xyour personality comands you are gona wish you had never said that," Kelly says

Mariah (Queen of Jeruselem) is ready and followed the Roania butler. Victoria follows the Queen while Bob still guards the Queen's quarters. They move along gracefully passing guards and officials.

A bishop passes by the entourage and looks twice "Rachel? Nope, the crests of Jeruselem. Must be the Queen herself and her assistant." he though.

Sir Charles passes by Bob and hands him a document. "This is an agreement for the Queen to sign. Had a talk to some companies yesterday. I love business." we winks and disappears again.

Alexander sat at the end of a long table. The council sat around him. He rose and bowed. "Cousin, it does our heart good to see you. I only wish mother and father were here to meet you." Sounds of concurrence sprang from around the room.

-----------------------

"Kelly, what they've been trying to ask you, in their usual manner, is what you think of Prince Alex. We're not offering you the title of princess, which you already have, we are offering you the title of Princess..." Christine waited to see if that sunk in. Maybe Alex should ask her.

Cortana now laughing with Dekker at Kelly says "Put it together."
Kelly: :oops: I'll have to think about that one

Christine shrugs, despondent. She leaves, humming the wedding march. Why? Why me!

Rachel watches her go. She turns to Kelly. "Kelly, I wonder... if someone were to, hypothetically, ask you to marry Alex, what would you say?"

OOC -
ISP was non-functional yesterday ... no posts.

IC -
The Queen looked around at Alexander and the council before speaking. "It is my duty to represent the sovereign nations of Jeruselem and Holy Latin Empire. Is there anything, we can do assist you in your nation to recover from the loss of Edward Black. As a blood relative, I did not have the chance to meet your parents. I'm sure Edward and Lucy are in heaven now".

Victoria hands the Queen a golden box who passes it on the butler. "A present from me and the Emperor." the Queen says and the butler hands it to Alexander. "It represents our full acceptance of your and Rachel's membership in our royal family. Welcome to our family and may God bless Roania." the Queen continues.

(There is a large jewel encrusted gold medal with the lion of the Holy Latin Empire holding a shield with the cross of Jeruselem on it.)

"If it means I can take revenge on those bastards who pissed me off yes. But any way yes," Kelly says smirking evily slightly

OOC -
ISP was non-functional yesterday ... no posts.

IC -
The Queen looked around at Alexander and the council before speaking. "It is my duty to represent the sovereign nations of Jeruselem and Holy Latin Empire. Is there anything, we can do assist you in your nation to recover from the loss of Edward Black. As a blood relative, I did not have the chance to meet your parents. I'm sure Edward and Lucy are in heaven now".

Victoria hands the Queen a golden box who passes it on the butler. "A present from me and the Emperor." the Queen says and the butler hands it to Alexander. "It represents our full acceptance of your and Rachel's membership in our royal family. Welcome to our family and may God bless Roania." the Queen continues.

(There is a large jewel encrusted gold medal with the lion of the Holy Latin Empire holding a shield with the cross of Jeruselem on it.)

Alexander carefully accepted the medal. Tears sprang to his eyes. "My thanks, Mariah." He wiped the tears away. "Nothing... could have pleased me more..."

He recovered, briefly. "I, too, have a gift. Two." He snapped his finger. A butler came in, bringing with him two boxes. The man carefully opened one, and drew out a ring. He passed it to Maria. "This was my mother's symbol of rulership... Father never liked crowns." It sparkled in the light, showing an inner fire. Alexander himself opened the second box. He pulled out a medallion, set with rubies. In the center, picked out in gold, was a firebird.

((Out of curiousity, who stands to inherit the throne of the Holy Latin Empire?))
------------------

Rachel smiled. "Okay. Hypothetically, would you marry Alex if he asked?"

Mariah looked curiously at the Lucy's ring and the medal. "Oh, we thank you for these gifts and your unexpected kindness. They will be treasured for the service rendered to your country on behalf of our family by Lucy. And I bring some news from the Holy Latin Empire ..." replied Mariah trying to hide any emotion and pauses. Victoria takes the gifts from Mariah and reboxes them.

"Emperor Kienny I of the Holy Latin Empire has unofficially chosen a bride among the local nobility. Her identity will not be revealed to the public until an official statement is issued. He will be married in the next 6 months, but will not be hurried. Roania will be invited to the wedding, naturally. He has chosen Lady Simone Almara of Westralion (in HLE) who was his girlfriend in secret" the Queen continued.

