Uncle Noel
28-07-2004, 18:04
* A FEW WEEKS AGO *
ooc: Discussed this topic with HVS a week ago and have decided to place it a few weeks ago ie before Princess Helen of Pantocratoria came to the Fiefdom.
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=343035
IC: Port Noel at night was remarkably pretty. The city quietened and the stillness of the night made it, in the citizens’ eyes, quite romantic. Crime was virtually unknown so couples would often go for a walk by the sea front or retire to the jazz clubs down by the river. In the residential areas children continued to play in the diminishing light until their parents would call them in. It was a city at ease with itself, if such a term could be used.
In the tunnels beneath Port Noel, however, work continued as normal. Messages were relayed, orders drafted, laws revised to changing circumstances and quotas adjusted. The wheels of government continued to turn.
Uncle Noel was sat up in his bed while his secretary passed him various articles of business. His sister had insisted that, since the dictator wasn't getting any younger, he should be in bed by at least ten.
"Well," he told his secretary, "I am in bed but she didn't say I should also be asleep."
So there they were. Uncle Noel's bedroom was a Spartan affair next to his office. Belvidge, his secretary, was finally approaching the end of the day's business.
".....and so a guerrilla war has started in Libya sir." continued Belvidge.
"Damnable business," replied the leader, "Although not unexpected. The regime there is illegitimate. See if you can find a suitable government-in-exile."
"Of course. That's about it sir," said Belvidge with no small amount of relief for they had been working for hours, "Except there's the spending review for the state industries."
"That can be dealt with tomorrow. I am going to the Ministry tomorrow anyway."
"Of course sir." Belvidge gathered up his papers and was about to leave when he noticed a document that had slipped out.
"Oh?" he said, picking it up. It related to the recent business involving the RCC in Pantocratoria.
"What's that Belvidge?" asked Uncle Noel.
"Just a note from the foreign office over a new holy order that being set up by the new Pope."
"Ah yes, Leo something. Well bring it here man!"
Belvidge sighed, perhaps the evening wasn't quite over. Taking the paper, Uncle Noel read with interest.
"Umm, a new Order?" said the dictator, "Interesting. And a new Pope. This may be an opportunity. Contact Donald and make sure he's at Morning Prayer tomorrow."
Belvidge was confused but dutifully nodded and carried out his leader's orders.
'Opportunity?' thought Belvidge as he left.
* * *
The Right Reverend Donald Forester had been watching his daughter's play when he was passed a note informing him that Uncle Noel wished to see him at Morning Prayer at the cathedral. It was curious, and slightly irritating since he did it all last week when the Dean was away, but he knew he couldn't say no.
As Archbishop of Port Noel and leader of the fiefdom's Anglicans, Forester held an important and privileged position. He knew, for example, that behind the secular face of the dictator was a devout Anglican (indeed some said that Uncle Noel was the son of parish priest, although most of the dictator's life was kept a secret). The dictator's presence at Morning Prayer was not uncommon, the early service was not normally well attended and thus the secret faith of the man was kept as that, a secret. Forester didn't know what the man wanted know, but it was probably something interesting.
* * *
"Amen."
The service ended and Forester processed to the end of the Lady Chapel. It was, as he'd expected, largely empty. Canon Roff was there, along with Mrs. Larks, but that was about it. Except, of course, for Uncle Noel.
"A good service your grace," said the man as he approached the bishop.
"Thank you sir," replied Donald, "I trust you are well?"
"Fine thank you. Yourself?"
"Fine." replied Donald, dancing the dance of small talk before the real business began.
"Donald, I need to see you over a plan I've had. Belvidge, when am I free today?"
The secretary, who had been waiting just outside, quickly entered and flicked through a large diary.
"Not today I don't think sir," came the hushed reply, "The spending review takes up most of the day. And there's that trip to the chemical plant over in Port Sunlight. You won't get back to at least half eight."
"Excellent, shall we say nine then Donald?"
"Err.. of course sir."
"And bring Alan with you."
* * *
The clock in Uncle Noel's office struck nine. He was tired, of course, but the upcoming meeting excited him. It was unknown territory and so many years in the job had made few things unknown. Donald was already here, but Bishop Alan Smallwood was on his way. The leader of the Fiefdom's small catholic community and Uncle Noel wasn't sure how he'd react.
Belvidge, on the other hand, was totally confused. His parents had bought him up a Unitarian and, while not a practising one, he still found the issue of Bishops etc. rather confusing. At last Alan arrived.
"I'm sorry sir," the man puffed as he entered, "But the security was most tight."
"Don't worry Alan," said the dictator, "Take a seat. I assume you know why you're here?"
"I do sir, Donald explained in the phone call," he wheezed as he launched himself into the chair, "And it is very confusing."
Uncle Noel looked at them both. Forester was a tall man with glasses and rapidly greying hair while Smallwood was shorter and still kept his colour. It was a picture that Uncle Noel would have found amusing if there was not business to attend to.
"Why curious Alan?"
