NationStates Jolt Archive

Archbishop Vorn, Archbishop of Castle Dora, Spiritual adviser to King Doran Tor Asha, defender of the true faith and the holy mother took a final look at his homeland from the Castle Doria Royal Airport as he boarded the Suborbital plane that would take to Rome. Boarding along with him was Grand Inquisitor Bern of The Order of St Hern and Grand Master Marn of the Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi. They were all going to Rome for one reason, they were the leading Catholics of the Teritoran church and they were aiming to reestablish closer ties and improve the lack luster relationship between the Teritoran Catholic Church and Rome. He was rather nervous as he sat in his seat; he wasn’t sure what types of changes and demand Rome would make or even exactly what would happen, The only outside functions he had ever been out that didn’t involve internal Teritoran church affairs was the conference on A.I.s and their sentience and the Universal Church Council that had been called in that empire that he couldn’t remember the name of. He sighed and looked though the reports gathered from the church archives on Rome. At least he would be somewhat prepared when they arrived in Rome.

Grand Master Marn frowned, he was especially worried and he could see Grand Inquisitor Bern was as well. They were both part of highly respected religious orders, dating from the 13th century, within Teritora but neither of theirs was official recognized by Rome so they didn’t know how they would be received by Rome. However he know that this meeting was more important than that, he had sworn an holy oath to serve god, obey and defend the church and if his holiness ordered the disbandment of his order, he knew that rank and file would disband no matter how much anger it would create towards the Vatican and the pope within Teritora.

Bern watched Archbishop Vorn and the Grand Master Marn before looking at his papers listing the nature of his order. Marn carried similar papers; these papers would prove the difference of his order from such organizations as the feared Spanish inquisition and other infamous groups and his groups respectable in comparison. It could well save his order and get it official Vatican recognition. As he read on, the suborbital craft quickly took off on a course to Rome. One thing was for sure this would be a trip to remember no matter what came of it.

Cardinal Jean-Paul Renard looked up from the book he was studying. His secretary, Father Manuel Garcia, was standing in the doorway.

"Eminence, Archbishop Nataka is here."

"Eh...?" Renard had to readjust his concentration. "Ah, yes. The, um... Teritoran thing. Yes. Show him in."

The urbane Japanese Sostituo entered with a slight, respectful bow. There was little love lost between State and Doctrine.

"Your Eminence, I appreciate your graciousness in reviewing this matter."

"Not much to review," Renard said, letting his reading spectacles slide down his nose, and looking at Nataka over their tops. "Very little real information in the dossier."

It was a dig at Nataka, whose section was responsible for compiling such dossiers. The Sostituto smiled with urbane amiability. "Yes, alas. We are most remiss, and you have my personal apology." No one at all would have guessed the sour rage within from the inconsequential tone.

"Think nothing of it. We are all fallible." Renard savored the moment briefly, then attended to business. "Now, if I am reading your request correctly, you wish me to appoint a review panel to scrutinize the validity of the Teritoran Church doctrine and practice, yes?"

"In conjunction with someone from Cardinal Gordon's office, yes, Your Eminence." Gordan was the Cardinal Prefect for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

"I understand they're medievalists." Renard's tone was thin. He detested medievalist unorthodoxy only slightly less than liberal progressive unorthodoxy.

Nataka's face became more inscrutably Japanese than usual. "That would be the logical conclusion to draw from the nomenclature and institutions, your Eminence. Of course, such can be deceptive. And they appear to be most sincerely anxious to regularize their relations with the Church. Since when have we allowed anachronistic names to deter us from embracing those who would sincerely strive for union?"

Renard's eyes narrowed. "Since we renounced Inquisitorial traditions more than two hundred years ago, for one thing. That accursed word has been responsible for more anti-Catholic violence, bigotry, and hatred than any actual practice or doctrine of the Church in five hundred years. It is still a major obstacle to our evangelization efforts, and you of all people should know the damage it does to us in the arena of international relations."

Nataka smiled. "What's in a name, after all? If they are truly desirous of regularizing their relationship with the Church, they will abjure the name for something more innocuous."

"As I understand it, your Eminence, the principle problem is likely to be, as it has been in so many medievalist cults, the interlinking between secular and religious leadership. Accepting the Church's doctrine on the desirability of the separation between Church and State is the rock on which all too many falter. It seems unfair, given how many authoritarian states are still permitted to identify themselves as "officially Catholic," with devout heads of state."

"There is a considerable difference between a state that retains vestigial ritual traditions that have no real bearing on the selection of political leaders or the exercise of governmental power, and states in which the bishops and lay leaders who should be tending to works of charity and the cure of souls are running the parliament!"

Nataka blinked mildly, and smiled inwardly. He could always, given sufficient time, get a rise out of the volatile Frenchman. "Whether such is the case in Teritora is entirely ambiguous, your Eminence. I am disinclined to pre-judge the case based on a few medievalist names."

Renard's brows drew together briefly. "Of course. Your Excellency's attitude is very proper. Very well, suppose we put together a list of assurances that they will embrace proper doctrine, and some suggestions as to how to deal with the obvious unorthodoxies."

Nataka nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"And if they are willing to undertake the assurances and implement the suggestions?"

The Sostituto said, thoughtfully, "Then we move on to the next level of scrutiny--which might be the real sticking place."

"Ah." Renard smiled grimly. "We turn them over to Pironio, Luciani, and Sales. Yes. Their religious orders will have to be linked to existing provincial authorities, if possible, or undertake review for full sanction. Matters relating to the formation of their clergy will have to be approved, and their bishops subjected to the examination process, and those who are accepted will have to be properly ordained by the Holy Father. They in turn will have to regularize the ordination of their priests."

Nataka nodded. "If they make it that far. And of course a proper provincial organization must be established, with all diocesan and parochial boundaries defined, the appointment of Metropolitans, and so on. It's about a ten or fifteen year process, altogether, given the size of the country."

Renard suddenly decided he'd played Devil's Advocate long enough. In one of the lightning changes of tack that frequently disconcerted his colleagues, he picked up the other side of the argument.

"If they are sincere in their desire to regularize their communion with the Church, they will doubtless want to begin valid Masses and sacramental dispensation sooner than ten years down the road! That's ridiculous! There are souls in the balance, here."

Nataka was unfazed. "Oh, contingency efforts can be implemented. I would suggest immediate examination of a small number of bishops, who can at least identify a small cadre of priests who can be properly ordained. We could make temporary assignments from the religious Orders for additional strength, and hopefully provide sufficient seminarial faculty to begin a new program of priestly formation in Teritora itself immediately. There is much we can do to facilitate matters if they are truly cooperative."

He paused. "Of course, in order for them to feel truly cooperative, we will have to be, ah... sensitive... to their most strongly held emotional biases, as I am sure your Eminence has already realized."

Renard's eyes narrowed again. "I'm sure we can manage some sensitivity... In areas that do not present any overwhelming doctrinal problems."

It was as much as Nataka would be able to get out of him. Well aware of this, the Sostituto declared victory and withdrew.

"Your Eminence's wisdom in such matters is always exemplary," he murmured. "I have already trespassed too much on your most valuable time."

Rome International Airport ((Correct me if I am wrong, I can't remember the name of the Airport.)) The Teritoran Royal Airlines Suborbital Aircraft landed. Archbishop Vorn rose from his seat and called out to his colleagues. “It seems we have arrived, Marn, Bern are you ready. Vorn rose, it was evident he was wearing the pale blue woolen hooded robe of a Priest of the Order of Saint Vernsi. Grand Master Marn nodded and rose; he was wearing the woolen midnight blue hooded robe of the Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi. “As ready as I can be. I am not used to wearing these robes outside of the Mother house in Castle Dora. I have all my papers in order and I am as ready as I can be. Wonder how long it will take them to crucify me?” Grand Inquisitor Bern rose as well, dressed in the undyed hooded woolen robes of the order of St. Hern. “You, they are more likely to crucify me, but yes I am ready as well. All my papers are in order.” Archbishop Vorn paused and spoke. “Then let us get going then.” The three clerics headed to the exit and disembarked from the plane. Bern spoke out loud. “I wonder wither there be a welcoming committee or wither we will have to make our way to Saint Peters first before that happens.”

Father Xavier Munio had been delegated to meet the Teritorans at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, a courtesy arranged by the Secretariat of State; specifically, by Archbishop Nataka. Although in the ordinary way of things, visitors having business with the Apostolic See were expected to find their own way to whatever office or facility their appointments required, when the visitors were patently unfamiliar with the Vatican, such small courtesies were often extended.

The Teritoran visitors were clearly distinguishable by the habits—unfamiliar to those acquainted with the various apparel of the Church’s religious Orders, but sufficiently ecclesiastical in character to raise no eyebrows among the Italian officials and crowds accustomed to habited travelers.

“Welcome, gentlemen, welcome. I am Father Munio, from the Secretariat of State. Your appointment with Archbishop Nataka is not until tomorrow, but he thought you might like to visit the Vatican City and enjoy some of its architectural and historic treasures, if you are not too weary from your journey. Of course, if you’d prefer to go directly to your hotel, we can take you there, too.”

Archbishop Vorn smiled gently. "Seeing the Legendary Vatican City would be most welcome." Grand Master Marn and Grad Inquisitor Bern nodded at the statement agreement.

Father Munio leaned forward and spoke briefly to the driver. As they continued through Rome, with the little white-and-yellow flags fluttering on their fenders, he pointed out a few of the Roman monuments and Churches. Finally reached the Vatican City. First they drove down past the entrance to St. Peter’s Square (actually a gigantic oval with a collonade bracketing either side,) where they could see in the distance the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica and the great dome rising behind. Then they drove around and turned in at the vehicle gate.

“Your pardon, please, gentlemen. We must get out for a moment here, and undergo a security check.”

The check was thorough, polite, and unobtrusive, involving a palm print, looking into a lens for a retinal scan, and walking through a scan tunnel. The Vigilanzi performing the check showed an evident but no-comment interest in the unusual habits, and smiled politely at the visitors.

