Private meeting with Gena'ra

[Roland Moonstar]

OOC: (continued from Aedile's thread)

IC:

Once Roland was alone with the Lionoid 'Senior' Aedile name Gena'ra, he paused for a moment and explained that he had not just come here on the standard Aedile business involving lumber and trade and so forth.

"As long as I have a moment of your time, I was wondering if I could discuss some other matters of concern to Paxia? As I understand it, you are not just Aedile, but the senior-most government representative in Paxia right now?"

Roland smiled affably, waiting patiently for an answer to his questions. He did not want to continue if he was wrong on either count. And, he had never met the Lionoid before, so he did not quite know what to make the fellow. Roland hadn't liked the Cethor clerk, but this was a much more important man and so Roland wanted to proceed carefully as he sounded the Lionoid out.

[Striker]

Like most of his prominent race, the senior aedile radiated an aura of strength and pride warranted by his noble heritage; however, his broad shoulders, undoubtedly mighty at one point, now sagged beneath the immense weight of concern for the Paxian people. His golden fur and mane, standard of the proud male lionoids, similarly bore traces of wear and unkemptness. It was evident from the shadows beneath his golden eyes that the katta had not slept in days, and the intermittent twitch in his quill-clenching paws testified to an additional lack of energy and nutrition.

Nevertheless, with grace and dignity, the lionoid glanced upwards as the sound of Roland’s treading feet distracted him from the parchment that he had previously been filling out. He did not seem surprised by the sight of the human, for visitors had not been entirely infrequent as of late. With the rebuilding of ruined Paxia, after all, most had done whatever they could to lend a helping hand here and there.

Rising to his feet in a gesture of cordiality, the feline’s head dipped politely. “Yes, you are correct. I am Gena’ra, Senior Aedile of Paxia and the highest ranking government official here in the…city.” the lionoid’s gaze darkened slightly as he spoke. A moment later, though, and the specks of sadness dissipated form his round yellow eyes. He then gestured to the seat across the desk with an open paw.

“Please have a seat. I would offer you refreshments, but unfortunately the times have not been very kind.” Shrugging apologetically, Gena’ra ensconced in his own chair and leaned forward on propped up elbows. “Now, what can I do for you, Mister…I don’t believe I caught your name?”

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland decided at once that his opinion of the Cethor was warranted: he would look into the background of the little fellow once Paxia was back on its feet. He went into his own rations and offered Gena'ra some wine and frubi, some beef jerky and cheese and crackers to go with the wine. "Please."

He listened to the Katta, and nodded. He shook hands and took a seat. "Ah, forgive me good sir. I did not mean to have you at a disadvantage. I am Roland Moonstar." He was tempted to rattle of a bunch of titles, but he felt compassion for the man who was so obviously overworked and so he simply held up a copy of the Herald and pointed at the front page. "I worked for Thane Hakim."

He smiled at Gena'ra. "You are a busy man, and I won't waste your time with idle chit-chat and meaningless conversation. So, I apologize if this is a bit brusque, but I'd rather get right to the point. I have three: we'll tackle the actual Aedile business first, I suppose."

"First, I have some good news for you: House Moonstar is-- even as we speak-- spending time out in the wilderness getting lumber for Paxia. I have brought in some giants and some builders to help with the reconstruction. I will donate what I can, and agree to whatever terms you can afford for the rest, as I need to feed and pay my men."
He allowed as he was willing to barter a mutual line of credit as he was sure funds must be tight, and House Moonstar had some housing projects they wished to commence in the spring. Having laid the groundworkd for the first non-clerical bank of Diana, Roland was able to speak with quiet authority on the subject.

He gave Gena'ra his credentials, including his Nexus Prime trading license and Paxian Merchant's guild card, and his commissions allowing him to speak on behalf of Abestat's 3 Suns Trading, plus any ledgers and spreadsheepts the Lionoid wanted to look at. "With your permission, I'll be making a few other trades to benefit Paxia. For example, later this month I'll be meeting with Dzrg and Palacrisis in Arakmat province to see what can be arranged for Paxia. We had preliminary talks earlier this month in Prime Province."

Roland went into a bit more detail in regards to his plans, as he knew that the previous Aedile of Paxia had never made the same trade arrangement with Mileswick as Vortex and Nexus Prime had made, and so he also desired permission to see about a trade that would benefit both areas of Arium.

