Second to None

[Thaumantica]

COLONIAL CIRCUMSTANCE
CANTIGNIA AND THE OCEANIC FRONT
​

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, 28 August 2011

Owen Wrexham ran his large shrapnel scarred hand over a tired elderly face, slowly allowing what feeling and sensation he had left in his fingers to drag over the sharp stubble that had developed over a long and now impossibly unending evening. "Well? . ." a female voice demanded of him before rolling herself over to face the Nation of Cantignia's Ambassador to Great Engellex.

"I have to see about an Empress, darling" Owen replied, ". . perhaps we can see about finishing where we left out later?" he asked sheepishly. "Oh, we'll see alright Owen" Mrs. Wrexham answered as she pegged him in the chest with a well thrown pillow. Mister Wrexham quickly shaved and threw on his new dark grey uniform, now lined with subdued crimson and black patches which denoted his time in service, rank, and role within the mad Chancellor's aggressive rightist Government.

A small, previously drawn out, bump of cocaine awaited Owen at the door, enough to keep the Ambassador on his game for what was to be a brief but intense encounter with the Queen-Empress of Great Engellex. The poorly lit streets of Dulwich welcomed him below with stern glares and fast feet, each new step greeting him with the stench of horse manure and coal -- one from the powerhorse of the Empire -- another from the mighty black bits that powered the Empire itself. The fog and mist had a tendency of enveloping him like a blanket, passing through his lungs easier now then ever with over a decade of laboured breathing behind him here already.

"Your papers and your pistol, Mister Wrexham?" ordered one of an unimaginable number of Palace Security Footmen from behind a wall of brick and iron, characteristically synonymous with the Empire as a whole. Owen passed the man his papers first through the iron bars, motioning slowly and only after a nod from the Footman on the other side. He began the procedure by revealing and turning his clip, displaying the butt of his handgun in its empty state before pointing it back at the ground and locking the barrel to the rear. Owen inspected the chamber slowly before clarifying that it was empty with the Footman, who flashed a white beam of light down an into it and trading the pistol to him for a return of Wrexham's identification papers.

The Northern Secretary, Anthony Pelham-Holles greeted him warmly, or as warmly as he could realistically treat his racial subordinate, through the gates on the other side. Ambassador Wrexham momentarily drew his hand towards his heart before remembering that the Secretary would neither receive nor understand the Vesper salute, instead he simply tapped an index finger against his brand new officers cap. "What in Her name does that Ilchester mongrel have you dressing in now, Wrexham?" the Northern Secretary spat. Owen shook his head sympathetically, "He has insisted this was Alice's idea, but this has Felix Ilchester and those bloody National Scouters blaring from every seam!". "Whatever happened to the Colonies wearing what the devil we told them to, Wrexham, when did the Colonists start thinking for themselves?" Pelham-Holles inquired further.

A bell rung out from inside the Palace, indicating the two men were ready to be received. Owen followed his superior from a step behind and to the left, as all lesser men were known to do in the Empire. "A hair too much thinking is being done within this Empire, Mister Secretary" Owen replied quite calmly, "When the Colonies begin thinking for themselves, they are bound to begin fighting for themselves". The Northern Secretary immediately scoffed and quickened his pace towards the Queen Empress' chambers, leaving Owen to soak in the sights and sounds of Her Majesty's broad art and music collections from within and outside the Empire.

Owen carefully timed his bows and locked eyes with the floor, rising finally with a bear like "Your Majesty!" that echoed within the chamber like a roar. "Your loyal servant His Excellency Owen Wrexham of Vesper . . Ambassador to the Union of Great Engellex & Crown, respectively."

 

[Great Engellex]

COLONIAL CIRCUMSTANCE
OLD EMPIRE AND NEW REPUBLICS

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, 28 August 2011

Mister Wrexham how good to see you at this hour, Charlotte smiled shortly. I am delighted your Imperial Majesty has the time to receive me, bowed the ambassador. Yes, so very far from the turmoil of the continent, yet the imperial metropolis would have you believe it is in the centre of things. Have you been duly occupied in Dulwich of recent? The ambassador nodded, indeed your Majesty, certainly the last few days. The Implaric-Oceanic Territory has not been left isolated from this period of conflict. Charlotte nodded in agreement. She wasn’t sure if he was referring to Cantigny’s own expansionist ambition in the south, with Butuan and the Anglysh territories, or whether he was acknowledging the problem in Karoskland. The Queen-Empress was not in a position to flirt with the what-ifs, neither did she have the time to probe further what he meant; the Commonwealth, or more so, Ilchester posed a threat to Great Engellex’ ability to manage her own affairs. The republican sentiments have not remained unnoticed.

He would find the Queen-Empress imposing. Charlotte had an engagement that evening with Army Generals in Dulwich, a ball, it would have been obvious. Her ears, neck and hair cascaded with diamonds and other fine stones, her costume was a brilliant overflow of cream satin, with her contrasting dark locks held up tightly under a magnificent glittering State Tiara. Usually it would be scheduled that the Queen-Empress would complete her political and diplomatic engagements before being dressed for more ceremonial engagements, and that evening was different, intentionally different. Charlotte was aware of her presence about the ambassador, she intended it to be so, a reminder almost that she was still the Queen-Empress. I am always surprised to see the people in the streets to welcome their leaders. I see the people of Cantigny applaud the Chancellor, she remarked stiffening her posture and raising her chin, my people cheer me. If the Commonwealth persists in following the personage of Ilchester, it should lose the affection of my people. Ambassador, she said turning to him, only the institutions live beyond the age of a nation’s leader, not his personal cult.

There exists no personal cult, your Majesty. It is but the strength of the racial nobility and the national ideals to Forward Cantigny that have sustained the Chancellor, and prevent, the Commonwealth from deteriorating. Not a personal cult. Permit me, m’am, but I believe your feeling - . Charlotte cut him short with a simple wave of her hand, she was irritated. The Queen-Empress felt as though she was receiving a sheet of propaganda from Vesper. My feelings are not important. It is what the Chancellor is and what the Chancellor represents. Do not be confused to believe that a stale fear of progress pervades the political halls of this metropolis. It is firmly understood, and wanted, for the overseas territories to realise their future independent of the political strings of my Parliament; but it will not be so of my Crown. The Karoskland territory, she begun by looking at the ambassador for intently and serious, is moving forward with this political ambition, I should be pleased, but I cannot be. The Lord Commissioner has moved – forced this progress with powers that do not belong to his office; powers that belong to my Crown. You must have heard, of course.
The imperial will of this realm is what brought birth to that southern territory, it is with that reason that we cannot easily leave these developments to continue unchallenged; I wouldn’t consider myself a dutiful sovereign else. The Lord Commissioner has been officially relieved of his post. He is ill-mannered, unrespectable, and an unprincipled character, Vesper would be wise to - wise indeed, to accept the advice of the Queen of Cantigny.

Ambassador, she said firmly, should the Chancellor lend support to this usurpation, any and all credentials of democracy held by the Commonwealth will be swiftly dismissed by the European community. He has adjourned the Provincial Assembly indefinitely. The ambassador looked surprised, of course, this was a much more serious and infuriated side of Charlotte. That is outrageous! What of the opposition, m’am? He queried. They cannot do a thing, Wrexham, political opponents have been detained, and the freedom of the press has been eroded over time – there was nothing we could do about that, it was, after all, a provincial matter. The people of Karoskland must know that this treachery is without any European support, the Lord Commissioner of Wightland has Formally Invited Great Engellex to intervene. My ministers are pressing for support within Parliament for an Expeditionary Force to rendezvous with the naval attachment in Wightland.

 

[Thaumantica]

COLONIAL CIRCUMSTANCE
CANTIGNIA AND THE OCEANIC FRONT

Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex, 28 August 2011

"My dear Queen" Owen Wrexham offered in full awe of Charlotte's beauty, "An Expeditionary Force has already been mustered by your Loyal Servant, the Lord Chancellor Felix Ilchester!" The Crown Ambassador leaned back unto his heels, anticipating either beams of enthusiasim or a fit of rage on scale with Oceania's worst hurricanes. In the eleventh year of his posting in New Dulwich, the most exciting and troubling two years had come with the ascension of the mad Chancellor, Felix Ilchester. He had developed a way of antagonizing on some days, and inspiring on others, to the point that Owen always felt a step or more behind his Nation.

Charlotte remained quite calm to his surprise, instead she offered the man an inquisitive squint, "Lord Wrexham?" she asked. "Queen-Empress," Wrexham replied with a nod "Our Lady Alice has deliberated and reasoned with the National Council meeting in Vesper, who have endorsed an operation of the expeditionary variety . ."

From across the Empire in Vesper, Cantignia a steady rain of boots smacked against the decks of the HHS Persephone ; The Princess Royal, Alice of Cantignia & Hammersmith's own Imperial Missile Destroyer. Robert Herschell, Lord Commander of the Foxwood Footguard stood motionlessly beside her, Alice, on the dimly lit observation deck, watching as his Guards filtered on to the vessel. In close proximity the HHS Vitality, HHS Victory, an HHS Vanity completed the upload of 15,000 Commonwealth Defence Forces, more accurately described as Expeditionary Assault Forces, or the Veterans of a Butuanese Sitting War.

