The Halls of Milenio [Request Only]

Milenio Royal Palace
12:30 AM Justosian Time
Avalon
Government Quarter

"Highness is enjoying himself? You know these are probably your last nights of fun like this...."

Crown Prince Carlos Francisco III, awaiting his coronation with what he claimed were cool nerves, looked up from downing another glass of red from the Royal Winery to respond to his friend.

"Hermano, I promise you, when I'm running things, nights like this will be safe from the axe."

HRH had invited his inner circle of fellow pilots from the upper echelons of the Royal Air Force for a 'get together' in his wing of the palace apartments. As his friend bent over to pick up his phone that he dropped, Carlos stared squarely at his ass. Half the party goers didn't care, the other half pretended not to notice. The Crown Prince's bisexuality was a secret among all except his Air Force buddies. All loyal beyond most measure. Some of which he already banged. Including his current lover. Who was seated about 10 feet away. Still, appearances mattered. Even here. Especially to the clueless Royal Marines stationed right outside the doors.

"So, no hard stuff? I know there's good imported vodka from up north around this joint somewhere." Another pilot assessed.

"If there is, padre took the location to his grave with him. Just as well. You guys don't wanna see me that drunk......again."

Again his compatriots collectively chuckled.

"So what's items rank highest on the coming agenda Your Future Majesty?" His left wingman jokingly inquired.

"Finding out which countries have the best weed, befriending them. Taking on those uptight bishops. Telling our pm to air all of padre's dirty laundry, and replacing those stuffy marines around here."

Again, another collective, tipsy laugh. However what his squadron mates & friends were too inebriated to discern was that Carlos was quite serious. He glanced briefly but longingly at his lover at the other table. He returned the gaze before both darted their eyes elsewhere. Carlos was a nationalist, but a more socially/culturally liberal minded one. If there was such a thing. If there wasn't, he would make it a thing. He looked at his empty wine bottle. At his reflection staring back at him. Dreading the breakfast, & inquisition from his mother in a couple hours. It was part of the reason he decided to get drunk tonight. Hangover be dammed.

The youngest king in Justosian history, was intent on leaving his mark.

Milenio Royal Palace
Crown Prince's Apartments
10:00 AM Justosian Time

The Queen Mother arrived at her son's chambers for a late breakfast. She was announced by a Royal Marine. She entered.

"Madre."

"Hijo."

Carlos had been growing impatient.

"Please sit. Enjoy. All your favorites. Perhaps in between savoring them, you can finally tell me why you abandoned your sacred duty before God. Abdicated."

"I cannot in good, Godly conscience, ever order our troops, our nation's sons, into battle, a war. Life is too precious."

Carlos absorbed this.

"Tsk tsk. So your pioty. Adorable. Convenient against the charges of abandoning God. You're merely heeding his word."

"You've already abandoned God." His mother retorted.

"Because I fuck men, right. Gracias for getting to the meat of it so quickly. Remember, outing me destroys our House. Well, what's left of it."

"I know and wouldn't. You should have had the heart to tell your padre."

"He's dead. We're alive. Warning you now. My reign will be a bit of a departure from yours. Thanks for your service by the way. All two years of it...."

"Please consult me on the more pressing matters. I beg you hijo. I also beg you......when you're not too busy being a sodomite, marry, have a son."

"Such loving advice. Under consideration. Feel free to move to a convent if my priorities become too distasteful for you."

At that remnants of House Francisco continued their breakfast in silence.

Milenio Royal Palace
Conference Room Alpha
04:00 PM Justosian Time
07/26/2023

The motorcades arrived as unceremoniously as possible. The heads of the National Security Service & National Intelligence Service, entourages in toe, schulfed out & into the palace. This joint meeting with their new king, & the pm was not to be on the books, or for the media.

Once inside & situated, they stood & bowed as the two heads of state entered. Carlos III wasted no time.

"Gentlemen, countrymen, I do hope this day finds you all well. A special hello to those of you newly promoted too. You're welcome.

Now, to the meat of it. The Arch Bishops of the national church are conspiring against me. His Excelencia Prime Minister Suarez has briefed me on the situation. A covert investigation he initiated started during my madre's reign. They view my 'rebellious' youth, inclination towards social/cultural centrism, ectera, as a threat. They are the real threat, and as far as I'm concerned, traitors to the crown, and therefore, of course, the nation. Those of you seated in your positions for longer, this is because I have no reason to doubt your loyalty to me, or my house. Your former colleagues, not so much."

