We Didn't Start The Fire (AMW Only)

[Kyr Shorn]

Betu, the Commonwealth

Father David kept quiet despite the feeling of intense joy as the Prince of the Church informed him as to who he was and why he was here. "Thank you God for this unlooked for miracle." David prayed deep in his heart as he sat down in a makeshift pew with the Cardinals and began to tell them of what he knew.

Father David had been in fine form one glorious Sunday morning several month's before as he held mass for the decently sized congregation, just as the Host was being elevated was when the first explosion occured. Then there was chaos and screaming as the flames rose higher and higher, the force of the explosion had knocked the goblet out of David's hands, spilling all over the floor.

It was that image that still lingered in his mind, months after all the suffering and pain. After all the burials and talks with grieving families about why this could still happen even after all this time.

The image of Christ's consecrated blood spilling on stone floor like any other liquid would, that was (in it's own way) the most disturbing thing of all to the Priest.

As he spoke David didn't realize that he had started to cry, months of repressing everything into a tight little ball in his chest, not coping with everything that had happened started to spill forth from him in the form of tears.

Quietly the Lutheran Minister and the Majapahit Orthodox Priest entered the room, the Lutheran Minister looked just like any other priest of Martin Luther. The Majapahit Priest however was a sight to see, in the formal dress of his order he looked almost like a Hindu Sadhu with the exception of the large crucifix on his neck.

The Majapahit Eastern Orthodox Church had absorbed many aspects of Hinduism into itself in the century of separation from Constantinople. An old joke existed in the Commonwealth that if you wanted to become a Christian but stay a Hindu you joined the Majapahit Orthodox Church.

But they were Christians still and that was not going to change.

The Lutheran Minister and the Majapahit Orthodox Priest quietly sat by their fellows side as a sign of support, the Majapahit Orthodox Priest asked who the two men were and soon introductions were quietly made.

The Lutheran was named Christopher, the Majapahit Orthodox Priest was Luke.

OSS Team

Number Eight quietly said, "Interesting..." and glanced at Number Three, Eight's theory was being proved correct. Three gave a slight head nod and then said, "It isn't safe for you to be away from your hotel room for too long in this place, no doubt that the other side has their own spy network. Since the Justice Minister gave you some leads it would be wise for you to follow them so you don't attract suspicion."

Number One then added, "We kept a watch on the cabdriver who brought you here, we spotted a van following it here." Noticing the look on Nick's face One laughed, "Don't worry they are not a problem anymore."

Politics in the Commonwealth was very much a contact sport and the price of failure could be death, it was something the foreigner was going to have to learn fast or else sink instead of swim.

"The Manichaean won't be available after tomorrow." Three reminded Number One who then fished out a cellphone from his pocket and handed it to Nick.

"It's a secure line used only by OSS agents, use it to contact us, we cannot guarantee the safety of other networks."

"Any other questions?" Four asked Nick as she pulled out another file and started reading, she was the only woman in the entire room.

[Chrinthanium]

Nick sit back in his chair like a politician as he spoke, "Death? I face that everyday living in Detroit. What I need is a promise. A promise that should something happen to me, no one tell my Emperor until the case is solved. If he thinks your government had me killed, you could soon see a carrier group steaming towards your nation with the British and the Spyrans trying to keep up."
Logan prodiced a cigarette and lit it. While he inhaled his first puff he asked, "You have any questions for me?"

[Kyr Shorn]

OSS Team

At that question Number Four gave a little laugh, the first sign of emotion that any of the team had shown beyond their highly controlled neutral tones and facial expression.

Four then recited several facts about Nick, some common knowledge (such as his physical description and Social Security Number), others quite personal, such as the exact spot where he and the Emperor had first met.

She then said, "You don't think that we wouldn't of checked up on every aspect of who you were before bringing you on board?"

Number One then said, "The J/UP is driven by fanaticism and hate and that makes quite dangerous Mister Logan, but it is those same qualities that also make them sloppy and that is how we will break them."

"It would be advisable for you to return to the hotel soon and resume your previous plans lest the enemy gets even more suspicious." Number Three said, "But don't worry, your in OSS hands now."

"There is nothing to fear."

A different Sunburst Tea Shop, near the Old Imperial Palace

Senator Sunil sat quietly in the Tea Shop as he read the latest text on his phone, it was an innocent looking message that was in fact code for the group that he had joined years ago.

All of the Senators for the J/UP were invovled in the plot against the Brahma Administration, they were currently letting the Justice Minister think that he was in charge of things.

He was not, the five of Jusice/Unity Party Senators were.

The message itself was quite simple, it was time for Stage Two to begin.

"Soon the Commonwealth will be made pure." Sunil thought as he started drinking his imported Indian tea.

[Chrinthanium]

Being in OSS hands could indeed be something to fear if they were using him against the government. Logan has some serious decisions to make regarding how to proceed. While he wanted to toss aside the recommendations of Sjahrir, he had a feeling that the OSS needed him, if only to distract the Justice Minister while they continued their plans.