Glancing at his charges, and taking shrewd stock of their age, energy level, and interest, Father Munio decided to do a brief car tour first, then a short survey of the Basilica on foot. They could pick up more detail on their own. Discussing the route with the driver, he took them slowly past the Nicholas V Tower, then along the Via della Tipografia to show them the offices that produced the Osservatore Romano and the many books printed by the Vatican Press, then along the Via Pio X to see the exterior of the great complex of libraries and museums—the Inscription Gallery, the Chiaramonte, the Apostolic Library with its Galleries, the Gregorian, the Pio-Clementine—the vast storehouse of cultural riches that the Church guarded and treasured for humanity.

They swung around the Viale del Giardino Quadrato, and nosed the car slowly along the outer ring of gardens in glorious bloom, and past the rear of the “Casina” of Pius IV, which Munio told them was well worth a visit for its Byzantine-influenced neo-Classical architecture and the lovely display of sculpture. They drove past the Fountain of the Eagle, and could see the Vatican Radio tower behind, cleverly blended in with the City walls.

They took the Via del Osservatorio up to the far end of the City (a short drive,) and saw the Vatican Observatory, and when they turned around, the Grotto of Lourdes. They curved sharply around the Ethiopian Seminary, and swung in a wide circle back to the more pedestrian offices—The Governatorio, the railway station…

“And there,” Father Munio said, “is the Mosaic Studio. We have the world’s only full-scale production studio of mosaic art, fully equipped for restoration of all types, periods, and materials of mosaic work.”

They drove past the Tribunal, the Hostel of St. Martha, the Church of St. Stephen…

“And there,” Father Munio pointed, “Is the Sacristy of St. Peter’s. If you go in that entrance, it will lead you right into the Piazza Braschi, and there, you know, you can get down into the pre-Constantinian necropolis—the old cemetery from the earliest days of the Church.”

They pulled around the back side of St. Peter’s on the Via delle Fondamenta, and the car finally pulled up at the Sistine Chapel.

He showed them the Michelangelo ceiling, and then led them through the right transept, to show them the great Altar, and a half-dozen or so of the chapels. That was probably enough for a day, he judged, and took them back around to their car. “It’s been a pleasure showing you around. Just let the driver know the name of your hotel. He’ll be around again to pick you up in the morning.”

Archbishop Vorn nodded. "Thank you." He turned to the driver. "The Hotel Jonsi." The Hotel Jonsi was an three star hotel near the Airport operated by an pair of retired Teritorans who had left Teritora and evently settled down in rome and was an common stop for Teritorans and other people from the same part of the world.

The limousine bore the Teritorans smoothly back to their hotel, and the next day it was waiting for them again, with the same driver. When they reached the Vatican City, Father Munio was waiting for them.

He smiled in greeting. “Welcome, gentlemen, welcome. I hope you had a good night’s rest and are fully recovered from your journey? Excellent, excellent. Now…”

He led them along a very long, wide corridor with dozens of offices opening from it on either side—right down to the end, where double doors opened onto the sanctum of the man known as the Blue Pope—Cardinal Jean-Paul Renard, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

They did not, however, go to Renard’s office. Rather, a small meeting room had been reserved. Renard’s secretary, Father Manuel Garcia, a massive, portly man, was already busy with the coffee tray. Also present was another Cardinal, a spare, ascetic-looking man. He and Garcia were conversing as Father Munio ushered in the Teritorans.

“…whether they could really call it definitive, I’d have to disagree. I thought, myself, the Jesuits had a trifle the edge. Ah!” The man, who had been speaking with a pronounced Scottish accent, fell silent, and gestured toward the door. Father Garcia turned. “Ah, you arrive! Bienvenuto, bienvenuto.. I am Father Garcia, secretary to Cardinal Renard. He is just on his way. This is Cardinal Gordan, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.”

“Please, have a seat, make yourselves comfortable. I may offer you cappuccino, yes?”

He bustled about with surprising agility for such a bulky man, seating everyone around the round table, and bringing coffee. Father Munio smiled reassuringly and slid into a seat, as well.

It was only moments before the door opened again, and Cardinal Renard entered. A tall man with very broad shoulders and a commanding presence, he looked more like an aging but still vigorous soldier or athlete than a sedentary churchman.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting, gentlemen.” He strode to a chair, and nodded to Garcia to bring him a cup of coffee.

“We are very happy to receive you gentlemen. I understand you are concerned about regularizing the status of your Teritoran Church in communion with the Holy Mother Church, yes? Please, tell me about it.”

Archbishop Vorn began. "To start we have to go back in history. The Teritoran church history begins back in the 4th century when church missionaries arrived. The Church spread quite quickly; mainly because the native Teritoran Religion was, there’s no better way to put it, evil. It mainly involved literally demon worship with human sacrifice in which the victims were horrifyingly tortured, even by the standards of their day, then had their hearts cut out of their chests. There were many martyrs killed by the priests of the native regilion however, like in 310, when Saint Vornsi was sacrificed by the native high priests after several high ranking members of the great noble houses and several of the Royal family. By the 9th century most of the population had converted to Christianity or Judaism. The most of Nobility was quickly won over due to the fact that every New Year’s Day according to the native religion, one of the children of each noble house would be sacrificed to appease the demon lords or so the high priests would say.” He paused for a moment to make sure Cardinal Renard was still following him before continuing.

“The first real trouble began in the 13 century, around 1252 AD. To quote the historical records. King Bern the Apostate seized the throne and raised an army of the Remaining Pagans of the domantily Christian land and using the vast Gold, silver, Platinum and precious Gem mines of Teritora hired vast mercenary armies to enforce his rule. He set out to set back the clock and force the nation to give up Christianity. He defiled the Royal chapel, the churches and the synagogues across the land with the Idols of his false gods and slaughtered Jews and Christians across the land in the churches and synagogues and worse of all defiled the tomb of Saint Vornsi, the patron saint of Teritora. Countless thousands of people were martyred in one year alone.

After three years of this, the 7 Great princes of Teritora rose up in revolt with their vassals against the King. Also the church stuck back; Cardinal Voreni declared a holy crusade to overthrow the usurper, called for the formation of a new order of holy knights and for aid from other Christian nations. A call for arms that the nation of Tord answered along with some other Christian nations answered. This was when the Holy Knights of St. Vornsi were founded at this time with a membership of 200 Tordoran knights, 300 Voreni Knights and 500 Hundred Teritoran Knights. The Crusade lasted 6 years of epic battle and sieges until it came to an head on the field outside of the Capital city of Castle Dora in and the battle was joined on a massive scale comparable only to the wars of the Mongol hordes or the days of the height of the roman empire as hundreds of thousands battled as armies mixed into each other and everything fell into general Melee fighting that raged for hours. Finally the battle came to a head as Grand Master of the Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi faced the Usurper king and battled him before the armies.” He paused again to catch his breath the continued.

“What happened next is best recorded a ballad written after the battle for its pretty amazing. Then Grandmaster of the Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi fought the foul Usurper and after much battle an act of god cameth and struck down the false one. A star fall from the sky though a ray of light in the clouds and struck down the false king and his armies drew disheartened while the forces of god grew new courage and smote down the forces of the false king and then across the lands the Idols and risen temples of the false gods were thrown down, the False priests were burned in holy fire and their ashes thrown into the sea so they might foul the kingdom no more. Then there was great rejoicing across the land as the holy places were set right. Then where the star fell a great shrine was build and all rejoiced at this god given victory.

The Kingdom was a mess and somebody needed to hunt down the pagans behind this so nobody would ever bring such horror again to Teritora so the Order of St Hern was founded to hunt down the witches, later their duties expanded to keeping the church pure from corruption but that are how they first started. The whole thing caused a lot of strain between the Teritoran Church and Rome because the whole event was completely ignored by the Pope and the officials in Rome and all calls to the pope for help were completely ignored during that time. In fact Cardinal Voreni shortly after his call disappeared from all records. He was also the second to last Teritoran Cardinal; the next one wasn’t appointed until the early 20th century. That was perhaps the biggest event that has caused strain over the years making the Teritoran Leadership unwilling to compromise with a leadership they felt had betrayed the faithful in Teritora. Relationships didn’t normalize again until the late 19th century and that only lasted until the 1940s when they fell though again over minor issues of the mass and both sides stopped talking to each other. I am the first Archbishop to even seriously try to reestablish contact. The Last Archbishop was extremely bitter and I thought it was best for the election of an new pope to take place before trying.”

Renard sincerely did his best not to let his eyes glaze over at the long historical recitation, although he did make a note to check the Archives on the Teritoran claim of pre-Constantinian evangelization. It sounded mythical. It was important not to glaze over—standard as the medieval epic battles were, they were important history and tradition to Teritora, certainly.

He listened with a serious, intent expression, nodding occasionally. The upshot of it seemed to have been that the Teritoran Church had more or less diverged from Rome nearly 800 years ago. A brief attempt to reconnect in the 19th Century, at the height of the Church’s own struggles to reinvent itself in a modernizing world, seemed to have been an experience of culture shock and mutual incomprehension on both sides.

Now the Church had another chance. He glanced at his colleague Gordan, whose interest had most clearly been unfeigned, and at Father Munio, who was looking blandly inscrutable.

“A noble history of great enterprise for the Faith,” Renard said, nodding. “Your Church is rich in spiritual traditions; and I can imagine that the Faithful in Teritora are most attached to them.”

He sighed. “It is not surprising, however, that the attempt in the 19th Century did not work out well. If your doctrine and practices have remained essentially the same since the 13th Century, the Church has changed greatly in that time—very greatly. For instance, how much do you know of the Vatican Councils, I and II? Of the Concordat and the Lateran Treaties that redefined the Church’s relationship to secular governments? Of the “gentle reforms” of Pius XII and the Canon Law revision of the 1980s? Are you familiar with the deliberations of the Papal Commission on Non-human Sentience? Have the Papal documents of the last 200 years—Apostolic Letters, Encyclicals, Exhortations and others—been distributed in Teritora?”

