NationStates Jolt Archive

"Get me some tea." Ian Paisley sighed heavily as he settled into his chair. "Earl Grey." Carefully unfolding the morning papers he saw a picture of Arch Duke Napoleon, his arms in the air in an impassioned posture during a speech, and all behind and infront of him a cheering crowd of Allaneans. Napoleon was doing a good job. Maybe too good.

"Here you are, your Highness." the Imperial footman bowed deeply. Before he could rise up again, Paisley took the paper and swatted him on the head.

"I told you from day one never to call me that!"

"Well," the footman replied, "This may be my last chance..." he bowed deeply again. As he turned to walk away, the suns rays bounced off of a single teardrop, forming in the footmans eye.

The Emperor turned back to his paper. He was very thin now, his skin was beginning to lose its colour. Many in the palace could remember the days when they used to josh Paisley about his weight, back when he was just a lowly advisor to the Emperor. Now, he seemed to be barely hanging on. His eyesockets were deeply sunken from years of bitter strife and agony. With his forehead deeply furled, he read the paper, seeing a picture of himself returning from talks with FSP. He picked up his finger and slowly moved it down the picture, gazing into his own eyes. His hair was just a white whisp...but his eyes were the same. He probably had them the day he was born...the intensity and the passion exuding from them like built up steam.

"If there is such thing as a Great man," Arch Duke von Oberhausen noted wistfully, "I think that is him." He looked on as Paisley flipped another page. Paisley never knew Oberhausen was there, he was just standing in the door, watching in awe, in utter awe of the normalcy of greatness in that man.

Kyle Paisley tapped on his shoulders. "Arch Duke, the Count von Katrineburg has arrived from the King Louis-Recois (OOC: The ship he was sailing on) and wishes to speak with you." Oberhausen nodded, turning his gaze once more to the hunched over figure in the chair, then back to Kyle. "Yes, let's go."

"Most Emperor's abdicate in scandal and shame." Ian Paisley thought to himself, his attention now completely divorced from the paper. "I am abdicating for my people...for their future...and abdicating at the pinacle of my career."

The leaflets announcing Paisley's abdication were posted all around Reichsburg. It had been the talk of the empire for weeks, and now the time would soon be at hand. Ian's eyes felt heavy and they began to close gently, when he heard a choir sounding out through the streets. First soft, but then with greater intensity.

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, A Bulwark Never Failing..."

As the sunset embers flickered and smoldered accross the Kingdom, the Choir's intensity rose. The sang their soul into every line. Paisley struggled up from his chair, and hobbled over to the window. He then saw the most memorable sight of his life. Every street in Reichsburg was filled...completely filled...with people. The candles they held made the earth below seem to sparkle and glitter. They held up signs saying "We Love Big Ian" and "Dr. No, Please Don't Go!" Some held up pictures of Paisley himself, and objects that he may have signed for them over the years. One lone woman, around 85, was in a wheelchair. She rolled perilously through the streets, weaving in and out of the other people. Then when she got near the fountain in King Will Square, she parked her chair. And for the first time in years, fought her ailing limbs and beat them into submission, she stood atop her chair and held up a Bible...a plain black Bible. Paisley saw the woman...and out of all the signs...out of all the songs...that meant the most to him; that one little book.

"I would..." Paisley barked. The crowd fell to a complete hush, astonishing the Emperor. "I would like to thankyou all for what you have done for me and for the Empire while I was at its head. I am leaving now...but you haven't seen the last of Ian Paisley!" his shouts were echoed by the crowd...echoed and amplified. It seemed as if the hills themselves were leaping for joy. The Paisley, not a singer by any accounts began to growl out a hymn. "What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bare..." the crowd joined in as the entire city sang. The entire city celebrated and mourned. The Empire awaited its monarch...the throne awaited its occupant...the people awaited their ruler.

"Count von Katrineburg. Wonderful to see you." von Oberhausen extended his hand. Katrineburg took it and shook it somewhat lightly.

"I'm famished." Katrineburg said anemically, pulling out a lace lined hankerchief, wiping away the beads of sweat from his forehead. "Do you have any croisants on hand?" He paused for a minute contemplating something that appeared very important. "And...yes...I shall have Boursin cheese with that."

Oberhausen, responded curtly, "This is dusk. We bake croissants in the morning."

"Tell the Chef to make some more." Katrineburg said without thought. "I need to see my coronation robes, to make sure they fit for tommorrow." A servant came bearing a silver serving tray with a glass of wine. "My Port!" Katrineburg seemed rather excited. He took it off of the tray and took a long sip. "Ahhh...'68. Beautiful vintage."

Katrineburg began to walk away. A shocked Oberhausen followed after him. "Katrineburg!" he called after him.

"Yes Dietrich?"

"Slow down." Oberhausen gave him a glare. "The robes are in here..."
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"Popery is the begotten of the Pit! It is the OFFSPRING OF HELL!" Paisley shouted from the microphone installed on the balcony. He had decided to hold an impromptu Church service for the entire city. Torches now lined the streets, brought out by the Imperial Guard who had walked out and joined the eager audience in hearing the Emperor's message.

"And as I stand here before you, on my last night as Emperor, I will blast out against the Pope and his minions just as strong as I did on the day I was coronated and just as strong as the day I was ordained as a minister!

I hereby renounce the Pope and all his cults and creeds...and all his false doctrines...and hereby declare that he is not the head of the Church...but he is that ANTI-CHRIST!

The Pope is the CHIEF ENEMY OF CHRIST ON EARTH! HE ROBS CHRIST OF HIS GLORY AND CLAIMS IT AS HIS OWN!" His tone softened as he leaned forward, and seemed to speak with the crowd. "Let me ask you...do you think it is proper to fellowship with the Anti-Christ or his minions!?"

A great and resounding "NO! NO! NO!" rose up like a torrent from the crowd. The chant crescendoed as the people waved their signs.

"That's right! Like it says in 1Timothy, "from such...withdraw thyselves." FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELVES! We will not fellowship with Rome or any who fellowship with her!"

He stepped back a moment. "I struggle to find strong enough terms to denounce the Pope...I don't think there can EVER be strong enough words to denounce the most EVIL MAN...the GREATEST ENEMY OF CHRIST...THE MOST WICKED HUMAN BEING ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!!!!"

The Crowd then began screaming, throwing things into the air, and wildly waving their signs and placards. Then they began to chant again, "PAPA PERSONNA NON GRATA!" or "The Pope is Not Welcome". These were the words engraved on the gate of Reichsburg, and had been there since 1648. It had become almost a secondary national motto...especially under Emperor Paisley.

"When I leave you...I am going back to my little Church on Ravehill Road. I am going to Preach. It is what I was born to do, and what I love to do! I will preach the great Gospel of Jesus Christ! I will preach until my last breath, and I pray that my last sermon is twice as fiery as the first. I will live with my family...and my loving wife Eileen...who has been a rock of support." He paused. If he weren't Ian Paisley, one would expect him to start crying. "Now let us pray..."

"Heavenly Father..."
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"Damn Katrineburg!" King Napoleon slammed his fist down. He was watching the GPNN coverage of the pre-Coronation events and Paisley's speech from his Royal Estate in Allanea, where he was the installed monarch. "That fag..." he fumed. "He'll ruin Prussia! He has no backbone!" His staff and other Royal Family members from Reichskamphen who had come to attend to him sent smiles of approval and even cheers.

"We need to campaign among the guard. Find the Paisleyites, the Viktorites...see if we can get them to refuse to take the oath of loyalty to Katrineburg or atleast see if we can get them to consider the possibility." Napoleon ordered his minister of Military affairs.

"The Viktor Leipzig division is with you..." his minister responded, referring to the division...renamed a number of times...that he had commaded from the 2nd Scottan war up until the time he was named King.

Cardinal DeVito was watching the news. He saw Paisley on television screaming his head off about the pope. He lauged to himself thinging that he was once part of that region.
"Hopefully Katrineburg will be more sensible and will WANT that alliance between our two regions"he though to himself

Speech to the people of Cardinalatial City (CR's capital) LIVE coverage

"My dear friends, tonight Dr. Paisley abdicated his position of Emperor of Greater Prussia, our old region. His speech denounced the Holy Father calling him the Antichrist. I REFUTE THIS! He denounced so called popery. Hopfully Katrineburg will have more sense. I wish to congradulate Katrineburg. He is soon to be coronated. I again congradulate him."
"Now on to REFUTING Paisleys speech. He called the Pope the antichrist and an evil man. To him i say, VIVA LA PAPA (or Long Live the Pope). He got his whole capital city to pray and so shall I."
The Cardinal and the entire crowd began to say


"Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy. Hail my life, my sweetness and my hope! To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To you do we send up our sighs; mourning and weeping in this vale of tears!

Turn, most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy toward me, and after this, our exile, show to us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus Christ!

Clement, loving, sweet Virgin Mary! Amen." they prayed.

"Thank you my friends, and I bless you in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN" the Cardinal finished and walked back into the Cardinalatial Palace.

The cround roared and began to sing the Salve Regina.

*GPNN PRESS CONFERENCE WITH ARCH DUKE VON OBERHAUSEN*

The Arch Duke walked slowly, with a measured confidence, as he approached the podium, which was afitted with the Crest of the Imperial Family. On either side of the podium stood the standards of the Imperial Family and then the standard of Reichskamphen.

"Ladies and Gentleman." Oberhausen began, quieting the talking among the reporters present. "It seems we have some untruthes being told abroad." The reporters were taken aback.

"I must tell you, that the Emperor will not abdicate until just before Katrineburg takes the crown. We would never leave you without a head. Also...Cardinal Devito can repudiate what ever he wants...he can't back it up with the book. That is all I am going to say."

The reporters wrote furiously. "Now, another issue we need to speak of is the issue of Electors. Every nation from Greater Prussia must send an Elector for the Coronation Ceremony. We will also ask that King Napoleon send an elector from Allanea, preferrably an Allanean by birth. We will also invite representatives from every nation that wishes to send one."

He stacked his papers up and turned out to the reporters. "Questions?"

(OOC: You can now ask questions if anyone wants to)

CRUNN reporter Linda Fuller is on location in Reichsburg, Reichskamphen.
"2 questions archduke, Does that mean any nation from outside Greater Prussia ca ns send a representative to the coronation, outof respect?"
"My second question is unrelated to the coronation , but, Is it true that GP is taking over Prussia, a seperate region and if so, what are the details?"

"Indeed." the Arch Duke responded politely. "Any country may send a representative out of respect." He paused, wording his response to the next question.

"I wouldn't term it as a takeover. Prussia has come to us for assistance. We are in talks about how best to do that, and unification of command is indeed an option on the table, but beyond that, I'm not authorized to say."

"Any others?"

