Mint was flying across Earth, back to his exploring of the planet. He knew soon it be time for him to leave the planet and return to Arcose. He could not leave the planet vulnerable for too long. No doubt some would get the idea to strike while the triumvirate was off world. Ise and Brumal had been off world for a bit and now he was out on Earth. News spread quickly so he was just going to make a round trip around the planet, visit some places and get a feel of what was going on Earth. But as he had been flying around his scouter had beeped, he had been alerted to Ticoga arriving on Earth a few days ago. He was an Officer of Arcosian military's and Mint could only assume his arrival was about his investigation of those pirates.
Mint had remembered his stories about them, though he was forgetting their name now. He had a lot on his mind. He had trained Ticoga but he had not seen him in some time. So, it be good to talk to him and see how much stronger he had gotten. But Ticoga had also been around and away from Arcose. He could gain a good status report from him. Not just on what was going on Earth. But what was going on around the Cosmo's. He needed to make sure to keep in the loop. And it be a good chance to make sure Ticoga had just not been flying around for no reason. He sent him a message to meet in the Gizard Wasteland. Their business may be something Mint would wish to keep private and away from prying eyes and ears. What they talked about may have great ramification on the Empire as a whole.
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Nov 23, 2022 21:45:58 GMT -5
Ticoga had arrived on the Earth some days earlier, though he had taken to acting slowly. Earth was a rather small planet with low gravity, but it had many concerning battle power readings that Ticoga was taking care to avoid. It came as some surprise when he received a summons notification from his scouter.
Ticoga reviewed the summons, and saw it had come from Emperor Mint's frequency! It had been a few months at least since last they spoke, and no doubt the Emperor was wanting a progress report. But what surprised Ticoga more than the summons was the intended location - here on Earth. Why the Emperor was on this backwater planet was of little concern to Ticoga, as it was not his place to question the motives or actions of the Triumvirate.
It took longer than Ticoga would have liked to arrive, as he had only the coordinates and a location name - both required some interpretation, and he was only able to get onto the correct path once the scouter updated its navigational computer to include the Earth and his current position on it.
The Gizard Wasteland looked very much aptly named. A stony biome with fairly minimal vegetation. Unlike Arcose, the smaller Earth was a world of many different biomes. Still, it would only fetch a modest sum should it be entered onto the galactic market. Much of the world's resources were already used up, damaging the backwater world's sale value. Ticoga tracks the Emperor's combat power rating until he comes within a hundred feet of them. He drops from the sky and lands softly on the stony ground, and walks over to the awaiting Emperor.
"Your Majesty." Ticoga says by way of greeting, bowing at the waist to show his respect. "I received your summons."
He didn't waste time asking questions - Mint would answer them with whatever he had to say in all likelihood.
Mint glanced upwards as his scouter beeped to alert him to Ticoga arriving. He was still so formal, which was fine but he swore he had told him before he didn’t have to be so formal. “Mint is fine. You don’t have to be so formal with me.” Yes, Ticoga had to follow his order as his Emperor. But, he liked having a friendly relationship and not have men kissing at his feet. “It is good to see you though Ticoga, it has been a long time. Your power had increased a great deal as well. That must be from your exploration across the cosmo’s. I assume you still exploring to finish your mission and hence why your here.”
Mint tapped his scouter off and glanced around. He just wanted to confirm no one else was around. He wanted a private conversation of course with Ticoga. “I just wanted to get an update on what you been doing if anything has gone on across the cosmo’s. I assume you been to an assortment of planets, and not just been flying around in space? I am hoping you can give me any important details. I been very busy on Arcose. But, i have a bit of time to leave the planet, take a look around here and deal with some business. Soon, I am gonna have to return home to keep Arcose running strong. The other member of the Trimuverate are more willing to do as they please. So I am out of the loop for major events that might of occured. Hell, I come back here and I see a giant hole in the moon of this planet"
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Nov 25, 2022 22:39:52 GMT -5
Ticoga straightens his posture at the Emperor's chiding - he had been told before to be less formal, but it had been difficult. Both Empress Ise and Emperor Brumal had also said such a thing, and the polar opposite expectation was juxtaposed to how Ticoga had been trained.