OOC

(Males before females always, locals before royalty in other nations and candidate cannot hold control of two nation at the same time)

Inheritance for the throne of the Holy Latin Empire in order
* Any son or daughter of Emperor (must be recognised by Church of HLE) - none at moment
* Eldest surviving brother or sister of Emperor - none as King of Jeruselem died and Lucy earlier
* Any children of Emperor's brother or sister subject to approval by Church (Eldest first)
* Any children through related marriages subject to approval by Church (Eldest first)
* Church appointed candidate - must be nobility or Knight of a holy order

"What would you do?" Kelly asks with a slight smirk on her face "trying to have a little fun look" as well on her face

Mariah looked curiously at the Lucy's ring and the medal. "Oh, we thank you for these gifts and your unexpected kindness. They will be treasured for the service rendered to your country on behalf of our family by Lucy. And I bring some news from the Holy Latin Empire ..." replied Mariah trying to hide any emotion and pauses. Victoria takes the gifts from Mariah and reboxes them.

"Emperor Kienny I of the Holy Latin Empire has unofficially chosen a bride among the local nobility. Her identity will not be revealed to the public until an official statement is issued. He will be married in the next 6 months, but will not be hurried. Roania will be invited to the wedding, naturally. He has chosen Lady Simone Almara of Westralion (in HLE) who was his girlfriend in secret" the Queen continued.

"Very good news. But, Mariah, you did not come here to talk pleasantries. You came here to see the tomb?" Alexander asked, concerned. "I have tried my best to ensure it would be pleasing... but if you want mother's body exhumed and taken to the HLE..."

------------------

"Well, I would jump for joy if you said yes, and advise you to leave if you said no. Alexander has to marry someone, Kelly."

Mariah looked at Alexander curiously "Seeing the tomb doesn't mean we are necessarily going to take her body home. It is Crusader custom to bury a dead King or Queen in the country they ruled. I bet one of your three Elven advisors told you that. We know who he is and was kicked out of the Holy Latin Empire for deceit and corruption. The Catholic Church knows our position on burial rights and don't believe the lies."

Mariah paused and looked around the council for an elf then continues "He is not present among you, but he is hostile to our nations and has a secret agenda. Lucy's tombs does have something to do with my business. As a member of our family, a specific Latin ritual must be performed to finalise the recognition of the death which goes back to 1200s. It is a simple but religious one. Cardinal Roberts is here for the ritual. All we ask is permission and the body does not need to be exhumed."

"Just...never mind," Kelly says "Where is the little guy anyways?"

Cortana and Dekker are still laughing super hard. "Shut up damn it," Kelly says

Mariah looked at Alexander curiously "Seeing the tomb doesn't mean we are necessarily going to take her body home. It is Crusader custom to bury a dead King or Queen in the country they ruled. I bet one of your three Elven advisors told you that. We know who he is and was kicked out of the Holy Latin Empire for deceit and corruption. The Catholic Church knows our position on burial rights and don't believe the lies."

Mariah paused and looked around the council for an elf then continues "He is not present among you, but he is hostile to our nations and has a secret agenda. Lucy's tombs does have something to do with my business. As a member of our family, a specific Latin ritual must be performed to finalise the recognition of the death which goes back to 1200s. It is a simple but religious one. Cardinal Roberts is here for the ritual. All we ask is permission and the body does not need to be exhumed."

"Warlock Devian has served my family well for 75 years. However, his associates... still, it is for him to appoint secretaries in his portfolio." Alexander bowed. "You have my permission. I will meet you at the mag-lift in 25 minutes." He left.

Duke Leopold shook his head. "Forgive the Prince, your majesty. He has been under a lot of stress, lately."

------------

"I think he and his cousin are going to the cemetary to mother's grave." Rachel smiled.

"I see..... So," Kelly says "Have you heard the other news?"

"I see..... So," Kelly says "Have you heard the other news?"

"No. I have been dead, Kelly." Rachel rolled her eyes.

"I know that. Well I have 2 brothers and one sister," Kelly says

"Really? Who?" Rachel sits down heavily, shock written on her features.

"Just guess. I'll give you a hint. One is not human while the other is not fully human," Kelly says

"Hmm... that could only be Pheonix... and... since Rain is Pheonix's sister..." Rachel starts to think harder.

"For crying out load. The other one was assassinated a long while back then brought back to life," Kelly says

"No... not ringing any bells." Rachel shook her head.

"He is a vampire!!!!" Kelly slightly shouts almost annoyed now

"Well, there's Joshua..." Rachel smiles.

