My lords, fellow Senators,

I believe Comes Methodios Tagaris would make an excellent Megas; I admire what he has already accomplished for the empire, and his prowess in battle. However, and this may surprise many of you, I agree that we should not charge headlong into a two front war against the Turks and the Catholics. I propose that the West work very hard to improve our settlements and prepare defenses, early warning watchtowers, spies, ships, and a strong defensive army, and let the Catholic scum come to us.

Seeing as how a direct assault is not in everyone's interest at this time...

In the meantime, friends and colleagues, The Turks must be destroyed. War with them is inevitable, as with the Catholics, but they have no allies, and they can be crushed swiftly if the might of the empire is concentrated against them.

I propose that the strategem of the entire Empire be focused on the erradication of the Turks and bringing Roman culture back to our former holdings in the east, in one swift stroke.

Then, when the East has become secure and rich with land and power, I ask that we switch our focus towards the West, and the inevitable war with Venice and Sicily. I am not certain who will strike us first, but we need ships. I am willing to see the lessening of our standing armies and the strengthening of our war vessels, because if we can sink those bastards before they even land on our soil, we will win the war before it begins!

Should they manage to land their forces, we can dismantle the excess ships and build a grand army, as long as we have prepared barracks and we have generals and watchtowers and forts in place to delay invasion forces. If the specifics of my plan are not agreed upon, then let us design a different strategy together. We must prepare for the Italians, we cannot afford to sit in our settlements with thumbs lodged firmly up our crevasses, betwixt the gluteal muscles.

We must also keep an eye on Hungary... I don't trust them. I am certain they have designs on Constantinople. In fact, if they begin sending their Holy Men down here, I suggest that someone make them... disappear. In a proper and legal fashion, of course.

In the meantime, while I would like to support Comes Tagaris, I would very much like to hear more from Comes Ampelas, regarding the specifics of his plans to bring glory to the empire. I have not decided whom to support yet. I do like the idea of having professional soldiers under my command...

Lately I've seen nothing but peasants with pitchforks and ragtag militias. (In fact, I've yet to see ANY soldiers under my direct command, barring my personal guards) So professional armies, one for each house at the very least, should be a priority. I am hoping that down the line, the western houses will all be large enough to field their own professional soldiers... for the glory of the Emperor they would conquer...