The king then made a dismissive gesture with his hands.

"They have so got to die, and so will they. That is the punishment for high treason last I checked."

The pm then motioned for an aide to go around, passing out top secret domestic intel dossiers. Carlos continued.

"I need not tell you what the penalty for revealing this information to anyone other than yourselves is. I alone am Supreme Bishop of El Iglesia de Justosia. No one else. Certainly not those traitors. Furthermore. Both your respective agencies are to be merged. This will save taxpayer money, and streamline efficency. Who is to lead the new National Security Ministry is yet to be decided. Likely the head of whichever of your current services executes this very clandestine national security operation more efficiently. Competition is always healthy. We aren't commie or socialist swine after all."

This illicited collective chuckling.

"Kill those traitors dead. Every, single, one. Your king commands you. We're adjourned. Enrique, wine?"

Milenio Royal Palace
King's Apartments
Government Quarter
6:21 PM Justosian Time

Bold but undeterred, Carlos III sat at his writing table, immersed in his cell phone. The PM was announced. Carlos motioned for him to enter.

"Majesty, if I may?"

Carlos threw him his phone. Enrique caught it. He skimmed the bones of his king's speech to the senate.

".......You're not your father."

Carlos chuckled.

"You weren't elected to be Captain Obvious. You were elected.....well let's face it. To serve me. Leader of The King's Party. Do this for me, Enrique. Submit the bill. Finesse the conference. Don't fail. It's a scenic route but it's for the national interest. Trust me?"

".....His Archipiélagic Majesty knows best...."

Milenio Royal Palace
King's Offices
Government Quarter
1:00 PM Justosian Time

Returning from lunch Carlos I was finally ready to start as he had chosen a late start to Royal Administration today. He noticed an abnormally large stack of papers requiring his inspection & ascent. The largest he had encountered so far. He realized this was SOP after the passage of a large bill. Especially one laden with new bureaucracy. He wasn't a slouch. He read, well skimmed, for about half an hour. He paused, flicked his pen between his fingers for a minute, then summoned an aide. His directions were to summon the PM, Finance Minister, Commerce Vice Minister, Interior Minister, & his Vice Ministers. He also asked for an espresso. His mind was currently somewhere else. Curious about the other crowned heads of Eras. Their houses. How they administer their royal duties. If any were close to his age or younger. Would the older ones look down on him for his youth? He wanted to meet them.

Upon arriving & being escorted in & announced, Carlos began relaying his wishes.

"Gentlemen, thank you for coming on this short notice. I'll try to be brief. I'm supposed to be a constitutional, mostly, ceremonial monarch, no? As such I don't feel there is any dereliction of royal duty here by telling you that I am not going to be bothered by every ancillary detail of new legislation that finds its way to my desk. No no. That, quite frankly, is your job. I want to be apprised of the priority one details. I will ascend Bill Eleven Thirty Four. Minister Alvarez, I want to know how much the final price tag for the bureaucracy will be. I want to know the final number of Cannabis dispensaries. I want to know immediately if any governors or district assemblies pass or sign laws to infringe on this one. I'll summon you if my curiosity grows from there. Do not bother me with anything else pertaining. Interior Vice Ministers, carry out my wishes as they relate to your respective areas of duty.

Now, onto the compromise with the democrats. I'm for it. Justosia's natural beauty is a gift from God. As Supreme Bishop of the national church, this is my opinion. I'm for safeguarding it......though not at the expense of jobs. Vice Minister Fox, establish a commission to determine the exact impact this will have on our natural gas industry. I'm for a controlled bleeding, but nothing that will flash recession warnings. You will then liase with Minister Alvarez from there. I believe we're adjourned, for now.

Though his ministers still wanted to know where the new governmental income would be going, they all bowed & filed out. Except for Prime Minister Suarez. Carlos walked up to him & enlightened him it was for the kingdom's indigenous, 5th generation, multi role, fighter jet. Carlos was a passionate flyer & though not devoutly religious, felt flying brought him closer to God. He lastly informed him to make sure none of the ministers under him "fuck it up".

