The Imperial Embassies and High Imperial Offices -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
These offices, paneled in dark wood tones, convey a sense of businesslike affluence. A large wrap-around reception desk confronts visitors and channels traffic to a waiting area where deep and comfortable chairs invite the visitor and filmbooks are available for viewing. These halls, effectively the Executive Offices of the Imperium, are where the work of the Imperium is done. One can only wonder at what decisions and directions have been decided within these walls. A RECEPTIONIST sits behind the reception desk, seemingly occupied with other matters.
Objects:
The Imperial Receptionist
Exits:
Wooden Door <E> leads to Office of the Imperial Chancellor -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
Grand Double Doors <N> leads to Imperial Conference Room -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
Opaque Door <W> leads to Hall of Emperors -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
The Imperial Receptionist quickly rises from her chair, curtseys, offers a warm smile and says, "A pleasure to see you again Lady Justine."
You knock on the Wooden Door <E>.
From Office of the Imperial Chancellor -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain), a masculine voice shouts, "Come in!"
You walk through the Wooden Door.
Office of the Imperial Chancellor -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
The Lord Chancellor's office serves as the nerve center of the Imperium. All communications and orders to the various departments of the Imeprial government pass through here on their way toward their destination. As befits the magnitude of the work carried on here, no expense has been spared in its appointments. A plush Gamont rug covers the teak flooring. The walls are of finely embossed marble. Recessed wall sconces display priceless portraits of great CHANCELLORS of the past and other works of art.
A massive mahogany DESK dominates the interior of the room with a high-backed leather chair behind. Two smaller leather chairs stand before the desk and in one corner is a sitting area made up of a settee and two chairs. A priceless antique coffee service decorates the sitting area. BOOKSHELVES on the north wall store display a series of hundreds of identical red-bound leather volumes--the Great Convention and its countless commentaries from the millenia.
All in all the room conveys a sense of quiet dignity, and efficiency reflecting its current occupant and the tradition he serves.
Players:
Cromwell
Exits:
Wooden Door <W> leads to The Imperial Embassies and High Imperial Offices -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
Cromwell sits at his desk going over a stack of reports. There seems to be a particularly large file that he has spread open before him and a volume of the Code of Kaitain is craked open at his left hand. A somewhat neglected cup fo sapho-melange tea sits infront of the Chancellor, who stands as the Lady Garamond-Lear enters, "Ah, Marquise. To what do I owe this unexpected suprise."
Justine's head shakes as she waves a hand in the air to dismiss the formalities, "No, please. No need for formalities and I would appreciate it if you addressed me as either Lady Garamond...or, if you must...Lady Garamond-Lear. But I do not want to be referred to by that damned title."
Cromwell smiles, "Very well, Lady Garamond-Lear." He gestures toward a chair, "Please have a seat and tell me what I may do for you."
Justine nods with a smile, "Thank you." She takes the seat offered and sighs heavily, "Well, I've had an interesting day. How about yourself? Seems you have suddenly become quite a popular man and I'm afraid, not in a good way. I entertained Count Cesare Moritani, Earl Mikhail Rastanyev and Lord Admiral Pers Eskilsen in your place."
Cromwell raises an eyebrow, "My, my you have been busy. Perhaps I should offer you a position on my staff? I don't suppose I could persuade you to devuldge what these meetings earned in the way of information?"
Justine chuckles lightly at the offer, "If I thought you were serious, I might seriously consider it. But as it stands, yes, I'll divulge some of the information. After all, most of it was done in the main foyer, then later taken to the Alvstad Estate."
Cromwell nods and takes on a more serious expression, "I can probably guess what the topic revolved around."
Justine grows serious as well, nodding slightly, "I must admit, I was quite shocked with all I've heard. Ever since I returned to the Palace, I have not kept up on the events of Kaitain." She shrugs a little, "I guess that's my fault. Just surprised me that I was /this/ unaware, though. Things appear to becoming rather drastic. You have seriously upset and disgruntled Siridar's and you have nobles believing it's best and safest to flee Kaitain, even trying to encourage others to do so."
Cromwell squints and rubs the bridge of his nose. He appears to be very tired and you notice a small try with a used stimulate peaking out from under one of the files which litter his desk. Now that there is a better view it is appearant that the large folder deals with the one pressing issue of the moment, "Yes indeed madame, we are living in interesting times."
Justine nods a little, "If you wish to fool yourself into calling it interesting, then that's your right. However, I consider it more along he lines of dangerous times." Her head shakes, "I'm not just referring to the alleged violence of the Caid, but the whole aftermath. As much as the Earl Rastanyev is wanting to hold off this 'evacuation' plan, it is still being considered as a last resort. And in some cases, it's already in affect." She frowns a little, "Vincent, we both know that Kaitain cannot survive without all of the Great Houses here....just as the Great Houses cannot survive without the Imperium." Her head then quickly shakes, "I'm not saying that the Emperor nor you should give in, exactly. But....well.....emotions are extremely high and tense and when it's in that state, noone can think clearly. All I ask is that the Imperium keeps an open ear, open mind and clear views."
