14.0 Time Passes;Le temps passe
Outskirts of Paris, September 21st, 1799
Murat was right, you were a horrible rider, and any time you were forced to ride on a blasted horse, you looked unwieldy, uncomfortable, and foolish. You knew your riding was atrocious, but there were many things that you wished could be said that Spain did better for you.
But it seems even paperwork and traveling on horseback was not exactly the thing you got.
Your legs felt pain on the saddle as you looked at the men who were singing their songs. They were joyful and happy, and their tour in Spain was finally completed after a long time. Such as the wrestling of the Spanish crown and your own, notably stringent objectives that would have not only pacified the country together, but seen that the Spanish Army was slowly taking its own policing action away from your units, allowing the slow and deliberate restructuring of the Spanish army, and how many forces would be remaining.
But a year and more in Spain, and the successes there, was something that was clearly well, even after numerous setbacks from the Gorillas that were against the French Army.
Once Spanish forces in Madrid surrendered to Davout, and the many forces that were being supplied by numerous outside influences…
Even now, you could not prove without a doubt that British gun runners were supplying anti-French and anti-Spanish rebels, but even Master Ducos, your trusted agent in Spain, said it was a numerous group of nonaffiliated actors trying to create chaos and disorder that they would profit from.
Yet even now, you couldn't help but think back to Murat's words when he was being sent back. "Chaos is what they are after."
But even after securing the countryside, seeing Carlos back in Madrid, securing the key ports all over Spain, and conducting Soult's new strategy for policing and winning the trust of the Spanish people, you couldn't help but feel nervous that something was terribly wrong.
"Something on your mind?" Davout spoke as he rode beside you, seeing how spaced out you were as you continued riding, swaying side to side on your horse as you kept on thinking. "Or do you believe that the job isn't done?"
You sighed, trying to focus. "Something feels wrong, and that is something I cannot muster from. What happened in Spain did not feel normal."
Davout nodded. "What we did was not a military action, but a policing one, and we were not trained for such actions. It is marvelous that we did not create more chaos with our presence." He then liked his lips and gave a huff. "What we did was miraculous in its nature, and in the nature of military warfare. A foreign army assisting another nation in policing action, to help said nation stabilize itself from a devastating civil war, and all with the support from the legitimate government." He then chuckled. "I could spend the rest of my entire career dissecting what we did there. And still, I would not understand it in truth. Not fully"
"We merely did our job. We had our orders, and the ability to change our tactics when it was needed. I would argue that made all the difference." You stated. "And we were not marauders trying to sack and loot the nation, as the Spanish feared."
Davout nodded. "Perhaps. But that does not mean we were not lucky."
"Luck had nothing to do with this campaign." You replied. "It was good planning, good generals, and masterful maneuvering and improvisation."
At that Davout paused, stopping his horse, causing you to stop as well. "You need to talk to him."
Him… being the only man you didn't wish to talk to. "Brian needs to be alone."
"I am a sibling, but I never had a relationship with them that you two share." He stated. "All I know is that you should talk to him."
You frowned. "I feel that my presence would be-"
"It will be needed." Davout replied.
You remained stopped, before you gave a sigh, and rode down the column, towards the rear. Towards Brian.
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Murat met you somewhere near the center, and he smiled, catching a glimpse of you. "Ah, The Empress graces us with her presence!"
You looked at the flamboyant Dandyman and felt a pang of regret in your heart, as your mind's eyes saw the numerous scars underneath his uniform, and the small one that peaked through the collar from his neck… the same one that nearly killed him-
You shook your head. "Is Brian here?" You asked the Dandyman and his smile dropped for just a moment, as he realized he was not the one being looked for.
"He's near the back of the column." He replied as he took a moment to think, to breathe, and to realize that he was not able to charm his way through to what he wanted.
And you knew what he wanted. "I am not going to grant you support for whatever you and Caroline plan, that is for her to decide, and not you."
Murat realized that you saw through it. "I… Empress." The Knight of the Empire could only be taken aback by the words before he huffed and looked down. "As you wish."
You had high hopes that his flamboyant and cavalier attitude towards risking his own life would be tempered by near death.
