The Empire Strikes Back - Part 3

[Damian0358]

((@Idhrendur you're missing a good chunk of post-session happenings in that recap post - so you don't have to look back yourself, here is every single post in chronological order with context:

First Recap Post (all good here)
Second Recap Post (same here)
Theodora Doukas - Post-Session; beginning of character shenanigans
Nestorius Thaddas - continuation of character shenanigans
Theodora Doukas - proper beginning of Theodora/Kyrene mini-story (Everything after "I don't think you're going mad" is retconned with the following post)
Kyrene Thaddas - continuation of discussion
Donatello Favero - The Cult Strikes Back
Wilhelm - The Cult is Beaten Again
Donatello Favero - Insanity Strikes like a Severed Pinky
Pavlo Shepelov - Disaster Strikes
Wilhelm - The Injured Healed / Theodora Doukas - Girl Talk Required
Kyrene Thaddas - Girl Talk Accepted
Theodora Doukas - Meeting With Kyrene at Augustaeon Square
Kyrene Thaddas - Assumed Disappointment
Theodora Doukas - Wilhelm Joins the Conversation
Kyrene Thaddas - Smeckledorfed
Theodora Doukas/Wilhelm - Angel Explained, Big Tease
Kyrene Thaddas - Worried as Ever
Theodora Doukas - Next Meeting Scheduled
Pavlo Shepelov - OUN Founded
Kyrene Thaddas - Next Meeting Confirmed
Third Recap Post (Everything between the Second and the Third Recap Post should be in the Third Recap Post, since I assume it is supposed to hold all the post-session)

Hope this helps!))

Eventually, the time arrived for the Thaddas family to return back home, and so, late February 1931, they left for Aotearoa, with no current plans to visit the mainland in the future.

Since then, they continued work as usual, though now Kyrene had taken a more saddened look, knowing what she knew now - angels, future disasters, people being able to tell that time has changed even if they didn't know how it was changed - it was a little much for her. Especially in how it connected to her precious boy. She would keep this info to herself, not even telling Nestorius, instead choosing to make a little journal documenting it, unrelated to her biography. She labeled it "Of Angels and Seers."

Nestorius himself was still as chipper as always, keeping the spirit of Romanitism alive everywhere he goes. Ol' Ness didn't look like he was slowing down at all, despite his advanced age. Nevertheless, some folks, both in the mainland and in Aotearoa, began worrying over the age of Nestor and Cyrene... most of all their son, Timon.

By the 1st of January, 1936, Timon had reached the age of 22, and his priorities in relations to his education were slowly coming to a halt. He was, in all technicality, ready to inherit the estate in the case of his father's passing, which entitled his senatorial seat as well. The young lad had spent the last five years, among other things, following what his parents were doing and listening to the latest news, in an attempt to mentally prepare himself, even if his father was dancing to the latest Mainlander jazz, at the age of 86, with his mother who was a few odd years younger than him.

---

Meanwhile, in the mainland, Franco received the word on the next State of the Empire Address, and prepared himself for the 1st of January.

As he arrived at the Senate, he noticed Donatello's behavior from a distance, and does his best to avoid the mad fellow.

 

[zenphoenix]

((Private))

Theodora was 49 now. She was visiting her son in Smyrna, where Belisarius was on leave from the military. Her second son had become an exceptional young man in the last ten years. Her husband Alexios couldn't make it; he was seriously ill, and Heraclius and his team of doctors were doing everything they could to keep him healthy.

Things had changed so much in the last couple of years. Niketas was off somewhere in Tibet, trying to find forgiveness for his actions many years ago. Her friend Ioannes had been promoted again, this time to Megas Doux, or Field Marshal - he was currently on assignment somewhere in the Balkans or southern Italy. John-Loukas, that bright airman that had helped save Constantinople twenty years ago or so, was being considered for promotion to Megas Domestikos ton Aeras - the chief of the newly formed Imperial Army Air Corps. General Theodoros Laskaris was off on another adventure somewhere in Africa. If not for her family, she would have been utterly alone.