Milenio Royal Palace
King's Apartments
4:00 PM Justosian Time

Carlos was set to do some running around the gardens of the palace. Some exercise was good & even better for stress. After all his job was rather stressful. Yet he still had no idea how much so. A palace butler came up to him, bowing before delivering news. The top brass of all 3 branches of the Royal Military were waiting for him in Conference Room Uno. Carlos thanked the butler then left.

He was announced by the RAF Special Forces Royal Guard. Fleet Admiral Carvalho, (Air) Fleet General Rodrigo, & Grand General Fox, & their accompanying staff were waiting. They rose, bowed, then waited as he sat.

"Gentlemen. This wasn't on my itinerary. Any itinerary. What is the meaning of this?"

They were silent for a couple seconds. General Fox then walked over to HRM & placed in front of him a top secret dossier. Carlos looked up & stared at him briefly. He opened the folder. He skimmed, flipped thru the first few pages. He then got up & threw it on the table. He paced back & forth for about a minute. Then staring all 3 of them down, he went in.

"This is treason. Against the state you swore to protect. Against me no less. To keep something of THIS nature from me!"

Admiral Carvalho chimed in.

"Well, not against you Majesty, no. Against your madre perhaps.....but that's now moot. We decided she simply couldn't be trusted with this information. Subsequent events vindicated us. At the initiation of this project, you were still crown prince. We're telling you now as we feel the timing is right. Not out of deviousness or any kind of malice towards you."

Carlos then sat & began flipping his gold pen thru his fingers.

"How far along?"

Rodrigo replied.

"We've enough Uranium now. Enrichment process is a little ways off yet. Infrastructure must be built. Protocols, logistics. Finding a proper testing range."

"Well you're not doing it on the damn mainland! Nor Hadas Island! (Eastern most island of the archipelago furthest from the mainland.) It must be lower yield and out at sea. At least a hundred miles out. Construct an artificial island if you have to."

Fox spoke.

"That's been kicked around Mi Lord. A final decision hasn't been made yet of course. That's your decision. You're now fully briefed. You will be updated regularly. The Defense Minister is also presently being informed."

Carlos got up & stood in front of them.

"Keep anything from me ever again and I'll have you all shot, or hung, or both, publicly. Now leave."

They bowed again & left. Carlos stood there in deep thought for about 3 minutes before summoning a butler.

"Wine, red, now."

Milenio Royal Palace
Main Hall
1:00 PM Justosian Time

Carlos paced down the hall. Frescos of past monarchs, including his father, and the great archipelagic events of past peered down on him from the ceiling. Logistical communications with Prydania were taking longer than anticipated. He too wanted a vacation. The air was....stale. He walked back to one of his offices and noticed another stack of regulatory and senate procedural papers that required royal ascension. He peered at them for a moment, annoyed. He then summoned a butler. Upon arriving, Carlos went in.

"Pass this along, IMMEDIATELY. This palace's logistical operations are to be digitized. At once. All this paper. To be recycled. I will receive my work of the day upon an electronic tablet from now on. This is not the nineteenth century. We are going to start acting like it. And open a damn window in here.......if they open that is. There persists an aroma I don't like."

The butler nodded and bowed. He proceeded to leave before being hailed again by his sovereign.

"Furthermore, I wish to address the senate."

Desan Naval Base
Government Quarter
Avalon
21:36
09/09/2023

It was quite the entourage really. King Carlos, Prime Minister Suarez, Royal Air Force Fleet General Rodrigo, Royal Navy Fleet Admiral Carvalho, Defense Minister Ramos, Finance Minister Alvarez, & all their accompanying staff.

They were escorted by the base captain to a heavily guarded hangar. After all other security protocols, they were escorted to a large table. There the official concept design art for the Justosian Talon III was laid before them.

Carlos looked over it studiously.

"What are the little fins up front for?"

Rodrigo answered.

"For increased maneuverability, Majesty."

Carlos' eyes changed to that of a kid in a candy store. He loved flying above pretty much all else. This craft would enable him to experience the sky like never before.

"I very much approve. How much for a hundred?"

Alvarez interjected.

"Eleven billion Justos, Majesty. This of course is not counting maintenance, and related costs over a five year period. Not to mention next generation missiles for it. Though I would defer to my military colleagues for more detail there. Safe to round up to fifteen billion."

