It seems that The Mariner kept many things much too close to his vest. Certainly, he viewed Targeter’s company more as future rivals then as potential allies. He also minimized his contacts with the other Ancients. Being older than them might have something to do with it. As most of them were Kurshid, he may have had some legacy issues with them that we don’t know about. 🙂
That said, Ian seems to be going with the flow of things and is much more open to having trusted allies than Throngil ever was. I don’t think that Throngil could ever trust anyone that much, even with common cause. Ian, however, *knows* that he’s in over his head and is more desperate. Besides, Miko and Targeter seem to have taken him under their wings, something they would never have done with Throngil. Ian has accomplished quite a bit, with their backing and support.
Ian’s desire to escape the hot-seat is nothing but a pipe-dream but now is not the time to let him realize that 😉
I get the impression that Jessica is quite happy to step back and let Ian lead. This level of decisiveness is well beyond her and, I think, she knows that. What she will do is to keep her own house from becoming a problem, as long as Ian keeps his head on straight.
I’m sure she has “advisors” who are looking out for her best interests – and theirs. I doubt that all of her House would be in agreement with her decision and could try to replace her. I can see all kinds of problems outside of Throngil.
That said, Ian seems to be going with the flow of things and is much more open to having trusted allies than Throngil ever was. I don’t think that Throngil could ever trust anyone that much, even with common cause. Ian, however, *knows* that he’s in over his head and is more desperate. Besides, Miko and Targeter seem to have taken him under their wings, something they would never have done with Throngil. Ian has accomplished quite a bit, with their backing and support.
Ian’s desire to escape the hot-seat is nothing but a pipe-dream but now is not the time to let him realize that 😉