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+--- Thread: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff (/showthread.php?tid=95678)
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Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - Zelot - 03-18-2013
The old man slowly walked through his aging villa. Walking staff in hand, he was checking a list of things in his mind. It had been over a year since he had done anything but sit alone, deep in meditation. The former leader of the Brotherhood had become merely a ghost to all but his closest confidants. The cancer that had ravaged his body had gone into remission, though the damage to his physical shell had been done. He could only walk slowly, and while he was trying to rehab his strength, he did not know if he would ever sit in the cockpit of a Titan again. Thus, he was quite happy when he received word from El Presidente, asking if he would host the Pontiff at the Sephardi Villa. Miguel Sephardi was if nothing else, a student of history, and he revered the historical line and power that the Pontiff represented. He knew the power of bringing the Pontiff into the Spanish realm once again. He knew what it could do for his people. "Once a diplomat, always a diplomat" he thought lightly to himself. Sephardi had several servants working on preparing the East Wing of the Villa for his guests. One by one they would find him wandering the wing and report on these preparations. Miguel knew all would be ready, he had the highest confidence in his people, as always, and his wandering was not out of a sense that things needed to be checked, but as one gets older, it is important to keep moving, and that's what the old man was doing, at his own slow pace, he was keeping his body working.
Finally the last tasks had been completed, the Villa was ready for it's guests. 17 suites had been readied, he had brought in more chefs from the Brotherhood garrison from nearby, as well as more valets and other staff that would be needed for the guests. This would be the largest event the Sephardi Villa had hosted in over a hundred years, and Miguel intended to make sure everything went well. But with all the preparations done, all that was left to do was wait for his guests to arrive.
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - McKarnigan - 03-18-2013
Juan Felipe looked at the vast space from the window of the empty control room of the Magallanes, in four hours they are going reach the orbit of Crete, he had 16 hours without sleep, preparing every detail of the safety of the visit, organizing the equip and discipline of the Guard, they must luck perfect, had to give image.
-Lord, said a female voice behind him, everything in order, retire to rest, you look tired.
Behind him was a young woman with brown hair in a bun hairstyle, with a face that conveyed hope and joy to anyone who looked.
That closeness was something bothers he, but avoid being noticed.
-Do not worry daughter, back out, I still I have things to do.
-But ... she said.
-That's an order!.
-Su voluntad!, She turned and walked out the access hatch.
Juan sat in the chair, suddenly he fell tired, the mission entrusted to him was large and hard, and was no longer a young and arrogant boy.
-No!, he said to himself, i will fulfill my mission, and if cost me my life, better, I will die with glory and honor.
He pressed the intercom button.
-His Holiness, we will arrive in four hours.
Doubts and fatigue seemed to disappear, and was returning to feel the excitement of duty.
Tighten the communicator again, this time to talk to his valet.
-Prepare my armor, clean it, I want to see my face reflected in it.
-Su voluntad!, Said a voice from the speaker.
Tomorrow would be an important day, and Juan was ready.
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - Semir Gerkhan - 03-19-2013
--His Holiness, we will arrive in four hours.
The metallic voice of Maestre de Alba resonated on the intercom around the room, startling Jacinto Benavente. The Pontiff was kneeling before an icon representing Deux Machina, the Human Eye surrounded by Four Gears.
He had been talking to the Divine Giver for hours, totally absorbed by the enthusiasm of their prayers, and he hadn't noticed the passage of time.
Exhausted, he rose from the ground with difficulty, leaning on the wall covered with high quality wood. He suppressed a cry of pain when his knee creaked unpleasantly.
--Oh, Deux... --he whispered-- ...give me the courage to honor your Greatness.
He was an old man, even though his aspect doesn't betray him. His body, externally looked about 50 years old, thanks to the effects of 20 years in Cryostasis, but internally had the infirmities of a man of 70 years.
Once standing, Jacinto looked around watching the small room. It was built with style and good materials, but nothing luxurious. Juan de Alba had offered him a much larger room but he had refused. Currently, he had no more needs than a good bed, a desk and chair, apart from the sacred image of Deux before which so often prayed. He sat in the chair and looked at his face reflected in the mirror on the wall above the table.