Nevertheless, Logan returned to his motel room. The heat and humidity of the Commonwealth, even in December, made his clothing stick like glue. There was the refreshing thought of a nice shower to make him feel more human. The events of the day had worn him to no end, eventhough he'd done nothing other than a few meetings.

He entered his room, removed his clothing and took his shower. He didn't bother to dress after his finished his shower and dried off. He simply crawled into bed and began to fall asleep.

[Kyr Shorn]

Apartment Complex, Jakarta

In a rundown apartment complex, one of many such buildings in an impoverished area of the city, that was in clear sight of several other ritzier places that looked down upon the smaller, poorer buildings. The only line dividing them was an imaginary one created by mankind’s greatest illusion.

Money.

In one of the apartments was a single man who had rented a unit a few months before, but not to live in. There was few things in the apartment that could be connected to a place where someone lived. Instead there were things that looked more like a drug lab than a home.

But what was being made here wasn't drugs, but bombs.

All of the bombs used in the Jakarta area had been made here and now something far bigger was being brewed here.

The last few details of Stage Two.

In order for the plot to work several things had to happen at once and they had to happen flawlessly.

Before Delem left the Presidential Palace for the peace signing in West Java he had to die, so too the Prime Minister and the entire Brahma Family. While it would be ideal to subvert as many security officers as possible that hadn't been possible without risking attracting the attention of OSS.

So the conspirators had to rely on snipers, which left a lot of room for error.

To help ensure victory all of the snipers had been brought to the apartment for a ritual fast and prayer to the various Gods of War and Destruction.

So before makeshift images of the various Hindu deities and a giant worn out poster for Raden Wijaya XX the soldiers of the J/UP prayed and did not eat for the entire day. The men were going to spend the night here resting before the big day so they had each brought sleeping rolls.

Little knowing that the place had been scoped out by OSS earlier as being connected to the spending spree of the Little Buddha Office, the jump in activity had attracted the offices attention and they were organizing a major assault on the complex which would be launched before dawn.

While the Team worked to get as many of the threads of the plot together for the nationwide bust, the office was working to ensure the saftey of the President, the Brahma Family and the Prime Minister.

There would be no tolerance for this treason to the Commonwealth, no mercy or quarter would be given. Those who didn't die in the initial wave would be given a show trial and public execution.

Most likely something imported from Saxemberg, the Satanists always seemed to have some diabolical device buried in their history that could be used for showy executions in the land of the Gods.

[Chrinthanium]

After sleeping, the rested Nick Logan popped up out of bed, got dressed and decided to head out to check into a few of the leads that he was given. Todays wardrobe was a button up white shirt, khaki shorts, and tennis shoes. He figured since both the OSS and the Justice Minister mentioned the J/UP, he'd do some research on the group to find out what he could about their platform.

[Kyr Shorn]

Across the Commonwealth

In the major cities of the Commonwealth, the security and military forces most trusted by Delem moved quickly to launch their hastily put together battle plan to take the conspiracy by surprise.

They needed to decapitate the J/UP and they needed to do it quickly.

Even though the government had in it's hands the official list of party members from all parties, they didn't trust the J/UP to have given them everyone that was a member.

But the key thing was to cut out the core of the group, deal with it’s immediate threat at the moment and mop up the stragglers later.

But that didn't mean that the Team hadn't already sent out lists of names known to them of the various address in which bomb making parts were sent.

People that would be investigated by the various agencies of the government.

While in Jakarta a sacred group of assassins lay asleep in their makeshift temple, a team of soldiers handpicked by one of Delem’s most trusted generals snuck into the apartment complex under the dwindling darkness. It didn’t take them long to find the right room and storm it.

The would-be snipers, all snug in their bedrolls, confident in their faith and the so-called secrecy of their movements hadn’t even bothered to sleep with their weapons nearby.

The soldiers made short work of them.

In the capital itself the leaders of the J/UP were being dragged from their beds along with their families to be taken to one of Delem’s most notorious prisons. A place nicknamed by it’s inmates “Yama’s Bedroom”.

The three generals contacted by the cabal were located one by one and shot along with their subordinate officers. There could be no risks when it came to the loyalty of the Armed Forces.

The Minister of Justice had a different fate in store for him, since the Team hadn't been sure as to his role in the Coup, Delem issued orders that he wanted the Minister brought to the Presidential Palace.

Alive.

CII OmniMedia Special Report

*All Channels in the Commonwealth are interrupted*

[Various stock images are shown of the Commonwealth in all it's glory, patriotic Music plays in the background]

[Image then cuts to news reporter Diao Ciao]

"Good morning citizens of the Commonwealth, this is reporter Diao Ciao here to announce an interruption in your regular broadcasting schedule for a special announcement from the President. We now go live to the Presidential Palace in the heart of Jakarta."

