We need men who can dream of things that never were... (Roland)

Alexis Sapientia · August 23, 2007, 07:07 AM

Timestamp: Immanis in the First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

They had been here since the 21st of Cryxatum, just across the bay, really, having sailed there from the harbors of Archadoon, the sights and sounds of the fair, isolated Eunesias, still trailing in their wake.

They had been here, assisting elements of the Dragonhead Navy in securing the seafront and ensuring no hostile vessel left Paxian waters.

They had been here, assisting the people of Paxia in rebuilding the city, providing perimeter security, and acting as the nonexistent constabulary as they were, the sole armed, uniformed, and disciplined unit in the city, and now, as they watched, they waited, waiting for orders that would make matters certain.

Yet as the cycles passed, only one certainty was made clear: time was a very ethereal being, one that stretched, and stretched, and stretched, and could go on forever, and ever.

For the meantime, the Marines could stand watch, while sailors dragged rocks. Those who were otherwise inclined would often stand watch in place of the marines, or join one of the five in the harbor to do short patrols to keep off the odd pirate--not that there were any in the meantime, what with the Imperial Shipyards just across the bay. Life in the city of peace was just that. Peaceful, but the rankling of many lay just beneath the surface.

This much was proven yesterday when a man stood up, and damn near got himself arrested for his trouble. A familiar face, his was, with oratory so convincing, language so heartfelt, words so inflammatory that it was almost impossible to ignore the fellow.

This man Roland seemed to be laying it on a bit thick. Quite the orator, he knew how to grab the crowd's attention, simply by giving it what it wanted; so good was he, he could sell an Arakmatian sand by the Imperial measure. Still, by the crowd's reactions, everyone did hate the heavyhanded Elsdragon. Perhaps reassigning the Provost to Terramarique or Narim would be best for now. Or something creative, like making him a ratcatcher somewhere.

Thus as the Admiral afloat had ordered, he was not to be touched...

...and the ominous piece of parchment that had the seal of the Ministry and the two most dangerous pair of words for any civilian was quite literally shelved, for the meantime.

And this was why a marine and an officer of the classis found themselves accompanying four each of their number, making a quaint party of ten, causing the two marines who'd perenially been standing watch outside to salute as they passed.

Quote:

Roland's Office

With a great deal of Paxia in ruins, and entire areas covered in rubble or controlled by predators, orcs and mercenaries, Roland did not believe it was his right to waste any time, effort or money on an elaborate palace, not when so many were poor, tired, and hungry.

Later, when the rebuilding efforts were further along, and the refugees were all returned, then he could concentrate on some sort of edifice to house all the future Thanes and Lord Protectors of Paxia in a grand building such as Thane Hakim once had.

But that would be later. For now he simply commandeered the vacant corner office and large maple desk of Habby Burfoot, a cether that had once worked here.

The classis officer was the one who acted first. In a voice and tone long used to command, he called out, quite simply.

"His Imperial Excellency Roland Moonstar?"

Roland Moonstar · August 29, 2007, 02:38 PM

ooc: I was in the Navy in real life, so send me a PM if I use a modern term for a medieval one when dealing with the sailors. In fact, I need this thread to close a gap in Roland's knowledge base, so hopefully we can use this for that.

IC:
Roland was out of his office, but assurances were made that he would be right back. A russet-colored Lutran who wore a white powdered wig and black gown escorted the gentlemen to Roland's desk, and got chairs for everyone. Understanding the men were on duty, the Lutran offered them drinks, but by which he meant water, milk or juice.

Roland came soon after. He took in the scene at a glance. "I apologize for the delay, gentlemen. I am actually glad you are here."

He instructed Looie to close the door, so that they had some privacy. He pulled out the credentials that allowed him free access to the Alleria Prime military base, papers he had acquired in Lysandria. "I will need to see some I.D., as what I have here may make your entire visit moot."

He thought about it, and did not recognize anyone. "In fact, you gentlemen have me at a bit of a disadvantage. May I know the names of the people presently here?"

