"Right, we have a new list of priorities," Taylor said pointedly, glaring around the table. The assembled Lords and Ladies all met her gaze unflinchingly, knowing what their Empress expected of them.
"To start with. I want a full report on the current situation. Lord Arthos, start with foreign relations."
The portly, mustachioed foreign minister stood with a small bow. He ran a hand through his hair.
"Rather limited options in foreign relations, My Lady," he said. "With the change in Bengalese leadership and the collapse of Louisiana, we're left in a bit of a tight spot when it comes to close international friends. We're still close with the Swahili and the Chinese, but relations with the Londoners and Katterlanders continue to sour. I'm not sure how long we're even going to recognize Java as an independent nationstate at this rate. I've put a proposal regarding the 501st and Coruscant on your desk, Empress, but it's subject to quite a few qualifiers."
"I'm aware, Lord Arthos. Thank you for the report." Taylor turned to her next victim. "Lady Rebecca, what about the United Nations?"
"Locked down," the lady of Virgin's Land said unhappily after she stood. "All that chaos the Londoners and Javanese caused last year is really being felt. We'll have to postpone most of our resolution ideas for the next two years."
"Understood. What about you, Lord Brian?"
The tall, muscular head of the army eyed his Empress. "We don't have anything worth talking about," he finally said. "Sure, we're beating the . . . tar out of the few bandits in York that we run into as we colonize, but other than that we're a glorified colonization force. We have obsolete technological equipment and low training standards by the world's judgement."
"I see," Taylor replied. She adjusted the horrific corset she was forced to endure. "Lord Jacob, what of your department?"
"Fairly well-equipped," Lord Jacob of Mary's Land replied. "We're producing more Komodos and Badgers every month, and I think we can outfit a new air division this year, if the funds become available. We still have the most professional air force on the planet, even if we aren't much for size."
"That's good news," Taylor said, actually smiling a little. Lord Jacob bowed deeply as he sat. Was Lord Brian scowling? Of course not - he couldn't be.
Though the interservice rivalry between the Army and the Air Force, let alone the Navy, is very real.
"Lord Samuel, how about your people?" Taylor asked. The head of the Imperial Navy shrugged.
"The three destroyers and Victimizer make a good starting squadron, but I'd feel safer with five more of them, a couple submarines and a carrier, not to mention a couple missile cruisers. The Navy's a bit underfunded, but we're still quite professional and much better than most of our regional opponents. I'm wary of the Bengalese, but not really anyone else off the top of my head."
"That's more good news," Taylor said, forcing a note of cheer into her voice. The memory of her father's death prevented its being genuine. If he wasn't gone, she wouldn't be here - or, at least, she wouldn't be the one doing the talking.
"My department remains in the dark, as always," Lady Meredith, head of Imperial Intelligence, commented. "I've put our full details on your desk for review later."
"Of course," Taylor replied. She pair the brunette no more mind as she returned her attention to the last two ministers.
"Lord William, what is the state of the treasury?"
"Very good, my lady," William grinned after standing. "We have around eighty-nine million Marks in the vaults. We need to continue pouring money into the economy if we want to really take off, you understand, but the Olympic Games, despite the sadness, gave us a massive financial boost."
Taylor fought not to snap at the man. Lord William was mostly concerned with money, after all - he was an insensitive man, but he had cared for the Emperor. Taylor fought hard to remember that and avoided venting her anger at the Treasurer.
"Lord Astor, I understand the Research Division remains underfunded, but I think that will change soon." Taylor leaned back, remaining regal as ever despite a growing desire to kick off her shoes.
"Gentlemen and Ladies," she finally said. "Adjunct Stavros and I have conferred before today about the allocation of spending in the upcoming budget proposal, and I thank you for assuring me of the details about where we stand. I have made my decisions."
"What are they, my lady?" Lady Rebecca inquired calmly. Taylor took a breath.
"First of all, we are investing forty million in the economy. Lord William will see to the details. A policy of roughly fifty percent will be adhered to for the foreseeable future."
"Of course, my lady," William replied. "And the other forty-nine million?"
"We are equipping two more army corps," Taylor replied. For ten million marks. Ten of the remaining thirty-nine million will be used to fund the construction of another Gulliver-class destroyer. From this point on, it will be Imperial policy to acquire at least three new military organizational units per year."
Everyone gaped. Taylor glared back, dominant as her father had taught.
"What happened at the Olympics will not happen again," she growled. "America's armies will grow larger and stronger and prevent such atrocities in the future. On that you have my word."
Everyone seemed to accept her words, even if some didn't like them. Taylor's eyes lingered on a visible concerned Lord William and Lord Brian, before returning to Lord Astor.
"Lord Astor. The remaining twenty-nine million will be allocated to you for the project I had sent to your e-mail earlier. I don't want us being outclassed."
"As you wish, Empress," Astor replied. "We'll get you the advanced tech you want. You know, I don't think it's likely someone will be invading us."
"But we must be prepared in case they are," Taylor returned quietly. "Or in case we must invade someone else."
