A quiet Conference Room within the Imperial Palace [Closed RP]

[M D]

Deep within the corridors of the Palace, Lord-Commissar Gaunt took a meeting room, he had invited the First Minister, Lord Archer, Lord Varsens and Oenomaus.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The First Minister receives the invitation while on his way back to his office. Balthasar makes a detour and proceeds to the conference room where he notices the Lord Commissar and a few others.

[Poach]

Beauregard enters and takes a seat, sighing as he does so, his age making his movements labourious and slow.

"Hours we'e sat in that room," he said loudly, ​"I was beginning to think I'd lose my legs permanently."

He'd noticed the First Minister, and candidate for Emperorship, was present. Evidently Gaunt, who appeared to have organised the meeting, intended to attempt to trade the Slaver bloc's support for some concessions from the would-be Emperor. Beauregard remembered these meetings from only last year, when old Lious was eventually voted in after a thousand and one compromises, deals and intrigues.

[Double A]

Leikan arrives and takes a seat facing the door, curious about what he will hear.

[M D]

The First Minister receives the invitation while on his way back to his office. Balthasar makes a detour and proceeds to the conference room where he notices the Lord Commissar and a few others.

"First Minister.."

Gaunt nodded out of respect

Beauregard enters and takes a seat, sighing as he does so, his age making his movements labourious and slow.

"Hours we'e sat in that room," he said loudly, ​"I was beginning to think I'd lose my legs permanently."

He'd noticed the First Minister, and candidate for Emperorship, was present. Evidently Gaunt, who appeared to have organised the meeting, intended to attempt to trade the Slaver bloc's support for some concessions from the would-be Emperor. Beauregard remembered these meetings from only last year, when old Lious was eventually voted in after a thousand and one compromises, deals and intrigues.

Leikan arrives and takes a seat facing the door, curious about what he will hear.

Seating himself next to Lord Archer and opposite Leikan, Gaunt spoke,

"I think it best we get right to it gentleman. Lord Ignatius has been our First Minister this last, tragic, year and has in effect run the Empire. With the recent demise of the Throne, it is our obligation as Lords to pick a worthy successor, I believe that man is sitting in this room. I have had a small written conversation with both Lord Varsens and Lord Ignatius, and it would seem there are certain... Promises which can be made to assure that the new Emperor is crowned as soon as possible."

Addressing the First Minister specifically, he adopted a different tone,

"The Slave Lords will need concessions, sir. Specifically written directives against one of the biggest threats against our Empire, the Zealots. Without this, I cannot see this transition going smoothly. Second, a Slaver as First Minister, which is up to you, but it is a solid requirement that I will not proceed without. Third, and to ensure the co-operation of the incredibly Lord Varsens, the Lord Treasurership. These are my requests, I am sure the other noble Lords may have suggestions also."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Addressing the First Minister specifically, he adopted a different tone,

"The Slave Lords will need concessions, sir. Specifically written directives against one of the biggest threats against our Empire, the Zealots. Without this, I cannot see this transition going smoothly. Second, a Slaver as First Minister, which is up to you, but it is a solid requirement that I will not proceed without. Third, and to ensure the co-operation of the incredibly Lord Varsens, the Lord Treasurership. These are my requests, I am sure the other noble Lords may have suggestions also."

You are asking for quite a bit, My Lord Gaunt. While I am fully willing to allow written directives be made against the Zealots and their heresy, two positions on the Council of Ministers? I still have others I need to reward as well. My brother-in-law, Aetius with Lord Arparys and Nomond as well.

The First Minister sighs lightly and strokes his chin. He needed capable men to serve him as the Emperor, men who could give results. His gaze turns to those present.

I will only allow such concessions if you can give me results. You give me the results that the two I appoint are effective in what they are appointed to do. I want an efficient administration ruling the empire, not one ruled by nepotism. An administration that I can rely and not be forced to have individuals removed for their incompetency.

[Poach]

Beauregard allowed himself a small chuckle.

"A man who knows what he wants!" he jested, in reference to Gaunt's to-the-point list of demands for backing Ignatius.

[M D]

"I believe we can keep to our end of the bargain..."

Gaunt turned to Varsens and Archer, awaiting their approval.

[Poach]

Seeing eyes fall upon him, Beauregard shrugged.

"A Slaver First Minister and a Merchant Lord Treasurer is hardly stacking the cards," he said to the group, "Each group gains one appointment, leaving other appointments to the Emperor's discretion without appearing to overly favour any single faction."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Quietly the First Minister sighs. He paces for a moment, pondering on what was left. He knew what was left, but it was a matter of filling in the remaining spots. However, by doing so, it would secure a line with both factions; Slaver and Merchant. After a few moments, he nods.

Then I shall accept these appointments and concessions as part of our agreement. I will continue to keep to this promise as long as the results from these appointments are good ones.

[Double A]

With regards to an efficient administration, I believe the finances of my house speak for themselves.

[M D]

"Excellent. Are we settled then gentlemen?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Indeed we are, my lords.

[M D]

"Perfect, we will meet back at the Meeting when the recess is ended."

[Pericles of Athens]

Oenomaus had arrived as requested. He didnt like The Lord Gaunt's assumption that he spoke for all the Slaver Lords with his list of demands, or that a treachorous merchant had been invited, but he'd remained silent on the point, 'better to make friends than enemies' he thought.