NationStates Jolt Archive

The huge chamber of the Imperial Parliament of Pantocratoria was abuzz with chatter and new faces. The members of parliament, dressed in full formal regalia complete with periwigs for the men and black gowns for all, gradually found their way to their seats on the long marble benches of the Imperial Parliament. The Lord Speaker's chair, usually occupied, was vacant. Television coverage began just as everybody had found their way to their seats and fallen silent.

The vague sound of the cheers of the crowd could be heard outside the Imperial Parliament, soon followed by the sound of marching. In through the huge open doors of the chamber marched the Varangian Guard in their full dress uniform, taking their place guarding each exit, and either side of the Lord Speaker's chair. They snapped to attention.

Moments later the Imperial heralds entered the chamber, and began blasting their trumpets, which brought the assembled members to their feet.

"His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Most Pious and Very Christian Emperor Andreus, By the Grace of God, Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, Caesar Augustus, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, God's Vicegerent on Earth, Sebastocrator, King of Kings Ruling over those who Rule!" pronounced the chief herald. The proclamation was followed by trumpets.

The middle-aged Emperor of Pantocratoria, in full regalia, including a raven black wig atop which sat the enormous Imperial Diadem, with an orb in one hand and a sceptre in the other. He made his way acclaimed by a full chamber orchestra in the gallery above to the Lord Speaker's chair, where he waited for a page to lay down a purple cushion embroidered with "A I" in golden thread before deigning to sit.

"His Lordship the Right Honourable Frederic de Villa, Lord Speaker of the Imperial Parliament!" announced the herald. Unacclaimed by trumpets, he approached his chair, and knelt before the Emperor, holding out a vellum scroll.

"Your Majesty," began the old man severely. "The rolls of Your Majesty's Parliament, the one hundred and seventh Imperial Parliament to be summoned since the reign of Your Majesty's glorious ancestor of happy memory, the Emperor Demetrius the First."

The Emperor made a gesture in silence for the speaker to unroll the scroll. The speaker did so, and the Emperor glanced at the scroll before making another gesture for the scroll to be taken away. Without ever fully standing up, the speaker rises to his feet and bows to the Emperor as he walks backwards out of the Imperial Parliament.

At this point, a page approaches the Emperor with another set of papers - this one from Dr Drapeur, and totally out of sequence of the ceremonies.

"Your Majesty," the page whispers. "The Chancellor bids you read this speech in your opening address."

The Emperor's expression remains utterly emotionless. The page isn't so much as acknowledged, nor his papers accepted. The page finally withdraws and the formal order resumes.

"We have summoned you, the members of our Imperial Parliament, to this place to address certain business which must be addressed for the proper functioning of our Empire." the Emperor began.

"As we do not intend to become prisoner to our parliament, the Imperial Parliament must relinquish one third of all taxation directly to the treasury of the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, to be spent as we see fit in the proper administration of our realm and maintenance of our household and dependents." the Emperor proclaimed, extracting gasps from some indiscreet parliamentarians. "The mechanics of this arrangement we shall leave up to you."

"Further, we feel it necessary to reiterate and assert the primacy of our perogative in all things. We have no intention of yielding that most cherished inheritance to any worldly power. We intend to use this perogative as we have always done, in the defence of our realm imperial and our subjects. We instruct you that you will restrict your activities to legislating in the best interest of our subjects, and that we fully intend to use our perogative to ensure that you remain within those boundaries just specified. No treaty which we have signed shall be put aside by any hand but our own." the Emperor continued.

"These things being said, there are several pressing matters which we desire and command you to address." the Emperor said, getting down to the agenda of the parliament's term. "The issue of the succession will be addressed, confirming the order of the succession which we will now describe; that our first heir is to be the Despot of New Constantinople and Dauphin of Viennois and any legitimate progeny born to him, that our second heir is to be Prince Constantine and an legitimate progeny born to him, and that our third heir is to be the Princess of Langeais and any legitimate heir born to her baptised in the Catholic Church."

"The issue of corruption in our government concerns us. It will be addressed by this Parliament." said the Emperor, now paying token heed to the agendas of the new government. "We believe our subjects have clearly expressed their desire for the Greek tongue spoken by our ancestors to be reinstated alongside the French. Further, we charge this Parliament to investigate the establishment of schools administered by the state directly."

"We now call on the house to divide." the Emperor concluded. The Pantocratorian Socialist Alliance and Constantinople Party shuffled along to the right of the chair. The Loyal Christian Front and Pantocratoria First Party shuffled along to the left. Pages went about counting the division, before rushing back to the chair and whispering figures to the Emperor.

"You may return to your seats." said the Emperor, allowing the members time to do so before continuing. "The division is three hundred and sixty three to one hundred and seventy seven. The Imperial Government has been formed with three hundred and sixty three seats. We therefore command Dr Thibault Drapeur to attend on us at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator in three hours time to discuss with us the Imperial Chancellorship."

The Emperor stood, bringing all the assembled members to their feet. The orchestra in the gallery played a stately progress as the Emperor left the Imperial Parliament, his long purple robe of state trailing after him. The assembled members of the Imperial Parliament bowed deeply, being careful not to let the wigs slide off their heads, and remained bowed until the Emperor left the chamber.

Excalbian Embassy in New Rome, Pantocratoria

Ambassador Rev. Jacob Donnelly watched the opening of the Pantocratorian parliament with a sullen expression. As the Emperor stood and began his procession out of the chamber, he flicked off the TV and turned to his Political Counselor. “What do you think, Frank?”

Dr. Frank Ginkel removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Well, Ambassador, I think the Emperor’s comment that no treaty signed by him could be abrogated by the parliament was certainly positive for us…”

Donnelly shook his head. “I can’t believe that I’m actually feeling nostalgic for Princess Irene’s government. The PSP is such an unknown quantity. I can’t even begin to think of where we begin to get an inside track for dealing with them.”

“Actually, Ambassador, it’s the PSA…”

Donnelly stood and, very uncharacteristically tossed a book across his office. “P. A. What’s the blood difference, Frank? They’re still socialists. Socialists who want to terminated the alliance, with or without the Emperor’s support and who stand for the opposite of just about everything His Imperial Majesty’s Government stands for!” Donnelly calmed down and took his seat.

“Sorry, Frank.”

“What’s wrong, sir?”

“Bolkus. He played me for a fool, Frank. Made it seem I had a chance to reason with him when all the while he knew he’d made his choice and was joining the PSP…er… PSA. He’d give Irene competition for most cynical politician in Pantocratoria!”

“I’m sure, sir…”

Old Ministry of State, Citadel Excalbia

Minister of State Albert Cummings turned off the satellite new channel and looked across the fireplace to the Director of Imperial Intelligence. “So, what now, Lord James?”

Lord James Reynolds chuckled. “I could say you have some nerve to ask me that after your less than solid support of my position in the cabinet.”

Cummings shrugged and trimmed the end off a cigar. “Well, Lord James, you did dig your own grave, so to speak, you can’t blame me for not joining you.” Cummings passed the humidor to Lord James, then leaned over stretching slightly to place a long fireplace match into the lapping tongues of the roaring fire. With the match alight, he touched to his cigar and took a deep puff. “Also, you were rather too direct, don’t you think?”

“You’re one to complain about being blunt, Minister.”

“There is a difference between blunt opinions and blunt black-mail.”

“Conceded.” Lord James puffed his cigar and smiled.

Cummings studied the smile for several minutes. “You are onto something aren’t you, Lord James?”

“Perhaps. Our sources in New Rome have uncovered some evidence that a Mr. René Faucon, president of a local chapter of the dockworker’s union and a member of Dr. Drapeur’s inner circle, has been taking payoffs from several local mafia figures and putting at least some of that money into the PSA’s campaign funds.”

“Hmm.” Cummings stretched his arm towards the elaborate ceramic fireplace again and flicked some ash into it. “Corrupt union leaders aren’t really news…”

Lord James’ smile broadened.

“It gets better, I see.”

“Indeed, Minister. We’ve also learned from our sources in Drakopolis that one of Mr. Blokus’ business partners and advisors, a Mr. Antaios Menoikeus, has links to the organized crime group that, in turn, has ties to Mr. Faucon.”

“Hmm. More interesting. Have you told the Chancellor?”

Lord James frowned slightly. “I’m waiting for some more details first. I want to make the strongest case possible, before I approach Lady Freedman.”

Drakopolis, Pantocratoria

The smell of burning olive oil, roasting lamb and garlic permeated the tiny restaurant. Kirk Steward sat at a corner table, his arms resting on the slightly sticky glass-topped table, nursing a glass of wine. He casually glanced at his watch and waited for his contact.