"I am pleased to stand before the Triumvirate once again." Ticoga replies, strongly resisting the urge to say Majesty. "My travels have been, at best, moderately fruitful. And, indeed, by purpose coming to the small world is indeed to follow up on a lead."
Ticoga presents Mint with the documents that Fukushu gave to him back on Plant.
"I received these from an informant back on Planet Plant, after my leads brought me to that world." he explains. "I met this informant, a Heran called Fukushu, on Konats. I encountered him again on Plant carrying out what he claimed to be orders from the Empire."
Ticoga clicks his scouter, and sends an image to a small screen device. The image of the Heran holding up a mostly raveled sheet of paper appears on the screen. The only visible thing on it is the Imperial Seal that was uniquely used by Emperor Brumal.
"As you can see, the Heran received something from Emperor Brumal - as that seal is legitimate. However, Fukushu did not allow me to read over the document, so I do not actually know what it says." Ticoga continues. "According to him, the Empire sanctioned terrorist activities on Plant that would likely lead to a reopening of conflict between the Saiyans and the Tuffles. I was not able to reach Emperor Brumal to verify this claim."
Ticoga looks at the taller Arcosian.
"I do not believe the Heran's words to be true. Not entirely, at any rate." Ticoga goes on. "But he did have a document sealed with Emperor Brumal's Imperial Seal. Without speaking with His Majesty, I cannot confirm or deny any Imperial involvement, and I do not have clearance to investigate such things. As a member of the Triumvirate, you are far more equipped for finding out the truth of this."
Ticoga turns off the device, and puts it away. He then takes out two coins.
"I discovered another coin, this one slightly different from the first, back on Konats." Ticoga says, showing the Emperor. "I encountered Lord Sheeyr and Lord Isikiy, who both seemed to be conducting their own investigations on Konats at the time. As luck would have it, our investigations intersected, though the location of the Red Dawn Pirates has yet to be confirmed."
The documents he handed to Mint show a picture of an alien, and structures that match the typical style of Earth's manufacturing senses.
"The Heran, Fukushu, gave me this and said that I should be able to find further information from this individual, but I have to find them myself." Ticoga tells the Emperor. "I should be able to meet Fukushu's own informants at some point to further close in on this individual."
Ticoga had at least been on some fruitful missions if his words were true. Good, he was glad that he had not just been traveling over the cosmo’s doing nothing. It was important for the empire to remain active in all ways it could. Ticoga exploring the cosmos was one way that could be done. However, the news he did bring was a surprise. A Heran warrior named Fukushu had been a contact to Ticoga on Konats, and then when he meet him on Plant he had documents from the empire. He would glance at the screen Ticoga showed, it indeed seemed to be a seal. Of course, he didn’t have the physical document to confirm but his good eye told him it was probably the real thing.
Furthermore, this document as he described has been sanctioned terrorist attacks on Plant to start war once more between the saiyans and the tuffles. And being Brumal's seal meant that it would be Brumal idea to do such an affair. But why? He seemed interested in Namek and now Plant? It was odd, and as Ticoga pointed out Fukushu didn’t let him read the document. “This is news I need to hear indeed. This is under even my nose Ticoga. Emperor Brumal is making moves without informing me. He could be only informing Ise. But it is possible this is own idea. It is something to be concerned with. But I’ll talk with Emperor Brumal about it when I get the chance. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.” It brought back to the surface his idea that Ise and Brumal had been working together since Konats. That put him at the 2-to-1 disadvantage. His work on Arcose had left him vulnerable to such a potential plot.
