Amigard plans to open diplomatic relationship with Lineale

[Amigard]

Amigard News Network (ANN)
There was excitement and anticipation in the air at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Amigard City as Cardinal Steele announced his intentions to open diplomatic relationships with the nation of Linaele. The recent wars, revolutions, and other turmoil had dominated the news networks over the past few months and the people of Amigard were anxious to receive some good news.
Cardinal Steele announced the planned summit earlier this morning and in his address to the Council of Bishops stated that he looked forward to working with Linaele. The Cardinal further stated he hoped to speak with Linaele’s leaders about how they might work together as Christian nations to bring peace to the world, and perhaps discuss a series of trade agreements designed to bring prosperity to both nations.
“Linaele is a nation filled with spiritual and faithful people, and I believe their leaders are dedicated to the pursuit of righteousness and peace, and as such the people of Amigard can see in Linaele a nation of brothers and sisters,” announced Cardinal Steele during his address, “I hope to focus on those things we share in common during my stay in Linaele and to establish a friendly and open relationship with the leadership of that great nation.”
Cardinal Steele is scheduled to leave for Linaele later this week. The exact times and dates are currently being withheld for security reasons.

[Lineale]

NEWS BROADCAST:

And another one of our top stories, the leadership of Amigard has just announced that they will be coming for diplomatic talks with President William A. Macht later this week. Mr. Machr had this to say:

'They are, to my understanding, a Catholic nation, and so will be regarded as our brothers. I look forward to meeting with their leader, Cardinal Steele, and discussing possible economic treaties and a possible alliance. I look forward to it immensely.'

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
William looked out the window as he waited for the Head Bishop to come in. Another possible alliance. And with a fellow Christian nation too.

"William, you called me?" The Head Bishop said, peeking his head through the door.

"Yes. Have you heard the good news, Peter? The Cardinal of Amigard will be arriving in three days to discuss a treaty!" William could not hide the excitement in his voice.

Peter smiled. "I am happy for your diplomatic achievements, my President. I will pray for you."

William returned his smile. "Thank you, old friend. You don't know how much this means to me. Now, if you could arrange everything for me. I will be in my office organizing a treaty. If you could see to it that he is treated well, and that he gets a seat near the front of the Cathedral, and all other Catholic things that you do for special royalty?"

Peter laughed. "Your terminology is lacking, but of course. I must go now to prepare, and pray. God bless you William."

"And you too."

[Amigard]

A shiny black limosene rolled through the streets of the Lineale capital. Small Amigard flags attached to the front sides of the vehicles hood whipped about as the limo followed a black sedan. Behind the limo, an armored truck filled with security personnel tailed the limo the occupants keeping a sharp eye out for any trouble. While Amigard considered Lineale a friendly nation, the Cardinal’s security advisor had convinced him that Amigards enemies were often looking for the opportunity to strike. Though the Cardinals limo was armored and the windshield bullet resistant, the security detail worried about the Cardinal’s vulnerability outside of Amigards borders.

Cardinal Steele sat in the limo skimming through his notes. He hoped this would be a productive meeting with President Macht, and he was encouraged by the warm welcome he had received at the airport and by the invitation of one of Lineale’s local bishops to assist at a daily mass at one of their Catholic churches. Steele appreciated the fact that, while the populations of Amigard and Lineale differed significantly in their denominational makeup since approximately 86% of Amigards population was Catholic as opposed to the 27% of Lineale, neither nation forced its population to accept one denomination over the other.

Foremost on the Cardinals mind, however, was his desire to present President Macht with a trade agreement as well as the possibility of entering into a mutual aid treaty. As the limo neared its destination where President Macht was waiting the Cardinal made the sign of the cross and said a prayer asking God to guide their two nations toward peace and prosperity and to watch over and guide their meeting so that they might become instruments of Gods will and glorify his name.

[Lineale]

President Macht stood straight backed, but with a smile on his face as the black limo pulled up, just outside his Palace of the President. This will be a good meeting. I can feel it.

He knew that although the two nations were vastly different, and the fact that he, along with most of the population, was Protestant, might be a problem. But he quickly prayed. "Lord, help this meeting to go well. Perhaps this is where we will finally find our Pope for the Catholics."

The Cardinal stepped out of the limo, and William immediately stepped forward. "Dio sia lodato nelle Alture del più alto dei cieli." William said, spreading his arms out wide. "I trust your flight went well?"

