NationStates Jolt Archive

Aboard the Syskeyia One

Saturday already?, though President and First Consul Benedict Michael Sukothai to himself as we woke up aboard his upgraded Airbus A380.

"We're nearing Pantocratorian airspace, sir," an aide informed him. Sure enough, Sukothai could see the Pantocratorian acrchipelago (sp) from the window of his living quarters.

He had been briefed on the situation in the Imperium Sanctissimum et Augustissimum Pantocratoriae. About the Greek-French split, the political situation and, most terribly, the UN-enforced legalization of abortion.

The First Consul mused about the situation. Two historically Catholic states, emerging from happenstance sideshows of major historical events.* One had become a republic, the other an empire. That did not bother Sukothai, for the successors of Constantine had proven to be able and benevolent monarchs indeed. He could still remember when they had donated the Harriers and Sheridans to the Imperial Armed forces.

This, he thought, will be a visit to remember...

OOC: It's the state thread, abliet a day late. But since it could take a day or so for an airliner to go across the Eurasian continent (from Southeast Asia to the Atlantic), it's reasonable. And for your viewing pleasure, here is Sukothai's jet, the Syskeyia One:
http://img40.photobucket.com/albums/v123/Syskeyia/syskeyia_one.jpg

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

Pantocratoria International Airport was abuzz with excitement as the Syskeyia One taxied towards the red carpet, the troop of the Varangian Guard, and the official welcoming party. The Pantocratorian and Syskeyian flags fly from the roof of the terminal, and from the bonnets of the black limousines waiting to take the visitors to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. Dressed in a splendid white naval uniform decorated with a purple sash (signifying his Imperial status), and bedecked with all sorts of medals he had no business wearing, stood His Imperial Highness the Most Pious Prince Andreus, the Despot of New Constantinople, and heir apparent to the Pantocratorian throne. The young man fidgeted with the sword on his waist, finding it uncomfortable.

"I should've worn the regalia, I wouldn't have this bloody sword sticking into my hip." he murmurs to nobody in particular, as he stares down the red carpet to wear the Syskeyia One has come to a stop.

"Attention!" shouts the sergeant by the Varangians, who snap to attention as the stairs are rolled up to the door on the presidential flight.

The military band across the carpet from the Varangians starts to play the Syskeyian national anthem as the door opens and President Benedict Sukothai decends the stairs.

"His Excellency, the President and First Consul of the Republic of Syskeyia!" announces the sergeant, after which, Prince Andreus walks up the carpet to meet the President halfway.

"Your Excellency," he says, nodding politely, before shaking the President's hand. "On behalf of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor, welcome to the Pantocratorian Empire. We've cars ready to conduct you and your entourage to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, where His Majesty looks forward to meeting you."

"Glad to see you [insert Prince's title to be addressed by here]. I look forward to meeting His Most Catholic Majesty personally," Sukothai said as he shook the Prince's hand and went to his limousine.

The President wore a regualr suit, with the gold chain sash symbolizing his office over the suitcoat.

OOC: I know, the the most elegant thing written on NS, but it moves the RP along. :D

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: One would call the Prince "Your Highness". His full title is His Imperial Highness the Most Pious Prince Andreus, Despot of Constantinople.

You might find the following information helpful:

The Imperial Family of Pantocratoria - the House of Bourbon-Comnenus-Palaeologus

His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus I Capet, Imperator Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, Caesar Augustus, Equal of the Apostles, King of France and Navarre, Master of the Knightly Order of the Pantocrator, et al.
(father: Emperor Isaac V Capet (d. 1971), Empress Marie (d. 1984))
It should be noted that many of the Emperor's titles are titular in nature only (eg King of France and Navarre) and reflect the ancestry of his house. The Emperor has several dozen more titles, but the majority of them are truncated simply to those you see above (hence the et al.).

His Imperial Highness the Most Pious Prince Andreus Capet, Despot of New Constantinople, Dauphin of France
(father: Emperor Andreus I Capet, Empress Theodora (d. 1996))
The title Despot of New Constantinople is the Pantocratorian equivalent to the British "Prince of Wales"; it is bestowed upon the heir apparent at the age of 21. The title "the Most Pious" is awarded to the eldest male and female children of a reigning emperor, who are born "to the purple"; ie, during their father's reign as sovereign.

