Stevid
24-04-2008, 19:48
St. Malleus Cathedral, Stevidian Wastelands
Brother Chaplin De Lance of the Knights Templar sat at his desk scribbling on a piece of paper with a quill, he had been undisturbed for nearly two hours has he tirelessly wrote down what he was going to say to his fellow brethren in the evening Mass at the Cathedral. De Lance was the most prestigious of Chaplin’s in the entire order and had the great honour of being the one person to say Mass in the great temple of God whenever he wasn’t away on official business. He lived and worked in this cathedral and was proud to be a loyal servant to God in one of the greatest religious orders known to mankind but he was even happier that the order had selected him as High Priest to the Order several years ago and that he would actually say mass and give sermons in St. Malleus itself . Saint Malleus Roman Catholic Cathedral had several rare claims to fame, one being that it was one of the biggest cathedrals in the entire world, another that it was home to the Knights Templar operating in Stevid who used it as their military and of course religious headquarters. Another claim to fame was that it was a popular goal for pilgrims from all over the Catholic world but was made more famous by the fact this behemoth of a monastery was situated on the side of a semi-active volcano in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth- the Stevidian Wastelands. Victim to nuclear testing and mass uranium mining as well as the odd eruption from the volcano Mount Malleus, the Stevidian wastelands is a barren, ash ridden and toxic environment and can be lethal to humans. Several cities lie within the wasteland strip that cuts Stevid in two but they have long since been abandoned. It is perfect for the Templars who base their religious beliefs on poverty and harsh living, the very principles Christ himself had to endure during the discrimination he faced while preaching and during his Passion, thus a noble example for the pilgrims to look too and so they push themselves through the terrible landscape to the safety of the Cathedral.
Brother De Lance hadn’t completed the journey from Chilyabinsk northwards towards St. Malleus in nearly twenty years, he was a Chaplin, a High Priest of God and the Templars and did not need to prove his piety to anyone but God himself. His sermon this time was different to any other he had written before but he did not dwell on its contents, no one would dare question what was mentioned in it or dare have any of it censored. Apart from the Grand Master, De Lance was the most respected and highly revered Templar in the organisation who was still alive. However he was approaching a ripe old seventy five and given another decade or so and God’s will he would be soon remembered in the hall of fame where some of the most famous Knights in the history of the Order are remembered. But the hash training and discipline the Knights go through made him a strong man, almost superhuman in his younger days, and it was not uncommon to have a fit and healthy elder Knight at the grand age of a hundred or so- the oldest ever in the order reached one hundred and eleven years of age and it was not the condition of his body that took his life but God himself, for the old man was fit as a fiddle and it was just God’s will to take his life so no one mourned his passing as an normal person would. De Lance paused and pondered his age suddenly forgetting his sermon and what it contained briefly as he recalled his religious life. If he remembered correctly then this would be his six hundred and eleventh sermon he had ever given, a staggering number and never once had his words be criticised. On the contrary, his words were always heeded especially by the Justicars who had told De Lance that certain phases from his sermons had been chanted as battle cries by some Templar Squads. He smiled at himself and was pleased to sat the least that his career had been so prosperous and great to him, but in the end he concluded that he was most fortunate to have had God’s blessing- he was in His plans for the world, why less would fate have elevated him to such a prestigious position? De Lance muttered a short prayer of gratitude to the Lord before he continued with his work.
There was a rapping at the door and a Brother Captain, Brother Captain Aaron Hughes (A ‘new’ recruit to the Templars but had risen through the ranks quickly- his faith was never questioned), briskly walked it and closed the door behind him. The room was dimly lit by a single candle which barely gave enough light for De Lance to write in let alone see Hughes. Aaron Hughes was a good friend of De Lance, they confided in each other a lot, repented and prayed together every day and had even shared a Mass together. Although neither of them had fought side by side in combat, the bond they shared was the same as that two other Knights had after sharing a battle. Truth be told that all members of the Order shared that special bond, but with some it went deeper than just friendship- some were practically family members to one another. It was never a sexual nature, as strictly devout Catholics just obscenities as homosexuality were not tolerated and celibacy was strictly enforced. Hughes’ and De Lance’s friendship was as deep as say a family members’ bond with another family member but they were exceptionally close friends and both of them knew it.
“Good evening Chaplin.” Hughes said with a smile. “I hope your sermon this evening will be as interesting as yesterdays one. I must say you have a distinct way of getting your message across to us and the pilgrims.”
“Thank you Captain. I must admit I excel myself sometimes.” De Lance bragged with a bigger grin than Aaron. “What news do you bring Captain for I assume this is not a social visit so close to the Mass?”