The Senate wasn't much better. Favero's condition continued to decline, and he didn't talk about much more than destroying the Italian rebels. Kyrene and Nestorius had returned to Aotearoa, and although she exchanged semi-frequent letters with the former, it was clear that they wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. The others were long gone. The Senate was so full of new faces, young faces. Many of those bright men she had worked with thirty years ago were either dead or retired. Their replacements could never hope to match their optimism and energy. She was, however, proud of the other woman sitting in the Senate. Irene was a rising star, a prodigy when it came to politics and diplomacy. She had a sharp mind and a willingness to challenge just about any belief or idea. Many of the men in the Senate could not match her intellect; she could quote Homer at length, while the men could barely quote the Bible. She always said that Theodora was her inspiration to go into politics and make a difference for the people of the Empire.

Irene Doukaina was also Theodora's niece, Niketas's daughter.

After Niketas was captured in Palestine in the early days of the Time of Troubles, his wife, a nurse, was killed in the Sack of Constantinople. It was ironic that Niketas himself, brainwashed by the communists, had allowed the enemy to breach the capital's defenses and kill thousands of innocent civilians, among them his wife. In the aftermath of the attack, Theodora found a teenaged Irene on the streets, staring off into the distance at the plumes of smoke rising from downtown. With Niketas going into rehab, she adopted her niece and raised her as her own daughter, just as her father had raised her. She had always seen Irene's talents in politics and made sure to give her the best education she could. She was proud when Irene got a scholarship into the Pandidakterion, joining the ranks of the first women to enroll in the prestigious university that year. She was even prouder when Irene graduated at the top of her class, surprising all of her professors. She was delighted when Prince Michael, the youngest of the Emperor's sons, began taking an interest in her and helped her get a seat in the Senate ((I hope this is acceptable)). While she could sit among the Senate, she did not possess the rank of Senator. The law specified that Theodora had to retire or pass away before she could assume the family's seat. But in the meantime, Irene could get some much needed experience and participate in discussion.

Irene was back in Constantinople, interning at the Ministry of Security and overseeing Kira's protective custody. Her effective yet humane tactics resulted in a streamlining of the Ministry's policy, making it even more efficient. Theodora heard that she had found and eliminated at least five more Cult cells in her time with the Ministry, despite not being in leadership at all. There were rumors that the Emperor was going to name her as Theodora's successor to the post.

Right now, though, Theodora was sitting at a table outside a cafe, sipping her morning coffee. Belisarius was running a bit late for their daily meeting. He usually wasn't this late. Belisarius was a very punctual young man; he made a point to show up half an hour early if he could.

"He's not going to show," said Wilhelm, appearing in the chair opposite hers.

By now, Theodora had grown used to Wilhelm popping in and out at random. "What is it?" she said.

"Just letting you know," said Wilhelm, "Belisarius's unit just got called up an hour ago. Something about rebel activity on the border with the Palestinian rebels. They're being shipped over there by plane."

"Why are you telling me this?" said Theodora.

"Just wanted to spare you some waiting," said Wilhelm.

"What, no prophecy or cryptic message this time?" said Theodora.

"Hey, angels are like humans, only they're less fragile and more arrogant," said Wilhelm, "Well, I try not to be arrogant, but after what happened to me in Vienna I--"

"Senator Doukas!" shouted a man.

Theodora blinked, and Wilhelm was gone. A courier rushed up to her, a look of concern on his face.

"Urgent news, sir," he said, handing her three telegrams, "Three pieces of urgent news, no less."

"What is it this time..." she muttered, opening the telegrams.

The first was hardly any cause for concern. It was an official summons to the State of the Empire Address on New Year's Day. She had expected that.

What she did not expect was the content of the next telegram.

THEODORA ANNA DOUKAS,

REGRETFUL TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR SON

BELISARIUS JUSTINIAN DOUKAS

WAS KILLED IN ACTION FIGHTING
AGAINST ENEMIES OF THE EMPIRE
IN SYRIA-PALESTINE STOP

HE DIED DEFENDING HIS EMPEROR AND EMPIRE STOP

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY MICHAEL VII, BASILEUS TON RHOMAION,
AND HIS FAMILY SEND THEIR CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR IMMENSE LOSS STOP

Attached were pictures of the still smoldering wreckage of a troop transport plane.

It got worse.

MOTHER,

REGRETFULLY INFORM YOU HAVE DONE ALL WE CAN STOP

FATHER IS GONE STOP

I COULDN'T SAVE HIM STOP

I AM SO SORRY STOP

HERACLIUS STOP

"If you want, Senator, I can--" began the courier.

"Please," said Theodora.

The courier hurried off.

