NationStates Jolt Archive

After the sudden and unexpected death of the Archbishop Ferdinand of The Opressive Church - in essence the absolutist ruler of the country - there has developed a huge split in the Government. For the past week since the Archbishop's death the Government has ceased to operated since it is without it's leader. While everyday Civil Affairs are sometimes handled all major decisions and stuff other then "Run of the Mill" have been impossible to act upon without anyone assuming the leadership of the country.

Whilst the Government sits paralyzed fractions within it have developed to put a new person in the Archbishop's place. The Constitution dictates that an Archbishop must be a man of the cloth and must be nominated by the Bishop's Council (A council of Clergymen which is the second most powerful branch of the government next to the Archbishop and his Cabinet) with at least a 60% majority of the council. Then he must be approved by TOC's Cardinal. The Cardinal is on his death bed and has been for several months now and therefor is unable to do anything. The Bishop's Council is filled with a bunch of self-glorifying, corrupted clergymen who all want to be Archbishop and wield the office's absolute power and therefor they cannot nominate anyone with the needed 60% majority.

The only one close is Father Maximallian von Calthmen who has 25% of the council supporting him. However, with the council stuck in deadlock the late Archbishop's cabinet has not been idle. His Minister of Foreign Affairs Father Zachary Rutherford and his Minister of Police and Security Quentin Ulman have suddenly found themselves scurrying for power. TOC is ripe for a coup, and these two realize that.

The first bloodshed over this ever worsening situation was probably the Archbishop himself. Rumors are circulating that say he was actually killed by Zachary Rutherford, the Foreign Minister. A fast acting poison was reportedly found in the Archbishop's bloodstream by the doctor who pronounced him dead. The Foreign Minister met with the Archbishop only minutes before and was the only one who could have administrated this poison to him. However, the doctor who pronounced his holiness as expired suddenly was found dead in his luxury car when it unexpectedly exploded. The Coroner who examined the Archbishop's body happens to be a good friend of Rutherford's and said from his examination that he has ruled out foul play. The circumstances of all of it are far to suspicious.

Even more suspicious is the fact that the Foreign Minister continued to operate as normal, sending a cordial telegraph to Roania after the Archbishop's death and obviously without his approval. Rutherford also seemed to have a plan to grab the power of the Archbishop well laid out that seems to have gone into effect the very moment his holiness collapsed during his speech to the country: Rutherford passed a bill about traffic laws - obviously not his duty - earlier today, showing that he in reality is now acting as the country's ruler.

Quentin Ulman is not quietly twiddling his thumbs like the rest of the Government. He has refused to just sit there while Rutherford turns this into "His Despotism" as he has said. He has ordered his police force on full stand by and is planing a meeting with the Roanian General who commands the Roanian garrison within TOC (Roania has Military Access here) to discuss the current situation that is unfolding. Due to Ulman's meddling, Rutherford's movements have been extremely limited. Police under Ulman's command are constantly 'guarding' him making it hard to formerly seize power, and as long as he is not in the Archbishop's office, he cannot actually do away with the biggest threat to his dwindling chance at a coup: the Bishop Council. As long as the Council remains there, they have every ability to elect a new Archbishop and slam the door on Rutherford.

The populace supports Father Maximallian von Calthmen, however since the population has absolutely no effect on the voting in the country their opinion is generally discarded. The Population does support Rutherford more then Ulman however, since Rutherford is a man of the cloth and Ulman is not.

The Government is still paralyzed at this point in time, but any effect from it has yet to be seen as life continues as normal. The usually non-Apathetic Citizens of TOC are very apathetic to this problem since they feel they can't change or prevent it in any way.

OOC

Theocracies, aren't they lovely 8)

IC

The government of Jeruselem sends it's concerns over the power vacuum in The Opressive Church. We feel a peaceful resolution to this conflict between so-called "Men of God" should not involve acts of unholy power plays to gain the upper hand. The government of the TOC is a mandate from God to guide the people of TOC to serve the good of God and is not a mandate from God to seek excessive personal gain.

God bless

Lord General the Baron Pyoter Karzanov checked his communications box. "This is an interesting turn of events..." He spun arround, and activated his private communications with the other garrison leaders. "This is The Lord General of the Imperial Legion Garrison in The Oppressive Church. Your orders are to enter, and seize temporary control over all cities and towns, to lower the risk of anarchy."

He checked out his numbers, and nodded as he saw that he could easily, oh so easily, take permanent control of this nation. Squashing that idea, he flicked open the communicator directly to his subordinates in the capital garrison. "This is your commanding officer. I want the men from my garrison to immediately go to the capital building, and bring me Father Maximallian von Calthmen, Father Zachary Rutherford and Mr. Quentin Ulman. Remember, you are under no circumstances to interfere with or injure civilians, however if their personal security forces interfere you are to take no prisoners. I also wish you to bring me the Cardinal's private secretary."

He leaned back, and pondered his options. If this country fell into anarchy, the Legions would need to withdraw from the Indian Ocean... he blinked. Of course... He switched open a communication with the ship currently in the harbour... the SID (Ship of the Imperial Diadem) Ruthless. "Commodore... I want you to close the port, and contact your fleet. Tell them that this entire nation's borders are to be sealed, for TOC's protection, until there is a single government in power. Or, failing a local moderate government, I will send for a Military Governor, and The Oppressive Church will become a protectorate of the Divine Empire of Novar Ohan." Pyoter did not like the idea of doing that, and he knew that the Prime Minister and the Kaiserine would like it even less...

"Aye aye, mein General. Commodore Zuzen out."

"Yes, well, the Roanians have yet to reply..." Mr. Ulman paced his office talking to his aide. It was evening and the sky was red, orange and pink. It was a mild heat, with a small cloud cover, normal whether on a seemingly normal day. "I think we should act and just imprison Rutherford as quickly as possible instead of waiting for General Karzanov to react... Who knows, Rutherford may have contacted him and he's..."

"Sir, a Roanian Military Officer is here to speak with you..." Said his secretary through the intercom.

"I'll see him in a minute."

"Um, he can't wait sir..."

Two Roanian Military Men forced the door open.

"Mr. Quentin Ulman?" The Officer said approaching his desk.

Quentin stopped his pacing and glared at the officer "Yes... What is the meaning of this?"

"Please come with me sir"

Quentin sneered at him. "If this is about General Karzanov's reply to my message to him I would rather receive it here then be carted off someplace."