Hughes smiled broader now and bowed slightly, his old friend could read him like an open book but he sensed that De Lance knew it was good news but not necessarily important news.
“A shipment of cargo has arrived from the former Steppe Empire via an Adaptus Astrates cargo helicopter, the flesh and scales of the beast slain by our valiant brothers during our mission to their Empire’s leader.”
“The ‘dragon’?”
“Yes Captain, so to speak. We believe it is an abomination not of the Lord’s creation, a genetic manipulation that cost the lives of many Knights. In either case it is in our possession and the government has been informed so they may take it to Camp 4 for further research and genetic manipulation. For the moment it is being kept in the vaults. The Grand Master and his aides have already been informed, so saw it only fit for the High Priest to be informed of such a development.”
“Thank you Captain.” De Lance bowed his head but remained seated at his desk. “And speaking of those infidels in the Steppe Empire, they were quite close friends with the Ryou Blacks Islands at one point weren’t they?”
“They had a relationship with one another, yes sir. No more than that I’m sure. It was frosty to say the least because they were all for the Empire’s occupation of the Steppe Empire.”
“Now under Imperial law, legislation and under the Imperial military control of Adaptus Astrates. I hear the peacekeeping is going well and I’m sure if the puppet government Adaptus Astrates endorsed remains stable then they will annexe that territory in the name of the Holy Empire and their Emperor, but I digress Brother. As I said, they had contacts with Ryou and it is of the Ryou Black Islands that my sermon shall refer to.”
“Why is that Chaplin?” Hughes asked with a more than puzzled face. It was well known for De Lance to try as hard as possible not to get himself, the Order or the Church involved in the country’s foreign policy unless religion or a threat of Catholicism was apparent. It then seemed logical to Hughes that the Chaplin had heard or been told something so disturbing that he was going to base his entire sermon on the subject.
“Ryou is a loose cannon, blotch on the perfectly white parchment that is our glorious Holy Empire. They seem to be at war with a new country every week and they seem to show no bounds in their hostile take over of territory and governments in this world. Stevid is seriously imperialistic with its foreign policy but does not just attack and invade countries for petty reasons and certainly not for expansion. Ryou is different for there seems to be no motives for their attacks on foreign states.”
“What are you saying Chaplin? What has happened?”
“A new country has come to our attention. Rome V and it houses the Holy See, it is a predominately Catholic country but like most decent democracies it has a freedom of religion.”
“Ryou being communist does not.”
“Not exactly quite like that but they do have a state religion like us. The SPQR of this new nation has told the world officially of a declaration of war by Ryou on Rome V. This is a direct threat to the Holy See and Catholicism, also the Empire does not tolerate aggression on Christians unless it truly is warranted and so far neither the Church nor our own government can find legitimate reasons for this war. But the government has yet to act, I intend to kick them up the arse and make them act. We, the Roman Catholic Church will act first in aid of our Christian brothers. Come Brother Captain Hughes! The Mass is about to start!”
Right on cue, the solemn sound of bells gonged out across the desolate landscape calling the faithful to Mass. Hughes and De Lance quickly left the room and rushed to the inner Church where the Mass would begin and the High Priest would deliver his message to all the Knights of the Order and across Stevid. Every mass was televised on a specific religious channel, but after this sermon major news channels would be repeating its message. This was going to be a very different Mass.
* * *
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” De Lance said as he made the sign of the cross in font of the congregation who mirrored his movements.
“Amen.” The congregation replied in a very monotone way. It was nearly deafening as over three thousand people chanted Amen at once and the candles flickered with the sudden breathing of words.
The mass had begun and continued without a hitch or any sign of trouble with the schedule laid out for the day’s evening Mass. Until the sermon that is and it wasn’t long before the Mass reached the time where De Lance would give his speech to the crowd of people in front of him. He gestured them to sit and he stood upright at the lectern, cleared his throat and began to talk.
“Dear friends we are gathered here today in unison with our Lord, in unison with all the sects of Christianity and all those who believe in God the Father. Our brothers of the faith in a far away land have fallen under political and military attack by a member of this very Holy Empire. It was not a religious assault but merely a disagreement of politics, something that should not involve the Church but I can not sleep on it any longer and I will make the first move on behalf of the Church.”
He left this hanging for a moment before continuing, only Hughes knew what he was about to say but everyone else still had no idea but they guessed it was something to do with the Empire’s internal affairs that somehow involved the Church. Many of the Knights kept their gaze fixed on De Lance but other pilgrims right at the back of the Cathedral discussed among themselves about their own theories on the up and coming sermon.
