Maria Teresa is ready to overthrow her borther. She has the blessings of the Holy Roman Church, and the support of the people. Louis is preparing for war, he a rallying forces loyal to him and has sealed the borders. Who do you support?

As stated before w'll be supporting Maria Teresa. It is sad how her brother turned out.

If Maria has the support of the people, it has ours as well.

Could the nations supporting Louis Philip identify themselfs?

We will support Maria, for the same reasons expressed by The Eastern Roman Empire.

We remain neutral on this issue. Preferrably, any kind of internal struggle should be avoided, as it has a tendency to evolve into a civil war - something we just had bitter experience with.

heh

Well let's put it this way, it's kind of a family quarel since the Emperor, and her Royal Highness are kin. So this may not be a problem for a Pereslawlj, and they are sensible to remain neutral in this, We are much more curious who are the two who voted the other way. Simply they should reveal themselves. It is of interest.

Official Mostarvian Government Statement:

Mostarvia officialy declares neutrality on the issue, but hopes it can be resolved without bloodshed or strife.


Mostarvian Foreign Ministry

The First Move

Setting: Inside the Diplomatic Reception Hall at the Apostalic Palace for a secret meeting.

Characters: Maria Teresa, His Holiness the Pope, Cheif of the Police of the City of Rome, Prime Minister Frances Ferdinand of Paradiszia, Generals Augustino Lombardi, Tony Romera, and Stephan Grimaldo, and Ambassadors from Moscow, Constantinople, and Stejpanagrad (ooc: Sorry Zahumlje, I can't spell your capital city without looking at it.).

Pope: "Welcome Princess Maria. Why do you come before me?" *holds ring out*

Maria: *kisses ring* "Your Holiness, I came for your blessings. I could not take the throne of Paradiszia without the blessing of the Church."

Pope: "Well, your brother certianly did."

Maria: "He is troublesome." *smiles*

Pope:*Places hands over her* "Princess Maria Teresa Paradis of the Holy Roman Catholic Empire of Paradiszia & it's Territories: The One Holy Roman Catholic and Apostalic Church officially grants you it's blessing to become Empress of such. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen"

All in unison (expt Pope & diplomats) to Maria: *kneeling* "We pledge allegence to our Princess Her Imperial Highness Maria Teresa Paradis. We promise to help her seek the throne of our Empire, for her just cause to secure the will of the people. We shall reconize her as our Reigning Empress upon the overthrow of Emperor Louis Philip. Salve, Maria Teresa Regina!
(Hail, Maria Teresa, Queen!)

Diplomats: "We, on behalf of our respectable kingdoms and empires will reconize you, Maria Teresa, as Reigning Empress of all the Paradiszias upon the overthrow of Emperor Louis Philip. Salve, Maria Teresa, Regina!"

*Just then, the bodyguards that the Byzantine Emperor sent came into the room. They kneel.*

"We have defected to the Holy Roman Catholic Empire of Paradiszia in the name of it's Princess Maria Teresa. We pledge total allegence to her for as long as we live, we will protect and defend her for as long as we live, and we shall yield to her and only her command. We will live for her, we will die for her, forever loyal. Salve, Maria Teresa, Regina!In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."


Maria: "I thank you from the depths of my heart, all of you. My reign, with your help will be one of greatness, peace and prosperity.

okay people, we can start to role play now.

The Ambassador of King Ludovic of Paradiszia has arrived in Tolomak-City and he has required an urgent meeting with the Prime-Minister. He was invited to speak in the presence of the several Tolomakian officials.

The Ambassador briefly described the situation in his country, with the current war and the attacks from the forces of the usurper Maria Theresa. His words confirmed the previous reports from our secret services. Then, the Ambassador reminded that King Ludovic is administrating the country well, the economy is booming, the trade is flowing and Paradiszia has even become a member of BFTA. The King is willing to continue the reforms and engage Paradiszia on the track for free market and democracy but his sister, Maria Theresa, may lead the country to a dangerous mix of religious fundamentalism and narrow minded socialism. Therefore, the King is asking for any form of support, diplomatic, economic and even military.

Later that day, the Ambassador has invited again to the Government Palace. He was notified that Tolomakia decided not to recognize the usurper Maria Theresa and to offer the diplomatic support for King Ludovic. A substantial financial help may be awarded if the King is willing to sign a declaration that free elections will be held immediately after the war and Paradiszia will become a constitutional monarchy. We are not ready yet to offer military support and we urge both parties to restrain from military interventions, as the peace can be achieved by negotiation and reason. Let’s not hurt innocent civilians in pursuing vane desires for power. A fleet of two carriers, several warships and a few submarines has been dispatched in the international waters in the Mediterranean, just in case that our intervention is absolutely necessary to protect the rights of civilians. The carriers have been taken from Black Sea and are the same that supported the free sky operation in Perejaslawl.

(OOC: what did King Ludovic do to upset the people of Paradiszia? I've missed that part, is there a thread related to it around? Anyway, somebody must be against Maria Therese...)

Maria-Teresa sat in her office, doing paperwork and the phone signaled an incoming call. This was the private line. A call from Vatican City.
'Your Highness, this is urgent, the Pope has been ill again. No one knows how ill.' 'That is not good news..His Holiness is a good friend, and it is never good for one's friends to be ill.' 'As if that alone were not enough, there are a lot of Tolomakians in Rome and Vatican City..why? I mean they are mostly Orthodox'
'Yes I know about that, it's very strange.'
'I think some of them are against the Reform Inititive' 'What is there to be against? There has been corruption in the Church, the Pope has been trying to root it out and make the Church as God intended, that is a GOOD thing, to be consistant in the practices and customs proper to Christian Catholics.' 'Yes but they fear this, perhaps they don't realize the future of the Church is to be one Body. It is stupid, inefficient and not Christian that Christians have less unity than say the Jews or the Muslims, that Christians do not live truely as Christians ought in daily life.It is not right that our Holy Church and their Church both forbit for example, usury, and yet the finances of all the West are usuorious! Indeed if you pardon my saying so, such sins are worse even than sins of the flesh! Sins of the flesh are the animal instinct of people, the flesh is weak, but to have usury is a deliberate bloodless sort of sin.' 'You speak most wisely Your Highness...' 'Well I have spoken with high churchmen from the Eastern Church and they agree with me about this, what is so wrong helping unity among Christians and makeing sure that the true observance be restored?'
'You know the answer Your Highness...ultimately the Gospel is Revolutionary. Ultimately a lot of people will lose their power that they have been accustomed to and their wealth.' 'Yes and any Royal House not in conformity with God's law deserves to lose it's power. The power of such Houses is built on sand. A House which rules in accordance with God's law will keep it's power. The reason rulers have failed when they said such a thing is they were not truely in obedience but were the basest form of heretics...' 'Yes this happens frequently abroad. I saw this in operation more than once in my time in the United States when I was a young student...'
'My brother was drunk again last night. He was behaving awfully. He brought that woman he sees to a State Dinner with the Turks. She looked vulgar and disgusting and so did he. They looked like pictures of people in a book about the 1970s. I expected there to be a Micheal Jackson solo or something... I feel shame such a man is my brother! How could such a man come from my parents?'
'That I cannot say, the old Emperor and Empress were people of great virtue. I don't understand it. I think it was his illnesses and injuries. Some of them happened when such things were ill understood.' 'True'...
'It's almost as if.....'
A guard came into the room accompanied by a messanger from Zahumlje. A small, nearly ragged little peasant man in traditional Zahumljani dress....