[Lineale]

OOC: By the way, I'm going to be gone for the next week, so a reply will take awhile. BUT, when I get back, I will be playing again.

[Amigard]

Cardinal Steele smiled warmly, “The flight went very well thank Mr. President. You have a beautiful country! I have a good feeling about the future of our two nations!” The cardinal gave the president a friendly embrace, “Peace be with you!”

OOC: Sorry it took me so long to respond to your post

[Lineale]

After a short, pleasant hug (although somewhat complicated by the fabrics of the Cardinal's robe), President Macht stepped back and replied "Thank you! Yes, we love it here. And I too believe that our nations will work together in the grandest fashion."

He escorted him to an awaiting limo, and the two clambered into the vehicle. "So, I plan on showing you one of the Cathedrals of Lineale. I think you will love it." William smiled.

Quite quickly the car arrived at the destination. "The Cathedral is the very center of town." William announced. And it was.

The huge building was painted a simple, but beautiful pure white. The doors were pure gold, and the stain glass in the windows all manner of different colors, telling the stories of the Bible. There, the Holy Mother. On another window, Jesus carrying the cross, and on yet another, the Lord rising into heaven.

And then there was the steeple! It was gigantic! It reached high above the top of all the surrounding buildings, as if the city had been designed to hold that Cross high above it, blessing all its residents.

And that was simply the outside. William looked at the Cardinal. "So, I'm sure you do, but do you have any Cathedrals so grand in Amigard?"

OOC: Don't worry about it one little bit mate.

[Amigard]

“It is definitely among the more grand cathedrals I have seen in my time” said Cardinal Steele as he admired the great church before him, “it is reminiscent of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Amigard City, which serves as our primary cathedral and the center of our government. I am happy to see a building of faith at the center of this fine city! Faith is obviously very important to your people, and I respect you for that.”

[Lineale]

"Yes, it is. It remains the foundation of our society. 94% of our population claims to be a Christian, and 90% of people attend church, according to membership." William seemed genuinely happy. "All of our popular events, such as sporting, the founding of shopping malls, political debates, etc, are all prayed over by several different heads of denomination."

"Roughly 27% of our population is Catholic, and so the people are very excited to hear that you have arrived. Actually, the next thing on the agenda is to have you walk onto a platform, perform some sort of blessing over the people in the crowd, and the pray over our meeting. I will pray after you. Then we shall leave and go to my Palace." William continued.

They walked back out of the Cathedral, and stepped into the limo. The Cardinal noticed out of the corner of his eye that a few men dressed roughly and covered in stains were moving a sign into place over the old one. It said "Renamed in the Honor of the Great St. Peter XVII."

They got into the limo and again drove for a few minutes, and then got out. They had pulled up behind a large stage and curtain, the stage being covered in wires.

Quickly the Cardinal was hooked with a mike and was about to go onstage. William stopped him just before he went out. "Remember, they love you." William said. "They don't really care what you say. Don't worry."

Then it seemed as if William just realized who he was talking to. "Oh... haha. I guess I'm trying to cool off my nerves. Good luck!"

[Amigard]

Cardinal Steele shook President Macht’s hand as he prepared to step onto the platform, “I will do my best,” he smiled and then stepped onto the platform. He walked to a podium set up on the platform amidst the cheers of the crowd. The Cardinal waved and smiled to the people before him, and then with a gesture, blessed them.

As the cardinal reached the podium he waited for several moments, smiling as the people eventually calmed enough for him to speak. “God bless you all,” he said, “I thank the people of Lineale for their hospitality today, and I thank your president for his kindness and for the opportunity to address the people of this great nation.” He paused for a moment allowing the people to cheer, “Please pray with me,” he said and then made the sign of the cross.

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…Heavenly Father we give you thanks and glory for all that you have done, we thank you for the sacrifice of your son for the remission of our sins, and we thank you for this opportunity for fellowship before us today. We ask that you send the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, our words, and our deeds this day and all the days of our lives, so that we may become instruments of your divine will and glorify your name to all the earth. Guide our two nations Father as we come together in your name.” The cardinal again made the sign of the cross, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

[Lineale]

William prepared in the curtain for what he was about to say. He heard the words of the Cardinal, and couldn't help but smiling. Thank God for Brothers in Him. he thought to himself.