“Rome V, new to the international community or at least to the Holy Empire, has been attacked by a member of the Holy Empire. The Ryou Black Islands are the aggressors in the conflict. It is not the first time we have heard that mentioned in Stevid or the world but this time it is different because the Holy See is within the boundaries of Rome V, also the majority religion in that country is Christian. If Ryou had valid reasons to attack Christians then the war would have probably continued unnoticed by the Church and this government. But an attack on Rome V directly threatened the Holy See and innocent Christians and fellow Catholics have been caught up and killed in this the direst of wars Ryou has started.”
Gasps of shock wafted through the Cathedral and De Lance smiled, they had turned to his side of the argument (admittedly the only side of the argument). His grin faded with the gasps and he continued his speech.
“This is the Holy Empire of Stevid, the religion in question is Catholicism. While we do embrace other religions we do not tolerate violence towards fellow Christians unless absolutely necessary. Ryou has no grounds for such and act of war, blatant Imperialism for reasons beyond comprehension. Stevid is Imperialistic but honours a nation’s sovereign rights and thus does not attack recognised countries with a function government unless there is a political disagreement. Ryou is different, they thrive on war and the spilling of blood. This unnatural lust for war and death is heretical to our religion and surely to their own. Ryou is a stain on the Empire, stain that has put the Empire in bad light and the butt end of international jokes. We uphold honour, religion and glory for our Empire but Ryou has none of these characteristics and so they should be expelled from the Holy Empire.”
Silence fell on the cathedral, it was awkward and the brutal winds could be heard outside even from deep within the cathedral.
“I have informed the government of the Churches position on this subject. We have the Grand Master’s support and also support from several Brother Captains and Justicars within the order. There is tremendous public support for the Church regarding this incident with Ryou and that the Empire should excommunicate Ryou from our ranks altogether! The issue will be debated in Parliament later today by the Deputy Prime Minister and we shall see if Ryou is worthy to stay in the Empire. They kept declaring war of other countries and as soon as it turns against them they hide behind us, all the Empire does is act as this giant shield against Ryou who pretends to be big because it is in our mighty Empire. Well I say no more! NO MORE! Let them fight for themselves! They have given nothing to the Empire in thanks for our loyal support. They hide behind our strength and that alone is enough to stop a nation attacking the Ryou Black Islands- but we get nothing in return except a bad name. Well let’s be rid of them, take away Ryous insurance policy and see how they handle themselves. The Empire gives them economic support, Stevid itself give a sizeable slice of its GDP to help fund Ryous military power. Take that away from them and they have to down size their military which in turn limits the amount of times they go to war. Call this an act of God against Ryou, but also called it an act of commonsense. I hope I all have your support for this action.”
Large swathes of the congregation nodded, others did not but De Lance knew that they were simply in a divine place and too engrossed by God’s presence in the cathedral to show any sign of agreement with the Chaplin. But De Lance knew they all agreed and so he pressed on with the Mass.
“Let us pronounce our faith together before God: We believe in the one God, the Father the Almighty…” De Lance started and cleared his throat as the congregation continued unabated.
“Maker of Heaven and Earth. For all that is seen and unseen.” The congregation said in the same tradition monotone, faithful voice to God. De Lance had won the crowd, he had won the Order and had the Holy Father’s support for the idea of removing Ryou from the Holy Empire after their disgraceful acts against a Christian state. Although a ceasefire had been drawn up and the fighting had ended for the moment, the act of war by Ryou was almost unforgivable. But the Church had no direct control in the government, plenty of influence but no actual power- it was up to Parliament, the Conroy Party government to decide Ryous fate.
Three Hours Later, Parliament, Stevid Capita
“Order! House now recognises Deputy Prime Minister Harold Davis”
The House of Commons was like a chicken battery. Ministers representing constituencies all over the country had crammed into the large hall and its green leather chairs. Nearly two hundred people were in the room with a further hundred watching from rooms around Parliament on television. Everybody knew something big was going to be said by Davis, it would have been said by the Prime Minister David Conroy but was away visiting Guffingford on some very serious business that hadn’t been disclosed. Nonetheless Davis was a capable man and he stepped up to the stand when his name was called. House went quiet, even the opposition party obeyed the Speaker immediately as Davis prepared to make his speech to the House. Everyone was sure it had something to do with Ryou and conflict that had broken out against Rome V, it also might have something to do with the public address made by Chaplin De Lance of the Templars a few hours ago regarding the situation. But there was only one way to find out.
