Orgullo

[Justosia]

Business Quarter
Avalon
1:45 PM Justosian Time

Justice Ministry agent Manuel Ibara sat at the bar. He ordered an Imperial IPA. Fitting, no? He checked his smart phone, his Twatter account. Mani is Mostian Justosian. Snarky Twatter troll. He was amusing himself. What wasn't so amusing was the empire about to legalize Marijuana. This would hurt this part time business. Mani is also a weed dealer. With the coming big tax on recreational weed, it stands to reason that only the upper middle class & up would really be able to afford to smoke. So his other income will remain. For now. His drink came. He nodded to the bartender.

 

[Justosia]

Santificado Palace
Emperatriz Apartments
Bedroom
12:00 AM Justosian Time

It was rain again. From the east, again. It was louder this time. Though ultimately she welcomed it. It was the silence of her bed that was deafening. She couldn't take it anymore. She saw him when she tried to close her eyes. Right there. Next to her. Enough. She rang for aides as she put on her robe. They were shown in by an Imperial Guard.

"Remove this bed from my chamber please. Pillows, sheets too. Donate it to a museum. Burn it. I don't care. Just get it away from me. Please bring in another from the next closest bedroom."

Depression ran in the male side of House Francisco. Or was it just the weight of the crown? Stressors of the station? Now would be the time for a drink, but she only ever had one glass of red with dinner. She was rather straight edge. She waited patiently while aides moved about. Unbeknownst to Her Imperial Majesty, her only son was down the halls, in his residential wing of Santificado. In bed, with another man. His wingman no less. He sensed something was going on, but kept to himself, this time.

It was done. After the aides left, she rang & ordered the palace Imperial Standard remain at half mast. Permanently.

 

[Justosia]

Santificado Palace
Emperatriz Apartments
Study
11:30 PM Justosian Time

Annabella was going over copies of briefs, formal letters, formal senado requests, etc. She was quite studious when she needed to be. The phone rang. She was hoping she could get in an earlier night than last night. No dice.

"Manuel.........really.......no.....no it's not too late. I WOULD have been cross with you had you waited until morning to inform me. I approve yes. The senado, I will address it. Tomorrow. God is good. Thank you. Viva Justosia."

 

[Justosia]

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Santificado Palace
Hallway
7:10 PM Justosian Time

The Defence Minister pleaded with her not to. Her aides pleaded with her not to. The PM gave her a VERY reluctant si. The Foreign Minister was indifferent. None of it would matter. Annabella was resolved. She was going, & she was ecstatic. Finally a Justosian sovereign would touch down on foreign soil. Historic. Legacy marker. She finally could wear her winter furs. The jewelry would be eye catching but not too austentatious. ETA at Carlos Francisco I Internacional Aeropuerto was 45 minutes. Her motorcade was almost done with prep. Her son was announced by an Imperial Guard.

"You've had your training prior. Remember your studies. Do not fail at deputizing in my absence. I am counting on you. We're living history, remember that...."

"Just come back. Worry about that alone. I don't want your job....yet."

They shared a few more words as Annabella's guards beckoned her towards the Imperial Limousine.

 

[Justosia]

.

 

[Justosia]

Carlos Francisco I Internacional Aeropuerto
Minutes before departure of Kremlyov
Government Quarter

Annabella's cell rang on the secure line. She answered.

"Defence Minister Aguilar. What is it?"

"Mi Emperatriz, I think it extremely prudent you lobby the Tsar for those subs we believe they plan on putting on the internacional market. As I've said before, five missile subs is adequate for aerial defence of only half the mainland's coastline and waters. Por favor."

"Thank you, Jorge."

She hung up & boarded.

 

[Justosia]

Santificado Palace
Conference Room
1:30 PM Justosian Time

His Imperial Highness Carlos III had just wrapped up a press conference. This was unusual, but this wasn't his mother. The Palace Press Corps routinely requested a press conference with the sovereign, however Annabella would always deny them. She believes it's smart to keep at least some mystique to the crown, palace, etc. Her son however, sometimes to madre's chagrin, was his own man. He hadn't even begun his shadowing period yet either. That remains a long way off. He couldn't deny he was enjoying this brief taste of power. Be it ceremonial.

