Goro's lip curls slightly in approval. "Good. I have found it necessary to rethink my approach to this endeavour. Falsifying an unprovoked attack would work in Outworld, but most of Outworld's nations rarely need the excuse to begin with." Likely, there would be no calls for war or retaliation, but investigations, committees...who knows what could be uncovered by persistent enough digging. No. No, too dangerous. Too risky.
"The Free Cities say their greatest strength is their democracy. The power of the people." The Shokan snorts derisively. "So I will instead turn that strength to my advantage." And do so entirely legitimately, by participating in the democratic process. The thought amuses him greatly.
"Do you know the name "Renato Lattimer"?" He asks.
Fandaniel's answer doesn't surprise Goro. "Few in the Free Cities are willing to talk about him, but that wasn't always the case." He holds out an upper arm, and materializes something in his grip; it looks like one of the news sheets that often makes the rounds within Cadens. He then offers it to his accomplice.
Most of the paper is blurry and indistinct; it's a recreation from memory, and clearly Goro has only focused on what's important. The date on the paper puts it several years ago, around the time of the last election. One story is clearly legible, however, with the title big, bold, and attention-grabbing.
Newcomer A Serious Challenge For PM? "I'm in for the long fight!"
Goro gives Fandaniel a moment to let him peruse the article before he begins talking again. "Since her election to the office of Prime Minister, Marlo Reiner has never faced any serious challenges, until the most recent, and that challenge was Renato Latimer. He was gaining support, his policy proposals and platform were being well-received and it seemed very much like the winds of change were blowing over the desert." The story matches Goro's description, talking about a time for change, fresh blood, and bold new directions for the Free Cities. "And then..."
Another paper, this time on the table next to Fandaniel's chair appears. It's the same rag, running a different story. LATIMER ANNOUNCES WITHDRAWAL AFTER CAMPAIGN LOSES STEAM. And the tone is much different, talking about flagging support, waning interest, and overwhelming public support for the incumbent Prime Minister.
"Suddenly, he announces he is ending his campaign and withdraws from the race. And the entire conversation about him changes." Goro's lip curls in an amused sneer. "It became obvious to all these ink-pushers and learned men and women of political philosophy that Latimer never stood a chance to begin with, that Marlo's support was too much to overcome, and it was sensible of him to realize that rather than draw things out unnecessarily. And then, he disappears from the public eye entirely. Leaves Cadens, as far as I can tell, and the people who are known to have worked with him on his campaign simply say they did their best and now it's time to move on. And they do. They all do...and Marlo Reiner keeps her office, and despite some grumbling about how convenient it is for her, everyone eventually...forgets." He waves his upper arm like something is being blown away in the breeze.
"The more I studied her career, the more I realized it was too clean for someone who has come as far, risen so high, and remained there for as long as she has. You don't do all that and keep your hands free of dirt, no matter the Realm." He asserts. "She's never had a major scandal in all her years in office, did you know that? No allegations of corruption, no underhanded dealings discovered, no sinister backroom plots hatched, none that anyone discovered of course. Except...this. And this is how we will unseat her."
He leans forward, his eyes unusually intense and hungry. "I want to find Renato Latimer. I want to know what really caused him to drop out of the race. I want something we can use to delegitimize Marlo's victory and cause an embarrassment she cannot simply sweep away. Something that will force her to not seek re-election." Possibly she paid him off, that seems to be what most of the grumbling that did happen as a result of this seems to have been about. It might also have been blackmail, some form of extortion or threat. Goro doesn't know, and doesn't particularly care, so long as it's undeniable and will cast a long shadow over her victory, and this most recent term in office.
"We will use the Free Cities' vaunted democracy to give its people a government more...favourable to men of ambition and action like ourselves. A government that is not afraid to assert itself." You know, maybe he was a little too quick to dismiss this democracy idea in the first place, Goro thinks cynically. It seems to have its uses after all.
Edited (last edit I swear, sorry psi.) 2022-07-29 04:50 (UTC)
Fandaniel listens to Goro's explanation as he gently leafs through the newspaper. Politics has always been interesting to him, not because he enjoys the system but because human reliance on governance makes it a convenient tool of manipulation. Twist the right ear the right way, spill enough coin, and you can smear any nation in blood and chaos without ever lifting a weapon. Ascians had mastered the art.
"If the Prime Minister has avoided having anything on her ledger thus far then she is shrewd and cunning. We may not be able to undermine her even if we do find evidence of illicit, underhanded tactics."
He folds the newspaper and looks back up at Goro.
"But suppose we do succeed in toppling her, who would rule in her place? You are mighty indeed, my lord, but I do not think the Free Cities would kneel before a Summoned nor would they accept a ruler who has previously dropped out of a race as this Latimer fellow did. To 'assert ourselves' as you say we shall need the support of the people... Or at the very least their armies."