“Mister Speaker, members of the Government and this honourable House. Bring to your attention the situation regarding the Ryou Black Islands and the conflict they have only just been involved in with Rome V. There is a ceasefire but let’s put that to one side. The Empire is founded on basic religious principles as well as political ones. It states clearly in the Charter that Christian countries are not to be attacked unless it is deemed absolutely necessary and all other means of diplomacy have been exhausted. Either that or permission has to be granted by the founding nation of the Empire itself- Stevid. None of these clauses fit the bill when Ryou is involved but more so this time than ever. Ryou is a pain to this Empire. This government has supported them through thick and thin and has always expected loyalty and help from Ryou in return. We assume we have loyalty but we have had nothing else from them, not even a thank you from their government. Ryou constantly hides behind us when they get themselves into a war they cannot win and this always puts us in bad light. All they do is ask us for help, if they don’t get it they go to war anyway and when it turns bad they use our name… OUR name, Stevid, as their Royal Flush against their enemies. This government, this country, this Empire- the Holiest of Empires is NOT a bargaining chip!”
Cheers erupted from all over the House, even from the opposition but they were somewhat quieter. Some opposition ministers were actually hurling abuse back at the DPM over the foreign policy used with Ryou. Davis held up his hands and nodded to members of the opposition.
“Many of you a wondering, like the opposition are taunting: Isn’t it our own fault? Yes, it is. We even spare Imperial funds to help their military and even our own GDP goes towards their military funding. It allows them to fight wars and then use us as a deterrent. Stevid SHALL NOT be used this way! We started this Empire and it has lasted for years. We founded it, we fought the Golden Throne and successfully stood up to them, the Empire actually expanded in defeat! We control this Empire, we welcomed Ryou with open arms when no one else did and yet they abuse our protection, abuse their position on the Imperial Council. They get our money, our oil, military and political support and are not in the least but thankful. So why, you ask, ‘Why do we continue supporting a nation that ‘uses’ its own protector just to get money, armaments, raw materials and military support? After all it was your idea to invite Ryou to be a dominion of the Empire in the first place’. The answer to that is that we no longer do…”
The House had never been so silent, Davis let this sentence sink in and glanced at the look of horror on the Ryou representative on the balcony to his left where the Imperial Council sat during important House hearings.
“Yes you heard me correctly. It is not often that this government holds up its hands and admits it made a mistake. But this time we do. Ryou in the Empire is a mistake. They abuse their rights in this Empire and not only that but ignore the Charter completely by attacking a Christian country without provocation. This is the last straw! This government moves to pass a vote that the Ryou Black Islands are removed from the Holy Empire. Their economic support withdrawn and the return of loaded military equipment. We know that by withdrawing economic support it means they have to mothball a massive size of their fleet and have cataclysmic defence cuts. This won’t make them defenceless but it means they won’t be able to wage a proper overseas war for a long time, only a defensive war. This makes the world safer and more peaceful as I’m sure you’ll all agree… Thank you Mister Speaker.”
The House was drowned in cheers and waves of mockery and abuse were thrown in the direction of the Ryou representative in the balcony stands overlooking the House. The man was pale, white as a sheet as he had just seen all the support for his country disappear. The Adaptus Astrates representative seemed completely fine with the speech, maybe even bored with Ryou altogether. Kurona had a man there too, he looked much more sympathetic but it seemed like he knew that it was only a matter of time before the Empire’s patience for Ryou ran out.
The saying goes: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.’ Ryou never did this, but they seemed to take Stevid’s support for granted. Stevid was one of the most powerful nations on the globe and its influence was felt the world over. It’s military might unquestioned, its economy incredible and yet this country had pledge support to Ryou. Ryou had taken it all for granted and had learned to live with the fact that they were protected and they had milked it for everything it was worth. No longer, because the Empire was sick and tired of Ryous belligerence, their disgusting attack on a Christian country and their warlike morals that left them reviled by the international community. Ryou could only hope that the vote turned out in their favour, to keep them in the Empire but judging by the House’s response that seemed unlikely.
The vote came in and was yelled out by a civil servant in front of hundreds of ministers. The most crucial vote on Imperial policy had been completed and the outcome was about to be determined.
“Nose to the Right… five hundred and eighty seven votes. Nose to the left… zero votes. Overall majority for the Conroy Party’s new bill is 100%”
The cheer was enormous, 100% approval for the removal of Ryou. The first time ever in Stevid’s history has the whole political body of the country agreed 100% behind a one government’s bill. Ryou was out of the Empire and an official statement would be given in the next hour or so. It was the end for Ryou in the Holy Empire- Stevid had had enough of being Ryous biggest betting chip, their deterrence, their ace in the hole. Stevid was not one to be used and Ryou had paid the price. Shares in their stock market plummeted at the news, their economy would slipped terribly and there defence would feel the worst of it as Stevid recalled her troops, aircraft and Navy from Ryou. From this time hence forth- Ryou was on her own.
