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((Those Greek names sound nice, though since the Empire is more based on Byzantium than modern Greece I think Megas Doux/Domestikos/Droungarios make more sense.))
((Whilst this is undoubtedly true, countries don't tend to remain in mediaeval stasis forever. It would also be preferable for titles to be short and distinct where possible, and all your suggested titles start with Megas and a term beginning with D, which is something that neither Stratarchis nor Archigos suffer from.))
((Whilst this is undoubtedly true, countries don't tend to remain in mediaeval stasis forever. It would also be preferable for titles to be short and distinct where possible, and all your suggested titles start with Megas and a term beginning with D, which is something that neither Stratarchis nor Archigos suffer from.))
(( Don't worry about the character list being updated. I've been working overtime and just haven't had a chance to get to it. You can continue using your new character without that being done. ))
((Can Pavlo Shelepov be added to Roman Empire as political advisor?Or his role in Komma Romanitas Autokratorikas is too insignificant?))
((There are only enough advisers for the most important minister roles. You're not a minister and the Emperor is unlikely to appoint new ones, so I don't think we can fit you in at this point.))
((The modern Greek air force is the Polemiki Aeroporia and the monarchic institution was the Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía. Likewise, the navy was the Vasilikón Naftikón and the army is the Ellinikós Stratós. Wikipedia also mentions Stratarchis as the equivalent for a Field Marshal, Genikó Epiteleío Stratoú as the Hellenic Army General Staff and its Archigos as the Chief of Staff.))
((Those Greek names sound nice, though since the Empire is more based on Byzantium than modern Greece I think Megas Doux/Domestikos/Droungarios make more sense.))
((I'm not absolutely sure but I believe it's possible to edit starting political power so that you can instantly add advisors as the 1939 start has more political power for that purpose. Also, I think some mods allow for more advisors))
((Whilst this is undoubtedly true, countries don't tend to remain in mediaeval stasis forever. It would also be preferable for titles to be short and distinct where possible, and all your suggested titles start with Megas and a term beginning with D, which is something that neither Stratarchis nor Archigos suffer from.))
(( If you care to hold onto those thoughts, I'll probably open a new thread for discussing just these kind of things once we hit 1936. It won't matter until that point. ))
"I must first thank His Royal Highness personally for the Empire's assistance in Aoteorea! If it were not for the work done by our respective universities and the Empire's investments, who knows whether or not we would've recovered as fast as we did! But I must say; I am shocked and appalled to see the rise of conflict from these so-called 'fascists'. Paramilitary groups will only harm the peace and stability found on these great lands which consider His Majesty as its head, yet they continue rise up and march, speaking against the freedoms we hold dearest, rejecting reason for extremism! Fascism is as great a threat as communism! How long will we have to wait for the fascists to unite as the communists did all those years ago and threaten the Queen of Cities?! I swear to the Lord and to His Grace, as long as I still live, this corruption and heresy of liberalism and socialism, the shadow of communism which had sprung from its fallen ashes, this totalitarian, ultra-nationalist ideology will not rise to see itself in power, not in Komnenion, not in Roma, and certainly not in Konstantinopolis!" he avowed in front of the Emperor and the other senators.
Senator Thaddas, Aotearoa has truly been demonstrating its strength these last years. We are proud of the Aotearoans, and of your family's guidance of them. As for the fascists, they can have their silly marches. Like so many ideologies before them, they are mellowing after the more extreme members rebelled and were put down. Communists and liberals are no longer threats, and neither are fascists. Indeed, they even now have a Senator to represent them. The good parts of their ideology will make the Empire stronger, and the foul parts will continue to fade.
(( Any other Senators want to speak up as part of the address, or can I close it? Even after I've done so, you can continue the post-address fun. ))
Nestorius was taken aback by the Emperor's comments related to fascism within the Empire. He looked left and right, hoping to see the fascist senator.... so that he could apologize for his ignorance on the state of Imperial fascism.
"I was unaware that we had a fascist among our ranks, and that the extremism I was familiar with had begun to arrode in face of proper moderation. I would like to apologize for my ignorance on the matter," he bowed to the Emperor and to the rest of the senate.
Your Majesty!
As Pavlo Shelepov have shown undisputed loyalty to Roman Empire,as well as being professional doctor,we request from you his appointment on post of Minister of Healthcare.
Signed, Eva von Vandenburg-Shelepova Jr.,Duchess,Speaker of German èmigrè assembly Evhen Konovalets,Chairman of Ukrainian Roman Political Center Stepan Bandera,Chairman of Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists(C.U.N.) Andriy Melnyk,Deputy Chairman of C.U.N.
((Will be my character appointed?
P.S.:As being Minister of Obamacare Healthcare isn't important for army,can my character become independent political adviser?))
