The Magnificent Monarchy: A Matt and the General Book

By Harry Katzan Jr.

This is a collection of three stories that center around the British Monarchy centered in the great city of London England. In a real and imaginative sense, it controls the country and the British possessions through the world. The monarchy is much more than a collection of people, but ruling a large empire. The country of Britain does in fact have an elected legislature but it is heavily influenced by the royalty. The people of Britain love there monarchy, and all aspects of everyday life is governed in some sense by the royalty. Positions in the monarch are determined by inheritance. The persons that make up the royalty are waited on head and toe by a working class of people, who are handsomely rewarded.

Royal life is greatly influenced by customs. What the royal persons and staff ae heavily determined by the royal leader, i.e., the king or queen. Those persons hold there positions for life, and operate without a passport, driver’s license, and ordinary credential, required by everyday citizens.

Royal persons do operate as ordinary citizens as far as education and military requirements are concerned. In fact marriage between a man and a woman are governed by customs and not ordinary law. In such cases, the husband has total control. May persons say, and rightly so, that those persons are legally married. Yet, marital positions are heavily sought after. Of course, practically every person would like to be a prince or princess.

Royal men are expected to participate in activities such as polo, hunting, and shooting. Royal women are expected to conform to royal behavior in dress and action. Numerous customs are known by all royals with regard to dress, action, and normal household activities. There are even culinary customs established by the queens. The royal family is wealthy beyond belief.

In the modern world, royal men attend a university and serve in the military, usually as military officers. Royal persons have no last name. An unusual custom.

Socially, royal men and women have behavioral signals that govern their personal aid and behavior. For example, if the queen is engaged in a situation she would like to terminate, she transfers her purse from left to right arms, and a royal aide recognizes the problem and remedies the situation forthwith.

The media and parparazzi in England have some control over what happens in the royal arena through newspapers, television, and everyday presence at royal events. Some people think that the media has excessive power. However, it is one good way for the
British population to know what is going on, since the people effectively pay through taxes pay for the cost of have a royal country.

Persons entering the royalty for outside have immense pressure to conform and often experience extreme negative difficulties. It is not normal for royal persons to leave the monarchy.

The book is a combination of three novels that describe the difficulties of royal life. The main characters are Matt, the mathematician, the General, a worldwide benefactor, and other people, such as Ashley, Anna, and Sir Charles (Buzz) Bunday, all of whom you have met in other novels.
The book is a combination of three novels that describe the difficulties of royal life. The main characters are Matt, the mathematician, the General, a worldwide benefactor, and other people, such as Ashley, Anna, and Sir Charles (Buzz) Bunday, all of whom you have met in other novels.

There are three novels: The Mysterious Case of the Royal Baby, The Curious Case of the Royal Marriage, and The Auspicious Case of the General and the Royal Family. The books may be read in any order, but the best result is to read them in order. Each book is totally complete.
You will be enlightened and entertained. Remember, the books are novels and the people and the episodes ae not true. Moreover, my usual writing customs apply: no violence, no sex, and no bad language. It thereby applies to readers of all ages. It

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781663249470

Harry Katzan Jr.

Harry Katzan, Jr. is a professor who has written several books and many papers on computers and service, in addition to some novels. He has been a advisor to the executive board of a major bank and a general consultant on various disciplines. He and his wife have lived in Switzerland where he was a banking consultant and a visiting professor. He is an avid runner and has completed 94 marathons including Boston 13 times and New York 14 times. He holds bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees.

