The Magnaura

[_Tristan_]

Nodding towards Savvas

I must agree with Savvas ek Militou : your words reek of treason, Machonios...

So, stop trying to defend the undefendable before you condemn yourself to a punishment much harsher than what you already should incur.

[AussieGiant]

Shaking his head slowly Apionnas continues in a flat dead tone of voice.

So you are admitting here, in this chamber that you have no control over your own troops and in fact the order you gave was to exterminate the population but not Christians?

As for your follow up comment then I entirely agree with you. There is no moral side of breaking an edict Senator Machonios. You admit breaking law, therefore you should be assessed as to premeditated dereliction of duty. What benefit, or hindrance, your actions have caused the Empire, are of absolutely no relevance to how the discipline should be made.

Pausing to smile ruefully Apionnas chuckles.

I'd suggest you get an advocate immediately my Lord. Your words here, that I must warn you are being transcribed, are making this situation very cut and dry.

[Ferret]

It will take a long time for Iconium to grow to such a size as to be an asset to the Empire. Also any recruiting done there will hinder even more time the settlement will grow.

What concern is this of yours? The city is now an Asteri settlement, besides that is not the point of the debate, I am to be judged for breaking a law, not for hindering the growth of a settlement.

[_Tristan_]

Methodios rises, a smile playing upon his face.

Before being an Asteri settlement, Iconium belongs to the Empire as a whole... That's some more seditious words from Senator Machonios...

Senator ek Amarinthou is right to question the benefit of your actions...

[Andres]

What concern is this of yours? The city is now an Asteri settlement, besides that is not the point of the debate, I am to be judged for breaking a law, not for hindering the growth of a settlement.

So you admit that you have broken the law yet you say that you shouldn't be punished for it because at the time of the breaking of the law, you did what you "thaught" to be the best for the Empire?

The law has to be obeyed at any given time, Senator! Your display of disrespect towards the law, the Magnaura and the Basileus is outrageous!

Basileus, if this man will be put on trial, then I volunteer to act as your prosecutor.

[Dafuge]

What concern is this of yours? The city is now an Asteri settlement, besides that is not the point of the debate, I am to be judged for breaking a law, not for hindering the growth of a settlement.

What concern is it of mine? Well first of all before being a settlement of a house it is in the Empire, and if I am not mistaken we are all here for the good of the Empire. Didn't you also ask how you hindered the Empire, well that is how.

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios has been watching the proceedings while rubbing his sinuses with his thumb and forefinger. It is clear he is not happy with what he has seen.

Enough!

I refuse to hear anymore excuses for as why the extermination of innocent people is irrelevant or just the cost of war. It is not the cost of war! It is a distinct choice someone makes! This man...

Points at Hypatios.

Ordered his army to butcher thousands of people. And we're going to argue on the fine legal point of law?!? Have we totally lost our way? What ever happened to compassion? To what is right?

Most of you disgust me. Especially the Emperor's lapdog who was the Caliph's lapdog. Presenting himself to us now as some sort of voice of reason and expert on international affairs. What has Apionnas done to deserve ANY respect from this body? All he has done in his entire political career is follow our Emperor around like a lost puppy! And then he has the audacity to attempt to whitewash thousands of deaths as if they are nothing but a legal inconvenience! For all we know this man is a spy for the Caliph attempting to subvert our process.

Now start talking about these victims as people. They were human beings. With the same hopes, fears, and dreams we all have. And they deserved better than to be 'saved' by Hypatios. And their memory deserves better than to have us nitpick on legalities. The legalities have never been more clear. The Senate passed an Edict. A man violated an Edict. I see no reason at all to discuss legalities since they are so cut and dry.

If people want to make a religious argument for why Hypatios did what they did, then the Patriarch's representative seems like the right person to ask, now that he has been let back in the chambers. I find it funny that once he was thrown out, people attempted to use God as their excuse. Pathetic. Hypatios, who I won't even honor by addressing directly, is nothing but pathetic. This man needs to be exiled to a inner city garrison and kept from having an army command. And he definitely needs to be prevented from ever leading an assault ever again.

[_Tristan_]

Nodding at Makedonios' words, Methodios adresses once again the assembly.

This man (Hypatios) needs to be exiled to a inner city garrison and kept from having an army command. And he definitely needs to be prevented from ever leading an assault ever again.

And that is the single most lenient punishment this man should receive for the grave lack of respect he showed for this assembly and for killing so many poor souls...

[Privateerkev]

Well, killing Hypatios will not bring those people back. He needs to be kept where he can't hurt anyone.

[Dafuge]

I agree, killing him would make us all hypocrites.

[_Tristan_]

I'm not advocating killing him... There has been enough of that already... But striping him of his titles and lands and sending him to one of the most remote part of our Empire would be a more befitting end...