Former President Jason Conners of USRWC sat in his Lletlla home watching television as he watched the abdication of his good friend, and sometimes mentor, Emperor Paisley. "Good, maybe he can rest now...he was so tired..and so sick for a long time." He stood up and shut off his television to go call the White House and get travel arrangements made, because he would be the represenative to the ceremony later on.

"Arch-Duke, Michael Friers, Conservative News Network. Now that the emperor is abdicating, there has been a slight, but apparent, grumbling about his successor: Katrineberg. Why did the emperor pick Katrineberg over a more qualified candidate?"

The sound of footsteps came closer. The were brisk but with every thud came the sound of confidence. Reichsfuhrer-SS Karl von Krause walked through the door and into the Jedi Fuhrer's Office. He raised his arm flat to salute his Fuhrer.

"Reichsfuhrer-SS Krause reporting as ordered sir." Fuhrer Werner Best, Jedi Master and Fuhrer of the Jedi Revolutionists accepted his salute, saluted back, and reached out to shake the hand of his Reichsfuhrer. Krause shook the hand and accepted the acceptance.

"Heil Best. You called for me sir?"
"Yes. Yes I did," he walked around his desk to his seat, "Paisley is abdicating. Only after the Count von Katrineburg has been corronated. I want you to attend the corronation. You will also be taking along a squad of Waffen - SS soldiers."
"Why sir?"
"Well not to kill of course, but to protect, and...." he paused, "assassinate and seek out those who may be of dangerous ambitions."
"I'm not sure I understand. Are you suggesting killing the new Emperor?"
"Kill the Emperor? No. Not at all. SD reports, as you might have read, suggest that there are dissidents and resistance agents from all over the region travelling to the corronation. You know what you do best my faithful Krause. You are there only as emissaries. Your normal entourage will be with you, but the squad will be disguised as civilians. Your mandate is being typed up now and will be on your desk in the morning before you go the next day."
"I will do my best my Fuhrer."
"Good, you are dismissed."
"Heil Best!" He clicked his heels, saluted, and walked away.

OOC: this is Reichskamphen

"Well," Oberhausen began, "The situation in Reichskamphen is rather complicated. Viktor Leipzig became King of Reichskamphen and Emperor of Greater Prussia through a revolution. He was not born a noble, but was made one by High Lord Protector Joseph...that was about 60 years ago. I will not go into the whole vast history, but the Thompson family are not very comfortable with the Leipzigs in general...with a few exceptions.

The emperor passed over his son, myself, and other suggested candidates due to the fact that Katrineburg would more unite the Royal Family and prevent the resurgence of the Civil Wars which tend to follow these things. Katrineburg was a Leipzig noble, he was appointed to be the Count of Katrineburg after the Thompson noble of the area fled to Menelmacar. He married the grand niece of King Will the Great and due to this unity, was viewed as the solitary lynch pin uniting the family.

Furthermore, Katrineburg has served brilliantly during the time that he has been foreign minister, during most of the Paisley years, and done great things for the Empire. He has great political and diplomatic prowess and will indeed serve the Empire well...I am confident." he added the last phrase almost to assure himself.

*tag*

The Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem arrived in the Royal Jeruselem Jet in Reichskamphen with a government official acompanying him. He saw the Reichskamphen government officials who were there to greet him.

"I'm the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem representing the Queen of Jeruselem for the official coronation of your new emperor. Being Jewish, I'm a little unfamiliar with your nation so my friend here is helping me getting around this place" he greeted the officials. The Jeruselem government official was silent and handed the Prussian officials some documents.

"Welcome." Count von Oberhausen greeted the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. "We have a Jewish population here as well. The country may not be entirely as foreign as one would at first percieve." He turned and looked towards the Imperial Palace looming in the background. "You will live in the Palace until the corronation is over. It's the safest...and most comfortable place here."

Conners looked out of the window of his private jet as it landed at Reichskamphen's international airport "I always loved visiting this country."
He waited for the plane to come to a stop and stood up, reaching for his duffel bag and his tuxedo. Smiling at the stewardesses as he stepped down the ladder he walked towards the limousine on the landing strip and let the driver take his bags.
Driver: "Was your trip good President Conners?"
Conners: "Yes it was, and you can call me Mr. Conners, I'm former President."
Driver: "Yes Mr. Conners."

As Conners exited the plane, a thin, frail, old man exited a black limousine. The wind whipped through his whispy white hair as he waved vigarously to the former President. "I made a special trip to see you, my friend!" Ian Paisley shouted over to Conners. He began to walk towards him, first very quickly, but as he stumbled a tad, he remembered his age, and slowed, waiting for Conners to come to him. "Plus," he joked, "I had to get out of that Palace!" he flashed a huge smile. Imperial Guardsmen rushed to brace the Emperor, but he waved to them to back off. They didn't listen. They moved to hold him up. He gave them a nod of thanks.

"Son of a bitch, this fag will kill off Greater Prussia!" The Czar yelled. "He'll be too soft with the damn papists, too. Stupid fuck." It was clear the Czar was very[/i ]angry. As Arch-Chancellor of Greater Prussia, and with the leaving of Jedi Revolutionists, it was now his job to keep Greater Prussia under stable, Protestant leadership. "DAMNIT!" He called up a Field Marschall to attend the meeting.

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

Maréchal De Champ Auguste Marmont, Duc de Raguse, and General Sebastien LePrestre de Vauban will be attending, along with thirty [i]Legio Dei soldiers of the Praesilli Dei Branch. I will also be in attendance.

--John
=================
Not five minutes later, the helocoptors were off to Reichskamphen. After the drop, a motorcade took the Dersconi delegation to the Gates of Reichskamphen. They stepped inside and the Arch-Chancellor, Marmont, and Vauban walked up to Emperor Paisley.

"God Bless, Reverend."

The Emperor, recognizing the Czar, gave him a large, manly hug. "Good to see you my friend." He also greeted the others very warmly, and then turned back to the Czar. "We've got work to do before things are over..." he sighed. The Crown had aged him 30 years in nearly 10.

Several minutes later, the Emperor, President Conners, the Czar and the rest of the entourage had arrived at the Palace. An Imperial Guardsman, attired in full ceremonial dress, opened the door, allowing the men to exit.

"Are you going to run for President again?" Paisley asked to Conners. "It would make an old man very happy to see you at the helm again." he smiled brightly.

An old black Cadillac pulled up to the gate. A tall man with white hair stepped out, outfitted in a black suit, white shirt, and red tie, exited the front seat...an Imperial vallet taking the car. "Paisley!" he yelled out.

"Alan!" The Emperor hobbled over to embrace the nearly 60 year old man. "Alan Cairns...wonderful to see you." He walked with Dr. Cairns to the others. "This is the man who will keep Prussia Protestant!" he smiled widely. "He had a pretty good teacher!"

"The best." Cairns looked at Paisley knowingly.

The group went into the palace to have a spot of tea.
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King Napoleon sighed wistfully as he looked at the paper on his desk. It was the day of the corronation. On the front page was a somewhat pale, and sickly Paisley preaching to the crowd at the rather moving candle/torchlight service with the entire city. "He was too much of a Bible nut..." he flipped the page. "But there is no one I respected any more than he..."

"Katrineburg will be fine as long as Paisley is behind the scenes talking in his ear...and you are here to jab his side with a spear..." Marechal Pierre-Gustav Soult, the King's Military advisor smiled slyly.

He closed the paper finitely. Seeming increasingly confident. Then he turned out to the four or five nobles present and said definitively, "I am going to attend the corronation." Immediately, the Royal Footmen began packing his bags and the plane began warming up on the strip.
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"Hold still." the tailor barked. Katrineburg stood upon a stool, fully arrayed in his corronation robes. They were a regal burgundy colour with gold embroidered "VL's" placed strategically all over the garment. At the edges had white fur with small black spots. His arms were spread out like a scarecrow as a tailor, several pins in his mouth, made the finishing touches to the garments.

"I'm sorry," Katrineburg replied. "I have an itch."

"Scratch it later..." the tailor mumbled.

"Dietrich," Katrineburg turned to von Oberhausen, "Do you know where my croissants are?"

"I think I hear my phone ringing." Oberhausen scowled and walked out.

"Monsieur," a footman walked in to the room. "Monsieur le Count...c'est un gentilhomme qui veux de parle avec-vous."

"Merci, c'est bien." Katrineburg replied.

A man dressed entirely in black walked in. One might have seen a crucifix with a graven image upon it pop out of his shirt before he quickly tucked it in.

"Could you excuse us..." Katrineburg glared at the tailor. The tailor flashed back a rather irritated look and huffed out.

"Yes?" he turned to the gentleman who had just arrived.

"My name is Ronald Williams...I am a Bishop in the...errr...Anglican Church." the man replied, pulling the silver crucifix with the graven image on it out of his shirt, putting his thumb beside the INRI at the top of the cross (Iesus Nasiri Rex Iudiorum...Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews...something only found on Anglican and Catholic Crucifixes.)

Katrineburg's eyes lit up, but he held in his excitement. "I see..."

"I am here to convey to you the most earnest desire of his Holiness...that you..." he thought for the right word, "contemplate the abolition of the Protestant Crown." He quickly tagged on, "In the sense of religious fairness."

"You may tell his Holiness that I will do my best." Katrineburg nodded to him, adding on, "And express to him that I shall seek to do much more than abolish the Protestant Crown..." he pulled out his own Crucifix, and with it a Miraculous Medal featuring the Virgin Mary.

The man in black began to walk out. The tailor moved his eye out of the keyhole to get away from the door when it opened. "You may return!" Katrineburg called to the tailor.

He moved back in slowly. As he returned to work..he glanced at the chain around his neck which was attached to the now hidden crucifix and miraculous medal.

The tailor glanced up, and spotting Rev. Kyle Paisley walking by in the hall outside, turned to Katrineburg saying, "If you will excuse me, I must use the bathroom." Katrineburg flashed him a look of disgust.

"Go." he said pointedly.

The tailor rushed out into the hall, closing the distance between himself and the Reverend. "Rev. Paisley!" he called out. Paisley stopped and turned around. As the tailor came closer, he leaned in and whispered to the reverend, "I smell a rat." he used his thumb to motion back to the room in which Katrineburg stood. "I smell a ROMAN Rat."

Kyle's eyes went wide with fury. "I knew it..."

In the Catheral of Jerusalem, headquarters of Jeruselem Catholic Church.

LPoJ: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
CAB: Cardinal Augustus Brown

LPoJ: Augustus, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be running the Ministry of Religion and Culture.
CAB: I was just here to gather some background information on the new Emperor of Reichskamphen, Katrineburg. I do have access to the secret archives.
LPoJ: May I join you? Our nation is a member of a protestant region, but we are still here to keep the faith.
CAB: Indeed, but Katrineburg seems to be much different to that Paisley character. More sympathetic to our cause, shall we say.
LPoJ: It's obvious I would have been sent to the coronation at Reichskamphen but Protestant sensitivities prevailed. The Chief Rabbi got a little holiday instead.
CAB: Well, let's go the archives. I'm sure that Katrineburg is more Catholic than Protestant.
LPoJ: If it's God will, so be it.