The Emperor sat in the great hall of the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator ready to receive Drapeur at the appointed time. As the clock chimed the hour, the Varangians opened the door to admit the PSA leader. The great hall, usually filled with courtiers quietly whispering, was empty asides from Drapeur, the Emperor, Sir Constantine the Hardy and a few Varangians. Drapeur's footsteps echoed loudly throughout the hall as he approached the throne. He bowed politely.

"Doctor, as the leader of the majority in the Imperial Parliament, we ask you to accept the office of Imperial Chancellor." the Emperor said.

"Thankyou, Your Majesty." Drapeur replied.

"Approach and receive your mark of office." says the Emperor. He reaches to his right, where he expects to find a page holding a purple cushion with the gold chain of office of the Imperial Chancellorship. The chain isn't there.

"Begging Your Majesty's pardon," says the page. "Her Highness declined to relinquish the chain of office."

The Emperor groaned.

"Unfortunately, doctor, Her Highness seems to have misplaced the chain of office." the Emperor offered Drapeur weakly. "Please excuse us, Chancellor."

The Emperor stormed off out of the hall and Sir Constantine approached the Imperial Chancellor.

"Please wait here, Doctor." he said. "The Emperor will rejoin you presently."

***

Irene stalked about her office, raging. Her hair, usually pulled back in a severe bun, was loose and dishevelled. In her hand she held the chain of office she had worn for the past year. She roared and swung the chain about, throwing papers to the floor, smashing an LCD computer screen, and shattering a vase given to her by the Roanian ambassador.

There was a knock on the door.

"GO AWAY!" she screamed back, before swinging the chain into a mirror, breaking the glass all over the polished floor. The next knock came more urgently.

"AWAY!" she insisted, putting aside the chain for a moment to pick up an arm full of official papers from her desk, which she then threw into the fireplace. There was another knock.

"Michél?" she asked, wondering who would be so insistent. There was no answer, so she picked up the chain again, and swung it into a window, smashing it out. She then stumbled back from the freezing cold breeze which swept in, and tripped over a coffee table.

Finally, the door was smashed open. A pair of Varangian Guards appeared to have kicked it in. Behind them stood the tall, imposing figure of the Emperor, who entered the office, his face aghast.

"What in the name of God have you been doing?" he demanded.

Irene pulled herself to her feet, and curtsied to her brother.

"You're a mess...." the Emperor muttered. "Give me the chain. I need to give it to the Chancellor."

"I AM THE CHANCELLOR!" she screamed back, incensed again.

"I'm not having this argument with you, sister. The chain." the Emperor flatly stated.

"Daddy wanted me to have it!" she protested.

"Nonsense." Andreus replied flatly. "Hand it over."

"NO! IT'S MINE! MINE!" she screamed, swinging it at the Emperor in a rage. The Emperor caught the chain in his hand and ripped out it of Irene's grasp, tossing it away, as the Varangians rushed forward to protect him. "Mine!"

The Emperor grabbed Irene to stop her swinging her arms about wildly at him. He held her until she seemed to exhaust herself, and then handed her over to the Varangians.

"Take Her Highness to her room, and call for her doctors." he commanded, retrieving the chain of office from the floor.

***

"I apologise for keeping you, Chancellor." the Emperor said, returning to the great hall. Gone was the imperial we - he was speaking informally with his chancellor now. In his hands was the chain of office.

"Not at all, Sir." replied Drapeur. He knelt again before the Emperor to receive the chain of office, which was laid around his neck. Drapeur stood.

"I had wished to talk to Your Majesty about some matters which concerned me about your opening address to the Parliament..." Drapeur started.

"Not now, I've more pressing concerns. We shall have plenty of time to talk later, Doctor." the Emperor replied. "Congratulations on your election. You may leave."

"Thankyou, Your Majesty." replied Drapeur, after holding his tongue for a few seconds. He bowed again and left the palace.

Despite being at sea, the news came fast to Mari Alkatiri aboard the Galdagan warship taking him and half of Tanah Burung's collective presidency to safety. They had escaped the Knootian attack narrowly, and were now bound to set up a Government-in-Exile. One that would need new diplomatic ties.

Another bulletin was passed to him. He broke into a broad grin. He had been thrilled at the Pantocratorian election results and quite happy to see either the PSA or the LCF in power. So there had been no effort to meddle. But in his heart, he was happier still to see the word Socialist attached to the name of the new imperial chancellor.

He grabbed his laptop and prepared a letter to be sent to the Emperor Andreus.

Your Imperial Majesty,

Please permit me to extend the congratulations of my people and my very best wishes on the success of your recent elections. I am informed that the elections were a testimony to your country's democracy; on my own behalf I believe they were also a testimony to your own wisdom in moving your country forward.

You will have heard of the Knootian attack on my country; our thanks are due to Pantocratoria for its words of support. You will know that the mother cathedral of Tanah Burung lies in ruins after it was shelled by Knootian forces, and of the senseless and vicious massacre of priests and nuns in the square outside it. But let me assure you that the independence of Tanah Burung lives on, in the resistance of our people throughout the country and in the Government in Exile which i have the honour to be part of.

At this time, Your Imperial Majesty, I wish to propose to you and to your chancellor an exchange of ambassadors. Should this be acceptable to you, I would propose to you the name of Alvaro Pinto, one of my country's senior diplomats, as Ambassador to the Court of Pantocratoria.

S'il vous plait, acceptez l'assurance de mes meilleures sentiments,

Mari Alkatiri
People's Representative for foreign affairs & human rights
United Provinces of Tanah Burung

Monsieur,

We would be happy to receive your ambassador to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, Alvaro Pinto, and would be equally happy to send an ambassador to your government in exile. If it is acceptable to you, we will send our ambassador Guy Didot to you.

We shall pass your congratulations on to our new Imperial Chancellor, and hope that during his tenure, some progress can be made towards re-establishing the independence of Tanah Burung.

With reciprocated best sentiments,

Andreus
Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, et al.

Drakopolis, Pantocratoria

A short, beefy man entered the diner and shuffled to the corner table in the back. The man didn’t look around or acknowledge the waitress behind the counter, but simply pulled up a chair and sat across from the man at the table.

“Good morning, friend,” the man said in mediocre Greek.

“Good morning. I have what you want, but first I want proof of who you are.”

The man sighed and pulled out his wallet. He casually flipped it open and tossed it to the man across the table. The exposed photo ID said that the man was John Blakely, a registered journalist with a global cable news network. Just to be sure, the suspicious-eyed recent arrival thumbed through the rest of the wallet. He saw that all the credit cards, insurance cards and his driver’s license all matched.

“Alright, Mr. Blakely,” the burly man said tossing the wallet back. “Here you go,” the man pulled a large envelope out of his shirt and tossed it to the reporter. “I just wanted to be sure. A lot of people were nosing around here during the election and I don’t want to hurt Mr. Bolkus. He’s doing a great thing for us, Mr. Blakely. He’s giving us back our pride in our heritage and in our language. But, if we are to keep our pride, we need to have clean hands. And Menoikeus is dirty. I’m not doing this to hurt Mr. Bolkus, Mr. Blakely, but he needs to rid himself of men like Menoikeus.”

The man across the table nodded. “I understand, Mr. Stephanaupolis. And I don’t want to hurt Mr. Bolkus either. I agree with you that he is bringing much needed attention to your community here. But you are right, having criminals in your inner circles will only hurt your efforts. You are doing a great service to your people.”

“I hope so. Now, I need to get back to work.” The man stood and shuffled back out the door.

Kirk Steward smiled as he eased the envelope into his bag just as his meal arrived.

First Act of the 107th Imperial Parliament (passed with a margin of 540 to 0)
The Act of Succession
http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/ns/pantocratoria.jpg


Be it henceforth enacted by the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty that, in accordance with the wishes of His Majesty and the requirement of the maintenance of responsible government in His Majesty's realms in the dreaded event of His Majesty's death, the line of succession be set forth as follows:

That all His Majesty's titles, realms, treasury, debts, and other articles of His Imperial Estate, be inherited by His Imperial Highness the Most Pious Prince Andreus, Despot of New Constantinople and Dauphin of Viennois, and failing that, the eldest legitimate son of the Prince's body (and his heirs). And for want of a son, then let the Estate fall to the eldest legitimate daughter of the Prince's body (and her heirs), save for the Kingdom of France, which according to the Salic law, cannot be inherited by a woman, and must therefore be inherited by His Majesty's next male heir (as described by this Act).

That in the event the aforementioned Mighty Prince expires without legitimate issue, then the Imperial Estate shall be inherited by His Imperial Highness the Honourable Prince Constantine, and failing that, the eldest legitimate son of the Prince's body (and his heirs). And for want of a son, then let the Estate fall to the eldest legitimate daughter of the Prince's body (and her heirs), save for the Kingdom of France, which according to the Salic law, cannot be inherited by a woman, and must therefore be inherited by His Majesty's next male heir (as described by this Act).

