The White Ship

**"The White Ship"**is the fourth episode of *War* and the 53rd episode overall.

The episode was published on January 17, 2021.

In the episode, with neutrality no longer a sustainable option, the concerned monkeys of Simeone seek a refuge for their child Queen.

## Appendix

Episode Title Card**A:** Map of the War, 710**B:** Simenese Royal Family, 710**C:** Ursine Royal Family, 710**D:** Vinesteeple, Primatia, Simeone**E:** Tardisham Tower, Carnarvon, Ursus
**A:** Note the occupation of Gallix

**B:** In the absence of an heir apparent to the Simenese throne, Tomasz Czerny is designated heir presumptive.

## The Episode

*—Diary of Lana Loudoun—*

*-January 1, 710-*

*It has now been two full years since the war began. I have not had much to write lately, as fortunately Porcinia remains out of the conflict. Mother has significantly calmed, confident in our nation’s neutrality. Though the atrocities rage beyond our borders, there is significant comfort in knowing we are safe.*

*The Stag of Cervidium published grisly photographs this morning of the dead bodies of the Petukinau royal family. Prince Alexander, Princess Xenia, Prince Dyetka, and Princess Ptitsa died while trying to flee to Leprolia last November. Their bodies have been displayed in Kurinoye Selo beside those of the other “traitors”—King Poultrus, Queen Henna, and Princess Henrietta. How is it that Vulpus and Cervidium can murder seven members of a royal family and get away with it?*

*I was surprised at first that King Bacon did not enter the war because of this regicide. Mother explained that Gallix was, unfortunately, still a member of the Summer Sun. King Bacon will only send Porcinians to war if something similar were to occur to a Granite Bloc nation. After all, theirs is the only cause worth fighting. It may not be what this war began as, but this conflict has quickly become one against the Vixen Queen.*

—Vinesteeple, Primatia, Simeone—

—Kingdom of the Monkeys—

-February 20, 706-

-Four Years Ago-

The Queen’s screams reverberated down the corridors. Midwives and chamber maids scurried to fetch more supplies as the fiftieth hour of labor passed. Chancellor Ham Mercury hesitantly stood outside the door of the Queen’s chamber. The other Chancellors seemed equally distressed. The doctors were saying the Queen may not survive childbirth. And if she died without an heir…

The door was thrown open and a stream of midwives flew out, carrying bloody rags.

“Oh…” Ham instinctively moaned.

Queen Jane III’s husband, Tomasz Czerny, was at the Queen’s side, comforting her amidst his own sobs. The Queen’s legs were drenched in blood, and she had still not birthed the child.

“We shouldn’t be here,” Ham said to his fellow Chancellors. “Too many people.”

“If she does not survive,” the Chancellor of Records whispered, “we must quickly designate a successor.”

“From what?” the Chancellor of Currency hissed. “The serving staff? This can wait.”

“The Prince Consort asked for us to be present,” the Chancellor of Records argued. “We shall stand right here.”

Ham and the Chancellors, of which there were seven total, backed away from the door and let the birthing attendants do what they could to save the Queen.

She was only 22 years old, and Queen for less than three years. A precocious youth, Jane was well-regarded among Cartonia as a rising star of royalty. Taking the throne so early, Jane was thought to rule for at least half a century.

Her destiny was in flux now, and Ham Mercury could do nothing but wait for the outcome. It was a stormy day, though the castle was properly insulated from the onslaught of rain. Ham slumped to the ground of the corridor and prayed for her survival.

Ten hours later, after all the Chancellors had gone home, messengers sent word that the Queen had given birth to a healthy daughter named Ana. The nation erupted with joy, hailing the arrival of the precious child.

The celebrations were cut short six days later, when Queen Jane III died of complications from her childbirth, leaving an infant Ana Simour as Queen.

—January 7, 710—

-Present Day-

Tomasz Czerny clapped with the rest of the court as Queen Ana III finished her demonstration of gymnastics and calisthenics. She bowed for them, and the applause intensified. At four years old, the grooming for the throne was in full swing. Without a mother to raise her, Tomasz had taken all the responsibility upon himself. Upon the death of his wife, Queen Jane III, Tomasz was appointed Regent of Simeone. Ensuring proper rule in Simeone, however, took a backseat to his own daughter’s upbringing. He delegated nearly all decisions to the Council of Chancellors.

On this sunny day with Queen Ana resplendent in her new yellow gown, it was easy to forget about the war. Simeone was fortunate to remain neutral, and Tomasz had no intention to enter the war for any reason. The Council insisted that any violation of Simenese peace would be a cause for belligerence, but Tomasz disagreed.

Simeone was protected to the east by the Cartonian River and the north by neutral Ursus. Warring Capricon, Willie, and Simeone comprised the other borders, but the Council was in constant negotiations with the powers to keep them at bay. Simeone was safe.

