The Imperial War Council [Private]

[Alexis Sapientia]

Timestamp: 40 Kalendryas, in the First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

Here lay the inner sanctum of the Imperial Ministry of War.

Upon approaching the door, which was constructed of a fine, heavy oak, the first notable thing would be two guards standing outside the door. Each held a halberd and had a sword at their side, and wore glinting chainmail armor. Their collars and sleeves had room to designate their ranks and legions. These were none other then members of the First Legion, the Empress' Own. They stood straight and hardly wavered at all, paying attention only to any who approached the door or regarded it with interest.

The door itself was somewhat ajar, and upon it's surface read the plaque,

Office of the Imperial Minister of War

One could easily peer inside, and see that a few bookshelves lined the room. On one side was a set of couches with a coffee table between them, a place for a more informal and relaxed venue. 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.

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. From the room, a faint scent of vanilla and cinnamon eminated, and it had a very calming effect.

In the back corner sat a chair, unused for the most part, except it seemed as a storage location, for upon it was hung a black leather greatcoat.

Double-doors by the side opened up to a larger conference room, with a table sufficient to comfortably sit fifteen, a diorama of the Empire and its seas at center stage. The Imperial Standard was at the head of the table, and surrounding it, the standards of the differing provinces and entities that constituted the Allerian Empire.

This was where the future of the defense of the Empire was to be planned, and so long as Someone held the mantle of leadership, they were there to ensure that, as the Articles declared, "...guarantee of the sovereignty of Alleria, the defense of its territorial integrity and the imperial order."


OOC: Stolen from Motito, modified slightly.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

And Liselle was…right on time.

However, as she entered the room in a flurry of deep sapphire silk, she noted immediately the extreme lack of people in attendance. More pointedly….she was the only one there.

Interesting.

Before she knew it, the inner voice became the outer voice, as she strolled about the room, waiting for the others to arrive.

“Summoned?? Summoned?? I’m summoned and yet, noooooo one else is here. Empire to run….people to see…places to be…children to raise….husbands to chastise for being late….Were women the only creatures that know what a schedule is? That’s it…I really need to have a conversation with Ada. Her and I should just take over the Empire.”

Her voice was soft and musical as she mused about matters most unimportant, and the walls were very understanding of her plight. She wasn’t really all that upset about arriving first although it –did- give her a chance to babble whilst no one else was around.

She continued to muse quietly about her –new- Empire…deciding who would be best as Minister of War and concluding that Ada would be the perfect choice as someone with the right temperament….gliding over to the couch and kicking off her shoes in one fluid motion and plopping down on the cushions until the others strolled in…..

…..late.

[Sheng Kaldres]

Was Sheng late? Maybe, but Sheng could argue that he was not. In the letter that was sent to him, only the date was indicated but no timing was giving. So even if Sheng arrived in the late afternoon, Sheng could argue that he was given the assumption that the meeting was in the afternoon as it was a custom that it was so.

So would Alexis accept this reason? That itself was a test. Was Alexis going to act like Arkahn, coming down hard at their first meeting or was he going to do otherwise? This action alone could set the tone for the rest of his term in the post of the Minister of War.

So unlike the last time he stepped into a meeting with the Minister of War, Sheng was dressed appropriately in his uniform and armed with some documents. In the room, he was surprised to see Liselle. What was a civilian official doing in a meeting for the military? Sheng doubted that Liselle had combat experience or expertise. So unless it was that Alexis needed the presence of his wife to boost his morale…..if so, that would bring Alexis down in Sheng’s scale of abilities. Alexis better have a good reason why his wife was in this meeting or he would be mock by those in the Legions.

Getting over his surprise, Sheng nodded his head in greeting at Liselle and found a seat to prepare himself for this meeting.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: Not trying to be late, just been busy IRL.

