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Doge By-Tor and Senator Storia sat in the Doge's office and quietly talked about the fake letter to the Turkish ambassador.
Doge By-Tor shook his head and said.
"Can you imagine the uproar that would have taken place if this letter have been placed before the public? The people, church and even the senate would have been calling for an immediate declaration of war against Turkey. We aren't ready for war and won't be for at least a more few years. Then there we are fighting with everything we have and suddenly find that the letter is a fake! What do we do just say *Oops sorry. Never mind.* Sigh."
"I agree it would have been a disaster of the first magnitude. Possibly before it would have ended it would have been a world at war since others would have joined the fighting before it had ended. Italy dodged a bullet this time. You displayed wisdom and might I say even moral courage in handling this problem and I can safely say the senate and country even if they never hear the full story owe you a great deal of gratitude. Now all we have to worry about is the coming trial. Pity you weren't selected as a member of the Boni Viri. Your leadership will be missed. Hopefully senator Gandalf and God help us senator Dude and I will be up to the task."
"I'm sure you three will be a credit to the senate and country. I don't envy you though. I advise that the three of you be very careful in what to say and in what questions you ask. Take care."
Thank you Doge By-Tor I for one will be very careful throughout the trial."
Doge By-Tor shook his head and said.
"Can you imagine the uproar that would have taken place if this letter have been placed before the public? The people, church and even the senate would have been calling for an immediate declaration of war against Turkey. We aren't ready for war and won't be for at least a more few years. Then there we are fighting with everything we have and suddenly find that the letter is a fake! What do we do just say *Oops sorry. Never mind.* Sigh."
"I agree it would have been a disaster of the first magnitude. Possibly before it would have ended it would have been a world at war since others would have joined the fighting before it had ended. Italy dodged a bullet this time. You displayed wisdom and might I say even moral courage in handling this problem and I can safely say the senate and country even if they never hear the full story owe you a great deal of gratitude. Now all we have to worry about is the coming trial. Pity you weren't selected as a member of the Boni Viri. Your leadership will be missed. Hopefully senator Gandalf and God help us senator Dude and I will be up to the task."
"I'm sure you three will be a credit to the senate and country. I don't envy you though. I advise that the three of you be very careful in what to say and in what questions you ask. Take care."
Thank you Doge By-Tor I for one will be very careful throughout the trial."
What? Among all these tangled threads your confused?
I'm amazed that everyone isn't confused. However I don't remember you sending a letter. Good luck in the trail
**Doge By-Tor , and Senator Storia continue on with their coversation**
"Aye, Well having not been appointed to the commitee I must say does have it's advantage. I can rest a little easier at night. Lord knows I already have too much on my mind as it is. What I am doing is helping wherever I can , but still releases me of any official responsibilities at least. I hope the Boni Veri council will use its wisdom in the trial as it does on the Senate floor. Maybe Senator Dude will get food poisoning from all the snacks...not that I wish it upon him or anything."
Senator Storia smiles , and chuckels a bit before sipping from his wine glass.
"Aye, Well having not been appointed to the commitee I must say does have it's advantage. I can rest a little easier at night. Lord knows I already have too much on my mind as it is. What I am doing is helping wherever I can , but still releases me of any official responsibilities at least. I hope the Boni Veri council will use its wisdom in the trial as it does on the Senate floor. Maybe Senator Dude will get food poisoning from all the snacks...not that I wish it upon him or anything."
Senator Storia smiles , and chuckels a bit before sipping from his wine glass.
OOC: You are essentially a Jury - you will each advise the Court on your conclusions as to any facts in dispute and your recommendations with respect to punishment. The good news is that you don't have to get involved in interpretations of Canonical law (the Prosecutor will lay that out for you).
Your decisions don't have to be unanimous. If there is a difference of opinion among the boni viri, the Court (i.e., the Pope) will try to split the difference. Historically, the verdicts rendered by Courts of Inquisition relied very heavily on the input of the boni veri and rarely diverged too far from their recommendations.
So, you're in the driver's seat as far as the Senators' fates are concerned.
( Inquisitor General Sarducci – his face hidden by a black hood designed to strike fear into the heart of Heretics- addresses the Court)
“Senator Sharur, we thank you for taking the most Holy Oath and responding to the Court’s inquiries. A few additional inquiries will be made later in respect of your testimony. While you have some time on your hands, I would recommend that you give some thought as to choosing a favorite Father Confessor who might perform the last rites upon you . . .
