[Office of the Vicegerent] A Committee Meets (Oracle, Aesha, Sarah, Gavin Calabala)

Nell L'Evienne · January 31, 2007, 07:50 AM

TS: Morning, 8th Aperitus, Spring XIII

Quote:

The Office of the Imperial Vicegerent was an unusually shaped room, dodecagonal in shape. Set on the second floor of the Imperial Palace and some distance from the Throne room, it backed out onto the gardens with an overlooking balcony. The interior was clad with marble, creamy white with veins of deep pink running through the smooth surface, covering the twelve walls and extending into a vaulted ceiling, the joints of the arches radiating out from a central point from which hung a chandelier. Long, red velvet drapes framed the windows set into three of the walls to create a wide alcove of concentrated sunlight during the brightening. On the wall opposite the window alcove was a large marble fireplace, with logs ready for use piled in a small cast iron stack. Additionally a large round rug from Arakmat covered the centre of the room and reached out to finish its circumference a foot from the walls. A wide desk was placed in the window alcove with various chairs designed for comfort during long hours of use nearby, low cabinets and shelves were placed against the walls and all made from the same red-brown wood.

Oil lamps were set where most convenient, for although there was the chandelier, it was rarely used and its candles remained whole and pure. The paraphernalia of offices was also present, although most folders of parchment and documents were stored away out of immediate sight. Four of the walls were occupied with oil portraits which hung from a dado rail above the cabinets, including one of the Regent in casual pose, leaning against a tree with his unmistakeable smile quirked on his lips. The other three were of a woman and two men, each handsome in feature and holding a certain nobility in their gaze. A final oil painting adorned a fifth wall showing a winter landscape of the Sherian countryside.

Two doors led off from the office; one to small quarters for the occupier to use if required; the other to the reception that was manned by a young secretary of Taralon extract, one Oscar Lustig, with blonde hair lying flat to his head, and a pleasant countenance only marred by a large mole on his cheek. Here he worked at a functional desk, with a sofa to one side for anyone who might have to wait, and a side table that contained a vase of flowers, freshly cut from the Imperial gardens each brightening.

On this particular morning, a large polished oval table of a deep red wood and matching high-backed chairs with red cushioned seats had been moved into Nell's office to sit centrally under the chandelier. The table could sit up to twelve although only eight chairs had been brought in. Quills and parchments lay in front of six of the seats and in the centre of the table was a silver tray which held empty glasses and a pitcher of water. At one end of the table a vase of flowers with pink and white petals freshly cut from the Palace gardens stood, the fragance subtly penetrating the atmosphere. The glass door out onto the balcony stood open, allowing in the spring air and the faint sound of birdsong.

Nell had recently arrived and was sat at her desk, leafing through the prepared parchments that would be distributed to all on their arrival. She wore a simple dress of forest green, short sleeved and with a high empire-line waist, the skirts reaching the ground, and a white embroidered silk shawl was draped about her arms. A young woman just into her twentieth ordination, Nell had a pretty face accentuated by dark brown eyes and deep pink lips against a pale skin. Her long dark locks of hair were twisted up into a loose chignon at the back of her head, and no jewellery was worn save for the constant presence of her wedding band and diamond engagement ring. Leaning back in her chair, she continued to read, keeping one ear out for the sound of arrivals and ready to stand and greet those shown in through the double doors by her secretary, Oscar Lustig.

OOC: Please feel free to assume you're shown in by Oscar.

Sarah · January 31, 2007, 08:03 PM

Though luxury was something the former merchant had known throughout much of his prosperous life, he had never before had the pleasure of viewing the magnificence that was the Imperial Palace. Edward had planned to arrive to the meeting with relative with promptness, for he wished to formally introduce himself to the niece of the woman he had become rather endeared with. He had dressed for the occasion, a grey silk shirt tucked neatly into pants of black, that hung over polished and well loved boots of the same colour. His hair and beard had once been a deep brown, almost black, but was now almost completely silver. Both were clipped neatly to his head, and strong square jaw, and he appeared quite dashing even for his age.

