NationStates Jolt Archive

Unkown Bunker, The Holy Empire of Lord Sumguy:

Three men dressed in military uniforms entered a poorly-lit undeground room and saluted. Before them, another man was sitting at a desk, they sat down ,and he smiled. This man was Col. John Bridson, head of the organization known as the Sons of the Empire. He carried an aura about him of trustworthyness and goodwill, he was the sort of person men would trust and follow insinctively. If one was very observent however, they would notice in his eyes the gleam of a deep and insatiable hunger.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen." He said, amusement upon his features. "I see there are yet fewer of you this time."

"Swanson was killed by an Abrahamic League assassin, sir." One said, spittting the words Abrahamaic League as though they were poison. He was a large well-built man, with a chiseled jaw and an air that everyone he came into contact with was somehow beneath him, and that merely being in his presence was a priviledge. Hatred shone in his eyes as he spoke, suppressed rage evident upon his features.

The man beside him was almost entirely different in appearance. He was small, skinny and round faced, regarding everything about him with an amusement that masked contempt through a pair of thick glasses perched upon his nose. "Swanson was a fool." He said in a high-pitched drone. "The man was unable to keep himself or his actions hidden, or even defend himself and his men against a single Abrahamic League executioner. Entirely inadequate."

"It wasnt just any executioner." The third man said shakily. His voice always quivered slightly, as if he were perpetually terrified. He looked around nervously every half a minute or so, checking for enemies that could not possibly be present. "It was Reverend Shmidt himself." He shuddered and looked even more frightened. "He attacked a group I was in during the purge, he butchered everyone. It was horrible."

"Gentlemen, gentlemen." Bridson said, smiling, clasping his hands together, and folding one knee over the other as the three immediately fell silent. "We are not here to discuss such things." His eyes were shining with exitement and anticipation as he spoke. "No, the time has come at last." The eyes of the three went wide and his smile got even bigger. "For nearly two decades we have been hiding an waiting. Now, the time is finally right for the Sons of the Empire to rise again. I have sent a message to the Ixanian Empress. If she reacts like i think she will, we shall be given sanctuary within her nation. It is a near ideal position from which to begin our ascendance. It has been planned perfectly, the conditions are ideal. Now is the time for us to arise and take that which is ours."

"How is that possible?" the small man with the glasses asked in a contemptuous drone. "The Hegemon is more powerful now than ever."

"The foundation of the Hegemon's power is weak." Bridson said, smiling again as he poured himself a glass of wine from a bottle sittign on the desk. He did not offer any to the men before him. What fools. So disgustingly flawed. Ah well, at least they are usefull. "Here, allow me to explain."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____

To: Her Majesty Empress Anastasia II of Neo-Ixania

Greetings, your majesty. I am Col. John Bridson, the humble leader of an organization known as the Sons of the Empire. For nearly twenty years, we have been operating in hiding, seeking the good of the Empire while being hunted and murdered by executioners of the Abrahamic League. I wish to meet with you, as I have information regarding the Hegemon which may prove vital to the survival of the Ixanian imperial tradition and your nation as a whole. I will explain further upon your reply.

Your humble servant,
Col. John Bridson

To: Her Majesty Empress Anastasia of Neo-Ixania

Greetings, your majesty. I am Col. John Bridson, the humble leader of an organization known as the Sons of the Empire. For nearly twenty years, we have been operating in hiding, seeking the good of the Empire while being hunted and murdered by executioners of the Abrahamic League. I wish to meet with you, as I have information regarding the Hegemon which may prove vital to the survival of the Ixanian imperial tradition and your nation as a whole. I will explain further upon your reply.

