The Eagle's Flight (Semi-open, MT)

[New Chalcedon]

OOC: This thread grew out of events here.

Situation: Two (edit: Three) factions, no holds barred. The deposed Emperor is making an attempt to regain his throne. This is my take of the Emperor, this of his sister, the new Empress. Edit: And here is my take on Melepotas.

Rules: Simple. Do what you want, but ask me for permission to join first.

People with pre-invitations:

Volzgrad
Northern Rangeria
Allanea
Any member of the CIN
Any nation with an Embassy in the Empire can get involved.

A map will be made ASAP. In the meantime, just picture the Byzantine Empire circa 1050, flipped upside-down. North is South, East is West - hence, Michael is east of the capital, even though he controls Sirmium as his de facto base of operations. And the two halves of the Empire are two separate, large islands, with several smaller ones representing various provinces. Here's a decent map to start with.

IC:

Mangana Palace
Constantinopolis Secundus

Michael Iastos Basilios Doukas-Palaiologos was no longer the Emperor; no longer the leader of the Empire of New Chalcedon. The Senate had, in an unprecedented move, stripped him of this title, making him merely Citizen Palaiologos, although his sister, the new Empress, had assured him that he would get a title of some kind once the furore had settled down.

And it burned. The hatred burned in his stomach like forgefire: hatred of his treacherous supporters, hatred of the foreigners whose actions had precipitated the crisis in the first place, hatred of the Senate, whose leaders had been looking for an excuse to overthrow him even though he spared them, hatred even of his sister, who had not done the right thing by spurning the tainted crown and who compounded this with her condescending little kindnesses. Almost the only person he didn't hate was his brother Constantine, who had refused the Crown rather than take glory from his humuliation.

And in an added indignity, he had just received word that he had twenty-four hours to move out of the Mangana - his home for his entire life. As he sat before the desk brooding, something finally snapped within him. Michael Palaiologos decided that he was not going down without a fight. Let the Senate meet him on the battlefield and see how many of their partisans stood up for them then!

He thought a moment, asssessing lists of friends, enemies and people who needed to be swayed. Then he called a number, and waited for the other person to pick up. When they did, he said into the phone "Yevlena? It's me." Pause. "Yes, I know." Pause. "Because it's to your benefit to hear me out - in person." Pause. "Yes, I know. I'll be there shortly."

Fired with energy and a plan, the ex-Emperor left the room without a backward thought, intent on getting to a specific place.

Fifth Bureau Headquarters
Constantinopolis Secundus

Yevlena Parnassia was a stunningly beautiful blonde woman. Her good looks led people who didn't know her to assume that she had reached her rank by using them.

They couldn't have been more wrong. While Parnassia had an active love life, her real professional asset was her ruthlessness. To put it bluntly, Yevlena Parnassia was a sociopath. A stunningly beautiful, well-adjusted sociopath and a brilliant actress who could easily feign caring and emotion, but a sociopath nonetheless. She truly cared about nothing and no-one other than herself, and had repeatedly killed her former lovers when they were inconvenient. After all, as the Madam Director of the Fifth Bureau, she had the power to hide the bodies so that they would never be found.

And now the deposed Emperor was calling her. No doubt, he was trying to enlist her in some crazy scheme to use his significant popular support to regain the throne or some such.

Well, she was willing to bite. She called her secretary on the intercom and said "Sophrenia, please cancel my eleven o'clock and my eleven-thirty." "Yes, Madam Director." "Also, Sophrenia - I am expecting a man to come here within fifteen minutes and request to see me. Show him through." "Yes, Madam Director." And, Sophrenia?" "Yes, Madam Director?"

"Curiosity killed the cat, Sophrenia."

"Yes, Madam Director."

Novoa Hadrianopolis
Twenty-four hours later.

"Are you sure it'll work, Yevlena?" The man, who did not appear to be the deposed Emperor (and had the papers to prove that he wasn't), sounded nervous.

"Stop with the wibbly-fits, Michael. It will work if you just keep your nerve. And you had better keep your nerve - it cost me significant effort to get your watchdogs off your back." The man visibly calmed down and took a deep breath.

"Right."

