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Loisy was not at all happy to let the bishop slip. But while he kept his head relatively cool and manage to not fly into rage, seeing the interest of Von Gaussenberg's offer, he felt like it was not enough... But for now, his single minded obsession would be content if he could gain the right to more or less legally keep an eye on the munistorum... The PDF had already got munistorum aligned overseers because of their schemes, and this would allow him to catch up on this.

"I will agree with this proposal. If we can't take them out of the picture, at least we can make sure they do not play foul again...

But Fridriech, how do you see this world's place in the imperium? What can we offer our Imperium?" Loisy paused. His eyes lit with the passion of ambition, not selfish ambition, but that that aspires to build big, and sturdy, into the millenias.

"What do you think of the Armour World of Saint Bonifatius' Reach? Of the fortress world of Saint Bonifatius' Reach? Of the Garrison World of Saint Bonifatius' Reach?

Look, I've thought about this, and talked about this with my men: to make this place sure, to make sure it serves at its best. A world militarised to high level, where the mutants could not hope to prevail. Look at how fine our PDF are, seasoned, and already, the regiment we first sent is recognised as elite... Imagine: a world safe thanks to a big garrison, strategic to get the Imperium help whenever it will need it, sending seasoned warriors tempered into the underhive the mad munistorum spawned and in spec ops for decades. A place where people are fed and work in a rigourously organised and safe environment. Could we not become this? Could we not serve the Imperium so well in this fashion?

I know you do not wish to be governor, Friedrich. And I will not have this burden fall on your shoulders. But if we can reach a common vision, then, maybe, I should take it up?

I was thinking if this much: give me a decade, to enact.the transformation of this world into a military jewel of the imperium. And then, past a decade, and if things are sufficiently set in motion, I can step down, and retire to get my duties as commander back and elect a new governor.

Would you be part of such a project? I must also consort with the mecanicus, as none of this would be possible without their machines... But that's one more threat to keep in check if we are the biggest stick around...".

He fell silent, and waited for Gaussenberg's answer to this future he wished for.

Von Gaussenberg listens until the Colonel ends and considers the idea for some moments "You asked how I see our worlds place in the Imperium. All my time within the Administratum has taught me that worlds go through certain phases, a cycle if you will. In the first stages they unlock their natural ressources, set up ressource extraction and agriculture - as long as the soil is stil fertile. They grow and the first hives are build, they grow, their industry developes until they have the power for that crucial last push to ripe to their fullest potential. The brigthest jewels of the Imperium did seldom start of the way they are now from the beginning, they went through these phases. It takes a lot to become a fortress world, ressources, industry, people... I'm not convinced St. Bonifatius is already at the stage that such a transformation would be successful, certainly not within a mere decade."

He holds his hand in waist height "we are here", he raises it above his head "we want to get there, but the jump is still to big. First we have to get here." he goes back to eye level. "I would... prefer we took another two or three decades to push our industrialization forward, to finish the first hive, reach a critical number of at least some 2 billion souls, set up the ressources in food and warmaterial to equip such a force as you imagine. And THEN is the time to transform it into a Garrison world, right when the capacity for expansion in ressource extraction start to dwindle and Soldiers become the ressource we produce for the Imperium.

But even in this vision of mine I would like to see you already starting to build this up. Construct fortifications at the most important points that will become the cristallization point for future fortresses, groom the officercorps an army of billions will need, recruit and train an army now to become the veterans that will build the backbone when general conscription and compulsory military service become the norm. Take your time to do this the right way and your dream will come true. But in my opinion we have to be patient for that."

He waits some moments to get a grip on Loisys reaction which he expects to not be very happy. But he wanted to get his honest councel across. "All I want is to serve the Imperium to the best of my abilities. I will happily leave the post of governor to either you or the cardinal, or to another candidate of compromise from outside. But I firmly believe that we should all work together and not fight each other. There is no reason why bonifatius reach should not be a center of worship and a fortress world simultanously, although my councel for our esteemed Cardinal would be the same I gave to you... patience."