Senator Donatello Favero did not show up at the next Senate meeting. He had not been seen anywhere in Constantinople for weeks and his small apartment in the city looked as though it had not been visited in quite some time. The Senator had simply vanished, although whether this was of his own choosing was debatable. Rumour had it that the Senator was on vacation and had simply not bothered to return for the recent meeting.
((Private))
The sack was pulled off of Donatello's head and he blinked as light bombarded his eyes for the first time in hours. He had been grabbed suddenly and without warning while enjoying some time off in the Peloponnese. All he recalled was a rag being shoved into his face and the smell of some foul substance before he lost consciousness. After his eyes adjusted to the light, noticeably the light of several flaming braziers, he took note of the exotic religious symbols scrawled on the floors around him. He could feel rope binding him to the chair he was sitting in. The Senator had a better idea of who his captors were. He had expected them to come for him much sooner. He purposely twitched his eye and snapped his head around wildly like a madman.
"Good, you have awakened," a voice said from just behind the light of the braziers. A man in a black robe stepped forward, his face hidden in the shadows of his hood even as the nearby flames attempted to illuminate him. "We have been eager to meet you, Senator."
"Get away from me, you filthy Italian separatists!" Donatello said, knowing it was exactly what his captors expected him to say. He even let a bit of spit spray from his mouth for extra effect.
"I am afraid I am no Italian, nor a separatist. I merely wish to help you, Senator." The man's voice sounded as though it came from a corpse, his breath reeking of stale air. Donatello did his best not to gag.
"Only an Italian separatist would dare lay a hand on me." Donatello knew his statement was false, but it would give the impression he wanted to give.
"I'm afraid you are wrong, my friend." The man let out a short chuckle that sounded like bones scraping against a stone floor. "Or should I call you my foe? Your family has caused us many problems in the past. Perhaps only the Doukas family has surpassed your level of meddling."
Finally, verification that his captors were who he thought they were. He feigned confusion, letting his lip twitch unnaturally. "The Cult? Not possible. Those fools are long gone."
"Just like the mighty Chernobog, we endure," the Cultist said, drawing so close that his corpse-like breath smothered Donatello like a mouldy blanket.
"What do you want with me?"
"Why, I merely wish to end old feuds. Your family need not be an enemy of ours. Our goals are alike, it would seem."
"I will never trust you, cultist scum!" Donatello said, struggling with his bonds in a mock display of anger. He snarled and growled for added effect.
"Would you trust us if we promised you the downfall of Italy?" the Cultist said, pressing his fingers together like a spider testing its web.
The curiosity in Donatello's eyes was not faked like his earlier emotions. Did the Cult truly wish to take down the Italian state? He had hoped that the destructive group had had such plans in motion, but had been uncertain. One could never know with a religious sect dedicated to some pagan god. "You intend to destroy the rebel state?"
"The Italian state is a festering boil that must be burst. Chernobog wishes it so."
"You wish it returned to the Empire?"
The Cultist let out a long piercing laugh like a banshee shriek. "Of course not. We merely wish for the downfall of the current state. Increased efforts by your so-called Empire to reclaim the region would merely expedite our efforts."
The Cultist moved closer to Donatello, kneeling down in front of him so they were face to face. "You see, we have common interests. We both want Italy destroyed. It would be in your best interests to help us. All we ask of you is a small favour and we can both see our goal accomplished"
Donatello's pupils dilated, revealing his growing excitement at the prospect of a destroyed Italy. It was something he had longed for for quite some time. Even though he despised the Cult, he hated Italy even more. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If he could turn the Cult against Italy, perhaps one day he could return home. Licking his lips, Donatello said, "What do you need me to do?"
Even though he could not see through the shadows of the Cultist's hood, Donatello could somehow tell the man had a wicked grin on his face. The evil permeating from him was that palpable. "All I need is access to the Emperor. A brief meeting will do. He will come to no harm... well, mostly."
Donatello cursed in his own head. Anything but that. He had hoped they would have asked for something else, something he was willing to give. Confidential documents the Empire had on Italy, money even, but not that. Never that. His doubt must have been visible in his expression for the Cultist returned to his feet and stepped back. Donatello cleared his throat and said, "I am not certain I can do that. I have not been close with the Emperor as of late. Are you sure there isn't something else you'd prefer me to do?"
The Cultist remained still for several seconds. Sweat dripped down Donatello's forehead and he gulped. He faked a twitch or two to hide his discomfort, but that didn't last long when the Cultist suddenly burst out in wild laughter. The sharp squeaks of his laugh pierced Donatello's eardrums. When the man finally stopped, he wagged a finger at the Senator and said, "You are good. Very good. My associates were convinced you were quite insane, but you've been fooling everyone this entire time. I, however, am not so easily fooled."