"Come with me sir, either willfully or I'll have my guards force you."

With that Quentin simply put on his hat and started walking towards the door. Stopping by his shocked aide he whispered "If this is some sort of Roanian trick to gain control of this country - again - get in contact with Father Joseph Hildermen in a tiny chapel on Spiral Drive, he may know what to do..." With that Quentin walked out the door with the Roanian guards to God knows what fate.


~~

Father Zachary Rutherford stepped out of his quaint home's front door, he went to lock it, but stopped when he realized the security officers guarding his home had their weapons pointed towards the street.

"Father Rutherford?" A voice with a Roanian accent said from behind him.

"Yes?" Rutherford turned around expecting to see an attaché of General Karzanov to give him the word that Roania was to support him. Instead he saw that the Security Guards were pointing their weapons at a Roanian Officer who had several Military Guards with him. "Can I help you?"

"Come with us please."

"Father Rutherford is not subject to Roanian Will, thank you" Said one of Rutherford's Security Guards - which were working for Ulman as we know, but were supposed to guard Rutherford anyway.

"I say again, come with his please. And you two, discard your weapons."

The other Security Guard took a step forward. "This is not your country, and you have no right to order our citizens around!" Rutherford turned his front door's knob and prepare to step back inside his house.

"This is your last chance to come along peacefully."

"I am a man of the cloth, and a citizen of The Opressive Church. The Military of a foreign Nation cannot dictate my actions. If General Karzanov has sent word you may tell me it here, but I refuse to leave with you." Rutherford gave the Roanian Officer a patronizing look.

"Your choice, father. Seize him." He motioned to his Guards.

"I will not let you seize Father Rutherford! That violates your rights of Military Access to this nation!" One of the TOC Security Officers Jumped in front of Rutherford.

Rutherford pushed his door open and flew inside slamming it shut and locking it. He heard three shots, the two TOC Security Officers were dead, as was one of the Roanian Guards. Rutherford rushed through his home to his back door. His hands were quivering as he fiddled locks. The door finally opened and he ran through it hearing a crashing noise which could only be his front door being broken down. Slamming the back door behind him he ran through the back yard to the gate in the fence between his property and the one behind it. Rushing through it and through the yard of the other house he came out on the street on the other side. Being 68 Rutherford was already exhausted. He heard the Roanians coming up behind him. He tried running across the street but Roanian Guards grabbed his arms stopping him.

"Come with us now, Father Rutherford..." He was escorted back to the SUVs the guards came in. They were marked with large red R-TOC-G on the side. It meant Roanian TOC Garrison. Rutherford looked at it and could only imagine what the Roanians could be doing as he was shuffled into the back seat of one of the SUV's. He figured they were going to take over the country by seizing all essential Government personnel...


~~

"Hello, I'm Laura Trent, Reporting for Satellite Heaven International News, SHIN, the official TOC Media Company. I'm here live in the Lobby of the Bishop's Council Building. The Council has not yet adjourned from an all day session where they heard from everyone who wished to be Archbishop. Reportedly, more of the Council are supporting Father Maximallian von Calthmen for Archbishop after an outstanding speech he made to the council. The session will soon end, but we probably wont have an Archbishop. Only 35% of the Council supports Calthmen, an improvement, but certainty not enough to elect him to office. SHIN will continue to report from here live until an Archbishop is chosen. In other news, the Cardinal came out of a 2 week coma today, uttering several words in Latin before falling into another Coma. Doctors say the Cardinal's condition is worsening, however they refuse to admit any foreseeable death date..."

The Roanian Guards came through the doors into the marble lobby, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and stare.

"And it appears that several Roanian Military Personnel have entered the building..." The News caster instantly caused the Roanian Military Officer to take a step back.

"Excuse me, sir..." A TOC Security Officer approached the Roanian Officer. "Can I help you?"

"We're here to see Father Maximallian von Calthmen..."

"He's busy currently, if you leave with me what this is pertaining to, I can consult with Father von Calthmen and he can contact your Ambassador."

"We have to see him now..." The Officer was a bit uneasy as to what to do. Live News Camera's were on him, he couldn't very well haul von Calthmen out now.

(I'll let you handle that situation Roania)


~~

Several Military Personnel of Roania came through the doors of the Cardinal's home. "Stop right there! How dare you burst in here when his grace is dying! What business do you have here!" Yelled a nurse of the Cardinal.

"We're here to see the Cardinal's Secretary."

"He is busy! Now get out of here!"

"Hold on..." Someone said from the other room. Coming into the room, the Personal Secretary of the Cardinal, Seth Berner, looked at the men cautiously. "What is your business with me?"

"We request you come with us, sir."

"I cannot leave the Cardinal's side..." Seth looked at the Guard's weapons and gathered that he was going to leave he, willfully or not. "I... I will however come with you briefly, as long as I can return here soon... Will it take long?"

"It might."

"All right..." The Secretary wearily left with the guards.

General Karzanov stared out the window as he saw Imperial Flags raised over sections of the city, showing where his garrisons had re-established order.

The map of the country, too, was rapidly being re-painted in Imperial Colours as his garrisons put down rival politicking and restored civil services to their position before the death of the Archbishop. He pondered his options, then he nodded curtly. "Inform the Cardinal's private secretary that after I dismiss him, he will have 3 hours to either send the Cardinal to his grave, or return him to lucidity and consciousness. I have no time to wait for a dying head of state to ratify the man *I* will choose to be Archbishop."

"Sir, we have Mr. Ulman and Father Rutherford in protective custody. His Lordship, the Secretary, is waiting outside. He's having a bit of a snit, it seems."

"Send him in... I'll see him myself and explain my position." The General turned to another man. "You. Get men in each city to find out from the population who they feel should be 'Archbishop'. At least displaying the effort will please the people back home." He closed his eyes, and turned on the news... "In the name of all things sacred..." he muttered, as he saw the drama.

=============

The Captain blinked. "Well... you see, we want to get him to safety... there are factions in this government that could wish him harm, and we need to ensure a quick accession of power by the Archbishop as soon as possible."

More Legionnares marched inside the room, weapons plainly ready to be used at a moment's notice. The captain looked at the local guards, who were now incredibly outgunned. "Go and inform him that his presence is desired by Lord General the Baron Pyoter Karzanov, Commander of the Garrison of the Divine Empire of Novar Ohan, and that he should come with us immediately..." the legionnares provided the unspoken subtext of, 'or else we'll take him by force.'