She tried to hold back her tears, but she couldn't. The telegrams fell out of her hands and fluttered to the ground. She had lost both her husband and her son on the same day. Alexios could still have been saved! And yet he had died a pointless death, when he could have lived for many more decades!

Her own son...the military said he had died in battle against the rebels, but that was a lie. The plane had been shot down in the middle of the desert by antiaircraft artillery. Everybody onboard had died without firing a single bullet. They had died in vain. They didn't die for emperor and empire. They just died for nothing.

"WHY?!" she screamed skywards, tears streaming from her eyes. "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO CURSE ME SO?!"

She knocked her coffee cup on the ground, where it shattered. She continued to let out a primal scream, letting her grief overtake her. Her father didn't come to her side. Niketas didn't come to her side. Alexios didn't come to her side. Belisarius and Heraclius didn't come to her side. The Emperor didn't come to her side. God didn't come to her side. In that moment, she knew she was completely and utterly alone.

((Public))

Theodora's representative announces that due to a personal matter the Senator will not be able to attend the New Year's Day address. She would instead be represented by her niece and adopted daughter, Irene Doukas.

 

[Idhrendur]

((@Idhrendur you're missing a good chunk of post-session happenings in that recap post - so you don't have to look back yourself, here is every single post in chronological order with context:

First Recap Post (all good here)
Second Recap Post (same here)
Theodora Doukas - Post-Session; beginning of character shenanigans
Nestorius Thaddas - continuation of character shenanigans
Theodora Doukas - proper beginning of Theodora/Kyrene mini-story (Everything after "I don't think you're going mad" is retconned with the following post)
Kyrene Thaddas - continuation of discussion
Donatello Favero - The Cult Strikes Back
Wilhelm - The Cult is Beaten Again
Donatello Favero - Insanity Strikes like a Severed Pinky
Pavlo Shepelov - Disaster Strikes
Wilhelm - The Injured Healed / Theodora Doukas - Girl Talk Required
Kyrene Thaddas - Girl Talk Accepted
Theodora Doukas - Meeting With Kyrene at Augustaeon Square
Kyrene Thaddas - Assumed Disappointment
Theodora Doukas - Wilhelm Joins the Conversation
Kyrene Thaddas - Smeckledorfed
Theodora Doukas/Wilhelm - Angel Explained, Big Tease
Kyrene Thaddas - Worried as Ever
Theodora Doukas - Next Meeting Scheduled
Pavlo Shepelov - OUN Founded
Kyrene Thaddas - Next Meeting Confirmed
Third Recap Post (Everything between the Second and the Third Recap Post should be in the Third Recap Post, since I assume it is supposed to hold all the post-session)

Hope this helps!))

(( Thanks! I had forgotten there were earlier posts to include. It should be correct now. ))

 

[zenphoenix]

((When we go into HOI4, can we have all of the rebels and our enemies (Russia especially) team up to declare war on us simultaneously? And can we influence which focuses you take?

Also, I know this is a bit of a stretch, but can I write some character development for members of the imperial family, particularly the princes and princesses?))

 

[Idhrendur]

Senator Donatello Favero seems unusually giddy before the State of the Empire address. If anyone moves near him, he belabours them with tales of the instability of Italy's government and how they couldn't even fend off a revolution within their own borders. He continuously rambles on about how an invasion is sure to succeed now that Italy is in chaos.

Senator Rajah Akbar Patel was excited.Finally!He would have his first speech in Senate!He already had a plan of this speech,with three paragraphs:
-firstly,Radical Party agrees with that all rebel-occupied provinces must be brought back under Roman Empire's rule
-secondly,he(personally)agrees with predecessor,that Ukraine(and other Russian-occupied lands)must be liberated
-thirdly(it was his own agenda)India must be puppeted by Romans and turned into Corporative Republic of India,Ltd. - for liberation of Indians and for Roman profit
When he summed up all of this,he printed his speech and went to taxi station.

Eventually, the time arrived for the Thaddas family to return back home, and so, late February 1931, they left for Aotearoa, with no current plans to visit the mainland in the future.

Since then, they continued work as usual, though now Kyrene had taken a more saddened look, knowing what she knew now - angels, future disasters, people being able to tell that time has changed even if they didn't know how it was changed - it was a little much for her. Especially in how it connected to her precious boy. She would keep this info to herself, not even telling Nestorius, instead choosing to make a little journal documenting it, unrelated to her biography. She labeled it "Of Angels and Seers."