Who was he? Why Deux had chosen him? Until recently he didn't even know almost nothing about the faith of Deux. He knew it, of course, like almost everyone in Crete, but its followers were few, just a few thousand. Furthermore, cult Deux was not exactly an open religion, rather it his acolytes practiced it in a very private. Why the Divine Benefactor had elected him, having been able to choose one of those who participated in Faith of Deux long time ago? That, He had not revealed to him, and Jacinto had not ventured to ask.
Now, 20 years later, he was coming home again, to Crete. The closeness to the dear patria filled his heart with joy. But now he was not returning as a Corsair, but as a religious leader of an ancient Faith that should come out of hiding, to spread and proclaim the Message of unity and harmony that had been entrusted. After centuries without a leader, the Covenant Church again has who will sit on the Timeless Throne.
He imagined the rejoicing of the followers of Deux in Crete. Now they had a guide, a light to mark the way. He could not disappoint them. In the future he should ask the Corsair Council of Elders, permission to begin the construction of a temple, and ordain priests of Faith to practice the sacred rituals on it.
But that would be within a time. The Council of Elders had not even given official acceptance of his stay in the territory of the Imperio. Only through the intervention of señor Elder Juanez, "El Presidente", and the generosity of señor Miguel Sephardi, who had offered his own home to welcome him, could he be able to return to Crete to make the Divine Work that had been assigned. The Covenant Church owed much to these two persons, and Jacinto prayed constantly for their souls, so that the blessings of Deux fall on them. He should show maximum respect for the corsair authorities, because after all, now, although he was coming back to home, he was a guest. At least until his situation was regularized by the laws of the Imperio.
A knock at the door pulled him out of his deep thoughts.
--Come in --he said, standing up.
The door opened, and came inside a Pontifical Guard Sergeant. He was carrying an complete assault combat armor mk II, adorned with the pontifical symbols.
--Su Santidad, --he said respectfully, with the voice distorted by the helmet-- The Field Maestre sends me to inform Your Holiness that in an hour will enter the planet Crete's orbit.
--Thank you, hijo mío, I will begin to prepare at once. --answered the Pontiff, with a sincere smile-- You may leave.
--Su Voluntad. --said the guard, retiring.
An hour! How could he have gone so fast the time? That was happening a lot ultimately. Must be the age ... maybe.
The Pontiff pressed a button, and in a moment three priests appeared in the room. Two of them took ceremoniously the pontifical vestments of a closet and helped Jacinto to put them while singing ritual chants. The third perfumed the room with a silver censer. They put him the white chasuble, over which planted a blood red stole, and in his head, the white miter. Finally, of a small box, they took out the Gear Ring, made of titanium, which symbolizes the strength of the Covenant, and the memory of the Gift of Deux.
They had barely finished dressing him, when the door was knocked and Juan de Alba entered, her head bowed in respect signal. Paolus LXIV looked at him and gestured for him to speak.
--Señor, we are already a few minutes from the orbit of Crete, is Your Holiness ready?
--I'm ready, if Deux wants.
--Then my Lord, please follow me to the great hall, which the Guard formed awaits you.
Jacinto nodded and left the room behind his loyal Maestre, walking the ship halls to reach the large main room, where a the whole entourage and a contingent of the Guard was waiting, dressed in battle armors and armed with laser rifles. When the soldiers saw the Pontiff, stood at attention and presented their weapons, with steel discipline.
--At ease guards! --ordered Juan de Alba, and soldiers returned to their initial position.
The Maestre turned to the Pontiff and spoke again, lowering his voice and changing the severity for reverence.
--Your Holiness, the Magallanes is going to dock at Crete's mooring fixture, I need to go to command bridge to perform the operation. I beg you to stay here with the Guard and the entourage until we have finished.
--Of course Maestre. Go and do your job, Divine Giver be with you.
Juan de Alba made a slight inclination and left the hall on his way to the command room. Paolus LXIV was alone with his entourage, his soldiers and his thoughts. That would be a great day. That day would be the first of a new era that would end up changing the fate of mankind. Or at least that's what he expected.
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - McKarnigan - 03-19-2013
-De acuerdo, all ready, mantend calm and composure. He told those present in the control room, remember, carry unloaded guns ... and whoever of you cause an incident with our hosts will be punished with ten lashes.
-Su voluntad!, Responded in unison all pikeman and crew members present.
Juan looked like a giant with its imposing black armor and helmet topped with a red plume.