The Princess reached out towards the dark oceanic abyss with both hands, "Under Gods power, Lord Herschell?" Alice whispered softly. "Under His power She flourishes, Princess." Herschell replied much stronger.

". . with the secret intent of propping up the Crown Colony Karoskland, before it falls." Ambassador Wrexham continued in the intense gaze of Her Majesty the Queen. "Like so many dominoes, Lord Wrexham, if but one falls?" Charlotte pondered aloud."It shall not fall, and she shall not fail you, My Queen!" Owen warmly promised. Her doubt in Ilchester and his Ambassador flared somewhere deep in the breathtaking orbs which were her eyes, but it was the a pair of pursed lips and a flick of her finger that he had exhausted his usefulness that persevered.

Owen Wrexham took the queue immediately, dropping his bow and making a sharp about face towards the door. "I'm going back to bed, Mister Secretary" he said as he pushed past Anthony Pelham-Holles and that inexorable scowl he had learned to loathe. "Go back all the way to Cantigny while you are at it Wrexham" Holles called out as the Cannie's footsteps became faint and distant.

[KAROSKLAND PROPAGANDA POSTER]

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DISTRIBUTED THE MORNING OF 29 AUGUST, 2011
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[Thaumantica]

CRIMSON UNDERWORLD
A DREAM OF LIBERTY, A DREAM OF IRON


Veterans of Operation Summer Gambit*, Cantignia's short-lived experiment in Butuan, rushed off their troop carriers for a second time on to foreign shores. Short bursts of machine gunfire met them like mosquitoes discovering a lightbulb, as the primarily Marine Infantry force sustained their first casualties before even reaching the beachhead. Meanwhile the HHS Vanity reeled as anti-naval batteries peppered its hull unexpectedly ; the New Republic of Karoskland had found its Patriots amongst volunteers, now seizing the element of surprise against an Imperial Expeditionary Force.

From the vantage point of the Capital-Ship, HHS Persephone, Alice clenched her fists and crossed her arms as Lord Herschell literally dragged the Crimson Queen off from the observation deck, and down beneath the up-armored warship. Alice had exchanged words with the usurper, fmr. Lord Commissioner George Lassel, only hours before, when he had given her his word that she would be met with a "display of gratitude you have never felt before".

"Lord Guardian?" Admiral Winston J. Burberry half-demanded over a satellite phone to Vesper, "Permission to respond with deadly force?" he asked of Richard Greenfax. Going silent for a few moments, the phone was passed haphazardly to Felix Ilchester, "This is your Chancellor speaking, what precisely is the problem with Karoskland?". Burberry sighed and explained their deadly misjudgment of the usurpers friendliness, then moved on to a short paraphrasing of the dying Marine Commanders' verbal tirade from the beachhead.

"For Charlotte's sake, Burberry, let it rain in Karoskland!" Ilchester screeched. The Admiral discontinued the connection instantly, refusing to waste another moment on that dreaded bureaucracy. "Battle Formation Underworld, this is Hellraiser actual ; over," Winston released his choke-hold over the mic,". . commence total assault on target Olympia . . How copy over?". Vitality, Victory, and Vanity responded checked and commenced firing all within a long and violent minute while Burberry's Capital-Ship Persephone received its own orders: obliteration of target 'Liberty Bell', the New Republic of Karoskland's Constitutional Headquarters with a steady rain of missiles.

Like a Father scolding a whimpering child, the Missile Destroyers of the Underworld Formation let out a roar of ballistic fury upon the dilapidated coastal defense of Great Engellex's rebellious colonists, manned largely by freedom fighters still virgin to armed combat. The Marine Infantry wasted no time in rising from their own blood and guts mixed with the sand, wildly charging a shell shocked enemy, and swiftly ending the lives of both deserters and hardy defenders of liberty.

The crimson banner rallied all the way to a series of beachfront properties of the City Isenbric, Capital and ideological heart of the New Republic ; held back by a new line of defense. White men of the Engellexic heritage clashed for the first time ever with the Birth of a New Republic, the assertion of a colony desperately dreaming of becoming a Nation. Their Revolutionary plight was not so unlike Cantignia, who had only just begun to propagate its own opportunistic iron dream through the exsanguination Karoskland. A bemused Queen Alice paced in her Quarters within the HHS Persephone, imagining the sights and sounds of her own flesh and blood spewing and leaking upon the realm of her beloved Charlotte.

*Unofficially Operation Strawberry, proper public name was Operation Summer Gambit

 

[Thaumantica]

CRIMSON UNDERWORLD
A DREAM OF LIBERTY, A DREAM OF IRON

A loud thud echoed up and down Adelaide Boulevard as a barkeeper reluctantly hammered in a National Decree outside his pub, the first of its kind in the City of Isenbric, Karoskland. Fifteen men, women, and children had taken shelter under Mitchell Robert's bar, fitting awkwardly into a cramped cellar. Inside the men schemed to form their own resistance, the women reviewed their perspectives of the attack over and over again until they were blue in the face, all while their children comforted each other as best they could with the help of chilled ciders and shelled peanuts. For many across the New Republic, the Colony, or the Oceanic Nation, this would be their first interaction with Cantignia, a close but often quiet cousin within the Engellexic Empire

ATTENTION PROUD PATRIOTS OF KAROSKLAND
1. This territory is now a part of the Greater Oceanic Realm and under the marshal jurisdiction of General & Commander Andreas J. Brockenhuus, Enforcer for Alice, the Queen.
2. No civilians will be permitted on the streets between nightfall and sun up until further orders are given.
3. All public places are out of bounds to former or current enemies of the State, and not more than 10 persons can gather at one time in any place.
4. All organizations of a military, semi-military or fraternal nature are hereby disbanded and banned. Formed Youth organizations shall hereby convert to National Youth Scouting Leagues under direction of the Enforcer and Expeditionary Force.
5. All counter-national or counter-imperial emblems must be immediately destroyed. All forms of art depicting the Queen-Empress or Queen must be turned in for evaluation.

No one will act, speak or think contrary to our decrees
PERSEVERANCE PROSPERS INTO PEACE​

The streets were now empty of human presence, but abandoned cars and trash had scattered like snowflakes everywhere; items all lost to the overpowering frenzy of roaring missiles pouring in from the Ocean, and anti-naval fire retaliating from coastal defence batteries. Pockets of resistance remained in this once bustling city, with short weapons exchanges and one hit wonders disrupting the eerie silence of a broken civilization. At the heart of Isenbric, the old Parliament Building, the Cantignian Stormtroopers erected the streaming banner of Alice the Crimson Queen at first light, taking hissing warning shots at living beings that ventured too close. Against great odds the usurper himself remained at large, at least missing, being neither seen nor heard from since the first hour of coastal defence where he had declared his "Last stand for Liberty!" to all the world that cared to listen.

"I have seen the silver lining, my brave and precious people, my courageous brothers and my graceful sisters . ." Alice's young, sultry voice appealed over a wave of radio, television, and intercom broadcasts. "The reign of terror has ended with the withdrawal of Great Engellex, and this gasping breath of uncertainty has faded into obscurity with Lassel abandonment of his New Republic . . Against the backdrop of World War: Karoskland perseveres! Forward Karoskland!" She chirped with naive enthusiasm.

Across the realm her voice was snuffed out by some who refused to hear, and others who listened in louder to hear the warm and confident young voice. Alice was often a known name, more often a recognizable face, though rarely a voice that the common race recognized outside of Cantignia, or certain cities the Crimson Queen frequented in Engellex proper. Her public figure had often emanated a vibe of entitlement and cultural elitism, Alice was purely a creature of Imperial Culture that possessed little to no depth or content for the thinking man to digest. Alice attended balls, spoke at rallies, and supported sporting clubs like the Vesper Violets or Hammersmith United; domestic problems, or violent conflict had never been equated with the petite, Cannie, stylish Alice of Cantignia.

"Karosklander's have asked for change, and as well they should. I Alice, a woman of the shared skin and blood, ask for a lasting peace . . The True Peace," she continued with a steady tone, "the forging of a proud civilization with these classic foundations: Purity of Race, Purity of Culture, and Purity of Leadership. I will fully foot the bill of leadership and without waver or weakness, together we will ensure that our culture flourishes by empowering our youth who so desperately yearn for greatness. Finally our race . . self-evident in the war-hardiness of all combatants who clashed today, we are to find insight through observational study an propagation of our common strengths, and the immediate removal of our inherent deficiencies without even a moments hesitation. Karoskland will emerge much bolder from these flames, as any victorious people does, prepared to infuse its fiery passions with art, sport, and industry!"

In all of Her demands Alice failed to mention spirituality or religion, the many faiths of such a remote realm were to jockey for the highest position in a Karoskland united. Listeners to the Queen's speech began and would continue to take stock of their allegiances, and just as importantly the allegiances of their friends and neighbors, trying to understand where they fit in to this bold new society. Karoskland was in all localities a few shades darker in skin than any place in Cantignia, moreover whites of the colony turned republic were not yet fully aware of the pedestal or entitlement they were about to receive simply for being born. Engellex had taxed Karoskland into submission, but Cantignia was poised to design a new system of politics by taxing the living conditions of specific minorities or holders of a unique lifestyle.

