EMCOTS 20

=Emergence (Concertverse) - Chapter 20=
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==Affairs of State==
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===Negotiations===
Royal Palace
Roslyn, Eastern Islay
Arcadia, Arcadian Royal March
Royal Federation
25th November, 3142
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The honeymoon was over for Trillain's mission.  After days of mostly celebratory and ceremonial meetings with the elite of Roslyn and providing puff piece interviews to Arcadian journalists, it was time to begin the actual work of securing Arcadian aid.
The Privy Council's chambers had the right gravitas, she felt.  Concentric tables spread out opposite and towards the north wall of the chamber.  This allowed the older advisory members such as the surviving retired military chiefs, former Speakers, and former Council Lords to observe and speak when the floor was theirs, but also provided the central seating for the more active members of the Council.  Those figures sat at the circular tables laid closer to the center, symbolizing the equality of the Crown's Ministers with one another.
Against the north wall was the largest table.  There the Lord of the Privy Council sat, on a raised dais just above the other senior most members of the Council; the Speakers of the Assembly and the Senate, the Chief of Staff of the AFRF, the President of the Federation High Court, and the appointed representatives of the Principality and March rulers of the Federation should they not actually be present themselves.  They sat across from one another, allowing them to look towards the rest of the Council or towards the Council Lord.  A seat beside him, marked with a crowned hawk, was for the monarch, and Nathaniel was indeed present, wearing a formal court gown of red and blue with a white hawk and a sword stitched on the right breast.
Trillian and her staff had seats along the east wall, putting their backs against a beautiful oil-painted mural of the crowning of Sara Proctor as the first March-Princess of the Arcadian Free March.  This put them out of the center, but it would allow everyone present to look her way when necessary, and a microphone was affixed to her ice blue business suit that would ensure all those present heard her.
Right now the holo-displays at each seat and table had the same item; the summary of her proposed terms, as laid out with Nathaniel and his Foreign Secretary Lady Jessup in the weeks of her journey.  She'd given just about everything she could without destroying her chances back home; favorable trade rights, relief from custom duties, wide latitude for the Arcadian troops already in the Commonwealth and those who would come after.  It was about everything she could reasonably offer without giving up basic sovereign rights, which would only serve to make her seem desperate.  Which, admittedly, I am.
The first questions came from the civilian ministers over economic matters.  The exchange rate of the Lyran kroner to the Arcadian pound sterling was discussed, as were the interest rates on the loans she was contracting from the Federation Treasury (which were still better than the interest she was being offered from private institutions and from this Inner Sphere's ComStar, at least).
Yet this was only the opening.  She knew the harder questions were coming.
It was a uniformed woman with dark bronze complexion and a five star rank on her uniform that spoke first.  The nameplate before her read "HL FM Keahi-Proctor, Ret." in block letters; given the name she was one of the cadet branches of House Proctor, the one that married in the first generation to the first generation of nobles of the Keahi family in Arcadia's Iaukean Islands.  Her stern, hoarse voice spoke with a heavy accent.  "The core matter is that you wish for our direct assistance at a substantial level.  A full military alliance, with our war machines sold to replace your losses, and our forces supporting yours in holding the invaders back."
"This is correct, my Lady." Trillian replied.
"Marshal." the woman corrected sternly.
"My apologies, Marshal."
"You are asking us to intervene in the war, then?"  This came from one of the attending archducal representatives with what Trillian considered an Alarion accent.  "How great an intervention would be necessary?"
Before she could answer, one of the attending military officers spoke up.  "A large one."  She recognized his image; Lord Arnold Proctor-Steiner, a Field Marshal and the AFRF's senior planner.  He was seated beside Grand Admiral Stewart.
Eyes turned towards Prince Peter; as Lord of the Privy Council he by all rights should call Arnold to order.  Before he might try, another voice spoke.  "As commander of the Planning Staff," said one of the advisory Council officers, another snow-haired military-uniformed member, "can you elaborate, Marshal?"
Arnold looked to Peter, who nodded quietly.  Trillian narrowed her eyes at that.  Something about it made her think this was more than Peter being polite.
