DIPLOMATIC EFFECTS / CH. 6:GOODBYES
ATLANTIS, WEDNESDAY JAN 5TH
“You will stay in contact, I hope,” Svetlana said.
“I don't have your contact details,” Rudolph pointed out.
“I don't have contact details. Olga does though, and knows not to read mail that's for me.”
“What you asked, last night. Was that really to tell your father?”
“I expect to tell my father at the right time. But also for me, of course.”
“You are at the top of my list, by the way.”
“That might change, and September seems a long time away,” Svetlana said.
“I forgot to ask how long your list is.”
“My personal list no longer empty. I don't know about my father's list for me.”
Rudolph processed that for a while. “Any chance you could visit? We have lots of mountains if you like skiing, for instance.”
“So do we. We have lots of everything. But you have your university to go to.”
“That is true,” Rudolph acknowledged, “But there is the Easter vacation.”
“When you should be studying for exams, I expect,” Svetlana pointed out. “And either meeting would need our parents agreement or some other reason.”
“Then I'll pray that September comes quickly, and your father makes no other plans for you.”
“Travel safely, Rudolph.”
“You too, when you leave here.”
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ATLANTIS, WEDNESDAY JAN 8TH, 10AM
The vows that Yelena and Mikhail took were the same ones they'd have taken in Russia, but otherwise the ceremony was a relatively simple and private event. There was just one journalist at the start — Andriy Ilyich who had arrived just in time for Jake's wedding, and was frustrated that although he knew some heirs to thrones were learning to fly guillemot class submarines, and he'd even seen them flying around on the morning of his arrival, he hadn't actually been able to find out who it was.
Right at the end of the ceremony, a camera-man from Russia Today, red-faced with running and embarrassment, was ushered into the room. He'd arrived on time but had become hopelessly lost following the directions he'd been given from the port.
Mikhail recognised him from the visa paperwork, and smiled. “I think Yelena, and noble guests, once Stefan, our delayed cameraman here, has recovered his breath, it might be polite if we repeat parts of our ceremony. He's come a long way.”
“You're just looking for an excuse to kiss me again,” Yelena teased.
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ATLANTIS, 10.30AM
“Andriy, Stefan,” Olga said, “Sorry to tear you away from this company, but the Tsarevna invites you to witness and indeed film her departure from Atlantis.”
“When will this be?” Andriy asked.
“As soon as I get there,” Olga said. “I expect the party here will be continuing afterwards, but I must accompany the Tsarevna to St Petersburg.”
She didn't wait for their response, but turned and left.
Stefan looked around and realised that during his interview with the parents of the bride and groom, queen Karella had also vanished. He quickly gathered up his camera and followed Olga. Andriy was ten steps behind him.
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SUBMARINE PARK, ATLANTIS
“Tsarevna, it has been a pleasure getting to know you,” Karella said, as soon as Olga arrived. “Gizella will accompany you in case of unexpected eventualities.” Stefan had set his video camera running, even before they rounded the last corner, Andriy was less proficient at setting it up on the move, and so missed Olga interpreting the first few sentences. “I am pleased to encourage you in your efforts towards peace and the removal of corruption in your of country. I am sure that our tiny population cannot really offer much advice to the combined brain-power of a nation as vast as yours, but if there are scholars of good standing who would be better able to assist you in this work if they had access to our archives, then please, let them speak to our Ambassador about getting a research visa.”
“I thank you, your majesty,” Svetlana said.
“And now, as a token of friendship, and in recognition of oaths given, and the hope they will be fulfilled, I give you this.” Karella handed her the small control key for the guillemot. “Guard it well, and may it assist you well, Tsarevna of Imperial Russia.”
“On behalf of myself and my people, I thank you for the friendship and faith this gift represents. For my part, also I freely offer you another title: Empress of the Solar System. Perhaps it is a little early, but no land-folk vessel can compare with the versatility of your Guillemot ships, and as has so often been the case had we but known it, their development means we land-folk truly depend on your love of peace and your forbearance when we act like spoiled children. I ask that you continue to teach us to love peace, wise empress. May your knife ever be sharp.”
