Claire held her hand over her now very red cheek. Having been slapped and berated by the man she was looking forward to meeting for weeks, the noble wasn't sure how to feel or whom to trust anymore. Both Joseph and Enma were treating her as if she was a helpless child, while she was there to take matters seriously and find a way to move forward. It frustrated her to no end, yet she couldn't speak her mind due to the risk of crashing the meeting entirely. Biting her tongue, she watched the events unfold further, listening to both of them bicker and brag about their own nations.
"What a complete disaster." she muttered to herself in her own tongue after Joseph walked away from her.
A short while later, she followed in his stead and sat back at the table, this time to the side of both of them. They could see she wasn't holding up well after that treatment, but nevertheless tried to keep a serious mood and work on productively moving forward. As much as she wanted to point out she wasn't a child that they had to treat this way, the fact that Enma decided to do what she did would completely invalidate anything she had to say in her defence.
She sat there and kept to herself, waiting for the conversation to move forward.
Loyola was just poking table with her communicator once she sat down. She got quite tired of listening to Joseph who just seemed to try and weaken his negotiation positions. Or he was trying to save the remnants of his own ego that were hurt. In any event, for Loyola, it was useless and quite not an informative waste of time. She spoke somewhat calm and lazily, at this point, she couldn't care less for any sort of etiquette.
— Now answer yourself for the question why would I bother proving anything to you? Enclave is being ruled by the regent, and generally looks like it's a militaristic type of deal. And you did not inherit the title, as I recall? Yes, you potentially, one day will be a king. Maybe yes, maybe not, at the end of the day that's a very flimsy justification for any sort of investment.
Loyola makes a dismissive gesture with her hand.
— People of Malta live on Malta. We have no physical ability to live outside of it and thus we have about zero reasons to colonize anything and fight for living space. If you ask for dynamics, then it's been steady growth over the centuries and our positions just keep improving. You may be proud of systems under Confederate control, that's your right though.
Outcast lays back against the back of the chair.
— I will deal with my rivals at Malta on my own, I really don't need your help there. What I do care about is the future of my family and for bad people to be punished. I want Claire's hand and I am thinking about what semen material we could use to conceive an heir. I think relations between us will be most warm when we will become one family.
"It's true that the Enclave is currently being ran by a Regent, but in the end the Regent answers to the Crown, which means myself and my family. The fact I asked Claire to even support my claim to the throne is because there are those within the Enclave who seek their own claims, and with a blood relative of my family alive, and still supporting the true heir, then it's just a matter of time before the rest begin falling in line." Joseph replied, walking behind Claire for a moment before taking a seat in his own chair across from the Outcast. "But your insults mean little to me, and so far this discussion has brought nothing forwards for either party involved. If you want to keep me at the table, then you need to drop the high and mighty act and start discussing what it is exactly that you're after. This is all starting to sound hypocritical of you, and it's beginning to bore me." He commented in between her sentences, locking eyes with her once more as he clasped his hands together, resting them against the table. He held her gaze for a few minutes as she continued speaking again, only to break from her gaze as he glanced over at Claire who had a few minutes ago joined them at the table, instead of leaving the room as he had suggested, maybe striking her wasn't the best of motivators. His eyes narrowed on the red mark he had left on her cheek and he gave a slight frown at it.
That was when he tuned back into the conversation, raising an eyebrow as he looked back over at Loyola, who herself casually leaned back in the chair she was sitting in. "Excuse me?" The comment she had made caught him off guard, so much so that he put on an amused smile and chuckled softly at the comment entirely, "I heard there's a male brothel here on the Freeport that you might find fascinating. Maybe you should go there." His smile disappeared, returning to a rather bland facial expression, "Your lack of knowledge just proves that I shouldn't have even entertained this meeting to begin with. I came here to discuss a potential alliance between our two respective nations, not entertain a whore with a fantasy of producing an heir. Your knowledge on royalty is greatly misinformed, as well. Oui, in ancient times on Sol royalty would attempt to keep the blood in the family, but incest has proven millennia ago that it destroys the genetic line, causing abnormal deformities in the offspring. Do you really think that the deFrance family has survived for centuries through the use of incest? Non." He loosened his hands and placed them firmly against the table, pushing himself back away from the table, the chair scraping against the metal flooring of the station. "The nobility and royalty of old died off due to their reluctance to improve their genetic lines, and I sure as hell, am not going to be the first to start that trend. This discussion is over with." Joseph stated, getting to his feet and straightening out his suit jacket, he then looked directly at his cousin. "You've always made your own decisions, but do make the right choice here and stop being a pawn in this game that she's using you in. This is far from what you deserve, being belittled by someone who claims they love you, and then having... whatever this was being dropped on you out of no where." He finished, and he could tell by Claire's facial expression that she was just as shocked as he was about what they both had heard.