OOC: Is this a closed role-play for members of the League of Balkan Monarchies only or may other interested nations participate?

OOC: Ordinarily only members of the League of Balkan Monarchies post here, but I think this is a situation where anyone could post, it probably should be moved to it's own area like other events.

There was a crisp breeze in the air as the young man in the long brown coat strolled along Savska street. A twinge of nervous tension ran down his spine as he reassuringly patted the semiautomatic hidden under his left arm. This was his first field assignment and he didn't want to screw it up. It had taken him too long to get this far. A young mother stooped to tie her son's shoelace ahead of him and he was momentarily distracted by the soft curve of her breasts under her burgundy sweater. "There's no time for that now - focus", the man thought to himself.

As he turned into Grodski Park, the largest park in Pristina, he filed in with groups of students on break from University and office workers enjoying their lunch breaks. With his Rolling Stones t-shirt, Levi's, and black boots he fit in perfectly. Of course his long hair didn't hurt either. He looked like so many of the other young people in this city - trying to start a rock band, paint a masterpiece, or write this generation's greatest novel. Who were they kidding? Most of them just wanted to get high and impress the inevitable college girls that always flocked around musicians and artists. He had known their type in school, but he was destined for greater, and darker, things.

Near a stand of ancient trees, he stopped along the path to light a Winston. American cigarettes were a sign of luxury in this depressed Eastern European city, and they were one of the few luxuries he allowed himself. Without appearing to, he carefully examined his surroundings as he sucked in the nicotine laced smoke. The few pedestrians in this part of the park had moved on and he was now alone.

When half of his cigarette had burned away, he noticed a bearded man in a green jacket approaching calmly along the trail. The man, seeming to notice his glowing cigarette, stopped to ask a question.

"Spare a light?" the man in the green jacket casually asked.

"Sure comrade" came the quick reply. He flipped open his silver Zippo, making sure the enraved monogram was visible to the bearded man as he lit his cigarette.

"Do you know what sappeth the foundations of Islam and ruineth it?" asked the man in the green jacket.

This was the question they had agreed upon.

"The errors of the learned destroy it, and the disputations of the hypocrite, and the orders of kings who have lost the road", came the memorized reply.

"Are your people prepared to provide us what we need?" asked the bearded man.

"Yes. The materials will be shipped via commerical freighter. Delivery will take place within Paradiszia. Our operatives there will contact you when the time is right. Allah is great my friend."

"He is indeed," said the bearded man, "and so is His Majesty Louis Philip".

So that is what this is all about, the young man thought to himself as the two parted company. A question answered, but only with more questions. In this line of work it wasn't healthy to ask too many questions, not if you wanted to live a long life. Still, sometimes you couldn't help but wonder.

Later, sitting in a sidewalk cafe and drinking Turkish coffee, he wondered why his government was supporting the Emperor. Alone with his thoughts, he recalled a proverb he had learned in training, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend".

If we receive a request from Paradiszia that this thread be moved to the "special events" section, we will gladly oblige.

'Your Highness' the little man began 'Your Highness, there is reason to believe that the government of Srpska Kosovo is about to seriously betray you.' he drew out of his vest as small carefully embroidered bag. From that he drew out a thumbdrive.' 'Look at this, please. An operative from Pristina is expected in Rome soon.' The order is most concerned it not happen...'
"What?' 'Your untimely death by assasination.'
'I believe that my great aunt has had an alliance with Srpska Kosovo. I would imagine she is most annoyed at this sort of betrayal.'
'That she is I assure you' said the messenger in a homely Hercegovinian accent. 'I am sorry I do not speak your language better'. 'You are doing fine.'
The video on the thumbdrive showed meetings of a scruffy young man, a young man who appeared to be trying too hard to look like he'd spent time in 'Amerika'.
'I wonder what it is with the Serbian guys and such long hair?' 'Another medievalism' The Turks had short beards and shaved their hair off, so the Serbs had long hair and long beards.' 'Ah' Rather like a lot of things in the Balkans, reaction.' 'Yes action and reaction and reaction. You get as old as I have gotten and it becomes very tiresome and repetitive. Do look after yourself Your Highness.'
'What is strange is that a Socialist state is interfereing in what ultimately is a family dispute in a Royal House.' 'Very simple again, the people of that country have no one left who is truely royal. The family that used to rule there had not one Nemanjic ancestor. You know the Royal Family of Zahumlje has many Nemanjic ancestors. You'd think they would not want to do anything against either of you, Ludvig or yourself. Zahumlje supports you, but I dont' think there is a plan to do anything physically harmful to your brother.' 'Well I am trying to overthrow him but that is only because he cannot do the job. He did not pay any attention to his studies, and he is not healthy, mentally or physically'.
'I imagine after your long journey, you must want rest and food.' 'I ate well on the jorney, I must travel back and gjive a return message if you have one.' 'Rest while I compose it.'
So in the company of the guard the messenger left. Speaking on even a secured line ws not adviseable. The princess was moved from the palace to another place, a mountain fastness in a remote part of Paradizia.
.............
In Imotski, the Queen, now an old lady very thin, with long white hair sat in the Hall of state on her throne. she was on the red phone to Pristina. 'What is this stuff and nonsene? The problems of my niece and nephew are NOT your business.' The line as usual was terrible. 'Look you people simply do not understand.You live there in v..k...j.... and you think you know, but you do not.'
Oh stuff your denials We know what it is, stuff them straight where the sun does not shine. Stuff them straight into p...m......! We know plausible deniability when we see it! '
She slammed down the phone. 'Backstabbing bastards!' A thin young Janissary came into the room.

ooc: Tolomakia, please look at "A Summery of Things that Happened" in the 'OOC Forum'. I am happy you asked, thank you for wanting to be informed.