Yet all it seems to have done is make him worry about his looks more, wondering if the many scars he accumulated over this campaign would have made him unsightly.
Then you started to hear the Dandyman laugh as he began muttering towards himself, in a voice that was very unlike him, a quiet, almost secretive voice, that he felt was low enough that you would not hear. "That Damned Sevrin is going to complain that the scars I have did not ruin my face and that even with them, I'm more handsome than him."
He must have realized you heard him, as his words suddenly went silent, and as you turned back, he seemed to look away, as if looking towards Paris, and of course, the object of his fancy.
But the one thing you were happy about, is that even in near-death situations, he never lost his spirit or his own sense of immortality as the bullets flew around him.
And you rode towards the back, towards your brother.
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However, it seemed you were running into everyone, at least of your officers, as you saw the artillery, and the cannons that were being rolled back towards Paris, for rearmament, repairs, and reassignment. There was no need for heavy guns at least in Paris, and all the heavier batteries were greatly needed elsewhere, towards the Rhine, and the Netherlands, to prepare for future operations that you were sure would be soon.
However, despite their greatness, you could not escape the monotony and the arguments of what you could consider the most important men in this company besides your brother.
Your indispensable, overworked, and outspoken Aide de Camp, General Auguste de Marmont, and your violent, quiet, and ruthless deputy commanding VIII Corp itself, General Guillaume Brune. Both men still were arguing, despite orders to not do so. Poison in the Headquarters was not something you would allow, yet even now, they were still arguing about the past, of things that did not happen.
"Ah, there is the Empress riding, perhaps she has heard the argument from the head of the column," Brune muttered in frustration, as he saluted you. "Marshal!" He said.
Marmont took a moment to salute you as well, but he was quiet.
Oh, dear. "What is it now?" You groaned as you tried to remain professional, but between these two men, you found that impossible. Brune was professional, yes, but he had issues with your command. While he would never allow himself to say out loud, some would say you waged war in Spain 'Womanly.'
He had been the one to strike harder, utilizing the supreme forces that were at your disposal to strike fear into the hearts, to destroy the enemy.
Yet he never disobeyed your orders, however, you knew he was frustrated by the very velvet glove approach that infuriated him, seeing as his record had shown him to be a man who would instead extract the wealth of the lands he was occupying, rather than see it rebuilt properly.
"It seems General Marmont has forgotten himself." He stated as he tried to resume a conversation to his own benefit. Poor social grace you may have, but you were not stupid.
"I would prefer you not evaluate the Marshal's talents when the Emperor asks for it, not before. And to call any of what she did into question is entirely unbecoming, considering your own statement on the subject."
"1000 men are dead. Thousands more had to be returned home for wounds that will take them years to recover from, The Knights Own lost nearly two thousand horses in a disastrous mission that nearly saw Murat killed, and despite the Marshal's recovery and counterattack after he returned to duty a week later, we cannot call out or forget these blunders, and we must find out how to avoid them in the future."
"Yet in that same stroke, Marshal Davout secured Madrid, near bloodlessly, and had much of the entire countryside before them, when the King was returned," Marmont stated as he tried to make his words and thoughts seem more favorable. "Not to mention the continued unification that the Empress did towards stopping the assassins that tried to kill the king."
"The ones we learned nothing from." You stated as the two men were stopped by your intrusion. "Is there anything productive we wish to speak of that will not require me to discipline the both of you for matters that need not be reminded?"
Both men, wisely in your mind, shut up. Any words that wished to be said were silenced.
"Excellent."
They were like the Devil and Angel on your shoulder, yet at the same time, you couldn't figure out which was which.
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Brian was at the rear, the very rear of the column, with his dogs.
Several of them were German breeds that he managed to secure from a breeder when he was in Berlin when Napoleon requested him. Their brown fur coats were covered in filth, mud, and blood, from defending their master from the many great tribulations that he faced in Spain.
You were never a fan of the dogs, but they were clearly well cared for, despite their master neglecting… certain aspects of their care while on duty. Like grooming and cleaning them.
The dogs yipped and barked in happiness as you rode down to greet him, and you saw that he was doing something else that you had grown accustomed to seeing him do, as he worked. Writing in his notebook. His journal, or diary, as you saw it. But he seemed to be trying to do something you feel was always important.