Loisy listened carefully. Again, he trusted that his counterpart had way more knowledge and knowhow when it came to economics and politics, and all that mattered was that he would put his expertise to the betterment of the imperium with the goal of becoming that which they should be, in Loisy's eyes. Loisy was not aloof, and he knew this would take more than a decade, but to secure Von Gaussenberg's approval of this plan, he needed to make himself clear that, yet again, this wasn't a coup.

Loisy knew what he had to do to set all this in motion: candidate for governorship, use this position to secure a deal with the Astra Militarum - which should be fairly easy. In fact, while he would give the military accent of the whole, he would not take up a too direct approach in any other matters.

Once the world will be set on the right tack, he believed it wouldn't deviate, even when he leaves the duty of governor. The only true danger was the munistorum - they would necessarily try to backstab hip even more so should they too vote for him. He thought, probably by creating unrest, uprisings, and sabotage the tithes so that the greater imperium denounces him as an incompetent.

But he reckoned that maybe, just maybe, for the good of the imperium at large and this colony, he should put himself at this risk.

And if that didn't work? He'd keep leveraging to steer the new governor into the right direction. As best he could. And he would almost be thankful his mad gambit would fail.

"Thanks you for your honest advice, Friedrich. I'll think about all a.of this ahead of the council. Should I get drinks?"

The rest of the conversation would be about nothing of importance.

(Next up will be for the council, but I'll try to meet with mecadenrite a little before, if this is permitted, to now what the mechanics position would be towards my projects for this world).

This time, Cardinal Richemont was not late for the meeting. He arrived early, and was eager to mill with the crowd and the people. He had purposely reduced his entourage, leaving only a few Ecclesiarchy stalwarts to handle important matters and the like. He conspicuously wore an ornamental sabre at his waist, a not-so-subtle and visual reminder of his role as the "Demon-slayer".

He spent time "holding court" in the entryway, listening to supplicants, dispensing blessings, handing out indulgences, and listening to petitions. He could not afford to be seen as aloof. His tour of the outer-shrines and missionary houses, tours of his lands, as well as his regular speaking engagements at the blossoming Cathedral were all vital to show his benevolence to the people. His hand brought prosperity to all it touched.

It was an important contrast to the rough-shod, dictatorial approach that the Colonel had taken. The man had built his base of support with the Kallenese, while the Cardinal was trying to erode the Colonel's popularity in the outer-reaches away from the city. He knew well the stories that were circulating about Loisy outside the proto-hive.

If elevated to the position of governor, the Colonel would surely lean into militarizing the planet. Of course, the Cardinal could gain a lot of power off that pivot; but the man as Governor would quickly turn into an existential threat to him personally. He did not seem like one who was used to compromising, only commanding. He did not want to be the Colonel's enemy, but the man seemed to have an irrational hatred for the Ministorum.

Therefore, the Cardinal's vote was clear. He would recommend Von Gaussenberg to be the new Governor. It was the only choice that could bring balance to the leadership of St. Bonifacitus' Reach. It was best to have a leader in charge who did not want to be the leader in charge. Plus, the man was a true believer in the colony.

I assume that von Gaussenberg is still oblivious of Richemonts plan to nominate him - at least it will be funnier that way. He would not have talked with the Cardinal about what Colonel Loisy had told him of his plans, it was clear that that meeting had been confidential. But he would have had a similar message delivered containing the corner stones:
- we cannot keep wasting our energy fighting each other
- checks and balances are needed, all three main powers must control each other
- von Gaussenberg wants to keep the Colony going and regarding the rumors within the general public about Richemonts supporters speculating for Bonifatius reach to become a shrineworld and Loisys about a possible fortress world he would mention that both could be done if all three manage to pull at the same rope instead of playing tug of war.
Friedrich just hopes that he - and the colony - not get grinded to dust when the church and the military keep confronting each other... when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object one could say.