...

Some time later

...

LPoJ: We really need to get rid of all this dust. It's bad for us.
CAB: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust that's what we'll be when we die.
LPoJ: You looking for this?

<hands Cardinal a dossier with a Prussian eagle on it>

CAB: Looks like some idiot misfiled it.
LPoJ: I'd say so.

<Opens dossier and get rid of the dust>

CAB: It's all good news.
LPoJ: There should be more around here about Reichskamphen.
CAB: I need more on Paisley too and his hidden associates.
LPoJ: He'll be in red room. Let's go then.

Over tea, the Czar started to talk about Katerenburg. "I'm sorry to second guess you, Reverend, but are you sure he is the right man for the job? He is not the most devout man, per se. I also think he is a bit....favourable...to the papists," the Czar said.

Maréchal Marmont nodded politely to the Czar and Paisley. "If you'll excuse me, I'd like to talk to Katerenburg." The Czar looked at Paisley. "Would this be allowed?"

"Well, that was something else." Emperor Cav finished watching the speech by Dr. Paisley. "Hopefully they've got somebody lined up who will not be so abusive towards our heirarchy."

"Your eminence, there is a coronation ceremony taking place in Reichskampen, and we have been asked to send a delegate," said an advisor.

"I tire of these diplomatic events. All we do is sit around and talk. I'd like to watch some T.V. instead. Find somebody who wants to go, and send her."

*****

Baroness Julia de Eresby stepped off her private plane onto the pavement at the airport. She enjoyed flying, which is why her job as Chief Ambassador suited her well. She then headed off to the meeting place.

"Katrineburg may not have the best overall qualities when you look at someone like von Oberhausen in comparison," Paisley responded, "But he is the best political choice. He will keep us out of a Civil War. Also..he may be an Anglican...but he is a Thomas Cranmer (Protestant) Anglican."

He then turned to the Marechal. "He is rather busy getting his robes worked on right now, I'd just as soon have him be left alone. You can talk to him after the corronation, until then he will be behind closed doors."

"I see," the Marechal stated.

"Anyways," the Czar chimed in. "I hope he is okay in office. I don't trust him, but if you do, so be it," the Czar said in between sips of tea.

"Look, it's von Oberhausen." Paisley said calmly as he sat down his cup of tea.

Oberhausen sat down beside the Emperor and turned to him, exasperated. "Katrineburg is...pardon my language reverend...but he is an elitist Prick." He buried his hands in his face. "Ein Bier." he said to a waiter. The waiter brought him out immediately a frosty mug of ale. He took a long swallow from the frothy cup, and sat it down, rather refreshed.

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"You go back and deal with that fag, I'll drive to the main Palace and talk to the Emperor." Kyle tapped the tailor on his shoulder. "Good work."

The tailor hurried back to the room and began to work rather hastily on the robes. "Dammit." he said softly. He had messed up a stitch...and was obviously quite nervous

"Everything alright?" Katrineburg looked down to him with mock concern. The pins fell out of the tailors mouth. He scrambled to pick them up. "I know what's wrong..." he smiled widely, stepping off of the elevated platform, lifting his robes from the ground with his arms.

The guards outside the room heard a gunshot and ran in. "Monsieur Prince!" they yelled out, thier pistols drawn. They saw to their shock, the Prince Imperial, Katrineburg, holding a gold plated Walther PPK in his hand and standing over the limp body of the tailor who's head was missing a rather large chunk. Blood was everywhere...but his robes were clean. "He ran at me with those scissors." he pointed to the scissors that the tailor had been using that were still in his hands. "He tried to assasinate me!" The Guardsmen put their arms around the Prince and escorted him out, ordering someone to clean up the body.
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"Papists!" Kyle screamed as he got into his car. He fumbled for his keys and inserted the key into the switch, and started it up. He drove rapidly from the preparation room in the Senatorial Palace on Capitoline hill to the Imperial Palace, a few miles away on Palatine Hill. The traffic was terrible. He still wanted to drive, so the Imperial Guard merely surrounded his car with a motorcade. The red light at an intersection went on. Paisley hit the breaks...but the car didn't break. It slammed into the black Guard car infront of him, flinging the Emperor's son right through the winshield slathering his body with deep gashes. His head then slammed through the winshield of the guard car as he continued forward. His head then rolled off of his body, severed by the glass, into the backseat of the Guard Car. His tongue hanging out lifelessly.
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Warlord Phárros Adûnakhôr stared at the report in front of him. One could almost hear the hears turning in his head as he pondered the situation. It was widely known throughout the Imperium that Greater Prussia had been expressing certain reservations about their Metus membership. Lord Melkor had convinced all the Warlords and other military planners that the region was only weeks away from turning on Arda, and preperations had been underway for quite some time to prepare against this contingency.

Paisley's abdication had the DDIA immensely worried, as agents scrambled to scour any and all information they could on the matter. Paisley's distate for Arda policy was widely known throughout the upper echelons of the Five Kingdoms government, and this abdication would provide for him the perfect opportunity to go out with a bang. The politics of his predecessor were at this point a disturbing x factor, for no one was quite sure whether or not they would carry the torch, as it were.

The Warlord stirred in his seat. On the other side of his desk, intel chief Torometi Bavadra stood, flanked by two senior aides. "I can tell you're thinking what I'm thinking," notes the Dunlending.

Adûnakhôr looks up. "Could it be a trap?"

Bavadra shrugs. "I imagine its a possibility--a very distinct one. We've been noticing lately that Greater Prussia has been very interested in changing their image, at least outwardly. We haven't turned up any hard evidence yet on the existence of a plot against us but it nonetheless remains paramount in Lord Melkor's thinking." He pauses, and furrows a brow. "Has he made any descisions on this matter?"

The Warlord grunts. "He wants someone to go. If it is a trap, he reasons, it will only cause the Greater Prussians to reveal their devices. They do not yet know to what extent we've readied our military, nor do they know how aware we are of their efforts to do the same, by my estimation. Besides, we can't afford to hurt relations with them even further if it isn't a trap." He purses his lips. "But, if it is, we will make it as hard for them as we can. I will attend this ceremony, along with all seven Marshals. We will petition Reichkamphen to send a Company of men for our protection. If they don't let us, I guess we're boned."

***
Open Diplomatic Transmission
From: Five Kingdoms Foreign Minister Jay Reaven
To: Reichskamphen Foreign Ministry

Although it grieves me to seek an apology from the Crown for such a tardy response, I must do so on account of my negligence in ignoring this matter for too long. The Five Kingdoms, in an attempt to further relations between our regions, would like to send a number of dignitaries to view the ceremony and mingle with the other guests. However, security demands at this time are rather strained. It has been our plan to deploy The Imperial Marshals with the Warlord we will be sending a company of bodyguards, which is something to the tune of 200 men. I understand that this may be... strenuous given the current relationship between our nations, however Lord Melkor is persisting on the matter and no one can seem to talk him out of it. We would also appreciate it if we could be briefed on security proceedings so as to be absolutely sure of the Warlords' safety, and that of the Marshals.

Despite the rather large number of troops involved, we sincerely hope that our presence here will demonstrate some semblance of solidarity, particularly to the international community. The men will be kept a healthy distance away from the actual coronation, and will not be moved in under any circumstances unless a disaster occurs. Surely you know that many in this world are itching for the opportunity to smack us around a bit.

We await your response.

Bishop O'Reilly, 1 of 2 auxilllary bishops of CR and te representative from CR stepped off Cardinalatial Flight A on to the ground at the Royal airport. He was wearing a cassock trimmed with purple and a crucific around his neck, ring on finger.

******

He entered the palace and was told to wait. He wanted to meet Katrineberg, and he knew that he could convince him of an alliance, he was an anglican. His Roman Collar attracted attention, as did his crucifix, but he was pround. While he was waiting he fingered his rosary in his pocket, and a bottle of Holy Water. He wiated to meet a reichskamphen official. Before he leaved he hoped to meet the new emperor.

Melkor,

You are most welcome to attend and to bring your guards.

The Entire Lignum Crucis Division of the Imperial Guard, Approximately 50,000 men is guarding the Capitol during the Corronation. The Imperial Gendarmes are also sending in 5,000 officers to control the streets and back alleys...and even curtail plots.

The Emperor's own Palace Guards will also be guarding the Emperor and the Prince Imperial. They are about 1000 strong.

What situation between our two nations do you speak of? I know not of one. You rather confuse me. Yet, I agree, solidarity must be shown.

His Emminence,
Arch Duke Dietrich von Oberhausen
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Two Imperial Guardsmen burst into the dining hall where the Emperor and Company were sipping tea. Alan Cairns stood at the door, extended his arm, and stopped them. The guards motioned frantically, but the Emperor couldn't hear a word they said. Alan's face turned pale. He pushed the guards out of the door. A moment later, he approached the Emperor solemnly. His footsteps seemed to carry with them the weight of millions of pounds. They struck slowly. It seemed to almost be slow motion. Immediately Paisley's fraternal instinct told him what it was before he ever knew. "Kyle!" Paisley jumped out of his seat.

Alan gave him a large hug. "Ian...Kyle is dead." he said, not even trying to hold back the tears. Ian's legs went limp. As he collapsed, Alan caught him and held him up. Guards in the corner of the room, rushed to hold him up. "GET AWAY!" he yelled at them. The guards nervously backed off.

"How." Ian demanded of Cairns.

"It was a car crash Ian....the break line was cut."

Paisley's feet gained new grounding. "Who did it." he stared resolutely, the fire burning in his eyes. "It was Melkor wasn't it! That inhuman horse theif! I will personally see him BURNING IN HELL!" He drew his revolver hidden in his jacket and began to storm out, seeming to ignore the fact that Melkor was thousands of miles away. Cairns ran infront of Ian. "Put the gun down."

"Get out of my way Alan." he pulled back the hammer, and prepared to fire. "Move or you'll go too!"

"You taught me, Ian...that vengence is God's. VENGENCE IS MINE SAITH THE LORD! You saved me! You taught me the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I won't let the greatest Preacher alive do this to himself!" He stood firm. "Ian, what would Kyle say."

Paisleys eyes grew cold, and his hand limp. The gun fell from his hand, hitting the ground, as he fell to his knees, sobbing. "My boy...my baby boy..."

Bishop O'reilly heard that Kyle had died. HE sent this letter to Paisley
"I send my deepest condolances and will be praying for him and for you. I have info on why they wanted him dead. Not sure who, but I know why.did it. Meet me in the palace hall and we will talk.
Just remeber, I have my ways
-Bishop O'Reilly"

Dr. Cairns opened the letter addressed to Paisley. He read it thoroughly, and decided not to give it to Paisley, but to meet the Papist himself.