He also showed them his military papers from Abestat, should they care: often when dealing with military types, it helped their attitude if they knew you had served somewhere. Preferably with them, but at least somewhere. Roland had enlisted as a Legionnaire and eventually gained a field promotion to Daekin during Hazbone's seige of Abestat. He'd been wounded nearly to death twice after that, once losing a season and a half and once losing an entire era to convalescence, and he decided being a merchant who dabbled in politics was a safer career choice.

He looked around the room after this brief recap of his life. "Also, I realize you are here on business of your own, however I was going to send for you anyway, so we can do two things at once. The two matters may dovetail. I don't know."

Roland turned to the classis officer. "I was unforunately detained elsewhere for some months. I was asked to act as Justicar in a trial, and a few such things of that sort, being as I am Justicar Emeritus. And so I a man without all the facts at my fingertips. If part of why some of you are here is that I sound (in my speeches) like I am ignorant of some details of the past era, either concerning the Imperials, the Provincials, the war, the fire, or Paxia itself, it is because I am. Most of the officials who could tell me are deceased, and Gena'ra only knows what he knows."

Roland let out a sad sigh. These people knew what Paxia looked like outside his office, so he did not have to explain. "Aedile Gena'ra, acting under color of authority from Jenius De Merchante, appointed me Lord Protector; it was not a job I came here for. So, I am here now, but operating at a handicap, with perceptions skewed by what the peasants and refugees are telling me.

Before we get to your business, I ask your leave on this matter, and respectfully request that you take this opportunity to clarify matters for me. Fill me in."
Regardless of what these officers and gentlemen wanted, the conversation would be meaningless unless they could agree on terms beforehand. Diplomatically, Roland decided to give these men that opportunity, curious to see how they would run with the ball once given it. He knew how Keldon would act. But was there hope for anyone here?

Time wasted here was time he wasn't out with Dzrg hunting for the assassins. Roland sat back and waited to hear what the classis officer had to say.

Alexis Sapientia · August 30, 2007, 08:11 AM

Identification in the form of Imperial Visas was presented, all legitimate, all duly annotated. The rest of the party were ordered to stand guard outside, supplementing the two sentries normally on duty, aided by the refreshment suly proffered.

The senior officer present, Trieririus Heyward, nodded curtly as if he were personally addressed, having done his best to bite his lip as the oddly-dressed assistant went about his duties earlier. Beside him sat the grim-faced Cencoris Beams, still grim as always.

"Trieririus Heyward, of the Imperial Navy. This is Cencoris Jeffrey Beams of the Imperial Marines. The rest are for additional security."

He coughed, and then began to explain.

"Your reputation precedes you, sir. We sailed from Archadoon, and of course I recognized your face immediately. Originally it may have seemed to others that we were on our way to arrest you for that little speech the other brightening," grinned he, remembering, "...but nay, 'tis quite the opposite." He removed a slip of paper from his pocket, standing as he did so, giving the same to Roland.

Secrets :

"We've been here since Cryxatum, sir. The Imperial Admiral dispatched us immediately on hearing the Legion had the city secure. We's to have been a sort of military government and provide organization and security until such time as the Arium government sought fit otherwise, but..." he shrugged, and the spoke further.

"We have five vessels currently anchored offshore, the Allerian Fighting Ships Harmony, Serenity, Peace, Promise, and the flagship, the Aelyrian Fighting Ship Concord." Another cough in the dusty air.

"What we know, you now know. We've nearly a thousand sailors and marines helping shift stone from one corner to the other, watching against looters and pirates, and pretty much trying to get out of the Aedile's way...but the flotilla commander's waiting for civilian input, before he goes for the extreme, as he was ordered."

He kept quiet, and refused to elucidate, giving the personage sufficient time to take all this ine.

Roland Moonstar · August 30, 2007, 11:19 AM

The comment about Arium government puzzled Roland. "There's a bit of a mystery here. Has the provincial government contacted any of you in any way, shape or form? We have seen neither hide nor hair of any provincial militia, nor have I gotten reports that the provincial militia did anything to even try and defend against the orcs." Roland truly did not know what it meant, but none of the scenarios that it implied were to his liking. "If an official inquiry up the military chain of command can be dispatched, I would appreciate it. Governor De Merhante has refused to answer all civilian inquiries into the matter, and has rather stonewalled all attempts to gain elaboration and explanation."