That in the event that both the aforementioned well loved princes expire without legitimate issue, then the Imperial Estate shall be inherited by Her Imperial Highness the Most Pious Princess Anna of Langeais, save for the Kingdom of France, which according to the Salic law, cannot be inherited by a woman, and must therefore be inherited by His Majesty's next male heir (as described by this Act). And if that Most Pious Princess cannot ascend the throne, then the eldest legitimate son baptised into the Holy Catholic Church of the Princess' body (and his heirs) shall take her place. And for want of a son, then let the Estate go to the eldest legitimate daughter baptised into the Holy Catholic Church of the Princess' body (and her heirs).

After these three issue of the Emperor's body, the Imperial Estate (barring the Kingdom of France, which shall be inherited as outlined below) shall be inherited by Her Imperial Highness Princess Theodora, and after her, the eldest legitimate son of the Princess' body (and his heirs). And for want of a son, then let the Estate go to the eldest legitimate daughter of the Princess' body (and her heirs).

After these four issue of the Emperor's body, the Imperial Estate (barring the Kingdom of France, which shall be inherited as outlined below) shall be inherited by Her Imperial Highness Princess Zoë, and after her, the eldest legitimate son of the Princess' body (and his heirs). And for want of a son, then let the Estate go to the eldest legitimate daughter of the Princess' body (and her heirs).

If on his death His Majesty has want of a child who may inherit the Kingdom of France according to the Salic law, then that Kingdom shall be inherited by His Imperial Highness the Right Honourable Prince Basil, His Majesty's brother, and any legitimate male heir of the Prince's body (and that heir's heirs). There being no further surviving descendents in the male line from His Imperial Majesty Emperor Louis of beloved memory, after Prince Basil and his heirs, the claim must extinguish and revert to the line of the Pretender Philippe, self-styled Louis XVIII. Further, Prince Basil may inherit the rest of the Imperial Estate after the heirs described above, and if he be unable to ascend the throne, then let the estate fall to Her Imperial Highness Princess Helen and her legitimate heirs, and then after her, let the estate fall to Her Imperial Highness Princess Marie.

After all these distinguished and most noble princes, if His Majesty still wants an heir, let Her Imperial Highness the Right Honourable Most Pious Princess Irene inherit the estate.

And if the Imperial Estate still goes unclaimed, it shall go to Her Imperial Highness Princess Jacqueline (whose heirs are the heirs of Prince Basil, and are thus not listed here).

By the will of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus, in the thirty first year of the reign of the same, long may it continue, let this act be made law.

Another slim file crossed the desk of Judas Tay, Archbishop of the Imperial Faith. He glanced through it and added it to the pile of unimportant dossiers. The next crossed the same pile, and next, and the next for several hours. A few warranted a few notes in a margin, or occasionally a placement into a tray for his aide to collect. Eventually, his back to the bronze crucifix that dominated the wall behind his desk, he paused as he thumbed through a file marked "Pantocratoria, Roman-Catholic".

A few minutes later he was writing carefully on high-quality parchment with a fountain pen - as with all Isamite diplomatic documents it had to be written in this manner, regardless of the actual method of distribution.


For the attention of Andreus Imperator, Most Esteemed and Christian Emperor of Pantocratoria,

I extend my greetings to your most august person from the Holy Christian Empire of Isam and offer my prayers for your Imperial Majesty and the Royal House of Pantocratoria.
The writer of this missive hopes that you will consent to the opening of diplomatic relations between the Church of the Imperial Faith and its Empire and The Holy and Most August Empire of Pantocratoria and possibly an exchange of embassies between the Holy City of Tol Isam and New Rome.

Signed and Sealed by the Grace of God,
Judas Tay,
Archbishop of Foreign Affairs by the will of the Isamite Holy Father.

Shortly afterward the message had been approved by the Lord Secretary in the name of the Holy Father and sealed with the symbol of the Isamite Foreign Office. Moments later it was on its way to New Rome.

Imperial Chancery, Citadel Excalbia

The table in the cabinet room was mostly empty. Around the table the members of the so-called national security cabinet awaited the Imperial Chancellor. Minister of State Albert Cummings shifted in his seat, displaying an uncharacteristic nervousness. Lord John Thorne, the Minister of Defence, leaned wearily to one side while at his right hand Lord Admiral Yornis Halton looked at the Minister with evident concern. Lord James Reynolds, Director of Imperial Intelligence, idly rubbed his beard. Lady Gwyneth Hapsgaard, the Minister of Justice, looked somewhat disdainfully at Lord James.

Everyone’s eyes turned to the elaborately carved doors leading from the Chancellor’s office. Lady Christina Freedman was still flush from her afternoon jog through the parks atop Citadel Mount. However, she was freshly scrubbed and as perfectly dressed as usual.

“So, Lord James, would you mind telling us what is so important,” she said taking her seat at the head of the table.

“Yes, Lady Chancellor.” The scholarly-looking career spy leaned forward. “Our agents in Pantocratoria have uncovered conclusive evidence that of a connection between one of the leading gansters in Pantocratoria, a Mr. Antaios Menoikeus, the dockworkers’ union, led a Mr. René Faucon, and the new coalition government.”

A murmur went around the table and Lady Hapsgaard shot Lord James an evil look. “Certainly you don’t mean to blackmail the government of an ally! That’s criminal! We lock people in the Bauska Fortress for that kind of thing here! My Lady!” The Minister of Justice turned pleadingly towards the Chancellor.

“Calm yourself, Lady Gwyneth.” The Chancellor said coolly. “Lord James, just what is the nature of this link?”

“We have evidence of bribes, kickbacks and money laundering between a trading company owned by Mr. Menoikeus – a known front for organized crime – and the dockworkers’ union. Also, Mr. Menoikeus is a close friend and advisor to the Constantinople Party’s leader – Mr. Blokus – while the head of the dockworkers’ union, Mr. Faucon, is a leader in the PSA and an advisor to the new Chancellor – Dr. Drapeur. Finally, there is evidence that at least some of this illegal money helped finance the PSA’s campaign…”

“I am sick, Lord James,” Lord John said feebly, pushing himself to his feet, “the Pantocratorians are our dearest allies. They were under Prince Basil and Princess Irene. And they will remain so under Dr. Drapeur. As long as the House of Bourbon-Comnenus-Palaeologus remains on the throne, they will be our allies. I would stake my life on it! If we have evidence of wrong doing, then we must turn it over to their proper authorities!”

The Minister of Defence collapsed back into his chair and began weezing.

“The Minister makes a valid point,” Lord Halton said, as he patted the Minister on the back to loosen his congestion.

“Still,” Minister Cummings said, “perhaps we should hear what Lord James has in mind.”

“Yes,” the Chancellor said evenly, “what do you have in mind, Lord James?”

“Well, my Lady, I would propose one of three courses of action. Either we turn the information over – in a plausibly deniable manner – to the local press and let their coverage bring down the government, or we pass it in a similar manner to Prince Basil and let the opposition use it as ammunition to bring down the government. Or, more directly, we build on the case we have begun, until we have enough to lead us to Dr. Drapeur, at which time we approach him to allow him the chance to dissolve his government without embarassment.”

Lady Freedman shook her head. “None of these options are palatable. But neither is Lord John’s approach, I think, practical under the circumstance.” The Chancellor unexpectedly stood. “I shall consider my options.”

The Chancellor walked out of the room.

(OOC to Pantocratoria: Let me know if you want this moved somewhere else or whether you have a preference for the Chancellor's decision.)

OOC: It can stay here, and the Chancellor can make whatever decision she sees fit. :)

IC:

To: His Excellency the Most Reverend Archbishop Tay

Your Grace,

We acknowledge and reciprocate your kind greetings. It is our pleasure that diplomatic relations be opened at once between our Empire and that of your Church. Further, we invite Your Grace to see to the establishment of an embassy to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator in New Rome. We shall instruct our Imperial Government to nominate some prominent person to serve as our ambassador to you.

With our regards,

Andreus
Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, Equal of the Apostles, King of France and Navarre, et al.

After receiving the reply Judas Tay rose from his office and crossed to the door, through which he went in search of one of his Bishops. Soon afterward he returned, having found an appropriate candidate and penned another letter.

For the attention of Andreus Imperator, Most Esteemed and Christian Emperor of Pantocratoria,

I thank you for your prompt reply and gratefully accept your invitation and will endeavour to arrive at such a time as suits your Imperial Majesty to seek a suitable structure and request that Your Grace informs the Hierarchy of the Imperial Faith of your government's decision and time of arrival.

It is my pleasure to suggest the Bishop James Anyr takes the role of ambassador within the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator and I hope that the Bishop appropriate. The Bishop has served under me for fifteen years and also has close ties to several of our more important institutions within the Holy Christian Empire, with relations within the Chaplaincy, the higher echelons of the Church Militant and Church Civil as well as the Clerics of the Nazareth. As such Bishop Anyr should be able to answer any queries that your august person or esteemed government would care to ask.