A Commisar stepped inside, and looked around. "Someone, turn off that camera!"

================

The 2nd Fleet was moving rapidly towards TOC, easily brushing aside any resistance the local navy could have offered. Admiral Darlan checked his map, checking to see if he could make an effective, and thus legal, blockade.

OOC

Not again Roania :wink:

OOC: I see the future... The History of TOC: Political Crisis = Roanian Occupation Oh wait, that's not the future, that's now... Now, which person do you want to come see Karzanov in his office? Rutherford? Berner, Ulman? I wasn't clear on that...

IC:

"Apparently, the Roanians think that there actually is a government coup going on or something, and have taken it as their responsibility to take the possible Archbishop into custody for his safety." The Reporter rolled her eyes as she finished the sentence. "And I believe they are also trying to shut off our Camera's..." She glared at the Roanian Guards harassing her Camera man. "Turn us off and the world will see Roanians! We operate our own Satellite!" She smirked at the Roanian Officer in Command.

"Get this on the air Internationally! Send it to all the news agencies from Toronto to Tokyo! I want this blown up into Roanian Brutality and a Military Occupation attempt! Quick!" Bellowed the head of Broadcasting at SHIN HQ.

Meanwhile the a man approached the podium of the Council and cleared his throat. "I am sorry to interrupt your debating, but Roanian Military Officers have taken it in their hands to 'restore TOC to order'. Several dozen of the Roanian Garrison are in the lobby at this moment demanding Father von Calthmen come with them for 'safety'. Their intentions are unknown, but I think we should trust them minimally considering they had every chance to completely assimilate this country in the past, and have had that ability to do so at nearly any time since we've allowed them military access. Father von Calthmen, it is up to you whether or not you wish to go with them. They have not made any demands on or about shutting down the Council, or really any part of the government..."

The Council members sat quiet for a moment just various sighs and someone jokingly saying "It's déjà vu all over again."

"I shall go with them I suppose..." The elderly 76 year old von Calthmen stood up. "They cannot control a nation of almost 1.230 billion, and I do not want to be hostile or convey the message to the people that they are actually occupying us... Although in all aspects it appears like that, best to avoid bloodshed unless absolutely necessary..." Father von Calthmen moved to the door. "I suggest, however, that this council should quickly get in contact with some influential leaders abroad before the Roanians cut our communications, which they just might do..." He left the room.

"It appears Father von Calthmen is approaching the Roanian Guards, and will go with them..." The Reporter continued to report.

Father von Calthmen saw them and then moved towards them. "God loving citizens of TOC... I urge you to cooperate for now with the Roanians... At this time it appears they might actually have our best interests at heart..." General Karzanov smiled as he watched this, von Calthmen continued "However, should they actually violate our sovereignty, your future and your best interests should be taken into your own hands... God bless..." von Calthmen stepped away towards the Roanian Guards. General Karzanov sneered at the television now.

Karzanov looked up, and shouted, "Damn it, Captain! I told you to send the Secretary inside! And where are those votes by the population I had asked for? You haven't sent the men out? Do it before I kill you!" He roared, before turning the telivision off.

===========

Calthman was taken to a waiting armored car. "Be careful, sir... watch your step." The machine soon drove off to the garrison.

==========

The apathetic people of TOC were given a rude shock when Imperial Soldiers knocked on every door, carrying clipboards, and asking who the occupants felt should be the next Archbishop.

==========

Before the SHIN people could do that, Imperial Soldiers entered and shut the entire building down. "For your own safety, foriegn nations are to be kept unaware of the chaos in this nation. Failure to comply with our regulations will be... unfortunate. I advise you, however, to send someone with me to film... something interesting."

"Like what?" One of the cameramen said.

"The trial of Father Rutherford for the assassination of the former Archbishop."

============

Rutherford was placed very simply into the witness box of the Imperial Military Tribunal room. The local Military Judge looked down his nose, and said, "Father Zachary Rutherford, you stand charged with two accounts of murder in the first degree, one count of conspiracy to cause an affray, one count of resisting justice, and one count of High Treason. How do you plead?"

The lawyer provided for Rutherford by Karzanov looked up. "Objection on the grounds that this isn't Imperial Soil!"

"Overruled." The judge said, watching the churchman carefully. "How do you plead?"

Outside, an MP explained carefully to Ullman that they had recieved his note, and that they agreed with him on the threat. "Master Ulman, your testimony may be called upon... will you grant it?"

Secretary Seth Berner wearily approached the Roanian General as he was escorted into his office. He cleared his throat as he reached the desk of Karzanov and looked down at the General slumping comfortably in his over sized chair. "What are your intentions...? I can only imagine considering your sending guards out and forcing people to come with you. And I saw several Roanian Flags hanging at various places and Military Checkpoints all over this entire city! This isn't your country!" He slammed his fists down on the desk.


~~


Calthmen thought to himself as the car drove along slowly If I am in custody I can only assume Rutherford and Ulman are as well... I wonder if the Roanians will be clever enough to figure out the true conspiracy... They'll probably just hang whoever can be the biggest scape goat - Rutherford... Father von Calthmen smirked.


~~


OOC: (The people of TOC are actually not Apathetic, they just are when it comes to their own Government because it doesn't allow them to participate in it)

IC:

Riiiiiiing.... Riiiiiing.... The Door bell rang on Father Joseph Hildermen's home on Spiral Drive. "Yes...?" He opened the door with a smile but then a look of contempt came over his face as he saw two men in Roanian Military Uniforms.

"Hello, we'll make this quick. We wished to know who you would like to see as the next Archbishop of TOC?"

"Next Archbishop? Why are Roanian Soldiers conducting a poll like that?"

"Just answer our question quickly, please."

"I suppose that the best candidate would be... Oh, hello!" Joseph Hildermen waves at someone behind the Soldiers.

The aide of Mr. Ulman froze as he came up behind the soldiers. "Hello..." He looked the soldiers up and down and saw one had a clipboard that had a list of addresses and next to them names of people like Rutherford, von Calthmen and various other religious higher-ups who had been wanting the Archbishop's Office. "Um, Father Joseph Hildermen?"

"Yes, and you are?"

"Excuse us, but please answer our question Mr. Hildermen!" The Soldier scowled.

"Father..." Hildermen sighed. "FATHER Hildermen, if you would be so kind."

"Whatever... FATHER Hildermen, would you please answer our question!?" The Soldier became impatient.

