A Sailor's Word (Arkahn)

[Alexis Sapientia]

Timestamp: Ponutis 39, Era XIII, after A Soldier's Word.

"Very well Imperial Admiral. As I understand it the Classis is scattered at the moment, ill-funded and in a less than desirable shape..." They were quite harsh words but not meant for Alexis. It was Arkahn's irritation with what had been done about it by the last Imperial Marshall, or more what hadn't been done about it. "I understand that you will need more funding to establish the Classis to the level of operation it was before, I also assume that you might have dwelled on this issue before, maybe even made some calculations as to how much money is actually needed. I expect a simple outline of your plans and the funds needed as soon as possible." Again the Tigron paused for a moment, there had been something in Alexis' words that had struck him as funny. Suddenly he remembered, his head jerking back towards the young man. "You mentioned something about ships missing, the flagship of Lord Zythinar in particular. I want you to establish several searching parties who are to find out the location of any of these missing ships, and should they still be in proper condition, reclaim them in the name of the Empire. We will not have any renegade Imperial ships. Anything you would bring to my attention?"

There wasn't anything else, really, and whatever Alexis had in mind he'd have enough time to explain in detail once they'd both reconvened in executive session. That detail about the Hecate in particular. Ah, well. Knowing how busy the Lord Minister was--just about as temperamental as a volcano about ready to burst--so did he nod his submission and follow the attendant to the nearby private offices of the Minister of War and concurrent Imperial Marshal.

Once one stepped inside the office Arkahn's sanctuary unfolded before them. On one side of the office was a set of couches with a coffee table between them, a place for a more informal and relaxed venue. It was hardly ever used. The small cupboard next to it against the wall was a place where a few glasses and drinks could be retrieved and had. Similarly, on the left, there was a simple large table with several chairs around it where one could spread out to do research, open different maps, or have a gathering of a handful of senior officers. From the wall behind the table hung a decorated sabre which reminded Arkahn of his time with the Alyssans.

On the back wall were two windows, staggered wide, and between them a large map displaying the Empire, with several different colored pins and notes hanging from it. In the back corner once sat a chair, left there by Motito Gil'dae, which Arkahn had replaced with an armourstand. From it hung his scalemail armour and his large shield. A kopesh, sheathed in a large leather scabbard hung from a shoulderbelt from the standard.

Next to the armourstand was a smaller, unassuming door that led to his private room. Inside was a simple bed, a small armoire that contained a clean uniform and a dresser. On top of the dresser stood a washing bowl and a mirror. It was all Arkahn really needed to get by.

Having been left to his own devices, Alexis clasped his hands behind his back, oblivious to the feel of gloved fingers in his dress uniform. Granted, of course, that he still wore the insignia of his previous rank--that of a mere Trieririus, but that could be rectified much later--given the current pause and the extant peace, Alexis decided to take a breather and just take in the surroundings, examining the map of the Empire and its markers, noting the concentration around the cities of Narim and Imperia.

The Tigron's words came back to him.

I understand that you will need more funding to establish the Classis to the level of operation it was before, I also assume that you might have dwelled on this issue before, maybe even made some calculations as to how much money is actually needed. I expect a simple outline of your plans and the funds needed as soon as possible.

His staff that constituted the office of naval assessment, also known as the Imperial Naval Survey in Alleria Prime--miniscule as it was, they'd done a lot of mind-boggling work--hadn't had much time to deal with anything else but numbers. Ships, sailors, crowns, and equipage, it was all a matter of quantity, juggling them around to produce a desired result. While Minister Zhou dealt with nothing else but crowns, the fact of the matter was that the Imperial Navy had a lot more on its plate, considering its varied and multifarious needs, sea biscuits and hard tack, among them.

That was enough for a shrug, a sigh, and a simple memory of his wife.