“These are all matters of great importance to the Church. Make no mistake—the Church wants to welcome Teritora and its institutions into the Communion. But it cannot be an overnight process, and it will not be an easy one. A whole new generation of teachers, priests, religious, will have to be educated in contemporary Church doctrine and dogma, in the Magisterium as we know it today. These in turn will have to educate their countrymen, begin the modernization process on a larger scale.”

“Such changes are never easy. But with good leadership they are possible. With committed leadership, they are possible. The Church will endeavor to be sensitive to the long and glorious history and the beloved traditions of the Teritoran Faithful—but we cannot compromise on matters that touch core doctrines, although we can attempt to make the transitions gradual and find such ways as we can to cushion them.”

(OOC: Also please note—due to an unfortunate confluence of travel plans and a bug-infested network being taken offline for some days, it is unlikely that the muns of the Holy Vatican See will be doing much posting for the next week. We apologize for the inconvenience; please feel free to move events along and we will try to catch up.)

OOC:I noticed there wasn't much posting this week.

IC: Archbishop Vorn spoke. "If it helps, I can say that another one of the problems we had was that we concidered the Mother Church in Rome way too hostile towards Jews. We got in trouble for taking out that one offensive phrase in the mass before the twoVatican councils came along. I can also say Teritora was at the Great Council of the Universal Church held in Pantocratoria. I believe you should have an record of that as it was an major church council and the rulings there were upheld in Teritora, we know and approved of the Vatican I & II. I can say as one point of pride that the Teritoran church has always kept in contact with the catholic churches of other countries and kept up with church reforms. What we don't know of are deliberations of the Papal Commission on Non-human Sentience and any church reforms, Papal policies and such formulated after John Paul the II." He paused an sipped some of the coffee before beganing again.

"Just because we went in and out of contact with rome does not mean we were going to allow ourselves to spiritally stagment. What we will have catch up with is what has happened since John Paul II was pope. I do not believe there will be much conflict if any about core Doctorine. However like I said, theres some deep rooted culturial anger about how the Papacy handled the Star and Cross Crusade as the 13th century crusade was called. The faithful and the clergy will listen and obey but something should be done about that anger."

Father Munio glanced rather curiously at Renard, as the Cardinal sat listening to the Teritorans. The Blue Pope could preserve a deadpan the envy of any diplomat or poker player, and as he listened to Vorn there was no hint of a reaction. When the man finished, Renard nodded gravely, and it was clear he was picking his words carefully.

“There appears to be no substantial impediment to regularizing the status of a Teritoran Church within the Communion, if that is your desire. As to the matter of feelings of resentment lingering from the 13th Century…”

The French Cardinal sighed, and brought his fingertips together. “Our Church here on earth reflects the nature of the flawed human beings that comprise her temporal body. What may have been expedient, or even necessary, to the Popes of the 13th Century (and that was a time when the Papacy itself was repeatedly in danger—held captive to the interests of the Hohenstaufen and the French, and threatened by the Tartar invasions) can easily be seen as deplorable through the clear lens of history.”

“There were… let me see…” he appeared to count, in his head, “at any rate no fewer than fourteen Popes during the period between 1250 and 1300. At times, the College of Cardinals was down to as few as eight men. The Papal States were in such turmoil as to render it dangerous for the Pope even to live in Rome much of the time. Those rulers of temporal forces sufficiently loyal to the Pope to be commanded by him (particularly when their own self-interest was served by such obedience,) were generally beset with their own enemies, fighting off the Tartars or the Hohenstaufen, securing their own lands and, only reluctantly, occasionally assisting the Popes of the day to maintain some tenuous hold on the Papal States.”

“It is hardly surprising, then—though certainly deeply regrettable—that no Papal assistance or action could be taken to support the, ah…Knights of St. Vernsi. And profoundly distressing, yes, that the people of Teritora should so feel themselves abandoned by the Church, however inadvertently. The persistence of such feelings over nearly eight hundred years must of course concern us in considering whether it is possible to re-establish the Communion of Teritoran Catholics with Rome.”

“Perhaps you have some suggestions, as to what sort of gesture from Rome might answer in this case?” Renard enquired of the Teritorans.

Grand Master Marn spoke for the first time, seting down his coffee. “Perhaps a Papal visit to Teritora to show the people there that the pope is not just some shadowy legendary mythic figure but a real person like their local clergy.”

Grand Inquisitor Bern spoke up soon with an thoughtful look on his face. “I would say I would have to agree, Marn, something should be done to modernize the image of the pope to the Teritoran faithful. I do not think 13th century images of the popes have any place. The Church I imagine has moved on and the image of the popes has moved on and evolved has it not?”

Gordon’s eyes had widened slightly at the mention of a Papal visit; he wasn’t sure that the Teritorans quite appreciated the magnitude of what they were proposing. Renard had leaned over and was whispering something to Father Garcia, who rose and left the room. Turning to the Teritorans, he nodded.

“We will place the matter of a Papal visit under advisement, although at this point the Holy Father has no plans to travel until after his first Synod—two years or so. Now, as to other matters, hmmm… We can certainly have someone from the Council on Unity brief you as to the recent relationship between the Church and the various Jewish communities; and supply you with materials, including the document We remember: A reflection on the Shoah, which summarize the Church’s interactions with world Judaism in the last century or so.

Father Garcia returned, with a sheaf of documents, which he passed politely to the Teritorans:

Link: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_16031998_shoah_en.html

“As far as the Commission on Sentience…” he sighed. “The minutes of the Commission’s proceedings have not yet been finalized; and they cannot be released until after the next Synod. However, a rough précis of the results is available,” he gestured to Father Garcia, who passed over another document.

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3201311#3201311

“In Apostolatum Eldari is, of course, available at the Vatican Archives; you are welcome to pick up a copy. Roughly, it states that since the status of the eldar species in relation to God’s plan is not certainly ascertained, the Sacraments must be extended to those professing full belief and desire to participate therein.”

“Beyond that, I can best describe the Church’s views on the eldar as ‘divided.’ For myself,” he smiled thinly, “I hold by the ‘separate salvation’ idea. I cannot see what purpose any eldar might have in desiring to partake in a design for human salvation, but I am obedient to the Holy Father’s wishes in respecting those who believe. However, there is no real consensus. I daresay it will be an ongoing issue for the next century or so, until clarity is achieved and a definitive Papal or Conciliar document is promulgated.”

He shrugged, a very French gesture. “The Church, as you doubtless know, pursues its own agenda in its own time frame—a time frame which rarely coincides with the desires of individuals and groups who seek action and change within their own lifetimes.”

“Now, as to other issues, perhaps the most pressing is the regularization of the status of your clergy. As we have no records of Teritoran bishops being ordained by the Holy Father in the last sixty years or so, this relates to the sacramental validity of ordination within Teritora’s Church. Assuming that, as you say, there are no substantive doctrinal or practice deviations, it should be possible for my colleague, here,” he nodded to Cardinal Gordon, “to make arrangements for the regularization of the ordination of your bishops—a matter which will be time-consuming, but no doubt expedited insofar as possible. Upon which regularization, if I am not mistaken, brother,” he queried Gordon, “the bishops themselves can regularize the ordination of diocesan and special clergy.”

Gordon nodded. “Aye, that would be the procedure. Of course, all the bishops, as well as the provincial organization, would have to be passed in review. We can create a task force to expedite, surely. But I canna promise it will be any too swift. We must be thorough, of course. Still, the first few can begin as soon as you’re ready.” He smiled at the Teritorans.

“Perhaps, as the question of a Papal visit may not be resolved quickly,” Father Munio spoke up softly, “it would provide an earnest of the Church’s good faith were the Holy Father to personally appoint a skilled Papal Nuncio to Teritora, to be his representative and begin the work, assisting the Teritoran Church’s leadership.”

Renard’s eyes narrowed a trifle, and the corners of his mouth tightened briefly, but his voice was equable as he responded. “Something to think about, surely,” he said, a trifle dismissively. “We have given you gentleman a great deal to think about, I am certain. You will want to review these materials and our discussions, no doubt—perhaps access the Archives and the Libraries—visit the various Council offices, perhaps—and discuss among yourselves the next step. We can meet again when you are ready; simply send word to Father Garcia.”

“In the mean time, are there any immediate questions left unanswered?”

All three Teritorans notice the little foreplay going back and forth between the Vatican representatives but show no emotions, subtlety was an part of Teritoran culture, society and politics. Archbishop Vorn spoke softly. “The only question I have is a more practical one before we review this information and discuss among our selves before meeting with you again. How many problems are there going to be on the Vatican’s side with internal politics?”

There was a moment’s pregnant pause when the Teritorans asked such an undiplomatically straightforward (and awkward) question. Father Munio was taken aback by the challenge, although he also appreciated the ‘cut to the chase’ tone. Still, that was not a tone that played well in the millennia-old bureaucracy, where things were done the traditional way, the Italian way, the Vatican way. Those who sought something from the Holy See either learned those ways and used them, or went without, it was that simple.

Still, it was difficult to restrain his lips from twitching into a smile as he watched the momentary sheet of ice glaze over Renard’s face, and the slight widening of Father Garcia’s eyes.

It was left to Gordon—the imperturbable Scot—to respond.

“In the Vatican,” he said softly, “there are always politics. But you canna allow that to prevent you from pursuing a worthy goal, for a’ that.”

Both Grand Master Marn and Grand Inquisitor were too busy staring at Archbishop Vorn in unTeritoran show of shock, slight narrowing of the eyes, at his blunt and undiplomatic statement. Only the fact he was an Elder as well as their superior kept them from saying anything. Archbishop Vorn smiled. “I understand. You must forgive me, I am rather ancient and I sometimes forget my self and the famed Teritoran subtlety my people are so known for. When one reaches a century and a decade lapses sometimes happens. By the way if you do send a Papal Nuncio, send one that can handle sometimes extreme subtlety and complex and sometimes confusing politics on the scale one would find with the Japanese and some Italians or worse. Politics do not bother me as long as it does not endanger the souls of the faithful of the church which I trust unlike the past, will not happen this time around. I have lived an long live and I am very patient.”

