Post by The Master Tactician on Mar 2, 2013 23:35:31 GMT -5
The slightest of smirks narrowed the Grand General's eyes, crinkled his crows feet, mirthless, calculating. He drew a single folder from atop his pile of materials and tucked it somewhat ostentatiously beneath the rest, blazing gaze fixed upon the machinist all the while. "Very well. Your materials will arrive promptly. I'll expect the project to be completed in the allotted timeframe. Mind all the specifications. Each is of utmost importance."
He addressed a nearby manservant. "Escort the Herald out," then returned his attention to the remaining guests.
Viktor simply nodded his head to the Grand General, the only one he gave this gesture to this evening, as he picked up the folder he was given earlier and turned towards the door. The manservant tried to approach him, but the Machine Herald merely leveled a grim glare at him, causing him to stop in his tracks. The servant shook slightly as it looked as though he would crumble under Viktor's gaze, but the machinist simply turned his attention to the door and went over to it. Once he reached it, he paused for just the briefest of moments, turning slightly to look back at Swain one last time.
"Though I will build your weapons and the likes for you, Jericho Swain, do not delude yourself into believing that our relationship is anything beyond that of business associates. I have no concern for Noxus or its fate, nor do I have any concern for the fate of Zaun itself either. My one and only concern is progress, and my highest priority is the Glorious Evolution. Nothing else bears any significance to me, and I will only do what I must to ensure that I can achieve my goal - for all of Valoran to embrace the Glorious Evolution, to become one with technology and cast away the weakness of their organic biology."
And with those cryptic words, the Machine Herald pushed open the door and stepped through the threshold. No sooner had he stepped out than a pair of guards stationed outside the dining hall approached him, insisting, rather fearlessly, that they escort him out. So as Viktor followed them through the corridors, his mind pondered over the stability of this venture he had involved himself in. He now questioned just how beneficial to the Glorious Evolution his subservience to the will of the Mad Chemist and Chairman truly was. Only time would tell what results, if any, he would gain from this path.
Post by Chairman Magnus Dunderson on Mar 3, 2013 0:15:27 GMT -5
Magnus was evaluating the possibilities and the difficulties of such a monolithic task as creating a central military in a place like Zaun. Then the tension rose to stratospheric levels when Viktor tried to leave the table and Swain ordered him to stay. The authoritarian tone of voice of the grand general made even Magnus feel paralyzed for a second and even feel relieved when Singed finally spook up breaking the silence. Only to have the herald leave the meeting early. “Em…Yes you will receive support not only from me but from Singed but even there the Zaunite idiosyncrasy would make it difficult to say the least.”
Sometimes a man does not sell his soul for profit. Sometimes it’s just to not lose everything.
Post by The Master Tactician on Mar 3, 2013 1:35:58 GMT -5
The Grand General offered a gracious half-smile, perhaps bemused by his guest's outward display of impertinence--his proclamation of fervent single-mindedness. How charmingly flagrant.[/size][/color] The guards took up their posts escorting Viktor and the servant followed in their wake, as commanded. There were none of this household who dared to disobey, despite their misgivings. Whatever passing threat the machinist posed, their master could double with a wave of his gnarled hand.
On to more pertinent matters. "Fifteen million valors, yes. The projected expenses call for eight million from Zaun and seven million from Noxus--as we presume to be providing more than our share of the manpower while Zaun organizes its homeland defenses." Swain spoke as though the Herald's brief display had never happened, his tone and expression those of a practiced politician: composed, purposeful.
"Oh, a rose garden! And here I thought this place was an endless, expensively decorated labyrinth. Lead on then!"
Caerys decided to be a little playful and had the girl by the arm for a few seconds, having her guide them to the gardens- though in some ways she could feel her way to open spaces. With a little prodding she would eventually get Miranda to lead them to the garden.
As befitted any lavish palace, the garden area was a wide area where inhabitants could get fresh, scented air. Orderly patches of ground were decorated with fencing to accommodate flower bushes, while benches aplenty allowed seating. Caerys takes off her high heels to feel the ground with her feet, and took in the garden, the feeling of freedom and comfort so near yet still so far.
She looked at Miranda once more. "My this is definitely much better, don't you think?" She looked about, deciding to be a bit snoopy and peek inside the windows- though if told not to do so she's stop.