The Lord Secretary has suggested the former Church of the Enthroned Christ within the Holy Precinct as an appropriate site for your own embassy, as he believes it would suit the leaning of your own august Church. If this location is deemed unsuitable we shall do our utmost to find an appropriate structure within the Holy Precinct rather than the Precinct of Duty, where most embassies are housed.

Signed and Sealed by the Grace of God,
Judas Tay,
Archbishop of Foreign Affairs

Lady Christina Freedman sat in her small, informal apartment just off from her office. Most days, like today, she never returned to her official residence at the foot of Citadel Mount. She sat on her bed, legs bent under her, flipping aimless through a glossy magazine.

The decision she needed to make weighed heavily on her mind. She wanted someone to discuss it with, but there was no one. No husband, no significant other. Not even a close friend.

She tossed the magazine aside. She was tired. Tired of being the Imperial Chancellor rather than Christina Freedman.

She sighed and turned on the TV.

If it had been any other decision, she could at least confer with the Emperor. But she couldn't, wouldn't, consult His Imperial Majesty. Whatever she decided, if it went wrong, it had to be her decision; it couldn't involve the Emperor. The alliance could survive a misjudgement by a Chancellor, but she wasn't sure it could survive betrayal by one of the sovereigns.

Finally, she picked up the phone. "Get me Lord James," she said to her secretary.

For the attention of Andreus Imperator, Most Esteemed and Christian Emperor of Pantocratoria,

I thank you for your prompt reply and gratefully accept your invitation and will endeavour to arrive at such a time as suits your Imperial Majesty to seek a suitable structure and request that Your Grace informs the Hierarchy of the Imperial Faith of your government's decision and time of arrival.

It is my pleasure to suggest the Bishop James Anyr takes the role of ambassador within the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator and I hope that the Bishop appropriate. The Bishop has served under me for fifteen years and also has close ties to several of our more important institutions within the Holy Christian Empire, with relations within the Chaplaincy, the higher echelons of the Church Militant and Church Civil as well as the Clerics of the Nazareth. As such Bishop Anyr should be able to answer any queries that your august person or esteemed government would care to ask.

The Lord Secretary has suggested the former Church of the Enthroned Christ within the Holy Precinct as an appropriate site for your own embassy, as he believes it would suit the leaning of your own august Church. If this location is deemed unsuitable we shall do our utmost to find an appropriate structure within the Holy Precinct rather than the Precinct of Duty, where most embassies are housed.

Signed and Sealed by the Grace of God,
Judas Tay,
Archbishop of Foreign Affairs

Your Grace,

We offer the monastery of St. Theodosia of Constantinople in New Rome for the use of Bishop Anyr. The monastery has been abandoned for sometime, and will be properly restored for the use of your embassy.

The Imperial Chancellor, Dr Thibault Drapeur, has suggested to us that one Father François Pelot would be a suitable ambassador to your Church and its Empire. Therefore, we will brief and dispatch Father Pelot with all due haste. We are sure that the site you have selected will be appropriate for our embassy.

Regards,

Andreus
Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, King of France and Navarre, et al.

Second Act of the 107th Imperial Parliament (passed with a margin of 528 to 12)
Revised Act of Cultural Development
http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/ns/pantocratoria.jpg

Be it henceforth enacted in the name of the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty that the Revised Act of Cultural Development (the Sixteenth Act of the 106th Imperial Parliament) be ammended as follows:

Where the Act says "the Ministry of Cultural Development shall be responsible for fostering Pantocratorian culture, and for preserving the same, through restricting access to all music, films, books, and other recordings promoting any agenda or on any subject matter listed as proscribed in this act, through ensuring conformity to Pantocratorian artistic styles and forms through forbidding the distribution.... (until) ....and censoring all newspapers, television news reports, radio news bulletins, and all other news outlets to ensure accurate news reporting, as judged by the officers of the Ministry of Cultural Development.", it shall be ammended to say "the Ministry of Cultural Development shall be responsible for fostering Pantocratorian culture, and for preserving the same, through the funding of public museums, galleries, exhibitions, and other fora, and through the support of Pantocratorian artists, authors, playwrights, musicians, and other creative persons."

Where the Act says "The following pieces of music are restricted: La Marseillaise, L'Internationale... (until)... and in addition, the following styles are restricted: all Turkish music, so-called popular music, jazz, rock-and-roll... (until)... and in addition, the following agenda are restricted: revolution, atheism, democratic reform... (until)... Distribution or possession of recordings classified as restricted under this act shall be punished by a term no less than five years imprisonment, and no more than fifteen, per restricted recording.", that section shall be deleted.

Where the Act says "The Ministry of Cultural Development shall not be subject to any restriction on the use of interrogation methods, shall not be required to produce evidence beyond officer testimony in court, shall not... (until)... and is authorised to construct such facilities as it requires for the purposes of detention and interrogation of suspects and witnesses.", that section shall be deleted.

Where the Act says "The displaying in any media of the following people, concepts, groups, or events in a sympathetic light is proscribed: the Ottoman Empire, the French Revolution... (until)... elves, vampires, or other inhuman species.", that section shall be deleted.

By the will of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus, in the thirty first year of the reign of the same, long may it continue, let this act be made law.

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=379289 for the impact of the Revised Act of Cultural Development.

Lord James hung up the phone and scratched his beard. To most people, the intelligence chief's expression was as neutral as always, but those who knew him well would have noticed a slight downturn around the corners of his mouth and a slight narrowing of the eyes. Lord James was unhappy. And angry. And there was little he could do about it.

Lord James Reynolds spun in his chair and looked out of his window. The Imperial Chancellor had been quite clear. And yet. And yet, she was making a mistake.

In that moment, Lord James made his decision. Lady Christina had kept the decision from Emperor to protect him - plausible deniability. So, too, he would keep his decision from the Chancellor to give her the same protection.

He picked up his phone. "Get me agent Steward."

Third act of the 107th Imperial Parliament (passed with a margin of 363 to 177)
The Act Repealing the Act of Public Decency
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Be it henceforth enacted in the name of the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty that the seventieth act of the 105th Imperial Parliament, entitled "The Act of Public Decency", be henceforth repealed. There shall henceforth be no restrictions as to what a person may wear in public, be it on cultural or other grounds.

By the will of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus, in the thirty first year of the reign of the same, long may it continue, let this act be made law.

New Rome, Pantocratoria

Ambassador Rev. Jacob Donnelly, accompanied by his political counselor – Frank Ginkel, trudged up the steps towards his meeting with the new Imperial Chancellor, Dr. Drapeur.

His heart was heavy and he was not anxious for the meeting. Not because he still felt manipulated by the Constantinople Party – letting go of grudges easily had always been one of his strengths – or because he held the PSA in low esteem. No, the Chancellor’s message had certainly cured him of the latter. She had been right, after all. So far, the Holy Empire could – and probably should – applaud all of the new government’s acts. And, so far, the new government had done nothing to threaten the Alliance.

No, he realized, he was dreading meeting Dr. Drapeur because he had demonized the man in his own mind and had come to realize that it was not wrong and impolitic to do so, but had, in fact, been a sin. And he felt chagrined.

Of course, that had nothing to do with Dr. Drapeur, and Donnelly was certain not to let his own morose feeling show through. However, once he and the Chancellor got down to business, those feelings just might come out. After all, the meeting would be a good gage for how the Holy Empire would interact with the new government

* * *

Meanwhile, in a far seedier part of town, Kirk Steward sat on a bar stool casually dangling a 50 ducat note from his fingers. The young woman beside him, whom he just met, eyed the bill even as dialed her mobile. In her hand she held a note that Steward had typed and printed on a computer in some nondescript Internet café. The number of a close advisor to Prince Basil that she was dialing was also written on the note.

As she waited for the advisor to answer she read the note, which was naturally written in French:

A gang of criminals have taken power in our country. If you want the evidence you need to take back power, meet me in person at main train station at 15:00. I will come to you at the magazine kiosk next to track 12.

The young woman looked at the man, who spoke French like foreigner, though she couldn’t place the accent, and smiled. With him paying 50 ducats for practical jokes, she hoped he’d be back.

Of course, Steward, who had never been to the bar before had no intention of ever returning.

Dr Drapeur was finishing the dictation of a letter to the Pantocratorian Council of Trade Unions as Donnelly entered his office. He spoke with gusto and passion, even when it was only his secretary to hear it.

"Thankyou once again for your support and hard work, and for your understanding in the months and years ahead. The industrial relations reforms we have all worked for may take the rest of this decade to fully realise, and although the progress may at times seem slow, we will get there in the end, together." he concluded. "Yours in solidarity. That'll do for now Jocelyn. Thankyou."

The secretary nodded, flipped the notebook computer she had been typing on closed, rose, nodded to the Ambassador, and left the room.