His Imperial Highness Prince Constantine Capet, Shadow Minister for Public Safety and Deputy Leader of the Opposition
(father: Emperor Andreus I Capet, Empress Theodora (d. 1996))

Her Imperial Highness the Most Pious Princess Anna Capet-Davidson, Princess of Langeais
(father: Emperor Andreus I Capet, Empress Theodora (d. 1996))
Princess Anna was married to Prince Joseph of Excalbia earlier this year, with whom she rules as co-sovereign of a small island nation in the Excalbian Isles called Langeais.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Theodora Capet
(father: Emperor Andreus I Capet, Empress Theodora (d. 1996))

Her Imperial Highness Princess Zoë Capet
(father: Emperor Andreus I Capet, Empress Theodora (d. 1996))

The Prince followed the President into the limousine, and the rest of the President's entourage were lead to other limousines parked on the tarmac. Before long, the train of luxury cars was out of the airport, and was heading towards the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, flanked by police on motorcycles. The cars sped through the modern parts of New Rome, only slowing down once they reached New Rome's picturesque old quarter, in which many examples of the unique Pantocratorian architectural style could be found. Most buildings were things of contrast, unashamedly mixing Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles to produce a style which most people either loved or hated the first time they lay eyes on it. The cars passed by the beautiful Cathedral of Christ Pantocrator, and by the Imperial Parliament on the way to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. Prince Andreus pointed out the most significant structures to the President on the way.

The huge gates of the walled palace complex were opened for the limousines, and the police escort dropped away; their continued escort into the palace would've been superfluous. The cars came to a stop in the massive front court yard, and palace porters opened the doors for their passengers.

"If Your Excellency will kindly follow me, I will take you to His Majesty." offers the Prince as he disembarks.

...only slowing down once they reached New Rome's picturesque old quarter, in which many examples of the unique Pantocratorian architectural style could be found. Most buildings were things of contrast, unashamedly mixing Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles to produce a style which most people either loved or hated the first time they lay eyes on it.

Beautiful old town, though Sukothai as he looked out his window to view New Rome's old quarter. The mixed architecture here reminded him in principle of the architecture of Syskeyiapolis, which was itself a amalgation/blend/fusion (which one depended on the building) of late Romanesque, early Gothic, Sicilian Byzantine and Thai architecture.

There were differences, of course. In Syskeyiapolis there was no split between the "old town" and the "new town," as every building had, by law, to follow a basic architectual "canon:" (basically) red/maroon roofs, gold inlay, and (primarily) white outside walls.

Still, he loved the architecture here, and sank in every bit of it he could as his motorcade drove through the old city.

The huge gates of the walled palace complex were opened for the limousines, and the police escort dropped away; their continued escort into the palace would've been superfluous. The cars came to a stop in the massive front court yard, and palace porters opened the doors for their passengers.

"If Your Excellency will kindly follow me, I will take you to His Majesty." offers the Prince as he disembarks.

"It would be an honor, replied Sukothai.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

Another troop of the Varangian Guard snap to attention, offering their salute as the Prince and President proceed up the vast courtyard towards the entrance of the palace proper. A bronze statue of St Constantine the Great dominates the courtyard, and the cold carved eyes of the emperor stare down at the Presidential delegation as it is lead into the palace's cavernous "waiting room".

This chamber has a gently-domed ceiling, decorated with a Byzantine-style icon of Christ as Pantocrator, looking down on the delegation with haunting eyes. The stylistic clashes for which the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator is so well known start immediately beneath the dome, the oldest part of the palace (since this waiting room over which the icon watches was the original great hall), as huge marble pillars stand in the corners of the room (the pillars serve no structural purpose, being added in the 17th century). On the wall to the delegation's left is a huge painting labelled "Le Martyre de Constantine XI", depicting the final moments of the battle between the defenders of Constantinople and the Ottoman Turks. Into each of the tiles on the floor are carved the initials "L & T", interwoven to form one letter with a T's top and an L's bottom, commemorating the 1810 marriage of Louis XVII, titular King of France, and the Empress Theodora II Comnenus.

At the end of the room are two massive bronze doors, with three Varangians standing in front of each door. Flanking the doorway are two marble statues, each dressed in imperial gowns of ancient Rome. One is the Roman Emperor Augustus, and the other is the Pantocratorian Emperor Constantine XIX Comnenus (in the middle of whose reign in the early 17th century the statues were installed, along with the pillars). The doors at the other side of the chamber swing open, revealing a glimpse of the great hall behind them.

The great hall dwarves the entrance chamber, with huge marble pillars stretching from the floor all the way to the ornately decorated ceiling, spanning more than three stories in height (evidenced by the two levels of balconies which run along both sides of the hall). Underneath the balconies on each side stand dozens of members of the Imperial court, who all bow or curtsey as the Prince and President walk in. In the centre of the chamber is an imposing throne structure on a platform of its own, and seated on that throne in full Imperial regalia is the Emperor, a tall man with gray hair and a well-kept beard. A man in golden armour stands on the platform at the foot of the throne; the Imperial Champion, Sir Constantine the Hardy. Standing on the platform behind Sir Constantine are two pretty teenage girls dressed in identical gowns, both wearing purple sashes. Across the otherside of the platform stands a young man around his early twenties, wearing a tuxedo with a purple sash.

