Alternate History: Michael's Crucible

[AntiochusIII]

Hard choices. Indecisive as I am, this is even harder than normal.

Let's look at the four choices:

1. Though finance is certainly of prime importance in this age (the Seljuks are coming...) the mother seems untrustworthy in her act. After all, looking at the legendary Byzantine tradition of dynastic disputes and court corruption, it would be wise to distance yourself from your mother. Though common sense dictates that trust in your family is the key; the Byzantine history disproves that, very often. If you follow this course, she may as well consider you just a puppet. An expendable puppet, that is.

Not this one.

2. While it is wise to establish a strong military for future campaigns, putting money into John Ducas' hands like this is sealing your own fate. He would likely rebel as he is also a legitimate member of the Imperial family, and seems to have the military in his pocket; otherwise, if you pay him like this, he will CERTAINLY have the military in his pocket now.

A disastrous choice.

3. To woo the court is the perfect Byzantine tradition, again. The pros are that you would've learned much about the political situation, gain potential allies, and discover potential foes. However, this act would clearly alienate yourself from your mother; as she won't tolerate such political moves and immediately sees you as an enemy, something that you cannot afford, for now. Also, looking at history, this Byzantine tradition brings the empire nowhere. Leave the court intrigues for now; you need a capital to broker a deal; a capital like an army of men with swords to back your word, that is.

Not very wise.

4. While it would be quite risky that the renowned general Manuel could betray you, he might as well be a better ally than the entire court of Constantinople combined. The Roman empire was held up by its military, while succumbed to court intrigues and petty betrayals; you would be wise to establish support of the military. Roman history confirms that no one holds more power than an emperor with the army that backs him. The familiarity of the Byzantine military culture and the men who will soon fight for you is of immense value for future wars; future of the empire. Besides, it is unlikely that your mother would consider this action as an offense since it is only natural that an emperor would be the man to gather support of the army. She is a woman, and she knows it is unlikely that a woman in history (omit Jeanne d'Arc) could control the respect of the army like a man. Your value for her would increase as much as your threat that she should tolerate an increase in your power. She may think of you as a potential strong ally this way.

Though not a perfect choice, is the most sensible one.

I vote 4, just like the people before me.

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