Some might find it slightly ironic that the man who had appointed and taught every Thane and Aedile in Carmelyn Province was now dealing with Gena'ra as if the latter were indeed King of the Jungle, but Roland had started off as a farmboy and always treated everyone equally. He waited politely for Gena'ra to review his credentials and stamp whatever permits were necessary, and to see if the Lionoid had any questions before proceeding to his next point, improving the infrastructure of Paxia.
He believed Gena'ra would especially like this next part, as it involved more manpower for the Aedile's office itself.

[Striker]

Roland’s altruism earned a startled look from the lionoid, who was clearly unaccustomed to haphazard acts of kindness from strangers. Paxia, as of late, had virtually become a desperate wasteland where everyone was fending for themselves. There were intermittent spurts of charitableness here and there but for the most part people had generally been worried about how to provide food on their plates for the following day. Nevertheless, the softening of the senior aedile’s stern gaze indicated that he was touched by Roland’s compassion, and he humbly reached for the offered food.

“Thank you.” He nodded slightly, glancing away from the rations politely as Roland introduced himself. At the mentioning of his services to Thane Hakim, the lionoid’s golden eyes widened approvingly. Times had been much better under the former Thane of Paxia, though granted that had been before the sudden invasion of the orcs.

“I’m listening.” Gena’ra replied. Resting his elbows on the desk and folding his hands together, the lionoid adopted a contemplative pose as Roland began to outline his plans for Paxia. His initial suggestion elicited a positive nod from the senior aedile, particularly because lumber and construction services were probably the most imperative for the city at this time, especially as building and reconstruction had been virtually impossible without the necessary skills and materials.

Roland’s thereafter list of credentials awarded Roland yet another stunned expression from the previously exhausted katta, who analyzed the parchments with blatant astonishment. Why anyone would go to such lengths to help a ruined, nearly non-existent city was beyond the lionoid’s comprehension, particularly as there weren’t any guarantees that Roland could possibly be compensated for all that he intended to do –and it would certainly cost him quite the crown for his aspirations!

Pursing his maw together as he organized his thoughts, Gena’ra appreciatively returned the papers back to Roland and combed the side of his mane with a single brush of his large hand. “Your offer is generous, Mister Moonstar. And I completely understand your need to compensate your men for their services. Unfortunately, as Paxia is a shadow of its former self, so too has the money been heavily depleted. It would be difficult to pay you completely for all that you intend to accomplish, but I would have no qualms with petitioning to the higher ups to have you all paid for your services. In the event that my request is denied, though, would you have any other suggestions? Alternatives perhaps?”

It was obvious from Gena’ra’s tone that he sincerely hoped to come to some sort of agreement with the transparently accomplished man. This became even more evident as the senior aedile considered Roland’s proposal to commence trade relations, something that previous aedile’s had been reluctant to approve. Still, changes needed to be made if Paxia intended on surviving. “Yes, you have my permission to conduct trade operations with those respective cities. But please keep me informed of the details whenever possible.”

[Roland Moonstar]

He paused for a moment to take some drink from a silver hip flask, giving the Lionoid time to indulge in a light snack should he so desire.

Then he reviewed his papers. "I'm not unduly worried. If my trade calculations are correct, Paxia will end up in the black soon enough. Perhaps not as fast as if starting from scratch, as there will be debts incurred in sanitation and rubble removal that are just write-off-losses, but I still believe cautious optimism is in order."

Though he was a mind-reader, he didn't have to be one to see the curiousity etched on the big cat's face. "I will share a moment with you, if you agree to keep this between us. Though born in Arium and a man who spent many years here, or in Vortex, Mileswick, and so forth, I let my ambitions get the better of me, and was a bit of a carpetbagger, running around the Empire in search of wealth, titles, and glory. I was seeking such glory in a distant land when my beloved wife Jenna and my brother-in-law (Josephine's husband) and so many more were lost in the disasters of this past year. I should have been here, and that sense of guilt is what motivates me."

Roland's eyes narrowed as he considered something Gena'ra said. "If by 'higher-ups' you mean Jenius De Merchante and the powers-that-be in Nexus Prime, by all means keep me appraised if your request is denied. I will add it to the list, when I return to see Ogabe and Milo." He briefly explained that he had recently visited Prime Province in an attempt to get someone in a position of power to investigate why Jenius was asleep at the wheel while Arium was sufferering needlessly. "But you know this is true, you can see it from the lack of a Thane and other people he should have sent you."