Nestorius himself was still as chipper as always, keeping the spirit of Romanitism alive everywhere he goes. Ol' Ness didn't look like he was slowing down at all, despite his advanced age. Nevertheless, some folks, both in the mainland and in Aotearoa, began worrying over the age of Nestor and Cyrene... most of all their son, Timon.

By the 1st of January, 1936, Timon had reached the age of 22, and his priorities in relations to his education were slowly coming to a halt. He was, in all technicality, ready to inherit the estate in the case of his father's passing, which entitled his senatorial seat as well. The young lad had spent the last five years, among other things, following what his parents were doing and listening to the latest news, in an attempt to mentally prepare himself, even if his father was dancing to the latest Mainlander jazz, at the age of 86, with his mother who was a few odd years younger than him.

---

Meanwhile, in the mainland, Franco received the word on the next State of the Empire Address, and prepared himself for the 1st of January.

As he arrived at the Senate, he noticed Donatello's behavior from a distance, and does his best to avoid the mad fellow.

((Private))

Theodora was 49 now. She was visiting her son in Smyrna, where Belisarius was on leave from the military. Her second son had become an exceptional young man in the last ten years. Her husband Alexios couldn't make it; he was seriously ill, and Heraclius and his team of doctors were doing everything they could to keep him healthy.

Things had changed so much in the last couple of years. Niketas was off somewhere in Tibet, trying to find forgiveness for his actions many years ago. Her friend Ioannes had been promoted again, this time to Megas Doux, or Field Marshal - he was currently on assignment somewhere in the Balkans or southern Italy. John-Loukas, that bright airman that had helped save Constantinople twenty years ago or so, was being considered for promotion to Megas Domestikos ton Aeras - the chief of the newly formed Imperial Army Air Corps. General Theodoros Laskaris was off on another adventure somewhere in Africa. If not for her family, she would have been utterly alone.

The Senate wasn't much better. Favero's condition continued to decline, and he didn't talk about much more than destroying the Italian rebels. Kyrene and Nestorius had returned to Aotearoa, and although she exchanged semi-frequent letters with the former, it was clear that they wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. The others were long gone. The Senate was so full of new faces, young faces. Many of those bright men she had worked with thirty years ago were either dead or retired. Their replacements could never hope to match their optimism and energy. She was, however, proud of the other woman sitting in the Senate. Irene was a rising star, a prodigy when it came to politics and diplomacy. She had a sharp mind and a willingness to challenge just about any belief or idea. Many of the men in the Senate could not match her intellect; she could quote Homer at length, while the men could barely quote the Bible. She always said that Theodora was her inspiration to go into politics and make a difference for the people of the Empire.

Irene Doukaina was also Theodora's niece, Niketas's daughter.

After Niketas was captured in Palestine in the early days of the Time of Troubles, his wife, a nurse, was killed in the Sack of Constantinople. It was ironic that Niketas himself, brainwashed by the communists, had allowed the enemy to breach the capital's defenses and kill thousands of innocent civilians, among them his wife. In the aftermath of the attack, Theodora found a teenaged Irene on the streets, staring off into the distance at the plumes of smoke rising from downtown. With Niketas going into rehab, she adopted her niece and raised her as her own daughter, just as her father had raised her. She had always seen Irene's talents in politics and made sure to give her the best education she could. She was proud when Irene got a scholarship into the Pandidakterion, joining the ranks of the first women to enroll in the prestigious university that year. She was even prouder when Irene graduated at the top of her class, surprising all of her professors. She was delighted when Prince Michael, the youngest of the Emperor's sons, began taking an interest in her and helped her get a seat in the Senate ((I hope this is acceptable)). While she could sit among the Senate, she did not possess the rank of Senator. The law specified that Theodora had to retire or pass away before she could assume the family's seat. But in the meantime, Irene could get some much needed experience and participate in discussion.

Irene was back in Constantinople, interning at the Ministry of Security and overseeing Kira's protective custody. Her effective yet humane tactics resulted in a streamlining of the Ministry's policy, making it even more efficient. Theodora heard that she had found and eliminated at least five more Cult cells in her time with the Ministry, despite not being in leadership at all. There were rumors that the Emperor was going to name her as Theodora's successor to the post.