The Cardinal completed his prayer, and William stepped out. He always hated that feeling just before he put his foot onstage. The feeling like you are going to die. But then, as soon as he got onstage, he felt fantastic. That truly was where he got his energy from. Other than God of course he thought.

He stepped out, waving. He stood forward and shook the hand of the Cardinal. Then, he went to the podium. The crowd roared with applause at their beloved leader. It took him several minutes just to calm them down enough to listen, as it had with the Cardinal.

"People of Lineale, I would like to simply announce that I look forward to these negotiations and the progression of our two nations." William spoke into the microphone. The crowd cheered again. "Together, with yet another Christian nation, we will be able to come, united, before the battles of this world. If we stand arm in arm, on the rock of our foundation, anything can be accomplished!" Again the crowd erupted.

"Let us pray." William said, much quieter. "Lord almighty, I thank you for bringing our two nations together in this time. Help these negotiations to go well and quickly. Bless thy Holy Name, Amen."

[Amigard]

Cardinal Steele bowed his head and prayed along with President Macht. He was looking forward to the negotiations. If the two nations could form a mutual defense pact, and if other Christian nations could come together in such a way it could be the start of a coalition dedicated to the work of God. With the neighboring nations of Dalsoth and Dartak at each others throats, Dartak persecuting the religious within its borders, Dalsoth quickly descending into a corporate bordello of sorts and Santariasta engaging in what the cardinal saw as an unjust holy war tainting the image of Christianity everywhere, the Cardinal saw Lineale as a God send.

Truly we will stand together on the rock of our foundation, he thought, though we are of different denominations the foundation of our faith is the same. Steele knew that the people of Amigard were devout in their faith, but also tolerant towards others, and he knew they would welcome the relationship that was forming between Amigard and Lineale.

[Lineale]

"And now, I will depart to converse some more with the blessed Cardinal. I love you, my people. Goodbye!" He waved.

There was thunderous applause yet again, and there were several screams coming from the audience. "I love you too!!!" came a few.

William walked off the stage with the Cardinal right beside him. Just before they stepped back into their limousine, a short aid brought up a small stack of papers. Giving them to William, the president quickly looked at the top of the stack and handed them back. "Thank you, Gabriel, but I went through these files. Tell the Ambassador thank you also."

William then turned to let the Cardinal step into the vehicle. "Now, those papers where the documents on the current state of affairs around your nation. Would you care to explain the situations of Dartak, Dalsoth, and Santariasta?" ha asked.

[Amigard]

The Cardinal sighed, “Ah it is a long story Mr. President,” he said as he entered the vehicle. Steele waited for President Macht to get in and the vehicle to begin moving before he continued, “Having read the reports, you are probably aware of most of what I have to say about it, but since you asked I will explain as best I can.” Cardinal Steele took a deep breath, “The Dartak Empire and Dalsoth represent the main concern of Amigard regarding foreign stability. My foreign minister is currently in the nation of Aios assisting with peace talks between the two countries. Dartak and Dalsoth have been enemies since their inception, and as both share a border with Amigard, it has caused us some distress.”

“The Dartak Empire in particular has been of great concern to me. Shortly after their emperor, Valen, took power he began to purge his empire of all semblances of religion. My advisors believe he did this to minimize any influence Amigard might have over his citizens. Emperor Valen essentially outlawed religion in Dartak. Many priests, rabbis, and other clergy were arrested. Some were deported, others imprisoned, and still others executed for treason.”

The cardinal shook his head in regret, “then the Dartak Empire invaded Dalsoth. From what Amigard intelligence sources tell me the president of Dalsoth was initially in league with Emperor Valen during the revolution that created the Dartak Empire, however the Dalsoth President betrayed Valen by seizing the reins of power for himself and founding his own nation. The war was essentially an attempt by emperor Valen to bring Dalsoth back into the fold.”

“Amigard maintained a stance of neutrality during the majority of this conflict. We sent humanitarian aid to both sides, and economic aid to Dalsoth, however we did not intervene militarily. Once the Dartak Empire began to carpet bomb civilian targets I sent a stern warning to the Dartak Emperor to cease his attacks on innocent civilians but he ignored my pleas. So I contacted the nation of Osthia since Amigard had an embassy there and requested their assistance in bringing diplomatic pressure against the Dartak Empire.”