He shrugged. "Well, at least I should be able to help on that score. I have helped appoint Thanes in both Carmelyn and Centripax Provinces. I lack the authority to outright do that in Arium, but I can at least help judge candidates, offer some suggestions. At the least I can help find a Thane Pro Tempore while we wait for Jenius to send up a permanent one. I did that in Tearsfall after the infrastructure was wiped out, then took my candidate to see Aeri. If Jenius is half as over-worked as Aeri, he'll rubber-stamp anyone we come up with so long as the person is affable and qualified."

Roland paused for a moment and pulled out his list of members in House Moonstar, as well as those from the Hoplites and the Legion that were loyal to him. "Hmm.... huh.... um.... Well, perhaps an Equite. I suppose I could teach some Basic Law, Politics, and so forth if we end up with a promising and enthusiastic candidate." He shrugged. "On the plus side, House Moonstar has some viable Prefect and Constable candidates, and one or two junior Aediles, one of which, Eninia, is thinking of moving here and opening a shop. I'm sure she could be persuaded to work and/or volunteer some time here."

[Striker]

There was something about Roland’s promising tone that imbued the lionoid with a degree of hopefulness. Few in the Empire had that effect, but the human had and was continuing to garner more and more of the senior aedile’s respect. He realized that he was fond of the determined human, and that was quite rare as Gena’ra seldom enjoyed anyone’s company.

“I’m sorry to hear of your losses, Mister Moonstar.” he somberly replied, momentarily lowering his gaze out of respect. Gena’ra, too, had suffered uncanny losses over the last era –and not so different from Roland himself. And although it had been neither ambition nor pride that had resulted in the deaths of loved ones, he nevertheless understood the pains of mourning. It was what drove him to work each and every day despite the seemingly fruitlessness of the situation.

“I will be sure to notify you of their response.” Gena’ra subtly noted the glimmer of dissatisfaction marring the human’s previously collected visage at the mentioning of Jenius De Merchante and those other ‘higher-ups’ who had failed to contribute any aid to their Paxian brethren. Still, the lionoid did manage to keep a professional disposition despite his distaste for those who had earned Roland’s scorn, and Gena’ra merely nodded to indicate his agreement with the clearly credible man. His brows did rise, though, at the mentioning of Milo. “You are friends with the Imperial Regent?” Gena’ra curiously asked, clearly deducting such from Roland’s informal reference to him.

Again Gena’ra’s bushy brows rose as Roland spoke of several members of his family and a woman named Aeri. He could not possibly mean the previous Archprelatess Aerienne Sarista, could he? Rubbing his hairy scalp and combing at his mane, a habit that he had discovered himself to be doing quite often as of late, Gena’ra could not help but reveal a smile –or at least what appeared to be a smile through his four particularly long canines. “You are an interesting man, Mister Moonstar. I am grateful to have you aboard with us here in Paxia. We are, or will be rather, indebted to you.”

Gena’ra nodded sincerely at his latest comment, one that bore no traces of dishonesty or deceit. He continued to bob his head occasionally as Roland spoke of his family, the likes of which seemed thoroughly enmeshed with politics. And then an idea came to him. “Mister Moonstar, I do not mean to be improperly direct, but you clearly possess the qualifications necessary to help this city back on his feet. Have you ever considered applying for thane yourself?”

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland's entire train of thought derailed at the question. And so, being an honest man, he shook his head. "I had not, no. Nothing against Paxia, but more because of my... well.... I don't have any bond with Jenius De Merchante. One thing I learned in Carmelyn Province is that the Thanes and Governors need to work together." Roland looked down at his notes for a moment. "For Paxia to truly rebuild, it needs someone who can work well with the Governor. I honestly don't know if I'm that person. Not that I know any people who DO have a warm relationship with Jenius."

He gave a good-natured laugh, and looked back up at the Lionoid. "By the way, Milo is not a long-time friend of mine, no, we've only just met this era. But I like him, and I hope to get a chance to know him better once either Ogabe or Palacrisis gets the Aethercrown." He pointed at the Herald. "Jenius wrote a very inflammatory article in the Herald and was severely rebuked for it by Milo, in the following article. I will need to meet with Ogabe again-- I've know that Katta for 2 or 3 patterns at least-- but I believe some Articles of the Imperium have been broken, and I don't know that I have the proper respect for Jenius De Merchante that a Thane should have."