Maria Teresa's Confidante (no, not a spy, it would ruin things): "Maria, what will become of your brother?"

Maria Teresa: "I have a plan, but it is of the most secret nature. You must swear not to tell a soul."

Confidante: "Maria, you known me your whole life, I would never..."

Maria Teresa: "Okay, first of all, I am not going to kill him. He will be sent away to Siberia with his wife. My Great Aunt Empress Sophia, virtual controller of the Russian Empire, has made arrangements for his prison. When a son is born it will be taken and raised by me. I need a male heir, with a Paradis father."

Confidante: "Steel your brother's baby?! Maria!

Maria: "Not steel, adopt. I will have fill custody of his first male. The boy can see his parents once every two months under the supervision of the Imperial Guard and Court Officials. I figure that if I marry my son will start a new dynasty, the House of Paradis must survive. Therefore my dear brother and my sister-in-law will not be harmed."

Confidante: "Oh, that is okay. I thought..."

Maria: "Yes, yes, I know."

In a cafe in Stari Grad Mostar:
A Dervish and a Janissary officer sat over coffee with a man in civilian dress. He spoke with a strong Serbian accent. 'Well why is Karanovic so against Maria Teresa?' "I dont' know' The Dervish spoke 'I have found that when people say that they do not know, in fact they do know and what is worse they do not want to say.' 'Well in fact I do not know, I have kind of theory...' 'What is your theory?' asked the Janisarry officer. 'My theory is that she is far too close to the Pope.' 'Well she is a ferverent Catholic, a learned woman in her relligion.' 'Zahulmlje is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural and a secular state so why is Zahumlje in favor of her over Ludvik?' 'Very simple, Ludvik is not all there, he's had malaria and he's had accidents which injured his head. Frankly he is not all there. The Queen feels that it is a necessity lest he prove an embarrasment to Royalty.' 'I see what you are saying.' 'Well we'd like an opportunity to speak with the President of Srpska Kosovo. We know people who live in Paradizia, who have been longing for someone to please put a screeching halt tot he career of Emperor Ludvik. The President of Srpska Kosovo thinks he's helping the People. He is a good man but he's wrong.'
'Well I'll let him know your concerns..it's the best I can do..I ..have to follow certain directives.' 'As do I within the Order, and my brother as part of R.A.Z. we all have direction in life..'
Just then some American 'tourists' walked in' 'Sr.... more asylum seekers come here every day, they think we are fooled by their disguise as tourists.' 'Well it's time to end our meeting.' They got up, the Janissary went to pay the bill. They had drunk a lot of lozo and coffee and eatten cevapi.
A wizened old Zahumljani peasant drove by with a cart pulled by a lovely bay gelding.
The Dervish was jet lagged from his trip to Rome. He walked down the street and turned left, the tekke was there, his little room, and he wanted rest before going the next day to his village.
The Jannisary walked a time with the Serb, they crossed Stari Most and looked down at the waters of the Neretva. 'I am so tired of intrigues. I am so tired of history.' 'I too brother. I hope this situation in Paradizia does nto result in war for our countries. It would be a pity.' 'I was born in the part of Srpska Kosovo that the Queen ceded to us. She understood, she is still very respected by those of us born under her rule. She was wise to let us Serbs have unity without war.' 'Well the place of my birth used to be part of Serbia at one time, I was born in Novi Pazar.' 'Sretan put ' ' Sometimes leaders do crazy things. I hope we can help them not to this time?'

Minister of Defense Slobodan Arizanov slowly rose from behind his monolithic mahogany desk. He tugged at the restraining bond of his necktie, loosening it in one quick motion, and paced across to the window. Across the verdant green lawn, he could see the Srpska Kosovo national flag snapping in the winter wind, its horizontal bars of blue, white, and red standing out in bold defiance against the pale winter sky. He glanced down at the dossier he had just received, and turned to face the apprehensive young man who still stood patiently beside his desk.

At six-foot four, and clad in a dark Italian suit, the Minister cast an imposing figure. He tentatively ran his hand over what remained of his raven black hair. He wore it shaved close to the scalp, a reminder of long years spent in the Army. Some days he still had trouble believing that the raw, nervous, eighteen year old recruit from Novi Pazar was now, more than thirty years later, the Minister of Defense. Yugoslavia, Serbia, Srpska Kosovo – he had honorably served each of them. The name of the country may have changed, but the need for brave men willing to defend it had not.

“Are you certain?” he asked.

“Absolutely, sir. Our surveillance team has visual confirmation.” replied the younger man. He was much shorter and slimmer than Arizanov. With his light blue suit and silver glasses he looked more like a business executive than a Special Assistant in the State Security Service. He was always a little intimidated by the Secretary of Defense, but so were many people. It was common knowledge that Arizanov had once been one of the most decorated, and deadly, members of the Special Forces. Rumors claimed that he had personally killed over a hundred men, and faced with those cold, steel-grey eyes, the rumors were easy to believe.

“So your agents tracked him to the Zahulmje Embassy?”

“Yes sir. We believe that he passed the video to one of the diplomats there. Our electronic monitoring team reports no unusual activity, so they are probably transferring it to Zahulmje via diplomatic pouch. I have already prepared a team to intercept the courier”

“I need to call the President.”

Arizanov returned to his desk and reached for the phone.

“Connect me to the President.” he ordered the operator.

A few seconds later, President Karonovic answered.

“Mr. President, this is Secretary of Defense Arizanov. I’m afraid I have bad news. Operation Drina has been compromised. A Zahulmje agent videotaped a meeting between one of our operatives and a representative of our comrades in Paradiszia.”

“This doesn’t make any sense,” replied the startled President. “Why would Zahulmje be spying within Kosovo?”

“I have no idea sir. Special Assistant Tolovich has prepared a plan to intercept the courier but we need to act quickly. Do I have your authority to conduct the operation?”

A few moments of silence interrupted their conversation.

“No. Intercepting a diplomatic courier is a serious breach of international law.”

“So is espionage” interjected Arizanov.

