W_L

The orbs are one of the big mysteries in the story that I may need to explore in a sequel novel, like The Expanse did with Protomolecules and the Gates. They're not human technology; even at our best pace of technological breakthroughs, we wouldn't be able to create an energy/computing system as compact and powerful as an orb. We're talking Type II or III Kardashev civilization level of technology. Eli and Robert both have realized this is likely alien technology, or at the very least, not native to the humans of their era. The movie Interstellar and the book series The Expanse have similar conceptual ideas, it's a bigger mystery and I have ideas on it.

It took years of planning and military build-up, which I just briefly touched on throughout my chapters and short stories. I could probably go deeper into how Eli and Robert created a material supply chain, developed welding techniques and riveting with traditional blacksmiths, and installed a vacuum tube based systems, along wth a more complex fire control system in the Dreadnaught.

William Jennings Bryan was an infamous populist and Western member of the US Democratic party in the early 20th century (along with a penchant as one of the biggest proponents of US Creationist of the 20th century with his role in the Scopes trial made famous by Inherit the Wind ), I know of him of course 😛 The Gold Cross in my story is essentially a cautionary tale, people are foolish enough to desire physical wealth placed in front of them, while not cautious enough to protect the wealth from "critical resources". No amount of Gold will ever be enough to equate critical resources to national interest, i.e. for the US modern military/industrial technologies, the near-earth satellite network for communication and military coordination, and above all the financial infrastructure that maintains social interactions. While you can sell out any of these things to outside players, it would mean you are weakening national interest and undermining things in the long-run.

Before the final mile of the road to the Tower complex, I made one last speech to the gathered crowds that had followed us from Fleet Street and St. Mary Aldermary Church. I urged them to leave my side and await word of our victory. I did not want any innocent civilians to be accidentally harmed by this engagement. While presenting my military forces' power openly was useful for establishing my authority, I needed good public order to maintain the civil infrastructure of London. By doing this, I

Chapter 24 The battle has been won and there's a lot of revelations. I want readers to remember that Eli/Eric and Robert/Jack's backstory for how they're integrated into this alternate timeline is just as important as the big players. Reginald Pole died on November 17th, 1558 historically, so this death is only a few months earlier, coincidentally Mary Tudor also died on November 17th 1558, 12 hours before Reginald Pole. However, history would not play out as it once did as Mary is going to live longer than Reginald. Here are a few key reveals in the conversation: 1. The orbs/cores possess many extreme properties from energy manipulation, computing capacity, scan/analtical sensors, and even applications to genetic sequencing. 2. Jack engaged in genetic experiments with the cores on transgender individuals seeking to transition. The cores have advanced analytical and energy manipulation abilities, hinting at the application of bioelectrical manipulation and gene editing. 3. Reginald Pole, Peter II, and by extension, much of the Papal/Catholic high office holders are members of the Corporate Consortium, which Jack Humes, co-founded. However, they represent a splinter faction that worked with the Western Charter and had stolen assets of this faction. 4. Dozens of Sky Fortresses are being built, hinting at the improving industrial infrastructure of the European powers. Remember each of these Sky fortresses can produce firepower equivalent to nuclear weapons. 5. There are charging stations for cores disbursed between various powers, the majority of which are in the hands of the Western Charter. As for historical concepts, the "two-bodies" concept is an interesting political-philosophical concept that existed in European mindsets around this era. It holds that the ruler can be both individual and political, essentially representing their interests and those of a nation. Two separate bodies with distinct needs and identities. Elizabeth I in history used the concept define herself as both a woman and a monarch, defining two identities into one person, meaning that she could transcend the "female" definition, which Mary I was unable to as a traditional Christian woman remaining subservient to males. I took the concept and went further with it as I found it provocative that Europeans didn't go further down this concept's path on identity as other cultures like Japan did to create "third-gender" LGBTQ principles. This week's law of power is 47th, "Do not go past the mark you aimed for. In victory, know when to stop", this rule teaches victors to know when to stop after securng their goals. Overextension or overconfidence can lead to various mistakes. In this chapter, Eli made 2 major mistakes after nominally defeating Mary's forces in England and securing the throne: 1. Revealing his capabilities to Reginald Pole to counter his opponent's perceived superior position, and 2. Wanting to showcase Mary as the defeated monarch in order to demonstrate who is the stronger leader. Both created unplanned issues, including the death of Reginald Pole and Mary's extended lifespan. Notes: 1. Elizabeth I as a proponent of the Two-Bodies political philosophy concept was also part of the ascension speech when she took the throne in 1559, so I incorporated it here. 2. While it is not well known, Mary I actually could give strong speeches, like the speech she gave to rally troops during Wyatt's Rebellion in actual history. However, in this timeline without Wyatt's rebellion, Mary's oratory skills have not been displayed until now.

It will take time, years of therapy, even with Robert and Eli's abilities working in tandem. Growing limbs is not impossible, since we know other creatures have that factor within their genome. Robert's ability to manipulate matter and Eli's ability to analyze and use information makes some of the speculative fiction possible.

I always loved the ending of the Tudors, when Henry VIII had to face his internal demons for everything he did throughout his life for his vanity, his ambition, and his power. To me, a contemporary who was just as guilty of everything that happened during that time frame like Thomas Howard represents a kind of reflection on that era in English history.

Old Nick makes astute observations

He is still with us, this is Barnaby's death poem. Kind of a farewell to someone you love that will never be heard

Barnaby died of poison in Chapter 17, you will discover who did it later. The assassin is quite famous

It's going to be fun

Futuristic technology exist in this world, some even more advanced than our own modern technology. The side story reveals certain things, especially the "cores", a power source and artificial intelligence source of unknown design, potentially non-human origin

Good ideas, I also added some bonus material as you seem to enjoy these chapters.

Alas, sweet Edward, fair sovereign of my heart, In this shadowed hour, I stand bereft, torn apart. Thine tender years, a fragile bloom untimely severed, A boy king's reign, by fate's cruel hand endeavored. O, how oft have I beheld thee, radiant and bright, A princely visage, bathed in innocence and light. Thy laughter, a melody that danced upon the air, Now silenced, as death claims me, a love so rare. From childhood's embrace, thou didst asc

Thanks for reading

It's good and bad, since Eli is crushing it on the battlefield, but avoided attacks on civilians. In some ways, the lack of civilian casualties may not be a positive thing.

A lot of people forget what traditional Christmas truly was, not a commercial or consumer holiday, but a communal holiday where people shared their resources with one another. Ironic, considering UK was one of the original nations that pushed commercialism for Christmas celebrations.

Good strategem

Nope, but he's not completely unscathed after losing a son.

History is a fickle thing, even the Papal authority knew there's risk to tampering with the course of events.

True actions speak louder than words, sadly for all the others who suffered in this place, Eli came too late

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Good quote

There is major lore behind the story, stuff that goes beyond what has been revealed so far

The abilities of the fair folk are quite interesting, knowledge applied on subjects or individuals