Grand Admiral Desaria reviewed the names and noticed that what the man had said in even tones through a rather expensive vocal modulator. Had he not seen a hundred different fields in a dozen different wars, he might have been intimidated. The fact was, however, that he had - and thus was not. The pad was placed back on the table-top and sent towards Trachta with a firm shove.
" You have answered your own question, Director. We are Guard. There are no disloyal officers in our ranks - it falls to the duty of every man and officer to see that those around him retain the spirit of honour and loyalty that have sustained us for so long. Were a man found to be disloyal and dishonourable he would be dealt with swiftly - interference is not required as it is handled in what I would consider an internal matter."
Marshal Murat looked to his right at Admiral Desaria, a bead of sweat having formed on his brow. He had never heard anyone speak against the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order and was, understandably, petrified.
" Director, let us speak on the matter of logistics. There are one-hundred fifty Guard regiments and over a hundred ships to which you would attach large staffs of officers and overseers, investigators, and analysts. Imperial warships are combat vessels and I will tolerate such a drain on their resources as you would place on them.
" Casting aside military logic for a moment, let us be blunt. Your presence in our ranks undermines the moral of my men. They have striven very hard to be Guardsmen and do not take kindly to having proven loyalty questioned. There is not a man who has not lost a friend or family member to action and that has steeled their nerves. They are also honourable and would die before betraying the Empire and the Good of its Citizens. That said, your men were expelled."
Wordlessly, Brigadier General Maxim handed Desaria a pad that he shoved in Trachta's direction. " General Order 7262930 stating any command officer may take whatever actions he deems neccessary to ensure the survival and well-being of his men insofar as the neccessities of the Empire are not made to suffer as a result. The order is signed by Marshal Kaine, sent in response to my removing your men. I am a Grand Admiral, Director, and I did not earn this position by being sloppy. My men are loyal - any who is not I would crush with my own hands. But none brought before you has ever worn the cuff title of Guardsman. Be forwarned, Director - take your meddling elsewhere, I will not have it interfering with military operations."
" You have answered your own question, Director. We are Guard. There are no disloyal officers in our ranks - it falls to the duty of every man and officer to see that those around him retain the spirit of honour and loyalty that have sustained us for so long. Were a man found to be disloyal and dishonourable he would be dealt with swiftly - interference is not required as it is handled in what I would consider an internal matter."
Marshal Murat looked to his right at Admiral Desaria, a bead of sweat having formed on his brow. He had never heard anyone speak against the Commission for the Preservation of the New Order and was, understandably, petrified.
" Director, let us speak on the matter of logistics. There are one-hundred fifty Guard regiments and over a hundred ships to which you would attach large staffs of officers and overseers, investigators, and analysts. Imperial warships are combat vessels and I will tolerate such a drain on their resources as you would place on them.
" Casting aside military logic for a moment, let us be blunt. Your presence in our ranks undermines the moral of my men. They have striven very hard to be Guardsmen and do not take kindly to having proven loyalty questioned. There is not a man who has not lost a friend or family member to action and that has steeled their nerves. They are also honourable and would die before betraying the Empire and the Good of its Citizens. That said, your men were expelled."
Wordlessly, Brigadier General Maxim handed Desaria a pad that he shoved in Trachta's direction. " General Order 7262930 stating any command officer may take whatever actions he deems neccessary to ensure the survival and well-being of his men insofar as the neccessities of the Empire are not made to suffer as a result. The order is signed by Marshal Kaine, sent in response to my removing your men. I am a Grand Admiral, Director, and I did not earn this position by being sloppy. My men are loyal - any who is not I would crush with my own hands. But none brought before you has ever worn the cuff title of Guardsman. Be forwarned, Director - take your meddling elsewhere, I will not have it interfering with military operations."
