Log: Operation Urban Renewal FFI Agriculture Diplomacy Meeting

From FiranMUX

Banian adds with a shrug after his long little spiel, "Trust me on this one. I interacted rather heavily with the Griffon Loyalists the first tour, and they wanted to put me into an endless series of bloodmatches in the coliseum for having the last name of Elianik. I said no. Quite firmly. It worked. This may be their city, but they're part of the Republic now." *Firan*

Chelona bows her head quietly, listening for the moment. She is interested, attentive, and re-shoulders her backpack again, getting comfortable. She moves to follow Cortik and murmurs something to Banian.

Karana folds her hands over her cane and murmurs. "My Lord, what role do you expect me to fill? Advisor? Negotiator? Two female High Priestesses are going to be a turn off. Now, I have met with the Lord Governor and some of the others before, so they may be used to me in what appears to be an aide type role. What do you expect from this, so I may be clear?" *Firan*

Cortik looks toward Karana and nods, "It's entirely likely that I, or even the Prince will have to speak as negotiators. But it also may be that you can work your way in with some points. Our goal is to negotiate a moderation of the FFI's more extremist people. Specifically Firgus. He's been crucifying foreigners and we want that to stop. But we also want to strenthen them so that this city becomes more self-sufficient. I'm not a diplomat, I'm more likely to stab the buggers and let them bleed until they agree to what I want. So maybe opinions from you?" *Firan*

Karana nods simply. "As a tool of cohesion and survival, combined with the mental... traumas experienced while in captivity, they have resorted to an extreme form of Monotheism, perhaps to masquerade and be camoflaged in the Shamibelian culture." She nods to Cortik. "Yes, it was horrific. I am anxious to get this to stop. Lord Firgus was once a reasonable man... let us hope we can heal his mind." *Firan*

"Women aren't really taken all that seriously," Banian throws in his two steni with a shrug. "I'd suggest letting Lord Yaffros do the main negotiations, while Cortik and I can just make sure we don't give up anything in the process. This is the Republic city, they're part of the Republic, etc. Perhaps you both could chime in with things we want Firgus to disagree with, since he'll be likely to do so anyway?"

Cortik casts his eye toward Banian and then nods, "Good point, your highness. I think Lord Yaffros understands this well enough. Perhaps. It's a fairly simply objective, neh? And keep the chatter to a minimum. I don't want us giving away our plans now." *Firan*

Yaffros is considering the implications. All this 'stopping the executions'...that's a new twist on things.

Cortik is standing with his small group, quietly discussing the coming mission. He's currently nodding toward Lord Yaffros and agreeing with Banian.

Which is weird. Weird weird weird. And Banian is actually talking rather civilly to Cortik.

Junotan arrives at the Vasaloo Shops with a small contingent of guards and his helmet under his arm. He is brisk and quiet waiting to be announced before bursting into the conversation at hand.

Yaffros is looking more sour with every second...

Banian whispers "Should Firgus be disagreeing with us, perhaps you could chip in with how right he is. Er, without undermining us, but in such a fashion as to make him reconsider his position. Savvy?" *Firan*

You whisper "I will see what the current climate is, and do so if appropriate, your Highness." to Banian. *Firan*

Banian whispers "Right." *Firan*

Chelona speaks quietly with Banian, and then sits very calmly, surveying with her pale eyes. Her priestess' robe is clear, wrapped carefully over her bronze.

Banian smirks faintly at both women as he leans off to murmur something to them, idly readjusting the old dark red fur cloak on his shoulders before pulling away to stand by Cortik and Yaffros in a relaxed sort of fashion.

Cortik gives a little thumbs up to Banian and turns around. There to the left is Junotan, and just like that, Cortik sees him. He gives a curt nod, "Ah, Mer Junotan. I'm Lord Captain Cortik Junik. I assume you were expecting me?" *Firan*

Yaffros turns to look at the youngster appraisingly.

Cortik senses "Karana whispers quickly before things begin. "My Lord, what is the Monotheistic view on... menial jobs? Dirty jobs? Does Zutiv show favor on these things, or would they be done by someone of a lesser status?"