Your humble servant,
Col. John Bridson

The sun rose over the quiet streets in the early morning as the people of Tzargrad awoke from their periods of sleep to commence their daily routines on a fine and mighty Friday which made schoolchildren extremely happy for obvious reasons. The Imperial Palace, bastion of imperial authority, was illumined by the sunlight as it emerged to break through the clouds. The Empress had been up all night studying reports and reading some books which she had recieved from an old friend which was actually not uncommon for her since she had stayed up all night before at times. Her eyes, a bit strained, were still focused on a report about the Rangerian crisis when Vladimir, her personal assistant, walked into the room with a letter from Colonel John Bridson who the Empress never heard of before. Despite this fact, the Empress took the letter into her hands and, upon reading it, was very much intrigued. "I am intrigued by the words of the Colonel. It seems that he would like to share some information with us. I shall send him a swift reply." Vladimir bowed before leaving the room so Anastasia could work on a reply while putting aside her reports on the Rangerian crisis. Adjusting herself on her chair, she began to work on it at once.

"Colonel,

It came to my attention, through your letter, that you seek to meet me and discuss certain information concerning the Hegemon which has very much intrigued me. I would like to meet with you here in the city of Tzargrad to discuss the information in person as I am quite prepared to learn about what you have concerning the Hegemon who, to my knowledge, is one of Ixania's close friends. You may come whenever you wish. I await your arrival.

Signed,
Anastasia II."

The sun rose over the quiet streets in the early morning as the people of Tzargrad awoke from their periods of sleep to commence their daily routines on a fine and mighty Friday which made schoolchildren extremely happy for obvious reasons. The Imperial Palace, bastion of imperial authority, was illumined by the sunlight as it emerged to break through the clouds. The Empress had been up all night studying reports and reading some books which she had recieved from an old friend which was actually not uncommon for her since she had stayed up all night before at times. Her eyes, a bit strained, were still focused on a report about the Rangerian crisis when Vladimir, her personal assistant, walked into the room with a letter from Colonel John Bridson who the Empress never heard of before. Despite this fact, the Empress took the letter into her hands and, upon reading it, was very much intrigued. "I am intrigued by the words of the Colonel. It seems that he would like to share some information with us. I shall send him a swift reply." Vladimir bowed before leaving the room so Anastasia could work on a reply while putting aside her reports on the Rangerian crisis. Adjusting herself on her chair, she began to work on it at once.

"Colonel,

It came to my attention, through your letter, that you seek to meet me and discuss certain information concerning the Hegemon which has very much intrigued me. I would like to meet with you here in the city of Tzargrad to discuss the information in person as I am quite prepared to learn about what you have concerning the Hegemon who, to my knowledge, is one of Ixania's close friends. You may come whenever you wish. I await your arrival.

Signed,
Anastasia II."

Bridson smiled as he read the reply. And so my gamble worked. It was a long shot, to rely on her being willing to meet me, but now it begins. He immediately began a reply:

Your Majesty,

I am grateful for your acceptance of my request. To have agreed to meet with me is a great honor, and you have my everlasting thanks for lending your ear to me. I will be arriving in three days time around six in the evening. I look forward to speaking with you.

Col. John Bridson

Three Days Later:
Bridson stepped out of a limo in front of the Imperial Palace, dressed in a very expensive and elegant suit, and looked at his watch. Right on time, how convenient. he thought. This meeting shall decide everything.

He waited, not a hint of awkwardness or impatience in his features.

The Colonel was led into the Imperial Palace by one of the Empress' workers through the many halls and galleries that could be found in the massive building where the Empress lived. Portraits of old monarchs and their consorts along with exquisite murals and mosaics adorned the walls of the hallways and corridors which led to the Empress' study where she was waiting for the Colonel to arrive with much anxiety and trepidation. It was not every day that a letter from a mysterious man came to you. When the Colonel and his escort finally reached the door of the Empress' study, he walked inside to see the massive and comfortable study of the Empress of Ixania which was filled with portraits, sculptures and books of all genres. The Empress was sitting on her chair with her feet up on a footrest; her hair tied up in a bun while she was dressed in a simple but regal looking uniform. She smiled to unwittingly show off her pearl white teeth and adjusted herself while placing some papers upon her lap. "Welcome, Colonel. I am Empress Anastasia the Second of the Ixanian Empire. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

She offered him a seat before speaking. "Please tell me about the information you have about the Hegemon. You intrigued me when you wrote to me about it."