"And how long did that take?" Cortana asks sacasticly.
"Shut up you," Kelly says "Well Phoenix is now a half-breed and I found out that I'm a half-breed as well."

Rachel blinks. "You're not a vampire, right?"

"No I'm half Elf," Kelly says "It helps explain my link with nature almost."

"Half-elf?" Rachel looks her up and down. "What did Alex say about that?"

"Well he was happy I wasn't part vampire," Kelly says

OOC: As I recall, he fainted.

IC: "I can imagine. I think he's inside his room. We can go see him if you want."

"Ya," Kelly says almost laughing as she remembered what really happened

Alexander hummed merrily to himself as he pulled on his dress uniform. "It was nice to meet my cousin. I think I'll travel to HLE to meet the emperor as well."

Rachel coughed. "Alex, are you too busy to spend time with your girlfriend and sister?"

Kelly just burst out laughing at the moment back on the carrier. "Opps sorry just couldn't hold it in," she says

Alex looks up. :oops: "Kelly... how nice to see you!" He stands up hurriedly.

"Yes," Kelly says slightly blushing. Her armor slowly begens to melt away and her blue silk shirt and her red skirt.

Alexander smiles at her. "Kelly... have I mentioned lately that I love you?"

"Nope. Have I mentioned I love you latley?" Kelly asks

"In that case..." Alexander smiles. "I love you, Kelly. More than I have ever loved anyone or anything else. I would die for you."

Rachel rolls her eyes. Alex means well, but he's not very good at poetry.

Dear god turn off the mic damn it. Cortana says in Kelly head
Shut up.

I just ruined it, didn't I, George.

You don't want to know my opinion. Try to kiss her.

Alexander blushed, moved forward, and kissed Kelly.

Kelly blushedd slightly and returneed the kiss.

Rachel coughed, politely. "Alex, don't you have something to ask her?"

Alexander looked apologetic, but he broke off the kiss. He fumbled in one of his pockets for a while Where is it...

He pulled a little box out of his pocket, and opened it. A ring glistened inside. "I..." He coughed. "I had a speech written out. But... Kelly, will you..." He looked at her. Sweat trickled down his brow. He plunged on. "Kelly, will you marry me?"

Kelly smiled and huged Alexander and says "HELL YES!!!!"

"Oh, you won't. I unde" Alex stopped.

Rachel smiled. "Damn, you really need looking after Alex."

"You will?" Alexander asked Kelly, happily. "I..." He kissed her one more time.

Kelly kisses Alexander and smiles like crazy

Dekker:I think I'm going to puke.
Cortana:]You can't puke dumb ass

George:Both of you nimrods shut up! You're spoiling the moment! I love a wedding.

Alexander just held her, smiling. "I love you, Kelly."

Cortana & Dekker:F*CK YOU!!!

George: That's it. When I'm through with you you'll be inside toasters! You hear me?

Alexander smiled. "Kelly, can you remove your AI?"

"Your to then," Kelly says as she starts deactivating Dekker "Damn Cortana is stuck in there."

"Good night, George." Alex pressed a button on his armor. Then it faded away, leaving Alex in his ordinary clothes.

"Sorry Cortana dosn't have a chip," Kelly says
"Damn right I don't!"

"Yes, but Cortana can go anywhere. And unless he wants me to install a virus program into your body so he's trapped, then he'll go to... I don't know, Rachel?"

"Yes, Alex?"

"Do you have an AI for your armor yet?"

"No, I don't."

"Capital. Cortana, go to Rachel."

"Bite me," Cortana says.
"Trust me she only getts along with Phoenix," Kelly says

"Pity. Rachel was going to be given a CENTURION suit... and I thought all you AIs wanted the latest and greatest."

"Actualy I already heard about what your scientists did to Eric Lancer," Cortana says "I think you could get on of your own personalityless AIs to do the job."

Meanwhile at the tomb of Lucy Black

(Assumes Alexander is there, but silent as he is still uncomfortable about his mother's death)

Mariah (to Roanian official): This must have been expensive, but it is a royal burial. Cardinal Roberts is ready.

Cardinal Roberts (to Queen): I'm ready your majesty (while pulling out a bible and some incense from this bag)

Victoria (Queens's PA) to Roanian official: All security in order, sir (nudges him)

Roanian offical: All in order. We may proceed.

Cardinal Roberts: (dons Gold cap and lights incense in gold vessel. Walks around the tomb with incense and begins to chant some Latin.)