The cardinal again shook his head and sighed, “But, Osthia sent in their military and escalated the war. Osthia’s military was overwhelming compared to Dartak and in response Emperor Valen employed chemical weapons on the battlefield. It was at that time Amigard declared war on the Dartak Empire, because we cannot and will not tolerate the use of weapons of mass destruction. But Amigard troops never crossed the border. Emperor Valen was assassinated by his own general. The interim emperor then sued for peace.”

Cardinal Steele paused and looked at President Macht, “Of course Santariasta is a whole other story altogether. A fellow catholic nation, their cardinal has delusions of grandeur if you ask me. He decided that Christ had come to him in a vision and told him to invade his neighbor, Frallentalio, something I find hard to believe. While I find the Frallentalio lifestyle disgraceful, I didn’t agree that war was the answer. Amigard is sending humanitarian aid to both nations at this point, but maintaining strict stance of neutrality.” Having finished the cardinal smiled, “I apologize” he said, “I told you it was a long story.”

[Lineale]

William was extremely interested in these stories. "I've always preferred to be told a story rather than read it. It reminds me of my grandfather... You have no reason to apologize." he said.

"So the conflict itself has ended?" He asked.

[Amigard]

“I have not heard back from the foreign minister’s delegation as of yet. I am hopeful, however, that Bishop Gardner will represent Amigard admirably. If there is a way to peace, the bishop will find it I’m sure.”

[Lineale]

"Good!" William said. "If not though, I am completely willing to help you in this war. It seems almost over... but that is how most wars feel, even when they've just begun..."

"Either way, I still look forward to signing this military alliance." William once again said.

The car came to a stop. "Oh, here we are. The Palace of the President!" The president announced.

The two men clambered out of the vehicle and looked for a moment at the huge building. "This is my home." William said.

It was a huge, golden building, with the top stories held up by massive marble pillars. Covering the walls where plates that had the faces of the most influential people in the nation's history.

The Cardinal noticed that one plate seemed missing. William saw the expression of consideration, and explained. "That is supposed to be my face. They deem me as a great man, but I don't see myself as such. In fact, I dislike the sight of my own face so much I won't let them hang it. I have given them permission to hang it upon my death, but not before."

They walked through the hallways until they came to the Presidential Office. Inside, there was a large computer on top of a simple, clean, organized desk. "Hello, William. Hello Cardinal Steele." came a voice that the Cardinal did not recognize. He was a little bit frightened at first.

Again William explained. "Cardinal, this is our most recent adaptation of artificial intelligence. I call it AICM, or Artificial Intelligence Computer Motherboard. Ace for short."

"Sir, would you like me to call in Gabriel with the treaty?" Ace asked.

"Yes. Thank you." William replied. "Now, please tell me the history of your nation... I'm somewhat unsure of it."

[Amigard]

“I am most impressed with what I have seen so far” said Steele, “and I would say that if you will only allow your image to be raised upon your death, then I hope it will be a very long time before we see your face on the walls of the palace.”

Cardinal Steele smiled, “I can tell you about Amigard history, but there is not a whole lot to tell really” he explained, “Amigard is still a fairly young nation. The continent of Borenz was once ruled by a great empire known as the Romanus Empire. The region that became Amigard was well known during its time for its adherence to the Catholic faith. When the Romanus Empire fell many people in the area turned to the church for guidance. The church took on more responsibilities until the nation of Amigard was eventually born. My predecessor, Cardinal Walsh, was the first ruler, and his reign was one of peace and prosperity.

When I was elected by the council of Bishops to become the next Cardinal I set about trying to secure Amigards future. Until recently, things had been very peaceful and carefree. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end I suppose.”

Steele looked at the president curiously, “but please, I would love to hear more about your nation. I have seen reports but reports do nothing to truly capture what a nation is all about.”

[Lineale]

"That is a very interesting story. Lineale's is rather similar." William said. "The best way to tell this story is to go back into the hallways."

They went out and began to walk down the hallways, with William talking and pointing out the great people he spoke of.

"You see, long ago, the borders of Lineale now actually made up four states of a country called Threegre. The land was prosperous under the ancient king, the great Gre Ouge." He pointed at one of the plates. The face on it was one of a kind, old man who had obviously seen many years. His face was close to eye level, so one would not have to look up to see him. "He was remarkable, at least that is what we know of him. My great grandfather was the grand Duke, and was his best friend. What was remarkable about Gre Ouge was that he didn't want to be above his subjects. He was a huge man, lumbering at six foot seven, but he didn't want to be above his subjects. He refused to sit in a high throne, and would sit in a small chair, if he sat in a chair at all."