"What was the question again?"

The Roanian Soldier stamped his foot and grit his teeth then mumbled curse words under his breathe. "The next Archbishop of TOC! You..."

"Oh, no need to shout, it's just a simple question... Goodness, kids these days, so impatient, running around, no time for chit chat... My word what has the world come too..." The Soldier's eye started to twitch, Hildermen almost started to crack up laughing but contained himself and finally answered "Father von Calthmen of course. He's obviously the best candidate... If you would have been a bit more patient you could have saved us all a lot of time you know, remember that next time. And write home to your parents in Roania, you know kids today they never sit down and write but parents would love to hear from their kids more often and writing an old fashioned letter shows that your can take that extra step to contact them... And also remember..." Hildermen kept rambling until the Soldiers finally marched off to the next house and out of ear shot. "Come in quickly, you're Ulman's aide, correct?"

"Yes, how did you know?" The aide asked.

"Nevermind that, tell me what has happened to Ulman!"

The aide told Hildermen of the Roanian Soldiers and everything else that he knew so far. Hildermen told the aide to rush home and stay there and not do anything, he'd take care of things...


~~

Ulman agreed to testify.

A Camera was set up in the court room, although the Cameraman was reluctant. He continued to protest "You don't execute people of the cloth in this country! And you certainty don't record it!"

"I must object!" Rutherford's lawyer said again. "You're a military judge and this trial is being conducted under Roanian Military Court Marshal regulations. Father Rutherford is not subject to Roanian Justice for he is a citizen of TOC! And furthermore, there is no evidence to support any of the counts he is being accused of!"

The Judge glared at the lawyer. "I'll presume that to be a plea of not guilty... Lieutenant Hargraves, if you will be so kind...?" The prosecutor nodded, and stood up. "Father Rutherford, do you deny that you were the last person to speak to the Archbishop before he died?" Not waiting for an answer, he swooped forward, his greatcoat flapping behind him. "And do you also deny that you were acting in a conspiracy? A conspiracy to make yourself next Archbishop?"

The counsel for the defense looked up. "Objection!"

Hargraves raised a hand. "Withdrawn. My first question, if you please, Father Rutherford."

=============

Karzanov checked the results coming in. "Right... it seems the majority of the population supports Calthmen..." he turned about, and glared menacingly at the hands of Berner until the man stepped back, as if the desk had grown red-hot. "My intentions? My intentions are to put this nation back on the proper course, and to do that... I have ordered my men to restore order."

He placed a sheet of paper on the desk, and passed it towards Seth. "Did you know that 75% of your population supports Father Calthmen as your next archbishop? I doubt it." He stood up, and faced out the window. "You are present at a great event... the first popularly elected Archbishop in the history of TOC. Only the people don't know that yet." He seemed elated. "We're making history, you and I... all that's needed is the signature of the Cardinal, and I'll be able to present this to the Prime Minister and Kaiserin as a great moral victory!" He turned, and smiled benevolently at the secretary. "And that's where you come in... tell me, how is the Cardinal? Is there any chance he'll recover any time soon?"

==============

The armoured car arrived at the garrison, and Calthmen was released. An honour guard surrounded him. "Tell me, Father Calthmen... have you lunched yet?" The captain asked, dismissing the drivers. "Baron Karzanov wishes to see you, but he'll wait for you to have lunch."

One of the guards mumbled, "wouldn't do to have the next Archbishop starve, would it?" The captain drew a pistol, and shot the man in the foot.

"Legionnare Shosky, take Legionnare Coolenov to the ME room. Legionnare Coolenov, continue to spread rumours and I will immediately hand you over to the Commisars."

The luckless man was taken to MEdical, and the honour guard stood at attention while the Captain studied Calthmen.

"I believe I was the last one to speak with the Archbishop." Rutherford sneered at the prosecutor "However, there were several minutes between my meeting with him and his speech. Also, the office and the Press Room are on different sides of the Archbishop's Residency. Any number of people could have talked to him in his last minutes!"


~~


"His grace has been in a stable condition for over a month now, although the majority of that time he has been in a coma..." Berner sat down in a chair and started fidgeting uncomfortably. He did not like this situation.


~~


"No, I have not had Lunch yet... However, I would hardly be selfish enough to hold up these increasingly troubling events for a meal. Therefor I shall refuse your kind offer..." Calthmen looked at the man being taken away, his foot dripping blood as he went. "I do hope you go to confession often, Captain."

Calthmen thought as the Captain circled around him. This is Ulman's fault for getting greedy at the last minute... If he had stuck with the plan and not tried to control Rutherford we wouldn't be in this mess...

OOC: bump and a tag, as I'm in a good mood

OOC: Hope you all don't mind if I jump in here...

***
Debate has begun to swirl around the Cabinet of the Coowame government. Troubled by news reports of a power struggle in TOC, there is talk of offering assistance in stabilizing the environment by announcing a political endorse of the next Archbishop.

The prosecutor made some brief notes. "Thank you. Now, Father Rutherford... you were the Foriegn Minister of TOC, were you not?" The Lieutenant showed no signs of emotions.

============

Karzanov shook his head. "I see... tell me, can anyone besides him name the new Archbishop?"

============

"Right this way, father..." The captain pointed to a stairway. "The General wants to speak to you about the death of your predescessor..."

The prosecutor made some brief notes. "Thank you. Now, Father Rutherford... you were the Foriegn Minister of TOC, were you not?" The Lieutenant showed no signs of emotions.

============

Karzanov shook his head. "I see... tell me, can anyone besides him name the new Archbishop?"

============

"Right this way, father..." The captain pointed to a stairway. "The General wants to speak to you about the death of your predescessor..."

"I am the Foreign Minister of TOC... In the absence of an Archbishop, the Cabinet has remained operational... That's the way it works: One Archbishop dies, and his old Cabinet continue to run things as normal until a new Archbishop is chosen... It just never took longer then 2 days to choose an Archbishop before, and that is what caused the problems of this transition!"


~~


"No... No one... The Council chooses the Archbishop, but he has to approve it..."


~~


"Predecessor? As to whom do you speak? The person who held my seat in the Council before me? Why, he did not die... Or do you mean something else, captain?" Calthmen smiled naively and started to walk towards the stairs.

*Clears throat* Roania...? :?