Novoa Hadrianopolis Military Command
Shortly thereafter

General Phodarkes was not happy with the political situation. Trust the Senate to remove the first strong Emperor we've had for generations. Now this mincing B5 catamite wants some of my time. Well, I'll give him some of my time.....and a boot up his backside, if he's not careful. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to say that Phodarkes was in a foul temper. His ADC's call shocked him out of his fog. "Sir? I-I have your one o'clock." For some reason, the Lieutenant seemed nervous, but then, the General thought, he often seemed nervous. Wimp.

"Let them in."

"Aye, Sir."

The pair who entered the office were not at all what Antonius Phodarkes was expecting. First came a woman he knew and despised - Yevlena Parnassia, whom Phodarkes privately considered an amoral bitch.

Following her, however, came a figure that the General knew well. The tall, lean, dark-haired figure was painfully familiar to almost every citizen of the Empire. And why should he not be? He was the Emperor, after all. Or he had been.

"Well, General? Does your Emperor no longer rate a salute?" The man asked sardonically.

"Majesty! I.....I.....General Antonius Phodarkes, reporting for duty, Sir!"

"At ease, General. We should all be friends in this. I mean to retake my crown. My ancestors took their Crowns by force - so shall I."

***
Saint Phocas' Square
Novoa Hadrianopolis

Michael Doukas-Palaiologos had lost none of his oratorical ability. The vast crowd, hastily organised, had been won over early on and now cheered in time with the final part of his speech.

"And I say, my people, that now is the time to strike! We must remove our beloved homeland from the grip of traitors and mealymouthed politicians! For too long, we have been huddled as sheep in the night. At long last, now is the time for forge the will of three billion people into a single, indivisible, invincible sword, and reclaim the lost glories of our history!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, the voices thundering a clarion call to arms.

***

Live broadcast over all frequencies
Empire-wide and available beyond.

The man was well-known - how could the ex-Emperor, who had been deposed so dramatically and recently, not be? Yet here he was, wearing the Imperial purple once more! The calm, reasonable tones of the address he gave were underscored by the martial music playing in the background, drumming peoples' emotions up.

"My fellow Romans", the address began, "I come to you, in the wake of recent events, to issue a call to reason. Let no person deny the perils of the world of today - whilst the Senate bickers, argues and leaves matters in committee, the tides of world conflict are turning against us, threatening to destroy our culture, our people, and all we hold dear!"

"We have all seen the corruption and ineffectiveness of the Senate. Many of us - too many dead - have witness firsthand the atrocities committed by lesser peoples. We must act now!"

"The ancient Republic is no more - the Senate, that last relic of bygone times, is hereby dissolved indefinitely. With war outside and traitors within, who will you turn to for protection?"

"The answer is simple: in unity lies strength. Already, many of the Army and Navy divisions have rallied to my banner. Out of the many, we - you and I together - shall forge an indivisible whole, acknowledging only a single throne! And from that throne, I shall watch over you and defend the land."

"From this day forward, let no Imperial citizen conspire against this new beginning for our people. Let no Roman consort with foreigners and their schemes, and to all the enemies of the Empire: Seek not to bar our path, for we shall win through, no matter the cost!"

<fades>

Mangana Palace
Constantinopolis Secundus

"You're on in three minutes, Majesty."

"Thank you, Iohanna."

The tall, slim, dark-haired girl bore a startling resemblance to her oldest brother, although they had never been close. But for all that, this thing that I do.....it is close to kin-slaughter. She began to shake like a leaf, not certain if she could follow through with this. Another figure came up behind her, his fair-complexioned features appearing in the mirror in front of her. Of the five children of the late Emperor Constantine XIII, only his youngest son (ironically named Constantine, for his father), favoured their mother's sleek, blonde good looks.

"Having trouble, kiddo?"

"Oh, Constantine, I don't know if I can do this! He's our brother!"

The blonde man sighed. "I know, 'Reinie. But he's forgotten that, and until he remembers it," he paused for effect, "you can't let it stop you. Whenever you feel yourself weakening, remember all the innocent people he will kill if he wins." She thought for a moment, then straightened in her chair, clearly steeling herself for this. "Con, do this up, will you?"

