A Feuding House

[Collatica]

The Imperial Palace; Topeii. 3:57am

The Grand Imperial Palace of Topeii stands silent, except for the muffled sound of security patrols on it's perimeter. All the windows of the palace are dark but one. The Regina-Conjux and her son have sat helplessly beside the Imperator's bed as his breath has grown ever more shallow throughout the night. The physician has predicted this night will be the Imperator's last. For once genuine concern for his father seems to blanket Alexus' face, whilst his mother's remains devoid of all emotion.

The doors burst open and enters the Princess. Alexus' gaze flickers up to his alienated sister and then concentrates back on his father. Their mother however allows her penetrating glare to reside on her daughter for quite some time. Lucia rushes to her father's side and kisses his forehead.

"Dear Father, apologies for my absence I came from Paix as soon as I heard."

She settled herself on the opposite side of the Imperator's bed, whos breath had ceased to make an audible sound all together now. She wept as the sounds of the heart-monitor grew less and less frequent, until suddenly they were replaced by the impersonal consistent hum which concluded the reign of Marcus IV. The family sat for a few minutes contemplating what had just occured, all present knew that the affairs of the upcoming succession would tear their family apart.

Finally Dux-Regina Conjux Servia got up, and ushered in the legal attorney's and representatives that were waiting patiently outside. The chief magistrate of the Latican State stepped forward and seemed to loom over the tiny man slumped in his bed, ready to recite the official death rights given to all Imperator's upon their deathbed.

"I call upon all present to bear witness the official passing of the glorious Dux-Imperator Marcus IV at 04:12am on September 9th 2007. In accordance with His Grace's last will and testament, the reading of the aforementioned documents and final closure of all His affairs will occur in three days time."

The physician then confirmed that the Imperator was indeed dead and arranged the body in a dignified pose, before the death-mask and sketch were taken. Throughout all this those closest personally to the Imperator sat beside him, lost deep in thought of the dark days to come.

[Collatica]

The Consular Palace; Central Topeii. 12:04pm

The lavish office of the Consul-Prime is located in the central bay on the second floor of the Palace. Dux-Princeps Consul Alexus Draconia had arrived exceptionally early that morning, and since had been immersed in meetings with his cabinet noted his secretaries. Now they knew why. At midday all broadcasts had been interrupted using the emergency over-ride of the Imperial House. The Regina Conjux had just finished announcing the death of the Imperator, the father of Dux-Alexus, he was now able to inherit the throne.

Within the Opal Office (title of the office of the Consul-Prime), Dux-Alexus was deep in talks with the full cabinet. The subject under deep discussion was his imminent succession to the throne, and the problem the Dux-Tribunas Populus (his sister) and her democratic supporters presented.

"My Lord, any military mobilization against the only executive democratic office would cause national uproar. In destroying the very office that emanates opposition to your regime you would only strengthen and focus their support-base." explained Praetor Yammat. The Consul-Prime cursed, he had anticipated that if any opposition arose he could count on the Legions to suppress, but national uproar would certainly mean the abrupt end of his dynasty. He silently cursed his father for allowing these liberal scum to commune. He turned to his Consul for Foreign Affairs...

"Consul Hikkins, do you have any suggestions for how we can undermine the efforts of these liberal pigs?"

"Beyond the previous suggestion of using the Public Enlightenment Consulate to propagate against Her Grace, your sister's office and her supporters. I can only suggest that we try and apply some pressure on the Democratic Tribunal, from foreign powers who understand the importance of the Imperial House in governance. However where we would find such support is yet to be determined, I have always been under orders to maintain an largely isolationist policy internationally, but I don't think this is beneficial to us anymore."

The Consul-Prime smiled broadly. "Indeed, Consul. What an excellent idea."

[Osamafune]

The Fasten Seatbelts sign just came on. The plane Philonexus II was flying in was about to land in Topeii, capitol of The Imperial Federated States of Collatica. This was Philonexus II's first foreign mission since taking office as Collosean Foreign Minister. He was damn proud to be able to build close ties with Collatica, whom many Colloseans view and being their brothers and sisters. Once the plane touched down, everyone on board knew that history had been made for both countries.

[Collatica]

Patricianus-Consul Charlotte Hikkins of the Consulate of Foreign Affairs led the Collatican welcome party outside the VIP terminal of the Topeii City Airport. The heavily guarded Collosean jet was taxi-ing its way towards them as they assembled by the assigned parking dock. As it slowed to a stop in front of them a wave of excitement spread across the Consul, whilst she respected the reasons for it, the isolationist foreign policy of Collatica proved extremely unsatisfying to the particular Consul in office.