“Well done, Ana!” Tomasz cheered when his daughter marched over to him. “Excellent dismount.”

Ana beamed and performed a final salute to the ersatz judging panel.

“Thank you, papa.”

Tomasz lifted her and held her close. She was his entire world now. He had no wife, and no desire to remarry. His duty was to his daughter and the future of his nation. The marriage to Jane Simour was purely strategic, to unite the Simour and Czerny family fortunes. It had evolved over the three years of marriage into a happy union. Tomasz was devastated when she passed. In the moment of her death, the attendants had immediately turned to Ana and bowed.

The Queen was dead. Long live the Queen.

“Go now, Ana. Your tutors are waiting.”

Ana trotted off. She was studying basic Simenese history and law. The first building blocks to prepare for a life on the throne.

“Lord Regent,” someone said behind Tomasz. He turned to see Chancellor Ham Mercury with the other six Chancellors.

“Good morning,” Tomasz replied. “What can I do for you?”

Ham gestured to the path along the ramparts of Vinesteeple.

“Shall we walk?”

Tomasz detested walking and talking. He much preferred things to be quick and brief. There was no need to drag this out.

“Do you wish for privacy?” Tomasz asked. “Or to stall the delivery of bad news?”

Ham stuck his tongue in his cheek, then quickly withdrew it.

“Privacy, my Lord Regent. There are too many that may overhear.”

Tomasz conceded and followed the Chancellor of Innovation—and now Military—to the walls of the fort. Ham was designated the second title after the outbreak of war. Someone had to guard Simenese interests in the conflict, even in neutrality. The other six Chancellors followed Ham and Tomasz.

“My Lord Regent,” Ham said, “as you may recall from the June summit here in Vinesteeple, the Council and the nobles of Simeone agreed that any violation of Simenese peace would be interpreted as a provocation for war.”

Tomasz’s stomach tightened.

“I disagree. But go on.”

“Scuridiae and Capricon have breached our border to partake in a skirmish with Willie. No Willonian forces crossed into Simeone, but the Summer Sun’s forces have not yet withdrawn. There are two reports of Simenese casualties from the lower villages. This is a staunch violation of our peace, and we must prepare to declare war on the Summer Sun if they do not withdraw their troops.”

Tomasz shook his head.

“I cannot condone that. Convene a summit with the Summer Sun and issue a warning in Queen Ana’s name. We must stay out of this war at all costs. It will destroy us.”

The Chancellor of Records approached the Regent.

“Tomasz…please. You must understand. This is a deliberate move on Scuridiae and Capricon’s part to see how we will react. The ball is in our court and we will appear weak before the eyes of nations if we simply chide them for this blatant provocation.”

The storm clouds of war were gathering over Simeone. Tomasz could almost see them against the bright blue sky. Countless Simenese monkeys would die in battle if war was declared. The nation’s location was aptly suited for neutrality, but not so much for war. Two enemy states would appear in the west and south. It was never a question of which alliance Simeone would join. After the execution of King Poultrus in Gallix, Simeone was adamantly against the Summer Sun. Tomasz did not approve of Mallardia’s assassination of Crown Princess Victoria Vixen, or Bentley Connelly’s obscene relationship with her, but regicide was a far worse crime.

“I’m sorry, my Chancellor Council. I will not lead this nation into war. Issue a warning to the Summer Sun. They must never cross into our territory again until this conflict has been resolved. Make it clear that if it is done again, we will declare war.”

Ham Mercury wavered.

“But is that a true threat? Or merely a bluff?”

“A bluff, of course. One that will work. The Summer Sun has nothing to gain from invading us. Capricon would be forced to open another front.”

The Chancellor of Foreign Affairs chewed her lip.

“What of the Queen?”

Tomasz felt genuine concern now. The Council was acting as if war was inevitable, even if the warning was sent to the Summer Sun.

“The Queen?” he repeated.

“Yes,” the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs mumbled. “We have to send Queen Ana someplace safer than here. If the warning is sent and rejected…my Lord Regent I fear for our safety. The capital is too close to Scuridiae. The Queen is our utmost concern.”

Tomasz swallowed hard.

“What would you suggest?”

“A relocation,” Ham said at once, “of Queen Ana to neutral Ursus. King Archibald has agreed to provide sanctuary for the duration of this conflict with the Summer Sun. If your warning letter works and the Summer Sun guarantees peace, we can bring Ana home.”

“Then I shall go with her,” Tomasz responded. “I am her father and I will accompany her to Ursus. I delegate the remainder of my powers to the Council.”

The Council did not protest, knowing that they would never be able to convince Tomasz to stay in the capital while his daughter was in another nation.

“We will draft the warning this afternoon,” Ham Mercury informed. “We’ll run it by you for final approval and send it to the Summer Sun tonight.”