The jig was up. Donatello let out a sigh as he relaxed his posture and expression, appearing sane for the first time in years. "I will not betray the Emperor."
The Cultist pulled a blade from the folds of his robe and held it near Donatello's face, even running it along his cheek. The man did not pierce Donatello's flesh, but the Senator could feel the cold steel against his skin. After a few moments, the man pulled the knife away, but still held it in front of him and completely in view. "You are just as foolish with your loyalty as your ancestors, but that may not necessary interfere with the task at hand."
The braziers hissed and popped as the Cultist slowly stepped around Donatello. He stopped behind him, out of the Senator's sight. Donatello felt the man's breath against his neck though, sending a chill down his spine. A tug behind him told him the man was cutting his bonds loose. "I will let you go this once, but only because you can still help us. All I ask of you is to to continue on the path you are on. Press your precious Emperor to pursue war with Italy. Perhaps one day you may reclaim your home, or perhaps our design will come to fruition before that day. But most of all, remember that Chernobog is watching."
As Donatello opened his mouth to speak, a rag was pressed to his face. He inhaled a noxious scent and started the lose consciousness. The last thing he remember was a sack being pulled over his head.
((Decided to bring back the Cult as a sort of spur of the moment decision. Can never have too much of them. This should have no impact on any events, although we could blame negative trends in Italy on the Cult if we want.))
Just as Donatello lost consciousness, the Cultists heard the sound of flapping wings behind them, followed by a gust of wind which blew out all but one of the torches. Confused as to why the wind was blowing when they were far underground and nowhere near any windows, they did not see Wilhelm's attack until it was too late.
One Cultist cried out, only to be silenced as his throat was slit open by Wilhelm's dagger. Another turned to face the attacker, but all he saw was a faint outline of the angel. He emptied his pistol in Wilhelm's direction, but the bullets stopped in midair before clattering to the ground. The Cultist dropped his gun, a look of panic on his face. He tried to run, but Wilhelm swiped his hand, and the Cultist slammed into the wall, breaking his neck in the process. Two more Cultists drew daggers and lunged at him, but he teleported away before they could reach him. Wilhelm materialized right behind them, stabbing one of them in the back and then slashing the neck of the other.
The angel felt somebody stab him in the back, but he didn't feel any pain. He slowly turned around and pulled the dagger out of his back, the wound healing almost immediately. He faced the last Cultist, who backed away, his face completely white with terror.
Wilhelm's eyes glowed bright blue as energy radiated from around him, his human body straining to contain his true angelic form. The light he emitted lit up the room even brighter than all of the torches could have. If the Cultist wasn't too focused on Wilhelm himself, he would have noticed the angel casting a shadow of two large eagle wings on the far wall, though there were no physical wings.
"Blessed Peacock Angel, deliver me from harm..." muttered the Cultist.
"Chernobog isn't really the Peacock Angel," said Wilhelm, "Really, I've talked with him about it. But if you want him to deliver you from harm, I suppose I can help him out a bit."
He grabbed the Cultist by the forehead and concentrated. The Cultist screamed as energy surged through his body, flames erupting from his eyes, nose, and mouth as his body was smote by the angel. After a few seconds, the Cultist collapsed, his body a charred hulk.
"Isn't that what you guys want anyways?" said Wilhelm. "To kill everybody? Doesn't that include you?"
He put away his dagger and turned back to Donatello, who was still tied to his chair. Wilhelm snapped his fingers, and the ropes binding the senator untied themselves. He picked up Donatello and teleported back to his hotel room in the Peloponnese, where he put him in his bed and wiped his memories of what had just happened with a tap on the forehead. He wouldn't remember being abducted, only just having drunk a lot the night before and that his wife was probably angry at him.
Catania
3 - 5 February of 1930
They believed him.He stole two or three medals from dead,and have led this battalion to few mansions,where old flag of Poland still waved.
No traitor escaped.Soldiers,who were told to kill Polish refugees,ironiously killed them because they believed.that all Poles were commies.
Vaderowsky was satisfied.After having last mansion burned,he "resigned",leaving battalion to be the only ones accused of betrayal.After this dirty work
done,he killed Italian separatist council,that grew useless to Chairman.
Now,he stood near Mount Etna's top.He looked down at lava,and smiled,with his blade covered in blood of hundreds. Constantinople
4 February of 1930
- So,Leonidas and Lena are children of you and my brother? - asked Pavlo Shelepov,looking at Helen.He was told by butler,that woman,who somehow appeared in duke's mansion,was going to labor.But this woman,this humble woman was actualy Alexander Shelepov's wife!
- Yes,mylord. - she responded,with twins in her arms. - He had gone on some socialist gathering in Sicilia...