Banian murmurs something to Cortik before twinkling green eyes fix on Junotan and he grins rather crookedly, head canting to the side as he regards the man in bronze for a few moments.

Cortik whispers "All those who toil and work are blessed in the eyes of Zutiv. Look at the Mighty Gold Dragon Clan and the Hydra Clan. We are constructing a giant statue with the sweat and strength of our bodies." *Firan*

You whisper "Thank you. I am brainstorming tactics to use." to Cortik. *Firan*

Junotan ruffles slightly, "Lt. Governor Junotan, technically." He smiles then in a way that suggests shyness, "At the least, it still stands that way for now." He nods his head just once, "We met briefly one evening. My sister was there, General Kira. She may be along if the evening's ruckus calms enough that she can be a presence here." *Firan*

Cortik whispers "I trust the prince informed you of the idea of having you and Chelona agree and support an idea we wish to discredit. Playing upon the inferiority of women." *Firan*

From afar, Cortik laughs as Cortik doesn't say "the perception of inferiority" haha. :P

Chelona peers at Junotan. PEERS. And then says, "Kira? Junotan?" She has a look of disbelief on her face, and looks up at the young man. "Mer Junot's ... children?" *Firan*

You whisper " It may be a good idea, but I hesitate to introduce any more bias. I will see if it is appropriate." to Cortik. *Firan*

Cortik catches himself and nods, "Of course, My Apologies, Lt. Governor," and then he glances toward Chelona and coughs slightly, then he turns back to Junotan, "I remember. You both asked of my Father, Lord General Zafir. He remains in Ellish and is doing well. He spoke quite highly of you both. I believe you impressed him. I am looking forward to being impressed further as we exchange some knowledge and favors." *Firan*

Yaffros inclines his head ever so slightly. "Lieutenant Governor, I am Yaffros, Lord Iberik. I'm here as a civilan expert." Chelona's little outburst evokes a bit of a snort. *Firan*

Banian seems content to keep a thumb in his sword belt, his shark-tattooed hand idly resting at his side as he continues to grin rather crookedly and -- of all things -- not chime in yet. Green eyes remain on Junotan for the moment, though.

Karana leans over to murmur softly to Chelona for a moment, remaining quiet, nodding to Junotan as well, recognizing him.

You whisper "Emotion should be kept to a minimum, even if one recognizes people. It will cloud the issues, Mother." to Chelona. *Firan*

Chelona whispers "I had no emotion. And certainly not an 'outburst'" *Firan*

Chelona murmurs something back to Karana, arching her eyebrow at Yaffros with a look of bemusement. Perhaps he is over his snorting fit.

Junotan looks more embarrassed and he reddens just slightly at the ears, "Aye, Junot's son. Kira is my sister." He has an awkward moment before he clears his throat, "I would appreciate if we refrained from pinching my cheeks or something. Of course, Lord Cortik. I'll be happy to speak with you and see what we may confer on." Unlike his predecessor, Junotan looks more at ease in mixed gender groups if not spotlight shy. *Firan*

Cortik offers a smirk, not unlike his fathers and goes on, "Lord Yaffros is the premier expert on farming, and we have been scouting out farmland to see about making Ellish self-sustaining. I am sure such activities are of interest to you. Which is why Lord Yaffros is prepared to teach some of your men about how to farm efficiently as well as grow food, even this late in season, to reap a full harvest and not rely on outside shipping. I am sure you can see the advantages to having such knowledge." *Firan*

Yaffros nods his head to the northwest. "You have several assets in those farmlands you can use toword improving your economy." As to what they are, he's not playing that card yet. *Firan*

No one hears Yaffros disagreeing with that.

Chelona smiles at Junotan, shaking her head. Of course not. It has been four or so years since Chelona has seen Junotan, and Kira for that matter, but the little High Priestess is still the same Chelona, and still not wont to embarrass children - or grown ups. She listens to the farming talk quietly, her face falling into a calm mask.