Now, General McCollum. The Court thanks you for agreeing to swear the oath. As you have chosen not to make confession of your many and (referring a to a high stack of affidavits and confessions on the table before him) well documented acts of Heresy to this Court, you are now commanded by all that is Holy to answer . . .
(The Inquisitor General eyes Senator Dude standing over the torture implements with a plate of cheese.)
SENATOR DUDE! WHAT IN THE NAME OF GOD, SIR, ARE YOU DOING? PUT DOWN THAT WALLACHIAN BONE CUTTER THIS INSTANT AND RETURN TO YOUR SEAT!!! THESE ARE INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE!!! THEY ARE FOR BREAKING DOWN THE WILL AND RESISTANCE OF HERETICS AND ENEMIES OF THE FAITH – NOT MAKING CANAPES!!!
(As Senator Dude returns to his place, the Inquisitor General attempts to regain his composure and mutters to the Pope (“I tolda you so . . .”).)
Now, where were we? Oh yes, Senator McCollum, you are commanded by all that is Holy to answer these questions truthfully in accordance with your oath:
1. What is your name?
2. Were you baptized as a member of the Catholic Church?
3. Have you partaken of the Lord’s most Holy Sacrament (the Mass)?
4. Do you now, and have you always, accepted the Catholic Church as the one true faith?
5. Do you now, and have you always, accepted the Pope as the supreme head of the Catholic Church on earth.
6. Do you live you life in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures? In particular, do you honor your mother and father?
7. Have you ever aspired to obtain some undue measure of influence over the spiritual leaders of the Catholic Church?
8. Have you ever come upon a heretic, one who advocates doctrines contrary to the teachings of Catholic Church? If so, name them and the circumstances in which you learned of their heresy.
9. Do you now forswear, and have you always forsworn, the teachings of Luther and Calvin, and their vile lies concerning the Holy Office (i.e., the Papacy)?
10. Have you ever embraced the teachings of Islam or the spread and practice of that pagan faith?
11. Have you ever advocated the dismantling of the Catholic Church or the removal of one or more of its spiritual leaders.
12. Have you ever denied the supremacy of the Catholic Church and the edicts of its spiritual leaders over the Princes of Europe or other forms of secular government?
13. Have you ever advocated the withdrawal of the Catholic Church from civil affairs?
14. Have you ever made false accusations against a spiritual leader of the Catholic Church?
15. Do you now, or have you ever, held hatred in your heart for the Catholic Church or any of its past or current spiritual leaders?
16. Have you ever, harmed, ordered the harm of, or condoned harm to any member of the Catholic clergy?
17. Do you accept Christ into your heart?
18. Will you renounce all heresy from this day forth?
Come Senator, we eagerly await your response to these simple inquiries.
(Outside of the Courtroom, the crowd’s chant continued: “Burn them! Burn them! Burn them!”)
“Senator Sharur, we thank you for taking the most Holy Oath and responding to the Court’s inquiries. A few additional inquiries will be made later in respect of your testimony. While you have some time on your hands, I would recommend that you give some thought as to choosing a favorite Father Confessor who might perform the last rites upon you . . .
Now, General McCollum. The Court thanks you for agreeing to swear the oath. As you have chosen not to make confession of your many and (referring a to a high stack of affidavits and confessions on the table before him) well documented acts of Heresy to this Court, you are now commanded by all that is Holy to answer . . .
(The Inquisitor General eyes Senator Dude standing over the torture implements with a plate of cheese.)
SENATOR DUDE! WHAT IN THE NAME OF GOD, SIR, ARE YOU DOING? PUT DOWN THAT WALLACHIAN BONE CUTTER THIS INSTANT AND RETURN TO YOUR SEAT!!! THESE ARE INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE!!! THEY ARE FOR BREAKING DOWN THE WILL AND RESISTANCE OF HERETICS AND ENEMIES OF THE FAITH – NOT MAKING CANAPES!!!
(As Senator Dude returns to his place, the Inquisitor General attempts to regain his composure and mutters to the Pope (“I tolda you so . . .”).)