Seating himself on the couch, placing his scattered papers neatly beside him, Alexis began the tedious process of initially figuring out where to put the limited crowns the Empire gave him to safeguard it's seafront.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Alexis was rudely disturbed by the door swinging open quickly and closing about as quick as it had opened. A flurry of orange and black fur in a uniform waltzed into the office. It was Arkahn and he was grinning about something. Shaking his head he walked through his office, stopped at the desk and glanced sideways. The young Admiral had quite a knack for not being present eventhough he was very much there. For a moment Arkahn seemed startled, gathered his thoughts and turned his large body towards Alexis. "A pleasure to see you under different circumstances than those who plagued us at the meeting, Imperial Admiral." He greeted Alexis in his usual gruff voice. His voice hadn't been an act to throw off the gathered officers, it was the actual way in which he spoke. "Please, do excuse me for not delving deeper into the classis at the meeting, Admiral, but there were some... distracting elements that needed to be dealt with first. Provost Imperatis Xind'ell hasn't been demoted and should be on his way back to his provinces this brightening. I intend to send you on your way as soon as possible as well because I believe you have much more pressing matters to attend to rather than sitting in my office discussing figures. However, before we get to that, please tell me something about your experience. Your military record verbally as it were. Battles fought, ranks held and anything you feel important enough to mention. I could probably have your military record on my desk in the blink of an eye but I prefer to hear from yourself." It was a stream of words that poured from the mouth of the Katta who seemed quite excited about something and in a very good mood at it. It was quite odd after what had transpired at the meeting. Maybe the Tigron was just glad it was all over.

[Alexis Sapientia]

To say that the young man was startled when the door burst open would be a terrible understatement, for the shock on his face--especially with his mind having been peacefully immersed into the perfect realm of pure numbers--registered complete surprise, and a sudden bafflement as he stood to attention yet again, just as he'd been taught, lo those many months ago at the Sentinel.

"Why...why thank you, sir," he managed to stammer, gathering his thoughts, ensuring his presence of mind as he gathered his thoughts.

"Won't you please have a seat," he hesitated, very much ill-at-ease, "...err, My Lord." He even had the wit to look spiritedly hopeful, waving a gloved hand to what could be none other than the Minister's chair, imposing as it was behind the very authoritative desk.

Once all was well, he stood at protective attention, legs parted slightly, his hands clasped steadily behind his back, eyes forward but not direct with the Lord Minister's.

"My family's had a long and proud connection with the sea. I was born and raised on a spot of land--coastline, really--in the north of Carmelyn, just opposite the Eunesian Isles. My uncle, Kristiaan, was an accomplished sailor of sorts, and it was a family tradition to go sailing in the summers." He managed to convey a proud, almost apologetic smile, eyes glazing as the memory presented itself. "I suppose one could say that I grew up with the horizon to blind my eyes, and the smell of salt air in my lungs." Another sheepish shrug. "I'm pure Vagaran on my father's side, and a bit of Medonian on my mother's. I suppose then that it was only natural for me to gravitate to the seagoing service after I finished schooling in the Rosa Academia Arcanum of the Regio Eruditonum Arconis, incidentally, where Lord Gil'dae was then Headmaster."

Alexis paused to clear his throat, and then continued, studying the decorations opposite him on the otherwise spartan room.

"I entered the Imperial Naval Academy, the Sentinel...oh, must be almost an era now, learned the basics of seafaring. Knots, navigation, military etiquette, and the like," said he, his voice trailing off, "...though one could say that my first battle as a Cutlass of the Crown was while in the service of the Duke Serra-Kane. I, along with a few volunteers--the present Imperial Mage, among them, " he whispered conspiratorially, "...were commissioned to go seeking a traitorous Marquis who'd broken his bloodpledge. Needless to say, it was the first time I ever drew my dagger in battle," said he with cool, cerulean eyes, and a steady upper lip.

"After graduation, I was posted technically to the 5th Fleet in Archadoon, but seconded to the II Imperial Legion in the Protectorate, Jaedexia, where I took part in the anti-insurgency campaign." He paused. "Mainly intelligence work, aiding in the interrogation of captured sympathizers and trying to find the whereabouts of the so-called Court-in-Exile of the Royalists holding allegiance to the Prince Andrei," another shrug, resigned, at that. "It's a mess, admittedly, for no one knows yet where they are. I was then posted to Port Alyxandrya as executive officer of the frigate Majestic, eventually rising to command her, and taking part in the relief of Narim, and a near-skirmish involving Mer-warriors of the Federated Matriarchy of Oceanis. It was in the midst of coordinating a spirited defense of Port Alyxandrya with my wife, the Thane, when I got the news."

"And thus, here we are, my Lord Minister."