But that was not the only thing that Ticoga had. He had collected a coin to try to find the Red Dawn Pirates. Two Arcosian Lords Sheeyr and Isikiy had also been investigating. All of them, however, failed to find an exact location where the Red Dawn Pirates were. He also had gotten info from Fukushu about the pirates might be on Earth based on some images of Earth Infrastructure. Fukushu told him to find this person on his own but with any hope this would lead him to the Red Dawn Pirates. “Very good Ticoga. This could prove useful in finding the Red Dawn. However, I question the trust placed in Fukushu in this regard but not in the documentation. Is this man someone that can be trusted? While the seal is real no doubt, is it not possible he can be fooling you with where these Red Dawn are? I assume with his information he must be some cutthroat himself?”
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Nov 27, 2022 14:55:58 GMT -5
Ticoga bows his head placatingly.
"If it is indeed that Emperor Brumal is acting without consent of the rest of the Triumvirate, then it is a matter only yourself and Empress Ise may address. I do not have the right to oppose any of The Three." Ticoga replies after a moment. "Forgive my daring, but it could also simply be a matter of lack of communication, or miscommunication."
Ticoga straightens his posture, and dares to look Mint in the eyes.
"Empress Ise and Emperor Brumal both... spoke of a lack of effective communication." Ticoga says, avoiding the word complain as best as possible. "It may be that none of you are plotting against one another, or not that the other two are plotting against you in particular. It seems to me, from an outside perspective, that you are all simply not talking to each other to get these situations figured out as a team, preferring to act solitarily."
Ticoga then grimaces.
"Per the Red Dawn Pirates and the Heran, Fukushu - I would say the plain answer is no. The Empire should not put trust in the Heran." Ticoga says. "While he has been useful for my mission - I can only assume that the information he gives me suits his own purposes. He has no reason to help me at all - and that he refused to let me review the document bearing Emperor Brumal's signate tells me that he thinks me small minded. Easily manipulated."
Ticoga then shrugs at the thought.
"I have no reason to believe that Emperor Brumal ordered him to conduct terrorist activities on Planet Plant." he continues. "I came to this world to verify the claim - even untrustworthy sources must be investigated in order to sift the truth from lies. If Fukushu proves to be working with the Red Dawn Pirates, then my path forward is clear. But I got a sense of his power - and I feel that it would take the Triumvirate to face his power. The Heran is much more powerful than he presents."
Ticoga grimaces again.
"I intend to begin amassing more power, as you recommended." Ticoga says, changing the subject. "I have decided that becoming a General is not the correct mind set. With all these powerful warriors beginning to appear, I believe that it is important that I seek to do more than simply lead armies on behalf of the Empire. I need to become powerful enough to defend the Empire against those who seek to destabilize it. And that means surpassing you, my Emperor."
Ticoga's expression hardens.
"I must become more powerful than the Triumvirate, if I am to protect the Empire, and protect you, Emperor Brumal, and Empress Ise." he says with finality. "I have no interest in rule - my purpose is to become the shield that stands between the Empire and its enemies."
“You have every right to speak up though. You will not be punished for having a voice. You may be told off but never punished.” Mint put his hand behind his back. “But, you are correct. Only me and Ise can handle this. If he is acting without at least her consent as well, then he is acting in the empire's interest without the other emperor’s knowing. And that is something I cannot forgive.”
However, as Ticoga noted they all really didn’t talk all that much. In fact, communication was an issue all experienced. He grunted, “A weakness of a trio of leaders. We need to talk but if we don’t then our power is useless. So maybe he is moving because we do not speak. That he wishes to get stuff done. But we formed a trio of leaders to have a balance of power. One acting as they please, means they disregard the other two emperors. It does give us a strong base of power though, that we can act so easily without each other consent.” He rubbed his chin. He rather not challenge Brumal on acting on this matter. But if this would blow up in Brumal’s face it blew up in his face. For Minor things, letting each emperor do as they pleased was fine with Mint. It was more effective. But a potential attack on Plant? That was not small. That was massive. And it could rock the empire to its core.