"So! Having passed on the crown, all I am is Her Majesty's tiring-maid, is that so?" His voice had humour in it to match the lopsided smile in her mirror as he used the catch on the diamond necklace, and Eirena had to smile in response. "Damned straight, and let that be a lesson, varlet!"

He turned serious. "'Reenie, remember this: I will always be loyal to you. I wasn't made to rule. You are. Always remember that, never - never - doubt it." He then farewelled her for her address with a bone-crushing hug.

Eirena Sofiana Doukaina-Palaiologina, daughter of thirty generations of Emperors, straightened her posture, and strode to the newsroom, where the live cameras waited.

***

Transmission across all frequencies
Empire-wide, available beyond.

The tall, slim brunette was carefully controlled of posture. With none of the theatrical music her older brother had used in his address, she began speaking in a quiet but firm voice.

"Greetings to all who see or hear this message. You know who I am: I am Eirena Doukaina-Palaiologina, newly crowned Empress of Eastern Rome. I will not reiterate events of the past several days - you all know them for yourselves."

"It is tragic when kin strikes kin, as my brother is doing now. And how much more tragic can it be when we, as a nation, fall to petty squabbling over a line of succession? Have we learned nothing from our own tragic history? Have we forgotten these lessons, bought with the blood of our ancestors?"

"My brother was once a good ruler. He kept close to his heart a love of the land, of the people. He defended the Empire in times of war, and guided its prosperity in times of peace. And yet, he lost his way, deluded into thinking that all were his enemies, that he somehow had rights not granted to the Crown by the Constitution, that sacred document which forms the basic law of the Empire. He placed his good above the good of the Empire, and that is unforgivable in a ruler"

"Now, my brother is no longer a good ruler, or a good brother, or even a good man. Manipulated by the vile Yevlena Parnassia, he has become that which he once strove against: a man who abuses his charisma and his power over mens' hearts to his own personal gain. Further, he schemes to regain the throne, even though more than three-quarters of the Imperial Senate took the unprecedented step of impeachment to remove him from it. He raises forces against the legitimate government of the nation, and has decided to spill the blood of his fellow Romans, weakening the fabric of the Empire at a time that we must be strong."

"Michael Doukas-Palaiologos has become everything that any good Roman should shrink from following: A man who is obsessed with power, his heart filled with hatred, his every moment dedicated to making people suffer. I hereby declare that Michael Doukas-Palaiologos, once the Emperor of New Chalcedon, and all his followers, are traitors to the Crown."

"However, I will extend this offer to my brother and his partisans, misguided though they are: if they will put down their arms and swear loyalty to my Crown, then their lives shall be spared, and their titles, possessions and safety guaranteed."

"Should my brother not accept this offer within fourty-eight hours, it will expire. If he is captured after that point, our shared blood will no longer protect him, or his followers. Brother," - she looked directly at the camera, her dark eyes seeming to pierce the viewer's heart - "for the sake of the Empire, I ask you to accept reality...and my offer."

<fades>

(OC: Apologies to StarCraft for stealing their speech.)

[Northern Rangeria]

Northern Rangerian Embassy
36 Imperial Avenue
Constantinopolis Secundus

The news came as a shock to the residents of the Northern Rangerian embassy, located at the very heart of the Empire's government. The ambassador himself had left moments earlier to visit Grand Admiral Notaras at the Imperial High Command, and was thus far beyond reach as telephone lines quickly clogged up with local traffic.

The commanding security officer, Lieutenant Arne Kalva, was already barking orders at his men. All fifteen of the embassy's security team were Jaegers, men trained to fight and defend the Principality's domain - which also included the embassy. Pistols and batons were handed out, protective vests and ceramite helmets donned despite some of the men grumbling about the lack of "proper fire power": as per protocol, the embassy did not carry assault rifles, but traditional knives were girded on each man's loins, ready to be pulled out if need be. The iron gates of the embassy remained open still, allowing for nationals to seek asylum.

