First of all, thank you to
@skagerakk for allowing me to post my short story in here. Second of all to give some context, this short story takes place against the background of Emperor de Mérode's sudden and mysterious death. It follows Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte, acting regent in Arcadié, as she investigates the late Emperor's death. So let's get into it!
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust
2209.12.7 7:19 PM. Albion, Temple District.
A beautiful white gleaming ship landed in Albion. As its landing gear touched the ground, a big ramp extended down. As Lady-Regent Buenoparte descended from the ramp, she admired the beautiful scenery where she once had enjoyed her religious education.
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Lady Buenoparte, welcome to Albion, may you be blessed by the Gods. It is unfortunate that we have to meet in these circumstances after what happened with the Emperor, which got you into the regent position you now are, but I am sure you are doing fine managing Arcadié."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Indeed, Arcadié these last few years is less dependent on its ruling family than you would generally expect from an Archduchy on our planet."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Anyway, let us go to the Palace before we continue our conversation. Follow me."
They walked to a limo, guarded by a couple Children of Arius. They both took a seat and whilst the limo is driving to the Palace.
"So Lady Regent, what is it that brings you back to Albion?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"You might or might not be familiar with Arcadian local politics, but I am actually here on official business. A law was just passed through both Houses to start an official investigation into the death of our late Archduke."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Is it? I have to be completely honest here: I don't follow the rambling that takes place in both the Assembly and the Chamber. I am a man of Faith after all, not of politics."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I am talking about the Houses of the local Arcadian council, here Your Holiness. The rambling in the Capital has nothing to do with this investigation."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Then I definitely did not catch word of this 'investigation'. What are they trying to find? Some sort of 'evidence' our late Emperor doesn't actually has his body been burned and his ashes spread out throughout outer space? I fear it might be a bit difficult to retrieve those ashes from space to 'test' their origins..."
The limo drove through the gates of the Pontifical Palace and stopped at the big entrance of the Palace.
"Let us go inside first, we'll have a bit more privacy up there."
The Lady-Regent followed the Pontifex inside.
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"That is exactly what this investigation is about. We have already interviewed the family of the late Emperor and there are some things that need to be explained. As this is the last place the Emperor was seen alive, I'd like to know what his last days were like."
The Pontifex guided the Lady Regent to a small room, signalled the Children watching guard to leave and took a seat.
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"His family will say the same as I will now: he was emotionally stressed and burned out. Politics is what killed him. His heart couldn't cope. You see why I don't involve myself with politics."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Was the Emperor visited by anyone in particular before he died?"
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"The Emperor locked himself in his private quarters he was assigned to when he came here with me and has seen no-one besides me, when he asked me for advice, but most of the time he would spend his time alone, thinking I imagine of how to solve the crisis. I helped him as much as I could, but he kept me out of it for the most part."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Did the Emperor leave behind anything from his time here in Albion? Something like a diary or notes?"
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Not that I know of. If he did, I believe any of his personal belongings were most likely given to his family members, you should ask them if that was the case. If they'll allow someone to put their nose in their business is an entirely different thing though..."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"If it's not much to ask of you, could I perhaps see where the Emperor spent his last days?"
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"That room is unfortunately occupied at the moment by one of our many members of the Church. You would have to ask the priest who is currently residing there for his permission, but I fear he is someone who prefers his privacy."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Would you be kind enough, Your Holiness, to inquire with that person if such a matter could be arranged? I fear the House of Lords in Arcadié would not be satisfied if I did not at least try."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Of course you can always try. He is somewhere in Albion attending his business so I will have to ask him later. I will send you once I have been in touch with him."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I must thank you for your hospitality, Your Holiness. There is one last thing I'd like to ask before I have to leave. Did the Emperor make any last wishes known to you before he died?"