The Colonel was led into the Imperial Palace by one of the Empress' workers through the many halls and galleries that could be found in the massive building where the Empress lived. Portraits of old monarchs and their consorts along with exquisite murals and mosaics adorned the walls of the hallways and corridors which led to the Empress' study where she was waiting for the Colonel to arrive with much anxiety and trepidation. It was not every day that a letter from a mysterious man came to you. When the Colonel and his escort finally reached the door of the Empress' study, he walked inside to see the massive and comfortable study of the Empress of Ixania which was filled with portraits, sculptures and books of all genres. The Empress was sitting on her chair with her feet up on a footrest; her hair tied up in a bun while she was dressed in a simple but regal looking uniform. She smiled to unwittingly show off her pearl white teeth and adjusted herself while placing some papers upon her lap. "Welcome, Colonel. I am Empress Anastasia the Second of the Ixanian Empire. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

She offered him a seat before speaking. "Please tell me about the information you have about the Hegemon. You intrigued me when you wrote to me about it."

"The pleasure is all mine, your majesty." Bridson said, smiling in turn as he looked sirectly at Anastasia. "I must say, I had seen pictures of you in papers, but they do not do you justice at all."

He seemed to snap out of soemthing at that point and cleared his throaght. "Right, yes, the Hegemon." He said, blushing slightly. "Well, you see, he is not the man he seems." His face became more serious. "His outward demeanor suggests that he is goodwilled and a person to whom aggression is alien, but i assure you, that is but a facade. His true goals and sef are far more sinister."

"The pleasure is all mine, your majesty." Bridson said, smiling in turn as he looked sirectly at Anastasia. "I must say, I had seen pictures of you in papers, but they do not do you justice at all."

He seemed to snap out of soemthing at that point and cleared his throaght. "Right, yes, the Hegemon." He said, blushing slightly. "Well, you see, he is not the man he seems." His face became more serious. "His outward demeanor suggests that he is goodwilled and a person to whom aggression is alien, but i assure you, that is but a facade. His true goals and sef are far more sinister."

The Empress smiled. "Although such compliments are often given to me here, I must still thank you for saying such words to me, Colonel. You look quite handsome yourself."

"I have been considering, at times, the option of leaving the Hegemony albeit I have an average friendship with Lord Sumguy who we all know is the Hegemon. Please, Colonel, tell me what his true goals and self are. Why do you believe he lies to us all? I'm really interested in learning more about what you have to say."

"I think that first madam, I should explain a bit more about the past." Bridson replied, looking slightly mournful now. "The Sons of the Empire were not always a fugitive organization. Once, we numbered in millions. It was we and the Abrahamic League that led the revolution those many years ago, we fought and died side by side with one another agaisnt a common enemy. Of course, we did not mcuh approve of the League's religious fanaticism, and they did not have the respect for our nation's imperial tradition that we do, but none of us wished to be ruled by a communist tyrant."

He sighed, and closed his eyes for a moment. "As you know, the revolution was a success. We were able to throw off the chains of oppresion at the hands of the Dominion. As we were in the midst of celebrating our new freedom from communism however, the Abrahamic League turned on us." He looekd on the verge of tears as he spoke, as if he were replaying terrible memories in his head as he narrated. "They butchered us. the bodies of my men littered the streets of every city as maddened zealots descended upon us. They slaughtered everyone, save but a few who escaped. I was one of those few." He laughed bitterly. "You may wonder what this has to do with the Hegemon. It was he who founded the Abrahamic League and he who led it. He orderd the mass murder of my brethren, he led the Abrahamic League as it slaughtered us like animals. We have been hunted ever since, hiding from the Abrahamic League as it attempts to exterminate us, living in constant fear that a door might open and an executioner may be standing in the frame."