Cromwell nods almost sadly, "Justine, let me be honest. I want nothing more than to find a resolution to this situation which is acceptable to all involved. Personally I am sypathetic to the Landsraad's postition, as is I belive the Emperor. However it is my duty to protect the intrests of the Crown. To put it bluntly, the Emperor cannot appear to cave in on this issue. The Lion Throne must maintain the right to discipline the Sardaukar. Let me assure you, Major Alexander /will/ be punished but it must at least appear like it is the Emperor who is doing the punishment."
Justine's head shakes, "I'm not saying that the Emperor should have to cave in or even fake caving in. However, the statement that was released was extremely harsh. It insulted a lot of people, making them feel as if they aren't important to the Imperium, which we both know isn't true. I'm trying my best to help reassure the Siridars....my friends....that it was a misunderstanding on their parts but they are extremely upset. And it isn't over just this one issue, it seems. From what I've been hearing and what I know of personally, the Caid hasn't exactly been Noble friendly either. The release made it appear that the Emperor does not believe that his precious Caid has done any wrong and believes him to be more important then the Great Houses." She frowns, "Again, I know this isn't true. But emotions are running high and people are reading too much into things because of it. The statement was a bit harsh."
Cromwell takes a deep breath, "I see." You see him reach to a small console on his desk and push a button. "That deactivated the various recording devices which have been implanted in this room. I am 98.67 certain that no others have been planted without my detection, but I am willing to risk it. Madame, the statement issued was drawn up per the direct instructions of the Emperor. I had hoped that it was clear that 1. The Caid had been removed from duty. 2. An investigation has been luanched by me personally. 3. Any and all complaints should be brought to my attention. The other section of the announcment simple put forth the rights that any House major would claim over its own affairs. Despite Lochinvar's actions the recent security messures have been effective in reducing crime and addressing the original issues raised by the incindent at the Imeprail Hotel."
Justine sighs, "Problem is that there have been more incidents then the two, Vincent. Like I said, I personally know that the Caid hasn't always conducted himself properly and hasn't acted appropriately towards Nobles. You know how lienent I am where titles and such are concerned, but he actually got so out of hand that I had to threaten to have his tongue removed if he wasn't more careful with it. I'll take a good deal of inappropriateness, but there is a line and it seems that the Caid has crossed it too many times. But believe me, you're about to get swamped with complaints, they were lined up outside just earlier. However, I will tell you this as well.....they are concerned that the Emperor, even though he claims he will serve punishment, that he will also be far too gentle on the Caid, perhaps even pardoning his crimes and sins of Landsraad. It is what they fear that drives them now, because they are uncertain. Again, I am trying what I can to appease them, but I thought you should be warned. I like you and like me, you're caught in the middle of this fiasco, trying to make everyone happy."
Cromwell smiles wrily, "I think that the good citizens of Kaintain may be remarkably suprised at the level of punishement that the Caid recieves. The Emperor also appreciates the delicate situation he is in and will be more than happy to prove his mettle across the Caids back. My concern is that the hotter heads within the Landsraad will carry out their threat of evacuation before I have a chance to compile my report."
Justine nods with a small smile, "I'll make you a deal, Vincent. If you keep me posted on the Caid's situation. As far as, information that I can 'leak' out, then I promise to use that information to keep the evacuation from happening. You know that I am on good terms with nearly every Siridar in Kaitain and that I could ask them to wait and they probably would. Let me help both you and the Emperor, please."
Cromwell nods, "That sounds like an excellent idea. Perhaps you could also provide me with some concrete examples of the Caids inappropriate behavior it will hasten a satisfactory outcome? You mentioned that you had wittnessed some events, might you be able to provide some sort of affidavit or testimony towards that effect?"
Justine nods again, her smile widening some, "We have a deal then. You know I only want what's best for everyone, especially the Emperor." She chuckles a little, "However, you seem more tired then I am right now. Perhaps you can finally get some rest, knowing that things are somewhat better. I'll speak with the Siridar's tomorrow and then let you know their reactions."
Cromwell smiles with genuine warmth, "Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I am sure I look a total mess right now. I am affraid I have missed a few nights sleep since this matter began, and have been compensating with the various stimulants I can manage to pry out of the Suk's grasping little fingers. I think that I will take your advice and gear up for the Landsraad meeting I hear is in the works."
Justine returns the warm, soft smile and speaks gently, "You're most welcome, Vincent. After all, you would do the same for me, if I were in need. You have before. Now go, rest up and leave everything to me."
Cromwell smiles and stands, "After this is all over I'm going to owe you so start thinking what favor you are going to ask for."
Justine grins and winks teasingly, "Send the Sardaukar's out to destroy the Thorgod's so I can get back what belongs to me and rebuild House Garamond?" Even though she's kidding, there's a hint of truth and sadness to it. It's obviously a dream of hers, a dream that she knows will never become a reality.
Cromwell senses the ironic tone in the voice but turns serious anyway, "Perhaps it could be arranged." He then lightens up and smiles, "Feel free to stop by anytime so we can keep each other posted."
Justine nods as she stands and says, "You likewise and again, thank you." She smiles and dips a curtsey before leaving.
Cromwell bows formally, "Good day to you your grace."