Roanian offical: (Nudges Victoria) What's he saying?

Victoria: An 800 year old Latin chant not dissimilar to your own.

Roanian offical: It does ... much longer than the one we used for Lucy.

Cardinal Roberts: (continues chant, kneels at foot of tomb and gets out a cross. Chant becomes more intense)

Victoria: It is the short version ...

Half an hour later ...

Victoria: He's finished now. By the way, who's the guy the black cloak hiding his face.

Roanian offical: One of the elves, anti-social lot. Can't work out what they say anyway.

Queen to Alexander: Time to go. I know you don't like to dwell on these things.

Party leaves after Cardinal Roberts packs his things.

Alexander and his fiance, Kelly, walked alongside Mariah. "Have Roberts be careful. Cardinal Richelieu is in a bad mood."

Alexander and his fiance, Kelly, walked alongside Mariah. "Have Roberts be careful. Cardinal Richelieu is in a bad mood."

Queen winks "The Latin Patriarch told me about his unhappiness at a Papal snub. Cardinal Brown told me the same story. Roberts is aware of the situation.".

"No, he's really angry. I suggest Roberts meets him very soon."

"No, he's really angry. I suggest Roberts meets him very soon."

"I see. He does have a reputation for a nasty tempament." Queen sighs and Victoria pulls out her mobile "Cardinal, the Queen want to see you to see Richelieu ASAP.". Cardinal mumbled "OK".

Queen asks Alexander "What's the go with the Warlock and those elves wandering around? Our knights do not tolerate shady men wandering around my palace.".

"Warlock Devian is our minister in charge of Eldar and Elven affairs. His associates, including the one that you so distrust, are emissaries from the most glorious Sirithril."

-----------

"Your eminence, please calm down!" The aide ducked out of the way of another throwing knife.

"Stand still!"

Victoria asks Alexander "I hear there are terrorists who seek to overthrow the government and are responsible for the recent bombings. Have they been caught yet?". as a royal page stops, bows and hurries off again.

Alexander and Kelly hold eachother's stares for a second. "Yes. They have all been apprehended."

"Alexander, I see you and Kelly need some privacy. I have some business to attend to today regarding some matters at home. The Count is having some trouble with some unruly Jews. I assume we will meet for dinner tonight." the Queen suggests.

"Of course, Mariah."

---------------

"Is Roberts here yet?" The aide asked, a stilleto sticking out of his armor. "Who would have thought a letter knife could get through this armor?"

Cardinal Roberts looks at the door with knife poking out. He asks the butler "Eh? the Cardinal been to the circus? Doesn't look safe ...".

"IS THAT ROBERTS?" an angry roar came from inside. "SEND HIM IN HERE!"

"You heard his eminence." The aides and butlers force Roberts inside. "Good luck..." they close the door. "you'll need it."

Cardinal Roberts thought "Should have stayed home today. No wonder the Patriarch avoids travelling to Roania".

Richelieu stood, facing the window, dressed in his mitre. "Hello, Roberts." His voice was calm, composed. This was a man who had passed through the fires of anger, and was now floating in some calm lake on the other side.

Richelieu stood, facing the window, dressed in his mitre. "Hello, Roberts." His voice was calm, composed. This was a man who had passed through the fires of anger, and was now floating in some calm lake on the other side.

Roberts looked nervious, but put back on his official face "It's been a while, Cardinal Richelieu, how may I assist you? I know times have been trying, but God will provide in the end.".

"Did you hear what the pope did to me?"

"Did you hear what the pope did to me?"

Roberts thought "Better be diplomatic here ... don't get him upset".
He spoke up "Yes, I did and was very surprised. Following the death of Duras, we thought your tenure to the position was secure. We believe other Cardinals have taken advantage of the Pope's ill health and found another candidate to rival your candidancy.".

"Walsh." Richelieu spat the name. "What would he know of running an Inquisition?"

"I am sure you are logical Cardinal to become Inquisitor, but Papal politics is an uncertain process. Many an Inquisitor would have become Pope but was denied by scheming among the Cardinals. You still have my support Cardinal" Roberts spoke.

"And for that, I thank you. But, no. Something more must be done. You have noticed it, haven't you? What is happening to our precious Church."

"And for that, I thank you. But, no. Something more must be done. You have noticed it, haven't you? What is happening to our precious Church."

"The shift towards liberalism? The Church of Jeruselem is considered as moderate as are most of the Cardinals except for a few Conservatives. We understand your concern about gays rights and other issues. You are concerned about Walsh and his opinions?" he replies.