As for Fukushu, he didn’t trust him. He had been useful to Ticoga so far he was also most likely giving information that was to his benefit. It’d help Ticoga, but it also is info given out with a secondary goal in mind. Plus, he didn’t show the document, it was something he couldn’t prove is Emperor Brumal was indeed asking him to invade a planet. Furthermore, he was not someone they could take lightly. He believed in the empire only the Triumvirate could defeat him. “I’ll make a note of that. I’ll have a lot of questions to ask him and of course Brumal. Regardless, we will keep an eye on it. Hopefully, he is indeed on Brumal side. While i’d have a problem with such an invasion his power could be a use to the empire if what you sensed is correct.”
However, there was something else he wanted to say. Ticoga had decided he no longer wished to be a General for Arcose. No, he didn’t want to rule either. He wanted to surpass all three emperors and become the shield of the Empire. Mint was left a bit stunned by this. Ticoga was strong and he liked him but he wanted to surpass him. In a way, Mint saw that as a threat. Mint closed his eyes in thought his aura rising. As if he was about to crush Ticoga for such a bold proclamation. But then he opened his eye and smiled. “Fair enough. If you do surpass me, then why would I be enraged? If you become a shield, you will protect the empire for generations. And if you decide to rule and I cannot overcome you. Then I should have trained hard. Same with the rest of the Triumvirate. We are stronger together, as long as our goals are united, then whoever is the strongest does not matter.” Mint in the past might have been pissed, he hated when Azoth was stronger than he was. It ate up at him. But at the same time, he lived with that and did a lot for the Empire. He was sure that his strength would not determine his status at least fully. Plus, Ticoga was very loyal. Being enraged at him wanting to merely be strong enough to defend his lord. That would be rewarding loyalty with punishment. That was not how an emperor should rule.
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Nov 29, 2022 4:54:24 GMT -5
Ticoga listens to Mint, and bites the inside of his cheek silently. It sounded a lot like Mint was taking this information and interpreting it in a way that suited some internal narrative. And the only narrative that would fit, would be further infighting. His paranoia was showing in a way too - noticable through Mint's choice of words.
"Sire, I must insist that I am not misunderstood. I do not have any wish to rule the Empire. I have no reason to seek to replace you, Empress Ise, nor Emperor Brumal." Ticoga says again. "I am not a leader. Not in that sense. Perhaps I was not using the proper vernacular..."
Ticoga clears his throat, and adopts a rigid, straight backed military stance.
"It is my intention to rise to the rank of General, or even to the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces." he says firmly. "My duty is first and foremost to the defense of the Empire, its people, and those who lead it towards the next era of prosperity. Becoming a Shield was a turn of phrase - So long as I live, I shall place myself between the Empire's enemies and the Empire itself."
Ticoga firms his jaw.
"There is no deciding to rule." Ticoga continues avidly. "Should the Empire lose all of its Lords, I will not put myself forward into a role I am not chosen for. I do not wish to enforce an ideology or agenda of my own - if I am to be followed, it will be because others chose that for me - that I would be trusted to do right by the Empire, always."
Ticoga finally allows himself to lock eyes with the Emperor.
"My dream, my life's purpose is not rule - it is to redeem my stained bloodline, and evolve beyond the limitations of power our people have." Ticoga says confidently. "So I seek to become the mightiest of our people, not for political control, but to be the very real shield that shatters the enemies of the Empire."
"I am aware. I trust your words Ticoga. If you say you don't want to take over the empire then that is your word. If you wished to deceive me you of not told me of this invasion that Brumal working on." Mint paused in thought as Ticoga kept speaking. He just wanted to be general. He would defend the empire and become its shield. He would place himself between the enemies of Arcose and be the first line of defense. He would never rule, even if the three lords should fall, he would protect the interest of the empire. Only if he was chosen to lead would he take the mantle in stride and lead the Empire with his vision. "That is a good yes, the best leaders are not the ones who take it. I am afraid they have their issues. Even, I admit I have a chip on my shoulder. In that regard, I thrust myself to be emperor when the void was filled. Azoth and Hibeneral fought at first. Then when they fell I formed the Trimvuerate, not because I wanted to be ruling in a power dynamic of three but it was the way to keep the empire intact."