Rodrigo had more to say.

"Majesty this fifth generation multirole fighter should grant us air superiority regionally and we believe virtually generally as well. She'll be an absolutely lethal stealth dart. Piercing the sky and any potential adversaries."

Rodrigo was always the proud and confident nationalist.

"Done and done. I leave the math up to you. If you run out of funds in the budget, which shouldn't happen, after all this is why the senate legalized weed mostly, contact me immediately. Understand?"

"Yes, Majesty."

Alvarez prepared himself for another mountain of number crunching. He actually loved his job. However it was exhausting nevertheless.

Carlos addressed his branch heads, both former nobility.

"The air force and navy will share these. Fifty, fifty. We will order another one hundred fifty when more economically prudent. It's asinine for either branch to have its own fighter I believe, and more expensive. Furthermore, Jorge, if we have to raise taxes on the wealthy for this, do it. Businesses too. I don't give a fuck. They're not going anywhere. National security, I believe, is my most sacred responsibility. We're adjourned here. Lovely seeing you as always gentlemen. Viva Justosia."

Milenio Royal Palace
Main Hall
Government Quarter
Avalon
2:00 PM Justosian Time

"Your Archipiélagic Majesty."

"Queen Madre."

The titles were varied for Annabella Francisco I since becoming the first ruling Justosian queen & first Justosian monarch to abdicate. In the time since she had begun to worry about the lasting damage, baggage the next Justosian queen would have to deal with due to that precedent. However she had prayed extensively on it, as she does most everything. She still believed it was best for her immortal soul. She simply could never bring herself to order Justosian troops to battle should the need ever arise. Justosian blood is too sacred.

She walked with her usual grace down the main hall. Flanked by Royal Marines who she ordered back to the palace as the official posted protection detail. The Royal Air Force Special Forces detail were her son's drinking buddies.....& some his sexual conquests & she knew this. She was thankful to God to be back in the palace deputizing for her son who was away in Prydania making history. She had just spent an hour praying at the Royal Chapel, but still felt wanting, needing of the Lord's guidance. She entered the throne room, she stared at the chair. That was all she could do. While she maintained her titles, she was banned by her son, via Royal Protocol, from sitting on it ever again after abdicating. She lost herself in the memories of her 2 year reign briefly before composing herself & making her way to the Royal Gardens. She would tend to them herself.

There wasn't a cloud in the sky. A strong breeze. The banners fluttered around her. She had down time as she hadn't received any official state business yet. She said a prayer for her son's safe return before deciding to travel downtown to speak at a charity luncheon being hosted by the mayor's wife for literacy for underprivileged girls. She inquired about her son's progress from the Foreign Ministry Liaison before departing. She would visit her late husband in the Royal Catacombs before leaving as well.

The palace's atmosphere felt different to her. To be expected. The country she knew was slowly but surely changing.

.

Nacional Social Democrático Union HQ
Government Quarter
Avalon
11:00 AM Justosian Time

"BASTARDO!"

Exclaimed NSDU Archipiélagic Senado Minority Speaker Manuel Albarra.

"How could some insignificant islander mayor win!? It's MY time!"

Without realizing that attitude was part of why he lost, that & the leftist Ceretia Distrito Sr. Senador Jorge Vargas siphoning votes from him, the long suffering Sr. senador from Cadiz continued to vent his long pent up frustrations as his aides looked on. Wisely, silently. However the math was simply undeniable. Even if Vargas had dropped out & endorsed him, he'd have still lost by almost 3 million votes. The archipiélago's Soc Dems had opted for young, new, more moderate blood. Not tainted by mainland politicos. Combing over the nacional exit polling, the picture was painted & it was virtually identical to the actual vote totals.


Center left identifying Soc Dems:
Pena: 76%
Albarra: 21%
Vargas: 3%

Women 30-50 years old:
Pena: 63%
Albarra: 30.3%
Vargas: 6.7%

These groups broke hardest for Mayor Pena. Albarra pushed the papers to the floor as he refilled his glass of red. It was becoming a personal slight to him. For he too believed that this upcoming election was different. There was an undercurrent at their backs. They felt it. Well, not his back. Now he was obligated to endorse their party's new standard bearer. He would be facing off against incumbent nacionalista PM Suarez. The election was to be asap as King Carlos III was already sick & tired of having to do the logistical paperwork of the senado while it was dissolved. The electoral infrastructure was already being set up. So was whatever subtle revenge Manuel could muster against both Pena & Vargas. He wasn't one to take personal insults lying down.