Private quarters of the ambassadorial family

In the private apartment adjoined in the embassy, the ambassador's 18-year-old daughter Eva was already doing her part. Her father was still outside, but lieutenant Kalva had assured her that he would be contacted as soon as possible. Eva's prime concern, however, were her siblings. She had immediately asked his father's man-servant, Kaitane, to bring them home from school. Fear grew in her heart as she paced nervously in the living room; she had seen the deposed Emperor's speech on television, and she feared the deposed monarch's words would incite violence against foreigners - including the 14-year-old Erik and 7-year-old Jana, who had started school in Constantinopolis Secundus only that fall.

[Telvira]

The Telviran embassy was on full alert. Telvira had suffered three civil wars in its history, and knew that the violence invariably spilled over onto foreigners. The embassy guards piled sandbags in front of the gates, but kept them open for anyone seeking asylum.

[New Chalcedon]

Constantinopolis Secundus

The streets were chaotic. The charismatic ex-Emperor's speech had fired all too many Imperial citizens into a patriotic frenzy, in which they attacked all perceived foreigners in their paths in an outburst of rage that had been too long denied by the former Emperor's once-moderate rule.

Eventually, in the Basil III Memorial Park, the violence reached a climax: a riot started between the Green and Blue factions of the Imperial Court, sweeping like wildfire through the capital's streets and threatening to engulf all in its path. The shouting was incoherent, with voices for Michael being equally matched by voices for his sister. No-one was safe unless they were in secure locations.

(OOC: NR, you get to pick how lucky Silander's children are.)

[Northern Rangeria]

Basil III Memorial Park

Luck was not with Arvid Kaitane that day: the diplomatic plates of his car had caught the eye of rioters as he was swiftly driving towards the embassy, Erik and Jana sitting in the backseat. Erik was doing his best to keep his baby sister from looking out the window, the little girl terrified at the shouts and screams that were barely muffled by the dark-tinted windows. They would have made it past the crowd, if some lucky son of a bitch hadn't prepared a Molotov's coctail that crashed against the hood. Flames engulfed the hood and the front window, and in a moment of panic Kaitane had tried to pilot the vehicle through dancing flames, only to crash it into a building wall.

The forty-seven-year-old former soldier cursed silently, feeling the blood oozing from a cut on his forehead, but his instincts took up quickly.

"Jana, Erik, there's no time to lose. Out of the car, quickly!" he commanded the frightened girl and her brother.

"But the rioters..."

"NOT NOW, ERIK!" he barked at the boy's protestations and pulled out his side-arm. He hadn't thought the situation would grow so dire in mere moments, and he had not wanted to frighten the children, so instead of his combat gear he only had a jacket on top of his black kevlar vest.

The rioters were closing in, and quickly the former soldier stepped out of the car, helping the children down as well.

"Erik, help your sister", he commanded, making sure the fourteen-year-old boy was holding the crying child's hand tightly as they began to run, trying to get away from this hot spot.

Behind them, the car was getting the worst of the rioters' fury, the black Mercedes now a burning wreck of twisted metal.

[New Chalcedon]

Basil III Memorial Park

Some rioters were attempting merely to destroy the vehicle. Others attacked the doors, intending to reach in and destroy the foreigners as a 'lesson to the world'.

When they got the door open, they noticed that the car was empty, and some began to look for obvious foreigners.

Soon enough, someone spotted the small group of Rangerians, or more specifically Kaitaine's unusually-tailored suit jacket and pale skin.

Over a dozen rioters surged toward the fleeing Rangerians, just as a platoon of Varangian Guardsmen approached the park - luckily, from the Rangerians' direction. The sight of the legendary Imperial bodyguards was enough to take the heart out of the protesters' fury, and when an order came through the officer's megaphone instructing the crowd to disperse, most did - grudgingly. The human and mechanical wreckage left behind, however, testified to the violence that the former Emperor's speech had stirred up.

One of the Guardsmen spotted Kaitaine and the two children hanging back, and approached them. "I do not believe that you are Imperial citizens. Have you a hotel to go to, or would you like an escort to your nation's Embassy?" Whilst polite, his tone made it clear that "neither of the above" was not an acceptable response.

Mangana Palace,
Constantinopolis Secundus

Eirena noticed that her brother was no longer present after she finished her speech and got out of the formal get-up. She accosted her maid, with a peremptory "Where's His Highness?"