Book preview

CONTENTS

Introduction

Book One

The Mysterious Case Of

The Royal Baby

Prologue

Chapter 1     First Day Of Class

Chapter 2     At The Library

Chapter 3     The Play And Golf Lessons

Chapter 4     Grandfather And The Masters

Chapter 5     Matt’s Story And Ashley’s Background

Chapter 6     Graduation

Chapter 7     Ashley’s Career

Chapter 8     The Bon Chic

Chapter 9     Show Business

Chapter 10   Social Connections

Chapter 11   Another Graduation

Chapter 12   The Problem Emerges

Chapter 13   Ashley Recognizes The Problem

Chapter 14   Ashley Contacts Matt

Chapter 15   Ashley Initiates The Solution

Chapter 16   August And Pamela Meet The Americans

Chapter 17   Breaktime In The Math Building

Chapter 18   Meeting With The General

Chapter 19   The Trip Home

Chapter 20   Preparation For The Near Future

Chapter 21   The Wedding And The Baby

Chapter 22   Back In The States

Chapter 23   Planning For The Baby Shower

Chapter 24   The Hotel

Chapter 25   The Baby Shower

Chapter 26   The Royal Baby

Chapter 27   The Finale

About The Book

Book Two

The Curious Case Of

The Royal Marriage

Prologue

Chapter 1     The Accident

Chapter 2     Meeting With The Queen

Chapter 3     Ashley’s Response

Chapter 4     The Country Club Meeting

Chapter 5     The Situation

Chapter 6     Covert Information

Chapter 7     The Royal Meeting

Chapter 8     The Strategy

Chapter 9     The Plan

Chapter 10   Implementing The Plan

Chapter 11   The Details Of The Trip

Chapter 12   The Preparations

Chapter 13   The Trip Back Home

Chapter 14   The Polo Match And After

Chapter 15   Ashley’s New Life

Chapter 16   Michael’s New Life

Chapter 17   Sara’s New Life

Chapter 18   Michael’s Student Life

Chapter 19   Matt’s Input

Chapter 20   Matt’s Date With The Queen – A Beauty Queen

Chapter 21   Inquiry Into Albany

Chapter 22   The General Responds To The Situation

Chapter 23   The Polo Match

About The Book

Book Three

The Auspicious Case Of

The General And The Royal Family

Major Characters

Prologue

Chapter 1     Born To Fly

Chapter 2     The Tokyo Raid

Chapter 3     The Berlin Assault

Chapter 4     Competitive Events

Chapter 5     The Largest Air Assault In Recorded History

Chapter 6     After The Air Assault

Chapter 7     The Solution

Chapter 8     Promotion

Chapter 9     New York City

Chapter 10   West Point

Chapter 11   Back In New York City

Chapter 12   Reporting For Duty At The Pentagon

Chapter 13   Reassignment In England

Chapter 14   We’re Going Home

Chapter 15   Colonel Les Miller

Chapter 16   Ready, Set, Go

Chapter 17   Graduation

Chapter 18   The Oss

Chapter 19   The Last Military Flights

Chapter 20   Familiar Faces

Chapter 21   Messaging With Matt

Chapter 22   Problems In The Royal Family

Chapter 23   The General Goes To London

Chapter 24   The General And The Queen

Chapter 25   Follow The Money

Chapter 26   Introduction To Block Chain For Royals

Chapter 27   Meetings & More Meetings

Chapter 28   Zürich

Chapter 29   The Limmat River

Chapter 30   The Results Are In

Posteriority To The Trilogy

About The Book

About The Author

Once again, for my wife Margaret, as always and forever

INTRODUCTION

This is a collection of three stories that center around the British Monarchy centered in the great city of London England. In a real and imaginative sense, it controls the country and the British possessions through the world. The monarchy is much more than a collection of people, but ruling a large empire. The country of Britain does in fact have an elected legislature but it is heavily influenced by the royalty. The people of Britain love there monarchy, and all aspects of everyday life is governed in some sense by the royalty. Positions in the monarch are determined by inheritance. The persons that make up the royalty are waited on head and toe by a working class of people, who are handsomely rewarded.

Royal life is greatly influenced by customs. What the royal persons and staff ae heavily determined by the royal leader, i.e., the king or queen. Those persons hold there positions for life, and operate without a passport, driver’s license, and ordinary credential, required by everyday citizens.

Royal persons do operate as ordinary citizens as far as education and military requirements are concerned. In fact marriage between a man and a woman are governed by customs and not ordinary law. In such cases, the husband has total control. May persons say, and rightly so, that those persons are legally married. Yet, marital positions are heavily sought after. Of course, practically every person would like to be a prince or princess.

Royal men are expected to participate in activities such as polo, hunting, and shooting. Royal women are expected to conform to royal behavior in dress and action. Numerous customs are known by all royals with regard to dress, action, and normal household activities. There are even culinary customs established by the queens. The royal family is wealthy beyond belief.