[Image then switches to the office of the President, behind the President stand two heavily armed guards, the President is wearing a western style suit complete with lapel pin of the Commonwealth flag. Behind him and the guards an image of Raden Wijaya XX hangs]

*English Subtitles*

"Good morning fellow citizens of the Commonwealth of the Indonesian Islands, I come before you with terrible news. Earlier this morning various government agencies have been forced to mobilize against a cabal of traitors who have been caught planning a coup d'état."

"The conspirators were lead by various Senators of the Justice/Unity Party who sought to destroy the democratic institutions of the Commonwealth and forge a dictatorship. They also planned to use this illegal government to strip away religious freedom and recreate the racial policies of Suharto in the false ideas of Javanese Supremacy."

"Let it be known once more to all the peoples of the world, the C.I.I. was built by Raden Wijaya XIV to be a nation of glory, diversity, and true freedom."

"As the Third President of the Commonwealth I have no intention of allowing the freedom and liberty of our proud nation to die at the hands of a hateful few who only crave power for themselves."

Hotel Lobby

This was the image that greeted the hotel guests in the lobby as they went about their business, mainly towards the free breakfast provided by the hotel. Various clusters of people were muttering to themselves over their food, not sure if the coup de'tat attempt meant that the nation was under martial law or a state of emergency. The last time something like this happened was when Delem rose to power and the state of emergency that was declared lasted for three years until "normal" elections were held.

But everyone knew that democracy in the Commonwealth was an illusion, Delem had held absolute power in the nation for over 19 years. It was clear that after today that the status quo was not going to change any time soon.

Then Nick's cell phone, the one given to him by OSS began to ring, a message had been sent by the team. Informing him that the President of the Commonwealth wanted to meet with him at the Presidential Palace and that an armed escort would be waiting for him at the hotel's entrance.

For his safety during this most troubled of times.

OOC: Sorry if this seems a little rushed but I kinda wrote myself into a corner earlier, but do not fear, things are going to get pretty twisted very shortly... Just RP Nick to the point of entering the President's office... you'll see what I mean...

[Chrinthanium]

((OOC: more twisted than they are already?))

The ever apparent offer of a free breakfast capture Nicks attention. He wasn't much of a coffee and danish person, but for no cost, it fit his Detroit Police Officers salary. While devouring the pastry and drinking his coffee, he watched the President of the Commonwealth deliver his message. Nick realized that even if the President had nothing to do with the events taking place against Christians of all denominations, he was still as tyrannical as those that were guilty.

He lit his cigarette as he drank the last of his coffee. Indonesian coffee was good, but he liked his more bitter Chrinthani counterpart. Coffee wasn't supposed to be enjoyed, it was a drug meant to jumpstart an unwilling person into becoming an active member of the world.

While allowing the fresh cigarette to affect his mood from grumpy to bearable, he was taken back to a time where he was in college. He and Nathaniel had just finished their practice sessions with the Cornhuskers soccer team and they wanted a cigarette to relax with under the bleachers. The problem was that Coach Whitaker found them and made them do 20 laps around the soccer field as punishment. It wasn't a warm and fuzzy memory, but he never forgot the look Nathaniel gave him when they finished running. All Nathaniel wanted was to sit down, and finish that cigarette. It was probably the only habit that either of them owned.

After remembering for a few moments, Nick chuckled to himself, "What a silly thought to have."

Nicks cell phone given to him by the OSS chimed. Upon checking the screen he noticed a message had been sent to him stating that he was to meet the President and that an armed escort would be awaiting him.

Considering the actions known to the world of this man, calling him a President must have been some sort of inside joke that Nick didn't get.

Whether or not he wanted to meet the President, he was about to have a meeting with him. Nick grabbed his backpack from under his table and walked to the lobby of the hotel. Outside were men who seemed to try to attempt to not look like armed guards, but were despirately failing that mission. He walked outside and flicked his cigarette butt into the street, much to the dismay of a passing policeman.

The guards didn't seem to talk. They simply opened up the door for him to enter the black SUV. Too much cloak and dagger for Logan, but still, it was nice not to have to pay for the ride himself.

While enroute to the Presidential palace, Logan absorbed the scenery as the vehicle made its was through the city. The ride was rather uncomfortable for him due to the deafening silence of the guards. The only noise to interrupt it was the sound of the vehicle moving through the streets and the car horns of those anxiously awaiting the traffic to move faster. He was captivated by the beauty of the city, but realized that there was a sinister underbelly to its beauty. One of political corruption and military immunity to the law.

Finally, the SUV stopped infront of the palace. The guards opened Nicks door and allowed him to step out of the vehicle. Once he was outside, the vehicle sped away, probably to its compound to "be inspected for a DNA sample', he thought.

Logan entered the Presidential palace and proceeded to the security check point. The guards simply allowed him to pass through without problem. They seemed to know who he was without him knowing them. He eventually made his way to the Presidents office. His secretary simply opened the door for him after asking him if he wanted something to drink. Remembering the fate of his driver when he arrived, he politely declined her gracious invitation. Now, he was face to face with Delem.

[Kyr Shorn]

Presidential Office

The current President of the Commonwealth was pouring himself a glass of water from a jug on his sparse desk, the rather humble looking office space was often a shock for those who expected the Tyrant of the East (as the Californians called him) to live in Oriental Splendor.

