15 years ago:
Cardinal Bergman ran his finger tip over the pages of the journal, inspecting each diagram and drawing. The measure of his displeasure with the contents were barely concealable as he leaned back in his chair, pressing his index fingers tightly against his temples, his eyes closing in thought.
"I thought you would want to see these first, your Grace."
The Cardinal opened his eyes slowly, regarding the man standing across the desk from him. Leaning forward deliberately Cardinal Bergman propped his elbows on the desk, chapeling his fingers in front of his mouth as he thought for a moment.
"Ah yes Captain Sterling, your service to the church, and to the organization, is as always forthright, and greatly appreciated."
Sterling shifted his stance nervously as he fidgeted with the hat held in front of him. Cardinal Bergman sighed slowly, and reached for a peice of parchment.
"Your efforts shall not go unrewarded Captain, but I am afraid I must ask you to complete one more task."
Cardinal Bergman wrote as he spoke, his quill working in quick flourishes to keep up with his words.
"I will ask that you proceed to New Wales, and to Cardinal Essayian with this journal post haste. For the safety of your men and for the church I ask that you leave immediately with no shore leave granted to your crew until such time as you reach New Wales."
Sterling nodded as he reached for, and accepted the Cardinals order.
Once the capatain was gone Cardinal Bergman poured himself a drink from the decanter of wine upon his desk. As the Cardinal leaned back, a voice came from the shadowy part of the room behind him, the source unseen.
"Can we trust him to follow the orders?"
Cardinal Bergman nodded slowly, not bothering to turn as Sergio Alvarado emerged from the shadows.
"He is a loyal, and faithful member of the flock Lord Alvarado, he will do as he is commanded by his church." The Cardinal replied.
"This information he brings back..could place our plans in jeoprady, if people were to learn of this discovery, worse if the Invisable College should find out."
"The contents of that book shall never be seen again Lord Alvarado, that I assure you."
A wicked smile bloomed upon the Cardinals face, the true wickedness of his nature revealing itself fully.
"I think we may finally have a use for that navy of yours."
Cardinal Bergman ran his finger tip over the pages of the journal, inspecting each diagram and drawing. The measure of his displeasure with the contents were barely concealable as he leaned back in his chair, pressing his index fingers tightly against his temples, his eyes closing in thought.
"I thought you would want to see these first, your Grace."
The Cardinal opened his eyes slowly, regarding the man standing across the desk from him. Leaning forward deliberately Cardinal Bergman propped his elbows on the desk, chapeling his fingers in front of his mouth as he thought for a moment.
"Ah yes Captain Sterling, your service to the church, and to the organization, is as always forthright, and greatly appreciated."
Sterling shifted his stance nervously as he fidgeted with the hat held in front of him. Cardinal Bergman sighed slowly, and reached for a peice of parchment.
"Your efforts shall not go unrewarded Captain, but I am afraid I must ask you to complete one more task."
Cardinal Bergman wrote as he spoke, his quill working in quick flourishes to keep up with his words.
"I will ask that you proceed to New Wales, and to Cardinal Essayian with this journal post haste. For the safety of your men and for the church I ask that you leave immediately with no shore leave granted to your crew until such time as you reach New Wales."
Sterling nodded as he reached for, and accepted the Cardinals order.
Once the capatain was gone Cardinal Bergman poured himself a drink from the decanter of wine upon his desk. As the Cardinal leaned back, a voice came from the shadowy part of the room behind him, the source unseen.
"Can we trust him to follow the orders?"
Cardinal Bergman nodded slowly, not bothering to turn as Sergio Alvarado emerged from the shadows.
"He is a loyal, and faithful member of the flock Lord Alvarado, he will do as he is commanded by his church." The Cardinal replied.
"This information he brings back..could place our plans in jeoprady, if people were to learn of this discovery, worse if the Invisable College should find out."
"The contents of that book shall never be seen again Lord Alvarado, that I assure you."
A wicked smile bloomed upon the Cardinals face, the true wickedness of his nature revealing itself fully.
"I think we may finally have a use for that navy of yours."