“You surprise me, Tsarevna, and surprises are precious. May your knife ever be sharp, young warrior for peace.” She nodded to Gizella, who handed Svetlana a thin metal case with a curtsey. Karella continued, “It is a dainty thing, more suited to one who does not expect to tangle with sharks with no legs, but I assure you it is perfectly effective against those with two, may you never have need of it. The edge is sharper than a scalpel. Stay safe princess, and carry our greetings to your Imperial Father.”
Svetlana bowed her head in acknowledgement of the dismissal, and stepped into the submarine. Olga followed and then Gizella.
Stefan widened the angle of his viewfinder to show the transparent submarine, with the Tsarevna at the controls, disappearing under the water. He wasn't quite sure what he'd just filmed, but he was certain it was going to be important. He bowed to Karella and sped off in search of a network connection. He had a film to submit and a call to make.
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ST PETERSBURG, HALF AN HOUR LATER.
A glowing bird with the proud imperial crest on its wings circled low over the city and settled onto the lawn in front of the palace. Forewarned, the guard of honour had formed up as the door opened, and the Tsarevna stepped out.
There was a small crowd of onlookers outside the gate — including a number of reporters. The only crew with three camera men was that with Vladimir Vladimirovitch speaking in awed tones about what this could all mean. One camera was on him, another was pointed at the front door of the palace, and the third was following the Tsarevna as she walked confidently across the lawn, flanked by her lady in waiting and, a little way behind, a mermaid.
It was a relatively warm afternoon in St Petersburg for the time of year, with the temperature only two degrees below freezing. But still, the soldiers in their formal uniforms were glad they had woolen coats, and were surprised to see the mermaid was just wearing a light cotton blouse.
Two doormen opened the palace doors just as the Tsarevna approached and the Tsar welcomed his daughter, and stood at the microphone.
“My foolish son sought to take from the Mer by force a lesser vessel than my daughter has received as a gift of friendship. My son overstepped his authority and brought shame upon our great nation and international outrage against us. My daughter brings our nation international respect and the first peace-submarine. I fear war when I listen to my son's plans. Not war to defend ourselves, but war because my ignorant son seems to be too weak to know any other language. My daughter has vowed herself to follow the way of peace as much as it depends on her. Of course war may come, and the gift-knife I see she now wears as an amulet is surely an acknowledgement that sometimes peace must be won through strength of spirit and the shedding of blood. I am proud of my daughter's steel and spirit, and ashamed of my son's belief that steel is all one needs. Thus it is that I have just signed the decree that removes my son from the line of succession; just as he is no longer a general of the armed forces, so he will never rule.
He and his family will retain their other titles and present lodgings, but the burden of the imperial crown, the royal estates and palaces shall be my daughter's to care for once I am gone. I bestow on her the title of crown princess of the Russian empire. Let all who oppose her quake in fear.”
Svetlana briefly thanked her father for all the lessons he had taught her and then beckoned Gizella to the microphone.
“Noble Tsar, crown princess, thank you for letting me be here today. On behalf of the Mer people and our queen, I call upon God most wise to give you wisdom and understanding, clarity of thought and strength of purpose to carry out all he lays upon your heart and discernment to reject all the schemes of the evil one.” Her accent wasn't fantastic, but Svetlana was privately amazed. Gizella had only started learning Russian with Yelena a few months ago. Gizella finished, saying “May your rules be long and prosper your great nation in peace.”
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BERN UNIVERSITY, SWITZERLAND, 6PM, WEDNESDAY 8TH JAN 2278
Rudolph watched the news broadcast, seeing Svetlana becoming heir to the throne of the world's largest country. He'd spoken to his mother briefly about Atlantis and he'd said that he had met a princess who had become a friend, and yes, given time it might become more than friendship. But from... what? — fear or reticence? He wasn't sure — he'd not actually named Svetlana or Russia. All he'd said was that she was a Christian and no, she wasn't a due to inherit a throne. He called home.
“Mother, are you watching the news?”
