NationStates Jolt Archive

Princess Maeve, Maeve ingen Eamon MacMurchad, fifteen years old, looked down despondently at the papers on her desk. For forty days, she and the nation had mourned her father, King Eamon II, and now it was time for her to take the throne. Her nation was in shambles. Religious violence was rampant in Deasrargle. The economy was in shambles. The military...there barely was a military. Her people were relying on the fact that no one would dare attack a Catholic monarchy so close to Pantocratoria, although Finara had practically no diplomatic relations with their Pantocratorian neighbors or any other nation.

Maeve would always honor her father's memory. Both the Commandments of the Decalogue and natural fillial devotion assured that. However, part of her felt the image she'd had of her father as a good and noble king had died, just as his body had. She was mourning both the man and her own illusions. How had he let Finara get in such a state?

How am I going to get my country out of this? That was a better question. She looked again at the huge pile of problems on her desk. Of course, as much of it was the work of the Oireachtas as of the queen. Still....

Deciding she had to start somewhere, Maeve pulled out a quill and ink, writing personal letters to the major Catholic states and to Rome, inviting them to send representatives to her coronation and offering the good will of the Finaraann people. It was minor, a diplomatic gesture, but there had not been any notable foreign representation at a Finaraan coronation since Erskine VIII.

Foreign Ministry
The People's Republic of Wondsing Island

To:
Princess Maeve
Princess of Finara,
Finara

Your Excellency, Greetings:

This message is contains concern from our government and hopeful for future relations between our two nations. We are not a catholic nation, but we sympathize with your nations hardships. We hope to be of assistance, if it's needed. We hope we can be friends and allies in all future endeavors.

An exchange in ambassadors is the normal next step. You also have a right to have an embassy in my capital of Wondsing Island City, if we can have an embassy in your nations capital to better comunicate with eachother.

Respectfully,

Foreign Ministry,

http://members.iinet.net.au/~a_marrington/ns/achievement.gif


To:
Her Royal Highness Princess Maeve ingen Eamon MacMurchad
The Kingdom of Finara

Your Royal Highness,

It is with deep sadness that we convey to you our most sincere condolences on the death of your royal father, King Eamon II, but with great joy and best wishes that we congratulate you on ascending the throne as most sovereign Queen.

Given the close proximity of our two nations, it is our wish to attend your coronation so as to congratulate you in person, to demonstrate our affection for Finara, its people, and its sovereign, and to demonstrate our desire for the friendship between our countries to flourish as flowers in May, the birth of a new and glorious Summer in the Pantocratorian Archipelago.

By our own hand at the Imperial Court of Christ Pantocrator on the feast day of our most august predecessor, Saint Constantine the Great, in the thirty first year of our reign, with our paternal regards,

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, et al.

To: His Imperial Majesty, Andreus I Capet, 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, et al.

Your Imperial Majesty,

It warmed my heart greatly to receive your missive. Our lands are joined by a common faith and common principles, and divided only by culture, language, and a small stretch of sea. It is on this basis that I hope, with greatest sincerity, that our two nations might grow ever closer.

I do not know if Your Majesty has ever before had the chance to see Finra in the springtime but the rolling vistas of green hills, as bright as emeralds shining in the morning sun, are the surest proof I've yet seen (aside from the infallible teachings of the Church) of the benevelent authorship of the universe.

To commemorate this occasion, I would invite Your Majesty to speak before the Oireachtas.

God save the Emperor of the Romans,
Maeve

To: Wondsingian Foreign Ministry

Sir,

You are cordially invited to send a delegation to attend Her Majesty's coronation. Your offer of an exchange of embassies cannot, by our law, be considered until after the coronation.

Sincerely,
John Mulcahy
Foreign Minister

To: The Sostituto, Archbishop Tenda Nataka

Your Grace,

Having mourned the too Christian men in so short a time, the late king and the Holy Father's legate to his court, and having been comforted in the knowledge that "We shall rise like Christ, with Him, and through Him" (Catechism 995), it is now my duty to inform the Church of what I know of the character of the new monarch, Queen Maeve II, excepting only that knowledge protected by canon 983, so as to aid in the selection of an appropriate new legate.

Before I address any particular problems which might arise, I would first like to speak in praise of Her Majesty's character. Since she has been old enough to understand, Maeve has displayed the most devout faith in Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as preached by the Church in which "Christ is present, through whose power and influence the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is constituted" (Catechism 832). Her understanding is as good as could be hoped for in a girl of her age.

That being said, there are three principle problems which I consider likely to be troubling. The first is the existence of great religious strife in the Duchy of Deasrargle, where Finara's Protestant minority is headquartered. While the history of this strife is long and complicated, it largely erupted into violence when Her Majesty's father, may he rest in peace, proved both unable to enforce the rule of law against fundamentalist terrorists in Deasrargle and unwilling to deal with the Protestant minority in the duchy.