Brother Chaplin De Lance of the Knights Templar sat at his desk scribbling on a piece of paper with a quill, he had been undisturbed for nearly two hours has he tirelessly wrote down what he was going to say to his fellow brethren in the evening Mass at the Cathedral. De Lance was the most prestigious of Chaplin’s in the entire order and had the great honour of being the one person to say Mass in the great temple of God whenever he wasn’t away on official business. He lived and worked in this cathedral and was proud to be a loyal servant to God in one of the greatest religious orders known to mankind but he was even happier that the order had selected him as High Priest to the Order several years ago and that he would actually say mass and give sermons in St. Malleus itself . Saint Malleus Roman Catholic Cathedral had several rare claims to fame, one being that it was one of the biggest cathedrals in the entire world, another that it was home to the Knights Templar operating in Stevid who used it as their military and of course religious headquarters. Another claim to fame was that it was a popular goal for pilgrims from all over the Catholic world but was made more famous by the fact this behemoth of a monastery was situated on the side of a semi-active volcano in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth- the Stevidian Wastelands. Victim to nuclear testing and mass uranium mining as well as the odd eruption from the volcano Mount Malleus, the Stevidian wastelands is a barren, ash ridden and toxic environment and can be lethal to humans. Several cities lie within the wasteland strip that cuts Stevid in two but they have long since been abandoned. It is perfect for the Templars who base their religious beliefs on poverty and harsh living, the very principles Christ himself had to endure during the discrimination he faced while preaching and during his Passion, thus a noble example for the pilgrims to look too and so they push themselves through the terrible landscape to the safety of the Cathedral.
Brother De Lance hadn’t completed the journey from Chilyabinsk northwards towards St. Malleus in nearly twenty years, he was a Chaplin, a High Priest of God and the Templars and did not need to prove his piety to anyone but God himself. His sermon this time was different to any other he had written before but he did not dwell on its contents, no one would dare question what was mentioned in it or dare have any of it censored. Apart from the Grand Master, De Lance was the most respected and highly revered Templar in the organisation who was still alive. However he was approaching a ripe old seventy five and given another decade or so and God’s will he would be soon remembered in the hall of fame where some of the most famous Knights in the history of the Order are remembered. But the hash training and discipline the Knights go through made him a strong man, almost superhuman in his younger days, and it was not uncommon to have a fit and healthy elder Knight at the grand age of a hundred or so- the oldest ever in the order reached one hundred and eleven years of age and it was not the condition of his body that took his life but God himself, for the old man was fit as a fiddle and it was just God’s will to take his life so no one mourned his passing as an normal person would. De Lance paused and pondered his age suddenly forgetting his sermon and what it contained briefly as he recalled his religious life. If he remembered correctly then this would be his six hundred and eleventh sermon he had ever given, a staggering number and never once had his words be criticised. On the contrary, his words were always heeded especially by the Justicars who had told De Lance that certain phases from his sermons had been chanted as battle cries by some Templar Squads. He smiled at himself and was pleased to sat the least that his career had been so prosperous and great to him, but in the end he concluded that he was most fortunate to have had God’s blessing- he was in His plans for the world, why less would fate have elevated him to such a prestigious position? De Lance muttered a short prayer of gratitude to the Lord before he continued with his work.
There was a rapping at the door and a Brother Captain, Brother Captain Aaron Hughes (A ‘new’ recruit to the Templars but had risen through the ranks quickly- his faith was never questioned), briskly walked it and closed the door behind him. The room was dimly lit by a single candle which barely gave enough light for De Lance to write in let alone see Hughes. Aaron Hughes was a good friend of De Lance, they confided in each other a lot, repented and prayed together every day and had even shared a Mass together. Although neither of them had fought side by side in combat, the bond they shared was the same as that two other Knights had after sharing a battle. Truth be told that all members of the Order shared that special bond, but with some it went deeper than just friendship- some were practically family members to one another. It was never a sexual nature, as strictly devout Catholics just obscenities as homosexuality were not tolerated and celibacy was strictly enforced. Hughes’ and De Lance’s friendship was as deep as say a family members’ bond with another family member but they were exceptionally close friends and both of them knew it.
“Good evening Chaplin.” Hughes said with a smile. “I hope your sermon this evening will be as interesting as yesterdays one. I must say you have a distinct way of getting your message across to us and the pilgrims.”
“Thank you Captain. I must admit I excel myself sometimes.” De Lance bragged with a bigger grin than Aaron. “What news do you bring Captain for I assume this is not a social visit so close to the Mass?”