“There must be a reason for this. Where is the Zahulmje agent now?”

“We’ve tracked him to an apartment near the university.”

“And you are absolutely certain that he is not a member of the diplomatic staff? This situation is bad enough as it is. The last thing I need is an international incident with Zahulmje.”

“Yes sir. He does not have diplomatic immunity.”

“Good. Pick him up and see what you can find out. You are authorized to use force if necessary. I want a full briefing on this within the next hour.”

“Yes sir. I will keep you posted.”

Minister Arizanov hung up the phone.

“Tolovich, get your team ready to go. The President wants us to bring him in. You are authorized to use force if necessary.”

Letter to Maria Teresa from the Prime Minister:

Your Imperial Highness,

I have had intellegence agents working on your foreign reputation. Quite frankly, they do not know you. They think you are either Catholic fundamentialist or a jealous userper. How can we help these people to know your true character?

I do have good news however, the government is rallying to your side as well as the armed forces. Your brother has only the loyalty of his Courtiers and the Imperial Guard, but the Imperial Guard must swear loyality to every Paradiszian Emperor, they are not enthusiastic.

At your service,
~Prime Minister Stephan Juseppi

Response from Maria Teresa:

Honorable Prime Minister,

I suppose I must speak to the world, but how do I do that now? Tell the leaders of the countries that are sceptical of me that I am a theologian. I seek support from the Church as a political nessesity, it is law that the Paradiszian monarch be a Roman Catholic. I do not, and never will, let it get in the way of my policy. I cannot wait for my first speech after I seize the throne. I will tell them all they need to know. We must begin this brief battel, my Glorious Revolution.

I don't want to seem arrogant, but where should I be coronated? I think it would be best at the Sistine Chaple. I want it to be grander than that of my Grandfather's.

The dervish,Farid made his sunset prayer and sat to read from Koran. Then he went to his bed to sleep. His sleep was quiet and he woke early. When he dressed, Farid was indistinguishable from an ordinary Albanian. He went and prayed in the small prayer hall in the tekke among other dervishes, one was an old truck driver, one was the owner of a coffee shop two grocers, the owner of a small carpet factory, and various factory workers and three returnees from America. The orderly nature of prayer comforted them all. He walked out, into the pre dawn-dawn wind. He went to the bus station, bought a ticket for Pristina. He waited. He sat in the assigned seat. His seat mate was a gloriously beautiful girl, She was from Pristina, Albanian and he was delighted she did not use Western dress. She greeted him and he arranged his little over night bag under the seat in front of him. The girl had a bag of tangerines. The driver got on, and since he was Catholic began to pray for a safe journey. Quietly in their seats the passengers who were not Catholic prayed for a safe journey their own way. Toward the back, the dervish noticed a tall blonde man who looked American, or possibly Australian. Something about the American was familiar. He had a girl with him, a short thin dark haired girl who did not look American but probably was. The bus left the station and went over the new bridge the Stari Most was visible in all it's glory. Rain began to fall. 'Good fortune on our journey!' the girl said. 'Inshalla' the dervish said. He smiled. 'If I were younger this is the sort of girl I would like' he thought to himself. 'Well maybe it's not too late, perhaps my Nedjma would not be angry about a second wife, if I asked her nicely.' 'Are you going to Pristina?' 'Yes, I'm going back. I am done with my studies in Mostar. My parents will probably see to my wedding....' 'Ah did they promise you young?' 'No hamdul'illa ! ' 'I am married, I have one wife and three children.' 'That's good.' The rocking motion of the bus had it's inevitable hypnotic effect, Farid drifted into sleep. The last few days, traveling all over had been physically rough. He was not exactly old, but he was no longer young. He had suffered in the war times and tired easily. He woke with a start, the music on the radio had changed. From the mellow, sevdelinke on the Mostar station, to jarring American rap. He'd never liked rap music. Then the station changed again to a small station which did not come in well, this music was Serbian, and rather old. He liked that music better actually. At least the instrumental work was decent. Farid fell back asleep almost involuntarily. He would rather have stayed awake, but he could not. The border crossing for Srpsk Kosovo came. Farid and Leila, that was the name of the girl who was his seat mate, stiffened up. While Srpska Kosovo was in fact PERFECTLY safe for Muslims, both the girl and Farid had memories of men in similar uniforms to the Policija Granica of Srpsk Kosovo. Of course the Policija Granica were a professional border service now. They did not do anything scary or bad or wrong. Still the uniform brought back memories Farid had difficulties with. He remembered things he would rather forget. One, the man who actually came on board the bus to visually inspect the passengers bore a strikeing resemblence to 'Ivo' a man who had tortured Farid for weeks in the most terrible manner, a long time ago in the wars. Farid kept his cool after all the real 'Ivo' was dead for many years. Had he been alive he would have been a much older man by now. Farid smiled but the border policeman sensed unease. 'Excuse me sir, but I must search you and your belongings, please come with me..' Farid left the bus, and Leila's face grew very white. She was afraid for him. The policeman only ran a metal detector over Farid, asked him how much currency he had, inspected the innocent contents of his over night bag and said 'I sense you have unease with me. Why?' 'You are very young. I have a few mental problems from the Civil War in Zahumlje, You have an unfortunate resemblence to someone not very nice in my past. I can't help it, this made me nervous. I KNOW logically you probably are not even a relative of this man, but you look like him. Outside I am calm, inside... I hope God spares you from ever knowing.' 'I am sorry.' 'No need, you have a thankless and important job to do. You only are doing it. I looked nervous, if you had not inspected me and I was for example a terrorist, well that woud not have been a good thing.' 'Thank you for understanding. Those times were hard for you and I feel bad that such things happened between our peoples.' 'So do I, war is such a terrible waste you cannot imagine...' 'Well sometimes in his sleep my father screams...' 'He had a hard time too then.' '
Farid said goodbye, sat in his seat, his blue gold and silver Zahumljani passport in his right hand, his bag in his left hand. Leila calmed down. 'Not to worry' he smiled. Leila breathed a sigh of relief. 'Where are you staying in Pristina..at the tekke?' 'No I'm going to my brother in law's place. He has the Cafe Most,' 'I know where that is, all the students go there. perhaps I'll see you there...' 'Inshallah' Farid smiled back.
Leila hoped she had not been too bold with him. Well he was probably a good man, he had a first wife and children that would take some of the hurry about other children away. ...Leila did not want children just yet. She did want however to have a husband.
As dusk fell the bus pulled into the stop in downtown Pristina. Farid saw that Leila had family waiting for her. She did not act like they'd even spoken. He looked at them. Leila's father looked very Western. The mother was in between, modestly dressed, gray haired, beauty parlor hair do, no scarf. The brothers were all wearing tight jeans and rock band shirts. One had a shirt for Masakr, the othe and Farid almost laughed himself sick, had a Thompson t-shirt! 'Hah! too funny!