Why was he saying this to Ticoga? He wanted to reaffirm confidence, Ticoga's words may him believe, that he assumed Mint was losing it slightly. And that did make him a bit angry. But at the same time, maybe he was losing a step. He had been worried for months about what Brumal and Ise were doing. Now, it seemed Brumal was doing something sneaky and at the same time, Ticoga wanted to surpass the three of them. Ticoga was gonna be loyal to the empire, While Mint saw himself as the empire, what if Ticoga saw Brumal or Ise's way of rule as the empire? Eventually, the three of them would come to blows. "To be truthful with you, if you wish to be this shield. The Empire is not as stable as I let on. As I noted, the dynamic of our leadership came from a need. I needed to secure Arcose's future. Brumal had arrived from nowhere and was not going to allow me to rule alone. I'd of fought him but that leave one less ally to the empire. Second, Blizzard was lurking. If Blizzard was ruling the empire, it would be ashes in this very moment." Mint closed his good eye pausing to collect himself.
"Now, you bring me the news that Brumal is doing things behind my back. Things that if true could spark a warrior between us and the Saiyans or tuffles. Maybe even both of them. If he is caught. And this Fukushu if he flaunted this information with you, seems he may do the same with others or to avoid death. So I'll ask you as the shield of the empire." Mint put his hands behind his back. "What do you think of Brumal? You have met him before yourself. Do you have an opinion on the man? I believe he is wise, powerful and a great ally. But, he appeared from nowhere after the death of Azoth. I could never find a single record of his existence, but he did say he was from the outer parts of the empire, maybe the record was deleted? Lost? But what concerns me the most and in light of what you told me? Is that they never existed, to begin with."
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Nov 30, 2022 2:12:09 GMT -5
Ticoga was surprised by the Emperor's candor - the openness of the Empire apparently being more vulnerable than the Triumvirate let on. Of course they didn't make that known - the Empire was the galactic standard of prosperity and power. For it to be seen as vulnerable would be a death sentence for their society, and the vultures would swoop in to pick it apart at the first sign of failure.
Ticoga had met Azoth before the latter began his campaign to rule the Empire. Should he have acted back then? Azoth had been rather cocky, rather difficult and unwilling to bend to the ideas of others. He had even threatened Ticoga the same day they met, when Azoth first claimed to be a vigilante, and then claiming to be an Imperial Guard. Perhaps Ticoga's mission, hunting pirates, had enabled, even contributed partly to the hidden instability.
When asked about his thoughts on Emperor Brumal, Ticoga frowns and has to think carefully to properly articulate his words. While he did so, Mint expressed a concern that Brumal had come seemingly from nowhere. Several things hit Ticoga at once, but he chooses to separate the thoughts to speak on each one more concisely.
"As you are permitting me to speak freely, I would have to say that Emperor Brumal has shown capability as a leader, which is an absolute must have skill. His Lordship saw fit to add his own flavor to my training when I recently returned to Arcose to resupply." Ticoga tells Mint carefully. "I did not have any negative thoughts about Emperor Brumal at that time, and not since I have left his presence either."
Ticoga had heard Mint call him the Shield of Arcose. And those words hovered in his mind above his concerns. Was Emperor Mint going to truly give Ticoga, the last in a shamed line, his wish? When Mint began probing Ticoga's thoughts about Brumal's mysterious appearance, the young Arcosian began to think he may have gotten himself involved in something far above what he was prepared to face.
...No. A shield may crack, it may buckle, but it never fails its duty to protect its bearer - only when shattered beyond all use, or thrown away, would a shield truly fail.