He smiled, and looked up at Anastasia. "Do you not know of the Abrahamic League executioners? They are assassins, moving throughout the holy empire, killing any whom the League finds to be wicked or dangerous, murdering ceaselessly. The Hegemon's bodyguard is one, as is the ambassador to Anglia. They are madmen, serial murderers, harbringers of death to they find 'unworthy', and the League endorses them. It feeds their bloodlust!"

Bridson shook his head. "No, that is not the worst or the most dangerous thing." He paused momentariy before continuing. 'Do you remember what happened during the Red Skull war? Lord Sumguy sent an army in to help the government of Greal. Immediately after the conflict ended, he demanded that Greal change its very system of government. Watsons had ruled Greal for generations, and it was stable and prosperous. Yet Lord Sumguy did not approve of imperial rule, so he threatened war upon Greal if they did not bend to his will. Your majesty, the Hegemon's true goal is to remake the world into his own image. He wants to change everything into his warped view of how things should be, and he will do most anything to acheive that goal. He will not stop until he has shaped every nation upon this earth to his will, starting with the Hegemony. Do you not beleive me? He will prove that what I am saying is true himself. Soon, he will call upon you for a personal meeting. In it, he will ask about a possibility of some sort of democratic reform. Oh, it will seem innocent enough and he wont protest if you refuse, but it will only be the beginning. He will keep asking, more and more forcefully, until you submit. If you do not, he will depose you."

I think that first madam, I should explain a bit more about the past." Bridson replied, looking slightly mournful now. "The Sons of the Empire were not always a fugitive organization. Once, we numbered in millions. It was we and the Abrahamic League that led the revolution those many years ago, we fought and died side by side with one another agaisnt a common enemy. Of course, we did not mcuh approve of the League's religious fanaticism, and they did not have the respect for our nation's imperial tradition that we do, but none of us wished to be ruled by a communist tyrant."

"Often people throw aside their differences in the face of a common goal. Thus it would be expected that religious and imperialist men would fight against Communism which, to my knowledge, hates both religion and imperialism."

He sighed, and closed his eyes for a moment. "As you know, the revolution was a success. We were able to throw off the chains of oppresion at the hands of the Dominion. As we were in the midst of celebrating our new freedom from communism however, the Abrahamic League turned on us." He looekd on the verge of tears as he spoke, as if he were replaying terrible memories in his head as he narrated. "They butchered us. the bodies of my men littered the streets of every city as maddened zealots descended upon us. They slaughtered everyone, save but a few who escaped. I was one of those few." He laughed bitterly. "You may wonder what this has to do with the Hegemon. It was he who founded the Abrahamic League and he who led it. He orderd the mass murder of my brethren, he led the Abrahamic League as it slaughtered us like animals. We have been hunted ever since, hiding from the Abrahamic League as it attempts to exterminate us, living in constant fear that a door might open and an executioner may be standing in the frame."

The Empress was intrigued by these words; she had only really known the Abrahamic League as a group dedicated to serving the poor and downtrodden of society but to hear about the dark side of the group was really interesting to her. "It would be a harsh life if one had to spend one's time living in the fear of death. I must say that I am amazed to hear such words about the Abrahamic League but I do not say that I do not believe in them. I am saddened by the idea that men of religion would commit such acts; God, I am sure, would not smile upon them." Anastasia said with a sigh. "That is why I believe in the separation of church and state; to me, religion is a two edged sword. It can kill and it can revive."

He smiled, and looked up at Anastasia. "Do you not know of the Abrahamic League executioners? They are assassins, moving throughout the holy empire, killing any whom the League finds to be wicked or dangerous, murdering ceaselessly. The Hegemon's bodyguard is one, as is the ambassador to Anglia. They are madmen, serial murderers, harbringers of death to they find 'unworthy', and the League endorses them. It feeds their bloodlust!"

