I assume you werent able to convince him.
General Peter Williams dropped into the chair across from him and sighed despondently. No, I was not. I tried explaining to him that giving Harper and Lange too much leeway was inviting disaster, but he is insistent that they still have only the Empires best interests in mind. For such a brilliant man, he can be so damned naïve at times.
Our Dear Emperor puts a lot of faith into the spirit of camaraderie. A bit too much, if you ask me. General Thomas Steward replied. You also have to face the fact that what Harper and Lange did WAS to the Empires benefit. Both Cleveland and Columbus were major bases for raiders. The League has been begging Joseph to take them out, but hes refused to budge on it until Missouris has been secured. What Harper and Lange have done is take care of a major problem, letting him focus on what he wants to get accomplished.
That still doesnt change the fact that the both of them are damned power mongers. Heck, you served with Harper before the Revolution, you know what hes like. Give him an inch, hell take a mile. Ohio wont be the end of it. Hell go straight on through Pittsburg until he reaches the Atlantic. Then where will we be, hm?
Now youre just being paranoid. You know for a fact the minute he gets near the border, Joseph will insist on appointing a new Governor-General for the front. And if he forgets, then the rest of the Council will be more then glad to remind him. And that, my friend, is exactly how we will get the leg up on Harper.
Williams shot his comrade an inquisitive look. What exactly have you been planning, and should I be worried?
You have no need to worry. This wont involve any knives in the dark or other nefarious deeds. All I am proposing is that we work to install General Isaac Monroe as the new governor-general, when the post becomes available.
Wait, you want to put forth Pulaskis replacement? What for? Hes only been on the Council for two months. He has absolutely no experience in these matters.
Ah, you see, thats the idea. Unlike some we may know, Monroe is solely devoted to the Empire. He almost passed up the promotion because it involved too much politics. Hes most at home in the thick of things, fighting with the men. Hell be a neutral player; just what we need.
Alright, fine, Ill admit it; Monroe does sound like the best option. But there is still one big flaw in your plan; the Emperor always weighs the advice of those generals who operate in the area over anyone else. Since Harper has been in the east the longest, whoever he picks will most likely get the nomination.
Wrong again. There is one person who Joseph will listen to above all others.
Williams snorted incredulously. If you are thinking what I believe you are, then you truly are a fool. Yes, Emperor Joseph does value Cornells judgment before anyone elses. But there is no way youll be able to convince Cornell to support us. Hes always been too cautious.
He may be cautious, but hes no fool. From what Ive heard, this offensive in Ohio has him worried. Hes always been suspicious of those two, especially Lange. He will be much more willing to listen to our proposition. And you know that once hes convinced, Guillory, Beckert, and Jensen will follow.
Alright, Ill go along with this. Im still doubtful well get anywhere with Cornell.
Steward smiled. Dont worry. Im sure everything will work out fine.
