Two Men Walking in Silence [ Closed ]

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Continued from here

"So tell me your Imperial Excellency, what brings you to the ruined city?" he asked with a smirk as they moved away from the crowed where ears of the many could no longer hear what was being said.

[Z'kron]

"Simple enough, Master Elsdragon. Rebuilding. Refinancing. Investment. I personally want to see this city rebuilt; and I'm willing to throw my full financial backing behind it. Which is substantial, as a government minister. I also plan to relocate my departmental headquarters here at some point, with a focus on research, development and science. I assume you're here for similar rebuilding and establishment reasons."
The druid opened his hands in a manner indicating a desire to negotiate in a friendly manner. There was no aggression in his tones and actions; in all respects he was treating Keldon as an equal.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon nodded his head, "Indeed it is Minister. I am not sure if you keep up with the affairs of the Imperial Military, however I am now the Surveyor-General for the Empire. Something the Lord Sapientia appointed me to. I am charged with the empires defense, and her fortifications, deployments and so forth. Along with there upkeep, reconstruction and so forth. Paxia, is a key asset in the Empire. It still is aswel, the city is going to be fortified, rebuilt and become a stronghold for the Imperial Military and her forces, and a bastion of protection for all in the western empire." he said looking around the ruined city. "My office aswel shall be within the city, and your interest in it is also interesting. There will be many fortifications for the military within the cities plans, and with any castle, keep or stone structure a abundance of room and quite space for such an endeavor would be readily available." a wide smile came over his face.

"What exactly where you interested in building your Excellency?" he said with a warm tone, the Minister perhaps be speaking as an equal at the moment Keldon still respected the Imperial chain regardless and would use formal titles for the most part when he addressed a representative of the crown.

[Z'kron]

"A complex within Paxia devoted to developing the sciences; including those which could be used to defend the empire, such as practical airships and arcanically enhanced embedded fortifications. Arcane and scientific improvements of crops. A great variety of things; drawing together minds from across the empire. If the empire is to defend itself, it is imperative we do not fall behind our enemies in terms of magic and science.
Your plan to build a fortress sounds intriguing. I would be interested in hearing more of it. I personally am investing heavily in Paxia; so this would impact on me both through my office and through my own affairs. In the administration of certain parts of the project even.
Where would the populace of Paxia live? All within the fortress?"
The druid certainly did not seem averse to the idea of heavily fortifying Paxia to prevent a successful attack on it ever happening again. But he still needed to hear more to develop more than the most rudimentary type of view.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Pondering for a moment how to respond to the Ministers question he placed his hand on his shoulder. "Follow me your Excellency, and I will show you. But while we walk I will explain what some of the engineers have come up with." he said starting to move towards the north western side of town where the tents for his office was located.

"During the siege of Paxia where the city fell the enemy arrived by Arcanic means into the city itself. By passing all defense's, any major wall, guard tower or barrier. They had free access to the majority of the city accept for a small section of the harbor and the Rainbow Citadel which had its own access. There was no internal defense's no walls separating a large city like this apart. This will come to change." he said pointing to various locations and pointing where likely walls could go.

"Primus Gaudeo, or our capital Aelyria Prime has prime sections of the city divided with defense's, towers and other structures that would allow it to close quarters off and defend an attack within that area slowing or crushing any attempt to attack other parts of the city. If such things where in place here I believe more would of survived as the enemy would of had to pass through more barriers then buildings and homes to claim the city. Carefully placing walls, and gates throughout the city also allows choke points, and locations where traps can be established. With a trained force it would in turn make Paxia a well defended fortification." he said then rubbed his head thinking of several large numbers that baffled him. "In regards to where the people would live, in Paxia like they always have. I do not intend to turn the city into nothing but a massive stone structure like Chen Fortress to the south. No it will be very much a city, just built with fortifications around it, and throughout. After all, the city has heart and history that needs to be kept in place." He said with a smile looking towards the raised area where the ruins of the Rainbow Citadel lays.

[Z'kron]

"Logical. I'd agree to such planning; it would certainly make the city far easier to defend. A layered defense system then. And still a great deal of room for redevelopment. How long would all this take? And how much would it cost? It might well be worthwhile bringing elementalists in for some of it."
The druid paused, considering. He had no serious objections to this; and felt that the further fortification of Paxia could only be a good thing.
"And how would this affect those of us who are already poised to invest in Paxia?"

[Keldon Elsdragon]

A gentle smirk came to his lips, as they gently curled upwards. "Land is land, there is no law, nor regulation stating that the former walls of the city are what confine us to build within. If there was, it can be over ruled rather quickly. There is going to be a city that is well defended, however any city needs people. The city laying in ruins is tragic however it also gives the ones planning the city for defense leeway. Buildings are not large and strong and can be moved easily to some degree. There is nothing stopping buildings, shops, organizations and so forth from investment in there property and development. All it means is that the city, will be in all purpose's able to turn from a bustling town filled with crowns, trades and people. Into a defendable and formidable location quickly." he said then rubbing his head with a gentle laugh.