Right now, though, Theodora was sitting at a table outside a cafe, sipping her morning coffee. Belisarius was running a bit late for their daily meeting. He usually wasn't this late. Belisarius was a very punctual young man; he made a point to show up half an hour early if he could.

"He's not going to show," said Wilhelm, appearing in the chair opposite hers.

By now, Theodora had grown used to Wilhelm popping in and out at random. "What is it?" she said.

"Just letting you know," said Wilhelm, "Belisarius's unit just got called up an hour ago. Something about rebel activity on the border with the Palestinian rebels. They're being shipped over there by plane."

"Why are you telling me this?" said Theodora.

"Just wanted to spare you some waiting," said Wilhelm.

"What, no prophecy or cryptic message this time?" said Theodora.

"Hey, angels are like humans, only they're less fragile and more arrogant," said Wilhelm, "Well, I try not to be arrogant, but after what happened to me in Vienna I--"

"Senator Doukas!" shouted a man.

Theodora blinked, and Wilhelm was gone. A courier rushed up to her, a look of concern on his face.

"Urgent news, sir," he said, handing her three telegrams, "Three pieces of urgent news, no less."

"What is it this time..." she muttered, opening the telegrams.

The first was hardly any cause for concern. It was an official summons to the State of the Empire Address on New Year's Day. She had expected that.

What she did not expect was the content of the next telegram.

THEODORA ANNA DOUKAS,

REGRETFUL TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR SON

BELISARIUS JUSTINIAN DOUKAS

WAS KILLED IN ACTION FIGHTING
AGAINST ENEMIES OF THE EMPIRE
IN SYRIA-PALESTINE STOP

HE DIED DEFENDING HIS EMPEROR AND EMPIRE STOP

HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY MICHAEL VII, BASILEUS TON RHOMAION,
AND HIS FAMILY SEND THEIR CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR IMMENSE LOSS STOP

Attached were pictures of the still smoldering wreckage of a troop transport plane.

It got worse.

MOTHER,

REGRETFULLY INFORM YOU HAVE DONE ALL WE CAN STOP

FATHER IS GONE STOP

I COULDN'T SAVE HIM STOP

I AM SO SORRY STOP

HERACLIUS STOP

"If you want, Senator, I can--" began the courier.

"Please," said Theodora.

The courier hurried off.

She tried to hold back her tears, but she couldn't. The telegrams fell out of her hands and fluttered to the ground. She had lost both her husband and her son on the same day. Alexios could still have been saved! And yet he had died a pointless death, when he could have lived for many more decades!

Her own son...the military said he had died in battle against the rebels, but that was a lie. The plane had been shot down in the middle of the desert by antiaircraft artillery. Everybody onboard had died without firing a single bullet. They had died in vain. They didn't die for emperor and empire. They just died for nothing.

"WHY?!" she screamed skywards, tears streaming from her eyes. "WHY DO YOU HAVE TO CURSE ME SO?!"

She knocked her coffee cup on the ground, where it shattered. She continued to let out a primal scream, letting her grief overtake her. Her father didn't come to her side. Niketas didn't come to her side. Alexios didn't come to her side. Belisarius and Heraclius didn't come to her side. The Emperor didn't come to her side. God didn't come to her side. In that moment, she knew she was completely and utterly alone.

((Public))

Theodora's representative announces that due to a personal matter the Senator will not be able to attend the New Year's Day address. She would instead be represented by her niece and adopted daughter, Irene Doukas.

 

[Idhrendur]

The address begins unusually as Prince Konstantinos, rather than the Emperor, enters the meeting hall.

Senators,

My father, the Emperor, is quite ill, and so I am making this address in his stead.

In March of 1931, Ethiopia declared war on Adal for the enclave in their lands. When Adal’s allies came to Adal’s defense, Ethiopia asked for the Empire’s help. As my father was away and resting, I took the opportunity to defend our ally and to impose better order on east Africa. This put us at war with Scotland, England, Kanata, Adal, and Iraq.

A steady stream of victorious battles followed, although the inept Theodoros Kolokotronis proved unable to use the Guyana navy to win against the English navy. And the forces in Guyana were scarcely worth a colonial militia, being forced to retreat to the islands before the English hordes.

In August, father had returned to health. He was aghast and quite insulting about the war. He ranted about throwing away lives to no gain, as if their entire purpose wasn’t the Empire’s glory, then immediately made a white peace with Iraq. There was his ‘no gain’! Then he made a peace with Scotland for the original war aim, never adding another demand.