Now, where were we? Oh yes, Senator McCollum, you are commanded by all that is Holy to answer these questions truthfully in accordance with your oath:
1. What is your name?
2. Were you baptized as a member of the Catholic Church?
3. Have you partaken of the Lord’s most Holy Sacrament (the Mass)?
4. Do you now, and have you always, accepted the Catholic Church as the one true faith?
5. Do you now, and have you always, accepted the Pope as the supreme head of the Catholic Church on earth.
6. Do you live you life in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures? In particular, do you honor your mother and father?
7. Have you ever aspired to obtain some undue measure of influence over the spiritual leaders of the Catholic Church?
8. Have you ever come upon a heretic, one who advocates doctrines contrary to the teachings of Catholic Church? If so, name them and the circumstances in which you learned of their heresy.
9. Do you now forswear, and have you always forsworn, the teachings of Luther and Calvin, and their vile lies concerning the Holy Office (i.e., the Papacy)?
10. Have you ever embraced the teachings of Islam or the spread and practice of that pagan faith?
11. Have you ever advocated the dismantling of the Catholic Church or the removal of one or more of its spiritual leaders.
12. Have you ever denied the supremacy of the Catholic Church and the edicts of its spiritual leaders over the Princes of Europe or other forms of secular government?
13. Have you ever advocated the withdrawal of the Catholic Church from civil affairs?
14. Have you ever made false accusations against a spiritual leader of the Catholic Church?
15. Do you now, or have you ever, held hatred in your heart for the Catholic Church or any of its past or current spiritual leaders?
16. Have you ever, harmed, ordered the harm of, or condoned harm to any member of the Catholic clergy?
17. Do you accept Christ into your heart?
18. Will you renounce all heresy from this day forth?
Come Senator, we eagerly await your response to these simple inquiries.
(Outside of the Courtroom, the crowd’s chant continued: “Burn them! Burn them! Burn them!”)
Senator-General Robert McCollum sits at the desk and looks at the crowd, and then at hidden Sarducci. His face is dirft, and is now supportign an unkept beard, the circles around his eyes show that he has not slept well in many nights. He also appears to be bruised badly, his once elegant clothes are torn and tattered. One can also not help but notice the chains aroudn his ankles and wrists which bind him to this location.
He looks at the the Inquistioner with grim determination and then, as if to purposly incite the crowd, he smiles at the man. "Greetings General, it is nice for us to finally meet face to face, no?", he says with no apparent hint of irony in his voice.
"Let me asnwer your questions, and may god strike me down if I answer untruthfully"
"Oh, most be assured we will General", the hodded man says with a hollow voice
Robert bowed his head for a few seconds as if to collect his thoughts, and then began.
"My name is Robert Lucius McCollum and yes I have been both baptised and partake in the mass upon a weekly basis"
"Answer the rest of the questions, McCollum"
"Of course. Excuse my pauses, your men have seen fit to withhold me food and drink for the last several days, it is harder to speak than I would like, sir."
There was a low muttering in the room.
"Although I will admit that once I had turned away from the church inb my early years, I returned to its fold by my own accord several years ago. Yes, I do also regard the Pope as being the ruler of this Catholic Church. As for the question if I live in accordance with the laws set down in scripture *weak shrug* I can only do my nbest to live in this manner, as all good Christians can try to do. I fear I shall never know if I havel ived good enugh until judgement day"
"Which some might say is today, General", The judge said ominiously
McCollum looked up weakly at the man, was that a look of acceptance, or disgust? It was so hard to tell. He continued
"I have always honored my father and mother, may god look over their souls. My father was a great man, and the wisest that I have ever met. We had our differances in several matters, and I found myself disagreeing with his position on religion several years after he died, but I still honor both greatly"
"No, I have not attempted to gain influence over this church. If, by this, you mean my attempts to help my nephew get elected, I would point out that I merely saw him as a very holy and religious man, and the churhc would have bennifited greatly from him, but it was not god's will I fear. I believe he is currently in South America converting the Pagans there, and making quiet a name for him, perhapse that was what God had in midn for him after all."
"Where as I had dabbled in the Protestant herecies befroe turning away from them, I have never even dreamed of entering into the faith of the Pagans or Muhammadians. I can not condone either of these religions as being truthful."
Now the General stopped and thought to himself, as best as he could. He had to asnwer these questiosn truthfully, after all he had given his oath and always followed his word. Also, it was in his own best interest to, in many ways, he was goign to win this trial...failure was not an option. He sighed and continued
"I will be honest, yes I have advocated the withdrawl of the Church from civil affairs from time to time, was this not a view put forward by Christ when he told to "give unto Ceaser?" I believe I am not the only man, even in the church itself, who has believed as such."