"We have not been idle these past few months.  Our contingents on the other side of the Glass include analysts that analyze the intelligence we are gathering on the Lyran situation.  And that situation is a bleak one.  The Lyran Commonwealth is collapsing under the strain of a war on two fronts they were not ready to fight," Arnold announced.  He leveled an intent look at Trillian, as if daring her to contradict him.  "They may have as few as thirty regiments of BattleMechs still in service with which to fight their war.  No more than fifty at the most generous.  While they still retain control of Hesperus and the industries on Tharkad and Coventry, the disruptions to the economy beyond the Glass by the Blackout has left them unable to mobilize those resources efficiently, or ensure ready replacements to damage units.  Their enemies, while suffering from some overstretch, include elite forces and large numbers of forces employing Terran-level weaponry.  And the reputation of the Falcons' captured leader is such that many of their worlds surrender without a fight to avoid massacres, further reducing their resources.  By the estimation of the Planning Staff, the Lyran Commonwealth cannot win without substantial external assistance."
A number of faces looked decidedly unhappy at Trillian, others at Arnold.  Another of the older figures on the outer tables spoke, this time at her.  "Lady Trillian, is this accurate?"
I could fudge.  Lying won't work, but I could play up his numbers as pessimistic.  I could point out the Republic's still fighting the Falcons too.  That House Davion is sending us aid.  That the situation isn't that dire.  But given the look on his face, Trillian had suspicions that Arnold's estimates were based on firm data.  It wasn't like the LIC could stop every single news story about defeats from getting out, and DropShip and JumpShip crews could have very loose lips in the right places.
"Regretfully, it is a fair assessment." she confirmed.  "We have suffered severe losses in the campaigns.  While your forces' defeat of Malvina Hazen may have bought us time on that front, the Wolves still pose a threat on our other front, and we can't turn our backs on the Falcons to throw everything at them.  Not without help.  That is why I came to you.  Your people have a vested interest in keeping the Glass secure, and you have already taken the initiative to work with our forces.  An alliance would formalize our efforts and help secure both of our states."
"It would save your state, but what would we get out of it?"  That question came from one of the cabinet ministers.  Trillian searched her memory for a moment before remembering which: Frederick Thompkins, Secretary of the Energy Office.  "Billions of pounds of expenses in arming you, sending our troops to fight, and however many lives will be lost on our part.  For what?"
"You would have our gratitude and alliance even past the moment of danger." Trillian stated.  "We would help you secure the Glass, and if need be, could even send troops to aid your people, should you face attack and we had the strength to aid."
"By your own admission that will not come very soon, Lady Trillian." Thompkins pointed out imperiously.
"We would have the advantage of a strong and grateful ally across the Glass." another minister spoke up; the Treasury Secretary, Lady Diane Howard, a countess from the planet Ford.  "Better the Lyrans than savages like these Clans, the murderers of innocent civilians."
"But are they better?"  That came from one of the Senators serving as a representative from Skye.  The nameplate read "Lord Giacomo Zento, Summer".  "How do we know we can trust them?"
Trillian felt a cold sensation go down her spine.  "I won't deny that any sovereign might break deals, but we have no reason to.  Gott im Himmel, the Clans are a ferocious enough foe, I would despair if we turned you into one with your fleet and army."
Zento's face twitched a little.  Trillian had the bad feeling he was fighting off a grin.  "My Lord Malcolm, the analysts Lord Arnold spoke of, have they learned anything relevant to my concerns?"
At that moment Trillian knew she was in trouble.  She'd been set up.
Stewart nodded.  "Recently we were approached at Timkovichi by a space-faring Clan called the Sea Foxes.  They are, by what we have learned, not interested in military conquest like the Falcons and Wolves, they want trade and economic gain, including trade in information.  Seeking intelligence on matters beyond the Glass, including those that the Lyrans may not have shared, our people agreed to an offer of information exchange.  According to the Foxes, the Wolves were invited by the Lyran Commonwealth to invade the reforming Free Worlds League."