Maeve has been taught from childhood that those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church" (Catechism 838) and can normally be made to remember this truth when pressed. However, she often has a tendency either to neglect or to give insufficient weight to this teaching in her zealous desire to see all men brought into the fold of the Church which, "a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation" (Catechism 846).

The second major problem is the issue of non-human sentience and of extraterrestrial life (sentient and otherwise). Non-human sentients are not present in Finara and are unlikely to be found here at any time in the foreseeable future. The problem is rather the challenge rumors about such matter poses for the preaching of the Gospel. The peasantry, won over from superstition over long centuries, take knowlege of such beings as alleged proof of superstitious fairy tales. While this interpretation has never solidified into the obstinancy of heresy, dispelling such gross misunderstanding has been taking up a disproportionate amount of effort on the part of the clergy. This is not a doctrinal problem but an example of the kind of problem which can arise tending to a flock whose education has not been properly seen to. While the Church has done all that her resources allow in compliance with canon 794, those resources are badly in need of state assistance in the area of education.

Aside from the problems of education, Queen Maeve will likely have to make decisions about diplomatic relations with non-human nations. While I cannot imagine Her Majesty ever treading down the dark path set by nations such as Iesus Christi, I understand that this presents a young monarch with a number of troublesome questions, particularly as the Church herself is still undecided on many aspects of this question. Her Majesty would profit by both doctinal guidance and the example of the diplomatic policies followed by the Holy See itself with regard to these nations.

The third great issue facing the young queen's reign is that of Pantocratoria. To a certain extent, it is natural for a smaller nation to fall under the influence of a larger and more powerful one, especially when they share a faith, a form of government, and a very close geographical area. Maeve would not be ill-advised to attach herself to her fellow Catholic monarch in the region. However, due respect for Pantocratoria's regional position should not be confused with undue influence over another sovereign state. Maeve will have use for guidance from the Church on balancing the natural fraternal love between Christian peoples and the equally natural need to maintain her national sovereignty and integrity.

In personal character, Maeve would respond best to a legate with a simple manner. She does not like to play politics over matters of religion but prefers to be guided by her conscience. She is likely to cherish the advice of a Papal Legate as she now cherishes the advice of her Ordinary and, I mean no immodesty, myself in matters of the faith. Such a man should be capable of giving her advice, especially on the three troubling areas mentioned above, but ultimately on all areas of policy concerning a royal defender of Holy Mother Church. Though it is perhaps a superficial matter, it would also be best if the Legate were of Gaelic extraction and fluent in both Irish and English.

In service to God,
Father Ciaran Nolan

While Father Martin Stone was temporarily detailed to the Conference Organizing Committee, the Sostituto’s incoming communications were reviewed and routed by Brother Ilungé Niswayat, Father Niefto’s assistant at the North Atlantic desk. He skimmed the letter from Father Nolan respectfully, and routed it straight to Nataka, with a copy to Archbishop Gopangi.

The Sostituto and the Secretary of the Second Section (Relations With States) met twice weekly to coordinate their work. At their next meeting, therefore, Father Nolan’s communication was on the agenda. Both men had been impressed with the priest’s clear summary of the situation in Finara; both had been saddened to learn of the death of old Bishop O’Donnell, the Apostolic Legate to Finara, so soon after the death of the King.

“That was a Sixtus appointment, was it not?” Archbishop Gopangi called up the information on his dataviewer.

“I believe so. The Bishop had been there for many years; he probably should have retired some years ago. But so many things slipped by in those last few years…” Nataka shook his head. “He sent in regular reports, but latterly they were not terribly informative. This strife in the Duchy of… of Deasrargle” (he mangled the pronunciation,) “was never mentioned at all. Odd that the King should have let it get so out of hand, but then, without more information, it’s difficult to evaluate.”

Gopangi nodded. “As for the issues of non-human sentience, perhaps it would be useful if a Finaran Delegate attended the Conference.”

Nataka frowned slightly. “They have no experience with non-humans in their own country, however.”

“That is so. Forgive me, Excellency, you know so much more about the Conference than I do, it seems presumptuous to make an observation. But it seems to me that the viewpoint of those who have little or no experience with non-human sentience represents a large group of Catholics. Such individuals should have, as it were, representatives at the Conference, to see the information presented and discussed through those eyes. Their response might be a useful indicator of how the Conference’s work will be perceived among the many Catholics for whom this is, as yet, an unfamiliar issue.”

