NationStates Jolt Archive

The doctor leaves the Queens chambers, King Zummer is sitting outside rubbing his hands together. Queen Sara has been sick for a month, and she has been trying hard to fight it. But they both knew it was getting serious when the Queen passed out during the weekly games in the courtyard. Of course this is not the first health problem the Queen had. Because of a virus that destoryed her uterus, they did not have any children together.

However King Zummer loved Queen Sara. They spent 15 blissful years together. King Zummer believe that she played an important part in the history of the Kingdom. She was the one that popularized the Siamese cat as pets, thus making the cat the national animals thus a protected species. She organized the Zummer Historical Society, discovering the history of the Kingdom that no one knew before. She even helped re-discover the Kingdom's spiritual and was able to bring the Pope to the Kingdom on a visit. Yes, Queen Summer has done alot.

The doctor walked out of the Queen's chamber. King Zummer shot straight up and sweat comes from his forehead. The doctor let out a sigh, then, "I'm sorry your royaliness, she will not be able to pull through the night. Because of her Hyper Thyroisim, liver, and kidney problems, she is too sick. Also the fact that she has not eaten or drink anything in 2 weeks just made things worst." "But what if I force feed her?" asked King Zummer. "Even if you did, she would just throw it back up, and it would be too much of a shot for her system." The King lets out a single tear in his eye and he shakes the doctor hand. The doctor gave him a pat on the back.

King Zummer walked into the chambers and dismissed the Queen's helpers. He slowly sat down beside her bed. He lightly took her hand and held them in his hand. The Queen look over with her big blue eyes. In a soft and raspary breath, the queen says. "Honey, do not grieve. For 15 years you've given me paradise. However, I do want you to find another queen. Please, you must have a successor." King Zummer breaks in tears and hides his face with his hands. Queen Sara looked out the windows and she saw two doves on the tree branch. "It's so beautiful..." But she was unable to finish her sentance. Queen Sara is dead.

King Zummer goes to the church and tells Father Gray to ring the bell. Queen Sara is dead.

King Zummer goes back to his chambers to ponder and think about his wife's last request.

National Statehouse
Anatoba City, the Absolutist State of Austar Union

Breathing rather loudly, Indigo flicked the magazine open to one of their newer sections; I Tempi Distanti. Within it, were but only short articles for anyone interested, news from overseas which usually didnt affect much within the Union political sphere itself. And published somewhat to the amount of daily, such news was usually fairly kept up to date--unless they happened to be covering a particular event of course, where they would normally dedicate that of a feature article. In the meantime, given their nature of distance (both in geographic and political nature), he normally only read such news and threw it away. But then, one particular headline caught his eye, and it hit home more than he would ever have imagined. Regina dei Zummer Dadi, Re Devastated.

{Open Transmission}
{TRANSMISSION ENCRYPTION: Diplomatic, Secure}
{FROM: Lord Indigo Blue, the Absolutist State of Austar Union}
{TO: King Zummer, Zummer}
{SUBJECT: Re: Your Wife's Passing.}

Translated from Italian...

It is within my sincere condolences at the loss of your wife, I hear she was a brave woman. It is always tragic when one losses another that he, or she loves dearly--for regardless of circumstances they will always remain in our hearts. And in the meantime, when it is at the loss of a Queen such as she, it is the loss of her nation. Such is sad, and sometimes we are unable to quite comprehend why events such as these happen. But I stand beside you; have faith that your wife has been taken to the Realm of Angels and above -- and that the pride of Zummer now rests in you alone.

With Respect,

Lord Indigo Blue
The Absolutist State of Austar Union
{Close Transmission}

Many long years had passed since Arcturas had set foot within the Kingdom of Zummer. Back then the King and Queen were relatively young and hadn't been married for very long. Of course it was expected soon enough that an heir would be announced yet that never happened. Instead it became known that the Queen had caught a particularly nasty virus and due to the workings of such a disease she lost the capability to bare children.

Unfortunately these things can just happen, especially when the virus is directly released into the bloodstream of the Queen without a single soul realising it. Arcturas had to commend himself for his own work at times. The doctors had killed the virus eventually but the damage had been done by then and it was simply a matter of time and continued effort.