Trillian clenched a fist out of sight.  Those damned Clanners! But she said nothing and fought to keep a neutral expression; it would do no good to react emotionally.  Her mind raced with explanations to offer.
While the rest of the Privy Council listened, Stewart continued.  "The reports from the Foxes indicate that Archon Melissa interfered with the movement of the Wolves' civilians into their new conquests and kept them from reaching their new destinations.  She effectively took them hostage.  The Wolves reacted by making peace with the Free Worlds and turning their warriors on the Lyrans.  Due to the Archon's strategic decisions, her contingency plan for a Wolf attack did not turn out well, and many Lyran regiments were left isolated and eventually broken or destroyed by the Wolf strikes.  Only the use of a mercenary force of former Wolves familiar with their tactics has kept the Wolf forces from achieving even greater successes."
"Ah.  My thanks to you, my Lord Admiral, and to your people for your diligence." Zento directed an entirely too-pleased expression at Trillian.  "You come to us, asking for trust, asking for our help, all because your people betrayed an ally and turned them against you.  So, I ask again Lady Trillian; why should we trust you?"
All eyes went on Trillian.  She read the room quickly.  There weren't many friendly faces, but nor were many outright unfriendly, just Zento and a few others.  Her eyes passed over a frowning Nathaniel who was looking at her, but whose eyes she saw slip briefly over to the Grand Admiral and the Senator.
Damn you, Melissa.  I love you cousin, but you always were too clever for your own good.
"The Sea Foxes are correct," she said.  "The Archon intentionally slowed the Wolves' civilian movements as a means to control them because she feared they might turn on the Commonwealth once they had their civilian castes resettled.  She made a decision based on her judgement of the interests of her people, whatever the morality of it.  But as I already said, we have no reason or motive to turn on you, and if that's not good enough for you, consider also that we do not have the means.  We are the junior partner here, the weaker state, and that hasn't changed."
"And if you wish to judge us for HAMMERFALL, I can only say that the Archon acted as many rulers have in both Inner Spheres, including your own."  Trillian watched a few of the faces redden at that.  "Your Federation has practiced ruthless power politics just the same.  You made war on a sovereign even while she was a guest of your people, invited to witness the coronation of the first High Queen.  You sacrificed Lyran worlds to the Principate to gain their assistance against the New Commonwealth.  You compelled the Consolidant to side with their enemies against the Galedon-Kilbourne Concord, costing them the chance to regain Vega, and pressed the marriage alliance that folded them into the Federation.  You made war on Sudeten and Rasalhague without pretense just to make peace with them against your allies' wishes, all for your Federation's advantage.  You even broke the Peace of Dieron just a few years after it was established, risking the start of a new Succession War, all to claim systems you felt were yours by right."
One by one reactions came to her words.  She'd struck nerves, certainly, given the red faces and those pale with rage.  The last item she almost regretted, given the furious look on the King's face.  She was relieved to see that look divert from her to some of the others in the room.  How many of these officers, these leaders, were complicit in their Operation MORNING STAR? she wondered.  Nathaniel probably knew.
She noted a particular hardness form on the face of Lord Arnold at the mention of the breaking of the Dieron peace.  Yes, you were a part of that, weren't you?  If not in the staff then as one of the field commanders. He reminded her of some of the LCAF's senior commanders, the very same ones that overthrew her cousin yet happily profited from her decisions.
She didn't give time for any outrage to crystallize.  "I do not say these things to humiliate you, but to make my point; statecraft is often not a moral exercise.  Rulers are human beings, as are their advisors, and we take choices out of fear, uncertainty, arrogance, pride, and ambition. We are no more immune than you.  And yet, despite the very real danger that your people pose to ours with your strength, I came to offer everything I could in our common cause.  I chose to trust in the Royal Federation instead of fearing it, having learned of the character of your soldiers who, seeing a massacre, boldly advanced to fight a foe they knew nothing of simply because they believed saving civilian lives was worth the risk to their own lives and honor.  Having learned more of your people since I came, I feel that trust is not misplaced."
