New Edom and the Age of Glory (MT, please TG for entry)

[McNernia]

Boythorp, Mcnernia

---

The King would listen to all the statements and would nod. Though he wondered if Elijah was being polite. It was relatively common in the diplomatic game between leaders, as ceremonial as they could be the fact was that interactions mattered. The King in Mcnernia, the role had been his fathers and he had not wanted to be his. He entered it every day. He asked the following in response to the request of the New Edomite for drinks.

“I suppose that’s not too hard to arrange, how does sparkling apple cider sound, most un alcoholic, as no doubt you need…” He gestured to one of the waiting butlers and the man left for the kitchen. “Now while the drinks are handled, let us take a rest.” He would lead his guests along with his wife into the next room. The Queen spoke, shushing an excited Prince. “Well we came back from the dead in a way, the whole affair was not exactly reported….” (OOC: To explain the disappearance and then reappearance of Elven Imperium who RPed the Queen…I had them go down in a plane crash. Rather cliché I know.)

“Lets not dwell on the Past son, well let us dwell on the past, and the fallen Heroes who helped make New Edoms Empire possible. Men, women, soldiers let us leave it at that….the finest that one could ask for.”
The lounge looked out onto the vast lawns to the West from the first floor, the upper levels had the Royal Apartments. There was a theater prepared with a butler waiting with drinks. Sofas surrounded the thing.

“Shall we begin?” The King picked up a remote, his family looking at Mara and Elijah expectantly.

---

The Captian nodded, “The itinerary is simple and won’t take more than the afternoon for the most part, it will simply be the viewing of footage, bestowing an award and dinner and a nice evening out. Perhaps…no reviews or anything unless his majesty should wish it. And maybe a Polo game at the club. Who knows exactly.”

[New Edom]

Boythorp, McNernia

“I don’t want any sparkling cider,” said Elijah coldly.

“Darling,” began Queen Mara.

“I do not want any of your sparkling cider. King Emilion,” he said very sternly, “I have been invited here to be offered honourary membership in one of your military units. I did not come here for your slipshod, disorganized hospitality and for this bizarre moment of you presenting films about your performance in Damoclea. A slipshod, slapdash, awful performance it was too.” By now, Elijah’s eyes were glaring into Emilion’s. “Your forces bombed our Airborne forces by accident. They failed to capture their position and required us to come to their assistance. On two occasions, your forces retreated without notifying their allies. We had to find out from the enemy that you had done so. In particular, in Hutanjia and Damoclea, this left flanks exposed, cost valuable time and lives. Lives that are on the hands of your officers and your policy makers. You surrendered your position in Hutanjia without bothering to tell your allies and abandoned others to die. Tenacious? The definition of the word is altered in your mouth from erratic.”

“They’ve had a bit of a hard time,” Mara said, trying to smile, “Reall, I think we all have, and we should all calm down a bit…”

“Uh oh,” said Colonel Horvath, listening, and he and Prince Enoch abruptly left the captain and went inside.

King Elijah had, from time to time, called a junior officer to the carpet in his capacity as a naval officer. He was doing so in the same manner now, dressing down the King of McNernia as though he were a subaltern. “So, sir, I have reached the limits of my patience with this. On top of that, you had the audacity to send messages to me during the Homofront crisis suggesting that it was my policies which provoked their terrorism, when we have done everything possible short of ending our affiliation with Christianity to be merciful! As though not granting homosexual marriage is cause to murder women and children! The list goes on! Now, sir, there is little that you can say to this other than in future to be a better ally, or not! Either way, make what excuses you wish, I am done with this farce! Now, will you call the vehicles back, and make it possible for us to return home, or shall I call upon my own embassy to do so?”

Prince Enoch took whichever McNernian official or flunky was nearest and said, in a quiet, firm tone, "I may be able to calm him down, unless this is a deal breaking moment. But you'd better get me a precise, exact itinerary, and I mean now. We'd better be getting to a ceremony within the hour, getting some photos and bow exchanging done, and then to the airport."