"I'm sorry, Reverend, please be seated." says Drapeur, indicating the seat in front of the Chancellor's desk, making his way back behind the desk. He made a little joke. "Trade unionists are wonderful people. But they need constant reassurance that you've not forgotten them once you're in office."

Once both men were seated Drapeur began.

"I want to start by saying that whatever hesitations the Excalbian government may have had about the PSA as a result of our election stance against our military involvement in Upper Virginia shouldn't, in my opinion, stand in the way of a productive working relationship. Both our coalition partners and the Emperor have made their positions on the alliance clear. I am not just the leader of the PSA, but the leader of the Imperial Government." Drapeur started, his manner direct but conciliatory. "The policy of the Imperial Government is to stand by Excalbia as our staunch ally. The Emperor has guaranteed the defence budget by assuming responsibility for it. You have nothing to fear in regards to the alliance itself or about our ability to fulfil the capability requirements of such an alliance from this Government, Ambassador. Pardon me, where are my manners, may I offer you a drink? Water? Coffee? Something stronger?"

New Rome, Pantocratoria

Ambassador Rev. Jacob Donnelly smiled and nodded. “Thank you, your Excellency. A cup of coffee would be quite nice.”

The ambassador waited patiently until the coffee had poured, then he took a small sip. “Hmm. Very nice. Thank you.”

Donnelly set the cup down and looked levelly at the Chancellor. “And thank you, your Excellency, for your reassuring words regarding the Alliance. “ He shifted in his seat, turning slightly to face Dr. Drapeur. “The Holy Empire firmly believes that the Alliance has served the cause of peace and stability, both here in the Pantocratorian Archipelago and in the Excalbian Isles and, indeed, through out this part of the world. We are, of course, very pleased to hear that your Government is fully committed to the Alliance.”

The ambassador took another sip of his coffee and looked back at the Chancellor. “I must apologize, your Excellency, if in any… hesitation we may have had about the PSA may have given the appearance of any… coolness on our part towards your Government.”

Donnelly reached into his pocket, smiled and produced a sealed envelope. “This is an official message from our Imperial Chancellor congratulating you on your electoral victory. It also invites you to make an official visit to the Holy Empire at your earliest convenience and reminds His Imperial Majesty’s Government of our Emperor’s standing invitation to Emperor Andreus to make a state visit to Excalbia.” Donnelly passes the letter to the Chancellor.

A serious expression drove the smile from Donnelly’s face as he produced a second envelope. This one bore no official seal and he handed it directly to Dr. Drapeur, almost as if he were anxious to be rid of it.

“And this, your Excellency, is a personal note from Lady Christina Freedman.”

The note, written in a confidential tone, describes how anonymous sources have come to the Holy Empire with evidence – detailed in the note – that two individuals close the PSA and Constantinople Party are involved in corruption and organized crime. The note names the two individuals involved as Messieurs René Faucon and Antaios Menoikeus and describes in detail how to obtain the original evidence from various records. The note warns the Chancellor that the sources who brought the information to the Holy Empire may take it to the press or others in an effort to embarrass the new Government.

The note concludes by saying:

I assure you, Dr. Drapeur, that I have chosen to share this information with you privately in order to equip you to take whatever steps you feel led to take to ensure the integrity of your Government. My Government has no desire to interfere with your Government and, I am quite certain, His Imperial Majesty David IV would tolerate no interference whatsoever in the internal affairs of Pantocratoria. He values our relationship with your Empire far too highly to risk it with such machinations.

I also hope that, in some small measure, you will receive this warning as a gesture of goodwill and of our trust on my part. It is my desire that, from this we form a close and enduring partnership for the benefit of both our Empires.

Sincere Regards,
Lady Christina Freedman
Chancellor

After Dr. Drapeur finishes the letter, Donnelly clears his throat and swallows. “Your Excellency,” he says with some hesitation, “I spoke personally with Lady Freedman earlier today and she asked me to tell you that she sincerely regrets that this information has come to our attention. But, since it has, she firmly believes that the only proper thing to do with it is to bring directly to you.”

* * *

Meanwhile, at the Central Train Station, Kirk Steward glances at his watch while waiting for the advisor to Prince Basil to walk up to the kiosk.

Drapeur looked dubious as he read the note. Finally he put it down.

"These are serious allegations. I am surprised that they found their way into the hands of a foreign embassy before they reached the press or indeed, me. Nevertheless I appreciate you bringing it to my attention, Reverend. I hope you will convey my appreciation to Lady Freedman." Drapeur says. "As to the official business, His Majesty advises me that he intends to visit Excalbia when the situation in Upper Virginia is resolved. I believe it would be appropriate for me to wait until after His Majesty made the trip. Since Prince Joseph is in Pantocratoria at the moment, however, it occurs to me that I might take advantage of the situation and meet with him. That is, if the Prince is agreeable."

***

A middle-aged man in a suit wearing an LCF badge on his lapel approaches the kiosk by track 12 at the Central Train Station. He stands quietly, waiting for somebody to make contact.

New Rome, Pantocratoria

Ambassador Rev. Jacob Donnelly nodded. “Thank you, your Excellency. I will certainly convey your thanks to Lady Freedman. I will admit that I share your curiosity about why this information came into our hands, but I believe what is important at this point is that we have all dealt with it with discretion and seriousness.”

Donnelly visibly relaxed as the subject turned back to official business. “I certainly understand your point about the visits, your Excellency. As for meeting with His Highness, I am certain that Prince Joseph would be very happy to meet with you. In fact, later today, Her Highness, Princess Christiana – the sister of His Imperial Majesty – will be arriving in New Rome en route to the Despotic Court in New Constantinople. If you are interested, both of their Highnesses may wish to meet with you.”

* * *

A young boy of maybe twelve or thirteen approached the man at the kiosk and handed him a packet of papers. Before the man could say anything the boy, remembering the words of the man who had paid him, runs away.

As the man in the suit opens the envelope, he saw a sheaf of the documents with a typed note on top.

The note read, in French:

I hope you will find this information useful. As you can see Messieurs Faucon and Menoikeus are involved in extensive corruption and have ties to organized crime. Placing such men in positions of influence so close to the heart of the new government is certainly a threat to the security of the Empire. I hope the LCF will take the appropriate action. If you find this information useful, come to new cinema down the street tomorrow at 3 pm and go to see the film. Sit in the last row and I will give you more information.

"I would appreciate it very much if you could arrange for me to meet with them both, Reverend." Drapeur said.

***

The man took the brief case and walked into the public bathroom. He pulled off the LCF badge, and opened a cubicle door. Sprawled across the toilet was an unconscious man who looked like he had been struck across the head with a pipe or bat or other blunt instrument. The man with the briefcase tossed the LCF badge onto the floor in front of the unconscious man, before closing the cubicle door and leaving the bathroom. He leaves the train station and gets into a long black limousine.

"Your Highness." he says graciously to the other passenger, before handing over the briefcase and closing the door.

New Rome, Pantocratoria

Ambassador Rev. Donnelly nodded. "Very well, Excellency." The ambassador pulled a small handheld PC from his pocket and consulted it. "Would quarter to four this afternoon work for you? Both of their Highnesses will be at the Embassy just before that and it should be no problem for them to come at that time."

Citadel Excalbia, Holy Empire of Excalbia

Lady Christina Freedman hated the feeling that she couldn't trust one of her cabinet members. Yet, something about Lord James' tone of voice as she told him of her decision made her suspicious.

She looked up as Lord John Thorne, the Minister of Defence, and Admiral Lord Halton entered her office.

"Gentlemen," she said without inviting them sit - this was no social visit, "you know of my decision with regard to information Lord James uncovered in Pantocratoria." Both men nodded. "Unfortunately, I fear Lord James may act independently. So, I am afraid that I must ask that you direct our military attaché in New Rome to... investigate our station chief's activities and let us know if there is any sign of a... rouge operation."

"Yes, my Lady," both men said with a slight bow.

"Very good," the Chancellor said, clearly dismissing them.

Lord John and Lord Halton bowed again and walked out of the office into the ornately decorated hallway of the Chancery. Halfway to the elevator, Lord John clutched his chest and dropped to his knees.

Admiral Lord Halton was two steps ahead of the Minister when he heard a sound and turned to see the frail, old man in agony. "Call the ambulance! The Minister has collapsed!" The Chief of the General Staff shouted loud enough for any number of bureaucrats in their warren of offices to hear.

"Yes, that'd be most agreeable, Reverend." said Drapeur. "I expect that we'll do this again sometime soon, Ambassador. We'll have much to discuss I'm sure when the dust has settled in Excalbia."

Drapeur rose to shake the other man's hand and bid him farewell.

***

Princess Irene's eyes poured over the evidence in the limousine as it made its way to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator. Anybody could see that this wasn't going to get her back into power - the Pantocratoria First Party was almost a non-entity in the new Parliament. But it could certainly cause a lot of damage to the new Government.

