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Fragmenta Historiae - Short Vignettes from Neu Uburzis

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Norgeras:
Neu Uburzis City, 24. December 2019



City Main Hospital, 10 AM


Fritz had lost his hair during Chemo, but it wasn't enough. He was in dire need of a marrow Transplant. His Doctor came in to his room, slightly unnerved from the Press Sieging the Childrens Hospital:

"Annoying Vultures." he heard his doctor say, as he just stared out of the Window and at the Palace up on the Mountainside. At least it was a great view, not that he would have much longer.

He slowly stood up and got ready for inspection, before the doctor put on a stern face: "Don't over extend yourself. You need rest in the next days."

The teen sat down, looking out of the Window:

"For what even? I'm not gonna make it much longer without a Donor anyway...."

The doctor sat down, which made Fritz raise an eyebrow, the guy never sat down and just usually glanced him over.

"Your Parents are here."

Fritz sat in silence, his Parents entering. He couldn't bear the pressure of looking at them. They always where so optimistic, they always supported him, all he had felt was pain and disappointment for the last weeks. They gave it their all, but he couldn't muster the strength to believe in his own recovery. What a disappointment he was.



"We found one." Was all his Mother said:

"Merry Christmas, Son." his Dad added.

Fritz couldn't answer, Tears staining his PJ's






Imperial Palace, 11 AM


Orion knew it was a big day for those Orphans, but with Augustin in Hospital he was distracted. Finishing recording a little Scene on his Phone for his Nephew starring a very Well and lively Schnuffelchen. He wouldn't have much time to spend with him as he was hosting guests, and it hurt Orion, but he knew his Duty for these Kids came before Augustin. And somehow the Emperor felt that his strong headed little Nephew would agree, even if it made him sad. These Youngsters had this one day, and Orion had to make sure it was a day outshining all the tragedies they carried.

He quickly tugged in his Phone, and put Schnuffelchen back into the Enclosure, high-fiving the eldest of the Royal 11 on his way out: "Make sure it's presentable, i can't trust that to the younger ones, Sebastian."

"Zeus is /always/ presentable." Sebastian retorted, before ridding himself of his School Uniform: "I'll wear one of my more Royal Outfits. don't worry." he called to Orion, who hurried off to the Palace Tram station.

The Emperor arrived just in Time for the four Trams with shy and unsure Orphans driving up. He gave them his best 'Stern Royal' look as they where escorted to the Court in front of the Guest house by their Caretakers. He walked a couple of steps along a raised Section, hands behind his back, before addressing them:

"Honored Guests, here at the Palace, we follow strict rules."  Orion had to almost laugh at that one, but it was all for a bit of show:

"Please do not wander alone, it is rather easy to get lost. But first of all, we can't let you arrive with these..." he made a very over the top disgust noise:

"Peasant attires. Go see the Imperial Custodians immediately to acquire fitting garments for the occasion."

He then ended up laughing at his own voice, breaking character:

"Alright kids, enough with the nonsense. You are here to have a great day, so we won't make you follow protocol. We do however have a huge choice of clothing fit to make you look the Part for a true Imperial Dinner. Usually i would be there with you during Lunch, but i will be visiting my Nephew in Hospital. We will meet for Playtime and the Palace Tour. Please forgive my absence, the Prince Regent, the Princes and the Princesses  will fill for me until then."

It was then Time for a suprise for Orion in Return, with the Orphans all together holding up self drawn Pictures of Bunnies with various Degrees of "Get well" written on them. A quick swipe on his Phone a couple Pictures the young Emperor was on his way to the Hospital





City Main Hospital, 1 PM


Orion slowly let go of Augustin, giving his Nephew a big Good bye hug as the young boy had been balling his eyes out for the last couple of minutes, even if his sobs where muffled from the over strained and still sore throat. The drip infusion still in his arm the little fighter was more than a little unhappy he wasn't allowed to go home over the holidays. But what had kicked him over the edge in a full on sob, which made his pains worse considering his injuries, was when Orion had shown him all of the Pictures on the Internet from East Moreland, the Orphans, and the Internet in General.

He had just ensured Augustin had slipped back into bed before leaving, where he met a waiting hairless young teen outside the door. Well, Orion guessed he was a young teen at last, what he saw was frail and thin wearing a face mask.