Delem looked up and recognized the investigator from the dossier and nodded and gave a polite greeting in Indonesian before switching to English and introduced himself.

Then he got to the point, “I’m sure your aware now of the attempt by various nefarious traitors to overthrow the legitimate government of C.I.I. Mister Logan.” He said as he poured a second glass and offered it to him after drinking some from his.

“In spite of my desire for this to remain an internal matter of the Commonwealth, events have spiraled into something that I hope doesn’t reflect too badly on our nation in the future.” Delem said as he sat down at his desk and bid the investigator to do the same.

“I fully intend to make public all of the information regarding the coup and the bombings once the government’s investigators have gone through everything to ensure that all of the facts are correct.” The President explained like a Deus ex Machina.

“The Justice/Unity Party will most likely be banned and all of it’s members permanently barred from political office and jobs once everything is said and done.” Delem continued to explain as a muffled scream could be heard at a distance away, the two guards in the office didn’t bat an eyelash at it.

“The OSS investigators have already found enough evidence to convict the conspirators ten times over with just murder charges alone.” Delem said as the cries of agony came closer and closer.

“I wish that you could have come to our nation under better circumstances Mister Logan,” the President said as now the sound of something wet and thrashing came close to the doors. “The Commonwealth is a beautiful nation full of good people devout in their faith in the many paths of Enlightenment.”

He sighed as the doors opened, “But it is our curse to see that the only way to rule our land effectively is with violence.”

Two more guards came in, dragging the Justice Minister into the room, he was an unrecognizable mass of bruises and swelling and blood, one eye was completely swollen shut, his nose completely shattered, one arm dangled at an unnatural angle. Sutan Sjahrir was still in his pajamas, his bare feet barely on the floor since the guards were having to prop him up just to stand.

Delem then stood up and walked silently to the figure, so dazed and battered he couldn't even recognize the figure advancing too him until he was within an inch from his face.

"Sutan," Delem said, his voice betraying a hint of saddness, the first real emotion he had revealed this entire time, "I gave you everything, why did you betray me?"

The man that once was Sutan Sjahrir spat a glob of blood on the hardwood floor and managed to croak out weakly, "I... I didn't... I swear Delem..."

Delem sighed once more and slowly stroked Sutan's face and said quietly in a room where you could hear a pin drop.

"I wish I could believe you Sutan, I really do. Guards." Delem said and nodded in the direction of the doors.

As the guards dragged Sutan away Delem said, "The public will never know Sutan's role in the plot, his death will not be revealed until at least a week after these events so that they will seem unconnected. It would be too dangerous for the Commonwealth to see that the corruption could rise so high in the government that the very man who manages Justice is not just himself."

"I have allowed you to see that so that we could begin to trust one another, I harbor no ill will towards your or your nation and I wish for there to be peace and prosperity for us both." Delem then went back to his desk and opened a drawer and pulled out a small golden statue of the Goddess Kali.

"Consider this a gift Mister Logan, this is an image of the Goddess of Death and Destruction, it is She who destroys illusion and ego in all men to bring them to levels of being that they could not encounter otherwise. I hope that if you should ever have to see such destruction again that She can protect you so that you can see through all illusions to find truth."

"Do you have any questions?" the President asked before taking another drink of water.

[Chrinthanium]

Logan was unnerved to see the badly beaten Sutan brought before the President. It wasn't everyday he'd seen a man abused so much and given that type of punishment with no trial less than 15 feet in front him. While finding those guilty of the bombings was important, Logan began to feel that this display was more of a scare tactic against himself than the J/UP.

"How can you be sure the world won't equate your ministers demise with the recent political actions you've taken?" asked Logan as he drank his glass of water. "What makes you think the world will even buy what you're selling here?"

[Kyr Shorn]

Delem gave a slight smile at the salesman analogy and replied, "To answer the first question is simple enough, people will suspect but since there will never be a positive or negative answer to the question they will never fully know. Thus relegating such thoughts into the same area of other crackpot conspiracy theories."

"As for the second after the trial I will have the evidence and transcripts of the trial made available for the public so the world will know the truth."

In fact such transcripts would be heavily redacted when it came to certain issues, such as Sutan's connections to the plot, but others would be as plain as day, such as the low-level Justice Ministry workers conspiracy with the J/UP to blow up Christian Churches to try and discredit the Brahma Administration on the international level. The various trials wouldn't last very long, some would only take ten minutes, the length of time it would take the guards to drag the traitors before the judge and have him declare them guilty on the spot.

"I do understand that the Commonwealth and the West may not always see eye to eye on certain issues but those differences should not harm the deep and complex ties that ensure prosperity for the nations of the world." Delem said.

Delem then smiled once more and said to Nick, "I do wish that you can enjoy the remainder of your stay in the Commonwealth, between the family friendly beaches and the countless historical monuments left by long dead Empires there is plenty of sightseeing if you desire to do so."