 

[Thaumantica]

MURDER AND FORGIVENESS
QUEEN ALICE AND THE REPUBLICANS

Her thin black widows dress clung tightly around her young body like a devoted lover as a distinctly oceanic wind pressed back a black wispy veil up against her tragically red lips. Pale as her skin was known to be, the sun of her colonies was already challenging her complexion as it might the ladies of the working class, a truth she gladly struggled to embrace as compassion for the Karosklanders infected that scornful disposition taught to her by Felix.

"Will they ever forgive us, Lord Herschell? Will Karoskland ever love me?" Alice asked the Commander of her permanent protecting Footguard. "When the smoke has cleared, Highness, they will see you as you are . . " he began quite vaguely, ". . and how you present yourself will dictate flares of love or disdain from these people. Forgive yourself, Alice, love what you have become!" Herschell pleaded.

"My dearest Charlotte," Alice whispered as the Imperial Band rattled off a drum heavy funeral hymn from across the courtyard, where twenty or more prisoners of war stood chained together with mouths stuffed and sealed. "I have become, why . . " she trailed off as the republicans were kicked down on to their knees, "I have so much blood on my hands, my Queen-Empress.". From the northbound gate marched her Foxwood Footguard, matching their footsteps with an accelerated cadence from the Imperial Band.

Rifles clutched between their crimson glove covered hands, the Footguard marched in place in front of one prisoner a piece, with the remaining Guards brandishing small handguns in one hand while saluting Alice with the other in the style of Vesper. "Love, our love for you Alice, shall wash that blood away - I promise it." Lord Herschell said as the Crimson Queen accepted their extended salute with an open hand, bringing it then to her quickly racing heart with a moments hesitation. The elimination of her enemies, the rebels and invalids, was so simple to speak of in speech, but to approve and watch it with her own two eyes was another layer of iron strength she had yet to fully harden. By now she knew the scent and sound of murder, that of lives lost and the quenching of vengeance, she had vowed regrettably now to witness every last life her policies extinguished.

Foxwood kissed the muzzles of their rifles tenderly upon the foreheads of their victims, some motionless and others wriggling or swearing as best they could with their mouths gagged. Behind the firing party, the handgun toting Guards retracted their salute and pointed their weapons in the air, squeezing off a volley of blanks in to the sky to indicate the verdicts' passing. Red mist complimented the beating of a lone drum and twenty rifles, leaving the prisoners dead with an appointment with gravity. Quietly Alice turned away as quickly as she could without appearing weak to the observing cameras and viewers across the colonies.

With her shaking hands she carefully loosened a violet clothe band wrapped around her left arm, meant to symbolize her passion and vibrance, as she approached the First Feminine Youth League of Karoskland, girls no younger than eight or older than fifteen. Alice passed her eyes over their quite often beautiful faces, unmistakably struck with fear or awe of everything Alice's name and reputation now conjured up within their remotely innocent minds. "For my leading ladies!" Alice called out to them with what she imagined was a graceful smile. The girls were immediately pulled from their deathly trance, throwing up their hands in salutes or grasping for the violent band which Alice had tossed towards the center of their girlish mass. As the Queen turned away from screams of joy, she considered those left to be brought to this violent justice she herself had defined, but most of all the usurper himself, surely plotting a similar demise unto her from a hiding place she had committed every marshal resource to finding.

 

[Thaumantica]

THE BOUNTY HUNTER
QUEEN ALICE AND THE USURPER

Northeast Karoskland, Greater Oceanic Realm, 6 September 2011

"When do I get paid? . ." the Bounty-Hunter Walt Maddox growled in to his three years removed from state of the art satt-phone. Beneath the Hunters boot, squirming like a trapped rat, was the Karoskland usurper George P. Lassel, visionary and leader of the New Republic. "I'll buy out her price three times over!" Lassel squealed, grinding his teeth and wringing his fingers out in the dirt.

"Is that true, Miss?" asked Maddox of the Crimson Queen, "Who's to say I'm not a Republican if the money is right?". From her stronghold in Isenbric, now a rear-position with the advance of the expeditionary assault deep in to Karoskland, Alice sighed and shrugged off the Bounty-Hunter's disrespect of both her word and status within the Empire. In this moment it was irrelevant of how she felt, the Queen realized, as the number one public enemy of her brave new realm was within her grasp. "Ask the usurper what currency he trades in, Mister Maddox . . Ask him now!" Alice ordered.

Maddox prodded George Lassel with his .45 handgun, "How will I get paid if I let you go?" he asked with a skeptical scowl. The usurper went limp, mind racing as he realized the miscalculation, he no longer possessed gold or property ; his significant physical wealth had been seized by Charlotte in the Motherland and now that dastardly Alice in an Isenbric besieged. "Pounds! I still have enough pounds to match the bitch!" Lassel exclaimed, grasping at the air as if he held them in his hand.

"Mister Maddox, the Queen-Empress's Global War will devalue the Pound, perhaps even destroy it," Alice deduced with the help of her economic advisers, "The Greater Oceanic Realm will trade in Crossmarks, the Cannie bill . . That my Lord, and you will be entitled to the deed or value of this usurpers properties around the Empire!". The Bounty-Hunter was thirty-six and quickly approaching forty, but still the idea of retiring and settling down revolted in his conscious like a Karosklander. Media-outlets nor the historians of the Empire would ever gather an inkling of his name or exploits today, his gain in freeing the usurper would be moral, but capturing and turning him in would incur a gross financial gain.

"You will be compensated for the contracted amount within the hour," Alice said, breaking the thoughtful silence of her wayward Bounty-Hunter "and Mister Lassel's deeds shall be delivered at your convenience, sir" she finished. Seizing this man was paramount not only to the war effort, but it would complete Alice's entailed obligation to Charlotte before the Oceanic Territories became completely hers, a possession of her Greater Oceanic Realm.

Walt tied the usurpers hands behind his dirt caked backside, lending no attention to the mans screams of pain and anguish as what even Alice would describe as a decent run came to an end. "You'll hand me the deeds yourself, my Lady Alice, at a place and condition of your choosing of course. Our careers are now intertwined you see?" the Bounty Hunter smiled as he lit a thin menthol cigarette, sucking in the smoke deeply before allowing it to flow slowly out of his nostrils, delivering the closest thing to cocaine or an orgasm he could treat himself to in the field. The Crimson-Queen became flustered at the notion of Walt Maddox in the flesh, and much worse, his accurate assessment of how irreversibly cursed to mutual cooperation within the Shadow Game they now were. In order to guarantee her ascension as Queen of the South, Alice would have to guarantee this Bounty-Hunter's every whim was met until death did them part.

 

[Thaumantica]

THE COVENANT
FORMALITIES OF THE DICTATORSHIP

Metropolitan Vesper, Greater Oceanic Realm, 11 September 2011

He was supposed to be a proud son of Engellex, he was supposed to be a fertile father to bouncing baby Mormon sprouts with a beautiful and brave young wife. Felix Ilchester was the father of a brave new nation, and the proverbial son of a nineteen-year-old Queen ; embittered by a God who no longer had an ear for him. Everything he had ever done until this point had not been enough to quench his thirst, and yet, as the thunderous applause was absorbed by his outstretched arms, he knew tomorrow the thirst would return as it had so many times before.

'The Five Pillars' were recited as the Queen's entourage made their way in, marching to their own silent cadence, and ignoring the burly man from New Haven's oration of the national values. Alice touched a white feathers quill to the Article of Covenant, slowly and deliberately etching her signature in with a quickly fading smile. Behind her stood Lord Herschell, Commander of the Queen's Foxwood Footguard, whispering soft words of encouragement into the young Monarch's naive ears. At no moment in time did the Crimson Queen look his way, that of her Lord Chancellor, she remained aloof to his prying eyes even as he etched in his own mark upon the Article.

Felix stood and saluted his Queen in the style of Vesper, but Alice cast her gaze out towards the Vesper Committee, whose applause had grown greater with time and reverberation. "Is a smile too much to ask for, Your Majesty?" Felix called out to her as she turned to leave. Alice stopped dead in her tracks, balled up her hands in the shape of fists and debated within whether or not to tarnish her image by socking the Lord Chancellor square in the jaw. "You have our Nation, Felix, what more do you want?" Alice replied, permitting only a short glance back, or enough to see Ilchester out of her peripheral vision.

"Everything . . " Felix whispered as quickly as he could spit it out, but she was already gone, and only Lord Herschell was there to frown at him from behind his ancient battle weary eyes. A more loving horde remained out there, in the form of the faithful Vesper Committee, made up of his former peers. This Article had turned servants in to them all, ready and willing to maintain this new Oceanic order. An eerily certain air of darkness emanated from the void in democracy and decency Ilchester created, his perverse Symphony of Iron cackling out a sweet serenade to pride and glory.

ARTICLE OF THE COVENANT
11 SEPTEMBER 2011

We, the Lord Chancellor, the Crimson Queen, and the Vesper Committee Decree:

Section 1. The Crimson Queen shall invest within the Lord Chancellor of the Cantignia Covenant full governmental powers. The Chancellor shall appoint and revoke the appointment of ministers and of state secretaries, who shall be responsible only to Queen and Chancellor.