"Another bottle of red please.............I said another bottle of the fucking red please!"

He buried his face in his clasped hands as he continued to mulll over the very real possibility of him losing out on his last, best chance to become His Excelencia. It seemed he would have to remain content with being perhaps the second or third highest elected leader in the lands.

Milenio Royal Palace
King's Office
Administrative Wing
11:50 AM Justosian Time

"INTOLERABLE."

This Carlos said to himself as he briefly stepped away from the avalanche of official papers on his desk, to check the hallway. A line of senado palace liaisons & their counterparts from certain districts, mainly Ceretia & Cadiz, stretched down the hallway. These were the consequences of dissolving that body. He actually had to do real paperwork. Not just signing his name occasionally for passed laws, decrees, etc. He was fast becoming tired of it. His closest aide had briefed him that state business would again be heavy today. Was this what his absolute ancestors dealt with on an almost daily basis?

He noticed PM Suarez walking briskly with security in toe, down the hall to his administrative wing of the palace. He motioned for a break from the matters of state, then followed him down the hallway. The PM's ASM detail bowed their heads at the sight of him.

"Your Excelencia."
"Your Majestad."

"You don't look like.....well you. You're not worried you could lose, are you? Solemn worry is not becoming of the chief elected official of the archipiélago."

"No. I am confident in my victory. Confident in the people's trust in my fourteen years. In our monarchist republic."

Carlos stared at him for a second before smiling.

"I'm sure. Strong performance in that debate, Enrique. As you see, I'm needed."

"Of course your Archipiélagic Majestad. Viva Justosia..."

Carlos of course knew this was a predominantly nationalist saying. He paused for a second. He walked closer towards his second.

"Viva Justosia."

After the PM left, Carlos went back to his office, to a locked part of his desk, & retrieved the dossier his newly appointed Archipiélagic Seguridad Ministerio Jasier Ortega had delivered him. It was everything on the Soc Dem candidate. Everything. He motioned his aide for a bottle of red from the Milenio Vineyards & studied.

12/30/2023
11 AM Justosian Time
Day of our Lord
King's Apartments
Milenio Royal Palace
Government Quarter
Avalon

Carlos III sat at his desk scrolling thru his phone. He enjoyed an espresso & 2 egg & cheese filled croissants. It was a beautiful, cloudless day. A pleasant 64 degrees. A strong breeze blew open the curtains. The Avalon coastline was pristine as usual. He would see it protected. All of it. Justosia's environment & warm climate were gifts from God. Carlos would use the power & leverage of his station to this end without hesitation. He hoped the new Prime Minister, a Social Democrat, would agree. His motorcade had arrived. Henrico Pena's first time at the royal palace. Carlos cleaned himself up & stood next to one of his favorite Hadas Island Oak chairs by a coffee table.

The PM was announced by an Air Force Special Forces Royal Guard. Then led to HRM.

"His Excelencia Prime Minister Henrico Salazar Pena." The guard said.

Pena approached Carlos & bowed his head, slighter than most. Carlos could tell he did this rather begrudgingly. This he found amusing.

"Your Majestad."

"Your Excelencia. Welcome to my house. I'm honored. Congratulations on winning the election. Now, as part of my constitutional duties, and my oath, I ask you, will you form the new government?"

"I will, this place.....it's exactly what I thought."

"Grandiose? Too opulent? Perhaps vulgar to one of your political persuasion?"

"Yes....."

Carlos chuckled, this time out loud.

"I wanna call you Rico. Rico you'll soon find I'm not my padre. At all, really. Thanks for the government, by the way. I care very much about the environment. Do you?"

Pena paused in his response for a second.

".....Yes. Very, very, much. However Majestad I-"

"I'm bisexual, Rico. I'm young, I'm not my predecessor. I'm pretty moderate as far as nationalists go. I want this nation to shine like a pristine, well defended diamond. I'd like you to help me with that."

".........Why would you tell me that?"

"Trust me you would have find out sooner or later. Your predecessor did. It was very ackward. Just ripping that band aid off now. I want our working relationship to be pleasant and productive. Now if you still wish to rail against my station and family, floor's yours."

