27-06-YC123

Yesterday was the wedding of Luna and Franco.  What a beautiful ceremony it was!  Luna, of course, looked absolutely radiant, and Franco was surely the most handsome groom I have seen.  They make such a delightful couple, and it was a true honour to be present.  A most solemn and serious ceremony, in full accordance with the Rite, as might be expected.

The only blot was that idiot Amadin standing up and causing a scene when Brother Theodosius, who I must say was a perfect choice, asked if anyone would voice their objections.  If recall correctly, Amadin was, at one point, a suitor of Luna's, though she seems to have fortunately chosen someone more suited.  Of course, he probably thought it was all very amusing, and Franco did seem to take it as a well-intentioned joke.  Amadin is just lucky that Brother Theodosius did as well, or else the ceremony would have been stopped, and it could very well have quickly turned into a funeral.  I suppose one must expect this sort of foolishness from the middle classes.

The reception was delightful.  The happy couple were such an image of love for their first dance, and I am sure they did not let go of one another's hands all night.  And how popular!  It took quite some time to present them with our gifts; a samovar and tea-set from myself, and two bottles of our vodka from the family.  Sasha presented a matryoshka set we had specially commissioned from an artisan in Nakri; the largest made in the image of Luna, then Franco, then down through Luna's children to the tiniest doll, still unpainted and blank.  A promise of the future.  Ishta had made her gift herself, a most fine piece of jewellery.  I swear that Ishta does not fully appreciate the artistic talent she has!  They seemed pleased with the gifts, and Luna's youngest, Stellarisse and Liam, certainly liked the surprise stash of Nakriian sweets hidden inside the samovar.

It was a pleasant night's mingling with the other guests as well.  Aldrith was there, of course, spending much conversation with Aria.  The poor girl seems terrified of him for some reason, and it is not as though I have ever seen her relaxed even when he is not there.  At least she was wearing something other than black for a change.  She rather suited the green of her dress, even if Charles Schmidt disagreed.  Arline had to leave early.  Apparently Aldrith's boy had gotten into a fight.  Like father, like son, I suppose.

I find myself rather fond of Charles.  He amuses me.  I think it is his attitude, though I cannot think of exactly how to describe it.  It is his wit, that is for certain.  Charles is another one of great artistic talent, although he is very much aware of it.  That said, his fashions are famous for a reason, and I am most tempted to take him up on his idea of having him make something especially for me.  I cannot help but wonder what he would create.

It was not just Aldrith who made Aria nervous.  Here in Nakri it is not unusual for someone, usually many people, to get drunk at a wedding reception.  After all, it is a celebration.  Yet that is precisely it - people are happy drunk.  The majority of people who were inebriated last night, and there were very few that I saw, were happy- even Aldrith was happy! - but one in particular was clearly not.  Che Biko is not a man I know well, and I have not the faintest idea of his connection with Aria, but a connection there is.  It seemed decidedly sinister, as though he were keeping an eye on her.  I have no idea what possessed me to walk up to him and tell him he was better than to skulk drunkenly in a corner, but that is what I did do.  I hope somewhere in his head he listens.  Again, I do not know why.

I wish I had been able to take Valerik, but it is probably a little early to do so.  The next wedding, of course, will be Sasha and Ishta, and I fully intend to take him along to that!

 23-06-YC123

A quiet day yesterday, against expectations.  We had assembled with a number of allies to assist in the defence of a station that has been repeatedly attacked.  Alas, the enemy made no appearance, which was a shame as I think many of us, myself included, were rather looking forward to an engagement.  Nevertheless, it was a change of scenery, as I do not often travel to the Kingdom, and it is not so much important to fight alongside our allies as it is to simply stand with them.

It gave me some inspiration too, if that is the right word.  Now that matters in Nakri have settled down again, notwithstanding Ishta make some foolish move against the Kovals, I should turn my focus to other things.  I would not want the guns on my ships to go rusty, so perhaps they should be trained on the enemy more often.

That said, my mind has been a little preoccupied with less war-like concerns.  True, one of those is Valerik.  I have been thinking of him a lot since our date.  I hope I shall be seeing more of him.  After all, men who can pass the vodka challenge are few and far between.  I have also been thinking about Nakri.  I am so proud of my home and my people.  To see how they rallied together in the face of Nauplius' heresies, and now, in the aftermath, I still cannot believe the recruit figures.  Volunteers have come to all the families, ours included, or to Sarum or any of the other Imperial Forces.  It does go to show that to attack on Nakriian is to attack us all, and we are not a forgiving people once roused to conflict.

Given my position and status, I need to set a better example.

No, that is not correct.  

I need to follow the example of my Nakriian brothers and sisters.