Miranda blushes as Caerys takes her by the arm, uncertain how to handle the situation as she leads her down the myriad twisting halls. It was certainly very unusual to have a noblewoman do things like this so casually, but she knew better than to object- she was a very well-trained girl.
"I- I agree, though you shouldn't be looking in there-" She's clearly very uncertain about the whole situation; she doesn't know what the matron might do if she's caught breaking standard protocol.
---
Meanwhile, Alexis has made sure she's nothing more than a piece of furniture, at this point. She doesn't want to attract the notice of anyone, right now, especially not the General. His voice is cool, calm, and collected- but underneath it seems to rest anger at Viktor's behavior.
The maid doesn't blame him for that... but she doesn't want to be on the receiving end of whatever might happen when he releases it.
Post by The Mad Chemist on Mar 3, 2013 18:00:28 GMT -5
“I don’t see any reason to objection that after all Noxus has more than enough “man power” now let’s talk about the protection of the workers. Mind if Zaun cooperates with that? I want this to be as much of a Zaunite project as a Noxian one.” Singed fell silent for a moment evaluating the situation before speaking further. “I will have personal of my own company help with the protection of the workers if you don’t mind.”“Speaking about alliances how are the relationships of Noxus and Bilgewater? They could benefit and be of benefit for all of us here. Maybe you could invite…who was in charge of Bilgewater? Gangplank and Sara Fortune? Maybe you could invite them to the next meeting…and give me an envelope with instructions for the herald to give him to him after it.”
Post by The Master Tactician on Mar 5, 2013 21:31:45 GMT -5
The Grand General curled his fist before his shroud, silent as Singed spoke. Gleaming crimson eyes fixed upon yellow, observing, as always--astute. The final note of semi-curiosity with which Singed referred to Viktor's commission caused the flicker of a smirk to pass over Swain's wilted features. "Not to worry. He has received everything necessary to his execution of the project," he answered simply.
Servants approached the table. Graciously, discreetly, they replaced the main course dishes with custards, fresh berries, a glistening cheesecake and a delicate platter of truffles. Swain turned his head over his shoulder to clear his throat, his fist still clenched before his shroud out of polite habit. He righted himself, then continued briskly as dessert was set out before them. "We will, of course, not refuse your offer to fortify defenses." His blazing gaze snapped to the chairman who, as easily influenced as he was, still officially made executive decisions for Zaun. "If the council does not object." The servants finished their re-dressing of the table with a half-dozen coffee mugs.
"As for Bilgewater, such an alliance is already in the works. The port-city's politics are a slightly delicate matter--but nothing we cannot navigate. Expect them to have representation at our next soiree." Finished addressing Singed's points, he drew out a long piece of parchment, heavy with the scrawled words of an official treaty. The Grand General drew his thumb over a single line of the page. A purple glow beneath his withered digit erased the words it illuminated. Then, with a concise grasping motion, he drew the two severed paragraphs together.
Slowly, with the mahogany table as leverage, he rose, offering the declaration of allegiance across the table to Magnus Dunderson. The document detailed the arrangement of Zaun's military forces, the supervision of their training under General Girard Laurentine III, the construction of the railway, the strengthening of trade bonds and the burdens-shared policy of wartime allies. It was upon this final point that The Master Tactician now touched. "You will note--this is very important--that our compact will allow for Zaun to call upon Noxus' reinforcements in dire times of need. And for Noxus to call upon Zaun's likewise. Henceforth we stand together: a united front. This is the strongest course of action for our two great nations." Blazing eyes fell on each of the table members in turn, canny. A servant approached Chairman Magnus Dunderson with an ink pen offered from a black, velvet-lined case. Finally, the general's fiery scrutiny came to rest upon the official before whom his treaty now lay. "We hope you concur."
Post by Chairman Magnus Dunderson on Mar 6, 2013 19:16:02 GMT -5
Magnus took the papers and thoroughly reviewed them with great care he was used to find any type of small print on many contracts and “tricky” clauses and this one seemed “clean”. It could mean that the trap was in fact on the terms of the contract but even then the terms seemed fair and logic. Magnus rejected that “bad feeling” he was having decisions of such magnitude should be taken with the head not with the guts. Magnus signed the papers and the deal was done for good or for bad for progress of for brutality. “Now if you excuse I believe that I should retire to. To meet the death line I will need to work since day 0.” He said asking to permission to his host to take his leave.
