Beta : Cyperink
/==/ Chapter Twelve /==/
Nathaniel Arc was tired, as he sat in his chair to the right of the head of the table. Despite being the Magistrate of Ansel, he had never felt right sitting in the chair at the head of the council table. That was his brother's chair, or should have been. With the untimely passing of his brother Jonathon, Nathaniel had to fill the hereditary position the first born Arc had always held. Magistrate of Ansel. While technically head of the government of Ansel, he really didn't hold supreme power. The council of Ansel did the work, he just oversaw, and acted as the chair of all their meetings. He did have some veto powers, but in reality that only meant whatever he chose to not implement, was tabled and reworked to be more palatable. Ansel was a Constitutional Monarchy, and if the current discussion happening around the council chamber were any indication... Ansel was going to become even more so.
Nathaniel was trained as a diplomat, and an administrator. His position had always been to support his older brother when he eventually took up the mantel of magistrate. When Jonathon choose to train as a huntsman, council and his ill father moved to have Nathaniel installed as a regent to his bother. The reasoning was simple. His father was too frail to hold his seat, and there was always an Arc at the head of the council table. So it fell to Nathaniel to fill that position, while his older brother completed his training. The aim had always been for Jonathon to take his rightful, hereditary position upon completion of his schooling. Of course a thirst for adventure, and a need to help kept delaying his return to take up his mantel as head of the council of Ansel.
Nathaniel thought with Jonathon falling for Glynda, his days of adventure would fall away, and in private Jonathon had mentioned that was his desire. To settle with the love of his life, and raise a family while leading serving the populace of Ansel. Then care that ill fated mission. Jonathon was gone, and it was up to Nathaniel to uphold the responsibilities of his family name. The fact was hammered home upon the discovery of his body, or his bones. That had been a shock as was the reveal that Glynda was with child... Jonathon's child.
"Why did you withhold the truth of Jaune's linage?" it was the third time since the Arc family came public with Jaune's true parentage, that all of council was asking this question. This time it just happened to be a mousy haired middle aged woman asking him. Nathaniel had declined to answer the prior times. He had more important measures to take care of, to get council to concede to enacting.
"To protect her, and give her a chance to have a childhood. It was the least I could do for my brother's family." Nathaniel responded, "Can any of you say with certainty that had this information been before you eighteen years ago, that you would have not forced her into training. I did what I thought was best for MY family, and I will not apologize for it."
"While I understand, the need to protect Jaune and her true family history; the fact remains we should have been fully made aware of her existence as Jonathon's sole heir." spoke a balding elderly man.
"I agree with my esteemed college." added in a ginger haired rabbit faunus, "All of this time wasted when she could have been groomed to take her place on her 21st birthday."
"The time was not, as you say wasted." Nathaniel cut in, "She has been under instruction since she started her schooling, in the ways of governance. I find it slightly insulting that any of council feel I would neglect my duty to the people of Ansel."
"Seriously doubting, Lord Arc has been negligent in the instruction of Lady Arc. We all know he has publicly declared her his successor, and while I found it odd that he was not announcing his eldest Saphron; I now can concede to the truth of the decision." commented another faunus councillor. Her fox ears standing high and alert on her head, as she glared at the other gathered councillors. "The Arc family has never failed us or the people of Ansel. They continue to sacrifice for our benefit. I also finding it insulting that any of us entertain the notion that Lord and Lady Arc would do such a thing."
Nathaniel nodded to the councillor, in a small show of gratitude. He and Jasmine had struggled, as had Glynda in not only guiding Jaune in her schooling, but balancing it properly, and everything was on track for Jaune to be fully capable to fill her hereditary role. At least until the manifestation of that power. It took almost two months to repair, no rebuild Jaune's room.
"Please, Ladies and Gentlemen. We are getting off topic. While we could spend hours debating the validity of Lord Arc's choices in regards to Lady Arc, we have other matters to discuss." a younger man spoke up, his black hair slicked back and pulled into a wolf's tail. "Since the reveal, there has been a revival of sorts for a motion we had long since tabled."
