The Thorntons [AMW Only]

[Chrinthanium]

Imperial Palace, Chrinthanium

A young man, about seventeen years of age, came bounding through the corridors of the Imperial Palace like a madman. His haste was met with the usual befuttled looks and curious conversations whispering theories as to the important news the page would bring. He approached the Office of the Emperor. His frame came to a sudden stop as he gasped for air. The ruckus from outside the office prompted the emperor himself to open the door.

"What urgent business have you?" Nathaniel asked

"It is a communication from your mother," replied the page. With his chest heaving from his Olympic-style dash, he handed the paper to Nathaniel IV.

The emperors eyes scanned the document, written in elloquent tones with flowery language. His eyes grew narrow as he continued to read the statements from his mother. After finishing the politely worded correspondance, he crushed the letter in his hand, formed it into a ball and threw it into the nearest garbage pail. He then turned his attentions to the page, who awaited the Imperial response with trepidation.

The emperor walked into his office and motioned for the page to follow. The young man was gripped by worrying thoughts of His Imperial Majesty exploding in anger. Yet, to his surprise, the emperor smiled at him as he sat behind his desk.

"Trevor, pass a message back to Sister Thornton for me. Explain to her that she is hereby banned from court. Furthermore, all her Imperial titles are henceforth removed. Her Imperial inheritance is remanded back to the Imperial estate and she no longer may carry or employ any Imperial symbols or seals. She is to return all Crown jewelry to Sydney as soon as humanly possible. She is forever to be known as Lady Andrea Thornton," spoke the emperor as the page took notes.

"She is to be given the whole of her financial holdings from her personal bank accounts. Her possessions remaining in the palace are to be mailed back to her. Her room is to be stripped of all her decorations and returned to its neutral state. As of this day, I find myself a son without any parents."

The page awaited further remarks from Emperor Nathaniel. The emperor looked back at the page, "What are you waiting for, man? Get on with it." Nathaniel returned to signing bills placed before him as the page quickly stood up, bowed, then left to send the response to Rome.

[Chrinthanium]

1:17a.m.

The palace was, for the most part, quiet. There were stationed at every exit Praetorian Guards, and patrols making the usual rounds along the perimeter.

The silvery moonlight gently shimmered, unabridged, through the large windows of the Imperial bedroom. Nathaniels face was illuminated in the soft splashes of nightly grace and beauty. A subtle glitter came from his bare chest as the Imperial necklace, a Crown jewel he never removed from his person, captured the moonlight in its decadence. Upon his lips was the slightest of hint of a smile--a glimpse into his dream --perhaps. The sheets of satin covered him from mid torso to the ends of his feet as his head lay cradled in fine pillows.

To the emperors right lie his fiancee, Chad Kelley. He was positioned with his head facing Nathaniel, sleeping on his left side, as the Imperial purple sheets covered him from the neck down, the only exception being his right arm, which was stretched across the emperors waist. Chad hand reaching around Nathaniels side as if to never let go. The athletic body of Chad pressed firmly against nathaniels right side.

From the door came the sound of footsteps on a determined path. Lightly at first, gradually getting louder as they echoed in the hall. The doorknob turned as a figure appeared.

"Your Majesty," spoke the voice. Nathaniel remained motionless at first, then, and the man spoke again, "Your Majesty," the gentle and subtle smile retracted as he begrudgingly stirred. His eye brows pressed downward as his eyes cracked open.

His tongue lightly pierced his lips as he opened his mouth to reply in a soft, groggy tone, "What is it," he asked as his head raised slightly. The light from the hall made him squint.

"Your Majesty, there has been an explosion in the Central Business District," spoke Danforth, Chief of the Imperial Staff.

As the news was delivered, Nathaniel sat up and turned his head towards the door. This movement causing Chad also to awaken. "An explosion?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," confirmed Danforth, "It happened about ten minutes ago at Club Vortex. The building was leveled in the blast."

The once peaceful face of the emperor became engulfed in horror, "Leveled? Dear God!". Nathaniel peered over at his bedside table and noticed the time. He reached up with his right arm and covered his eyes with his hand. He sighed deeply. Removing his hand and allowing it to return to his side, he spoke more, "How many?"

"We've no official number, but it's estimated around 200 souls lost," replied Danforth somberly.

"Keep me posted, Michael," replied the emperor. "I shall get dressed. I will be in my office."

"Aye, Your Majesty," replied Danforth.

"Release a press statement detailing my shock and horror at this event and my utmost sympathies for those who've lost friends and family."

"Aye."

"And, let me know once the fire investigators discover the cause."

"Aye."

Nathaniel nodded, which caused Danforth to exit. He shifted his legs left and placed his feet on the floor as he removed the sheets and stood up. He proceeded to the door, next to which was a rack upon his purple bathrobe hung. Wrapping the robe around him, he then exited the bedroom.

[Chrinthanium]

7:56am

The emperor sat in his office attending to the mundane duties of his office. Reading petitons from members of the Senate as well as the citizenry. The signing of bills which needed his approval, and the matters of state which could be conducted over the phone.

He clanked the silver spoon against his coffee mug as he stirred the sweet nectar of the gods. The steam rose from the mug as he gripped the handle and took a large drink. He placed the mug down on his desk, always careful to make sure the words written on the cup--worlds greatest brother-- always faced towards the front.

"Fuck," Nathaniel excaimed as he peered at his blue tie, upon which was a fresh coffee stain. He picked up the gray phone on his desk, "Mary, get on to my groomsmen. Have them send me another tie. Blue preferably." He placed the receiver back onto the base.

He reached up to his beck and began to unravel the knot in his tie. Once completed, he removed the tie and tossed it onto his desk in a heap.

He was always cautious of his appearance. In fact, he would often adjust his hair with his fingers as to keep it in perfect positioning when indoors. He believed in presenting himself properly to people and that included his appearance.