During our little war, Scandinavia defeated the Germans, seizing control of critical Baltic islands. Or islands that would be critical if Germany hadn’t built the Kiel Canal bypassing them.

In October of 1831, loyalists in Aquitaine began an uprising to return to the Empire. Simultaneously, American terrorists sank the USS Constantinople while it was in a UTA harbor. Father, surely addled by disease, refused to punish the Americans.

In fact, father went further and released Gabon as a foederati state, claiming in needed to be done to preserve our international reputation. As if any reputation other than that of the legions mattered. And they’re too small to provide any assistance to the Empire during war. Useless foederati.

And then he refused to accept the return of lands from Aquitaine, even at the cost of our prestige! Father can be such a fool sometimes!

At least he allowed me to raise two motorized divisions. Not that they saw use, even when Burgundy declared yet another war on Aquitaine, or Germany annexed Denmark, or Germany went to seize yet more Polish lands, or when England sought to cut Biru down to size. And even then, he complained about the logistics of acquiring parts and fuel, and of the cost for doing so. He seems to think I overdid it with the two regiments.

Surprisingly, Poland-Lithuania won against Germany, taking back Latvia.

And Norwegian nationalists secured their independence from Russia. Scandinavia soon worked to unite the region.

Finally, in November the Imperial Air Force began using a new type of bomber.

And I heard annoying amounts about the costs of goods in the Empire, of worker strikes and lockouts and soup kitchens, and other such things. As if anything other than the glory of the Empire matters.

Nevertheless, it seems father is not long for the world. And mark my words, the Empire will not be so weak once I am emperor.

The prince then stared at the senators with a scowl, waiting for their responses.

 

[Idhrendur]

(( In addition to the obvious stuff, you might choose to address his choice of fiance. I haven't invented the full story, so feel free to insert necessary details. Let's say she's still an American, which in this world means Cherokee. ))

 

[Idhrendur]

((When we go into HOI4, can we have all of the rebels and our enemies (Russia especially) team up to declare war on us simultaneously? And can we influence which focuses you take? ))

(( We'll get into all that stuff once the address is wrapped up. I'll probably want to pick all your brains when working on the mod. ))

(( Also, I know this is a bit of a stretch, but can I write some character development for members of the imperial family, particularly the princes and princesses?))

(( Be careful of Prince Alvértos, as I haven't chosen his personality yet, but other than that, go for it! If you want to write for Prince Konstantinos, I hope his personality is clear by now. ))

 

[zenphoenix]

(( We'll get into all that stuff once the address is wrapped up. I'll probably want to pick all your brains when working on the mod. ))



(( Be careful of Prince Alvértos, as I haven't chosen his personality yet, but other than that, go for it! If you want to write for Prince Konstantinos, I hope his personality is clear by now. ))

((So I can assume that Michael is single?))

 

[Idhrendur]

(( He would have married on 29 November 1934. ))

 

[Damian0358]

Franco wasn't sure what to think when the Prince entered the hall in his father's stead. He didn't read the papers much, mostly due to the questionable articles that appear every so often, nor did he follow any news in regards to the royal family's personal affairs, so the Prince was an unknown to him. But quickly, as the Address progressed, his views on the heir apparent had sunk decently. He wasn't a fan of his debatable jingoism, inflammatory comments towards the Emperor and His judgement, and ignorance and/or disinterest in the matters of the workers and the economy, but what sealed Franco's less-than-stellar opinion on the Prince was questioning the decision to make Gabon a federate, and subsequently calling it useless.

If the Prince thought Gabon was useless, he then thought about what he would say about Aotearoa. Right as he was decently miffed, he heard the Prince's final comment, with Franco watching his slimy gob shift into a scowl. It was at that moment Franco remembered the Prince was still a member of the royal family, and he needn't piss him off too much, and thus quickly changed his expression to one of neutral emotion. Despite his current thoughts, he still wasn't exactly aware of what the Prince has done so far. Perhaps if someone criticized him and/or spoke up about something in relation to him, he might be able to express his own frustrations.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Senator Donatello Favero feigned disinterest throughout the Crown Prince's entire speech. Italy was not mentioned once, so as far as anyone would believe, he wouldn't care what was being said to the Senate. Privately though, he listened quite intently to what the Crown Prince was saying, and he liked what he heard. Indeed, the Empire had sat on its laurels for too long, allowing the army to stagnate while rebel states continued to exist. The longer they were left to their own devices, the better prepared they would be to resist reintegration. An entire generation was being born and raised as citizens of rebel states instead of the Empire. They identified as Italians, French, Burgundians, and what have you, rather than true subjects of the Empire. It was outright disgusting. If the Crown Prince was as jingoist as Donatello hoped, perhaps the time would come at last to reclaim what was lost. Donatello would bide his time for that exact moment.

