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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".