He paused, knowing it was a bit long, and wondering if the Minister-and-Marshal had any questions. He was a bit embarrassed at the succintness of it all, but probing would be able to turn up a few gems, mayhaps.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn leaned his elbows on his desk, his hands clasped together, chin supported by this thumbs. Remarkable you man this admiral. Arkahn had asked him about his past and the Admiral stated the facts calmly, factual and without any need for unecessary flair. A soldier. No, an officer this man was. "And thus here we are..." Arkahn repeated after Alexis, nodding slowly before straightening himself up in his chair. "Sit down Imperial Admiral." He ordered, motioning at a chair on the opposite side of the desk.

"I want to know about the true condition of the Classis, sailing ships, what is needed, funds, supplies, manpower. Everything. And I expect you to speak freely in this matter. I don't like people speaking at me with honeyed voices to sweeten the truth. If the classis is in rubbish condition, I expect you to tell me so we can whip it back into shape. If it is in a good condition I expect you to tell me so I won't have to go toe to toe with Minister Zhou about the budget. If it is anywhere in between, I also expect you to tell me. Your report during the meeting pertained mostly to the overall existance of the Classis. Now tell me it's condition and how you plan to improve on it." Despite his powerful words Arkahn spoke in a tone Alexis hadn't heard from him yet. He was actually speaking kindly, not so much in the sound of his voice as the tone of it and the way he looked at Alexis. This was actually Arkahn being nice to a person rather than just polite. Nobody ever claimed the Minister of War was a very social person.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Alexis took the seat as bidden, resting his hands on his lap, eyes straying to the pile of documents he had close by.

This was the moment he'd been mentally preparing himself for. Alone, in a room, where he could finally put the oar to the water, setting into place every single idea he'd had since he'd joined (quite literally) this katta's navy eras ago.

"Minister, before I proceed, let me first qualify myself by saying that I have no more than had one cycle in my official position, and at that, not yet having had sufficient time to actually enter the Admiralty and gain access to any further documents," he temporized, covering his mouth with an immaculately gloved fist as he continued, "...I'm just running on my own sail," Eyes blinked, as he continued.

"...but just to brief you in, up to a few months ago, as senior naval aide to then-Imperial Marshal Gil'dae since Kalendryas last era, I was tasked to perform a general survey and assessment of the state of the entire Imperial Navy , and while the formal report is still being drafted, let me proceed with the estimates that my miniscule staff has managed to gather in time."

At that, he squinted as he peered at his squiggly script at the gathered parchment, wondering if at his young age, he already needed corrective spectacles. Nonsense, of course. Maybe it's all the stress coming home to roost, but stick with this, Alexis, old boy, and I promise you a treat of a long time alone treasuring the presence of your wife and forthcoming children. Taking the first parchment, he began reading from his notes.

"Our existing force structure is as follows," began he, setting aside individual pieces of parchment as he began the declamation, illustrating the same with hefty movements of the finger and slightly excitable eyes.

"We begin with the initial twenty ships that soon swelled to three hundred vessels mustered for the second siege of Jaedexia," Alexis said, pulling out the dog-eared copy of the Herald dated Orodisia, 48 Ioannes, Summer of Era I of the Celestine Mandate, Era X Post Fractum, The Age of Darkening, the Mageocracy of Julos the Mad, it's headline screaming Imperial Legion Prepares Siege on Jaedaxia.

"I forget the operational name, but Grand Admiral Grenchek was the overall commander until the dwarven Gubur Ironside of Archadoon took command, though, as I understand it, Imperial Admiral Zythinar headed the Navy then, having been appointed to his post at almost the same time as then Imperial Marshal de Ryes in what one could call a crisis situation." He paused again, hoping he wasn't boring the Minister out of his very mind.

"Most of the vessels came from the Fifth Fleet in Archadoon, eventually linking up with elements of the Second Fleet under Grand Admirals Grenchek, both husband and wife. The legendary Gorrel Angelico was not in that campaign, for reasons of which, I cannot say." Alexis looked up, biting his upper lip apologetically. "Forgive me, I digress."

"Once the Jaedexian situation had settled down, majority of the vessels remained at berth in Jaedexia, half-heartedly hunting down elements of the pirate Defiance Fleet, assisting in capturing the Royal Court in exile, or, admittedly, pretty much making nuisances of themselves...until then-Provost Imperatis Sheng Kaldres as commander of the Eastern Seas ordered an near-equal split of the forces, to be anchored respectively in Prime, Taralon, and of course, Archadoon."