Prince Andreus leads the President up to the throne, and bows deeply to his father.

"Your Imperial Majesty," he says gravely. "May I present His Excellency Benedict Michael Sukothai, President and First Consul of the Republic of Syskeyia."

The Emperor rises from his throne, descends the steps down from the platform, places his hands on each of the President's shoulders, and kisses him on each cheek.

"Welcome, Your Excellency." he says. He indicates the people on the platform. "May I present my other son, Prince Constantine, and two of my daughters, Princess Theodora, and Princess Zoë. And this is my champion, Sir Constantine the Hardy."

The President greets the Imperial Court, et cetera, et cetera.

OOC: Not sure what to do at this point. :D

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

"Your Excellency," says the Emperor, backing away. "We understand that you must be tired after your long flight. We have arranged accommodation here in the palace for you and your entourage, and we encourage you to rest, relax, and enjoy les plaisirs du palais. When you are well rested, we have arranged for our sister, the Imperial Chancellor, to meet with us."

The Emperor turns to return to his throne. He speaks to Zoë on his way up.

"Madamoiselle, show His Excellency about the grounds and see him to his room." says the Emperor, trusting the task to his youngest daughter instead of to Theodora.

The Emperor reaches his throne, turns around and sits down.

"We look forward to speaking with you when you are rested, Your Excellency." concludes the Emperor. Zoë approaches the President.

"If Your Excellency will follow me..." she says respectfully, curtsying, before leading the President down the stairs, out of the great hall, and about the wing of the palace in which the President will be lodged. Finally, she leads him to the rooms which have been prepared for him.

OOC: If you'd like to look about any parts of the palace in particular, ask Zoë and we can do a more thorough tour. Otherwise, we can talk about the things you said Sukothai wanted to talk about in your first post, like the Greek-French split, the political situation, and the UN resolution on abortion.

"I would very much like a tour of the palace? Could you please show me around?" Sukothai asks Zoë.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

"Yes, Your Excellency," says Zoë, deeply curtsying. This is going to take hours! she thinks to herself.

Dutifully, the Emperor's youngest child takes the President on a tour of the truly gargantuan palace. A socialist would be sickened by the opulence of the baroque decorations, the large paintings depicting the glory of the Pantocratorian monarchy, statues cast in precious metals, marble busts of emperors, and the size of the serving staff. The palace has been added to over 450 years, and totally redecorated on a number of occassions. The expense which the emperors have lavished on their principal residence over the centuries is staggering.

A number of times on the tour, Zoë actually seems to be momentarily lost as she leads the President into a room where she's not been herself in years. Each time she makes her apologies, and does her best to continue, leading the President about the grounds, from the enormous formal gardens, to the jousting field, to the Sun King Room (the Emperor's favourite of his numerous offices), to the Chapel of St Constantine the Great, to all three ballrooms, to the smaller of the two opera houses (the other one is being renovated, the young princess explains), and to countless other halls, drawing rooms and chambers.

After four hours of touring, and with the sun setting on the outside over the beautiful formal gardens, Zoë looks utterly exhausted, and leads the President back to his personal chambers.

"If Your Excellency will excuse me, my sister and I are both due to resume our lessons, from which we were excused on account of Your Excellency's arrival." says says, curtsying. "Besides, His Majesty and Her Highness the Chancellor will be expecting Your Excellency shortly, and I'm sure that after Your Excellency's long flight and the tour about the palace grounds, Your Excellency would probably like to rest for a short while before the meeting."

I've not even started my geography homework... thinks Zoë as she turns to return to the classroom.

Sukothai marvelled at the opulent expanse of the palace. Monumental gardens, multiple ballrooms, two opera houses.... Man, this place is like a city within a city. Much better tyhan the Aula Consuli. He quitely laughed at that thought. Ever since the Republic's early days, it had been a custom for the First Consuls to ridicule their residence as too small. Whether it truly was was debatable- roughyl the size of your avarage American governor's state mansion. the Aula Consuli was definitely smaller than the royal castle it replaced.

But enough of home, Sukothai thought. He checked up with the current domestic and international situation and foward-deployed an airborne division to St. Peter Claver Island before going to talk with the Emperor.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

*tag* for some reason

^bump^

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

^bump^ yet again!