He waited in the hall for him. Not a soul was around. He could hear the water running in the pipes buried in the ceiling above him. It was deathly silent when he saw the Bishop approach.

Krause arrived at the airport and was transported by the SS car that was brought along on an earlier flight that had arrived before the Reichsfuhrer. He arrived at his hotel. His entourage quickly set up in 2 other rooms while the Reichfuhrer took a nap.

There was a knock at the door. SS-Untersturmfuhrer Walter Niede walked in. He handed a wired message to his Reichsfuhrer and waited for a reply.

"Dear god. Alert SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Ylva to ready his men. I want SD reports on this as soon as possible. I'm sure Paisley is not accepting people right now. Also, wire Der Fuhrer. I'm sure there are Jedi already investigating secretly. There is some kind of conspiracy here to kill the Emperor, I can feel it. I can sense it."

"Yes sir."

"Also contact the Paisley Palace. I would like to have a meeting with him."

"Oh dear," The Emperor thought aloud. "This makes things much more complicated." He had just finished watching the news report about Kyle, and was especially interested because foul play was expected.

"Your excellency, I believe that we should recall the Baroness and that now the situation needs you to go to Greater Prussia," one of the ministers piped in.

Cav sighed. He watched as his lazy week was turning into a funeral service and police investigation, not to mention diplomatic meetings and the like. But, the foreign affairs minister was right. "Pack my bags, and have the Imperial Guards in full dress uniform when we arrive."

*****

The plane touched down in Reichskamphen a short while after. Cav walked down the stairs to Julia, where they spoke for a minute. She then ascended into the plane as Cav's car drove off towards the palace.

In a small Synagogue ...

The Chief Rabbi of Jeruselem was in his routine until outside there was noise of people crying and general confusion. "What in the name of the God is happening out there? Did the Pope turn up or something?" he asked a local Rabbi.

The local Rabbi looked totally unconcerned and stated the facts "Apparently, the son of the retiring Emperor died in a car crash. Kyle Paisley that is. It looks like you'll be attending a coronation and a funeral too." The Chief Rabbi rang had advisor and asked what hell was going on. "Don't worry, things are under control Rabbi. Diplomacy is never free from trouble or death." the advisor calmed him "and the Cardinal Brown has been informed about the situation".

"Dr. Cairns, It might be better that you came instead"
"Kyle ,you see, brought it upon himself"
"Look at these"
He handed him a folder which he opened and looked at in disbelief.
They read
"I will kill him myself. I will cut his brakeline AND kill Katrineberg. My father made a bad choice. This will ruin the kingdom.
-Kyle Paisley"

"We are unsure who "Him" is but one thing is certain, he found this and decided to kill Kyle the way he described. Im sure Kyle DID NOT mean it and just wrote it out of anger. I am sorry for your loss."
"This meeting never happened" said Bishop O'Reilly

With that, Bishop O'reilly walked away.

"Bishop, wait..." yelled Cairns.

But the bishop was gone and Cairns got no answer.

"Oh my God," the Czar said after hearing Allan speak of Kyle's death. He stood up and walked to Ian and Allan. "You said the breakline was cut?"

"Yes," Allan replied. He turned to Ian after he put down the revolver.

"It may not have been Melkor, Reverend. In fact, my gut instinct is that it was Katerenberg's idea in the first place."

The Bishop, shoving guards out of the way made his way to the royal dining hall. He got there, and a guard raised a gun and said "No papist bishops allowed"

"Well then should me if you dare, because if you don't put that gun down in 5 seconds, I'll break your arm." threatened the Bishop

5...4...3...2...1... "AHHHHHHHH, alright go through" screamed the guard. The other guards quickly moved away.


He burst into the dining hall and said
"VIVA LA PAPA (Long Live the Pope)"

"Sorry for your loss, Ian."

OOC: Sorry, but this is what would have happened if you did that CR.

The Imperial Guards at the corners of the room rushed towards the bishop, after he broke a guard's arm, and burst in shouting. He was deemed a threat.

One of the guards swung the butt of his rifle at the bishop's back, knocking him to the ground. As the bishop tried to get up, another guard slammed him over the head with a night stick. The bishop passed out on the floor and the guards dragged him away.

The Emperor didn't even look up. His head was buried in his hands.

The Bishop was thrown into a dungeon cell below the palace, and tended to by doctors to ensure he was well.

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"Katrineburg wouldn't touch Kyle. They were friends. I tell you its Melkor!" Paisley stood up with determination. "The corronation is in an hour. It is going on. Let's go to the Grand Hall."

Imperial Guardsmen escorted the Reichsfuhrer of Jedi Revolutionists into the Grand Hall where Emperor Paisley was ensuring all was in order, preparting to allow the dignitaries in. Paisley looked at the Reichsfuhrer...being a bit in shock still, he allowed the Reichsfuhrer to speak first.

"Emperor Paisley. I am sorry of such bad news. I was shocked to hear about it." Reichsfuhrer-SS Karl Von Krause began. He did not salute or stand at attention but rather presented himself in a friendly way. The Emperor sat in his chair, obviously distraught from all the events that have and will be unfolding; the loss of a son and his power can kill a man who has been left to live.

"Thank you Reichsfuhrer."

"If there was anyway we could help, I'm sure there is something we can do for you....?"

The Emperor looked him over. Krause had some Jedi senses in him and could tell that the Emperor almost didn't trust him. It was as if he was looking for something in the face of Krause. He would answer the question later.

"Is there something you need Krause?" The Emperor's words were blunt and straight forward, "perhaps something I could do for you?"

"Emperor Paisley, there is nothing more we ask for you than your friendship. I simply brought this meeting together to talk friend to friend. I know that our leaving of Greater Prussia has most likely brought about a slight tension between your region and our nation. But our leaving was not out of bitterness or violence, but rather the need to leave. The people simply did not want to be what possibly could be the fall of the Greater Prussian government. They know all too well the sacrifices the Jedi citizens have made for the Triune Kingdom. However, we would still sacrifice millions of soldiers for Greater Prussia if it takes that much. What we need to know is is there still a friendship between our two powers and how can we keep that friendship."

The Emperor stared at him blankly.

"Ach, we can discuss this after the corronation. Mein Fuhrer wished for me to present to you this medallion." The Reichsfuhrer pulled a gold 8 pointed star with the Triune Kingdom emblem on side and the Jedi Revolutionists Flag on the opposite side. At the top was a silk cloth in 3 parallel colors of red, white, and black lining the silk. As soon as he brought it out, there was a sparkle to it.

"Emperor Paisley do you accept this as a token of our friendship to Greater Prussia?"

The Czar looked up at the Reichfuerher. "Do not worry about it. Although I am not positive what you mean by the collapse of the Empire, you are always welcome in Derscon." He then turned to Paisley.

"Remember what Niccolo Machiavelli always said; 'Trust your enemy, but never your ally.' I honestly think it was Katerenburg. Would you like to hear my reasoning?"

"Thankyou." he took the medal and put it around his neck. "I will wear it during the cermony."

He then turned to the Czar. "Katrineburg is an Anglican...but not a Papist. It was Melkor." he brushed the Czar aside, not thinking rationally, but merely in grief. "Let the dignitaries in!" he shouted. The guards opened up the doors and the nobles in full attire walked in along with the foreign delegates. "John, come on. I want some coffee." he said to the Czar.

"I demand to speak to Bishop Williams about this" screamed the Bishop.

OOC: I did not know the Czar was even present at our meeting......?

"Who the Hell is Bishop Williams?" the Imperial Guardsman asked, dumbfounded. "Go sit on your cot."

"Then I want to call my boss, Ruler of Cherry Ridge, Cardinal DeVito"
He pulled out his ID.
It read:
Catholic Cardinalatial See of Cherry Ridge
Name:Bishop Thomas O'Reilly
age-54
Occupation-Auxillary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cherry Ridge, Vice Ruler of Cherry Ridge
short notes: Bishop in the Roman Church, vice ruler of CR, high ranking CR government official

"Now, may I please call the Cardinal?"

"The vice ruler of CR...breaking my friend's arm...and making himself appear to be a threat to the Emperor..." the Guard stroked his beard. "This is quite peculiar."

At that moment, Duc Guillaume de Centreville walked into the dungeon. The guard popped to and saluted the Duke. "What are you doing here your emminence?"

"Coming to see the fellow who has caused all this trouble." the Duke replied, not yet even looking at the cell. As he turned his head his eyes widened in horror. "Bishop O'Reilly!?" The Duke stood there, dumbfounded. "Guards, leave us for a moment." he ordered. The men walked out as commanded.

The Duc de Centreville approached the cell. "What the hell did you think you were doing? We've worked for years to try to get Rome more respected in the Empire...and you...the VICE RULER of CR break a guards arm and make yourself appear to be a threat to the Emperor. I support the Cardinal. I am an" he paused pensively, "Anglican, and I want to be sure we do right by Rome...but this is absolutely ludicrous. You are going to be brought up on charges of assault, you know that don't you. Diplomatic immunity be damned. Paisley doesn't give a shit! And once he sets it in motion, I doubt Katrineburg will touch it." The Duc sat down on a stool, deeply stressed. "The best thing you can do is sit here and shut up and wait for me to come back. Don't demand anything. Just sit here and shut up. I will get the Cardinal on the phone, I will call the Vatican as well. We will see what we can do for you."

The Nobles from all over the Empire filed in and took their respective seats. They were resplendant with the finest jewels and clothing money could buy. There was an apparant cliqueish nature to the Royal families. There were, in general, two kinds. About 1/2ths were Thompsonites, very traditional and garbed in attire from the late 1700's to the early 1800's. One fourth of the family were Viktorites, new money...new nobles that had been appointed after the Thompsons fled those provinces when Viktor came to power. They were clad in sleek, dapper, modern suits and ties. They were still driping with gold and jewels...but they were much more modern looking. The other group of nobles was not visible distinguishable at first from the aforementioned fourth. They were the Paisleyites. The religious fundamentalism latent in the Royal family had been solidified and strengthened during Paisley's reign and due to that, an entire new type of noble emerged who eschewed the noble privileges alltogether and only used the title when he had to. He wore suits and ties, but lived a more modest life...devoted to Christ.

The Emperor that they were corronating was a Thompsonite and a Viktorite. He was appointed by Viktor Leipzig to be the Count of Katrineburg and married the great-grand daughter of King Will the Great, arguably the most famous Thompson. He was young...around 28...but his experiance wasn't what got him the job. He was appointed because he would keep a civil war from happening. He was a compromise. And as is usually the case with compromises...no one was happy.