Post by The Master Tactician on Mar 6, 2013 21:23:14 GMT -5
The servant respectfully retrieved the pen and page from Magnus Dunderson and passed them along to Darius, whose signature would also be required. "You may take your leave after the signing is complete," Swain replied evenly. "I'll not hold you longer. There is indeed much work to be done."
He folded his hands over his cane. Crimson eyes watched The Hand of Noxus as he'd review the document; everything read precisely as discussed (minus any official allowances for Viktor.)
Post by The Hand of Noxus on Mar 6, 2013 22:04:20 GMT -5
The General spoke up, the first time he had since the meeting had begun. With Viktor gone, Darius felt more willing to talk during the meeting. The fact that Darius had even tolerated someone as arrogant and weak as Viktor was a testament to his patience.
“These are troubling times. The release of the Burning Vengeance and The Eternal Nightmare. The encroaching Void threat, the incompetence of the Institute of War. Gentlemen, these are very real threats and it is important to have our bases covered.”
His words were stated as the chairman signed and the papers were passed along to Darius. He quickly reviewed the document and found everything in order. Nothing was altered or made muddy. His fingers grasped the pen and he neatly signed in the designated spot. With but a glance of his eyes he indicated that the signing on his end was done and that the rest of the papers could be passed along to the last chairman.
“With stronger ties we will ensure that both Noxus and Zaun rise.”
Post by The Master Tactician on Mar 7, 2013 22:01:59 GMT -5
Head bowed low, the servant retrieved the signed document from General Darius and placed it respectfully before Grand General Swain. With a brief glance over the signatures provided, Swain added his own upon the final line, then tucked the original document back into his case. "Indeed," he affirmed The Hand's sentiment. "You will receive official copies of our agreement for the rest of the council in a few days' time, Chairman."
Still standing, he addressed the nearest maid, the same girl of poised silence who had escorted Caerys from the dining hall. "Retrieve the Chemist's escort from the lounge that she might join us for dessert." Slowly, arduously, he lowered himself back into his chair. Despite the bounty of delicacies upon the table, his plate remained bare.
Post by Alexis 'Mute' Lindser on Mar 7, 2013 22:40:33 GMT -5
Alexis hides her surprise at being addressed directly by the Grand General, and nods, bowing low before leaving the room. Someone as skilled as he might notice it, however- the slight tension in her shoulders, the barest widening of the eyes, seen only as a movement of her eyebrows, since her gaze was cast to the floor.
As she walks purposefully down the hall, her chest swells a little. Heh- if only Daddykins could see me now. I'm working under the Grand General, and he's... probably still drinking in a hole in the wall.
With that sour thought in her mind, she opens the door to the smoking lounge, and... finds Caerys and Miranda both gone. Oh no... She knows Miranda would ordinarily follow procedure, and hopefully, she wouldn't take the woman anywhere off-limits.
The woman came here with Singed as a guest, so either she's a noblewoman or a consort. She probably wanted to see the place, and the only place other than this that would be allowed would be the rose garden. I'll have to hurry there.
So, she does hurry, hiking her dress up above her knees as she near-runs through the halls, keeping a hand on her ponytail to make sure no strands of hair fly loose.
Caerys took in the garden for all it was worth, and was ready to get back to the lounge. She stepped back into the hall and saw Alexis running towards the garden.
"Oh, slow down there, dear. You're liable to trip yourself. Was I missed?"
Post by Alexis 'Mute' Lindser on Mar 7, 2013 23:51:13 GMT -5
Alexis nods, blushing a bit from the run, and makes a face at Miranda, taking out her paper to write a quick note.
'Ma'am, you're wanted at dinner; they're about to do desserts, and the Chemist asked for you.'
The rest of the walk back is occupied by the mute girl scribbling notes at Miranda, who seems chastised, though not overly so. As they arrive back, Alexis tucks the paper back into her pocket, a soundless sigh escaping her lips.
Caerys followed the girl back to the dining hall, not wanting unnecessary trouble for the servants. She entered with her arms around Alexis's arm, smiling rather cheerily at the attending members. She took her seat and spoke to Singed, until someone else addressed her.
"Was I missed? Ah, but what are we having for dessert then..."
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