Maria Teresa turns on the T.V set and sees the following report:

Citizens of Rome March on Imperial Palace!

"We have breaking news! I'm standing in the plaza outside the Imperial Palace were thousand of citizens have gathered in support for Maria Teresa! It is just amazing, I've seen nothing like this sence...hey, hey do you mind if I interveiw you sir? "

"No, not at all."

"What brings you here, did everone just decide to show up?"

"Well, this is the last straw, Louis Phillip ordered and invasion of Vatican City to search for Maria Teresa in the next 24 hours! We decided to put a stop to it."

"Yes, you are speaking of Louis Phillip claiming the Vatican City was horboring terrorists."

"Exactly."

---

Maria Teresa in the Vatican Library:

"Good God! Guards, guards!"

*The Swiss Guards Arrive who were already runing up the stairs*

"Majesty?! We were just on our way to tell you, you must leave. Come with us"

*They go to the back of the library were one of the guards pushes in a brick. the wall opens. Maria's own personal body guard were watching the Swiss Guards' back with their machine guns.*

"Were are we going to?!"

"The tunnel leads to the shore, an aircraft carrier is waiting to take you to France."

"No, I will surrender myself. Louis's troops will destroy the Vatican in search for me!"

"Maria, you could be beaten, even raped. Our job is protect you."

"I cannot leave my people, they will not fight and die for me as I sit and watch. I will not be rememberd as the women who let that happen! Bring me to the border."

Farid arrived at his brother's cafe, a small, clean, modest place. the sign included a picture of Stari Most. Most of the clientele were Muslim, Albanians and Gorans with the odd Zahumljani thrown in. A waiter came out, and seeing it was the boss' brother, called 'Muho, dosao tvoj brat!' Muho came out covered with flour. ' Sorry I was making dough for burek.' 'No problem'. Just then a lot Specialne Policija came in. 'Sranje sto sad?' The police grabbed both Muho and Farid. They said 'Come quietly and no silly tricks. We are authorised to use force if necessary.'
The radio was playing. A report from Paradizia. 'P****M**** We were too late!' 'Too late for what?' 'We have something very important molim vas odvesti nam da vaseg lidir'
'Not until we take you to the police station.' they were loaded into a police van and driven to a drab concrete builing. The two prisoners remained calm. The police were correct in their treatment, but firm. 'Please we need to speak with the police chief, we have important information that President Karanovic needs to know.' They were thrown into separate cells.
'At least let us have a phone call?' 'Nothing doing...'

And so Maria Teresa was lead to the border where she was taken in a police wagon surrounded by armed cars. The crowds on either side of the street were almost toppled that cars. Maria had her head down, she was sullen.

Officer in the passenger set: "Princess Maria Teresa."

Maria: "Yes, I am she. Where are you taking me?"

Officer in driver's set: "To the military base, where we are planing to storm the palace."

Maria: "What? You are loyal to me?"

Driver: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Maria: "I don't know what to say; thank you, thank you!"

Driver: "No problem, Your Majesty."

Maria: "When all this is over, I will remember you two. You will be given the highest of honors---"

Driver: "We want none of that, only for you to remember those who fight for the Empire everyday."

Maria: "I will."

The next day....
Leila got up early, dressed and made her dawn prayer, then she went to the kitchent o help her mother with breakfast. Her brothers were in a hurry, they headed off for school. Just then Leila's cell phone rang. She needed an excuse to leave the house. She'd asked a friend to call her and ask to meet at Kafe Most. 'Mama, it's Fawzia, she has a big home work emergency, I have to go meet her and help her.' 'Allright, see you later.' Leila got her scarf and her coat and left for Kafe Most. It was almost on the other side of Pristina. She went in and of course there was no Fawzia. Fawzia was only a cover story. Amina, the wife of Muho was behind the counter. 'Izvolite?' 'Please a coffee, and some baklava' She put her money on the table. Dinars of course. Amina was distracted. 'Something is wrong?' she asked Amina. 'The Policija Specjalne came and got my brother Farid and my husband too!' 'I am sorry to hear such a thing. Does Farid's wife know?' 'No she's expecting a fourth baby, she's always had trouble and I don't want the risk of telling her, perhaps it is nothing, perhaps they'll come back soon.' 'How long can they be held?' Back in Zahumlje not long, here it all depends...' 'Well I have an idea.' Suddenly Leila stood got on a table. The Kafe Most even at this early hour was full of students, boys mostly, and a few shy groups of girls. It was a hangout for young Muslim students, Albanian, Goran and Zahumljani. 'Listen, two of our Muslim brothers have been taken away by the police, we should DO something! Are you men? or are you sheep?' A loud murmer rose in the Kafe, and then one after another the Albanians and Gorans got up. The Zahumljani students stayed because they feared deportation if they did anything. In fact most of them went to their dorms and reported themselves sick.
Then the Albanian and Goran students went downtown to the place everyone knew was the headquarters for the Special Police. 'Free Farid! Free Muho ! Free Farid! Free Muho! Free Farid! Free Muho! The students kept up the chant.. Then Leila went to a doorway and whipped out her cell phone. She called the Zahumljani Embassy, and said 'Two citizens of Zahumlje are being held by the Srska Kosovo Special Police. They need help urgently.' She then called Radio Blue Sky's talk show 'Do you hear that?' She held up the phone and the sound of the chants carried inot the station. 'Two Zahumljani are being held by the Special Police. Someone should do something!' Then she hung up. The next thing she did was activate the camera function of her cell phone and go into the crowd filming, and call the Albanian language T.V. station. 'Do you see this? Two Muslim brothers from Zahumlje are being held by the Special Police.' She let the film run. The regular police and the miltia arrived......

Muho and Farid looked anxiously at one another. They sat side by side at a bare metal table. Both of them were suprised at their treatment by the Srpska Kosovo Special Police. They had been isolated and questioned in the usual manner - the same questions repeatedly, as the investigator waited for them to contradict themselves. Other than the annoyance of the repititious questioning, the two had been treated almost as guests rather than prisoners. They were offered food and drink, although they did not accept it. They were even provided with a copy of the Koran.