“In the meantime,” the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs continued, “*The Pearl of Simeone* will be readied in the harbor. You should depart no later than this evening.”

Tomasz let out a long sigh. Such urgency was foreign to him.

“Fine. Will Ana be able to continue her studies in Ursus?”

“Of course,” Ham replied. “The tutors can be sent along with you.”

Tomasz leaned against the rampart and frowned at the thought of three or more days traveling by sea. It would take much longer to reach the Ursine capital by road, and was far more dangerous. The forests bridging the distance between Primatia and Carnarvon were rife with Ursine bandits.

“Thank you, my Chancellor Council. Please get me that warning letter draft as soon as possible.”

—Tardisham Tower, Carnarvon, Ursus—

—Kingdom of the Bears—

King Archibald I was playing cards with his ten-year-old daughter, Theodora. The snow was falling heavily outside the window, and frost obscured the glass.

“That’s ten!” Theodora announced victoriously. “You owe me a soda!”

Archibald snapped in feigned agony.

“Drat! You’re too good!”

Theodora seized the deck to reshuffle. Archibald glanced at the clock, wondering when he would hear from Simeone.

“Papa,” Theodora entreated, “will I like Queen Ana?”

Archibald chuckled.

“Of course you will. She’s from a noble family, just like you. She’s royally educated, just like you. I hear she enjoys gymnastics, just like you. And one day you’ll be Queen, just like her.”

Theodora squirmed.

“Do I have to share my stuff with her?”

“Yes,” called her mother, Grace, from the other sofa. “She’ll be your guest.”

Archibald took the shuffled deck from Theodora and dealt. State visits had markedly declined since the beginning of the war. Theodora was no longer accustomed to the slew of different species waltzing through the halls of Tardisham Tower. Ana and her father, Tomasz Czerny, would be the first in a while.

Archibald couldn’t help but feel sorry for the royal Simenese family whenever he thought of them. Queen Jane’s death in childbirth was heartbreaking. The Simours were plagued with misfortune. Some believed they were cursed. Jane’s mother, Catherine Simour, suffered seven miscarriages. She lost two husbands, and saw a terrible fire ravage much of Vinesteeple. Then Jane died, leaving an infant Ana as Queen. She was widely known as the last member of the Simour family. If Ana did not grow up, marry, and provide issue, the dynasty would become extinct. Her father and Regent, Tomasz Czerny, had been designated the heir to the throne.

It would be nice to have another royal family in residence. Ursus was devoted to its neutrality, as was Simeone. Though this skirmish in southern Simeone was unfortunate, it was unlikely to amount to anything. Nonetheless, the safety of Queen Ana was paramount.

The bell rang against the family quarters’ door, and Grace answered it.

“Archie,” she called to her husband. “*The Pearl of Simeone* has departed from Simeone and will make landfall in about three days.”

Archibald put down his cards and stood.

“We’ll meet them at the seaport. Come, Theodora. Let’s pack.”

—*The Pearl of Simeone—*

—January 9, 710—

-Two Days Later-

Rough seas had delayed the voyage, but the ship’s arrival in Ursus was expected the following morning. Tomasz spent every moment with Ana, who was afraid of sea travel. Thankfully, the naval battles near Eusuchia were too far to be seen or heard.

*The Pearl* hugged the coast of Ursus, which was distantly illuminated. Tomasz pointed out the window.

“Do you see that, there? The swiveling light? Can you find where we might be on this map?”

Ana bent over the table and thought hard. Her face was bunched in concentration.

“Here!” she exclaimed triumphantly. “The lighthouse!”

“Good! That’s the Brown Lighthouse. Maybe the King will take us on a trip to see it.”

Tomasz had never met King Archibald of Ursus. Jane had, of course. All the heir apparents knew each other. Though Tomasz had been a frequent guest of Jane at the Harmony Holiday Galas, he was too shy to engage with every single person. Jane was usually the same, keeping to the edges of the room. Tomasz had seen the Ursine royal family in person, but just never interacted. The Chancellors insisted that Archibald, Grace, and Theodora were all wonderful people. At any rate, they were peaceful. Anyone who kept out of the war went up in Tomasz’s book.

The ship rocked, and Ana gripped the table.

“Daddy…”

“It’s just rough waters. I think it’s going to rain.”

Sure enough, the downpour came soon after. The weather had changed drastically since *The Pearl* set sail from Simeone. But the ship was aptly suited to handling the turbulence. It was the finest in the Simenese fleet. Painted white and fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, *The Pearl of Simeone* was recognizable almost instantly for its color and build.

Ana climbed onto the window’s ledge to watch the rain barrage the ocean. The thick haze of water made it impossible to see land anymore. The lighthouse’s beam continued to do its job, slicing through the darkness.