Junotan nods his head to everyone, "Lord Yaffros, I am not sure that it's the fact that we can't farm but the lack of space to do so. As you know, many of the people here came from farming families and those born here have worked farms often enough. In fact, likely, too much that they'd like a break but there's no break to be had I'm afraid." *Firan*

Daemio arrives, apparently healed from the other night though he's still limping just slightly. He glances around a bit tentitively.

Karana says nothing for the moment, watching, observing the governor, who seems to be in charge at the moment, She folds her hands over her cane slightly and purses her lips.

Cortik turns his head from Junotan toward Yaffros then, "I think this is a question for you to field, Lord Yaffros." *Firan*

Banian smirks at Cortik for whatever reason before folding his arms across his chest, leaning in to murmur something to the Junik under his breath.

Yaffros makes a bit of a dismissive gesture. "Manpower is an even simpler problem, Lieutenant Governor. The lands here, that we've already been shown, look to be in good shape, and we certainly have anough hands here for picking squash and digging potatos before the ground freezes for winter. We can also supply you with an influx of cash, to hire the unemployed, and show you revenue generating secondary business to stimulate your economy." *Firan*

Junotan nods his head at that, "I don't know what we would need in that regard. Stenis aren't that useful here in that people need food, clothes, not to be shot at in the dark. We can hand people all the stenis they want but that's not going to save them from the resistance still at our backs." *Firan*

"Which resistance? Shamibelian or those on the southern side of the city?" Banian suddenly speaks up, raising his eyebrows at Junotan and grinning faintly.

Daemio narrows his eyes a little as he stands back and watcehes, his arms folding across his chest.

Cortik holds up a finger as Yaffros speaks, and nods as Junotan answers, "You see, the food is coming, the clothes are being gathered in Anaruiell, and safety is being bought with the blood of our soldiers. And we do these favors for you and the Governor. But, of course... this is an exchange, not simply a gift. Like all negotiations what we offer is more valuable to you than it is to us, and what you will give in return is more valuable to us than it is to you... what we wish is to have you and the governor reign in some of your more extreme actions. Specifically we speak about the crucifixions that have been done to foreigners. Those sort of actions make the Republic hesitant to lend our support. In fact, this is why Prince Banian Elianik is here. Our General, Prince Argin Elianik, must be satisfied. Indeed, his desire is shared by myself and my father. We need to ensure that our desires are met." *Firan*

Eesha's High Priestess is mostly quiet, lightly twisting her ring as she stands just behind and to the side of Banian. Near enough to murmur something now and again, without being distracting.

Junotan rubs his chin and eyes the quiet women. He seems thoughtful on this, "Yes, let us not discuss this here. Let's sit down at a table and do this properly. I am told that..." He gestures to Karana, "woman there is a...what did he say 'a very self-righteous and bossy woman'. Which I think was because she wanted him to write a contract. Governor Firgus..." There's this sort of withheld agitation but also endearment in that name, "He has some interesting opinions as it were on these sort of things. But, let us sit down and discuss it rather than in the streets." *Firan*

Chelona gets the slightest response from Banian that includes shrugged shoulders before he hears his name and glances back up with a flash of bright white teeth, the very image of congeniality. "Right. It's really not even giving up anything at all, just making it easy for the Republic to offer its arm, and all that. Good point, as well. Are we talking with yourself or Governer Firgus today? And do you have the authority that, say, a proxy would have? That is, to agree to something on Governer Firgus' behalf?"

Yaffros clams up. Decisions are up to Cortik at this point.

Karana suddenly bursts out laughing and shakes her head. "Lt. Governor, I apologize if I come across that way, I tend to get that way yes. Ask anyone... I'm fairly overbearing when it comes to the protection of my people." She looks to the men. "Your Highness, my Lords, please, let us retire and come up with some refreshments. Oh, Lt. Governor, by the way, are the FFI still crucifying Ticanee and Bonduins? We'll also want to put that on the table." She waves her hand and somewhat shakes her head. "He is right, why are we speaking about where all ears can hear us?" *Firan*

Cortik nods his head, "Lead us on, then, Lt. Governor. I think--" he said it once, and then watches as everyone keeps repeating it... his eye clouds over in annoyance and then he nods again, "Let's sit down around a table, then." *Firan*

Chelona moves to follow Junotan, giving him one of her mellow smiles. She doesn't speak to him directly right now, not getting in the way of the Dragon making the decisions, nor the Prince. Karana's laughter makes Chelona turn and smile at her, shaking her head a bit. Yes. Mother Karana can be even more Motherish than Mother Chelona. The twinkle in her eye seems to agree.