* * * * *

A few moments passed as Roland considered the idea.

He leaned forward, bracing his mouth on his fist in the classic pose of a Thinker. As Gena'ra had posed the question, it deserved some serious thought. Now that he had voiced all his objections, he attempted to consider the merit in it.

"All right, give me a minute. I may ramble on here a bit as I gather my thoughts. Now, as I said, I don't know that it will help relations between Nexus Prime and Paxia. On the other hand, I have been a Thane before, myself, and have the advantage here of having worked for Hakim, so I know the peculiarities inherent in Paxia."

He tried to think of the benefits to Paxia such an appointment might accrue to the devastated town. ""I do have good relations with Mileswick, Vortex, and the towns of Arium, and much of Nexus is overflowing with friends and relatives of mine. I like and get along with Vortex's Thane Amber and Draekial, so there is that." He attempted to stifle the frustration in his voice at his next comment. " And, well, it's not like the 'Governor' is being of any help to Paxia anyway. If I was here, he might in fact help us out in a perverse attempt to .. well, let's just say it would benefit him politically, having me here and showing his support of that fact."

He tapped the table thoughtfully. "It would consolidate the rebuilding efforts-- I recently ran into a man named Arsenios and have put him to work for the Moonstar Forestry Service-- and lessen the need for Keldon and the Imperials. In fact, I could write to Sheng Kaldres or someone of that ilk and see about getting Paxia left alone. And it would help in my discussions with Ogabe and Dzrg and Raliric, as far as the trading."

He considered the idea from various angles. It would help House Moonstar if he was actually Thane or the equivalent while training the Equite he had in mind. And it would cut down on the workload for Gena'ra, who seemed on the verge of exhaustion. "And it wouldn't cost Paxia anything, since I have no problem letting my pay accumulate until such time as I need it. In fact, my next point of discussion with you was in setting up some infrastructure, especially in regards to a sort of combined Trading Post/ Savings and Loan building."

Roland glanced left and right, his mind wandering. He hadn't rambled on for the better part of a candlemark for Gena'ra's benefit: it had been the Lionoid's idea, after all. He was sorting out the pros and cons in his own mind, so as to make the best decision possible.

And he made it.

Then his gaze settled back on the eyes of the Lionoid. "Paxia needs someone. I don't know if I'm qualified to be Thane, but I'm willing to help start the ball rolling, come in as Lord Protector or some such thing, Thane Pro Tempore. We can try things out on a temporary basis for a cycle or two, and if all goes well, and there are no objections, then I'll go to Jenius to get ratified. What do you think?"

He held up a hand. " Though of course, should another candidate appear who is more qualifed, I would be happy to switch over to City Council President or some such alternative title."

[Striker]

Gena’ra’s feline head bobbed occasionally as Roland spoke of the higher echelon of society, most of which the fatigued aedile had learned to outright ignore. Whether it was Jenius de Merchante, the Imperial Regent, or the thanes from the surrounding cities, they had done virtually nothing to salvage the remnants of Paxia or help its populace. The people of the disheartened city had learned rather quickly that in a world full of corruption and greed, everyone had to fend for themselves. It was a sad reality that many of them had embraced over the era of their devastation.

Still, that pessimistic outlook seemed to have been decreasing as of late, particularly because of the efforts of those like Roland Moonstar and others who had rallied to Paxia’s aid.

“You are fortunate to have friends in such high places, Mister Moonstar.” Gena’ra kindly commented. In truth he was not surprised, though, by Roland’s notable group of acquaintances. The man was charismatic and sincere, traits that made it quite simple to befriend him. It was merely unfortunate that he had not considered assuming the role of Thane here in Paxia.

Gena’ra’s brows rose, as they had many times throughout this conversation, as Roland began to verbally ruminate. A smile cracked its way along the lionoid’s visage as he listened intently, not entirely sure where the altruistic man was steering the conversation. One thing was very clear to the aedile, though: Roland was a widely traveled and experienced man. There were names that he mentioned, names that Gena’ra was vaguely aware of, however he supposed that they were normally accompanied by the respective titles warranted by their esteemed governmental positions. The fact that Roland spoke of these familiarly, like he had the Regent, spoke even more highly of him.

