Cold dark skies lay overhead, the makings of a storm lay heavy in the air as two men walked quickly and silently through the streets, briefcases firmly clasped by hands in black gloves. Thunder echoing overhead, even God seemed to want them to move faster. They upped the pace until the gates came into view. They stopped now, looked at one another and tidied up their uniforms a little before continuing.
Guards at the gate let them through, barely checking the paperwork. They were led a room where they were instructed to wait. Neither man sat, just paced around the room wordlessly, doubt and worry gnawing at their thoughts. A grandfather clock chimed the hour, they were on time...just, but they were here. One man looked at the other, footsteps coming down the corridor. They quickly checked their uniforms again and waited. No one outranked them...save two, but anyone coming through that door worked for Her and so respect was required.
The door opened to a man, probably mid thirties, wearing a red coat with rails, shiny black shoes, and pressed black trousers. He wore white gloves, one placed behind his back as he addressed the two men standing before him
Sir Steiner, Director Steiner. Her Majesty is ready for you. If you would follow me
Clearly household staff, he stepped back through the door and waited for them. As they stepped out, he set off at a brisk pace deeper into the palace.
It wouldn’t take long before they stopped before a doorway. Another member of the household staff opened the door as their guide cleared his throat. He motioned they remain there as he stepped through the door. He stood clearly in view of the occupant of the room, though the Steiner’s could not see who it was, and proclaimed
Your Royal Highnesses, may I present to you Admiral Sir Edmund Steiner of the Royal Navy, and Director Victor Steiner of the Intelligence Service.
A polite thank you, feminine in tone, before he stepped out and stood the other side of the door way, indicating they enter.
The two Steiner’s would walk into the room to find two chairs, facing Queen Carina, and Prince James standing beside her.
The two men paused for a moment, before they did so, wordlessly. Their briefcases beside them within arms reach. Neither Steiner was comfortable, neither expected the Crown Prince. They waited, patiently, with stern and cold faces for whatever needed to be discussed, dozens of topics rushed through their heads as to why they were here. They had agreed, prior to arriving, not to speak Rheinlandic in front of Her, which is what they would normally do when uncomfortable.
They waited in silence for either Royal to speak first.
Carina moved first, Her face expressionless. They would have no doubt that she was used to hiding Her true feelings from those around Her, yet it brought fear to all who encountered it. Once she had taken a sip of water, the seconds seeming to last into eternity, she placed the glass down and opened her mouth to speak. Whilst she drank, they would have had time to study James’ expression. He was far less effective at hiding his feelings, and his face was stern, arms crossed. He wore his military dress, clearly ready to move to his new post
This is thankfully still my House, so I shall start. Edmund, I’d like to know what you are doing to end the war. It may have officially ended six months ago now, but we still have Gallic forces on our border, and our people still suffer. I’d like to hear your summary of the situation.
She sat back, her legs crossed, hands clasped in her lap
Your Majesty Edmund began, his Rhenlandic accent clearly breaking through the surface of a learnt Bretonian accent The Enclave forces have entrenched themselves within the Edinburgh system launching strikes from their stronghold there against Tau-31, Dublin and Leeds. Enclave forces have been spotted as far south as Poole and Nottingham as well as in Exeter. Intelligence indicates a major settlement project is underway on planet Gaia and Orkney remains firmly under their control although we aren't aware of their movements in that system. So far as well can tell, the alliance between them and the Corsair Imperium has crumbled. He opened his briefcase and pulled out a document which he placed on the table in front of the Queen This is the current assessment of the Macduff fleet. Which is currently our only fleet in drydock, due to limited space on Aland. All in all your Majesty, the situation is not good. The Enclave has been weakened, but so have we. Our defensive situation is, simply put, not good. He closed his case and set it back down beside him, unaware of what follow up questions she might ask as the Enclave produced a threat only so long as Bretonia itself was weak.
I am pleased to add that Lieutenant General Mackinnon has just taken control of the Perth battlegroup Your Majesty. I understand he is making his way into the region well armed.
James added as he stepped forward
Forgive me Admiral, my training was in the Army after all. My family has allowed me superb connections with various officers over the years.
Good. Director, am I to assume your forces are working to destabilise those still loyal to Charles?
The younger man spoke with an accent not unlike his brothers At this point ma'm, the Enclave has retreated and reorganized themselves into a core of fanatical supporters devoted to not only Charles, but the ideals of absolute monarchy. Destabilizing them from within would be exceptionally difficult as the Enclave is highly xenophobic. We are attempting to find their weakest link and exploit it, but from what we can see, the only way to truly destroy them is by military means. Gaia has resources that would allow for a major population increase, but it will take time for them to exploit those resources. Rest assured your majesty, we are doing what we can to collapse the government, but we are hampered by factors outside of our control. The brothers stole a glance at one another, unsettled by Bretonia's situation when put into straight words.
The brothers looked at one another, such a simple question..but a complex answer. Edmund spoke first It would be best, ma'm, if we explained the House's situation in some more detail. The Enclave is a threat, but it is one of many. The actions against the Coalition in Exeter have drawn a battlegroup into play, this is something we originally intended to avoid, but the situation has changed. Additionally, there is a new threat that comes in the form of Rheinland. They have been pressing on our borders, two actions have already taken place against their Military in Nottingham and more are sure to follow. If the situation is not resolved, we could find ourselves in another war with a House with an industrial capacity far greater than our own at this point in time. Victor spoke now, painting a picture of solutions, although it was not something he wished to bring up unless absolutely needed. The Enclave can be held, your majesty, it will tie down the Norfolk and Essex but we can hold them. The Ark Royal will be able to maintain our control over Exeter. But the Macduff will not be able to prevent a major incursion into Bretonia should Rheinland decide to enter and the Harlow is too far to reinforce her.
Edmund spoke again, outlining what was required for the Armed Forces to do their job We need the ability to create more ships in a faster time frame. There has been a proposed cut to the budget of the Armed Forces in the Commons, if this happens we will be required to reduce our military capacity. Given the situation, this is not advisable. I fear we have only entered the eye of the storm.
Victor agreed, nodding his head and opening his own case With the relationship with Liberty deteriorating, we require allies Your Majesty, and funding, as well as another shipyard...somewhere. We cannot do much about funding, but we can find you allies. He presented a large folder and placed it on the table This is project 'Prussia'. It was initiated some months ago by then Director Weber, it outlines a plan to..change the Government of Rheinland...and restore it's Monarchy to the throne.
I'm moving out to Nottingham this afternoon. I'd appreciate if you could brief me before I leave Director. In regards to both Rheinland and Liberty, it's my duty to ensure relations remain smooth. I am proud to act as an envoy for Great Bretonia, and I'm not prepared to loose either of them yet. Anything you need, please forward to the Otago Hussars. I'll take a look, personally.
James paused, turning ever so slightly to look towards Carina. Her voice was still low
I will not involve myself in the politics of my Government. A wise Queen knows when to use her power, and now is most certainly not that time. However, when this comes to pass, the right message could go a long way. Should the vote go in your favour Sir Steiner, I will issue a message publicly. This may settle some of the public unrest on both sides of the argument.
With regards to the people of both Liberty and Rheinland, I'm happy to see James stepping into this role. I trust you will both keep him appraised? Any mishaps I will hold you both responsible for.
She paused momentarily
An Imperial Rheinland. If I am involved they may see it as an act of aggression, a takeover of their ruling and governing body from the outside... But you have my interest. Tell me more.