 20-06-YC123

I have just docked from an attack on an enemy station owned by some Tribal Alliance or other.  They sent a fleet in some pathetic attempt to defend it.  They barely had the courage to engage and when even when they did, they were utterly ineffective.  I must admit I was rather flattered when they chose to Primary me, but it was barely enough of an attack for our Logistics ships to break a sweat.  I am grateful, of course, for we could never conduct a battle, let alone a war, without the bravery of Logistics.

It was a pleasure and an honour to fight alongside other valued allies, from a number of different militia forces, and Ohpehk Doshu is a most accomplished Commander.  No kills for me this day, though Aldrith got one. Aldrith was also kind enough to allow me to take command of TES Crusade Guard, a Sacrilege-class, as I have no large vessel of my own near Bosboger.  It did mean a clone-jump to Mehatoor, which I am still recovering from.

I am looking forward to telling Valerik of today's action.  I think he really is interested, and at least this time I have met a man who does not have some sort of concern for the enemy.  I like Valerik.  He is not at all what I expected from an MIO officer, especially one whose business is focused on Nakri.  I have a feeling we shall be seeing much more of each other.

Ishta now has a date for her ceremony.   I know just the gift for her, and speaking of gifts, I need to find one for Lunarisse for her wedding to Franco.  

I wonder if it would be too forward to go with Valerik.

 06-06-YC123

The news is positive of late.  All Imperial systems in the warzone have been liberate from the clutches of the Tribals, and our forces shall now be pushing forwards to drive the enemy back into their holes.  I may even be able to fetch a shuttle that has been lingering in Huola for I do not know how long.

Ishta is to be freed soon, which means that her marriage to Sasha cannot be far away.  I am sure the celebrations shall be magnificent, and a welcome occasion of joy for the people of Nakri.  My sister to be is also close to securing her capsuleer's licence.  I shall be interested to see how her career in that field develops.  It rather encourages me to engage in more productive efforts myself.

I had the most unexpected communication today - a Colonel Sokolov of the Ministry of Internal Order.  Obviously their presence here makes perfect sense, given recent events, and I am reassured that they are here, I just did not expect to be contacted myself by the man now leading investigations; I would have presumed he would wish to speak with Papa.

Even less expected was just what sort of a man Colonel Sokolov is.  Aside from the odd coincidence of him sharing his family name with our Security Chief, though I do not believe them related, his manner was not exactly what I would associate with a MIO officer.  Perhaps the best way to describe his mannerisms and pattern of speech is as relaxed?  He certainly has a confidence about him, which comes as little surprise given the number of awards he had pinned to his chest.  A veteran of a number of engagements, including the Elder Invasion.  He is most certainly an interesting man.  Audacious, too - I can think of no-one who would, apropos of absolutely nothing, suddenly ask me to join him for dinner this very evening at one of Nakri's most exclusive and finest restaurants.  I said yes.

I suppose I had better chose something appropriate to wear.  It promises to be a most entertaining evening.  I am sure we have much to talk about.

 23-May-YC123

The vermin is dealt with, at least for now.

I have no doubt that he will continue to be a plague.  He scuttled away as quickly as he could, but at least he knows now what he faces when he tries to bring his filth to my home, against my family.

It was a glorious sight.  The ships of PIE, Khimi Harar, and the Duchy of Fekhoya were such a marvellous sight.  Truly the Glory of God was present, and, of course, The Eternal Empress.  I commanded her namesake again, the greatest honour I could wish for.

The hunt will continue.  If we cannot catch the King Rat, we shall at least trap his minions.  We already have a few, and with enough persuasion, more shall follow.  A trial is set, which, I must admit, I am rather looking forward to.  I should be quite the entertainment, and justice will most certainly be seen to be done.

The more I think on it, the more I am touched by the presence of Lady Deritan - Ithi - coming to aid us.  She, I feel, is a positive omen for the future.  Not simply the fact that she is entrusting the future of her children to me, but she seems to see, so clearly, the importance of unity in our Empire, and the importance of purging the enemy within.  Yes, I rather think we shall build close ties, her House and mine.

Edward and his mercenaries appeared.  I should have expected it, though it was incredibly annoying.  Not because I am not grateful for their assistance - after all, any enemy of Nauplius is welcome-  but rather because his presence will merely add fuel to the rumours that abound regarding my inviting him in.  True enough, only an idiot can ignore the fact that Nadire are free to travel where they will, and they have as much reason to pursue the heretic as anyone.  Still, idiots have an irritating way of causing problems, and Yassavi is just such a one.  I shall have to watch her, but it may be worth my time working in the background for future eventualities. In the meantime, a small word with the editors of the Nakriskaya Gazeta should limit some of the potential damage.  The people of Nakri need only hear about the important protagonists involved in the action.

And let them have their celebrations, they surely deserve it.  They are a good people, my people. Strong and solid in their Faith, devoted and loyal to their allies.  For myself, however, it is almost immediately back to my duties now that the Prayers of Thanks are done.  So many things to do, so many things to prepare for.