Open Transmission with the planet Crete.
-This is the NCC ship Magallanes bring on board his holiness Paolus LXIV, request permission to dock.
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - Zelot - 03-20-2013
Miguel stood outside the Villa, close to the landing pad. With him were detachment of Brotherhood troops from the nearby garrison. Miguel had been informed that his honored guests would be arriving shortly. Everything was in order, food, rooms and other assorted items had been well orginized by his vallet. The old man wondered if El Presidente would be making an appearence. It had been some time since he had seen his young mentee. Everything was ready, now he just had to wait.
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - Semir Gerkhan - 03-22-2013
Paolus LXIV thanked to Deux when the shuttle that had collected them in the mooring fixture slowed the speed, indicating that the landing was close. Probably the man behind the controls was a great fighter pilot, which would have saved their lives if they were under attack, but certainly it could ensure that he did not know pilot a shuttle full of people in its cargo.
The Pontiff looked around. Sitting in the seats beside him, were 10 members of the entourage and 20 guards, with the Master of Alba in the lead. Alba's eyes were closed and he seemed to be busy in deep thoughts, totally indifferent to the abrupt movements of the ship.
The ship stabilized itself, and finally landed slowly. The red light shining in a light bulb over the cargo door, turned green. Paolus unbuckled his belt that tied him to the seat, and stood up.
--Well, here we go. --he said, looking at Juan de Alba-- Deux is with us.
The cargo door began to open slowly and green daylight sneaks inside, illuminating everything and rivaling with halogen tubes. Paolus blinked, blinded. The 20 soldiers of the Guard descended outside, and formed in line next to the shuttle
--It's time, sir. --The Maestre announced.
Paolus nodded and lowered the ramp slowly, and as he touched the ground, knelt, and with a sincere smile kissed the asphalt.
--Thank You, oh Divine Giver, --he whispered with tears in his eyes-- for considering me worthy of carrying Your Message. Give me the strength to keep up with Your Glory. Thanks for bringing me home again.
After doing this, he rose and looked forward. Beyond landing pad, and before his guards, he saw a platoon of the Brotherhood armed men. Leading them, an old man, but in which he looked indestructible force of character and high proud, was waiting patiently, watching him.
The Pontiff took a few steps, followed at reasonable distance by Juan de Alba and the entourage, until stand in front of the man.
--You must be señor Miguel Sephardi, my generous host. --Paolus spoke, displaying a warm smile-- It's really an honor for me and for all the components of my Church, staying in your properties.
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - Zelot - 03-31-2013
"Your Holiness" Miguel said with a slight bowing of his head. "It is an honor to have you here. This is Villa Sephardi, let me show you around a bit." The old man said, with a quick wave of his walking staff, the platoon began to scatter to their assigned security positions. Five of the soldiers stayed behind, obviously providing close protection for the old man.
"Please follow me" he said, slowly making his way up the stone stairs that led from the shuttle pad toward the large home. This villa was built by my great, great, great, great grandfather, Shimon Sephardi some 400 years ago. He built this home as the crown in what had become one of the largest contraband and transport clans on Crete. Through the years, the Sephardi have been pirates, transporters, officers, Elders, and guards for the the Corsair Empire."
Getting to the top of the stairs, Miguel come to a stop and pointed his staff at the large house. "The Villa Sephardi consists of three buildings. They were connected about 200 years ago" Pointing to the east, he indicated a large section of the house. "That is Nueve Sephardi or the North Wing. It is the oldest building of the three, being the original house of Villa Sephardi. It consists of 18 rooms, including two kitchens, two grand dining rooms, a solarium and a green house." Pointing to another more central building, he said, "That is Bait Ha'Sephardi, it is the central gathering point for the Sephardi famillia. This part of the complex is off limits to you and your men. My apologies, but this building holds the Sephardi tomb, as well as our relics." Pointing to the east Sephardi held at the last large building. "That is the Creatian House, or the East Wing, it is where you and your men will be staying. The four story building contains fifteen suites, a Library, a spa, a massive kitchen as well as a dining area for up to five hundred people. It is the guesthouse of Villa Sephardi and I am sure will suit all your needs and those of your men. The staff has instructions to take care of any requests you may have." The old man waved over a a young man. "This is Paulo, he is the general manager of the Creatian House, and he will be there for anything while you are here."