"My Lord, if you wish me to investigate Emperor Brumal's origins, you need but ask it of me, and I shall set aside my pirate hunt." Ticoga tells the Emperor. "If there is truly no records to be found, then it must be ascertained where he originates from. Asking him directly is the most expedient path towards this, but if it is done so, it must be asked without any notion of hostility."
Ticoga brazenly takes a step towards Mint.
"You once told me that before you came to rule the Empire as part of the Triumvirate, you yourself lived a life of piracy. It is possible that Emperor Brumal is ashamed of a past he wishes to forget." Ticoga offers. "Arcose remains, because a pirate, a Saiyan adopted by a Lord General, and an Arcosian with no recorded past came together to stabilize a cracking society."
Ticoga thumps his right fist against his chest.
"Please, allow me to speak with Emperor Brumal. I will make these inquiries, and pose them as personal curiosity." Ticoga offers. "If Emperor Brumal destroys me, then my sacrifice may help purge the Empire of a false master. But if Emperor Brumal opens up to me, if I can convince him to take you into his confidence, then perhaps you can do the same. A triumvirate can only work if there is trust in each other. Let me test that trust."
Ticoga made his feeling’s clear, he didn’t have any negative to say of Brumal. He was a good leader, and that was something Arcose did need. “Yes, that was mostly what I thought of the man, other then him appearing of course. But his intelligence is second to none. He is a great man to lead this empire. If I didn’t exist, he would of been the leader of Arcose in his own right.” Ise didn’t even want to lead, she wanted to take down a leader in the future. So Ise was only an empress because he needed a third. To balance Brumal and himself power. And originally to have that power on his side. He assumed Ise would be while not loyal, would more fall in line with his own ideals. He couldn’t be so sure now. When Ticoga asked if he wanted him to investigate Brumal origin though he waved. “No, you don’t have too. I’m only laying out the concern’s that I have. I trust you Ticoga. It hard to find trust, but you’ve worked hard for the empire, you trained with me without a desire to quit. The desire to grow for the empire. I only laying to bare this issue.”
He would step forward, “One day the Triumvirate will fade away. The Three of us, will desire to take eachother down. To become the next emperor. Brumal, from my knowledge is not as interested in this. But if his origin in doubt, his motives may be as well. And this seal you brought? Say, he is not who he says he is. Then his motives for helping Fukushu may not be for the benefit of the empire. And if that is the case, if this man was to become emperor, then his desires, his goals may not be help the empire. If his plan on plant succeeded, he will return to Arcose I image.”
However, his words were countered just as quickly by Ticoga pointed out bluntly, that Arcose was strong because of a man like himself. A cut throat was emperor of Arcose. And who else? An adopted daughter of Arcose, and an Arcosian who origins were alien to even Arcose. So did it really matter? Mint leaned back smiling slightly. “You know if you were anyone else i’d slap you with my tail.” Mint was not angry though. In fact he raidated happiness. “You are saying it how it is. Perhaps, that what I needed. I’m surrounded by yes men on Arcose. Only three people can tell me off. Two of them are my equal. And one of them is the Shield of Arcose.” He accepted it. Ticoga place, what he wanted. Mint bought into it. This was refreshing in a way. He had been absorbed in conspiracy and maybe even fear. But now, he was much calmer. Ticoga was right, it didn’t matter much if he was some Arcosian with no record.
As for his request to ask Emperor Brumal the truth, if he should die then it’d expose a traitor. And if he was true then he had nothing to fear. “No, well..if you wish too, I won’t stop you. If you think that what will keep Arcose safe. However, I’d rather be slightly more covert about this. Or ask him myself. If he and Fukushu are going to do this big plot on Arcose, he will have to talk with me after the fact. At that point, I should be able to get the information I need from him. Then we will establish that trust. After all, if you ask him, then that always put a cloud of distrust. I will hammer out my own issues of distrust. What I’d like for you to do, is to keep an eye on what going on Plant. This plot with Fukushu is concerning. He has a seal and whether he is following Brumal order or using it as an excuse to cause chaos we need to know. I don’t wish to have a war with the Saiyan's. We avoided that with Blizzard by a few inches.” Throwing him into the sun prob scared the Saiyan enough not to try the Triumvirate. But he doubt throwing Brumal or Fukushu into a sun would be as effective.