There was a loud cough from the judge who looked around, a few murmers escaped from the crowd as well. Robert realy had no idea how he was doing here, he had to continue.
"Also I have never hated the Catholic church, not even in my early past."
"What about its leaders, General?"
"Never hate, never hate. Saddness? yes. Pity? yes. Contempt? yes. Buth ate? Hate is a strong word, and I do nto belei e that I have ever, or could ever, hate another human being that much."
"And what about your false accusations against the churhc, such as claiming that we have assassianted Italian Senators?"
Now McCollum looked up, his eyes closed and opened up, and his face stook on a set hardness that was in complete contrast to his former look. "I made no false accusatiosn. All I said was backed up by solid evidence, and I shall gadly share it with you, should you wish to see it. I do not lie sir, ndo not insult me in such a manner"
"We just may, we jsut may,. Answer the questions Robert McCollu, for the sake of your soul"
"I shall asnwer them, the final questions. No I have not asked for the death of the Pope or any spiritual leaderss, nor have I called for such hard or death? Would I condone such actions? I don't know, they have yet to ever occure, so I can not say."
The questioning over, Robert takes his seat without waitign to ask to do so. He wodners how that went. The chanting around him has grown less intense at the very least.
He looks at the the Inquistioner with grim determination and then, as if to purposly incite the crowd, he smiles at the man. "Greetings General, it is nice for us to finally meet face to face, no?", he says with no apparent hint of irony in his voice.
"Let me asnwer your questions, and may god strike me down if I answer untruthfully"
"Oh, most be assured we will General", the hodded man says with a hollow voice
Robert bowed his head for a few seconds as if to collect his thoughts, and then began.
"My name is Robert Lucius McCollum and yes I have been both baptised and partake in the mass upon a weekly basis"
"Answer the rest of the questions, McCollum"
"Of course. Excuse my pauses, your men have seen fit to withhold me food and drink for the last several days, it is harder to speak than I would like, sir."
There was a low muttering in the room.
"Although I will admit that once I had turned away from the church inb my early years, I returned to its fold by my own accord several years ago. Yes, I do also regard the Pope as being the ruler of this Catholic Church. As for the question if I live in accordance with the laws set down in scripture *weak shrug* I can only do my nbest to live in this manner, as all good Christians can try to do. I fear I shall never know if I havel ived good enugh until judgement day"
"Which some might say is today, General", The judge said ominiously
McCollum looked up weakly at the man, was that a look of acceptance, or disgust? It was so hard to tell. He continued
"I have always honored my father and mother, may god look over their souls. My father was a great man, and the wisest that I have ever met. We had our differances in several matters, and I found myself disagreeing with his position on religion several years after he died, but I still honor both greatly"
"No, I have not attempted to gain influence over this church. If, by this, you mean my attempts to help my nephew get elected, I would point out that I merely saw him as a very holy and religious man, and the churhc would have bennifited greatly from him, but it was not god's will I fear. I believe he is currently in South America converting the Pagans there, and making quiet a name for him, perhapse that was what God had in midn for him after all."
"Where as I had dabbled in the Protestant herecies befroe turning away from them, I have never even dreamed of entering into the faith of the Pagans or Muhammadians. I can not condone either of these religions as being truthful."
Now the General stopped and thought to himself, as best as he could. He had to asnwer these questiosn truthfully, after all he had given his oath and always followed his word. Also, it was in his own best interest to, in many ways, he was goign to win this trial...failure was not an option. He sighed and continued
"I will be honest, yes I have advocated the withdrawl of the Church from civil affairs from time to time, was this not a view put forward by Christ when he told to "give unto Ceaser?" I believe I am not the only man, even in the church itself, who has believed as such."
There was a loud cough from the judge who looked around, a few murmers escaped from the crowd as well. Robert realy had no idea how he was doing here, he had to continue.
"Also I have never hated the Catholic church, not even in my early past."
"What about its leaders, General?"
"Never hate, never hate. Saddness? yes. Pity? yes. Contempt? yes. Buth ate? Hate is a strong word, and I do nto belei e that I have ever, or could ever, hate another human being that much."
"And what about your false accusations against the churhc, such as claiming that we have assassianted Italian Senators?"