Tomasz folded the map and placed it in the desk drawer. It was refreshing not to have any affairs of state to attend to. The Summer Sun had not replied to the warning letter, but Tomasz interpreted that as a success. Vulpus, Psittancyna, Cervidium, and Felexa were probably scolding Scuridiae and Capricon for endangering the alliance by violating a neutral nation’s peace. They’ll respond in due time, and Ana and Tomasz would be allowed to return to Simeone.

However, a vacation to Ursus was no hardship.

The lights went out, plunging the room into pitch blackness. Ana shrieked and tumbled off the window ledge. Tomasz scurried to help her. He activated the emergency flashlight against the wall, and swung it around.

“Daddy…what happened to the lights?”

Tomasz patted her reassuringly.

“A fuse probably blew. Would you like me to go talk to the captain?”

Ana nodded in the light’s ray.

“Okay. Stay here, and don’t move. Take this flashlight.”

Ana held it tight in her paws as if it were her lifeline. Tomasz kissed her forehead and stumbled into the dark hallway. Orange emergency lights were flickering on the carpet. Tomasz moved slowly up to deck.

The rainstorm was intense, and Tomasz wished he had either an umbrella or a raincoat. He sprinted across the slippery deck to the bridge, which was also dark. The captain was at the wheel, conversing loudly over the rain with his officers.

“Captain!” Tomasz shouted. “What happened to the lights?”

The captain quickly bowed his head.

“My Lord Regent, I apologize. There was no time to warn you. We detected another ship on our radar, and they have not responded to any of our messages. We’ve identified ourselves as a neutral ship from Simeone, but there’s no reply. They’re getting closer, and we did not wish to be seen. We’re activating the use of stealth as we steer closer to shore.”

Tomasz turned to squint through the rain toward Ursus.

“Should we attempt an early landing?”

The captain nodded.

“I’m in communication with the nearest port.”

Tomasz followed the captain to the radar. Indeed, a large vessel was off the port side, getting closer.

“Ursine?” he asked. The captain shrugged.

“Equine Isle has no deployed ships in the Sea this evening. The storms are too strong. I can’t reach Eusuchia because of the bad reception. Ursus is looking into it.”

Tomasz did not feel right. There was something ominous about the blip on the radar gaining on *The Pearl*. He thought of Ana in the dark below deck and knew he had to return to her.

“Please keep me updated, captain.”

The captain bowed again.

“SIR!”

Tomasz felt dread hammer into his heart. The shouting officer was at the portside railing, pointing frantically into the fog. Tomasz saw what they did: an enormous ship, ensconced in darkness, sailing directly toward them.

“Hard to port!” the captain ordered. Tomasz backed away as the ship’s crew sprung into action. He had to get to Ana.

“TORPEDO!”

The warning came seconds before the explosion, which tore open the portside of the ship. The force knocked everyone over.

“Drop anchor!” the captain commanded. “Ready the lifeboats!”

“ANA!” Tomasz shrieked. He stumbled in the direction of the stairs leading to the lower decks. He slipped on the wet surface and tumbled all the way down to the landing. His head throbbed, but he crawled as quickly as he could along the orange lights. Ana was screaming, her heart undoubtedly drowning in terror.

Tomasz pushed open the door to her bedroom. The light from her flashlight illuminated her horrified face.

“Daddy! I’m scared!”

“Come on, Ana! Come here! Quickly!”

Water was gushing into the hall from the opening in the ship’s hull. Ana hurried into the hall with her flashlight.

“This way!”

Tomasz could hear the crew on the other side of the deck scrambling to get out of their cabins. The ship violently rocked as another explosion further doomed the ship. Tomasz lifted Ana into his arms and hastened up the steps. The deck was slanted violently downward as *The Pearl* sunk into the Unity Sea. One lifeboat was floating within reach, as the captain and crew viciously attacked the cables keeping it in place. The ship was rapidly sinking, and there would be no time to load all the lifeboats.

“Protect the Queen!” the captain yelled. Either no one heard, or everyone disobeyed. Soon the freezing ocean water reached Tomasz and he had no choice but slide into the water with Ana. She did not know how to swim. There were no life vests anywhere, and the waves were so choppy that Tomasz was unsure how long he could tread water. He kicked in the direction of the lifeboat.

A third torpedo vibrated under the waves and hit the remainder of the white ship, obliterating what was left of it. Debris blew into the sky and fell with the rain among the survivors.

Something hit Tomasz, and he lost his grip on his daughter. Ana was pulled away by the force of the storm. Tomasz moved violently to find her, but his voice froze from the subzero temperature of the ocean. He tried to call out to her, but only heard the chatter of his teeth. The noise of other survivors died out over the next few minutes, but Tomasz was still fueled to find Ana. Where could she have gone? She was out of his grasp for only a few seconds.

