The Magnaura

[Privateerkev]

His eyes turned hard and his face showed clear anger.

Well that certainly isn't what I heard but I'll let Veronica speak for herself.

I'm convinced Veronica speaks the truth on these matters. Iakovos has vouched for her. And she did save my life once. While I am still not convinced that there is a 'good faction' in the Organization, I do believe that now she is trying to do the right thing.

It seems your contacts are trying to get you to discredit her. I'd like to know why...

[Ferret]

I am afraid you may never find out, I haven't spoken to the man since she was presented. If she has claimed that I treated her badly then I am truly hurt, because I did no such thing, even I wouldn't harm a Chrisitan woman.

[Kagemusha]

" I dont think that the Grandmaster understands the depth of Caesars strategy. He strikes an hard blow to the support area of our enemies, bringing the fight to them. This is how wars are won. Not by fighting defensive battles on our own soil.

Ampelas decimated the Turkish army, even if it did kill him. Now the Asteri army can take care of the rest and behind the Asteri army, reinforcements are massing up near Bosphorus. In my mind Grandmaster here is just looking for reasons to criticize our beloved Caesar once again, while the situation is under control."

[ULC]

Veronica nods to each of the Senators.

"Then that is what I will do. I will take what knowledge I have and report it directly to the Basileus. I meant not to question Apionnas loyalty, for I am sure he is loyal to the Basileus, as most of us are."

Veronica seems to freeze when she hears Hypatios's voice, and her body shakes in anger as her face and tone turns neutral to hide her supressed rage.

"Gently asking me questions seemed to have been the last thing on your mind that evening Hypatios. I have 2 children to vouch for it."

[Privateerkev]

Ignoring Hypatios, Makedonios answers Ioannis.

I fail to see the strategy in the Caesar's latest moves. And I don't have to look very hard to find things to criticize. He has by his own admission gone out of his way to hurt me and those under my care.

Before we know the situation, it seems unwise to send a large army far off in the opposite direction. I doubt it will distract the Turks much. They already have a large army in Caesarea and if it joins the Jihad, it will be near Constantinople in short order.

My guess is the Caesar is capturing a province to give to you. While in abstract that doesn't bother me, I am worried about the timing. The Caesar's army is low on supplies and will not be able to resupply in Tbilisi for years.

Before we learned of the Jihad, his move was less questionable. But now that we know of the Jihad's existence, it seems irresponsible to do what he is doing. We need him and his army closer to home and fully supplied. It is doubtful that a Jihad army will appear near him so he has basically removed himself completely from this war.

Again, I ask that he come and explain his moves to the Senate. We have a right to know. And I grow tired of this attitude that persists around here concerning the questioning of authority. The Megas was elected by the Senate and answers to us. We have every right to debate his performance publicly. Especially since he can be so hard to get ahold of privately.

Questioning the Megas is not treachery, it is patriotism. I desire to see every part of the Empire prosper. But the Caesar's actions smack of partisanship. And in my opinion, that is not good for the long term health of the Empire. And with a large and unknown enemy coming at us, it is actually dangerous.

He then hears Veronica's words and nods supportively at her.

[Kagemusha]

" I aknowledge your right to criticize Caesar, Grandmaster. But marching back and forth without accomplishing anything is the worse move he can do. I have personally suggested to swear loyalty to Pavlos Chrysovergos, so Komnenodoukai could raise an private army. If that would happen. I am ready to go and personally destroy the enemy. How i see the plan of Caesar is that he is being coherent and finishing one campaign before starting another."

[Privateerkev]

And that certainly makes sense. But I don't know if the Muslims will let us finish one war before we get into another. We can be jumped at any moment now.

In my opinion, Tbilisi can wait. The Jihadists won't wait. The Moors have already joined. And I am sure the Turks and Fatimids will follow. Their troops will have so much zeal, that they will either forgo pay or finance themselves. The armies of our enemies will swell. We're probably going to be hit from at least 3 fronts.