Now McCollum looked up, his eyes closed and opened up, and his face stook on a set hardness that was in complete contrast to his former look. "I made no false accusatiosn. All I said was backed up by solid evidence, and I shall gadly share it with you, should you wish to see it. I do not lie sir, ndo not insult me in such a manner"
"We just may, we jsut may,. Answer the questions Robert McCollu, for the sake of your soul"
"I shall asnwer them, the final questions. No I have not asked for the death of the Pope or any spiritual leaderss, nor have I called for such hard or death? Would I condone such actions? I don't know, they have yet to ever occure, so I can not say."
The questioning over, Robert takes his seat without waitign to ask to do so. He wodners how that went. The chanting around him has grown less intense at the very least.
Vice General V. Lombardi sat down on a military-issue chair in his tent, opposite him sa Doge By-Tor Xanadu, leader of the Italian Republic. Lombardi smiled and dropped the pigskin ball he carried with him, settign ti by the chair and looked into the eys of the rightfully angery Doge.
"Your actions could be considered treason, General"
Lombardi nodded, sat back in the chair. "How so? we are taking actions against the Pope who has imprisoned, and wishs to kill, our commanding officer. We are, in no way, acting against the Republic, or even agaisnt the best interests of the Republic."
The Doge growled "I have already stated that I wil not punish McCollum, or Sharur if at all possible"
"And we can not take that chance. Robert McCollum is a friend of mine, a good friend, and I will not see him thrown tothe wolves. I am not sure weher you can protect him, but I am sure that we can, and so WE will. I can promise you that"
"God Dammit, _I_ am Dog,e nto you! I am commander in chief of this military! I could just as easily order you not to enter Rome, doing anythign to resque the two prisonres would be disobeyign orders!"
Lombardi leaned forward and nodded "YOu could, I suppose, and I would be obligated to enforce the rule. But I'm not sure if I would be able to restrain the men. Here we are at the gates of Rome itself, their excitment might boil over."
The Doge sluimped back in his chair, his stomach sinking as he realized he might not have as much of a grasp on this situation as he had hoped. Getting up, he sighed and walked towards the exit, looking back over hsi shoulder. "Do not enter Rome", he declared, "do NOT"
"Your actions could be considered treason, General"
Lombardi nodded, sat back in the chair. "How so? we are taking actions against the Pope who has imprisoned, and wishs to kill, our commanding officer. We are, in no way, acting against the Republic, or even agaisnt the best interests of the Republic."
The Doge growled "I have already stated that I wil not punish McCollum, or Sharur if at all possible"
"And we can not take that chance. Robert McCollum is a friend of mine, a good friend, and I will not see him thrown tothe wolves. I am not sure weher you can protect him, but I am sure that we can, and so WE will. I can promise you that"
"God Dammit, _I_ am Dog,e nto you! I am commander in chief of this military! I could just as easily order you not to enter Rome, doing anythign to resque the two prisonres would be disobeyign orders!"
Lombardi leaned forward and nodded "YOu could, I suppose, and I would be obligated to enforce the rule. But I'm not sure if I would be able to restrain the men. Here we are at the gates of Rome itself, their excitment might boil over."
The Doge sluimped back in his chair, his stomach sinking as he realized he might not have as much of a grasp on this situation as he had hoped. Getting up, he sighed and walked towards the exit, looking back over hsi shoulder. "Do not enter Rome", he declared, "do NOT"
OOC: Ok, yes, add in that Robert asnwred that yes he holds Christ in his heart and stuf for the last two questions
HAIL DANEIL MCCOLLUM- VINCE LOMBARDI? aye man that is a righteous idea there. You gave me one heck of a kick with the pig skin thing and general lombardi (name fits) in the story, GOA PACK GOA (said in a wisconsin accent)
Senator Antonio Storia and senator Gandalf sat quietly listening to the testimony of senator Sharur and McCollum. Senator Dude had a plate of citrus olives with several varieties of cheeses which he nibbled on while also listening. Every once in awhile Antonio would cringe at an answer knowing that if the defendants weren't more careful in selecting their words it would be difficult to help them climb out of the hole, or maybe grave would be a better word, that they were digging for themselves. To be a senator requires a certain ability in the art of eloquence. A talent of using the right word or phrase to inspire your army or in the heat of debate influence those senators who strongly disagree with you. Here the senators seem to have been overawed with their surroundings and were actually giving simply honest answers. Don't the fools know that the Pope isn't really interested in the truth. He merely wants to find something, anything to hang these men. The first rule in any court when you testify is to volunteer no additional information. Keep it short and be careful how you answer. Your answer taken in full may help you but if there is any part of the answer that can be used against you it will be. Out of the corner of his eye Antonio saw Gandalf wince as another answer flowed unstoppable from McCollums mouth. He thought he heard Gandalf say "For God's sake put a sock in it." He agreed. This wasn't a time for truth and honor but a time for imagination and self preservation.