Princess Irene sat on a magnificent but uncomfortable looking couch underneath a huge portrait of King Louis XIV of France in one of the Emperor's favourite drawing rooms. Her brother rearranged the piles of paper on his desk a few feet in-front.

A pair of doors swung open, and a Varangian Guardsman in his dress uniform marched in, came to an abrupt stop, clicked his heels, and spoke.

"His Excellency, Benedict Michael Sukothai, President and First Consul of the Syskeyian Republic!" he barked in French with a thick Swedish accent, before stepping out of the way. The President of Syskeyia was guided in as the Emperor and Princess Irene both rose to greet him.

"Your Excellency," said the Emperor. "May I present Her Imperial Highness the Princess Irene, my chancellor and the head of the Imperial Government."

Princess Irene curtsied politely. She was a cold, stern looking middle aged woman, with a very severe manner.

"Your Excellency," she said.

The Emperor gestured to the couches in the room.

"Sit, sit, we've much to discuss." says the Emperor.

After everybody has sat down, the Emperor looks to Sukothai.

"Well sir, you are the guest, what would you like to talk about?"

"Well sir, you are the guest, what would you like to talk about?"

'There's a lot I'd like to talk about, actually, but something's come up that has taken primacy above all else," Sukothai responded. "War. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=333941) SIA just intercepted this broadcast from Eurusea. He took out an electronic device and played the message for all to see and all to hear:

Premier Kurchatov: Comrades! Glorious workers of Eurusea! Today is a great day for justice!' she smiled, 'For too long we have let the evil crimes against our people by the foul heathen dogs of Syskeyia go unpunished! You all remember, comrades, how these vile monsters fired on a peaceful crowd of Reich citizens for daring to challenge their right to run a disgusting house of sin, comrades, a brothel, no less, on holy Reich soil? Do the workers of Eurusea tolerate such despicable brutality by the oppressive fascists?

Crowd:No!'
Premier Kurchatov:Of course we do not! Those who murdered Eurusea's children have been sent to hell where they belong by the justice of Iesus Christi, but their masters, the demons who gave them their orders, where are they, comrades? Every day they sit in their ivory towers laughing at the plight of their oppressed workers, forced to serve their evil masters and worship their foul, blasphemous rat-goddess! Who will free them if not us, comrades? Who will give Syskeyia back to the people, who will restore justice and the worship of the one true God and his prophet, the holy Comrade Marx, if not the workers of our proud nation?

Nobody, comrades! Nobody has the determination but us now! We will lead, so others may follow the glorious red banner of the revolution! Go now, go into the factories, and produce the arms that will liberate the oppressed! Go into the barracks, become the unstoppable Red Army that will thrust the blade of revolution deep into the heart of the evil bourgeoisie! Go into the schools, teach our children to hate our evil enemy, and teach them that together and with God on our side, nothing can stop us, we the workers of Eurusea!

[Shot from Floating Fortresses, cheering, etc]

The President let the horror of the broadcast sink in.

"We believe the mention of a 'brothel' to refer to our former embassy in the Reich, and our intelligence did show Eurusean nationals in the mob on that fateful day.

We've mobilized our military in preparation for an invasion, and I've contacted many of my friends and allies. Could you please aid us in this upcoming- but, God willing, avoidable war?"

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: I wasn't sure how I was supposed to react in that other thread since Eurusea said that the speech wasn't available internationally, but now that you've provided it to me IC, it seems appropriate for me to react!

IC:

The Emperor rubbed his beard thoughtfully.

"I'm afraid, Your Excellency, that Pantocratoria has extensive military committments at present in the Excalbian Isles..." starts Princess Irene, before she is interrupted by the Emperor.

"It would be remiss of us to not provide you with whatever assistance we may." says the Emperor.

"Sir, we are overstre..." Irene protests quietly to her brother, who silences her by holding up his hand.

"We can and will provide Syskeyia with men and materials to assist in her own defence. I will speak to the Imperial High Command as soon as is possible. Unfortunately, Your Excellency, the Pantocratorian Imperial Navy is totally committed to the defence of our interests in the Excalbian Isles, and will not be available to assist you. I promise you that ever other available asset will be committed to the defence of Syskeyia." says the Emperor as Irene fumes.

The Emperor turns to his sister.

"Your Highness will command the Imperial Parliament to pass an act to provide the Syskeyian Republic with all possible aid to assist in her defence tomorrow morning. I will call an emergency session." says the Emperor.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Irene says begrudgingly, before turning to the President. "I trust Your Excellency is satisfied."

Evil tag.

Evil tag? Hmmm....

"I trust Your Excellency is satisfied."

"Yes, I am," Sukothai responds.