He was walking down the hall when an aide approached & bowed his head.

"Your Imperial Highness, His Imperial Highness Prince Nicol has arrived."

Carlos made his way to him.

"Cousin."

"Cousin. I've come to see how you're doing."

"I'd say I'm managing. Dare I say enjoying it."

"What say you, oh temporary Emperador, to raiding the good liquor staches? They only give me swill here I swear."

A smile encroached upon Carlos' face. He chuckled a little. They headed off together for their raid.

 

[Justosia]

Foreign Ministry
FM Albares' Office
Government Quarter

Foreign Minister Albares was going over some briefs when he was informed that a convoy of SDU senators had cleared the Military Police checkpoint & were pulling up. Shortly they were in front of him. Manuel put his papers aside.

"Gentlemen. I hope today finds you well. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Senator Carlos Ruiz (NSDU-Belalcazar), chosen by his colleagues for this endeavor, spoke.

"We'll be blunt Manuel. We want you to run for Canciller when the time comes in January."

Albares sat there for a minute. Processing what had just been requested of him.

"I rather like this post. I'm beholden only to Her Majesty's will. Not that of an electorate that still tilts Nacionalista. Even if by less, I don't see myself beating His Excellency gentlemen."

"Respectfully Manuel, we strongly disagree. Your centrist leanings on some issues has enabled enough Nationalist voters to tolerate, even like you. Your foreign policy credentials also make you highly desirable. Don't you want to at least try to stem this tide? You're our best shot. By far."

Again he sat there. He had of course noticed the latest national poll roundup. He is currently 2% more popular than the current Canciller. Thing is he wasn't confident that would hold up against the stigma the SDU still has in a national election.

".........Thank you for your input gentlemen. I'm sure whatever the reason, our paths will cross again."

It wasn't a yes or a no....

 

[Justosia]

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Residence of the Foreign Minister
Residential Quarter
Avalon
7:00 PM Justosian Time

Manuel lived in the most upscale part of the capital yes, but he had no butlers or maids unlike most members of this administration. He absolutely refused it. After finishing the dishes he allowed himself one glass of white wine. He had both thought & prayed on the earlier proposal put to him.

He walked out onto his balcony. He knew Justosia would improve vastly if he had even a little executive power. It was another beautiful, balmy night compared to the rest of Europe. It helped him think.

 

[Justosia]

Emperatriz Study
Residential Quarter
Santificado Palace
11 AM Justosian Time

Annabella had been up since 8 AM. She was being briefed by palace senado liaisons. Then hosting her only son for his debriefing on deputizing for her in her absence. Scolding him for the alcohol theft. Then she released an official statement on the Pelgasian crisis. Between all of this she kept her espresso close. Sipping frequently. She also had to think about her annual meeting with the Archbishops of the empire. Including the newly anointed ones from the islands. That wasn't all however. Finally she came across the classified brief containing the document to be forwarded to the Tarusan Defence Ministry.

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Defence Ministry
Government Quarter
Avalon
​

11/9/2021
11:30 AM Justosian Time
Year of our Lord
CONFIDENCIAL

TO: The Honourable Leontiy Makarov
FROM: Jorge Aguilar

Defence Minister,

Greetings. I am Jorge Aguilar. Your counterpart in the Continental Imperio. I am writing to you today to make official the agreement between our governments to license & initiate the production of 5 of your hybrid powered current generation missle submarines to be built in our shipyards. Our sovereigns are already agreed. Your logistics & construction teams will have free lodging & food during the construction process.

Please write back if your office needs any clarifications or has related inquiries. Thank you.

Jorge Aguilar
Defence Minister
_______________________________________________

Annabella ascended the document & ordered it forwarded immediately. The navy's submarine fleet had to be expanded to remedy a current vulnerability. The Defence Ministry suspected that other powers would soon start developing new generation fighter/bombers but that would simply have to wait.
@Tarusa

 

[Justosia]

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Barceltia
Emperatriz Personal Capilla
7:30 PM Justosian Time

Annabella knelt before the altar & the 8 foot golden crucifix & prayed. This was her personal chapel built for her in her hometown. An Imperial Guard approached her.