While the note allowed for two escorts, Riconus only brought one, and he was anything but a guard. Instead, it was his elderly gnome advisor, carrying with him a grouping of documents and folders. Most of the papers the gnome, named Xavier, carried had never been read by Riconus word-for-word, as they were mainly transcripts of the legion’s spending history and other sorts of legal documentation. Hopefully, such transcripts would not be required for the meeting, but in case Arkahn suddenly rose from his coma, he preferred to be carrying the receipts and reports necessary to shut the katta’s fat trap up for as much as possible.

However, the signature on the bottom of his summoning orders drew out quite a bit of confusion. Who was this Ducor Navarch Andrezj Berlitz, and what gave him the right to be signing orders on behalf of the Regent? The only sailor he knew to be high enough for such assignment would have been Alexis, but he wasn’t the ad interim Minister of War either… was he? For all the organization the Imperial brass seemed to brag about, simply figuring out who his boss is was all very confusing.

He arrived at around noon, hoping that was the appropriate time since nothing specific was written on the orders. He took the documents from Xavier’s hands, and immediately after his red overcoat, trimmed with all the golden embroidery of an Imperial General, was brushed off by his trusted gnome advisor, he stepped inside to see only two people; one of whom, he expected to be there, the other of whom he did not. The first individual to be met was his housemate Sheng, who was greeted by a strong shake of the arm once his papers were placed on the desk. ”A pleasure to see you again, Sheng. I hope all those Green Legionnaires in the Jade Legion aren’t giving you too many headaches.”

He then turned to see an unexpected guest in the meeting, one Liselle Sapientia. He couldn’t recall a time when he had seen her since her elaborate wedding in Port Alyxandrya, when he was with his beloved wife, Rhiannon… yes, Rhiannon, the thought of her returned a pain into his heart. Perhaps Liselle was unaware of what had happened to her, but this was hardly the time to discuss it. Riconus kissed the back of her hand, should she allow it, before he gave as best a smile as he could with the thought of Rhiannon still lingering in the back of his head.

”Liselle, I hadn’t expected to see you here this brightening. I’m glad it at least allows me the opportunity to offer my congratulations on your appointment to the Governorship of Prime Province. So what brings you to this meeting? I trust your husband, Alexis, will be here shortly? I have been meaning to apologize to him for the uncivilized behaviour displayed at the last meeting of Imperial Commanders.”

[Shorty]

Not late, but merely right on time, Imperial Blackbjorn Baktar strode into the room followed by two staff officers. The black haired and muscular Marshall sat with brisk nods to both Sheng and Riconus.

"Provost Imperatis' I greet you..." He said simply in a warm tone.

He sat down with a certain amount of annoyance.

"Now since this is the Imperial War Council called by the Imperial War Minister..." He looked squarely at Liselle. wonder why provincial officials are present- surely not to play hostess to Imperial matters? Hmmm?" The powerful and popular Legionnaire smiled to Sheng and Riconus. "Surely not to serve us tea... am I under the impression that ALL governors or their representatives will be present for this meeting?" He asked with innocence, and let a wolfish grin to Sheng and Riconus that meant only one thing. We must stick together, beware the dovish traps amd remember to keep your secrets- trust in the legion. Really, it was a really expressive grin.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

The others began to arrive, starting with Sheng. She had wanted to speak with him for some time but the opportunity never seemed to arise. Even though they were the only two in the room, it seemed as though he didn’t wish to engage in conversation with her, so she merely smiled at him and returned the nod of respect.

Next came Riconus and she was pleasantly surprised at his heartfelt greeting. Offering her hand and having it greeted in such a manner was certainly nice…and as she was steeling herself for the meeting, she could use all the ‘nice’ she could get.

“Why thank you, Riconus. I admit being surprised at the summons myself but Alexis doesn’t tell me his mind on matters such as these so I believe we will all find out at the same time what our individual purposes shall be. Alexis is the type to arrive early for meetings so I’m surprised that he’s not here as of yet, but yes, I would imagine shortly.”

