Disclaimer: I do not own Trinity Blood or its characters.

This is dragging out a bit longer than I expected. Dietrich is still alive, for now… Petros and crew receive their marching orders.


The Trinity Times

Issue 21

UPRISING IN LONDINIUM?

Pope in Danger? Albion Government Denies Allegations

Londinium- The capital of Albion has seen a marked increase in troop presence since the funeral of its late monarch. Westminster has refused to comment on whether they will be voting on the temporary instalment of a military government pending the succession issue. Tension has been increasing in the city due to the uncertainties of the succession. Some Londinium citizens have reported feeling tremors yesterday. No explanation has been offered by the government for them.

Fears are rampant that instigators and insurgents may make use of this period to spread unrest and further their own agendas. The current situation is further compounded by the Pope's visit and hints of Vatican interest in the country. Dukes Erin and Ludwig have offered to send in their armies to restore stability. However, the good councillors of Westminster has turned down their offer stating that accepting it will act against the nation's principles of neutrality and Albionian sovereignty.

The acting Head of Albion Home Security Council stresses that despite an increase in troop movements in the capital, there is no risk of uprising. "There is a little tension in the city, unrelated to the Pope's visit. However, to ensure His Sanctity's safety, we have increased security presence in the city. We have everything under control," Captain Mary Spencer said to reporters during a hastily called press conference. Buckingham Palace, where the Pope is currently housed, is under heavy guard.

Stock Market Spiral

The computer chip stock has dropped by five points in response to unrest in the world's leading chip manufacturing nation, Albion, with possibility of a succession wrangle over the throne. Losses are reported in the related airship and communication stocks. Albion has supplied high tech computer chips and other technology to many industries in Europe. In a surprise move, Ghet-Tech, the world's leading computer chip manufacturer has announced a halt in productions as of yesterday. No explanation was provided by the company. Market analysts speculate that the move may be response to possible unrest in Albion. Many believe that the manufacturer will resume operations after the succession issue has been resolved.


INQUISITION FLEET LEAVES FOR ALBION

Invasion Rumours Abound

Rome- The Inquisition air fleet has left the Holy City in what is possibly the largest military exercise since Cartago. The destination of the fleet is Albion, a nation currently facing imminent unrest. Rumours abound that it may be a precursor to an all-out invasion of Albion. Captain Petros of the Inquisition stressed that the rumours are baseless and without merit. "It is purely a security detail sent to protect His Sanctity in light of the possibility of unrest. We will be working closely with the Albionian Army to quell any unrest. We will not allow any vampire to threaten our pope! We will weed out any treasonous, unholy rebels. My men will utterly crush… Paula! Wait up!"

(The interview comes to an abrupt end as the good captain rushes to catch his flight out of Rome.)


Ask Leon, I mean, Ask Katherina

Well, I have HC-IIIX waiting at the airport to pick up some special dinner guests. I do hope they get here on time. Flights are all delayed or cancelled thanks to some Vatican army manoeuvres… I guess it is up to me to reply your letters.

What do you do when your oh so cute brother hates your guts? How do you cope with it when he tries to kill you, and ruins your organization?
-ContraMundi

Dear Contra

I can relate fully except for the cute part. My brother is far from cute. My brother hates my guts as much as I do his. Beyond reminding myself of the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" constantly, there is little I can do but tolerate his sorry existence.

- Yours, Katherina

Dear Leon

My kid sister has totally blown it this time! My factory has been bombed by her little terrorist buddies and a VIP under my protection missing and possibly kidnapped. I knew I should have had her locked up after finding those semi-auto machine guns in her closet. That aside, the VIP is still missing and my head is on the block, literally. I have been granted a grace period to negotiate with my sister's pals before the council decides to use the good old axe on my neck. Decapitation is fatal even for folks like us. My family name has been utterly disgraced. Should I request for a silver-bullet firing squad for me and my sister? I know it is only a matter of time before that stubborn girl gets caught…

- Really, Really Worried Brother in Albion

Dear Really Worried

My sympathies are with you. Seriously, if that VIP you are referring to is His Sanctity, your family honour will be the least of your worries. If you fail to find your VIP safe and sound, I fear you are looking at a possible genocide carried out by a certain army on orders on this VIP's big brother. Get my drift?

- Yours seriously, Katherina

P.S. If you ever get your sis out of this mess alive, I would like to enjoy a cup of tea with her and discuss how to ruin my brother's life. She seems to have that part pat.

Dear Leon

I really didn't need to know about those women, but thanks for the imagery! insert a lot of sarcasm into that last statement. Can anyone in the Vatican tell me the best way to remove bloodstains from clothing? I had a little incident with a traitor and a double-bladed hand axe recently. Can someone please tell me how I can hide a large amount of pain-inducing weapons from my girlfriend's father for about 2 weeks? I will be eternally grateful and, if Cardinal Catherina is reading this, promise to assassinate Francesco at the earliest opportunity.

General Zargon, feeling very VERY worried

Dear Zargon

I would suggest using your underground catacombs, if any. It's amazing how many things you can put in those places. You can hide an entire fleet of rockets in there. For pesky bloodstains, my dear mama always suggested salt and cold water. By the way, can you kindly hold the assassination part until after I'm done defrocking and humiliating him in St Peter's Square before the populace of Rome for trying to cause a diplomatic incident with Albion?

- Yours gratefully, Katherina


Personal Ad

Dear your Holiness, I am sorry you misunderstood Mr Metal-head's report. I confess I did have contact with some streetwalkers during my missions, but it is purely for evangelistic purposes only. I am trying to lead those poor lost souls back to God. I have a daughter meself and it just gets me in the heart that those young ladies are wasting their lives and destroying themselves on those streets. Believe me. You can ask the good sisters at the YWCA and St Magdalene's.

- Leon


Transportation required: URGENT!

I need transportation for some props for my play urgently! My last group of movers got a little too queasy for their own good. Contact Dexter Longman at Londinium Rose Hotel.


Personal Ad:

Sister willing to negotiate with stick-in-mud brother. Same old place.


Author's Notes:

Please read and review. Any suggestions on how Dietrich's death should be reported?