Everywhere was black as night. Tomasz could no longer see or hear anything. His face and body was completely numb. He was aware that his legs were still moving to keep him afloat but all feeling was gone. His heart grew tighter and tighter as the minutes passed and Ana never resurfaced. Tomasz went limp and his legs floated to the surface, tossing him on his back. He lay like that for what felt like eons, gazing up at the torrent of rain and caught in a sense of unbelievability. Was he dreaming? A terrible nightmare, like the one of Jane dying in childbirth? Had all of this just been one horrid dream?

A light shone above him, like a stage spotlight. He smiled as he thought of Ana tap dancing at her first recital last Christmas. The light blinded him, like Ana’s flashlight. Was she still holding it? Had the captain found her?

The light subsided, and Tomasz saw it was from a lifeboat. So this was not a dream. A face bent over the edge of the boat to stare at Tomasz. It was not the captain. Nor was it anyone he recognized.

It was a fox.

“That’s the Regent,” Tomasz heard.

An oar was extended over his body and lowered. Tomasz wanted to reach out with his arms to grab it, but his strength and resolve was gone. The oar pressed into his stomach and shoved Tomasz beneath the water. He kicked violently to reach the surface, but the oar only drove him further down.

Down and down.

Until Tomasz was forced to gasp for breath, and found none.

—Seaside House, Osborne, Ursus—

—Kingdom of the Bears—

-The Next Morning-

The ocean was recovering from the violent storm the night before. Numerous rainbows were visible on the horizon. Archibald had not slept well, and was almost expecting bad news this morning. *The Pearl of Simeone* had not arrived as scheduled in the seaport. The Ursus Coast Guard had been in contact with the ship late last night, but soon lost signal due to the storms.

This was troubling. Their passage through Unity Sea was supposedly safe, but war was unrestricted on the water. The voyage was under the assumption that neither the Granite Bloc nor the Summer Sun would attack a neutral ship. Doing so would trigger a declaration of war.

Archibald ordered the Coast Guard to search the waters for the ship, or any lifeboats. *The Pearl of Simeone* reported a manifest of ninety-two passengers and crew. Including the Queen and Regent.

“Anything yet?” Queen Grace asked nervously as she approached the balcony, handing Archibald a mug of hot coffee.

“No.”

Grace rested a paw gently on his shoulder.

“They’ll be alright. Maybe they ran aground on the rocks, or got pushed out to sea. Has Eusuchia or Equine Isle seen them?”

“No.”

Archibald did not have a good feeling about any of this. There was something afoot. His council had reported that no response had reached Simeone from the Summer Sun about their warning. Archibald requested a copy of the letter and read it over. It didn’t sound like a warning so much as it did an ultimatum. And he did not trust the Summer Sun when it came to ultimatums.

The phone rang like a death knell. Archibald glanced at Grace, then picked up the receiver.

“Archibald here.”

“Sir!” a gruff voice stated. “This is Captain Eamon Rivers with the Coast Guard. I am calling from the *Normandy* in the Unity Sea.”

“Go on,” said the King.

“It’s a debris field, sir. Something terrible happened here. It looks like a ship completely fell apart. Or it was attacked. It’s not Ursine.”

“Survivors?”

“None, sir.”

Archibald took a deep breath.

“Any sign of Queen Ana?”

“No, sir.”

Archibald took a moment to compose his thoughts.

“Captain Rivers, I need you to contact the Simenese Council of Chancellors. They’ll need to verify the ship. If it’s not ours, it’s likely theirs. Save as much debris as possible and continue to hunt for survivors. Any idea as to what has caused this?”

Captain Rivers hesitated.

“Sir, there was an unidentified vessel on our radar last night, and it appeared to be close to the last reported sighting of *The Pearl of Simeone*. We’re running background tests to determine the origin. It is likely a ship from Scuridiae or Eusuchia.”

Archibald swallowed anxiously.

“Report back to me anything you find. Do not stop your search for the Queen.”

Grace hurried to comfort Archibald as soon as the call was over. She shed a tear when she saw his solemn face.

“Archie,” she gasped, “you said that Tomasz Czerny was the heir presumptive to Ana. If they both died…what will happen to the Simenese government?”

King Archibald shook his head in uncertainty.

“I have no idea.”