As the Teritorans seemed to take to the notion of a Nuncio, Renard decided it was best for now, to give the appearance of gracious acquiescence. He nodded to Father Munio. “I am certain that my colleague Cardinal Angelini will be able to find just the right man for an assignment of such significance,” he said smoothly. The priest smiled, and nodded to the Teritorans.

Cardinal Gordon nodded to the Teritorans. “I’ll just see you gentlemen to your car, shall I?” he said, as everyone rose. He waited politely for the elderly Vorn to get to his feet, and held the door for him. “You’ll be wanting to go over these matters,” he nodded to the sheaf of papers that the Grand Master had picked up, and as they left the room he nodded over his shoulder to Renard.” Father Munio followed them out, seemingly content to simply follow along politely.

Gordon moderated his normally vigorous stride in deference to Vorn, and as the door closed behind them, he said, casually, “You’re more than welcome, too, to call on my office if ye have particular questions about the clerical regularization and the Provincial organization aspects. As regards doctrine,” he said blandly, “while his Eminence, Cardinal Renard is naturally the final arbiter in most affairs, you may find it easier to discuss specific matters of practice and sacramental oversight with a couple of my staff. I’d recommend Father Velasquez, myself, or perhaps Sister Ambrini. I’m sure either of them would be happy to visit with you, ah, informally, as it were, while you’re looking over the materials and identifying any questions that might arise.”

Father Munio’s brows rose. So Gordon had taken one of his likings to the Teritorans, had he? Or was he looking for some particular benefit to his office…? He rarely quarreled with Renard, and his orthodoxy was sufficiently conservative to keep him off the Blue Pope’s radar screen, but Father Munio had always suspected that under his cloak of Scots imperturbability he had a definite agenda and an unlimited patience about achieving it.

As they reached the front of the building, where the car was waiting for the Teritorans, he came forward to help, holding the sheaf of documents while they got into the back, and passing them to Marn. “Tomorrow, at ten, at the Secretariat,” he smiled. “You’ll like Cardinal Angelini, I think. Very pleasant. If there’s anything I can do in the mean time…” he handed them each a card. “My cell phone. Do feel free to give me a call.”

The Teritorans nodded and Archbishop Vorn replied to Cardinal Gordan with a slight smile on his face. “That help will be most welcome your grace if needed. We do need to go over this information before tomorrow. I will say that I am impressed so far.” He turned to Father Munio. “Cardinal Angelini. That name sounds Italian. I am sure this information will be most useful as will useful.” He and the other Teritorans entered the car and they soon began to pour over the information in the car itself even before it started to head to the motel. They wanted to get everything straight even before they discussed what went on at the meeting.

At the hotel they finished going over the information and began to talk among themselves about the meeting earlier that day. Grand Inquisitor Bern spoke. “We need to be careful around Cardinal Renard; I think you might have managed to offend him Vorn with that challenge of yours. Cardinal Gordon may be a good ally but we must wait and see. This Cardinal Angelini is an unknown however.”

Grand Master Marn spoke up. “Father Munio is another unknown; I think he has his own agenda as well. But I am not sure.”

Archbishop Vorn nodded to both. “We got many unknowns to deal with but that is to be expected. I took a calculated risk with what I said today. At least this time we don’t have to worry about any inept attempts at poisoning.”

The other Teritorans chuckled before Grand Master Marn spoke. “Still it is not wise to earn more enemies for your self. I know you are highly respected among many of the conservative, moderate and traditional minded clergy but you are lucky that all your enemies within the church are all radicals whose attempts to twist the church to their own immoral and often political ends where derailed by your many connections to bishops, archbishops and various other church leaders and elders in various places around the world. Thankfully none of those enemies are still around thankfully. That last radical leader in Kecha tried to have you assassinated.”

Archbishop Vorn replied to Marn’s concern with a slight chuckle. “Yes but is to be expected. One can not go though life without making some enemies. Besides at my age, I do not fear death. Now onto the plans for tomorrow.” The Teritorans continued though half the night to talk about what they would do at the meeting at the Secretariat with Cardinal Angelini before they laid down for the night.

In the morning, a Vatican car arrived to whisk the Teritorans smoothly to the Secretariat of State. Once again, they were ushered through labyrinthine halls, impressive with sheer magnitude as well as the art and architecture that adorned them. Again, the ritual of coffee (they were in Italy, after all) was offered.

This time, however, the enormous, genial-looking Cardinal Carlo Giovanni Angelini was already awaiting them, along with the Sostituto, Archbishop Nataka.
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Cardinal Carlo Giovanni Angelini, Secretary of State
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Archbishop Tenda Nataka, Sostituto of the Secretariat of State

Father Munio, who had met them at the door, performed introductions, and then excused himself. He had already made a thorough report to Nataka on the meeting in Renard’s office. The Sostituto had been amused by the Blue Pope’s reaction to the question from Vorn. And intrigued by Gordon’s response. But none of that infused his manner as he bowed gravely to the visitors.

Angelini, on the other hand, was his usual charming, outgoing self. “Gentlemen, it is a great joy to see our long-sundered Teritoran brothers here, in Rome. I have the highest hopes for the successful outcome of your visit, yes. I understand you’ve already spoken with the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, yes?”

Archbishop Vorn smiled slightly. “If you mean Cardinal Renard, then yes we have. There was a Cardinal Gordan, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments there as well.” He noted as he took a sip of coffee. “Espresso type drinks must be popular in Europe and Italy. Teritora you basically got wide Verity of teas and wines.”

Grand Master Marn chuckled. “Indeed, we have the highest hopes as well for success, this time around.” And Grand Inquisitor Bern responded easily. “I expect this will work much better than the last time around. There are certain problems with the mother church that do not exist anymore and the times have changed.”

“Good, good!” Angelini smiled. “Well, Cardinal Renard is a man of, ah, strong convictions. And great integrity, certainly. But not noted for patience. Of course, in his position, one cannot be too scrupulous. The Deposit of Faith is a heavy responsibility. We make allowances for him, yes.”

He sipped his own cappuccino. “Oh, my dear Sir—coffee is an art here—especially in Rome. You must take some back with you. I’ll see that you have a couple of sacks of our own Vatican roast, it’s rather good, even among Roman brews.”

As he spoke, his eyes traveled shrewdly from one man to the next, examining all three of the Teritorans with brisk penetration.

“We will certainly hope that this visit has favorable results. Now between you and I,” he leaned forward a trifle, and canted his head, with the air of one disclosing a secret, “the Apartment seems to regard the project favorably. And that can be an enormous help.”

He sat back. “Of course, there are several stages which must be safely negotiated. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will want to ensure that your understanding of, and commitment to, current doctrine is clear. Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments—that’s our friend Gordon—will doubtless want to ensure that the Holy Father’s last encyclical regarding the Mass can be implemented in Teritora. The Congregation for Catholic Education will doubtless want to see a copy of the current curriculum for your religious education program, and review the standards for your instructors.”

“The Congregation for Bishops—that’s Cardinal Sales, you’ll like him, I think—will want a full rundown on your provincial table of organization. I presume that you, Sir,” he addressed Vorn, “have been acting as Provincial, as it were, to the Teritoran Church?”

Each of the Teritorans steadly meet the eyes of the cardinal with an calm expression about them.

Archbishop Vorn spoke calmly as he sipped the cappuccino handed to him. “The Archbishop of Castle Dora has traditionally been the position of the highest church authority within Teritora.”

Grand Master Marn spoke after sipping his cappuccino. “We each brought documents to help along the process.”

Grand Inquisitor Bern spoke up. “Indeed, we have come prepared for anything we believed that might be asked or needed to for this process. Cardinal Sales it sounds like he's english or American from the sound of his name.”

(OOC: Teritora, this post provides a roster for the Vatican bureaucracy. The whole thread has key information about the Church:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=145501&start=20 )

Angelini blinked. Was it possible the Teritorans were so out of touch with Rome that they did not even know the Cardinals of the Curia? “Er… Cardinal Rufino Jiao Sales is, I believe, Venezuelan,” he said.”

“The See of Castle Dora, then, is still regarded as the traditional root of the Church in Teritora? That is very helpful—maintaining traditional provincial organization as far as possible is always desirable.”

“And it is good to know you came prepared—that will expedite matters, as I’m sure you are eager to do. Now, let me give you our own perspective, here in the Secretariat, on the matter before us.” He set his coffee cup down, glanced at the Sostituto briefly, and steepled his fingertips together.

“It is somewhat connected with the recent history of the Church, so please forgive me if I seem to ramble a bit. As you know, the institutionalization of the Conciliar reforms, while it has definitely had the intended effect of revitalizing the Church in many ways, has not been a smooth process. There was, perhaps, some—over-enthusiasm—in the early stages, which increased the inevitable reaction.”

He chuckled. “You cannot have a two thousand year old institution without counting on a little reaction any time change is at issue, certainly. And it has provided us with a much-needed process for examining and testing the implementation of reform—resulting in, I think most would agree, a sounder doctrinal and practical grounding for the Church’s temporal organization in a chaotic modern world. However…” he looked a bit rueful, “there are always those for whom change itself is such a threat that they carry reaction to extremes that are—to say the least—unhealthy for the Church.”

“The papacy of John Paul II, while I think everyone can agree it was a watershed of spiritual and temporal growth for the Church, also generated great controversy and factionalism, and exposed some serious internal organizational and authority issues. Schismatic reactionary bishops, organizations dedicated to restoring pre-Conciliar doctrine and practice… we were closer to a major rift than I think most people really knew. Lay Catholics and the Church leadership were pulling in very different directions, and leadership issues were critical.”

“This shaped the Papacy of Sixtus VI, which focused largely on these internal issues—and necessarily so. Sixtus’ spiritual focus and quiet influence helped the Church re-center itself and complete the process of institutionalizing the Conciliar reforms with a minimum of turmoil in the mainstream church—but it also hardened the dissatisfaction of the more extremist elements. While the main body of the Church is more unified and the leadership and organizational issues have made great progress toward resolution, those who felt their concerns were not addressed have moved further from the main body than ever.”