"We were wrong with the Wolves.  We were wrong to believe we could, or should, control them, or to set them on our neighbors as we did.  And we are paying for that mistake.  But should all of the Commonwealth suffer because of my cousin's choices?  And would the Clans make better neighbors of your Federation than we?  Fighting is their way of life.  They will not leave you alone, far from it, your strength will draw their attention like a moth to flame, as their warriors will seek to test yours for glory.  And the Falcons' Mongols will go even further.  They desire dominance and submission and will not spare any who stand against them.  Now you have taken their leader and they will seek revenge, whatever your decisions."
At that point her mouth was so dry Trillian had to wet her throat with the glass of water in front of her.  Yet she went uninterrupted, for the moment, as if her adversaries in the matter were considering their replies.  Not wanting to give them more time, she pressed on to the conclusion racing through her mind.  "The Glass may be the most profound incident in the history of Mankind.  We both have a vested interest in seeing it protected and secure, and I sincerely believe the Commonwealth will be a safer and more trustworthy neighbor for you than any of the Clans."
At that point she had to stop.  She couldn't think of another point to make, her head hurt, and a hand was already tremoring.  So soon and it already feels like I'm going to fail.  Why couldn't you have consulted with me more, cousin?  We're all going to pay for your mistakes!  We're going to pay for me failing to talk you out of your schemes.
Her eyes went back to Nathaniel.  The young monarchs' face was locked in thought, but while it seemed tranquil, she thought she could see anger burning inside of him.
Lady Howard spoke up first.  "It is clear we have much to consider, and that tempers in this room have risen on account of the matter.  An adjournment is in order."
"I see no-"
Before Zento could finish protesting, Nathaniel spoke up.  "I would like the time to think on what's been presented."
Trillian noted the dark look cast toward the King by Lord Arnold.  Zento was not happy either, but he was the one that Nathaniel's Steiner-blue eyes were fixed on.  He said nothing.
Prince Peter rose.  "In light of His Majesty's request, and the motion by Her Ladyship the Countess of Norfolk, the Privy Council is adjourned.  We will resume business in three hours so that all might have time to seek refreshment."
There was a clattering of chairs as robed, suited, and uniformed figures stood.  Some glared anger at her, others avoided looking her way, and some even gave admiring looks.
Trillian didn't react to any of it.  She was lost in her thoughts, trying to sort through the recriminations she felt, the worry, the fury, the sense of despair that it might all come apart now.  Lord Marienberg's hand settled on her shoulder and was just enough to get her attention.  "Well spoken, my Lady," he said in soft, clear German.
"Danke schon," she replied automatically, finally getting enough of her nerves together to stand.  She knew matters would be difficult, but it was clear there was more to the internal politics of the Federation than what she'd picked up on the holovids and news programs.  This was too coordinated to merely be a collection of meeting interests.  Zento, Stewart, Arnold, they're working together in some fashion.  And they want my mission to fail.  Why?  A terrible thought crossed her mind.  Could Nathaniel be facing the same danger Melissa fell too?  This feels like more than just some kind of loyal opposition, or even an organized opposition.
Maybe things on this side of the Glass aren't any better than mine after all...
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With another hour to spare before the Privy Council would meet again, Lord Arnold welcomed Grand Admiral Stewart into his office.  Both had a fresh lunch to digest, as well as the earlier meeting.  "I had hopes to sway things immediately," he admitted to Stewart.  "I thought our unveiling of the Sea Foxes' intelligence would turn the Privy Council resolutely against anything more than minor aid and a garrison at Timkovichi.  But Lady Trillian knew precisely how to respond, and the civilians are being swayed."
"It was an intelligent reply," Stewart noted.  "She has studied our history quite well, and her point about the immorality inherent in most statecraft dulled the edge of their actions.  It doesn't help the Foxes have made clear that the Wolves are quite aggressive and likely would have turned on the Lyrans in some way at some point.  Nor were her words lost on His Majesty.  I think the King is still set on his course."
"I would celebrate his willingness to get his hands dirty if he was directing his energy at the right target." Arnold groused.  "The Empire is the enemy, not these Clans.  I don't care what Robert Halas-Liao says or does, nothing changes that fact.  The Federation will not be secure until the Imperial fleet is broken and Sirius, Procyon, and New Olympia are gained for the Federation."
