Fourth Vector Ch. 10

The emperor still didn't look up. "I countermanded it because I need a concentration of troops near the north in case of an invasion. Since those troops are spread out all over Java, I need the rail network to get them there the quickest."

"You wouldn't need those troops if we let our navy do its job," said Bancroft bitterly. "If we can get a few more battleships launched, we could lift the blockade."

"By the time those ships get fitted out, they'll have launched their invasion force," said the emperor. "I can't have them storming ashore Javan soil without contest."

"Or," said Bancroft while quickly losing his temper. "We could sink their invasion force and transports with our ships. And not endanger our people to a needless invasion!"

Charles finally looked up. "As far as I'm concerned, the navy has forfeited that right. You weren't prepared enough for this conflict and now the army has to clean up your mess."

Bancroft ground his teeth in anger. It had been the emperor's shortsightedness and lack of budget that led to their current predicament. He'd had enough.

The admiral slammed his fist down on the emperor's desk, causing a look of fear and shock from the sovereign at being challenged in such a way.

"You and I both know that's not accurate," snarled Bancroft. "How am I to win this war if you won't give me the resources to do so?"

Charles recovered from his initial shock and a look of anger filled his face. "You've had plenty of resources, Bancroft. Need I remind you whom you're speaking to?"

Bancroft took a measured step away from his desk. "You need to give us more time. More options to continue to develop the fleet."

"I need to do no such thing. You forget that you serve at my pleasure and my pleasure only!" Charles stood up from his desk, his fat frame spilling out of his robes as he frothed with anger. "I could have your head for this, Bancroft. All I'd need to do is snap my little fingers and you'd be dead before nightfall. Don't think that I wouldn't gladly sacrifice you for your avarice and lack of propriety when addressing your emperor."

Bancroft's expression turned to one of shock. It was a reaction he hadn't expected from Charles, knowing full well that the man was more bark than bite, especially when considering his inner circle. Yet somewhere the emperor had found something resembling a spine, and Bancroft sensed that to continue down this current conversation would lead to a very quick and gruesome death.

The admiral took a deep breath before he dared to offer a response. His tone changed considerably, coming out more measured and tranquil. "A thousand apologies, Your Imperial Majesty," said Bancroft, offering a bow in the guise of the perfect courtier. "The war has inflamed my passions. I beg for your forgiveness."

Charles' upper lip curled upwards as he sneered. "As I thought. Try not to forget your place again,Percy."

Bancroft ground his teeth once more. Charles was just toying with him now, knowing full well how much he hated to be addressed by his first name. He was giving him a subtle reminder of his power over him, one that Bancroft found particularly insulting.

"I will not, Your Imperial Majesty," said Bancroft before retreating toward the door.

"One last thing before you go," said Charles as the door to his office opened. "You are not to go around my latest orders. Your raw materials will have to wait until my men are in place."

"Of course, sire," said Bancroft. "I wouldn't dream of sidestepping your orders." With one final bow to the emperor, Bancroft left the office. Once outside, Mortimus looked all too pleased, no doubt having heard the emperor chastise him. Bancroft stopped in front of the young page, invading his personal space and offering a glowering look. Predictably, the page scampered out of his way, letting Bancroft continue to storm out of the palace.

He quickly crossed through the rest of the city until he came back to the Admiralty. Ignoring the multitude of junior officers and secretaries, Bancroft stormed into his first-floor office and slammed the door behind him. As he sank into his chair, the admiral brought his fingers to rest under his chin.

The emperor had shown considerably more spine than he could normally muster and that had come to a real surprise to Bancroft. What was worse was that he was now in no better position for his ships than he was before he stormed into the palace. His reputation with the emperor will no doubt have suffered as well for his little outburst.

Still, he couldn't shake the thought that the fool was handling this war in entirely the wrong way. If Javan soil was invaded, they wouldn't be able to last long. It was imperative that they beat the Occitanians at sea, even if his shortsighted emperor couldn't see it.

But perhaps there was an alternative? A way for him to get what he wanted? A way to win the war without Java having to suffer from invasion and desolation? With the emperor showing no signs of letting him get his way, perhaps he could find a way to undermine him? He'd need a plan, a good one at that. One that would allow him to work in the shadows and let him keep his nominal role without suspicion.

At that very moment, his deputy Rear Admiral Jason Clark entered the office. Before Clark could even speak, Bancroft gave him a sly smile.

"Clark, I need you to do something for me. A little favor."