Section 2. The Chancellor shall exercise legislative power in the Covenant Committee: without hindrance from any but the Queen herself.

Section 3. The Chancellor shall promulgate laws and assure their execution.

Section 4. The Chancellor shall make appointments to all civil and military posts for which the law does not provide any other method of appointment.

Section 5. The Chancellor shall have full power over the armed forces.

Section 6. The Chancellor shall have the right of granting pardon and amnesty.

Section 7. All constitutional laws predating this covenant are hereby eliminated.

Section 8. The States of Karoskland, Leschaux, New Engellex, Selexium, Verchaix, and Wroxeter are hereby eliminated. The Oceanic Realms of Leschaux, New Engellex, Selexium, Verchaix, and Wroxeter shall rise up in their place.

Section 9. The realm secretaries, high dignitaries, and high officials of the realms shall take oath before the Queen of the Oceanic Realm. They shall swear allegiance to Her and engage themselves to perform their duties for the welfare of the state in accordance with rules of honor and of purity.

Section 10. The Covenant of Cantignia regards as vital to its national interest and to world peace the maintenance of international peace and security in the Implarian. Armed Forces of the Covenant are therefore, prepared, as the Lord Chancellor determines, to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force, to defend the True Peace.

​

 

[Great Engellex]

COLONIAL CIRCUMSTANCE
KAROSKLAND & THE QUEEN OF CANTIGNY

Battent Palace, Dulwich, Empire of Great Engellex

The Queen-Empress, taking a rather rose tinted perspective on the Karoskland adventures of Vesper, thought it necessary to write to Alice :-

Dearest Alice,

Since you were good enough to express your utmost loyalty to the Imperial Crown and apprehend that dastardly criminal, the Lord Commissioner of Karoskland, before he could do further harm to the liberty and prosperity of the people, I have decided to form a Royal Commission to explore how the imperial position can be strengthened in the Implaric-Oceanic region in appreciation of your great efforts. I intend to seize the opportunity to redesign the foundation in which the imperial frame sits upon; with myself and you standing united in Europe, and especially the East.

For that is the great task before Cantigny, to cultivate the Implaric-Oceania, and defend the imperial realms from the negro and yellow races. In this you shall always find myself by your side ready to aid you as best I can.
I have received intelligence suggesting that the sly Anglysh intend to re-arm the Butuanese and Khalistani governments behind your back, they are sure to raise inferior hopes and inflame hatred for Cantigny and the white race in general. It should prove especially terrible should they find themselves in a position to undermine you, and the Cannie realm, through war.

Begging your pardon for the liberty I have taken, I hope the Princess Royal should not be frustrated at the Queen-Empress’ open expression, who is always on the lookout on your behalf.

Best love, your dearest Charlotte.​

In view of the situation we must deploy reinforcements, spoke the Northern Secretary, to Napierburgh and Port Wandsworth. Charlotte disagreed, I think that would be seen to undermine Vesper. Anthony Pelham-Holles seemed quite taken back with this, it would be cautionary, m’am. Still Charlotte did not agree, to assume Dulwich is central to influence and decision in the Implaric-Oceanic Region would be unwise indeed. We should not fear it, but encourage Vesper to take a greater position in Europe where we can certainly not afford to focus on. I do not want to undermine the progress made by Vesper in the region. The Southern Secretary (the lesser Foreign Secretary), too, found disagreement, though it was perceived to be due to the decline, almost, of both their ministries, but we shall have undermined, by refusing to compel Touzen to negotiations on how it will respect Cantigny. We should dispatch an offer to Vesper immediately. Thomas Grey, Earl Grey, the Secretary of the Treasury, looked confused at his suggestion, what kind of offer?
To withdraw from Karoskland and hand over the Lord Commissioner, the Southern Secretary replied. But we have no – loyal – troops in Karoskland, Earl Grey reminded him. We have got an economic interest there, with the territory being a thinly disguised tool for imperial penetration in Himyar. The Cannies are not fools, and neither are we, declared the frustrated secretary. Charlotte stood, signalling her refusal to entertain further idiocy, my intention is clear, I do not believe we need to reverse from it. It is the right path to take. The insolent Southern Secretary continued, and if the Cannies want more? War is not what Engellex needs, especially not with our own allies. Charlotte lifted her shoulders and gave a stern reminder to whom the gentlemen was talking to, I do not believe civil war is appropriate for the Empire right now, is it? The only negotiation I will consent to, is for the transfer of the Lord Commissioner to our custody. I am quite sure it will be without issue. I do not intend this situation to become our priority, we have more pressing issues, the Frankish attack has sunk another submarine and twenty-seven aircraft. We will have to send the southern submarine squadrons to the Great Sea, to reinforce what is left of our naval position. The Home Secretary Charles Foster, Earl of Onslow, informed that encouraging Cantigny to fill the void in the south, not matter how small, will annoy Touzen.
Do not speak to me of Touzen, interjected the Queen-Empress, the territories are ours to dispense not theirs. There may be questions on this course of action, but the imperial realms must remain united. I see this as far more than just a war with Montelimar. Cantigny will be decisive in the battle between Christianity and Islam; between imperial civilisation and semi-Eastern civilisation. Our sympathies must be with Vesper, it is vital that the submarine squadrons reinforce the Great Sea and weaken the mastery of the southern seas from the Anglysh.

That evening, after a glittering banquet, hosted by the Queen-Empress for the Cannie Ambassador and leading Cannie personages within the imperial metropolis, Charlotte commanded the attention of the ambassador personally and privately. You are quite determined to make the Princess Royal a Queen of Cantigny, your Majesty? I can say with absolute certainty that her Royal Highness will value the gesture highly, the ambassador went as he followed Charlotte into the Membrose State Room. Cantigny has been as though a kingdom, quite similar to those which constitute the Empire, for some time. Alexandra has demonstrated that with remarkable character and strength. With this title, she said turning to face him, it will be a reality. With Alexandra as Queen of Cantigny, the respect of the international community shall be commanded by Vesper once more. I do wish, however, to relay my concerns to you for the Chancellery. Charlotte sat down, leaving the ambassador standing before her, as she did not permit him to do otherwise. I do look forward to Vesper pushing forward with the kind of liberal-conservatism in Karoskland which has been my ideal since I took the throne; women’s suffrage included. I do not know exactly how such policy, and others, can be easily implemented, but I intend to speak with the Princess Royal at the earliest opportunity to discuss the direction Karoskland shall now follow.
The ambassador nodded, indeed, m’am.
We also need to establish the grounds to facilitate the transfer of the Lord Commissioner to stand trial here, for treason. I trust there will no reason for objection and difficulty.

 

[Thaumantica]

COLONIAL CIRCUMSTANCE
KAROSKLAND & THE QUEEN OF CANTIGNY
Without the luxury of parchment and ink, or the means of delivering her personal notes to Charlotte, Alice prepared a telegram from her Palace in Isebric, Karoskland. :-

Beloved Charlotte,

Patriotic Men and Women of the Imperial clothe take the utmost pride in executing your divine justice from sea to shining sea. Cantignia is ready and willing, or as the Lord Chancellor of our new Covenant says: an "Iron Fist", of the Global Establishment.

Revolutionaries of the Republican variety, dear Charlotte, have found execution through another consequence of divine justice entirely. I regret to divulge that the deaths of thousands are Cantignia's responsibility, in my hands, soaking blood so unmistakably into my once silk and maiden white gloves. They call me the Crimson Queen for the bloodshed that is cast in my wake; somehow Felix Ilchester is seen as the genius who saved millions from death in that cesspit of Butuan.

Surely my undoing will come with a deficit of confidence in the Empire, and a subsequent deficit of pride in our superior Race and Culture. Surely Cantignia will dubiously succeed in taming the atom, without question, at which time no brown skinned cronie of the Anglysh King can challenge the flawless vitality of a True Peace in Oceania. And surely a hate for Purity and Culture already exists in the fledgling savage Kingdoms of Butuan and Khalistan; emboldening their ability to wage war merely douses their respective crowns with fuel for the nuclear fire.

As you know, the Sons and Daughters of Engellex in Cantignia are committed to that preservation. I fear that so many more from my generation, men and women of youth, will die to preserve your throne, and my new iron realm. We must secure the peace soon, together, we must cast what demons are left back to hell before we condemn our own Race to eternal suffering. Finish this war, my Queen-Empress, finish it swiftly and finish it as surely as our right to power over Europe.

Forward the Empire, admiring always Alice.

​

"Lord Herschell!" Alice called out to the Commander of her personal bodyguard, a man easily twice her age. "Lady Alice?" he responded immediately, storming in to her personal chambers with two armed guards in his stead. "Lord Herschell, see to it that our dear friend Felix, the Lord Chancellor, does not intercept this telegram . . See to it personally, if you will."

Herschell nodded and snatched the intended telegram out of her uncovered hands, a sight he was not quite comfortable with as a man of honour and faith. His disdain for the Chancellor reigned over his immediate nerves, however, Lord Herschell found Felix Ilchester to be amongst the most embarrassing products of Cannie sovereignty, though few would share this view.