Orion gave a nudge to the Bodyguards that stood menacing at the door, allowing him to approach Fritz.
"Is this even save for you here?" Orion raised an eyebrow looking the other teen over: "No it's not." Orion stated before the Teen could answer:
"So why are you here risking your life?"

"I'm uhm..." the boy stammered, nervous to now come face to face with his Emperor. The boy cramped a paper in his hands together, ready to abandon his quest as he started to turn around, Orion snatched the Paper, glancing it over: "Don'T mind me invading your Privacy here, but since you aren't spilling the bea... ah. I see." Orion smiled more warm: "I'd give you a hug, but i'm not exactly bacteria free."

He turned around to glance at Augustins door, then back at Fritz: "I don't know if today is a good day, he is still recovering from emergency surgery and had a lot of Visitors today."

"I understand, your Majesty." Fritz answered, even though with hanging shoulders.

A door creaked, and Augustin stumbled outside with his feet bare, dragging the dripping infusion behind him he crossed his arms as good as he could without touching the needles.

"Augustin you should rest..." Orion spook, earning glaring daggers from his little defiant Nephew with the still scarlet red eyes from crying earlier, before Orion turned to fritz: "Well, he wont have no for an answer."

Fritz slowly went over, carefully hugging Augustin, as the frail teen whimpered like a Dog:

"Thank you... thank you. For my second chance."

Augustin silently gave the Teen a thumbs up, while tearing himself from the hug. Orion glanced over the Paper. He knew he shouldn't but... well. Seems they found a Match for Fritz  from one of the Genetic Typings that Augustin had hosted this December.






Imperial Palace, 6 PM


Orion sat at a Table in the Large Dining Hall, watching his Family and the Orphans having a grand Banquet. He picked up his Crystal glass, standing up before knocking at it with the side of his Spoon:

"I have an announcement to make. You might have Noticed several Large rooms all across the Palace on your Tour that we didn't open. Here's a little secret for you. We prepared for all of you to have a sleepover. We have rooms in the Palace, in the Old castle, and some other Part of the Grounds. The only thing left for you is to Pick where you want to stay for the Night. Also, you can try and convince my nieces and nephews to stay with you guys and gals as well. I will stay with one group as well, but i wont tell which one, that is going to be a secret."

The room broke into a loud cheer and just as fast a fight for the Attention of Orion's Nephews and Nieces. The young Emperor could barely hear his own thoughts as a Servant rushed in, next to Albrecht, handing Orion a Tablet and a Wireless Headset.
Glancing over the Text, Orion cursed: "Verdammte Scheiße!"[1]
Before the room fell silent, all Children and Adults alike shocked at Orion's more than Colorful Expression.

"I'll be back in a bit." he proclaimed, before rushing out.
Sebastian turned to the Orphans, before he cleared his Throat: "Just to be clear, if anyone of us others would say that we'd at the very least get slapped. So do not take that as an example." 1. Literally 'Damned Shit!' Could be replaced with Fucking Shit or anything similar Vulgar

Norgeras:
Sunday, 26th of January 2020, Neu Uburzis Palace


"Do you have it?" Orion sat at a desk in his Work Office, marking Text in bright yellow without even turning around.

"Yeah, i do." his Classmate Marius retorted with crossed arms, glancing out of the window as he paced up and down the room:
"And i see you are ready as well." Tossing Orion a small USB Device, he nodded: "It's all on there, my father making a Deal with the Prince Regent. Just don't drag me into this."

Orion caught it, putting the device into his Art Computer. HE had ensured the network cable was unplugged, as he scrounged through the files: "Yeah, should be enough. I just needed to know. No point in trying to Confront Albrecht, he'll just tell me why he had to and bla bla. Knowing he didn't bother telling me is enough."

Orion slumped down, unplugging the USB before stashing it inside a secret nook he had carved out a table leg quite a while ago. "Did you double check your half Brothers Speech? This wont be half as effective if he changed topic."

"Proof red it just this afternoon. My Father doesn't even know my Brother had his First Speech on his Birthday, didn't bother to save Speaking Time up for him." he kicked an empty paint can across the floor:
"I preferred it when he was in the Spotlight and i was just the first wife's son. With you becoming Emperor, Quintus was shelved and he had been breathing down my neck whenever i'm home."

