Vocis is quiet during the meal and discussion. Watching the more senior Magi interact with some of the "named" personalities of the Order is interesting for a short while, and then becomes very frustrating. Vocis recognises the feelings and hides his mood, by concentrating on certamen timing exercises. He listens intently.
Frustrating because these senior Magi are openly talking about multiple breakdowns of leadership in the Order, to be solved with deception and violence, and exposing their self-interest. The call for retribution upon Valten isn't lawful. The secret mission for Vocis isn't lawful either if conducted as intended - and as much as it is flattering - these older Magi could conduct a secret war themselves without placing Andorra and her Magi at risk.
He is watching the two celebrity Magi carefully.
Why not a Wizards' War - timed and triggered using the old Tremere ways? (note: as a player I'm not sure that the request to kill Valten was made openly ?? If so, wow!)
Why open Andorra's gates to potentially hundreds of volatile Flambeau Magi? The security risk is very significant.
Why are the Andorra Magi risking themselves away from the covenant to investigate Val Negra, when a primary member is sitting at the table?
... because we can't trust these senior Magi. Either of them.
Vocis is worried that he may have unintentionally mislead Lucas; neither Exarch Markus and Arch Magus Piedro are beyond suspicion.
[hr][/hr]
Question - Do we know if Valten is also mixed up in the Obsidian Ring? If so, the Tremere and these senior magi are also talking about removing much of the senior stakeholders in the Obsidian Order.
Ancient Discovery is a darn interesting story, but I doubt Vocis would volunteer for that style of adventure. As a player I'd love to, but Vocis has other irons in the fire to perform, and practical labwork to complete.