"I'll drag them all down into the filth where they deserve to be." Irene muttered bitterly to herself. "And I'll cast Basil down with them."

She closed her eyes and basked in her imagined revenge.

New Rome, Pantocratoria

At exactly 17 minutes before four a small motorcade pulled up in front of the offices the Imperial Chancery. Behind the police cars were two limousines and an SUV bearing the Excalbian flag. The lead limousine also bore the Imperial Standard.

As the vehicles came to a stop, a security detail from the SUV rushed to the lead car and opened the doors. Princess Christiana, sister of Emperor David IV, stepped gracefully from the car. The princess was as chic as ever in a red dress cut just short enough to have been scandalous in New Rome a few weeks ago but just long enough to be considered respectable today. She smiled and waved at a few photographers that had been alerted to her visit.

Prince Joseph, dressed in the formal blue uniform of a lieutenant in the Imperial Army - rather than the uniform that Anna had fashioned for him as co-sovereign of Langeais, followed he aunt and forced a smile and a quick wave to the same cameramen.

Little noticed Ambassador Rev. Jacob Donnelly exited the second car and rushed to join their Highnesses as they all made their way to Dr. Drapeur's office.

Within the miles large Royal Palace of Aerion, located in the capital city of Astevane in the opulent Royal District, sat the Royal Regent in the Grand Throne Room. He sat, not in the large golden throne upon the dais, but within a throne positioned central to that throne at the foot of the stairs to the dais. This was due to his position, not being King but rather Royal Regent. He dressed most oddly, he wore the regalia of a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, a member of the Supreme Council of the Masonic Scottish Rite of Aerion. On his head was a round purple silk cap, surrounded by a band of purple velvet, bordered in gold and decorated with a gold vine of laurel leaves and berries.The front of the cap emblazened with a purple and gold Patriarchal Cross with crosslets. He had been increasingly frequent to wear this regalia, quiet inappropriately, though no one stated anything to him.

The burgundy uniformed Royal Guard opened the golden double doors, allowing the young attache to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to enter. He carried a datafile. As he approached the throne, he knelt, "Your Excellency."

The Royal Regent, with his long white beard and stark gray eyes stared upon the young attache, "What is it?"

The nervous young attache cleared his throat, "A copy of the news feed from Pantocratoria, and files concerning recent developments there."

The Royal Regent scowled, "I have already seen these boy, get out of my sight."

The boy began to back away before the Royal Regent stopped him, "Wait a moment, I am going to write a response."

He snapped his fingers to one of the nearby servants, "Bring me some diplomatic stock paper, and a pin." The servant bowed, and disappeared through a side door to reappear with the requested materials on a silver tray. He presented them. The Royal Regent began pinning a message on the elegant white diplomatic note stock, trimmed in gold. He folded the letter, took his signet ring and with the prepared wax on the tray sealed it with the Royal Seal. He placed it in an envelope, and pinned something on the front. He then handed the note to the attache, "Take this to the Office of the Royal Courier, and inform them it has Royal priority." The attach bowed quickly, and departed.

An Royal Courier, elegantly attired in an uniform similar to the Royal Guard, was dispatched on an jet plane. The letter was hand delivered to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, to the highest authority possible.

Your Imperial Majesty,

I, Royal Regent of Aerion, express that it is in our interest to dispatch an Ambassador to the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator to open relations with your nation. This Ambassador may be temporary, though I hope you will be in agrement and receive his letters of credence as appropriate. I hope that he may meet with you soon, and discuss some of our concerns.

Sincerely,

Aoethar Daerm
Royal Regent of Aerion
S.G.I.G of the Scottish Rite of Aerion

Your Excellency,

We are pleased to receive your letter, and share your desire to exchange ambassadors at once. We shall make suitable arrangements for your embassy in New Rome, for which we propose the use of the New Monastery of Blessed Mary Theotokos, built in the mid-sixteenth century (the original monastic community relocated to the modern Monastery of Blessed Mary Mother of God in the 1930s). If you find this site to be adequate, we will see to its restoration and the installation of all modern conveniences.

We propose that in turn we send an ambassador to Aerion, and ask if Your Excellency would have any objection to Monsieur Guillame Richemont, a former crown prosecutor and person of prominence in New Rome. If not, we shall send him to Aerion with all appropriate letters and upmost speed.

Sincere regards,

Andreus
Emperor of Pantocratoria, Autocrator of the Romans, King of France and Navarre, Equal of the Apostles, et al.

Sent by Royal Courier once again, who was put on a plane and sent to Pantacratoria, was a letter from the Royal Regent. It must have been outrageously expensive to have letters delivered in person, counting the jet plane costs.


(The letter was of the same diplomatic style as before)

Your Imperial Majesty,

Very well, I will send an Ambassador forthwith. I will allow the Ambassador to work out the accommodation with who you see fit, as I am unsure of the size of his household such as servants and staff.

I have no objection to receiving Monsieur Guillame Richemont as Ambassador of Pantocratoria. He will be well received.

Sincerely,

Aoethar Daerm
Royal Regent of Aerion
S.G.I.G of the Aerion Scottish Rite

Drapeur stood ready to receive the Prince and Princess in the Chancery's lounge room. He still wasn't comfortable in the sumptuous baroque surrounds of the Chancery, and was close to planning a redecoration along more modern lines. He couldn't deny that the antique chairs, couches and tables were beautiful examples of craftsmanship, but he also couldn't claim to feel at home amongst such things.

Behind the Chancellor hung a huge painting of Emperor Andreus and Empress Theodora at their wedding and coronation; the Emperor is a young man in his early twenties in his full robes of state, and he is seated next to a beautiful young woman similarly attired, who very closely resembles Princess Anna (all her daughters resemble her to some degree, but particularly Anna). On the blue canopy above their heads were the words "Montjoie Saint Denis" in golden script, and at their feet on the purple carpet were the words "Pour Dieu et Son Empire".

"Their Highnesses have arrived, Doctor." says a young clerk as he enters the room and nods to the Chancellor.

"Bon!" declared Drapeur. "Please, send them in Jean."

Princess Christiana, Prince Joseph and Ambassador Rev. Donnelly followed the clerk into the Chancellor’s office. Ambassador Donnelly bowed to the Chancellor. “Your Excellency, may I present His Imperial Highness Prince Joseph, Chosen Heir of Sword of Alsgood and Co-Sovereign of the Principality of Langeais, and Her Imperial Highness Princess Christiana.” Then, the ambassador turned to Excalbian royals. “Your Highness, His Excellency Dr. Drapeur, Imperial Chancellor of Pantocratoria.”

Joseph clicks the polished heals of his boots together and nods his head towards the Chancellor. “Bonjour, votre Excellence. C'est un plaisir pour vous rencontrer.”

Christiana smiles warmly and nods. “Un plaisir, votre Excellence. J'ai regardé en avant à la réunion vous et je vous souhaite le beaucoup de succès.” The princess gave a quick wink to her nephew and stepped towards the Chancellor. “I apologize,” she continued in French, “if my brother and his ministers have been less than overjoyed at your election, Doctor. Most of the Excalbian leadership has an acute fear of socialism.”

Ambassador Donnelly looked very uncomfortable as the princess spoke and Joseph took to loudly clearing his throat, but Christiana paid neither any heed.

“I believe, however,” she said, “that I speak for all of us when I say that your reforms so far have been quite praiseworthy and, pardon me for saying so, quite overdue.” She leaned towards the Chancellor as if to whisper in his hear, but continued in a conversational tone. “I only hope, my dear Doctor, that you go further in the area of economic reform. There are many refugees and many poor who need relief from ravenous corporations and the protection of their Government. In fact, I am on my way tomorrow to New Constantinople to look at the conditions of the poor and meet with Prince Andreus.” With the flash of a perfect smile, Christiana finally pauses for breath.

Drapeur blinked, a somewhat surprised and amused expression on his face at this breath of imperial fresh air.

"Thankyou, Your Highness, thankyou." he said to Christiana. "You needn't worry about apologising for any of the tensions which may have existed, or were perceived to exist, the good Reverend Donnelly here and I have discussed them, and have both assured each other that we thoroughly intend to move things forward in friendship."

He acknowledged Prince Joseph politely.

"And it is an honour to meet you, Your Highness." he said to Joseph. "If you will allow me an observation, not too casual an observation I hope, I find it most refreshing to see a man of Your Highness' birth wearing a uniform which he actually earned. Without knowing you personally, I'd venture that says a lot about what kind of man you are. I hope that isn't too forward."

He turns back to Christiana.