And there they were. Trying to bring back to life motions that had been tabled years ago. The waves of unrest and suspicion that would be generated, could cause a significant backlash in the direction of Ansel. But then again, Nathaniel would be a moron not to acknowledge the undercurrent that had flowed through the populace.
"Ratifying that motion will be akin to slapping Vale in the face." commented a blonde haired councillor. Her features hinting at being a distant relation to the current Magistrate of Ansel. "But with that said, I agree and move to have discussions on the previously tabled motion of declaring independence from Vale and I would also like to suggest we revisit the motion for reinstatement of the Monarchy as is Ansel's constitutional right."
"I second the motion." offered the rabbit faunus member.
"All in favour?" Nathaniel asked, his blue eyes watching the unanimous rising of hands of the eight assembled council representative. He had silently hoped that, this would not happen."Motion passed."
"Vale will resist." commented the mousy brown haired woman, "While we have the right, and let's be honest we are basically a kingdom in our own right. We have our own laws, our own taxes, a standing military; but we don't have recognition. We can declare all we want, but until the other Kingdoms acknowledge us as a truly sovereign state."
"They can't recognize us, unless we make the declaration." the rabbit faunus member offered.
"And there is no guarantee that even if we do, that they will." responded the mousy haired woman.
"I say to hell with their recognition." the young black haired member spoke up. "We already act as our own kingdom. We have treaties and accords with other settlements, and Menagerie. It's time to stop letting Vale pretend to be in control. We have the economic strength, and can easily remain self sufficient. Vale offers us nothing. They contribute nothing to our existence. They in fact depend on us."
"Huntsmen and Huntresses, is what Vale provides." the fox eared faunus commented.
"And how often has that happened in the last fifty years?" the bald headed member spoke up. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Ansel has a very distinct and proud history. We served the King of Vale. We supported his policies, but we are also distinct from Vale. We have our own culture, and a history that even Vale can not match. We even have standing with in the faunus community for our actions of support during the Faunus Rights Revolution."
"History is all well and good, but without Vale's support, and alliances with Mistral, Atlas and Vacuo; what do we have?" the fox faunus put forward, "We have no CCT Tower. No Academy. Granted we have rarely needed Vale's assistance, but we have had occasions were it was sorely needed."
"We have Menagerie, and agreements of understanding with Atlas and Mistral." The blond haired woman spoke up. "Those agreements can easily be renegotiated and turned into treaties or accords. I am positive that Atlas would more than welcome us having a CCT in exchange..."
"In exchange for having a military presence with in our walls." snapped the mousy haired member. "Atlas would love to have a reason to have military infrastructure on Sanus."
"They have one in Argus." the black haired member.
"That was disputed territory, that Atlas was able to conquer and hold." the mousy haired member retorted.
"Minister Flores you seem to be rather quiet during this discussion. What is your opinion on this matter?" asked the fox eared member.
"I agree with council; we are essentially a kingdom in our own right. The Ansel Self Defence Force is comparable in strength and size to the Atlas Military; add in our own technological advancements with power armour, if Atlas was to make a hostile move against us... a worse case scenario would be Mutual Destruction." Minister Flores answered, "So I see no reason to allow Atlas a minor presence with in our walls to secure and provide upkeep to a CCT. They are already active in a joint venture with our forces in Vale."
"There point proven." spoke up the bald member, "Atlas already sees the importance of working with us; why else would they offer such a sizable force towards protecting Jonathon's heir?"
"Let me remind my honoured colleagues, Ansel was founded on the backs of the Arc family. We have five hundred years of history and culture. We have existed just as long as most of the other kingdoms." spoke the black haired member, "It is high time we recognize the efforts and sacrifices of our founding family by giving them the due recognition they are owed. Restoring the monarchy, and declaring our independence is the least we can do."