"Mi Emperatriz, the Archbishops have arrived."

She rose & prepared to meet the only men who had the power to bring down her house under the right circumstances. The Archbishops of Avalon, Barceltia, Ceretia, Cortoba, Belalcazar, Vermeillia, East Anjanas City, West Anjanas City, Feruña, Balicia, Sanresso, & Santeledo.

Of course she had that same power. They serve at her pleasure as Holiness Temporal. This mutually assured destruction was to ensure that both acted as close to the will of God as possible. The greetings were as warm as Annabella could feign as she only liked Ricardo Reyes, Barceltia. They went back a long time. He married her & her late husband.

After long enough the two had a sidebar away from the rest of the congregation before they departed for her Barceltia palace. After some words Annabella looked visibly ill but quickly composed herself. His Eminence knew. He knew her only son & child is bisexual & prefers men. How was irrelevant. He assured her & she sharply implied that she didn't want to know. They began discussing plans to preserve the House knowing that Alessandro would be the potential successor.

 

[Justosia]

Santificado Palace
Emperatriz Apartments
Balcony
12:00 AM Justosian Time

Annabella had to put in another late night. More briefs, & meetings with the Foreign & Defence Ministers than usual due to the Pelasgian crisis. She had finished. She swore she'd develop Arthritis early with all this paperwork at this rate. She was tempted to sip some red. She resisted. She knelt before her bed & said her prayers.

She then walked out onto her balcony. The night was temperate. The light breeze caressed her right cheek. The humming of the traffic, horns, & sirens were almost like a white noise to her. The skyline & coastline were pristine as usual. Then she jumped slightly. Did anyone else hear that? Feel that? See that? Was she seeing & hearing things? Or did she just see flashes & hear booms over the maritime horizon? No......impossible. Hundreds of miles separate Avalon from the nearest Pelasgian coast. One couldn't see it even if they were high up on the tip of East Anjanas Island. She was just stressed out from all this work. This job was.....well. She felt unsettled. She went back inside. Closed to balcony door. She poured herself that glass of red.

 

[Justosia]

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Air Defence Frigate Instinto
Exact coordinates undisclosed
Meridian Sea
00:30

The JIS Instinto was making a late trek from Barceltia to the capital for an early morning inspection. That was routine. What the Captain was about to order wasn't. Curiosity was quite the mistress. They had fuel to spare. Instead of hugging the imperial coastline, they charted a course northeast. They had sailed about 100 miles north of West Anjanas City & its port by 22:30. They kept sailing. Northeast trajectory. After another 3 hours they were nearing the edge of internacional waters. They crept ever closer. The Captain ordered the XO to order an all stop. Any closer were Pelasgian waters.

"Holy shit!"

Other sailors emerged from below deck to see what the Ensign was on about. See they did. What were once very feint noises & specks over the horizon were visible & audible now. They watched rockets fly back & forth in the far off distance. They briefly lit up the night sky as they darted. They then saw very far off what looked like explosions. They heard the feint booming of the impacts. Destruction. War. Actual war. Something the newly minted Imperial Navy had never experienced before. Prepare constantly as though they did. The only branch of the armed forces that had ever seen action was the army during the civil war. They all just watched the light show like it was a fire down the road. It was beautiful in a way. Unnerving in another. The Captain had seen enough.

"Get us back to our waters....modified zig zag."

A precaution, but a necessary one. Any Pelasgian subs creeping in the area would obviously be concerned with shelling the rebels first. They should be able to quickly deduce they were Justosian. Avalon had let both Propontis & Decelea know it was a friend. An enemy of the rebels. What the Defence Ministry couldn't figure out was why these 2 were at each other's throats. The palace had thought Propontis was the legitimate capital. However, worryingly, Propontis hadn't responded to the palace for what was basically a reassurance it would hold its country & throne. Was Propontis not confident it would win? Avalon knew Propontis. It had never dealt with Decelea before. For this reason(s) the Captain didn't want to deal with a possibly trigger happy Pelasgian submariner counterpart.