The virus had weakened the Queen's immune system quite enough so that small, unnoticable doses of minor toxins would occassionally make her ill, wearing her down that little bit at a time. Arcturas was under careful instructions to make sure it didn't look like an assassination and after fifteen years of working on it he was quite sure no one would suspect such.

Soon enough word had spread amongst the royal servants that the Queen was dead. The last dose had been administered almost a month ago but it had worked. Her body finally gave up and died, leaving Arcturas successful and free to return home. He'd enjoyed his life in Zummer and would certainly miss some aspects of it yet duty always came first.

With mission objectives completed, Arcturas found himself in one of the local taverns, enjoying a cold ale after all his hard work. Tomorrow he would be returning home, everyone else ignorant that their Queen was actually murdered.

King Zummer was in the main chambers inside the castle preparing for the royal funeral. When then three scienctist has busted through the doors followed by the royal guards. "Hault! You are NOT to distrub the King!" says one of the guard. With a German accent one of the doctor says "But his royaliness must know!" King Zummer stood up from his throne and yelled "What is the meaning of this interruption? Doctor it better be IMPORTANT news, or its to the briggs for you!" "Yes your royaliness, and I am sorry for the interrruption. But Queen Sara, I'm afraid she did not die of natural causes. I am afraid that she has been slowly poisioned." "But how, the royal guards kept an eye on her all the time!" "I know your royaliness, and that what confuses us too. But she was seen in the public alot, espically around the Siamese cats." "Damn those cats of hers." King Zummer sat back down in his throne, he wipes his forehead with a cloth and he lets out a sigh. "Well, do we have any idea who did it?" "Well your honor, the poison had traces of plants that can only be found in one spot. Assington." "Yes sir, we believe its the work of Arcturas." The King stood up and he called the Generals into the chambers. The two generals walk in and they stood in front of the King. "Gentlemen, your Queen has been murdered by Arcturas, you are to immediatly close the gates and to keep a tight security around the borders. No one is to get IN or OUT until we have capture Arcturas. I want you to summon the people!"

Later that day King Zummer walks out on the platform, surrounding him are the citizens of Zummer. The crowds cheer and they wave the Nation Coat of Arms. King Zummer raises his hands and the crowds fall silence. "My citizen of Zummer, yesterday your Queen has died. However, today I've just been informed that she has been MURDERED! She has been murdered by Arcturas, from Assington! As of right now all borders and gates are shut down until we find this person. Also, I must carry out my wife wishes. I must find another Queen, one that can bear children. Let it be known that Queen Sara murder will not go unjusted and that the Kingdom of Zummer will have a new queen!"

The crowds get into an uproar and soon they are going into their homes to get their weapons and torches. A manhunt is on.

Several ales later and Arcturas felt it was time to return to his home of several years and gather what little sleep there was remaining within the night. It was a relatively long journey back to Assington and would take some time. He assumed the people would be far too busy dealing with the recent royal death to worry about a single man leaving the nation.

As he rose to a pair of unsteady legs, Arcturas could hear shouting and thumping in the background. The noise would fade in and out leading the drunken man to believe he was simply hearing something out of nothing. Shrugging the mob-like noises out of his mind, Arcturas began his wobbly journey through the tavern door and into the street.

Pivoting upon his heel, Arcturas turned to the right to find a large mob of people bearing torches, scythes, pitchforks and other such tools. Turning to his left he noted the same thing. A single word escaped his lips.

"Shit."

"There he is!" shouted one of the villagers. The mob draws in closer Suddenly the Mob parts in the middle as 4 of the National guardsmen come into the circle. The mobs closes again. The leader of the guardsmen pulls out a scroll and proceeds to read from the scroll. "Arcturas, you are charged with the highest crime in the land, a first degree murder on her Royal highness!" The crowd roars and the other three guardsmen try to hold them back. Arcturas was put in chains.