________________________________________________________________


As the meeting begins, High Administrator von Gaussenberg arrives in an armored limo, still accompanied by a squad of 4 elite PDF-bodyguards that Colonel Loisy had provided. Even on his way to the meeting he had stiill worked on some filing and paperwork and walking through the corridor he made some last urgent phonecalls. Administration business never ended. His entourage was very small compared to the others, only 2 other leading administrators and a couple of lower ranking clerks specialized in providing their superiors information should they need it. His Uniform was still the same simple yet distinguished black piece, with some accessories denoting his rank in the administratum, but overall he seemed to keep his livestyle relatively simple for a man of his position. He had attended Governor Gallows funeral - the man deserved all respect for serving Bonifatius reach for a good two decades and upon entering the council chamber he took the time to again give his condolences to Gallows widow.
Afterwards he formally greets the other council members and important representatives as etiquette demanded and then settles into his council seat. He awaits the coming minutes with a certain amount of anticipation and a queasy feeling in his stomach. Specifically as he expects Cardinal Richemont and Colonel Loisy to both reach for the position of Governor, putting him in the very unfortunate position of being forced to decide between the both of them. A decision he still hadn't made, despite a lot of time thinking about it.

Coming to the meeting, the colonel was applauded by the crowd, shouting his name in respect and admiration, waving banners of the PDF and portraits of the officer. Unlike Richmont, however, he feared that munistorum operatives could hide in the crowd and thus only saluted from afar them with a wild smile, and let the children come near his bodyguards to get a better view of the man. The Bodyguards themselves were actually recieving a respect and attention they were not at all accustomed to, and their featureless faces covered up entirely wouldn't let one know what they they felt about this.

Loisy firstly went.to meet Mechadandrite outside, greeted him, and processed to talk business: that is, he put forth the possibility of militarising this world as both a way to make it secure and influent, while in the meantime serving the Imperium, and, amongst other things, potentially being an interesting investment for him as well to get a patted on the shoulder by his own organisation considering the huge contingent of techpriests that would get the chance to be formed, live, and go sai' the stars with the Potential Regiments levied to go look for STC, or whatever, the point he tried to get across was: this will be good for you too, Magos.

Loisy, as usual, in his ceremonial outfit, in fact, this was pretty much the only time he would, as outside the council meetings, he always was clad.in standard issue combat fatigues. The famed Kallenese Bodyguards followed, but this time, guns safety off, and ready to pounce at the poor soul or servitor who'd so much as look like he would harm the Colonel.

Even before meeting with Von Gaussenberg, but even more so right afterward, he had compiled a file of Epic proportions that would make the latter envious, filled to the brink with law excerpts, numbers, projections, statistics, scenarii, contacts with the Imperial Guard, military mapping of the system, the proud history of the 1rst Saint Bonifatius' Raid Regiment... All of this was for one sake: to prove by reason that the direction he wanted to have this world head towards was the logical and correct one.

Upon entering the room itself, he collectively greeted all present parties politely, then sat down, and waited for his turn to speak. Now was not the time to overthink, paradoxaly. He was going to make a mad leap into a pool of blood hungry sharks, and in truth, he felt like he was going to make the greatest sacrifice of his life in the name of this world's future and the Imperium betterment. "The heck you are doing?" A voice kept asking, but he nodded it away "this is my duty".

Too bad the Bishop and the Tech-priest were not able to vote, as he had spent time and effort currying their favor. Probably for the best though.

The Cardinal stood and made is way to the podium. Time to get the show started...

"Imperial citizens and loyal servants of the God-Emperor. It is a blessing to serve, one that we can all participate in.

Our world is on the brink? On the brink of what is yet to be determined. As I salute the dutiful and faithful service of our loved, and departed Governor Gallows; it is time for us to look forward.

Old grievances must be cast aside, and a new path forward paved in blood, sweat, and tears. Therefore, it is clear to me that of the three amongst us who can serve, there is only one candidate who is clear....."

The old orator paused for effect. He had been consciously using the forms of rhetoric taught to him in the Schola Progenium and that he had been perfecting during all his years as an orator.

"The man to lead us all forward in service to the Emperor can only be..... Frederick von Gassenberg! Long live Governor von Gaussenberg!"

With that he gave the signal, and his supporters in the galleries roared in approval, crying out ""Long live Gaussenberg! Long may he serve!" The Cardinal ceremonial drew his sword, and laid-it on the ground before Von Gaussenberg, and kneeled to the Adept Primaris. His head held low in supplication.