[McNernia]

Boythorp House
In Which Enters Her Majesty the Dowager Queen

---

One could say many thing of Patricia Macnarin, including that she was a recluse of a woman in her eighties or thereabouts. She was old, her age a closely guarded secret for the most part. She loved her children dearly but they could even as adults with Grandchildren produced they could be so damn foolish. The sight of her eldest son and the reigning King messing things up, even from the apartments where she waited with Prince Emmett was enough to upset her severely.

“Come, let us salvage a teetering ship.”

“Yes mother.” Emmett made to escort his mother but she waved him off. Flanked by her ladies who were young and dressed in the similar somber colors to the Dowager Queen who mourned as much for her son as her late husband and the whole nation. She walked down stairs slowly enough with her cane and her sons hand standing by. He looked at her and she moved a little faster as she was rather healthy but the cane was necessary so she did not fall easily as women her age could do. She moved down the corridors with the grim determination of a mother who knew what had to be done. She would perhaps have given the King of mcnernia a similar dressing down. If the voice were anything. She would enter through an ajoining room, not the main hall.

“Well Done Your Imperial and Royal Majesty, thank you.” She had stood in the back of the Room. Her four ladies flanking her, four somber colored women. The Queen Mother wearing a black suit and skirt. The King of Mcnernia whirled and then back to the King Emperor of New Edom. “Well, May I introduce my mother the Queen Dowager, Patricia of Eist.” She looked at her son, with his wife. Why in God’s name would I have given you and that woman who does nothing for you for the most part. she looked at him for a moment. She would give a bow to Elijah and Mara. "please a moment." She looked to the King, lingering with disapproval on the Queen.

“Leave me and the King-Emperor to handle business, take your Wife and leave us dear child.” One would notice the dear was over emphasized a bit. Which showed that the Queen Dowager did not think highly of her sons performance. When the Mcnernian party had filed out almost she bade Mark remain. He and Emmett blocked the doors leading to the main hall. When the doors were closed, she would take a empty seat across from the King Emperor and his wife.

“Apologies my son is mentally unfit, you have come like the Prophet Elijah before you, your parents did name you for him no?” The Queen mother paused and beckoned to one of her ladies. “See about dinner perhaps.” The woman bowed and left, the King would no doubt retire like the sad little child with his precious dolly of a wife. “He lost his dear friend when his brother in law was killed, and then his sister was nearly raped by the Prime Minister. And Andrew, that is his family name. Nearly killed him. Hes never really been the same since, that an his military service he was in Special Forces, interior command as was his brothers. His father was a lot like you…and that wife of his, no proper state wedding, a bad sign….” The Queen mother stared at Elijah for a moment. “I apologize. The King is somewhat delusional at times…and his choice of wife when perhaps he should have married a New Edomite lady…or Frederick. At least should have married Lavina Nabal. But the past is the past and should not be dwelt on.”

One of her ladies came and spoke in her ear reminding her of the situation. “Well I think that perhaps you will get your honors from me, Rather than from my son. I will talk to him or send one of my ladies to get him to do it. He was not right in the head for a long time and the sudden return cannot easily be good for his health… his condition is prone to black and white thinking some times. He either fills a day with pageantry or without it. Apologies for that, and you might blame the government for the policy of being lax towards such terrorism. The Libertarian Party is the one in charge which means faith in capital and not much else.” The lady who had whispered in the Kings ear left and spoke to an aide outside. And he nodded, the uniformed officer moving off to acquire the paperwork. It had already been prepared.
The King had made to respond, but he had not been talked to like that in a long time. He smiled inwardly. It was in his mothers’ hands now. Maybe he was unfit….

Horvath and Tubal Cain would be met by the lady who had gone to check for Dinner. “Your liege Lord dressed down the King well and proper…” One could tell she disapproved of the Queen. “I respect him, and hes with the queen dowager.” She had entered by an opposite door. “The itinerary will be perhaps it will be from the Queen mother that it comes. Not the King…” she would pause. “If youll excuse me gentlemen I must see to dinner perhaps. This of course depends on His Majesty. And does he have any dietary problems that have come up since last correspondence?I as a member of staff had to sit in on things. The breifings in regards to our guests. But there is always the freak problems."