Even though they had not seen each other for a few hours, they did not speak. The two police officers at either side of the door were watching their every move and the room was probably bugged anyway.

After a short while, the door to the room swung open and a rather unimposing man in a light blue suit walked in. The two police officers immediately snapped to attention. A man they instantly recognized as a prominant local Imam followed behind him. The man in the blue suit sat down and adjusted his silver framed glasses.

"My name is Tolovich and I am a Special Assistant in the State Security Service. I have asked the Imam to accompany me today to ensure that you are treated humanely and to see to your spiritual needs if you require his assistance. I hope that your stay here has not been unpleasant."

Muho and Farid did not respond.

"I understand your reluctance to speak, but you must understand that you have very few options. The evidence against you is undeniable. You are accused of espionage, one of the few crimes punishable by death in Srpska Kosovo. You will be afforded all the rights guaranteed to you by our laws and international laws. Your government will be contacted and notified of your condition. Your families will be protected. You will be tried in a court of law. The Zahulmje embassy is currently making arrangements for your legal representation."

"I will now leave you to speak with the Imam."

Special Assistant Tolovich ordered the two police officers to leave the room and closed the door behind him.

Later in the day ...

Special Assistant Tolovich stood at the podium before media representatives from across the Balkans.

"Today the government of Srpska Kosovo arrested two foreign agents within our borders. They are currently being held by the Special Police in accordance with Federal Law. As you all know, suspects may be held for up to 48 hours before formal charges are filed. I can assure you that the suspects are being treated humanely and that they will receive their full rights under national and international law. At this time that is the only information that I am authorized to release. Imam Zirin would like to say a few words.

The Imam, dressed in full clerical garb, approached the podium.

"I would like to adress the concerns of those assembling in protest of these arrests. I visited privately with both of the suspects and I can assure you that they are being treated well. They have food and drink. They have copies of the Holy Koran and I have been assured that I will be able to meet with them on a daily basis. They have been made aware of the charges against them. The best thing that any of us can do at this time is to pray."

Muho sat quietly. Yes there was probably evidence consistant with espionage, but it was not traditional espionage. This was work the Order asked him to do. The Order did not like Emperor Ludvig. The Emperor was not friendly, where as Maria Teresa was helpful to the order. The film was film of imorral activities of Emperor Ludvik. Emperor Ludvik using drugs, Emperor Ludvik participating in sick orgies. Interviews with people who had been harmed by Emperor Ludvik.
Outside the crowd went quiet. Muho and Farid had heard all the noise. The police did nothing agressive to respond to the large protest. The crowd dispersed after the Imam spoke, even though many of them considered him little better than a government agent. He had all the learning an Imam has to have, but he was Imam back in the old days. That alone rendered him suspect. He know it too. He knew that his people saw him as like a 'Judas goat'.
Leila left quietly. She knew she had taken serious chances doing what she did. The other students left quietly. The point of the protest had been made. Chances were the Zahumljani Embassy was indeed now active.
Muho and Farid were members of an order, their fathers before them had been members of the same order. Dervishes. They knew how to maintain silence, even under torture. They prayed quietly. Zikr. The Imam came back in to speak with them. He knew they would not tell him anything. He wondered why the police even bothered. Muho was married to a Bosnian lady, Farid's sister. He had stayed because his family were extensive, and well connected. He'd gone to Albania proper as a student. There he met his wife, Amina, who was there as a student. Her family had liked him very much. They were happy when the two wanted to get married. Amina's family were also members of the Order. Farid was mostly worried about his wife. She was going to hear of his arrest. He was halfway sure too that Leila had kicked off the demonstration. He had no reason to know it, but she was the only one who could have known of his arrest. She probably had gone to the Kafe, and not finding him had been told somehow or other. She knew that place. Farid was not exactly involved in this business. He was on his way to Turkey, to the famed 'Balkans Bazaar' He was going to buy gold and diamonds. He was on leave from the Janissary unit, but in civilian life Farid was a jeweler and he wanted to get these things and begin again making jewelry so that there would be at least some pieces he'd made himself to put in his shop. Now his journey was interupted. Whatever it was his brother in law had done, it was a problem. Of course he could not ask for explainations here, there'd been no time at the Kafe for such a conversation.
He sat then mentally doing zikr.
The door opened and a woman came in. He recognized her. It was Tatijana Zivkovic, the Ambassador from Zahumlje. She came in and spoke. 'I know about your situation. This is a serious matter, you have been accused of espionage. This is potentially a death penalty issue. I have brought a lawyer for you. He is of course from here, he is one of the best lawyers in Srpska Kosovo. I found a lawyer for your brother in law too. I'll be attending your trial. The Queen knows what is going on.
'Thank you Madame Ambassador' Farid said.
The lawyer walked in. He was a thin Serbian Kosovar, not tall but well built. He was dressed in the Western fashion. He looked every centimeter a lawyer.
Ambassador Zivkovic went to the other cell then with the other lawyer, a man from a different law firm. He was older, bald and a little rumpled. He looked like a man who smoked small cigars and liked poetry. Muho was glad to see a lawyer.
He really had wanted to talk first of all to President Karanovic, but a lawyer meant good things....

Tatijana Zivkovic left the building. She lit a Drina and took a deep drag. She headed for the Presidential Office of President Karanovic. She had a funny feeling these guys were in an Order. She had that feeling because they were too quiet. Zahumljani Muslims are talkative normally, and these guys were not. She knew very well they were not professional spies. Professional spies were quite different from members of the Orders. Karanovic's personal assistant offered her a seat and asked 'Would you like coffee, the President may take a few minutes.' 'Yes thanks.' Karanovic was a few minutes. He came in and said 'I am glad you came. Her Majesty has heard of all this on the news services.'
"I have reason to think that neither of those men are actual spies. I think they might belong to an Order.' Well the Imam thought the same thing too. He knows it for a fact about Muhamed Berisa, and he suspects it in the case of Farid Hercegovic. He's pretty sure both men are of the same Order. The Orders are not readily penetrable by ordinary people. 'I understand that. I want you to understand that Her Majesty has been very transparent in her support of Princess Maria Teresa and has been very clear that this is a family matter as well as a State matter. There have been scandals relating to the conduct of Emperor Louis. Her Majesty finds them an embarrasment. I know Srpska Kosovo has concerns about Princess Maria Teresa, but she has an impeccable character, and has all the necessary training. Emperor Louis is only Emperor due to his gender. He is not competent to rule.'
==============================
Imotski. The Queen was viewing her copy of the video, the video which was sent to Muho Berisa. ..
This is like watching a Fellini film, it's like watching La Dolce Vita or maybe Satirycon! How can a royal person behave in this manner!?'