- Wait,you meen that he's now in the centre of soldier rebellion?! - shouted Pavlo,saying later:
- Leave your children to my wife,Eva von Vandenburg-Shelepova,she'll look after them.We are going to Catania. Catania
6 February of 1930
General Vaderowsky was preparing report to Sidious.He knew that Konrad was in danger after battle with Varangians,and that Siedlcow would be dead,if not him,his apprentice.
Suddenly,zeppelin appeared just near mansion,where separatists previously hidden,and...Helen?Why she arrived to him?
- Hello,Sasha! - she said,with tired look on her face.
Vaderowsky processed this few seconds,before he realise to whom she said.But I'm not Shelepov anymore,he thought.
- What do you need there?
- I'm sorry...but your brother said things about you...Terrible,terrible things.He said that you led soldier uprising,and that you killed innocent people!
- That's a lie!My loyalties are not within empire,but with you!Let's unite together!Let's kill emperor,kill Lithuanian chairman,and we will rule over united Europe!As you'll wish!
- No,my dear,no! - she screamed,before she collapsed in front of him.
"She was in labor,she has no strength no,also,air here is less breathable than near sea." - he thougth.Suddenly,another person have come from waiting zeppelin.Alexander's twin...
-YOU! - screamed Vaderowsky,taking out his sword.Pavlo responded,by picking his hussar's blade.
Twins engaged in sword combat,running near fire pit,but avoiding of pushing rival into volcano.
- You were the Picked-Out One! - shouted Pavlo. - You were supposed to advise Emperor,not trying to kill him!
- Your empire is weak,while Konrad Siedlcow offered me absolute...
- Who is that one?
- No matter!I'll kill you,I'll kill Emperor,I'll kill Sidious.No person shall stop me! - roared Vaderowsky...missteping,and falling right into volcano.
"This is the end" - he realised."Good bye,Helen,good bye,kids...wait,what?" - thought Shelepov,when his brother have thrown him a rope.Alexander catched it,when...
His boots made contact with lava.He started burning.
"CUURSE YOU PAVLOOOOOOOOO!!!" - shouted Vaderowsky,while seing,that his brother picked his unconscious wife,and their zeppelin had fled away. few minutes later...
His legs were already burning.If not the material of rope,he could be now less than dust.Suddenly,another zeppelin,of sinister black colour,have appeared just above the volcano.Crew of zeppelin have attached rope to deck,allowing for Vaderowsky to climb on board,
when he climbed(and had his legs put in the water,before fire would catch on not-so-resistant jacket) he received look from Sidious.
- So,my comrade,you have your legs and left hand disabled.Don't worry,we in Warsaw have perfect surgery... Constantinople
1 March of 1930
(From diary of Pavlo Shelepov)
Today was funeral of my brother's wife.Her children are now considered my children,while her husband appears to be deceased.I've become new senator,instead of my brother.Surely,he died on Sicily.But what if not...
After Alexander had "died" on Sicily,his brother,former secretary in Thrace's administration,and now also hereditary Duke of Zolochiv in exile,became senator from KRA.He has little interest in politics,more caring about family.In any case,he will agree with Minister of Security in any issue.
Birth date:1897(twin of Alexander)
Now living:in Constantinople(apartment near Hagia Sophia)
Family: Duchess Eva von Vandenburg(1898) - wife
Marco and Marichka(1918,twins) - children(his own)
Leonidas and Lena(1930) - adopted children
Party affiliation:KRA
meanwhile...
Warsaw
Secret Medical Centre for Party members only
Vaderowsky groaned,when doctors were replacing his left arm(cut by Pavlo)with some crude mechanical device.He already had two simple prostethics(wooden and methal) instead of his legs,while his burned body,instead of being healed,was clad in leather armor,covered by Polish uniform.
Finally,when experimental scan revealed that lungs of 'Lord' were damaged,he was provided with simple breathing mask,attached to helmet.
Now,this new spawn of communism,General Vaderowsky,had been completed.
Sidious,Chairman and other Party staff watched in awe,as this new Commander had risen from surgery table.
- Where's Helen? - he asked,heavy breathing. - And what happened to my Ukraine?!
- They're both dead. - stated Chairman.
-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!-Shouted Vaderowsky.As the story ends...
In the time since the last senate address, things had begun to improve in Aoteorea. The effects of Mávri Pémpti were lessened after the Imperial government had been allowed to assist in the situation, helping the Aoteorean government keep its bearings following such a crisis. Aoteoreans involved in commerce, such as the economists at the Kamiana University in Komnenion, collaborated significantly with the University of Constantinople in their efforts of understanding how crises like these occur, and how they can be prevented or alleviated, as well as develop economic policies for government and possible legal frameworks which could allow individuals partake of the business wealth of their respective government. With the EKA having managed to survive the crisis not only stronger but more popular than before, their unchallenged return to power in 1927 was expected by the masses. However, with this, the party had to consider its own economic policies - they were a party supportive of state capitalism, which meant that Imperial investment into the local economy had to be blocked. Kyrene and Manaaki were hesitant at first, since the Empire in of itself was still popular and they imagined that the people wouldn't mind continued investment from their end. But, thinking on it harder, they consulted several economists to see if the situation had stabilized enough that Imperial investment would be unnecessary at this point - it had. So, thinking to the principles of the party, direct foreign investment into the local economy was officially blocked a month after they took power. A message was sent to the Empire proper a day earlier, informing them on this decision and hoping there were no hard felt feelings - whether this message arrived or not, they don't know. The economists were right though - by 1931, Aoteorea's economy had made vast progress in recovering, all thanks to the development of commercial thought.