—Vinesteeple, Primatia, Simeone—

—Kingdom of the Monkeys—

-January 12, 710-

“It was Vulpus,” Ham Mercury whispered, dropping the document on the table of the council chamber. He passed it to the Chancellor of Records. She read aloud,

*Vulpus Edict #13*

*On January 9, 710, the Vulpus Armada responded to a report in the Unity Sea that a neutral ship was carrying weapons of war to allies of the Granite Bloc. This unlicensed and surreptitious transportation of munitions is a violation of the 709 Neutral Waters Agreement. The Vulpus Armada did not hesitate to warn the ship to return to its origin. No response was returned, and the ship—identified as* The Pearl of Simeone*—continued its path. Further attempts to contact the ship did not yield results, and the Vulpus Armada took action to sink the vessel.*

*Queen Ana III was one of the passengers, as was her father and the Regent of Simeone, Tomasz Czerny. Though Queen Vixen VII regrets their deaths, Queen Ana and Tomasz Czerny left the Vulpus Armada without a choice. The Kingdom of Simeone has, despite its declaration of neutrality, contributed to actions of war. On several occasions Simeone has transported weapons of war, and on January 6 joined a battle between Willie, Scuridiae, and Capricon on the side of the Granite Bloc.*

*The Summer Sun will not tolerate this blatant violation of neutrality, and hereby declares war on the Kingdom of Simeone.*

“And then there’s the Vixen Queen’s direct message,” the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs grumbled, shaking a fist at the copies printed for each of them. “To the Council of Chancellors, you have no Queen, and no heir. Simeone has fallen due to your inability to adhere to your own neutrality. Surrender and this war will not harm Simenese citizens. Surrender, and you will be placed under the reputable protection of Scuridian and Capricovian occupation.”

Ham scowled.

“We will not be occupied like the chickens of Gallix. The foxes murdered our Queen. There were no weapons aboard that ship! A simple search of the shipwreck would reveal that. But of course the storm was so violent that the debris is all over. And no survivors…”

“It’s our word against theirs,” the Chancellor of Justice sighed with a frown. “Unfortunately it doesn’t matter what is the truth. This war has erased the need for it. The Granite Bloc wants us to join the war on their side. The Summer Sun wants us to surrender. Though we have all these condolence letters from monarchs around Cartonia, I’m sure all eyes are dry. Only Simeone weeps for our dead Queen.”

“The Summer Sun got the excuse they needed to justify aggression against us,” the Chancellor of Culture grimaced. “They mean to destroy us.”

The Chancellor of Foreign Affairs dropped her head.

“You have no Queen,” she recited, “and no heir. They’re right. Queen Ana was last of her line. Tomasz would have succeeded her, but he’s dead too.”

The Chancellor of Records, partially responsible for maintaining an extensive family tree, cleared her throat.

“My Chancellors, I believe this is where I come in. The line of succession is not clear, and I fear that I have failed to properly uphold my duty in establishing such a list. In truth, the Simour family has nearly all died out or invalidated their eligibility. We do not have the luxury of finding the true heir to the throne. Simeone must act now, and must find a new ruler. Someone who is already here in the capital.”

She turned to Ham Mercury, who stared in bewilderment.

“Why are you looking at me?” he asked. The Chancellor of Records grinned.

“Are you not a distant relative of the Simour family?”

Ham snorted.

“Sort of. Queen Ana and I had a shared ancestor in Queen Jane I, but that takes us ages back. Centuries. There must be someone closer in line.”

“It doesn’t matter,” the Chancellor of Records insisted. “You are here. You are already in power. You are already respected, and you happen to be our Chancellor of the Military. There is no one better. I move to crown Ham Mercury as King of Simeone.”

“Seconded,” the Chancellor of Culture said immediately, before Ham could object.

“Shall we vote?” the Chancellor of Justice proposed.

Ham leapt out of his chair. He had to stop this madness! It was a coup!.

“This is unconstitutional! We have a duty to the Simour family to find the next in succession. Consult your records, Chancellor! I would not even crack the top fifty.”

The Chancellor of Records dismissed him.

“Anyone who refuses a throne,” she said with a sly smile, “is automatically worthy of it. You do not wish to be King. I can understand that, but Simeone *needs* you. We need a leader we can trust. You have valiantly served your country on this council for two decades. I repeat my initial assertion that there is no one better to assume the throne.”

Ham leaned against the table, keen to make his point.

“I do not want it.”

The Chancellor of Foreign Affairs placed her paws together.

“Fine. Then you must propose your own candidate.”

Ham sputtered indignantly. They knew there was no one in mind!

“Then it’s settled,” the Chancellor of Currency beamed. “We’ll vote.”

“*NO!”*

Ham took a deep breath. This wasn’t right. He was not a member of the Simour family. His last name was Mercury, and it had run in his family for at least a century. The Simours had ruled Simeone since the advent of the Harmony Crown 710 years ago. The nation was named after them. It was not right to crown himself simply because it was convenient. He could see, however, that the council would not relent. They were right in many regards; there was simply not enough time to find the proper successor and coronate them before the Summer Sun invaded. The people of Simeone were frightened of what would occur now, and the burden of providing guidance and support rested with the Council of Chancellors.

“I have concerns,” Ham addressed the council, “that preclude me from accepting this role.”

He outlined his thoughts, which seemed to be well-received by his peers. The Chancellor of Records folded her arms in her lap.