The Zahulmje Ambassador was quite suprised when President Karonovic emerged from his office. He walked at a normal pace, but something about his manner conveyed urgency.

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting."

"It's quite all right Mr. President" replied Tatijana.

"Please, Ambassador, I am sure that you have important information from the Queen. Let's go into my office."

President Karonovic led the way into his spacious office. Behind his desk were several large paintings in dark, carved wooden frames. Zivkovic instantly recognized them: The Kosovo Maiden and Fugitives From Herzegovina by Uros Predic and Serbian Migration by Paja Jovanovic. The originals were in museums but these were very nice prints. The President paused for a moment before The Kosovo Maiden.

"Do you know what fascinates me about this painting?" asked the President.

Before waiting for a reply he continued.

"Look closely at the figures surrounding the maiden. Who is to say if they are Bosnian, Albanian, or even from Western Europe? They were all there you know, unified in a common cause. How sad that in a land where memories are so long we seem to have forgotten so much."

"Yes, President, many in the Balkans seem to have rather selective memories. Fantasy and myth are repeated until they are taken for fact."

As the President sat down, he rested his forehead on his hand and leaned forward in his chair. He looked tired. Tatijana took her seat across from him.

"I find myself in a precarious position" the President began. "Thanks to the recent protest, everyone in Srpska Kosovo is now aware of the arrests. There are drawbacks to having free press, I suppose. If we release them, then the public will demand an explanation as to why two known spies were not punished. If they face trial, the radical Muslims will claim religious persecution and stir up old memories. But wait, I am getting ahead of myself. What is your government's position?"

Well Mr. President as I said before, these gentlemen are not normal spies, their behavior is like the members of an order. I can tell you one thing, the information I have is that the Orders are not fond of Emperor Louis. He isn't hard on the Muslims in his country, in any case they are not numerous.'
Mr. Karanovic waited.
'We can speak frankly, we are two Serbian people, Her Majesty selected me precisly because of my ethnicity. I was born in Banja Luka but my ancestors came from Raska. I understand that the thought of a very Catholic monarch in Paradizia are a concern to you Mr. President, however Emperor Louis is not a fit ruler. Remember the Emperor or Empress of Paradizia is no mere figurhead.
Her Majesty Queen Katarina recomends avoiding a trial. These men are NOT normal spies. They did not do anything they did with a view to any sort of harm to Srpska Kosovo. I can tell you they definately are NOT in the employ of the Zahumlje External Affairs Bureau. The one who is an on leave Janissary, Farid Hercegovic, is in fact in civilian life a jeweler, he was on his way to Balkans Baazar, in Constantinople to purchase matierials used in his trade. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Muho Berisic is a member of an order. It is simple enough to simply state that after short investigation the arrests were of the wrong people. These men aren't spies Mr. President. Admitting an error takes the wind out of the sails of the extremist Muslims. It keeps these guys from being at all important.'
'Hmm, let me think this over.'
'Another thing Mr. President, they were trying to get important information into your hands. Muho Berisc risked his life to keep Srpska Kosovo from making a terrible mistake. Remember Zahumlje and Srpska Kosovo have common interests in the case of who rules in Paradizia. Remember Her Majesty knows the inside story on many royal matters simply from being a member of a royal family. She is privy to information you have not been privy to. The Order even shares interests with Srpska Kosovo. It is not in the Order's interest to have regional stability harmed by a less than competent ruler in a place like Paradizia. Remember that Paradizia, like Zahumlje is a monarchy. In neither country is the ruler a mere figurhead. ' President Karanovic nodeed. Tatijana Zivkovic knew how to speak.
'Do you want to see what Mr. Berisa wanted you to see? What he feared would only reach your hands at the cost of his life?'
President Karanovic nodded 'de kako...' Ambassador Zivkovic opened her briefcase and took out a DVD. He pressed a button and the wall with the print of the Kosovo Maiden slid back, revealing a TV/VCR/DVD set up. Ambassador Zivkovic put in the DVD.
The images were plainly a shock to President Karanovic. He had seen terrible things in the war, so had Ambassador Zivkovic. Both were hardened people in many ways, but the scenes of debauchery and decadance apalled them both.
'Has Her Majesty seen this?' 'Yes it was the straw that broke the camel's back, she was inclined to support her great niece but this film confirmed her.'
'So that still leaves me in a sticky position.'
'Those men are not true spies. Let them cool their heels no longer than you have to. On investigation you will find that neither is a true spie. I don't know what you call the Order but it is not an agency out to bring about the doom of your nation any more than my nation. You are correct that leaving them in detention makes them useful to the extremeist element of the Muslim population.'
President Karanovic nodded. 'Let me think things over. I must consult with my advisors. Thank you for coming in so soon.'
'Thank you for hearing me out. Zahumlje doesn't want problems with Srpska Kosovo, we need to all get along. Believe it or not there are even worse problems out there than the extremist Muslims. That element can be managed.'
President Karanovic rose, he shook hands, 'Again thank you Madame Ambassador' 'Hvala najlipsa Mr. President.' replied Ambassador Tatijana Zivkovic. She left and walked back to the Zahumljani Embassy. She was tired. She badly wanted another smoke. President Karanovic had given up the habit long ago. She went in, locked up her briefcase in her office safe. She picked up her cigarette case and walked to the back garden. She went to the smoking shelter placed there at her own expense and lit up. An Embassy servant came up to her.. 'Might I get you coffee? a snack? ' 'Please get me some rakija and some prscut, and a coffee, thanks' The servant got what she wanted and the Ambassador sat down and relaxed. The garden was drab this time of year.

the CKIJ support Maria Teresa because the Pope supports her and the people do. Long live king Justin Peter I.

President Karonovic sat alone with his thoughts. Perhaps there was still a possibility that this situation could be resolved. It would probably be necessary for the two suspects to spend a few more days in custody, but they would be treated well. He picked up the phone on his desk and his personal assistant immediately answered.