A knock came to his door. "Enter," he bellowed. The door opened and his brother Peter entered.

"Hey Pete," Nathaniel said with a smile. Yet, the face of his brother gave no notions of friendly news.

"Uh, Nate," replied Peter with hesitation, "I thought you should know that, uh, Nick Logans body was found in the ruins of Vortex."

Nathaniels expression changed from happy to sad immediately upon hearing such news. He sniffled and quickly rubbed a tear from his eye and he turned away from Peter and began to pretend to continue reading petitions.

"Nate, you right?"

"No, but then again, I have work to do. Tell Mary to get Nora Logan on the line. I shall call his mother and offer my sympathy."

"Fine, but outside of that do you need anything?"

"No, just leave me be. I've work to do." Nathaniel continued to look busy as Peter left the office. Once being left alone, Nathaniel put the paper back on his desk and leaned back in his chair. He wiped a few more tears from his eyes.

The gray phone rang. Nathaniel cleared his throat and then reached for the phone.

"Mrs. Logan," he paused as she spoke, flooding Nathaniels ear with the sorrow of a mother who's lost her child. Nathaniel couldn't hold back the tears as she spoke to him of how much Nick always loved him, and how happy he was to hear that Nathaniel had found the one. Once she'd finished, he spoke.

"Ma'am, I.. I can't tell you how sorry I am. If there's anything you need, just call me. You shall have it."

After a few more minutes, he hung up the phone after saying his goodbye. He dried his tears on his handkerchief as a knock came at his door.

"Yeah, come in."

His groom entered, bearing another blue silk tie. Nathaniel beckoned to him to hand him the tie. The groom left once he delivered it. The emperor placved the tie around his beck and tied it, cautiously, to be perfectly positioned around his neck.

He then reached for the gray phone, and placed it again his ear, "Mary, get me Agung Brahma. I have to speak to him."

[Kyr Shorn]

Agnug's Home, Jakarta, Capital of the CII

The youngest son of the President of the Commonwealth was already up and about and had been so for two hours, the usual morning routine out of the way he was currently reading a memo on the current status of the new budget that would be implemented later this year. Not exactly entertaining reading but it reflected the nuts and bolts of how a country is actually managed and was better to deal with than thinking of that fucking book Inside the Palace.

As he was finishing the section about military spending, his blackberry vibrated, flipping it open he read a message from one of his aides, the Emperor of Chrinthanium wanted to speak with him but wouldn't explain why.

"This can't be good." Agnug said to himself as he told the aide that he would take the call and then turned off the Blackberry and took out his iPhone.

After a couple of minutes of waiting for the international call to go through the connection was made, "Hello Your Majesty." Agnug said calmly in spite of the trepidation that he was feeling in his gut. "Of what do I own the honor?" To call this awkward wasn't quite right but it was pretty damm close.


Ankara Residence

The news of the bombing had given Jyoti Ankara an extremely bad scare, on both a professional level and a personal level. The professional came from a worry that the club bombing might of been the work of Hindu extremists, in particular a remnant of J/UP that were still fighting for the creation of a Pan-Asian Majapahit Empire that would make the theocratic tyranny of the Pope seem like child’s play. The personal came in the form of his most beloved child, Sita.

Jyoti was aware, more so than Sita thought he was, of her hard-partying ways and she had gone out the night before, leaving a note saying that she would be crashing with one of her friends. After having woken up in the early morning to the news of one of the cities hot nightspots going up in an explosion had left him at his wits end with worry, after an hour of calling various hospitals, hunting for information Sita had called him.

Or rather one of her girlfriends had saying that they had been at the club but had left early for another dance club after a couple of the guys there had gotten "too fresh" was how she phrased it. The actual bombing that had taken place had put the kibosh on the rest of their evening and Sita had been curled up on the couch of the Chrinthani girls couch as she finished alleviating the worries of the Ambassador from the CII.

"My Sita always has had a knack for dodging dangers that she wasn't even aware existed." was Jyoti's first rational thought about the situation. Then he asked her if she would be kind enough to get Sita home as soon as possible and hung up the phone.

Now Jyoti was sitting quietly at his kitchen table in a bathrobe having tea with a smile on his face, others might of lost theirs lives in a firey inferno but his precious child was safe and sound and (as of the last message from the girl, he still couldn't remember her name) on her way home as the hot flavors of the Indonesian tea filled his tastebuds with memories of home.

[Chrinthanium]

"Senator, I, uh, I know that what Nick was in Jakarta, the two of you developed a friendship--of sorts and, uh, was compelled to call you because he was killed in the club blast this morning," replied the emperor. He wasn't being diplomatic in his phrasing, "And I know that you two weren't best friends--or whatever--but I felt I should inform you."

"I also wanted to personally thank you for helping him around while he was there," Nathaniel paused to clear his throat, "He was a great friend of mine, and I know that he was fond of you."

--------------

Ruins of Club Vortex

The search and resue teams were carrying out their urgent endeavor as law enforcement officials from every level of government scurried around the scene like so many cockroaches--even down to their black suits. The media were still decending like locusts to the scene. There were flowers being placed along the baracades protecting the sight from traffic as well as mourners gathering to identify those who perished.

"Two hundred fifty-six. That's the count so far," stated the portly fellow in his department store suit and discount house shoes, "Seems the place was over capacity."

"Two fifty-six? That's more than fifty over," replied the owner, the young Jake Warner, "Detective Lennon, I assure you that didn't cause the blast.". Warner was nervous, to say the least. His club qas frequented by many of the young socialites in the city, not to mention the biggest name you could have--Nathaniel Thornton. Lost lives, coupled with the lawsuits which could be filed, could ruin him both emotionally and financially.

"Mr. Warner, I need you to come down to my office," Lennon reached into his pocket and produced a business card and handed it to Jake, "We have things to talk about."

"Detective!" Shouted a young investigator, "I found something!"