 

[zenphoenix]

((So should I assume that unless otherwise stated everybody in the family is married, then? Just wondering. It doesn't have that much of an effect on my planned HOI4 IC.))

((Private))

The senators took their seats in the Senate after the national anthem had been played and a short prayer had been read. Irene Doukas, a young brown-haired woman in her late twenties, looked around her, observing the ancient political body in action. Some senators nervously chatted with one another, while the veterans simply sat quietly, waiting for the Emperor to arrive.

A herald sounded the trumpets, and he announced, "Esteemed senators of the Empire, Konstantinos, Prince of Thrace."

The Crown Prince silently entered the Senate and stepped up to the podium. She had seen his picture in the papers before, but she had never expected to meet the man in person. He was a tall and imposing but frail figure. While he wore a military uniform, he looked a bit thinner than the average soldier. He was a bit handsome, but she wasn't drawn to him in any way, especially after he began speaking. For the next hour or so he rambled on about imperial glory and wars around the world, glorifying each victory while in the same breath condemning every general responsible for a defeat and even criticizing the Emperor himself, his own father, for not pursuing more punitive peace terms. Konstantinos railed against his father's decision to let an incident involving UTA "terrorists" slide and to organize a colonial dominion in Africa. It was clear this man was only concerned with military glory and quasi-fascist ideals. So when he started to scowl at the senators, she just kept quiet like the other senators.

Was this what Aunt Theo had told her to expect? She was probably expecting the Emperor to give the address, not this prince who had such a disregard for all Romans who weren't soldiers. Why did the Emperor even choose him to be his successor? Surely he knew what Konstantinos could possibly do as Emperor.

His rhetoric alarmed Irene. If he was this dismissive towards a majority of Romans and his own father, how would he view the senators and the rebels? What would he do in charge of the colonies and dominions? And what damage could he do to the order that Empress Veronica and her successors had built up over the last century? Would he rush headlong into the next great conflict, attacking all of the rebels and their foreign backers before the Empire was ready?

She decided to wait and see how the other senators responded before speaking up. She couldn't risk clashing with the heir to the throne, especially when her mother was so close to convincing the Emperor on the merits of a separate head of government.

 

[Cossack_of_Hetmanschina]

Akbar Patel wasn't sure what to think.And this jingoist with dismissive attitude towards most of Romans will be next Emperor?If his own foederati state he called "useless",how he would react to proposals of liberation of oppressed India,Ukraine,and other?He is a royalty,rajah remembered,and must be tolerated as such.Speech was too long,and he wasn't sure when senators would express their opinion.
((response after end of Crown Prince's speech))
Your Highness,and fellow Senators!
It's my opinion,as of Radical Party's senator,that Roman Empire should focus more on not so useless dominions,basically it must re-integrate rebel states on basis of membership in organization,let's call it Roman Commonwealth,that will through non-violent means bring unity to Gallia and Italia.
Also,I agree with His Highness that military is in bad shape,and that Roman Empire needs to motorize it.But,my opinion stands - Roman Empire must reconquer lost ally's territories in Russia,and liberate Indian people.If Roman Empire haven't abandoned it's partially Greek roots,than perhaps next Emperor will restore Alexander's achievements and puppet India,ensuring it's transition to foederati colonial corporation under Roman-aligned governor,who will provide both equality and Roman profit.
Hope,that you have heard my words,
Rajah Akbar Patel have spoken.

