Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 1721

The next day, at the cabinet meeting. Hansel and another eight cabinet members expected Clifford to be absent from the meeting due to the demise of his son.

Unexpectedly, Clifford showed up. He looked dignified in his suit and tie and sported his usual stern look, except his expression was rather grim.

Hansel frowned. Clifford didn't take any bereavement leave. His level of endurance and determination to suppress his emotions is insanely scary!

Hansel thought about Nathan in trepidation. It's not a good thing that Nathan has offended such a formidable character like Clifford!

He said flatly, “Let's begin the meeting since everyone's here. There are a few important matters to discuss.”

The first agenda item proposed by Hansel was to recruit Nathan into the Great Cabinet to replace Boris.

Instantly, Clifford shot down the idea with the justification that Nathan, who was barely thirty, was too young for the cabinet albeit he had attained some brilliant achievements in the North.

As soon as Clifford mentioned that, Adrian Tamber acknowledged in agreement, “Yes, I agree with Mr. Davier.”

Adrian continued to share his thoughts, “No doubt Nathan has an impressive track record, but he's too full of himself. In the past, he has violated rank protocol and broke into Boris' house. Last night, he went against the inquisitorial system set by the military tribunal and shot Kiel dead.

“He might have a good reason to do what he did, but he never followed the given procedures and is always very impulsive.

“He could use another two terms to work on his temper before we consider letting him join the cabinet.”

The bespectacled Zion Lucas, who had always been Hansel's trusted aide, voiced out, “I have a different perspective from Mr. Davier and Mr. Tamber. I think Nathan is a valuable talent; his strengths outweigh his weaknesses. We have to admit that we're aging. The inclusion of young blood like Nathan to partner with the experienced seniors can be thought of as a breath of fresh air in an otherwise boring cabinet.”

“Moreover, Nathan isn't coming in as a secretary with his own portfolio but a backbencher. He's here to gain exposure and learn from the cabinet. What's wrong with that?”

Soon, the nine cabinet members with different opinions started debating.

Knitting his brows, Hansel realized that the resistance toward Nathan was stronger than expected.

There were three main reasons.

First, Nathan was Hansel's man. Those cabinet members who stood on his opposing side would never agree to him placing one of his trusted aides in their midst before he stepped down.

Second, his behavior was deemed out of line. He had offended a few cabinet members when he arbitrarily barged into Boris' house and took him

down.

The voting continued by a show of hands.

Very soon, the results were out.

There were three positive votes and six negative votes. It would still be a “no” even after including Hansel's own vote.

Hansel was displeased that his proposal for Nathan to join the cabinet was rejected.

Through the way the cabinet members voted on his proposal, he could tell that he was gradually losing his influential power.

A few years back during his prime time, Hansel promoted Nathan as the General of the North. He faced a similar objection back then but was able to go against all odds and insisted on Nathan's promotion.

Seeing that his retirement was just around the corner, any assertion of power for people to obey his dictates weakened by the day. Hansel could no longer turn the tables on the opposing cabinet members and make inroads for Nathan.

Suddenly, Hansel felt that age had finally caught up with him.

He gave a casual response, “Alright. It appears that it's not the right time yet for Nathan to join the cabinet. We'll now drop this subject. Let's move on to the next agenda item.”