Lennon jogged across to the young investigator. Walking with care across some debris he came to the spot where the investigator was pointing. It was the remains of a detonator. They were barely a shell of their former self, but discernable just the same.

"Looks like this just became a crime scene."

Lennon attracted the attention of some of the Crime Scene Investigators to bag and label the evidence as he walked back to Jake.

"Mr. Warner, I need to know if you can speak with me in private for a bit. Looks like you have an enemy."

[Kyr Shorn]

Agnug's Home, Jakarta

As the words of an Emperor hundreds of miles away echoed into his head, a mute sense of horror filled every inch of Brahma's body, while yes he and Nick had been talking and texting since their little... meeting. Neither one had considered it a serious relationship, it had been evolving into a friendship more than anything else. The much more worldly and more experienced Nick had been giving Agnug advice on his personal life.

Mainly in finding someone who could love him and deal with him one day having a damm good shot at being the effective dictator of the Commonwealth. The key thing that had stuck with him was this, "If you become President without a husband odds are the title alone will scare people off, but being the "Heir Apparent" isn't as off-putting since mentally, the other person will have time to adjust and they will put things in perspective."

Agnug had suspected that this had come from his own experience with Nathaniel IV but hadn't let that get in the way of sound advice. If he was going to ever go spouse shopping it had to be sooner rather than later.

But now...

Agnug said something in Indonesian that translates as "Oh gods no.... Oh gods no..." he managed to get a grip long enough to say in English. "

"As I know he was... still in love with you Nathaniel." Agnug managed to say, his eyes were starting to tear up. He started to say something but then realized he was speaking Indonesian again and switched to English. "Thank you for telling me about this... Tell his family that they have my moral support and prayers. I... just... Thank you Your Majesty." He listened to Nathaniel's polite goodbye before ending the call.

He was forced to call his secretary to contact the relevant people that he wouldn't be able to make it today, suddenly the pressing business of the nation wasn't so pressing. "Let the world go to hell, I just want to be alone." Agnug thought to himself, unknowingly echoing his father's thoughts when his mother died from bringing him into the world.


Kristy's Car, Sydney, Chrinthanium

As Kristy Hollis, one of Sita's many friends in the Imperial Federation drove on down one of Sydney's many highways barely paying attention to the speed limit. Sita sat in the passenger seat nursing a serious headache. Though not as bad as it could of been since the previous evenings partying had been cut off by the dull sound of an explosion that had made it through the pounding music in the Nightingale Bar. It had taken a little time to learn through hers and everyone elses various mobile devices that Club Vortex, the very nightspot that she and her friends had been at only an hour earlier had suffered from some sort of explosion.

The sickening feeling that had formed in her stomach at the thought of how close she had come to being in the middle of that distaster had been enough to kill her good mood and and convinced her to cut the evneing short. That and the fact that the Nightingale was forced to close like all the other clubs and bars soon afterward.

Which reminded her of something, Sita pulled out her Blackberry and checked her phone and sure enough she had taken a few pics that night, most were in the Nightingale but a few were in the Vortex.

"Hey Kristy," Sita said to her friend as they hit a stoplight, "Check this out." and she handed her the phone, on the screen was one of the pics of all four the girls sitting underneath the bar with the clubs name decked out in lights.

"Wow I can't believe that you saved all those pics," Kristy said while waiting for the light to turn, "It's so macabre now, maybe you should delete them."

"Nah," Sita replied as the light changed, "These could be the very last images of the Vortex before the bombing, I'm posting them on my facebook profile!"

As the car picked up speed, Sita went to the social networking site and began to upload the pics, because she wanted things to be just right she kept the new album containing the images of her latest outing private, viewable only to herself and titled it "Vortex/Nightingale Party Mix, Prior to the Incident, RIP to those Lost in the Lights" it contained a total of 41 images, 22 from the Nightingale, 19 from the Vortex.

As she was going through the images once more, adding a few captions she came across an image she had taken in the Vortex, it was of the dancers that night, they were dressed up as Angels to give the club it's theme for the night "Fallen Grace", or something like that. A face in the background had popped out at her, it was Nick Logan. He was standing near the dance floor, his face was by chance facing towards the viewer, he was holding what looked like a bourbon with a wistful smile on his face.

"Oh my gods." Sita exclaimed quietly to herself, she turned to Kristy and asked, "Hey did you see Nick out at all last night?"

"Yeah," Kristy replied as she flipped through the stations to find one that played good pop music, "I saw him last night at..." she drifted off as the mental connection was made.

"Oh my god!" was all that she said before finding the first spot to pull over and park, a sense of dread and horror began to fill the two girls, like some sort of deus ex machina the station that had previously been mere static managed to pick up the signal, it was a news talk station.

"So far the most famous of the glitterati to have died in the Vortex Bombing was a former flame of the Emperors, detective Nick Logan, a member of the Sydney PD who was most recently known for his illicit liaison with Senator Agnug Brahma, the son of the Tyrant of Asia..."

Kristy switched her radio off, it was too much to bear.

While Kristy struggled not to break down in the driver's seat, Sita moved in a slow, zombie like fashion and looked down at her phone and deleted the album she had been putting together and instead went back into her blackberry and put every single image into an email attachment and them all to the Emperor directly.

She wrote a note with them.

Nate,

I know that you are busy with everything that has happened but I need to show you this, I was at the Vortex last night though I guess I left with the girls an hour or two before it happened. I wasn't sure who to send these pics 2 so I sent them to you, most of the later ones are from the Nightingale but the first ones are from the Vortex. But I have to warn you, one of them has a clear image of Nick in it, I don't remember meeting him that night (I drank too much) but Kristy says she saw him. I just... If it's too much you can just forward this to someone better suited but I just thought you deserved to see him happy, one last time.