After a few minutes of confused inquiries, it had emerged that Prince Constantine had departed the Palace for the Bucoleon Harbour, the Imperial Navy's base that also served as the Imperial Family's secure marina.

By the time communication was established through the chaos, two facts had been established: Constantine had already left the marina heading southeast (directly toward the coast nearest Novoa Hadrianopolis), and the Imperial Navy's Home Fleet (already battling a revolt incited by Fifth Bureau sympathisers) had nothing to send after him.

[New Chalcedon]

Bump. Why is no-one interested in this thread?

[Cukarica]

Belgrade 0800 hours
Millitary Inteligence Brigade HQ


In the huge halls of the Intel. building,everyone seemed to be in a rush,Empire of New Chalcedon,honest and trusty allies of the Federation were in peril,both external and domestic threats were treatening them.
A young and tall man was standing in a white Naval uniform in front of Director's office,as Federal Intelligence Bureau and Military Inteligence Brigade were stationed in the same building.
Suddenly tough doors opened and a figure of a athletic soldier apeared in the dark corridor.

"Admiral Holtz we were expecting you" said the Army officer with a name on his uniform saying Brigadier Waupfhen.

"Federal Directorate is very nervous about the recent events Yuri,they are troubled by the Chalcedonian war.I'm here to inform you to gather all intel about the Factions in Chalcedon,as from what i have understood,the politicians aren't going to watch the dissolution of New Chalcedon.What i have heard from my friends in the Federal Guard,several Shock and Blitz divisions are currently preparing themselves to move out but thats all i know"

Looking at the floor Brigadier took a deep breath before he continiued speaking to the Admiral.Both of them were Federal Guard veterans having fought together in dozen major conflicts.

"Yes,it is disturbing,but i can't say much about that,but i have some bad news for you,i've heard that the Directorate is going to send quite large number of troops,including...again looking at the floor and the looking straight in Admirals eyes....Herman's battalion...Holtz you can't do anything"

"They expect me to send my son to that bloodbath?I must appeal for that,hes only nineteen.How could they even think to send 3rd Rifle battalion there,they have only finished their training"

"I dont know old friend,i don't know" said the Brigadier as he gave a friendly tap on his friends shoulder...Admiral just looking at his friend and moved out of the building in rush,he knew he couldn't do anythig to prevent his son's battalion going,and he wandered mindlessly through the Southern plaza located on the banks of Danube River....

____________________________________________________________

Encrypted message sent to the Empress Eirene


Decryption 10%
Decryption 39%
Decryption 69%
Decryption 89%
Decryption 100%

Encryption loaded....

From:Federal Ministry of Foreign affairs

Your majesty,
Federation will not leave Chalcedon in the grips of the warmongers and enemies,as your allies we are obliged to help ou in any way we can.
With your permission units of the Federal Guard and Varangius Foreign Legion will be sent to deal with the insurgency and to remove any threats to your lands and people,both domestic and foreign.
We feel sorry for Ex-Emperor and your brother,as we have respect for him but obviously his councilors failed him and drived him into mindless murder and slaughter.

Port Arthur 1200 hours
Naval Instalation 4310 Gama


Massive fleet was getting ready for deployment,rows of battleships and aircraft carriers were anchored in the huge harbor,a massive amount of men:sailors,soldiers,marines and airmen waited for final orders to move out.
AA batteries and SAM sites on the Walls and elevated points were pointed in the air,numerious Neva-Pechora systems also know as "The three fingers of Death" were scaning the skies above Port Arthur,as the large troop concentration proved to be a challenge to provide security.
Crowd cheered as the men went onto their APC's and tanks and waited for their orders.
The scene was set for the largest military deployment in the most recent Federal history.


[OOC]
I hope i fit in as a CIN member ^^

[New Chalcedon]

OOC: You certainly do, but I would rather not a *huge* force - if nothing else, it will tempt the two factions to unite against outsiders. Can you please post an OOB?