 

[Thaumantica]

Albatross

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The Great Colonial Hall

THEY CALL HIM
ALBATROSS I
​

Vesper, The Covenant of Cantignia. 21st January 2012.

We call him 'Albatross', Highness Lord Felix Ilchester spoke over a vintage rotary telephone, sitting alone in his underground office bunker in Vesper, Cantignia. The walls of concrete and iron had been replaced with stucco and tapestry of the cream and crimson variety, flushing his secretive workplace with an ominous flush of bloodlust.

_______________

​

Alice sighed over the line in her guestroom bed in Dulwich, Great Engellex, watching as streetcar beams cast light in through her quaint victorian style window. The time difference between Dulwich and Vesper had been driving her mad for years now, as it did the proper Engellexic Ministers who actually maintained a regular sleep regimen.

And what does he call himself, Lord Chancellor? Who in the devil is 'Albatross'? Alice asked her persistently snarky Chancellor. Albatross, the bird itself, had captivated her as a young girl, more even than the swan, as a unique and resourceful creature of Cantignia's diverse realms. In her spoiled youth Alice had watched as her father missed blast after shotgun blast, failing to down a cunning little albatross from treasured Persephone, Cantignia.

Albatross looks as we had agreed upon, you, Ms. North, and I. He has their blonde hair, and their 'dreamy' green eyes, Felix informed, Mats Bergman, Highness, he is an under exposed National Democrat . . And we would seek to expose him to Suionian Oceania in full, Highness. Lord Ilchester's use of title was peculiar, at least in the context of private conversation, as he had only ever shown her disrespect within the friendly confines. Alice was for the first time in recent memory completely impressed with his politique tone and presentation, it perhaps implied that Felix was finally realizing that he would need her to survive these trying times as the infamous face of Oceanic Cantignia.

If Veronica North approves of him, they he will surely do, Queen Alice said with a smirk she could only share with herself, That woman has a bright future in our friendly confines, does she not Lord Chancellor?

Deputy Chancellor North does, surely Felix replied as eagerly as he was reluctant, Veronica is set to break fast with Albatross this morning, in Fastning Svenska, to discuss the great Nya Vastergotland Independence Movement.

The Crimson Queen was puzzled, Why might Lady North discuss Independence? . . Is that not our undoing in the Implarian? Alice queried with her sternest tone, improving now after these last months of practice with Felix Ilchester and her controversial little Covenant. Felix chuckled at the naive young Queen in his familiar belittling way, Why Alice, a Democracy cannot simply plant their flag at the seat of a society and expect it to become their own overnight. We must coax them into doing it with their own two hands, as if it were their very destiny.

Often, at her own admission, Alice had undermined Felix's devious nature - but this was unprecedented, outrageous even. There was no combination of words within the Engellexic lexicon that would justify this manipulation to Queen-Empress Charlotte, which sooner or later young Alice would have to do in the company of Charlotte's ever skeptical advisers. She could now hear the whispers in Dulwich with her own ears that her own advisers had informed her of, that she and Cantignia were reckless, and in some ways less than Imperial or deserving of their Engellexic respect. As Charlotte had taught her, Alice did all she could to pose as confident and sure of herself, especially in spite of every attack.

Mortifying, Lord Chancellor, these methods positively mortify me! Alice declared, yet it was silence that met her outburst for the next few moments. Felix allowed his inexperienced Queen to have her moment as he typed away on his keyboard, dispatching messages to his Deputy Chancellor Veronica North enroute to Fasting Svenska. You wound me Highness, Felix said to break her spell of negative thought, Cantignia needs you to be calm and courageous, Alice. Hell - I need you to be so, as I need Albatross to be.

 

[Thaumantica]

THEY CALL HIM
ALBATROSS II
​

Fastning Svenska, The Suionian Colony of Nya Vastergotland. 21st January 2012.

Hazy ballrooms and champagne glasses filled to the brim occupied the mind of Veronica North as if it were Vesper 1965, a time she had herself just missed by birth, yet still imagined every day of her life as Deputy Chancellor for The Covenant of Cantignia. In the back of a blacked out limousine, Miss North smoothly moved with the sweet sound of swing music in her ears, as she idly flipped through an intelligence report on the man they called Albatross.

_______________
​

He seemed outspoken, ambitious, and entirely sexual. In essence he was the most tragic Suionian imaginable: obscured and subdued by the pitiful and degenerate culture born from social democracy. Tolerance was one thing, though foregoing ones own deliciously bombastic opinion, dress, or personality seemed ridiculous to Veronica North. What she wanted, what the Scarlet Society* demanded, was a man to ravish Suionian Oceania like the unsuspecting damsel it had become.

Miss North felt much like she imagined Alice might in Dulwich, as she stepped out of her limousine and on to paved streets weathered down by time. Instead of rushing towards him immediately, Veronica lit a cigarette and used the limousine to lean on as passers by coughed and waved their hands as she forced them to walk through her thick puffs of tobacco smoke. Albatross, the man Suionians called Mats Bergman, sat outside of a cozy cafe named 'the Colonial', smiling dashingly at her - a Cantigian woman breaking the public smoking ban of Nya Vastergotland, merely because she could.

As she approached Albatross, Mister Bergman, he stood to meet her with an open hand. Veronica accepted without a moments hesitance, feeling his callouses and slackened grip before taking her seat. I would be lying if I did not say this feels wrong, Miss North. Sharing a table with such a beautiful woman, as I am a happily married man . . Bergman said, beckoning a young female waitress to take the Deputy Chancellor's order. At Miss North's behest, the brunette waitress scurried over and poured her a hot cup of coffee. Veronica cringed internally, no decent Can-Engellexic Woman would be seen drinking coffee in public, but instead she shrugged externally ; no decent married man would be seen breaking fast with a single woman dressed as she was. Sometimes we are compelled to step outside of our comfort zone in pursuit of great things . . Or something to that effect, Mister Bergman, Veronica said cheerfully.

I am getting the feeling that this must be a trend with you - getting me to step out of my zone of comfort, Mister Bergman retorted, Though I promise to you I am up to it, I am prepared to hear you out"

As she tested the coffee she decided it was not as bad as other Can-Engellexic palettes would claim, but still not good enough to form a habit or culture around as so many in Europe did. Veronica looked deeply in to Mats Bergman's light green eyes, he seemed receptive but anxious. This is how we view your situation, you as an individual: Oceanic Suionia has not been kind to men and women like you - born in to a modern world with a vintage personality. Bergman nodded, his life had been dictated by the political demands of a Suionia obsessed with sleek and modern technology and policies. The Covenant appreciates a vintage man, and we specifically appreciate you Mister Bergman. Veronica said with a smile.

Nationalists in Oceanic Suionia had never had this much exposure before, from global news or even the Cantigians, and it all seemed deserved to Mats Bergman, he wanted to be appreciated. You need to be the face of this brave new Nation, yes, Nation of Oceania. With that will come power, money, and the recognition you seek as a man born to a colony, and reborn as a man with a proper Nation. Miss North continued. Berman shifted in his seat, How would I ever overcome the Social Democrats, Republicans, and now Communists an Post-Delegationists of these islands?

Veronica put down her coffee and lit another cigarette, allowing the one they called Albatross to carefully pull up one of his own, lighting it with a careful eye towards his colonial peers. It becomes second nature before you even realize it Mats, Veronica told him. What does? Bergman asked innocently, Doing precisely what you want to, at the precise time and place you choose, she bluntly answered. We have created a scenario in which Oceanic Suionians have reason to follow a third man. He is neither Suionian nor Cantigian, he is unapologetically you. Veronica said with her hands forming a picture frame shape around Mats Bergman's handsome face.

Operation Noble Neutrality was now finally in effect, contrary to layers of Cantigian doubt and multi-national opposition, and Miss North could not help but to smile delightfully. Its enemies did not wear uniforms but suits and oriental wear, and their weapons were broadcasts or the increasingly dangerous internet. The Covenant would surely use its military to play this game, though it would be far from the arenas of violence or occupation, it would be of an implied and forced defense. Veronica North was blissfully ignorant to the military's exploits for now, her game was sitting in front of her emitting streams of smoke from his completely attractive grin.

*Scarlet Skirt Society:

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[Thaumantica]

SEAFARERS &
THE OCEANIC FLEET I
​

Port Redemption, The Covenant of Cantignia. 24th January 2012.

The H.H.S. Persephone had served as a home away from home between leave dates ashore in the Covenant City of Halas and Spade over the course of the many months in-between Iron Liberty and now this, his assumption of command over Task Unit Bull at Port Redemption. Admiral Winston J. Burberry had finally finished licking his wounds from Operation Iron Liberty in 2011, or the Covenant's restoration of Imperial Order within the rebellious Crown Colony of Engellexic Karoskland, and was hoping to finally solidify his deployment record as one of honor and victory.

_______________
​

This is Bull-Actual to Antler-Actual over, Admiral Burberry mouthed through his portable command radio. From Port Redemption the Admiral was speaking with Admiral Maguire, Commander of Covenant Forces stationed on Port Prosperity, at Vesper. Bull-Actual this is Antler-Actual, all assets are prepared to commence Operation Noble Neutrality over, Maguire voiced in his raspy, mere months away from proper retirement, command-voice. Acknowledged Antler-Actual, Operational Noble Neutrality is henceforth underway over, Burberry ordered.