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Not that I know of, he only asked me for spiritual guidance in his last hours. May Arius bless his soul."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Thank you, Your Holiness, for your hospitality and for your willingness to provide me with answers. I think the Arcadian House of Lords will be pleased to hear that their Pontifex has offered his most esteemed cooperation with the investigation that they have chosen to open. I hope that when I am done, we will finally have the answers we all were waiting for."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"What answers are you looking for? If I am not mistaken, you have not yet told me why there is an investigation in the first place?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"As I said, the House of Lords passed a law which required me to conduct such an investigation. Perhaps they were not satisfied with the ample information they received from the government. The death of our ruler certainly isn't something which occurs very often, so I believe it is fair that the Lords of Arcadié which to know what exactly happened to their Archduke and why his body wasn't brought to Arcadié for a funeral there."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"The Emperor was stressed and almost dead at the end of his life. People do not think clear when they are in that state of mind, not even with spiritual guidance. I believe there is nothing the Lords of Arcadié have to be worried about. After all, they're only a local justice department, there is not much they can do."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Your Holiness, if I may, scalding the Lords of Arcadié for their concern is quite unfair. They are some of the most faithful of your subjects. It is not a coincidence that Emperor de Mérode was such a faithful man, it is simply a common feature amongst the people of Arcadié. The Lords simply want to know if there was anything out of the order in the Emperor's last days. But as you have said, and as the late Emperor's family has already said, Carolus de Mérode suffered from a heart attack, and there is no reason as of yet to doubt this. I simply want to know if the late Emperor had any last visions on Arcadian politics, something which might help his successor once he becomes Archduke."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"There is a difference between an investigation about the last days of the Emperor and merely 'getting to know his last visions on Arcadian politics'. I can say for the first: he died of a heart attack, officials have confirmed this, so there is nothing the Lords of Arcadié have to be worried about. As for the latter: I have no idea on the Emperor's last wishes nor visions on local politics, the man was not in a good state to think about such things. I fear de Mérode's family and the Lords of Arcadié will have to come up with their own, original, ideas to govern their Archduchy, which I am sure they are capable of. And if not, they should ask de Mérode's family, not me nor the Church for that matter. But if you'll excuse me, I have other meetings planned and other important stuff to do."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Of course, Your Holiness, my apologies if my inquiry has come over to you as rude or too invasive. I was simply doing what I was told by the legislation passed in Arcadié."
Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius:
"Then tell them their investigation is ill-framed and unnecessary. There is nothing they have to worry about. May you and the Lords be blessed with wisdom. Have a good day."
The Pontifex pushed a button, signalling Children of Arius to enter the room, and guide the Lady Regent out of the palace.
As the Lady Regent enters her ship, she glances out of a window and looks back at Albion. She had some of her best days here, but now her childhood memories were somewhat ruined by the rude appearance of the Pontifex. She would certainly have to come back here to mend her relationship with His Holiness. Then the idea came to her. The Pontifex might not be so willing to cooperate, but physical evidence would still be present here in Albion. She remembered the Pontifex saying “I fear it might be a bit difficult to retrieve those ashes from space to 'test' their origins...". Clearly, the Pontifex wasn’t educated in forensic sciences. Napolitana suspected that just like a gun left trace amounts of gunpowder when fired, there would be trace amounts of ash on the ships which were used to spread de Mérode’s ashes. All she would have to do is find one of those ships. Napolitana descended from the ship again, shouting back at her on board personnel that she was going to take a walk and visit her childhood school.
It took some time, but eventually she found one of the ships which were used to spread de Mérode’s ashes into space in a remote warehouse in Albion. Clearly, the ship hadn’t seen much action since 2206, as the exhaust pipes were taken out and something which looked like an engine was laying in a corner. She took out her particle counter, a device used by forensics to detect certain materials in a matter of minutes. She eventually found the hole from which the ashes could have been dispersed. It was a small circular hole at the side of the ship, with a hatch. She forced open the hatch by short-circuiting the external control panel and looked inside with her particle counter. She was correct, there was some trace amount of ash there. She collected it in a vial and quickly left before anyone had seen her.
As General of the Arcadian Defence Forces, which acted like the local law enforcement in Arcadié, she had outfitted her ship with a mobile forensic lab. Now it proved how handy that was. She put the vial in the analyzer and waited for the results. After a while, a piece of paper was printed out, detailing the composition of the ashes. Luckily for her, there was grounded bone powder in the vial she collected. As DNA could not be extracted from ash, finding traces of bones or teeth was her only chance. It seemed the Gods had blessed her with this find. She read the piece of paper, 0% Human, 100% Bovine, cow ashes! She knew it! The Emperor was not cremated on that funeral pyre and his ashes were not spread into outer space! Napolitana took out a lighter and burned the piece of paper to a crisp. She then took the vial and destroyed it in the ship’s dematerializing bin.
2210.1.3 1:30 PM. Arcadié, Landing Tower 4.
A shuttle with Navy Herald descended from orbit into Arcadié and landed on the landing platform reserved for government officials on Landing Tower #4. Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer disembarked with a couple of officers into tow and approached the Lady Regent who was awaiting him on the platform.