I wonder what it will be like to have children in my life.  Twins! A boy and a girl!  Ithi has chosen the most beautiful name for the girl - Ziniah Tenin, Little Dragon.  A Khanid name, and much as adore it, I think it may have to be a name only spoken by the family.  Their surrogate mother may be Khanid, but if they are to be my children, then such a name shall make little sense to others.  I shall give this some thought.  I do not want them to grow up ignorant of their own heritage, but if people are to believe that which we wish them to believe.

But I should rest, and think on this tomorrow.  I must also remember to arrange Ishta's present.  She also has been through much and deserves some celebration.

 17-May-YC123

I can barely write for the tears flowing from my tears.  Such sweet tears of joy as I cannot ever remember feeling, tasting on my lips.

My beloved fellow Praetorians, pilots of LUMEN, allies galore, all giving so selflessly of themselves to come her, to Nakri, to my home, to cast away the dark shadows that try to twist and corrupt my people, my friends, my family.  Everything that I love, that is so dear and precious to me.

The Chapter Master had organised some Confessor-class vessels, a favourite of mine, and named them for illustrious former Emperors.  I was given - my hands shake so much with the thought of it - the honour of commanding TES Jamyl I!

I swear, swear before God, I could feel Her, sense Her, My Eternal Empress with me, guiding me, Blessing me just as she did on that Darkest of Days.

I can write no more.  I can do nothing but think of how blessed I am, how both She and God must, for reasons I shall never know, be smiling upon me.  I must go to Father Mikhail, to the Chapel, and give Thanks and Praise.

I shall never forget this day.

 17-May-YC123

I went to Tanoo last night, to a Ni-Kunni cultural celebration hosted by Lunarisse and her Uncle.  I cannot deny that it took some effort of willpower to attend.  Not because I do not enjoy things Ni-Kunni, indeed the adorable tea-shop here is one of my favourite places, but rather because I did not know if showing my face in public after all that has happened would be acceptable.  Nonetheless, I went, and I am pleased I did, for it has brought to me a realisation.

There is, despite these dark days, much hope for our Empire.  All those in attendance last night shared, I believe, many things in common, but one thing above all.  It is difficult to put into words, but there was, I truly felt, something there that bound us all together, whether we are conscious of it or not.

There was a feeling of progressiveness.  All there want, I believe, peace and security.

My mind is such a whirl at the moment with everything that is happening, but despite my fears, my anxieties, I was instantly greeted as a friend by all who were there, and it made me realise - I am not any of the things I have been called in these last few days.  I love my Empire, my home, my people.  My detractors can say what they wish, for I know the truth, and so do my friends and comrades.  Proof, if such were needed, is in all those who have come, for whatever reason, to help protect Nakri and her people.  LUMEN, PIE, NADSC - they have come to fight a common threat, and more may indeed have come had they been able.

True, there has been bickering, ruffled feathers, and dented pride, but that, I think, is inevitable in life.  Nor is it the first time.  Witness the efforts by all against the Triglavians, EoM, the blood-stained heretics.  This, surely, is a sign of hope of a better future.  Whilst there will always be clashes, differences of opinion, and those who will spew hatred and bile no matter what.

One of Edward's colleagues wrote to me in response to my words of thanks to them all, a young man by the name of Ferrinn Vuhs.  He wrote of wanting, of needing even, to learn more of Amarrian culture.  I had never thought a support of the Federation would ever care for such a thing, yet he shows such open-mindedness that many of us could, I think, learn from his example.  Not yet so jaded as to see things in simple black and white.  I pray that he does not lose that positive quality, for he, I believe, has the potential to do much good work in New Eden.

I am simply writing for writing's sake, I think, but only I shall ever read this words, so it matters little if there is any sense in them.  I must focus for our Operation later.

I was awarded a medal for my rather tiny, insignificant part in defeating Chakaid over Kahah III.  Medals are symbols, of course, and this, to me, is a symbol of what can be done when we work together.  My thoughts of leaving the Praetorians have been foolish, I think, a mindless reaction of that Unclean Force within that bring me such doubt and pain.  My actions may, perhaps, damage this illustrious institution, and I must be so mindful of what I say and do - in that Ishta is very much correct - but could I ever really forgive myself were I do act so selfishly as to resign?  Would they not be more impacted by the loss of a Paladin, no matter how ineffectual I may be?  I took vows.  I must, I shall abide by them.

Ishta shall be awarded her Capsuleer's licence soon.  She too, stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with open-minded dedication.  But then, is she not Nadezhda?  I have a gift for her.  I should speak with her as soon as I have opportunity.

"Surround yourself with the Faithful.  Stand together, for there is no strength like it under the Heavens." 

I think I finally, fully, understand the true meaning of this passage, after all that has happened.  There is indeed no strength like the Faithful together, even if some of those do not even realise they are Faithful.  As Father Mikhail has said many times, those who do God's Work often do not even know they are doing it.