The man has both a vicious and a seditious streak in him, so like a stray dog we should put him in chains and feed him the scraps from our table...

If we killed him, he would win for we would have stooped as low as him... No... Better to let him live to forever and remember what he had and what he lost... And who knows ? Maybe one day he will atone for his sins and errors of judgment...

[AussieGiant]

A curious brow is raised as Makedonios makes his comments towards Apionnas.

I'm not sure what you are trying to attempt in your last comments Lord Makedonios.

Are we in agreement and you are simply taking the opportunity to slight me, or do you truly have issues with what I am and what I have said in this chamber?

The law must be upheld, that is the precise point that must be dealt with here. Compassion, while admirable is not going to make much difference to what has passed and what the future may bring.

Religion is but a facade to mask unacceptable behaviour.

Unfortunately Senator Machonios has simply confirmed to the outside world that we are no better than them and that our goals and morals are no more enlightened than Catholic or Muslim. His tone here has shown no sign of remorse or regret and this is from a man who is identified as one of us and who is mean to be an Orthodox Christian.

I would suggest the crusade is delayed formally by the Patriarch. This is no longer an opportune time to pursue a religious war if we are to be entirely objective about the matter.

As he sits Apionnas makes a final comment.

I also find references to me being a lapdog or spy as entirely unconstructive in the current situation Lord Makedonios. Perhaps you could refrain from engaging in slander in future.

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios gives a short laugh.

"Religion is but a facade to mask unacceptable behaviour."

Really? I guess the baptism did not stick...

And you are wrong about compassion. Compassion is what drives us. It is what makes our Empire better. And it makes us worthy of having an Empire. We should rule the known world because we know what is best. Because we are righteous and good.

Hypatios threatens all of that.

As for calling you names, I apologize. While 6000 deaths don't seem to matter very much to you, they matter a whole lot to me. And it has gotten me rather agitated. But that is no excuse for my behavior and I will attempt to show more restraint. Makedonios bows his head respectfully.

He then turns to the chamber.

Hypatios should be exiled. Sit him on his island and take the ships away. Or send him to Nicosia where I guarantee he will have nothing at all to do. Or bring him to the Levant where I will let him govern a settlement. He won't be lord of the province of course but maybe time in the Holy Land will do him some good. It is said that it is the land where you come to gain forgiveness.

Because forgiveness is just what this man needs. He needs the chance to earn forgiveness from the Lord while he is simultaneously prevented from hurting others.

[Ferret]

You have no say in my punishment Makedonios, nor can I be bothered to argue with pious fools like you. As I sad before I shall wait for the decisions of the Emperor and my Lord, Kalamateros and accept them. And trust me I could cause a whole lot of trouble on Nicosia...

[_Tristan_]

Hearing Machonios' words, Methodios whispers.

Surely not in some dungeon cell...

[AussieGiant]

Shaking his head slightly.

Thank you for your apology Lord Makedonios. I must admit I can seem somewhat callous towards death and destruction. It is simply a product of my upbringing.

Death is appalling, I agree, but I've found very little use for compassion when it has come time to ensure victory and success in conflict.

Your ideals are commendable my Lord, but I simply do not see us as any better than any other nation or religion. I suppose that is another product of my upbringing. We are fallible, just like anyone else, we need to deal with this situation as fast and as effectively as possible. We must also accept how we now look to other nations we are dealing with.

As for questioning my baptism, then you will have to speak with the Baselius and the Patriarch himself as they were both present at the time.

Pausing again before taking his seat.

It seems you are still irritated my lord. Perhaps a bath and some music would help. I find that make a difference for me.

[Privateerkev]

Ignoring Hypatios completely, Makedonios speaks to Apionnas.

My comments towards you baptism were only in regards to your comments about religion being a facade. Perhaps it is our cultural difference but I have a hard time hearing that.

As for being irritated, I appreciate your advice but I don't think my mood will improve until someone here is sentenced for his terrible crimes. And even then, I don't think I will be quite the same after being alive and part of this Empire at a time of such evil.

[AussieGiant]

Bowing his head towards Makedonios.

Indeed my Lord. I agree with you on those points entirely.

[OverKnight]

Aleksios arches an eyebrow as he looks at Makedonios. He speaks quietly.

I do not see how uninvited and unfounded insults aimed at Senator Vringas have anything to do with Iconium, Senator. Your righteous indignation seems to be spilling over into other matters.

The Basileus speaks more loudly.

The issue before us is this: Senator Machonos blatantly and with fore thought violated an Edict of the Senate even before the ink had dried on the legislation.

This is a very serious breach. Ideally, the head of the Asteri, Senator Ioannis Kalameteros, will examine the record, judge his subject's actions and punish him; A loss of command for some years, or a demotion in rank would be in order. However, if the Asteri cannot resolve this internally and in an expeditious manner, or if I do not feel the punishment fits the crime, I will call an Emergency Session and the matter will be opened to the entire Senate. Judging by the rhetoric I have heard, I doubt Senator Machonos would want this to occur.