With the situation under control, Nestorius, now 81, once more traveled to the mainland in the fall of 1930, this time hoping to fully enjoy his time back in Greece, and to see the senators one last time. He was soon joined by Kyrene and Timon, who arrived in the mainland sometime in November. Everyone at the HQ was elated to see the two, not having seen them in so, so long. They commented how much Timon had grown since the last time they saw him, and they would all collectively celebrate his 17th birthday that December. Hearing that there was going to be a senate address soon, ol' Ness smiled softly, looking over to his wife and son. They knew they couldn't pass this opportunity up.
---
1st of January, 1931
"So much has changed, but it feels so familiar," Kyrene commented, as she, Nestor, Timon and Franco headed for the Senate to join for the address later. Nestor chuckled at her comment, stating that "he felt the same way when he was back five years ago."
Timon felt nervous over attending the address, since this would be the first time he'd be there as an adult, doing adult things, like politics. Franco assured the young lad that there is no reason to feel nervous, revealing how he felt the same way back when he first began representing Aoteorea and Nestorius while the latter went off to his new Imperial-given position. Timon just gave him a weak smile, as Nestorius and Kyrene stood at familiar areas, close to one another, remembering the good old days.
Soon, they arrived at the front. The guardsmen were surprised to see the elder Nestor and his family, but were glad to have seen him once more. The gang took off their coats, and headed for the chambers, where Franco grabbed three extra chairs for the others to sit in, though Nestorius insisted his son sit in his senatorial seat.
Kyrene sighed when His Highness finished his review of the last five years. "It seems they didn't get our message," she muttered under her breath sadly. Nestorius felt nostalgic as he hadn't attended an address in quite a while. Timon cautiously nodded his head as the last five years were discussed, fascinated how the world around the Empire was still filled with so much conflict. Franco sighed as Kyrene did, but not for the same reasons - rather, he had kept the senatorial seat warm long enough for another Thaddai to sit on it.
"How warm's the seat?" Franco asked Timon.
"Pretty warm. Why?"
Franco just giggled. Timon didn't get it and just turned towards the address. All of a sudden, Nestorius stood up:
"I must first thank His Royal Highness personally for the Empire's assistance in Aoteorea! If it were not for the work done by our respective universities and the Empire's investments, who knows whether or not we would've recovered as fast as we did! But I must say; I am shocked and appalled to see the rise of conflict from these so-called 'fascists'. Paramilitary groups will only harm the peace and stability found on these great lands which consider His Majesty as its head, yet they continue rise up and march, speaking against the freedoms we hold dearest, rejecting reason for extremism! Fascism is as great a threat as communism! How long will we have to wait for the fascists to unite as the communists did all those years ago and threaten the Queen of Cities?! I swear to the Lord and to His Grace, as long as I still live, this corruption and heresy of liberalism and socialism, the shadow of communism which had sprung from its fallen ashes, this totalitarian, ultra-nationalist ideology will not rise to see itself in power, not in Komnenion, not in Roma, and certainly not in Konstantinopolis!" he avowed in front of the Emperor and the other senators.
Franco did not expect such an explosive rant, Kyrene felt the emotion within his declaration, remembering the time of Tane, and Timon was agasp, not having seen his father in his true element, away from the public and from the papers, within the senate doing what he did for the longest time, next to his governorship in Naples, of course. One thing was for certain however - everyone knew Nestorius and his family were visiting them!
Senator Thaddas, Aotearoa has truly been demonstrating its strength these last years. We are proud of the Aotearoans, and of your family's guidance of them. As for the fascists, they can have their silly marches. Like so many ideologies before them, they are mellowing after the more extreme members rebelled and were put down. Communists and liberals are no longer threats, and neither are fascists. Indeed, they even now have a Senator to represent them. The good parts of their ideology will make the Empire stronger, and the foul parts will continue to fade.
Nestorius was taken aback by the Emperor's comments related to fascism within the Empire. He looked left and right, hoping to see the fascist senator.... so that he could apologize for his ignorance on the state of Imperial fascism.