The heavy set doors opened with a hiss as the stairs were connected to the side of the plane. At first several armed security officers emerged from within the cabin, followed by what Consul Hikkins could only assume was the Collosean minister. She stepped forward as he approached, allowing a smile to creep onto her face.

"Minister Philonexus II I presume... On behalf of his Grace, Dux-Princeps Consul Alexus and the Imperial House I welcome you onto our soil."

The minister smiled broadly. "We extend our gratitude and happiness to our brothers of the Imperial House for requesting we open relations."

Consul Hikkins then presented the keys to 255 Vicus De Rex, the assigned Embassy building for the Collosean diplomatic representatives. She then introduced one of her Aides, who would be directing them to their new outpost, before bowing low and excusing herself.

--------------------------------------------------------

As these unprecedented diplomatic proceedings commenced Dux-Tribunas Populus Lucia Draconia was sitting alone in her office, her head in her hands. Just one day ago her dear father had died peacefully in his bed, confident in her ability to carry out his last wishes from her office in the Tribune. It appeared things were not going to be as straight-forward as they had expected. Her support-base was growing evermore radical, beginning to talk of revolution, the over-throwing of the long-standing, all-powerful, conservative Imperial House. Whilst the prospect of this excited her, to see her mother and brother's precious dynasty come crashing down on top of them, she was torn between her own beliefs and the dying wishes of her loving father.

Dux-Lucia sat up, and looked over the message just wired to her from her brother's office. It seemed her supporters were not the only group growing agitated. The message before her outlined the timetable for her exit from official membership of the Imperial House and her resignation from office in the Tribune. The severity of the situation had finally hit her, if a compromise was not soon met affairs would descend into open civil war, not seen in Collatica for several centuries.

Something needed to be done.

[Osamafune]

Philonexus laughed a little. "Now Consul, there's no need to be overly formal with me. I presume we'll be heading for our new embassy then?"

[Collatica]

A few hours after the new Collosean delegation had taken residence in 255 Vicus De Rex, a long, sleek, black car glided up the avenue. As it slowed in front of the Embassy, the back-dorr swung open. An expensive looking stiletto emerged and set down on the pavement, and Dux-Tribunas Populus Lucia Draconia got out of the car. She walked up the stone steps with two security officers flanking her, as the doors were held open for her she nodded her head in appreciation. The delegation had expected her.

She entered the office of the Ambassador, currently occupied by Foreign Minister Philonexus. He ushered her onto a seat.

"Your Grace, please have a seat. I understand you have something you wish to discuss with me?"

"Indeed Minister. As you are probably aware my House and the the governing Institutions of this country are currently being ripped apart by my brother's attempts to defy my father's last testament, which will no doubt bestow sovereignty onto the Democratic Tribune and my office, rather than his. This should not be a difficult transition, however my brother has mustered enough support within the Tribune and his government to take this nation into a bloody civil war.

I have been ordered to step down from my office or fact such a consequence. We require your foreign intervention."

Philonexus sat back. Not only was this feuding family tearing their nation apart, but also his conscience.

[Collatica]

OOC: sorry for late replies I moved into my university this weekend so it's all a bit hectic!

[Osamafune]

"Collosea is a democratic state... Long ago, we fought a bloody civil war to depose the monarchy and install the current democratic system..." Philonexus II gave a short pause to think. "However, a democracy is all about the will of the people. Yes, the Tribune is democratic, but after looking at the situation carefully, it looks as though the Dux-Princeps Consul  has much more support. It is rather difficult to decide if either one of you should take power alone, and if so who." Again, Philonexus paused. "If either the Tribune or the Dux-Princeps Consul Alexus Draconia took power, it looks Collatica would plunge into civil war regardless..."

I can't let her take control of government, she would drive the country into further isolation and ruin any chances of meaningful relations with Collatica... Philonexus II thought to himself. But a civil war could be just as bad...

[Collatica]

Dux-Tribunas Populus Lucia shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the awkward silence stretched out. She could see now that there was little to be gained from this man. Her brother had clearly gotten to him already, nor could she see the Collosean Federation risking being blamed for causing a Civil War which would no doubt happen if they were to back her and her radical following. She decided to take a new line of reasoning, and move to represent the interests of the more moderate sections of the Tribune, rather than her own party's.