"Father Rutherford... we know you were acting with a conspiracy. Continuing to protect your co-conspirators will only harm The Oppressive Church... as Foriegn Minister, you had a position of influence. We will offer you your freedom if you provide us with names."

============

Karzanov smiled. "As I thought... or rather, he used to. You see, the previous Archbishop's attempt to declare war on another nation worried the Empire... our ports here are too important to lose them defending you. Thus, from this point on... *I* am Kingmaker. I decide if you declare war or if you don't. If the Oppressive Church quiets down, and becomes orderly, then I might return that power to you... don't hold your breath for that, though. Quite frankly, the Kaiserin finds this whole mess rather irksome." He leaned forward, and smiled menacingly.

"There will be no negotiation. Already your borders and lines of communication are being closed, pending the final results of our popular election for the position of Archbishop." He checked down a list. "And... it appears that the majority of the people back on Novar Ohan support TOC becoming an Imperial Protectorate... I'd like to disappoint them, though. My orders from the Kaiserin were fairly loosely worded, and those from the First Marshal scarcely less so. Thus, I propose an alliance between the two of us..."

OOC: And... I'll let you decide the final results of the election for Archbishop.
=============

"Conspiracy? How in the world did you come up with that idea?" Rutherford gave a half hearted laugh.

~~

"An alliance, what do you mean...?" Berner gulped.

~~

Father Joseph Hildermen stepped outside of his house, locking the door quickly. He ran around to his side garage and threw his luggage into the trunk of his car. "To hell if I'm going down with those fools!" He got into the drivers seat and started the ignition. "Hopefully the border isn't totally closed yet..." He opened up a road map. "If I take the Saint's Highway south along the Saint Elizabeth River to Saint Paul, then go west along the old Anderton Highway... Then go north along the Anderton Mountain's backroads, I can cross the border at the George Pass in about 6 hours... That's very mountainous territory and it's in the center of the country, hopefully the Roanians will have trouble cutting it off quickly enough..." He folded up the map and pulled out of his driveway, down the street, and towards the highway.

OOC: Don't arrest Hildermen unless I RP it... He doesn't have to leave the country, but just don't arrest him yet... And the next Archbishop I want to be Calthmen, of course :lol:

~~

Father William Feroff, Ambassador of TOC to the Divine Empire of Roania stormed up to the Roanian Foreign Minister's secretary. "Where is that... Where's the foreign minister!? I demand an audience with her majesty! You people are behind this, I know it!"

"Behind what, Ambassador? What are you talking about" The Secretary took a step back from the red face man on a rampage.

"I can't contact TOC! I know Roania is behind this! Get me that slimy politician you call a Foreign Minister, now!"

Duke Simon Darquis II came out. "Mr. Ambassador, be silent, or I will have you shot. I have in my hands an order from Prime Minister Cartwright revoking your ambassadorial status. Take a seat, I'll talk to you when I have a spare moment."

============

Aguan Marines prepared to storm the TOC embassy. The commander waited for the Imperial Legion to contact them with Karzanov's completion of his orders.

===========

Karzanov nodded. "Yes. Mr. Secretary, an alliance between you and I. I don't want to take away TOC's independence anymore than you want it taken away."

===========

The prosecutor shook his head. "Your Honour, permission to show him the telephone records of conversations between him and the persons known as Mr. Ulthmen, and another priest..."

The defendant looked up. "Objection! Stolen evidence!"

"Sidebar, your honour?"

The judge nodded. The two military lawyers went up, and started a hushed conversation.

Ambassador Feroff stormed off ranting on about Roanian Idiocy.

At the Embassy Feroff's Secretary was approached by a TOC Security Officer. "It has occurred to us the Aguan Marines are surrounding the Embassy property, sir."

"Have all important paperwork burned, immediately... I'll see if I can get in contact with Ambassador Feroff, and I'll start burning his paperwork..."

"Yes sir!" the Security Officer saluted and walked off.

"What could the Roanians be doing...?" The Secretary walked into the Ambassador's office and started rummaging through his file cabinet burning files that were confidential to the TOC Government. After some time the Secretary looked up. "Where's his briefcase, he always keeps it on his file cabinet..." He went over to the desk and looked in the drawers which were normally filled with just notes on foreign affairs. He came upon the briefcase in the bottom drawer and opened it. He shuffled through the top pages and then saw something interesting:

[code:1:caa9b7c663]Archbishop Office Communication Record, May 1st.[/code:1:caa9b7c663]

"The day the Archbishop died...?"

[code:1:caa9b7c663]8:30 AM, Archbishop receives TOC Ambassador from Roania on Roanian Fascist Party problems.

10:30 AM, Archbishop receives Mr. Ulman on Military Situation and the ability of TOC to throw Roania off TOC soil.

12:00 Noon, Archbishop receives Foreign Minister on Roanian Inquisition being disbanded. Makes final preparations for Declaration of War upon Roania.

12:04 PM, Archbishop leaves office to formally declare war on Roania.

12:17 PM, Archbishop starts Speech...[/code:1:caa9b7c663]

The Secretary dropped the piece of paper. "Why does Ambassador Feroff have this!? The Archbishop was going to declare war!? Ee were never even alerted!" He read another piece of paper.

[code:1:caa9b7c663]Message Received from Father Maximillian von Calthmen, 11:00 PM April 30th. Forwarded to Rutherford's office 6:00 AM May 1st.

He's delivering the declaration tomorrow, do it before then.
Have Feroff take the records back with him to Roania ASAP.
I want no record of this in the country, Roania will think nothing of the records.[/code:1:caa9b7c663]

The Secretary stepped back shaking. "Rutherford? Calthmen? Ambassador Feroff!?"

"Sir...?" A Security Officer approached him. "The, um... Why are you shaking?"

"That doesn't matter, what is wrong?"

"We believe the Roanians are about to make their move, sir..."

"Thank you... Quickly, keep burning records, go!"

"Sir!" The Security Officer ran off.

"I can't let them find this until I find out what's actually happening in TOC!" He put the papers back in the briefcase and secured it in a secret compartment hidden in the back of the Ambassador's large leather chair. "Hopefully they wont find it..."

~~

"What would be the purpose of this alliance General Karzanov?"

~~

"Telephone records!? Hah! If there was this so-called 'conspiracy' you state, I think I would be a little more clever then to use the telephone! But I reiterate, there is no conspiracy!" Rutherford snorted. Ulman and Calthmen may have started to distrust me, but if I confess, the country will be ripe for Roania to annex...