[Hittanryan]

Lavasseur Island
Greater Diols

After Sona, Mok Ukkadis’ forces had dispersed, moving through the jungles of the mainland in units sometimes as small as a platoon. Some were discovered, but it was too rough country and there were too many groups for the Adirans to track all of them. A number had reached the coast, reached boats, and gone back out into the Ura Sea. The Rangers pursued them, lest they leave the whole operation to the Confederates. The retreat from Sona, however, meant that Ukkadis was more vulnerable than before, and the operations began to change.

On lush Lavasseur Island, a squad of Adiran Rangers were set up on the edge of a clearing. There was a dirt road built up on a berm which they were using for concealment. They had cleared a bunch of the brush in the clearing and had two Humvees parked just off the road, their turrets having clear fields of fire on the clearing.

A sergeant and his RTO were messing with a radio while sentries were keeping watch. Eventually one corporal announced “They’re early.”

The corporal then frowned and squinted. After a few moments he said to the men around him “What’s your count? Sergeant, how many we expecting?”

“LT said three to five,” Barton said, still distracted with cleaning.

“Well, we count twenty or thirty at least. All armed,” the corporal said. Barton dropped the cloth and walked over next to the corporal, seeing it for himself.

“Shit,” a private muttered. “Knew this was a shitty idea.”

The sergeant said to the corporal “Shelton, you secure this here, I’ll go grab that interpreter.”

“Lindsey, get up on the fifty cal…” the sergeant heard Shelton start to say as he headed off.

The oldest among them looked to be about forty, with thick arms, a barrel chest, and a slightly softening belly. His leathery face was covered in geometric tattooes, his cheeks more ink than flesh. Black hair was pulled into a topknot. Around his neck and draped over this shoulders was a sort of mantle made of painted shells. Ritual scars dotted and traced lines across his exposed chest. Everything below the waist clashed with this primitive dress, as he also wore faded bluejeans and combat boots.

To either side of him were a pair of warriors much more in their prime. The man to the chief’s right was younger, several inches taller, and seemed to be made entirely of muscle, with bulging biceps and a stomach that appeared chiseled out of stone. He had a shaved head, and wore combat webbing over a tribal warrior’s dress. The other was in his thirties, a wiry sort without a scrap of fat on his body wearing a faded red tanktop and cargo pants. He had more tattoos than the bodybuilder and carried an AK with a rifle grenade launcher. Keeping pace about twenty feet behind them were about a platoon’s worth of warriors, all armed in the usual fashion.

Barton returned with Dakan, the company’s body armor-clad Folau translator. The sergeant was saying “All right, let’s get you on the megaphone on the Humvee.”

“No good, sergeant, these are Arvo, they must see you in the open unafraid before they talk,” Dakan said.

“There’s a platoon out there, I don’t think…” Barton started to say, but he trailed off as Dakan ambled over the berm and started walking towards them.

“Sir, your party is much larger than expected,” Dakan called out.

The chief appraised Dakan. “It is, Treestalker,” he said curtly, using an Arvo pejorative for the Folau.

“Those were not our terms,” Dakan pointed out.

The strong younger man glared at Dakan. The elder said dismissively “You wished to treat with my entire clan. I speak for my clan. My cousin and brother listen for their families. We all bring bodyguards.” They continued to walk forward, their men now noting the Adirans positions, pointing and talking quietly among themselves.

“Tell them to halt,” Barton said.

“That’s far enough, sir,” Dakan relayed.

The older man didn’t break stride. “No, it is not. Where is the Other Men’s warchief? We treat only with him.”

“You will meet, but your bodyguard must remain here,” Dakan said firmly.

As they approached heedless of Dakan’s warning, Lindsey swiveled the turret around to face the Arvo, although he kept the barrel raised. The stronger man noticed and hissed something to the warriors. They started to unshoulder rifles and ready their weapons. In response Lindsey drew a bead on the stronger man. The chief glanced to either side then glared at the gunner as if to challenge him.

“Sergeant…” Shelton said warily.

“Could you tell them to secure that shit?” Barton said.

“I say to you again sir, halt, and I urge you to control your men. First to raise his weapon loses his head,” Dakan said to the chief.

The chief’s eyes flashed, but he stopped to reply. “What manner of truce is this? I am Ard Ogalla! We treat as equals!”