A combined force of city, state and Imperial forces should have been enough to deal with the fire and the orcs. But remove any part of that equation. . .

Some Paxians had been quick to blame men like Heyward and Beams. But they were here. Not a single provincial soldier had lifted a weapon when needed or so much as lifted a rock afterwards. Imperials, yes. Mercenaries, yes. The Paxian Falcon Legion, yes. But no one directly or indirectly under the command of Jenius De Merchante.

Listening to the Classis Officer, another piece of the puzzle came together. So, it was no coincidence that Godah, Sheng, Riconus and the others were floating around in or near Nexus Prime. Milo must have come to the same conclusion, that something was very corrupt and amiss in Arium. The Herald articles Jenius De Merchante had written where he countermanded Imperial Law did not help his case any.

He unrolled the map of Paxia he had, unfurling it and putting it on his desk for all to see.
"The Admiral... Zythinar is it? Oh, Sapienta. Good fellow. Bad spot of luck at Palacrisis's wedding. I was there, end of Kalenydryas. Thank the gods Raliric was as well." Roland wouldn't be surprised if Siona was awared some pork-barrel project in the near future: he assumed the Imperial Admiral was a grateful man.

Still, Kalendryas was a long time ago, so no point in dwelling on such things now.

Back to the matter at hand. Roland studied the map. "The city has been relatively quiet for a few seasons now. Apparently the presence of the ships is enough of a deterrent that no one is looking to repeat an attack any time soon. Or perhaps word of the destruction is now common knowledge, and brigands and pirates figure there is nothing left to loot. Either way, law and order has been sufficiently maintained, thanks to you gentlemen, and the men under you."

He considered the ships that had been named, and what the sailors were currently doing. "I would never presume to tell the Flotilla Commander what to do. I was, at best, a mustang Daiken, and have never gotten along with that elf dandy who fancies himself a Provost. Give a dandy a title like Surveyor General and the very next day he lights out for parts unknown, leaving everyone else to do the work." Roland frowned: it would be exactly like the elf to spite all of Paxia if it meant more work for the Lord Protector.

Not wishing to lose his temper in a crowd of men any one of which had the training to skewer him where he stood, he turned his mind back to the question asked of him. "As I was saying, I would never presume to tell the flotilla commander what to do, but as input has been asked for, I will give a suggestion. He may mull on it as he desires, act on it, ask for more input, ignore it, or whatever he likes. It is merely a suggestion."

He pointed on the map at the shipping lanes in the water. "I have been spending some time traveling to various cities, looking to re-establish our trade route. Anywhere from Imperia to the west, all along the coast towards Porthshire in the east.

And this presents me with two problems: first, guaranteeing the safety and security of Paxia's merchant fleet, and second, ensuring that our actual port and harbor are shipshape and ready for the sudden increase in trade and commerce.

Both of these problems are things I believe can be helped, should the flotilla commander agree. Perhaps a ship or two assigned to the western route, two or three sailing between here and at least the Carmelyn Province border." He ran through a series of schedules, giving Heyward an opportunity to mull over the logistics so as to fine-tune that part of the proposal.

Roland then tapped a finger on the port itself, the harbor, docks and piers. "I have discovered something in the process of salvage and clean-up, and that is that given a certain finite number of people, such as 1,000 men or so, the best results are accomplished by sticking to one task at a time before moving on to another.
I have been assigning men to various plots of land, but have not yet sent anyone to the harbor area. It is my recommendation here that your men handle that aspect of the clean-up. This way we don't have two uncoordinated forces tripping over each other, and ... well, if there's anyone who's an expert at making a set of docks ship-shape, it would have to be a sailor, yes?"

He excused himself for a moment and checked his ledger. "A cether named Halfpint will be serving as civilian liason for the harbor district; any problems or complaints can be addressed directly to him, as he will be reporting directly to me. You will find him friendly, affable, and easy to work with."