~~

Hildermen was driving along, avoiding the Roanian military checkpoints as best he could, but the checkpoints were on every entry route onto the highway. "Darn it all!" Hildermen approached a checkpoint onto the highway. "They shouldn't know who I am, yet..." He pulled up to it and stopped. "Hello!" He gave a smile at the Roanian Guard.

"What is your name, what is your business, and where are you traveling?" He asked as he leaned over to the car window.

"Father Drassen, I was here in Saint Paul's to see the Archbishop's Funeral, and now I'm heading home to my country estate in the Anderton Mountains."

OOC: If your guards find out it's Hildermen, he'll punch the gas and go, whichever way he can. Or you can not find out who he is yet...

OOC: (TOC called me on the phone - we know each other IRL - and said that Roania was occupying the country, again. As TOC's only land neighbor, he asked me to be resurrected for the sake of RP! So, here I am...)

IC:

The Your Nickname border patrol on the Vanta Ana Highway - one of two major highways between the country and TOC - changed post at 7:00 AM. Immigration wasn't a problem, and the patrols were lax since nations allowed citizens of each other to travel back and fourth with a very easily obtained visa. As the new shift came on the TOC Guard on the other side waved and greeted the Your Nickname guard. "Hello David!" He yelled over the 10 yards between the small guard post buildings.

"Hey Bill..."

"Oh, have you heard anything from TOC?" Bill said.

"TOC? Shouldn't you know better then me, it's your country!" He laughed.

"Well, the phone lines seem to be down. Haven't heard anything, and the night shift never showed up last night. I was here all night!"

"You're kidding? I'll try my line into the country to the Your Nickname Embassy, see if it's functioning. Meanwhile, you need any coffee!?"

"No thanks!"

"Okay, be right back!" David went inside the Your Nickname post building and phoned the Embassy. "Odd, the connection is down... I'll try the Capitol, see if they know what's going on..." He dialed the Your Nickname Patrol HQ. "Can I speak with someone who knows what's happening in TOC? This is Patrolmen #714... Thank you... What do you mean the country's entire communications have been cut off? What's happening? Some brief reports of Roanians just before the communications were cut? That's strange... Yes, I'll alert you the moment I see anything suspicious. Good-bye."

David walked out of the building and started to talk "Bill, the Capitol says the whole country's been..." but then he looked across the field to see several Roanian Military men and Bill being taken away. "What do you think you're doing there!" He yelled to the Roanians. They looked at him annoyed. "I hope you know I'm alerting the Your Nickname Government! Your country will be exposed as the evil occupiers you are!" He went inside the building and headed for the phone.

The Prosecutor looked over at Rutherford. "Mr. Rutherford, we have enough information to convict you without a trial. Reveal the conspiracy, or else we have no choice but to declare TOC an Imperial Protectorate."

The defendant looked up. "Guarantees, Lieutenant!"

"Oh... well, TOC will still need a Foriegn Minister if we decide to allow it to retain its independence... and if not, well... we'll always need an Archbishop."

========

Karzanov looked at the Secretary, and spoke as if to a rather dim child. "Yes. You tell me everything about Calthmen and Ulmen and the other people who can be archbishop. I arrest the bad people. Then, I allow TOC to retain its independence."

=======

"Father Drassen, we're sorry. This border is closed. You need express permission from the Council or from General Karzanov." He looked up the records. "Wait... there's no record of a Father Drassen..."

"Bribery! Hmph!" Rutherford crossed his arms. If I don't tell them will they really annex TOC...?

~~

"Very well..." Berner sighed. "Ulman is not in the clergy, and he's a militaristic self-ambitious man... he's the only man in the late Archbishop's cabinet not in the clergy. Rumor has it he got there through bribery and murder, but it's all rumor..." Berner went to the window. The light shower that always started to dampen TOC in the midday started to come down. "Rutherford is another man made by his own will... He got the Foreign Ministers position originally be being a very outstanding figure in the Medical Corps... After he got the Foreign Minister, though, the Archbishop wanted to dismiss him, but since the Foreign Minister is in direct command of the Ambassadors, Rutherford could threaten the entire Foreign staff going on strike... He basically black mailed his own government to stay in power..."

Berner sighed and walked back over to a chair. "Calthmen... Father Maximillian von Calthmen was born conniving... When studying as an acolyte, he actually framed his fellow acolytes for pranks he committed so as to advance ahead of them... I know, because the Cardinal went to school with Calthmen... Oh how he loathed him... Calthmen supposedly got his seat on the council by creating a scandal around the person who held his seat before, involving drug smuggling..."

"How the worse elements of the government are all caught up in one huge web of strange events, is odd..."

~~

"Check again, Father Drassen is most certainly on the list!"

"I don't see..."

The car's back tires spun and then the car took off. The Roanian Guard was knocked over and the barricade smashed through.

"Hey! Stop him!"

The car sped off down the Anderton highway towards the Your Nickname Border.

"General Karzanov, he's not cooperating." The report flashed on his laptop. The general bowed his apologies, and then flicked a speaker to the Trial Room.

But, not to anywhere else... in what was the biggest bluff of his career. Rutherford heard, clearly...

This is Lord General the Baron Pyoter Karzanov. Under my orders, unless Father Rutherford assists us in our inquiries, the entire nation of TOC is now under martial law.

He switched the speaker off. "Pray, for your nation's sake, that Rutherford breaks and confesses. I can bend my orders... I won't disobey them."

==============

The judge shook his head. "I'd estimate you have five minutes, Father."

==============

The Legionnares leapt into their armoured cars and gave chase. One of them called in an airstrike to destroy the bridge.

A slip of paper was slipped on PM Yun Ren's desk. She picked up, then looked up to her SecWar.

YR: So Roania is making a move on a church?
SecWar: Your Honour- It's a country called The Oppressive Church
YR: ...and there's no protest against it?
SecWar: Their neighbors, yeah-
YR: Who are?

(SecWar consults some papers)

SecWar: Your Nickname.
YR: That's a country?
SecWar: Apparently...<shrugs>
YR: Hmmm....Tell SecForce to keep a watch on it to see if anything comes out of it...
SecWar: Will do.
YR: Now....what about the ANL?
SecWar: Well....

"I want to consult the holy leader of TOC before I say anything. And since the Cardinal is unconscious, I'll settle for Father Maximillian von Calthmen!" Rutherford gulped. I hope they let me... Calthmen will know what to do...