Orion stood up, changing from his Art clothes into a Tunic, wrapping the Purple Toga around himself:
"Well, you did get acquainted with me." he shrugs: "Now, let's make sure this Birthday Gift will be one your Brother won't forget."






later that day, Neu Uburzis Youth Senate


Orion stood in the Waiting Room, watching the nervous fresh thirteen year old giving his first ever Speech to a Senate. He recalled how he was in here, Timoti next to him, both nervous. At least he remembered Timoti being nervous as well, the whole day was a bit hazy in memory with all that happened. Grabbing a Glass and a Remote, Orion was ready to witness Quintus making the Prelude to his own Address:


"Members of the Senate, today is speak to you about our Democracy and how it has failed."

Orion chuckled. Bold opening statement, Quintus at least got the attention now.

"Ever since Alexandra the Seconds Death, we have tried to be the word of Reason. To not meddle into others affairs. We told ourselves that it is enough to just not deal with people if we disagree with them. It has not worked.
Do you recall a single Incident where our participation mattered? We respectfully left the MCUR meeting, we respectfully did not act, or joined different organisations. We respectfully just stay silent on fucking slavery. No, we do worse, we respectfully interact with them. We claim to be Brothers with the Iwi, yet we don't act upon it. Some Sailboats in a Mega Harbor isn't exactly support.
With all due Respect, we suck."

Orion sucked in air sharply, Quintus went off script, and the Screens lit up with a red two signalling he gained two strikes for cursing. The Emperor prayed the Kid realized what the Speaker had did to himself on his own Birthday.

"If the Emperor can hear me..."

Quintus Paused, unsure for a moment, then he clenched his fists:

"i wish to tell him, no beg him, to be the Voice of our People. We need to be heard. Look at your Nephew, he stood up and made people see us. And he was but a child worrying for his friend. The elder Senate still hasn't decided on the Refugees. Hasn't decided on the Network of Crowns, but has decided to add four more offenses to the list punishable under disrespect laws for the youth.
Please, for the sake of the Empire, and all of our futures, start doing your Fucking Job."

Orion watched Quintus step away from the Lectern, trembling. Three strikes, two major insults. Boy knew exactly what was coming now, and he still thought it was important enough to suffer the consequences.

A Man and a Woman in Black Toga came from the side and stepped up behind him, holding a traditional cat o nine tails.

Orion took a deep breath, and barged into the Plenum. He was scheduled, but only the Higher ups had been made aware, and his name and the prolonged session was now shown to all Youths on the floor:

"I heard you, loud and clear."

With one motion of his hands, he waved the three off the stage, Motioning to Quintus he desired to speak after:




"Youth Senators of Neu Uburzis City, and Senators and Citizens of the Empire as a whole.


Today i need to Speak to you all about our Democracy as well.
We Pride ourselves to be one of the oldest continuous Democracies,
yet by modern accounts some countries would consider us an absolute Monarchy.

I do not.
My Role exists within the Empire, for Democracy has a glaring flaw.
And that is the temptations all of us face, the desire for an easy path.
How easy it is for the Majority in a Country to walk over the smaller voices.

Even in the not so distant past, we saw Humans getting slaughtered.
Why? For being the Minority, being of Different Race, Culture.
We still see people getting stripped of their Freedom not for Crimes,
but for being Born to the wrong Parents.
And all of that happened and happens
with the consent of the Majority of people in these Places.

Democracy always hinges on Human Respect for each others life.
We built our culture around fostering respect,
all of us got punished at one point for breaking this code of conduct.
Myself included.
The previous speaker included, as of this moment.

Yet he saw the need to speak so bold. Because our Solution to the Problem,

the culture of Respect,
The Senates,
that all of us are Politicians,
and lastly,
my Position as Emperor.

It's not perfect.
No form of Government ever will be.


Yet we see, especially in the last days, that democracies,
or some that claim to be,
fuel the fires of hostility instead of aiding each other.

There is a clear situation of a country where the Democratic Process is still young.
Where the people have not yet learned, and some are afraid of loosing what they gained again.