IC:

Empire of New Chalcedon, Eastern Provinces

The bloodshed spread rapidly - too rapidly for Michael's liking. He wanted things to be kept under control, not this indiscriminate slaughter. Yet it seemed that events had overtaken him. No sooner had he issued an order to calm one place down than a dozen others flared up in demonstrations of loyalty to his hated sister, and he was forced to wipe them from the face of the nation, with great regret.

He stood in front of the window in the Governor's Residence in Sirmium, contemplating the future. His followers had finally solidified their grip on most of the eastern provinces, although a few provinces had splintered and threatened independance; now was the time to raise and army and march on the capital, which by his reports was still in well-stoked chaos, thanks to Parnassia's work.

Kastamonu, New Chalcedon

This city on the southern coasts on the Empire had reason to be wary of civil war: the last such war involved the siege of this city as the final redoubt of the traitor Cyaxares Melepotas.

Yet, it seemed, the governing officials had learned no lessons. Shortly after midnight, four Senators arrived by closed train in the city, and began discussing matters with the provincial praesidius and strategos, who were resident here in the provincial capital of Optimaetion Province.

The next morning, a new flag was raised: the flag of the Republic of New Chalcedon.

Constantinopolis Secundus

The Empress' staff were generally satisfied with the situation. Despite the death of Andronikous Notaras, and the defection of several officers, the command chain of the capital's garrison was largely intact. This did not hold true throughout the entire Imperial Armed Forces, but even in those, there was a recognisable chain of command.

Further, the western provinces of the Empire had been brought swiftly under control - the lone Michaelian holdout was the city of Nova Ancyra, and reports indicated that that city would soon open its gates to Eirena's forces. From there, the news went less satisfactorily: the ex-Emperor had claimed equally swift control of the eastern provinces, although Eirena's forces had chased him out of Novoa Hadrianopolis with little bloodshed, and in the south, another Republican revolt had been sparked by the last four Republican Senators alive.

On top of this, various allies of the Empire were starting to get involved. Whilst Eirena didn't share her brother's recently-acquired xenophobia, she was certainly sensitive to the perception which could arise; namely, that she was a foreign puppet, which would drive even her most forgiving supporters right into Michael's arms. She sat behind her desk and began to draft a reply to Cukarica's offer, to be put through the Council and a copy given to the Senate.

***

From: Her Imperial and Serene Majesty, Eirena IV of New Chalcedon.
To: His Excellency, the President of Cukarica.
Re: Recent offers.

Your Excellency,

Permission is granted for Cukarica, as a friend and ally of the Empire, to send limited forces to uphold the legitimacy of Our throne. We must insist, however, that such forces - specifically, the naval aspect of such forces - not exceed the current Home Fleet detachment of the Imperial Navy, nor the land-based forces the current size of the garrison of Constantinopolis Secundus.

With many thanks for your understanding and assistance;

Eirena Sophia Doukaina-Palaiologina

Empress and Lady of New Chalcedon
Defender of the Realm.

(OOC: The forces she refers to, given the rebel desertions etc. are roughly equivalent to three carrier groups (naval) and (given that this is the capital of a 3 billion+ empire, after all) approximately 150,000 troops.)

[The Wolf Hold]

((OOC: I'm interested, however would you mind if I limit my participation at the moment in this RP down to my state funded PMC, this is due to me having several RPs on the run, if it turns out my heavily armed and well equiped mercs arnt enough I can always send state troops))

[New Chalcedon]

OOC: Of course. Your involvement is yours to determine, WH.

IC:

Presentation Chamber
Mangana Palace

"And by virtue of your extreme courage, dedication and honour, the Grand Duchy of Volzgrad has determined that you, once their enemy, merit a high symbol of honour." The young Empress presented Admiral Isabella Banton with an ornate naval sword, and then continued.

"On the other hand, by virtue of your selfless service to and defense of your nation, even when your nation has been unworthy of this, We determine that a further reward is in order. Further, the final documented orderss of the late Grand Admiral Andronikous Notaras are to the effect that your resilience and clear sight are worthy of great disctinction. Kneel, Isabella Maria Banton, Admiral of the Imperial Navy."

The diminutive officer went to one knee before her sovereign. Eirena slowly drew the great Sword of Justinian from its scabbard. The fine, Damascened steel of the blade, still brilliant after so many years, flashed in the chandeliers' light as she laid the flat of the blade first on Banton's left shoulder, then her right, then withdrew and sheathed the blade.