Signed in Friendship,
Sita

After pushing send, Sita finally allowed herself to cry, not knowing if any of the Vortex pics (which were mostly of her and her friends) could help or not, feeling for the first time in her life the full horror of her own mortality.

[Chrinthanium]

After ending the call with Agung, he paused. In a few hours, he could remove himself from his self-imposed solitude to attend to court. More mundane duties to keep his mind preoccupied while he processed the events of the day. A note from Sita with a picture of Nick didn't help him squash his emotional distress any more than learning that one of his other college friends was also killed in the blast.

12:00PM

He meandered down the hall way towards his apartment. His groomsmen awaited him with the regalia for the session of court--the Chrinthani crown, his Imperial Robe with ermine trim, the Sword of Purity, and the Imperial Signet Ring bearing the Imperial Seal.

As he entered the Court, every nobleman and noblewoman bowed--the polite acknowledgement of his presence. The hushed sounds of, "Your Majesty" as he proceeded to the throne.

The majordomo banged twice and announced the Court being called to order. The presentation of His Highness John Tyler Roberts, a second cousin to His Imperial Majesty, was the first order of business. He was to be made the new Ambassador to Germany--an important position within the empire. He was presented with his Letters Patent, and given a gift to present to the people of Germany upon his arrival.

The court session continued with its pomp and circumstance until all those present to make requests and presentations were finished. At the end of the formal session was always a late lunch for those who interrupted their schedules to have access to the emperor. This would usually be where informal discussion would occur between the emperor and those present. Unfortunately, under the circumstances, coupled with the public knowledge of Nick's passing, he accepted the sympathies of those present, and returned to his groomsmen who removed the regalia.

The entire affair only commenced for about an hour, which is about two hours shorter than normal. In fact, the emperor often enjoyed the after party, as he referred to it. This was where the titans of industry, the captain of commerce, and other important men and women would often speak to Nathaniel as though he were just another person, within reason. He never felt more relaxed in his duties than at the after party.

[Chrinthanium]

6:59PM

Nathaniel yawned as he toyed with the peas on his plate. His grilled chicken was only partially eaten as was most of the food upon the dish. The food itself had already grown cold as he acted like he was attempting to eat without anyone being fooled by his guise. Ryan and Peter spoke not a word as it often would lead to Nathaniel going ad nauseum about some insignificant problem. However, they knew this particular problem was large. They did, however, wish that he'd at least speak one word.

"Michael is going to be here tomorrow, isn't that great," said Ryan as he attempted to place a smile on his face. No response came from Nathaniel outside of him rolling his eyes ever so slightly.

"Still not close to our cousin, I see," replied Peter as he gave a slight shake to his head, "You're really not going to let the past go, are you? You're just going to make him feel unwanted like you did the last time he came to visit. He's a good man, Nate. Let this little feud drop."

Nathaniel placed his fork down on the plate and looked directly into Peters eyes, "The problem with Michael is that he always wanted what I had. He's never acted right towards me. It's like he's jealous."

Peter scoffed at Nathaniels response, "Yeah, real jealous. I'm sure he wants to be you."

"So, what is Peters great and marvelous insight into the problems between my cousin and me?"

"Honestly, Nate, you're like the most self-centered person I know. You got your ass kicked by Michael in a fight years ago because you were being an idiot, as always. Just get over it. I'm tired of all this melancholy bullshit. And, before you go half-cocked, just remember that the real reason you're like this has not a goddamned thing to do with anything more than something happened to you."

"This really isn't a good time. You do know that Nick Logan was killed last night, right? And Tom Norton, my frat brother."

"Yes, I know. I am sorry, Nate, I really am. But don't place your sorrow for Nick and Tommy into the way you feel about Michael. You got into a fight, he kicked your ass, and now get over it. He's divorced, and needs us."

Ryan chimed in, "Yeah, and Eddie is not a help."

"Where is Eddie now?" asked Nathaniel.

"Last I heard he was with some stripper in the Solomons. He's got no phone, and likes it that way. Fortunately, at least the press keeps a small tab on him," replied Peter as Nathaniel shook his head in shame at the doings of Michaels brother. "Nate, all I am saying is that you still have your head in your ass. I'm sorry about Tommy and Nick, I really am sorry. But you've got to realize that you're the friggin' emperor, not some emo punk wanna be. Start acting like father taught you to, not like a sorry sack of shit."

"You still haven't spoken about the bombing yet, either. Press releases are nice, but the city, and the nation, is on edge right now. This is apparently someone sending a message to either you, the city, or Jake Warner. You've got to start leading right now. Remember, these people are looking for comfort from the government. You're the government. They were there for you when you needed them, and it's time to return the favor," Ryan interjected.

"Look, I appreciate it. You're right," responded Nathaniel, "I'm a little self absorbed right now. Sometimes I just want to crawl under a rock and hide. I mean, right now it's a little much for me to handle. Dad died, then the assassination attempt, Mom becoming a nun, now this. This is a lot for eight months. It's like my perfect little life ended and I'm just, just, just being punished for something."

Peter stood up as he spoke, "Ok, see this is what I'm referring to. Stop it, Nate, just stop! It's not only your life that's affected by all of this. Ryan and I are going through the same thing. You don't see us acting like this. And you know what? You got the best of father. He gave you everything on a silver platter. He spent more time with you than either of us. You were always his favorite. Now look at yourself. You're turning into a quivering mass who can't make a decision to save his life."

Peter continued, "Maybe you need a shrink. You're not the Nathaniel that I grew up with. The Nate that I grew up with was organized and caring. Where is that Nate at? Where is the guy who was a pillar of strength? When is the Nathaniel who one told me to 'shake it off and move on' going to return? Please, Nate, come back to us."

Nathaniel sat as if he were a child scolded by a parent. Peters piercing tongue was something to be reckoned with. He was firey when he had to be. It was probably the biggest trait he received from his mother. He was also the one that was more apt to blow up at Nathaniel. Ryan was always too timid for such an undertaking.