"But when he died, his three sons declared war on one another for his seat. Many fought in that war, including my great grandfather. The first son was a great man, a public servant for the people, and was just like his father. His name was Gre Heous." He pointed at another plate, across the room from his father. He looked like he was simply the younger version of his father, the resemblance was so great. "The second son was a scientist, but simply wanted to help his older brother. His name was Yourhk Thoe." He pointed at another wall, down a little way. It had a man in glasses, looking curiously at a small tube of some sort. "But the third son was pure evil." He pointed behind them at a plate, but this one was unrecognizable. The face had been smeared with paint, hammered down, and crumbled up to such an extent that you couldn't even tell that it was a face at all. There was only a name. Warhus Gin

"Killing the queen with his birth, he was a terrible child during his youth. Rebelling against his father, he had created three heirs out of wedlock before his sixteenth birthday. He hated the religion of his father and searched for every way to rebel against it. He wanted power over everything, and on his fathers death, he marched his troops to war."

"Many were killed in that war. Many homes were ripped apart, and the third son won. He killed off all of the royal family, even his own sons, just so that they could not take his power. One story tells that he ripped out the heart of one son and ate it in front of his mother."

"The man was pure evil. But he won the war, forcing all to become his subjects. He went out and conquered other nations around. Eventually he ruled most of the continent. He ruled for many years, and cruelty abounded. Any who dared to appose his ways would feel his wrath."

"Halfway through his reign he decided to get rid of all forms of religion that did not worship him. The ego-maniac had already renamed his empire after him, calling it 'Warhus'. But now he decided that the only religion he would allow would be to him."

"My grandfather hated this, and so organized an underground church. All of the Christian in the country unified together to simply survive and avoid the death penalty." He pointed to another plate. The face reminded the Cardinal of William, but the beard on the face on the plate somewhat hid it from complete scrutinization. "But it wasn't enough." William went on.

"The military found them and slaughtered their ranks. They fled into the countryside, and moved around to attempt to avoid detection. This went on for three generations, with my grandfather, father, and I all leading it. Finally, I had enough. I called for all the groups hiding from Gin to come together to meet."

"We met in a cavern that is now below the military academy on the far side of the city. Many great leaders banded, and we formed a pact. It was called the Warhusian Rebellion Alliance, or the Raw troops, like raw forces, well, you get my drift." William chuckled.

"We agreed that we would work together to fight back Gin, who somehow was still alive."

"Over three billion lives where lost in the rebellion. From our alliance, Warhus's government, and many mercenaries and surrounding nations. But we won. Barely. But we won."

"All of the Christians, lead mostly by my father and I, fled away from the capital city of Warhus. The land was divided up into the factions of those who had helped fight, and we were given this land. Unknowing that this was a land rich of resources and that it used to be where all technological advancements where kept away from the general public. My father founded this great nation, Lineale unter Dottes as a democracy, but passed away soon after that." He pointed at another plate, high above many of the others, in the center of the room. It was just above the empty slot, and on it was the face of a man who looked almost exactly like William.

"And so I have been elected every election since. That was almost three two decades ago. Now, we are the most technologically advanced nations that remain of what was Warhus. We have built up the Cathedrals and gained many allies. I am proud of my nation, and, not to boast, because usually I am not, but I am very proud of myself." He smiled again. He seemed sincerely happy.

"Now that I've given you a very long-winded speech, please, how do you predict your economy would react if my current technology experts worked with yours?"

[Amigard]

“It seems that your people have a very rich history, and one that you are rightly proud of” said Cardinal Steele with respect, “In regards to your technology experts working with ours I’m afraid such an exchange would likely be fairly one sided. Amigard, though not primitive by any means, is not among the most technologically advanced nations of the world. From what I have seen here, your nation surpasses ours in that area. I would imagine Amigard would have much to gain from contact with your nations scientists but I’m not sure what we could offer in return. We have placed a great deal of emphasis on medical research, however, and perhaps your people could benefit from it.”

The cardinal looked around the hall, taking in the images before him. “A very rich history indeed” he repeated “and Amigard would be proud to be a part of Lineale’s future as your ally if you would grant us that honor.”