"And rise again as Dame Isabella Banton, Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy, Commanding Officer of the Home Fleet and Knight Companion of the Order of Saint Constantine the Founder." The monarch pinned a medal to the newly-minted Grand Admiral's tunic, and placed a sash over her right shoulder. The chamber erupted in cheers: Admiral Banton was well-liked among both her colleagues and the general populace, and her new assignment as Home Fleet's CO was not one that people would envy. Simultaneously, she had to fend off any rebel attacks, prevent further diversions and maintain enough strength to make sure that any 'allies' didn't see greater benefit from attacking the Empire than from allying with it.

[Northern Rangeria]

OOC: My apologies, MA work is keeping me busy as hell... Also, out of curiosity, how strongly are the borders of the Empire watched right about now?

IC:

Northern Rangerian Embassy
Constantinopolis Secundus

Kaitane was not the kind of man to stir up any unwanted trouble, and he knew well enough to accept the Empire's faithful's offer to escort them back to the embassy.

The Jaegers kept a steady watch outside, hands on knife handles and pistol grips, ready to defend the embassy as the ambassadorial family finally gathered inside the walls once more. On the outside, the embassy seemed dead silent, the guards at ready, the iron gates closed to keep out the protesters that might come and pick a fight (after all, many New Chalcedonian soldiers had died in the Northern Rangerian rebellion, and the newly-found xenophobic rage seemed to make no distinction between enemy and ally). On the inside, however, Silander was in constant contact with the homeland, and soon an official statement was given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

By the Decree of the Prince Mikhail IV Halsar,
Adviced and Guided by the Faithful of the Principality,
On Behalf of the Nation and People of Northern Rangeria,

We, the Prince by the Grace of God and the elected officials of the People, recognize the Empress Eirena Sofiana Doukaina-Palaiologina and Her government as the lawful ruler of the Empire of New Chalcedon.

Noting, however, the friendship and loyalty shown to Our Nation and People by the deposed Emperor Michael Iastos Basilios Doukas-Palaiologos have been great in both extent and depth, and therefore offer our condolences for His present status. Furthermore, we urge Him to look inside Himself, and see the dark path he has set upon. A path, which we of Northern Rangeria have only recently walked: the path of brother against brother, a battle in which there is no victor, no glory to be gained.

May God and Saint Gid of the Greens bless and protect the Nation and People of New Chalcedon.

Still, declarations were all well and good, but nothing beated a personal touch. As such, Johannes Silander had already sent a missive to Mangana Palace, asking for an audience with the newly-crowned Empress, "to discuss the relationship between our two great nations, and the assistance the Principality is willing to provide in ending this destructive war", as he had put it.

[Shazbotdom]

OOC:
NC, have you figured out how to tie in my people with what is going on in this thread?

[Letat]

25 Imperial Avenue, Létatian embassy

Deputy Ambassador Julienne Suisse had never felt quite so alone. Of course her daughter was there, having just arrived at the embassy. And of course there were a few of the staff, those who had come with her before Madame Ambassador arrived, now crowded around the TV screen arguing over which channel had the best balance of tickers, talking heads, and infographics. And of course there were the guards, though she'd have been much happier if they had brought in Type-1 submachine guns to supplement their sidearms.

Since the ex-Emperor's announcement, Suisse had given the order to batten down the hatches at the embassy. She had lived through ten years of civil war in Létat, and knew the terrifying manner by which men and women of the noblest virtues transformed themselves into lethal death squads.

"Monsieur Thon," she said, turning to the chief of security, "call our liaison to the Empress - we need to know what the security situation is going to be for Madame Ambassador. As soon as I know, I'll see if I can't raise her on the satellite phone."

[New Chalcedon]

OOC: Wow, a lot of interest very quickly.

Shazbotdom, I thought it would tie in with Minister Terrance's presence in the capital right now. (Hint: even a busy Empress has time for a CIN Minister.)