Hughes smiled broader now and bowed slightly, his old friend could read him like an open book but he sensed that De Lance knew it was good news but not necessarily important news.
“A shipment of cargo has arrived from the former Steppe Empire via an Adaptus Astrates cargo helicopter, the flesh and scales of the beast slain by our valiant brothers during our mission to their Empire’s leader.”
“The ‘dragon’?”
“Yes Captain, so to speak. We believe it is an abomination not of the Lord’s creation, a genetic manipulation that cost the lives of many Knights. In either case it is in our possession and the government has been informed so they may take it to Camp 4 for further research and genetic manipulation. For the moment it is being kept in the vaults. The Grand Master and his aides have already been informed, so saw it only fit for the High Priest to be informed of such a development.”
“Thank you Captain.” De Lance bowed his head but remained seated at his desk. “And speaking of those infidels in the Steppe Empire, they were quite close friends with the Ryou Blacks Islands at one point weren’t they?”
“They had a relationship with one another, yes sir. No more than that I’m sure. It was frosty to say the least because they were all for the Empire’s occupation of the Steppe Empire.”
“Now under Imperial law, legislation and under the Imperial military control of Adaptus Astrates. I hear the peacekeeping is going well and I’m sure if the puppet government Adaptus Astrates endorsed remains stable then they will annexe that territory in the name of the Holy Empire and their Emperor, but I digress Brother. As I said, they had contacts with Ryou and it is of the Ryou Black Islands that my sermon shall refer to.”
“Why is that Chaplin?” Hughes asked with a more than puzzled face. It was well known for De Lance to try as hard as possible not to get himself, the Order or the Church involved in the country’s foreign policy unless religion or a threat of Catholicism was apparent. It then seemed logical to Hughes that the Chaplin had heard or been told something so disturbing that he was going to base his entire sermon on the subject.
“Ryou is a loose cannon, blotch on the perfectly white parchment that is our glorious Holy Empire. They seem to be at war with a new country every week and they seem to show no bounds in their hostile take over of territory and governments in this world. Stevid is seriously imperialistic with its foreign policy but does not just attack and invade countries for petty reasons and certainly not for expansion. Ryou is different for there seems to be no motives for their attacks on foreign states.”
“What are you saying Chaplin? What has happened?”
“A new country has come to our attention. Rome V and it houses the Holy See, it is a predominately Catholic country but like most decent democracies it has a freedom of religion.”
“Ryou being communist does not.”
“Not exactly quite like that but they do have a state religion like us. The SPQR of this new nation has told the world officially of a declaration of war by Ryou on Rome V. This is a direct threat to the Holy See and Catholicism, also the Empire does not tolerate aggression on Christians unless it truly is warranted and so far neither the Church nor our own government can find legitimate reasons for this war. But the government has yet to act, I intend to kick them up the arse and make them act. We, the Roman Catholic Church will act first in aid of our Christian brothers. Come Brother Captain Hughes! The Mass is about to start!”
Right on cue, the solemn sound of bells gonged out across the desolate landscape calling the faithful to Mass. Hughes and De Lance quickly left the room and rushed to the inner Church where the Mass would begin and the High Priest would deliver his message to all the Knights of the Order and across Stevid. Every mass was televised on a specific religious channel, but after this sermon major news channels would be repeating its message. This was going to be a very different Mass.
* * *
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” De Lance said as he made the sign of the cross in font of the congregation who mirrored his movements.
“Amen.” The congregation replied in a very monotone way. It was nearly deafening as over three thousand people chanted Amen at once and the candles flickered with the sudden breathing of words.
The mass had begun and continued without a hitch or any sign of trouble with the schedule laid out for the day’s evening Mass. Until the sermon that is and it wasn’t long before the Mass reached the time where De Lance would give his speech to the crowd of people in front of him. He gestured them to sit and he stood upright at the lectern, cleared his throat and began to talk.
“Dear friends we are gathered here today in unison with our Lord, in unison with all the sects of Christianity and all those who believe in God the Father. Our brothers of the faith in a far away land have fallen under political and military attack by a member of this very Holy Empire. It was not a religious assault but merely a disagreement of politics, something that should not involve the Church but I can not sleep on it any longer and I will make the first move on behalf of the Church.”
He left this hanging for a moment before continuing, only Hughes knew what he was about to say but everyone else still had no idea but they guessed it was something to do with the Empire’s internal affairs that somehow involved the Church. Many of the Knights kept their gaze fixed on De Lance but other pilgrims right at the back of the Cathedral discussed among themselves about their own theories on the up and coming sermon.
