The Protoasecretes his staff on the floor several times.
"The time for proposing legislation has now expired. Voting will commence shortly and will be open until 19:00 GMT on Monday, August 18th."
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The Protoasecretes his staff on the floor several times.
"The time for proposing legislation has now expired. Voting will commence shortly and will be open until 19:00 GMT on Monday, August 18th."
Hearing the Protoasecretes saying that the time to propose new legislations is over made Efstathios shake his head and look around with confusion..
Already?? I can't believe it!
Senators, I must say that though I seconded Edict 4.5, I was unaware of the Basileus' machinations; which explains why I voted no on that.
I hope the Patriarch and those loyal to him may forgive me, though I'm sure another would have seconded the edict.
Patriarchal Representative:
I'm sure His Eminence forgives you as you did not know the Basileus's true motive for proposing it at the time of your seconding. In any case, I don't think it matters; it's within the Basileus's power to propose an Edict that does not require seconders.
Aleksios seems surprised at the revelation of the letter, a sad smile crossing his features. Giving a small shrug he speaks:
Very well let's cut to the chase then. I had hoped that this could have been done in a more diplomatic fashion, but here we are.
Is anyone else not offended by the presumptious, bordering on treasonous, attitude of the Patriarch and his proxy? The way he has inserted himself into the affairs of the Senate? He has overstepped his station, upsetting the balance between Church and State. Even more insulting is that he hasn't at least had the "balls" to do this in person, he sends his lickspittle to act as our better. How can he tend to his flock, to pretend to care about the Church, if he never leaves the Patriarchal Palace?
He sits in there like a spider in his web, plotting.
He thinks himself a schismatic Pope, acting as a monarch, calling for Crusades and putting himself above the Basileus and the Senate. Just like the Pope he might begin to whore out the title of Emperor, selling it to the highest bidder.
I will not allow this to continue, I ask for the assistance of the Senate. There is only room for one Sovreign in the Empire, and it is not a Priest.
Patriarchal Representative:
Allow precisely what to continue? The fact that there is one facet of Byzantine society that is not under your direct control? Of course; I apologize. The nerve of His Eminence, I know.
The fact that His Eminence sends me here to liaise with you rather than enter here in person serves to reinforce the point that he is separate from this political entity. He does not come here because he knows better than to dictate political policy. His Eminence trying to dictate political policy would be as inappropriate as, say, one of you trying to direct religious policy - oh wait, that's exactly what the Basileus wants to happen.
Name me one time where the Patriarch has overstepped his boundaries and interfered in political policy. Name me one time where *I* have done so in this body. The Crusade, as much as the Basileus would have you believe otherwise, was a strictly religious matter. His Eminence saw a genocide of Christians taking place, and he decided to take matters to remedy this problem. Such is his duty as leader of the Orthodox faith. And, I'll have you all know, the Crusade took zero funds out of the Byzantine coffers. Zero, which means the Patriarch has not interfered with military policy one iota.
His Eminence, Basileus, is not above the Senate, he is separate from it. The two operate in different spheres, spheres which the Patriarch has been careful to maintain. He is a noble man, toiling away day and night to better the Orthodox faith, the one true path to salvation. He deserves better than this.
In contrast, look at yourself, Basileus. Despite your position as overseer of the entire Empire, you endorsed the candidacy and later failed to condemn the actions of a man who openly broke both laws and rules and promoted his own House whilst the others were left to their own devices. Even now, in this very body, you lie to the noble Senators present here who are not deemed worthy enough to join your inner circle. You bring forth the initial edict, in the name of rewarding the work of His Eminence, and fool at least one Senator into believing it while its true motive is to get rid of an imagined threat; a motive that would have gone unrevealed had I not made your letter public.
Senators: The Basileus is a favoritist and an admitted liar. And now he wishes to take over all of Orthodoxy while he's at it, putting all of our salvation at risk, by blasting the benevolent and Holy Patriarch out of the way. This is a true despot rearing its ugly head, concerned for nothing but the advancement of his own agenda. This must not be allowed to happen.
Ioannis stands to speak
I am about to cast my vote, and seeing as it is likely to cause some anger, I thought I might try to justify my actions here. Not that I feel I need to justify my voting, but I think it is good to bring debates out into the open so that they can be properly addressed.
As I see it, there are currently two factions building.
One of them advocates a strong central authority, as has historically been the case. They doubtlessly have the best intentions for our Empire. They wish to see it strong, our borders protected, the battles brought to our enemies. But, it must be said, with a strong central authority comes the risk that that authority is abused. Caesar Ioannis is my brother and I find it befitting of Senators to stoop to personal attacks. None the less, I too felt that power was used a tad arbitrarily during his terms as our Megas, and I would be unhappy to see it repeated.
The other side advocates more localized power-bases, and seeks to ensure that the central authority is put within reasonable boundaries, so that all may prosper and none will be left behind. They too, are stalwart guardians of the Empire, they too seek to see it in a position of strength. However, in doing so, they run the risk of severely alienating those who have been granted a God-given right to rule this Empire, but more importantly destabilizing a tried and tested system of power and authority that cannot easily be usurped without resulting chaos.