---------

Count Richard on the phone to the Queen "Five conservative rabbi's want a new Synagues built on an ex-Moslem site where the Mosque was demolished for safety reasons. They are planning some marches next, but situation sould turn ugly as the Moslems want new Mosque to replace the unsafe one."

Queen replies "and both sides refuse to budge from their position?".

Count Richard "tried to negiotiate, but Jews are ones who in the wrong here. I'd just rebuilt the Mosque."

Queen replies "Place the land under Crown control under the guise of safety. The need to do some tests for toxic chemicals or archeology examinations. When I return, I fix the mess."

"The man doesn't even try to bring his protestant countrymen back into the fold! And this is the man the Pope chose as Lord Grand Inquisitor?"

"The man doesn't even try to bring his protestant countrymen back into the fold! And this is the man the Pope chose as Lord Grand Inquisitor?"

Roberts tried to reassure the Cardinal "Maybe you can find a legal avenue to make the appointment nullified."

Cardinal Richelieu turns to Roberts. "<Insert first name here>, did you just say a legal avenue? I, Johannes Richelieu, Grand Inquisitor of Roania?" He is about to laugh when another Cardinal enters the room.

"Johannes, what do you have to lose?" Malcom Frazer asks him.

Roberts replies "The existance of Papalcy is a legal one. If Catholic countries did not respect these laws, the Papalcy would be determined by what nation controlled it. Use the biggest weapon of Papalcy, the laws laid down by our predecessors ... we are both Cardinals due to these same laws.".

"What do you have in mind?"

"Just find a law which states the Inquisitor must be Catholic like yourself. A Catholic Inquisition run by a protestant ... doesn't make sense does it?"

"But he is a catholic. That's why he shouldn't be in charge." Richelieu sighed.

"But he is a catholic. That's why he shouldn't be in charge." Richelieu sighed.

"Don't worry. You will have your time there. If life was predictable and boring, we will not appreciate what we have or what we lost. Time will tell ... patience is important".

Richelieu sits back down.

Cardinal Frazer escorts Roberts to the door. "Thank you, brother."

Richelieu sits back down.

Cardinal Frazer escorts Roberts to the door. "Thank you, brother."

Roberts left the room looking puzzled "I hope I helped him, but only God knows ...".

------------
Victoria was standing in Mariah's room, keeping guard, while the Queen was examining senate proposals. "Not the gays rights one again ... they want the right for public sex. BLOCKED ... Lower taxes for Jews BLOCKED ... Increased penalties for peds APPROVED" she noted.

Victoria informed the Queen "Dinner on an hour, your majesty".

Alexander walked back and forth. "How do I announce my marriage... how, how, how."

Queen put on Lucy's ring "Suits me, Victoria?". "Better with the red dress, your Majesty" Victoria replied. Queen takes the ring off and puts it back "Oh well, get the white dress and gold necklace. Get the shorter one too, the other is ugly. I'm expecting a big announcement tonight".

Rowdy noise outside ... Victoria looks outside and sees two pages. "Please keep it down, the Queen wants some quiet" she glares at them. They shut up and sheepishly bow then sneak off.

Alexander looks at his clothes. "Armor or uniform, cape, badges? What?"

Kelly smiles. "Just wear whatever you are comfortable with."

OOC - Set out the dinner and guests

Time for dinner myself.

<<Pause for Phalanix>>

Alexander entered the ballroom, heart pounding. He took his seat at the head of the high table.

Around him, dozens of ambassadors and nobles chatted aimlessly. He tipped his hat to Low King Dregruk of Khazad-Zar. "You honor my humble abode."

"Argh, if it's a free feed, of carse ah'll be here!" The dwarf moved on.

Alexander sat down, nervously, when a raspy chuckle came from beside him. The cloaked form of Merrech, his elven advisor on magical matters, sat down. "I get the feeling that the Queen doesn't like me."

Victoria looked around at the guests and thought "Not many people we know around here except for that elf". She nudged the Queen to attention towards the elf who sighed and looked away again. The Tailand embassador asks Victoria "Getting used to those titanium rib plates yet? I hear they sometimes move about". She smiled "They are still irritating ...".

Low King Dregruk of Khazad-Zar hassled his embassador "Who are the twins over there?" who replied "The Queen of Jeruselem and her personal assistant. The blonde is Queen.". Dregruk smiled "She like dwarves?". His embassador ignored his cheeky comment.

The Queen chatted to a Roanian Cardinal.