"Well sir," replied the bishop as he got his breath back, "Surely a distinguished man as yourself should not...er...tax himself with such matters?"
"I don't see why not Alan," came the reply, "I would go only as myself and not as the leader of the Fiefdom."
"But this is a controversial issue which is being dealt with my the Anglican-Catholic Commission."
"Commission?" laughed the old man, "Even the Pope has seen that the days of pluralism no longer hold the same power as before. Liberal democracy is not universal which is the whole reason behind his new Order. We have returned to the days of great men politics, so why should I not address the matter? What good has the commission done for the previous 100 years?"
Alan was about to respond when Belvidge spoke up.
"I'm sorry everyone, but what exactly is the issue being discussed here?"
Smallwood took a deep breath and began to explain.
"In 1896, Leo XIII issued an Apostolicae Curae in regards to Anglican orders. As you may know, Anglo-Catholics have always tried to re-unite the Church of Rome and the Church of England. The Holy Father merely laid out the position of the Holy See on such matters."
"And that was?"
"That..er...Anglican orders were, and I quote, 'null and void'."
"Ah." replied Belvidge.
"And I have decided to address the matter Belvidge. While I am not an 'Anglo-Catholic', I can see the controversy of the letter. There are differences between the two churches but such differences can always be healed IF an understanding can be reached."
"But why go sir?" protested Smallwood, "It could cause more bother than good. The Holy See doesn't condemn the Anglican Communion."
"It's about respect Alan," replied Uncle Noel, "If this can be discussed then perhaps a better understanding can be reached and mutual respect begin to develop."
"But mutual respect DOES exist sir!" protested Smallwood.
"Then I shall discover this when I visit the Holy Father."
"Visit him?" exclaimed both Belvidge and the Bishop.
"Indeed, what does the Seat of St. Augustine say Donald?"
"Well Canterbury said that while...er...they preferred a more 'democratic' regime to tackle the issue," replied the Archbishop, "They had no problems with you at least trying."
"Excellent, then it is agreed. I shall go to the Vatican after the spending review. Send a message to His Holiness."
As they filed out, Smallwood knew that the idea was foolish. He only hoped that the Vatican didn't blame it for the resulting mess.
* * A FEW WEEKS LATER*
"I haven't a bloody clue." replied Uncle Noel. The shock at the imminent arrival of the new ambassador, Princess Helen, was almost palpable.
"What about the Vatican mission sir?" asked Belvidge as he suddenly remembered.
"I shall have to delay it for a bit, but rest assured Belvidge, I shall go."
ooc: Discussed this topic with HVS a week ago and have decided to place it a few weeks ago ie before Princess Helen of Pantocratoria came to the Fiefdom.
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=343035
IC: Port Noel at night was remarkably pretty. The city quietened and the stillness of the night made it, in the citizens’ eyes, quite romantic. Crime was virtually unknown so couples would often go for a walk by the sea front or retire to the jazz clubs down by the river. In the residential areas children continued to play in the diminishing light until their parents would call them in. It was a city at ease with itself, if such a term could be used.
In the tunnels beneath Port Noel, however, work continued as normal. Messages were relayed, orders drafted, laws revised to changing circumstances and quotas adjusted. The wheels of government continued to turn.
Uncle Noel was sat up in his bed while his secretary passed him various articles of business. His sister had insisted that, since the dictator wasn't getting any younger, he should be in bed by at least ten.
"Well," he told his secretary, "I am in bed but she didn't say I should also be asleep."
So there they were. Uncle Noel's bedroom was a Spartan affair next to his office. Belvidge, his secretary, was finally approaching the end of the day's business.
".....and so a guerrilla war has started in Libya sir." continued Belvidge.
"Damnable business," replied the leader, "Although not unexpected. The regime there is illegitimate. See if you can find a suitable government-in-exile."
"Of course. That's about it sir," said Belvidge with no small amount of relief for they had been working for hours, "Except there's the spending review for the state industries."
"That can be dealt with tomorrow. I am going to the Ministry tomorrow anyway."
"Of course sir." Belvidge gathered up his papers and was about to leave when he noticed a document that had slipped out.
"Oh?" he said, picking it up. It related to the recent business involving the RCC in Pantocratoria.
"What's that Belvidge?" asked Uncle Noel.
"Just a note from the foreign office over a new holy order that being set up by the new Pope."
"Ah yes, Leo something. Well bring it here man!"
Belvidge sighed, perhaps the evening wasn't quite over. Taking the paper, Uncle Noel read with interest.
"Umm, a new Order?" said the dictator, "Interesting. And a new Pope. This may be an opportunity. Contact Donald and make sure he's at Morning Prayer tomorrow."
Belvidge was confused but dutifully nodded and carried out his leader's orders.
'Opportunity?' thought Belvidge as he left.
* * *
The Right Reverend Donald Forester had been watching his daughter's play when he was passed a note informing him that Uncle Noel wished to see him at Morning Prayer at the cathedral. It was curious, and slightly irritating since he did it all last week when the Dean was away, but he knew he couldn't say no.