As Oscar showed him into pink and white, marble room, the Senator of Sherian could not help but smile at the dark eyed woman that rose to greet him. He bowed low, rising to meet her dark eyes with his own. “Your Imperial Excellency, I am Edward MacLaughlin, Senator of Sherian,” his voice was deep and gruff yet articulate. “It is a pleasure to finally meet the woman that has not only touched the province in which I live with her dedication and life, but also the niece of her Ladyship, Sarah du’Galle. Thank you for the invitation to today’s proceedings. I always knew it would take the will of a woman from Sherian to finally move the Imperial Court into proceedings,”

He jested easily, and his laugh was soft but strong as he took a seat among the table of eight.

Gavin Cabala · January 31, 2007, 08:37 PM

The druid made his typical lackluster introductions at the Palace entrance; garbed in a simple, white, long-sleeved shirt topped by a plain olive green tunic, and matched with light brown trousers and black boots. His jet-black hair was tied in a high, tight ponytail; a few errant locks framing his dark brown eyes. He left his pair of Human escorts outside the office, as well as his weapons belt bearing his long daggers.

Pausing at the threshold, Gavin Cabala noted that he was apparently the third to arrive, the Viceregent and the Senator of Sherian already making introductions. He waited when they were through before making own.

"Gavin Cabala, your excellency," he took a bow and gave her a brief smile. "Senator from Carmelyn. It is good to finally step within the Imperial Capital after all these eras."

Aesha · February 19, 2007, 10:08 PM

Enter one Morton Aestair. A gentleman in the prime of life. Originally from Daltina, moved to Medonia several eras back because that was of course, where the power lies. A well tailor, fine wool suit of dark blue covered a physique that was lithe, slim. Hair, not complete without a few greys that were worn proudly as a sign of wisdom and sagaciousness. Slicked by with scented oils, it created a faint hint of lavender whenever the owner of said hair walked by. A casual stance was usually adopt, hands in jacket pockets as if he had wandered in just by chance, which usually either gave the feeling that he could feel at home anywhere or he was a bit of an arrogant swain. Still, he did not seem to know or care what people thought, and he would survey the room with a twinkle in his blue eyes, as if he had spotted a joke everyone else had missed.

Enter one Edwin Royalmantle III. His fur, glossy, well brushed, shining in a silver pinnacle of canine perfection. Each claw had been perfectly manacured, two ears the height of foppish floppiness. Eyes bright, alert, the very cream of its breed. On small legs the treasured Hund de Lylles trotted along after its master in the office of Nell du'Galle, where serious things were possibly going to be discussed.

Morton had not been the first to arrive, This had been delibrate of course. There was no point in making an entrance if there was no one there two witness it. Ignoring the two members of the commitee that had already been gathered, not out of any spite towards them, but because it would be a slight against their Imperial host, Morton sauntered over to Nell and gave a low bow that befitted her station.

" Senator Morton Aestair, Your Imperial Excellency. It is truly an honour to be here today. Please, let me introduce Edwin Royalmantel the Third, my faithful assistant."

At this point Senator Aestair gestured towards his hound, who yapped high-pitchedly at Nell upon cue. With another brief bow for the host, and a nod of the head for his two already gathered peers, Morton took his place and sat down, gathering Edwin neating in his lap so that the dog could see over the table, an excited expression on its face. To obvservers it would probably be rather distracting and annoying, but nothing was too good for Edwin.

Nell L'Evienne · February 20, 2007, 08:20 PM

Nell chuckled at Senator MacLaughlin’s jesting, coming forward to greet him with a smile of welcome and a curious gaze at the man whom her Aunt had written so warmly about. She could immediately see what there might be within the Senator’s manners and appearance that would attract Lady Sarah. The man was charming, very presentable and had a look about his eyes that was most compelling. “Delighted to meet you, Senator MacLaughlin. Hopefully we will make some great strides here to the end of actually calling a Senate meeting, along with making some small but much needed changes.”

Then a small turn to acknowledge the newly arrived elf who represented Carmelyn. “And good to meet you too, Senator Cabala!” Nell replied with another smile of welcome. “Do you know Senator MacLaughlin from Sheria? Recently appointed so probably not!” Nell’s smile twitched slightly at Gavin’s mention of not having stepped inside the Imperial Capital before now, but this wasn’t the time or the place to ask him why he hadn’t bothered to turn up at his offices in Aelyria Prime until this moment. Perhaps no one had actually explained to him that he should have done, or perhaps he’d thought it wasn’t worth the trouble unless there was an actual call to a senate meeting. Whatever the case, he was here now, and the future was what counted.

