Men of War
21 Jan 2017FriscoFlame
I had expected this.The War Council of the Prismatic Knights were a trio of our most battle-hardened individuals, having fought conflicts that made them legends on both sides of the Battlefield. We were now at a stalemate. We had our own battles to fight in the chamber, and my call to increase our system defenses was being used as a catalyst to attempt to initiate war. Luckily, I had drafted an amendment early in the Senate that had done its job in keeping us out of war, as the Consulate could not come to a complete agreement at this time, preventing a vote.
"Viscount," Katherine chimed, "Generals Horror, Chaos, and Detroit are requesting an audience."
"Granted," I called, as the three Generals entered my chamber. "Sirs, may I pour you a drink," I greeted the Generals, as I walked over to my bar, "Personally I prefer Bast Snake Gin, but I did recently come across a nice batch of Eranin Pearl Whiskey. They may not be made in the Empire, but even the Federation and Alliance can get things right every now and then."
Turning to Detroit I added, "Even when it comes to Warships, I suppose. I saw your Corvette when I was picking up the Matsui from Adam."
"That's precisely what we're here to discuss, Sergeant," Detroit replied, using my Military rank to assert authority, "How dare you draft a resolution to Neuter our Naval Force."
General Chaos chimed in, "What he means to say is by restricting the platforms we can use in battle, and dictating which ships take control, you are putting our faction at great risk of being outgunned, undermanned, and overpowered"
"Whiskey, if you would please," Horror replied, being the only man to remember my original question.
I poured two glasses of Eranin Pearl Whiskey, giving Horror one while I sat on the corner of my desk and took a sip.
"I knew the resolution would get your attention, and I hope you understand that this is far from the final draft. A dialogue did need to be opened, however. You three are, dare I say, perhaps a bit overconfident in your abilities to take us to War at a time it is clear we are not ready."
"If you find me overconfident," the offended Detroit replied, "Then feel free to meet me in the skies for a duel of honor."
"That won't be necessary," I laughed, though the Generals were decidedly less amused, "What I am saying, men, is that we do not currently have even a bare-bones fleet. Our pilots are under-trained, without the necessary experience to repel a retaliation in the event that a preemptive strike is successful. You wish to project power, good sirs, and I have not made it a secret that I strongly oppose a doctrine of first-blood."
"Why do you then seek to regulate a military force you have no belief in?," questioned Horror, his whiskey running low.
"There is a threat to our systems," Chaos added, "Should that threat not be met with force it will be the citizens under our protection that will be the ones to suffer."
"Katherine, please display for the Generals the amended resolution."
Resolution: Acknowledging the importance of maintaining a readily deployable force to respond to threats that may hit home, the following actions are proposed by the Senate to be carried out by the War Council:
I. The Creation of Three military platforms to be kept stationed at home with the sole purpose of use in training of PK pilots in PvP combat. There should be one small landing pad platform, one medium platform under 50 million credits, and one large or medium platform ship of Flagship capability. These ships should be available to any pilot or unlockable through Imperial rank, and provided with acceptable engineering deviation.
II. The War Council will be responsible for setting necessary skills and knowledge imperative to PK Combat Pilots, as well as necessary certification procedures.
III. The War Council will set Battle Doctrine and Appoint pilots to positions of Wing Commanders.
IV. The War Council will provide the Consul and Senate with a briefing of Fleet Readiness before any request for Declaration of War
The generals looked at their data pads, carefully examining the language used and the adjustment made.
"Sirs, in front of you is the revised resolution up for vote in the next cycle. I have loosened the requirements and made it very clear that I am putting our System in your hands. I fully believe you are capable of training the next generation of Knights, but I will not sign off on any conflict until you can prove to me that not only do you have faith in your own abilities, but you have faith in the pilots you train and in the readiness of our fleet. I want a formidable defense force trained by the best, and you want to project a strong Naval Power."
The Generals sat there contemplating, exchanging looks with each other. I rose from the desk and walked over to my coat, throwing it on, and fastening the buckle. The Generals saw this cue and rose to their feet.
"Gentlemen, I'm not naive. I know our slights and perhaps even War is inevitable. Should it come to that, you can rest assured I will be flying next to you, accepting your commands as I did in the EXO conflicts and in the defense against Federal Fleet One. I only ask that I have the comfort and knowledge that every Commander flying beside me is worth 10 of our enemies."
That seemed to be the answer the War Council had been looking for this entire meeting. They left quickly, Horror thanking me for the Rare Whiskey, and I walked out to the Arthur C Clarke.
I had some business to attend to in Dahambwe.