Karana clears her throat. "My Lord Cortik... why don't we extend the Lt. Governor our hospitality, rather than impose on them a second time? We have resources, I believe we have some wine around somewhere." *Firan*

"I do know where wine is, Mother," says Chelona to Karana. "Or whiskey, should it be preferable. And even some tea, I do believe."

Cortik nods to Karana, "It depends if we are meeting with the Governor Firgus or if the Lt. Governor will carry on the negotiations." *Firan*

Karana nods to Chelona. "Please." She leans in to murmur to Cortik. "Oh, Lord Firgus is in Anarinuell... that was part of the terms before..." *Firan*

Cortik lifts a brow and folds his arms, "Then the choice is to the Lt. Governor." *Firan*

Junotan looks helpless a moment, "Governor Firgus is not here. He returned to Anarinuell at the beckon of...yes, Mes. That's correct. He is not here. There is only myself available. I would be happy not to have to trek all that way at this time and also there could be security issues with General Kira dealing with stragglers. *Firan*

Cortik grunts and nods toward Karana, "Well, then let's settle in someplace. Where are our wine and whiskey then?" *Firan*

"I shall fetch some," says Chelona.

Banian looks a little bored by now, green eyes flicking about the area for a moment before he looks back to Cortik, then smirks. "It actually should be. And we're all Republic, there's little need to talk of hospitality being given or taken in one way or another. I'm sure what's ours is theirs and vice versa, after all, and --- Stragglers? Is there anything, like, interesting going on?" Security issues? That only seems to make Banian get all curious, and it shows quite easily on his face. *Firan*

Karana nods simply. "Mother Chelona, if you will... I believe we have room over in the Civilian quarters, that might be appropriate. I will certainly play hostess, while you boys discuss things... er..." She pauses a bit. "Forgive me, the mothering thing again. This way, my Lords?" *Firan*

Yaffros nods for a bit. The trick is to keep his mouth shut.

You whisper "It seems that the Lt. Governor and Lord Firgus are decidedly different creatures. We are not dealing with a fanatic Gold Dragon, but a reasonable man. Much of our preparation was overcaution." to Cortik. *Firan*

Cortik falls into step with Karana and nods, "Indeed, lead on and play hostess," then he gives a short nod to the Priestess as she whispers something to him. *Firan*

Chelona comes back in with a few bottles of cherry wine, a few bottles of whiskey, and even a small amount of yarrow and ginger teas. She follows Karana then, falling into step. "Mother Karana. I do hope these will suffice. I could do with a glass of wine myself." She smiles to Junotan again, as she walks, and says quietly, "It's been a long time since I've seen you, Lieutenant Governor Junotan. Petir is well," she says, conversationally while walking. *Firan*

Karana leads them in, motioning to a table. "There, have a seat and refreshments will be on their way... now, let's see, for a matter of organization, why don't we discuss the difficult things first... the crucifixions... and then we can discuss the farming situation, determine needs on both sides and come up with a contract, perhaps?" She moves to take a seat. "If your guards,my Lords, your Highness, can stand around the doors and make sure we have no undue traffic? I believe this will be far more comfortable." *Firan*

Yaffros waves his personal flunkies toward the dorr.