It was then that the new arrival made his presence known and immediately decided to make an issue of Liselle’s presence. Liselle could tolerate many things, but rudeness wasn’t one of them. As he did not address her, however, she didn’t feel the need to reply to any of his comments. Sitting next to Riconus, she simply waited for Alexis to make his entrance.

[Alexis Sapientia]

And make an entrance, he did.

Boots on marble flooring echoed across the hall, as Alexis, accompanied by three officers--two, unmistakeably from the Classis, and the other, from the Imperial Marines--soon entered the room, having proceeded there from his other office a few steps down the same corridor.

"Gentlemen,", noted he grimly, ceruleans level on each, his eyes bright on seeing his wife, "...and Your Imperial Excellency. Welcome." Beckoning with his hand towards the now-opened door, so did he leave the rest to enter first, while he and his wife, entered last.

Double-doors by the side opened up to a larger conference room, with a table sufficient to comfortably sit fifteen, a diorama of the Empire and its seas at the center. The Imperial Standard hung above the principal chair at the head of the table, and surrounding the same table, all around the walls, the standards of the differing provinces and entities that constituted the Allerian Empire.

Seats at the edges were set for the aides, the table having been suitably reapportioned to seat only six...with Eilif Reshal of the Classis and the Captain-General of Imperial Marines likewise included in the count, seated discreetly off-table, seats allocated immediately behind that of their principals.

Secrets : Riconus | Liselle IM Baktar*************** Alexis Sheng | Berlitz

Aides hurriedly rushed in to set tea and a plate of biscuits for everyone, and once that had been accomplished in a quick span of time, so did they all depart, leaving the doors securely shut behind them.

No doubt what he had to say would shake them, and so say it, he did.

"Gentlemen, let me call this meeting to order. His Most Imperial Excellency Milo L'Evienne has seen fit to appoint me Minister of War to replace the ailing Lord Minister Arkahn."

There it was, and he had no time--nor the inclination--to blink.

"You all know each other, and your individual responsibilities: Imperial Marshal Blackbjorn Baktar, Inspector-Imperatis Sheng Kaldres, Director-General Riconus Xind'ell of Military Intelligence. Let me introduce my wife, Liselle Vampyler-Sapientia, Governor of the Principality of Prime, and beside me is Ducor Navarch Andrezj Berlitz, Adjutant-General and therefore second in command of the Imperial Classis, Zeton Navarch Eilif Reshal of the Classis Principalis, and the Captain-General of the Imperial Marines, Rupprecht Conway."

He set his hands before him on the table, and gazed equally at each of them in return.

"The purpose of this meeting is to first, ascertain the state of the Imperial Forces, and second, to coordinate matters to ensure, quoting Article 13 of the Articles of Imperium, the guarantee of the sovereignty of Alleria, the defense of its territorial integrity and the maintenance of the imperial order."

"Before we proceed with the assessment of our current forces, are there any questions?"

[Shorty]

Imperial Marshall Baktar ignored Liselle, but made pains to do such a thing with as much politeness as possible. He instead stood upon Alexis' entrance and saluted. Making sure to be walking first in the line of Legionnaire's, right off the Minister's right elbow. In his own mind he was the second most important person here right after Alexis.

"I would like to offer my congratulations, your excellency." Baktar smiled. "The Legions are at your command..." He took time to introduce his two staff officers. "Provost Andterius my adjutant and Cencoris Giancana my yeoman." Both of these officers followed the other staff officers lead and took seats in the background.

He stayed quiet, munched a biscuit, and waited for the Minister to begin the meeting.

[Sheng Kaldres]

A salute and questions abound in Sheng's mind. But many of them could not be answered by words alone. They were to be answered by actions and perhaps some words. Of course, the question of whether a Navy officer was suitable for the post of the Minister of War was one and there were many other but for now, Sheng was content to be stay silent.

So after letting Baktar, Alexis and Liselle taking their seats, Sheng would find a seat and sat down. Sheng was not known as a passive man. Indeed, at times, some would say that Sheng was agreesive. However given the current situation, it was the time to let Alexis take initiative. What would be Alexis first order?

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: Sorry for the stall, guys & girl
---

Riconus was certainly glad that an Imperial had made the rank of Minister of War, even if it were a sailor, but it would be a lie to say that he wasn't a little surprised by the sudden appointment. It seemed evident that the Imperial Forum had taken their turn picking out a candidate that they saw fit, regardless of the fact that the Imperial War Council should have made the decision themselves. He continued to retort in his own mind that Alexis was a balanced individual who, as far had he knew, had never abused his authourity and welcomed the opinions of his company. Still, the question had to remain; who made this appointment so quickly? Were any military officials approached regarding the decision? ... He imagined the questions to both were "Milo" and "No" respectively, but hey, it's not like the most powerful leaders in the Armed Forces should have any say in the matter.

Nevertheless, he was immensly happy to know that Alexis would be at the helm, and gave a stern nod of approval. "Well done, Alexis. May your good fortune at sea continue on land." As he completed his words, and listened in to Alexis' introductions of his two escorts, he gave particular attention to Rupprecht Conway, the Imperial Marine Captain-General. It was with the Marines that Riconus had first begun his military career, as an officer cadet in the Imperial Naval Academy. It would be a delight to talk with him in the future, and perhaps even show the branding on his arm marked "A.I.M.C"

Riconus only had a single question before the issues of the meeting began, in regards to the stablity of the Minister's rank. "I have be a single question, Alexis-- or Your Excellency, whatever you prefer. Will your status as Minister of War be permenant, or will you be expected to step down should Tha'lashar awake from his coma?"

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

The situation was daunting to say the least. Liselle wasn’t stupid by any stretch of the imagination and knew that her presence at the meeting was risky for Alexis’ image. However, she also trusted Alexis himself and knew that he would have a good reason for summoning her…she just didn’t know –exactly- that that reason was.

This wasn’t her forum. She was a guest and allowed herself to remain as such. Therefore, she was quiet the entire time, waiting for the reason of her presence to come to light. There were many, many things that the occupants of that room didn’t know about the young Governor of Prime Province…but hopefully once her qualifications came to light, they would be a –little- more receptive to whatever it was that she was there to do.

Whatever it was.

[Alexis Sapientia]

A reassuring squeeze of her hand under the table, he hoped, would bring normalcy to the situation, but now that business was to be undertaken, so did he formally and actively take charge of his Ministry, by addressing his troops.

His reply was simple, just as profound as its meaning.

"No."

Thus did he lean back from his chair, taking each and every individual in the eye and judging their reactions accordingly.

"I am the Minister of War, and from this point, the decline in our forces, in our morale, and in our lethargy, stops."

To emphasize his point, so did he set solid eyes on the Imperial Marshal.

"Since the resignation of Minister Gil'dae from his post, we have seen the apparent decline in our military strength, and with it, our military prestige" so did he begin his spiel, standing up from his chair, and walking slowly around the table accordingly.

"Some may care little about that very concept, but I dare say, that our military prestige lies greatly at the heart at the defense of our realm."

He stopped his pacing, and pointed to the diorama at the center of the table.

"Behold, Narim, now a burnt-out ruin. Behold, Paxia, the city of peace, now but a shadow of its former self." Then came a pause, followed by a tight-lipped gaze at his chief of military intelligence, as well as his most decorated combat officer.

"Behold Malice, still a festering sore in the Sovereignty of Enamoria, albeit a dormant one, for the meantime."

He began slowly pacing the room again, hands clasped behind his back, the echo of his boots on marble floor prominent.

"The Empire is still weak. The Lord Regent and the Imperial Government are doing their best to restore the Empire to its former glory, by facilitating trade, ensuring good government, and strengthening the confidence of the people, but we, gentlemen, we..."

"...we have the paramount duty, as the Articles say, to," at this, so did he quote from memory...

"...guarantee of the sovereignty of Aelyria, the defense of its territorial integrity and the imperial order." He set an index finger in warning and emphasis.

"Guarantee the sovereignty of Aelyria, the defense of its territorial integrity, and the defense of the imperial order."

With ceruleans encompassing all, so did he likewise address them all.

"I'd say we've done a piss-poor job of it as of late, with all that's happened. The fact that Narim and Paxia fell is a sufficient indictment of our shortcomings, but the greater fact that we've managed to reclaim them is also sufficient recognition of our abilities." He let that hang for a moment, as he retook his seat.

"I would like us to rebuild the Imperial Forces in such a way that the mere threat of utilizing them would be sufficient incentive to any who would seek to do us in the Empire harm," posited he as Alexis leaned forward, eyes unyielding.

"Surely you agree that the very existence of the Empire lies in our hands. We are the swords and shields of the Empire. We are here to protect and serve. We stand watch at the walls and barbicans to ensure that they whom we protect are able to do what it is they need to do."

Then came silence and his final words.

"Be that as it may, let us now begin. I'd like to know the state of our forces, particularly those that have taken part in the relief of Paxia, as well as Narim. "

Taking pen at hand, so did he begin scribbling on a nearby sheaf of paper.

"Anyone?"

[Sheng Kaldres]

The question that Riconus asked was interesting and one that might be in the minds of all present but was afraid to ask as they were not sure of Alexis. Given that Riconus had known Alexis from before, perhaps Riconus was comfortable and sure enough with Alexis to ask this question.

The answer to the question did not surprise Sheng. Sheng doubted that Alexis would answer it any other way. If Alexis had said that he would return the post of the Minister of War to Arkahn once he had awaken, that would surprise Sheng. But Sheng wondered if the Imperial Regent had assured Alexis as such. It would be an interesting situation. A former Minister of War against the present Minister of War. Of course, Sheng would support one that had Imperial experience than one without, but at the end of it, Sheng would prefer that he occupy the post instead of another. But that was another thought for another brightening.

Then, Alexis went on to detailing what was wrong with the Empire. There were talk of Narim, Paxia and the idea of Malice still standing. Next, was the ideas of the Imperials being strong and showing signs of weakening. Then, of rebuilding the Imperials. All of which Sheng agreed with and had taken some steps to deal with them. Of course, the steps that Sheng had taken was limited given his range of powers then and now. And of course, there was no Minister of War then. Would Alexis do any better? Time would tell.

Since Alexis was asking about Narim, Sheng would take initiative to be the first to talk.

“Narim would be my area of responsibilities, Sir.” Sheng said, breaking stoic silence and appearance to answer Alexis’ question.

Then, Sheng took out a few pieces of parchment and after a quick look through, continued with, “The number of Legions that participated in the Narim is as such: The First, Twelfth and Twenty Eighth Legion from Prime, the Fifteen Legion from Carmelyn, and of course, the Ninth and Tenth Legion from Sheria. The number of men involved is in this document.” And Sheng passed the documents that he was holding around.

“Of the men involved in Narim, there are also roughly four thousands dead, seven thousands dead, twenty seven thousands wounded. Of the twenty seven thousands wounded, about a tenth of them died from the wounds later, and about a tenth had injuries that made them unsuitable for further duties. As I had discussed with the Imperial Marshal, there had been arrangement with other Legions to temporary moved some numbers from the adjacent Legions to the Legions mentioned, especially for the Ninth and Tenth Legion while we waited for the wounded soldiers to recover and the new recruits to reinforce the numbers.” For these information, some more documents were passed around.

While Sheng was reciting out this information, he fought to maintain the stoic mask that he was maintaining. Every of one of the soldiers that died or wounded was on his head. The dead and wounded happened because of his decisions and it was not an easy decision to make. Not to mention those of civilians lives. But Sheng had to make them.
After Sheng had made them, Sheng waited for others to report what they had.