Von Gaussenberg blinks a couple of times and looks around astonished as the cheering people, as he is pretty flabbergasted by what just happened. A silent "what the f..." forms on his lips and if he would have to be a pretty good actor to only pretend his surprise.
A moment later he forces himself to some composure, again being the figure of a dutyful, stern administrator he usually gives as his public persona, not really picking up the chants, but looking at Cardinal Richemont with a questioning look. It was an... interesting move. He could see the arguments for it - at least it would avoid the direct confrontation between Ecclesiarchy and Military for now. And on top of it, it would put von Gaussenberg up as Colonel Loisys opponent instead of Richemont in the election, thereby keeping the Administrator and Colonel from sticking together against the cardinal , which was not a plus for himself of course. Well played one could say.

He sends a still somewhat puzzled look over to the military leader, still processing his options and what further course of action would be in the best interest for the imperium. For now he doesn't proclaim anything, neither acceptance nor refusal of the nomination, trying to get at least a first impression of Loisys next move.

The die was cast...but how would Gaussenberg respond?

It seemed to be the most pressing matter, though a few other minor loose ends had also been tied up.

Namely, Mechandrite had reached an agreement with the Colonel. Some of the PDF trainees would assist Ad Mech dig teams for archeotech, and in exchange the Ad Mech would prioritize some high list items for the PDF. Namely, specialty infantry weapons, artillery shells, mortars, and some additional light vehicles, all of much were sorely lacking.

Loisy's turn came. He stood, and it was time for him to play his own character... Which was surprisingly difficult. Staying normal when you are about to try and convince a million soul that you have got the best ideas and that these might entitle you to command them, it's hard to act normally. But he managed it. He stood greeted people with his usual mix of sympathy and strictness again. And then, whereas Richemont's speech was brief and emotional, his was to be factual and complete, although that cheerfully ambitious tone came back in his voice. This was it. The colonel's paranoia had mutated into a fixed idea about the munistorum's malicious wrongdoing (in which he was more or less correct), and an iron will to protect this place by military means. Not to fortify this place. But the be the fortification.

He first made a shirt history of this place -a history that emphasised both the need, the importance, and the skill of Saint Bonifatius' military and enforcers. This first part aims at convincing that yes, when tithes somewhat faltered or lagged a bit behind, in fact, we have got something to offer else entirely: warriors with grit.

Then, he asked permission to peep into the wider sector. With holomaps, colorful depictions, images, pictures and citations, this show was almost pleasant. Loisy underlined the numerous menaces nearby, the risks of sect (mostly Genestealers) migrating to or via their world, the need for armories and levies for these worlds at war or soon to be, and thus, their ideal position to supply this.

After this, Loisy talked about what was happening with the enemy within. He talked about the rogue that struck this place as well, that tryid to kill him as well -and failed, fortunately. He spoke about how the Emperor's servants are never truly beaten: because Emperor wishing, their I'll begotten nests could be not the death of this planet, but it's forge and furnace to hone the skills of those destined to the guard. And with that, he proceeded to tell the tale of the 1rst Saint Bonifatius' Raid Regiment, asked for everywhere, decorated beyond counting, and biggest, brightest of honours - combined to prolong it's life, being reinforced.

He then thankfully pointed at the help the new mecanicus is ready to provide with this, saying that our industry is sturdy, and that it can, given the time and direction, grow a full military wing.

He bounced of, making an inventory and projection of Saint Bonifatius' ressources productions: at this rate and with the estimated reserves the mecanicus was not certain it could ever become a forge world of its own, nor a full blown hive world... But it could be a military one, spawning small, elite detachments for the imperial guard, hosting training grounds in some of its plains, life fighting training in the tunnels, Navy relay if the space port is extended...

He concluded. This is the best future we can hope for this place, for it to be secure and to bring something more to our Imperium.

Therefore, I am making you this proposition. Make me interim military governor, or regent, or whatever the title. I'll do all in my power to have the place walk at the best pace towards this future. I say walk, because this will need time. He looked at Von Gaussenberg, to say "I have heard you, and I will not rush this". But when it is done, I shall step down, and take back duties as a commander in chief, and give it back to the rightful owners: the imperial administrators. I make a solemn pledge of this.

He had said it. And the crowd erupted in acclamation, while the soldiers present around here roared their warcry as if to break their lungs under the strain. The Colonel remained as expected of him: stern, serious, and determined, standing straight and honourable.