 

[Justosia]

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Government Quarter
8:45 PM Justosian Time

"Damn traffic."

Defence Minister Aguilar thought to himself. He knew he should have called the chopper but opted to be more environmentally conscious. He has a state car but payed extra to make it a hybrid. He's a Nationalist & to him that meant doing what he could to preserve the empire's beauty. He opened his briefcase & began going through classified folders until he found the communique he was going to send to his sovereign. He proofread it a final time. He remembered his predecessor's parting advice.

"A healthy dose of paranoia."

Those words echoed through his mind again as he continued to disagree with the official line that a new generation stealth fighter/bomber wasn't necessary at least not at this time. The Talon Mach II multirole was still current generation, but not for much longer. He remained worried other powers were secretly developing the aforementioned. It was his job to make sure Justosia didn't fall behind. However, again, the navy, & increasing the submarine fleet, was to get priority. The palace's reasoning was they had time yet & they also had alot of Talons courtesy of the last buildup. Close to 1,000. Enough to overwhelm virtually any potential aerial invader. This didn't dissuade Jorge's concerns. He closed his briefcase & told his driver to go already.

 

[Justosia]

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Desan Naval Base
14:07
Avalon

The Defence Minister & Grand Admiral often ran the navy together. They were two very different men but they were very much agreed that the navy desperately needed new submarines. Not new generation, simply more of them. The Serpiente class was formidable but only 5 was laughable. The navy had simply run out of § last buildup. Opting to prioritize missle frigates. Tarusan logistics teams guided the burgeoning construction of 5 of their current generation subs spread out amongst the mainland's 3 biggest ports. With heavy patrol cruiser presence in all 3 waters. Finally all coastlines could be adequately defended if the need ever be. Power could be projected further. The navy almost never deployed its subs out of fear of calamity however unlikely. Their Captains routinely bored. However 2 were deployed to ensure protection of the recent Antarctic expeditionary flotilla.

Justosian & Tarusan bonds continued to deepen. This secretly worried Grand Admiral Alessandro but comforted Defence Minister Aguilar. For he was worried about the aging Air Force mainstays but was curious if a consortium could be built with them there too. However that would have to be down the line. Alessandro had Aguilar over for wine in his office atop the Administrative Complex. They discussed their nation's applications for full membership in the Pressburg Pact & the current petrol needs of the navy.

 

[Justosia]

Santificado Palace

Carlos III was stuck deputizing again. Any extra power he had was purely ceremonial. He sat in a chair sipping some white. Going over the brief his mother left him before she departed for the HFE. It was a gaping, stagnant boredom. Still no freedom. He dare not have over who he really wanted. Maybe if these Imperial Guardia were his boys from the Air Force. His squadron. Men he'd fight & die for. They weren't tho. They were of course hand picked by his mother.

He pulled his burner phone out & texted Nicol. Told him to bring weed over. Ordered the guards out of his room & wing of the palace. He quickly scrolled thru Twatter. He needed to amuse himself somehow.....

 

[Justosia]

Countryside
10 miles west of Avalon suburbs

Carlos had had it. At least temporarily. He knew there were others his age in Europe awaiting thrones who simply must feel like this too. He wished he could meet one. Stuck deputizing for his mama again, he needed an escape. He slipped out at dawn after a chat with a sympathetic Imperial Guardia. He took whichever ridiculously expensive red sports car he felt like & red lined the engine as soon as he was on the straight shot highway outta the burbs. He had spent the last couple hours driving, & smoking. He knew he would be found out & that his mother would go ballistic when she found out & came home but right now he didn't care. He did however care that he needed gas.

He was wearing a hat, sun glasses, plain clothes, & a scarf. He couldn't be more incognito. He approached the cashier's booth & asked for enough to fill the tank up. He used a burner credit card. He proceeded to fill his tank up when another car pulled into the station. The man got out, paid for his tank & proceeded to fill it up next to Carlos. Carlos paid this no mind. Until a flash then glare caught his eye. That was a badge....