Henrico stared at his sovereign for a moment. He was processing.

"........I would imagine the pressure for an heir weighs more heavily on Your Majestad daily."

"It does."

"You won't have to worry about that from me. Your bedroom is your bedroom. I liked your mother's reign. Charitable. Short. I want to focus on the issues important to me and our nation I believe, in our meetings. Which I hope are many. Welfare, the environment, abortion access, and other fiscal matters. Please, Majestad, I ask for your respect regardless of my party label."

Carlos smiled.

"I ask for yours as well. I may be young, but I will rise to fulfill the oath of my coronation."

The two Heads of State talked well beyond the anticipated duration of their meeting into the afternoon.

01/23/2024
Office of His Excelencia Prime Minister Henrico Pena
Milenio Royal Palace
10:00 AM Justosian Time
Day of our Lord
Government Quarter
Avalon


The Finance Minister's motorcade made its way thru the Milenio Royal Palace security check points. It arrived at the palace. Jorge Alvarez, one of the very few nationalist holdovers from the last Royal Administration still employed, briskly made his way to the PM's office. After all the introductory pleasantries, the two sat down for a very needed meeting.

After shaking hands, Jorge sat after his boss & organized his folders & briefs.

"It is an honor, Your Excelencia, and congratulations on your victory. I am sorry we did not meet sooner."

"Thank you, Honorable Minister. I understand you have requested this meeting out of some urgency?"

"That urgency Prime Minister is that Justosia will surely slide into recession if certain spending habits are not changed. At this point......rather drastically."

Alvarez motioned for one of his staff to hand to Henrico a large, Eyes Only folder. As the PM began skimming, Jorge elaborated.

"Prior governments have drifted dangerously close to just asking we print money to pay for their pet projects and new military toys. The massive military buildup and modernization programs of the last king brought our economy to the absolute brink of recession and even depression. As I'm sure Your Excelencia remembers....."

Henrico noded his head & motioned for Jorge to continue. As he flipped thru certain pages.

"Massive changes are needed. Strict safeguards for this government spending far more than it takes in via taxes and the related. After the completion of the air force's new fighter project, I am recommending military austerity. Only those essentials need be covered. Like Base Pay. The taxes on the top income tax bracket and richest corporations should be raised back to buildup levels. That was about the only really good idea that came from that."

The two conversed for 45 minutes about mostly economic matters.

"Thank you, Finance Minister. I have read enough to be very concerned about this run away spending on the military and senador pet projects. Perturbed even. This was illuminating. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll be keeping this folder for my own research. I agree with your recommendations. It was a pleasure meeting you. You may remain at your post. I like you."

The long suffering Finance Minister was finally, actually being heard. This was refreshing. Upon shaking hands & leaving, Jorge was prepared for the obligatory "Viva Justosia." but nothing. He bowed his head respectfully & left with staff & guards in toe.

2/22/2024
11 AM Justosian Time
Day of our Lord
Milenio Royal Palace
King's Office
Administrative Wing
Government Quarter
Avalon

Carlos III was enjoying his daily espresso + his 2 morning egg & cheese filled croissants. This had become a morning ritual he enjoyed. His chefs knew what they were doing. They had better to be paid what they were. He made his own espresso. He wasn't an invalid after all. He scrolled thru his work phone. An aide approached & bowed.

"Your Majestad. The PM has arrived. He's currently making his way thru the last checkpoint."

Carlos looked at him & noded.

"Thank you. Show him in when he arrives."

A couple of minutes later, the PM was being announced & shown to Carlos' expansive oak & ivory desk.

"Majestad."
"Excelencia."

It was then Carlos noticed the seal on that Eyes Only folder Henrico was carrying. Finance Ministry. He scowled slightly. With a sigh.

"Has the Finance Minister been whining to you?"

"Minister Alvarez has raised significant concerns to me about the current state of the economy and the nacional debt."

"Rico I assure you he's told me everything you're about to tell me. That folder in your hand I've already looked over. Repeatedly...."

"Actually looked over? Or has Majestad only skimmed it?"

Carlos' brow furrowed. His eyes met the PM's. He sat up, sighed deeply. He motioned for the PM to sit. Constitutionally speaking, it wasn't his duty to be involved with Justosia's purse strings. It was however his duty to hear his PM's governmental concerns. Everytime. No matter the scope.