They are rightfully afraid, yet they overstepped, threatening the lives of others.
We have a man who decided to enlarge his power, but is that necessarily making him the bad guy?

Our own Speaker of the Elder Senate is in office for several Decades now.

Calm and collected actions are needed, and of all the people so far,
the man who is being attacked from outside and inside alike,
has acted the most calm.

I do not believe said man is a saint,
but i do believe he is between a rock and a hard place.

I do believe that the nations that send help,
that wanted to try and send aid without trying to take sides,
where the ones acting right here.

Yet we, we were not.
We didn't talk about it,
We didn't have a resolution on it,
We did not yet have an official Opinion.

And to end my Speech today,
I ask the Elder Senate,
for the Future,
to take Mundus as a whole more Seriously.

The World won't wait for us to make a decision,
and unless you want me to make every call for you in the Future,
start making your calls faster."






Orion watched the feat on his phone blow up in a matter of minutes, before being able to leave the Plenum. He made his was over to Quintus and Marius, shaking the older Brothers hand, before giving the younger one a gently and careful hug. He could tell from the Bloodstain on the tunic and the bloodshot eyes it had not been gentle.

"As the Emperor, i am Proud of you. Happy Birthday, even if it will sting for a while."

He glanced at the Prince regent with a pale expression storming into the Entrance of the Senate, followed by the two boys father:

"I Expect you at the Academy next week Quintus." He nods to the Black Clad Executors: "Let his Father know that's my decision."

Turning towards the fearful and wide eyed Quintus, Orion nodded slowly:

"You only have this Path forward." he shook his head, leaning in to whisper: "Been talking to your Half Brother. Your Father will only care if you have a foot in the door with the powerful, and better sooner than later. It wont be easy, but if you want to be heard, that is the way."

"And maybe you get to, you know..." Marius pointed between Orion and Quintus, getting a groan from both: "NO!"


Albrecht crossed his arms, shaking his head as he arrived: "I don't know if i want to slap you for that or Hug you."
Orion nodded slowly, taking on a military stance with his hands behind his back: "Considering we are watched, i'd say, course of action would be both."


Quintus and Marius both ducked instinctively, as the echo travelled through the Entrance Hall.

Norgeras:

Sunday, 1st September 2023, Neu Uburzis Palace



Orion had noticed the Imperial Tram make it's way up the steep slope from his Atelier. He was working on another Portrait, most of his works now filling the Gallery right below him and reserved for very few people. He did send Jocelyn regular updates and had a small Chat group with her about Art though. Changing into a clean tunic, the now eighteen years old Emperor made his way to greet his arriving niece and nephew.

Since Eidmeier now took the Helm of the Elder Senate, progress was again a possibility for the Empire. Robert's retirement had sent the central governing organ into a lethargic death state with no one able to keep the position for long. It just had to be different this time. He had planned this coup behind Albrecht's back with some of the younger Elder Senators. He knew his cousin didn't want to give his favorite shrew Hag up, but she was needed at the front lines, not plotting behind closed doors.



He saw the door swing open, and a tired Sebastian picking up two large duffel backs from the Tram:

"Come on, Kunigunde. Let's meet up with the others. Your brothers are probably waiting for you."

Orion raised an eyebrow at the black haired boy, before opening his arms wide and squeezing the wriggling teen in a hug:

"Ori damn you! i'm barely younger than you don't hug me!" Sebastian protested before his uncle let go: "But. Thanks for taking your time off." the boy looked to the side: "She's not talking to me about it. Maybe Sigrun can help?"

Orion grabbed Sebastian's hand and raised it up, holding him by the wrist: "You overdid it again? Sebastian please. Alexandra isn't hounding you anymore. Don't hurt yourself when practicing."

The teen looked to the side, somewhat ashamed: "I know. It did win us the Siege though. I shouldn't celebrate it, but apparently their guards where so distracted by listening to me playing for hours without end they ignored my camp marching up on them in full strength in the middle of the night to get me out."

Orion grimaced slightly, shaking his head: "They took you pris..."

This time it was Sebastian cutting him short: "See you at dinner. Talk with Kunigunde. And you don't you dare skip the next shrink appointment either."