“Rome V, new to the international community or at least to the Holy Empire, has been attacked by a member of the Holy Empire. The Ryou Black Islands are the aggressors in the conflict. It is not the first time we have heard that mentioned in Stevid or the world but this time it is different because the Holy See is within the boundaries of Rome V, also the majority religion in that country is Christian. If Ryou had valid reasons to attack Christians then the war would have probably continued unnoticed by the Church and this government. But an attack on Rome V directly threatened the Holy See and innocent Christians and fellow Catholics have been caught up and killed in this the direst of wars Ryou has started.”
Gasps of shock wafted through the Cathedral and De Lance smiled, they had turned to his side of the argument (admittedly the only side of the argument). His grin faded with the gasps and he continued his speech.
“This is the Holy Empire of Stevid, the religion in question is Catholicism. While we do embrace other religions we do not tolerate violence towards fellow Christians unless absolutely necessary. Ryou has no grounds for such and act of war, blatant Imperialism for reasons beyond comprehension. Stevid is Imperialistic but honours a nation’s sovereign rights and thus does not attack recognised countries with a function government unless there is a political disagreement. Ryou is different, they thrive on war and the spilling of blood. This unnatural lust for war and death is heretical to our religion and surely to their own. Ryou is a stain on the Empire, stain that has put the Empire in bad light and the butt end of international jokes. We uphold honour, religion and glory for our Empire but Ryou has none of these characteristics and so they should be expelled from the Holy Empire.”
Silence fell on the cathedral, it was awkward and the brutal winds could be heard outside even from deep within the cathedral.
“I have informed the government of the Churches position on this subject. We have the Grand Master’s support and also support from several Brother Captains and Justicars within the order. There is tremendous public support for the Church regarding this incident with Ryou and that the Empire should excommunicate Ryou from our ranks altogether! The issue will be debated in Parliament later today by the Deputy Prime Minister and we shall see if Ryou is worthy to stay in the Empire. They kept declaring war of other countries and as soon as it turns against them they hide behind us, all the Empire does is act as this giant shield against Ryou who pretends to be big because it is in our mighty Empire. Well I say no more! NO MORE! Let them fight for themselves! They have given nothing to the Empire in thanks for our loyal support. They hide behind our strength and that alone is enough to stop a nation attacking the Ryou Black Islands- but we get nothing in return except a bad name. Well let’s be rid of them, take away Ryous insurance policy and see how they handle themselves. The Empire gives them economic support, Stevid itself give a sizeable slice of its GDP to help fund Ryous military power. Take that away from them and they have to down size their military which in turn limits the amount of times they go to war. Call this an act of God against Ryou, but also called it an act of commonsense. I hope I all have your support for this action.”
Large swathes of the congregation nodded, others did not but De Lance knew that they were simply in a divine place and too engrossed by God’s presence in the cathedral to show any sign of agreement with the Chaplin. But De Lance knew they all agreed and so he pressed on with the Mass.
“Let us pronounce our faith together before God: We believe in the one God, the Father the Almighty…” De Lance started and cleared his throat as the congregation continued unabated.
“Maker of Heaven and Earth. For all that is seen and unseen.” The congregation said in the same tradition monotone, faithful voice to God. De Lance had won the crowd, he had won the Order and had the Holy Father’s support for the idea of removing Ryou from the Holy Empire after their disgraceful acts against a Christian state. Although a ceasefire had been drawn up and the fighting had ended for the moment, the act of war by Ryou was almost unforgivable. But the Church had no direct control in the government, plenty of influence but no actual power- it was up to Parliament, the Conroy Party government to decide Ryous fate.
Three Hours Later, Parliament, Stevid Capita
“Order! House now recognises Deputy Prime Minister Harold Davis”
The House of Commons was like a chicken battery. Ministers representing constituencies all over the country had crammed into the large hall and its green leather chairs. Nearly two hundred people were in the room with a further hundred watching from rooms around Parliament on television. Everybody knew something big was going to be said by Davis, it would have been said by the Prime Minister David Conroy but was away visiting Guffingford on some very serious business that hadn’t been disclosed. Nonetheless Davis was a capable man and he stepped up to the stand when his name was called. House went quiet, even the opposition party obeyed the Speaker immediately as Davis prepared to make his speech to the House. Everyone was sure it had something to do with Ryou and conflict that had broken out against Rome V, it also might have something to do with the public address made by Chaplin De Lance of the Templars a few hours ago regarding the situation. But there was only one way to find out.