Regardless, it became increasingly clear to the senior aedile what Roland was beginning to entertain –and to the lionoid’s delight. Instinctively leaning forward on his desk as the man pondered out loud, Gena’ra continued to nod eagerly. “A trading post and loan service? That would help many of the people out immensely. It might even allow some of them to get back on their feet, but it would be difficult to finance such an operation. To loan we would need money, of course, unless we operated with a currency other than crowns...” Gena’ra stroked the bottom of his chin pensively.

As the light in Roland’s eyes intensified, Gena’ra smiled and folded his paws happily upon the table before him as the human offered himself as a temporary authority here in Paxia. The city had been without any significant leadership for nearly an era, and even then that had been while Gena’ra had done everything within his power to maintain the ruins. It had not been easy for the senior aedile to assume the responsibilities of a thane without the proper qualifications, especially when he had not asked for the position, and thus he was pleased by Roland’s willingness to rise from the ashes that were Paxia and adopt an even more influential role.

Indeed, if only others were like him.

“Your presence here in Paxia would be invaluable, Mister Moonstar.” Gena’ra finally replied, “I would gladly bestow to you the title of Lord Protector of Paxia, if you would take it. There is no one in the entire city I’ve met more qualified than you, and I believe that you can change the people’s lives here. They need change. They deserve it.” Nodding yet again, the lionoid awaited Roland’s response.

Perhaps the future of Paxia would become less bleak after all…

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland shrugged. "Well, as far as the Trading Post goes, I assume it will eventually do well. No one opens a business with the goal of running it into the ground." He lifted his hands out to his sides, palms up. "No one knows the future, but I will bankroll what I can. I believe I can raise sufficient capital for the task. I have a cousin Stephan that's not without resources, and I've got... oh, one or two crowns stockpiled for a rainy day, plus various loans and stipends and lines of credit."

He listened courteously as Gena'ra spoke on various other points of interest, nodding and agreeing as appropriate. At the mention of being Lord Protector, he agreed. "All right. I hereby accept your offer." He offered his hand to the Lionoid, and then waited for the Aedile to fill out whatever certificate was necessary, on the off chance that Governor De Merchante would want to see something in writing from the Lionoid Aedile when Roland went to see him. "I'll be visiting him on the 4th of Immanis, officially as Lord Protector of Paxia. If you have any papers you want me to bring him, just let me know before I depart. You may wish to send him a letter or missive letting him know that this trip is with your authorization and blessing."

Roland smiled at Gena'ra. "Well, that's one less problem for you to worry about, one less burden you have to carry on your shoulders." He pulled out his hip flask and toasted Paxia. "Here is to the future! May Paxia rise from the ashes like a Phoenix of old!"

OOC: Link to Roland's visit to Nexus Prime: Roland visits the Governor

[Striker]

Once again, Gena’ra found himself succumbing to awe at the resourcefulness of the man –no, the Lord Protector- that was Roland Moonstar. His network of connections seemed limitless and this was rather surprising to the senior aedile as Roland had personally testified to his being raised on a farm. How was it that a mere peasant had ascended to such a revered position on the social hierarchy? The thought was inspiring to consider, particularly as Paxia had been reduced to less than a farm now. How would they survive? Would the people stay? Was there any place that they could go?

Perhaps the intriguing story of Roland Moonstar would be hope for them all.

Pleased by Roland’s consent, Gena’ra graciously stood and clasped Roland’s extended hand. “May Paxia never forget what you have done and continue to do for it. Thank you for your willingness to help us.” the lionoid gratefully responded, once again revealing his parted maw in what appeared to be a smile. With that ‘smile’ firmly in place, he began to fill out several pieces of paper, one of which officially named Roland as the Lord Protector of Paxia in case his position was questioned. After penning his signature and stamping it with the necessary seals, he folded it and handed the paper back to Roland.

Once again returning his attention to his desk, Gena’ra continued to fill out another letter. This one, however, explained that Roland’s trip had been sanctioned by Gena’ra itself and additionally explained Paxia’s desperate situation and a request for immediate aid. Nodding grimly to Roland as he folded up the paper, he cheerlessly offered it to the Lord Protector. “These should do, Mister Moonstar. Hopefully the Governor will open his eyes to our city and help us. But if he does not, please return immediately. I am certain that we can figure something else out if need be. In fact, we would not have any other choice. Still, I wish you the best of luck.”