[Saxemberg]

Date: 12 Nivôse 218
From: His Highness the Prince Leopold Frederick Ferdinand, Duke of Saxonia, Elector-General of Saxemberg
To: His Excellency Mr. Delem Brahma, President of the Commonwealth of Indonesian Islands


Dear Mr. President,

We have received your government’s expression of sympathy in response to the terrible recent events here in the capital city of our principality.

On behalf of the people of Saxemberg, and in the name of my father, His Serene Highness Prince Leopold Augustus Victor, I thank you for your government’s very kind and thoughtful gesture.

We are a small nation, as you know, and unaccustomed to dealing with violence on such a shocking scale. In this, our time of national grief and mourning, it gives us great comfort to know that we are in our neighbours’ thoughts.

In return, I hope you will convey our government’s own sincere sympathy to the families of those two citizens of the Commonwealth of Indonesian Islands who lost their lives in the attack on the Hotel Quattro.

The deaths of our own citizens are bad enough. It grieves us deeply that so many of our foreign guests, who trusted us to look after their safety and security during their stay in this country, should have lost their lives as well.

Please inform the families of the two victims that, under the terms of Regulation 218N12/4, the Government of Saxemberg has assumed responsibility for any costs they may incur while transporting the remains of their loved ones back to their home country.

Our national airline, Air Saxemberg, will transport these remains free of charge. Should the families wish to use another carrier, they may apply to our embassy in Jakarta for a full reimbursement.

A ceremonial funeral will soon be held for those nineteen Saxemberger police officers who lost their lives in this outrage. Should you wish to be represented at this event by a contingent of the Commonwealth’s own police forces, please contact the Chancellery directly, and we will make all the necessary arrangements.

Finally, let me be the first to congratulate you on your recent success at crushing what sounds like a very dangerous conspiracy against the government and constitution of the Commonwealth of Indonesian Islands.

I was just a toddler when Suharto was overthrown, but my father and my late grandfather have told me, from their own observations, about the injustices which your people suffered under his regime. Sic semper tyrannis.

With deepest gratitude,

SAXONIA

PS:

I hope you will not take it amiss that you have received this acknowledgement from my hands, rather than my father’s.

As you may know, His Serene Highness is currently out of the country, though we expect his return shortly.

As Elector-General and heir-apparent, it is my duty to act as vice-regent in my father’s absence, and I know he would not want me to wait for his return before thanking your government for its very gracious gesture.

[Europe - Prussia]

Betu, the Commonwealth

After father David ended his explanation the cardinal put a hand in his shoulder to try to calm him down. This man, indeed, had passed trough a lot of pain a suffering. The scars of the past were is still open and bleeding, and the bombing proved that. And although he could understand the hatred that the some felt towards the christians, he couldn't understand why they decided to resort to such violent methods.
He was about to ask more to father David and the two new priests that appeared btu he was interrpted by one of his aides.
At first he didn't understand what was so urgent that needed his immediate attention, but when his aide wishpered in his ear whats happening in Jakarta in that moment. When he heard the entire report from his useful aide a lot of thoughts started to flood his mind.
The J/UP was behind the bombings? was more people involved? why this militar action was executed so fast? something very unusual, even tu put an end to a coup d' etat.
Something was suspicious about this. But he didn't wanted to involve more in such dangerous situation. His duty in the Commonwealth was analyze the situatio for hte Vatican. But anyway he would communicate this information to Europe-Prussia. They had the element to find out the truth.
" father David. If you need fund to repair the church please do not hesitate to ask to the Holy See. They'll be more than glad to give the monay to repair such important place here in the Commonweath. Also i'd like to ask you something. Have you seen something suspicions days prior to the first bombing, like people arriving and leaving the town, people of the goverment, anything" the cardinal asked.
He was pretty sure that the goverment was involved in a way or another. After all, eliminate the conspirators so quickly it was very suspicious, with not to mention that also brings a hit of popularity to the 'president' of the commonwealth.

[Chrinthanium]

Logan decided to not continue to question the President. He figured that it would lead to a more troubled experience that he wasn't prepared to go through at this particular moment in time. He still had some work to do while in the Commonwealth, and what better way that to mingle with the people.

"Mr. President, I must admit that I am deeply thrilled at being able to enjoy the beach this time of year." answered Logan, "Back home, you can't go swimming until the summer unless you want to visit the Confederacy of Florida or the Republic of California. Good thing I brought my bathing suit."

After exchanging courtesies with the President, he bid him farewell and exited the palace. He hail a cab and asked the driver to take him back to his motel room. He also requested the driver give him some information on the closest and best local beaches. At least he would have some time to himself, even if he had suspicions about the actions taking place within the Commonwealth.

[Kyr Shorn]

Presidential Palace, Jakarta

After the Chrinthani investigator departed on polite terms, Delem turned to the latest message from Saxemberg. It was a response for the condolences sent to their government about the recent attack in their Principality.

"It seems as though we all have problems." Delem thought has he started to draft a reply...

