The door to the cabinet room opened. A liveried page stepped inside, and announced: "His Serene Highness, the Prince."
The assembled grand dignitaries rose to their feet. Prince Leopold Augustus Victor entered the room, walked over to the cabinet table, and took his seat. Once he was seated, the grand dignitaries took their places once again.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," said the Prince. Once the grand dignitaries had responded with a chorus of "Good morning, Your Highness," he checked the agenda on the blotter before him. "Let's begin. What is the situation with Theurgia?"
"No change, Your Highness," said the Chancellor. "The Theurgians have not responded to our curse. In my opinion, our point has been made, and we can put this unfortunate business behind us."
"Excellent," said the Prince. "Now--what about the crisis in Trefoilland? Admiral?"
A somewhat disappointed-looking Admiral Hartmann said: "The Baphomet arrived off the coast late yesterday evening. It made radio contact with the Triffian communists, and arranged to evacuate our diplomatic staff staff by helicopter at first light. The evacuation was carried out this morning without incident. Ambassador Fitzpatrick has assured us that neither he nor any member of the mission was harmed or mistreated in any way. Aside from being detained, that is."
The Prince nodded. "Good," he said. "What does he have to say about the situation in Trefoilland itself?"
Chancellor Hildebrand spoke again. "From what he could see, the communists appear to be firmly in control. There were no signs of resistance by forces loyal to the old regime--at least, not in the capital city of Tripolis. But he notes that he and the rest of our mission were kept under close arrest almost as soon as the coup began, so their opportunities for observation were limited."
The Prince nodded. "What about the situation offshore?"
"The crisis seems to be defusing itself," said Admiral Hartmann. "There were no attempts to interfere with our rescue operation, and there have been no reports of incidents between the rival fleets. The Kinstantians and Chazicarians appear to be backing down, though the Chazicarians are still taking a hard line in their public pronouncements."
The Prince nodded again, remaining silent for a moment. Finally, he said: "Well--there it is, then. Admiral, order the Baphomet to return to port."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"With your permission, Your Highness," the Chancellor said, "I think a distribution of medals may be in order. I would like to make Ambassador Fitzpatrick an Officer of the Order of the Fly, for the calm and professional manner in which he conducted himself throughout this episode."
"Of course," said the Prince. "Was there anything else? No? Then let's move on. Item three: the new trade agreement with the Republic of the Turkish Federation..."