Taking control of his own life, after so long.
He also seemed disappointed to see you, as he ignored you, pretending to be focused on his notes, reading them.
"Brian" You looked at him as you leaned forward, to try and see that he was indeed quietly ignoring you. "Brian, trying to ignore me is not a brilliant idea, even if it makes you feel better."
He did not answer before he set his book into the satchel on his side before he whistled, and his dogs gathered around him, preventing you from riding close to him.
"Brian." You said his name as you held out hope that he would finally speak to you.
"Have you ever wondered if we are ever in control of our own actions?" He asked as he looked at his horse, and then his dogs. "Or are we entrapped in some plan beyond our understanding?"
You thought for a moment to answer him, to remind him of so much of what you both went through. Instead, you remained quiet. Allowing him to speak.
Brian noticed your silence as if he was hoping to see you speak to him, to say something. "Usually this is the part where you say something profound, and make me feel inadequate."
You narrowed your eyes before you huffed. "Sorry to disappoint you, but trying to find the words to that is an exercise in futility, and if it was your best attempt to make you leave you alone, it won't work."
At that, Brian looked down at his dogs. "Something on your mind?"
"You haven't been the same since the assassination attempt." You stated. "You've been distant? Do you not feel-?"
"I do not care about what a bloody king cares about!" He shouted, anger in his tone. "We did our duty."
"I didn't mention the King." You stated. "I'm worried about you."
He looked up towards the clear autumn sky, and he huffed. "I think I made the wrong choices in my life, and I see myself as the villain. I have betrayed and destroyed all that I held dear, in service to a man whose ambition is infinite, only constrained by his own imagination. I desire power when in my youth I only sought to give it to those who were powerless. I am an antithesis of my own personhood. To my own youth, to myself now. Do you not feel like that?"
You did not have an answer, save one, that you always held dear. "We are our choices, Brian. What we choose always defines us."
And Brian looked away. Whether he was happy with the answer, or not, you did not know. "Tell Napoleon that I will return to Avignon after I deliver my report. If you wish for me to return to active duty, do not ask lightly."
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September 22nd, 1799, Paris, France
Paris was not like the same city that you left a year ago. That much was certain when it was seen as the men marched through the city streets, dispersing as they were relieved by their officers, either towards the taverns, the barracks, or their families.
You could see that much of the damage from the riots, the battles, and the mob rule had been finally cleaned up. The city streets were filled with many open and happy shopkeepers. Though that was not what you saw that surprised you.
Sure the streets looked repaired, and even had some… goodness gracious, there was not a single dirt road in sight. They've been cobbled over.
No, there was something else.
There were bountiful amounts of food that were on the shelves, fresh bread, cheese, and salted meat, as well as the very rare fruits that were among them.
The people walking the streets were filled with people with many new clothes, clean clothes that looked like they were made recently, and you found yourself smiling, as that meant one thing, there was enough cotton making it to the fabrics factories, and the linens… Well, you saw the price of a new piece of clothing, a new shirt.
It was less than a single Frank… not even a day's wage… no, not even half a day's wage. It was cheap. Extremely so, and it was something that was making you think that, if clothing was slowly lowering in price, something was going to be right.
It was quite a shame that the only colors that were there were blue, white, and red. You had hoped that there would be more color, but you had been gone.
It was the fact that many women were with children. Some with one or two, but there were many little ones around.
Dare you say, you saw hundreds of children, from small babies to waddling toddlers wandering the streets with their parents through the streets of Paris.
And they were happy, and not worried about the many chaotic moments that had occurred in the past.
There was no revolution tearing the city apart. There were no food shortages.
It was like the Revolution's scars were finally beginning to heal.
But something in your mind irked you through thoughts of horror and dread.
This would all fall apart. And you would be part of it.
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Chamans greeted you as you arrived at The Tuileries, and you smiled as he saluted. "Marshal." The men of Napoleon's Old Guard were waiting on the parade grounds, and it was not the welcome you were hoping for.
"Antonie." You said his name as you dismounted, and made sure your baton was in your hand. "What is the meaning of this, why is the Old Guard here?"