The event was being held in the Palace Chapel. It was the only part of the 600 year old Royal Residence in Reichsburg that wasn't destroyed in the last Civil War. It was a Papist Cathedral pre-1648 and afterwards served as a monument to the gains of the reformation. The rubble of the ages surrounded the chapel as the Empire focused its attention on it. Crowds of tens of thousands surrounded the Chapel, but were kept a safe distance away by the Imperial Guardsmen. They held signs and waved placards...some in joy, some in protest. "Dr. No, Please Don't Go!" was a very popular sign. Emperor Paisley had recieved an unlikely groundswell of support after being thrust into the difficult position and had gained perhaps more popularity than Viktor had ever had. But there were signs in protest. One was a picture of Katrineburg in bed with the Pope. Others were merely words such as, "Compromise: Unwise"

The time ticked away as the Emperor and the soon to be Emperor waited for the foreign delegations to arrive. If they were late, the event would merely procede without them.

OOC: Sorry lost the thread!

Conners shook the hand of Dr. Paisley and gave him a big hug. "I've been alright Ian, but I've been worried about you. Last time we met you were stressed badly by the Catholic Terrorism problem. The stresses of the kingdom, I wish I could have been there for you a bit more. But that aside, I'm glad to see you get the chance to relax now...you are a great leader, but it's time to tend to yourself a bit too..." he smiled at Paisley and walked with him to the limousine.

--time progresses--

Conners took his seat in the coronation hall, dressed in his Marine Corps Dress Blues, his medals and ribbons displayed proudly. He took a look around and took note of the cliqueishness within the nobles.

Two Allanean Arms Skycars touch down gently near the chapel, and four people climb out. One is King Napoleon of Allanea. The others are Kirill Nivensky, and his young son Kevin. A whisper goes through the crowd, ‘He is dragging his son everywhere these days. Wants him to learn the job.’ The third is Duc de Charleville, who smiles as he surveys the crowd. ‘Well, I see the Emperor is very much loved by the people. Always a good thing, that.’

The Czar shook his head at Ian. "Very well, then. I could go for some coffee, too." The Czar followed Ian to wherever he might be going.

"Duc, please, get me out of here. You don't fool me for a second, I know you are a Cat, err, Anglican, as you said. Please, they will execute me, because the jury will probably be anti-Catholic. Please, the lord said to have mercy. I only wished to send my condolances to Paisley, but, I decided to deliver it personally. Please, Duc Centreville, help me"

"I'll try." the Duke sighed. "But you assaulted a member of the Emperor's personal guard...he will require medical treatment. You also burst into the room yelling a phrase that the Catholic terrorists yelled before they struck...leading the guards to think you a threat." He took a deep breath thinking over all that had transpired. "They won't execute you. First of all, they wouldn't risk that...but secondly, you didn't do anything deserving of execution. You may get a few months jail time or a rather hefty fine. But either way, unfun."

"It's time." Katrineburg mused to himself as he looked into his crucifix. He heard the door begin to open and he quickly shoved it under his shirt. "Yes?"

"Your Emminence," the footman who had just entered bowed deeply and said, "It is nearly time. The King of Reichskamphen will be here shortly."

"Thankyou." Katrineburg smiled and waved the footman away.

The King of Reichskamphen had kept to himself for the past several years. The Emperor of Greater Prussia and the King of Reichskamphen, contrary to the notions held worldwide, are not the same person. The Emperor merely lives in Reichskamphen. The King of Reichskamphen since the foundation of the Empire had been King Marcus Antonius II, son from the first marriage of King Will the Great. He was made King by his stepmother, Queen Sarah, Will's second wife. Then, Viktor deposed Marcus. When Viktor Leipzig became Emperor of Greater Prussia, King Marcus returned from abroad and accepted Viktor's offer of the throne. While Viktor was alive, he made a few appearances, but mostly stayed in the palace. After his death, he seemed to disappear alltogether.

It was the tradition that the King of Reichskamphen would fetch the Prince Imperial from the Waiting Room and Present him to the crowd. This would be observed, but as the old Emperor still lived, there was much differant in the ceremony.

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

In the Chapel, Dr. Alan Cairns stood before the assembled crowd. "Let us bow our heads in prayer." he said softly. The entire room, like automatons turned their heads downward respectfully.

"Oh heavenly father, we thankyou for the great works that you have done throughout the ages. We thankyou for your blessed son, Jesus Christ. We thankyou for the rediscovery of the Gospel in your very own Reformation. We thankyou for the gift of the Protestant Crown of Greater Prussia and we pray, as good King Edward prayed upon his death bed, that you shall defend this land from Papistry and preserve thy true religion. We pray also that you will bestow your blessings upon this, our new Emperor, and also upon our old, my good friend, Dr. Ian Paisley. We pray that you shall guide them both and that they shall find true peace and comfort in you all the days of their lives. In Jesus' name we pray...Amen."

The crowd looked up again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

King Napoleon of Allanea watched quietly from the balcony in the rear of the chapel. He looked down on Dr. Cairns as he prayed. "Your prayers are for naught." he sighed to himself. He turned to the Imperial Guardsman standing next to him and shook his hand. "I am King Napoleon. What is your name." the Guard seemed extremely excited. His eyes lit up and a smile shot accross his face.

"You...you...you..you're the hero of Klausburg!" the guard stumbled over his words, almost beside himself.

"I am not a hero. I am a man who does his job. Klausburg was a day at work. The men who fought...they were the heros." he patted the guard on the back. "So what do you think of this Katrineburg fellow?"

The guard paused, trying to think of the right words to say. He finally replied, "Your Highness, I am a soldier in the Imperial Guard. He is my Emperor."

Napoleon turned up his nose and laughed. The guard nervously laughed also, not quite sure what was so funny. "He's not your Emperor yet." Napoleon smiled slyly. "Plus, you have a right to your opinion in that case."

"Well sir..." the guard began cautiously. "I don't like him one bit. I'd just as soon have good ol' Dr. Paisley back."

"You're not the only one." Napoleon breathed deeply. "What is your name?"

"Sgt. Micheal Kennings, 4th Platoon, 2nd Brigade, Sola Scriptura Division."

"I like you. You are going to be transferred to the Allanean Brigade. You are going to work for me." Napoleon patted the man on the shoulder.

"Oh..." the simple guardsman was taken aback. "Why thankyou your highness."

"Transfer effective immediately. Come with me."

The guard saluted and followed quickly behind. The two walked down the stairs as a man dressed in a black suit walked by them, and sat in the balcony right where the guard was previously standing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"John. I am tired of waiting. I am tired of watching...I am tired of being Emperor." he said to the Czar as he poured himself a cup of coffee from the emaculately set coffee bar in the secondary waiting room. "God have mercy on an old man."

Your highness, "A Guard burst in, the guards outside just captured a man with a k-bar knife. He's an Anglican Bishop. His robes were stained with brake fluid."

Paisley's eyes opened wide. "Bring the bugger here!" he shouted.

The guard disappeared.

"Maybe you were right after all, John."

"My diocese will pay for his treatment, and pay his family. I am sorry, and will apoligise to the guard personally when I am out. Please Duc, I need help and will owe you one, make that 2 big ones after this."

"Fall in!" Barked Sable Fist Captain Aros Antanimir at the assembled company of marines. Around him, 200 men scrambled to attention aboard the Dropship Rage and Ruin, which served as the shuttlecraft for today's excursion. Behind him looms Warlord Adûnakhôr along with the seven Imperial Marshals. The Marshals stood in dress regalia, along with the Warlord, but each of them carried a pulse rifle which was slung across their chest; though the weapon proper was concealed under their white cloaks. Each also sported a large sidearm at their hip, save for the large Warlord who went unarmed.

"Let's move," grunts the Warlord. Aros, mind the men and keep your comm open. Don't move unless we tell you to; we don't want to upset our hosts by advertising mistrust." He turns on his heels and snaps his fingers at the Marshals. "Let's roll."

Narotama Suharto, the Marshals' Captain, nods to his men and they file out the hatch, the Wrlord exiting last, ducking under the phrame. Adûnakhôr easily topped seven feet in height, and had to weich nearly three hundred and fifty pounds. His countenance was stern as he surveyed the landing zone, shielding his eyes from the sun as he searched for a digniatary to lead them to the ceremony itself.

The Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem was finally seated and looked a little lost in sea of mainly Protestants. The Cathedral did look similar to the one built in Jerusalem by French Crusader Kings but minus the Catholic imagery and replaced with the usual bland Protestant filler.

Someone nearby looked at him and said "Say, you're not Christian? Jewish I presume?". "Never seen a senior Rabbi? Especially one who lives in Jerusalem?" he snapped back the ignorant. The ignorant shut up and decided to talk to someone else in embarrassment.

Another Protestant asked "Say, if I want to encourage my boss to send me on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, can you help me? He's so tight with money and all seems to go to himself or his friends. I don't want to die not going to the Holy Land as true Christian.". The Rabbi smiled "If it's God's will, as you Christians always say".

"God has had mercy on you," Ivan (John) responded. "You deserve it. You have done what I have not -- you have brought Greater Prussia back together again. You have returned it to its rightful glory. You need a break."

The Czar smiled until the bishop was brought in by the guard.


The Czar smiled inwardly. "I did not think it was Melkor. He would not risk such a thing." He leaned back. Pays to have been an intelligence anylist in your past.

There was only one man seated in the chapel with Emperor Cav. Dressed in the full dress uniform of Cav's Imperial Army, General William Higgins had insisted on being at The Emperor's side, even at the church service, as animosity towards Catholics was expected in the wake of Keith's death. They had both said the prayer read by Dr. Cairns, but they had also said a separate set of Catholic prayers, recited in perfect Latin.

The other guards stood at ease outside, as they were carrying loaded parade rifles and did not want to break the sanctity of the church with them. It was a small contingent, but they were all clothed in their dress uniforms, their presence more of a sign of respect for the deceased than their protection of their Emperor.

Le Comte de Chennin arrived in a convoy with two black, armoured limousines. He was a spindly man, and dressed in scarlet. His doublet was even trimmed in lace. He looked like a dandy from the 1700's. It was quite obvious from his demeanour that he was not one of the usual suspects...he was not a politician. He was one of the noble family who basically sat on his laurels and lived like a Noble as opposed to taking a role in the running of the country. Infact, one wondered how many times he'd actually BEEN to Reichsburg.

"Good day!" he waved to the Melkorian delegation, stepping out of the limousine and resting his palms upon the silver knob of his filagreed, ebony walking cane. "Come with me! We're rather late!" he glanced at the golden pocketwatch in his hands and then suspended it again from his waiste.

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

"What do you think, John?" the Emperor turned to the Czar and asked with a pathetic smile. Paisley knew his name was Ivan, but called him John because he reminded him of one of his good friends, a preacher who had passed into glory several years back. He reminded him of a new hope for the next generation.

"I still think it was Katerenberg. Who better? He is an Angelican, if not a [i]papist," he said with discust. "Who better? Kyle Paisley would be the devils advocate. I'm sure you know what that is -- knowing enough of the popery election process.

"Anyways, eliminating Kyle would eliminate any problems he might have at getting the throne."

"You need any more convincing?"

