Chapter 116 - Matters of Housekeeping
"The Mavelans are following the terms of the truce," Medoferro said to everyone listening, "Cholt and Hardin are setting up shop in the abandoned Mavelan mountain bases, rebuilding the local command structure into something resembling standard Mullinix form."
"Good job, Medo," Insegniferro said from his position in the government house on the Siraqi border, "The trade deal is set for the next decade too, so that is taken care of."
"That leaves me sitting here with little to add," Trinaferro said, "Other than I’m glad you are ok, Medo."
"Couldn’t have done it without you, Trin," Medoferro said into the Cirrus communicator, "I wouldn’t have been able to negotiate after sending that fireball had it not been for that magic liquid your sister cooked up. If you can convince her to show you how to make it, I’ll be your best friend."
"You already are," Trina chuckled, "But I might take some other fringe benefits as well if you like."
"Enough of this sap," Simon said, "It’s going to make my head worse."
"Sorry Simon," Trina giggled, "But Sascha told me to tell you that she’s pining away for you up here."
"Do me a favor," Medo suggested, "Get her eyes checked, huh?"
Simon let off a Raspberry over towards Medo’s direction, which caused everyone to begin laughing. It was good to be able to have a lighthearted moment again, as after the previous days they all needed one. Thoughts of how close they came to disaster still loomed close.
"I’m going to stay here for a week or so," Medoferro told them, "Ensure that the rebuilding gets underway properly. I also want a bit of rest before I try traveling again."
"Have you got any candidates for the Colonelcy?" Insegniferro said, "Since that is your bailiwick now."
"Actually I do," Medoferro said, looking over at Paulus, "You claim you’re now unemployed with Massimaferro’s death. Would you like to continue to serve the empire in a place where you’re needed?"
"You want me to take the colonelcy?" Paulus said, "I’m just a Mullinix mouthpiece without a Mullinix. What do I know?"
"Plenty," Roland said through the line, "Don’t give me that bullshit, Paulus. There is nobody better suited to govern those people effectively and fairly after what you went through there."
"He’s right, Paulus," Iggy agreed, "If you’re willing, you would do well."
"I don’t want military control," Paulus said adamantly, "You saw what happened when too many eggs were put in one basket."
"No worries there," Medoferro said, "I’ve already struck deals with both Cholt and Hardin to take the military end. The Military base will be moved from down here to the mountain bases we took from the Mavelans. Your job will be to rebuild the town and provide a fair level of civil justice."
"Neither of us answer to each other?" Paulus asked curiously.
"It would be nice if you worked together," Medoferro said, "But you both report to me as equals."
"In that case I’ll take the job," Paulus said, "Better me than someone unfamiliar with the area."
"You got it," Roland said, "I guess that leaves most of the loose ends taken care of."
"For now," Trinaferro sighed, "It will be years before we recover from what happened."
"If we ever do," Simon agreed, "So much has changed now."
"No more of this moping around!" Medoferro said, standing up, "We all have work to do. Let’s get it done so we can take a few days off for a true celebration when Simon and I get back."
"Here, here!" they all said in unison.