"True that, true that." Renaud nodded and sipped some more wine. "But still, they are an isolationist people and have rebuffed the effort of the Empire to do something as easy as opening trade relations. The Empire is not used to being ignored. It seems that there is a little squabble up there at the moment, which might serve to get rid of the current Queen and her distasteful policies. It would be advantageous for us to apply a bit of pressure there, so that the new ruler will be properly grateful to us. Tell me Commandeur, how would you feel about a trip north?"

Degare stilled and stared hard at Moreau, sizing the man up. "The options you have presented me are hang or sail, sir," he said, flatly. "I should think my answer evident. Are you employing me then as a military leader? Or an ambassador in the name of our great Empire?"

"Certainly not as ambassador. No offense there Commandeur, but you don't really have a reputation as a man of diplomacy. And they have a little quirk up there in the north, apparently they respect women over then. The females rules, and the men are... well, considered much the way women are here. Not as rational, and prone to emotion and lack of discipline. There will be a female liason. Your role would be to handle the ship, and the men."

Considering this, Degare pursed his lips. "Sounds like a terrifically backwards sort of place if you don't mind my saying so, sir. This liaison, is she to be under my command as well?"

"No, she will be in charge of you. At least in matters regarding the Erins. I very much doubt she will interfere with the ship, she is a refined woman and not a seacaptain." Renaud chuckled a bit at that. "Still Commandeur, if she says jump, you will do so. Do you think you can manage that?"

Degare's knuckled tightened around the stem of his wine glass. "You are not offering me a command, you're offering me a farce in the trappings of one," he almost glared at the man, but tipped back his head and downed the remainder of his wine in one fell swoop. "But very well," he agreed, grudgingly. "If it is play your game or hang, Grand Commandeur, I suppose I must play." He gave said the title with a pointedly Aquitanean accent, the tone just she of insulting. "Who is the woman?"

"Think of it as redeeming yourself Commandeur, if this works out favourably for us, you will be a hero. Remember that while she is the one that counts over there, once you return she will be just a woman. And you will be the man that made it happen. What goes on beneath the surface needn't concern anyone. You can tell your crew whatever you desire."

Renaud chuckled a bit. "The woman, as you put it, is my wife."

Degare paled, faintly, and set his empty wine glass on the desk with his good arm. "......oh," he managed, grasping at straws. "I... see. I'm certain I will take excellent care of her, sir. Are you dispatching a single ship, sir, or will I have associates?"

"A single ship for now, but there will be three others close enough to contact fast. We do not want to be seen as threatening after all. But rest assured that once the decision to commit has been made, you will not be alone." Renaud nodded and poured them both some more wine.

"You see Commandeur, I do not distrust you. I am leaving my wife in your hands after all." The smile was wry and very hard to interpret.

Degare nodded, feeling overwhelmed. He reached up to stroke his beard as the wine was poured. "Yes.... that was my thinking. A single ship says emissary, a fleet speaks of invasion. We would not want to give the wrong impression. What can you tell me about this squabble we are attempting to exploit?"