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Head Admiral, how nice of you to respond so quickly to my request. I promise this won't take too much of your time."
Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer:
"The pleasure is mine. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I simply wish to ask you some questions regarding official records of the Navy. Is it correct that the Navy records all ingoing and outgoing ships from Vaeria?"
Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer:
"We do our best. There are a lot of traffic going both ways.
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"And would this information of let's say four or five years ago be open to the public?"
Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer:
"No, global traffic like that is subject to Navy and or IIA approval."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Okay thank you Head Admiral, then there is one other matter which I'd like to ask you. As you may or may not know, next year (2211) marks the 450th anniversary of the rule of the House de Mérode. Preparations are currently being made in Arcadié to hold festivities to honour the Mérodes and to honour the late Emperor. I would humbly ask if the Imperial Navy lend some of its fighter jets for a fly-over of the city."
Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer:
"I will have it arranged. Anything else?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"That is all, thank you for your quick response, Head Admiral. If you would allow me, here is a gift from the Archduchy of Arcadié."
The Lady Regent hands over a bottle of Mérode wine.
"It is wine produced by the Mérode family, it's the best in all of Vaeria. I hope you like it."
Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer:
"I will put it to good use Lady Regent. I appreciate the gift."
He paused. "If your request for sensor log data was a narrow enough scope. I could have it reviewed to make sure no classified information was inadvertently detected. I would then the need to verify with the survey corp, IIA and the army to make sure they don't have any thing classified going in those sensor logs. Then I could release them. I know that is not likely what you want to hear but that is the best I can do."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I will try to contact the IIA for the release of those documents, that will spare you some time and effort, I believe."
Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer:
"I wish you luck in your investigation."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Thank you, Head Admiral."
Head Admiral Franz Oppenheimer:
"It was a pleasure meeting you*
The Lady Regent nods as she watched the Head Admiral getting in the shuttle and leaving Arcadié to get back to his duties. Once the shuttle was out of view, she sent an official request to the IIA to review the records on the ingoing and outgoing ships of that fateful day back in 2206. After several minutes, she got a message back from Director Jäger of the IIA, asking to discuss the details of her request in person. Napolitana gladly accepted.
After several hours, a shuttle marked with the logo of the IIA descends from the sky and lands on one of the Landing Towers in Arcadié. Gerald Jäger, Director of the Imperial Intelligence Agency descends from his shuttle and is greeted by the Lady-Regent.
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Good day, Director Jäger. I am glad to finally meet you."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Greetings Lady Regent. the Pleasure is all mine. I believe you have a request and I fear I need more details about it"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Ah yes. The situation is fairly simple. At the end of last year, a Lord in the Arcadian House of Lords proposed a bill which tasked me personally with an independent investigation into the circumstances of our Archduke's death. The bill passed in the House of Lords and I set out to investigate. So far all my results have confirmed the official story and the records of the ingoing and outgoing ships would further confirm the official story I believe, which would allow me to finally put the concerns of our House of Lords to rest."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"And you wish to examine the global logs for that?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I just need confirmation that the ten ships which departed from Albion and carried de Mérode's ashes all arrived back on Vaeria."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Alright"
The Director turned to his phone and typed a quick message.
"If you have the time, follow me into the shuttle, we will fly back to IIA HQ and I will have a secure uplink prepared for you, where you can investigate the logs. For security reasons I cannot allow the logs to be transferred out of designated secure uplinks to the sensor grid. I am certain you understand."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I certainly understand, Director."
The Lady Regent followed the Director into the shuttle. The shuttle ascended and flew into orbit.
2210.1.3 4:50PM. Höchstburg, IIA HQ.
The shuttle carrying the Director of the IIA and the Lady-Regent of Arcadié descended on Höchstburg. It landed at the Landing pads on top of IIA HQ, a landing pad always busy with Agents arriving and departing as well as with some Dropships arriving and departing as well. The Director walked out the shuttle and offered his hand to the Lady-Regent to help her out the shuttle. The Lady-Regent took the Director's hand and descended from the shuttle. The director smiled and checked his phone
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Alright, Lady Regent. The uplink to the database has been established. I will lead you to level 14, where a terminal will be ready for you."
The Director led her to the elevator. The Lady-Regent followed the Director. As chief of Arcadian police, she appreciated being led around in the centre of law enforcement in the Empire. When the elevator stopped on level 14, the director led the Lady-Regent to a small office in which one desk with a working station and two chairs had been prepared for use.