“There is a good deal in what you say.” Nataka said thoughtfully. “I think his Eminence, Cardinal Esteban, might like such an idea. It is something to keep in mind, when our Legate has had a chance to review the situation in Finara. Now, the third matter...”

“Ah, yes. Pantocratoria. Father Nolan seems to have some concerns regarding the potential relationship there. Although he is most diplomatic in his phraseology.”

“Very diplomatic. And it is true, the Pantocratorians can be, ah… somewhat overpowering in certain contexts. Still, Queen Maeve might do worse in terms of mentorship, assuming she has the skills to keep the relationship on a sound footing. Andreus is no fool and he has a considerable grasp of practical politics. And he is a good Catholic, aside from his lamentable inability to practice the virtue of humility.”

“True, true. And with the new prominence of the Socialists, there is an encouraging trend towards more… diversity of views in his Majesty’s government.”

Nataka nodded. “We’ll see how things develop. I don’t know how well balanced the Finaran government is between constitutional protections and the powers of the monarch. We need someone who can discern and deal effectively with that balance.”

“Yes. Father Nolan speaks highly of her piety, but he appears also to imply that she is too young to have had much practical experience in government. There is no telling what her political education is, or how appropriately she integrates her spiritual understanding with her understanding of her role as a head of state. It appears to me that someone with a good practical appreciation of the politics in a constitutional monarchy would be ideal.”

“But do we have such an individual who is… culturally appropriate?”

Archbishop Gopangi again referred to his dataviewer, scrolling through active and inactive diplomats in the Second Section’s database. “I believe so. The Nuncio in Bellaria, Bishop Rodriguez, has recommended his assistant, Monsignor Fitzgerald, for independent assignment. The Monsignor is a Benedictine of Ahearn Abbey. He was a Sub-Dean at Trinity Dublin for six years before coming to Rome to attend the Academy, so he is accustomed to working with young people. His superiors at Trinity thought very highly of him. And Bishop Rodriguez says that he was extremely adept in dealing with that little matter of the annexation of the Principality of Neola last year. He appears to get on well with Princess Sashin and Prince Yeorges.”

“And does he speak, er… Irish?”

Gopangi chuckled. “Along with French, Sindarin, Tagalog, and Swahili.”

“Sounds ideal. How long will it take to detach him from Rodriguez?”

“We will have to find Rodriguez a replacement, but with the new class graduating from the Academy this month, that will not be a problem.”

Nataka nodded, made a brief note on his own dataviewer, and moved on to the next item on their agenda.

Later that day, Brother Ilungé was instructed to draft a response to Father Nolan.


Father Ciaran Nolan
Arra, Finara

Dear Father Nolan,

Your admirable communication was received with sorrow in learning of the death of the King, and Bishop O’Donnell; and with joy in learning of the accession to the throne of Queen Maeve. The Holy Father will be offering a Mass for her Majesty on May 26th, the Feast of St. Becan of Cork.

Based on the very constructive information you so kindly provided, I believe that the Holy Father will be able to appoint a most suitable Legate to represent the Apostolic See in Finara. Monsignor James Fitzgerald is a very able diplomat, most recently posted with the Apostolic Nunciature in Bellaria. He is a member of the Benedictine Order, of the Ahearne Abbey community, and has served as a Sub-Dean of Trinity College Dublin.

Monsignor Fitzgerald is also fluent in the Irish language. His appointment will be formalized as soon as he returns from Bellaria, which we anticipate will be in a week or so, and he should be ready to depart for Arra shortly after that, pending consultation at the Secretariat.

Your assistance in orienting Monsignor Fitzgerald to Finara and it’s current political, diplomatic, and social issues is kindly solicited, as our files at the Secretariat are somewhat out of date due to Bishop O’Donnell’s illness.

In Christ,

+Archbishop Tenda Nataka
Sostituto
Secretariat of State of the Apostolic See



In Walchese in the Bellarian Empire, Monsignor Fitzgerald was invited to breakfast with Bishop Rodriguez. The two men had formed a warm working relationship over the previous six years.

“You will do very well indeed on this assignment,” the Bishop asserted positively. Fitzgerald looked up from his plate of huevos with a rueful twinkle in his vivid blue eyes. “I hope you’re right, Excellency. If not, it won’t be for lack of training.”

Rodriguez laughed. “You’re a natural, James. The only training you really required was in being able to eat green sauce,” he gestured to the eggs.

Fitzgerald smiled. “Ah, if they could see me in Dublin now, they’d be sure I was mad, entirely. Especially if they heard me say that I’ll really miss your chef, when I’m in Finara.”

The Bishop thought about it. “Well, we must all make sacrifices in the service of God and the Church.”

It was hard to say good-bye.