Sebastian was right, and Orion knew it. He wasn't much in a position of lecturing him when he had to skip it so often for his duties as Emperor. At least they had a capable Doctor he handpicked away from Albrecht.

He walked over to the Tram and sat down in the doorway: "So, what happened?"

His Niece was still sniffling, tears running across her bruised face as she slammed her fist down: "We lost. That's what happened. Then some of my team broke the rules of the melee and a full on brawl broke out. We got all disqualified. I hate them."

Orion offered his hand: "Then don't be a fighter right now, alright? I know your almost as tall as i am but come on, give me a hug and then let's hear both your Summercamp stories over at dinner."

"I don't think Augustin will be very sad he couldn't join this year when this is the result i got." she whimpered as she gave her Emperor Uncle a hug

Norgeras:
Irene had never been in the Palace before, when her Orphanage had been selected for the Festival of Love Sleepover, she was away for a Skating Contest. She hadn't lamented it back then, she did win after all, but now? She wondered if she would have met her Father then. Now, she would meet the Man they said was her Brother, the Man she had tried to marry. A cold unpleasant shiver ran down her spine at the thought, not only had she been the most promising candidate, she had been with a fair lead over Lady Shin. 

When she rode the Tram up to the Palace, it wasn't one of the Tourist Carts, no. She had been picked up with the family cart, and been told to bring at least enough supply to stay for a few days for all to figure the situation out. Now she stood at a part of the Palace the Tourists usually didn't get to. No, only the family and guests the Imperial family actually got along with usually entered the old Castle area.

An elderly woman stood at the Gate, waving enthusiastically at her. She seemed familiar but Irene couldn't immediately place her, for now the woman gave her a smile and grabbed the luggage of her:

"Irene, let us handle your Luggage, Ori is waiting for you in his Studio."

The woman pointed up to one of the towers, and a somewhat confused Irene followed suit, just where did she see her before? It took Irene a moment to find the right stairway, the inner palace being a labyrinth of repurposed and remodeled buildings over several centuries. As she finally made it, the door was already slightly open:

"Come on in."

Orion sat in a chair in front of an empty canvas, paint and brushes ready to get to work next to him. Though Irene felt as if she was an intruder, he didn't even acknowledge her. No, whatever this was, the emperor was angry.

"Your Highness?" she asked, careful. This was a tricky situation, she knew his father's infidelity to the late empress must be a heavy burden on him right now. Though, she wasn't even the one to raise that flag. For all her plans she would have become his wife.

"Take a seat, over there. and wait a moment if you don't mind."

Again, the emperor didn't look at her. He wrote some text on his Smartphone and worked on his utensils. The stool for Irene was placed across from him. Studio lamps glowing on to her as she took a seat and a white background setup behind her. Was this for a Photograph? Did he want to paint her, or was this just his casual place? And why did he still not look at her? Two more sets of feet. Smaller, faster steps and giggling. But when the two walked up the stairs Orion beamed at them, happy. Only that Irene almost jumped out of her skin and up from the stool when she saw them.

"Leo? Charles?" she stammered as she looked at the two youngsters from her teaching class. Well, temporarily she had been taking over before the contest. Their trainer had been i'll and she was called as a substitute by the association. Bloody hell, who where those kids?

Orion gave both of them a nod, and looked over to Irene:

"Well, i guess i'll have to reintroduce them. Prince Ludwig and Prince Karloman. Meet your Aunt Irene. Though this is a bit of  secret for now, got it? Training continues this afternoon. Stand over there, would you two? Next to Irene."

"Hey Coach!" the two grinned: "Uncle Ori said you are really his sister? Weird."

the still baffled Irene sat back down, and before she knew it, Orion had snatched a Picture of her with the two boys:

"I'll be taking some creative freedom for the clothing boys. now, hopp hopp. get changed."

Irene was still puzzled, but Orions demeanor had changed, he was softer, his shoulder slumped:

"Sorry for that, i had to make sure it wasn't you who had set that up. Now, though. I will need your help to find out who from your association has broken our trust, because that was no coincidence. Also, do make sure the two don't end up fighting again with the other kids. I hate Bunny Stew."

Irene was just overwhelmed, she was out of the contest, but in the middle of politics. She then blinked:

"Wait what, the Bunny stew wasn't a joke?"

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