I just want you all to know that since the 16th of last month when we posted our 1000th post. We have had a daily average of 42 posts a day. A DAY YALL!!! That is kickin man, and its not just me either, this AAR is a testament to how great this game is and how creative the people who play are. this is by far the most active and biggest thread on this entire EU forum, im (sniff sniff) so proud of you all.
WHAT A GAME!!!!!
WHAT A GAME!!!!!
Originally posted by DanielMcCollum
OOC: Ok, yes, add in that Robert asnwred that yes he holds Christ in his heart and stuf for the last two questions
(The Inquisitor General placed a cup of water before McCollum as well as a plate of cheese snatched from Senator Dude.)
"Admirable answers General. Your candor is befitting of your high military position. Now, I must ask you one further question. It is also the single most important question that will be put to you in these proceedings.
Understand that your answer will largely determine whether this Court will approach your case in a spirit of mercy or not.
General, do you renounce your heresies of the past and agree henceforth from this day forward to live at peace with the Church?"
(During a break in the trial for nones, Nuncio Gotti leads the faithful in prayers.)
"Duh Holy Office also offers its prayers to duh brave Catholic brothers and sisters in duh Netherlands who are currently fighting duh good fight to maintain Catholic rule over heretical Protestant and Reformed rebels. In this regards, duh Holy See offers its blessings and support to Lady Mortgage . . ."
( FWAPP!!! The Bishop is whacked on the side of the head by a fast moving basketball. Pope Pius V does not look amused.)
"Oops. Sorry boss. Got duh name wrong. I meant, Lady Lien who is seeking to maintain duh position of the Church in duh Low Countries."
( Rubbing his sore noggin, Bishop Gotti murmured, "Boy oh boy, I'm lucky I didn't call her Lady Encumbrance. . .")
"Duh Holy Office also offers its prayers to duh brave Catholic brothers and sisters in duh Netherlands who are currently fighting duh good fight to maintain Catholic rule over heretical Protestant and Reformed rebels. In this regards, duh Holy See offers its blessings and support to Lady Mortgage . . ."
( FWAPP!!! The Bishop is whacked on the side of the head by a fast moving basketball. Pope Pius V does not look amused.)
"Oops. Sorry boss. Got duh name wrong. I meant, Lady Lien who is seeking to maintain duh position of the Church in duh Low Countries."
( Rubbing his sore noggin, Bishop Gotti murmured, "Boy oh boy, I'm lucky I didn't call her Lady Encumbrance. . .")
QUICK!!! delete your post...it will spread!!!!!! NOOOOOO...not this AAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am forced to concur with the wisdom of our great Doge when I say,
DELETE THAT POST!!!! IT SHALL BE THE END OF US ALL!!!!
For, if you do not, the future will be filled with terror such as this:
"What will I do?" Sharur wonders to himself. "I must not ignore this thread, but I must ignore that post... what to do... can't cope... no... NO... AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
DELETE THAT POST!!!! IT SHALL BE THE END OF US ALL!!!!
For, if you do not, the future will be filled with terror such as this:
"What will I do?" Sharur wonders to himself. "I must not ignore this thread, but I must ignore that post... what to do... can't cope... no... NO... AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Sen Forster talking quietly with Sen Gandalf and Sen Carlotti:
The old Don is pretty perceptive, no? Of course if he had thought Italy was ready for war, he would have announced the contents to all.
You know, it might have benefited Sharur, in that the Pope would have a reason to stir everyone up, forcing the Crusade that he wanted. If he accepted it as legit, he would probably have to let Sharur off. But I don't think he would be so kind to McCollum. I wish he had let me take care of his family, I am sure they will try to get his wife as soon as this farce is over.
You two watch your backs. I must go now to talk with V Gen Lombardi.
Let me know if I can do anything for you.