With a shallow ear cratering boom, the horns of Task Unit Bull's Oceanic Fleet called out to one another in initiation of their northern advance. Winston Burberry retired to his quarters at the core of the ship, permitting himself the refuge of solitude and the afternoon's tea. His understanding of the Cantigian Mission had evolved over time, sometimes leaning towards offense, for a time defense, and now an entirely vague mission of neutrality in the name of stability in Oceania. Admiral Burberry's understanding of Oceanic, and now Eastern, politics was fuzzy and acute to race and religion ; his allegiance to the Crimson Queen Alice took form over the course of Iron Liberty, where Alice stood side-by-side him and the likes of Lord Herschell as the H.H.S. Persephone rattled off missiles and deployed amphibious assault ships to their grim and bloody doom. And though he reserved suspicions over Alice's appreciation of her uniformed personnel as human beings, he had also come to understand that Lord Felix Ilchester viewed the Admiral and his Task Unit as expendable to his image, and that of the National Democrats.

Survey ships from Task Unit's Bull and Antler took point in what was to be presented a friendly or peaceful mission, taking heed of maritime traffic both above and below the surface of the Great Implarian Ocean. The Oceanic Fleets from the Navy of The Covenant had come to understand through their affiliations with the Great Navy of Touzen, and public reports indicating a submarine trend, that the Navies of The East had begun taking their war waging schemes back beneath the surface once again. Suspicion of the Eastern Nations of Touyou hailed initially from the constant barrage of public and private criticism from Communist Vangala, and next from Post-Delegationist Touzen, which had characteristically posed its opposition to the Covenant as a chorus of individuals.

At the far western edge of Cantignia's Crimson Oceanic scape laid the oft-forgotten city of No Egg, Cantignia. An entirely different Operation was now taking form there within the city's largest pub, "The Hen Hole". What is this, The Great War? Clay Barnholme demanded of a shrewd, dressed down, Covenant Naval Officer. Mister Barnholme was amongst the some thirty something non-uniformed Officers of West Cantignia's Merchant Navy & Marine. Far from sir, this is but a long overdue affirmation of maritime security standards of White Oceania the Covenant Officer replied. Despite Touyou and Olenasean infiltration of most Oceanian industries, the Merchant Navy & Marine had remained a stronghold of White Can-Engellexic and Can-Suionian. I have Other-Than-White's manning my crew, gentlemen a Merchant Marine by the name of Fairview declared, What am I supposed to tell them?

Why, that they'll be paid handsomely of course. What do you usually tell the darks? Barnholme inquired, suspending a genuine air of curiosity. A fistful of Crossmark tends to do it, I suppose, Fairview whispered with the eyes of the entire pub upon him. The racial tension that at times captivated the attention of international news agencies existed here, in West Cantignia, on a much more corporeal level. Twenty-Five of the Thirty Merchant Navy & Marine Officers, commanding a private fleet of of some hundred tankers, cargo, and passenger ships organized under the Cantigian flag. By weeks end they would begin departing for Nya Svealand and Nya Dalarna to extend an Oceanic Charter meant for Cantigian and Suionian-Oceanian Merchant Navy & Marines, one to form a common union and joining of vessels and arms. To date, such a charter existed only between Cantigian and Engellexic Merchant Navy & Marines from Wightland, Karoskland, and the traditional Crown-Ports of Cantignia.

 

[Thaumantica]

SEAFARERS &
THE OCEANIC FLEET II
​

The Implarian Ocean, International Waters. 27th January 2012.

In what Admiral Burberry was beginning to consider a venture too far, Task Force Bull formed its defensive and screening line at around the midway point between Nya Vastergotland and the wayward colony of Kayah Tanah. There, in the open blue, the desolate Ocean would seem lonely if not the H.H.S. Persephone's accompanying vessels, or the increasingly rare trading ship. Burberry considered each foreign vessel with scrutiny, often hailing the ship captains himself, asking each of them their ship contents and destination. Though few complied, the Navy of Covenant recorded and relayed the banner, description, location, and time of each vessel penetrating the Oceanic Rim.

Beneath the defensive line formed by Task Unit Bull, the considerably smaller Task Unit Antler formed a quiet and unimposing line under strict orders of radio silence. Positioned well outside of striking distance from Nya Vastergotland's northernmost point, Task Unit Antler attempted to leave their Suionian counterparts alone and ignorant to their unusual underwater mission. Beneath the ocean surface, survey teams from the Task Unit combed the seafloor in search of viable mine fields to be laid, per the written order of Admiral Maguire, for a future conflict that might occur sooner then anyone above water would in their right mind like.

With the sudden interest in anti-submarine measures, the operation seemed redundant to much of the Cantigian Naval Community, though to the highest command - the measures were an imperative. Maguire himself had first opposed the Operation, thinking it irresponsible to take resources away from countering Cantignia's traditional enemies, Anglyn and its lackeys, who focused on above-surface missile flotillas and aircraft carriers. The Reign of Alice and Felix had dawned new enemies, all from the East, who were time-and-time again investing in submarine warfare to thwart Carrier based Navies as was possessed by the European Defence Federation.

Meanwhile, the Covert Merchant Navy & Marine Force had progressed to their destinations in Nya Dalarna and Nya Svealand under their civilian banners. If need be, the Cantigian Merchant Navy would form the initial presence of a blockade or trade disruption in the event of conflict with the Colonials. Ashore they took their business to Suionian-Oceanian Merchants in a concerted effort to organize an armed and purposeful force to counter the individualist and communist rabbles in Nya Dalarna's cities. Their political message was largely secondary to the message of "Security & Unity", the increasingly present Oceanic tagline.

 

[Thaumantica]

DRIFTWOOD I
​

Persephone, The Covenant of Cantignia. 18th March 2012.

Alice had met the new Cantigian Chancellor for the first time in a most exhausting week, now after only a few days rest from her visit to Great Engellex, this woman Veronica North was declared the Lady Chancellor of Alice's Oceanic Realms by the Vesper Committee.

Although the Crimson Queen was skeptical of all career politicians, especially other women, she was quite confident that this Chancellor could be manipulated in a way that Lord Felix Ilchester had never allowed himself to be. Madame North was a Suionian-Cantigian, a lesser breed in Alice's eyes, and should naturally feel subservient to the overwhelming purity of a Can-Engellexic Queen. The superficial beliefs Alice possessed had at one time overwhelmed and shocked her, though at this juncture it positively empowered her very being, she was almost an amplified character of herself. Of the many lessons Queen-Empress Charlotte had taught Alice, was that the Queen of an Empire must create, if she could not naturally be, the perceived Mother, Sister, and if need be Lover of every subject native to her realms.

Veronica North, a woman with every sensibility of the title, looked up to Alice as the Queen might desire - as the capable leader, though perhaps not as a 'deserving' vessel of such admiration. North had earned her position at the zenith of Oceanic politics in difficult study and arduous wrangling in every Cannie city from Vesper to First Haven, breaking the third wall for women in Oceanic politics in achieving her role as Chancellor of the Covenant.

We are to call this Operation: Operation Driftwood, Highness. Chancellor North informed Alice, after an extended curtsy and visual appointment with the ornate carpet leading to the Queen's Chambers.

Does the Madame smoke? . . Alice asked sensually, clicking open her lighter and scratching up a flame to light her own. Chancellor North looked up to soak in the Queen's visiage. She was both typical and atypical of her State Portraits simultaneously ; youthful, and wearing her trademark cream dress, complimented naturally by faint blues and that cannie crimson red. What the portraits and countless video feeds Veronica had viewed could not account for, however, was what they called "vibrance" ; an indescribable pulsation of evasively sexual longing and hope. Alice appeared to have everything she could ever want, but in her eyes one could see she desperately aspired for more experience, culture, and carnality, in a wealth's worth more than any person of humble upbringing ever could.

Why yes, Highness! Veronica replied excitedly, joining the Queen in the exchange of oxygen and tobacco smoke. Alice crossed the Chambers to meet the Chancellor's feet, close enough to touch, though the Queen merely scooped the military briefing Veronica clutched in her free hand without deviating from a most intimate eye-contact. And this would put me at odds with my relative and mentor, Charlotte, wouldn't it Madame North? Alice asked icily, turning away from the Lady Chancellor so she might return to her candle lit desk. Veronica returned to reality at this moment, realizing how different a person Alice was to her once more.

Canitignia is, I am, as I hope you are, quite mature enough now to balance our own odds in the case of The Oceanic Realms Madame North said. Alice shrugged with frigid apathy, casting her stare at the royally commissioned portrait of Charlotte displayed with obvious reverence at the center of her very own chambers. Felix, your precessor, always made it such of a habit of his to presume he could do as he pleased, and then expect me, his Queen, to explain away his sins to the Queen-Empress . . Alice sighed, Is this your impression of me, Chancellor North - that I am here to clean up after your dirty work with frills and lipstick?"