Director Gerald Jäger:
"This PC will grant you access to the logs on the date in question. All classified military or IIA operations have been redacted, for reasons of clearance. I also took the liberty to grant you access to the case file of Emperor Carolus de Mérode's death. You will also find it on the workstation."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Thank you Director, your cooperation will hopefully serve to end the concerns of the Arcadian Lords."
The Lady-Regent opens the logs and diligently checks if all ten ships made it back to Vaeria. After several minutes of reading, she can confirm that all ten made it back to Albion. However, for one of the ships there was something peculiar. On the bottom of the log, it read "Reviewed by Oversight: Conclusion minor deviancy of official Records detected; Ship hull configuration of arriving Ship differs slightly from departing ship. Most probable reason: Ship damaged by reentry into atmosphere. Interview of pilot suggested" -> "Pilot interviewed: Reasoning of Oversight confirmed" Underneath this short statement a logo could be found.
Certainly suspicious, the Lady-Regent thought. She decided to move on and pretend like she didn’t find it peculiar. The Lady-Regent then continued to read Mérode's case file, which confirmed the official story surrounding his death.
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Director, I think I have enough to confirm the official story and conclude my investigation. If you would be so kind as to give your signature on this form which states that I was granted permission into the official records and can confirm the official story based on my findings here?"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Of course I will sign the confirmation"
He signs the document. "Do you wish to take a copy of the case file to your regional Parliament, Lady Regent?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"That won't be necessary, Director. As you said earlier, for security reasons it would be unsafe to let this information be transferred outside of the designated secure uplinks, even on paper."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"The logs, yes. The case file, however, can be released, if requested. there is nothing classified about it. The Diet actually has access to it."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Then a copy will come in handy. Thank you Director for your help. I think the Lords in Arcadié will certainly appreciate your work."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"You are very welcome, Milady."
He would smile again. "Is there anything else I or the Agency can do for you, while you are here?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Thank you Director, but I should work on my report so that the matter can be discussed in the House of Lords soon. If you would be so kind as to lend me one of your shuttles so I can return to Arcadié?"
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Of course"
He typed something on his phone again. "A Shuttle will be ready in 15 minutes to fly you back to Arcadié. Do you want a cup of tea or coffee while you wait?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Some coffee would be nice, thank you for your kindness, Director."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"It is my pleasure."
He led her to a small kitchen on level 14, several Agents were drinking their coffee in there as well, when the Director and the Lady Regent arrived. The director nodded to the other agents and they proceeded as normal. The Director then made two cups of coffee. "Would you like any milk or sugar in your coffee, Lady Regent?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Some milk would be nice indeed. Times like these remind me of my time as an gendarme in Arcadian law enforcement. I always liked these brief moments of socializing with my colleagues."
Director Gerald Jäger:
The director handed the Lady her coffee. "Me too, I still like to do that from time to time. I believe in an Agency such as the IIA it is important, that the directorate, the leaderships stays in touch with their subordinates. Trust and loyalty has to go both ways. That's how we handled it in my unit while I was in Spec Ops and the Imperial Honor guard."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"It is probably why the late Emperor chose you for the job. I like to believe he saw similar virtues in me when he appointed me as General of Arcadié's Defence Forces."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"I believe so as well. And believe me, the reformation of the IRG was much needed. The Leadership had become so disconnected with the agents on the ground, it was like two separate entities. The Commandant and his predecessor seemed more interested in the political game, than their actual job. The climate in the Agency has become less toxic and oppressive since my staff and I took over."
He sipped from his coffee. "And how is everything in Arcadié? Are the late Emperor's children alright?"
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"While it might be a bit early, Arcadié is already preparing for next year's festivities to celebrate 450 years of Mérode rule. It is expected that the late Emperor's children will make their first public appearance since 2205. Of course they never really recovered from the events of 2205-6, but things have improved. Their mother, however, didn't take things so well, she recently fell ill and has been tied to her bed ever since."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"That's a shame, his majesty's children were always such bright little things. I was assigned to guard them several times. And if you meet the Duchess tell her I wish her well. She was a pleasant woman to be around."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"I will certainly tell her that. She mentioned you during my first meeting with her and she could say nothing but kind words about you. You really left the impression of a hard working and honest man on her."
Director Gerald Jäger:
The Director smiled and blushed a bit. "I was raised this way, Milady. Always try to be the best man you can be, that is what my old man used to tell me."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"It is men like you who make this Empire great, Director. I am glad we can all count on the work you do."