Of course, Nathaniel was never able to reply to Peters commentaries. The fact was he knew Peter was right. The only problem was how to fix it.

[Chrinthanium]

The Next Day, 8:45AM

The morning sunshine heralded the beginning of yet another day. More than twenty-fours hours of the bombing of Club Vortex in downtown Sydney, Nathaniel awoke to the sounds of quiet. He'd been allowed to sleep in after a long day. He even felt a little more refreshed as he sleepily reached to his bedside table to grab his watch and peek at the time. Quarter till nine in the morning seemed like a more-than-acceptable time to sleep in for an emperor. With a groggy groan he adjusted himself from a sleeping position to one of sitting upright. Even Chad had awakened before him, and Chad was a late sleeper to begin with.

From the corner of his eye, on Chads side of the bed, he noticed a small note left behind. He reached over to the pillow upon which the card was placed and smiled as he read the little love note wishing him restful sleep and that when he woke up to stay in bed longer and relax a bit. Unfortunately, a ringing cell phone brought Nathaniel back to the reality of his life.

Reaching to the bedside table, he grabbed his Andriod Phone, the Driod, and answered the phone, "Yeah," he stated, "Let's schedule that for eleven thirty in the morning, Marjorie. And, please make sure that you get me the latest information about the bombing. Have it on my desk by ten thirty please. Thanks, Marjorie." Nathaniel placed his phone back on the bedside table.

Yet, the thought of just letting his subordinates carry out their duties without him actually doing much to interfere seemed like a good idea. Of course, he now had to attend the morning press conference with Marjorie Ross, his Press Secretary. But, he would address the people about the bombing from the other day, and return to a day of relaxation.

A knock came to his door as he reached for the remote control to his television, a luxury of which he didn't partake too often.

"Enter." he bellowed as he got out of bed and walked over towards the coat rack, upon which was his robe. Danforth entered his room as he wrapped himself in his robe.

"Your Majesty, Prince Michael will be arriving at Noon to be received at court. I just spoke to his secretary a few minutes ago."

Nathaniel had already forgotten about his cousin arriving, which didn't make him any happier. Though, remembering some of the conversation he had with Peter at dinner last night, he made his mind up to ignore his ill feelings towards his cousin and forge a new and better relationship. They were, after all, Thorntons. Thorntons may not play well together, but in the end, they were one family. "Very good, Michael. By the way, I want my schedule cleared after court. I think that I shall head off to the beach and relax for a few hours."

"Very good, Your Majesty."

"Oh, Michael, please make sure that the cleaning staff stop by the military quarters below, the men have been complaining that they haven't been down there in days. I will not have the Praetorians living in squaller."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then I want you to get D'Antonio scheduled for a meeting with me in my office tomorrow morning. Tell him to bring a notebook and a lot of coffee. We have a lot to do."

"Anything else, sire?"

"One last item on the agenda: I'm raising your salary. I'll put the paper work through tomorrow. You're getting a five percent increase. Thanks for your putting up with my insanity, Michael." Nathaniel smiled

"Thank you very much, Your Majesty, you are very generous." replied an elated Danforth.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get decent."

With that, Danforth exited the room. Nathaniel turned his attention back to his bed. A place where he could lie for days and still not recover all the lost sleep. He was in an exceptionally good mood this morning, which was less than normal these days. He proceeded to walk back to the bed and flopped down on the mattress like a school boy returning home from a hard day at school. He stared at the ceiling, which was rather unremarkable. With the exception of the large crystal and gold chandelier above the center of the room, there wasn't much else to give it character.

Chad entered the room with a smile from ear to ear. He quickly made his way to the bed and pounced on the mattress.

"Nate, you're awake I see," replied Chad with an evil grin.

"Indeed, Chad. Whats up?"

"Well, since you're still in your robe, I figured that you're probably taking my advice and relaxing today?"

"To a point, I have some business that I must attend, but for the most part, I'm taking a lazy day. Nothing super pressing is waiting for my approval at this particular moment. I have to speak at this mornings press conference, then court. Outside of that, I just cleared my afternoon schedule to hit the beach before Autumn takes too much control away from Summer."

"Well, you know, there is something that I wanted, but you've been so grouchy and sad lately that I didn't want to ask."

"Chad, what is it?" Nathaniel asked with a chuckle. Chad simply leaned into Nathaniel and kissed him with a sensual, deep, passionate kiss. Once the embrace was ended, Nathaniel responded, "Hmmmm, I have been neglecting you too, haven't I."

"Ah, it's ok, Nate..." as Chad attempted to continue his conversation, Nathaniel placed his index finger on Chads lips.

"No, it's not ok. It's never ok. I lost one I cared about because I neglected him, and now that I have you, I don't want to repeat that."

Chad smiled as Nathaniel pulled him in close. Chad began to undo the tie that held the robe closed as Nathaniel began unbuttoning Chads dress shirt and removing Chads tie. He began to remove Chads shirt as he pulled him in even tighter.

"Now, was this what you wanted?" asked Nathaniel coyly.

[Kyr Shorn]

Ankara Residence

As the soft sounds of a classical melody filled the room along with the incense smoke, Sita completed her prayers to the Gods. It had been a rough couple of days as the names of the dead had been released to the public, along with Nick three of her Chrinthani friends had died in the Vortex bombing. The only thing that had truly helped her were the old mourning prayers that her families priest had taught her as a child, while they had little to do with Satanas at a time like this Sita felt that the Peacock God could cut her some slack.

While she didn't feel like doing her usual thing, Sita had already mapped out her day, a little light shopping and a bite to eat at a nice restaurant before going with some of her friends somewhere for a quiet evening together. It felt strange though going through the motions of life when so many people that she had seen and known simply... gone and not coming back.