Miguel Sephardi took a few steps and turned back to the Pontiff. "Your Grace, I will let you get settled in. I hope you will join me for dinner this evening in my garden. I think we may have many things to discuss."
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - Semir Gerkhan - 04-01-2013
After the old gentleman took leave politely, Paolus was conducted to the Creatian House by Paulo, the manager. A small escort of corsairs soldiers accompanied them to the entrance, and then retired to the central wing of the villa.
Once inside the mansion, service members helped settle the entourage and the soldiers of the Pontifical Guard, in the many rooms of the house. Paulo himself indicated the Pontiff his chambers, and after making sure that everything was in order, left the room.
Paolus admired the luxury around him. It was a room decorated in Spanish Colonial Style. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and illuminated the stay warmly. A heavy carved wooden door gave access to a sizeable dresser. The bed linen sheets were finest, with costly embroidery, and a canopy allowed isolating the sleeper from outside. All the furniture was old, but perfectly preserved. The floor was of the best rustic ceramic, and was covered with heavy carpets of complex tissues. In the white stucco walls, were hanging tapestries, with old coats of arms embroidered in gold. Paolus carefully looked at. They were very ancient, and no doubt belonged to the Sephardi family.
The Pontiff turned to his three valets, and made a sign. They helped to shed their clothes and kept in the dressing room. Immediately afterwards began to pull out all the possessions of his lord and fanned out across the stay, sorting them and placing them in cabinets and shelves.
Paolus sat on a brown leather sofa and sank in thought. Miguel Sephardi seemed a good man. Just for the generosity he had shown with him, he deserved his respect. But that was all he knew of his host. It was true that Sephardi family in Crete was famous forever. Paolus remembered perfectly that surname, when his years of Corsair, as influential and important family, and the honor of its members was beyond doubt. But the Pontiff also wanted to meet the individual, not just the surname. He was sure that the opportunity he had given to dine with him at night, allow him to know more about Miguel Sephardi, and possibly more about how things were in the Corsair Empire, on which he knew nothing since 20 years.
Someone knocked on the door and appeared a Pontifical Guard Alférez, without the helmet. The soldier made a military salute and waited to be allowed to speak.
--Tell me hijo mío, what you want?
--Your Holiness, --he began-- the Field Master sent me to inform you that the place seems safe and that the Guard is covering all accesses. The local garrison of Señor Sephardi does not appear to be creating any obstacle to put our own security in the Creatian House.
--That is something more that we must thank to Señor Sephardi. --said Paolus-- Well, thank you very much Aférez, you can retire. Transmits to the Maestre my congratulations for good work.
--Su Voluntad.
When the guard left, the Pontiff stood up from the sofa with effort and came out to the hall. At the back he saw a servant of Sephardi, and approached him.
Excuse me, --Paolus asked, kindly-- can you tell me where the chapel? I would pray for a while in meditation.
--Of course sir, --he answered-- we have prepared a room right next to your chamber and the men of your entourage have already brought the objects of your cult. If you have the goodness to follow me I will lead you there.
The servant accompanied the Pontiff to a door near his bedroom, and showed it.
--It's here, señor. I will not go into it to not profane with my presence, as I'm not a follower of the religion of Deux.
--That's very considerate, amigo mío, but your presence will not profane this room. --Paolus smiled-- We are all human brothers and Deux loves us all equally. Deux loves us for who we are, not for what we believe.
The servant bowed respectfully, and Paolus entered the room-chapel. It was smaller than his, but do not more was needed. The room was dark and tenuously illuminated by candlelight that someone had carefully scattered all over the place. A kneeler was positioned in front of the symbol of Deux Machina forged in titanium, which was placed on a wooden and marble altar. The silver censer was smoking, hung from the ceiling.
The Pontiff knelt in front of the symbol and humiliated his head. Thanking again for all that he had received, he began to intone a prayer to beg for dinner with Señor Sephardi would go well.
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - McKarnigan - 04-04-2013
"Convey this message to the pontiff", said Juan the soldier behind him.
"His Will". said this, she turned and walked out the door.
The room we had been allocated was as majestic as the rest of the complex.
"Wachouzki Alferez" said through the communicator, "meets the guard in the front yard, I want to address them".
