"Lord-Consul Jafaarsan, when we let Osric go off like that, we all knew there would be consequences." Secretary-General Karl Von Kahshaar, probably the second most powerful man in the Republic, after the Consul, and head of the all-knowing Information Secretariat, spoke this in an aside as he ritually showered himself in the ablutions room of the senatorial baths. "Of course, Von Kahshaar, I knew it, I still know it, but our choices were few. At least now he's out of our hair largely, and away from a direct influence on public life. Give him a few years, and he'll die an old hero's death." The Secretary-General of the Information Secretariat look at the Pro-Consul, weighing his words carefully in the space of a split-second as they both walked down into the steam-filled bathing room. "This whole affairs has great ramifications, short and long term. If he succeeds in helping a Republican party come to power, more glory to him. But if he doesn't, then Taltherani relations with us shall be greatly sowered. If he returns or is forced to return to Kaeir, those hot-headed youth in the Tal Legion shall become bitter and angry men back here in our cities, and Basiluddin's influence shall truly outlive his death." "I suggest we allow Lord-Commander Fitzlyri to continue to support Basiluddin with supplies from Crownsbane Keep. If unrest breaks out in Saltrim, we can secure the Taltherani borderlands below Saltrim on behalf of the legitimate Taltherani government. If Basiluddin starts to weaken, or if the royalists gain the upper hand, then we can use to satisfy whoever comes into power in Tal City", Von Kahshaar finished, as he slowly sunk his body into the almost scalding water of his bath. "From an intelligence perspective, this conflict is draining on my Secretariat's resources. Peace in the north would let me deal with growing dangers from foreign spies from the neighbouring powers, and an assortment of other concerns, from increasing our influence amongst these weak coastal city-states on the northern Midsea to our fledgeling colonial interests. There is even suggestion by some of my researchers that some usefulness may exist in Basiluddin's mad mental-science project, but I lack the resources to investigate. So many of my field officers are in Tirmaeir or in Taltheran, instead of investigating more critical things such as security in Port Kaeir or Kahshaartown, or our nearby interests in Jabau or the Rimriver." "Indeed Secretary General, indeed", Jafaarsan said stroking his meagre silver-flecked beard, lounging back in his own bath. "Focus for now on the situation in Taltheran, and once we reach a point where we are able to extract ourselves as painlessly as possible, do so. For now, watch the fortunes of Saltrim and the royalists. Keep supporting Basiluddin through your field officers, and double that effort should his position becomes stronger. If it reverses, start to pull out and negotiate a settlement with the royalists." "Secondly, Lord-Consul, there is the matter of the Rimriver settlement. Captain Talaan, 3rd Captain of the colonial triumvirate and of the Commerce Secretariat, arrived yesterday in the capital. He supplemented my man's report on the progress of the colony with the news of the successful establishment of trading ties with these mountain folk in the Rim. The "Ban Horroth". Aside from the trade benefit, which I shall leave the Commerce-Secretariat to explain, there is immense political potential in this new trading partner. We possess superior technology and organisation, and could use this to gain greater economic leverage in the northern Midsea, and to alter the political landscape of the NE Midsea." Jafaarsan stirred from his bath, his face clearer for a minute amongst the steam of the senatorial baths. "How so? And why would we want such a thing?" "Because, O Lord-Consul, two allies on the NW Midsea is better than one, and assisting them to grow and expand would undermine the neighbouring states, thereby making it easier for us to dominate the NW navally, and thus commercially. I speak here of Milakanur and Aixelsydan, two relatively easy targets for us to focus on." "Would not Mir and Taltheran interfere?" "I think not. Taltheran's fleet has not been used for many years, and has not been maintained. Neglect has reduced their capabilities, and continual unrest even more so. As for Mir, these regions are not part of their sphere of interest, and would be of no concern." "Karl!", roared Jafaarsan in laughter, "If you were not so dedicated to your Information Secretariat, I would fear you for your ambition. If you put your mind to it, you could be far more dangerous than anyone in Kaeir! May He Who Is One help any spymaster from the East or the West who messes with you.." "And on personal matters, Sanus my friend, what can you tell me of this Millat faith of yours?" ================================ Confidentiality Statement and Disclaimer ================================ This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and contains information that is privileged and confidential. If you, the reader of this message, are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return email and delete the original message. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