“As a result, two related trends have emerged as the major challenge for the Church today: The first trend is the result of the Church’s very inward focus for the past couple of decades. We have ceased to maintain regular diplomatic ties with a great many nations that have substantial Catholic populations, and our linkages with the Churches within those nations has suffered. And as the early waves of human space colonies re-establish ties with Earth, we are finding splinter Churches that have struggled valiantly to keep the Faith alive without the light of Rome—or the regular communications that can maintain doctrinal integrity.”

“The second trend is closely related: The rise of extremist national Churches that verge on heresy at both ends of the spectrum. On the one hand, we have Churches that have gone so liberal as to invalidate the sacraments of matrimony and holy orders, and on the other end, a frightening rise in medievalist Churches with oppressive practices. And at both ends, we see Churches becoming so enmeshed in secular politics that they pose a serious threat to the integrity and safety of the Church worldwide.”

He shook his head gravely. “The Holy Father is deeply concerned about such splinter Churches and the damage they do to the Mother Church. They compromise our ability to protect Catholics in perilous situations, where the Church is at risk of persecution and expulsion. They diminish our work to promote justice and human rights, and create conditions that enable Christians to live conscience-guided lives unimpeded by political and secular coercion.”

“Our work here in the Secretariat addresses both of these challenges: We are engaged in a great expansion of diplomatic ties and relationships with national governments. But we are also, through the work of the first section, attempting to re-establish communications throughout the Catholic peoples, using the Church as a network to strengthen and support the Faithful, cleanse the Church of those perilous anti-doctrinal tendencies arising through lack of guidance, and restore the confidence and abilities of our bishops to lead their flocks in the firm clear path of the Church’s established magisterium.”

“So naturally, from our perspective, any Church seeking full communion with the Mother Church must be reviewed from the standpoint of how well it will promote or impede this mission.” He fell silent, and looked at the Teritorans.

Nataka nodded, and added softly, “A clear understanding of these issues will do much to help you as you move through the more formal elements of the process.”

Grand Master Marn spoke first carefully. “Extremism and radicalism is a threat to the church and more importantly the faithful. Archbishop Vorn and predecessors have always worked to curb radicals usually quietly when they could or slightly more openly if needed to. It has gotten him targeted for assassinations more than once by radical leaders from other countries who viewed him and his quiet connections to various bishops and church elders in those countries as a threat to their power. Radicals always in up bringing down suffering down on the common faithful who usual end up paying the price for the actions of others.”

Archbishop Vorn set down his mug and spoke calmly looking into the eyes of Angelini. “Oppressive practices have not business in the church. The people should look to the church for comfort, guidance and if needed sanctuary, they should not be in fear of the clergy.”

Grand Inquisitor Bern spoke carefully to get something clear. “I would agree and while non Teritoran people might get ideas about the nature of my order I would like to get this clear for the record. While my order might sometimes be called an inquisition and members are official known as Inquisitors with me being the Grand Inquisitor it is not called the Teritoran Inquisition and nobody has been burned at the stake for witchcraft in 200 years in Teritora, they been put to death by the government for related crimes like human sacrifice, kidnapping and other crimes but those were by trials by origin governmental not by the church. I just wanted to get that clear though it is a little of topic, I just wanted to make it clear so nobody uses it as an excuse to try to delay things. I figured it would come up sooner or later even with the documents I have brought along. Personally I hope I can save my order from being dissolved as it has keep corruption nearly completely under control and protected the faithful from suffering abuse from the clergy.”

Archbishop Vorn. “Yes on that note as noted earlier, the three major orders of Teritora will come up as dissuasion as they are not connected to any of the larger more multinational religious orders and are only found outside the Kingdom of Teritora in areas with Teritoran immigrants. Who exactly we will be dealing with on that?”

Cardinal Angelini nodded encouragingly. “The first alternative when dealing with extremists is, of course, to witness truth, and pray for their conversion. The only other alternative the Church allows are the sanctions of the Canon Law. However, if they commit criminal acts, it is proper to refer them to properly constituted civil authority for trial and punishment under civil law.”

“And we can only hope and pray that the civil authority in question is committed to a transparent judicial process conducted in accordance with generally accepted rules of evidence and legal procedure. I am assuming that your nation’s legal code is congruent with Church Doctrine, as regards capital punishment?”

Archbishop Nataka spoke as well, addressing Bern directly. “The purpose and mission of your Order, perhaps, is no longer adequately represented by the name. It is most unfortunate, but terrible historical scars, worldwide, still bleed at the very mention of the word ‘Inquisition.’ The Church itself has recognized this, in re-naming the Office of the Holy Inquisition as its function has evolved, over the years. I am certain that ‘Inquisitor’ is the term furthest from the mind of his Eminence, Cardinal Renard, when he thinks about his own responsibilities, for example.”

Nataka’s tone managed to convey, with great subtlety, the notion that it might not be the term furthest from his own mind in connection with the Cardinal.

Cardinal Angelini, apparently oblivious to this subtext, nodded encouragingly. “Indeed, if what you describe of your Order’s current mission is true, it would be a most valuable tradition to retain—even one that could make a great contribution to the whole Church, as we struggle to deal with the various issues of clerical and lay leadership. Still, the issues of semantics cannot be underestimated. Do not forget how many historic spiritual and even physical conflicts have been fought within the Church on the basis of words and their meanings.”

“I do not ask it or demand it—indeed, it is not in my jurisdiction to do so—but I seriously advise that your order consider—uh—evolving its nomenclature, in directions that pay homage to your noble traditions, while making appropriate…adjustments…to today’s sensibilities. It’s likely to have a most favorable effect on the overall outcome, believe me.”

“With regard to the matter of your local Orders, the consideration of that matter may be delayed somewhat. The Prefect of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and for Societies of Apostolic Life, Cardinal Luciani, is at present on a visit to Roania. His pro-Prefect, Bishop Mbopa, will doubtless pursue the matter with energy, and I suggest that you meet with him at the earliest opportunity. But there will still be delays, in communication between Roania and Rome.”

Archbishop Vorn spoke carefully “The Teritoran justice system has evolved over more than 5 millennia and had great advancement during the twentieth century. Public torture was outlawed by King Ashagar the Peacemaker who also limited public executions to: Rape punishable by stoning to death in the public square.
Murder: punishable Death by hanging
Slave trading: punishable hanging in gibbet outside the city gates until death
Treason: punishable Death by hang drawing quartering.
Cloning and genetic engineering: punishable Death by beheading.

Before that there were 250 crimes that one could be put to death for and many of the means of execution took days at minimum to kill the person.” He smiled. “As you will discover and others have found out, Teritora is an unusual, and to some a strange kingdom governmentally, culturally and socially.”

Bern nodded almost unnoticeable that he understood Nataka before speaking. “The Order of St Hern was named and formed as a religious order instead of just forming an inquisition for good reason. I hope the order can help the whole church as well. Corruption within the church weakens it and can be used to try to discredit the church and the faithful should never have to worry about abuses from their local clergy to them or their children. Most of all children should be able to trust their local priest with out that being taken advantage and if something happens the abuser should not be protected by his superiors like what happened in America around the turn of the last century.” He paused to catch his breath before beginning again. This subject was something he was rather passionate about.

“One thing my order has going for it is we have never in our history resorted to torture or allowed it in any of our investigations. Information gotten by torture is tainted, likely told just to get the torture to end and more than possibly not true. Torture someone enough they will tell you anything as an ancient saying goes and one should not combat evil by resorting to evil and bring harm to those who could be or are innocent.”

Grand Master Marn. “I would say my order is in a little better position than Bern’s, the other religious orders of knights were wiped out in action, were decimated and became nearly dead or various other events. We really don’t have to worry about having what happened to Templers happen to us. We don’t have a greedy French king eying our rich treasuries… not that we exactly have one. We really don’t have to worry about Napoleon deciding we are an archaism that should be destroyed like what happened on Malta. That was one of the stupidest things he did, let the Barbary Coast pirates have free rain to attack what they wanted in the Med with out any effective power to curb them.”

(OOC: Teritora, “five millennia?” You’re claiming a justice system founded around the time of Hammurabi? We’re going to assume that was a typo for “centuries.”)

The Cardinal and the Archbishop exchanged glances as Bern spoke passionately about the mission of his Order. The Cardinal said, “When the formalities are completed, you really must find time to meet with Cardinal Hume on the matter, Sir. He has been working with Cardinal Tengka on precisely those issues.”

Cardinal Angelini sat back. “Now, can you give us some idea of your nation’s current, international, ah… involvements? Do any of them involve, or are they likely to involve, religious issues?”

OOC: Teritora was founded around 3200 B.C., there would have to be some system of justice evolved over that time frame, just not necessary written down and codified until later. Think common law like in the English system of law, law by precedent of judges sort of like the Roman system mixed together over time with decisions by nobles and royal decrees mixing together over time and eventually written down to form the laws of the land.

IC: Bern smiled and nodded. “I think I will if the Cardinal is available.”

Archbishop Vorn mused and spoke. “Hmm, The Kings of Teritora have been known time to time to go after slave trading nations or to go into countries to evacuate Catholics suffering persecution and slaughter by their governments but that has not happened in decades. Most of Teritora’s alliances are defense alliances or economic alliances.”

OOC: I am not sure about your stance on the The Defenders of The Faith is a new alliance and that generally acknowledges the RL pope and the stance has excally been cleared on how to react to Holy Vatican See yet.

(OOC: Teritora, we’ll just assume your ‘3200 BC’ is a spacetime anomaly that began in an entirely different multiverse from our own and shifted you into ours sometime prior to the Middle Ages. In our multiverse, there are no records of any Occidental-type human nations with unbroken politico-corporate identity and cultural succession for more than 5,000 years.

And we don’t know what the Defenders of The Faith is, but it needn’t concern us for the purposes of this RP.)