“About Russia? Interesting, I imagine that'll change the international situation rather a lot.”
“Probably. But that's her.”
“Your new friend?”
“Yes.”
“I did wonder who you'd met. So... the crown princess of Russia? On behalf of our small nation, please don't upset her.”
“I'll try not to.”
“And you're going to St Petersburg in September.”
“She's due to be taking the same course as me.”
“So, you'll have lots of time to talk.”
“Nine months is a very long time in politics.”
“What are you planning to do then?”
“Panic?” He suggested.
“Not usually a good solution, Rudolph.”
“I urm, guess I'd better congratulate her, or commiserate.”
“Just don't call her while she's talking to her father, or on T.V. or something.”
“Do you think I should write?”
“I expect so, yes.”
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MESSAGE TO HER IMPERIAL HIGHNESS TSAREVNA SVETLANA, VIA OLGA, FROM RUDOLPH, 7PM 8TH JAN, 2278
Dear Tsarevna,
I saw you on the news just now. Wow! Crown princess! So, can I make a guess what you were busy with during the mornings? Learning to pilot a space-going submarine, by any chance? I'm wondering why you didn't tell me, oh. No I'm not. You couldn't tell, could you, without preempting your Imperial Father? Do I offer you congratulations, or commiserations? I imagine your future (and present?) work-load will now increase by an order of magnitude or two. But I do think you'll make an excellent ruler. I'll admit I'm probably getting biased about that though. And I'm kicking myself for not being faster at writing.
I presume you don't know what was planned for the first evening back to the university, do you? We had a 'what did you do over Christmas' discussion at the Christian union. Anelie said she'd had a lovely time visiting Atlantis and watching me falling head over heals in love with a beautiful foreign princess. What was I supposed to say when someone announces that? I wasn't sure. I sort of felt like shocking everyone and agreeing, but I don't think it was true. Not yet anyway, not head over heels. So, I actually said was I wouldn't quite put it like that, and hadn't planned to say anything, but yes, I'd made friends with a beautiful foreign princess, and God knows better than us where that friendship will go. Two of the young ladies on my list were there, and were among those who congratulated me on finally finding someone I liked who liked me back — I guess I must have managed to give them no hint at all I was interested in them before Christmas, or if they did they were saying they didn't reciprocate the feeling. I don't know, but I think they've crossed themselves off the list while you're on it, unless I really push. And I don't want to. I've also heard that the third one has been spending a lot of the Christmas break in the company of the vice-president of the C.U. I'm not surprised, they've both been thinking of long-term missions work. So, the 'common knowledge' among my friends at the C.U. is that I'm falling in love with you, and not interested in anyone else. They're a perceptive bunch, and I think they are probably right. What a time to work it out, now we're so far apart! I certainly miss you. I was going to write this last night, but my assignment took too long and then I got chatting. What a poor excuse, I'm sorry. I thought a day's delay wouldn't hurt and would let me think about what to say more, rather than just ramble on like this. But it probably does hurt, doesn't it? I'm sure there'll be a massive queue of well-connected suitors knocking at your father's door now, so this little out-pouring of hope and longing doesn't really help much, does it?
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
I'm very glad that Anelie didn't say your name — I certainly didn't — so no one here knows who 'Rudolph's princess' (as they call you) is, except the group and mother. I won't be so selfish as to ask what your changed status does to our friendship. I presume you knew what was going to happen, after all, and that things between us very much depend on your father and politics still. Oh how I wish they didn't!
You training for the submarine must have meant you knew, and the Mer, too, I presume. Was it all pre-arranged or was there any uncertainty? Oh, and how have your brother and his wife taken it? Was it all a surprise to them? I really hope they don't blame you for your father's decision. You said you had a nephew and niece; where do they fit in the succession now? Are they excluded too? You were careful to say that you'd applied to the university, not that you were going. Does this change in your station affect that too? Princess, I hope the pressures of your position don't weigh you down. You're in my prayers; very very often. I'm glad that God doesn't get bored of listening to us prattle on about people we care for and miss. I don't suppose the Mer have a time machine hidden away do they? I want it to be September.