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Nov 30, 2022 19:33:27 GMT -5
At Mint's commending, Ticoga bows his head.
"I am pleased that my candor is well received. I still endeavor not to act above my station." Ticoga replies. "I believe that if Emperor Brumal is confronted in a non-argumentative front, he may prove to be less likely to take offense or become defensive. To that end - I have been asked by Emperor Brumal to present appropriate details regarding my tasks, as any of the Triumvirate may demand."
Ticoga straightens his posture, clasping his hands behind his back.
"If keeping tabs on Plant's goings on is your command, I shall see to it." he continues. "If I am to understand your words correctly - you wish for me to serve as both a diplomat to the Saiyan Kingdom, possibly to the Tuffles as well, and keep peaceful communications going. My secondary objective is information gathering. To that end, I have a few more names to offer."
Ticoga clears his throat - but only to give him a moment to remember.
"There were Saiyans familiar with Fukushu as well. A female named Cato with a kind of dim purple hair, a large Saiyan that called himself Nasu..."
Ticoga thinks a moment.
"They appeared to be at odds at the time, but came to agree that Fukushu was false." Ticoga adds. "I should inform you that the Heran conducted a terrorist style attack on a Saiyan tavern, pinning the attack on the Tuffles. I witnessed the explosion and confronted the Heran - who was disguised. He revealed his identity to me, and presented Emperor Brumal's seal, saying it was the Empire's idea to stir the conflict between the Saiyans and Tuffles. I believe this to be a lie."
Ticoga narrows his eyes.
"The Empire has no need for such underhanded tactics. If we wanted to conquer a world, we would simply just do it." Ticoga grunts irritably.
"Your station is as high the empire's. Save the emperors, I trust you to that level. Sadly, we don't have anyone else beyond yourself worthy of this level of trust. But take that in stride. At least with my blessing and hopefully the other Trimuverate leaders, you are our shield. And that means that anyone else in the empire save for ourselves should be wise to heed your commands and words." Mint, believed he could trust Ticoga as he was. Maybe in the future, Ticoga would grow too tall. But he also believed, he still needed to grow taller. His desire was one sign of that. He wanted to be the strongest to defend the empire. If he grew the strongest and still wished to defend the empire, then he was just the right type in Mint's book. Loyal but powerful. Someone to truly shield the empire and stand on nearly the equal footing as the Triumvirate.
Ticoga did point out Brumal was unlikely to be hostile if presented with these inquiries Mint had about him. As long as it is not done in an aggressive matter. "That may be true Ticoga. I shall have to ask myself. But if the time would come you feel the need to ask him, just be careful. I'd avoid it for now until we have enough information to gauge that his interest may not be in line with the empires. If they were in line as you noted who is he, may not matter. As for the command, yes serving in some capacity to observe and keep good relations with Saiyans and Tuffles. If we are to make any moves on them, I'd not want them to know we were going to attack. No, we observe and find our opening." It was the same advice he gave to Emperor Azoth. A neutral position. Until advantage could be gained. In that case, it had been an ally, defending the one being attacked. Of course, that blew up in their face but that was beside the point.
But, Ticoga was not done he had some more information. There were some more people he had found on Plant that may be important. Cato and Nasu seemed to know of Fukushu. They deemed him false. "Hmm Saiyan warriors I imagine. Something to keep an eye on them, I assume they're quite powerful and loyal to the Saiyan kingdom as a whole." He never heard of them but they must have been at least somewhat strong to grab Ticoga's attention. However, what was more curious was the Fukushu story. He had conducted a terrorist attack in the guise of the tuffles. Which made clear what Brumal's aims were. Saiyan aggression. Which in his mind was bad. The Saiyan being docile was quite better for his sensibilities. Not that he wanted the tuffles in power he just like it when they were in a cold war. Rather than a war, the Saiyan would surely win.
