No one gets to decide where Lucas is stationed. The covenant [strike]sold the parking meter rights[/strike] made a contract with House Mercere that states they get to station a Mercere magus of their choosing in the Redcap Quarter. The covenant must grant him the basic rights of a Protected Guest (and possibly a member), and House Mercere pays his expenses (until he becomes a member).
And there's the rub :mrgreen:
The process is for becoming a member is detailed in our Resolutions of Charter under Ranks and Membership. A magus in good standing can directly petition the council, though it is better if one or more current members sponsor their petition (Sponsors are not part of the resolutions, just a tradition). The petition can be accepted or rejected at that moment. However, the council may require them to wait as a Pledge for up to seven seasons, and may require three services of them (equal to a season's work).
Becoming a member requires a unanimous vote, at which point you become a Journeyman. Then you are in and have full rights. Then the road to becoming Master is ambiguous and a ways down the road.
So, right now Lucas is a Pledge with Protected Guest status and is being Sponsored by Fedora. Now, the magi got fast tracked because they agreed to serve deputy warden posts at Sa Dragonera (Mallorca/Ibiza/Balearic Islands). Stationed there, they lack the strong aura and Aegis protection that they are entitled to. Performing this service got them fast tracked into membership. Lucas cannot be stationed there, even if he wanted to. Unless he quits his job. So the question is, "Why should we not make him wait seven seasons and demand three services?". Carmen will specifically bring this up to Fedora when Fedora requests a council meeting.