"These executioners....are they ordered around by the Hegemon? I would be amazed to hear if he was since, to be honest, my view of the Hegemon is of a calm and nice man. However, looks can be decieving. I have considered leaving the Hegemony....but I may stay on. However, I shall take your words into consideration."

Bridson shook his head. "No, that is not the worst or the most dangerous thing." He paused momentariy before continuing. 'Do you remember what happened during the Red Skull war? Lord Sumguy sent an army in to help the government of Greal. Immediately after the conflict ended, he demanded that Greal change its very system of government. Watsons had ruled Greal for generations, and it was stable and prosperous. Yet Lord Sumguy did not approve of imperial rule, so he threatened war upon Greal if they did not bend to his will. Your majesty, the Hegemon's true goal is to remake the world into his own image. He wants to change everything into his warped view of how things should be, and he will do most anything to acheive that goal. He will not stop until he has shaped every nation upon this earth to his will, starting with the Hegemony. Do you not beleive me? He will prove that what I am saying is true himself. Soon, he will call upon you for a personal meeting. In it, he will ask about a possibility of some sort of democratic reform. Oh, it will seem innocent enough and he wont protest if you refuse, but it will only be the beginning. He will keep asking, more and more forcefully, until you submit. If you do not, he will depose you."

"I can remember the Red Skull War well since I was given plenty of reports about it to read by ministers who serve me. Although I generally respect the Hegemon and that my view of him is generally positive...he should know that I will not allow anyone to attack Ixania for whatever reason. I may act like the friendly and outgoing monarch from a distant land but I will do whatever it takes to defend my land. I may be an absolute monarch but I care for my people which is something I do more than a lot of people do and have done. Yes, I shall meet Lord Sumguy and deal with his questions. Is there anything else you wish to say to me, Colonel? Your words have been...enlightening."

"The Hegemon did not merely command the executioners, he helped to find their first recruits. More than half of them are orphans that were deemed to be extremely violent as children. The League took them in, brainwashed them to it's own doctrine, and set them loose to 'punish the wicked'." Bridson seemed to be trembling from anger and sorrow at this point. "They are monsters, and the Hegemon is far worse than any of them. The great pretender, he seems to be kind and generous, but have you noticed that he has never truly surrendered any power? And he has never allowed any to defy him for long if he holds the power to force them to his will, to his twisted ideals. He wants power. Not material power, not land, he wants power through control. How we think, what we do, how we live, how we are governed, he wants to control it all. He wants influence in every facet and part of every nation, organization, and society upon this earth, that he may bend it to his will." He looked at Anastasia, his eyes pleading and sincere. "He must be stopped, for all our sakes."

"Our nation was truly great once." He said, looking out a window. "Not the theocracy disguised as a republic it is today. We were once a glorious empire, a jewel of prosperity, justice,a nd peace. For centuries the old emerors rled us in a golden age. The Sons of The Empire seek only to bring that back."

He sighed. "Remember what I have said. It will be proven to you soon enough. He will come, and he will ask you to change your nation. It may seem innocent eough, but it will be but the beggining." He paused as if suddenly remembering something. "I have but more more thing to ask of you. My brethren and I have no place that we may be safe within our home country. Would the Ixanian Empire be willing to shelter us, to give us sanctuary from those who hunt us as though we were beasts?"

The Hegemon did not merely command the executioners, he helped to find their first recruits. More than half of them are orphans that were deemed to be extremely violent as children. The League took them in, brainwashed them to it's own doctrine, and set them loose to 'punish the wicked'." Bridson seemed to be trembling from anger and sorrow at this point. "They are monsters, and the Hegemon is far worse than any of them. The great pretender, he seems to be kind and generous, but have you noticed that he has never truly surrendered any power? And he has never allowed any to defy him for long if he holds the power to force them to his will, to his twisted ideals. He wants power. Not material power, not land, he wants power through control. How we think, what we do, how we live, how we are governed, he wants to control it all. He wants influence in every facet and part of every nation, organization, and society upon this earth, that he may bend it to his will." He looked at Anastasia, his eyes pleading and sincere. "He must be stopped, for all our sakes."