Cortik follows Karana and gives a passing glance toward Chelona as she approaches with spirits. He looks toward Banian and Yaffros and nods to them his own guards head near to the door and are joined by Cockatrice and Bodyguards. It's a regular cornacopia of guards. Then he turns and speaks again to Junotan, "Yes, I do believe we must speak about this attitude toward the foreigners which is leading to killings and crucifixions. What can be done in regards to that?" *Firan*

Junotan smiles at Chelona as he enters the room, "I'm glad to hear it. I'm a bit taller as you know." He chuckles and looks around, "It's odd to see these buildings used like this." There's a sigh as he finds a seat and rubs his face, "Ah yes, that..." He looks sad and peers over his shoulder before looking back, "This is how the cards fall on this one. Is it pretty? No. But the FFI is well split over this issue and they are angry and bitter...I would like to disagree that it's been done and under my eyes but I cannot say that. Saving people required priorities to be as such." *Firan*

"Oh. Tahani. Petir. I think I remember your father now," Banian suddenly notes before flumping into a chair and putting a booted foot up on the one next to himself, an arm going over the back of the seat and his other hand reaching to pour himself a bottle of whiskey. His guards do, like, the guarding thing, before Junotan speaks and he glances over to crinkle his nose. "Required. But requires no longer?"

Banian gives something of an apologetic grin, sipping his whiskey and then adding, "I mean, to clarify, that that's not really a question." *Firan*

Cortik nods his head as Junotan speaks, "I can understand the position. But you have to know that it is a very firm point with the Republic that such things cannot continue into the future. We do not seek to punish the past, but going forward is what we focus on. Surely the knowledge of farming the land you have now into higher-yield bounties will be something that all in the FFI can agree is a good thing?" *Firan*

Chelona rises and curtsies, and says to Junotan, "Please, pass my warm remembrances on to Kira. I am staying here, past the kitchen there, if there is anything I can do. It's... been a long time." She interjects this quietly, and then bows to the table in general, being called away on holy business (tm)! *Firan*

Yaffros adds, "And association with the Republic brings many more benefits. You say you have no particular use for stenis...good day, Mother," he tells Chelona, "But in fact stenis can be used to buy the things you need from your trading partners, to have your young men and women trained in the practical and martial arts, and so on." *Firan*

Karana nods simply and folds her hands on the table. "The last thing we want is to cause any more divides, Lt. Governor. So, why don't we start to come up with a way to compromise. What is the issue, and why are the crucifixions popular? Is it simply an expression of rage, or a desire to see those of perceived lesser stature subjugated, albeit in a gruesome manner. Oh, and no one is judging you at this point. We work with the current situation and see how we can change it, with minimal losses. This is the nature of diplomacy. How did all of this start?" *Firan*

Junotan takes in a breath, "I estimate we hold approximately thirty seven percent of the population here. Smacking down on this with an immediate plan of no-tolerance is going to to give you about fifteen percent of the forces. In addition, I imagine that when faced with a sudden imposition we will lose some of the remaining percentage to other groups around the city. I don't like it any more than you do but there's not a man, woman or child in this bloody city who hasn't done something they hate at this point in their lives. Surely, you have Firans here who were once captured and can tell you that." He leans back, "These people are hurting and bitter. They're clinging to the only thing they have. The freedom from stigma that will and does happen is what they have right now. What you are offering everyone here is lifetime of prejudice from their own people." *Firan*

Cortik folds his arms and narrows his eye. He looks quite displeased but remains silent for the time being.

Karana nods simply. "Then let us avoid it all together. The end goal is the end of the crucifixions and the establishment of an agricultural economy, am I correct, my Lords?" Junotan is now a Lord for sake of reference. Congrats. "Now, how can we start to turn the opinions from one of destruction to one of construction? It seems to me that your people are soldiers first and foremost, am I correct, Lt. Governor?" *Firan*

Yaffros corrects, "A self-sustaining economy, Mother. We are suggesting agriculture as a stepping stone based on our surveys of the areas to which we have access." *Firan*

Karana nods once. "Thank you, my lord. I am not an expert in economics by any means. I just know that a fruitful agriculture is vital to a self-sustaining people." *Firan*

Yaffros remarks, dryly, "Fruiful. Yes." *Firan*

"The people on the southern side of the city fight to the death in the coliseum, yet that action won't be tolerated for long. It's not a matter of them leaving to another faction -- FFI or otherwise -- if everyone in the city is subject to the same ideas," Banian points out, sipping his whiskey. Karana is given the briefest of nose crinklings at her reference to Juno as 'lord,' though he doesn't dwell on the matter. Instead? Whiskey! And a questioning look at the son of Junot, besides, as he adds, "And we offer the chance to fight Shamibelians themselves, instead, once the city is secure enough to form a platform and staging area."