"Still the repercussions of such actions." countered the mousy haired member, "It could push us in to open conflict with the other kingdoms; considering our public stance on Menagerie. And before anyone suggests it, I do not wish, nor am I suggesting we go back on our support of Menagerie. Because of our openness and public support we have suffered no hostile actions from the White Fang, unlike the other kingdoms."
"What say you, Lord Arc?" asked the blond haired member.
"You all know as chair I can not act in anyway towards influencing the discussion." Nathaniel replied.
"Indulge us. Give us insight in to how the Arc family would receive this declaration."
"We would accept it humbly, as we serve Ansel and the will of the people under our protection." Nathaniel replied.
"No diplomatic answers Lord Arc. Council deserves the truth." commented the mousy haired councillor.
"The truth... I think council and the people need to really understand what they are planning to do." Nathaniel regarded every member of the assembled council with a steely blue eyed look. "Under our constitution a queen has much more power than my position as magistrate, and though we have done our best to educate Jaune in the duties and responsibilities of her hereditary position... we have not even scratched the surface of what is expected of a queen."
"Explain." came the voice of the blond haired member.
"As Queen, Jaune can dissolve council. Something which is not in my powers, nor do I have the ability to direct Ansel's military forces. Jaune as Queen would have the sovereign right to do that." Nathaniel once again regarded council, "Though she will be limited by the constitution, she will be vested with powers that my position does not have. Able to declare war. Able to dissolve council. She will be above the law. Council needs to consider that."
"Anything else Lord Arc?" asked the black haired member. "Five hundred years of Arc blood and blades have held our lands from all aggressors, these motions will directly impact the role of your family. So disregard tradition this once. What do you say Lord Arc, about council's proposed direction?"
"For twenty generations Ansel has stood as a beacon of safety, and strength." Nathaniel Arc spoke slowly with measured words. "While I hesitate to push my niece into a position of even greater risk and public scrutiny; in the end looking at our history, our struggles and successes... we are a kingdom in all but name. We have been such for close to two hundred years. In the end the Arc family serves the council and the people of Ansel. If it is there desire, their wish... we will support it."
"I see, and agree." offered the bald headed member, "I move to have a referendum."
"What would the questions be?" asked the fox eared member.
"I would suggest two points of consideration. One should Ansel reinstate the Monarchy, giving the Arc family the long overdue recognition for their service and sacrifice." answered the bald member.
"And the second?" asked the mousy member.
"Should Ansel declare itself an independent kingdom, and establish itself as a completely Sovereign territory."
"I second the motion." the black haired member informed the collected members. "Let the people direct and decide; it is only appropriate."
"A motion has been put forward, and seconded. All in favour?" Nathaniel's blue eyes watched the table as hands were raised. "All opposed?"
"There's our answer." the blond haired member nodded as she spoke.
"Motion passed, unanimously." Nathaniel informed the council. "As per our constitution, a sub committee will be established to formulate the questions and initiated the referendum process. If there is no further business..."
/=/
Nathaniel Arc returned to his office upon the closure of the council meeting. It had taken a couple more hours for other business to be concluded. The whole time he was remunerating on the decisions of council that would directly impact his family, and in particular Jaune. While he had no issue with the declaration of kingdom-ship, he was hesitant about the elevation of Jaune from taking the mantel of magistrate to that of a queen. The poor girl was under so much strain as it was. Having her true linage being exposed. Being a host, for the lack of a better term; to that extraordinary power. Add in whatever else that had happened at Beacon. Nathaniel was worried for his niece. The Arcs were a large family, and all the branches shared a few steadfast, unchangeable, nonnegotiable philosophies.
Their word was their bond. Never in the entire history of the Arc lines has a single member, regardless of position or status; ever gone back on a given promise. Even if the attempt to fulfill that promise lead to a highly possible death.
The Arcs served the people of Ansel. Again with no regard to social standing; every Arc in some form or another served Ansel. Be it as an administrator, a defender, or diplomat. Saphron herself served the station as Ansel's representative in Argus. If a person had Arc blood they served, in whatever capacity they could.