"From what you are saying the Abrahamic League sounds more like a cult that mocks the name of the three great religions with its actions than a sincere order of charitable and pious men and women. Lord Sumguy, in your words, sounds like a horrid man. I feel emphathy for you, Colonel, but need time to contemplate any decisions based on these words. I cannot just rush into battle; for the sake of the Ixanian people, I must make sure everything is planned out."

"Our nation was truly great once." He said, looking out a window. "Not the theocracy disguised as a republic it is today. We were once a glorious empire, a jewel of prosperity, justice,a nd peace. For centuries the old emerors rled us in a golden age. The Sons of The Empire seek only to bring that back."

"Theocracies are horrid in my opinion. Religion should be separate from Government."

He sighed. "Remember what I have said. It will be proven to you soon enough. He will come, and he will ask you to change your nation. It may seem innocent eough, but it will be but the beggining." He paused as if suddenly remembering something. "I have but more more thing to ask of you. My brethren and I have no place that we may be safe within our home country. Would the Ixanian Empire be willing to shelter us, to give us sanctuary from those who hunt us as though we were beasts?"

"Although I have respect for Lord Sumguy, I shall fight him with all my strength if he dares to attack the Empire which I love and cherish. I will allow no man to take the homes and lives of my people. I shall consider allowing you to stay here in the Empire but until then you, yourself, may reside here until I tell you of my decision."

"Your majesty is most gracious." Bridson said, standing up. "I thank you for your time, and hope you will consider what I have said here. I am very glad to have made your aquaintance. I but wish that we had met under better circumstances." He bowed as he spoke. "If your majesty does not object, I shall now take my leave."

"Your majesty is most gracious." Bridson said, standing up. "I thank you for your time, and hope you will consider what I have said here. I am very glad to have made your aquaintance. I but wish that we had met under better circumstances." He bowed as he spoke. "If your majesty does not object, I shall now take my leave."

"You are free to leave, Colonel. I will contemplate your words and tell you if I make any significant decisions. You are free to go now; I need time to think, Colonel."

"You are free to leave, Colonel. I will contemplate your words and tell you if I make any significant decisions. You are free to go now; I need time to think, Colonel."

"Of course, your majesty." Bridson replied, bowing before turning to leave. After exiting the room, he could not help but smile. Exellent.

OOC: i hope you dont mind the timewarp.

IC:
Five Days Later:

To: Her Imperial Majesty Anastasia II
From: Lord Sumguy, Hegemon

Greetings from the Holy Empire, your majesty. It is my wish that you and I meet as soo as is convenient to you in order to discuss matters of state and a number of international programs I fe would be mutually benificial to our nations. You may name the date, time, and location. I eagerly await your reply.

Lord Sumguy, Hegemon

Yarr, this be a bump. Savvy?

OOC: i hope you dont mind the timewarp.

IC:
Five Days Later:

To: Her Imperial Majesty Anastasia II
From: Lord Sumguy, Hegemon

Greetings from the Holy Empire, your majesty. It is my wish that you and I meet as soo as is convenient to you in order to discuss matters of state and a number of international programs I fe would be mutually benificial to our nations. You may name the date, time, and location. I eagerly await your reply.

Lord Sumguy, Hegemon

OOC: No problem.

The Empress of Ixania could easily remember the words of Bridson concerning Lord Sumguy when she recieved his message. It had been known only to her closest ministers that she had been considering leaving the Hegemony due to internal opposition but it was unknown as to what she would actually do. She also could remember that Bridson vehemently condemned Lord Sumguy as a power hungry madman but yet she was still willing to meet with him. She dictated a reply to him and had it sent swiftly.

From: Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Anastasia II of Ixania
To: Lord Sumguy

I am more than willing to meet you this week at my palace. Please come soon so that we may discuss the business you have intended for me to listen to. I await your arrival with trepidation.

Signed,
Anastasia II