Kalistan

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Her Imperial Majesty Prepares to Welcome Nicole Reina at Order Day Function
Denies Haven to so called "Republican" Terrorists
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 1, 5635


Her Imperial Majesty at Order Day Function in Eveari

May 29th was this year's Order Day Function for the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke.  Most members were present during the Conclave which lasted about 45 minutes and occurs in complete secrecy, and then following was the Social and then Dinner.  The Social was a time for people to meet with one another, renew old bonds, make new ones and meet invited guests.  Dinner is a time for speeches, including several toasts, and the key note speech which was given by Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto, serving her function as Grand Mistress of the Order.  As Knights and Ladies Companion ate their various courses, Her Imperial Majesty delivered a speech which was typical of those given during Order Day events.  She has permitted transcription of the speech by the press who was covering the event.

"Knights and Ladies Companion, and Invited Guests.  One of the best things about Order Day is that the Protocol is traditionally waived.  I have been on the throne for somewhat more than 2 and a half years now, and I never tire of using the first person singular to refer to myself.  And it is also refreshing for people to ask me questions directly, or speak to me instead of to Mr Koenig all the time. (laughter)  So thank you for indulging me during this event.  Even if it for a limited time, it helps me keep my sanity to be able to say I me and my.  And I plan to use them as often as I can for the remainder of the evening. (laughter and applause)

Our world is beset by many troubles, as all of you are well aware.  There are many prestigious individuals in this room:  movers and shakers.  This room is an elite club, and not even every monarch is represented here today.  The combined power, wealth and privilege in this room here at my home is astonishing, and here decisions and agreements are made that can and will affect tens and hundreds of millions of people.  It is both humbling and indeed stupefying to be standing in this room with such great people as have taken the pledge and joined this Order as my companions.

I will say this:  While I prepare to welcome my cousin to Ananto, to stay at her Baronetcy here in my County...  well, first, let me say that she is welcomed here for as long as she wants to stay.  She, her charming husband, and her son will find peace, comfort and a warm and friendly smile wherever they turn as long as they are with us.  They will also find security and tranquility here, and healing, yes healing.  I can only imagine what my cousins have had to endure.  The terror of an explosion during an opera of all things.  Have these terrorists no shame?  Opera is meant to lift people up, as my mother will certainly tell you.  And in the middle of it, an explosion that jeopardizes not only the life of my dear cousin, but also her child.  It is unconscionable!  It's simply unbelievable.  The temerity of those violent extremists.  It is almost too much to imagine.

I had originally intended to make a speech on the utter irresponsibility and unredeemable stupidity contained in the ideology of republicanism.  I had intended to make the point that asking for people to elect their leaders is like handing your toddler a loaded pistol.  I was going to argue that elevating a political illiterate who also happens to be a megalomaniacal sociopath to any position of authority was a good way for a society to commit suicide.  I was going to point out my utter contempt for the notion of democracy and republicanism on any level, because it gives people inordinate desires and allows them to imagine that indeed they are like us in any meaningful way.  But Mr. Koenig advised me that this might put some of you off your dinner.  So I will not say anymore about that.

The fact is we don't know if these so called Republicanos are actually republicans, or if they are just calling themselves that for some reason.  In fact, IBSI has not heard of them, except what they read in the papers.  But I would like to say that I have directed our state security bureau to keep Her Majesty La Reina safe, as well as all members of their family for as long as they stay here.  And they will be welcomed to remain here in Ananto and Kalistan for as long as they wish and are free to come and go as they feel safe to do so.

I intend to spend time with my cousin and invite my mother and aunt over.  I will also welcome Lady Dana up from Gaduridos to visit her daughter, and possibly her grand son.  I believe she can still travel.  I invite the Queen to rest assured that there can be no such repeats of those types of attacks here.  As someone whose family knows full well about the tragedy of assassinations, I can commiserate with the Queen. 

With that, I will stop talking.  This is the only time you all don't have to listen to me if you don't like, and I see my sister has already started on her chicken (laughter)...  What a wolf, Maggie...  Anyhow, Thank you for attending our Order Day Function this year, and I hope you all enjoy the dinner.  After dinner, over drinks we will do awards.  And yeah,  Happy Order Day, and I'll probably speak with most of you again before the night is over."

Following the speech, we attempted to approach Her Imperial Majesty for comment on several news items, but was intercepted by Sir Michael Koenig, who reminded us that the Press was still governed by protocol and was not entitled to speak to the Empress directly.  Meanwhile, Her Imperial Majesty went to speak with her invited guest, Dame Elga Nilsson of the band Wanderlust, whom she awarded the Excellent Order of the Anantonese Empire last Spring for her band's contribution to Kalistani Music.

Such was Order Day 5635. 

@TheRepublic