"What the fuck is the Justice Sub Ministry doing out here?" He thought to himself.

Carlos kept one eye on his task & one eye on the individual. He finished & prepared to leave.

"Gotta light?" The gentleman asked walking up to him.

Closer now, Carlos eyed him. He was rather attractive. 5'11, curly light brown hair, hazel eyes, slim but built. He handed him his lighter.

"Gracias.......Your Imperial Highness."

"What the fuck? What does the Justice Ministry want with me? You're way outta line here."

Manni laughed.

"Your autograph? No no I kid. Just to meet you. Also to ask why you're trolling people on Twatter and trying to start wars. Rando."

Carlos scoffed.

"Please. It's just harmless trolling. Besides reds probably can't fight for shit. I don't see what's so Grand bout those Occidentians either. We're the strongest branch of the Sollegan tree. How did you know it was me? How did you know my Twatter handle? You stalking me?"

"Nothing so trite. I'm a Justice Ministry Agent and a bit of a computer geek. I was able to pinpoint your location when you posted, eventually. Although nice work bouncing it off other servers. At least you take some precautions."

"You're on Twatter too?"

Manni paused but relented. He was enjoying the conversation.

"I'm Mostian Justosian."

"You're pretty entertaining." He said chuckling slightly.

"Gracias again. Manuel Ibarra. I know you need no introduction."

"Tell me Manuel, why do I smell weed so?" Carlos was trying to distract from his own high. Even though the government legalised Marijuana mostly for financial reasons, it would be a PR nightmare if he was ever caught high.

"Probably these petrol station workers." Manni replied attempting to distract from his second job as a weed dealer. They weren't stupid. They both knew the other had weed on them but were enjoying this cat & mouse.

"I get the feeling that's not the only secret you have, Carlos."

Carlos would chide him for thinking they were on a first name basis, but he was attractive so slide it did. He then heard the very familiar sound of helicopters in the distance. Two. Closing fast. One for him. One for his car.

"My freedom is up. Nice meeting you, Agent Ibarra."

"Likewise. Future Emperador."

Manni peeled out while Carlos sprayed cologne all over himself, chewed gum, applied eye drops, & prepared his excuses.

 

[Justosia]

Crown Prince's apartments
Santificado Palace

"Can't believe I just did that....and that I stayed over night. I never do that. Well not with women."

"Manni....too early."

"It's after twelve."

"Yea. Too early."

"So are you gay?"

"No. Lately I just prefer guys."

"You're obviously in the closet......because if you were outed...."

"The Conclave of Archbishops would immediately meet and would of course invalidate my claim to the throne. They're the only people who can really touch our family. Speaking of which, my mother might disown me. That's assuming they don't take action against her as well. If not our dynasty, and probably our House would end after her. Because let's face it they won't tolerate a Catholic on that throne."

"And then?"

"The House whose blood has been Justosian next longest will assume the status. The throne."

"House Alessandro......headed by someone who's pretty much a fascist...."

"And if Albares eeks out a win which I'm starting to feel he will...."

"Those two will immediately be at war. Albares is a moderate but someone like Luis could push him to call for an end to the monarchy...."

"Throw in a still Nationalist led senate and military..."

"It'll eventually be civil war.....fuck."

"Fuck indeed. I have the most powerful dick in Europe." Carlos jested while he scanned the white wine bottle for any left.

"Yeeea really can't believe I let you get me into this. Not only have I never done anything with guys before but now I feel like I'm part of some political thriller movie."

"You're not bad for a novice."

"Thanks....so since I'm in this now it's gonna need to work for me too. Happy to keep your secret but yea. I like you so this isn't blackmail, but I want things."

"Like?"

"To move up the ladder in the Justice Ministry for starters. The irony is not lost on me. I just couldn't care less really."

Carlos laughed.

"I like you too. All my power is off paper, under the table until I'm actually coronated. Most people just give me whatever I want because they love my father. I'll see what I can do."

