WPD and SSHM,
It looks as if we may share a common goal. Moreover, here is one for the conspiracy theorists to tighten their sphincters over; I believe that at least two of us may share a connection. I will begin to work on it as soon as I say my piece. Bear with me, for I am feeling an affinity for the Bard, within whose cryptic elaborations there is always a treat for the resourceful.
SSHM, the biggest concern that I have with your "wait the old fogies out" approach is that their disease is one that is contagious. A strategy that appears to beget power will self-perpetuate; it is the nature of power to do so. (Anyone nerdy enough to be familiar with Michel Foucault's theory of power?) Thus, while there may have been those who simply lacked the backbone or the initiative to combat the original coup, I would argue that they are probably true believers, at this point. Are L. Rogers, K. Bryant, or M. Thompson likely to cast aside a strategy that has delivered the brass ring to them? I think not.
There are certain top-secret/ultra projects in the works, as we deliberate. You will simply have to trust me on this account, at least, at this point. Moreover, Fate have taken it upon herself to provocatively encourage, if not quite smile upon an undertaking of this nature, not so awful long ago.
Understanding that Moria cannot help but to dish out her share of cruelty, it is similarly true that she has within her being the potential, nay the necessity, to be bountiful, as well. It could just be that she has opened a new deck, if only some intrepid souls are careful in reading them and recalling what has been played before the detriment of what I will call the "Goldwater" wing of the party. God old Barry may just be made proud yet.
Our mysterious lady (for back to Moria I have come) is not entirely unavailable to being prevailed upon to share a full grin, if, indeed, the enticement is interesting enough and the strategy sound. In short, I do believe that just the right hand--played in tandem, if not with full awareness of one's partner's cards--may lead to a cessation that awful refrain, "Double, double, tole and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble." so constantly vibrating within the sanctum of our own ears for this seemingly interminable time.
What are the ingredients required before Hectate may prick her thumbs, such that "Something wicked this way comes."? (See Macbeth, Act IV, Scene I.) Have we not,perhaps, already been supplied all such necessities, and by the very ones who along with the poor Dane of the title misunderstand the all important prophesy: "Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn/The power of man, for none of woman born/Shall harm Macbeth."?
Games of power are cryptic and not for the one who already knows the answer. Certainty is insipid, arrogant, and supremely dangerous, if not dealt with circumspectly. Interested? Perhaps one will be resolute and take the opportunity to contact me, so as to view at least a portion of the required "Eye of newt and toe of frog,/Wool of bat and tongue of dog." For the rest, it is too much for one to procure alone.
Drifter, do you happen to know where one may acquire "Nose of Turk and Tartar's lips," in the vicinity? Or, as I suggested before, have they already kindly been provided for those both resolute and careful in their interpretation? If not, I may request that you, SSHM, acquire the, "Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf," and other sundry goods.
Want to match wits with the erstwhile Olympians? (I beg you pardon the mixing of this final metaphor.)