He sighed, and he began to escort you toward the palace. "I take it the news hasn't reached you when you were on the road?"
That made you pale. "Napoleon?"
"He is fine, it is more the heightened security that has occurred due to incidents abroad."
"I would think that assassins in Spain would be the least worrisome of our enemies, as we dealt with them." You replied.
"That may be, but he has been forced to take extra precautions." He stated. "He's worried."
"I've nearly been exploded by cannon balls and stabbed by bayonets, surely a little assassination attempt can be seen as part and parcel." You replied as your Baton seemed loose in your hands. "He didn't take the news well, even as I suffered no wounds."
"He nearly requested you back, and almost sent the Old Guard down there." Chamans then let you through the door, and you saw many servants trying to carry out their duties, as well as many bureaucrats of the government that were using the offices that Napoleon offered. "A complete waste of resources, I have to admit."
"What was it that stayed his hand, and kept him from coming south?" You asked.
"Trouble on the homefront." He replied. "Despite his best efforts in maintaining many of the republican institutions, with his own flair, The Emperor…" He paused as you saw the disappointment. "Napoleon has been faced with numerous problems that have required his full attention."
"Are they plotting to overthrow him and restore the republic?" You asked. While the thought would fill most with joy, and you yourself would not be too upset if Napoleon would see that returning to the Republic would be better for your health and that of your children… you knew he would not give up, not unless he had no choice.
Chamans laughed. "Unfortunately no, despite Napoleon wishing it were the case."
That earned an eyebrow raise. "He has little love for governing, after all he has done to secure himself power?"
"The Senate has been in deadlock for several months now, involving a very important piece of legislation that may shape France for decades to come." He stated. "It has been a headache that has been creating much stress on his own dealings.
"And what would that be?" You asked.
"Brian sent several drafts of a unified education system, but none of them were, at least in the eyes of many of the Senate, appropriate." Chamans said as he bowed his head, and you saw the man who was practically attached to Napoleon's hip.
Pierre. "I hope you are not ignoring me, Pierre, the Empress is here." Chamans stated as he stopped dead in his tracks.
"For the love of God Chamans, The Emperor does not wish to be disturbed." Pierre complained.
"What is he doing this time?" you asked, as you prepared to open the door to Napoleon's office.
"Wait." Pierre whispered before you saw the scene.
Both your children were asleep on Napoleon's lap, and your husband sitting on the couch, resting as well. You could see in his hands, a crudely leather-bound book with a very large font, written by you.
He had your book.
You knew immediately that he was trying to teach them to read. And it was a scene that you could only smile at. THe fact he was using your book instead of any other, filled your heart with so much joy, that words could not describe it.
"Shall we-" Pierre started.
"No. Let them rest. We will have time later." You said, before closing the door behind you.
It was enough to know you were back home.
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Actions:
You have 10 Actions
You have 20 Wealth
Influence Napoleon Options: These are Options that affect France, and Napoleon itself:
Current Influence: 1000/1000
You gain 100 Influence with Napoleon per Quarter.
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[]Influence Napoleon: Family Time: Napoleon wants to have another child. You agree. DC 0 Reward: You try for another child. Gain a significant amount of Influence with Napoleon
[]Influence Napoleon: A Noble Title: As much as it sickens you to think about it, to gain more respect among the European elite, you wish to be granted a noble title, as anyone who cares sees you as an up-jumped commoner. You believe it is time to change that. Cost 150 Influence DC: 35 Reward: You gain a noble title. And it really makes you feel things that you do not wish to feel. (Unknown Effect)
[]Influence Napoleon: Reforging Bonds: Brian and Napoleon… It was like saying Berthier, Davout, Sevrin and Murat. They go together perfectly because they complement each other. Perhaps if you force the two of them to talk, then maybe things might smooth over. Cost 300 Influence DC??? Reward: You get the two men to put aside their pride, and talk to one another.
[]Influence Napoleon: The Education of The Twins: Your sons are growing up and growing well. But now the future needs to be seen too. To be planned. You want to decide what your sons will be. Cost 50 Influence DC:15 Reward: You try to teach them something.
