OBT Forum

Do they get deChavellier as well? He would be the obvious replacement.

I'd hazard a guess that he would be more of a threat than Kerensky.

DeChavilier was also the guy who had the idea of the Exodus.

On the other hand he doesn't seem to be particularly politically adept and Richard - still alive and a puppet in Amaris' hands - might decide he doesn't want Kerensky's carefully groomed deputy to be in charge... and that decision could tear the SLDF apart once Richard is dead.

Amaris could actually end up Commanding General of the SLDF.

Richard trusts him, in fact views Amaris as his lone ally.  Having Stefan step down as ruler of the RWR (appointing his son in place) and taking over the SLDF would be a move to have someone he trusts in charge.

Scary thought, Stefan Amaris, Commanding General of the SLDF

Was Amaris known as having any kind of command experience?

But would the SLDF accept that?  Would the House Lords?

I have a hard time thinking the Succession States leaders would accept a Periphery leader as the SLDF's Commanding General

You could be looking at rebellion by the SLDF against Richard - or an SLDF Civil War - or even the Succession lords breaking from the Star League Council in disgust.

Was Amaris known as having any kind of command experience?

That may, or may not matter. Just spitballin here, but...

On one hand, to claim leadership of the SLDF Amaris would have to step down as leader of the Rim Worlds Republic. The move could weaken his position at home, and among the Republican army since it might look like he's abandoning them for greener pastures. Selim was only named Regent after Amaris claimed the title of Emperor, not before.

The jump in position could also ruin all of the plans he's set into motion for usurping the Hegemony. Rather than making it easier to launch the Coup, taking control of the SLDF means operating within its boundaries, not outside of it. While Amaris might be able to continue shipping in Republican troops into the Hegemony, it might be more difficult.

Plus, moving to the SLDF is not a lateral move, it's actually a step down and away from the throne: literally. Amaris would have to take command of the SLDF, this means leaving Terra and the Hegemony for the front line. This could seriously threaten or stall plans for the Coup. 

Also, while Richard II may or may not have the juice to appoint Amaris as Commanding General, his lack of military experience will likely stipulate titular control while he becomes "acclimated" with command and the SLDF. (Actually, I can almost guarantee it should Amaris make it past the High Council.)

So as Commanding General, Amaris might be closely scrutinized by a truly loyal member of the SLDF, or worse, forced to go through "SLDF boot camp" to learn the skills he needs to lead. Either way, his ability to direct the SLDF is affected, so taking command of the SLDF might actually hurt his powers, not expand them.

Kerensky is dead.  That means DeChavalier takes over (that is what deputy commanders are for, after all).  Of course, the Commanding General has to be approved by the High Council and nominated by the First Lord of the Star League.

What happens if Richard surprises everyone at the next meeting of the High Council, nominating his 'friend' Stefan Amaris as the Commanding General?  I don't see the High Council being amused . . . at all.  Stefan will get hand his head (figuratively) at the Council meeting, and Richard will throw a tantrum.  I can see him NOT appointing anyone as CG of the SLDF if Amaris cannot be appointed, leaving Aaron in a legal limbo.  Of course, Stefan Amaris would not want to be Commanding General, for the reasons already discussed above.  But he would use this 'snub' at Richard's authority to worm his way deeper and deeper into the First Lord's paranoia and sense of self-indulgence, leading to the Amaris Coup right on schedule.

At least, that is what happens if the universe makes any sense.

But what if Richard does successfully appoint Amaris as commanding general?  This is an abject betrayel of the SLDF by the First Lord.  Amaris has never served in the SLDF, and while he has Terran citizenship, he is the head of a foreign power.  What if Aaron DeChavalier and the ranking SLDF leadership, in the aftermath of General Kerensky's death and this . . . idiocy by the First Lord, take matters into their own hands?  What if they move First Army back to Terra with orders to arrest Amaris and remove Richard from office?

Is it possible that the instead of the Amaris Coup, we could see the DeChavalier Coup?

Master Arminas