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[darkpaladin109]

"Who do you three think?... Although it might be bold, I'd put myself forward as the possible choice. Otherwise, Siegfried probably comes from a more natural social station for the choice."

"I can't see a man who would abandon his duty willingly as a leader. I can't see myself as a good leader either. Out of all of us, I think you might be the best leader."

[GiglameshDespair]

"If you want a smart leader, there's always my sister. She's all... officery, already, she'd be great for the job."

[Mopsy]

Arnold is tapping his fingers on his staff, looking very tense.
"We need someone who can lead. Someone who can see the big picture, set priorities and deal with people. Keep them in line without pushing them down. Other skills can be provided by subordinates, but not those."

"Given what I know, which isn't much, the only people in this room I'd consider as commander are Iris Brandt, Miss Peritz and you yourself, ma'am. If the current circumstances make Miss Peritz unacceptable as commander, the choice is between Iris and you. May I ask how much command experience the two of you have?"

[Gaterhyme]

Her facial expression doesn't change, although she offers the woman she believes to be "Iris" another slight nod.

"I would prefer that someone from these original four under the Captain's command assume his former position, instead of further complicating the command structure. Especially with civilians."

She examines Arnold's face carefully.

"I might ask you why you believe all four of you to be unfit for command."

[Mopsy]

"We are not officers. Not even cadets. We have been taught what we need to know to follow orders, not to give them."

[Criptfeind]

Gregory raised his eyebrow at the slight against his training.

"To be frank. I disagree with your assessment of our training Arnold. I can't vouch for the others training, but I would assume it adequate if they feel up to the task, and I'm quite sure you have no idea what my background is. I would certainly find a sudden field promotion for one of us a surprise, however given the circumstances it does not seem that inappropriate."

[Swordstar]

Iris nodded as her suspicions were confirmed.

"I thought as much. You seemed like one of ours but I had to be sure. As for leaders, if I'm being frank, I see both your point and Arnold's point. Officers aren't made lightly. You know that as well as I do. From the information I was given, this was each of these young men's first assignment. Although they have experienced a lot, does that really make them fit for leadership? And while I understand not confusing the chain of command by making one of those four leaders, would the chain really be any less confusing by making you a leader? While someone like Shaelynn might not be the best choice due to being a civilian, at least they were here for more of it than you. I've little interest in the position myself, given I'm more used to the subtlety of spying work, but then again, I am the only ranked member of this group that was actually here for any of the commotion so far. Plus, I've been investigating the situation for a while now, so I'm not exactly new to the situation."

[Mopsy]

Arnold glances at Gregory but doesn't say anything.

Then he looks at Iris.
"Information is more easily shared than competence. Plus, we were basically sitting here waiting for her to give us something to go on."

Finally he looks at Suzanne.
"How about you? Are you interested in the position? Would you feel confident leading us?"

[Gaterhyme]

Suzanne shook her head at Iris's words, not paying attention to Arnold and Gregory for a moment. They seemed to have their own differences to resolve.

"I understand your doubts. If I have not said anything else in my favor, I will say it now - that you give me a chance to prove myself."

"I have already made my decision on what I am willing to change in the command structure, and I will take responsibility for the consequences that ensue of it. In my own case, the Senate gave me the power to take command for whatever reasons they saw fit to do so, and they are my immediate superiors, while I have been given no information about who you report to and why."

By this time, Arnold had already begun addressing her again. She took a moment to collect her thoughts.

"At the risk of repeating myself, the Senate sent me because they believed I was capable. I believe I am capable. But someone no one is willing to follow or respect is useless regardless of how capable they believe themselves to be. This is the reason for having this vote."

[Mopsy]

Arnold listens to Suzanne, then nods, slowly.
"In that case, if it's either you or one of us four, then you have my vote, ma'am."

[IamanElfCollaborator]

Cecil, at this point, finds it a nice moment to interject, having been sitting in silence.

"Now, hang on a second! There are more than four of us on this operation or mission! Why are you limiting the pool of candidates so much?"

[Gaterhyme]

"I assume you assisted the late Captain in his investigation as well." She gives Cecil a slight nod, then scans the room, her gaze pausing on Iris and Shaelynn. "You have either no superior, or a different superior. No replacement for Captain Astleich will have the authority to command you to continue assisting us. However, I urge you to do so, regardless of the outcome here."

"This will determine the new acting Captain to assume direct command over these four. Again, I have made a final decision. There will be no further complication of the command structure, whether from civilians or individuals from other units."

[Swordstar]

Iris crossed her arms, considering the woman in front of her. She sighed and shook her head.
"I cannot accept the idea of someone who has been completely uninvolved leading this expedition. If Gregory believes he can be up too the task, even though he is not my first choice, my vote is for him."

She wasn't happy about that choice but something felt off about this woman and even if she wasn't lying about who she was, there was still reason enough to not want to have her leading.

[Chevaleresse]

"I can't see a man who would abandon his duty willingly as a leader. I can't see myself as a good leader either. Out of all of us, I think you might be the best leader."

Siegfried visibly winced at this statement, but elected not to reply to it directly.

"Of the four of us, I believe Gregory may be the most suited to the task, personally. I have little desire - and, to be frank, little aptitude - for command."

[Gaterhyme]

Three out of five was a majority.

"Gregory Zecklin, you are promoted to acting Captain, in command of Arnold Weissmuller, Friderick von Heinrich, and Siegfried Jubastacheit. I insert myself under your command as well, to assist the investigation and perform any tasks you assign me with duty and discipline."

"I would suggest continuing the investigation as soon as you have examined your orders."

Without another word, Suzanne sank down into an empty chair, and after a pause, gestured towards the upside-down soup bowl. For a moment, the mask slipped. For a moment, she was no longer her mother.

"... I don't suppose there's any food left?"

She supposed the order of the actions should have been reversed - to deliver bad news to the Governor General after taking advantage of his hospitality, rather than vice versa - but it had been her duty to deliver the message as quickly as possible. For the first time since she had arrived, her tone was almost apologetic.