Not had time to answer, he turn off the computer, had other things in mind, recent reports of heavy fighting were in Omicrom Delta and Zeta between nomads and elements of the called Order, bounty hunters and some of the Zoners from Freeport 11.
At half an hour to check holoimages and maps, is dress in her best robes, and came striding into the courtyard.
Appearing all, 50 soldiers were facing the firm and shouted in unison, "without sleep, without rest, eternal wach!"
Juan waved them off and everyone relaxed with gun on his shoulder.
"Guards, today is the first step on a long and dangerous journey, our private lives and not our own, we owe it to the greater good, but we all know that the reward is imperishable, the humandkind sing our names, as if they were saints and martyrs, will be remembered as our service and sacrifice to achieve what we have been given by Deux".
Everyone shouted in unison, "Su Voluntad! Su Voluntad! Su Voluntad!"
With a smile and a slight movement of the command baton silence them.
"Well, today, I entrust the life of the Pontiff to you, I must return to the Omicrons to support our allies, from today Alferez Wachouzki will command you".
"Alferez" said aloud, "take it".
Containing a smile Wachouzki nodded, "move men", he cry to the men and woman that form the Pontiff personal guard.
"One last thing Alferez, tell to the Pontiff that is approaching his appointment, let me know if he want to be present at the dinner, if not so, i will rest and tomorrow morning i will take a shuttle to meet with our ships in Freeport 9".
Juan stood for a moment staring at the guard leaving the room with a growing pride in his chest.
"They will do a good job", thought for himself
RE: Villa Sephardi - In Preparation for the Pontiff - Semir Gerkhan - 04-10-2013
The Pope continued kneeling before the symbol of Deux, when someone knocked on the door. He had been praying, locked in that chapel-room, since he arrived in the morning, and had stopped only a moment to take the frugal meal that one of his assistants had brought to him.
--Come in --he said.
The Alferez who had visited him in the morning entered the sacred place, and put knee on the ground before the symbol of Deux, bowing his head submissively. Then he stood up and military saluted to Paolus.
--Your Holiness, the Field Maestre wants to warn you of the approaching of dinner time.
The Pontiff looked at his watch, surprised. As always that he was dedicated to praying fervently, time went so fast that he barely noticed. Fortunately he had managed to get many things clear in his conversation with the Divine Giver, and felt much more calm about his upcoming meeting with Miguel Sephardi.
--Of course, now I'm going. --said, leaning heavily on the kneeler.
The Alferez, seeing their efforts, rushed to help him.
--Gracias, hijo mío. --the Pontiff thanked----Deux holds me through your hand.
The soldier sustained Paolus until he could see that was still standing by himself.
--One more thing, Santidad. --added-- The Field Maestre asks if you want him to be present at the dinner with you.
--This is not necessary. I have the full assurance that Mr. Sephardi will feel much more comfortable being alone with me.
Paolus left the room and went to his chamber. There, after take a quick shower in the private bathroom to the bedroom had, he opened one of the wardobes of the dresser and pulled out a pristine white robe. He dressed it, and put on leather sandals he took from a trunk where his aides had put their shoes. Like only jewelry, he put the Gear Ring on his finger.
He wanted to present an image of absolute simplicity, without opulence or arrogance. He simply wanted to offer a vision of a man who had no need to hide his soul under the brightness of gold. Besides, it was extremely impolite going to dinner with your host, offering an image of power or prepotency in his own house.
It was already dinner time, but Paolus waited a waited a little longer, to arrive 15 minutes late, like the manners of the Corsairs commanded. Then he went into the corridor and walked to the main hall, where Paulo, the manager of Creatian House, was waiting him with a couple of Corsair soldiers.
--Your Holiness, --asked the manager-- if you have the goodness to follow me I will take you to Señor Sephardi.
The group left the Creatian House and walked down the grass plain that extended before the three buildings that composed the Villa, towards the central building, Bait Ha'Sephardi. Paolus remembered that his host had explained the three buildings were connected together, but for some reason they were taking him by the outside. The two soldiers were kept at a distance, making their presence felt but without it seems they were watching the Pontiff.
When they reached the front door, they entered the building, and Paolus was led through some corridors to an arcade with glass doors that were open. When crossing, the Pontiff has found in the private garden of the house. Miguel Sephardi was there, waiting for him.