[]Influence Napoleon: Request a Command: You wish to take to the field again, with your comrades in arms, to fight the enemies of France, and defend her from her enemies. Cost 200 Influence. DC: 60 Reward: You will be given an Army command. Napoleon's Army.
[]Influence Napoleon: The Minister of War: You are in need of a competent minister of War, not that Minister Barres is incompetent. But you need someone who can competently lead the Staff of the Army, and of France's Situations, no matter their situation. Cost 400 Influence DC: 80 Reward: You get to choose who is the next Minister of War. (Note: When voting for this option, line tail who you like to place as a minister)
[]Influence Napoleon: The Budget of France: It has been a long time since you had actually seen the state of affairs of France, in terms of the money that France was making, as well as numerous events while you were away. You need to see just what is going on in terms of France's Finances, considering how much money you pay in taxes per year. Cost 100 Influence. DC: 75 Reward: You see the state of the finances of France. And just where your Tax Dollars are going.
[]Influence Napoleon: The State of The Senate: You have never actually realized how the Senate Works. Nor, actually, how the Senate actually legislates many of the laws that soon Travel to your husband's desk. Cost 200 Influence. DC: 25 Reward: You see the Senate in action, and hope that many things are ready
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Political Actions:
[]Monuments for Victory: Napoleon and many architects have been making monuments for the victors of the Revolution. You want to see what they planned. DC: 0 Reward: You see the plans for the monuments for the men and women who fought for The Revolution.
[]Debriefing Spain: You have been in Spain for over a year, and the reports that you gave were all fragmentary at best, as there was no true way to understand just how much chaos Spain was in for those crucial months. But you and your subordinates will do your best to tell Napoleon the Truth. And nothing but it. DC: 50 Reward: You debrief the situation in Spain.
[]A Prize for All (Food Preservation): You have a request to the Great Nation of France… and there must be a way for men to no longer starve, and rely upon the ancient preservation techniques of the past? You seem to think so. Cost 7 Wealth. DC: ??? Reward: You start a national Prize to create a new way to preserve food.
[]A Day in Court: You are going back to Court, now that it has been cleaned of the bad apples that have been pruned. DC: 15 Reward: You spend a day in court. Hopefully without making a fool of yourself, and being saved by poor footwear.
[]For the Republic: You are going to meet with many of the Republicans that are among the powerbrokers of France. You need to smooth things over and hope they will not start another revolution. Show them that democracy and institutions are still alive and well. DC: 60 Reward: YOu meet with the surviving Republicans, and try your best to make sure they do not fall into the same trap of violence and terrorism that Robespierre did.
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Personal Actions:
[]The King's Bonaparte, in Italia: Joseph Bonaparte is perhaps the most enigmatic person within the Bonaparte family. He was a fairy republican, at least in his youth, and he is without a doubt the ablest of Napoleon's siblings when it came to actually ruling a portion of his new empire in Italy. Yet as he walked forward and paid homage, he seemed to wish to be anywhere else. DC: 40 Reward: You meet Joseph, King of Italy.
[]A Squire And Honor: It has been some time since you and Marmont last spoke. You will see him, and see how he feels about the new organizations. DC 35/??? Reward: You meet with General Marmont again, and perhaps see just how much he has taken to court again. It seems many things have changed.
[]The Life and Times of Thomas Alexandre Dumas: You see the Black Devil at Court and you feel a strange urge to ask him what he is doing exactly. He seems excited, in ways that you cannot describe. DC: 30 Reward: You see your old Comrade and see what exactly he is doing, and why he is so happy.
[]The Knight and His Lady: How long has Murat been wishing to marry the young Lady Bonaparte. But it seems you are getting dragged into this one way or another. So might as well make it a good thing, then a bad thing. DC: 40 Reward: You and Murat, have a talk again. this time, bring in Caroline so that you can know her opinion on the situation.
[]The Young Falcon: You look at Louis and see that he is wearing a new uniform, with a new Rifle Badge. "Where did you get that?" You asked, though, you knew the answer. There were also quite a few portraits and sketches around his room again. This time, it was more domestic scenes. How Quaint. DC: 20 Reward: You meet Louis again after so long.