Now, he could only wait for the vote to decide. Part of him almost hoped it would fail and he would not be crowned governor. But he suppressed it, reiterating these worlds "this is my duty to serve".

Colonel Loisy's speech was exactly what the Cardinal expected. Cardinal Richemont stayed quiet, clapped politely when the time was right, and made a show of stifling a yawn at times.

There is no doubt that Colonel Loisy is a brave defender, and a hero of ST. Bonifatius' Reach! We should all give him another round of applause for his service.

It is clear, that he is a faithful and dutiful warrior for the Emperor. Such faith is what we need going forward!

HIs words speak to me. Dangers of the mutant, the xenos, and the heretic. In addition, we know that the Colonel has a track record of success against these threats. He has been blessed by the Emperor to be of service.

Therefore, it would be a sin for any of us to keep him from his calling. I maintain my motion for Von Gaussenberg to be our new Imperial Governor, as no one knows the world better than him!

However, stirred by the Colonel's speech, and mindful of the threats around us, I wish to make a second proposal. It is time for our planet to think of not just protecting itself, but to use our might to help the people of the Imperium across the sector.

We should raise an additional two regiments for our tithe, equip it with the help of our Mechanicus brothers, and promote our esteemed Colonel to the position of General. At the head of three regiments, the General can than lead this expeditionary forces out in the name of the Emperor. With such an accomplished leader as General Loisy, they will not fail in their duty and bring military honor to us all and complete the goals the General has laid-out in front of us.

I fully support two promotions today, Von Gaussenberg for Governor and Loisy as General for our expanded military tithe!

Glory to Him-on-Terra! "

The Cardinal's followers roared in approval and heartily thanked the soldiers around them for their service. The Cardinal bowed graciously to the Colonel and then stood up to lead the round of applause for his fellow triumvirate member.

Loisy waited for the vote to take place as the protocol wihsed for, but he was almost disappointed in the Cardinal's proposal. The string to sned him offworld, for starters, was ridiculously obviously, but, mostly, it was precisely Loisy who nominated the leaders of the regiments to depart. Puzzling as it was, he did not reply, and waited for the vote. It seemed that his bodyguards caught the trick too, as he felt they wear about to go and take the C ardinals head right there and then, but he gestured them in a fatherly manner as if to say "not yet, comrades".

Von Gaussenberg seems very much deep in though during Colonel Loisys presentation but also soaks up the provided information and arguments like a sponge. After all, that was a language he understood - facts, projections, forecasts - which in a way was also a well played out argument comming from the Astra Militarum representive. And he had to admit that already confronting him with the general concept and adopting his council of patience did a lot to win Gaussenberg for the cause. But there remained quite some doubt if the position of governor would not break the man

Cardinal Richemonts proposal started of and adressed some of his concern he wholeheartedly agreed to - loosing their best officer to the torture of day-to-day politics and diplomacy would be a waste, but the following ploy to promote into what was basically exile was as obvious as it was dishonest.

As only the three of them - Richemont, Loisy and himself - had a vote in this, it all came down to himself, and he figured he had a couple of realistic choices.
He could support Colonel Loisy as Governor - which might work for a while but might drive the man over the edge and it would likely escalate into a fullblown conflict with the Ecclesiarchy
He could support Cardinal Richemonts movement to promote the Colonel away - which would either led him to open revolt right now or would leavy von Gaussenberg alone with a chaotic headless Military and an Ecclesiarchy much to powerful for his own liking
He might also as well nominate a completly different, neutral candidate from outside, spliting the vote into a stalemate until one of the others moved to a more sensible position - good luck with that...

But there was of course another possibility, even if he really did not like it. Nobody would really loose out, but everyone would be equally unhappy about the outcome - which was always the sign of a GREAT compromise. A dirty compromise that might, possibly, just work for now.


Through the back and forth cheering of supporters of both sides, he raised his hand and made eye contact with Adept Dophilous who had the chair, calling everyone to order with some slams of his hammer.

When von Gaussenberg finally spoke, it was with solemn words and much less orchestrated and flashy then the other too - but in a way is calm, rational and stern speech might as well be a kind of role he played as well.