~~

Hildermen raced towards the bridge over the Saint Elizabeth River. The nearest air field was Archbishop International about 7 miles North on the other side of the city of Saint Paul's. However, the Roanian Air Force probably hadn't started using it yet, and so the closest Military Air Strip was the Roanian Garrison one 24 miles North.

His Sedan was doing 120 and the Roanian cars were still fastly approaching...

~~

"What are your exact orders Karzanov?" Berner glared at him. "So far, all I know is you don't want to make TOC a Novar Ohan territory... Other then that, your intentions are unclear... Why did you suddenly bring it upon yourself to take over TOC anyway?"

~~

Father Calthmen had been sitting there for over a half an hour now. "Is there something more important the General is attending to? Just let me bother him when he has a second to decide the entire fate of this country... Patience is a virtue, but this isn't a simple protocol meeting I;m here for..."

OOC: Psst, no offense, but Roania cut our communications before we could alert anybody to what was happening, and as of yet Your Nickname's government hasn't been alerted either, the Border Patrol is about to - check 5 posts up. So, while your intentions are good, they can't really happen because at the moment all it looks like is TOC's communications all randomly went down...

"We're afraid we can't allow that to happen, Mr. Rutherford..." the judge said. "Father Calthmenn is engaged. However, we can allow you to meet with the Cardinal's Private Secretary. I warn you, though, that anything you say will be recorded, and possibly used as an admission of guilt."

The defense lawyer looked at Rutherford. "Father Rutherford, I strongly advise you to implicate your co-conspirators. You've already admitted you were part of a conspiracy."

===========

Karzanov sighed. "My orders were to take full control of this country whenever it looked like Imperial Interests were in danger," he said. "I'm happy with the old status quo, but now... tell me, Father Berner. Would you say that Calthmenn would make a good Archbishop, knowing what you do about him?" He looked at his clock. In 4 minutes he would have to give the real orders.

===========

"We're sorry, sir... we can't imagine what's taking him in his meeting with the Cardinal's Secretary."

==========

In a roar of fire and sound, the bridge vanished. A Thunderbird HighSpeed Bomber could be heard roaring over head, but that was all. Back in his office, Karzanov sighed. "I'll pay for the new bridge out of my own pocket..." he said to the secretary.

===========

Simon was about to open the door and see the ambassador when IBIC Stormtroopers forced their way in. "Mr. Feroff, you are now under arrest in the name of Her Imperial Highness Kaiserin Malissa Black. You have the right to retain vital signs. Anything you say will be used against you in a court of justice."

"I will see Seth!" Rutherford smiled relieved.

"You know each other...?" The Defense lawyer looked at Rutherford.

"Oh, we've met before..." Rutherford's smile vanished.

~~

Berner's eyes were wide as he saw the smoke rising from the crumbled bridge. He was speechless for a moment. "Oh... Calthmen, a good Archbishop... Well, he's conniving but I suppose that could be good as a leader... Why does my opinion matter on this issue anyway General?"

~~

Calthmen started tapping his foot and gazed towards the General's door.

~~

Hildermen's face turned ghostly pale as his car came to a halt in front of the pillar of smoke rising from the center of the bridge which had collapsed into dozens of hulks of concrete and twisted metal beams. The rest of the bridge was slowly crumbling into the flowing water.

The armoured cars sped up behind Hilderman, Imperial Soldiers shouting angrily. A turret popped up, and pointed towards the priest. "Freeze!"

==================

Karzanov checked his speakers. "Okay, Rutherford wants to see you. Remember, we want his co-conspirators, and it would be in TOC's best interests to hand them to us. Otherwise..." he gestured out at the capital. "This beautiful city might go the way of that bridge." He sighed, and activated a speaker. "Father Rutherford, I'm sending him down to see you."

He looked up. "Send Calthmen in!"

===================

The Aguan Marines made their move, storming the embassy as soon as news came of Ambassador Ferrof's arrest. A loudspeaker called for the embassy guards to lay down their arms, and come out, carrying all documents.

OOC: (I feel Roania missed my last post... Anyway, to reiterate, resurrected for TOC's sake of RP, TOC's only land neighbor, ect.)

IC:
"Sir..." Field Marshal Votivy saluted President Why-Enn. The Cabinet was meeting with the President in his office, it was called to listen to the little information known about what was happening in TOC. "Our Border Patrol has reported Roania has sealed the borders of TOC."

"Their Embassy and Consulate here have corresponded saying they have no idea of what is happening. All conventional means of Communication are totally cut. The nation of TOC is entirely out of contact." Foreign Minister Carpint handed the message received from the TOC Embassy saying they feared the worse.

President Why-Enn put his head in his hands. "Roania again?" He sighed and removed his glasses. "Well, lets send a message to the Roanian Government Inquiring what is happening."

"I'll compose one immediately sir!" Minister Carpint nodded his head.

"And Mobilize the 3 Divisions near the border at Vindicated, Vanta Ana, and Georgetown and put them on alert. After the Roanians reply to our message, we'll decide what to do... Lets not put invasion past them, this may be blatant Imperialism, or possibly a simple misunderstanding. But most importantly, we should not underestimate them."

"Yes Sir!" Field Marshal Votivy saluted, the Cabinet ended it's Session.


Minister Carpint sent the message ASAP. It was a direct message as Your Nickname maintained no Embassy in Roania.
[code:1:4f7f3972e3]
To the Foreign Minister of Roania
From the Foreign Minister of the Your Nicknamese Government

Concerning: The possible Hostile actions of Roanian in The Opressive Church

Dear sir, it has occurred to us that our neighboring nation, The Opressive Church, has suddenly without warning been cut off from the world via conventionally means of communications. Reports show that your Government may be involved. What is happening in TOC is of Defensive concern to my Government and my country and so we are inquiring as to what is happening and your Government's role in this affair.

We are also warning you that until we receive your reply, we are taking your actions as hostile and possibly imperialistic and we have alerted our military to mobilize and prepare for defending Your Nickname in the event of an invasion from your Military Forces.

Although we are most certain this matter is not as significant as we are making it out to be. We respect the integrity of your nation and your government and for the time wish to believe you have everyone's best interests at heart, but until we can confirm this, we will be on full alert.