To: His Highness the Prince Leopold Frederick Ferdinand, Duke of Saxonia, Elector-General of Saxemberg
From: His Excellency Delem Brahma, President of the Commonwealth

Your kind reply to our condolences in this time of mutual crisis is yet another sign of the strong bond that exists between our two peoples.

The families of the two Commonwealth victims have been contacted by the government and they now await the return of the remains of their loved ones for a proper cremation.

Sadly the Commonwealth government will have to forego representation at the ceremonial funeral for your murdered police officers due to the recent events in the nation. If things were more settled our nation would be pleased to be represented at the ceremony.

I have not been taken aback by the fact that it is the heir to the Saxemberger throne who has written to us instead of the current Head of State of your nation. It is only expected that many things can take up the time of a ruler and somethings will have to be delegated to another to handle. May the Gods Bless.

COMMONWEALTH

Betu, the Commonwealth

David nodded at the last, he had contact the Archbishop of Jakarta like all the other Catholic Churches destroyed in the bombings for funds. No doubt that he was communicating with the Vatican at this very moment about funding for repairs. David knew that the Lutheran and the Majapahit Eastern Orthodox Priests were communicating with their leaders about the endless details of rebuilding their destroyed Churches.

David then began to think of anything out of the ordinary in the town prior to the explosions, "No, there hadn't been anything like that, or at least anyone unusual that I noticed."

The Lutheran and Majapahit Priests also shook their heads at the question though they weren't asked, they hadn't seen anything odd prior to what happened.

[Kyr Shorn]

Nick's Cab, Jakarta

The cab driver was a very nice man who spoke pretty good English, since he was used to dealing with tourists from Australia. He thought that his current fare's accent was funny but didn't mention it. When he asked about the best beaches, the cab driver recomended a couple different ones on the spot, the first was very popular among foreign tourists since it was clothing optional, the second was more family friendly and larger and it was a place where both the locals and tourists went to.

The cab driver smiled back at Nick through the rearview mirror and then said, "Just be careful because there are the usual run of pickpockets in the city and with the recent..." he then trailed off before changing the subject, "Well just be careful and have a good time good sir."

[Chrinthanium]

Logan returned to his motel room. He carefully inspected it just in case someone had gone through his stuff while he was away. He changed out of his business casual clothing and prepared himself for the beach.

Nick opted for the clothing optional beach. He had no intentions on opting out of his clothing, but figured there'd be no kids there. Besides, his red board shorts cost him a good deal of money in a Los Angeles surf shop, and he wanted to wear them. His white tee-shirt, sunglasses, sandals, and spikey blone hair gave him a tourist look.

After the cab ride to the beach, he found a spot with some space between him and the next person. He kicked off his sandals, took off his tee-shirt and started laying out in the sun. He noticed the varying shapes and sizes of people. Some captured his fancy, others not so much. He decided that it would be good to just lay and sunbathe and see what happened.

[Kyr Shorn]

The Clothing Optional Beach

In spite of the recent failed coup and the church bombings the beach was filled with mostly foreign tourists and some of the more liberal (or at least more Westernized) locals who were out for a fun day in the sun. After all there hadn't been any major crackdown or curfew declared or anything like that.

The Commonwealth Government seemed almost desperate to make everything seem, "business as usual" and present the coup attempt as an arbitration of little import.

While a lot of the average Commonwealth citizens were worried (some with good reason), some of them weren't or just didn't care and neither did the bulk of the tourists. Besides, this is Southeast Asia, if the government isn't on the brink of collapsing then it's newsworthy!

One local beachgoer in nothing but a tiny white speedo that left very little to the imagination set up shop near Nick Logan, his face was very well know across the Commonwealth and in certain circles worldwide for being the "gay son" of the President of the Commonwealth.

Agnug Brahma often snuck out to the tourist areas of the city to get away from the pressures of being the unofficial heir to what critics in California called the "Brahma Dy-Nasty". He was considered extremely attractive with his lithe but well muscled figure which he strove to maintain through gymnastics and swimming.

This beach was a favorite of his, the tourists didn't know who he was and the locals often dismissed the famous face laying on a beach towel as "coincidence" and moved on.

Agung had seen Nick's dossier and picture but hadn't spotted him on the beach and wasn't aware of how close that the favored son of Delem Brahma was to the Chrinthani Emperor's one true love.

Then when Agung shifted on his beach towel he felt a rock underneath it and was forced to get up to remove it, putting himself in Nick's line of sight. His lovely carmel skin shinned in the sunlight as the sweat slowly dripped down his smooth 19 year old back. The stretch quality of the speedo being put to the test by it's contents as he bent slightly to lift the towel and dig for the rock that was bothering him.

[Chrinthanium]

Nick was aware of the young man who took up residence in his general area. His sunglasses obscured his eyes well enough that Agung most likely wouldn't have noticed him paying attention. While he found him attractive, Nick didn't want Agung to realize that he was checking him out. That, coupled with the fact that Nick was still in love with Nathaniel, despite being vehementally opposed to the lack of privacy that would come along with dating an Emperor -- particularly Emperor Nathaniel.