“I believe we are waiting for two more to arrive, so if you’d both like to take a seat and …” Nell continued with a gesture towards the prepared table, when a third arrived. It had to be said that Nell often despaired of ever getting her husband into suitable clothing for his role as Regent and so to see such a carefully presented gentleman such as Morton Aestair was a real delight. Yet the introduction of his small dog as his assistant drew a quizzical raising of the brow from the young woman. Ah, he was an eccentric.

“Thank you for attending, Senator, Aestair,” she answered, with an amused grin. “If I may introduce Senator MacLaughlin of Sheria and Senator Cabala of Carmelyn,” Nell continued, gesturing to each in turn, before taking her seat at the head of the oval table and allowing each gentleman to choose his place. “I believe we are waiting for Senator Levert of Lauryl to arrive, but if he is not here soon, I propose we plow on. Now unfortunately, and I must apologise for this as I only noticed the error this morning, the copy of the Government Structure before you contains a mistake.”

As Nell picked up the parchment she was referring to, a copy of which lay before each Senator, a footman of the Palace entered and took up position inside the room, ready to pour drinks and attend to any whims that the committee might have. Oscar, her secretary, hovered in the doorway, aware that he was required to make notes but not wishing to miss the arrival of the final committee member. Nell however, continued speaking.

“If you’ll take a look at the section which stipulates the roles of the Court of the Crown, the position of Lord Imperial Bard and Master of Post should be that of Court Imperial Bard, as it is currently a position that is a Minister Emeritus rather than a Minister Maiestas. That change was made during Empress Arabella’s reign and I really don’t know why we have copies which don’t reflect that change. I’ll be having words with the scribes, believe me. But, it’s a small annoyance, only.”

Nell smiled apologetically at the committee, but there was little that could be done at this late stage. “Oscar, would you hand out the list of proposed changes?” Nell said to her secretary and as he went to collect the required parchments, Nell looked brightly about the table. “As an introduction to this meeting I should perhaps give you some background to these proposed changes and the upcoming Senate meeting. Now as far as I’m aware, when this new structure was put in place under Arabella’s reign, it was never ratified by the Senate, but then there was no Senate actually in place to do so. However, it was accepted as the way in which the Empress wished her Empire to be organized and so we are now building on this structure, but also acknowledging the stipulation that any changes are to be ratified by the Senate. Hence why we are meeting today, as a preliminary to gather opinions, gauge reaction and make what adjustments are required. These proposals come directly from the Regent himself, and the purpose of them is not to make sweeping change, but merely to refine what is already in place and perhaps clarify what is … rather muddy about this document. I would like you to bear in mind that although the Regent is making these proposals, I am acting on his behalf in chairing this meeting and will be open to suggestions from all. We’re looking to try and make the best and most practical system, and no doubt further amendments will come in the future, but the ones being proposed arose out of discussion and the Regent’s experience from the winter months in office. If you have further proposals that you think would benefit the running of Government which aren’t mentioned, please do feel free to make them. Ideally what I’d like to present to Senate is something that will be passed quickly so we can then get on with the job of running the Empire.”

Nell glanced around the table for any initial responses while Oscar came forward with the parchments, ready to distribute them.

OOC: For the purposes of this thread, the section at the end of the new imperial government section linked which states the list of current imperial officials is NOT part of the document you’re reading – as that is simply for ooc purposes to keep everyone up to date of who is who within the game. It is not going to be part of the final official document.

Gavin Cabala · February 27, 2007, 02:54 AM

The druid gave the other committee members a perfunctory nod and a brief smile, then settled on the proferred chair the Viceregent had gestured to. He quickly signaled for a glass of lukewarm water from the nearest attendant, then diverted his attention to Nell.

Gavin didn't care much for intricacies in titleship and rank; discussing on things that really mattered was why he had agreed to attend such a meeting. He had known from firsthand experience that diplomatic issues had an uncanny tendency to swerve to personal conflicts if left unchecked. He simply nodded in agreement to the Viceregent's remarks and awaited for his copy of the proposed changes.

Nachende · March 6, 2007, 09:38 PM

The Senator rose with each new arrival and offered a nod, a smile and a handshake to each as he was introduced.

"Senator Cabala, pleasure's all mine! Senator Aestair, mister Royalmantel, a pleasure to meet you."