"The costs, are well high as anyone can imagine. However, mu job is to rebuild this city to withstand a possible invasion from the new nation, or the Xet, or threats from within our own boarders. The budget laid out before me... is..." he paused for a moment. "Rather open, the military finds the rebuilding of this city a top priority and thus a substantial amount of funds have been allocated. Enough to secure the cities defense's are built in the very least. Along with assistance to get the economy going, and with private investments from people like you, or myself will be able to bring the rest of the city thriving." he said with a sigh. "If I could applogise to the people I would, unfortunately people like you and I, or Mr Moonstar for that can bring things into works much faster then the Imperial Government. There are channels and people to approve. However I and my staff have a rather open target goal and the ability to do so. So the time for debate and channels has come to an end and the long over due reconstruction of this great place can begun. The people are determined, I know that from the bravery that was in them on the walls during the defense of the Citadel." he said with pride in the last statement.

[Z'kron]

The druid nodded. He saw which way the wind was blowing, and in this case didn't object in the least. If Paxia could be unified and rebuilt under imperial control- well then, so be it. A bastion to defend this side of the empire would be a welcome thing indeed.
"Considering that you'll be the one rebuilding the city; perhaps it's appropriate we act together as a unified front. If we operate independently, we'll likely clash- an a conflict between a high ranking military rebuilder and an imperial minister won't help anyone. And, frankly, military engineering isn't my strong point. I would not object to you acting for me in the matter of land purchases and development for the moment.
When you next deal with the aedile, could you allocate 600,000 crowns for the Imperial Sage to purchasing acres of land outside Paxia? And when you have plans to rebuild the city; ask me and I'm certain I we can sort out a location for the complex I envisioned.
You have the backing of the Imperial Sage's office, Keldon Elsdragon. Whatever that means."

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Slowly coming to a stop in there walk he turned to face Z'kron a devilish smirk on his face. "That is a hefty amount of land outside the city walls your Excellency, given your position I am assuming you wish it to be farm land. I also have put a large sum of crowns, not as much as you into the purchase of farm land. It looks like we will own the vast amount of land outside the city." Keldon said with a gentle laugh.

"However, at the moment the city is controlled by the empire through the province. Something I disagree with at the present time. The province under... its all knowing Governor" Keldon stated sarcastically "Has mostly left the city to rot, perhaps the Governor is scared of what it could become if it returned from the ashes. Thus I am seeking to have the land officially transferred to the empires control, namely the Imperial Armed Forces. Something to to my knowledge only the Regent himself has the ability to do. At the end of this month I have to report to the Minister of War where I intend to meet with the Regent and make such a proposal. Where in instead of the province being the overseer of the city it is the imperial forces. Although, it is obvious the troops will not run the day to day operations. Mr Moonstar has got himself rather comfortable with the people of the city and would be a good candidate for the person to oversee the civilian side of the city while the military handles it share." he paused. "However, the support of one of the Regents Ministers could go great length is having his Imperial Excellency approve such a notion." he finished sharply wondering what the Sage would respond to, and how.

[Z'kron]

The druid nodded once again. The plan of action seemed sensible enough, and was thus far the best strategy to rapidly repair Paxia that had been advanced to him. It was not an ideal solution by any means; but it would at least get the people of Paxia out of the streets. Which was the most important thing for the moment- other concerns could be dealt with later.
"I would be more than happy to lend my weight to the proposal; provided we keep Master Moonstar as a major figure in the civillian side of the government. We both agree there's no need for further disruption, and some action does need to be taken."
The druid quirked quiet a little smile, showing hints of white-upon-white teeth.
"Oh, and speak highly of me to Milo, won't you? Just to let him know that at least one of the Imperials has been devoting themself to fixing Paxia; aside from the traditional duties of my office. He's an extraordinarly nice fellow, but he is the regent- and reputations have to be upheld."

[Keldon Elsdragon]

"From my brief encounters I could not agree more your Excellency. The Regent is a good man in my books to say the least, and with all political roles I understand your reputation is something vital and I will be sure to keep it intact for you." he said with a glancing smile. "I also agree that there needs to be something the people know in there government. Thus the current government can remain in place when it comes to the affairs of locals. There is no doubt about that, he has gain there trust and it would be political suicide to remove him from such a role at the moment without facing a large scale repercussion. However, since you can not be present with me in the Regents office is there a chance I can have your writ with seal stating your support to have this city under the miltiarys control. We both know words can go great lengths but without actions and proof to back them in the political game of the Imperial Forum they mean very little." Keldon said giving the sage a gentle tap on the shoulder.

[Z'kron]

The druid pursed his lips, exhaling. "The seal of an imperial official is not so easily given. I will need to make a few personal investigations first myself. But I will certainly support the plan if things seem to be as you have depicted them- something needs to be done. How does Master Moonstar feel about this?"

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon nodded. "I will be meeting with the Regent soon, so I would request you do your searching as quickly as possible so I can present your support or not to his Excellency."