Rudolph
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MESSAGE TO H.R.H. PRINCE RUDOLPH OF THE HELVETIC CONFEDERATION, FROM OLGA, 7.30PM BERN TIME 11.30PM ST PETERSBURG TIME
Your Highness,
My mistress was, I believe, deeply touched by your letter. It's not my place to ask about the content of messages but she did seem quite happy, I asked if it was good news. She has requested I write to you to say she is very pleased to learn that she has no need to fight off any rivals, and to ask you to reply immediately about weekend plans you might have which she couldn't gate-crash, both this weekend and anything else over the next few months. She will write herself when time, and sleep allow.
Olga
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MESSAGE TO PRINCE RUDOLPH OF THE HELVETIC CONFEDERATION, VIA OLGA, 7AM ST PETERSBURG TIME, 9TH JAN
Hi Rudolph!
I've read Olga's note to you 'quite happy' indeed! Very professionally discrete of her. I'll tell you what I actually did when we meet. Maybe. Thank you so much for sending your diary. Your mother should be getting a visit from the imperial ambassador in the next day or two to discuss my making some informal visits. Please could you enquire if there'd be space on your March C.U. retreat for two extras? Titles aside (please don't mention them), technically speaking I'm a newly converted Christian on her gap year, who speaks intermediate English and understands quite a lot of German. I'd probably bring Krista who is a fluent German-speaking Christian, studying law. I think the theme is very relevant, which is why I'm begging to come. Krista and I can either share a room or make our own arrangements (i.e. sleep in the guillemot at some sensible altitude or depth to avoid anyone getting too curious).
On to the changes, you're right of course that it wasn't a surprise, but my father has been known to change his mind between discussing it privately and the final announcement. You ask about my niece and nephew; they are currently second and third in line, but any descendants I have will have priority. Mother says my brother and his family were told they could have some unpleasant news in person or stay away and hear it on the news. They stayed away, but there had probably been rumours. My brother wrote me a letter yesterday morning saying 'I hear you're coming home by submarine. If so, someone should give Koschev a medal, hope you can stand the pressure better than I could.' I think that means he's happy not to be heir. Quite what my sister-in-law thinks, I don't know.
Now... what the changes do to our friendship. I tried to be careful to talk about things that would change if my Imperial Father made the decision he did by prefacing them with 'as fourth in line'. Anything not prefixed holds true — yes, I still want to be educated. So, the big one: my father will not veto my choices about friend, boyfriend, or husband unless my choices are insane. You're not, are you?
Other change is I can travel, as long as my Imperial Father does not want me as pilot. He probably will on some trips, but under the terms of the submarine I can't take him somewhere where less peace will be the result. Another change is that sometime, I'll be going to Mars as a diplomatic thing. I'm guessing that'll be towards the summer, just in terms of sorting out the politics, but it might be sooner. Do you have any exams when it would be good if I'm not around distracting you? Anyway.. 4 hour time difference, so I hope you are soundly asleep and haven't set your wrist unit to wake you up when you get a message.
Svetlana.
(I may call myself that, but you shouldn't at this stage in our friendship.)
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Dear Tsarevna,
I wonder when it might be appropriate to call you by your given name, but I suspect I'll learn that at some point in my Russian classes. I don't think I'm insane, but I've certainly been preoccupied, thinking about the implicit promise that I'll be seeing you far more often between now and September than I dreamed to hope.
How long do you expect to be away on the Mars trip? That sounds like a long long trip.
Mid-term exams are the first week of Feb, but they're just to give us an idea about what university exams are like, apparently. They count something like one percent towards my final exam results. My proper end of term exams are the last week of the summer term — i.e. end of June. We have one week of full study leave before then.
Her Majesty my mother says she did indeed get a visit from the ambassador. He seems keen that your coming be a full state visit, tied in with some kind of trade agreement. Is that his own thought? It didn't sound like yours.
