Topic: A Proposition for the Governor

Caroline Granger

Date: 2013-02-16 03:06 EST
With the transcript of the latest public address from Baron Sah Tarna in hand, Caroline made her way across town to the Governor's Office. This was getting out of hand, and each new public address was simply adding to the panic and distress of many of the innocents who lived within the Old Temple District, not least of which were members of her own family.

Arriving in the reception, she offered a warm smile to Trista behind the desk. "Hey, morning," she greeted the woman. "I know I don't have an appointment, but I was hoping to speak to the Governor pretty quickly. It's with regards to the increasing problem within the boundary of the Old Temple district. I can wait."

FioHelston

Date: 2013-02-16 10:27 EST
"Send her in," came the resigned voice from inside Fio's office, loud enough to be heard through the closed door.

Caroline Granger

Date: 2013-02-16 11:01 EST
Caroline almost winced at the weary sound of Fio's voice, nodding to Trista as she made her way to the door and through. "Morning," she greeted the Governor warmly. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Moving to sit down, she laid the transcript on her knees, her head tilted in concern as she looked over at Fio. "Maybe I should have brought coffee with me," she suggested mildly, making a note to remember to do this next time she wandered by this way. "Although I'm hoping what I have to say isn't going to give you a bigger headache.

"You remember I said that if things got worse, I would open up Maple Grove to anyone who wanted sanctuary there from the violence in the Old Temple? Well, I think things have got worse. We have two large manor houses in the Grove standing empty right now, as well as numerous smaller houses and cottages scattered about the place that aren't in use. They can be made fit for habitation in a matter of hours. What I'd like to do, with your permission, is offer them up as temporary accommodation to anyone who would like to move out of the Old Temple District while this current unpleasantness is ongoing.

"There are mages operating within the boundaries of Maple Grove; they assure me that they are familiar with the rituals and signifiers of the cultists of Myr'Khul and will be able to keep them from entering our grounds. Also, I'd like to work with one of the security firms recommended by this office to provide protection for the properties left behind in the Old Temple, as well as escorts for those who work and school within the district itself."

She cleared her throat, rubbing at her neck awkwardly. "I won't tolerate any violence within the grounds of Maple Grove; anyone who brings their grievances with them and acts upon them will be sent back, unfortunately. But I think steps need to be taken to protect the innocents who are being targeted as a result of this ....public relations nightmare."

Having said what she'd come to say, she offered Fio a tiny smile. "If the Baron can't protect his people, I propose that the Governor can, using the resources at her disposal."

FioHelston

Date: 2013-02-16 11:54 EST
She'd been standing at her window, staring pensively out over the view of the marketplace when she heard Caroline's arrival and called to have her come in. She was still standing there when the door opened to admit the councilor.

"You aren't interrupting," murmuring as she turned to greet the woman and motioned for her to have a seat if she wanted.

While she listened, she pondered the situation, rolling it over and over in her head as she had been for the past several days. Her thoughts were like a dog endlessly chasing its tail. Something about the entire thing stank to high heaven and she couldn't put her finger on what it was. Every stunt Rakeesh pulled, every press release, seemed designed to instigate more conflict, despite the wrapping of concern for 'his people'.

As for his evidence, all they had for most of it was his word. None of the investigations the Watch were involved in were complete yet. For all anyone knew, the four heads he'd dumped on the council chamber floor belonged to tourists from Stars End. A dozen different sources of assistance had been generated for him from the council meeting - offers of aid and assistance in getting to the bottom of things - and yet he continued to insist nothing was being done? It was all very conveniently disturbing and none of it added up.

She forced herself to stop spinning, and to focus on what Caroline was saying. It was sensible. And generous. She nodded.

"If you're willing to expend the resources and open your home, then by all means, yes. I can give you a list of security vendors we know about ....the resources the city uses for such things are typically Ed's or Race's crews and he was offered assistance from Ed, as well as others, at the meeting. I don't know that he's actually taken anyone up on it and I can't force him to accept their help. But if you want to hire them yourself, that will hopefully offer the people there some relief and perhaps calm things down somewhat."

Caroline Granger

Date: 2013-02-16 12:19 EST
"I have the resources available, and frankly, it's a relief to be able to offer something more than just my advice for once," Caroline admitted ruefully. She'd been on the GAC since it had begun, and each time a crisis arose, all she had been able to do was offer verbal support to those better suited to the task. "With your permission, I'd like to make this information public this afternoon. Maple Grove is already being prepared, and I shouldn't think it will take long to get Race or Ed on board, if they have the people to spare. If not, I might prevail upon one of the Watch institutions to give us a hand until other arrangements can be made."

She rose to her feet, and on an impulse, surged around the desk to give the weary-looking Fio a warm hug. "Until we know for sure what?s going on, we can only try to make life easier on those who are worst affected. Don't let it get to you so much. Between Nayun's declaration this morning and Maple Grove opening, with any luck the only people who remain in the Old Temple during this minor disaster will be those who can look after themselves."

FioHelston

Date: 2013-02-16 12:48 EST
"And it's always been good advice," she countered, sensing the direction of the woman's thoughts. "Make your announcement. Hopefully it won't get lost in the noise out there. And let me know how I can help."

When Caroline rose, Fionna did. "We can only hope," she agreed with the last sentiment, closing her arms around the other woman in a return squeeze.