"We have already started the process of economic reform, but this is one area where it may take a long time for the changes we make to be felt by those marginalised over the past few decades, and indeed, for generations." says Drapeur. "I am especially worried about the Despotate of New Constantinople, Your Highness. It operates as almost a separate country. It isn't under the authority of the Imperial Government. There is virtually nothing we can do for the people of New Constantinople without the cooperation of Prince Andreus, and while I hold high hopes for building a working relationship with him, there is nothing I can legally do to compel the Prince to implement one policy or another."

"Fortunately throughout the rest of Pantocratoria, the average Pantocratorian is comfortably above the poverty line. Naturally income inequality is still significant, but those without enough money to get by are few and far between. For that we can thank the past few years of extraordinary economic growth." continues Drapeur. "My government will seek to maintain that growth in an equitably fashion, to start to address income inequality, and to provide a social wage in the form of public services to those who still do fall below that poverty line. We will however be pragmatic rather than ideological - we aim to deliver real results for Pantocratorians, and we'll keep fiscal and monetary policy tight to maintain.... pardon me, I'm rambling. My point is only that we will be working together with our coalition partners to deliver a fairer society, a strong and sustainable economy, and responsible foreign policy. Our reforms are, as Your Highness herself noted, long overdue, and neither Excalbia nor any other nation has anything to fear from them."

Joseph bows slightly at the Chancellor’s compliment. “Thank you for your compliment, Chancellor Drapeur. My father, you may know, was a military man and a professor before becoming Emperor. He encouraged me to gain genuine military experience and to pursue a career of my own.” Joseph smiled lightly. “Of course, fate intervened with the career, but my military experience, limited as it is has already proven valuable in trying to organize Langeais’ defenses. Without real military experience, I think it would be an impossible task.”

Christiana smiles as she listens to Drapeur. “I am glad that my brother’s Government has decided to move forward in friendship with yours, Doctor – or do you prefer Chancellor? I also look forward to the success of your economic reforms.” She casts a mischievous glance at the ambassador. “Perhaps they will even inspire changes in the Holy Empire.”

The Princess’ face takes on a more serious look. “The situation in New Constantinople, however, is more concerning. So, Doctor, there really is so little you can do to improve the plight of the poor there? Perhaps I should speak with Prince Andreus about applying your reforms there. I can be quite persuasive when I try.”

"Thibault is fine, actually. Of what was His Majesty a Professor, Your Highness?" Drapeur asked Joseph. He focussed most of his attention on Christiana. "I'm afraid, Your Highness, that the Chancellor has no legal authority over the Despotate of New Constantinople. It is even questionable whether the Emperor can legally interfere in the Despot's affairs, not that His Majesty necessarily has any desire to do so. There are several approaches the PSA is taking. Some of our affiliated unions in New Constantinople have been inspired by our success at an imperial level and are beginning to challenge the existing order there from within. I don't know whether they stand much chance, and frankly, I would have hoped that we could do better than protests and marches now that we're in government."

"I don't want to make Prince Andreus sound callous or incompetent. New Constantinople is perculiar in a lot of ways, not just because it is outside of the jurisdiction of the Imperial Government. It is the first port of call in the Empire. 90% of immigrants disembark there. Virtually every refugee lands there." Drapeur explains. "It presents some very unique policy challenges. I hope that His Highness will accept your advice and assistance. I would suggest, Your Highness, that he would be more likely to do so if it was presented in an uncritical manner."

"Of what was His Majesty a Professor, Your Highness?" Drapeur asked Joseph.

"My father was a career officer in the Imperial Navy, but his degree was in history. His last naval tour was as Professor of History and Military Strategy at the Imperial Naval Academy." Joseph smiled lightly. "Of all his jobs, including Emperor, I believe that teaching those classes was his favorite."

When the Chancellor turns back to Princess Christiana, she smiles and nods. "Very well, Thibault it is then. Please feel free to call me Christiana rather than Your Highness."

She shakes her head as she listens to Drapeur describe New Constantinople. "I agree that it is a shame that your only avenue of influence in the Despotate is through marches and protests. Given the unlimited nature of Prince Andreus' power, how do you think such protests would be received?"

She nods at the doctor's advice. "It is good to know the Prince's personality, Thibault. I shall do my best to keep my criticism as uncritical as possible. Do you have any other recommendations for dealing with the Despot?"

"I don't know His Highness personally... erm... Christiana." said Drapeur. The presence of Joseph and Donnelly made him feel awkward about calling the Princess by her Christian name. "I don't know how he will react to protests or to criticism of any sort. I don't even know whether he is personally involved in the government of the Despotate or whether he leaves it up to others. It isn't clear to me how the structure of his court works. A member of the Socialist Alliance has never been invited there to find out. I do know that the situation for the underprivileged there is distressing indeed."

"I did my doctorate in history as well." Drapeur said to Joseph. "But as much as I enjoyed teaching, I can't say I enjoyed it more than being the Chancellor. After all, and I'm sure His Majesty, your father, will agree, making history is ultimately more interesting than teaching it."

His tone was a little self-congratulatory, but it didn't indicate arrogance so much as a passion for and pride in his accomplishments and the accomplishments of the Pantocratorian Socialist Alliance. Someone who didn't know him might well mistake it for hubris, however.

Joseph smiles at the Chancellor. While he hears a note of pride in Drapeur's voice, he finds the Socialist a generally pleasant man. "I am very sure that my father will enjoy discussing history with you, Doctor, when you are able to visit the Empire. Ambassador Donnelly tells me that once the situation with Upper Virginia has stabilised that His Imperial Majesty will make a state visit and that you may accompany him or follow him. I would certainly encourage both your visits. In particular, I think you may find it interesting to see how we've addressed the problems of poverty and aiding refugees without large social welfare programs and without neglecting genuine need." The prince's tone is warm and pleasant and while his words contain a certain amount of pride, they sound neither boastful nor sharply critical.

"Yes, Thibault," Christiana says with a smile, "the Holy Empire has accomplished much, but as always, much remains to be done. I'm certain we can learn from each other. I hope you do come to Excalbia. And I will certainly do my best with Prince Andreus and will keep your words in mind."

Rev. Donnelly leans towards Joseph as the Princess speaks. When she is finished, Joseph takes a step forward. "Your Excellency," Joseph says, "thank you for time. Unfortunately, we have a reception with Excablian and Pantocratorian business leaders and then my aunt has a meeting with Pantocratoria's representatives to the Cardinal Duras Memorial Fund. Thank you again for your kind reception." The Prince nods his head and his aunt follow suit. Donnelly bows slightly.

"It was a pleasure to meet both Your Highnesses, and to see you again Reverend." said Drapeur, nodding politely. "I look forward to visiting Excalbia."

New Rome, Pantocratoria

After all the proper courtesies have been observed, Prince Joseph, Princess Christiana and Ambassador Rev. Donnelly take their leave of the Chancellor.

* * *

Later that evening, Kirk Steward is reading through the late editions of New Rome's newspapers when he comes across the story of a Loyal Christian Front official being found unconscious in the men's toilet at the main train station. A photo of the official accompanies the story.

Steward's eyes widen as he realizes that this is not the man who took the drop at the station and who took the incriminating papers from the child. With the story in the press, he is certain that the imposter won't try to make the follow-up rendezvous at the cinema.

Steward quickly retrieves the small digital video camera he had used to record the exchange. He downloads the video into his computer deep in the secure area of the Excalbian Embassy in New Rome and pulls out a still of the man who took the papers from the boy. He zooms on the man's face and enlarges it. He then begins running a facial recognition program on it, comparing to file photos of a large number of official and unofficial Pantocratorians and third country citizens resident in Pantocratoria.


While the program runs, Steward casually leaves the secure area and drifts over to the Embassy commissary, where he buys himself a large coffee. Some time later, after watching a bit of a rebroadcast of an American-style football game from Excalbia in the cafeteria, he returns. The computer obediently displays a match. The computer gives the match a relatively probability score, but Steward is more certain. The man who took the drop is a known operative of the Pantocratoria First Party - one closely associated with Princess Irene herself.

Steward goes over to the secure phone and calls Lord James.

Citadel Excalbia

To say that Lord James Reynolds, Director of Imperial Intelligence, was furious at the news was a gross understatement. Nevertheless, the veteran spymaster believed the situation could be salvaged. He had decided to give the information on Drapeur to the LCF in large part because he trusted in Prince Basil's discretion and wished to see him restored to the prime ministership. However, Princess Irene could be a formidable ally in bringing down the socialist government, so all was not lost.

However, things had gone far enough out of control that he felt the need to confide, so - as often did at such times - he picked up the phone and called Albert Cummings, the Minister of State. Cummings had long been a confidant and political ally. Now, Lord James was finally coming to think of him as something of a friend.

* * *

"You did what!" Albert Cummings yelled over the secure phone line. "Good Lord, man, have you gone mad! The Chancellor! Her direct orders were not to pass that information to anyone, except Dr. Drapeur himself! Do you realize that Her Imperial Highness Christiana and His Imperial Highness Joseph have just met Drapeur and that Ambassador Donnelly says that they initiated a positive relationship! And Lady Hapsgaard! The AG said such a step could well be a violation of Excalbian law!"

