Ad Victoriam

[Darius]

Before Steiner had even begun assuming his position to speak, Horatio smirked in anticipation of a disagreement. Having spent several months closely studying Steiner, Bartholomew was well aware of the charismatic director's disaccord with the opinions embraced by the more militarist parts of the officer corps.

Unlike Victor's eagerness to secure Bretonia's future diplomatically, the cold-hearted and calculated Horatio was in almost direct opposition to the Director. Wishing to expand the Realm's reach beyond the existing borders through a more hardline approach, favoring the usage of the experienced military, Horatio was keen on returning to the Admiral's office with a proposal agreed upon by the Crayterians, allowing for further control and closer cooperation with the young democracy.

One trait shared amongst both representatives, however, was the hate towards their Libertonian counterparts. Over the years, much of the experienced officers became frustrated with Liberty's approach to the Gallic conflict -- one of stubborn and almost-wasteful counterattacks. It seemed as if their fleets were damaged on purpose. Recent endeavors of Her Majesty's Royal Navy also proved the suspicions correct, as lack of intelligence had led to complete disaster in the initial stages of the Vespucci campaign.

One of the motives behind holding this meeting was the need to steer Crayter away from Liberty's influence and closer to Bretonia -- or her newly-found partners, the Kusarians.

But the matter had yet to be settled. Horatio, now having presented both sides of the proposal, turned to the Crayter delegation, await their own response.