Quarterly High Command Meeting

The Master Tactician's signature mask of poise remained undisturbed as his generals issued their agreements and concerns. He held up a gnarled hand to Theun that he might first issue his own statement. Addressing Agammond, he rasped, "One does wonder how Kassadin's opinion on the Institute may have changed due to recent events. The League did not permit him to slay Malzahar when he might have done so--apparently to disastrous effect." Luminous eyes narrowed in an expression of shrewdness. A single, gruff nod to Agammond indicated his accordance on this point. "Summoners will attempt contact with him this afternoon."

The Grand General's hand then arced in a permissive gesture. His blazing gaze snapped to the pistolier. "Proceed."

Darius examined the device thoroughly, it wasn’t the first time he’d seen it though this was the first time he had an in depth look. When the Hand of Noxus was satisfied with his examination he wordlessly passed it to Maria who sat adjacent from him.

“While I do not doubt General Blackwind’s abilities to handle herself or the Ionian situation, replacing her with Theun may prove more beneficial in the long run. The Noxian and Ionian war is still fresh in the countries mind and sending a Noxian High Commander who has such strong ties to Zaun. It is likely Ionia will not want to see us but by not flaunting anything that could tie to Zaun’s havoc in the war.” There was a pause.

“Ultimately, the Grand General will decide and my opinion is nothing against my fellow High Commander. This is just something to be considered.”

Andre's face hid nothing. He disliked this idea. He was not the silver tongue, but he would try to be polite.

"I respectfully disagree with Darius and Decavian. Maria's forces are already in place. Leave her in command. First of all, soldiers dislike change in command and will be less efficient. Secondly, Maria knows the lay of the land, and how the natives are in the AO. Replacing her means reading someone in and reintroducing ourselves to the locals. Sending in a fresh General might aid negotiations, but they will hurt morale of everyone in our AO and that is a signal for our foes to strike them and evict them. When I lost my ear, I didn't leave because I knew better than to abandon my troops. I was not relieved of duty, so why not let her stay? I understand that it was a different general and a different time, but there was good reason to take me off the front for at least a week or two to recover. But to simply say she is cyborg and thus more of a threat? I doubt the Ionians will see a cyborg woman with an injured arm as much of a threat compared to their Champions who will most definitely be at that meeting. They have a plan for however we send, be it me, Decavian, Darius, Zorn, or Swain himself. I don't give a rat's ass who goes because they will take offense to our being on their homeland, but Maria is currently leading the troops there with no issue that I am aware of besides the expected, so let her continue to do so.

Just to explore all options, but maybe we should host these talks on neutral ground with a mediator, to show our willingness to hear out their case without the political dance of who we send and how many forces we send. I am sure there is a nation Ionia won't take offense to visiting to talk about this. Piltover should be neutral enough for us both. Didn't take part in the war, and they are not our allies, but not our foes."

Andre turned his head to Swain. "Your decision of course, Sir."

The Grand General listened on in silence as those around the table exchanged opinions, withered hands clasped before his chest, crimson eyes ablaze with calculating purpose. He remained completely still but for the flame-like flicker of his eyes—until General Bleakwood mentioned a neutral meeting place, to which he gave a single nod of acknowledgement. General Laurentine’s address reiterated his own plans: a blessing for this curse; to prepare, to protect, to unify. “That is the general idea,” he affirmed, proceeding to offer another gruff nod at the suggestion of summoner clairvoyance for a preventative measure. The cryomancer was one of very few High Commanders over whom the Master Tactician’s palpable impatience did not hover like a stormcloud. Indeed, crimson eyes flared with somber admonishment as the pistolier spoke of removing a problematic figure.

“Be quiet,” Swain snapped to Agammond and Theun. His burning gaze affixed upon the latter, who remained standing after his flamboyant, silver-tongued display. “And for Noxus’ sake, sit down. Your eagerness to serve your country is evident, but now is not the time for your plots. Now is the time for your cooperation. You will receive your own assignment shortly.”

The Master Tactician’s jaw clenched behind his shroud. “General Blackwind’s troops occupy Zed’s province for the safety of his people and the preservation of his order. Her forces were chosen for their loyalty,” Swain shot Blackwind a subtle, yet purposeful glance, “their resourcefulness and their combat experience. I’ve no intention to remove them from the northern borders.” He shook his head, resisting the urge to roll his blazing eyes. “These are General Blackwind’s men. We will not put them in the service of a commander they do not know and trust. And on the other hand, a full battalion transfer would cost a ridiculous amount and benefit us only marginally.” The Grand General cleared his throat again, then lifted his chin in punctuation of his next statement. “Negotiations are a separate endeavor entirely, over which General Darius himself will preside.”

The heavy bags under his eyes seemed to intensify with his exasperation as his piercing gaze swept from commander to commander. “Ionia will be wary of any officer we send be he gunman or warrior, machinist or mage. History makes that much unavoidable. What is important is that the gravity of the situation be illustrated by our choice of representatives, and that is why, when the time comes for council to be held, The Hand and I will personally attend. We expect Ionian heads of state to take heed when something as dire as a potential Void invasion threatens their lands. Likewise, they will expect to be addressed by ours.”

A belabored sigh escaped Swain’s withered form as he continued to address his commanders’ vocalized issues. “I do not fear acts of violence from official Ionian forces. From deranged veterans? From civilian guerrillas?” Shrunken shoulders drew up in a shrug. “Perhaps. We shall bring these concerns to the table. No doubt the Ionians have their own—and the locale of our conference will be diplomatically determined.” Following his purposeful pause, Swain growled hoarsely, “Any further concerns. I should like to address Zaun before sunset.”