(OOC: Not much time, here. Not allowed on the 'net in the IMC at school. moe later, if wished.)

Father Antonette arrived in Reichskamphen.He was wearing a cassock and collar. A long black limo pulled up next to himand the aging priest sped off toward the jail where Bishop O'Reilly was being held. He got out and said to the guard,
"I am Father Antonette of Cherry Ridge and I would like to see Bishop O'Reilly."

Le Comte de Chennin arrived in a convoy with two black, armoured limousines. He was a spindly man, and dressed in scarlet. His doublet was even trimmed in lace. He looked like a dandy from the 1700's. It was quite obvious from his demeanour that he was not one of the usual suspects...he was not a politician. He was one of the noble family who basically sat on his laurels and lived like a Noble as opposed to taking a role in the running of the country. Infact, one wondered how many times he'd actually BEEN to Reichsburg.

"Good day!" he waved to the Melkorian delegation, stepping out of the limousine and resting his palms upon the silver knob of his filagreed, ebony walking cane. "Come with me! We're rather late!" he glanced at the golden pocketwatch in his hands and then suspended it again from his waiste.


The Warlord bows. Behind him, the seven Marshals stand at rigid attention. "Yes and for that I feel I must apologize, my good friend," he begins. Turning his head slightly, he barks a few commands to his men in the Southron tounge, and they fall in around him as he strides with purpose towards the convoy. Pointing to the other one, he rattles off another sting of commands and three of the Marshals head towards it. Turning back towards de Chennin, he grins. "I hope we're not too late?" he queries hopefully, climbing into the vehicle.

Chennin waved the Melkorian delegation in when the limos pulled up to the chapel. The Imperial Guards parted the crowd and allowed the Melkorians in.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Katrineburg had the throne and Kyle wouldn't take it. There is no motive. However, it looks like the Papists had a big hand in this." he leaned back in his chair waiting to hear the trumpet sounds that announced the beginning of the formal corronation ceremony. "And the Anglican church...as opposed to being just whitewashed Papists...these days tend to be leaning towards the full fledged type. Catholics are hiding in the Anglican Church and harming our national security. These are most likely elements from the terrorist cells we broke a few years back. Seems they've recongealed on the Anglicans."

Just then, Dr. Cairns walked in fresh from praying the invocation. "Ian, honestly." he sighed. "The Anglicans were the Catalyst for the entire thing...the terrorism AND this. You have to kick them out. Send them to Cav. Do something." Cairns collapsed in a chair near the Emperor and the Czar. "God help us. That man is a Papist."

Paisley jumped out of his chair full of red hot indignation. "HE IS NOT, ALAN!" he then realized the volume of his voice and began to calm himself. "I've known that boy since he was in diapers. He may be an Anglican but hes a Thomas Cranmer Anglican...not a Roland Williams Anglian! He will uphold the Protestant crown." Paisley took another sip of his coffee, then lowered the cup to around his lap. He stared into the black, inky liquid and couldn't help but think about his son. Why couldn't he cry?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Bishop O'Reilly...." the guard read down the list of inmates, scanning for the name. "We have a Bishop Williams but not an O'Reilly. Sorry."

As the guard had been speaking the Duc de Centreville had walked into the room and when the Guard was finished, pulled the Bishop aside. "O'Reilly is safe. We blanked out his record. News of this won't get out unless YOU let it. He is in the Reichsburg Anglican Church. Bishop Tarrigan is hiding him. If you're here to watch the corronation, I advise you to do that and then, afterwards, the security furor will have died down. It will be easier for you to get him out."

ooc- hes not a bishop, just a priest, Father Antonette
ic"Thank you, Duc, I will do just that."
With that he walked back and hopped into the limo and rode away.

The Czar shook his head. "You are too thickheaded, Doctor. People can change! I know this for a fact -- Andropov the Great was a sorcerer!"

OOC: Will be back. Workin' for "W". After Nov. 2...it starts back up 4 MORE YEARS!!!

Bump

ooc- where should the priest go? And this counts as a BUMP

OOC: The Priest can go back and watch the Corronation. I am just going to Rap this up quickly.

The priest went off to the coronation. He kept in the back of his mind to pick up the bishop. He waited for the ceromony to start.

"Presenting, His Royal Highness, Marcus Antonius Thompson the Second, King of Reichskamphen!" the Royal Crier announced, and then stepped aside. The Imperial Guardsmen at the door popped to attention as the large double doors opened revealing the aging King of Reichskamphen, a recluse in past years, and the Prince Imperial, Andre-Allistaire von Katrineburg. Katrineburg held his head very high, exuding a great sense of superiority as King Marcus slowly approached the throne, which was placed upon the Altar. He stood on the lower step as Katrineburg approached the throne and stood on the Right side of it.

"Lords and Ladies," the 88 year old King Marcus shouted in his raspy voice. "I present to you, Count Andre-Allistaire von Katrineburg to be corronated as the Emperor of Greater Prussia!"

The Crowd clapped and responded cooly.

Then, 6 men of the Imperial Guard, l'Aigle Division, the Emperor's personal guard, appeared at the entrance of the Chapel in a straight line, covering the aisle. Suddenly the line broke in the middle and the men stepped to the sides of the aisle, three on either side, to reveal Emperor Ian R.K. Paisley and the Czar of Derscon

"Lords and Ladies, I present to you Reverend Doctor Ian R.K. Paisley, the Emperor of Greater Prussia, and Ivan Andropov, the Czar of Derscon and Arch Chancellor of Greater Prussia!"

The crowd errupted into cheers and applause, outside, the masses began chanting, "Paisley! Paisley! Paisley!"

Paisley and Andropov approached the elevated Platform. The Czar stood beside the King as Paisley approached the Throne, stood infront of it, facing the audience for a moment, and then sat down.

"This is the worst part." he joked, as he took the crown off of the pillow infront of him and with great hesitation, sat it on his head. "I hate this thing...so heavy!" he laughed. His face then turned completely serious.

"I, Ian Paisley, Emperor of Greater Prussia, being sound mind and body and not being durress, do hereby abdicate the throne of Greater Prussia..." he removed the crown from his head and held it out infront of him. "In favour of Count Andre-Allistaire von Katrineburg." Paisley stood up and stepped to the left side of the throne as Katrineburg sat down on the throne.

"I, Reverend Doctor Ian R.K. Paisley, acting as the officiating minister, do hereby crown you, Andre-Allistaire von Katrineburg, the Emperor of Greater Prussia."

Paisley presented the crown to the Audience, slowly turned around and gingerly placed the Crown on his head, making the act of corronation complete.

"I hereby present to you, Emperor Andre-Allistaire Leipzig, Sovreign of Greater Prussia and all the Greater Prussians!" (OOC: von Katrineburg is his noble title. He is the Count of the Katrineburg region. His actual family name is Leipzig as he is Viktor Leipzig's nephew. Now that he is Emperor, he sheds his other noble titles and assumes his family name

The crowd clapped less than enthusiastically, but just enough to seem appropriate.

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

"Why didn't you take the shot!" King Napoleon yelled over the radio to the man in black in the balcony.

"I didn't HAVE a shot...if Paisley wasn't right next to him, Marcus was...and we need them alive!"

"Marvelous." Napoleon sighed with contempt. "Now we have a Papist to deal with."

Everyone clapped like they weren't happy. Every one except Father Antonette.
He cheered and clapped as loudly as he could. He knew he got looks for clapping that loudly and for wearing a roman collar.

The new Emperor stood before the crowd and began to speak. "My first action as Emperor shall be to right a grievous wrong. Since 1648, the heirarchy of the Roman Catholic Church has been a criminal organization in the Kingdom and Catholicism illeagal. Now is a new age. In the spirit of reconcilliation with the world, I hereby decree that the ban on Catholicism is hereby lifted in the Kingdom!"

The collected nobility stood, eyes wide and jaws open. They were stunned and at the same time deathly frightened. They turned their glances to the Romanist Priest in the crowd...there would be many more to come.

As word of this reached the crowd outside, a chorus of Boos began to rise in the air. "Papa Personna Non Grata! Papa Personna Non Grata!" (the Pope is not welcome here) they chanted. "Roma Delenda Est! Roma Delenda Est!" (Rome must be destroyed)

Katrineburg, unphased by this continued on. He knew that support from Reichskamphen was important...but he knew that he was Emperor of Greater Prussia and not just Reichskamphen...and the Empire had many high ranking Catholics. His incoming approval rating having been in the low 30's...it was sure to plummet incredibly in the Kingdom after this action.

Ian Paisley stared at Katrineburg, a fire blazing in his eyes. "YOU TRAITOR!" he yelled. "PAPIST!"

Katrineburg cued the Orchestra which drowned out Paisley as he processed, along with his wife, to be corronated later in a separate ceremony, down the aisle of the chapel and out into the awaiting Imperial Carriage.

"You were right, John." Paisley turned to the Czar, and sighed in desperation

The Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem was only there because Queen Mariah, a Catholic, had decided against sending a Catholic to the coronation. The Arabs weren't interested and the Protestants weren't in the picture in Jeruselem. He was shocked the new emperor of Greater Prussia had done this in such a Protestant region.

Cardinal Augustus Brown, the third most powerful person in Jeruselem and a Roman Catholic, had told him the new emperor would be good for relations. He didn't know what the Cardinal meant until now. Anglicans and Catholics had always being closely aligned, but this was ridiculous.

<In Jerusalem, Catheral of Jerusalem>

Two Catholics are watching an Internet videocast. It was Cardinal Augustus Brown, acting head of state in the absense of the royal family and the Latin Patriach of Jerusalem. As soon as the Katrineburg uttered the renewal of Roman Catholism in Greater Prussia, he couldn't stop smiling "See John, God's will is strong and the Roman Catholic Church is stronger than ever. A Roman Catholic on the throne of Greater Prussia, we will be well served. The Pope must hear the good news!".

The Patriach was surprised, but raised his glass of wine with the Cardinal in celebration. The Cardinal showed him a document with name of Katrineburg's signature on it and it was marked for Papal eyes only "Officially Anglican, but a man of the true faith. The reformation will be history! This is our passport to greater influence. We shall inspire closet Catholics to proclaim the faith of our Lord!" he smiled.

"THANK THE LORD" the priest shouted, and gave a dirty look toward Paisley. I face of victory.
"VIVA LA PAPA!"

"I told you," Ivan said to Paisley. He moved his cape, exposing his sword and looking at Allistaire walk down the isle.

"Shall we?" the Czar said, with an evil grin on his face.

"No my lad. I am the Emperor of the UberPreussen Empire now. I can make life hell for him." he told Ivan, staying his sword. "Plus he may yet be killed by the crowd as he walked out...or otherwise find a way to kill himself."

Father Antonette approached Paisley.
"Emperor of the UberPrussen empire, I see. My nation has returned to GP. Katrineberg is a good man, don't you think? Anyway, arn't you glad Catholicism was legalised. Wonderful thing, isn't it, your excellency" he said with a grin on his face. He then gave a mock bow.