Even so, Beams at least seemed a steadfast and resolute fellow, diplomatic for a military man and an able talker and listener.

Alexis Sapientia · September 4, 2007, 02:52 AM

Beams was the first to speak. Some may have thought of him as nothing more but a dumb marine, but he was a marine officer, and hence an iteration above the normal grunt.

"Nay, sir."

Succint, it was, but seemed sufficient for the meantime.

"We did assist the Dragonhead Navy--that's the Paxian flotilla--and we managed quite the show. Not much work for us once the Legions came in," at this, the Marine had to grin, Trieririus Heyward nodding in acknowledgement, "...but it's true. Since Cryxatum, we've nae seen, nor heard anything from the Nexian Prime."

As if he just had to distinguish betweeen that and the other, more significant Prime a couple more leagues to the east.

He didn't quite understand the reference with regard to the Imperial Admiral and now-Minister for War, but shrugged it off. Listening keenly to what the personage had to say, it was the classis officer, Heyward, who was busy writing things down while Beams did nothing more than his namesake, beaming, from time to time.

The matter with patrolling was easily agreed to, many sailors needed some time off from hauling rocks; others simply missed salty air and clear skies.

"Aye, sir, tis true. Nothing like a seafarer to know what a seafaring place needs to look like," agreed Heyward, who then paused to write down a few more notes, quietly conferring with the marine in hushed whispers, after which he, too, smiled and nodded.

Then came an uncomfortable silence, after which the classis officer spoke, yet again.

"Sir, I recall you. You were the Lieutenant Governor in Diana, and I personally am glad that you're here. Just find it a bit out of odds somewhat at first, but listening to you speak, I believe that you're what Paxia needs for the moment. You've certainly the experience to be a..."

Politician, he thought at first, and then changed his mind.

"...quite the statesman, if you don't mind my saying, sir."

And that was delivered with a very truthful look.

More silence, and then he coughed, very visibly.

"A daekin, you say, sir. Have you had other prior experience in the Forces? Participated in any battles we young fellows haven't heard of, perhaps?"

There came the smile, and seemed proof positive that this was going to be quite the meeting.

Roland Moonstar · September 5, 2007, 10:17 AM

Roland pulled out his journal and made some notes. He would need to speak to the Dragonhead Navy, for one thing. They were, as far as he knew, doing much better than the Falcon Legion, so far as recuperating from the war. But he hadn't yet paid them a visit, and a trip now would save hassles later on when it came time to balance the budget.

Like Heyward, Roland spent some time just writing things down and making notes. He didnt interrupt Beams or anyone else.

As to the question of battles, he paused a minute, pondering. "I'm not one to brag. In fact, I make it a point to mention that I've had my sure of failures. For every time I've fought off pirates or defeated a warlord, there have been times people have mopped the floor with me. I went down rather quickly at the Battle of Mileswick, for example, and spent a season and a half recuperating."

He shrugged. "A man has to know his strengths and limitations. I suppose I shall do all right as Lord Protector, as I've had the training in law, politics, oratory, public speaking, economics and so forth. But when it comes to military matters, I won't act like an armchair general. Paxia fell because the last Thane did not correctly interpret the Intelligence at hand. The best Admirals and Generals in the world can't win if they don't have the support they need.

My goal... my only true goal here... is to make sure Paxia never falls again. Those with military experience, knowledge of strategy, logistics, tactics, and so forth are free to visit my office or come to my meetings concerning the Falcon Legion and other such matters. I would rather have the reputation of a man willing to listen to good advice than one with an Empire-wide reputation who led Paxia to her doom.

I will not stand on ceremony, and I won't object if my toes are stepped on. My goal is the security of Paxia, and of Arium province. You've met many politicians in your time. I am not concerned if my name is ranked high on the list, or if I am seem somewhere below Julos. So long as the people of Paxia live well and breath free, I am content."

Alexis Sapientia · September 13, 2007, 01:32 AM

The man's verses were taken quite well by the both of them, a bit of surrepititious nodding going on between them in the course of it. The part about Admirals and Generals not getting the support they needed echoed well with the two officers.

