Varangians in full armor march into the Senate led by the Basileus. His bodyguard circles the Magnaura keeping a watchful eye out as the Basileus strides to the center of the room. Aleksios looks old and tired, but as he speaks, an iron resolve can be heard in his voice.

Enough! Peace, Senators, peace!

The next man who threatens violence in this chamber, either directly or by proxy, will be expelled.

I will have civility in this Chamber. This is the Magnaura, not the Hippodrome. If you wish to roll around in the dust and curse each other, do it there.

I hereby summon Hypatios Machonos to the Magnaura to present his side of what occurred at Iconium. If he does not, or sends a clerk to do his talking, I will summon an Emergency Session and propose legislation to bring him here in chains.

Until I hear the full story, no further action will be taken. We all have other matters to attend to, I strongly suggest we do so.

The Basileus looks at Efstathios Laskaris and quietly speaks again.

Senator, please do not tell my daughter where she can or cannot go. Do not speak to the Dean of our newly established University in such a manner.

The Basileus casts a challenging look around the chamber.

I assume no one has an objection to the appointment? Good.