In the modern world, royal men attend a university and serve in the military, usually as military officers. Royal persons have no last name. An unusual custom.

Socially, royal men and women have behavioral signals that govern their personal aid and behavior. For example, if the queen is engaged in a situation she would like to terminate, she transfers her purse from left to right arms, and a royal aide recognizes the problem and remedies the situation forthwith.

The media and paparazzi in England have some control over what happens in the royal arena through newspapers, television, and everyday presence at royal events. Some people think that the media has excessive power. However, it is one good way for the British population to know what is going on, since the people effectively pay through taxes pay for the cost of have a royal country.

Persons entering the royalty for outside have immense pressure to conform and often experience extreme negative difficulties. It is not normal for royal persons to leave the monarchy.

The book is a combination of three novels that describe the difficulties of royal life. The main characters are Matt, the mathematician, the General, a worldwide benefactor, and other people, such as Ashley, Anna, and Sir Charles (Buzz) Bunday, all of whom you have met in other novels.

There are three novels: The Mysterious Case of the Royal Baby, The Curious Case of the Royal Marriage, and The Auspicious Case of the General and the Royal Family. The books may be read in any order, but the best result is to read them in order. Each book is totally complete.

You will be enlightened and entertained. Remember, the books are novels and the people and the episodes ae not true. Moreover, my usual writing customs apply: no violence, no sex, and no bad language. It thereby applies to readers of all ages. It would be a good beach read.

Enjoy.

The Author

2023

BOOK ONE

The Mysterious Case

of the Royal Baby

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

THE MAGNIFICENT MONARCHY. Copyright c

2022 by Harry Katzan Jr. All rights reserved.

PROLOGUE

A private Gulfstream 650 in route to London prepared for landing at an unused military airport just north of the city. It was a direct flight from a private airport in the United States. The arrival was planned in advance. The plane joined the overhead traffic pattern and the landing was executed as smoothly as possible for the moderately large business jet. The captain taxied to a vacant area of the airport and waited. The cabin lights were not turned on.

A few minutes later, the aircraft was approached by a large dark SUV. Two men in blue fatigues exited the SUV and stood at attention. The passenger door of the aircraft opened and the automatic stairs were lowered. The men entered the plane and transferred a young woman and a small carrier to the SUV. The vehicle sped off in the direction of London.

A fuel truck approached the Gulfstream that waited for a refueling operation to be completed and then departed in a hurry.

This story describes the events preceding and following the scenario described above.

CHAPTER ONE

FIRST DAY OF CLASS

Two students trudged up the three flights of stairs to the spacious apartment at 54 Nassau Street, the dwelling of Mme Marguerite Purgoine, a professor of creative writing at the university. She was an internationally accredited prize-winning author who commanded the respect of the authorities in charge, whoever they were. Marguerite, called Anna for unknown reasons, was a sweet woman of questionable years. To the older full professors, she was young. To the students, she was old. She was the only faculty member allowed to teach from her home, and the only faculty member having to climb up the terrible three flights of stairs.

The students were strangers. The boy initiated the conversation, Hi, my name is Matthew Miller, but most people call me Matt. Are you going to make it? The girl pleased that he broke the ice replied, Well, I think so. I’m not so athletic. My mom wanted to be a soccer mom, and now I hate running and exercise of all kinds. My name is Ashley Wilson. The couple ploughed upward until they reached the apartment. The door was open wide to a very large studio with enormous bookshelves and thousands of books scattered practically everywhere. A few students were already there seated in chairs placed in a semi-circle. The professor was a small gray haired aristocratic-looking lady who welcomed the newcomers with a Welcome to creative writing. The latest couple grabbed the two vacant chairs and the teacher was ready to begin with the course.

"Welcome to the most worthwhile course you are going to take at this prestigious university.

My name is Marguerite Purgoine and I will be your teacher. In the class, and with email and messaging, I would prefer that you call me Anna – heaven only knows where that name came from – but on the street or campus, please call me Professor Purgoine or Dr. Purgoine. I want you to enjoy the course, because happy writers are good writers. I am well aware of grade inflation throughout the country and especially on this campus, so just do your job and I will take care of you. You probably already know where the phrase ‘just do your job’ comes from. In case you don’t, it comes from the grand old game of football. When a player tries to gain favor with the coach asking what he should do better, they frequently get the reply, ‘just do your job’. In your case, just do your job and turn in your writing assignments on time." Matt smiled at Ashley and she smiled back.