"I fully agree with Cardinal Richemont, a promotion of Colonel Loisy is long overdue. Our planet has a population nearing a billion and our PDF is much too large to be led by a Colonel. But I must remind you, that any intervention into the Astra Militarum hierarchy is far out our jurisdiction. And even if this was possible I can only advise against robbing our planet of its most competent officer - a hero of the recent crisis on top of it." which was a formal way of rejecting the proposal of sending Loisy off world without shedding any doubt that the man deserved a promotion - making some of the Cardinals supporters unhappy while gaining the favor of the Colonels.

He turned over to Colonel Loisy and continued "The vision you laid out for us is indeed very well thought through, founded in hard facts and will set a path into the future that will benefit the Imperium as it will ensure the prosperity and security of our world. So I fully support it, your excellency." which obviously made one half of the crown start to cheer "... but..." the crowd fell silent again "I'm afraid robbing our forces of their commander right at the beginning of this critical step into a new area for the colony would be far from a wise decision. For this great vision of yours to be carried through, we need you as a military commander, not entangled in diplomacy, politics and paperwork." - which somewhat turned the favor of the crowd, as he more or less rejected Loisys candidacy for governorship.

He turned towards the other councelors - the Mechanicum Representative and the bishop, but also the members of the higher noble houses, trade komglomerates and artisan guilds before coming back to the Cardinal and the Colonel in turns. "Before we set our votes, you all should know that should this burden really fall on my shoulders, I will set the plans drawn out by Colonel Loisy in motion. There might be some minor adjustments, but overall, what he so expertly laid out for us WOULD become the future of our world. And to fulfill that dream we ALL must pull together, work side by side for these goals and everyone has to play their part - for us all to prosper under the emperors grace." here he takes a long look at both his co-rulers, making clear that while he would fullfill Loisys vision, there would be no way to do this without the Ecclesiarchy - no matter how much Loisy might want this.

"Taking into account what I just said, do you still uphold your nomination?" he directly asks Cardinal Richemont, before turning to the mentioned other councelors asking "before we cast our votes, I would like to hear if any of the other dignitaries wishes to give us their councel."


As he finished speaking, an attentive judge of character might see how von Gaussenbergs shoulders slump a little and that he seems under quite some stress currently. He was not at all happy with the prospect he had just laid out - especially as it would put him between all chairs, forced to juggle dozens of balls at once. But he thought that he achieved what needed to be achieved with his proposition - a compromise that gave everyone a little while making everyone unhappy enough that one could be satisfied that ones competitors are suffering too.

Loisy stood again. He new he needed to express himself to make sure the crowd of militaries that wish him so strongly governor are not disappointed - as he knows what can happen when that occurs. So He was about to amend his proposal. He could not be an equal to the ecclesiaechy- as this would jeopardise the whole future they envisioned.

"Soldiers and faithful citizens of Saint Bonifatius Reach. You have heard this man. He says he will lead us to the bright future we deserve. Know this much: thus far, he has held up its world in any matter and he knows the intricacy of running in long term better than anyone of us.

Should I cast my vote on him? Would you trust?"

The crowd that supported Loisy started to whistle and protest "No, YOU are the hero, you deserve to be promoted!"

"Soldiers and faithful citizens, let us make a deal. My promotion doesn't need to be to be military in nature. Von Gaussenberg, if you are governor, will you hear the cry of the people, and elevate me to a higher degree of overseeing and responsibility in your government? I am a man suited for the future we would like to make happen. But I am not power hungry, as I serve none but the Emperor and it's cattle. I will gladly lay down my candidacy, if only I can rest assured that my know how in military sphere will be put to its best use".

In shorts, he was offering Von Gaussenberg his vote in exchange for a position of prime minister of sorts.

The crowd, in fact, started cheering "Make the Colonel Prime Minister! The Hero deserves the promotion! Make him General!".

With the same fatherly gesture he used with his soldiers, Loisy calmed the cheering, half of which, spoken in Kallenese, was not understandable by his counterparts.

Loisy was visibly starting to gain experience in politics. He knew of Von Gaussenberg was fond of compromises, and using the crowd, he understood there was a way to force an ever so small meaning in his direction, thus making sure the government would actually follow the guidelines he laid, while saving the compromise, and while gaining the people to the cause.