Byzantinism

[Thunderer]

"In short", Hall proceeded casually, almost mechanically, as he leaned onto the harpsichord, "He commands the forces in Dublin.
In detail, however...", he gave out a sigh laden by disappointment. "He once used to be my apprentice, same as a few other members of the Admiralty Board. He was promising at start: he completed tasks efficiently, executed orders obediently, and supported me. He was a very good and useful commodore. But when he was promoted to an admiral, on my recommendation of course, he started to get overly confident and independent. Not only that he is not supporting me any more, but he has segregated from my influence entirely, and now the majority of the Board support him -- including the Admiral of the Fleet. It is, in fact, me who is becoming isolated. I have worked so meticulously to attract supporters, but my most promising one has defected." He shakes his head, almost in disbelief to see his elaborate scheme fall apart. "He is lining up success after success", his injured soul glances at Ambre, "at this time when Michelle O'Brien, the current Admiral of the Fleet, is being more criticized than ever.
You see, life is not worth living if you don't have an aim. I do. But look at me: I am almost sixty, and I am not even the Admiral of the Fleet yet! To climb to the top is the only logical aim there is, moving fleets is just a hobby. What do you think, who will be chosen as the next Admiral of the Fleet when O'Brien is forced to step down? And which one would suit you better, an ambitious, patriotic mind whose only purpose is moving fleets?"
He raises his chin as his pride soars above the swamp of self-pity it has been soaked in so far. He utters two words that descend from the heights like frozen vapour:
"...Or me?"