He managed a sip of tea before continuing. "For the moment, then, we've around one hundred vessels assisting the Legions in the Narim campaign, with another hundred docked across the harbor, here, and another hundred or so keeping an eye on things up north, in Archadoon."

"Needless to say, we've a whole lot of ships of varying conditions, and it's a good guess that we're a bit overmanned in some areas, undermanned in others," said he with a shrug. "...and by this I mean shore establishments, as well. 'Tis to be expected, after all. Your Lordship will recall that prior to the ascent of the Empress Audrey, that is to say, since the fall of the Regency and the ascendancy of Julos the Mad," he paused for breath, "...provinces and cities tended to regard their seagoing vessels with a jealous eye, and it would be safe to say that there was no Imperial Navy in the truest sense--that is to say, not since...Nighthawk, was it, or Rothchild? I forget who, the Lady Taryn would know...until Her Majesty took residence once more in the Capitol, and all seafaring services once again flew her banner." Dammed history lesson, always interesting listening to, but a bleeding nuisance if given as forced discourse.

"The good news, is that we might have some more serviceable vessels off at Solace Isle...I've sent a ship to ascertain how that is, but with Paxia and Imperia as nothing more than burnt ash for the meantime, I'm afraid we're slightly weak in that particular area, at least, from seaborne threats," Alexis shrugged, wondering why his head was suddenly throbbing. It must've been all those months of reading, writing, and looking up stuff--and for the nth time this era, he blessed the Gods for his adoptive mother's library in Conclavis Chanliya, and for his hardworking staff members right here, in Prime.

"Vessels on a more civilian character would be more of my wife's line of work. She's been working on a similar count for the merchant marine on the Regent's orders, and could prove interesting, once she comes up with more hard facts." His voice trailed off, as he riffled through his papers, again.

"As we stand, Minister, 300 vessels in active service, give or take a few dozen more that might be found in various ports around the realm. I can't say much about the personnel, but I'd bet my biscuit ration that we're understaffed...with the chaos in the past few eras, I've suspicions many of our lads have left and found more profitable work other than taking the Empress' crowns--the Gods forbid, mayhaps even forcibly taking others', by unsavory means on the high seas." He took another look at his notes, suddenly feeling nauseous.

"I'm told these ships of the line are equipped twenty cannon each, port and starboard, of 36-pounders, around one hundred yards effective range. Ballistas at the decks, of course, I'd say two to four, mustering a billeted crew of one hundred and twenty at full sail," postulated the Imperial Admiral as he began calculating, eyes furrowed in concentration.

"At three hundred vessels, and, say, one hundred and twenty crew at full strength, each, that gives us..." He began doing his sums, oblivious to the presence of the katta, no doubt inadvertently riling up the fellow, "...36, 000 sailors, alone, just for shipboard duties. This excludes the shore establishments, the marines, the Trade School...err....Sentinel in Port Constantine, the Admiralty staff..."

While riffling through his notes, he managed to find the one he needed, in time. "Found it!" exclaimed he, with glee. It was none other than the letter the Lord Exchequer had sent him...goodness, could it have been just a mere cycle or two ago?

To His Excellency Alexis Sapientia,

May Aslan bless your new family.

Allow me to quote a communication with the Imperial Marshal:

Information regarding a proposed budget for the Imperial Classis was forwarded to his office during the month of Optia in the Thirteenth Era Post Fractum during the Reign of the Empress Arabella the Just. As of the twenty third brightening of Ponutis in the Thirteenth Era Post Fractum during the Regency of Milo L’Evienne, I have not received any correspondence regarding the funding or even the theoretic structure of the Imperial Classis. Since the Imperial Marshall tendered his resignation on the twenty first brightening of this month, the task of re-organizing the navy seem to fall solely upon your shoulders until such a time as the Regent sees fit to clarify the chain of command. I wish you the best of luck in your task.

The Imperial Navy, at it stands, consists of only the three hundred vessels stationed in the city of Archadoon prior to the siege of Jaedaxia. It is my understanding that some portion of these vessels participated in the battles near the city of Narim. Salaries and funds for supplies, upkeep, repairs, and the like are being supplied by the appropriate branches of the Imperial Treasury. No additional funds have been released for the expansion of the Imperial Classis, and no additional funds will be released until the Ministry of Defense sees fit to open regular lines of communications with my own ministry. It would be an abdication of my responsibilities as Imperial Exchequer if I allowed such plans to proceed without detailed planning and oversight.