Grinning faintly, he raised the drink that Roland had provided him and lifted it in cheer. "To Paxia.." He agreed, and he was surprised by the trace of renewed hope in his voice.

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland had little to add, and so he simply said: "To Paxia!"

He was in fact rather stunned that he had somehow just been talked into being Lord Protector when he inwardly felt he did not deserve it. He still blamed himself for Jenna's death, irrational though it might be. His presence in Paxia wouldn't have made a difference: he'd simply have been another casualty. This was his time now, the time of rebuilding.

Roland took the papers, both the authorization to be Lord Protector, and the letter to Jenius de Merchante.

He sat quietly for a candlemark, letting Gena'ra do as he wished.

Then he spoke.

"All right. As my first official act, I hereby authorize you to take a half day off tomrrow, with pay. You are exhausted. In the Legion, we learned that efficiency is important. You actually accomplish more if you take 10 minutes an hour to rest than if you plow through and work steadily for 7 or 8 straight with no break. And you don't look like you've taken 10 minutes since PF 4."

He pointed around the office. "I'll need to know what's going on with Paxia economically, anyway, so I'll spend tomorrow morning reviewing papers and reading reports. I'll deal with any problems and emergencies that arise before you come in tomorrow afternoon. I want to see if I can drum up some actual numbers if I try to ask the Governor for some funds."

Roland pulled out his journal. "Now then. I will be giving a speech to Paxia soon. Before I announce who I am, I first want to hear what people have to say, person-to-person. I do not want them intimidated by any rank or title, so hopefully this will get some honest feedback. I would like you to be there, of course. It will be at dusk, after office hours, so you won't be pulled away from work unless you wish to be, and I'll understand if you show up late."

He rubbed his chin. "Furthermore, I will tell you now, privately, that I am not happy with the state of the depleted Falcon Legion compared to all these damn Imperials floating around. I will be contemplating appointing a Prefect and Constable, and getting us back on our feet on a solid military footing. This is not something we can solve today, or even this cycle, but I am just letting you know that this will be a priority of mine. The easiest way out of an economic depression is a military buildup, and I'm sure there are plenty of citizens here, angry over the orc invasions and other wars, who would be happy to oblige. What do you think?"

Roland went on like that, discussing various ideas, things he wished to see rebuilt in Paxia, ideas for revitalizing the area, and so forth. For a farmboy, he sure did have a grand vision out of all proportion to reality. On the plus side, he was currently backing up his words with deeds. Very soon, he would (he hoped) be returning to Gena'ra with a treaty from Tearsfall, shipping in vast quantities of coal and other such resources to help with the rebuilding.

[Striker]

The lionoid’s gaze softened with recognizable appreciation as Roland announced his first act of business, one that elicited a toothy smile from the senior aedile. Touched by the former farm boy’s compassion, Gena’ra laughed and leaned back in his chair, clearly amused and grateful by it all. “Is that so?” He rhetorically asked with a chuckle. “In that case, Lord Protector Moonstar, I would be happy to oblige. And thank you, my friend, you have taught me much already and I am excited to learn what awaits us under your leadership.”

Raising his beverage in the air again to salute Roland for his thoughtfulness, the lionoid drained the contents before settling down to listen intently to Paxia’s hopeful savior. “Feel free to access anything in the office. I’m afraid that you won’t find too much, but whatever information we have will be available to your eyes.” Gena’ra nodded grimly. The sad reality was that Paxia was virtually deceased from an economical standpoint. They had no major source of income and the people were generally living on instincts and rummaging skills.

As Roland mentioned his desire to speak before a public audience, Gena’ra nodded agreeably. “I will be there to support you.” He immediately responded before tilting his head curiously, “And it will be good for you to introduce yourself to the people. They have been waiting for a leader for so very long and I regret that I haven’t been able to do as much for them as I would have liked. For the most part I feel that they will side with you, believing that you’re the beacon of light that they have prayed for throughout the terrible winter.”

“Please be patient with them, though, Mister Moonstar. Though many will take a liking to you, there are others who have been deeply scarred by the horrors of the war. They remember what things used to be like, that is, when the Imperials actually knew that we existed. They are bitter, but I’ve no doubt that you can get through to them.” Gena’ra confidently finished.