As Archbishop of Port Noel and leader of the fiefdom's Anglicans, Forester held an important and privileged position. He knew, for example, that behind the secular face of the dictator was a devout Anglican (indeed some said that Uncle Noel was the son of parish priest, although most of the dictator's life was kept a secret). The dictator's presence at Morning Prayer was not uncommon, the early service was not normally well attended and thus the secret faith of the man was kept as that, a secret. Forester didn't know what the man wanted know, but it was probably something interesting.
* * *
"Amen."
The service ended and Forester processed to the end of the Lady Chapel. It was, as he'd expected, largely empty. Canon Roff was there, along with Mrs. Larks, but that was about it. Except, of course, for Uncle Noel.
"A good service your grace," said the man as he approached the bishop.
"Thank you sir," replied Donald, "I trust you are well?"
"Fine thank you. Yourself?"
"Fine." replied Donald, dancing the dance of small talk before the real business began.
"Donald, I need to see you over a plan I've had. Belvidge, when am I free today?"
The secretary, who had been waiting just outside, quickly entered and flicked through a large diary.
"Not today I don't think sir," came the hushed reply, "The spending review takes up most of the day. And there's that trip to the chemical plant over in Port Sunlight. You won't get back to at least half eight."
"Excellent, shall we say nine then Donald?"
"Err.. of course sir."
"And bring Alan with you."
* * *
The clock in Uncle Noel's office struck nine. He was tired, of course, but the upcoming meeting excited him. It was unknown territory and so many years in the job had made few things unknown. Donald was already here, but Bishop Alan Smallwood was on his way. The leader of the Fiefdom's small catholic community and Uncle Noel wasn't sure how he'd react.
Belvidge, on the other hand, was totally confused. His parents had bought him up a Unitarian and, while not a practising one, he still found the issue of Bishops etc. rather confusing. At last Alan arrived.
"I'm sorry sir," the man puffed as he entered, "But the security was most tight."
"Don't worry Alan," said the dictator, "Take a seat. I assume you know why you're here?"
"I do sir, Donald explained in the phone call," he wheezed as he launched himself into the chair, "And it is very confusing."
Uncle Noel looked at them both. Forester was a tall man with glasses and rapidly greying hair while Smallwood was shorter and still kept his colour. It was a picture that Uncle Noel would have found amusing if there was not business to attend to.
"Why curious Alan?"
"Well sir," replied the bishop as he got his breath back, "Surely a distinguished man as yourself should not...er...tax himself with such matters?"
"I don't see why not Alan," came the reply, "I would go only as myself and not as the leader of the Fiefdom."
"But this is a controversial issue which is being dealt with my the Anglican-Catholic Commission."
"Commission?" laughed the old man, "Even the Pope has seen that the days of pluralism no longer hold the same power as before. Liberal democracy is not universal which is the whole reason behind his new Order. We have returned to the days of great men politics, so why should I not address the matter? What good has the commission done for the previous 100 years?"
Alan was about to respond when Belvidge spoke up.
"I'm sorry everyone, but what exactly is the issue being discussed here?"
Smallwood took a deep breath and began to explain.
"In 1896, Leo XIII issued an Apostolicae Curae in regards to Anglican orders. As you may know, Anglo-Catholics have always tried to re-unite the Church of Rome and the Church of England. The Holy Father merely laid out the position of the Holy See on such matters."
"And that was?"
"That..er...Anglican orders were, and I quote, 'null and void'."
"Ah." replied Belvidge.
"And I have decided to address the matter Belvidge. While I am not an 'Anglo-Catholic', I can see the controversy of the letter. There are differences between the two churches but such differences can always be healed IF an understanding can be reached."
"But why go sir?" protested Smallwood, "It could cause more bother than good. The Holy See doesn't condemn the Anglican Communion."
"It's about respect Alan," replied Uncle Noel, "If this can be discussed then perhaps a better understanding can be reached and mutual respect begin to develop."
"But mutual respect DOES exist sir!" protested Smallwood.
"Then I shall discover this when I visit the Holy Father."
"Visit him?" exclaimed both Belvidge and the Bishop.
"Indeed, what does the Seat of St. Augustine say Donald?"
"Well Canterbury said that while...er...they preferred a more 'democratic' regime to tackle the issue," replied the Archbishop, "They had no problems with you at least trying."
"Excellent, then it is agreed. I shall go to the Vatican after the spending review. Send a message to His Holiness."
As they filed out, Smallwood knew that the idea was foolish. He only hoped that the Vatican didn't blame it for the resulting mess.
* * A FEW WEEKS LATER*
"I haven't a bloody clue." replied Uncle Noel. The shock at the imminent arrival of the new ambassador, Princess Helen, was almost palpable.
"What about the Vatican mission sir?" asked Belvidge as he suddenly remembered.
"I shall have to delay it for a bit, but rest assured Belvidge, I shall go."