"Death is part of Life, just as Life is part of Death." Sita thought to herself of an old Indonesian saying on the subject, but it brought no comfort to her. It just seemed like an invitation to nihilism and even now she still had faith in the world and the idea that life was beautiful and worth living no matter what kind of suffering could be thrown her way.

It was a faith that made her, though she did realize it yet, a true Satani both in spirit and in practice and not a Hindu at all.

[Chrinthanium]

12:00PM

The Court were assembled in the Grand Court of the Imperial Palace. The room was ornately decorated with symbols of Imperial powers from stuffed Kangaroos and lavish tapestries to gold and silver intricacies in the lighting fixtures. Everything about the Grand Court would give a visitor the impression that they were in the presence of a rich and powerful monarch. The Courtiers were busy about their idle chatter as they mingled with one another in anticipation of the arrival of Emperor Nathaniel. Unlike courts of antiquity and the middle ages, there were no fools or minstrels around. Modern technology allowed music to be interjected over a sound system from a simple multiple compact disc player located in the Palace communications room.

There were alcoves and doorways on all sides of the Grand Court, which occupied a mostly centralized location within the palace. The alcoves were often used for personal dealings, and the more previlent back-room dealing that often took place between titans of industry and commerce. The doorways led to various parts of the palace from the personal residence of the emperor to the Imperial Privy Council offices. One door, of particular note, stood opposite of the main enterance, roughly 300 feet. It was an oak door, along side of which were two Praetorians. The door led to the throne room, where the emperor would receive persons, and speak more privately with his advisors and the Privy Council.

One other interesting factor about the Grand Court was the absence of Imperial Purple. Draperies were in red, walls were mostly white and contemporary looking with ornate portraits of previous emperors and other historically important Imperial family members. The floor was imported marble. This omission was intentional rather than accidental.

Often, as was the case, people were presented to the emperor. This was an official duty in which they person being presented would present his credentials, officially entering into whatever position they were called for, or sent for. Ambassadors were the most presented persons to the court, along with new CEO's, newly elected Senators, Governors, and other major elected officials. Also, the presentation of a new member of court could warrent a rise in their stature. People being given honorary aristocratic titles would also be presented to the emperor to officially receive their title, along with any emblems of their office, if so required.

This day, once Nathaniel was finished with his press conference, he would be presented with his cousin, His Highness Michael Anthony Thornton, the Duke of Perth, and first born of Andrew Thornton, Nathaniel IV's uncle. The Prince had recently been divorced from his wife of three years. The couple had two children during their brief marriage. Despite the fact that it was still reguarded as uncooth for an Imperial to divorce, the general population often ignored the personal daliances of the Imperial family. His arrival was met with joy as well as apprehension.

When Nathaniel was born, his cousin, Michael, was fond of the new Imperator Destinatus. Like Ryan and Peter, Michael was part of the close-knit clique of Thornton boys which also included Michaels brother Edward. The clique didn't make it, though, as Michael and Nathaniel, who often competed with each other, found themselves in a fist fight outside of their school in 2001. In the fight, the 16 year old Michael beat the tar out of the 12 year old Nathaniel. Relations between the two have been strained ever since.

Nathaniel wasn't one to let defeat go easily. He was used to being the best, most times. He was a champion college soccer player, graduated second in his class in high school and college. He was the tallest between himself and his brothers. He was the first to drive a car, the first to do many things. He was used to being first, and the best. His defeat at the hands of his cousin came as a blow to his ego, and in turn, Nathaniel often avoided his cousin after the incident.

His presentation to the emperor would, hopefully, herald a new chapter in their relationship. Michaels brother was, unfortunately, more fond of chasing tail than anything else. Strained relations between Nathaniel and Michael left the Duke of Perth rather without much family during his late teens and early twenties. Then, in a whirwind romance, he married Katherine Graves, daughter of Chrinthani Railroad tycoon Lionel Graves. After she was caught in the bathroom with another man in intimate relations, he filed for divorce and was given custody of the two children.

Nathaniel IV entered the Grand Court. As he did the courtiers bowed in acknowledgement of his arrival. He proceeded quickly through the oak door and into the throne room dressed in the Imperial regalia. Taking his seat upon the throne, the major domo announced that court had began for the day.

"Your Imperial Majesty, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting His Highness, Michael Anthony Thornton, Duke of Perth," announced the majordomo as Michael walked into the throne room. He approached the throne and knelt down in front of Nathaniel.

"Your Majesty," Michael spoke in his calm manner

"Your Highness, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to court," responded Nathaniel as he gave Michael the signal to rise, "I am creating you the First Earl of Carpentaria, Your Highness."

"You are most generous, Your Majesty," Michael replied while trying to hide his smile, which was an ill-fated effort

"Furthermore, my dear cousin, I'm also making you Comptroller of my household. I cannot think of a more responsible person for such a position."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, you are being too kind."

Nathaniel stood up from the throne and walked to his cousin. Extending his hand in friendship he spoke, "Never can I be too kind to someone I once held in such high reguard, but thanks to my own foolishness and egotism, mistreated such a devoted and honorable man. Come, Cousin, let us talk and eat."

[Chrinthanium]

1:15PM

Nathaniel excused himself from the crowd as he escorted Michael outside to enjoy a cigarette, one vice that most of the court wished the emperor would rid himself of. Once outside in the midday sun, he reached into the interior pocket of his suit jacket and produce a pack of light cigarettes. He flipped open the box and slid out one of the sticks with a fluid motion and placed it between his lips. Michael reached over with his Zippy and lit the cigarette for him, then lit his own.

"Do you remember when your father caught us behind the excerise room smoking when you were eleven," said Michael with a smirk.

"Hell yeah I do," replied Nathaniel with a chuckle, "I'll never forget how red his face turned as he reached over and whipped that cigarette from my mouth, threw it on the ground and stomped it like it was a wasp that had just stung him."