"Hungry?"

"Yes actually. Does your kitchen do---"

"Virtually anything you want my good man."

"Omelet. Filling will be sausage, cheese, green peppers. Coffee. Cream, sugar. Please. Thank you."

The aide recorded the order on his tablet, bowed, & promptly left.

"Business then. What are you concerns Prime Minister?"

"Justosia cannot be allowed to easily slide into recession again. What the Finance Minister has proposed here are what I believe are commonsense reforms and proposals to help avoid the aforementioned and keep our economy, and therefore our nacional security, strong. Item one a bill to be submitted to the senado asap requiring cuts to be made from somewhere else to cover the funds for any new miscellaneous spending that is proposed after this budget passes. Second, the nacional income tax needs to be raised back to buildup levels for the top two earning brackets. Third, I am officially recommending military austerity effective immediately after completion of the air force's new fighter project. Only essentials like Base Pay should be covered. These are for starters."

Carlos tapped his right index finger rapidly on the table. His left hand propping up his leaning head.

"..........Should any of these make it pass procedural senado debate.....I am prepared to back you on all three. Only, for number three....if it doesn't at all affect the completion of that very fragile project. Nacional security depends on it."

"Forgive me Majestad but no, it doesn't. This new fighter, it's a status symbol. To show the rest of Eras, especially the upper echelons of rightist powers, that Justosia has fully entered the modern age. Has arrived. Is to be taken most seriously. It's become your pet project because you feel most of those characteristics apply to you too."

Carlos slammed his right hand down on the desk & followed it with audible chuckling. No PM had ever had the balls to challenge him before. Not during his time as Crown Prince either. Rico's nationalist predecessor would never even have dared. He found this refreshing.

"I like our working relationship so far. Always be honest with me Rico. I shall be with you. What you say might be true, but my reasoning is also a part. My father had a saying. All kings secretly long to be emperors. He was a living, breathing testament to this. I'd prefer to go a different route."

The PM's breakfast arrived as their conversation drifted from matters of state to hobbies.

4/12/2024
11 AM Justosian Time
Day of our Lord
Milenio Royal Palace
King's Office
Administrative Wing
Government Quarter
Avalon

Carlos had recently been more busy than he's accustomed to. He had to cut his 2 week vacation short a week to be present for those special senado constitutional reforms sessions. Which ended mostly in stark failure. Thanks to his defeated former PM. Who he had also recently had very strong words for on their last phone call. Carlos ended it by telling the dutiful nationalist that for the foreseeable future, he would refuse to see him, knowing this would proverbially wound him.

After that was dealing with those 4 rogue JNF (Justosia Nationalist Front) governors who attempted to hinder implementation of new gay rights & abortion laws in Justosia's 4 bluest districts. The resulting elections after he dismissed them gave the new center right Justosia Forward Party its first real grip on power since its inception. Carlos had also switched his party affiliation to the JFP. Tho he kept this secret. Both were nationalist parties. However it didn't take much soul searching for him to know he was a more moderate, center right nationalist. After that were heightened levels of domestic intel briefs from his Nacional Seguridad Ministerio. Not to mention dinner with his mother, the former queen, tonight.

With one ring of his cell, all that went out the window. He was patched into a secure conference call with the Defense Minister & the RAF Grand Air General. They informed him that the Talon III multi role stealth fighter, his beloved pet project, was ready for flight trials. Carlos' eyes lit up, widened. In a second a became that RAF Academy freshman again. Flying was his passion. He loved the freedom, adrenaline rush every time. He lived for it. After initial protests from them both, Carlos overruled them. He would be the test pilot. That was that. His mood now far better, he cleared his schedule. He lastly called the PM & told him he'll be handling most but the most pressing matters of state until these trials were completed successfully.

Desan Royal Navy/AFB
Avalon
Government Quarter
4/12/2022
0745 Justosian Time



Last attempts to dissuade him from a potentially catastrophic accident failed. The anxious 28 year old king finished taxiing, & lifted off. He was testing his nation's first joint strike, multirole stealth fighter. Already he was impressed at how much smoother lift off was. Also by the more powerful radar. Batista Corp was worth their price. Carlos was thousands of feet in the air before he knew it.