THe Czar's eyes (literally) glew red and the Czar grabbed Father Antonette's throat and picked him up off the ground.

"Don't push me," the Czar said, clearly angry. "I may be a protestant, but I'm also a SPARTAN, and I have sorcerer's blood in me." He tightened his grip to get the point across.

"Do you understand!

"Let...me....go....I will not.. *gasps*.........LET..ME GO....I...can't..breath"
He managed to reach into his pocket. He clutched his rosary as everything went black.

The Arch-Chancellor dropped him on the ground and checked his pulse.

"He's still alive, just unconsious." He motioned to the Praesillei Dei, the Czar's personal guard, and they circled around him.

"Do what you wish. Keep him alive, I don't care. Just get him out of here."

"Yessir." They picked up the body and took it to the Dersconi vehicle. They drove to the nearest hospital.

Upon arrival, the nurses saw the Dersconi Praesillei Dei seals on their arms and got a bit nervous.

"Get me a room for this man," the team leader said. "he's unconsious, but alive. Make sure he stays this way. Is that understood?"

"Yes, absolutely," one of the nurses responded. (OOC: Sorry, Will. I'm taking a bit of a liberty, here.)

Five minutes later, the ten guards were stationed in and outside the locked hospital room, making sure he did not decide to wake up. The windows were blocked out, and the lights switched off. For added measure, most equipment was removed. The preist was strapped to the hospital bed, while the Praesillei Dei made the room look as much like Hell as possible. The team leader smiled.

"Turn up the temperature."

"Yessir." The Room temperature was turned up to one hundred and three degrees, and candles were placed together to add an erie glow to the room. The Praesillei Dei] took off their uniforms and put on black cloaks.

They then woke The father up.

"That is really too bad," the Czar said, back at the palace. He turned to Paisley.

"Now what?"

"MY GOD" the priest said startled
"This can not be hell, for I was never judged by God. That means, the demons must be attacking me"
"I believe in God, the father almighty, creator of heaven and earth..." he prayed the rest of the Nicene Creed.

"Depart from me, in the name of Jesus Christ the lord."

OOC: I personally like this. I got this idea from a haunted house idea I had. :)
====

Hospital Room

One of the Praesillei Dei silences a snicker. The Team leader approached him.

"I don't see us going away," he said in his most evil voice.

"Then you are a fake! All demons depart in the name of Jesus, protestant"

The Team Leader nodded to the guards. They extinguished the candles, eveloping the room in complete darkness. They turned on their infared goggles and took off their cloaks, exposing the Dersconi Praesillei Dei uniforms. The examining light was turned on so only Father Antonette was in light. The Team Leader then appeared, with a silenced Colt .45 in the Preist's face.

"Well isn't that too bad."

"No, please don't. I represent a fellow GP country. Please don't It isn't the Christian thing to do?"he said, "Please let me go, I do not fear death, but I wish to live some more, to serve God in life"

"Boo hoo," he said, and pulled the trigger.

When the body went limp, he plucked out the dart from the chest.

"Works every time. Quick, ship him off to the Palace."

"Yessir!"

========
Whatever Palace the Coronation was Held ;)

The Praesellei Dei carefully laid Father Antonette on the bed.

"What was that about?"

"He'll basically have the effect of being kluncked on the back of the head. You know, the 'what the hell happened?' feeling. Now, leave the room. Act like you're standing guard."

When they were all gone, the Team Leader injected the antidote to the drugs that were in Father Antonette. He then left the room.

"Should be about ten seconds until he wakes up." He walked back in and locked the door.

"What...where am I. All I remember is being choked by the Czar and passing out. I must have had a bad dream about the Dersconian guards attacking me." he thought to himself.
He got up, stumbled, and fell. he got back up, steadied himself, and walked to the door. It was locked.
He banged on it.
"Let me out you damned protestant" he yelled. "I demand to be let free!"

"Relax," the Team Leader said, looking at the Preist. He obviously did not notice him leaning against the wall in the room.

"We kept the door locked for your own saftey. Personally, I suggest you stay in here. You are probably not very welcome in the crowds about now."

"I guess your right"sighed Father Antonette.
"What did happen anyway" he asked.

"When you passed out," the Team Leader started. "THe Czar made sure you were alive. He didn't intend on having you pass out, and he wanted you make sure you stayed alive. He had us carry you up here. You struggled a bit, and you may have opened your eyes even, which might explain your dream about you fighting us."

"oh" father Antonette said weakly.
"What is your opinion of the new emperor? I like him very much. You?"

"Me? I stay out of politics. My duty is to protect the Czar and diplomats, not to interfere. If I was intended on having to hold on opinion, my commander would have issued me one."

The priest chuckled.
"That's a good answer"
"When do you think it will be safe for me to go outside? And I never did get your name"

"My name is not important," the Praesellei Dei soldier said.

"Unfortunately, I have no idea when you can come out. My orders are to keep you safe here until I get word from my commander. Might as well sleep or turn on the TV."

The entire city plus hundreds of thousands of visitors had turned out for the corronation...and now the entire city and hundreds of thousands more were rioting in the streets. The Reichsburg Episcopalian Church, pre-1648 the Reichsburg Catholic Cathedral, was surrounded by a mob, armed with knives, and for the former soldiers, with rifles and Guard Sabres. The crowd swelled and covered the streets like a wave from the rough seas. "ROMA DELENDA EST! PAPA PERSONNA NON GRATA! " the sloagans were shouted out, without even an attempt at a unified sloagan. Then, they came together, "DEATH TO THE POPE! DEATH TO THE POPE!"

Father Hannigan braced himself against the barred Cathedral door in a vain hope of keeping the men out should they decide to enter. "Numi del Cielo!" he shouted, sweat pouring from his brow.

Then the panes of the large stained glass windows were smashed to pieces by the hilts of sabres and large stones as the crowds poured into the church, tearing down the graven images, "Pictures of God, Jesus, Mary etc." and set them to the torch. The large statues of Mary were smashed to bits and the pagan looking alters were broken into pieces by the outraged mob. A former soldier took his machinegun and began to shoot up the pews and then, noticed the painted cieling...Jesus...Mary...the entire building was a graven image.

The priest was hanging by his feet, in his underwear, next to the altar with the words, "PAPIST" painted all over his body in red paint.

"BURN IT! BURN IT!" the shouts rose up and torches were thrown on the cloth and curtains, setting them ablaze. The fire leapt quickly from one piece of the ancient building to the other. Rocket Propelled Grenades were lauched through the windows into the burning church, along with several grenades after the mob had departed.

All accross the city, similar seens were occuring at the homes of the Catholic and Anglican politicians and stores owned by Anglo-Catholics They were dragged into the streets and completely humiliated as their houses were not looted, but simply set ablaze.

Paisley was preparing to address the nation and quell the revolt.

The priest looked out the window.
"MOTHER OF GOD" he shouted in horror as he saw the cathedral go up in flames.
"This is madness, the crowd is ut of control!" he shouted."Thank God I am in here" he said. He then turned to the Dersconian guard.
"Thanks" he said with a sigh of relief.

Elswhere in Reichskamphen....

Men and women by the millions took to the streets, marching peacefully in most cases carrying Pictures of Paisley with the words "My Emperor" beside it in an obvious snub to Andre Leipzig.

If there had EVER been any support for Leipzig...it was gone now.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm a loyal Greater Prussian..." Dieter began, "but that Leipzig fellow HAS to go."

Dieter wasn't anyone special. He was the backbone of the Empire. He was a worker. He was a regular citizen who worked on a Printing Press to feed his family. Like Richard Nixon said, when the going gets tough, the cultural and corporate elites cannot be counted on...they paint their a**es white and run for the hills. These people were not softies.

"Damn straight." said his best friend Reichsmuller as he lifted a pint of ale to the statement.

"Paisley is from Northern Ireland...so...we could be the UVF!" Dieter suggested to the 15 other men gathered in the pub, which was now closed; it's owner sitting in for the meeting.

"The Ulster Volunteer Force, brilliant!" Hans, another worker said as he also raised his pint.

"We mustn't grow soft...we need to keep fighting until we are dead...that Leipzig will destroy us all otherwise." Dieter lectured.

"I don't know about you," Reichsmuller interjected with a laugh, "but I was always a Thompsonite anyways!"

They all toasted, "Death to the Pope! Death to Leipzig!"

In the next few days, Anglican Churches began reporting acts of arson and vandalism. There wasn't much concerne until one sunday, an entire Anglican City Cathedral was completely blown up with its parishoners inside...nearly 1,000 dead...and reports arose of men in black with the mark of the UVF red hand badges on their chests gunning down Anglican Priests with machineguns and throwing grenades through the windows of their houses.

Their ranks grew, and within only two weeks, they numbered some 300 militants in the Reichsburg-Kaiserstadt area alone. Nationwide...there were thousands of similar groups founded in a copy of the Reichsburg UVF.

Father Antonette took out his cell phone and called up Count Von Oberhausen
"How is Bishop O'Reilly? Did that church get blown up too?" he asked

He looked at the Dersconian.
"Anglican Bishop, friend of mine" he whispered to him.

The Guard just smiled and nodded.
=========

The Czar looked out at the massive rioting and turned to Paisley.

"What the hell are we supposed to do? I'm not gonna raise a finger to stop it, but what are we supposed to do?" He said, clearly enjoing the sight.

"God only knows." Oberhausen replied frankly. "I would be hard pressed to find an Anglican Church that isn't destroyed or abandoned out of fear."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I have to do something..." Paisley sighed. "God help us."

Paisley ran quickly to the Palace Press room and a hastily assembled press conference, the proceedings of which were broadcast through the street loudspeakers to the mobs.

"Citizens of Reichsburg," the Crowd recognized Paisley's voice and immediately stilled themselves, listening to what he had to say. "I despise Popery and Anglicanism as much as you do...but this is not the way to solve the problem. Protest...PEACEFULLY. Make your voice be heard by the volume of it, not by the gun that accompanies it! Put down your weapons, return to your homes...and we will find a way to pay for the damages."

The mobs immediately began to disperse...but the damage was done...and the UVF didn't heed the advice.

Father Antonette then called Oberhausen again,
"I know the Bishop. Check behind the altar. He would probably be there. Please check. Then bring him to the palace, and have an escort bring him up to my room, under orders from you", He said into his phone.

THe Czar ran behind Paisley and stood beside him as Ian made his speech. Afterwards, the Czar turned to him.

"Allistare must be removed. He is bad for the Empire. Frankly, if you don't have him removed...."



"I will," the Czar said, his eyes glowing red.

Jeruselem ...

A small group of Protestant marchers in white headed for the Catheral of Jerusalem waving placards in support of their protestant Reichskamphen counterparts. Their numbers were small and Jeruselem protestants had to behave themselves after being routed by Catholic, Jewish and Arab alliance during the civil war of the 1930s. They dressed in white to stress their purity, but the Jews and Arabs believed they had KKK and Nazi support from the old days.