OOC: Amigard's technology is on par with the United States circa mid 1980's at least in terms of its military. Medical research has fared better and is much closer to the modern day US if not slightly more advanced.

[Lineale]

"I am perfectly willing to allow our scientists to work with yours to advance your military, and if your private business wish to buy our technology, I am more than willing to send it. Anything to help a friend, right?" William beamed again. "Yes, I believe our two nations have much to learn from each other, and will grow together in the future. Now, I would, if you don't mind, like to officially sign the treaty." He somewhat announced.

He stepped back, and started to walk back to his office. "Our medical science is fairly advanced, but we can always learn more. Oh, quickly, have your scientists yet cured cancer? One of the few diseases yet uncured in our nation and it devastates our family. Ours is not a socially-minded country, although the World Assembly seems to think so, and we have no medicare, but I do want some sort of free cancer treatment."

[Amigard]

Steele followed the president to his office ready to sign the treaty, “Unfortunately we have not cured all forms of cancer, but we have found cures for many forms of the terrible disease. Much of our work with cancer is in the field of genetics and we have developed several ‘vaccines’ if you will, that have shown a great deal of effectiveness in preventing the occurrence of many cancers. I will of course have our researchers release what data we have to your scientists.”

[Lineale]

"Thank you. That will be most beneficial." William said.

They entered the room, and in the middle of it stood a small table, holding up a parchment of paper, a large quill pen, and a jar of ink. "I'm sorry for how old a custom this must seem, but when signing a document like this, with a Christian nation like yours, we are to always signify the event with a quill, plucked from the wing of an eagle." William explained.

"Now, to finally sign it!"

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This document is to signify the everlasting alliance between the two great nations of Amigard and Lineale, that they may forever live together in peace and harmony and work together for the greater good.

Lord grand mercy and wisdom upon the signers, that they may certain of their decisions here. Amen.

We, the leaders of these two nations, do sign this pact in the sight of God Almighty, and pray that this bond will not be broken, and will be a blessing to all. Amen.

We hereby sign this treaty, allowing complete military assistance in an instant of attack against our nations without hesitation, and for all other wars to be joined in through thorough discussion. We agree that our military might may be jointly ruled so that we may win our battles, and to strengthen our alliance. We agree to allow complete free trade, open borders, and economic assistance if it is ever needed. We agree to help each other grow in knowledge, however we can, if through song and dance, culture and language, or technological pursuits. Finally, we stand together, under God, to say to our people, we are brothers!

Signed,

Leader of the Free People of Lineale unter Dottes,

William A. Macht

[Amigard]

The cardinal smiled warmly, “On the contrary, Mr. President, I find your tradition compliments the occasion nicely.” The cardinal did not hesitate to take the quill after President Macht had signed the document. Cardinal Steele added his signature. “The wording you chose for this treaty is perfect Mr. President, and I’m happy to sing it and announce to the people of Amigard that we are now allies with the nation of Lineale.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
This document is to signify the everlasting alliance between the two great nations of Amigard and Lineale, that they may forever live together in peace and harmony and work together for the greater good.

Lord grand mercy and wisdom upon the signers, that they may certain of their decisions here. Amen.

We, the leaders of these two nations, do sign this pact in the sight of God Almighty, and pray that this bond will not be broken, and will be a blessing to all. Amen.

We hereby sign this treaty, allowing complete military assistance in an instant of attack against our nations without hesitation, and for all other wars to be joined in through thorough discussion. We agree that our military might may be jointly ruled so that we may win our battles, and to strengthen our alliance. We agree to allow complete free trade, open borders, and economic assistance if it is ever needed. We agree to help each other grow in knowledge, however we can, if through song and dance, culture and language, or technological pursuits. Finally, we stand together, under God, to say to our people, we are brothers!

Signed,

Aeric Steele,
Cardinal and ruler of the people of Amigard.

[Lineale]

William was beaming with excitement. "I'll just inform the press that they are to get here as soon as possible if they want a good seat. Ace, see to it!"

He looked down on the paper once more. He could hardly believe it. Finally, a Christian ally. he thought.

"Now, my good friend, I have yet another question. As you may well know, the Blessed Catholic Brethren of this region are searching for a Pope or leader. The Roman Catholic church has never responded to our calls, and I personally dislike them anyway." He explained. "Is there any way that we could find similarly minded Catholics to come together to form a new Papacy?"