Once at proper cruising altitude, Carlos contacted Desan Mission Control. He laughed as adrenaline raced thru his veins. This bird was faster. More Gs to handle.

"This is the most beautiful twilight, sunset I've ever seen. I'm impressed by the speed and power of this jet. This feels amazing!"

He then performed a Barrel Roll, yelling in excitement before leveling out.

"One does not have to be dead to be with Angels. I don't want this to end...."

Carlos couldn't remember the last time he was this happy. This easily included his coronation & when his padre died. This was Heaven. He would perform a couple more maneuvers & streak across the Avalon District sky before begrudgingly returning to Desan. He would fully & wholeheartedly endorse the Talon III. More flight trials were needed but the RAF was indeed about to change.

15 nautical miles off Zalavega Island
Exact position undisclosed
Southern Justosian Sea
JRS Carlos Francisco I Aircraft Carrier
Flight Deck
1900




Again Carlos III was allowed his brief slice of Heaven, flying. Again he insisted he be one of the test pilots for the last take off trial for their new multirole stealth fighter, the Talon III. Again practically everyone else of authority involved tried to dissuade him. Again they failed. Carlos acquiesced to not being the first off the deck. That honor would instead go to captain of the ace Arcangeles Squadron, his very secret not boyfriend, Luis Santiago.

"Anything happens to him, I will personally oversee the Court Martials." He warned.

Carlos watched intently as Luis' Talon III engines roared & he shot off deck. He sank below line of sight view of the flight deck for a second before shooting up into the sky.

"Mierda! This thing moves!" He radioed back to the tower. Luis performed some aerial acrobatics then radioed the tower again.

"Permission for fly by."

Royal Navy Grand Admiral Carvalho looked at Carlos, who noded his head.

"Granted."

It would be another 15 minutes before Luis would return. Carlos ascended after him in a flawless take off. To the relief of all watching. Finally he was at peace again. He felt alive again. He thought about having to marry a woman he'd probably never love in the near ish future. He remembered it had been too long since seeing his mother. Looked bad for appearances sake. Breaking the sound barrier snapped him out of his almost meditative state. He performed a wide barrel roll then began heading back to the carrier. The Talon III was ready to start heading to RAFBs. He radioed in an order for Captain Santiago to see him in his personal quarters...

Milenio Royal Palace
King's Personal Chapel
Government Quarter
Avalon
06/01/2024
6:30 AM Justosian Time

Carlos III was about to do something that as Supreme Head of the state Protestant church, he didn't do nearly enough & he knew it. He knelt down on his right knee & began talking with that from which his authority is derived. In front of a 10 foot tall, sold gold crucifix. The sun rays from the dawn began making the crucifix almost glow.

"Dios, Jesus Cristo. I come to you today humbled for another day of your gift of life as steward of this realm. I'm grateful.....................I beg you don't make me do this. Please don't make me marry some woman I know I'll never love. The thought is revolting. I doubt I have stomach enough for this. If this makes me unworthy to wear this crown.......then strike me down. You would condemn me to a life sentence in a prison? What have I done to deserve this?"

Carlos then remembered.

"Oh right. The fact that I like, no, love, having sex with other men. Something I'd continue doing even if I marry a woman. Probably more so. Forgive me but......it's not my fault you made them so appealing."

Carlos stopped for a second. Was he gay now? No. Thought perished. While he very much preferred other men, women were still doable. Even if now he'd probably require a little alcoholic assistance for it. His hands again assumed prayer formation when, like a dam laden with a thousand cracks, the anger & anguish was manifest.

"I HATE THIS! I'M ALREADY IN HELL! PLEASE STOP! WHY!? Why did you take padre from me that early!? I. WASN'T. READY. Does this please you? Having an undercover sodomite running one of your temporal properties? I thought I knew you plan.....I suppose I was arrogant in that...."

Carlos played with the House Francisco signet ring. Loosening it & running it up & down his finger. He composed himself, crossed himself, stood up, & exited the room. The two RAF Special Forces Royal Guards had briefly exchanged inquisitive glances while their king was yelling his grievances at Providence. He looked at both of them.

"..........Tomas, Rolando. Not a word boys."

They both stood more firm at attention. Signifying they understood still the code of their RAF Academy brotherhood & followed behind their king as he departed.