We hope to hear from you soon,
Most respectively yours,
Charles Carpint, Foreing Minister of Your Nickname.[/code:1:4f7f3972e3]

OOC: Sadly, Archduke Simon Darquis II is a very busy man, and he has no time to tell you that the Divine Imperium of Novar Ohan doesn't care what you do with your military, provided you don't interfere in TOC internal, or Imperial External, affairs. So, he's delegated his parliamentary under-minister to tell you, in diplomatic terms, that your interests have been noted, and that the Empire intends to go on doing what it had been doing.

IC:

[code:1:f5cef7ab33]TO: Foriegn Minister Charles Carpint of Your Nick-Name
FROM: Parliamentary Under-Minister Ivor Zarnosk, Imperial Ministry of Foriegn Affairs and Trade
RE: Situation in the The Theocracy of the Opressive Church

It is my duty to inform you that the Divine Imperium of Novar Ohan is taking those measures we feel neccessary in order to maintain order and the rule of law in the Theocracy. Interference will be met with harsh reprisals, and we remind you that if TOC should fall to internal anarchy, or into the hands of a dictatorship, then Your Nickname could be the first to suffer. Our internal garrison forces have, bearing that in mind, taken steps to secure the country and place a working government, responsible to the people, in place.

His Excellency, Prime Minister Cartwright, has authorised me to uncategorically assure you that the Divine Empire has the best interests of the people of TOC at heart. We sincerely hope this puts your mind at ease. The commanding officer of the Legion Garrison in TOC, the Lord General Baron Pyoter Karzanov, is one of our most humanitarian generals, and, we are sure, would be glad to put any fears you have at rest.

Blessings be upon you,
Ivor Zarnosk

The 8th year of the reign of Her Imperial Highness Malissa Lucille Black, bu the Grace of God Kaiserin of the Divine Imperium of Novar Ohan[/code:1:f5cef7ab33]

Hildermen sat in his car blankly starring thinking all the world he ever knew was gone now, he was doomed, this country was doomed...

~~

"Good day General..." Seth walked to the door. It opened and Calthmen stepped in, they flinched at each other and then Seth left the room.

"Hello General." Calthmen moved towards Karzanov's desk.

~~

The Ambassador's Secretary paced in his office. What is this with Calthmen? Why does Feroff have it? What is going on TOC? Why are the Roanians attacking us? Should I give them the records?

~~

Seth was escorted to a room which Rutherford was waiting in. "Seth!" he said greeting him. Seth nodded his head. "What has been going on?" Rutherford asked.

"The Roanians have taken over the country and are deciding who should be the next Archbishop or should they just annex TOC."

"Who are they considering? Have they seized everyone in the Government?"

"As far as I know, only Ulman, Calthmen, you and me... Probably others, I've only been in General Karzanov's office, I saw Calthmen and Ulman on my way here." Seth noticed there were no windows in the room, and a mirror on one wall. It was probably an interrogation room. "Karzanov asked me to get you to confess your coconspirators..."

Rutherford sighed. "I'm not in a conspiracy!" Rutherford's eyes shot over to the mirror, he didn't want to say anything, yet.

The soldiers reached the car. "Father, please step out of the car and put your hands on your head."

==========

A tank pushed through the embassy's doors. Aguan Marines quickly followed, weapons in hand. "The staff is under arrest in the name of Her Imperial Highness Malissa Black. Owing to your links with the assassin, Rutherford, you are all suspect in the death of the Archbishop of The Opressive Church."

The commanding officer coughed. "Your freedom may be purchased with any documents involving him and the late, great, Archbishop. Failure to comply is only putting yourself, and your nation, at risk."

=========

The defense lawyer ground his teeth angrily as he watched. "Damn it, sir, it's my job to defend my client's rights! I demand that he be released, you don't have a shred of evidence."

"Tell your client, after he is done meeting with the good father, that I'm prepared to allow him to suffer no punishment, if he provides us with the names of his co-conspirators. We *know* he had some."

========

An imperial medical team knocked politely on the door of the Cardinal's residence. "Excuse me, madame...we're here to examine His Eminence."

=========

Karzanov looked up at Calthmenn. "Please, sit down, Father."

Hildermen started to whisper a prayer "Yay though I walk through the valley of death..." As he switched his car into reverse slammed on the accelerator, the car hurtling towards a few soldiers...

~~

The Defense lawyer came into the interrogation room. "Father Rutherford... The soldiers say you'll go free if you confess who you were conspiring with."

"Hah!" Rutherford glared at the mirror. "Even if I were in a conspiracy, I wouldn't trust Roania's word! The last time a TOCer trusted a Roania, we were put under Imperial rule for nearly a year!"

Seth sighed and sat down in one of the uncomfortable metal folding chairs in the room.

~~

"I will not let you in here!" The nurse snapped at the team. "I wouldn't let slimy Roanians within 40 feet of his grace!" She slammed the door, and locked it "Hmph!" she clinched her fist and waved it. "The nerve!"

~~

Calthmen sat down. "So, Baron... or do you prefer General?"

The Roanians shot out the tires, before turning and diving for the ground. One of them was run over. The captain growled, and yelled at the priest, "You bastard! Men, take him into custody."

=========


The Defense Lawyer coughed. "Sir, recent evidence has come up...but I promise you, if you don't tell them what they want to hear, you'll be an imperial province permanently."

=========

There was louder knocking on the door, and several men pointed assault weapons through the windows. "We have our orders, madame... now, let us in, or you'll be charged with complicity."

========

Not receiving a response, the Marines spread out, weapons at ready. One of them growled, and reached into the furnace, burning his hand but taking a few of the papers out for future reference. "Where is the Ambassador's secretary?"

========

"Lord General, thank you..." Karzanov said, pulling out a cigar and starting to puff at it. "Father, I've been hearing many things about you, lately..."

Hilderman switched back into drive and stepped on the accelerator again, turning his car towards the Captain...

~~

"Oh, what evidence? There can't be any evidence if there wasn't any conspiracy!" Rutherford folded his arms, his nostrils flaring and gritting his teeth.

~~

"You dare to force entry into the residence of a dying Cardinal!? You're entire nation is full of heretics!" The nurse ran up the stairs just to the left of the door. She went into the room the Cardinal and his doctor were in, and locked the door.

~~

The Secretary's head jerked to the right as he heard doors burst open, and windows break downstairs. He looked at the chair. They probably wont find them there... He ran off down the hall, hoping to avoid the marines.

~~

"Oh? Well, don't believe everything you hear Lord General... Unless it's good!" Calthmen smiled. "So, what exactly is Roania doing...?"