"Yeah, but what was worse was he called my dad too," replied Michael with a hearty laugh, "He lectured me for an hour about the dangers of smoking, and about how to conduct myself as a Thornton. Jesus, he was a piker. And when Eddie just disappeared with that girl from the Opera house, boy he hit the roof!"

Laughing, Nathaniel responded, "Indeed, our fathers had to have been the strictest people on the planet. It was like we couldn't do anything without getting in trouble."

"Oh no, I wasn't part of this we you speak of, no sir. You were almost always the instigator."

"Ha! Who was the one that started me smoking? Wasn't that you? Didn't you tell me, 'If you want to be part of the cool kids, smoke a fag?'"

Michael smirked again, "Hey, I said almost always."

Nathaniel turned towards Michael as he took another drag from the cigarette, "Since mom became a nun," both Nathaniel and Michael rolled their eyes at that point, "her room is empty. It's yours if you want it."

"Nate, Nate, come on. You know I prefer to be left alone, for the most part. Besides, what about Kyle and Shane? Where will they sleep?"

"The kids? There is the old room down the hall that Ryan and I had when we were little kids. They can have that. At least until you find somewhere else to live. Besides, I can't have my Comptroller stuck in Sydney traffic, unable to perform his duties. That, and I'd love to have those little ankle biters around. I don't get to see them much."

"Hell, Kyle will go, Nay Nay when he sees you on TV."

Chuckling, Nathaniel responded, "Nay nay?"

"Well, he's two. Right now he says quite a few words, but he calls you Nay nay. One day, he'll get it right."

"Nay nay. Nay nay. God, don't let Ryan and Peter know that. I'll never hear the end of it."

Michael chuckled as he took a drag from the cigarette. There was something about this conversation that made him feel at ease. He'd arrived expecting to be given the cold shoulder, like the last time he came. Yet, it seemed to him that Nathaniel was warming up. Somehow he'd gotten over the past.

Nathaniel looked at his watch, "We should get back inside before the entire Court sends out a search party looking for me and you."

"Yeah, I guess we've been outside a minute or two. God knows the emperor can't just disappear that long. The entire place will fall apart without him," said Michael with a sarcastic tone.

"Uh huh," Nathaniel replied as he turned towards the door, "Just remember, smart ass, you'll be giving the first shout tonight, then, you bastard!"

"No, mate, it's your turn. You bludged the last time, remember? Something about being a pussy who couldn't stay up any longer?" Michael said with a laugh as Nathaniel chuckled too.

"Whatever, Michael. I'll shout first tonight if it pleases Your Highness."

"Indeed it does, Your Majesty.

[Chrinthanium]

As the afternoon court session continued in all of its gradeur, Michael and Nathaniel seemed to be rekindling their old mateship as they laughed and joked together. Indeed, such a display was quite unusual between them in recent years. This gave the hope that the children of Andrew Thornton, the late Emperor Nicholas V's brother, and uncle to Nathaniel IV, wouldn't be ignored by the main bloodline of the Imperial family.

Such a worry was ever present within monarchies. Estranged branches of the family tree often ignored, or given lower positions that which they believed they were entitled could often spell disaster for the current reigning branch of the family. Despite egotism which ran rampant through Nathaniels veins, he slowly began realizing that he, as the emperor, had to make ammends for such travesties. Members of other Imperial houses were given diplomatic positions, members of the Thornton house were given important duties within the empire itself. In fact, within his first eight months of his reign, Nathaniel had made ammends with both the Roberts and Nixon lines, elevating them higher then any single one of his predecessors.

The important thing for Nathaniel was, and always would remain as such, to ensure that everyone was as happy as he could make them. He understood that he couldn't please everyone, but he would do his damnedest to ensure he pleased as many people as possible within the Imperial family.

It was also probably Nathaniels sense that he was losing his family which brought him to a more sympathetic place. His father had died, his mother moved to Rome and became a nun. His uncle, Andrew, and his wife Isabel, retired to the bush to tend their family lands. His cousin Edward, Michaels brother, was a neerdowell whose escapades often were the highlight of tabloid newspapers and television shows. Ryan was slowly become less dependent upon Nathaniel as he began to encircle himself with proper friends. Peter was grown up now, and becoming more and more detatched from the family as he pursued his personal interests and endeavors.

Still, despite his self-centered attitude, there was within Nathaniel IV the power to be a uniter, as well as a mediator. The Accidental Emperor, as he was called in a recently published book, was lost within the sheer whirlwind of events that transpired within the last several moths. His pampered upbringing did lend itself to give him a more important view of himself than he should have, and this could be found in other monarchs throughout history. Nathaniel was, for lack of a better term, naive. While the Chrinthani people gave him virtually a free pass because of this, they were slowly growing more and more concerned that their beloved emperor would never grow up.

Making amends with Michael Anthony Thornton was a very important first-step for the emperor in his process of returning to the Nathaniel Thornton that everyone adored growing up. Maybe, just maybe, even if it be ever so slowly, he was finally calming down and adjusting to his new life. At least, the nation hoped so.

[Chrinthanium]

April 12, 2010

"I never could agree with you on that one, Latham," stated Nathaniel as he shook his head.

"Your Majesty, it's imperative that we, as a nation, understand that the world is a much smaller place than you have invisioned. What happens in Constantinople, or Berlin, or San Diego can affect us more deeply than you ever imagined. This Tsag war, for instance, could require us to do more than put troops on alert. We may be asked to assist if this turns into a war of attrition," replied Latham.

Nathaniel removed his tie from around his neck, and then unbuttoned the top button to his shirt as he spoke, "Jon, look, we've been over this a hundred different times and a hundred different ways. I wish nothing to do with that entire affair in Europe. Do you remember Tryceta?"

"Your father wasn't even born then, Sire," replied Latham.