Angelini glanced at Nataka, who nodded. “The Archbishop will arrange an appointment for you with Cardinal Hume. Now, if you’re ready, perhaps Cardinal Sales can brief you on the procedures for his dicastery’s review and assistance in regularizing the ordinations of your clergy?”

(OOC: Assuming you’re ready and Vorn, Marn, et. al nod or otherwise so signify…)

Father Munio was waiting to conduct them to the office of the Congregation for Bishops. This particular office was in a modern annex, although like all of the Vatican offices they had seen thus far, the furnishings were old—even somewhat archaic. As they approached the Cardinal’s office, however, they could see through an adjoining archway a large common work area that was equipped with banks of ‘railroad’ file storage on electronic tracks, and several desks with very modern computer equipment. There were more nuns working in this office than any they’d been in so far. The Congregation for Bishops generated the third-largest volume of clerical work (right after the Secretariat of State and the Rota) in the entire Vatican. It also shared facilities with the Synod Secretariat.

Cardinal Rufino Jiao Sales was a stocky, elderly, brown-skinned man with a few wisps of gray hair showing under his zucchetto, and very bushy black eyebrows. Pouches of yellowish skin under his eyes and a very faint tremor in his left hand indicated that his health was not of the best, but he smiled warmly at the Teritorans when introduced, and shook hands with them all.

“Greetings. I cannot tell you how very happy we are about the prospects of reunification. Truly, God has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity, yes?” His accent was still noticeable, even after decades of service in Rome, but understandable.

“Of course, you understand that one of our first priorities must be to regularize the ordination of Teritoran bishops, in order that they may then begin the process of regularizing the ordinations of the remaining clergy. Please understand, without prejudice, the catenas of sacramental authority in Teritora has been broken, due to your long estrangement from Rome. Canon Law provides that only direct Papal sanction can convey legitimate Episcopal authority through Episcopal ordination.”

“However, assuming that the other matters under review are resolved satisfactorily, my office is prepared to expedite this process as quickly as possible. It will help in this if you can provide us with complete dossiers on all individuals currently carrying out Episcopal functions in the Teritoran Church. We will begin review of their history of service, priestly formation, the work they have already accomplished, and so on immediately—so that when we have the go-ahead from Doctrine we can get started without delay.”

He smiled apologetically. “It is a terrible amount of paperwork and bureaucratic inconvenience, I know, and I apologize. Still, we must preserve the Canonical requirements. I have assurances from the Apartment that they are ready to move quickly as well—and that will be of great help.”

Bern spoke nodding. "Thank you cardinal it would be most welcome."

Archbishop Vorn nodded to Angelini. "Yes, we should meet Cardinal Sales, thank you."

The three Teritorans quietly followed Father Munio talking quietly back and forth in Ancient Teritoran, an ancient form of the Teritoran language spoken primarily by the nobility and among the Teritoran church’s clergy about what they were seeing.

After their arrival and Cardinal Rufino Jiao Sales’s greeting the Teritorans bowed slightly and spoke as one. “It is most pleasant to meet you.”

Archbishop Vorn spoke. “I have the documents you require though you will likely find a lot more names than you would expect even for a massive nation such as Teritora serving as various types of clergy in the Teritoran church. I understand Canonical requirements must be followed. But still, I would imagine you would want to hear your self about the organization in the Teritoran church to get an idea of what you are dealing with.”

Cardinal Sales smiled broadly, and nodded. “We will begin working on the documents immediately, of course. But it would be very helpful to get a broader perspective, as well. And a little historical context. But—pardon me—have you gentlemen had a midday meal, yet? I can have my staff arrange for something…”

Archbishop Vorn shook his head. "No we haven't. That would very welcome if we could. I am imagine you gotten copies of our talk with some of the other cardinals and that nice long history of the troubles between the Teritora and Rome. Well to start out, the highest position in the Teritoran Hierarchy in the Archbishop of Castle Dora the ancient and current Royal Capital of Teritora who works out of the Royal Chapel, a great cathedral that also serves as the Royal Chapel hence the name. The Crowning of Teritoran Kings, Their weddings and funerals are held there before they are buried in the Cathedrals catacombs. The Archbishops of Castle Dora have traditional been spiritual advisers to the Kings of Teritora and have an honorary position on the King’s council. All the other Archbishops look for guidance and instruction to the Archbishops of Castle Dora. There are 7 other Archbishops, one for each of the 7 Principalities that Teritora is divided up into and under each of them are 20 bishops for each of the 20 duchies in the Principality. This is due to the feudal divisions of Teritora which still exist under the limited feudal monarchy government of Teritora. Teritora has 8547 Noble Houses or 7 Royal houses, 140 ducal houses, 1400 Earlial houses and 7000 Baronial houses. There is a so there is 7 Principalities each of which have 20 Duchies, in which each duchy has 200 Earldoms, each of which has 1000 Baronies and that excludes any of the knights lands if they have any that is that are within those domains.” Archbishop Vorn paused. "Any Questions or comments so far?"

Cardinal Sales looked pleased, and a trifle relieved—he’d worked right through breakfast and midday meal himself, and was definitely feeling peckish. He waited for his secretary to finish taking notes, then murmured something that sent the man out of the room, smiling.

“We’ll have a little collation—we have much to discuss.” The Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops’ eyes glazed over a bit at the recitation of all that nobility. Still, he had grasped the essential points. “It sounds like an admirably practical provincial organization. You are to be congratulated. It is always the policy of the Church to interfere as little as possible in provincial organization, so long as the basic needs of administration are adequately met. Tradition is very important, too, of course.”

The secretary returned, followed by a couple of stewards, who brought platters of antipasti, prosciutto rolls, small frittati baked into flaky crusts, fresh fruit, and baked goods. The Teritorans were offered their choice of chilled orvieto, juice, or the inevitable coffee, and Cardinal Sales took the opportunity to draw out his visitors a bit.

“I’ve studied the briefings on your historical traditions—most inspiring. And I am very impressed with the devotion of purpose that has kept you so close to the core of the Faith, in spite of your long separation from Rome. I understand you want to preserve your unique traditions, especially your local religious Orders. Bishop Mbopa will doubtless review the matter in detail, but I’d be very interested to learn a bit more about the practices and roles of your Orders in modern Teritoran life?”

He glanced enquiringly at the Teritorans.

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Rufino Jiao Cardinal Sales

The Teritorans set about eating, when one looked at them it could be seen that there was something almost ceremonial about how they ate like they were culturally used to eating with a certain amount of ceremony but were curbing themselves there was still a certain elegant style to what they were doing though.

Archbishop Vorn spoke calmly while sipping an orvieto, sometimes slipping into third person as he spoke. “This is quite good. Well to start the Order of Saint Vernsi which I belongs to does a variety of things. As you likely know from the briefs most of the private schools, academies, collages, hospitals and universities are run by the run by the church in Teritora, mainly by the monks and nuns of the Order of Saint Vernsi. Teaching, seeking knowledge and taking care of the injured and sick is a major feature what the monastic part of the order does. Many of the scientists and the doctors in Teritora are in monks or nuns of my order. Another thing is other than some sub orders connected to one of the three major orders, the priests staffing the churches and cathedrals of Teritora generally belong to my order. Archbishops and Bishops are another matter.

Grand Masters Marn’s order, Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi is a religious order of knights with a suborder of priests that are associated with them and Grand Inquisitor Bern’s order, the order of St. Hern is more purely monastic in nature, but they will talk about their orders themselves.”

Grand Master Marn set down what he was drinking and spoke. “The Knights of the Holy Order of St. Vernsi was and is a religious order of knights, there is a suborder of priests associated with my order but the order it self mainly consists of knights who are sworn to defend and obey the church, to obey its officials, and have taken vows of celibacy, basically monk/knights so to speak. These days the order protects people who seek sanctuary with the church as well as protecting church officials, insuring the safety of monasteries, churches, shrines, monasteries and other church buildings as well as that of the people in them, acting as campus police in church universities, schools and colleges and as well as an ceremonial guard and more traditional duties of knights of the church. Ultimately my order does what is required of it by the church.”

Grand Inquisitor Bern spoke. “Outside of our fore mentioned work internally within the church which is our main focus, members of the Order of St. Hern, are generally found are in their monasteries or teaching various classes on ethics, law and church law at church universities.”

Cardinal Sales listened intently, nodding. When Grand Master Marn explained his Order’s work, the Cardinal’s brows rose slightly.

“Ah, forgive me, but… are there, um, security issues in Teritora that threaten the safety of your church installations and educational institutions, and their personnel, beyond the ability of ordinary law enforcement to protect?”

Grand Master Marn spoke. “Much of it is a matter of tradition, some really old treaties and agreements made with the church and Teritoran inner politics, Teritora’s is an enormous feudal kingdom even if it is the feudalism is of an limited kind. Policing is usually done by either by town or city watches, the Royal Guards and the Royal coast guard, or by the Noble’s guards. Throw in the fact of the natural internal rivalries and feuds among the nobility even with an stronger than usual royal government for such a country, it gets intresting to say the least and that doesn’t even include other security issues, like the remainants of the old Teritoran religion, that you likely by know of the briefs have an idea of unpleasant they were, that pop up to cause troubles, an ancient ruthless criminal organization that completely controls the kingdom’s underworld and other problems. It’s extremely complex."

Sales nodded. “I see. Yes, it does sound complex. Of course it is not without precedent, even in modern times, for the Church to delegate security duties to specific entities with that sole mission—well, look at the Noble Guard, for example. But I don’t believe there are currently any sanctioned Institutes of Consecrated Life that have military or even security functions among their Apostolic missions. Still, Bishop Mbopa will be the one who knows more about that. Perhaps there is a way to designate the military functions to a Tertiary branch of the Order, or some similar arrangement.”

“In any case, we should look to your Episcopal organization, with an eye to regularizing the status of Episcopal clergy. I am assuming that you, sir,” he nodded to Vorn, “would naturally wish to be among the first reviewed for this purpose, and perhaps you can also provide a list of….” he frowned slightly, “…say, three or four of your colleagues—I wish we could move faster, but our staff resources are limited—for immediate review. If all proceeds smoothly—and at this juncture I see no reason why it shouldn’t—we’ll have a Legate or a Nuncio on the ground in Teritora to start the review process fairly quickly. Perhaps it will help if I brief you on the normal review process for Episcopal selection?”