Stewart nodded quietly.  "I am in concurrence, but we may benefit from more time as well.  Not to mention the buildup should we assist the Commonwealth."
"Ha!"  Arnold's laugh was harsh.  "I know you wish to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, sir, but any 'gain' we make will be offset by the need to support the Lyrans.  What good is it to mobilize if our best divisions are fighting a universe away?  Our factories may expand, but it'll go to replacing losses, not adding to our forces.  We'll be wasting away strength while the Empire's new battleships finish, and our opportunity will be passed.  And we both know they'll come for us sooner or later.  Even if the Dowager finally dies, her ambitions will live on.  We have to stop Nathaniel, Admiral, not find ways to just mitigate the damage he's going to cause."
"If we can, we will, but you know perfectly well we must be ready for any contingency.  Nor is the Lady Trillian entirely wrong; we would benefit from the Lyrans regaining their strength, so refusing any aid is counterproductive."
"I am not against keeping a strong garrison on Timkovichi, perhaps even a full regiment or division of aerospace.  And if we could involve ourselves with a limited force, well, I am all for it.  General Bridger's raid provided valuable intelligence as it is.  But Nathaniel wants to join the war in earnest.  Eighteen frontline units, sir, nearly a fifth of our strength!  It would be a disaster if something happened on the other side.  And what if the Glass closed?"
"Then we would make another one," Stewart remarked succinctly.  "Professor Whateley's research indicates it can be done, though it might take us time."
And our problems would return.  "Let's hope it doesn't come down to it.  Although if we had a connection to their Tharkad, it would make finding out what's going on over there easier, at least.  Lady Trillian's defense was well-spoken, but if this Archon Melissa rules in such a fashion, one imagines there are other matters that might be of interest to us, matters she undoubtedly wishes to keep secret."
"I am told our military intelligence people are seeking more information, perhaps they will find something."  Stewart lowered his voice.  "Control yourself better, Arnold.  I fear we have already given ourselves away thanks to Senator Zento, but your speaking out of turn gives Nathaniel reason to exclude you from later sessions.  I think Prince Peter and I can prevent that for now, but should you speak out of turn again…"
"I understand."
Arnold knew, and did not care, that his superior could tell that his understanding did not amount to acceptance.  "See you at the next session, then." the admiral replied before stepping out of the office.
We should all be on the Privy Council, Arnold fumed.  The damned Secretary of Education should not have a greater say in the Federation's governance than the Planning Staff or Military Intelligence!  The AFRF has too many responsibilities to be held hostage to these commoner politicians and their petty domestic agendas.
His eyes drifted towards the picture on his wall.  It was a photo portrait, not even a holo, of his father, Prince William, and his mother, Lady Hilda Bernstein of Westerstede.  He missed them terribly.  Father, I am trying, he thought.  Trying to bring things about, to make the Federation into the new Commonwealth.  It is so hard, though, so very hard… sometimes I just want to quit!  Leave these politicians and go back to Tharkad and enjoy my remaining decades in peace and quiet.  He drew in a breath.  But for you, and for all of those who dream of the rebirth of the Lyran Commonwealth here, the rebirth of House Steiner to its full dignity… I can't.  I have to duel with this boy king and his delusions, and my soft cousin, and all of this, but it is worth it.  You made that clear to me.
With that thought he turned to his reports.  Perhaps, if nothing else, the costs involved might sway Parliament against King Nathaniel's foolishness.
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===Heated Discussions===
With just over half an hour left, Nathaniel turned away from the clock in his office and towards his guests.  Speaker Soto of Uhuru, representing the Assembly, sat at ease in one couch, his dark skin a complement to the brown framing and light blue plushing, not to mention his own cream-colored business attire.  Across from him, Speaker Stuart of the Senate had a military posture fitting her AFRF experience.  Some strands of red still showed in her whitened hair, and her suit was cut almost to military perfection.