Back in the Castle King Zummer was pacing back and forth awaiting some news result. One of his general, a dimplomat and an international advisor shows up. King Zummer looks up and sees them standing in front of him. "Well?" He asked. Your Royaliness, we have found Arcturas." The king nodded his head. He strokes his beard and he calls his guards to the meeting. "I want you to prepare my carriage, I shall be making a trek to Assington." He then turns to his general. "I want you to hold Arcturas until my return, and I want you to act as King while I am gone. You willl just keep the peace and if nessicary rally the people." The International Advisor then steps up and looks at the king, "Do you think taking a trek to Assington is the right thing to do right now? It could start a war!" "I am going there to find out the whole story, I will have my guards with me, they will protect me at all cost. Diplomat, I will need your companion on this trek, for you will be able to help me with these talks with the leader of Assington." "Yes sir." says the Diplomat. King Zummer dismisses them and they all walk off. He then walks to his chambers and start preparing for the trek.

OOC: Zummer, perhaps we should get some contexts setup. Assington is a modern nation and I'm assuming Zummer is medieval?

IC: Arcturas managed to keep his balance as the charges were layed against him. He had no idea how they knew but obviously he couldn't admit to it unless he felt a strong desire to have his head removed.

"Well... we'll just see about that..."

There was no use resisting the guards. They were all bigger, stronger and in their right minds. And so Arcturas allowed himself to be restrained and taken away by the guards whilst the angry mob around him screamed and launched whatever objects they had handy.

Where had it gone wrong?

OCC: Yea I'm midevil. :). I'll write my part later tonight. I got other stuff to do.

A man in a long brown coat and wide brimmed hat laid a gloved hand on a guard as he passed, motioning to the prisoner
"Excuse me" Came the voice in a quiet, oddly tinny tone
"I would like to ask this man a few questions" He bowed respectfully to the captain nearby

Your Royal Highness-

I personally, and the Armed Republic of Sykle offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to you and all of Zummer. Your Queen was an accomplished woman, and a lady of the first rate; well respected even in my far-away land. I know her loss is deeply felt not only by you, but by your People. You, Queen Sara, and your Kingdom rest in our prayers.

Zachary Sykle
Supreme Commander
Armed Republic of Sykle

As King Zummer was packing, his General comes to the chamber. "Your Royaliness, Arcturas has been captured. He is now in a holding cell. There is a man in a brown coat and wide brimmed hat that wishes to speak to him." King Zummer turns around and replies. "Tell this stranger to meet me in the main court. I want our police chief to ask Arcturas a few question." "Very well sir." King Zummer walks out of his chambers and into the main court, he sat down on his throne and awaits for the man.

Meanwhile Police Chief O' Brian enters into the cell that holds Arcturas. "You know, if it wasn't for our scienctist, who were doing the emballing of our Queen. We would've never found the poison." O' Brian sits down on the cot across from Arcturas. "The poison compounds come from Assington, a country that you were living in during your exile. So, as I see it, you have two option. You either tell me why you assisnated the Queen, or, I can have the angry mob have you. Either way, your future does not look pretty unless you are willing to cooperate."

Arcturas had never actually been inside a holding cell before until tonight. He couldn't claim to enjoy it but he supposed things could be worse, somehow. The cell was rather clean and sported a small hay stuffed matress for him to rest upon whilst he awaited his fate. By now the alcohol was starting to wear off and Arcturas was gaining his senses once again.

At thirty-eight years old, Arcturas had no family, no spouse and generally no life besides his job. It was a path he chose many years ago and one he was beginning to regret as he contemplated his death. If he died there would be no one to remember him. Sure it would be noted that he killed a Queen yet that would soon fade away as well. He didn't want that to happen. Arcturas wanted to return home and establish a life.

At that point the cell door opened and the largre police chief entered. Arcturas remained silent and simply stroaked his black beared as he awaited the words that would seal his fate. Fortunately they were not so condemning, leaving things quite open for speculation.

"The way I see it, the Queen has died and that is a tragedy. You say she was killed with a poison from Assington, I wouldn't know. What I'd like to know is why you think it was me? Sure I've been to Assington, does it mean I killed the Queen though? I don't think so."