He took in the nods in response, and steepled his fingers, leaning back a bit in his chair.

“Normally, you see, a Nuncio or Legate identifies three candidates for an open diocese, and conducts a full investigation of each. Assuming the investigations are favorable, all of the names are forwarded to Rome, to this office.

“The investigation itself is quite thorough, under normal circumstances. A confidential questionnaire is prepared, and sent to twenty or thirty individuals who can be expected to speak to the candidate’s physical, intellectual, moral, social, and priestly qualities for the office. The results of this questionnaire are included with a full dossier on the individuals, encompassing all of their educational, pastoral, and leadership experience—appointments held, accomplishments, the reviews of superiors and Ordinaries, and so on.

“All of this information is reviewed by this office for completeness. If questions remain, we send back to the Papal representative for more information, until we are certain we have all the relevant information at hand. The names of those proposed for Episcopal office are also forwarded to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Congregation for the Clergy, and any relevant information from their files is requested to add to the dossier. If the individual is a religious, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life is also consulted.

“When the full dossier is complete, it’s bound together in a book, which is distributed to each member of this Congregation, and to the Holy Father. Before the appointment receives formal review by the Congregation, a Cardinal relator is assigned to analyze and review the entire package, and formally present it to the Congregation with his own recommendation.

“The Congregation meets in ordinary sessions perhaps twice a month from October to June. The relator’s report and recommendations are discussed for each appointment by the whole Congregation, and a vote is taken and recorded. The vote is not decisive, but it is very significant. All of the information, with the results of the vote, and the comments of the Congregation members, are then forwarded to the Holy Father. It is the Holy Father who makes the final decision among the proposed individuals.”

Sales was watching his listeners as he explained the elaborate (and time-consuming) process, and as their eyes glazed over slightly his own eyes behind the thick lenses twinkled. “Yes, it is cumbersome. But remember, once a Bishop is ordained, nothing on earth—not the Holy Father himself—can un-ordain him. These appointments are most grave, and must be made most carefully.”

“In Teritora’s case, we must devise a process that will allow us to have full confidence in ratifying her Bishops and providing them with valid Episcopal ordination, while moving quickly enough to reassure your people regarding our confidence in the Teritoran Church, and our value for her people.”

He reflected a moment. “We can do a number of things to help, I think. We will recommend to the Holy Father and the Secretariat of State that whoever is sent as Papal representative to Teritora to oversee this process is provided with staff from the relevant Congregations, on the spot, as it were, and request that their review of the dossiers be regarded as conclusive for their Dicasteries. This will eliminate a step here in Rome. I don’t believe it will be controversial—after all, there will be no records here to add to the process.”

“Then, we will identify and appoint ahead of time three Cardinal relators—they will already be prepared to do the analysis and recommendation as the dossiers arrive. And we will schedule a series of special meetings of the Congregation to review each… er… batch—of five or six individuals. By scheduling one extra meeting per month, if the process moves smoothly in Teritora, we can have your Episcopal Council fully validated in three or four months—lightning speed, by Vatican standards,” he grinned.

“Now, with regards for what the Papal representative will be looking for in the results of the questionnaires and the review of dossier material—not to mention what will be important to the Congregation and to the Holy Father—the key criteria will be important. Leadership ability is highly valued—the ability to lead others, to dialogue, to stimulate and receive cooperation… appreciation for the role and the cooperation of religious and the laity is important. Appreciation for human rights and ecumenism is considered very important. And of course, the questions on orthodoxy and church discipline are crucial.”

His eyes narrowed a bit. “It all hinges, of course, on the character of the Papal representative doing the work. My guess is that Nataka has that well in hand—and he seems favorably disposed toward steady progress in this matter. Still, I’ll have a word with him about it, since I know the character of the Congregation here, and what’s likely to go down well with them.”

“It would be useless to deny that political considerations rate strongly in processes like this. The best we can hope for is to ensure that they are working to your advantage.”

Archbishop Vorn nodded and winced. "That should be interesting, three or four, Archbishop Jorn of Castle Asha, Archbishop Curtisi of Castle Borl, Archbishop Turin of Castle Dorl and Archbishop Marianus of Castle Zorl. That covers four of the seven Archbishops besides myself."

Cardinal Sales made some notes, nodding. “It will certainly do, for a start. I’ll ensure that someone from my staff is detailed to the Apostolic Delegation—probably Father Malcrezci. Do you have any questions, or concerns, about the process? If not, perhaps we’d better see if Bishop Mbopa is available to discuss the questions arising regarding your Institutes of Consecrated Life… yes, Father?

Father Munio, sitting quietly in the background, had coughed apologetically.

“Er… Bishop Mbopa, I believe, has set aside tomorrow morning to meet with the Teritorans, your Eminence. When you’re done here, I’m happy to help access any particular resources—the Archives, perhaps, or museum collections, or visits to particular Churches, or shrines… Or you’re welcome to, ah, take the rest of the day off, as it were. Although there will be a Vespers service in the Sistine Chapel you might find interesting,” he said to the Teritorans.

The Cardinal nodded, and looked enquiringly at Vorn.

Archbishop Vorn spoke. "An Vespers service? sounds intresting though we might want to get an look at the archives evently and dig up any records here about the orders in Teritora and any other records. if the records surivived how many times rome has been stacked and other events that is."

Cardinal Sales smiled, and nodded to Father Munio. “Thank you, Father.” He nodded to the Teritorans. “I look forward to seeing you again, before you leave. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have concerns about the processes of my office. It is a most critical part of regularizing the Teritoran Church, and we take the responsibility most seriously. But it is a bureaucracy, and as such can be opaque and occasionally frustrating to those unfamiliar with its ways. Let me know if I can help.”

He grasped each man’s hand, cordially, and left. Father Munio glanced enquiringly at Vorn. “If there are particular Archives you’d like to inspect? I think, myself, the likeliest place to find records pertaining to Teritora would be in the BAV, the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. It has the advantage, too, of being fairly close. With over two million printed works and more than 200,000 manuscript works, it would be surprising, don’t you think? if there were not some references to Teritora.”

.Archbishop Vorn nodded. "Indeed it would if there wasn't, which is unlikely even with how many times Rome has been sacked and pillaged, its temporary abandonment and other events, unless people tried to destroy any records which is unlikely I would think. From what I hear things get lost even in the archives and turn up much later. Being not an native of the Vatican I would not know where to start, I’ll go with your suggestion, Father Munio."

Father Munio shrugged deprecatingly. “Well, I’m no authority on the matter. But the Vatican has been diligently acquiring ancient sources for the last thousand years or so… and it’s been some time since the last sack of Rome,” his eyes crinkled at the corners, in amusement. “So if there are sources anywhere, outside of Teritora, there’s a good chance that some of them have found their way here.”

He led the Teritorans through the gardens and the pathways that connected the official buildings with the Vatican Museum compound. The Library held pride of place among the many collections, dominating the Chiaramonti, the Gregorian, the Pio-Clementine, and taking up one whole side of the complex that encompassed the Courtyards of the “Belvedere” and the “Pigna.” Old, but beautifully maintained, they had been updated with the most modern security arrangements—so unobtrusive as to be virtually invisible to anyone not concerned with such matters.

However, as Father Munio led them through the private entrance for Vatican staff and scholars, there was another checkpoint and a scan tunnel. A pleasant, professional-looking Sister smilingly requested them to leave briefcases and other appurtenances under her vigilance in numbered, locked, cubbies. The priceless materials within demanded nothing less than the most stringent security measures, even amongst the staff who worked with them on a daily basis.

Once through the checkpoint, Father Munio led them past a “general” desk for visiting scholars, to an elevator. “We’ll go right to the Curium,” he said. The elevator went down, down… several floors worth. The Vatican Archive facilities ran for kilometers underground, a vast warren of carefully-maintained storage and work areas that permitted each type of material to be maintained in optimal conditions. When the doors opened, they found themselves in a small, fluorescent-lit hall, with a number of glass doors leading from it. Many were locked with palmlocks, some required retinal scan for admittance. Others were unlocked, offices mostly.

Father Munio led them to one of these, courteously ushering them into a large, rather low-ceilinged room with half a dozen cluttered and well-used looking desks sharing its space. Three staff—two men and a woman, were at their desks, and looked up in mild surprise at the invasion.

Father Munio greeted one of the men. “Hola, Salvador! Can I impose upon you for a little extra help? Something of an interesting challenge…,” he said invitingly.

Salvador Branco was a Franciscan, his brown habit rather rumpled and untidy; his moon-shaped face might have been a pleasing caramel color in natural light, but the artificial lighting had washed it to a rather sallow shade. Liquid brown eyes peered mildly behind heavy-framed glasses, and the remnants of salt-and-pepper hair sprayed wispily around a tonsure formed by age and nature, rather than traditional monastic barbering.

“Xavier? What is this?” He smiled vaguely at the Teritorans, but as Munio introduced them, and explained what was wanted, his gaze sharpened with interest.

“Teritora!” He exclaimed. “Teritora, is it? Teritora…” He rose from his desk, and bustled over to an unoccupied desk, shoving stacks of paper grandly out of the way as he sat down, flexing his fingers preparatory to a vigorous attack on a very old-fashioned looking keyboard. “Let me just check the Master Index, first, although I think we’ll have to range a bit more widely… Still, let’s start with the easy ones…”

He gestured peremptorily to the Teritorans, waving about the room. “Find chairs, make yourselves comfortable. We will look, here, we will start a quest, yes?”

Father Munio grinned, and cleared various forms of paper litter from otherwise unoccupied chairs, to assist the Teritorans.

“Ha! Interesting!” Brother Salvador exclaimed, to the screen. “Now, who would have thought… hmmm… that might be worth… Well.” He typed and waited, typed and waited, and finally hit a button and an ancient-looking pinfeed printer began to chatter.