Until such a time that eternal piece reigns in Telath, the Allerian Empire does have need of an Imperial Navy. I believe that it would greatly speed the reorganization if you consulted in person with the Imperial Exchequer and the acting Imperial Magus. Arrangements can be made for an meeting closer to your posting, though I must stress that the urgency of your task requires prompt action.

May Diana guard you,

Hsin Zhou
Imperial Exchequer

P.S. The corridor will also deliver a pair of jade rings. May Keme bless your union with Her Excellency Liselle Vampyler.

He ignored the irrelevancy of the rings, and pressed on with his advantage.

"As matters stand, the Treasury is only paying for the wages, and upkeep, nothing more." Spreading his hands on the Minister's table, he found himself, oddly enough, turning his bright cerulean blues straight into the katta's, as the vision began to take hold.

"This is where we are, my Lord Minister. Slightly demoralized, not knowing what we're about, lean in some places, outrageously overbloated in others. In the next few months, I aim to," he began counting off gloved fingers...

"One. Reorganize the Navy in such a way that it remains most effective in performing it's main duty--ensuring that we remain sovereign of our seas," cringed he slightly, remembering that debacle with the Federated Matriarchy of Oceanis, another sore point he would have to take up, very soon.

"Two. Come up with a clear command structure, taking in as many of the old salts as I can, and getting their input." He paused to clear his throat.

"Three. Do my utmost so that when it's called to fight, our sailors in blue will be the best-trained, and best-equipped, then they've ever been." Serious eyes came with a more serious voice, seemingly around the same time as a chill came to the room.

That, and a long silence, until Alexis Sapientia, once again, looked up, plainly, as it were.

"Admittedly, my lord, I'm no master tactician, nor am I a bloodsport warrior, a true Sword of the Empire who relishes being skilled in the art of killing his fellow living, breathing being for a living. Nay, sir. I'm a spry young advocate--I started out, tutored, really, when the Regent was but Public Defender in Taralon--who managed to get lucky, but my talent, my gift, really, is more on...leadership, I would like to think." He leaned forward on the table, slightly forgetting his position.

"I'm young, I know it. I'm inexperienced in the ways of the world, I'll allow, but may Markalin help me, I'm going to turn this Navy into the very best it can be."

He began to lean back, his eyes still peering directly in Arkahn's, almost as if he'd had a finger straight to the katta's chest.

"To start with, I'd like to know what you want from me."

Terms were offered. Terms were given. Now it was just a matter to see how things were.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn sat back throughout Alexis' story, history lesson and lecture about the Classis. It was quite an interesting subject and the Tigron made some mental notes about reading up on it. Reading up was all he would do. He'd been on a ship once. Hadn't liked it a bit. Sailing wasn't his cup of tea, or cup of anything else really. If anything it was his cup of vomit inducing liquid. A hang-over so to speak. No, the Katta wasn't fond of sailing at all.

When Alexis suddenly leaned forward Arkahn instinctively did the same. It was a little trick he had learnt in Daltina. Whenever a subordinate got a little enthousiastic and forgot himself, you suddenly changed your own behaviour accordingly, hopefully making them aware of their mistakes. It wasn't something Arkahn relished in doing. He liked Alexis enough already to let it pass. It was just something he did automatically, like scaring the living Aeternia out of Daekin Grecca everytime the man got lost in his numbers. His one eye looked straight into Alexis', switching between his left and right almost as if trying to read something in them. Some people claimed they could read the soul from one's eyes. People like Arkahn claimed those sort of people were arrogant snobs or frauds.

The Tigron's face broke into a slight smile when Alexis made a reference to his age. Alexis was young indeed, but he probably wasn't much younger than Arkahn. The Tigron was young by any standards, it was just that his natural physique in combination with the many scars and a self-taught military attitude made people guess him a lot older than he truely was. Alexis reminded him of himself when he'd just entered the military though. He'd been so fragile at that time, so skinny and naive it sometimes ashamed him a little to dwell on it for too long. It was true what they said though, the military made you into a man.