The third, family bonds were divine. It didn't matter how far removed a member was from the main line of the Arc family tree. If there was Arc blood in their veins, they could count on the other branches to offer support when in need. It was this principal that Nathaniel was considering as he paced inside his office. A meeting of all the family heads hadn't been called in over five generations; but Nathaniel was considering calling for an Arc Enclave. Jaune would need the guidance and support of the entire family; if the populous of Ansel ratified the motions in question, through popular vote.
Stopping his pacing, he moved to his desk and scooped up his scroll. Opening it, he thumbed the contact for his wife; and opened the chat program. He had more work to do, so he was going to send her a quick message; that they would follow up on with each other when they had their nightly conversation.
"Council is making moves. A referendum has been called. Declaration of Ansel as a separate kingdom, and reestablishment of the monarchy. If this all passes Jaune will be Queen of the kingdom of Ansel. I would like to call an enclave. Talk more tonight, just thought you should be forewarned. Love you."
Closing the app after sending his message, Nathaniel tossed the scroll back on his desk. He took a deep breath, and tried to focus. He knew nothing was set in stone; yet. There was a good chance neither motion would gain any popular traction. Declaring themselves a kingdom was not really an issue. They already for all intensive purposes acting like one. So if the motion passed, it was only a formality. The real issue to him was Jaune becoming a the queen. He was worried, and rightfully so.
/=/
The bleeding off of the residual energies had not gone exactly as planned. In his weakened stat Ozpin was unable to contain or direct the energies properly, leading to the current situation. A situation he was at a loss as how to correct.
"Are you okay?" Glynda asked as she handed Ozpin a steaming mug of coffee. Her normally stern green eyes showing the hints of amusement as Ozpin adjusted the bathrobe that was wrapped around his... her new body. The rapid alteration to his form had been excruciating, and had a disastrous affect on her original clothing; which lay in tatters on the living room floor.
"I'll be fine. How's Jaune?" Ozpin replied in a much higher pitched voice than Glynda was used to.
"Resting. Jade and Vert are watching over her." Glynda replied as she took a seat next to the new Headmistress of Beacon. "Are you..."
"The energies will eventually bleed from me, so I will be fine." she responded, before taking a sip from the mug in her hand.
"Are you sure?"
"To be honest... no I am not.. though it is a small price to pay to make sure Jaune is no longer suffering from my miscalculations." Ozpin took another sip from her mug.
"So what are you going to do?"
"Not much I can do. Beacon still needs to have someone at the helm, especially now that you will be taking your leave."
"I can hold off. Step in until you are back to normal." Glynda offered.
"Thank you for the offer, but you and Jaune need to be with each other." Ozpin took another sip from her mug. "This is not the first time I've been a woman, nor will it be the last, so I will manage... some how."
"I'm serious Ozpin. I can hold off leaving. I owe you and Beacon for so much."
"Glynda..." Ozpin turned to his former Headmistress and combat instructor. "You owe myself and Beacon nothing. I has been an honour and a privilege to work beside you for so long. But the time is right, and you and I both know this... reconnect with your daughter."
"I plan to... but the offer is still there. If you ever need my assistance..."
"I know."
"Okay... so what now?"
"I have to come up with a cover story for Bart and Peter... plus a change of clothes." Ozpin finished her mug of coffee and set it down on the nearby end table. "I can't rightfully conduct Beacon affairs wrapped in a bathrobe."
"Well you are about Jaune's size... she might have something you could borrow... something pink perhaps?"
"Seriously?" Ozpin asked as she looked Glynda square in the eyes and saw the growing gleam of amusement as she rose from her seat beside Ozpin and started to make her way towards the doorway to what Ozpin was assuming was Jaune's room.
"Of course we can't just stop with a dress... nope a proper lady must have her hair done, and be accessorized."
"Glynda?"