[]The Lady Capet: Charlotte met you in the halls of the palace, and pulled you aside into a hug. "Are you okay?" She asked as you raised an eyebrow. Something felt off. DC: 30 Reward: You see Charlotte again, after a long absence.
[]Update the War Game: You are going to make it far more realistic now… maybe work out the logistics or supply issues, maybe even diplomacy. DC: ??? Reward: You made it better.
[]Homefront Investment: With a lull in the war, now is a good time as any to invest in the fabrics industry! Or rum? Grains? All are available to invest in, and you're sure that it would earn you the appreciation of locals. DC: ??? Cost 5 wealth. (Linetail the investment you wish to make below this option)
[]The Eaglets: You will take extra time to care for your boys. DC: 0 Reward: You spend extra time with your sons. Now that they've grown up, everything seems far more personal, and you will impact them far greater than before.
[]To Unwind and Destress: You want to find out what you truly enjoy doing in your free time. DC??? Note: Linetail what type of Hobby you want to Try.
[]A Novel idea: You want to take up writing... Perhaps it's a good thing for you to do. DC:20 (Write in the idea you wish to write.)
[]Propaganda for Dummies: You are going to churn out your own stories, and propaganda, making you look like the hero that France needs in her time of need... Hopefully without making yourself look stupid. DC 65
[] Study & Read: There are books to read and things to learn. DC: Depends on chosen stat level
-[] Write-in Stat to increase
[] Study & Practice: Practice makes perfect. DC: Depends on chosen skill level
-[] Write-in Skill to increase
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Army Actions:
[]Demobilize the Empresses' Own: These men had been at war for far too long. Let them go home to their families and let them know that, in the end, their sacrifices have been worth it. DC: 0 Reward: The Empress Own will be in a state of reorganization for the next year, and while there will be retirements, men being.
[]Current Status: You have been out of France for months, you need to know the current strategic situation across Europe. DC: 50 Reward: You learn of the current strategic situation across Europe, as well as numerous issues that have sprung up while you were gone.
[]The Spanish Triumph: General Brune and Marshal Murat have requested a Triumph through Paris. You will give it to them. Cost 5 Wealth DC: 0 Reward: Your Army has a celebratory Triumph in Paris for the victory in Spain.
[]War Plan Endgame: Why are you planning for a Defense in Depth for an Invasion of France? And why is it so detailed? DC: ???? Reward: Oh my god. Why do we need this type of reserve?
[]Muster: You will parade the forces in the city, and see if they are ready. DD: 30 Reward: You take the men to Parade, and see if discipline will be maintained.
[] Training (Infantry): You will need to turn this poor excuse of a unit into a fighting force. Costs 1 wealth. DC:30
[] Training (Cavalry): You will need to turn this poor excuse of a unit into a fighting force. Costs 1 wealth. DC:???
[] Training (Artillery): You will need to turn this poor excuse of a unit into a fighting force. Costs 1 wealth. DC:30
AN: Enjoy.
Okay, so I am going to be forth and upfront about this:
I have not been showing you all how I've been keeping track of Therese's political leanings. That is by design.
As you all know, she went from Revolutionary Republican to French Patriot several years ago during the French Civil war. That was to illustrate her more... disillusioned sense of the Republic after many of its failings, and well, the only way I can say it is... Napoleon.
Other characters have not been treated the same way, showing their views change over time through the years.
I want to focus on that more, and see how you all continue, with your choices.
I also want to start showing you all the ceremonies of the lads, and Marshals, getting their titles as well, to produce many more personal moments.
That is why, the quest's time passage, is going to be slowing down a bit. We're going to see a lot more character moments and spend a lot more time with the members of Nappy's court, and our family and friends, before shit hits the fan.
And belive me, it will soon be hitting the fan.
A bit of a change, I know, but I want to do something different, and maybe get a little bit more character study and more choice into Therese's own... issues as well.
If it's not to your liking, well I can always get back to the fun stuff.
Fighting the Enemies of France.
Enjoy, and please vote in plan format.
Also: the reason the Action Count is lower:
Because to do the above statements, I'm going to be cutting down on the actions.