They were mainly peaceful and did not meet any opposition until they were within 100m of the Catheral. The Catholic Inquisition forces had tanks protecting the Catheral and a member of Inquisition on a horse headed towards the marchers. He was armed.

The horseman stopped in front of them and asked the leader of their intentions. Reverend Rainley said "We want to voice our opposition to actions of the new Emperor of Greater Prussia. We want to be peaceful but vocal". The horseman with one hand his sword respectfully acknowledged him "Beware we are authorised by Cardinal to use deadly force to prevent in event of civil disobdience. Jeruselem is not US democracy and still a feudal state like it has been for 3000 years. No one else except the Protestants in Jeruselem will mourn blood your blood being split here." and trotted off.

They moved upto the security lines and started chanting anti-Catholic songs. A young member stood out and attempted to throw a rock before a senior member stopped him "Stop it, the second you release that rock they will not hesitate to spread your blood all over this floor". The young man had to step back. A helicopter called which protesters called the "Fire Locusts" flew over (aka Apaches).

National Reconassiance Office, Saarbrueken, Derscon

In the "Greater Prussian" branch, two people were watching the Jeruselem protest on the RealTime satellite feed.

"Uh-oh," the one civilian said, who had a degree in political science said.

"This is going to be a bitch for public relations."

The Praesillei Dei soldier looked at Father Antonette when he hung up.

"What seems to be the problem?"

"Nothing's the problem, just trying to get my anglican bishop firend here where he will be safe. Contacted Count Oberhausen."

ooc- Bishop O'Reilly is the auxiallary bishop of CR. He is the second in command of my nation. He is Catholic, not anglican. He is in dusguise as an anglican bishop. This is just some backround info. OOC info.

The soldier nodded. "Okay then."

To: Office of Emperor Paisley
From: Reverend Rainly of the German Protestant Church of Jerusalem

I hate to both Paisley with such a trivial matter as mine. The Protestant Churches in Jerusalem are in disarray and we need help.

After our attempt to take power from the dying Islamic Sultanate on Jeruselem in 1930's admittedly with some assistance from Nazis, things backfired. The Jeruselem Catholic Church created a Catho/Judiac/Arab alliances to destroy us and after that most Jerus do not trust Protestants except for US and other allied evangelists.

Our financial situation is dire as most corporations are controlled is Islamic, Jewish or Catholics and want nothing to with us. Our ability to influence the trinity of Islam, Judiasm and Catholism which created a "trinity" government is nil. The Catholics control government, Jews the economy and Arabs their own special territories. As a result of this system, we are unable raise funds to keep our churches viable except for donations from foreign donors.

We need help now. Lately one of Reverends was charged with child abuse in the US and has hiding in Jeruselem for protection. The government sent him back and tightened regulations on the movement of Protestant reverends to Jeruselem as result. We need your help to fix our PR problem as the only thing stopping the Papalists from complete control is our Catholic Queen who thank God has no interest in wiping us out yet.

At the moment, the Queen and family are in Catholic Roania for a wedding. She always puts Cardinal Augustus Brown in charge while she is away and while he is a moderate, sometimes Liberal, Catholic you might make an impression.

Another matter is access to Mount Sinai. Access is restricted to the heads of government, and ruling religious organisations including Eastern Orthordox Church, Anglicans and Armenian churches. Any Protestant-based or derived church has been frozen out after the civil wars where some Lutherans decided to blow up the Dome of the Rock but failed.

Count von Oberhausen sat in his office, towering above the streets of Reichsburg. He looked at the mobs dispersing and gave a great sigh.
He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Richard, get the Bishop out, bring him to the Royal Palace. These orders come directly from me. I want 1st Platoon, 3rd Brigade, of the l'Empereur Division of the Imperial Guard. That should be enough to keep him safe."

Oberhausen hung up the phone. God Preserve us. He glanced at the Protestants in Jerusalem on his TV screen. "I pray they don't have KKK connections. We need more true Protestants...not racist liars who pretend to be Protestants.

With the abdication of Emperor Paisley and the plummit in the Popularity of Emperor Leipzig, Count von Oberhausen, one of the most prominent figures in the country ever since the Reign of King Will the Great, now seemed on the surface to be the single most powerful and influential person in Reichskamphen. The fate of the Country...maybe even the Empire rested on his shoulders. It rested on whether or not he could reign in the Emperor...keep King Napoleon from going heywire and assasinating Andre...keep the Protestants from starting a civil war...and then keep King Napoleon who was growing more powerful by the day, froms supporting them and tearing the Empire apart. And in the end...whether not he needed to have them all killed and lead himself.

The bishop called Father Antonette,
"Im on my way" he said

"Good, now maybe we can get out of here sooner" said father Antonette.

He then hung up.

Paisley leaned over to the Czar. "Trust me. The people will take care of him..." he sighed as he contemplated what would be the greatest mistake of his life.

"I don't want you to kill him...there's already enough competition...also...let the fellows from Cherry Ridge out. They're idiots...but they're harmless for now. Infact..." he paused. "I'll send the guard to do it myself."

Two Imperial Guardsmen immediately went to free the Ridgers. "No offense my friend, but we don't need any more tensions than we already have."

The Czar shook his head. "I feel you have made a great mistake."

The guards arrived.
"Thank you" said the two in unison.
"Good bye" they said to the Dersconian guards.

"Lead the way, they said to to the Imperial guard."

Bishop O' Reilly called Cardinal DeVito,
C= Cardinal DeVito
O-= O'Reilly
_____
C- Cardinal DeVito here
O- it's O'Reilly
C- whats happening
O-we are being released, i'm suspiscious, Paisley suposedly sent the guards
C-I can see why
O- You in your ofice
C- yeah, why?
O- pull up Sound Recorder on the computer
C- WHy?
O- in case anything happens, and stay on the line
C- I get it, in case Paisley is framing you
O- exactly, or anything else that might happen
C- you bet
O- Bye
C- im still here

Bishop O'Reilly pushed 1, pretending to turn it off (no one knew he was faking), put the phone in his pocket, and waited on the imperial guards.

The two men were brought before Paisley.

Paisley walked up to O'Reilly who had attacked one of his guards. He put his hand on O'Reilly's shoulder. "What were you thinking?" he asked, stunned.

"You broke one of my men's arms...forced your way into a room with the head of the Empire in it and shouting like some bloody terrorist!" Paisley rubbed at his temples, obviously distressed. "You're lucky you weren't shot to death. You just don't do that kind of thing! Now leave this country, and until my man's injury is paid for by your government, you aren't welcome back."

Paisley turned and walked away, tapping the Czar's shoulder to get him to follow. Then, he turned back, "And another thing. I'm willing to keep this under the table to spare you and your country the embarassment. If this comes out in public...it will be you at the root of it and we will deal with it just like it was anyone else...and not give you the HUGE benefit of the doubt we are giving you now." He then turned around and walked out.

He called back to the Guards, "Take them to the airport."

The men were driven off to the airport, loaded on a fully equipped luxury jet from the Royal Hanger and flown back to CR.

Bishop O'REilly had since hung up his phone. He went to see cardinal DeVito.
"I broke a guards arm, Paisley demands we pay for it"

"I' ll handle this."

The Cardinal picked up his phone, and call Emperor Leipig,
"While in Reichskamphen, my auxillary bishop had an unfortunate circumstance befall him, involving breaking a guards arm. Paisley demands that the CR government pay for the medical expenses, can you fix that for me?" he asked.

"Well," Leipzig sighed, "It depends if that man went into service in Paisley's personal guard. If he was that close to him...I'm assuming he did. If that is the case...you'll have to take the matter up with him as he is the head of the UberPreussen Empire now. What I can have done however..."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Your Highness," an Imperial courier approached Ian Paisley. "Emperor Leipzig has sent me to deliver this message to you, and to bring one Gerhard Hauptstein into Custody of the authorities of the Greater Prussian Empire on the charge of high treason."

"You're insane." Paisley threw the paper to the floor. "Hauptstein is a member of my personal guard and couldn't be involved in any treason. Plus, for the past week, he has been off duty because one of those Papist buggers from Cherry Ridge broke his arm. I think the equivalent of their vice president or something."

"It doesn't matter." the courier informed him bluntly. "He has been charged with treason by Andre Leipzig and is, as we speak, being taken into custody by men of the Imperial Gendarmerie."

"What is the basis for these charges!?" Paisley shouted at him.

"That material is classified." the courier replied as he turned a tight 180 degree turn and walked away. As he moved, his sleve rose up a tad, revealing a tattoo with a serpent on it.

"He's a Romanist..." Paisley muttered to himself, under his breath. Then he yelled out to him. "What is your name!?"

"Charles de Temps." the courier yelled back.

"He is a Catholic terrorist." Paisley informed his advisor, who stood beside him. "That tattoo. That serpent. That was the symbol of the Irish Vipers. They were a group that slaughtered innocent protestants during the Roman Uprisings here..."

Paisley reached for the phone and dialed Leipzig.

"Leipzig, you lieing, theiving, Papist!"

"Hello to you too, Ian." Leipzig replied cooly.

"You just charged one of my men for treason, and your man refused to give me...the Emperor of UberPreusse...the substantive evidence backing these charges...and your man was a member of the Irish Vipers!"

"Was he now?" Leipzig asked, thoroughly amused at Paisley's ire.

"His name was Charles de Temps."

"Well, I'll see that he's removed. Goodbye Ian."

"Wait you Romanist coward, what about my man, what about..."

Paisley heard a click on the other line.
"The Son of...." he caught himself. "That idiot hung up on me...." Paisley walked away from the desk upon which the phone sat. "This is war." he hissed.

The Czar looked down at Paisley and shook his head.

"Sorry, but you were a dumbass for appointing him. I don't care what you say, he needs to be eliminated one way or another."

An angry young man approached the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem who was frequenting a French cafe in the city (a bad habit started by the Queen). He thought the Rabbi was a Catholic not having met a Jew in person before and started abusing him. Where he lived, there was no other religion than the Protestant Church. The Rabbi sat there as if he was deaf. The young man stopped after realising he was having no effect.

The Rabbi spoke up "So, you ever met a Jew before?". The young man realised the man was not a Catholic Cardinal. "Oh sorry, I thought you were a Papalist ..." he gasped. "Sit down. I'm going to explain to you about this Protestant/Catholic thing from a Jewish perspective. " the Rabbi calmly took advantage of the situation. The young man sat down so he won't look more an idiot.

"So, you come from Jerusalem, the Holy Land?" he asked. "Your Reverends may rant on about how the holy lands, but have they ever set foot there or really understand the place? No, these people just think us brown Jews will step aside for the Protestant's vision of New Jerusalem to save the world. I will explain the Old Testament to you".