Arcturas took a moment to think over his last few words.

"So it is you that has a choice. Are you going to gather conclusive evidence or simply execute me on a whim?"

After hearing this, O' Brian leans back and lets out a sigh. He strokes his mustache and he pulled out a folded piece of paper. He opens it and examines it. "Arcturas, we know that you used to work for the Virus lab at Assington. We also know that you have connections to those who have the toxins found in her system." Of course O' Brian was bluffing, but he kept a straight poker face. O' Brian was hoping that he can convience that Assington has given him up to Zummer. "The ruler of Assington will be giving us documents connecting you to the virus works, the same virus that destoryed Queen Sara uterus. Given this knowledge, you knew her weakness, and thus could make the right toxin to slowly kill her. Look if you are willing to cooperate with us, we could get you a life sentance with a possible parole in 25 years. But if you refuse to cooperate, you go to the full mercy of King Zummer. King Zummer does not rule with an iron fist. But he does deliever justice swiftly." O' Brian waits for Arcturas response.

Arcturas raised an eyebrow as the man before him began waffling on about virus labs and Assington turning him over. Of course he realised immediately this couldn't be right. Arcturas didn't work for the government and he had never worked in a virus lab in his life. Giving O'Brian a slight grin, Arcturas spoke.

"I don't know what you are talking about but I'm not from the government. I don't work in a virus lab and I didn't kill your Queen. Assington has plenty of free enterprise and it is foolish to assume the government has control of everything. You don't know anything, how could you? Have you ever been to Assington, have you any idea just how much further it is developed than this place? I have lived here for a large portion of my life and enjoyed the simplicity of it, the modern world is a much more complicated place."

Arcturas stood up yet didn't make any move towards the officer.

"I know I didn't kill your Queen and I would expect that you actually prove otherwise before you start sentencing me. I don't work with viruses, never have."

O Brian was getting annoyed now, some how he had to get to the bottom of the Queen's murder. But he knew that he had to give Arcturas a fair chance. After all, the King never killed an innocent man. So he wipe his forehead and spoke. "Ok, lets just assume, for a minute here, that you are right. Then who did kill our Queen? Who did have enough knowledge on the uterus virus so that he could weaken her slowly for 15 years?" O' Brian awaits Arcturas answears.

Finally O'Brian was seeing reason. He realised he had no proof against Arcturas and it wouldn't do well to execute a potentially innocent man. It wasn't over yet. Without proof he would be safe yet most likely still in captivity.

"To be honest, I have no idea who would or could have done it. I never really worked around the Queen at all and know very little about her. As far as I know there is no one else from Assington in Zummer, of course that doesn't mean someone couldn't have been there before. Of course I believe justice should be served yet I would hate to see an innocent man such as myself put to death."

Things were finally starting to look up. Part of Arcturas' training involved mastering the ability to lie convincingly and get away with it. Of course there were no lie detecting machines here so it made things all the more easier. Perhaps he would get out of this afterall.

Then O' Brian knew that Arcturas was lying. Queen Sara was well known throughout the world, her works were well praised throughout the land. He knew that he couldn't let Arcturas go. "Just to make sure that we get the right guy, and to make sure that you are an honest man. We will be keeping you in here until all of this is straighten out." O' Brian gets up and walks out, closing the door keeping Arcturas inside the cell.

OOC: Woops, forgot about this :p I was wondering if I could play my detective ambassador type charactor in this to help sort out the murder.

OOC: Woops, forgot about this :p I was wondering if I could play my detective ambassador type charactor in this to help sort out the murder.

OOC: Sure go ahead.

Arcturas sighed as the police chief departed, leaving him alone once again. It seemed as though he'd done a reasonable job of placing doubt within the mind of the law yet that was the easy part.

It was simply a matter of time until they figured something out. Either some sort of evidence would be found and they would execute him or they wouldn't find anything and would have to release him on reasonable doubt. Or Arcturas could take things into his own hands and escape.

Sitting down upon his makeshift bed, Arcturas could do nothing but contemplate the future and how he was going to get out of this mess.