The professor continued forthwith. We are required to provide a syllabus to each student so there is one for each of you over there on the table. I will personally tell about each and every writing assignment, so just come to class and do your job. Please keep in mind that I will assign a lengthy project about the middle of the course. How long? I think a good story is at least seventeen pages of 8½ by 11-sized paper with approximately 250 words per page. Where did the magic number of seventeen come from? Agatha Christie. I counted them in one of her publications, in my early days of teaching.

A student piped up with, How many pages is too long?

How did I know someone would ask? commented the professor. That is a question I don’t want to answer. I’m sure you can work that out during the course of writing. Let’s take a five-minute break. There’s coffee in that monster of a pot over there by the syllabi. I would like to talk to a couple of you.

CHAPTER TWO

AT THE LIBRARY

Matt had found himself a nice quiet spot in the reading room of the university library. Each department had its own library, but it was nice to be alone when doing math problems. His professor, straight out of Harvard, advised his students to copy their notes and do the assigned problem set as soon after class as possible. He was doing just that, when, out of the blue, Ashley appeared. I thought I’d find you here, she said, you look very busy.

I was doing my math homework, Matt replied, I usually do it right after class. That’s impressive, said Ashley, Are you a four point oh student?

Matt was in fact a 4.0 student but he didn’t respond to the question directly, but after a few moments finally responded with, Just doing my job. I‘m in the middle of a lengthy proof, so have a seat, and we can study together.

This being exactly what Ashley had hoped for, she fumbled her way around the table and gracefully sat down. After looking up, down, left, and finally right, Ashley said, I think I’ll take a look in the stacks.

Matt looked up and said, It’s the other way.

Ashley sheepishly replied, It is my first time in the library. Drama majors don’t usually go to the library. It’s nice though.

I should have guessed that, Matt answered, You’re very pretty and have a way with words. I’m kind of finished. Would you like to have a coffee, or something like that?

Sure, she said and off they went.

The two students inadvertently headed towards Starbucks, and on the way, Matt pulled out a gift card and asked, Is Starbucks okay?

Ashley replied, Of course yes.

Matt said, That’s from Fiddler on the Roof, Right? For sure you’re a drama major. Caught in the act. She said.

The reason I wouldn’t mind going to Starbucks is that I have all these Starbucks cards. I have about ten of them. A couple from my parents, a couple from my grandfather, and some from athletic shoe reps. The reps take you out for a coffee ostensibly to ask you about your success with their shoes, and then say ‘keep the card’. My grandfather tells about during the war, if you went out for a smoke, the greatest thing that could happen was when the other soldier just said ‘keep the pack’.

Most people don’t ever refer to their grandparents. Ashley quipped. Are you and he close?

Well, yes and no. answered Matt. Sometimes we play golf and sometimes we play tennis and sometimes our families go on vacation together – especially when he and my grandmother feel like going to Hawaii. He pays for my education that includes tuition and fees, dormitory room, dining hall, books and supplies, and spending money. I think he would like me to work for his company when I graduate.

Do you want to? asked Ashley.

I guess so. Matt replied. He owns that famous company that makes opinion polls. I’ve worked there during the summer and the work is pretty interesting for a person interested in analytics and stuff like that. But we’ll see.

They reached Starbucks. She ordered a ‘venti’ skim latte with two shots and he got a ‘grandi’ coffee. They found a good seat by the window. She continued the conversation. Are you a math major? It sounds like you might be one.

Matt continued. Yes I am. Do I act like one?

The response was almost automatic. No, not at all. Actually, I thought math majors were stuffy and aloof and things like that, and you’re not that way at all.

Matt chuckled. I guess some of them are, but most of us are pretty normal. A good student has to keep up with the work, and if you don’t, it’s hard to make it up like you can in some reading courses. So math majors appear to study a lot

Sara was quick to respond. "Remember that first day of class when we had a coffee break.