Regarding the Christian union retreat... the initial response was 'we can't just have people turning up who've never been to even one main meeting, and we'll never see again.' I said that might be tricky for you, because of travel, but I'd ask. I'm not sure if it said in my diary that I sent you, but main meetings are Friday 7-9pm, normally followed by some kind of social event. I am confused about how you're planning to get to the retreat without your title if you're going to be sleeping in the guillemot. He didn't say there was no space, but didn't say there was, either.
The second response was 'you said this is someone you met in Atlantis? How many people did you talk to there? Are we talking about your foreign princess? Why is who she is such a big secret?' I answered that I'd lost count of how many people I'd met in Atlantis, but I could look it up if he really wanted to know, and that I expected the average foreign princesses doesn't necessarily want her names dragged into the press and her privacy invaded just because someone says I've fallen in love with her. And I'd ask the people who were enquiring if it was possible for them to visit our main meetings occasionally, and if it couldn't be before-hand to apply in person, what their full names were and who to put in as a contact in case of accident.
Thus, I hope I left it all vague without lying.
So, question one, do you think you and Krista might be able to turn up to a meeting? Question two, do you want to do so somewhat incognito? Question three, how long can we keep each others names out of the press? Question four, if our names are associated with each other, how does that affect you being being a normal student in September. Or do we just throttle Anelie for spreading gossip and make her swear everyone to silence?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions,
Rudolph.
(you can call me this!)
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CAPITAL OF THE FEDERAL KINGDOM, NOT FAR FROM U.N. H.Q., JAN 15TH
“Delilah, when I was in Atlantis, I got given a message for you, to deliver in person.” Deborah said to the princess.
“Let me guess, I don't get a submarine?”
“That was not the message, and it wasn't actually from any of the Mer. It was from someone with the gift.”
“And they just up and told you that, did they?”
“I've had a number of conversations with them, over the years. I assume you know I am truthsayer to my honourable cousin, after all.”
“I wondered if you'd admit that.”
“It shouldn't be published, but it's an open secret. The message is that your assumptions are incorrect, and divorce would be a big mistake. She didn't tell me more.”
“Bit late for that bit of advice,” Delilah said. It wasn't like she didn't like her husband. He just couldn't give her a child. She added, “the papers are in.”
“Don't you have a period in which you can withdraw the papers?”
“No one ever does.”
“So, set a new trend. I do it all the time. I don't understand. You seemed to getting on well together last night.”
“He can't give me a child. I want a child, need a child. My country needs me to have one.”
“She told me your assumptions are wrong.”
“Wrong that I can't inherit without an heir? That's the law here, woman.”
“Maybe the other one.”
“We've had tests, done the whole cycle of crystals and palm readings and everything. It's not going to work.”
“Perhaps you should trust God rather than evil spirits and charlatans?” Deborah suggested.
“You sound just like my brother. There's no such thing as an evil spirit.”
“Tell that to the soldier my mother-in-law tossed like a rag doll when she was coming at me with a knife.”
“When was that?”
“The night of my engagement.”
“And she got drunk?”
“No, she was perfectly sober and apologetic after I'd cast the demon out of her in the name of Jesus. Before-hand, she'd been trying to skewer me with a carving knife, injuring solders and screaming blasphemies. Absolutely terrifying, I didn't get much sleep that night, I assure you.”
“Why did you have soldiers with you?”
“Adam's parents were nominal Muslims, getting engaged to me meant that their son was never going to change his mind about becoming a Christian, so they banned him from the house. But they didn't ban me. I went to get his things and my honourable cousin lent me some soldiers to be removal men and body guards at the same time. He also came to see if they could be reasoned with, so he saw everything too, if you want another witness.”
“And you think your God can give me a child?”
“I was told your assumptions are wrong, having heard you speaking I think that means your husband can give you a child, and that you ought to be avoiding people who dabble in magic like the plague. I'm not going to promise you a miracle if you give your life to God, but if you need a miracle rather than patience then God is the one you should be turning to, not mystical ceremonies. Don't judge real Christians by your brother, by the way. I'm not convinced he is one.”
“But you are.”
“I'm a sinner saved by God's mercy, yes.”
“Will you pray for me?”