 

[zenphoenix]

Akbar Patel wasn't sure what to think.And this jingoist with dismissive attitude towards most of Romans will be next Emperor?If his own foederati state he called "useless",how he would react to proposals of liberation of oppressed India,Ukraine,and other?He is a royalty,rajah remembered,and must be tolerated as such.Speech was too long,and he wasn't sure when senators would express their opinion.
((response after end of Crown Prince's speech))
Your Highness,and fellow Senators!
It's my opinion,as of Radical Party's senator,that Roman Empire should focus more on not so useless dominions,basically it must re-integrate rebel states on basis of membership in organization,let's call it Roman Commonwealth,that will through non-violent means bring unity to Gallia and Italia.
Also,I agree with His Highness that military is in bad shape,and that Roman Empire needs to motorize it.But,my opinion stands - Roman Empire must reconquer lost ally's territories in Russia,and liberate Indian people.If Roman Empire haven't abandoned it's partially Greek roots,than perhaps next Emperor will restore Alexander's achievements and puppet India,ensuring it's transition to foederati corporated republic under Roman-aligned governor,who will provide both equality and Roman profit.
Hope,that you have heard my words,
Rajah Akbar Patel have spoken.

((Please don't copy my idea for corporate republics. It annoys me very much.))

 

[Cossack_of_Hetmanschina]

((Please don't copy my idea for corporate republics. It annoys me very much.))

((Edited))

 

[Damian0358]

Franco watched as the latest member of the rotating senatorial seat stood and spoke in what sounded like a slightly broken Greek. He could tell the man was Indian before he even stated his name, with his accent displaying it in full glory. He did hear that Shepelov had retired two years prior, but didn't follow to see who would receive the seat. He was mildly disgusted by Akbar's suggestion of puppeteering India, some mad attempt to restore the achievements of Alexander the Great; it was obvious where his interests laid, intent in undermining the alliance fostered with his home country and start a war that would instill his own agenda in the region. He did however think the fella was ballsy though, smart enough to somehow obtain a senatorial seat so that he could suggest his crazy plans to His Royal Highness directly, and it seemed like today was his lucky day, finding someone possibly jingoistic enough to even give the idea a second thought.

Now he wished he had been reading the papers, since not only would he have just slightly more knowledge on Konstantinos, but have known about this apparent Rajah earlier. As he rested his head in his hand, he looked around himself once more, watching the other senators stay oddly quiet. He expected Tiberius to speak up, same with Donatello, probably in support of the rhetoric espoused by the Prince, though Alexios might be holding the latter back in feat of him ranting innately about Italia, while also expecting Theodora to politely speak against such vitriol, and possibly Julius adding his voice too, with the Palaiologoi remaining as quiet as they usually are... speaking of Theodora, he noticed a younger lady was seated where she usually sat. He did hear something about Theodora's adopted daughter appearing in her name for this Address, one of the few things he heard off in advance, so that might be her. Perhaps she knew more on Konstantinos, even if she was from a different branch of the Doukas.

With the Prince's gaze distracted by the Indian with gutso, Franco tried to catch Irene's attention with subtle eyebrow movements.

 

[zenphoenix]

A random senator stood up. "Senator, with all due respect, ARE YOU MAD?!"

Another senator stood up. "India is our ally! Are you suggesting we betray our ally and subject them to a quasi colonial republican dictatorship?! What did they do to deserve that!"

"That is both impossible and insane!" shouted another. "We would destroy our reputation in the global community! Our other allies would abandon us for Russia!"

"And a COMMONWEALTH?!" shouted another senator. "There is only one fate for the rebel scum, and that is death! No deals with the traitors and terrorists! Especially after they attacked Constantinople!"

"Sack him!" cried dozens more, forcing the Varangians to be sent in to prevent a fight from breaking out.

((Private))

As the senators shouted, Irene and many of the veterans sat in their seats quietly, waiting for the whole thing to blow over. She noticed the Prince's face blushing bright red, and she braced for the inevitable outburst.

At that moment, she noticed one of the other senators--Franco, her aunt told her--moving his eyebrows in a weird manner. Strange. Was he trying to get her attention?

 

[Damian0358]

As Franco attempted to get Irene's attention, he couldn't help but notice that the meeting hall quickly collapsed into madness, with a couple senators getting quite irate by the words of the Rajah, with the Varangians entering the fray to stop a fight from happening. At that moment, he noticed that Irene was looking his way; had she finally noticed him?

He did a little wave towards the lass to confirm if she did in fact notice him. He hoped his visage, now entering its mid-50s, wouldn't dissuade her.

 

[zenphoenix]

((Private))

This better be important and he better not be hitting on me, she thought as she nodded to respond to Franco's wave.