Mint smiled at Ticoga. "We are not so strong we could defeat the Saiyans and tuffles. No, this does not seem to be done for domination Ticoga. Brumal is not trying to take over planet Plant. I suspect he had a different goal. A goal of balance." He remembered their meeting, he had made it clear it was his objective. "When Taori was king, he made no movements. But Taori is gone. So with Amara as queen, this balance of his has been moved. Taori created stability, there was peace. But the Saiyans were on top. His balance was achieved. But now the Saiyans are uncontrolled and under new management. Does he fear war? Maybe he wants war? A return to the state of tuffle domination? I can't be sure. But I think Brumal may be behind this. Not Fukushu attack of course, but he may of given the seal. Because, he has some desire to intervine on Plant. The question is how? That what troubles me now Ticoga. If Fukushu is truthful then he wants some sort of Saiyan attack on the tuffles? To crush them? Or for some other objective?"
Post by Emperor Ticoga on Dec 6, 2022 19:32:17 GMT -5
Ticoga's two hearts leapt with such a soaring sensation that Ticoga thought they would hammer right out of his chest. The Shield of Arcose - a silly nickname he'd been playing around with now a title. His title. No longer Lieutenant Ticoga - Ticoga, Shield of Arcose. Ticoga's steady stance suddenly wobbles slightly, but he manages to regain his balance.
"I... your Majesty, I... that is to say..." Ticoga stammers, almost struck dumb by this sudden turn of events. He clears his throat hard, and straightens, though the slight shaking of excitement was unable to be curbed. "I am grateful, beyond expression, for the honor being bestowed upon me. My loyalty to the Empire, to the Triumvirate so long as it exists, and to the Throne of Arcose, is unbending. Unbreakable so long as I yet live."
When the Emperor moved on to the more immediate subjects, Ticoga listens intently. He relaxes his posture only to touch his forefinger and thumb to his chin in thought.
"It may not be possible to parse out the specifics at this time." he tells Mint after some consideration. "I have no way to verify or disprove Fukushu's claim without obtaining the document he presented to me. And only you have the necessary access to Emperor Brumal to know his side of that scenario."
Ticoga looks at Mint.
"I would recommend not confronting either of them in a scenario where both are together." he advises, "As a precaution; just in case Emperor Brumal has fallen to the fault of the Noble Clans and their infighting ways."
“Good, I hope your words are true. I hope you will be loyal to the empire first and foremost. To keep the empire safe from all threats.” Mint knew that the Trimuverate may always be in line with what is best for Arcose. Speaking of they still need to figure out what to do about Brumal’s actions. They had no way to prove Fukushu was telling the truth or that he was lying. Furthermore, as Ticoga pointed out it may not be wise to approach Brumal if Fukushu and Brumal are working together. They would mean he needed to deal with them in a two on one battle. That would lead to his death most likey. Afterall, if he was going to stop their plan’s, then the two of them would have more then enough reason to try to kill them. Brumal was already strong enough if they fought then it be a tough fight. If what Ticoga said was true, Fukushu was nearly as strong. The two of them would crush him in dust.
“Yes, we do need to figure out a better way to confront then. I suppose our best bet is to just wait and see. To gather more information to figure out what Brumal and Fukushu are up too. Or maybe at least comfront Brumal when he is alone. Make sure not to do if it Fukushu is running around near by.” Mint crossed his arms in thought. He was going to have to wait and see based on the situation he ran into. “Either way, we need to find more information. Keep your eyes out on plant. If you find anything more on Fukushu and Brumal send me a report right away on my scouter. I’ll do my own looking around to hopefully find out information on Brumal potential plans.”
Apr 6, 2024 1:21:15 GMT -5
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