"The Free Cities take an inordinate amount of pride in their democratic process, especially the ones like Libertas." Though his recent visit to that city during the art-walk has filled him with nothing but loathing for it, their dedication to individualism and distrust of government will be useful here. "As long as we can provide proof that Marlo's corruption is legitimate, the outcry will at the very least weaken her support tremendously." If she doesn't bow to public pressure, then at the very least it gives them more of a fighting chance, and there are always opportunities to be taken advantage of.
He shakes his head. "Only someone who has applied for and received citizenship can stand for office." He replies. "Which is why Klaus Sterne will be the one running for office, not I." Klaus Sterne is a name Fandaniel might be familiar with; in Goro's movement, though diminished in the half a year since Eifstide and the Solvunn delegation, Sterne is universally recognized as Goro's second in command. The head of an old Cadens family with a strong military tradition, and who currently billets the Shokan as a guest of his family. "Sterne's politics are agreeable with my agenda. He spoke out often advocating for a more aggressive and interventionist foreign policy before his retirement. Now he seeks a political career to make those ambitions a reality." Part of the reason he came to Goro so early on and proposed working together.
"And when Sterne rises, I will rise with him...as will anyone who offered me loyal service." He stares intently at Fandaniel as he says this, making his intent clear.
"The more immediate danger is that our reputations will likely take a blow once we begin our work in earnest." He admits. "You know the Cities keep us under tight surveillance, and I have no doubt they employ magical means to keep tabs on us. It is likely that our intent will become known once we make our move to find Latimer and Marlo will almost certainly retaliate. There will be...consequences for our interference."
Goro's willing to accept the hit to his reputation in the short-term, since he feels Sterne's rise to power is inevitable, but the fact is he's gone a long time without checking in with the Ascian, and whatever plans he may have begun on his own in the meantime.
"I sense a lack of trust from the Free Cities. Curious, since they are the ones who called me into this world."
He kicks the leg draped over the arm of the chair thoughtfully.
"These consequences come at an inopportune time for me. You have, I'm sure, heard about my new project?"
The tower and its government backing is not a secret but he presses on anyway.
"I have been trying to find willing souls to help me build the machine. Alas, none save for Klingel's team have come forward. If I am seen with you the project will be taken from me. All of that brilliant technology will be theirs..."
A pause and he flexes his fingers.
"If, however, I could stay on the project I am sure I can use it to serve my lord's agenda."
He returns Goro's meaningful stare, though his is all smiles. If Sterne becomes Prime Minister, Fandaniel wants his tower back.
"It is not trust they are after." Goro chides, but he doesn't actually fault them for that. Control is just sensible, given the group that is forming. Goro just would prefer not to be doing the controlling himself.
He nods. "I would not expect to be able to continue along that route. Not for now, at least." A pity too, because having Fandaniel involved would have been beneficial for Goro as well, given the nature of their partnership.
"But the project will continue to take time, and should the government change during that period, well, it would reward the loyalty of those who helped put that government into place. On that, you have my word." Goro isn't some backstabbing snake like Shang Tsung, who discards those who serve when they cease to be useful to his own plans. He has his honour. If Fandaniel plays his part, and plays it well, then he will have his tower back. Goro will ensure it personally.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
"The Free Cities say their greatest strength is their democracy. The power of the people." The Shokan snorts derisively. "So I will instead turn that strength to my advantage." And do so entirely legitimately, by participating in the democratic process. The thought amuses him greatly.
"Do you know the name "Renato Lattimer"?" He asks.
no subject
"Hmm...No, I cannot say I do."
His hand drops back to his lap.
"Been making friends in my absence, have you?"
no subject
Most of the paper is blurry and indistinct; it's a recreation from memory, and clearly Goro has only focused on what's important. The date on the paper puts it several years ago, around the time of the last election. One story is clearly legible, however, with the title big, bold, and attention-grabbing.
Newcomer A Serious Challenge For PM? "I'm in for the long fight!"
Goro gives Fandaniel a moment to let him peruse the article before he begins talking again. "Since her election to the office of Prime Minister, Marlo Reiner has never faced any serious challenges, until the most recent, and that challenge was Renato Latimer. He was gaining support, his policy proposals and platform were being well-received and it seemed very much like the winds of change were blowing over the desert." The story matches Goro's description, talking about a time for change, fresh blood, and bold new directions for the Free Cities. "And then..."
Another paper, this time on the table next to Fandaniel's chair appears. It's the same rag, running a different story. LATIMER ANNOUNCES WITHDRAWAL AFTER CAMPAIGN LOSES STEAM. And the tone is much different, talking about flagging support, waning interest, and overwhelming public support for the incumbent Prime Minister.