When all was settled, he took his seat again and squinted a little as he listened attentively, searching for any bit of information that his mind could chew on for a spell before the real work could be done. At Nell's gesture, he picked up his own parchment and scanned the document, sticking out his lips a little in thought. Soon, he laid the back of his hand against the paper with another squint and a shake of his head.

"I agree with what you've called the 'muddiness' of this document. I'll hold my opinions, though --" he paused to take one of the offered sheets, "-- until I've seen the proposed changes." He smiled a little and tipped his head to both watch as the rest of those present received their copies and to take note of the door and any new arrivals. How were they supposed to get this blasted meeting started when a Senator Levert was taking his good time? A forefeit for such a reason would bode ill for his juristiction, poor souls they were.

Nell L'Evienne · March 10, 2007, 02:00 PM

Nell smiled at Senator MacLaughlin, quirking her brow as he voiced his agreement at the current document. There was one more gaze afforded to the still open door to her office and then a sigh. They would just have to start without the Senator of Lauryl. As it stood, only four members of a committee were needed to make a quorum, and there were four of them seated around the table, five if you included the dog who was looking quite attentive on Senator Aestair’s lap. Therefore once Oscar had finished distributing the parchments, Nell nodded at the young man, who then closed the doors and took his seat further down the table so that he could take notes of what was discussed.

“Right, if your Excellencies would care to read the proposals, then we’ll take any initial reactions. I’ll explain the underlying reasons which led to these proposed changes, as you require them, although some of them are fairly obvious,” Nell said pleasantly, not wishing to wait any longer.

Quote:

Proposed Amendments to the Imperial Government Structure – as proposed by His Most Imperial Excellency, Regent L’Evienne, in consultation with the Lady Imperial Vicegerent Nell du’Galle. Presented by Lady Vicegerent du’Galle under the mandate of her office.

1) Regarding the political control of the capital city of Aelyria Prime:

a) That the Governor of Prime Province is given the Power of Civitate over the city of Aelyria Prime, with the exception of the Imperial City.

b) That the Emperor remains the only official with authority over the Imperial City.

c) Consequently that the city of Aelyria Prime, with the exception of the Imperial City, now comes into the remit of the Imperial Consul of the Southern Coasts.

2) Regarding the Powers of Maiestas:

a) That the clarification is inserted that the mandate of each official will be given when office is taken and that this mandate is subject to change during their time of office at the Emperor’s discretion. A copy of the Minister’s current mandate is to be distributed through the Imperial Dispatches at the time of appointment and a record afterwards kept by the Imperial Archivist.

b) That the clarification is inserted that where a matter of Imperial concern may appear to fall into the purview of two or more Imperial Ministers or Imperial Consuls, that recourse to the Emperor is to be taken in the first instance to decide in whose purview the matter actually falls.

3) Regarding the powers of the Imperial Consulate:

That the powers and mandate of the Imperial Consulate should revert to that as described in the Articles of Imperium, Articles 39 and 40, with the additional clarification that .

“Each organized territory of the Realm shall be assigned an Imperial Consul, or may be grouped under the purview of one Imperial Consul, in such fashion so that no established region that is populated shall be without the presence of said official.”

4) Regarding the Court of the Crown:

a) That the clarification is inserted that the Emperor may create or dissolve Minister positions according to need.

b) That the following amendments are made to the list of the Ministers of the Court of the Crown to reflect the current Court of the Crown:

i) That the title of Lord Imperial Marshall is changed to Lord Imperial Minister of War
ii) That the position of Lord Imperial Vicegerent is added to the list, with the Mandate of:

“the Regent’s Lieutenant, with authority second only to his, to speak for the Regent and hold the power of countersignature when the Regent is absent from the Court of the Crown and to hold authority over specific matters mandated by the Regent as and when they arise.”