"I was unaware that we had a fascist among our ranks, and that the extremism I was familiar with had begun to arrode in face of proper moderation. I would like to apologize for my ignorance on the matter," he bowed to the Emperor and to the rest of the senate.
(( The address is now over, but if you want to continue the post-address fun, feel free. I'll do a post pulling it all together just before the next update.))
Constantinople
2 January of 1931
Pavlo with children walked on promenade near Marmara Sea.The Golden Horn was increasingly beautiful at sunset.
- Dad,what's that? - asked Marco,pointing on four-motor plane,that was flying across the straight.
- Ah,that?..That is our Empire's new strategic bomber,can I guess? - he said,not sure if he knows about aviation more than his child.
- Yes,pa,you're right this time;but what about my little bro,where's he? - asked Marco,talking so fast that Shelepov could barely understand him.
- Leonidas is with mommy at some weird shop on Mese Street now,Marco;I'm afraid you'll be bored there...
Suddenly,man in uniform of Roman Imperial Navy walked to duke and said:
- Mister Pavlo Shelepov,Your Excellence,His Majesty have sent you letter!
Duke looked at sailor,and responded:
- And what's about it?
- Well...nothing special...just New Year address to senators.
Only now Pavlo remembered,that at that day he was in Karacakoy...where he bought from relatives of Helen mansion of Alexander...and that he still haven't solved mystery of his brother's defection.
- Chauffeur,to Shelepov-Hall,quickly! - said duke,and,after sitting down with children in taxi,they drove to Karacakoy.
After their meeting at Augustaeon Square, Kyrene was unsure what to think. That angel, whom she didn't even know the name of, was all she could really think of. As soon as she got back to the estate, she rested for a moment with some tea, spending some quality family time with Nestorius and Timon. They spoke of some trip they went on earlier that day, with Nestor showing Tim around the capital and the surrounding area. Timmy seemed a lot more cheerful, as he spoke about the interesting places he had seen with Ness, especially those linked to his early childhood which he barely remembered. She sighed in delight, thinking that her closest loved ones at least had a nice day.
Afterwards, she gathered everyone who had gone to Theodora's house gathering for a private meeting. Franco Lazaratos, the Cecil Sisters, Carys and Delyth, Eudokia Lavigne and Antiochos Heraklides arrived as soon as they could. She asked them whether or not they experienced anything similar to that which Theodora experiences, which she also explained to them.
Franco, Carys and Delyth almost immediately told her they hadn't experienced anything of the sort. Eudokia took a moment to think, but in the end gave the same answer as the previous three. Antiochos, however, seemed deep in thought as the others waited for a response from him. He even closed his eyes to concentrate! Soon, he opened them, and stated:
"I think I have."
"Really?!" Kyrene looked in awe.
"...yes, I've had three or five dreams related to that gathering, strangely remembering the Cult attacking too. It has been a while since I've dreamt it though," he continued.
"I'll be meeting with Theodora in a week or so at the Ministry of Security headquarters. Maybe you could join me and the two of you could figure this out?" she suggested.
Antiochos shrugged, seemingly careless for everything around him at this point. "Sure, why not?" he said with a small smirk.
Kyrene smiled in response, thanking everyone for coming as quickly as possible. She checked her calendar once more, circling the day next week she was asked to come. She hoped Theodora didn't mind her bringing Antiochos.
((@zenphoenix Whenever you want to do this, I'm ready.))
After their meeting at Augustaeon Square, Kyrene was unsure what to think. That angel, whom she didn't even know the name of, was all she could really think of. As soon as she got back to the estate, she rested for a moment with some tea, spending some quality family time with Nestorius and Timon. They spoke of some trip they went on earlier that day, with Nestor showing Tim around the capital and the surrounding area. Timmy seemed a lot more cheerful, as he spoke about the interesting places he had seen with Ness, especially those linked to his early childhood which he barely remembered. She sighed in delight, thinking that her closest loved ones at least had a nice day.
Afterwards, she gathered everyone who had gone to Theodora's house gathering for a private meeting. Franco Lazaratos, the Cecil Sisters, Carys and Delyth, Eudokia Lavigne and Antiochos Heraklides arrived as soon as they could. She asked them whether or not they experienced anything similar to that which Theodora experiences, which she also explained to them.
Franco, Carys and Delyth almost immediately told her they hadn't experienced anything of the sort. Eudokia took a moment to think, but in the end gave the same answer as the previous three. Antiochos, however, seemed deep in thought as the others waited for a response from him. He even closed his eyes to concentrate! Soon, he opened them, and stated:
"I think I have."
"Really?!" Kyrene looked in awe.
"...yes, I've had three or five dreams related to that gathering, strangely remembering the Cult attacking too. It has been a while since I've dreamt it though," he continued.
"I'll be meeting with Theodora in a week or so at the Ministry of Security headquarters. Maybe you could join me and the two of you could figure this out?" she suggested.
