Robertus' expression and demeanor change, "Ah, my beautiful cousin, Claudius, were you coming to the garden to relax with me."
Robertus goes to embrace Claudius, but he puts his hands up blocking it, "Unfortunately that is not why I came looking for you," Claudius looks beyond Robertus and his guards spying Romeo, "but I think I can wait to entertain with my dealings until after your business with the Cherwinskis is done."
Robertus is displeased, as he can tell his cousin is hiding his feelings, his face scrunches but he quickly wipes his face to be neutral again as he attempts to take after Claudius. "Very well Claudius, but I would still like you there for my meeting with Romeo."
Claudius nods and falls in behind Aaron, moving to be beside Robertus. Robertus feels a slight hit of jealousy as the group make their way up the stairs. He wishes he could keep his thought and feelings more hidden like Claudius, perhaps he should have him train him on it. Robertus wishes he could learn from his mother, as the head of the Umbra she must be a master of the emotions she projects. The thought of her working to manipulate him causes his brows to lower. Claudius seeming to be reading his mind as grasps his arm for a moment. Robertus brushes away his thoughts, he needs to think about the business at hand. If this meeting is on Blanco Diablo and the trouble they are causing he needs to be thinking of solutions now. He needs to be playing out the scenarios in his head playing the game. He needs to win this meeting and maintain his standing. He knows the Cherwinskis are looking for any excuse to bring him down for his age. They are his elder by decades, and he needs to keep proving himself so he can show everyone, especially his grandfather, that he is worthy of his title of Caesar. Even though it's been a decade since he was made one, he still doesn't feel like he is a fit for the position. Claudius has always told him that those who are best for power don't crave it, he has always found that to be a vexing remark. Claudius doesn't have to worry about being picked to be the heir to the entire empire and being trusted with leading the Pimogie people. His grandfather seems to see a great Deus in him, but he also saw that in his uncle Cicero.
They continue down the hall to the throne room, Aaron stopping, allowing Robertus to take the lead, he goes and nods to the royal guards in front of the large double doors. They nod back and open the door. Aaron stands near on of the royal guards, The difference between the imperial guardsman and the royal guard are striking even with them both being in their lighter more causal everyday armor. The five imperial make the royal guards look like frail teens in comparison, but one would be foolish to challenge either of them. Before going to open the door, Robertus is stopped by one of the guards.
"Caesar, the Cherwinski Doctor is already waiting" Robertus is surprised by this, turning to Romeo, "Did she have you come to fetch me?"
Romeo stares at Robertus blankly, his brows narrowed.
"I think we should just head in and see her, she has probably been waiting for quite a while," Claudius says, Robertus nods again, the guard back pulling the door with him.
Robertus, Claudius, and Romeo enter the throne room. Dr. Malkovich, and the Pimogie leadership of the planet; Julia, Jaki, Apollo, and Tyrell get up from the bench at the back of the throne room, Tyrell hugging Robertus and then Claudius; with Julia, Jaki and Apollo repeating quickly after each other.
"I am glad to see Dr. Malkovich was kept in such good company. I hope Tyrell didn't tell her all of your entertaining war stories, Or that Julia didn't share too much about our time in the Mir Center together." Robertus chuckles, Dr. Malkovich is annoyed, while Tyrell and Julia bit embarrassed. Apollo and Claudius both laugh.
"Caesar, can we please get down to business," complains Dr. Malkovich. Robertus nods, looking slightly dejected, as he goes and sits on his throne. Tyrell, Jaki, Apollo, and Julia sit around him in their positions on the lower level. Robertus then beckons Claudius to come to sit beside him, he climbs up sitting on the chair on his right.
"Alright, Olivia we can get down to business." Robertus looks sternly down at Dr. Olivia Malkovich, who looks a little bit unnerved by the sharpness of his voice.
Romeo speaks up "Robertus, please we have to discuss this. We have been having a difficult time protecting some of our employees that live in the Zaozer District, they have been saying that members of the Nest have been causing trouble. Our scientists are scared and their families are worried, our security forces have been trying their best to police Zaozer, we need you to get these Nest criminals back in line." Robertus looks over at Tyrell.
"My Caesar, Romeo is right, there has been an extreme increase in crime, the Nest appears to be breaking their deal with us…" Robertus raises his hand, cutting off Tyrell. He then looks at Jaki.
"My Caesar, Parba has been fine and hasn't seen any increase in violence or crime in general." Jaki quickly lets out.
With a quick flick Robertus looks at Claudius, "I thought Romulus was leading up our endeavors with the Nest and was our observer in the meetings."
"Yes Robertus this is true." responds Claudius, "but I…" Robertus lifts his finger stopping him.