5) Regarding the Powers of the Senate:

a) With regard to the clause under the Power of Maiestas that “In the case of any decision of policy that involves changing the AoI or other fundamental laws Senate approval is required with the Empress maintaining veto authority”: that there is a clarification of this process, termed a Conclave of Ratification, whereby the Minister proposing the change to the AoI or other fundamental laws seeks the approval of the senate through a process of simple majority vote of 3/2.

b) That the Conclave system whereby the senate is voting to decide a disagreement of policy between Ministers or Consuls is termed a Conclave of Arbitration.

c) That at the first session of the Senate at the start of Senate Sitting Time a Speaker is elected by simple majority vote, to represent and lead the Senate, and organize any debates of the Senate. The Speaker of the Senate has the right to a second vote in any Conclave if a simple majority cannot be met.

d) That the paragraph “Senators cannot propose policy but are directly responsible for ratifying it under the Conclave system, however they can always suggest a proposal to a Consul or member of the Imperial Court who then suggests it to the appropriate member of the government” is amended to allow for the following:

That during the third month of Senate Sitting Time, there is a single session of Senate termed the Free Senate Session whereby time is given over to proposals for Government policy made by the Senators through the Speaker of the Senate directly to the relevant Minister or Consul. If a proposal is accepted by the Minister or Consul, the policy may be passed. If the Minister rejects the proposal, then a Conclave of Arbitration is scheduled for a future session. During this Conclave of Arbitration, the Senator from whom the proposal originated takes the Seat of Proposer, with the Minister or Consul taking the seat of Defender. The proposing Senator may not, however, take part in the vote. If the Senator wishes to maintain his power of vote, however, he may seek a Minister or Consul to take his place as the Proposer.

e) That the term of office for a Senator is clarified as three eras from the date of their assignment to Senate Office.

6) Regarding the powers of the Hall of Representation:

That the Hall of Representatives are given leave to read and examine the decisions of the Senate – and delay any ratified bills, laws, etc for one cycle before the Emperor chooses to affix his signature to said bill, law, etc and declare it to be in accordance with his power of Imperium. The Hall of Represenation is permitted during this cycle to present their objections through the Speaker of the Hall of Representation by written document to the Emperor for his consideration.

7) Regarding the Governors of the Provinces:

a) That Governors are selected by the Emperor, in consultation with the Imperial Consul for the relevant Province, unless this duty falls under the mandate of the Imperial Consul.

b) That the clarification is inserted that Governors should directly communicate with the Emperor or the relevant Imperial Minister of the Court of the Crown on new matters of Imperial concern in the first instance, but should also, where appropriate, circulate copies of said correspondence to the Imperial Consul of their province for their information.

Nell L'Evienne · March 20, 2007, 05:38 PM

Nell waited in silence as the men around the table read the proposals, taking the time to scan her eyes over them herself once more. She briefly caught the eye of her secretary, sat with quill poised for action at the other end of the table and gave him a small smile. He had done well with her for the last couple of eras, and perhaps would soon like to move onto a position where he was taking decisions rather than acting as a support to her. It was something to consider, she mused, vaguely distracted from the business of the meeting. After a few minutes had passed, though, she brought her mind back to the senators sat at the table.

“If you wish we could adjourn to give you some time to think over these proposals?” she gently offered, glancing around the faces gathered. “Or … if there are any other areas of the Government Structure that you’d care to bring up that you feel need addressing?”

OOC: I'm aware that Oracle is pretty much absent, and that Nachende is recovering from being sick - but just trying to gently nudge this on for contributions from elsewhere

Ogabe K'tinga · March 25, 2007, 07:21 PM

A soft rap at the door preceded an Imperial Courier, liveried properly for such an august occasion and assemblage. Quietly did the youngish lad make his way to the Lady Viceregent, placing a small note in her hand, bowing properly and awaiting a response, apparently.

Secrets :

Nell L'Evienne · March 26, 2007, 12:36 PM

Nell received the note with some curiosity and on reading it, couldn't help but smile. Poor Ogabe, if the cities were stonewalling his schemes it would seem that he was a victim of the 'island' mentality that appeared to have established itself within the provinces, where any communication from the Imperial Government was seen as irrelevent or interfering. How they were meant to hold an empire together with such attitudes was certainly going to be a challenge.

Nell looked at the gathered company, and cleared her throat to gain their attention from their reading. "Your Excellencies, the Imperial Judicator, Lord K'tinga has expressed a desire to join us, to give counsel and lend his expertise. If there are no objections, I am inclined to allow his joining the committee at this late stage."

She waited a few moments to see if any objections were to be raised.