The relationship between Nick and Nathaniel started back in College when the pair were both on the soccer team. Nick was open about who he was, unlike Nathaniel, when they met. The two quickly struck up an amiable friendship. Then, one day while in the dorms, Nick and Nathaniel went out to the local bars in Omaha. Of course the media frenzy was relentless, but Nick continued to entertain his friend, the heir-apparent. After their night on the town, the pair went back to Nathaniels dorm room, as the Emperors son was given his own, private room. Nick, who was very attracted to Nathaniel, and very intoxicated, proceeded to make an advance. Nathaniel, who was very attracted to Nick, and very intoxicated as well, didn't resist.

Two years later, and a public coming out from Nathaniel, the two were the talk of the Empire. They maintained a very close relationship while at the University of Chrinthanium at Omaha. They seemed inseperable. Then Nick and Nathaniel graduated. Nathaniel, being the Prince Imperial, remained in Omaha with his family while Nick went off to Detroit to become a police officer. It wasn't easy for Nick to tell Nathaniel. The lack of privacy helped Nick in his decision to attempt to break it off rather friendly. Of course, Nathaniel didn't understand.

Such was Nicks decision. He knew that Nathaniel and himself were a good match, but Nick was a private man who valued his anonymity, while Nathaniel was the next in line for the throne, and enjoyed the media attention. The two spoke often about picking up where they left off, but Nick kept insisting that Nathaniel would have to do something about the ever-intrusive media. Alas, the two could never reach that perfect compromise.

Nick knew who Agung was. Foreign Minister Jon Latham was a dedicated public servant who insisted that Nick learn who everyone was before he went to Jakarta. Nick stood up and dusted the sand off of his back. He removed his sunglasses and placed them in his backpack. The sun glared off of Nicks athleticly toned, light-skinned body. His blonde hair swayed slightly in the seabreeze.

He walked passed Agung, giving him a quick glance over with his eyes as he made his way to the water. He stepped into the ocean and cooled himself off with the warm seawater for a few minutes, then proceeded to march back to his position. He produced his beach towel from the backpack and placed it down on the sand. He realigned himself so that he could speak to Agung.

"Warm weather you have here this time of year." spoke Nick to Agung with his mid-American accent.

[Kyr Shorn]

Beach

When the lovely looking blond adonis figure stepped into Agung's line of sight, his soft brown eyes caught him glancing back before slipping into the water for a dip.

"Nice." Agung said quietly to himself in the tribal language of the Batak to whom his mother had belonged. Then his hands found the intrusive rock and moved it out of where he had been laying down. He then replaced the towel back on the sand and thought for a moment about work before putting the thought aside.

The Senate was an advisory body and had been that way since his father had seized power in the early 90's, other than prestige the title of "Senator" bore little real power. The real power that Agung held lay in his access to his father and the trust that he held for his youngest child.

"Dad can handle things on his own." Agung thought to himself to close the subject before noticing the return of the blond foreigner, he set up shop near the President's son and then asked him about the weather in English.

"It's always warm here in Jakarta." Agung replied as he shifted on his towel to speak to the man more easily, inadvertently giving him a full view of his body which was on almost complete display with the exception of the very skimpy white speedo.

For some reason the stud looked familiar but Agung couldn't quite place him...

"What's your name?" Agung asked, while wondering if the foreigner would recognize his name, it was famous in the Commonwealth, and well-known to those interested in the expansion of LGBT Rights in nations other than their own, plus foreign political junkies. But beyond that Agung could walked down the streets of most major cities world-wide and maybe a couple of people would think he looked familiar.

Presidential Palace

One of Delem Brahma's aides finished his summary with the conclusion, "...Should the new Kaiser of Europe-Prussia be interested in expanding trade with the C.I.I. it would be best to first ensure that any future international trade agreements be synchronized with our two nations first."

Delem nodded at that, the President was fully aware of the interest in the Commonwealth's oil resources, while the C.I.I. was expanding production into oil-based products rather than just fuel, the fuel trade was still the main oil export of the nation.

One of the other aides then added, "The Senator Brahma sent a message to the Palace an hour ago, he is currently on one of his 'walkabouts' in the city proper."

Delem also nodded at that, his children in spite of their father's fame were still able to walk in the city with only a couple of disguised bodyguards. One of the few benefits of overpopulation was that people would just assume that if you had a famous face that it didn't mean that you were that famous face.

But the President still didn't trust that little quirk enough to venture out without bodyguards and a disguise on those rare moments when he went incognito in his own nation.

"Now tell me about what is going on in the Middle East between that jumped up Caliph and the Zygrin Commonwealth." Delem ordered his aides.

"Oh and have the report on the latest food production numbers on my desk in an hour."

[Chrinthanium]

Beach

When the lovely looking blond adonis figure stepped into Agung's line of sight, his soft brown eyes caught him glancing back before slipping into the water for a dip.