Cortik adds, "Fight the Shamibelians with the full support of the Republic. Leaders, air force, artillery. A real army." *Firan*

Junotan shakes his head, "The people of the FFI are varied. There are soldiers and ex-slaves with skills. There's lots of women and children as well. Some of the women are soldiers too but many of them came for the True Temple and as such don't know how to fight but they've been farming." He chuckles sadly, "Is everyone in Anarinuell subject to the same ideas? It doesn't seem as such all the time. Granted, none as viscous on a regular basis but I don't know if the same standards apply to a world where up until just months ago people were pressed into things that would turn stomachs at times. There are some soldiers yes and they would like to fight in a real army. I think this would distract them and I think you...Lord Cortik are very good with armies. But I like these women, my women and children need them. I cannot provide this for them...for these services, I will end the crucifixions." *Firan*

Cortik looks toward the women and then toward Banian, he asks a whispered question.

Banian idly nods his head once, sipping on his whiskey. "Right on. That's Lord Yaffros' department, the farming thing. Should people be unsettled, feel free to let them know that similar practices in the city by other factions won't be continued much longer, either; instead, focusing on the --" Suddenly Banian's smirking, looking at Junotan with amusement, then glancing to Cortik, then back. He continues after a moment, "Focusing on the goal of fighting the Shamibelians. Right. And I'm sure Priestess Karana can come up with some totally awesome way of lessening the focus on the ending of the practice of crucifixion and similar sorts of things." Then Cortik's whispering to him and he laughs out loud, raising an eyebrow and glancing over at the two women before leaning in to murmur a reply. *Firan*

Karana nods once. "I would be most agreeable to work with your women and children, and I can gather others that you will find acceptable as well. This is my role as the High Priestess of Firanos... I'm not sure if I was introduced as such before, for obvious reasons." She chuckles softly and nods. "If we can get the men organized and led by Republic officers, in a campaign that will help a mutual goal, I can work with the women and children... in the meantime, another group will be meeting with the Ticanee, and hopefully we can arrange for the varying groups to... avoid one another... which will help begin the forgetting process and start the healing process." She shakes her head. "The Republic is strong because of its differences, it's simply a matter of learning to work with those differences." *Firan*

Yaffros raises a single eyebrow. "'Services?' Lieutenant Governor? My expertise is at your service if it advances relations, inside the city and between the FFI and the Republic." *Firan*

Cortik smiles then as Banian explains something, "Oh! Good then. Yes, indeed. Lord Yaffros is the premier expert on land management and farming," he repeats for probably the third time, then he asks Junotan, "Do you have specific people who you wish to be trained? A large group? An elite few? I am sure Lord Yaffros can work something out." *Firan*

Junotan nods his head, "Here's the problem. We have about sevreal acres for forty percent of the city. This is like taking all the clans of Anarinuell and sticking them in the Cockatrice District. Then, asking them to play nice. You and I know that's not going to happen. But we only have this and right now you've got bleeding heart people upset and a very strong Gold Dragon and Hydra faction or whatever the hell they call themselves needing to get things off their chest. If we can get another space to allow the polytheistic and foreign factions some more breathing space it will help." He looks tired all of a sudden, "But even so, everyone has a different hurt. We have a fairly large army considering and soldiers trained by Shamibelians themselves. They're proud. They have lost everything." *Firan*

Yaffros drums his fingers on the tabletop. "If your people are prepared, Lieutenant Governor, we might still get five tons each of potatos and squash from your fields and into your granaries. I have also suggested to Prince Argin that we hire workers from the city to clear the Shamibelian works from north of the city. That land, to which you have direct access, should start to recover in a few seasons, expanding your holdings." *Firan*