"What I expect from you, Imperial Admiral? I expect you to live up to the trust I put in you when placing you in supreme command of the Classis. I expect you to do all that you have promised, with the greatest effort and efficiency. Age is of no concern in that area. I don't estimate myself much older than I do you, and I don't give you all that many patterns. To be perfectly honest, I couldn't give two coppers about your age, bloodline or creed. You're an officer, and that is most important to me." Arkahn leaned back in his chair and crossed his large arms in front of him.

"Truth be told, Imperial Admiral, I am not much of a sailor. The mere thought of standing on a ship makes me want to throw up, and as such I have the deepest respect for any man willing to spend a lifetime aboard such a dreaded vessel. For that reason you are in every sense my eyes, ears and mouth when it comes to the Classis. All I can do is give you strategic advice and coordinate your actions with the other aspects of the Imperial forces. And ofcourse, I also need to give the ok on any of your expenses that are not covered by the budget. If you take that responsibility well, you will have no trouble from me, unlike men such as Provost Imperatis Kaldres and Provost Imperatis Xind'ell. And the mention of their names brings me to a point I wish to make very clear to you, eventhough you've shown complete understanding of this issue before I even raised it just now; I don't mind if you don't respect me, as long as you respect my rank. Abide by that rule and we will have no trouble getting along. That said, do you think you can do what I expect from you?" There hadn't been a cold, bitter or spiteful tone to anything Arkahn said. In fact, there was an overall friendlyness in the Tigron's voice. Not the honeyed sweetness that hid pure resentment, but a true kindness Alexis hadn't seen in Arkahn before.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Despite the challenge he'd hurled, as he lay there divining what the Minister would say, his mind was (just like it already was a few minutes before) working on overdrive. So many things to do, so many details to fill, so many people to meet, so many people to greet...the list was endless, but all his ruminating paused, in the same way he felt a sudden chill descend upon him, as the room and all its furnishings seemed to close in on him, as well.

I expect you to live up to the trust I put in you when placing you in supreme command of the Classis. I expect you to do all that you have promised, with the greatest effort and efficiency. Age is of no concern in that area. I don't estimate myself much older than I do you, and I don't give you all that many patterns. To be perfectly honest, I couldn't give two coppers about your age, bloodline or creed. You're an officer, and that is most important to me.

He blinked. Once, twice, three times, feeling a certain tightness to his chest, and some constriction in his throat. A few deep breaths later, he was able to think again, his level eyes leaving the Minister's, to fall upon the papers on the table.

So, the tigron wasn't a sailor. No surprise there, but kattas and water didn't have much affinity for each other anyway, or so I've been told. Lord Th'alashar's words echoed true, the young man's thoughts swirling and forming into a coherent whole, as the silence permeated, the weight of the office finally making itself known to one Alexis Sapientia.

And may Markalin have mercy on my soul. Wasn't that what the old liturgies said? It was the strangest thing; thrust with all this responsibility, all he could think of was his wife and soon-to-be-children.

In the end, after all, they were the reason his office was up and about. Clear seas around the Empire, that was his mission...because doing so would enable others to complete theirs.

There was only one thing left to be said.

"Aye-aye, sir."

Level eyes, level gaze. Oh, there were a lot more details to be covered, but minor ones, really, where the Imperial Admiral's factotum could contact the Imperial Marshal's factotum and vice-versa; but all that would be background, woodwork, really, for the vision that was slowly starting to take shape, substance, and form.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn nodded. Aye-aye was all he had wanted to hear really. This however left one very important quesiton open to him. He'd just entrusted a young officer with the goal to re-establish the Classis by himself, and practically promised the man to give him as much freedom as he needed. Arkahn didn't believe in mistakes, nor promises really. If Alexis proved incapable, such support could easily be withdrawn, yet there was something about the dashing young chap that told he he wouldn't need to. Maybe it was the lad's connection to Milo, although Arkahn wished the Admiral hadn't mentioned his good standing with the Regent. It made things far more complicated than they needed to be, and the Tigron didn't like complications all too much.

"Very well, Imperial Admiral. Now allow me to ask a question in return. Two questions really. One," Arkahn paused for a moment, drawing the suspension a little. "You have asked me what I wanted from you, and I have told you so. Now I am curious about your own vision. We have talked about the past and present of the Classis, I want you to tell me about it's future as you see it. That answered, I would want to know if there was anything else, either officially or off the record you wanted to ask." They were simple questions and Arkahn was genuinely interested in the answer to both of them. Most important to him were the Admiral's own views on the future of the Classis. Any questions off or on the record would ofcourse be answered in varying shades of directness and completeness.