Aleksios looks around the Magnaura.

Let me remind everyone that I will keep peace in this Chamber. Please watch what you say here.

[Andres]

Savvas stands up, a jovial smile on his face.

Well, well, well, dear Makedonios, dear Apionas. Are you going to slit each others' throats and drink each others' blood?

It is as if the evil of that man (looks at Hypatios) is getting his grip on all of us. Please gentlemen, don't get carried away too much by your emotions. We are Romans and civilised men.

Savvas turns to his scribe.

Stop writing good man. Give Makedonios and Aponias a goblet of wine.

Savvas stands up, looks at Apionas and Makedonis, and raises his goblet:

To the Magnaura and to a serene debate.

Savvas sips from his wine and puts it back on his desk. He looks at his scribe and gives him a gentle slap on his shoulder.

Now you can write again.

Savvas looks at Hypathios.

So, dear Hypatios, you claim that you do respect the Magnaura and what it stands for. I take it that you do you agree with me that a man who disrespects the Magnaura and the Basileus has to be considered a traitor?

After he hears the words of the Emperor, Savvas sits down again.
I fully trust the wisdom of the esteemed members of House Asteri and I'm sure they will not disappoint their colleagues nor the Basileus.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: was writing this at the moment OK posted.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

After long time being quiet Efstathios raises and turns to Basileus..

I have been thinking and I found that I behaved .. like some peasant..
I apologize in front of Princess Anna!
I don't know what came over me.
Must be the Crusade and all those preparations for it finally getting me.
I haven't slept properly for awhile now and I'm feeling myself a bit tired.
Again.. I apologize and I hope you forgive me.

Efstathios bows to Basileus and princess Anna..

[AussieGiant]

A rather droll expression and a raised brow greets the words of Senator Savvas. His dead flat tone a contrast with his words

Senator Savvas,

I would hardly call my verbal exchange with Lord Makedonios anything but bland from my side. Slitting throats and drinking blood is best left to the Nosferatu. Perhaps my tone is somewhat emotive, but I would not describe my reactions as emotional.

Taking a seat he finishes on an equally monotone voice.

I don't drink Senator Savvas, but thank you for the offer.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

The moment Efstathios heard mentioning of wine his eyes filled with joy ...

Eeem.. Since Makedonios and apparently Apionas don't drink then .. eem .. perhaps one of those goblets could be given to me?

I never say no to a good wine!

Efstathios smiles and looks towards Savvas..

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios stands up and bows to the Emperor.

I stand rebuked Your Highness but righteous indignation is exactly what is called for in this situation and we could use more of it in these hallowed chambers. I can not be expected to stand by as the cold-blooded murder of innocents is described as coolly as an accountant explains a balance sheet. I admit my words were ill-chosen, and I have apologized, but I believe I had every right to take Apionnas to task for what he said.

Turning to Savvas, Makedonios motions for an aid to take the goblet away and give it to Efstathios. He then picks up his glass of water.

I appreciate the gesture Savvas but I don't drink wine. I however will not deny you the toast.

To the Magnaura and to hopefully a slightly more serene debate.

Makedonios raises the glass to Savvas, takes a good gulp, and sits down.

[Andres]

Cheers, Makedonios, and cheers Efstathios

Savvas drinks. After a few moments, he stares at the empty goblet of wine.

"Hmmm," he says softly to himself, "that's my third I suppose. Oh, what the heck."

Savvas fills his goblet again and sips from the wine.

Accountants, Makedonios? You mean those guys who tell you that you can become richer by spending more money? Preferably on them?

Savvas laughs and empties his goblet.

Excuse me for this interruption, gentlemen. Please continue the debate.

Savvas takes the glass of water from his scribe.

[ULC]

Iakovos enters and finds himself a seat. He seems content to listen for now, only occasionally giving Hypatios a hard stare.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Seeing that things have calmed down Efstathios raises and leaves the Magnaura.

[GeneralHankerchief]

*The Patriarchal Representative walks into the Magnaura, looking at the guards questioningly. They let him pass, evidently because the most recent session is over. Taking his seat and reviewing the transcripts, he smirks.*

His Eminence and the Church do have an opinion on this matter, but, I think, considering the manner of my last exit from this building, I'm not sure if the Basileus would be able to handle such a radical opinion coming from such a fringe voice right away. Working my way back into people's good graces would be better.

Therefore: Basileus, do I have your permission to comment on the weather?

[AussieGiant]

Passing by the chamber doors the Saracen looking officer comments dryly.

I'm sure that is entirely feasible your Grace.

[ULC]

Iakovos drums his fingers impatiently.

"Are we, or are we not, going to continue with the proceedings?"