"Suddenly, he announces he is ending his campaign and withdraws from the race. And the entire conversation about him changes." Goro's lip curls in an amused sneer. "It became obvious to all these ink-pushers and learned men and women of political philosophy that Latimer never stood a chance to begin with, that Marlo's support was too much to overcome, and it was sensible of him to realize that rather than draw things out unnecessarily. And then, he disappears from the public eye entirely. Leaves Cadens, as far as I can tell, and the people who are known to have worked with him on his campaign simply say they did their best and now it's time to move on. And they do. They all do...and Marlo Reiner keeps her office, and despite some grumbling about how convenient it is for her, everyone eventually...forgets." He waves his upper arm like something is being blown away in the breeze.
"The more I studied her career, the more I realized it was too clean for someone who has come as far, risen so high, and remained there for as long as she has. You don't do all that and keep your hands free of dirt, no matter the Realm." He asserts. "She's never had a major scandal in all her years in office, did you know that? No allegations of corruption, no underhanded dealings discovered, no sinister backroom plots hatched, none that anyone discovered of course. Except...this. And this is how we will unseat her."
He leans forward, his eyes unusually intense and hungry. "I want to find Renato Latimer. I want to know what really caused him to drop out of the race. I want something we can use to delegitimize Marlo's victory and cause an embarrassment she cannot simply sweep away. Something that will force her to not seek re-election." Possibly she paid him off, that seems to be what most of the grumbling that did happen as a result of this seems to have been about. It might also have been blackmail, some form of extortion or threat. Goro doesn't know, and doesn't particularly care, so long as it's undeniable and will cast a long shadow over her victory, and this most recent term in office.
"We will use the Free Cities' vaunted democracy to give its people a government more...favourable to men of ambition and action like ourselves. A government that is not afraid to assert itself." You know, maybe he was a little too quick to dismiss this democracy idea in the first place, Goro thinks cynically. It seems to have its uses after all.
no subject
"If the Prime Minister has avoided having anything on her ledger thus far then she is shrewd and cunning. We may not be able to undermine her even if we do find evidence of illicit, underhanded tactics."
He folds the newspaper and looks back up at Goro.
"But suppose we do succeed in toppling her, who would rule in her place? You are mighty indeed, my lord, but I do not think the Free Cities would kneel before a Summoned nor would they accept a ruler who has previously dropped out of a race as this Latimer fellow did. To 'assert ourselves' as you say we shall need the support of the people... Or at the very least their armies."
no subject
He shakes his head. "Only someone who has applied for and received citizenship can stand for office." He replies. "Which is why Klaus Sterne will be the one running for office, not I." Klaus Sterne is a name Fandaniel might be familiar with; in Goro's movement, though diminished in the half a year since Eifstide and the Solvunn delegation, Sterne is universally recognized as Goro's second in command. The head of an old Cadens family with a strong military tradition, and who currently billets the Shokan as a guest of his family. "Sterne's politics are agreeable with my agenda. He spoke out often advocating for a more aggressive and interventionist foreign policy before his retirement. Now he seeks a political career to make those ambitions a reality." Part of the reason he came to Goro so early on and proposed working together.
"And when Sterne rises, I will rise with him...as will anyone who offered me loyal service." He stares intently at Fandaniel as he says this, making his intent clear.
"The more immediate danger is that our reputations will likely take a blow once we begin our work in earnest." He admits. "You know the Cities keep us under tight surveillance, and I have no doubt they employ magical means to keep tabs on us. It is likely that our intent will become known once we make our move to find Latimer and Marlo will almost certainly retaliate. There will be...consequences for our interference."
Goro's willing to accept the hit to his reputation in the short-term, since he feels Sterne's rise to power is inevitable, but the fact is he's gone a long time without checking in with the Ascian, and whatever plans he may have begun on his own in the meantime.
no subject
He kicks the leg draped over the arm of the chair thoughtfully.
"These consequences come at an inopportune time for me. You have, I'm sure, heard about my new project?"
The tower and its government backing is not a secret but he presses on anyway.
"I have been trying to find willing souls to help me build the machine. Alas, none save for Klingel's team have come forward. If I am seen with you the project will be taken from me. All of that brilliant technology will be theirs..."
A pause and he flexes his fingers.
"If, however, I could stay on the project I am sure I can use it to serve my lord's agenda."
He returns Goro's meaningful stare, though his is all smiles. If Sterne becomes Prime Minister, Fandaniel wants his tower back.
no subject
He nods. "I would not expect to be able to continue along that route. Not for now, at least." A pity too, because having Fandaniel involved would have been beneficial for Goro as well, given the nature of their partnership.
"But the project will continue to take time, and should the government change during that period, well, it would reward the loyalty of those who helped put that government into place. On that, you have my word." Goro isn't some backstabbing snake like Shang Tsung, who discards those who serve when they cease to be useful to his own plans. He has his honour. If Fandaniel plays his part, and plays it well, then he will have his tower back. Goro will ensure it personally.