The Legion of Justice Affair[Pala, Keldon and Roland]

[Palacrisis D Jones]

20th Melora winter Era XIII

Palacrisis sat behind the large table that served as a desk with a copy of the Herald spread out in front of him. The table was empty save for a cup of tea. From what he had begun to hear on the grapevine no spirituous liquors would be served at this particular meeting that might prove too much of a temptation for at least two of them.

Pala was embarrassed and angry, the debacle with the Legion of Justice had placed him firmly in the lime light and that was a place he did not enjoy after all he had trusted his judgment over the appointment of Keldon and had backed Roland. Now it appeared that he had made an error not once but twice and that was not something he enjoyed.

His bleak blue eyes watched the door as he sipped his tea .Clarisse his secretary had orders to let both of them in immediately with no fuss and she had cleared his diary for this meeting.

A single finger tapped impatiently on the table.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

After traveling through Diana at the tip of the mountains to get to Alleria Prime Keldon had contemplated arriving to meet with Roland, however since the man did not bother to respond to his missive's he decided not to, and to continue through the city to reach Alleria Prime and meet with Pala. He was curious to see how the man felt about the situation and to see if he was going to lose his job over a drunkard fool who is afraid of what Keldon could do to the Legion, which made him wonder since he was the leader who allowed to it shrivel into despair.

Entering the office he was told to head straight into Palas private office. He motioned for Captain Woodruff to wait in the lobby area which is where his secretary who informed him to enter the office was. "Please wait here Captain, I am not sure how long this will take. Feel free to look around the building if you so please but stay around this office encase I require you." This was the first meeting he had Yarrow accompany him on, and so far it was working out well. He walked in his head held high as normal, a type of grace to his steps. Keldon had done nothing wrong, except to trust a man who apparently had no sense of common decency. However it was his own fault for doing such a thing and he would need to pay the consequences if need be. Although he was also curious to see the reactions of Pala and see if his was more concerned with his own reputation then anything else, he was a former Founder of the Legion although records state he had little to do with the Legion so Keldon would not give him much for the title.

Keldon bowed once he had reached the Consuls desk, "Serale your Excellency, as requested I have arrived." He said softly with a smile, rising from his bow his face took a serious tone, and his voice showed he was now serious. It was sterner, and more to the point. "So shall we cut the formality's and discuss the transgression between former leader of the Legion of Justice Roland Moonstar and myself. As I am sure you would like to hear the story from myself, and I would presume Governor Moonstar so the proper actions on your behalf can be considered. Although I question the ability of Mr. Moonstar which I had planned to contact you in regards, but I suppose it can be discussed here should the opportunity arise."

[Yarrow]

"Please wait here Captain, I am not sure how long this will take. Feel free to look around the building if you so please but stay around this office encase I require you."

Yarrow saluted and stood rigidly in the waiting room. She felt a little odd letting him out of her sight, however. I will be right on the otherside of this door. She thought. She breathed in deeply and embraced arcana. It felt good in her system.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala did not flicker an eye as Keldon strolled into his office and made his opening pitch with more than a hint of arrogance. Pala knew very well that attack was the best form of defense but sometimes it was best to find out exactly what was on your opponents mind before launching yourself into the clear blue yonder without a safety net. A flicker of a smile crossed his features but there was little humour in it.

"Thane Elsdragon" his voice was soft and quiet “Shut up and sit down keep your ears open and your mouth shut just listen and when I finish you can speak!”

“First you do not walk into my office and dictate events or the nature of the conversation, you are here to answer questions. The Legion of Justice is a private organization and as such I would not normally interfere in its internal politics but when its business gets splashed all over the newspapers then I take notice. You and the governor can do what the hell you want in your spare time but Thane Elsdragon what you fail to appreciate is that you are a public official and one that had my sponsorship. So once mud slinging starts it reflects on me and the government as a whole. What I would like to know is how this story got into the press? These letters who wrote which and when? And finally where did this rumour come from about the drinking?”

“It is not your business to spread rumours about senior official’s habits so thane I would like to know on what basis of evidence this accusation comes about .have you observed the acting governor in a state of intoxication that would prevent him from carrying out his duties?”

The air was a little frosty inside Pala’s office but outside the firmly closed door Clarisse von Dribblepot was her usual friendly self. The consul’s secretary a grey blonde lady of the spinster persuasion was used to entertaining in her outer office and at the sight of the upright Captain Yarrow she was amused . its all right dear his bark is worse than his bite he won’t do anything to your thane would you like a chair and a cup of tea whilst you wait?