They were not the only Parliamentarians present, though.  Nigel Strong, the Senator of Arcturus, represented the Federation Defense League, the bloc of voters that most strongly supported military expansion.  Lady Yvette Gerhardt of Callisto represented the Concert bloc, as they were informally known, who opposed anything that threatened the Peace of Dieron.  Lord Duncan Steiner of Halfway, his world's Senator and the son of Archduchess Johanna Steiner (making him a very distant cousin of Nathaniel's), was the Corporate Bloc representative, while Assemblyman Thomas Ferros of Odessa represented the Labor Bloc.  Together these blocs controlled a majority of the votes of the Parliament, although they were hardly the overwhelming majority.  They were, rather, the ones most easily worked with.
"Today's Privy Council revelations aside, Majesty, the costs remain our greatest concern," said Speaker Soto, his English a standard accent from his homeworld.  "You are already talking about releasing fifty billion pounds worth of war material from the Strategic Reserve, just as a preliminary aid package.  Replacement stock would require fresh orders, and the budget was already set for the coming year."
"I am aware of the budget matters, Mister Speaker," Nathaniel said with some weariness.  "I poured over the figures myself with Lady Howard.  Adjustments could be made."
"Yet you would not make them before."  Senator Strong's voice matched his name.  "We tried to approve another order of battleships for the fleet and you stood against it.  Now you're fine with spending the money?"
"I made that decision before the Glass was made.  And more battleships would only escalate the decline of the Concert's hold on the Inner Sphere," Nathaniel pointed out.
"It would have eased the growing gap between our battleship fleet and those of our neighbors," Strong retorted.  "You'll begrudge every pound for our defense, but now you're opening the purse strings to help the Lyrans of the other Inner Sphere?"
"The Clans on the other side have proven an immediate threat."  Nathaniel tried not to sigh.  He could see why his grand-uncle groused about Parliament.
Technically he didn't need to subject himself to this.  As High King he held the power of peace and war and diplomacy.  If he signed the treaty, it was in force.  Technically.  But in truth, it was more complicated, given the way the Federation and the Free March before it were founded.  Parliament had the power of the purse, and could oppose a royally-invoked war or alliance by refusing to fund the war or the alliance's terms.  He had powers that could circumvent that, but on that road lay a constitutional crisis and domestic turmoil.
Lady Gerhardt spoke next.  "I would question the planned scope too, you are undoing the work your earlier stand made for peace.  Our neighbors may take the wrong message from this sudden talk of expanding our regiments."
Strong shot an annoyed look at Gerhardt.  Their worlds lay only a few jumps apart, but they might as well be on opposite sides of the Federation politically.
"I think you are both missing the greater issues at stake."  Lord Duncan spoke with less of a German accent than usual for a Steiner.  "Lady Trillian's economic concessions stand to benefit us greatly, for one, and our industries.  The economic disruptions in her Inner Sphere give us some space to operate.  I also hear there's a Clan of traders on the other side that we can do business with.  Securing the Glass and protecting it from the Clans would keep that trade link open."
"My bloc's position is simple; we oppose war profiteering, but we also want to protect our fellows on the other side."  Ferros glanced at Lord Duncan with bemusement.  "So I find myself in agreement with Lord Duncan, believe it or not.  The alliance could do with some tweaking but the core is sound.  I'd rather spend our workers' tax dollars on protecting other workers and stopping eugenicist fascists than building battleships, that's for sure."
"That's what the battleships would help do!" Strong protested.  "Think of your own workers here!  Or of those who slave under the batons of the Kuritas!  We have enough foes to fight here without running off into this other Inner Sphere!"
Gerhardt said nothing.  The Speakers exchanged exasperated looks.  Nathaniel fought off a grin; despite his own irritation, he was observing the strange irony that the Corporate and Labor blocs were in agreement, as were the Defense and Concert blocs.  Politics does make for strange bedfellows.
"The issue, Majesty, is votes," Stuart said.  Her Caledonian burr had something of a melodic tone to it lacking in either the soft Arcadian burr or the harsher Skye accent; it was almost an Irish lilt.  "Ye don't have them, not for this much.  The Senate fought enough over the last budget bill, bringing it back to adjust for this is not going to work."