We'll do our best to stop them at one front but the rest of you need to watch the other two. And be open to the possibility that Jihad navies will put men where we least expect them. There is already a Fatimid ship with a raiding party in the Med. If there is a general on that ship, and enough soldiers, then it could join the Jihad when it lands.

But until we build up our early warning system, all of this is just speculation.

[Ferret]

Veronica nods to each of the Senators.
"Gently asking me questions seemed to have been the last thing on your mind that evening Hypatios. I have 2 children to vouch for it."

Hypatios is shocked by this news

You think they are mine? You accuse me of rape? I did not become a noble of this empire to be accused of rape by peasant girls, what is she even doing in here? Her fate is the Basileus' decision, she need not interfere in this place. And I will not sit in here to be insulted by a plebeian.

He turns to leave and on his way out pretends to slip by the order benches and forcefully knocks into Makedonios. He looks at him mischievously.

Slippery floor in here eh?

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios raises his arm to deflect the falling Hypatios. He stands up and faces the man.

If you want to assault me, then just do it. Don't hide behind the facade of an accident.

He stands waiting to see what Hypatios does next.

Now if you've regained your balance, we have real business to discuss in here.

[Kagemusha]

Ioannis steps in to the map and says to Makedonias.

"Grandmaster let us look at the map. If the Turk will be separated from Steppe and our forces can create an safe flank based on the Caucasus Mountains and the large steppe behind it. We can attack the Turk from several directions Sweeping from West and North. I think that Caesars campaign can ultimately give us victory in the war, because once we have secured another flank. We outflank the Turk and can strike him from several directions, while he can never be sure, from where the next attack will come.

About the safety of our core lands. We must remember that Basileus stands firm in the Balkans and can drive any threat to Sea if needs to be."

[Privateerkev]

Still keeping an eye on Hypatios, Makedonios answers Ioannis.

And I am still worried about the Caesar's supply situation. I know first hand how difficult it will be to keep an army fed. The local people will not give him anything until they are at least half converted to the Word.

If the Caesar is unsupplied, he will be in no condition to flank. And if he even tries, he will get the reputation of being poor at logistics. Such a stain will stay with him forever unless he studies hard at the university to get rid of it. Plus there is a chance he will get sick. Something I also know all to much about.

[Ferret]

Makedonios raises his arm to deflect the falling Hypatios. He stands up and faces the man.

If you want to assault me, then just do it. Don't hide behind the facade of an accident.

He stands waiting to see what Hypatios does next.

Now if you've regained your balance, we have real business to discuss in here.

Hypatios laughs loudly and leaves the room.

[ULC]

Veronica glares at Hypatrios before standing up suddenly.

"There is no need to accuse you, the evidence is at my home and is being raised by my husband Iakovos! And I am no commoner, must I remind you that I am married to a noble of this senate and that I am Veronica Da Milano, the duaghter of the last Milanese diplomat who died tragically in a fire and a cousin of the current Duke of Milan!"

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios watches the mad man leave. Nick and Ioannis, Mak's shieldbearer and veteran warrior respectively, had both stood up when Hypatios struck their lord. But they had stayed at a respectful distance since they received no signal to intervene. After Hypatios left, both men approached Makedonios and spoke in low tones while glancing at the door Hypatios left through. Makedonios simply shook his head 'no', patted his men on the shoulder, and took his seat. Nick and Ioannis saluted and took seats closer to their lord in case someone was ever stupid enough to do that again.

[Kagemusha]

Ioannis looks at the Grandmaster in front of the map and replies quickly.

"Does not that just show that Caesar is willing to put both his health and reputation in the line in order to give us victory in this war? I would call that an unselfish act for the good of the Empire."

[Privateerkev]

I see your points. I still think we'd be strategically better off if the Caesar was fully supplied and closer to Ceaserea with his army.

I am still of the opinion that the problems of taking and holding Tbilisi far outweigh the benefits. If there wasn't a Jihad, I would still be concerned by the situation, but not nearly as much as I am now.