[Alexis Sapientia]

"My vision for the Classis?" He may have looked as dumbfounded as he thought he was, but the puzzlement came from another matter, entirely. He shifted uneasily, but that soon lost itself as he reiterated his position.

"I thought I'd already cleared that up earlier, Minister." He swallowed deeply, covering his mouth on reflex as he did so.

"Clear seas around the Empire. That is our mission. I would like to develop our seafaring force in such a way that if there is a maritime threat, we can very well deal with it without having to ransack the nearest navy yard for floatable vessels, or utilize unreliable, unskilled, near-mutinous crews. As the Classis is an extension of the Majesty of the Realm and of the Empire and its Sovereign, I want to develop the Classis in such a way that our enemies will fear the mere threat of our mentioning that we've put ships to sea."

He sighed, bringing his feet back to telath. "A suns-induced sailor's mirage for the meantime, I know, but that is how matters should be." He shrugged.

"It's expensive, admittedly, but not as expensive as losing two of the most strategic cities on our northwestern and southeastern coasts." He sighed again. "A long voyage ahead, but it will be worth it. Most of the problem's really administrative...trying to pry away officers whose hands have become barnacle-clogged to their cushy desks, and dusting off the ships and getting them wet with seawater again." He managed a smile.

"I grew up in the Carmelyn coast off the Eunesias, sir. I love the saltine smell of the sea and of a freshly tarred ship. I want my officers and sailors to feel the same way."

Now it was time to talk about details.

"With your permission, sir, I would like to detail several Legion officers to my personal staff. Some from the 26th, the Imperial Shields, one or two from the Agheron, the Imperial Mage Corps, and several more from the 17th, the famed Alyssans in Midpoint." Knowing eyes fixed directly on the katta's.

"The Classis in the past few eras has been in stasis, admittedly, and most of the old salts in the Admiralty have had too many brightenings maneuvering in Prime circles and telling each other how important they are," he shrugged, derision visibly showing. "I need results, and a little interservice rivalry wouldn't hurt. Once they see your Legion boys hunkering down in the trenches to work, I'll soon have my kelpeaters wanting to scrape off the gathering mold off some bilge bay just to spite the mudeaters." A grin, yet again, dangerous as it was.

"Also, another matter, if it please you. I shall retain a liaison office here in the Ministry, but I'd like to move my main headquarters a little bit closer to the waterfront. For starters--and meaning no disrespect--I'd like to show my sailors that I lead from the prow, and I'm not another one of those typical quarterdeck Zetons, too fat to fight." Steely eyes continued to gaze back.

"A matter of form, one could suppose, but it's good for morale, particularly among the ranks." He leaned back, riffling through his notes.

"Have I missed anything? With regard to the budget, admittedly, it will take some time, but I shall have a reply, as soon as Markalin permits."

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

At least this young lad wasn't full of crap. Fear, intimidation... Words that described the point of any military force spot on. The irony was that if people feared your army so much, it really wasn't needed anymore. It was a constant struggle for the right balance, the change of tides if you would. An army too strong was never challenged and therefore lost it's skill, would soon find itself in a fight and would need to return to it's former glory. If one wishes for peace, prepare for war.

"I will need to know which officers you will want to have transferred to your personal staff and the specific reasons for choosing these officers should there be any. That said, I cannot grant you permission to transfer any officers from the Imperial Mage Corps. However, you should be able to request their service and I shall make sure that service is granted. They will be under your command for as long as circumstances permit it."

"An office in the Ministry would indeed be expected from you. While I value your views on commanding your troops personally rather than from behind a desk, I do expect you to be ready whenever I send for you. As I have found myself, the sheer size of the Legions is too much to be commanded personally, so do not feel ashamed if you cannot do so for the Classis. Never forget that while some soldiers value an officer's commitment, some might frown upon it. It's a tough matter to decide upon really." Arkahn said, and would he still have both eyes he would have winked. It was true though. Some soldiers respected an officer for being a 'hands-on' commander, some despised them for it.

"If that is all, Imperial Admiral, I am sure that we could consider this meeting concluded. Should you wish to have something to eat before returning home, consider yourself invited for a meal. I will not take offense if you turn down the offer." The Tigron added the last bit with a grin.