I have thought long and hard about this brewing conflict, which threatens to burst out into the open every so often and attacks the unity and strength that we need to keep this Empire alive. With that in mind, I have decided to choose neither side.
I will vote for Grandmaster Makedonios as Megas this term. I do so not to spite my brother, my father or my friend Savvas, I do so because I believe that what this Empire needs most at this time is balance. I believe that Makedonios is a good man, and will be an able and fair Megas, but more importantly, I believe that in order for our system of chancellery to work, we must strive to ensure that alternatives are given the chance to be displayed, so that we may judge them equally. The Caesar has had a turn of rule, he will have another when he becomes our God-given ruler. I think in order to keep the balance that this turn should belong to Makedonios.
I will vote for Edict 4.3. I have always believed in it, and supporting it has nothing to do with the current political situation but merely reflects my beliefs.
I will vote for Edict 4.4. There are some ideas that limit the central authority in absurd and detrimental ways, but this is not one. Indeed, I believe that it merely ensures that all areas of the Empire are strengthened somewhat equally. I cannot see how this will have a detrimental effect on us.
I will abstain from voting on Edict 4.5. This is likely to cause some anger, and for that I apologise, but I must honestly say that both sides of the argument have some validity. In the end, I am inclined to support the views of the Basileos, but I dislike the idea of transferring the Patriarch to Alexandria as punishment. If he oversteps his authority, he should simply be removed from office.
I wholeheartedly support CA 4.1. As I stated, I believe the last Megas term did not go perfectly, and I think this and Edict 4.4 will go a long way to restoring some support for our central authority.
By way of ending, let me appeal to you all. Disagreements and factionalism are an integral and indeed important part of our political system and ensure that things work as they should. However, at no time should we resort to petty personal insults and sheer demonstrations of power-grabbing.
Balance is integral. I intend to bring House Asteri on a path of balance. I do so knowing I may incur the wrath of both sides. But I do so in the strong belief that it is what must be done, and what will ensure the continued prosperity of all. I would ask that all consider this before passing judgment.
Michail flips a dagger in his hand calmly, not even bothering to look at Makedonios.Quote:
Originally Posted by Privateerkev
"Sir, I have but been outside of my town for a few years now, conducting field training for my men. I have not returned as I have received multiple letters about how the city is no longer safe to me.
I did not order you to sack, I just despise you and everything you stand for Makedonios. Needless to say, my vote is for Savvas."
I seem to recall Protoasecretes saying something about weapons.
So, put your dagger in your chambers or I will ask the Emperor to remove you from the building Michail.Quote:
"Finally, violence will not be permitted in the Magnaura! Limit your attacks to verbal sparring only! Any Senator bringing a weapon into the building, or raising his fist to a fellow Senator, will be forcibly removed by the guards. This is Constantinople, not Rome! We do not stab each other to death in this Senate!"
Aleksios looks up from some correspondence.
Verbal sparring only please. If you two wish to knife each other, take it over to the Hippodrome, they'll wager on anything.
A scribe rushes over and hands the Protoasecretes a scroll with the tally from the election for Megas Logothetes. The old man unrolls it and squints at the writing. Eventually he clears his throat to speak.
"The Senate has chosen and the next Megas Logothetes will be Senator Tied."
After a few moments of silence, the Protoasecretes glances around the room suspiciously.
"Well, where is the buffoon?! Late for his own victory celebration! Hmph... why, in my day..."
A scribe rushes over and whispers in the man's ear.
"WHAT?! What do you mean the vote was tied?! Votes for Megas Logothetes are never tied! No, I've never heard of such a thing. Not in Roman times, before the coming of that fool Servius Aemilius. Not even in that barbaric Germanic cesspool that calls itself some kind of Roman Empire! No vote for a leader has ever been tied before!"
The Protoasecretes glares at the scroll again for a moment.
"Fetch me the Byzantine Charter!"
Two scribes duck out of the chamber. The various supporters of the two candidates for election eye each other nervously from their various vantage points. Eventually the two scribes return carrying a massive tome. They lay it down in front of the Protoasecretes on a portable table which is brought in by a third scribe. The old man opens it and begins leafing through the dusty pages.
"Let's see here... ah, yes. Rule 3.7 - In the event that a vote for Megas Logothetes is tied, the Senator who can correctly guess the weight of a freshly plucked, still living duck will be given the right to jump from the back of the Imperial Elephant and... oh, wait, no... that Rule was changed by a Charter Amendment in 833. Ah, here it is... a tie in an election will lead to a fresh ballot! Well, that's a bit boring, isn't it? I remember by grandfather telling me about the election of eight-ought-five, when the vote was tied between no less than seventeen different candidates and each of them was an expert duck farmer. Why..."
A scribe whispers in the Protoasecretes ear again.
"SHUT UP!"
The Protoasecretes smacks the young man in the head, and the boy recoils quickly.