At the mentioning of the depleted Falcon Legion, Gena’ra paused and rested his maw against his interlocked hands. He seemed to consider the Lord Protector’s suggestion for some time and after several moments of thought his mouth parted to speak. “A military build-up would stimulate economic prosperity, and I agree that many would rally to the Falcon Legion’s call merely out of a sense of obligation to protect what’s left of the city. Unfortunately most of the Legion’s higher ranking officers were slain in the war and our numbers range only at about fifty strong. It would take a lot of work to return them to their original condition, but your plan just might work, Mister Moonstar.”

“And I, too, will be the first to admit that I’m not fond of all of the Imperials stationed here…” Gena’ra agreed, “But besides the point, how would you propose we stimulate interest in the Falcon Legion? First of all we’d have to get it back on its feet.”

[Roland Moonstar]

Roland pondered the question. He had no idea how to answer it. But then again, he hadn't been teaching 'Basic Politics' all these years without knowing how to answer it.

He smiled at the Lionoid. "That's a good question. I don't want to give a glib response. I'll research the matter and get back to you by the end of the cycle.

I'll do some field work, tour the Falcon Legion complex and get a head count of what personnel we do have left, and from that we can come up with a plan as to how to rebuild it."

He promised the Lionoid he would be patient with the people of Paxia. "I will not do anything rash. I will show the people exactly what I am in addition to who I am, and will leave the results for them to decide. This is not a popularity contest. As time comes by, as sections of the rubble are cleaned up, as the ruins are rid of orcs, as Prefects and Constables are appointed, and they see the results of my trade treatys with various cities, they will come around."

He snapped his fingers. "That reminds me. I used to live in Tearsfall. They have excess coal. We have nothing to trade with anyone, so far as I know, and need everything. So I'll be acquiring various goods from various cities, then swapping them out to other cities that need them. I'll be back with the full details once I've toured a few likely trading partners, here and in the other provinces. Things will be tight for a few cycles, but if we act like we are propserous and strong, the reality will eventually echo our inner belief."

He smiled at the Lionoid. "If we do have anything in excess-- and with the war and fire decreasing our population, we may indeed have some stocks here I'm not aware of-- let me know. I'll be back in a day or so for a report, after you've had your rest. Why don't we call it a day today, though? If I'm going to be Lord Protector here, I need to tie up some loose ends and finalize some business elsewhere, so as to have a clean slate, and you'll need time to take stock, perhaps send Gandan out to check on a warehouse or two."

[Striker]

Gena’ra’s mien softened at the prospect of resurrecting the Falcon Legion. Ever since the prominent unit had disintegrated, the people of Paxia had been restless and edgy. And although it was true that the Imperial Legion was still housed outside of the city, there had been intermittent orcish sightings in the northern ruins of Paxia. And truth be told, no one knew how many had subsisted despite the intervention of the forces from Nexus Prime. It had been claimed that the orcish threat had been nullified, but the Paxians knew better than to believe such assertions.

Nodding as Roland explained that he intended to prove himself through merit, Gena’ra could not help but entertain a reasonable amount of satisfaction. It had been a long time since he had been acquainted with the likes of a Roland Moonstar, and frankly he appreciated the young man’s presence and looked forward to their future cooperation together. There was no doubt on Gena’ra’s mind, too, that Roland had many things to teach him yet.

“I’ve no doubt that you will win the people’s respect in no time, and once you do I am confident that even more will change for the better.” smiling sincerely, the lionoid looked hopefully outside through the tattered window of his office, “And good luck with your trade endeavor. While you are gone I will continue to research the area, looking for anything that our fair city might use to help us back upon our feet.”

At one point the vineyards had been a primary source of commerce for the ambitious Paxians –perhaps they could be re-grown as well? Or maybe the fishing industry could be resurrected? There were several boats available albeit they were militaristic in nature…

“Very well.” Gena’ra eventually agreed, “Let us end our day here. And I thank you for your generosity, Lord Protector” the lionoid replied with a smile, “It’s not every cycle that I’m afforded any rest, and I look forward to the reprieve. But I promise you that I will dutifully return to help you on your way. Perhaps we can save this city after all…”

Sighing in relief, Gena’ra then bid Roland farewell.