"It's clear that I was wrong with calling you the child, little cousin. When it's the one sitting across from the both of us that is far less mature."
The Tau-29System Freeport SixEnclave Shuttle
Aboard the Enclave shuttle, Joseph was reclining back on the couch with his feet propped up on a nearby table. The wine glass was almost empty - having been full a mere couple of minutes ago. He kept his eyes glued on the video feed as he watched his double backhand Claire, and continued watching as the Outcast had gotten into what would essentially be his face. "Well, I suppose I owe you some credits, Monsieur Cyril. It's a shame that such wasted a talented individual will be going to waste. I thought she would have understood exactly what he had instructed her to do." He sighed, reaching into his jacket pocket with his freehand and pulling out a sirian credit cit, and handing it over to the Doctor.
"I'm growing tired of this, Doctor. Have the marines begin gearing up, and give them the order that everyone between here and the conference room dies. I don't care how many people either. We'll blame it on the Maquis or a Confederacy terrorist attack." He muttered, placing the glass up to his lips and taking another sip. The doctor nodded and turned for a brief moment but stopped as the conversation had continued, Cyril had turned slightly to look at the feed, and then back over towards Joseph who slowly brought his feet down from the table and leaned forwards on the couch it. "Belay that order. Things got a bit interesting again now that they're not flaunting their egos all over the place." Joseph commented, setting the wine glass down on the table across from him before propping his arms against his legs and resting his chin against his inter-laced fingers.
"Keeping a genetic stock on hand could prove useful in the future. Especially if it's to further our agenda, your highness. The whore has a point in that regard. However, the double is also correct. Deformities are bound to happen in offspring of similar blood, and I've noted in my research that the deformities are a more common in offspring of cardamine addicts, due to the fact that the drug itself alters the genetic structure of the addict. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if they had slaves somewhere as part of some extensive breeding program where they pump out babies, only to pump them full of cardamine as they begin growing up. To keep their population from stagnating. It's a working theory, and one that I quite like, especially since she confirmed that they live and die on Malta." Cyril smiled, clasping his hands behind his back as he turned slightly towards the prince, though continued looking at the video feed as the double now looked at Claire - and waited for a response - "What makes this part even more exciting, if I may, is the fact that she knew nothing about this. You can tell by the slight twitch of her lips and how her nose flared. Maybe she'll listen now?"
"I suppose I should start working on my apology then if she's going to make up her mind." Joseph mumbled.
"Oui, that would be wise, your highness." Cyril chirped again, smiling softly, "Do you still want me to have the marines begin suiting up for a possible combat scenario, or do you think things will play out in our favor?"
"As much as I would relish an inter-house incident involving the Confederacy. I think we'll let this continue playing out. It looks like the discussion is almost over with anyways. He's just waiting for Claire to make her decision."
At the words about incest Enma's lips hooked in smile and soon she broke up to outright laughing. Covering her mouth and even somewhat feeling bad for a poor prince. If she was at his place at the moment, she would have a real moment of shame and even by just being in one room she feels some for him.
— Oh, start mentioning sex-related topics in prominent family and they will instantly go at active defense on incest line. Is that a coincidence, your highness? I, in fact, implied never like this and it's been incredibly entertaining that you assuming incest instantly. it's even more amusing that you are aware of the local male brothel, it there something we don't know about your preferences, your highness? In any event, I just wanted to discuss if it would be better to use some of your family for me or some close relatives of mine for Claire.
She barely copes the last intentions to laugh, still keeping a wide smile at her face. Taking up a few deep breaths to calm and bring the conversation to a serious tone.
— It's you the one who wants to use her as a pawn for your games within the Enclave, where she will be nothing. Unlike you, I have some power here and now, and intention to grant her a duchy. Of course, you have the potential to gain power and some influence. Otherwise, I would not bother flying all the way down here. And yes, we are here to discuss the potential alliance, yet you decided to insult Claire at the very beginning, setting not a very friendly tone of the conversation, to begin with. For that, we will need to convince people on each side, who... hate each other. I understand that you wish to get things done in a fast and decisive fashion. However, this will need to be a more long term game of changing public opinions.