Cortik nods his head to Junotan, "They'd all go hungry, too, in that district." Then he purses his lips and nods, "This is a large city. Though the goats own part of it, we're working on that. But I will see what we can do. Splitting the groups up... perhaps the southern part of the city could be polysticks." *Firan*

Karana tilts her head, considering for a moment, tapping her lips lightly. "Well, what about this... We need people trained in the ways of this new kind of warfare that we're experiencing. What if, in speaking to our various factions, we work on finding a new place for training and resources. The soldiers that you have can work with our officers and develop a new squadron. We can speak with our sources that hold some of the rest of the city, and, perhaps, offer some of the area we hold for this purpose. This will give some breathing room, perhaps, until we are able to push out the forces that hold the East, yes? By assisting us, I am sure we can find a way to negotiate that portion of the city between our two groups. This will give you an entire city between your factions, perhaps. Then, as the Ticanee delegation and the Griffon armies progress, we can see what kinds of combined efforts we can come up with, with them... what's becoming clear to me, is the fact that none of us will succeed on our own. Does this seem like a reasonable plan?" *Firan*

"Polytheists, I believe you mean," Banian points out rather dryly, giving Cortik the briefest of amused looks. "And perhaps we could merely use the space that the Shambielians hold to fill up with some of the divided groups. Seeing as how we're going to kick anything orange, you know, out. In one way or another."

Karana looks over at the others. "The issue here, my Lords, is that the FFI is able to feed itself. They are not starving. What we're talking about with the agriculture issue is the /entire city/. Lt. Governor Junotan does not control the entire city yet." *Firan*

Cortik points toward Yaffros and nods in agreement, "The Lord Speaks Truth." *Firan*

Junotan chuckles softly, "None of the FFI people enjoy the Griffons in the least. But that's a whole other slew of issues." He shakes his head, "I don't mean to get up about this but we don't need help farming for ourselves. I tried to be nice about it. We're not stupid in the least and I'm a /farmer/. He points out. The FFI already controls the vast majority of the city. You misunderstand what I want and what they want. They want to be in control. I am an FFI agent who has waited my life for Lord Zafir Junik to come here and rescue us. I want people to be free. Control, that's a Republic issue." *Firan*

And Banian suddenly grins crookedly, finishing off another glass of whiskey. "Actually, I was sort of wondering when that'd come out. The FFI is smaller than the Griffon faction, isn't it?" he asks rather mildly. "How do you suggest that the Republic aid you in controlling the city, if that's what you're asking? Or, better yet, are you just asking to control your own niche within, Shamibelian-free, under the Republic?"

Karana nods once. "My apologies, Lt. Governor. My word choice was poor. I meant the FFI, as a whole does not control the entire city. The agricultural issues are... less of a concern to you with your people, than the city as a whole is to the Republic, so I believe this is where the misunderstanding is coming in. However, what do you think of the idea...." SHe sighs. "Your Highness, I believe his point is that the FFI is not looking for power and leadership rights to the city. They are concerned with the survival and the longevity of the people of this city." *Firan*

Banian shrugs rather carelessly. "If it's freedom he's asking for, it's already established a foothold. We're sitting around talking about how we could be purging the city of the remnants of Shamibelian resistance, instead of going out to do it. If it's that that the Lieutenant Governor is after, I'd say we're beating a dead horse, so to speak. We're all after that." *Firan*

Junotan puts his helmet down and sighs, "I'm not asking to control bloody nothing. What do you think me and Kira have been doing all this time? Waiting for the day we can be Ranivor? Are you kidding me?" He suddenly moves to stand, "We've been keeping things down while you stood outside the walls tossing food in. I thought I made it highly clear what I wanted for our people here. Sure, most of the FFI groups want that power because they don't understand the mission that my father sent me on when I was but a boy. I see that you don't have time for this. I will only negotiate with Lord Zafir." *Firan*

Yaffros nods his head. "My apologies, Lieutenant Governor. You rdesire to talk to my old friend, Lord Cortik's father, is very wise. But perhaps I have been losing my wits along with my hair...What is it that you want? I'm afraid it's not clear to me at all." *Firan*