“What would you suggest, then? If you don’t want to be crowned…”

“Simenese monarchs have been anointed on their coronation in the sacred oil of the vine. As I do not believe I have a right to the succession, I do not believe my position should be anointed, rather appointed. This council is elevating me to a higher power, but I do not wish to leave this council. I will remain Chancellor of Innovation and Military but preside over other stately matters that originally rested with the Queen.”

The Chancellor of Currency mulled it over.

“Appointed for…life?”

Ham vehemently shook his head.

“Absolutely not. A term of several years. Perhaps three.”

“Three!” the Chancellor of Culture bellowed. “That’s nothing! At least a decade.”

Ham tapped the table in frustration.

“You ask too much of me,” he muttered.

The Chancellor of Records made a few notes.

“What would you call this new position? It is clearly not a monarch. You will not wear a crown? Or sit the throne?”

“No,” Ham answered at once. “I do not know what I would be called. Head Chancellor, I suppose.” They were all staring at him incredulously; they could not believe his refusal.

“The people of Simeone,” the Chancellor of Culture protested, “would not accept this! They want a king! We’ve always been ruled by Kings and Queens. Everyone has!”

Ham shrugged.

“Then find another king. I am willing to rule Simeone, but not as a monarch. Under me, Simeone will be a republic until a proper heir can be found.”

The council was split on the issue. Despite a clear conflict of interest, Ham still retained his vote. The Chancellors of Foreign Affairs, Records, Infrastructure, and Justice were in favor. Currency and Culture were not. Eventually, they were worn down by their colleagues. After all, the key issue was that time was of the essence. A response would need to be sent to the Summer Sun, and the people of Simeone were in desperation for their new leader. They were moments away from anarchy.

“What of this message from the Vixen Queen?” the Chancellor of Infrastructure inquired. “And her edict?”

Ham tore up the edict.

“There is no question. We will not surrender. Dial the Granite Bloc. We have to solidify our alliance.”

“Yes, sir,” the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs said eagerly. She eyed him for a second. “What position shall I say you hold?”

—Tardisham Tower, Carnarvon, Ursus—

—Kingdom of the Bears—

Archibald enjoyed the snow, but the King of Porcinia did not. Both the pigs and bears lived in northern nations, but King Bacon IV had never developed a fondness for the colder weather. As such, the two talked inside.

In the two years of the war, Archibald had his own share of fear and nervousness about the conflict, especially as he dreaded the thought of it coming to Ursus. He imagined that Ursine entry to the war would be an obvious decision, preceded by a blatant and undeniable attack. However, he had assumed such an attack would be on Ursine soil.

Instead, he had learned to his shock and disgust that Vulpus had deliberately sunk *The Pearl of Simeone* and sent the white ship to the bottom of the Unity Sea with Queen Ana and her father. Simeone was preparing to declare war on the Summer Sun and avenge its fallen monarch.

“It’s gone too far,” Bacon stated. He was a large fellow with an equally large heart. He was wedged into an armchair by the fireplace, his fist wrapped around a nutcracker. “Smoke and mirrors. That’s all the Summer Sun does. Lie and deceive.”

He spat into the fire, which alarmed Archibald. It was not becoming of a King.

“Neutrality,” Bacon hissed. “I thought that was our shield. Something to protect us. And maybe it will, for a few more months. But the Vixen Queen killed the King of Gallix, and now she’s assassinated the Queen of Simeone. That’s two sovereigns in two months. She could come for us next. And I want to strike first.”

He snapped the nutcracker, then gazed down at it sheepishly.

“Sorry…” he mumbled and placed the remnants on the table.

“I want to be on the same page,” Archibald said. “You are our closest ally. I know the people do not want war. No one does. I just do not believe that I can stand idly by anymore. If the Summer Sun is victorious, and the Vixen Queen has her way, I cannot even begin to fathom what Cartonia would turn into. What kind of a world would we live in? She’s already disbanded the Harmony Crown!”

Bacon was seething again. Archibald poured him another cup of tea.

“Simeone is signing their declaration of war in two days. We can take the train and be there tomorrow. I think we should present a united front.”

Bacon chugged his tea and wiped the back of his mouth with his trotter.

“Do you need to consult your council?”

Archibald shook his head.

“They have already approved entry into the war.”

Bacon nodded.

“As has mine.”

Archibald sighed.

“How the winds have altered their course. The last three dominoes are poised to fall.”

—Vinesteeple, Primatia, Simeone—

—Kingdom of the Monkeys—

-January 14, 710-

The Steeple was the tallest and grandest room in Vinesteeple, and it was here that the Council of Chancellors, the nobles and lawmakers of Simeone, and the dignitaries from Ursus and Porcinia had gathered for the signing of the declarations of war. The orange and black flag of Simeone was draped from the rafters. The brown and white flag of Ursus was over the door, and the pink-striped flag of Porcinia was against the other wall.

