Caltrops - Tansin A. Darcos's Alter Ego





	[quote name="Commander Tansin A. Darcos"]Background: in 2138, Jim Wilson is going to be sworn in as the new Regent (Head of Government) of the Empire of Vicron this is the swearing-in story. He is meeting with Empress Elizabeth, who is 15 1/2, and Charles Bear, her closest friend after Jim. Chapter 50 “So, are we clear on what's going to happen?” “No, Jim, this one I will not be attending. This is your moment to shine, and besides that, there will be a pool reporter there to take pictures, and I don't want to be photographed. Once they connect my face to the Empress, I lose the ability to be just some cute little girl who can go out in public pretty much freely, without security having to watch everything. This way, you get all the attention and have to have tight security wherever you go. Yeah, sure, when I turn 18 and accept all the perks of the office, then I'll have to be known publicly. Besides, the news will carry it live, it will be almost as good as being there. Teddy Bear, what do you think?” “I kind of agree, with Marnie staying unknown, she gets to have a normal adolescence, and doesn't have the stifling 'security everywhere' environment that the typical public Head of State has to deal with. At least you're smart enough that you realize when you turn 18, that you will have to become a public figure.” “So, are we clear on what's going to happen?” “Jim will go in first, I'll follow. He will turn to face me, we will wait 15 seconds for news commentators to finish, I will make my speech, invite the Chief Justice, then sit down, my part ended. He'll probably make some introductory remarks, then swear Jim in.” “Sounds like a plan. Okay, boys, let's get out there.” “Yes, ma'am,” they both said in unison as they walked out. Marnie turned to watch the TV coverage of the room next door, awaiting its ceremonial duty. Chapter 51 “Are you ready to take the oath of office of Chief Regent?” “Good morning ladies and gentlemen, my names is Charles Bear, I am Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of Vicron. I come here to introduce our new Regent, Jim Wilson.” He is interrupted by applause. “Or rather, he will be Regent as soon as he takes the oath of office. “Today we start a new beginning. We are here to witness a special event, the swearing in of a new Regent. While technically any person authorized to take oaths could do this, it has, for hundreds of years even before this country has existed, that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has had the privilege of doing so. We also have a new event to celebrate, when the Sovereign is under the age of 18, the Regent also has the responsibility of acting as her guardian, and is given the temporary title of Chief Regent. This becomes the first time a Chief Regent has been appointed. Now, having made my speech, I invite Chief Justice Nathan Bee to come forward and take his place as we make history.” “Thank you, Charlie. As he said, we stand here at an historic moment, swearing in someone as both Regent and Chief Regent for the first time. If I may offer you some advice, you may have times when you wonder why you were stupid enough to accept this appointment. There have been times when I have sat in my office and said, 'was I actually sober when I accepted the appointment as Chief Justice?' But, on balance, I think that what I have been able to do as a force for good makes up for the occasional irritations. And I hope you will feel the same way. Are you ready to take the oath of office of Chief Regent?” “Yes, Your Honor, I am.” “Please raise your right hand and repeat after me: I James K. Wilson, do solemnly attirm...” “I, James K. Wilson, do solemnly affirm, under penalty of perjury, that I will support and defend the Compact of Vicron, the Constitution and laws of the Empire of Vicron, against any and all enemies. I will bear true faith and allegiance to Her Majesty, Empress Elizabeth, her Heirs and successors pursuant to law. I shall be a loyal and faithful servant of the Empire of Vicron, and respect the rights and freedoms of the Empire. I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully execute the office of Regent, and additionally, while acting as Chief Regent, care for and protect the Sovereign as her guardian, and in that role l shall always act in the best interests of the Sovereign, I shall respect the Empire's laws, and I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, to which I do voluntarily affirm.” “Congratulations, Regent Wilson, and good luck, Your Excellency.” “Thank you, Chief Justice.” The two men shake hands, then turn and stand together for pictures. [/quote]