Director Gerald Jäger:
"Thank you, milady"
He finished his coffee and looked at his wrist watch. "The Shuttle should be ready by now, follow me back to the landing pads"
The Director led the Lady-Regent back to the rooftop and the landing pads. A black shuttle, just like the one that brought them to Höchstburg was being prepared to take off.
Director Gerald Jäger:
"The shuttle is ready for you, Lady Regent. Farewell and good luck with the House of Lords in Arcadié."
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
"Thank you Director for your kindness and your cooperation. I hope we will meet again."
The Lady-Regent walked up to the ramp of the shuttle and looked back at the Director, giving him a smile before turning around again and entering the shuttle. The Director returned the smile and waved as the shuttle ascended into the sky.
2210.1.5 2:00 PM. Arcadié, House of Lords.
Lord Speaker Jean Martin:
“Order, order! My Lords, I give the word to Lady-Regent Buenoparte.”
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
“Thank you, Lord Speaker. My Lords, I have requested this session to report back to you the findings of my investigation into the mysterious death of our late Emperor and Archduke Carolus de Mérode. This investigation was requested by the Count of Marqualle and approved by a majority in this House. With this authority, I set out to inquire with several key witnesses what occurred on that infamous day.
Let’s first start with the official story. The Hollerzollen trial and the siege of Shizra in 2205 forced our beloved Archduke to retreat to Albion. After two years of relative seclusion, with minimal visits from the outside world, de Mérode suffered from a heart attack as the result of stress induced trauma. The Emperor’s funeral was held in Albion itself, with minimal attendance at the request of his family. Carolus de Mérode’s body was cremated on a funeral pyre. After the ceremony, his ashes were loaded into 10 ships, provided by the Church, and his ashes were then spread across our star system.
To confirm this story, I first talked to the late Emperor’s wife, Archduchess Marie de la Fayette. She confirmed the stress her husband was under resulting from the events of 2205. She told me that the Emperor thought his live was in danger and that that was the reason they had moved to Albion instead of the capital. She showed me pictures of the funeral pyre, these were the same pictures that circulated the dark web shortly after de Mérode’s death. All in all, the Archduchess’ testimony confirmed the official story.
I then travelled to Albion to meet with his Holiness Pontifex Maximus J.T. Canisius. His Holiness confirmed the Archduchess’ story. He also told me about the crisis of faith our Emperor was in as a result of the Hollerzollen trial. We know our late Archduke was a very devout man, so a crisis of faith must have added to the stress he was already experiencing.
I then requested to review official documents of the Navy and the IIA from the day our Emperor died. These documents included the Navy’s logs on ingoing and outgoing ships that day and the IIA’s case file on de Mérode. The ship logs confirmed that ten ships containing the Emperor’s ashes left Albion and that all ten returned later that day. The case file of the IIA further lined up with the official story on de Mérode’s death. I have added this file and a statement by the Director of the IIA to my report.
The testimonies of the Pontifex and the Archduchess and the official documents I had gained access to, all confirm the official story. In addition, there were dozens of eye witnesses on the record who confirmed seeing the Emperor’s body being burned on the funeral pyre. There’s an official written statement by the doctor who pronounced the Emperor death. All these things confirm the official story, proving that the case can finally be put to rest.”
Lord Speaker Jean Martin:
“Thank you Lady-Regent, I will now open the floor to questions.”
The Count of Marqualle stands up. “Count, the floor is yours.”
Count de Marqualle:
“Thank you Lord Speaker. Lady-Regent, during your excellent investigation, did you at any time encounter any irregularities?”
Lady-Regent Napolitana Buenoparte:
“I did not encounter any irregularities. The official story is founded by tons of evidence and there is no indication that foul play or tampering was at hand. I can say with 100% certainty that the Emperor died on that fateful day in 2206.”
Count de Marqualle:
“Thank you Lady-Regent.”
The Count goes to sit on his seat again, looking satisfied with the answers he got today. No other Lords stand up to question the Lady-Regent.
Lord Speaker Jean Martin:
“As there are no more questions, we will move on to the next topic.”
As the Lord Speaker introduces a debate on some bill on wine exports, Lady-Regent Buenoparte gets up from her seat and leaves the House of Lords. She was glad that the Count de Marqualle finally dropped his suspicions. She was glad no-one asked her about what else she had found, because she knew with a 100% certainty that the official story was made up to cover something up. She had held material evidence in her hands that the Emperor’s ashes were in fact cow’s ashes. But only she knew that, only she had found that out. And she intended on keeping it for herself.