"I called expecting your support, Albert," Lord James said angrily.

"I have none to give you, Lord James. Not in this." As Cummings' surprise wore off, his voice sounded genuinely contrite. "Now, you have see here, Lord James, I have supported you in many ways and would still support you. But you went against a direct order from Lady Freedman, from the Chancellor speaking in the name of the Emperor. I am sorry, Lord James, but there is nothing I can for you. Not in this." Cummings swallowed and tasted bitter bile. "And, by telling me, Lord James, you've put me in a very difficult position. If I don't tell the Chancellor, I am a party after the fact to covering up your actions. And I can't do that either. So..."

"I understand, Minister Cummings," Lord James said bitterly, "I will tell the Chancellor."

* * *

Lady Christina Freedman looked up at Lord James from behind her polished wooden desk. Her stare bore into his forehead like fiery darts. For several minutes, she seemed to let the Director of Imperial Intelligence stew in his own juices. But, the Chancellor was internally struggling to control her own anger. She didn't want to say anything that her opponents could use against her. And after this meeting was over, she was certain that Lord James would visit them.

Finally, the Imperial Chancellor blinked and her face shifted from hot furry to cold resolve.

"Lord James, I don't think I need to tell you that I want your resignation. And I want before you leave these offices. You can use my outer office. Write it in longhand. Type it. Dictate it to one of my secretaries and let her do it on the computer. Ask for a quill and parchment. I don't care how you do it, but I want it before you leave this suite. And you will not go back to your office. I'll have the staff pack your personal belongings and send them to you."

The Chancellor took a deep breath and continued. "And, if you resign and keep your mouth shut, maybe, just maybe I won't have Lady Hapsgaard file criminal charges against you. But, if you so much as lift your head in public, I'll personally look you in Turaida Castle Prison. Understood?"

"Yes, Lady Chancellor," Lord James said with a bow.

Moments after Lord James left, the Chancellor phone rang.

"Yes?"

"My Lady," one of her aides said, "I am very sorry, but the hospital called. Lord John, the Minister of Defence, has just died. Sorry, my Lady."

The Chancellor hung up the phone and looked through her windows to Sweyn Castle. Now she had to tell the Emperor that with the nation in a state of war with Upper Virginia he no longer had neither a Defence Minister nor a Director of Intelligence. And that, she knew, wasn't the only bad news she had for His Imperial Majesty.

In the Chapel of St Mary Theotokos in the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator, Princess Irene knelt before an icon of the Virgin with a set of silver rosary beads in her hands, her mouth forming words of prayer without emitting any sound. She stopped as she heard footsteps behind her, but didn't look back. The man who had obtained the Excalbian dossier entered the chapel and knelt beside her, genuflecting to the Host before he did so. He sat a briefcase down between Irene and himself.

"I pray to you, Mother of God," Irene said clearly. "To deliver me from my enemies. Intercede for me, Blessed Virgin, to drive them from their thrones and cast them down. Punish them for their sins and wickedness! Holy Mary, pray for me and lead me to my salvation!"

"May all Your Highness' prayers be answered!" the man says, nodding politely, and indicating to the briefcase with his eyes.

"Amen." Irene concludes, crossing herself. She picks up the briefcase as she rises, genuflects, and then leaves.

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee..." started the man as Irene left the chapel. She hurried through the corridors of the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator as she made her way to her apartments. A few servants formed strange looks on their faces when they saw the Princess carrying her own briefcase. Most offered to carry it for her, but she refused their assistance, and usually followed the refusal with a sharp remark about the servant's attire, manner or lack of attention to his actual duty.

Finally she arrived at her apartments, rushed into her office, and placed the briefcase on her table.

"Out!" she shouted to the maid who entered with a tea tray. The maid curtsied and left. Irene was alone.

She opened the briefcase. At the top of the pile of papers within was a letter.

Your Imperial Highness,

As per your instructions, the movements of His Imperial Highness Prince Basil, Her Imperial Highness Princess Jacqueline, Her Imperial Highness Princess Helen, and Her Imperial Highness Princess Marie have all been under close observation by our agents, still devoted to Your Highness and our most noble cause.

The following photographs were discreetly taken by an agent working as a butler at the Despotic Court of New Constantinople, last night. I shall not endeavour to describe them, but humbly defer and refer them to Your Highness' august judgment.

I have the privilege to be Your Highness' most humble and obedient servant,

GP

Irene's eyes flicked over the letter. She put it aside, and pulled out the large yellow envelope within. Her fingers ripped the envelope open and greedily reached inside, searching for her prize. She yanked out several large glossy photographs. Her eyes widened.

The first photograph showed a scantily clad Princess Helen lying on a purple bed with her cousin, Prince Andreus, in an intimate looking embrace. The next photograph showed the two cousins kissing. But the real prize was the next one. Helen was standing in this one, kissing an even more scantily clad young woman.

"Helen.... poor misguided child." Irene says softly to the photograph. "God will forgive you. But your penance will be to watch while I destroy your father, my dear brother, Basil."

Her face twists into a sneer, before her mouth slowly forms a cruel smile.

Fourth act of the 107th Imperial Parliament (passed with a margin of 525 to 15)
The Act Amending the Lingua Franca Act
http://members.iinet.net.au/~a_marrington/ns/pantocratoria.jpg


Be it henceforth enacted in the name of the Emperor's Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty that the first act of the 2nd Imperial Parliament, entitled "The Lingua Franca Act", be henceforth amended. The act is amended such that both the Greek and French languages are to be regarded as the official languages of the Empire.

All government agencies and organisations are to disseminate material in the language spoken by the majority of the population in their jurisdiction. They are also to prepare material in the other official language to be made available on request. This new requirement shall come into effect on the feast of Saint Carilefus (1 July), 2005.

Enquiries to any government agency or organisation may be made in French or Greek. All government agencies and organisations are to ensure that staff fluent in each language are available to handle enquiries. This new requirement shall come into effect on the first memorial for Saint Constantine XI the Martyr (29 May), 2005.

As of the next election for the Imperial Parliament, whenever that may be, the Congregation for the Protection of the Creed is commanded to prepare ballots in both French and Greek for every seat in the Imperial Parliament, and to make both versions of the ballot available to each voter.

Debate in the Imperial Parliament will continue in French so long as French continues to be the primary language for the majority of members. Acts of the Imperial Parliament will be passed in French and translated into Greek, and made available in each language, for as long as the debate in the Imperial Parliament continues in Greek. All members are to be encouraged to learn each language. Should the primary language of the house ever become Greek, then the role of each language as set out above shall be reversed.

By the will of His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty the Emperor Andreus, in the thirty first year of the reign of the same, long may it continue, let this act be made law.

The Imperial Daily
Taxes Slashed and Corruption Purged
Government waste down but there's still a long way to go
Income tax has been slashed to an average of 96%, and according to Treasurer Isabelle Folquet, further tax breaks are coming.

"We've significantly reduced waste in government expenditure, money which was lost thanks to the corruption which had snuck into the system after twenty years of neglect by the United Christian Front, and then the Pantocratoria First Party." said Folquet.

"Thanks to those reductions, we've been able to give an income tax break with only a minor drop in actual government expenditure. There's still a lot more to do, but it is happening, and we will pass the benefits back to the people." Folquet continued.

"It is all utter nonsense." said Isaac Comnenus of the PFP, former treasurer under both previous governments. "This tax break reflects slashing the police and public works budget, not reducing corruption. The Government is trying to take the public's eye off its budget cuts by making up this corruption bogeyman."

The road maintenance budget has been reduced significantly, as has the police budget.

"Crime rates have been unaffected by cuts in the police budget. We still have more than enough policemen. Remember that under the previous government, the Ministry of Cultural Development's private police were partially covered under the same budget. We don't need them anymore, so it is natural that there has been a budget reduction. Most of the real police are still out there keeping our streets safe." said Manuel Sebasto, Minister for Public Safety.

Continued on page 5...

The Imperial Daily
Deficit Blow Out
According to leaked Treasury documents, the Imperial Government's budget deficit has blown out of all proportions, necessitating an urgent increase in government revenues.

Treasury officials refused to comment, but anonymous sources attribute the blow out to the exorbitant cost of both the United Nations Tsunami Warning System and of the Imperial Government's new universal public healthcare system.

The Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor, and Treasurer's offices all refused to comment.

"I don't put much faith in Treasury leaks, but if these rumours are true, and we'll find out at the publication of the official Treasury Review on the first of next month, then it demonstrates the Government's fiscal incompetence, and I'd ask the Constantinople Party to consider whether they want to continue to support outlandish expenditure in such an environment." said Isaac Comnenus, leader of the Pantocratoria First Party.