"The Assembly is likewise not in the mood for more budget re-alignments," Soto warned.
"Then you would tie my hands," Nathaniel replied, taking the seat at his desk.  "Especially as time is going to be a factor here.  The Lyrans can't wait forever."
"You could give some aid without forcing a budget realignment," Lord Duncan proposed.  "And the AFRF budget does have contingency funding."
"Not enough, not nearly enough, for the campaign we'd need."  Nathaniel leaned against the desk.  "I need more."
"There won't be any more, any time soon.  Especially if you continue to insist on this foolish adventuring."  Strong crossed his arms.  Undoubtedly he thought the gesture was definitive or in some way striking.  Nathaniel was not so impressed.
"There is also the matter of your proposed nuptials," Lord Duncan said.  "Lady Sophia Marik as your Queen is quite a catch.  Has Archduke Kenneth approved?"
"It is pending, but likely." Nathaniel replied.  "Honestly, the more pressing issue—"
Duncan continued as if he hadn't spoken.  "There is the matter of the Principality of Atreus title too.  Would it be returned to the Mariks as part of this marriage?  Obviously your heir will hold it, but I imagine the Archduke would like to gain equal status to House Umayr and House Brewer."  Behind him, Assemblyman Ferros rolled his eyes, showing what Nathaniel thought to be an appropriate, classically commoner sense on the matter of titles.
"That is being discussed."  He has mentioned it, and I honestly think it's about time, but it's got to be approved with the Protocol Office and the Trust first.  "Could the Parliament at least consider an emergency funding measure for aid to the Lyran Commonwealth?  For the requested loans at least."
"I hope His Grace Archduke Fhyne will be invited to the wedding." Strong said.
"Enough of this," Stuart sighed.  Her light green eyes focused intently on Nathaniel.  "Majesty, right now, we don't have the votes for this.  Ye either need to get the populace to back this alliance, or find a way to persuade Parliament's majority of the need, or ye're going to have to scale back your plans for this alliance.  There's really nothing else to say about this."  As if to emphasize that point she shot glares at Duncan and Strong.  They each closed their mouths.
"Thank you for your candor, Madame Speaker."  Checking the time again, Naathaniel stood.  "Prince Peter will be reconvening the Council shortly, so it's time I returned.  I will see the rest of you at some point in the future, that I can promise you."
In his mind, he added, And God as my witness, I am going to get those votes, with or without you.
===Fear of Trillian===
The Triad
Tharkad City, Tharkad
Donegal Province
Lyran Commonwealth
15th December, 3142
There was a commotion at the door to Leutenant-General Maurer's office that the old officer could only sigh at, especially as he recognized the bellowing voice outside even before it reminded his secretary and aide-de-camp that "I am the Archon!"  He set his papers down and keyed the intercom.  "Let him in."
Vedet stormed into the room in a huff.  "It was a mistake to let her go!" he roared.  "She's run off!"
"Lady Trillian, I presume?" Maurer asked.  "Where?"
"She went through the Glass into the other Inner Sphere!"  Vedet dropped a noteputer onto Maurer's desk.  The report came from a Lyran news service with a correspondent on Timkovichi, noting Lady Trillian's arrival and the widespread knowledge of her mission.
So she seeks alliance with the Arcadians.  I applaud that.  We need them.
"Now she's on the loose, and we have no means to remain in contact with the Archon's Fist, no means to control her." Vedet continued.  "She will plot to usurp me, she may even persuade the Arcadians to do it for her!  We have to take measures."Bold
Maurer folded his hands on his desk.  "What measures do you suggest?"
"It's time to end this charade.  Inform the populace that Melissa is no longer fit to lead.  That I am the new Archon.  Give me the means to build my legitimacy in the Commonwealth so that I can repudiate Trillian!"
Of course.  He grasps for the power before circumstances with the Wolves might yet rob him of it.  If only we'd had another candidate who wasn't loyal to Melissa… "More likely Lady Trillian is doing the task we set her out to do, as I've said before, gaining us the allies we need to survive."  He didn't bring up the reports that he knew Vedet was aware of.  Falcon strikes continuing here and there, mostly to jockey for who was to become Khan, and it would only grow worse as time went on.  And the Wolves were undiminished as a threat, with their ships already prowling around the border systems given the latest reports.  They will come for us very soon.