Antiochos shrugged, seemingly careless for everything around him at this point. "Sure, why not?" he said with a small smirk.
Kyrene smiled in response, thanking everyone for coming as quickly as possible. She checked her calendar once more, circling the day next week she was asked to come. She hoped Theodora didn't mind her bringing Antiochos.
((@zenphoenix Whenever you want to do this, I'm ready.))
Theodora sat at her desk, looking over a report from her agents on the latest Cult cell raided. Then a bell rang, and her secretary entered the room.
"Miss Doukas," said the young man, "You have visitors."
"Has the transport arrived yet?" asked Theodora.
"We moved the subject into a maximum security cell," said the secretary.
"Good," said Theodora, "Tell my guests I'll be right there."
She made her way to the reception, where Kyrene and one of her friends waited.
"Ah, Theodora," said Kyrene, shaking her hand, "This here is Antiochos. He said he's been having recurring dreams about the Cult attack."
"Hello, Antiochos," said Theodora, shaking the man's hand, "Now, please fill out these nondisclosure forms. Nothing you are about to see is to be told to anybody other than the two of you or to me."
She handed them two forms, and they filled them out.
"Now," she said, "If you'll follow me."
They walked through a side door and walked down a doorway, approaching a metal door flanked by two guards. Theodora nodded to the guards, who disengaged the large bank vault-like lock on the door. They walked through and arrived at another similarly guarded and locked door. The two guards there also unlocked the door, and they proceeded again. After going through three more doors and heading down some stairs, they arrived in a small room. There was one door at the far end of the room, with only a conventional lock on it. Guards were stationed at each corner of the room, armed with live rounds.
Theodora approached the door, and the guards raised their rifles. "No," she said, motioning for them to lower their guns.
She turned the knob and pushed the door open. The three of them stepped inside, and Theodora shut the door.
The room was rather plain, with a Persian carpet laid out on the floor and a cot placed against one wall. There was a sink and toilet in one corner. The room was quite clean, compared to what one would normally expect in a "prison," but this wasn't a prison, and the "prisoner" was only here temporarily.
Meditating on the carpet, with her back to the three of them, was a young woman in plain Persian-style clothes. She had a blindfold covering her eyes.
"Theodora Anna Doukas," said the woman, without turning around, "You've brought some friends with you."
"Yes," said Theodora, "Kira, this is--"
"Kyrene Thaddas, or should I say, Hairini Waata, Exarchess of Aotearoa," said Kira, "Wife of Nestorius Thaddas, mother of Timon Thaddas. You escaped Constantinople on a submarine during the communist takeover. Antiochos Heraklides. Friend of Nestorius Thaddas. It's not too often I meet a new face, or what is the closest for me to a new face."
Both of them were quite shocked, though not Theodora.
"Okay," she said, "You've demonstrated some of your abilities. Now, why don't you tell us exactly who you are?"
"My name's Kira," said the woman, "I was a seer for the Cult in its strongholds in Central Asia. When the war broke out, I took the opportunity to escape to the Empire. I didn't want to be locked up by the Cult for the rest of my life. I made my way to Theodora's house. Only the Cult followed me there."
"But what does this have to do with the strange dreams we're having?" said Kyrene. "The ones about the Cult attacking Theodora's house?"
Kyrene was still quite shocked by the point Kira explained that the Cult did and didn't attack. It just made her confused on top of her shock! Antiochos, on the other hand, recovered from his shock decently fast - he had gotten too old to honestly care for surprises like this. However, Kira's explanation intrigued him, and he decided to add onto it.
"You know," he abruptly started, "this reminds me how, on the day of the gathering, I felt something that entire day. Something I'm sure the others felt too," he added.
"I believe it was a feeling given to me by God himself! The only thing with these God-given feelings is that I never know whether something good or bad will happen. The last time I felt a feeling like that prior to the gathering, something good happened, yet prior to that, something bad happened... perhaps what I felt that day is connected to what you say?" he inquisited.
Kyrene was still quite shocked by the point Kira explained that the Cult did and didn't attack. It just made her confused on top of her shock! Antiochos, on the other hand, recovered from his shock decently fast - he had gotten too old to honestly care for surprises like this. However, Kira's explanation intrigued him, and he decided to add onto it.
"You know," he abruptly started, "this reminds me how, on the day of the gathering, I felt something that entire day. Something I'm sure the others felt too," he added.
"I believe it was a feeling given to me by God himself! The only thing with these God-given feelings is that I never know whether something good or bad will happen. The last time I felt a feeling like that prior to the gathering, something good happened, yet prior to that, something bad happened... perhaps what I felt that day is connected to what you say?" he inquisited.