The Chancellor felt an uneasiness in her stomach set on, for this was just as Felix Ilchester had described the Queen: bitter and distrustful of her own people. Highness, I . . she attempted to begin, before Alice abruptly cut her off - Your Queen is far from pleased with the arrangement left by Lord Ilchester, and the Lady Chancellor standing before me will not enjoy the same liberties afforded to him by my inexperience and naivety when he ascendeded to the Chancellory.

Veronica nodded awkardly, hardly knowing how to proceed, Is this to say that Her Highness will not consider Operation Driftwood?. Alice smiled and giggled girlishly, entirely content with how quickly this new Chancellor's resorted to deferrence and use of title. I am aware of your ambitions with the one they call Albatross, Madame North, and I would challenge you to aim there, and elsewhere Alice said, pointing with a gloved finger towards a hand painted Map of the Implarian Ocean, Take our Covenant to Wightland, and the Cedar Islands, as it would so please us both!"

Quite, Highness, quite indeed . . Veronica said with a drag of her cigarette, I shall get to work immediately! The Chancellor curtsied and spun around to make her departure. And Veronica, Alice called out to the Chancellor as she made her leave, Assure that you are prepared to dance by the next time we meet, we must both be prepared to do so in Dulwich should the opportunity present itself."

 

[Thaumantica]

DRIFTWOOD II
​

The Implarian Ocean, International Waters. 20th March 2012.

From his cozy vantage point in on the H.H.S. Persephone, Admiral Winston Burberry felt nothing but the dismal breeze of circulated air in to his Captain's Quarters. The day before yesterday, the increasingly controversial Admiral had conducted a short interview via satellite phone with a most aggressive journalist from Vesper's own, The Press. Burberry was portrayed as an Officer that was completely certain of his mission in the Implarian, conducting his Naval Contingent to the letter of orders from Chancellor Veronica North from the Capital. In reality, however, Admiral Burberry had never met this new Chancellor, and felt positively seasick regarding his extended stay in the Implarian, now going on for over a month with only two shore leaves (occupied primarily by the boarding of fresh Expeditionary Marines).

Task Unit Antler, commanded by Admiral Maguire, had disbanded and absorbed the new Suionian Colony acquisitions with an uneasy success. Task Unit Bull, belonging to Burberry, was now called Taskforce Pioneer, charged with the mission of surrounding the Cedar Islands by air, sea, and within the next 48 hours: land. Drawing from the battle-hardened garrisons in the Karoskland Covenant, Task Unit Medallion circled back to the Isle of Wightland, another Crown Colony of Great Engellex left to fend for itself in this time of World War.

It would have seemed imperative to directly address the fleet, with perhaps a pompous ceremony and speech, yet the Admiral of Taskforce Pioneer thought it may be in poor taste to celebrate what might either be a simple annexation, or a victim ridden slaughter of a poorly prepared colony. Winston respected the Vistrasian's dearly, having fond memories of a sun bronzed holiday in the Cedar Islands as a boy. Engaging such a pleasant place could not possibly done passionately, with hate nor love, it could only be done with cold precision.

Winston Burberry ordered the submarine squadron at his command to advance towards the Island known as Stavanger, submerged to conceal their incursion against peaceful Ceyderburg for as long as possible. Task Unit Medallion complimented this subtle move of submarines with a boisterous onrush at Wightland, which would be informed of their fate only minutes before Expeditionary Marines landed on their neutral and imperially indifferent shores. Their respective clandestine and propaganda Officers were arriving as civilians this afternoon, in Wightland and in the Cedar Islands, to test and track the pulse of the people and their possibly headstrong politicians. Burberry truly felt it was in the interest of everyone to pass through these next 48 hours without a missile or bullet fired, he was not in favor of turning this in to another Karoskland affair, where rebel and expeditionary marine alike painted the colony a most Cannie crimson red, before it could be turned into a friendly confine.

Queen Alice of Cantignia, whom Burberry had come to appreciate during their time together in Karoskland, had personally promised the Admiral full control of all Forces of the Covenant after a second successful campaign in West Oceania. Such a lofty position, while appealing in all rights, would be irreversibly soured if it meant throwing the friendly confines in to the fray with the devious likes of some of Europe's more extreme ideologies, a predetermined fate, he thought. What Alice had not properly realized, as the Chancellor's Ilchester and North surely had, was how important Oceania may have become to the prying eyes of the Orient and the Communist Advent countries. In failing to secure colonial glory as Empire's certainly had, these contemporary powers desired to conquer darling Oceania with their newest super-weapon: ideas.

"With profound admiration for those who will find themselves staring down the barrel of Covenant rifles and batteries, I have ordered the advance of Taskforce Pioneer, and set in to motion the first stage of Operation Driftwood . . " Admiral Burberry jotted in to his ship log, " . . May our Lord & Savior look after the safety of all men and women in Oceania, and as surely bless our souls as we stretch them to their very limits in the hours and days to come."

 

[Great Engellex]

GONE WITH THE DRAFT

Port Wandsworth, Wightland Islands, Empire of Great Engellex, 20 March 2012

Wightland is not like Great Engellex, or Cantignia, it is itself. Within the Wightland islands the distinction of class and gender do not reflect the conditions in Engellex, instead society has its own distinction of class, gender, race and money. The four define every aspect of social and political life.

As the temperatures steadily rose, the middle class wives in the hilly suburbs of Wallington in the south of Port Wandsworth ordered their black housemaids to wash all linen three times a week and keep the drawing rooms prepared by hauling up ice to keep all the buckets full. Down in the miserable streets of Chicagoux, a different sort of ritual was maintained in the public houses, opium palaces and beer houses on almost every street corner, the town had a staggering number of these venues though they were very slowly giving way to the popular dance halls of more affluent areas. Meanwhile, in smart and fashionable districts of western Port Wandsworth, the well off and bred had their own way with dealing with the seasonal changes. They would host endless garden parties or escape it by taking tours. Lady Esther Bowls had rounded up her son and three daughters and was taking them off to Sorlandeten, where she was almost certain to run into others of her circle.

But the aristocrats of Wightland were not venturing far to avoid the season, but to escape the draft being imposed on a small number of their sons.

The small aristocratic classes were not like those below it; everyone else felt reassured by what they read in their newspapers about the war in Preuti-Borussia, with a feeling of relaxation about the prospects of a quick peace. They could take comfort, as an example, in the news the Imperial Southern Express will move its regional headquarters from Karoskland to Wightland after the war, along with a number of other Engellexic companies with an Implaric-Oceanic presence based in Karoskland.

There was also plenty of entertainment to take their minds off the destructive realities of the war, some of it daringly modern. Dance and music halls were as popular as ever, and several musical groups had reached a level of acclaim throughout the Empire for their talents; one of them was Kyle’s Girls who had been invited to Hammersmith to perform for wounded soldiers, their biggest hit being

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.*

For those happy to endure the season and what conditions of war existed and stay at home for the culture, there was the Imperial Implaric-Oceanic Circus, a company that certainly would not be tolerated in Engellex and illegal in most other countries, it boasted acrobatic bears, horses, intelligent elephants, and stunts and performances from the Savages of Karoskland. There was also many new releases of literary works, Port Wandsworth has a few notable publishers of its own, as well as sport broadcasts from the Friendly Confines? A question mark always accompanied that term as the newspapers made light humour at the inability of the Wightlander politicians to determine whether Cantignia is friend or foe.

The Great Continental War was still the prevailing topic of discussion though. Was the imperial military strategy too reliant on infantry? Is quantity better than quality? Does the Navy need to be expanded more? Details of movements and raids filled the newspapers as they did in Engellex.

But, that aside, there was plenty of reason to feel confident and content. True, the Lord Commissioner of Wightland was in extremely bad health and not expected to last long, and the troubles in Old Europe have caused economic woes to ripple down south. But the Queen-Empress remained healthy and strong. The court circular said so. All must be well within Europe.

*He was a famous trumpet man from out Chicagoux way
He had a boogie style that no one else could play
He was the top man at his craft
But then his number came up and he was gone with the draft
He's in the army now, a-blowin' reveille
He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of the Saucy Greens*

They made him blow a bugle for his Charlotte, Ma'am
It really brought him down because he couldn't jam
The captain seemed to understand
Because the next day the cap' went out and drafted a band
And now the regiment jumps when he plays reveille
He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of the Saucy Greens

A-toot, a-toot, a-toot-diddelyada-toot
He blows it eight-to-the-bar, in boogie rhythm
He can't blow a note unless the bass and guitar is playin' with 'im
He makes the regiment jump when he plays reveille
He's the boogie woogie bugle boy of the Saucy Greens

*The Wightland Regiment

 

[Thaumantica]

COLONIAL ENGAGEMENTS I
​

The Implarian Ocean, International Waters. 20th March 2012.

The H.H.S. Persephone and the accompanying Taskforce Pioneer entered into striking distance of the Cedar Islands, launching its first Thunderchief Patrols to establish reconnaisance and presence in the region. Aerial Forces flew in tight formations at altitudes above ideal bombing levels, as to project presence rather then force.

Early in the evening, military and political observers from the Kingdom of Danmark and the military minded Kyiv arrived to witness the proceedings of Operation Driftwood. Admiral Winston Burberry greeted them warmly, though made his leave before he could be bogged down in conversation, instead leaving hosting duties to the Chancellor's Foreign Officer, Harriet Fauconberg.