"You do not take the threat seriously," Vedet accused.  "She is loyal to Melissa first and foremost.  Whatever she does, it will be to bring her cousin back, not to work for us!"
"If she steps out of her bounds, it will be dealt with." Maurer said.  "I did not let her go without ensuring matters, Duke Vedet.  I was just more subtle about it."
"You assume it will be enough.  That she will not win the—"
The red light came on Maurer's intercom box, accompanied by a loud tone that cut off Vedet's tirade.
He swallowed.  That meant more than just a report, or a high priority message.  Something, somewhere, was wrong.
Vedet eyed the light and then Maurer, challenging him to answer.  Maurer did so without a word.  "Speak."
"General, we just received a communique by the emergency relay," his chief of staff said, referencing the JumpShip relays that were their inadequate replacement for the failed HPGs.  "Wolf forces have landed in great number on Gallery.  They came by pirate point and struck with little warning.  We can confirm the presence of both Khan Ward and Galaxy Commander Wolf with their best units, as many as four galaxies, maybe five."
Maurer swallowed.  His heart fluttered.  Damn that Alaric Wolf, and damn Melissa for thinking we could control them! "Thank you.  I will meet with the High Command at the earliest possible time.  That is all."  He hit the intercom key again to close the transmission.  "The Wolves anticipated our strategy.  They struck our counter-attack reserves first."
"You made the same error Melissa did!" Vedet charged.
"They must be scraping soldiers from every source imaginable to have the means to launch these attacks," Maurer said.  "And I'll note that you were the one who insisted Anastasia Kerensky's Wolf Hunters would prevent this from happening, Archon Vedet!  You have as much to lose as we."
That remark hit home rather well.  Vedet was counting on a reputation of stopping the Wolves; this was not going to help that.
"If we are to rally, we must put all our strength into getting our troops off of Gallery," Maurer said.  "The 1st Royal Guards and 1st Hesperan should be committed."
It wasn't the initial instinctive frown that warned Maurer of what was to come.  It was the second reaction, the thoughtful one, the flash in Vedet's eyes that told him his "acting Archon" saw an opportunity.  "Then we should dispense with half-hearted measures as well.  Confirm me as Archon.  Publicly.  Have the entire High Command provide the statement on what has happened and put their full support behind me."
"In these circumstances?  The people would see through it, especially when news of the defeats are coming in."  Maurer frowned.  "Do you care so little for the survival of this Commonwealth, Brewer?  Are you going to play for power in these circumstances, put your desires above the needs of the Commonwealth?"
A deep, throaty laugh was the reply.  "Oh, get over yourself, General!" Vedet retorted.  "You knew what you were signing on for when you supported me.  But you'd lost faith in Melissa and I was your only alternative.  But now you wish to quibble?"  He leaned forward.  "Coward. Every last one of you is a coward!  You wanted minimal exposure for yourselves and hoped I would be the  one to take all the danger!  Well, that is not happening!  If you want my troops, commit to my status.  Name me Archon and dispose of Melissa!  Or you get nothing.  I am not going to expose myself to Melissa's partisans for your benefit alone, Maurer!"  With that Vedet stood.  "Either I am Archon and Melissa Steiner is dead, or the Hesperan Guards remain where they are.  The choice is yours."  Without a further word, he stomped from the room.
Maurer closed his eyes and rubbed at his temples.  A tension headache was already setting in, and moving on to a full-blown migraine.  Fools.  We are all fools.  And the Commonwealth is paying the price. His mind went to their troops on Gallery, thrust onto the frontlines when they were preparing to embark to reinforce other units.  They would feel betrayed, and rightly so, but there was nothing he could do.  They could not restore Melissa. Not without breaking the unity of the LCAF, but he could not give Vedet her head and the Archonship without the same result. And so the Wolves may devour us all.
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EMCOTS 20