Suprématie

[Rodent]

Ansel Xavier had spent too much time at the Hospital.

The assassination attempt was not a couple of months past, but he'd only recently recieved a discharge to return to active duty. The injuries he'd sustained in that firefight, in the Royal Palace itself had not been life-threatening, mostly sharpnel wounds and bullet that had scraped his shoulder. Oddly enough however, the injuries had festered far longer than they should have. Doctors were unable to pinpoint why...Ansel suspected it was because of factors the Doctors did not need to know.

He'd suspected that driving himself beyond endurance would have detrimental effects, but he'd not expected the onset to be so...sudden. The world seemed pale and wan, and he felt weaker than he had in a long time.

All in the name of the King, of course He thought, light sarcasm making it easier to bear. Despite his weakness, he'd decided to return to duty. Too much time had been lost due to that pathetic assassination attempt. As far as plans go, it was not anything spectacular, but they'd blindsided him for once, caught everyone involved by surprise...that was the only advantage they had.

Many of them had taken that advantage to the grave...

The officers and assorted personnel running around Navy HQ on New Paris seemed surprised to see him, relieved and...expectant?. Xavier had not expected things to hold up well, and he was interested in finding out just how bad things had become.

In his office, he began to read report after report, document after document. The front was holding surprisingly well, no major losses had been suffered by Primary or Secondary invasion fleets...Engrossed in his work, he eventually came across a transmission to all Royal Navy assets, surprisingly high priority for a wide-band transmission.

Grand Maréchal...LaCroix? Did Roux fall out of favor with the King...?

The more Xavier thought on it, the more it seemed likely. As Supreme Commander, Roux had failed spectacularly in allowing an assassination attempt on the King himself. That would not have gone well in Court...they would have demanded a scapegoat. With the rest of High Command acquitting themselves by defending the King personally, with their lives...Roux had no such protection.

He brought up personnel records and data on LaCroix, intent on finding out who this new factor was.

The LaCroix family has a long military history...capable Commander, she previously held the post, with a fair few successful offensives and counters against Council advance in Gallia. The King decided to bring an Old General back...or did she come on her own?

There were too many questions. He would have to attend this meeting to find out. Bringing up a communications console, he typed in a short response.

Maréchal Xavier here. I'm on New Paris, and will be present.

Xavier out.

Having done that, he leaned back in his chair, wondering what involvement this new piece would have. Deep within, a frantic voice struggled to voice itself, to say something. Xavier crushed every attempt by it to do so...He'd listened to it far too long in the Hospital, too weak to stop it. No more.