“All right, here are some of the hits we found among the main collections… these are just things in the standard catalogues, you understand, and only the most obvious and relevant materials. What we’re really looking for is the obscure stuff, I take it? Things like that won’t surface on a simple search… We’ll have to look in the likely places, then dig further. A lot of the really old material is jammed into codexes and catalogues that share any number of listings and subjects… some of the ancient archivists had most peculiar notions of cataloguing, believe you me…”

The printer stopped chattering, and he tore off the sheet. “Alright, here are some items to start with…

“There’s a chronicle by Evinarius of Cappadocia, who apparently traveled through your area sometime between 500 and 525 CE. There must be some mention of it, or it wouldn’t show up in the catalogue, but how extensive it is, or what the nature would be…” he shrugged. “Now let’s see. There’s some correspondence here by a Bishop Hernsa, with Pope Honorius I, in or about 630 CE… that’s not original, you understand, but a transcript done during the twelfth century, material for a biography of Honorius that was never published. The originals are long gone, of course.”

His finger slid down the sheet. “Hmmm… most of these are just Episcopal appointment lists from the 8th and 9th centuries, they won’t have anything interesting in them, really, but it might be fun to compare them with your own local records.” He scanned further.

“Several references to St. Vernsi in standard hagiographical records…”

“Oh, this one might be fun—a transcript of a speech delivered by Bishop Marenvi of…” he frowned… “Zor Erla? Zor Esha…? It’s transcribed both ways, here… Anyway, it’s the text of an letter he apparently sent to be delivered to the eighth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 870. That was the first one more or less boycotted by many of the Eastern Bishops; if I’m recalling it correctly there was quite a little donnybrook over some Christological points. Possibly your Bishop got involved, who knows…?”

“Hmmmm…. let’s see… a couple of references to Teritora in the Lateran IV records, around 1215… Elevation of Cardinal Voreni… Oh, now here’s a real gem! A copy of the letter from Urban IV commending someone called “Morveth the Noble Bear (or maybe it’s ‘Powerful Bear? Strong Bear?’ some kind of title or nickname, anyway…) of the Order of St. Vernsi, and naming him Defender of Christendom. That’s, ahh…. 1264.”

He shook his head. “Nothing much then for a while… hmmm… A couple of references to Ecclesiastical tithes, confirmation of a few Bishops…. then not much.”

“Of course…” he looked up and smiled at the Teritorans, “These are just the easy ones, things that have already been noted and indexed to Teritora. There’s probably dozens of references and related materials that are indexed on other subjects, and probably a good few that aren’t in the main index at all, possibly in special collections. But it’s a starting place. Would you like to look at any of this material?”

He passed the sheet to Marn, who was closest.

Grand Master Marn spoke musing. “Morveth is a title in it self in Ancient Teritoran that doesn’t translate very well, the closest you could come is Holy Champion or blessed hero. It’s a religious/military title that literality replaces a person’s birth name, house or clan name. Only 5 people have every borne it mainly for wining great battles or wars for the church in Teritora, two princes in the 6th and 7th centuries, an King in the mid 9th century, an baron in the 11th century and the first grand master of my order after the Star and Cross crusade. The Noble Bear would have likely had to with the name of the house he came from which literally translated means the noble bears.”

Archbishop Vorn spoke. “It sounds promising so far, just with what you got so soon, I imagine the archivists back in Teritora are going to be biting at the teeth just to compare and possible cross index items.”

The monk nodded. “Well, let’s see, here… Sister Eliswe? Are those Dominicans done with the fax generator?”

The nun, who had gone back to her work, looked up and blinked. “Eh? Oh, the Bellarians? I think so, let me check the network status.” She tapped a few keys. “It’s idle, anyway. Give it a try.”

“Alright.” Brother Salvador gestured for the Teritorans to pull their chairs in around one of the unused viewers. “Here’s what you do…” He rummaged in a desk drawer, found a pencil, and scribbled some letters and numbers across the top of the sheet of paper. “This will be your temporary access ID, I’ll set it up it in a minute. You go here…” He activated the screen, and selected the access option for visitors.

“Then you enter this identification sequence…” he pointed to the beginning of each entry on the paper, “and a summary will come up here, like this.” He entered one of the IDs and a paragraph of text appeared on the screen, an abstract of a transcripted tenth-century hagiography by the scholar Alphracus of Dalmatia. “That gives you a more detailed description of the material. If you want to look at it, enter this…” he pointed on the screen, “and a microfax will come up.” He clicked, and on the screen appeared the facsimile of a mostly-legible palimpsest, with a list of saints and references to them in archaic Latin, written in a small, regular, but somewhat eccentric Roman alphabet.

“You can scroll over the microfax, like this… to find what you want. If you want a facsimile of the material…” He pointed to the control bar. “This will lead you to a request form. You’ll need this temporary access ID to complete the form.”

“The requests are usually processed pretty promptly. Running about a week right now, which is not bad. We’ll send a response to whatever contact you enter, giving a production time and an estimated cost. If you want the facsimile, it’ll link you to the order protocol and you can go ahead and pay. Costs vary, of course, depending on whether the material is already microfaxed or not, and how extensive a copy you want, and so on.” He grimaced. “We don’t make anything on it, believe me.”

“Alright, just start looking at whatever you want to see, and I’ll enter your temporary access, for… how long are you going to be here?”

Grand Inquisitor Bern spoke. "Hmm this is different, We do everything by hand back in Teritora, you wouldn't believe how much parchment we go through."

Grand Master Marn and Archbishop Vorn nodded, Marn spoke. "Or trying to find something in the Archives and libaries quickly. Perfectly organized but you still have to hunt though the material to find something."

Archbishop Vorn spoke. "I am not sure how long we will be here."

Brother Salvador’s brows went up, briefly—parchment? They were still using animal hide? “Parchment? That is fascinating. You must have evolved some very unique archival methods to prepare your hides for writing, and for preserving your records. We have a terrible time with parchment—ancient preparation techniques being of uneven quality at best, deterioration is a constant battle. We’ve done microfabs of a great deal of material, but it’s slow. I’d be most interested in learning your preservation methods, it might help us stave off some of the problems we face here.”

The comment about organization seemed to amuse the Franciscan. His eyes narrowed to twinkling slits. “As to organization… my dear Sir, this…” he gestured at the computers “represents only the tip of the iceberg as far as indexing and organizing everything in the Libraries. There are whole rooms full of material that have never even been looked at since they were deposited centuries ago, other than to affix a label to the folios. And the lists…” he laughed in a kind of helpless despair. “If we had a staff of fifty, working for fifty years, we might be able to list and index and cross-reference everything, but we have three Librarians, three Archivists, half a dozen assistants, and three or four visiting scholars to look after the single largest collection of documents, manuscripts, books, and other written material in the world!”

“Perhaps at some point you can send a visiting scholar to us. Visiting scholars are allowed access to much of the material when they are not working—it is a good way to do research among some of the less-plumbed depths.”

Archbihop Vorn spoke. "Theres an special resin from an tree native to Teritora that we use to treat the parchment after its writen on to preserve it, the down side is that you can't write anything else on it after the resin is applied because any ink or other liquids will just bead up, perfect for preventing water damage after the fact and it has added an added bonus that not even cochroaches will touch something treated with it much less other bugs that generally damage books, papers and such. Theres some really old docoments in Teritora that wouldn't have the orginals around if it wasn't for this, espcially with the wet climate. That wouldn't be hard too do to get some Scholars to visit, what type would you prefer, we could get them to come with larger amount of documents we plan on sending to the archives here once things are worked out."

Father Munio judged it time to intervene—clearly, between Brother Salvador’s enthusiasm and the Teritorans’ curiosity, they could spend days down here discussing the nuances of manuscript preservation and archival curatorship. He grinned, and nodded to the Franciscan. “Can you print out an instruction prompt, Brother? Our guests will doubtless wish to access the material often as they have leisure over the coming days. But it has been a long day of many meetings…”

“Of course, of course! Sister Eliswe? Can you…?” The nun gave him a sardonic glance, and gestured at the receiving tray of a relatively modern printer. “Already there.”

Beaming, Brother Salvador handed the sheets over to the Teritorans, with a warm handclasp. “Feel free to contact me at any time. A wonderful opportunity to delve into some more obscure material. We really must look into getting someone from Teritora into the Scholars program.”

Father Munio escorted the Teritorans back through the labyrinth, and up to the Sistine Chapel, where the Vespers was about to begin.

Archbishop Vorn spoke calmly as they walked. "I must say this trip is most productive trip so far, things seem to be going rather smoothly."

Father Munio hoped that the Teritoran visitors were appropriately relaxed and inspired by the Vespers service in the magnificent Chapel. When it was complete, he escorted them to their car, recommended they try the Risotto Calabrese at their hotel, and reminded them that the car would pick them up in the morning for their meeting with Bishop Mbopa regarding the religious Orders in Teritora.

He returned to the Secretariat, and dictated a concise review of the day’s activities for the Sostituto. Nataka should be pleased, he thought, with the outcome of the Sales meeting. If the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops was willing to take them under his wing, more or less, it would be one less worry for the Secretariat. Cardinal Sales rarely clashed with Renard, and his involvement in the process would irritate the Frenchman less than having to deal with the Secretariat. If he was delegating Father Malcrezci to the Apostolic Delegation, that softspoken, genial priest would likely be detailed to take over from Munio, as well.

But Father Munio was sufficiently interested in the Teritorans that he made a note to keep track of their progress. He wondered how they’d get along with the Cardinal from Ratangu—the African was kind, but very formal and somewhat stiff in manner on superficial acquaintance. And his heavily-accented English and Latin were sometimes a difficulty in communication. Well, the Teritorans seemed well able to handle the Curial prelates so far, doubtless they’d manage.

At their hotel room the Teritorans had diner as they poured over the instruction manual then over what they needed for the meeting with Bishop Mbopa in the next morning before they finally turned in at the midnight hour to rest for the next day. As the next day came the Teritorans eat breakfest and gathered what they needed for the upcoming meeting as they waited for their ride to arrive.