When George makes the 'challenge' and 'slur' comments the poker-face that Wolseley had worn until this point shatters. As soon as George pauses next he interjects, "Sir, I would never show disrespect to a fine monarch as Queen Neferka. That was clearly not my intent, and if I said anything in the passion of the moment which implied that I most humbly apologize. We wish nothing for Queen Neferka other than a long an successful reign."
George smiled inwardly, he had gotten the desired reaction from Woolseley. "If you do wish for a long and successful reign of the Queen, why then are you so dead set on intruding and interfering in it? A Sovereign is by definition, sovereign, and thus can be beholden to no one. Any attempt to destabilized her divine right to rule as sole and absolute monarch, will be treated as sedition, treason or an act of war. No more or less than the same act would be treated if it occurred in Sussex and was directed at Queen Victoria. I hope I make myself clear General Woolsley. I am glad to hear you bear personal and national respect for the Pharaoh. But it must be more than lip service. I do not think you understand the significance of the appearance of Bast upon the battlefield yesterday. To have a deity appear, in the name of, and in support of, the Pharaoh, well, you don't want to wake up covered in scarabs do you? I certainly don't and so I will do that which She has charged me with.
We have heard that Queen Neferka will be declaring the canal off-limits to France and other nations that possess plundered Egyptian artifacts. In this effort we can be of great assistance to her, being able to enforce her decrees as to the access to the waterway.
And we can also help with her own internal security. She may have pacified Orabi, however his example has now been witnessed by all of the officers of his army. There is nothing to stop one of them from mounting another revolt. Having our forces nearby, to compliment her own forces , would help suppress thoughts among those men of revolution. Is it not better sir, to prevent a war from ever occurring than to have to fight for peace once one has started?"
"I appreciate the offer to aid in the patrol of the canal, but Egypt is fully capable of providing its own security for the canal. No ship shall pass those waters without the knowledge and consent of the Egyptian forces, I assure you. And I doubt the a French vessel of any kind will be able to pass through for a decade or more." adds George with a small grin. "The issue of internal security is just that General, internal. It is an Egyptian concern, an Egyptian problem, and an Egyptian solution has already been tendered. Again though I thank you for your kind and generous offer of assistance. You are right, it is better to prevent war from occurring. However, you do not understand the Egyptian mind. Did you ever meet Ambassador Burton? I had the privilege once to speak with him. There was a man who understood the minds of people in other cultures. It is a rare gift General, one I myself wish I had in greater abundance. Let me assure you however, your fear of other officers mounting another revolt will not happen. Well, I can think of one instance. If your forces stay, then yes, I can see another revolt coming. But, since you and your forces
are leaving, it will not be an issue." George issues this last statement with some emphasis, as though it were a foregone conclusion.
"As to the safety and security of British troops. The Queen is grateful that you stood by her father, whatever the true reason for your support. Because of that the Queen is willing to allow the continued use of the canal by all British Naval vessels at the discounted rate for a period of ten years. British military vessels will also be given preferential refueling privileges in Egyptian ports for the same time period. All other vessels, regardless of flag, will pay the full rate. This will ensure that Egypt is able to pay back those generous financiers who loaned the initial capital to fund the construction of the canal. Paying off the loans, will ensure that English bankers earn back their principle, plus some interest, and at a reasonable time frame, but also ensures a stable, and peaceful Egypt. Which after all, if what your stated goal was General Woolsely. By guaranteeing military access to the canal and at a reduced rate, the British Empire is assured of it's ability to quickly access all parts of it's thriving Empire. The gracious offer by the Queen to allow refueling of British ships will also ensure the safety of your men as they will have a safe port at which to load coal and bring on fresh water for the boilers.
There now General, I think I have covered all of your concerns. A way for the banks to be re-paid. The safety of your men and vessels. Ensuring a long and prosperous reign of Queen Neferka in a stable Egypt. Rapid access to the Indian Ocean for vessels willing to pay the standard rate, excepting British military vessels of course. We must make sure you can put down the next Afghan, Maori or Boer kerfuffle." adds George. George takes a sip of water and looks expectantly at the three generals, holding his gaze a little longer on Drury-Lowe to see if he gives any small signal regarding the proposal.