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon smirked and took a seat. "Did I start rumors about Governor Moonstar your Excellency? No, and that is not something I would consider starting, however are the publications correct. From my observations yes, they would be to the point... although not worded to the best way for any politician I would say. From understanding from Lady Sitandria, whom is now Thane of Archadoon Governor Moonstar is seldom without a glass of some type of wine in his hand, he arrived at my private estate to meet with me in regards to the Legion with his own glass, that was well filled, and from the report of my staff he requested more... refreshment the moment he arrived." Keldon leaned back in his chair. "I have heard several things from this and that within Primus Gaudeo of him hiring random citizens on the street for various tasks. Although that is within his right, however the recent action with him publishing two letters of my appointment raises me to question the mans judgment and ability to serve."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala re-read the letters published in the Herald and half an idea began to form, could it be that one of these was a draft and received in error? …… hmm very well Keldon I accept your word that you did not write either of these letters. Very well lets move on shall we, the fact remains that you and thane Sitandria have seen Moonstar with a glass or two. Hells teeth man, that’s no crime however if his consumption is affecting his ability to do his job that is still a long way from being proved. However this matter has been laid before me and I accept that there are concerns in some areas I shall look into this matter personally and I do not want to hear another word about it not in the press or from any other medium. Is that fully understood?

He relaxed a little and then began again. I have always had a certain admiration for the goals and mission statement of the legion but I feel they are no longer in tune with the times. The rule of law is returning in the shape of the government and the legions, we have much to do but a start has been made .The day of independent organizations set up to fill the vacuum by a lack of government is over. However if the legion can come up with another role it might be able to survive. I have discussed in broad principles with certain high powered individuals the idea of an organization capable of offering quick response aid and assistance in disaster situations do you think that the legion could become this type of organization?

[Keldon Elsdragon]

"The capability of the Governors and officials under your authority is of your own discretion. If in your opinion he is fit to serve in office, then he is fit to serve in office, however I do not control what is published in the Imperial News for the Empire, or any city for the fact. Although I could restrict the publication of any information in Primus Gaudeo if I choose to do so. If there is anything released in the news I hold nothing towards it, although I shall not discuss this matter, especially not publicly." Keldon smirked, "Indeed the laws and ways are changing and hence the direction I was going to take with the Legion was more a direction towards a military type structure for a large scale organization. It was going smoothly until this situation arose. However if called upon, yes the Legion of Justice could indeed be able to operate as a rapid response unit for the Empire. Being based in Primus Gaudeo gives it the ability to be in the heart of the Empire and able to respond quickly to any location within reason, although expansion is in the future, and proper funding would be in order. But that is down the road as I establish merchant establishments to assist in funding, and anything that is possible. I am dedicating a large portion of my own funding to the coffers of the Legion, and several members have responded in kind to my request for donations. But the long-term goals are still in the distance, both practically with staff, and financially"

[Yarrow]

"its all right dear his bark is worse than his bite he won’t do anything to your thane would you like a chair and a cup of tea whilst you wait?"

Yarrow smiled back at the female and nodded her head slightly, but she did not relax her tense stature.

"Tea would be great, thank you." She did not think that her thane would be hurt by the man he had come to see, but there were others out there that could and would. She was young, but she had seen a lot and been through even more. Many might not think so looking at the woman's kind smile, but she has seen much of a darker side of the world that many had never seen before.

My thane...how funny.... Yarrow thought to herself as she waited for the tea that had been offered. He is already my thane.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala put his hands together and arched his fingers tapping his lips …..He let the opening few sentences flow over him , he had said enough about this newspaper row, time to move on.

Hmm, I was not thinking of a military response to the effects of disaster although I can understand if you would consider a disciplined unit. No I wanted more of a humanitarian force able to get to disaster areas quickly and start coordinating recovery scenarios. Half of the problem with this sort of thing is that there is confusion on the ground and its vital that operatives are there quickly able to assess what is needed and start ordering the chaos. The locals can do the hard work but they will always look for leadership and clear directives in a disaster situation. What I would like you to do is discuss this with your fellow members and draw up a plan .You have members all over the empire so you can be on the spot quickly and then take some form of charge of the rescue work So bring me a plan and I will make sure that the Regent gets to see it and if he agrees I am sure some form of governmental support can be arranged, in terms of magic money and equipment. The legion needs to change to suit the needs of the empire; we do not need any more ragtag militias looking for dragons to be slain we need organizations that are professional and can do a real job for themselves and the empire. Its up to you Keldon!

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon smirked a little. "Your Excellency, it has been sometime since you have last seen any status reports on the Legion since you assisted in its founding. As it stands how the members list dwindles rather low. Sadly, former Grand Marshal Moonstar allowed the Legion to sink into a rather pathetic state, Sitandria and Roland met with me at my estate to discuss the future of the Legion. Before the conversation started a rather lengthy lecture from Roland in leadership took place before he left. Sitandria and I then discussed my ideas for the Legion which will come into effect in the near future. But with your proposal I can make some revisions." Keldon sighed slightly. "However, we do not have members all over the Empire. The bulk of our member's are focused in Primus Gaudeo, two in the north, and one or two in the west."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala unarched his fingers and shook his head as Keldon replied “Thank you for bringing me up to date on the affairs of the legion. I shall leave you to do what you and your remaining members think best.. Frankly from what you have taken it seems to me that unless you change your mission statement and find a new role for this faction I can see little chance of it surviving as a group. Maybe the time has come to allow it to die peacefully in its bed and use your energies more effectively in performing your duties as thane of Primus Gaudeo. So we will say no more about the Legion of Justice”.