"Ehem, yes, where was I? Oh, right. The election is tied, therefore a new ballot will have to be taken. As this is unprecedented in the history of the entire Known World, I will re-oppen the Senate floor for debate for a 24 hour period. This period will expire at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, August 19. After that period of debate is over, another 48 hour period of voting will commence. In accordance with the Rules, if the vote remains tied at that point, the eldest candidate for Megas will be chosen."
"I would have preferred that Basileos could have decided the outcome in case of a tie..."
Ioannis glances towards the grandmaster with a teasing smile on his face and continues.
"But im happy to cast my ballot again."
Makedonios sits at his table looking at election returns. He sips from a glass of cool water and it is clear from his puffy eyes that he has been awake all night following the election. When he hears the news of the revote, he sets the water down.
I see this will continue then. Alright, if anyone has any further questions for me, I'd be happy to answer them.
Efstathios raises..
If it is a tie then it is a .. well.. tie..
Anyway.. I have a question..
What will happen to the units that have followed our brave Crusaders, just like me Efstathios smiles.., after the Crusade is over?? Will the next Megas disband them?? Leave them under the control of their current commander?? Or what??
I assume those units will be used to garrison the settlements and to protect the area. I will not disband them. What I will do is look at what could be disbanded throughout the Empire. I will then talk to the commanders involved and ask permission to disband what is no longer needed. Every little bit will help.
If anyone is worried about their units being disbanded, they can ask the owner of the settlement to legally "lock" them in a garrison.
Patriarchal Representative:
What about legislation? Will there be a re-vote on them or are their results set in stone?
All legislations passed so this means.. their result are in stone
I do have a question though.. Since it the Senate Session is opened again then is it possible to propose new legislations during the next '24 hours'??
The Protoasecretes scowls at the Senators.
"No! No legislation may be proposed during this period of debate. That was apparently allowed until 729 AD, when some idiotic Caesar put forward an amendment which got rid of the policy. Though, I suppose that did save us all some trouble, as every Senator who proposed new legislation under the old laws had to do it while jumping up and down on one foot while standing backwards in a chariot pulled by three pheasants. Ah, those were the days..."
The brave Crusaders will need their units to control the area.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ibn-Khaldun
Disbanding of units in the newly conquered regions will only be done if the generals present in the area agree. I don't want the Senators who were brave enough to join on the Crusade die over there. Besides, we will need the money generated by those settlements and you won't be able to keep them without an army.
Looking at Protoasecretes Efstathios sigh and says quietly..
When do we get rid of that senile fool?!
Addressing the rest of the Senate..
I'm fine with both of the Candidates if they leave me and my troops alone..
I know most of them for a long time.. even before the Crusade and disbanding their units would be.. well.. most unfortunate..
"I'm not deaf you know! You'd better be glad that Basileus Akronomius II abolished Rule 8.7 - Insulting the Protoasecretes, otherwise you'd be facing the wrong end of a mule right about now!"
Efstathios raises his eyebrow and says whispers to his aid..
And I thought that he is deaf..
A letter arrives from Vissarionas ek Lesvou and is read into the record by a sweating, uncomfortable scribe:
Even the messengers of this body must be severely in decline with regards to their ability, unless I am expected to believe that the Megas election was actually a tie. In any case I have sent my vote in once more just in case.
Now, would anyone care to explain why the oldest candidate wins by default in the event of a tie? Is there no more objective, useful criteria available?
Vissarionas ek Lesvou
With a gentle shudder the scribe glances up, and smiles in relief. As he is walking away from the floor he casually flips the note over, and instantly turns the color of curdled milk. Slowly, shamefacedly he walks back to the center of the floor and again addresses the chamber.
P.S. And the Caesar is still a dirt worshipping, dog loving, blind beast. The Muslims of Alexandria called him a hero as I rode by, and cried out to me asking when he would arrive to save them and slay more Crusaders!
:egypt:
After listening the words of the letter Ioannis stands up and looks towards the emperor and says.
"Because of the continuous slander of Vissarionas ek Lesvou, against the Caesar and with him the imperial family, i hereby officially suggest for Basileus to close this man from the Senate and by so nullify his voting rights also for an period of time. The continuous insults towards the future Emperor and Imperial family must stop, or we will loose all civilized manner in the Senate. What says the Emperor?"
Efstathios looks at Kantakouzinos..
Well.. So far Vissarionas have said only the truth.. So I don't see why to ban him..
Kantakouzinos turns towards Laskaris with chilling gaze in his eyes and lowering his voice ask´s.
"So you think that your future Emperor is murderer of Bysantine crusaders, that he has willingly killed his future subjects, like Ek Lesvou wrote in his slandering letter? And you are saying that here in front of the whole senate?"
Now if you put it that way then.. I think I am saying all that!
Efstathios smiles..
An ironic accusation, Laskaris.
"In that case you should be banned from senate just as Ek Lesvou should. You are going too far with your slander. Calling the Caesar a murderer of his own people borders treason."
I wouldn't call it treason.. I would call it merely the truth!