"You're overthinking this," said Kira, still not looking at any of them, "It happened. And then it didn't. The Cult attacked that day, but something happened, and they never attacked. I am sure it had nothing to do with your God. Not to disprove the existence of your God, but still..."
"Kira, please," said Theodora, "You are sure this happened?"
Kira turned to face Theodora, her blindfold still covering her eyes. "I can see all possible futures, Theodora Anna Doukas," she said solemnly, "I know what is going to happen in your future. And yours too, Hairini. And yours too, Antiochos. Dark days are ahead for the Empire. A storm is gathering. Many will die."
Antiochos was a bit peeved by the very sudden shutdown he had received from Kira, especially once she began mentioning God in a less positive light, but he chose to keep his mouth shut and consider what she was saying in more detail. Kyrene had finally gotten over her shock, but she didn't like what Kira was saying, mostly because of the tone she's using when referring to her in her birth name. She inched over to Theodora, and whispered:
"H-Have you questioned her about that angel guy?" she asked with her whisper, obviously unnerved by the mentions of upcoming dark days.
Antiochos was a bit peeved by the very sudden shutdown he had received from Kira, especially once she began mentioning God in a less positive light, but he chose to keep his mouth shut and consider what she was saying in more detail. Kyrene had finally gotten over her shock, but she didn't like what Kira was saying, mostly because of the tone she's using when referring to her in her birth name. She inched over to Theodora, and whispered:
"H-Have you questioned her about that angel guy?" she asked with her whisper, obviously unnerved by the mentions of upcoming dark days.
"Uh, Kira, do you know about someone named Wilhelm?" she asked.
"I know of no Germans," said Kira, "The affairs of Germany are not relevant in Persia or Samarkand."
"What about angels?" said Theodora.
"Angels?" said Kira. "They are a myth. The Cult may believe in one angel, the Peacock Angel. Chernobog. But I have seen far enough, and I know that despite their efforts, if their Black God really exists, he does not care what they do."
"But what about the future?" said Theodora. "What exactly did you see?"
"Death...and destruction," said Kira, "In many possible futures, everybody in this room will be dead in the next fifteen years."
((Hope Julius is allowed to join on the kidnappin fun. Also some of the cult cells have gotta be strapped for, well, everything ))
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
Julius woke up with a sweat. His eyes are blurry, and slowly the adjusted to the dim light.
He was surrounded by hooded figures and-
"Is that an oven? Am I in a basement?"
"NO!" barked a cultist. "You are in a secret lair, that will never be found by your pitiful empire!"
"Im in a basement, aren't I? I am. Oh god, this is priceless!" Julius laughed.
"You won't be laughing when you realise you'll never see your family again!" the cultist jabs.
"B**** please, I'll beat your *** and call a cab."
"Charlie sweetie, can you keep it down? I have to go to work tomorrow."
"SHUT UP MOM!"
"Wait, this is your mom's basement? Alright kid, as phases go, this is pretty sad."
"Well," another cultist says, "people of all ages can love Chernobog."
"Also, we're down on members." another chimes in.
"You know what? Im going home." Julius says, as he easily breaks the badly tied rope. "Nice knowing you, call me when you are an actual threat or something. Try to do something useful with your life Charlie, like science."
"YOUR NOT GOING ANYWHERE!" cried the group, only for the first three men to get sucker punched, the other two having their guts kicked. Charlie got knocked out. The final member drew out a gun, only to realise he forgot to load it before he left his house.
"Good day." Julius remarked, before leaving the house.
((Hope Julius is allowed to join on the kidnappin fun. Also some of the cult cells have gotta be strapped for, well, everything ))
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
Julius woke up with a sweat. His eyes are blurry, and slowly the adjusted to the dim light.
He was surrounded by hooded figures and-
"Is that an oven? Am I in a basement?"
"NO!" barked a cultist. "You are in a secret lair, that will never be found by your pitiful empire!"
"Im in a basement, aren't I? I am. Oh god, this is priceless!" Julius laughed.
"You won't be laughing when you realise you'll never see your family again!" the cultist jabs.
"B**** please, I'll beat your *** and call a cab."
"Charlie sweetie, can you keep it down? I have to go to work tomorrow."
"SHUT UP MOM!"
"Wait, this is your mom's basement? Alright kid, as phases go, this is pretty sad."
"Well," another cultist says, "people of all ages can love Chernobog."
"Also, we're down on members." another chimes in.
"You know what? Im going home." Julius says, as he easily breaks the badly tied rope. "Nice knowing you, call me when you are an actual threat or something. Try to do something useful with your life Charlie, like science."
"YOUR NOT GOING ANYWHERE!" cried the group, only for the first three men to get sucker punched, the other two having their guts kicked. Charlie got knocked out. The final member drew out a gun, only to realise he forgot to load it before he left his house.
"Good day." Julius remarked, before leaving the house.
))
