Randomiser wrote:I don't think that Thirsk is going to try to recruit Maik for some 'Grand Plan' at this stage, quite apart from it being an extreme and unnecessary risk, the Admiral hasn't yet had time to work out what he wants to do or can do. It seems much more likely that he is trying to convince Maik to support his return to duty. After all, he isn't going back to command if the Navy's Intendant isn't happy with him doing so. OTOH Maik knows him too well for Thirsk to just pretend that the loss of his family makes no difference to his attitude, so he has to work on some story that will sound plausible to the Bishop or at least good enough to pass.
I suspect it might be something along the lines that he knows Clyntahn is out for his head and will get it someday, but the Navy is the only thing he now has left in life and it's interests, Dohlar's and Mother Church's can best be served by him spending his remaining time doing what he can for them, whatever he feels about the GoF. In other words, 'I'm resigned to my fate, but at least help me spend what time I have remaining doing something useful for my Navy, my king and my Church.' 'Clyntahn's a waste of air, but the Church will survive him. God and the Archangels expect me to do my duty whether or not *other people* are doing theirs' is certainly more believable than 'I love Vicar Zhaspahr.'
You make some excellent points, and for all we know, Thirsk may be attempting exactly what you outline. Thirsk certainly needs his command back to accomplish his goals.
I found the following part of their exchange to be the most telling:
“You used the term spiritual councilor,” Maik said. “Should I assume you’re telling me this in my priestly office and treat anything you say as covered by the confidentiality of the confession?”
“No.” Thirsk’s voice was very soft, but there was no hesitation in it. “I want you to feel free to treat what I’m about to say in the way that seems best to you. I trust your judgment — and your heart — as much as I’ve ever trusted any man’s. And, to be honest, you and your office are . . . rather central to my present thinking. Your response to it will probably determine exactly what I do — or can do — to better meet those responsibilities of mine.”
“I see.” Maik sipped more whiskey, rolling the golden glory over his tongue before he swallowed. “Are you very sure about this, Lywys?” he asked then, his voice even softer than the earl’s had been.
“Staiphan,” he said, using the bishop’s given name without title or honorific for the first time in all the months they’d known one another, “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”Thirsk has obviously decided that he
must return to command the RDN. We weren't privy to his entire conversation with Merlin, and it's possible that Merlin explained in rough terms the irresistible force that will soon be sailing towards Dohlar, and how the EoC would much prefer to avoid the inevitable bloodbath that would result if the RDN tries to go to battle against the KH VIIs and the City class ironclads.
I think Thirsk is testing the waters to determine if Maik will quietly pass the word to the navy inquisitors aboard the ships of the RDN that surrender is allowable if/when they find themselves facing a foe they have
no chance to defeat. After all, if they'd run into a City class ship (or horror of horrors a KH VII) stuck on the bottom in HFQ, there would no longer
be a western squadron of the RDN!
Thirsk is proud of the navy he's created and the men who serve in it, and he doesn't want them massacred for nothing. He may have a better understanding of the dangers his navy is about to face than many captains and commodores of the
ICN, and possibly a few of its admirals!
Thirsk would like to defend his country, but he doesn't have the tools to effectively do that. His best course is to do his best to avoid a bloodbath so Dohlar will be more amenable to signing a non-aggression pact with the allies, which is the
only way his country is likely to survive in its present form. (With King Ronald's abdication and a regency in the cards, but we can all see that coming.)
Merlin outlined Thirsk's responsibilities at the end of the conversation we were privy to.
"Cayleb and Sharleyan make no demands in return for your family’s safety. And they fully understand that not only were you raised a son of Mother Church but that you take your oaths to the Crown of Dohlar and your responsibilities to the navy you command seriously. A man of honor has no choice about that . . . unless an even greater duty, an even deeper responsibility, is used against him. That deeper responsibility’s been lifted from you now, yet neither Cayleb nor Sharleyan would expect you to act against what you believe are the best interests of your kingdom and your own soul"
If Thirsk accepts Cayleb and Sharley's position, then his oaths to Mother Church were thrown into doubt when the Inquisition used his family against him. His oaths to preserve his kingdom (even if it
is under new management) and the navy he commands, (even if that means striking its flag at the first opportunity) have become his premiere responsibilities. The CoGA as run by the Go4, the Inquisition, and especially the Grand Fornicator Clyntahn has lost its right to his allegiance!
Of course its imperative that the
Inquisition doesn't learn that Thirsk has accepted that inconvenient little fact.
