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.
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"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."
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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.