Karana nods simply and smiles faintly. "Lt. Governor, will it still be possible to arrange some sort of plan to work with your women and children, in any case?" She shakes her head simply. "I believe that there has been some serious misunderstanding on all of our parts. Lt. Governor, I apologize for our lack of preparation for this. Is there any way we can convince you to speak with us again, in a day or so, so we may rethink this meeting?" *Firan*

Cortik shakes his head, "Lt. Governor. My father is here. But my father is also one of the Republic Military. The duty you did was a brave one and an impressive one. But the Republic is asking for more. You know that probably most of the city dislikes or mistrusts us. We want to erode those feelings away, and we want to do that through the FFI. We are trying to find the actions to take to do that quickest. I'm happy you don't want power or control, those who do are least suited to have it. But you need to come more prepared to take ACTION. I'm here trying to find out what actions we should take. As Lord Yaffros said. If you want to speak with my father, fine. But that's not going to change what the republic needs from you and what we're willing to give to the FFI, the city, however you want to phrase it." *Firan*

Junotan takes in a breath, "You come here offering farming. It's good for the city but it's not good for tomorrow. Tomorrow we need more space. Tomorrow we need to help those who Lord Firgus left behind. In addition, I'd like to start integrating soldiers into the military. I think we have the same goals here but with the idea that I am one man in thousands who thought Lord Firgus' plan was great. And frankly, I don't blame them. This place is horrible if you haven't noticed. When the Republic stops believing they can take every bit of road and make it safe I will feel much more comfortable." He rubs his face one more time, "I need you to understand that thousands of men out there want all these other people to die. It's not right but to sway this for yourselves you're going to have to weed it out more carefully than slamming down on it. What you don't want is an FFI split in half creating it's own pain in the ass faction." *Firan*

A while of silence from Banian's area as he continues to sip on whiskey before he idly speaks up once more. "And. . . Do you have specific suggestions as to how to do that in the manner you suggest, Lieutenant Governor?"

From somewhere nearby, you hear a male voice shout, "GOATS INCOMING FROM THE SOUTH!"

And then there's a shout, and Banian's sliding out of his chair with a flash of a grin. "Oh, right on! Priestess Karana, Lord Yaffros -- you're all good at talking. Excuse me," he bids, grinning crookedly before jerking his chin at Junotan. "Wonderful to meet you and all that," he offers as he strolls toward the front door, leaving his guards wherever.

A pair of tiny, red, flickering lights fall from the sky in slow arcs. They are Shamibelian firebombs. One of them smashes into one of the walls -- near the mess hall -- blasting stone to fragments and splintering wooden timbers!

From somewhere nearby, you hear a male voice shout, "Where do you want people? We've got some on the ground as well!"

And, like, for real? Banian doesn't wait for people to respond. He's gone.

Belatedly, soldiers manning the walls realize what's happening and turn to face the inside of the city, shouting: "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIID!!!" A split-second later, a bevy of griffons scream over the North Gate.

Yaffros draws his sword and lays it on the table in front of him. "I have no doubt as to the Army's ability to keep them out of here, Lieutenant Governor, but as for myself, my sword, such as it is is at your disposal." *Firan*

From somewhere nearby, you hear a male voice shout, "More to the north!"

Cortik is standing up at once and he nods to the other two... but Banian is already running out... "Prince-" but he just stops and then he nods to the others, "I suggest staying indoors if you are not ready to fight... Lord Yaffros, Karana... take notes if the Lt. Governor has specifics to discuss." *Firan*

Junotan nods his head once, "I think we want the same things. I think, perhaps, it is less my duty to be the leader to work out how those occur and more the man to get my hands dirty. I will do that for you if you will be careful with us." He nods his head once, "Perhaps, I should go check on Kira. Please call on me when you have more of a plan in place." *Firan*

<OOC> Junotan thinks the beginnings have been established.

Karana nods to Junotan. "Diplomacy is an art that the army is not used to... but we are learning this new way, just as you. Mistakes will happen..." And then the cry goes up and she looks up slightly. "So... do you need an escort to your people, Lt. Governor, or will our conversation continue?" *Firan*