Professor Purgoine said she wanted to talk to some students and you were one of them. Was that because you are a math major? It is a bit unusual. A math major taking a writing course."

Matt answered both questions. Yes it was and it was also about my physical appearance. She looked up the records of each person in the class. She thought I looked like an athlete and found that I am on the tennis and golf teams. Another thing. She found that I am in a fraternity. She was afraid that I was some jock that took the course only to meet girls. I explained that I realize that I have taken a lot of math courses and need some variety, and that my grandfather, who is paying for all of this, advised me to take a writing course are the two reasons why I enrolled in the course. There is another aspect of the situation, which is that I enjoy the process of writing as it provides a way of creating a little world of my own. I also read pretty much fiction and have read two of her novels. I made sure to mention that.

So it looks like it turned out pretty well. Ashley remarked. Are you wealthy?

Matt laughed a good belly laugh. No, I am nothing other than a poor college student. My grandfather has made a lot of money, and my parents have decent paying jobs. My grandfather told me once out on a golf course that he always wanted to be an author, but he chose business because of the depression and all of the people that suffered. He said he didn’t want to be poor, even for a minute.

Ashley was so engrossed in the story that she didn’t even drink her coffee. Matt said, You haven’t touched your coffee. Let me get you a warm one.

Thanks to the miracle of gift cards, Matt returned in minutes with a two-shot skim latte that Ashley accepted graciously.

Matt continued with a quick remark, to continue, my mom teaches third grade, my dad works for the company that makes and scores SAT tests, and I have one brother and two sisters. Now, how about you, my dear friend.

Sara hesitated briefly somewhat overwhelmed by the apparent simplicity of Matt’s life and his complete openness about his personal life. Well, she started, my family has done well, considering, but my life is more complicated than yours. My parents are divorced. My mother teaches dance at Yale and my father makes movies in the LA area. Actually, he doesn’t act in the films, but puts the filmstrips together to make the film. I think it’s called postproduction but maybe that’s not exactly the real name of what he does. My mother is a total pain; she’s always calling my professors to make sure I get a good grade, and she’s always bugging me about studying and boys and just about everything. I have a brother and a sister who have graduated from college, but I don’t know exactly what and how they are doing. My father is a bit like your grandfather; he wants me to do well but mostly he wants me to be happy. He’s also a bit like you, I think, because he doesn’t worry about things, and cheerfully takes what life has to offer.

Matt smiled. Thanks, I will take that as a complement. Let’s finish up. I have to go to golf practice. The coach was the NCAA wrestling champion, and now he is the golf coach. Imagine that. He doesn’t even play golf, but he yells a lot and is consistently on our case. I might know more than he does - about golf - but that is a story for another day. We practice at the country club and take a university van. I really don’t want to be late. Would you like to run into each other again?

Sure, sure would.

I propose we meet at the same time next Tuesday in the library. Would that be okay with you. Matt asked.

It’s fine with me.

The two students hit the street with feelings of time well spent.

CHAPTER THREE

THE PLAY AND GOLF LESSONS

The week passed quickly, as Ashley and Matt were busy with normal student activities. They exchanged pleasantries in the writing course but otherwise didn’t see anything of each other.

Ashley accepted a promising part in a university play and was extremely busy learning the script and becoming accustomed to working with the other cast members. Matt was typically occupied with pleasing his golf coach and a load of mathematics homework. Math majors usually work toward a Bachelor of Science degree with fixed requirements in the traditional sciences and mathematics. When you’re a math major, your mathematics courses are your major subject and also satisfy the requirements for graduation, yielding additional free electives. But since most math majors love their subject matter, it is customary for them to take additional mathematics courses as electives, resulting in more problem sets to work on. Ashley spent most evenings rehearsing and Matt spent most evening doing problems. They were both anxious to see one another.

Matt got to the library first as his last class was in an adjacent building. Ashley arrived a little later with a sheepish grin on her face. She remarked as she walked to the table. I hoped you would be here. Did you miss me?

I was looking forward to seeing you. replied Matt. How was your week?

Ashley answered in turn, Oh I have to tell you, I got the best part in our new play. I’m so lucky. We will rehearse almost every night. Actually, we just got started and haven’t accomplished that much except getting to know each other. I have read the entire script.

"Congratulations.