King Archibald of Ursus and King Bacon of Porcinia sat with Ham Mercury, the newly-appointed Major of Simeone, at a stone table in the room’s center. A choir sang all three national anthems before the televised ceremony. The single other foreign diplomat in attendance was the Babar of Phantine, whose name was Waarheid. He was the only one who could make it to Vinesteeple in time. He was the official representative of the Granite Bloc.

Major Ham Mercury tore up the neutrality doctrine that was passed two years ago, and held it to a candle. Once it caught alight, he dropped it into a metal basket. Archibald and Bacon repeated this gesture with their own documents. Next, they signed the instruments of war.

Ham was emotionless as he did so. He would not betray even a frown to the Vixen Queen who was assuredly watching from her nest in Vista, Vulpus.

Once all three had signed, and the war had officially come to Simeone, Ursus, and Porcinia, the cameras stopped rolling. The crowds began to disband, heading toward a plethora of strategy meetings. Babar Waarheid approached the table, where the three monarchs sat in silence.

“Psittancyna no longer has its neutral buffer,” he said immediately to Bacon and Archibald. “It will be your responsibility to ensure that the parrots are cut off in the north. Equine Isle will assist with a blockade of the Equine Strait and Western Ocean. Psittancyna will not hesitate to push south. Erect your trenches as soon as you are able. I can send a few phalanxes to assist.”

Ham stared, stunned. There was truly no time to waste.

“As for you, sir Major,” Waarheid continued, unabashed, “your priority will be Scuridiae. The next summit between the Granite Bloc leaders will be on the first of February. If you need any support until then, you may contact me. I shall return to Phantine immediately.”

“Okay,” Ham replied dumbly. He already felt in way over his head. Waarheid hovered over the table, admiring the war document.

“We have only each other now. There is no one else to whom we can look for help. No more untapped wells. We must prevail in this war, else we will fall. One by one.”

Ham gazed at his signature on the page. With the stroke of three pens, there was not a peaceful state left anywhere in Cartonia. Now, everyone everywhere was embroiled in the crucible of war.

## Production

### Continuity and Story Arcs

Lana Loudoun’s diary entry recaps the events of “Suddenly the Skies Darkened,” specifically the death of the Petukinau royal family. Though Alexander Petukinau and his family were murdered by King Cottontail IX of Leprolia, Cervidium claimed responsibility to assert control over occupied Gallix.

Queen Ana and her father, Prince Regent Tomasz Czerny, sailed on *The Pearl of Simeone* to seek a safe haven in neutral Ursus and avoid potential conflict with the Summer Sun. The Vulpus Armada torpedoed their ship. Both Ana and Tomasz drowned. No apology was issued, and Vulpus instead declared war on Simeone. This became the final straw for neutrality, and all three remaining neutral nations (Ursus, Porcinia, and Simeone) declared war on the Summer Sun.

The death of Ana III was alluded to in “Out of the Frying Pan.”

Due to Ana and Tomasz perishing without an heir, the Council of Chancellors moved to crown Simeone’s next monarch and settled on Ham Mercury, a distant Simour relative. He refused to become a king but agreed to transform Simeone into a republic with him as the first Major.

The death of Queen Jane III was mentioned briefly in “Silent Night.” Queen Ana III likewise made an uncredited cameo in the episode.

### References

The death of Jane Simour (Queen Jane III) in childbirth is a reference to the death of Jane Seymour, Queen of England and third wife of Henry VIII. She died twelve days after giving birth to Henry VIII’s only son.

Much of Simeone is based on Renaissance-Era England.

The sinking of *The* *Pearl of Simeone* is a reference to the sinking of the White Ship in 1120. Vulpus’s justification for the sinking—that she was carrying weapons—is a reference to the 1915 sinking of the *RMS Lusitania.*

Much of Ursus is based on medieval England.

## Trivia

* The title of this episode is a historical reference to the sinking of the White Ship in 1120. The ship carried 300 passengers, of which only one survived. Among the dead was William Adelin, heir to the throne of England. His death precipitated a succession crisis that led to a prolonged English civil war known as the Anarchy.
	+ The title is not quoted by any character, but is instead referenced twice. *The Pearl of Simeone* stands in for the eponymous White Ship.
* Primatia, the capital of Simeone, takes its name from primates.
* Ham Mercury's name comes from Ham the Chimpanzee, the first hominid launched into space. Ham was aboard the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission in 1961. Project Mercury, the first American space program, supplies Ham's surname in Storytime.
* Waarheid is the first elephant introduced; Card Tatum, his grandson, was previously mentioned in Storytime but never appeared.
* The Ursine capital of Carnarvon is named after the Earl of Carnarvon and is supposed to mimic the word "carnivorous."
* Tardisham Tower is based on the Tower of London and named after the TARDIS from *Doctor Who*.