Loyola takes a look at Claire and taking a short sip of water.
— Because no matter what we agree on here, it will all depend on those royal navy people who de-facto hold power in the Enclave. So I think it would be appropriate to discuss an alliance between our families before we move down to actual politics. Family ties are usually assuring a fair degree of loyalty. This will help to build up the trust to move on.
And so the noble waited, and waited, for the conversation to actually move on. Both of them were too busy with stroking their own egos and insulting each other to actually offer something substantial. She sat there, bottling her opinions until Enma mentioned the topic of family and.. 'donors'. That sent a shiver down her spine, and she glanced at both of them before letting loose.
"I'm getting sick and tired of being treated like some sort of helpless child that both of you want to use and manipulate. Enma, I've already made my stance clear, and I'm not going to leave it silent that I have no interest in 'becoming family'. Joseph isn't going to agree to this." she said with her voice raised, likely surprising both of them as she had kept silent until now. The woman put her arms on the table, then glancing towards Joseph. "While I appreciate that you're here, cousin, I'm not inclined to help you if your first instinct is to strike and berate me for trying to find the rest of our family."
She unexpectedly stood up, and moved her chair back under the table. It was clear that she was quite emotional, and seemed to have acted nearly entirely on impulse. What Joseph whispered to her before came across her mind as he intended her to leave the room, but she wasn't entirely sure what kind of game he wanted to play with that.
Claire walked towards the door leading out of the room, before glancing back at both of them. "Figure this out yourselves." she said, opening the door and loudly shutting it behind her.
Loyola covers her face with hand for a few moments as Claire started to rant. It was beyond her why all of them needed to be so dramatic as she just wanted to get some things done here. Clearly with the best interest of all parties involved. It was sad to see that both of De would rather take some short term emotional reactions over more calculated and well-thought actions. Loyola lays back against the chair and sighs deeply.
This wasn't really worth the effort at this point and maybe Claire made the right decision of just leaving. She then gazed at Joseph for one more second to decide if there's even a chance to reach something reasonable with this spoiled boy with giant ego. It made her sigh again, as experiences have been far from pleasing. Making a short nod to the side in the general direction of Joseph DeFrance, Enma lifts up her ass and moves the chair backward as soon as Claire shouted the door.
— A short break, your highness.
Outcast would smile, moving away to the exit and leaving the room, following Claire. Reaching her shortly.
— Are we leaving or you want to look around?
Enma asks Duchesse looking a little exhausted. It's been a long flight and really not productive negotiations. She would lean against the wall, blocking her way in the corridor now.
— I mean we can try talking to him tomorrow again, or it will be just a waste of time? I should've listened to you that it won't work. What do you think should be done now?
Claire sighed as soon as she realised she was being followed, showing her dissatisfaction quite clearly to both Enma and the guards standing close by. Crossing her arms, she turned to face the Outcast that was now in her way. She was, however, caught out with the unexpected question.
"These are your negotiations. Didn't you want to end up being the duchess of Malta or what have you?" she asked, sounding standoffish. Reminiscing about Enma threatening to make Claire a duchess, she was left in an even weirder situation. "I can't do anything about you two clashing, and can't leave until you can find any common ground."
The noble raised her arm up to her forehead for a few seconds, as if thinking of what to even do next. She was completely unprepared for this question. and haven't put much thought into it other than getting away from that hostile environment.
"Just go back, apologise and speak with him properly, or leave it until tomorrow if he has the time to stay. Insults and bragging won't get you anywhere." she replied eventually, being very curt. She then turned herself away from the woman, leaning her back against the same wall. "I just want to be left alone for a while, I'm no use there. Just leave me be for now, I'm sure they'll keep an eye on me anyway." she said as she rubbed her cheek, still a shade of red from Joseph's welcoming gesture.
The woman turned her head to what she was referring to, returning the gaze to the guards staring at them. They were probably confused over what just transpired in that room, or silently affirming their opinions that nobles are too stuck up to make any progress.
Enma wondered to quite sudden changed in Claire's behaviour or her statements, trying to make sense of it all and track the shifts. But It hasn't been easy, she keeps leaning against the wall, looking a bit to the side, thinking. The woman sighs, not seeing good options in staying at all.
— You said that we won't agree to what I proposed. I then have no reason to even come back to the negotiation table. I will leave this to decide for you if you wish to talk to him more then go ahead. I think I am done on my part. If you are done too, then we could just leave.