Madame Fauconberg had dressed herself in a dress suit that merged the Cannie grey military uniform, and a Lady's Dress becoming of an Engellexic Woman. Before it could become an issue, Fauconberg addressed the obvious absence of an Engellexic observer - "It has so transpired, that Cantignia in its current incarnation, can effectively conduct military operations without the presence of its Mother Country," Harriet said confidently, "A valuable asset now, when the Empire settles its outstanding conflict with Continental Europe and its Federation." Madame Fauconberg finished with a quick nod and a smile.

A great distance north of Task Force Pioneer, Task Unit Medallion made a more imposing and certain approach of the Wightland Isle, approaching the Crown Colony with lights on and music Engellexic Marching music blaring. "Pioneer Actual, this is Medallion Actual reporting progress . . We have arrived at checkpoint-zero, permission to proceed?" Vice-Admiral Eric Fisher pinged to his superior, Admiral Burberry. "This is Pioneer actual, you have permission to proceed with authorization code 110250."

The Expeditionary Task Force Marines steadily boarded smaller assault ships and landing vessels, pushing away from their frigates in to the darkness of Oceania's voiding abyss. With loaded weapons, the Expeditionary Mission included placing Colonial leaders and Military Officers under house arrest until they could be assessed by Covenant Authorities. Vice-Admiral waited until touchdown to declare a blockade to Port Wandsworth, which Task Force Medallion would occupy and unload equipment from. Admiral Burberry issued a similar declaration to Wijandsburg, without a restriction of trade however, only demanding a stand down of Colonial Defense pieces as Expeditionary Marines advanced from their motherships.

 

[Thaumantica]

COLONIAL ENGAGEMENTS II
​

Persephone, The Covenant of Cantignia. 20th March 2012.

The Queen's address to The Oceanic Realms commenced with a black and white videoshort of a single male lion roaring until morphing into a modern clip of a lion finishing the roar. Somber orchestra music played as the Flag of the Covenant waved far over the mast of the Queen's very own H.H.S. Persephone, a vessel currently engaged in the blockade of Port Wandsworth, until finally the unfamaliar visiage of The Crimson Queen herself, now dressed in a military grey dress, standing in front of a boardroom table with the ever present State Portrait of Queen-Empress Charlotte in clear view.

With an assured nod to her personal bodyguard, out of view from the video feed, Lord Herschell nodded in return indicating that it was safe to begin her speech to the Oceanic Realms, and perhaps the World:

This marks the first time I have spoken to all of you personally, so let me first begin by welcoming the Peoples & Patriots of Oceania to my very own home here in Persephone. Upon my coronation last year, it was with sincere gratitude that I received countless well-wishes and prayer from Cantigians, Suionians, and so many other valued peoples residing under the kind sun of these Oceanic Realms. ​

​

At all times I have found solace in outspoken support and criticism found on visits to everywhere from Karoskland to Victorinox, and everywhere inbetween. This passion and excitement for the Oceania of Tomorrow emboldens my dedication and resolve to personify everything which a proud people might expect from their Queen. ​

​

This evening I am conscious of the tens of millions of men, women, and children who have gone out of their way to share a few short minutes of their time with me. All Oceanians, all Peoples and Patriots, are finding it easier to unite in this age of television and the internet. The realization of this profound unity fills me with overwhelming joy for the innovative spirit of our people that has relayed my message to Oceania this evening with unified spirit and aim. ​

​

I speak as surely to Islanders of the Peripheries as I do Cantigians, when I say that I owe my very heart to you: the Colonists of an Oceanic Frontier, which with after generations of toil, the awakening of a civilization seems closer then our forebears nor our brothers and sisters from the Old World could have ever conceived. A new era of cinema, music, and athletics has ushered in praise and attention from some of Europe's most cherished classical cities, and for the first time ever: Oceania, and Oceanian, are household phrases outside the friendly confines of Cantignia. ​

​

If I must condense and summarize the true purpose of my message to you this evening: I would say that I have carefully listened to, and observed personally, a common call for what some would call True Peace & Security, and what I would simply call our duty to uphold culture and integrity in an alarmingly treacherous world. We shall bear true to our most imperative commitment to the security of the Implaric & Oceanic Territories without hesitation tonight, tomorrow, or any day I still reign as your faithful Queen. ​

​

Before global news circuits turn our fair Oceania in to a quagmire of rumor and counter-rumor, please allow me to clarify the following facts: this evening, under the order of my crown, the Covenant of Cantignia took decisive action to ensure the habitual security and well-being of the Crown Colonies of Wightland & The Cedar Islands. With a soft and courteous hand, the Grand Forces of the Covenant guaranteed the eternal harmony of another corner of Oceania by air, land, and sea.​

​

I would not have the Peoples & Patriots of Wightland & The Cedar Islands fly a new flag, sing a new anthem, or pledge their allegiance to me as their Queen. I have however made the troubling decision to ensure the collective security of their islands, and our own, with swift movement and an informed understanding of what threats challenge our unique region of the World. ​

​

This decision was not made easily, and I cannot promise that the days and weeks ahead will pass as easily as we all might hope. So as this message, and this evening, draws to its close, I pray for a humble grace amonst Oceanic Peoples & Patriots, that reigns as constant as the rigid cunning of our latest security efforts, which are truly, in the best of interests to the Oceanic Realms and its inhabitants.

I thank you all from a full heart for joining me this evening . . . Forward Cantignia, God bless Queen Charlotte, and God bless you all.​

 

[Thaumantica]

CAMPBELL'S LAW I
​

City of Chicagoux, Wightland Islands, Empire of

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, 22 March 2012

​

A distinct poise had befallen the Expeditonary Force imposing itself upon Port Wandsworth that had seemed somehow lost in Karoskland, where the likes of a decent, establishment respecting soldier was seen as a menace, rather than a hero. In Wightland they hoped to create a dramatically different legacy then that which preceded them, one which two Crown's might be proud of. It was the harsh reality of resistance that contradicted these noble aims, however, in a Colony that had merely concealed its extremist elements with calm that carried on.

His military expedition was quickly morphing in to a political expedition, and a man known as General Carson Campbell had carefully chosen to marry the future of this expedition with his own deliciously ambitious future. But before he could reach the apex of Colonial Statehood, Campbell had another pressing matter to attend to - enforcing law in a territory with disputed claims to leadership. "Any detractor from Authority and Law shall suffer at the hand of justice as they did yesterday, and as they will tomorrow!" General Campbell vowed to the Lieutenant Governor of Wightland, Queen-Empress Charlotte's representative to the Island.

It had become a matter of honoring the Establishment and the two great figures of the Engellexic Empire: Alice & Charlotte, household names in every European Nation and soon official household portraits to every home in Wightland. Campbell's Law proposed a future of uncontested preeminence of the Monarchy, "I cannot imagine a Wightland without Engellexic Culture," Campbell told Colonists of the Isle in an emergency radio broadcast, "And so it shall not even be considered, not in the Oceanic Realms."

Campbell's Expeditionary Force rallied those who chose to appear at what he had personally dubbed the "Chicagoux Exposition", a rowdy circuit of sport, drink, and imperial entertainment that would shock much of the modern world. Cascades of Imperial Reds & Blues were distributed to paint the town, which appeared wild by day, yet controlled by night. The same authority, this Campbell Law, dictated a respect for property and the conservative community whose tastes were more subdued for evening festivities.

Each morning now began with an emergency broadcast, an inescapable occupation of airwaves and civil defense systems that had gone unused for decades. A buglers reveille woke the roused City of Chicagoux from crackling and spotty siren systems, followed by the increasingly familiar force of General Carson Campbell. "The Grand Force of these Oceanic Realms has commenced a war on the dystrophy of this Empire's spectacular Establishment, this Island's spectacular culture, and this people's spectacular spirit!" Campbell said, addressing the Island from his new base-camp in Chicagoux, called FOB Charlotte.

Clandestine Operations soon truly accounted for the bulk of Cantigian meddling, as the Covenant Information & Defense Service (CIDS) extended its jurisdiction in to the Wightland Islands. CIDS was under the impression that Post-Delegationist, Communist, and Republican subterfuge was to be not only painful, but inevitable. Officers of the Service had been sent ahead of even General Campbell, days before, to begin studying and embedding observation cells within political movements that possessed "ulterior motives" to that of Empire and Covenant. Ultimatums were being made under the new order of Campbell's Law, and mixed between the frenzy of beer and festivity lurked spooks who tagged individuals and groups as "at-risk" to the preservation of law and order.

What Alice had only conceived in her heart's mind was being practiced in Wightland like a grand experiment for the future of Cantignia, and what select scholars now called "Nova Anglesaxe" and the Oceanic Realms. An unprecedented vision captured the spirit of the age, one that sincerely appreciated and imitated a past that was quite literally fantasy. The Colonies, Cantignia especially, had rarely ever been but the epitome of fear and hate laced by imperial regal. Whether or not all of this -- Campbell's Law, the Rise of Alice, or Pan-Oceanic Security -- was anything but a renewal of formidable horror, remained to be seen.