“But let us move on as you are here you must tell me how Primus Gaudeo fares I expected some occasional reports from the city but alas I have yet to receive anything so as I have dragged you here please bring me up to date “

The worst of the interview was over and the Legion of Justice affair would probably forgotten as the readers of the herald were regaled by some other scandal and the current edition reduced to fresh fish wrapping .

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon raised a brow for a moment. "I was unaware you required reports from the city directly. I assumed the Governors office would report things for the entire province and its matters. As that is where I have been sending updates and various other pieces of information to. However Primus Gaudeo is faring well as could be expected. My appointment has ruffled some feathers within my staff who are more used to having a larger amount of freedom. The Commander of the Guard and myself are in discussion of the expansion of the guard along with shifting it around slightly to fit the bulk of the city more effectively and with such low numbers. I am also having my staff prepare a report in how to effectively recruit new guards. After all there is a large amount of refugees in the city that could be a strong working force and if they can be used to the cities advantage then so be it." Keldon rubbed his chin. "Mystique will be running a cattle drive outside the city walls which will bring some new merchant traffic and something for the kids to stand on the walls and watch, and likely slander." He smirked to himself. "I have granted Sir Raliric Ered`Gard permission to move a portion of the refugees from the city to his Citadel in order to populate it. Although I am in the process of discussing the finer parts of details which should not take long, that effect will not only take some stress of the city, it will help populate a new city in the province. Along with that there is a halfling that I have granted the ability to restore the Ariel Factory, he is planning to bring it back into production which would produce a large amount of jobs for unemployed citizens."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala nodded to himself as Keldon began to recount the tasks he had set himself, chuckling inwardly as he told of the reluctance of certain officials to change and a new man at the helm. He had read in the Herald or some other paper about the cattle drive and mentally ticked that point off. Reworking of the local constabulary was often a task a new thane was keen to do and as such it never did any harm to beef that side of things up. Raliric and he had discussed the refugees early in the winter and Pala was perfectly happy to populate the citadel with these unfortunate people.

A slight frown crossed his brow as the last point was made …. Aerial factory , did he mean dirigibles, those balloon thingies

he looked up at Keldon Sounds as though you have been busy and I cannot find fault with anything so far but one thing puzzles me, what is an Ariel factory I have hardly ever heard the term before, there were some attempts at flying machines in the past but apparently we have lost the skills to arcanely give them the ability to fly.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon laughed at the remark. "No fault required your Excellency, the Ariel Factory once indeed did produce airship, and a young half-ling from Alleria Prime recently approached me in regards to employment on my staff. After some discussion and hearing his rather ambitious ideas he asked to have the city sponsor his business in the production of the designs he had implemented. So I granted the request, His Imperial Excellency, the Regent himself has apparently turned a eye towards the project and it will bring a welcome improvement to the city." Keldon smiled "His designs from what I understand do not require Arcanic magic, or atleast only a minor degree with simple spells. But it looks promising and I have granted the man funding from my personal funds and in the future the city itself. Along with granting him free access to the factory for the time being."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

ooc ~ oooops sorry!

ic ~ An eyebrow raised itself as Keldon explained further about the Aerial Factory , this was all new to him and he realised that this piece of news was a potential godsend for the province.

Splendid news Keldon well done , actively encouraging innovation is one of the key tasks of a good thane and you say the regent has been informed of this ….good ,good . Well please keep me informed of progress and if there is anything you need then let me know and I will see what I can do. If this project gets off the ground …. he chuckled I think I should like to try a ride in one of these fantastic machines.

A random memory floated completely freely and without being invited into his mind

You know there was a chap called Qeonor Lescartes who did some work on flying machines a few era’s ago. Your man might want to look into that work to see if it has any value to his project, it’s only a thought.

He had relaxed after the initial annoyance and settled comfortably in his chair so everything seems peaceful in Primus Gaudeo , that’s good ..No trouble from the Hidden City eh, those blighters always need an eye kept on them. Look just drop me a line from time to time and keep me posted on any new developments in PG , it does not have to be a fancy report but I do like to be kept in the loop. I have nothing more to say to you so unless there is anything else you need from me then Keldon you are free to go back

The knock on the door and the head of his secretary told him it was time for his next appointment , unless Keldon wanted to say something else