“Mister Speaker, members of the Government and this honourable House. Bring to your attention the situation regarding the Ryou Black Islands and the conflict they have only just been involved in with Rome V. There is a ceasefire but let’s put that to one side. The Empire is founded on basic religious principles as well as political ones. It states clearly in the Charter that Christian countries are not to be attacked unless it is deemed absolutely necessary and all other means of diplomacy have been exhausted. Either that or permission has to be granted by the founding nation of the Empire itself- Stevid. None of these clauses fit the bill when Ryou is involved but more so this time than ever. Ryou is a pain to this Empire. This government has supported them through thick and thin and has always expected loyalty and help from Ryou in return. We assume we have loyalty but we have had nothing else from them, not even a thank you from their government. Ryou constantly hides behind us when they get themselves into a war they cannot win and this always puts us in bad light. All they do is ask us for help, if they don’t get it they go to war anyway and when it turns bad they use our name… OUR name, Stevid, as their Royal Flush against their enemies. This government, this country, this Empire- the Holiest of Empires is NOT a bargaining chip!”
Cheers erupted from all over the House, even from the opposition but they were somewhat quieter. Some opposition ministers were actually hurling abuse back at the DPM over the foreign policy used with Ryou. Davis held up his hands and nodded to members of the opposition.
“Many of you a wondering, like the opposition are taunting: Isn’t it our own fault? Yes, it is. We even spare Imperial funds to help their military and even our own GDP goes towards their military funding. It allows them to fight wars and then use us as a deterrent. Stevid SHALL NOT be used this way! We started this Empire and it has lasted for years. We founded it, we fought the Golden Throne and successfully stood up to them, the Empire actually expanded in defeat! We control this Empire, we welcomed Ryou with open arms when no one else did and yet they abuse our protection, abuse their position on the Imperial Council. They get our money, our oil, military and political support and are not in the least but thankful. So why, you ask, ‘Why do we continue supporting a nation that ‘uses’ its own protector just to get money, armaments, raw materials and military support? After all it was your idea to invite Ryou to be a dominion of the Empire in the first place’. The answer to that is that we no longer do…”
The House had never been so silent, Davis let this sentence sink in and glanced at the look of horror on the Ryou representative on the balcony to his left where the Imperial Council sat during important House hearings.
“Yes you heard me correctly. It is not often that this government holds up its hands and admits it made a mistake. But this time we do. Ryou in the Empire is a mistake. They abuse their rights in this Empire and not only that but ignore the Charter completely by attacking a Christian country without provocation. This is the last straw! This government moves to pass a vote that the Ryou Black Islands are removed from the Holy Empire. Their economic support withdrawn and the return of loaded military equipment. We know that by withdrawing economic support it means they have to mothball a massive size of their fleet and have cataclysmic defence cuts. This won’t make them defenceless but it means they won’t be able to wage a proper overseas war for a long time, only a defensive war. This makes the world safer and more peaceful as I’m sure you’ll all agree… Thank you Mister Speaker.”
The House was drowned in cheers and waves of mockery and abuse were thrown in the direction of the Ryou representative in the balcony stands overlooking the House. The man was pale, white as a sheet as he had just seen all the support for his country disappear. The Adaptus Astrates representative seemed completely fine with the speech, maybe even bored with Ryou altogether. Kurona had a man there too, he looked much more sympathetic but it seemed like he knew that it was only a matter of time before the Empire’s patience for Ryou ran out.
The saying goes: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.’ Ryou never did this, but they seemed to take Stevid’s support for granted. Stevid was one of the most powerful nations on the globe and its influence was felt the world over. It’s military might unquestioned, its economy incredible and yet this country had pledge support to Ryou. Ryou had taken it all for granted and had learned to live with the fact that they were protected and they had milked it for everything it was worth. No longer, because the Empire was sick and tired of Ryous belligerence, their disgusting attack on a Christian country and their warlike morals that left them reviled by the international community. Ryou could only hope that the vote turned out in their favour, to keep them in the Empire but judging by the House’s response that seemed unlikely.
The vote came in and was yelled out by a civil servant in front of hundreds of ministers. The most crucial vote on Imperial policy had been completed and the outcome was about to be determined.
“Nose to the Right… five hundred and eighty seven votes. Nose to the left… zero votes. Overall majority for the Conroy Party’s new bill is 100%”
The cheer was enormous, 100% approval for the removal of Ryou. The first time ever in Stevid’s history has the whole political body of the country agreed 100% behind a one government’s bill. Ryou was out of the Empire and an official statement would be given in the next hour or so. It was the end for Ryou in the Holy Empire- Stevid had had enough of being Ryous biggest betting chip, their deterrence, their ace in the hole. Stevid was not one to be used and Ryou had paid the price. Shares in their stock market plummeted at the news, their economy would slipped terribly and there defence would feel the worst of it as Stevid recalled her troops, aircraft and Navy from Ryou. From this time hence forth- Ryou was on her own.