"The Tribune would be prepared to allow my House to remain in power and play a large part in governance if a number of small concessions are made to make our position slightly less redundant. At the very least a procedure which blocks the Imperator from confirming cabinet appointments without the Tribune first also confirming the appointment, but we would like to see more than this.

These concessions are small but will no doubt lead to a more democratic Collatica and a more like-minded government for your country to strengthen relations with. Alexus should be easily swayed and accept these terms, I imagine he wants civil war even less than I. However whilst he is under the direct influence of my mother little ground can be gained."

She waited patiently whilst the Minister mulled this over.

[Osamafune]

"That does sound reasonable... But what do you think could be done to get him out from under her influence?"

[Collatica]

"Perhaps just speaking to him alone and convincing him that in order to secure the dynasty concessions must be made to the people. All the nation in this area of the world are increasingly democratic, if he wants to pull Collatica out of it's isolation the only option is to convert his own institutions into a like-minded state to our neighbours."

Philonexus gave her a reassuring smile.

"I do in fact have a meeting scheduled with your brother this very afternoon."

"Excellent news Minister. If that is all then I must take my leave. We are eternally grateful for the counsel and guidance you give our young nation in this troublesome time. I expect I shall see you at the hearing of my father's last testament."

The Tribunas Populus got up, gave a nod of her head and swiftly left the room. Once outside she let out a sigh of anticipation. She had just set into motion events which went against her Tribunal supporting party. Small concessions?! Her party were pushing for a full revolution, and the total redundancy of the governance of the Imperial House! She could only hope she could fall back onto the moderates once her radical following removed their supports, with some luck they would re-secure her position.

[Osamafune]

After the Tribunas Populas had left, Philonexus II spent some time reading until it was time to meet with Dux-Princeps Consul Alexus. When it was almost time for him to arrive, he left the office and proceeded to the front entrance where he would await the Dux-Princeps Consul's arrival.

[Myroria]

Meneldur closed the raised floral print on the book The True Code of a Quarrovth Noble, sighing. He almost missed the days when he could shout orders to Hupprecht Patrick, not caring what Great House Quarrovth had to say about the plan. He was the Empeurer, goddamnit, and he could tell Hupprecht to kill those reds as much as he wanted. Now he was sitting in his office in the Grand Imperial Residence, bored out of his mind.

He picked up the latest edition of the Imperial World News - a newspaper he ordered be made especially for the Imperial Family and other nobles of Great House Quarrovth, who, like him, thought the Myrorian Gazette was religious propaganda. He didn't realize the floral print on The True Code hid just as much.

Huh, apparently an important politician from Collosea was goin to Collatica. It used to be one of two absolute monarchies in the world, right next to it's southern neighbor Myroria. But Meneldur watched with growing fear the Tribune's increasing power over the nation.

Ah, yes, now he knows why the politican is being sent there. He read a couple of days earlier how the Dux-Imperator died. "The King is dead, long live the King", Emma said to him. He better offer his condolences, keep his image up. He picked up his phone, covered with a thin layer of ivory, the rotary dial being made of gold. As soon as he heard "This is Dux-" on the line, he began offering his condolences, which quickly mutated into "How 'bout that Tribune?"

[Collatica]

Dux-Alexus gave a little laugh. What an unexpected turn of events. It appeared that although Collatica had maintained a highly isolationist policy, neighboring nations remained eager to influence internal politics. Myroria, the only other absolute monarchy of the region would no doubt have an interest in supporting his cause.

"Indeed brother Meneldur. It appears my House's enemies within the democratic Tribune are closing in around me. They are uniting under my treacherous sister's office and will no doubt attempt a coup on my office. Long past are the days when our houses were given the respect and obedience they deserve."

At that moment one of Alexus' aides entered the room. He raised his hand and signalled for her to message the Collosean delegation. Philonexus would have to wait until this potentially profitable conversation was over.

(OOC: sorry osafune, trying to put Alexus in two places at once haha. Will be at the embassy as soon as he is done speaking with Meneldur)

[Myroria]

"Ah, it is exactly the opposite here. Long ago were the days when the Houses gave the Empeurer the respect he deserved," Meneldur said with a chuckle.

"if a coup is so imminent, how do you plan to stop it? I'm nearly sure that I could sway Great House Quarrovth to donate some of its coffers to your cause, if the money results in the continued existance of the honorable and powerful monarchial system of Collatica."