"Indeed, but that isn't the point. You want me to prepare for a war that we've not been invited to, that we've no interest in joining, as well as one that the people would lynch me for even thinking about being a party to? Minister Latham, I seriously doubt that even if asked I would be willing to send more than supplies and humanitarian aid into such a crisis."

"Think about our Allies, Your Majesty. Hell, Germany just shot down a Tsagan plane over their airspace."

"Yes, I know. There is a possibility that the whole of Europe could be involved," Nathaniel stated as he removed his suit coat, "Every time Europe erupts into war, Chrinthani blood is spilled half a world away in support. I'm sorry, Latham, the best I will do is send Berlin a communication asking if they need any support on a humanitarian level. Next order of business, please."

There were no more responses from the Ministers as they had discussed their daily business with the emperor and were awaiting their cue from him to be dismissed for the day. Yet, Nathaniel didn't adjourn the meeting at this moment. He simply stared off into space, briefly, gave a motion acting as if he had something to say, and then waved his hand to dismiss the gathered ministers as if his idea was of little importance. Latham, being the ever dilligent man, stayed behind after the other ministers left their meeting.

"Your Majesty, was their something you wished to say before you dismissed us?"

"No, Latham, not at the present time. On your way out, sent that girl in here, please"

Latham nodded as he exited the room. A moment or two later a buxomy woman, Claire, the temporary personal secretary of Emperor Nathaniel entered the room.

"Claire, I need you to do me a favor."

"Yes, Your Majesty, how can I service you today?"

Nathaniel rolled his eyes, "How can I be of service to you today, Claire."

"I have no needs, Your Majesty, but I appreciate your asking."

His eyes rolled again as he was in disbelief of her rather less-than-stellar grasp of the English language, "I need you to contact Chancellor Ahler of Germany. Ask him if there are any ways in which we can assist on a humanitarian level in the European crisis currently underway. We're ready, willing and able to send all the supplies and medical equipment we can to help refugees from the Tsagan war. Also thank him for his continued support of Chrinthanium, and invite him to come for a visit at his leisure. Now, do you have all of that, Claire?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Good. Now, I also need you to contact Senator Drummond and invite him to the palace for lunch tomorrow so we can discuss some of these amendments that he's discussing. He's trying to cut funding to our Universities, and I will not sign any bill that cuts funding to the future of the empire. Do you have that, Claire?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, now, you may leave, Claire."

Claire stood up. As she bowed before she left, her blouse nearly failed in containing her blessings, giving Nathaniel a slight redface as he averted his gaze. Once she exited the office, he picked up the phone on his desk. He contacted Michael Danforth, Chief of Imperial Staff. Unfortunately, he received his voicemail. After leaving a message informing Danforth to find another replacement, he hung the phone up, and then stood up from his desk.

[Chrinthanium]

7:46AM April 19th 2010

Nathaniel and his ministers were ending their early morning Imperial Briefing. Such a rather boring moment in the life of a now twenty-two year old emperor, yet most likely the most important meeting of the day. It was at this meeting that all the international events were discussed along with their possible ramifications for the empire, as well as a discussion of threats facing the empire. The topic du jour was the war in Europe. While the situation seemed under control, with a lucrative defense agreement between the empire and Germany, there stood an outside change that the emperor would be asked to send more than just medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and army doctors. There was the ever-present thought that Chrinthani troops would be requested to assist.

Unlike his public statements, Emperor Nathaniel was more willing to assist than he would let people know. Such a stance in public would, without question, cause the people to be upset. Thoughts of Geletian guns killing thousands of Chrinthani in Trecyta often would pop into the mind back in 1915. Of course, one could argue the troops were under British, not Chrinthani, control, but the fact remains that most people in the empire looked unkindly on thoughts of their soldiers going to fight another European war.

Once very important decision had been made by the emperor at this meeting: that the 301st Medical Batallion would be mobilized. Further more, the 9th "Stinger" Brigade would also be called up. This was, quite honestly, in the off chance that Germany--the nation who, along side hard-working Chrinthani's, took the empire from feudal state to modern capitalist stronghold--requested assistance in the future. The decision would not be popular. The decision would be made public around ten in the morning, at the normal morning Imperial Press Conference.

As Nathaniel seperated from his ministers, he proceeded from the Imperial Office wing of the palace and entered the residential wing. As he walked through the residence, he came to a T-junction, where the main hallway ended and advanced towards the Imperial apartments to the right, and the kitchen/dining rooms to the left. As he turned right, he could hear some idle chatter coming from the direction of two Praetorian Guards who were charged with keeping people from walking any farther than their posts. This was, after all, the hall which led directly to where the emperor slept.

The idle chatter was not about current events, which is what peaked the emperors curiousity. The station itself was just around a corner. This was to give the Praetorians a chance to surprise would-be intruders with the barrels of their guns. Carefully, the emperor approached the corner to listen in. It was quite against the rules for Praetorians to be engaged in idle chatter.

"So, what do you think about all this here?" commented the Private.

"It's right, I guess. The emperor is a bit odd, isn't he?" replied the PFC.

"Yeah, he's a sandwich shy of a picnic, mate."

"And he's a puff, which has got to be a first. Imagine, keepin' this bloke safe when he's a friggin' puff bastar----"

"Let's take him 'round the back and kick the shit outta him, the bloody bastard!" bellowed the emperor with a grin on him face.

Both men stood at attention, with the most scared and nervous of looks upon their whitening faces, "Your Majesty, we apolo---"

"Save it, gentlemen. I take no offense at your comments. Yet, it's not appropriate to engage in idle chatter while in direct service to the emperor. Oh, and PFC Higgins, while I take no offense in your insult, if you wish not to serve me directly, I am sure that the Imperial Stables need someone to guard the feed station." replied Nathaniel as he gave both men disdainful looks, "now, please return to your duties and refrain from this chatter, ok?"

"Yes, sir!" both men replied as the emperor returned their salute and continued to make his way down the hall.