Aesha · March 28, 2007, 08:37 PM

As Nell introduced the others gathered in the room, Morton turned to each and gave a formal nod of the head in greeting before taking his seat and propping Edward up upon it also. A vague smile touched his lips, a vacant glaze seemed to wash over his eyes. It seemed he was perfectly content to sit and listen but whether he would have anything coherent to say afterwards seemed to be another matter. However, when the parchments were handed out he made a show of studying the contents of it most profusely, all the while giving Edward the odd pat on the head as the lapdog just as intently stared at the proposed changes to the structure of the government. Morton nodded vaguely at Nell's explanation of the situation as he did so.

"Well, in my opinion this is fairly straight forward... clarifying, and so forth... I have no reason, myself, to adjourn, and I am sure His Excellency, Governor Branch would agree with me. I am sure we all want to be out of here and enjoying the day as soon as possible, hmm?"

Placing the parchment flat on the table in front of him he beamed around at the assembled people, using the fingers on his left hand to tuck back into position a single strand of hair that had fallen out of place.

In his turn, almost as if emphasising his master's opinion of the stuffiness of the situation, Edward scrambled down from his owner's lap and began to leap about on the floor, chasing his tail and generally being a nuisance - though at least he wasn't yapping. Morton gave an apologetic smile.

I do apologise for Edward. I fear he finds these meetings somewhat tedious, but he has to learn. Worry not - he will wear himself out in a minute."

Almost as an afterthought he glanced at his copy of the documents once more, and voiced a small, almost insignificant question.

"I do wonder, however, if perhaps, the current Vicegerent, being related to the Regent in question, should not be with the Regent himself, when out of court, as befitting her role as a dutiful wife? But I suppose that is neither here nor there when considering merely the changes to the structure itself."

His opinion was expressed in an idle, musing fashion, backed up by a winning smile, that it could be supposed it was nothing more than thoughts voiced outloud by a man who merely had an old-fashioned way of thinking when it came to matrimony.

A few minutes later, when Nell expressed that the Imperial Judicator, one Ogabe K'tinga wished to join the meeting, Morton merely gave a wave of the hand, indicating he had no concerns over the presence of the katta one way or the other.

Nell L'Evienne · March 28, 2007, 09:19 PM

Although happy to hear there were no major objections from the Senator for Enamoria, Nell couldn't help a somewhat thin smile at the antics of his pet. "I hope Edward is sensible enough to not run out onto the balcony," she said, looking towards the glass door that was open to the outside. "'Tis quite a drop ..."

She also began to wonder if the Senator had bothered to read through the proposed changes closely, for no comment had come regarding the changes to senate procedure. But perhaps he was waiting for others to open that particular strand of the discussion. It had been the most common complaint coming through the grapevine, the lack of senate ability to propose changes to imperial policy, but perhaps another would notice that point. All in good time, she thought, and then blinked at the reference to being a dutiful wife.

The thin smile turned into a broad one, the corners of her mouth trying to not twitch into laughter. Ah, but your Excellency, you may rest assured that I take my marital duties very seriously. Indeed, I believe, much as the wives of soldiers remain at home when their good husbands leave for battle, so I should remain here if my husband takes an extended leave from the Palace. With two young children to care for, it is only fitting that I remain at home, so that the Regent may rest easy knowing that all is well and that a good fire in the hearth awaits his return."

Her eyes twinkled with amusement, and at Morton's agreement to the Imperial Judicator's presence, she then looked to the other two senators present.

Gavin Cabala · April 1, 2007, 10:18 PM

Gavin had perused through the proposals as best as he could during their break, and had not found anything worth amending... He was more eager to start on specific policies themselves, not on matters dealing with rank and duties...

"I have no qualms with a new addition to this forum. And I have nothing to comment to the proposals as of this time, your excellency," he nodded curtly at Nell. He simply folded his arms and waited for the rest to have their say.

Nell L'Evienne · April 2, 2007, 07:23 PM

"Rightio," Nell replied to Senator Cabala. She glanced over to the Senator from Sherian, a small smile as she tried to imagine her aunt on this man's arm, suspecting there was a romance budding between the two. "Well, if there are no queries arising from these proposals and no additional ones forthcoming," she continued to the gathered group as a whole, "then perhaps we need not bother with any further discussion and move to close the meeting and go ahead with the senate meeting instead to vote on them? And therefore not require Lord K'tinga's presence?"

It was an open question to all. But if there were no objections to the proposals as they stood, she saw little sense in prolonging the committee meeting.