"My family and I have always valued our friendship with the Cherwinski Corporation, we value you far more than the Nest. But peace on this planet is also important; straining the relationship with the Nest too much could cause unnecessary violence. We both do not want to cause blood to flow through Valhalla," the room nods, "we can't proceed haphazardly. One slip and all of Valhalla could burn." Robertus pauses for a while, putting his right hand to his forehead, and looks down at the floor. He looks up once again, "Tyrell, we have three hundred and fifty thousand soldiers at our command, correct?"
"Remember Caesar, fifty thousand are legionnaires. I would recommend we don't use them, then maybe we could send in some Munifex in Enforcer attire and make a real show of force," Tyrell answers.
"I do not believe we want to show the average Valhallan what we are capable of." Robertus sternly replies.
"Should we wait till Kata is free? I feel this falls more under the Umbra." Julia cautiously injects.
Robertus covers a light smile with his hand, "We have five hundred suits right? I am sure Kata…"
Tyrell is shocked by this inquiry and blurts, "My Caesar, I don't think we should…"
The young Caesar quickly waves his hand, unphased by the interjection. "I think we can spare them to help our good friends at the Cherwinski Corp."
Dr. Malkovich is beaming at this, she can almost be seen shaking in excitement. Romeo sits there in shock. While Claudius sits rubbing his chin deep in thought, seeming to be unable to pin what game Robertus is playing at. The other Pimogies share in Tyrell's shock.
Robertus stands up, "Alright I think that settles what you two came to discuss, we will be giving you limited time control over our five hundred suits until we are able to clear up things with the Nest." Robertus steps down from the throne. The others all ream seated.
"Robertus, thank you. I don't know how the Cherwinski Corporation will ever repay your generosity." Dr. Malkovich gleefully responds, getting up along with everyone else, as they all follow Robertus out of the throne room.
"We will find out one day, I am sure," remarked Robertus as he passed by her.
Once out, Robertus calls out for Korë, who quickly answers with, "My Caesar what do you need," she looks expectantly at Robertus. Robertus quickly signs to her to escort out their guests. She nods, "Wasn't this lovely," Dr. Malkovich and Romeo look a little confused by the sudden push for them to leave. "Yes, please follow me. You will have to follow me now, come along."
The two are bewildered by them being rushed to exit so quickly. They look over at Robertus for reassurance, he only smiles and says, "Goodbye, can't wait to hear how things go, oh please don't leave Korë waiting, she will show you out."
The two executives look at the Caesar, Dr. Malkovich quickly bows. "Thank you Caesar, I can't wait for our next meeting, I will make sure the board hears of your generosity."
Romeo follows her lead bowing, "This truly puts us in your debt Caesar."
As the two Cherwinski Executes are ushered out by Korë, Robertus turns to Claudius. "Come on let's go to the garden and speak," Claudius nods.
"Halt Caesar! What the hell was that what do you think you are doing." Tyrell is sharp with his words although his voice after Caesar was no more than a loud whisper. He puts the room on edge. Robertus can only hope that the Cherwinskis are out of earshot to hear him yell at him.
"Tyrell." Robertus allows for the pain at the sharpness of Tyrell's voice to come through as he turns to face him. Aaron's body blocks him though as he stands in between the two.
"I don't understand what you are doing Caesar or why you would rush through things. Neither Kata nor Romulus were there and they know the most about the Nest. You are placing a lot of trust in Romulus. I don't feel it's warranted. You and I both know his history, I still wish you wouldn't give him so much room to prove himself and not just trust Kata." Tyrell looks over to Claudius with pleading eyes. "Please Claudius speak some sense into him."
"I think Robi knows exactly what he is doing. This is an excellent move on all fronts. For the people to know that their own Caesar, has decreased his own safety for theirs that alone is excellent, I will do nothing but praise him in Parba, the Pimogie people of Valhalla will be drinking for your long life, my Caesar."
Tyrell looks at Apollo and Julia to see them in agreement with Jaki. "I still feel Munifex would have been a better move." His voice retreats as he utters, "But seeing how this plays out could be productive."
Robertus taps Aaron who steps to the side allowing for him to look at Tyrell, "I know I am young but do not allow that to make you get the belief I lack wisdom, and never speak so harshly to me when there is the possibility of others to hear, especially if they are high ranking."
Tyrell's face scrunches, he had let himself lose composer and without even being sure that the Cherwinskis were gone. He kneels down bowing to the Caesar. "I will inform Kata of what you have requested if you allow Aaron to accompany me."
Robertus looks up at Aaron and nods. Kata will not likely take his actions any better than Tyrell did, likely far worse considering this is her territory as Julia had pointed out. Even though his word was law he was still stepping on toes. Aaron will likely be able to smooth things over. He is always loyal, it is his duty to serve the Deus and the Caesars.
Robertus turns to Claudius, "Come on let's go."