Joseph was about to open his mouth to say something when Claire suddenly spoke up, and that was when he decided to remain quiet, locking eyes with the woman as she angrily slid her chair back, he drew in a deep breath and watched her leave the room, slamming the door behind her. Shortly after, Enma got up and proceeded to leave, to which Joseph gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. Once the door itself was shut he let out an audible sigh and quietly spoke to himself now that the room was empty. "Your highness, this task was a lot harder than I was expecting it to be. I'm sorry if I've failed you." He mumbled, leaning against the table and keeping his eyes on the door, and crossed his arms across his chest.
"Non. You didn't fail. In fact this has been quite the entertainment. I'm surprised I haven't been shot or stabbed yet."
-"Oui, well... I suppose that's a good thing in fact. What shall I do if they don't return?" "Not to worry about it. Should they return, dial it back from eleven, maybe a nine and give it another go. Cooler heads should prevail, after all we're here to establish ourselves as a force to be reckoned with, and the more supporters we have the better. Ego's will only continue getting in the way if we continue this back and forth bickering. Ask what she wishes to propose - other than... marriage, and we'll go from there. Oui?"
-"And if they don't come back?" "If they don't come back, then they've made their choices. We don't need Claire's support, though he father was beloved as the planetary governor. She would be instrumental in unifying our people, and it would allow me to apply the hard pressure when necessary. After all... speak softly but carry a big stick, non?"
-"Oui. Though killing her and blaming the act on the Confederacy would do just the same. We have the chance to do it now." "Non. If she's as smart as I think she is, she'll make her way to me. Hopefully just the Outcast will return to continue the discussion while Claire comes aboard the ship."
-"The ball is in their court, I suppose." "Correct."
The double straightened out his arms for a moment, cracking his knuckles before folding his arms across his chest again. His face returned to a passive annoyance rather than the expression he had worn earlier, just prior to Claire's outburst. He looked down at his wrist watch for a moment before returning his gaze back towards the door. Hopefully it wouldn't be a long wait for them to return into the room, as he personally wanted to continue the discussion - now that they were taking a break that would see all side return to a cooler temperament. Of course, the thought that they had just ditched would be just as hilarious, nothing like being ghosted by the people who wanted to speak with you and not the other way around. Should they leave, the guard outside would eventually make his way into the room and escort the "Prince" back to the shuttle, and they would return home.
There would be more opportunities for alliances to be built in the time leading up to the first conquest. But for now, he would only be focusing on smoothing whatever mess this was out before leaving. That's when the thought hit him, "My lord, if we're going to earn the trust of these individuals, and that of your cousin. Maybe we should be straightforward and honest with them. I'm aware that what I'm about to say will probably get me executed... but maybe you should actually meet them."
"I suppose I'll make myself look at least somewhat presentable, if I'm going to have proper guests over..." There was an audible sigh coming from the other end of the comm-link, and Cyril could be heard in the background suggesting essentially the same thing.
The double nodded lightly, specifically to himself before he lifted himself off of the table and made his way over towards the door, he could hear the muffled conversation carrying on between the two women but decided to wait until they stopped talking, and once they did he opened the door and stepped out, looking to see that they both were leaned up against the wall nearby. "Madame Loyola, I thought about what you said in regards to our families being closer. It is indeed a good place to start, as such, I would like you to meet someone, Duchess, if you'll join me as well, it would mean quite a lot to me personally." The man held his arm out towards the corridor that was leading back towards the shuttle bay. "This person is a very dear friend of mine, and he's helped me become the man that I am today, so perhaps it's best that we begin our new found relationship on less than shaky grounds, oui?" He continued, looking directly at Loyola for a moment before lowering his arm. "That's if you wish to continue our discussion, perhaps a walk will cool both of our ego's down. If not, then we simply part ways at the hangar."
Loyola would take a short glace at him, listening to what he had to say. And to no surprise, there was no surprise. For what it's worth, Enma expected the crown prince of Gallia to be more interesting than that, but apparently this is what Gallia got to offer. Her face fully reflected this disappointment, not like she had any intention to had anything at this point. Making a long and a little desperate sigh, she would start pushing words out of her mouth.
— I decline your request.
She just cut it out, she kind of wanted to say something more prolonged and polite, but that was it. She then finally gazed at Claire, maybe she will finally speak up her mind, instead of running.