“Of course. Father God, Delilah's made some bad decisions, and turned to false religions who have filled her ears with their poisonous lies. Help her turn away from that towards you. Cleanse her from every influence of their lies and from the powers of evil, I pray, and help her trust in you. I pray for Delilah and her husband, that they may be united until death separates them, and that they will let you become the rock their marriage is based on. You know the things Delilah fears and the things her heart yearns for. Enable her to turn to you, Lord, and to bring those things to you.”
Delilah looked at her curiously, “You didn't ask for me to get pregnant.”
“No. I prayed for more important things.”
“Oh all right, I'll give your God a try.” Delilah said, resignedly.
“No,” Deborah said.
“Pardon?”
“You don't 'give God a try' Delilah. If you become a Christian it's the biggest decision of your life, and you need to count the cost before you start on that path. You are asking the ruler of the universe to come and live in your heart. He's not too proud to enter a place which is dirty, but you need to be willing to let him help you clean it up to his standards. You can't keep on flitting from one thing to another. You can't make getting pregnant the sole centre of your life. If God is in charge, then God is in charge, and if you hang on to unhelpful attitudes then perhaps God will make you wait until you think you're in menopause before you become a mother. Perhaps he'll wait until you're begging him every night to break you of your pride and arrogance that you think you can dictate the way your life goes. The Bible says you are an enemy of God at the moment, Delilah. First you need to surrender; you need to learn you don't dictate the terms, and let God be in charge of your life; then, you need to spend the rest of your life learning about living under God's authority, and putting to death your old attitudes that say 'me, me, me', or 'I'm right, I'm right, I'm right'. It's going to be hard. But I'd say it's worth it, not just eternally, but here on Earth too.”
“Not just eternally,” Delilah pondered, “My little brother would be upset if you said that in his hearing.”
“I expect so. It's backwards, we should count eternal blessings as far more valuable than anything in this life. But I meant, I'm sure you've heard about how wonderful eternal life is going to be, and it's easy to say 'sounds nice, how nice for you to have that dream,' and so on. But eternal life begins the moment you commit yourself to God and start to get to know Him. There's no way I'd have been able to face that demon without God, there's no way I'd be able to do lots of things I do without God. But he's with me.”
“Today, I woke up thinking, oh great, here I am, excluded from the succession, but dad still wants me to meet yet another new person who can look down their noses at me and my miserable life. You haven't done that. Thank you.”
“Can I ask, why are you excluded from the succession? No one's ever explained that to me.”
“Old law, intended to stop the old show-business 'loving marriage' for two years followed by an acrimonious divorce thing. Get a divorce, and you're out of the line of succession, until you can stay with a spouse five years, have a child, and enough politicians have petitioned the crown to get you back. Get a divorce when there's a child and you're out for good.”
“And you've been with your husband almost five years?”
“Yes, and if anything I love Kyle more than when we married, but we've been trying all these years, and I'd lost hope. I like you, Deborah, and you've given me back a bit of hope. Will you come and visit again?”
“I'm sure I can arrange it, if you want me to.”
“Normally people say things like 'I don't plan my time,' and that sort of thing.”
“Well, that's why I've got a space-submarine, isn't it? So I can visit friends easily.”
“Will you talk to Kyle? About your God?”
“Of course. Actually, I've got an idea. I heard there ought to be a good display of the Northern Lights tonight, and I've always wanted to see them. Are you and Kyle free to accompany me and Adam on a little trip North?”
“Like, a double date, you mean?”
“Yes. A double date to discuss God, while looking at some of his beautiful creation, and if you like, spending a bit of time star-gazing from above the atmosphere.”
“Weightless?”
“I suppose we could, I was just thinking of parking a hundred kilometres up, or so, and watching the stars go by for a bit. Beds and transparent ceiling provided, so you won't get a sore neck.”
“Sounds a pleasant way of star gazing.”
“Quite romantic, too,” Deborah added. “Sound insulation on the spaceship is unfortunately rubbish, but we ought to be able to get you home by whatever time you like.”
“I'll talk to Kyle. But first, I need to retract some divorce papers.”