OOC: Now what do we do? :)

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

OOC: As Pantocratoria's ally, I'm always available should a hand be required. I won't be the best of help since I'm not as big (only 800 million here I'm afraid) and haven't war RPed yet. But I'm willing to give it a shot and willing to heed the call should the Emperor ask.

Assemble the fleet.

The next morning...

The members of Imperial Parliament assembled in the great marble chamber. From the perspective of the speaker's throne and the podium, the members of the governing Pantocratoria First Party assembled on the right-hand side of the foyer. In the front row of the Government's side sat the Imperial Chancellor, Princess Irene, and the members of her cabinet. Starting from the other end of the foyer sat the members of the Opposition - the Loyal Christian Front, lead by Prince Basil, the younger brother of both the Emperor and the Chancellor. Seated in his front bench were the members of the shadow cabinet, including the Emperor's second son, Prince Constantine.

"Order! This house will come to order!" commanded the speaker from his throne at the front of the foyer. The dull roar of hundreds of quiet conversations died down.

"This emergency session of the Imperial Parliament has been called by His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty. God save the Emperor!" said the speaker.

"God save the Emperor!" came the reply from the assembled members.

"Let us pray for the guidance of the Lord God of Israel, that His divine wisdom may guide this house in its decisions, through the intercession of his Blessed Mother." said the speaker, as he crossed himself. The house did likewise.

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen." prayed the assembled members, before sitting down.

"At this time, the chair recognises Her Imperial Highness the Right Honourable the Imperial Chancellor the Most Pious Princess Irene." says the speaker. Princess Irene rises and walks to the podium.

"Thankyou, My Lord Speaker." starts the Chancellor. "As the members of this house will be well aware, ever since the Republic of Syskeyia provided the Empire with vital arms and equipment with which to re-equip the Imperial Defence Legions, it has been the policy of Imperial Governments both past and present to regard that Republic as one of our dearest allies. The time has come for us to repay the debt which we owe to Syskeyia. Therefore, My Lord Speaker, I ask that President Sukothai, First Consul of the Syskeyian Republic, be allowed to address the house."

The assembled house clamours "hear, hear!" as the Chancellor takes her seat.

"At this time, the chair recognises His Excellency President and First Consul Sukothai of the Syskeyian Republic." says the speaker.

OOC: The house awaits your address!

Sukothai then took the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, assembled members of the Imperial Parliament of Pantorcatoira, fellow bretheren in Christ, it is a great honor to address this legislative gathering.

All of you, no doubt, are aware of the monstrosity known as the Reich. For years, even decades, they have perverted the holy doctrines of Christ and His Church to serve their diabolical, fascist ends.

Never was this more apparent than during the Reich Embassy crisis, when a mob, divided by nation but united in malice, attacked and destroyed my country's embassy in St. Dominic.

Among those countries who supported the mob was the so-called "Glorious People's Republic' of Eurusea.

While the Reich has not threatened us recently, Eurusea has emerged from obscurity to threaten our soverignty, our culture, and our faith.

Recently, the Syskeyian Intelligence Agency intercepted this message from Eurusea, broadcast to the entire nation as an effort of propoganda."

Sukothai then played the intercepted broadcast, in which Premier Kurchatov of Eurusea spew vile and venom upon Syskeyia, wishing the centuries-old Respublic Syskeyiae Republic damnation, destruction, death, and hell.

"As your Right Honorable Chancellor already mentioned, my Republic has given aid to Pantocratoria and her military, helping her maintian her freedom and soverignty. I humbly ask you, the Imperial Parliament of Pantocratoria, to aid us in return."

Sukothai then descends the podium.

God bless,

The Republic of Syskeyia

The assembled members of the Imperial Parliament politely applaud Sukothai.

"Order!" shouts the speaker. "At this time, the chair recognises His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty Emperor Andreus."

The Emperor steps forward. As he walks to the podium, the assembled members shout "Ave Caesar", "Long live the Emperor", and other such declarations of loyalty.

"Thankyou, my Lord Speaker." says the Emperor. "Your Excellency, Your Imperial Highnesses, Your Graces, and other right honourable members of our Imperial Parliament. You have heard our friend and ally, President Sukothai, and you have seen what Premier Kurchatov had to say. We now ask and command you to demonstrate your support, and the support of all Imperial citizens, by passing a motion to provide the Syskeyian Republic with military assistance in its own defence. You will demonstrate that Pantocratorians stand by their allies against the dark forces of an evil empire."

The Emperor steps down.

"The house will now vote on His Majesty's motion." said the speaker. "Those who vote in favour, rise."

The entire house rises, as commanded by the Emperor.

"The motion is passed." announces the speaker.