"You said you have a boyfriend?"

"More like a really good friend with benefits. My wingman."

"Alright well I need to get going. Don't make the skies less safe with any lover's quarrels."

Manni collected his belongings & snuck out through the back.

 

[Justosia]

Crown Prince's apartments
Santificado Palace
7:00 PM Justosian Time

Carlos toyed with his prime cut of beef. His mother had been gone now far longer than expected. He remained stuck deputizing for her ceremonially. This has been boring. Mind numbing. He would have Nicol over some nights for drinks, but that too was getting stale. He still had no actual power only ceremonial....then it hit him. The Imperial Guard Company of Marines currently stationed at the palace is designated a ceremonial unit. He rang for an aide. That aide would ring for the Commander of that Company. They were going to be rotated out for Imperial Air Force Special Operations Troops. Company Alfa. He has friends there.

IAF HQ would be thrilled. They had never been chosen to guard the palace before. Carlos didn't so much care about that as having more pull with security. Finally things would become more sociable around here. Carlos sprang up, picked up his bottle of red, & walked towards the southern gates.

 

[Justosia]

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Conversation Room Alfa
8:00 AM Justosian Time
01/14/2022

This room was the last room The Emperatriz had breakfast with her late husband in. It is beloved by her. Some mornings she would pray in it. Some have breakfast, but never with anyone since. Until now. Manuel never thought he would see this room. It meant she was invested. Annabella Francisco is a Nationalist. This is common knowledge. Ever since the inception of the first senado, it's been tradition for monarchs to never reveal which way they vote. One though absolutely did not marry into that family & House without being right minded. What made her different from her late husband is that she's a very pragmatic Nationalist, & a Christian. She's more religious than her husband ever was. She would give this center leftist a very observant chance.

The Canciller was shown to an elegant table & seated. After 5 minutes because she couldn't help make him wait just a bit, Annabella came in. Manuel stood. She outstretched her right hand.

"Congratulations on winning what I'm confident was a fair and free election Manuel. Oh my. I mean Canciller Albares. Goodness where were my manners?"

Manuel chuckled ever so slightly.

"Not at all, Your Majesty. I imagine you might be a little jet lagged. It's good to have you home."

Manuel said this bowing his head slightly.

"Please sit Your Excellency."

They began having breakfast.

"You will form the new administration with my ascent Canciller. I look forward to working with you in this new role for you. You served your country well as Foreign Minister. I ask you to continue carrying my confidence and that of the archipiélago. One final thank you for sitting through that little speech as well."

She motioned & an almond & jam filled croissant was immediately placed in front of her. She said a prayer, picked up the appropriate fork & knife, & began eating.

"Love these things." She said in between bites

"Manuel I honestly admire your dedication to the natural beauty of the archipiélago. We will work together well there. My thoughts on welfare are irrelevant. Good luck trying to convince a Nationalist senado majority. I invited you here this morning, now that formalities are out of the way, to talk to you about @Tarusa and the @Holy Frankish Empire. Do not openly criticize either. Regardless of what their human rights records may or may not be. You need to recognize the greater evil on this continent. However that's for another visit. We need them. Company with them elevates our position in Europe. Not to mention the extremely lucrative deals. Trade. I don't need to go on. Welcome to the upper tier of Justosian politics. It's rife with necessary evils. Our days of Absolute Monarchy are long over. This isn't @Rheinbund either, though. This isn't a request. All due respect. Life without my support on this side of the Government Quarter can be quite chilly."

"I had a sinking feeling that would be part of this conversation."

"Good. You should get acclimated quickly then."

"I will do this under private, but strong protest. I assume Your Majesty believes this is for a very Nacionalista version of national security. This is wrong. If the ISB has this room bugged, hear that well. This tortilla was amazing. The majority of this conversation quite the opposite sadly."

"This isn't a part of my station I look forward to either. However it must be done sometimes. The hard part is over. Try the Espresso. It's divina. How's your wife by the way? When am I meeting her?"

They steered the conversation away from work.