In the name of God.
To My sister in Christ...
Iesus mourns the loss that Finara has suffered, but we rejoice in sure and certain knowledge of the Saviours grace. We rejoice with you at this time of hardship, knowing that the Cross has conquered death itself.
With Brotherly loyalty, united in our mutual faith, we extend the hand of friendship to Finara and you Majesty. May God shine upon your sovereign leadership!
With Christ as our leader, we will support you in whatever ways possible in these times of trouble in this dark world….
Yours in Authentic Loyalty to Christ

Matthew Iesus. Lord Protector of the faith.

HIMS Manuel le Franc, one of the new Mark V Majesty class carriers designed by Excalbia and jointly built for the Pantocratorian Imperial Navy at both Pantocratorian and Excalbian naval yards, sailed into the harbour of Arra, Finara, bedecked with flags and with all manner of colourful activity going on on the flight deck. A troop of the Varangian Guard in dress uniform were parading on the deck, to the sound of a march being played by an orchestra, also on deck, dressed in jackets (for the men) and dresses (for the women) of a variety of colours, embroidered with the imperial monogram. The huge double hulled ship came to anchor, the appropriate moorings were tossed back and forth, and a portable bridge was erected from the flight deck to the wharf. On deck, the crew rolled out a purple carpet along the flight deck (and then down the bridge) as the Varangians and the rest of the ship's complement formed up alongside the carpet in their dress uniforms.

In a few minutes all the appopriate preparations were made, and a pageboy emerged from the command tower, and opened up a ceremonial purple umbrella. The orchestra began playing Charpentier's prelude to the Te Deum, and the Emperor of Pantocratoria emerged from the command tower, dressed in a particularly magnificent white naval uniform decorated with whatever medals seemed to look the best and a purple sash. The ship's complement and the Varangians snapped to attention as the Emperor proceeded down the carpet underneath the purple umbrella, with his youngest child, Princess Zoë, at his side. Behind him followed Prince Basil and Princess Jacqueline, behind whom followed several senior churchmen and courtiers. The impressive entourage made its way off the deck, down the bridge, and onto the wharf.

As a matter of course, Father Nolan sent word that he would be happy to help Monsignor Fitzgerald get his footing in Finara. The Monsignor's arrival was scheduled for the day before the coronation ceremony, the same day the Pantocratorian emperor was arriving.

Equally as a matter of course, Maeve personally wrote to Matthew Iesus as from one Catholic ruler to another, expressing her thanks for his consideration and sympathy, politely declining material aid, and affirming their common bond through Christ and the Church.

When Andreus's ship arrived, he was greeted by Maeve, attended by a dozen Red Branch Knights in dress uniforms and a company of Her Majesty's armed forces, at attention. Maeve walked towards the older monarch with a respectful inclination of her head. "Your Imperial Majesty...thank you for coming."

As the Panmundos jet circled in a wide, flat turn over the city of Arra, the harbor was clearly visible in the distance through the plane’s windows on the left side. Monsignor Fitzgerald leaned forward a little, for a better view. Some large ship, flying colorful flags, was docked at one end, clearly a special location. They were still too high to see many details, but the harbor itself, and what he could see of the city, were basking an a glorious sunshine that struck sparks of light from the water, glass, and polishes metal. It gave Arra a burnished, glittering appearance.

He had taken off from Rome in unseasonably cool, overcast weather, intermittently dripping rain from the Eternal City’s polluted skies, and he felt insensibly cheered by the contrast. Rome itself, and the Vatican, had been the usual tangle of bureaucracy, meetings, subtleties and inferences, words hiding other words. He’d spent two days at the Secretariat and the Academy, visiting his mentors and getting briefed on the situation in Finara. Father Nolan’s letter had impressed him; he hoped the priest would be able to spend some time giving him a deeper insight into the needs of the new Queen and her people.

The plane banked on its final approach, and he felt himself being pushed against the seatback, then thrown forward when the engines reversed after touchdown, taxiing toward the gate. Monsignor Fitzgerald was not a restless traveler, he was content to wait until the plane had fully stopped before pulling his small bag from under the seat, and joining the disembarking passengers. He looked around curiously as he came through the gate.

To this news of the coming coronation, I extend our warmest congratulations. I pray that your reign will be long and prosperous.
May you shield your country from harm, and live the way that is our ancient fathers faith.
CNC Anne Blake

The Emperor took Maeve's hands in his and kissed her on each cheek.

"Your Highness, thank you for inviting me." he replied in English. "Permit me to introduce my youngest daughter, Zoë..."

"Your Highness." said Princess Zoë as she curtsied.

"...and my brother, Prince Basil, and his wife, Princess Jacqueline." the Emperor concluded, indicating his brother and his cousin, who each acknowledged the soon-to-be Queen and bowed/curtsied as appropriate.