Spheres of Influence: Alliance

"If you're going to treat them with a smile and a handshake, you're all but acknowledging they are a state with the right to be here," said Malcolm, frowning. "And in doing so, you're neglecting your duties to defend members of the Alliance. I express every condolence for the pain you've suffered at the hands of terrorism, but that does not mean Tiranóg gets to shirk its duties to its allies. What we have is a gang of petty nobles making power grabs, and slaughtering our soldiers. It needs to be dealt with as a bunch of dissidents, not welcomed with a seat at the convention!"

"I- excuse me, you sorry excuse for a clansman!" exclamined Duncan. "Your soldiers were invading Innis Lorel to repress us! We've had enough with being ruled from Doncanan. We tried to negotiate with you - you refused to even consider our demands!" He slammed his fist into his palm, gesticulating as he talked. "King Geród here gets it. We deserve a seat here as much as anyone. You don't have the men to take back our lands - we're independent now, like it or not. If the Post gets a chair, so do we!"

"I will not repeat words I've said before," said Malcolm. "Parliament was never going to strip estates from our loyal subjects just to satisfy you island clans' desire for more wealth. You are a rebel. You rule your island by force of arms, not by any right recognized by the gods. You have forfeited every right to make demands."


Meanwhile, across the room, the Merhotepre ambassador looked over towards the rising tempers, then turned back. "So, yes, sorry, Lord Cregit Exiro. His Eminence King Akhetre would like to know what triggered this occupation, and what your plans for the lands you have occupied are. If you would prefer to talk here we can, but if you would like to discuss this away from this hall..?"