NR, I fully understand. Life is rather chaotic for me too. Regarding the borders, it stands to reason on the one hand that they won't be carefully watched - most of the Empire's (considerable) forces are engaged in fratricidal violence. OTOH, there will be some who will perceive it as an opportunity to violate the Empire's sovereignty, and units that can't make up their minds who to support will probably patrol etc. as per normal, consoling themselves with the notion that they are doing something.

IC:

Mangana Palace,
Constantinopolis Secundus

The harried young Empress was at her wits' end - now, Prince Constantine had gone missing, and she worried that he may do something foolish. Her brooding was interrupted by her aide informing her about multiple requests for her time.

"Yes, Marisa, inform Ambassador Silander that We are at his disposal. Also, inform the Chamber of Commerce that We will review the situation regarding Griffincrest, but not to get their hopes up."

"Yes, Milady." The aide withdrew.

"Oh, Marisa?"

"Milady?"

"I hope that minister Terrance wasn't hurt before he got back here? It would be terrible if he had, being a guest of hte Empire, suffered injury due to our civil unrest."

"I believe, Milady, that neither he nor his companions suffered injury beyond a few rocks thrown at their vehicle."

"Very good, Marisa." Eirena went back to brushing her hair, and Marisa Turner knew she was dismissed.

25 Imperial Avenue, Létatian embassy

The face on the other end of the vidscreen was taut but composed.

"Deputy-Ambassador Suisse, Ambasssador Clichy's aircraft is due a few hours. We have taken the liberty of diverting it to the Basil II Airport, which is the Imperial Family's private airport and quite secure, I assure you. Further, a detachment of the Varangian Guard will escort the Ambassador to the Mangana Palace to meet the Empress, and then to the Embassy to join you. In fact, we recommend that you accept our offer of escort to the airfield, so you may personally brief your superior about the situation, and reassure her of our sincerity."

***

Governor's Residence
Sirmium, New Chalcedon.

"Those ingrates!! I would have thought that, after being deposed by a fake popular revolt, that that idiot Halsar would at least have stopped to consider the situation. Instead, he runs straight into that little whore's arms!" The former Emperor's ranting was stopped suddenly by an alert from the perimeter guard.

"What is it?"

"We've found someone. He says that you'll want to speak to him, and says that this is so because the horse cannot come before the cart." Michael's face lit up. "Constantine! Send him here right away!"

A scant few minutes later, Prince Constantine Doukas-Palaiologos was escorted into his brother's presence. "Con, you stood by me after all! Yevlena was saying that you'd sided with that little bitch. But I'm glad she was wrong!"

The disheveled blond man returned his brother's hug, and said "Mikey, of course I stand by you. Didn't I renounce the Crown rather than take it from you? I jsut had to act the loyal lackey until I could get on my yacht and get out of C.S., that's all."

"Of course, brother. Forgive me, please, for ever having doubted you."

"I understand, brother."

FROM THE DESK OF HIS IMPERIAL AND SERENE MAJESTY, MICHAEL VI OF NEW CHALCEDON

To Whom It May Concern;

LET IT BE KNOWN that His Imperial and Royal Highness, Constantine Sebastos Doukas-Palaiologos, is hereby stated, by Imperial Decree, to be Our true and trusty Brother, and Our appointed Heir in case of tragedy.

FURTHER LET IT BE KNOWN that by Imperial Decree, the accursed name of the Principality of Northern Rangerian be hereby struck from the nations who have been the Empire's friends and allies. All Northern Rangerians are persona non grata, and to leave Our lands at once. We had held some faint expectation of Rangerian aid after all the blood that the Roman people had shed in their defense, but now We know better.

As to Michael Halsar's admonition, We have only this to say: He who does not oppose evil becomes its accomplice. The Senate has dared, as with Our late and lamented father, to attempt to steal that which is not theirs to receive, nor Ours to give - the sovereignty of the land, entrusted by God Himself. There can be no mercy for this crime, nor forgiveness for its abettors, including Our sister, the tyrant and pretender Eirena. We do not fight for glory. We do not fight for gain. We fight because to do any other thing would be to betray God and the Empire.

Given under Our Hand and Seal, this Sixteenth Day of April in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Nine,

Michael Iastos Basilios Doukas-Paliologos,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon.