[Imperial Ministry of War] Report to a Superior before the Commander in Chief

[Alexis Sapientia]

Continued from

http://www.playbypost.com/forums/imperi...ml#post1232167

Timestamp: Ponutius 2, First Era in the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

The Imperial Minister of War was in his office, albeit quite late, having had quite the darkening earlier, not to mention a particularly stressful cycle.

Double-doors by the side opened up to the conference room of the Imperial War Council, 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 Aelyrian Empire. Always staffed, this was where everyone kept track of who was doing what, and where.

As it was, he was seated in the nearby conference room of the Imperial War Council, busy making his way through a cubotri of Fu'pronis: pork heavily seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil, and cooked in a deep pit, wrapped in steamed cloth for at least eight candlemarks to retain the delicious taste and flavor, and served with some garnished vegetables .

None of that grain, wheat, honey and milk that typically constituted rosyun throughout the Empire, oh, goodness, no. And particularly strong Khardran coffee. Not something he normally took, of course, but it did much to open his eyes and fire up his brain.

The gods knew he needed his strength today. The knock, therefore, from his immediate aide did not therefore come as a surprise. Leading the guest in, so did he smile with some delight.

"Provost Keldon Elsdragon," said Alexis, beckoning the fellow over to a nearby chair--the one to the Minister's right, right across the diorama's depiction of the Sodality of Carmelyn--giving a tired smile highlighted by otherwise weary eyes.

"Rosyun? How can I help you?"

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon walked into the meeting room, the room filled with various smells of warm food. It seemed the Minister had the same taste as Keldon, and habits aswel. Instead of small meals like the rest, one would have a wonderful meal that could really hit the spot, not like most people who eat somethings that only make you more hungry. "Good brightening sir, I thought I would come to discuss the previous idea I suggest when we last met. For the city of Paxia to change to the imperial grounds. Although not like martial law, no that suggests the city will once return to the local province. I mean becoming officially part of the imperial chain as any one of our fortresses are. I am here now to get your opinion on the subject as I have a meeting with the Regent several candlemarks from now to discuss the topic."

[Alexis Sapientia]

While his brain wasn't quite up to speed yet, Alexis continued to listen, albeit a little more carefully, sorting through the contents of his plate with all the panache of an Aelyrian explorer in the Nezulyan wilds.

The idea being proposed wasn't exactly novel. It had been done before, and in two separate, but distinct occassions. There was a precedent, but then again, it would take a lot of time, planning, plotting, and, yes, legislating...

"Keep talking."

Taking a sip of the strong Khardran coffee, so did he let the Provost stand, just as the officer wished it.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

OOC: I know your watching the thread I have with Milo this is relatively a cut and paste with editions to go with your position, rewording and adding somethings here and there. What when the plan is sound I can think of a different way of wording it atm... so the show must go on. ;-)

"Where we are now sir, the Imperial Capital is on the eastern shores, it is well fortified and a center for all sorts of activity. There is no city like it anywhere in the empire, the empire's Ministers reside here, the command of our armies, navies, and so forth. However sir... what lays on the western boarders? The cities of my linage? Nexus Prime with a Governor who is content in his own agenda and not the welfare of the people he Governs or that of the empires? Our military is spread thin on the western front and it is charged to figure a way to keep our boarders secure. Should the Xet assault, or the newly discovered nation there is little major fortifications that is built purely for those reasons. Paxia fell due to poor planning for a military assault. But now... here we have a former city in ruins, people in need of homes, protection and shelter and since it fell nothing has happened. You assigned me to Paxia to make sure the reconstruction took place, which I will be taking action to rebuild Paxia in a large way, to turn it into a city, but a city built to defend itself, and a military hub for the western empire." he said leaning forward. "With the fortification of the city and its inevitable expansion during the rebuilding there is no doubt on my mind, or even the Imperial Sage that once rebuilt and fortified Paxia will become one of the greatest cities in the empire. Like the sister to Aelyria Prime, although perhaps not in size." Keldon paused briefly and though perhaps the Minister may also be interested in knowing the full scope of interest's in the city and its reconstruction along with there belief that it can indeed happen.

"The Imperial Sage and a former Minister of the Crown has also stated his interest in the city. Lord Zk'ron wishes it to become a center for science and astrology for the empire, he also stated his interest for making his office and residence in the city, and also his support for my idea, which is to turn official control of the cities former lands over to your office and essentially the Armed Forces." he said but quickly added. "However sir, do not think that Paxia is to turn into a massive stone structure. On the contrary the engineers and I are designing it to be a city, but also a fortress... something like Primus Gaudeo and the capital combined with Midpoint sir. There will be open land, parks and so forth. However there will also be defense's capable of holding back a force attacking, either within or outside. I also am hoping to see the Imperial Magus about having arcana in the city, although the Mage Corps will be present and specific things will be put into place to prevent another portal from opening in the city. There are many who have large hopes for the city and they support the city being in the hands of the armed forces so long as the local government is involved. Which I envision, after all we are the armed forces and many of those within have no idea how to run a city. Which is why even though the city would be under our full authority we would have a civilian government in place like a regular city to handle daily affairs without our interference." Keldon took a breath and moved forward pushing what he knew would be an upward battle to get his idea approved.

"The local government is hopeful however they lack the organization or the leadership to get the entire city running. They are making attempts to rebuild it however none of them have military minds, having a civilian plan a city for comfort and not to defend itself would be a mistake. However if the y are one it would be easier to work together to bring comfort and safety to the city in unheard of proportions." Keldon said finishing his statement.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Edit: Wrong thread hehe my bad

[Alexis Sapientia]

Quite the young arakmatian this Provost was turning out to be, Alexis thought to himself, savoring the Khardran coffee, and getting a bit of a hint as to why it was despised as a drink for the uncultured.

It didn't have the soothing, healing touch just like tea did. On the whole, it was brusque, searing, and tended to upset matters. It did manage to keep him awake and focused, though. How interesting that it matched his Surveyor-General's qualities.

Much of what he said did make sense. On the whole, the west was vulnerable, with not many strongpoints with which one could hold off a determined offensive. Lauryl was, in effect, one large pancake waiting to be rolled up. Arakmat--the city, not the province--could be left to fend for itself, while Silrosia and Imperia could serve as quite the citadel for many a time. Arium could hold, without a doubt, so long as Merchante kept his cold grip on the Director-General's chair. Centripax was a veritable bastion, with Primus Gaudeo and Midpoint, despite the ravaging of Zerdargia. Enamoria might need some work with its mainly cosmopolitan image, but with Imperial Consul Mekare Taryn keeping firm hold on Governor Pescado Branch's claws, the Sovereignty would prove to be in good hands.

In a sense, it was just like Portshire. Founded as a military bastion when the Kingdom of Alleria was still extant, it technically fell within the jurisdiction of the Governor of the Principality of Prime--his beloved wife, Liselle--in practice it had been run by the senior officer of the Imperial Navy, ever since it was placed under martial law.

That's one more thing to deal with, I suppose. Taking another sip, so did he raise cerulean eyes to meet with the Provost's, his nimble fingers slicing through the Fu'pronis delicately.

"It makes sense, all this, but you'd be wading through a lot of muck to get what it is I think you want. Have a nice little chat with the Marquis de Merchante, for one, and then get final approval from His Most Imperial Excellency the Imperial Regent. You may even have to persuade a few of the Imperial Senators, most certainly the one from Arium. At any rate," so did he pause to set a piece of the seasoned pork and some vegetables deftly into his mouth with a highly-polished silver fork, chewing with perfect etiquette and yet with much gusto, shrugging as he did so...

...letting silence pass between them as he studied the diorama before him, as well as the demeanor of Provost Keldon Elsdragon, assessing matters, as it were. After a time, he took another sip of the Khardran beverage, pleased at the way the cubotri was cooked.

"I understand that you wanted my opinion. Well, you've got it. I see, too, that you've a meeting scheduled with Imperium later this brightening."

Time to play for the high stakes. Cerulean eyes gazed deeper into his.

Check to the dealer...

"At any rate, Provost Elsdragon, what is it exactly that you want from me?"

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon was about to say "Nothing sir, other then the ability to do my duties." However something came back to him when the Nexus Legion mentioned the lack of command for the province and there host over all. Something Keldon found pressing and something that needed to be changed, either through him or another assignment but it was something that needed tending to.

However if it was time to play the final hand then Keldon would lay his down, all of them and be forward about it. Changing from his normal stance Keldon placed his hands behind his back and lowered his eyes to the table and then raised them to lock with Alexis's eyes. "Permission to speak Minister?" he asked in a sharp, firm military tone, looking to his superior.

It did not take long for Alexis to give Keldon permission to do so, and once he did his eyes would remain firm and his arms would tighten up and his back become as flat as a longsword. "Minister Sapientia, I do not believe it is what you, can do for me. However it is what I can do for you. You charged me with the task of rebuilding Paxia to become a hub for the military in the western empire. Something we both know would be an invaluable asset to Imperial Security. However to do so one needs unity within the military structure and leadership to direct them. A budget and report shall be delivered to your office shortly regarding what it will take to rebuild the city as quickly as possible. However, what is outside the scope of my office is to use the military in the western empire to strengthen its position. The Legions express concern for the lack of command in the provincial and host level. There is no commanders at those levels in any location in the empire once the previous commanders had been removed." he said with a brief pause. His face flat, however it quirked up with genuine concern.

"Which brings it to the question, what can I do for you? What you could do for me is only a small factor, because regardless my dedication is to the advancement of the empire and the protection of it's people with my life. Under Imperial Banner or otherwise, the western empire needs leadership as a whole to shape and use the legions to there fullest, other then to have them sitting around stagnate. You could make me Imperial Marshal and allow the advancement of the legions throughout the entire empire." Keldon said with a wide smile. "But we both know that is a aim for the star's, atleast for now. No, what I can do for you is to give the Imperial Army leadership and direction. If Paxia is to be a hub of military activity it is going to need coordination with all the legions in the province of Arium and the legions in surrounding provinces." he finished looking down to the food, his eyes going down to the floor just in front of his feet and then shooting back to meet Alexis's.

"The question is sir, what is it I can do for you as Provost Imperatis of the Western Provinces." Keldon finished sharply and firmly. Confident in his response and in his reasoning. Perhaps he could of been more political, however this was not the imperial senate it was the armed forces of the Aelyrian Empire. Politics did not belong here, not at this level of command. He paused and stood there awaiting his superiors reply. Good, bad, or ugly.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Quite the orator, this Provost Elsdragon, noted the Imperial Minister of War as he took periodic sips of the Khadran drink, and in between sentences of such vim and vigor, indulging in the Fu'pronis, and observing the arguments posed by the young fellow.

In a few eras, he could very well try his hand at the Imperial Senate...

That was something that the Praesul of the brightening could worry about. He, Alexis Sapientia, had much more important matters to deal with. Orcs in Ire, for example...

"The legions express concern for the lack of command in the Western Realms?" Alexis looked up at that, quite puzzled, and permitting the same to show in his face. "How very curious. How very curious, indeed..."

Rubbing his chin, so did he continue.

"I was under the impression that this Darius Drake fellow was doing quite well as commander of the local legion. So there is unrest in the west, eh? Perhaps my uniformed kinsman by marriage has seen fit to perform further agitation in the Silrosian elfhame? What, more bandits, is it, in the Arakmatian sands?"

Eyes blinked more at that.

"I'd like you to answer your own question, Provost Elsdragon, and please tell me reasons why we should append your...ah...current title."

Hands clasped at that, pushing away the now-empty plate, the silver utensils crossed atop each other, ever so formally.

This was proving more interesting than the local dessert at the Crown Inn and Tavern.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon paused for a moment and then shook his head briefly. "Sir, Darius Drake is doing aswel as expected. However the Western Host is far larger then just a single legion including the Serrista Legion's of Arakmat, Lauryl, and Enamoria. However the Central Host also comprise's of Arium, Centripax and Eunesia." he took a step forward closer to the table his face becoming flat serious.

"Provost Drake has stated his concerns for the lack of command, all of which are warrented and valid. But so has legions in Lauryl, and Arium. The Legions in Eunesia are rather useless.... we have twenty thousand men sitting on the coastline, not even on the islands themselves who have been out of contact with the Imperial Government for sometime now, feth we still assumed they where on the islands." he said with a sharp pause.

"The legions in Lauryl are under trained, they are to standards of the military however have become content with the local mages for protection, something that could prove rather fatal should any type of uprising occurs.." stated with a brief pause and then pressed his fingers against the table infront of him. "Minister, eventually a military strike will be done to attack the orcs in some fashion. Either through the people or the crown, that is an obvious statement. When it will occur is the question of many. However, when it does what happens if there asses are exposed? If I recall the forces that were retaking Paxia were surprised when an orc army came at them from behind when they least expected it. I would prefer that to not repeat itself." he finished as he drew a line with his finger on the wood, although nothing appeared in his mind there was a clear division there now.

"Our Western boarders are essentially the ones touching enemies of the empire and her people, atleast foreign ones. However the legions there have no overall command, there more focused on sitting around on there ass and wait for orders to come to give them directions, because. That is what the military is isn't it? `Do what those tell you do, and if you go outside those guidelines you get a rope around your neck?" he added, the end part rather clear and sharp.

"So we need to give them orders in an overall goal, should anyone attack again we need to be ready and not have outs pants around our legs because were rather content with ourselves because of the might of our forces. Franky sir, our might will mean damn all nothing if they catch us with our guard down. Thats been proven... several times already." he added standing upwards, if the man wanted more then he would give him more.

[Alexis Sapientia]

"It's odd that these concerns are articulating themselves in you, Provost Elsdragon," Alexis said with an acute, abrupt curtness, clasping his hands in front of him and setting his chin on them as he studied the officer with a direct stare. "I haven't had any direct communication from the Legions in the West since the transfer of Xindell to the spook shop..."

So did he pause to let that hang, before settling both hands flat on his lap and leaning back on his chair, crossing his arms across his chest as he did so.

"Perhaps what makes matters even more curious is the fact that he already is in charge of my intelligence forces and yet I always seem to be the last person to know about anything and everything," observed he even more, some displeasure showing more on his face. With a pregnant pause, so did he further purse his lips, his cerulean eyes taking a darker expression.

Then came silence.






















After a time, the Imperial Minister of War finally spoke.

"You raise a lot of valid points, and leave me with much food for thought. Why don't leave me to consider all this and return, oh, say...a cycle from now. That would be sufficient. There is much to be taken up."

Many would have thought him one to dither and delay, but those who said so knew Alexis Sapientia not.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon stood up tall and then nodded. "There are many concerns about things that should be done and are not, sir. But it makes more sense to have people in place who gets things done rather then sit on there ass and come up with ideas and no action." he finished sharpy and saluted.

Once dismissed he made his way out of the Ministers office to meet with the regent later on, and to return a cycle later.


OOC: Flagged complete and unsubscribed.