Plus, contrary to what some of you might believe about me, I actually don't want the Caesar to get ill. I've been cursed with this dreaded illness for decades and I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone.

[Kagemusha]

"Well atleast then it seems that we are partially in agreement about the issue, while we may disagree on how to handle the situation. Does anyone else have opinions concerning the general strategy?"

Ioannis asks and then goes back to his seat.

[AussieGiant]

From the back of the chamber.

It would seem prudent to have the Caesar and his forces more centrally located in order to prepare for our defence.

[Kagemusha]

Kantakouzinos turns in the direction of the voice and asks.

"Apionnas,would it not be a better strategy for Asteri to reclaim Caesarea as soon as possible and then fortify the city in order to defend our central areas properly? Why is Caesar and his army needed there?"

[Warmaster Horus]

I would presume because his army is a very large one, something that could be useful to the Empire, if you consider that we'll have to face both Turks and Jihadists near there.

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Ioannis stands..

I have a message from My Lord Laskaris. He thinks that all members of the 'Organization' should be punished through decapitation. And he means All members and former members.

Looking towards Veronica..

[ULC]

Veronica calms herself.

"I am sorry for that outburst."

Veronica pulls out a letter.

"I have here a letter from my husband allowing me to act in the senate in his stead while he remains in Adana vigilantly."

Veronica stares deeply into Ioannis eyes.

"You would wish for a mother of 2 to be beheaded?"

[GeneralHankerchief]

Patriarchal Representative:

What exactly is this Organization being accused of? For I hear much fearmongering but little substance.

[00jebus]

ah, the voice of reason.

pehaps you will listen to the churchs representative if you would not give myself, nor the comes ek miltou, nor anyone else full truthful answers when we asked

Dont try and work your way out of it by saying you'll present it all to the emperor, I am sure the captian of the guard would have something to say about leaving a former member of the orginaisation unguarded near any member of the royal family, let alone the emperor himself.

[Kagemusha]

Ioannis turns towards the Patriarchal representative and says.

"Has his holynes the Patriarch planned anything for the brave Markianos Ampelas? Im sure that loosing him was bad setback to the Church as well it was to the Empire. Some even say that he liked to confine to the Patriarch occasionally."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Not me. It is Strator Laskaris who proposed this. Nut.. I would say.. "Once a criminal, always a criminal"

Ioannis looks away ...

[ULC]

"May I ask then how your master plans to answer for the sabotage in the crusade? Does that not fall under a criminal heading as well?"

[00jebus]

*Lisas looks at Veronica as though she's simple, though speaks normally*


Are you suggesting the Patriarch is responsible for sabotaging his own crusade?


Nevermind

[Privateerkev]

Makedonios interrupts with a grunt.

I fear we are getting off topic. The Patriarchal Representative has asked a fine question. What are the official charges against the 'Organization' that are being brought by the Senate?

A broad charge of 'conspiring to commit treason against the Empire' seems appropriate. As well as 'threatening the Royal Family'.

But more specifically, they have assisted in the extermination of Iconium which clearly violated an Edict. They have sent someone to assassinate me. They have harrassed, threatened, and I believe attacked, the Princess. They have kidnapped Veronica who is a citizen of the Empire. They are clearly criminals and I am sure we could find dozens of criminal codes that they have broken.

I welcome others in here to bring forth their own lists of charges.

[00jebus]

Yes, fine, Im sure we all agree that these men are scum, at best jumped up bandits with delusions of power, at worst skilled and deadly assassins, but the Lady Veronica, has not yet provided us, despite asking repeatadly, with a way of finding the orginasation, nor any knowlage of how they are equipped.
*He mutters* Instead she said some very unkind accusations as to my character....thats the Milanease for you... always moan about needing help but never tell you anything that will allow you to help them....until you owe them money that is..

*Normally*
Im sure the grandmaster, along with all reasonable men, would disprove of simply tourching large parts of cities in the hope of killing one or two of them,

*he looks at veronica* So, how about telling us where they get their money? or their weapons? food even? large groups are always tracable when you know this.