"Nice." Agung said quietly to himself in the tribal language of the Batak to whom his mother had belonged. Then his hands found the intrusive rock and moved it out of where he had been laying down. He then replaced the towel back on the sand and thought for a moment about work before putting the thought aside.

The Senate was an advisory body and had been that way since his father had seized power in the early 90's, other than prestige the title of "Senator" bore little real power. The real power that Agung held lay in his access to his father and the trust that he held for his youngest child.

"Dad can handle things on his own." Agung thought to himself to close the subject before noticing the return of the blond foreigner, he set up shop near the President's son and then asked him about the weather in English.

"It's always warm here in Jakarta." Agung replied as he shifted on his towel to speak to the man more easily, inadvertently giving him a full view of his body which was on almost complete display with the exception of the very skimpy white speedo.

For some reason the stud looked familiar but Agung couldn't quite place him...

"What's your name?" Agung asked, while wondering if the foreigner would recognize his name, it was famous in the Commonwealth, and well-known to those interested in the expansion of LGBT Rights in nations other than their own, plus foreign political junkies. But beyond that Agung could walked down the streets of most major cities world-wide and maybe a couple of people would think he looked familiar.

"I'm Nick. Nice to meet you." he said with a glad smile. "I have to admit, I know who you are, you're Agung Brahma, the Presidents son." Nick said softly as not to cause people to notice. "Emperor Nathaniel knows of you, being as he is on a crusade back home to expand LGBT rights in the Empire."

"You have a very beautiful nation." he stated. Logan sat up to speak to Agung at this point. While still wanting his relationship with Nathaniel to actually work out, and be as loving and as strong as it was while they were in college, Nick couldn't help but be somewhat attracted to Agung. Nick was, after all, only twenty-two and a man.

[Kyr Shorn]

Beach

When Nick introduced himself and quietly revealed that he knew who he was, Agung smacked himself on the head and thought to himself, "Oh Gods I'm so dumb!" Agung then recalled the dossier he had read on the investigator sent by the Emperor and realized that this gorgeous man in front of him was that same person.

"Oh sorry I didn't recognize you Nick." Agung said to him, "It's as if my brain has melted or something." He then remembered some of the more interesting details of the dossier, such as the fact that Nick Logan had once dated the future Emperor Nathaniel in college but they broke up soon after.

"So he's single..." Agung thought to himself slyly before saying aloud, "But yes the Commonwealth is a beautiful nation but it isn't just mine." He then waved his arm across the beach, "It belongs to everyone who lives here, it is a free country after all."

He even managed to say that last without a trace of irony.

The son of the current President of the Commonwealth then reached for a small cooler he had brought with him, in it was a couple bottles of the local beers.

"Wanna a beer?" Agung asked and offered him a bottle of the dark brew.

[Chrinthanium]

Nick Logan accepted the beer without so much as a slight hesitation. He knew that Agung realized who he was. Nick didn't worry about about the recognition. Agung seemed like a pretty friendly person. The weather was quite warm, and the beer was very cold. "Just the right combination", though Nick.

"So, how does a Senator, and the popular son of Delem Brahma, escape in such a public place without so much as a camera phone snapping your picture?" Logan inquired. Information that he hoped could help him in his relationship with Nathaniel. Back in the Empire, if Nick and Nathaniel had escaped to a public beach, they would have cameras clicking ever minute until the left. It was quite the novelty.

Nick popped open the beer and began to drink it. It wasn't the small sip of someone attempting to be polite and make the beer last. It was the type of gulp that meant more beers would follow, and the sooner the better. Nick was a drinker. Not nearly as much as he was back in College. Both Nick and Nathaniel were fratboys in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Those were the days, only a year ago, when the two of them would get so hammered drunk they would need to look at the photos to piece together their night.

"I didn't bring any beer to offer you, but if you let me, maybe a little later on we could grab a few and dinner to boot, my treat." offered Nick as he drained the bottle.

[Kyr Shorn]

Beach

Agung laughed at the question about how he escaped the tabloid media and answered with, "Because the media doesn't print such pictures and stories... at least about my family, for some reason."

In truth the "some reason" was the fact that the various media outlets were heavily censored, though keeping a lid on the internet was a bigger problem. Agung himself never let the notion of "Little Snitch" (as he termed the growing global trend of cellphone cameras) get to him, people were going to take pictures of him during his public outings, a handful would make it into the international presses and so far none of them had been bad or had hurt him.

Agung then cracked open a beer for himself and took a healthy swig, he had always prefered dark beers over light ones.

"It sounds good to me Nick." Agung said to the Chrithani mans offer. "Want to do something in the meanwhile?" the youngest son of Delem Brahma asked with pure politeness, not realizing at the time that it could be taken the wrong way.

Then embarrassment set in, "Sorry." he said an instant later, "That came out wrong..."

[Chrinthanium]

Logan smiled when he heard the question. Apparently, Agung also got the double meaning in that question when he apologized with slight embarrassment.

"No problem, man." responded Nick. "We could probably do whatever, Agung. This is your home, I'm a visitor. I don't really know what there is to do here."