"Contact Zahumlje. I need to speak with Queen Katja, in person. Get the travel team together and notify my pilot. Call me back as soon as you have confirmation. I'll leave directly from here."

The President waited patiently. Surely the Queen would see him. He could be in Zahumlje and back before morning. Matters were becoming too critical for electronic communication. Some things were better discussed in person.

OOC: Katja if you decide to authorize Karonovic's visit, just fast forward to your palace or where ever you want the meeting to take place.

The phone rang, it was the red line, so the Queen picked up. Molim, Izvolite! It was President Karanovic. 'Your MajestyWe need to meet urgently, where will that be possible?' Your Excellency, have the travel team bring you to Jace.'
'Hvala najlipsa' 'Nema problema'
The Queen then got on the phone with the ZRAF. 'Comander please allow the Srpska Kosovo presidential plane in, they are bringing their own escort, please clear necessary airspace so he may approach Jace for landing'
'Yes your majesty'

Manuel was worried. The news he heard on TV were not excactly the most pleasing. Teodora suggested he called ather mother, Katarina, to get a small briefing of the situation. And so he did.

ooc: I am completely alienated from what has happened here. can anyone give me a short desc of the storyline?

In the small meeting room from the Governmental Palace in Tolomak-City the urgent meeting of the Security Task Force for Paradiszia has just started. “What’s new?” asks the Prime-Minister looking towards the Chief of Intelligence. “Only bad news” answers the bald men. “How inconvenient” whispers Foreign Affaires Minister Andrei Mihnea, than asks in loud voice: “what exactly happens in Paradiszia?”

“Well, to start with, Ludovic seems to have lost any kind of support of the Army. Except for a small group of soldiers from the Imperial Guard every body is against him”.

“Does he have any chances of wining this one?” asks Andreea Peto, the Head of the Department of Defense. “No, he doesn’t”.

“Than do you see any possibility to change this in a republican revolution against any kind of Monarchy?” Mihnea’s question is followed by a moment of silence. “Hmmm… this may be something… assuming that we can find any kind of republicans in Paradiszia. It looks like that women, Maria Theresa, has a lot of supporters.”

“Great!” exclaims Peto, “this is just what we need: another lunatic queen in our region!” When she realizes that all eyes are looking at her, she adds: “give me a break, the fact that I’m a woman it doesn’t mean that I’m supporting all kind of non-sense governments based on divine intervention only because another woman is in charge”.

“By the way, Zamulje is doing everything to help the usurper. And they are on the right way towards convincing Karanici of Sprska Kosovo to join them.”

“No surprises, then. So, what we are going to do?”

“First, try to find some republicans in that country. Maybe the people are getting tired of paying taxes to support useless monarchs. If not, we will stay out of it. It’s no use starting a war if there are no supporters for Ludovic or the republicans”.

“What about BFTA? Paradiszia is a member.”

“Oh, yes, BFTA. As well as they keep their word and the borders open for trade, it doesn’t really matter who’s in charge. But if they are trying to impose any kind of custom taxes, I want to have a good plan for economic sanctions ready. Good night, my friends”.

The Prime-Minister leaves the room.

Eastern Roman Empire: Here is a short summary.

The issue is that Princess of Maria Teresa wants to usurp her brother Emperor Louis Philip. Apparently the Emperor is fond of drink, parties, and various sensual debaucheries. (By the way, all of this happens in like 2040 or something) Maria Teresa got the blessing of the Pope and is strongly supported by her aunt (I think) Queen Katja of Zahumlje.

Meanwhile, Srpska Kosovo is supporting some kind of activity within Paradiszia (what exactly this is has not been revealed). A meeting between a SK agent and a Paradiszian supporter of Philip was videotaped and delivered to Queen Katja. The men who did the taping were captured and relations between SK and Zahmlje have become slightly strained.

And now, Tolomakia seems to have taken interest.

Oh, and somewhere in all that the citizens of Rome marched on the Imperial Palace, but Maria Teresa has refused to leave.

I hope that his helps, there are several interwoven plot lines happening at the same time.

"Your majesty, I am sorry that we have to meet under these conditions, but it was unavoidable. Thank you so much for agreeing to see me at this late hour."

"I'll admit it is rather unusual, but the situation grows more complicated by the minute. Zahumlje intelligence reports that Tolomakia is considering supporting Philip in exchange for republican concessions. Were you aware of this?"

"Actually, I was briefed on the flight here. Unfortunately, I am not suprised by Tolomakia's actions. They have tried this before you know. You should not worry yourself about this as our State Security Service reports that there is little support for Tolomakian interference within Paradiszia. My concern is that Philip will strike a deal out of desperation and end up little more than a Tolomakian puppet. We cannot allow that to happen. Self-determination is the right of every nation and we are prepared to defend that right. Tolomakia just can't seem to accept the fact that some nations may willingly chose to become monarchies, socialist states, or in your case, both."

The President's last statement elicited a slight smile from Queen Katja.

"We have to walk a fine line here," the President continued. "Srpska Kosovo is also concerned about Maria Teresa. You well know that the Paradiszian royal family, while related to you, has conducted itself much differently than you have. As a general principle, I do not support monarchy as a form of government, but the level of freedom that your people have has convinced me that in some cases it may be successful. If you can personally guarantee that Maria Teresa will install a Zahulje style monarchy, one that protects the rights and freedoms of its people, then, and only then, would I consider supporting her. Right now, I remain unconvinced."

"As far as Tolomakia is concerned, I suggest we do nothing for the time being. They are full of bold words, but few actions. Place your security forces on alert status - I would not even put an assassination attempt past these Tolomakian trouble makers. I am afraid that they will not stop until all the people of the Balkans are wage slaves worshipping at the bloody altar of capitalism. You know that we will not allow that to happen. We will uphold our agreement.

If Tolomakian agents are found within Zahumlje, I suggest you deal with them quickly. Extract what information you can from them, then dispose of them quickly and quietly. Our State Security Service has become quite adept at this. It is not pleasant, I agree, but in the case of foreign sabotuers and agents, it is the only thing they deserve. If you wish to appear more reasonable, 'shot will trying to escape, committed suicide while in custody, or died of natual causes' all have nice rings to them don't you think?

I doubt Tolomakia would try such foolishness at any rate. There hasn't been any Tolomakian activity in Srpska Kosovo for some time and all of our operations in Tolomakia were cancelled years ago. If they should interfere in either of our nations, our response will be swift and brutal."

President Karonovic awaited the Queen's response.