The Commander's frown disappears and his face remains impassive, Today is our deadline Lord-Captain. Our Seneschal will require an answer to give to General Dante. Regardless of when his coup will occur, what will be our response now?
Ioneyse blinks a couple time in brief confusion. "I will do what I can Lord-Captain. Though Dante is demanding an answer today, are you wanting me to tell him that we are backing him and that we just want him to try to wait until after the fighting is done? That we will do noting to either help or hinder him? Or do you wish me to give him a flat out no?"
"We absolutely have to tell him something one way or the other today since it was the deadline he gave us. If we attempt to stall he may turn on us as well as the governor."
Perhaps the Lord Captain is still reeling from the public humiliation from this General, Casimir thinks to himself before speaking again.
"Yes, it does seem that we must issue a decision today, as unfortunate as it is. I too feel as though a general may not be the best choice for a civilian government, but that is not our choice here it would seem. If we lose Damaris, it does not matter who would have sat at its head. Perhaps if we support General Dante we will have some leverage that we can employ to encourage him to choose advisers and adopt policies that are actually beneficial to the governance of this place."
Having visited General Dante aboard the Bulwark, the General had now made a visit to House Tyr's villa upon the planet. He had arrived in a magnificent, black state vehicle with several dedicated bodyguards. The perimeter was properly secured and the villa was, with Iago's permission, swept for any bugs before Dante eventually spoke with all of the senior officers. The meeting had a very conspiratorial feel about it and the General was obviously ill at ease. When he was finally sure he was able to speak freely, he began the meeting in earnest.
"Iago, thank you for your kind invitation to your villa here upon the planet. Now... i'd rather we don't get too bogged down in details today. You'll have my unconditional support and guidance in the war to come should you back my move for Governorship; and House Tyr will, of course, become the prominent great trading House that Damaris will build its best ties with. You'll supplant Lady Orleans and I, Governor Kapak. I'll bring in an era of strength and prosperity for my home with your support and we shall both mutually benefit from the arrangement. Perhaps most crucially... with your support, I would not have to make my move during the war itself. It can be delayed. Do I have your backing? If not... I have no qualms about telling you I will take action alone if I must!"
As is his usual nature, The Commander wastes no time with idle chit-chat or talking around the issue.
We will support you. He states flatly. The other Officers and I have concerns about the specifics, but they can be discussed at a later time. Seneschal Patronius will need to speak to you about our current set of contracts. My understanding is that nothing will need to change, but it's always safe to make sure we're all on the same page. Iago's usual scowl returns, But we aren't here to discuss coin. You have our answer, General. We will win this War with you, and with it, the world.
Casimir seems rather on edge during the meeting but says nothing.
Hopefully all of this upheaval ends and we can return this world to the Emperor's protection.
Surely there were a fair amount of double dealing and backstabbing in the guard as well, but it is hard for an old soldier to follow these wheeling and dealings.
Well, at least the Orc will prove to be refreshingly straightforward.
Good thing, I need to work off some aggression.
Ioneyse gives a little head nod of acknowledgement when Iago makes mention of having her look over the current set of contracts. With any luck we could perhaps make a few adjustments to it that are more favorable to us.
Trien looks around at the proceedings. A small smile is present on his face as his gaze passes over Dante. They just might have a chance now, Dante could be ruthless and that might just be exactly what they need.