On a signal from Trieririus Heyward, the Cencoris went up to stand by the door, having taken an inordinate interest in the view outside.

Leaning closer, so did the naval officer exemplify a bit of hesitation.

"Forgive me if I may have missed a point, but if I may, I'd like to clarify the situation, as it were, to ensure that I've gotten everything right," said he, with a continued genial smile. He looked down at his writings, and read from his notes.

"Aedile Gena'ra, acting under color of authority from Jenius De Merchante, appointed Your Imperial Excellency, Lord Protector..." said he, very respectfully, continuing, "...having been previously, a Justiciar, among other things, and, as I can recall from my service in Archadoon, Lieutenant Governor of the Sodality of Carmelyn." A secretive, almost paranoid, smile soon showed itself.

"As I said earlier, our flotilla commander's been waiting for civilian input, as it were, before he goes for the extreme, as he was ordered." Heyward set his hands in a prayerful position, looking almost embarrassed. "He was working on something of a deadline, with this place being far remote and so on." A shrug. "Paxia should never fall again."

At that, silence, punctuated by nothing more than the remote sound of rock-pounding in the distance, spectacled by floating dirt in the Ariumite sun.

"Sir, I'm no politician, but I did do a bit of reading in my stint in the Imperial Naval Academy, the Sentinel, at Port Constantine." Another embarassed smile, and he spit it out.

"Let me be blunt. You have the support of the people, but not legal, lawful authority. In effect, you're nothing more but, officially, an assistant to the Aedile. You're not Thane at all, not yet, maybe," said he with a hopeful smile, "...but more like President of the Paxian City Council, if at all, right?" A gentle verbal nudge, as it were.

"Forgive me if I've been too familiar. We just, ah...seek further clarification."

His eyes were direct, just as his tone was searching.

Roland Moonstar · September 26, 2007, 11:46 AM

Roland nodded at the military man. "That's a good point. Clarification is useful. I haven't heard the term 'President' before, but I like it. I suppose I am President of the Council, as the last surviving member of the Merchant's League. Even so, I have an appointment in mid-Immanis with the Governor to see about becoming Thane here."

He thought about it for a moment. While Roland could banter all day with the best of him, he could not deny the facts, and so he conceded the next point. "If you would prefer to table part of this conversation for a cycle or two until I am officially appointed, that's fine with me.

Still, give the Flotilla Commander my apology for moving slowly on this. I will explain my strategy: I never confuse 'power' with 'authority.' The buck private with a social network and the ear of his grandfather the General has no authority, but I would fear to cross him all the same. So, I have tried to maintain a deft touch."

He sighed wistfully, thinking of less war-torn times. "As you've pointed out, this place has no Thane and had most of its bureucrats killed, and I don't want to make the mistake of accidentally overlooking some fae or cethor who is more than he or she seems. So I had made sure to build a consensus here among the people. And that takes times. So, I understand how things may be moving a bit slowly for your Flotilla Commander's liking."

Roland looked all around the room, from one man to another. He lowered his voice slightly. "I hope the Flotilla Commander is not vexed by what is going on here. However, if he is, I hope he is vexed at the proper person. Unless you know of a statute where I can appoint myself Thane, then the man you must file a complaint against if you feel Paxia lacks the proper bureaucracy is Jenius De Merchante.

He has repeatly clashed with Mil-- with the Regent, arguing back and forth in the Herald, about the fate of Paxia and the war and the orcs and bounties thereof. You've seen the mood on the streets. The people feel abandoned by the Province. My suggestions to the Flotilla Commander will ensure they don't feel resentful against the Imperials, as well.

Still, in regards to the Governor... if you feel it would speed things up, feel free to send a delegate to Nexus Prime, or Alleria Prime, about this matter."

OOC: I'm assuming this happens the first cycle of Immanis. I was just given a head's up that my dangling threads with Jenius in Nexus Prime will be taken care of rather shortly. I assume the title I'll be getting is Thane, as the will of Rak has agreed to favorably answer the prayers of the loyal Roland.