“Offer one hand and arm the other, sir,” Dakan said with an odd smile. “As you can see, in our camp, in our hospitality, you will be amply protected. You will not need this large bodyguard or your weapons.”

The wiry man whispered something. The strong man glanced back to the warriors and said something out of earshot. The chief then motioned to the strong man and then the wiry one and said “If you betray us, we go to battle.”

“That is obvious, sir,” Dakan said with a smile. The strong man stomped on the ground in front of him, but before he did anything else Ogalla silenced him with a look.

Eventually the warriors were ordered to hold position, where sentries spent their time staring at the Adiran soldiers and others fell about eating, cleaning weapons, and collecting firewood. The delegation tensely made their way to a tent away from the main body of Adiran troops. There they found Captain Latson standing at attention behind a desk. Two armed Rangers were to either side of her.

“Where is the warchief?” Ogalla asked.

“This is she,” Dakan replied.

All three Arvo stared at her until Ogalla smiled. “Maybe even Other Men know how to joke after all. Now, to the warchief.”

The Adirans and the Folau said nothing. Ogalla’s smile faded. The others’ faces turned into scowls. Latson motioned to folding chairs in front of her desk.

“Who are these two?” Latson asked them through Dakan.

Ogalla motioned to the strong man and then the wiry man in turn. “This is my cousin Tukun of Akan, and this is my brother Urten. If you want to treat with my clan, my whole clan, they must be present.”

After consenting to this, Latson presented their terms through Dakan. “The warchief says there will be an exchange. First, take stock of your lands, crops, and property. You will given new lands and allowed to take what you can carry. We will give you supplies and seeds to replace what cannot be taken with you. Ard Ogalla will remain chief. There will be peace between us. This will be our accord.”

“Lands? Lands where? Whitesand?” Ogalla asked, referring to the next island over.

Dakan translated, and Latson shook her hand. “No, sir.”

“Then perhaps Whaleback?” Ogalla offered.

“Too many reefs,” Urten cautioned, raising a hand.

“Not an island, somewhere on the mainland,” Dakan translated.

Urten raised his eyebrows. Ogalla asked “Where?”

“We do not know exactly yet. First there must be agreement on the idea,” Dakan translated for Latson.

“Is it by the sea?”

“We don’t know,” Latson said.

“They send us to the desert to die?” Urten whispered.

Urten then said something at length to Ogalla. The chief said “Many of our women and youth only know fish, not fields.”

“This is the best we can offer now, they might be able to relocate when the Arvo Nation is at peace,” Latson said.

The three Arvo looked displeased and started to talk among themselves. Latson said “What is this?”

“Counsel,” Dakan said with a shrug.

Latson shook her head. “They really don’t get it. Tell them I need some kind of answer.”

Ogalla then announced “This is not acceptable. We must be on the sea.”

Latson then said to Dakan “Fine, tell him to get out. If he thinks he can protect his villages from both us and Ukkadis, let him try.”

Dakan dutifully translated Latson’s words. Ogalla spat on the ground and hissed a reply. “He says you are a witch,” Dakan replied.

Latson looked at Ogalla in the eye, smiled, and said “Thank you,” in the Arvo language.

Tukun looked at alarm at this.

Tukun whispered “The witch will put you under a spell, cousin. We will lose our lands, our nation, our honor. We should do as I said.”

“Patience,” Ogalla cautioned, then asked “Why must we leave?”

He saw the Treestalker talk to the witch. She kept her gaze on him while she spoke calmly. “If you seek our protection from Ukkadis, you must go where we can protect you.”

Tukun finally had enough. He shot to his feet and shouted “Protect? I do not fear death! At Ukkadis’ hands or yours!”

Ogalla rose, got in Tukun’s face, thumped his chest, and bellowed “Ard Ogalla speaks for the clan! Ard Ogalla!”

The Rangers saw this outburst, then Ogalla turned to face them and said something calmly. Dakan translated “Says the man forgets his place. His words are noise. He does not speak for the clan. He says…"

“Hold on. Sergeant, keep an eye on the big one,” Latson said.

“Yes ma’am,” one of the Rangers said.

“Don’t shoot unless you have to, the warriors will hear it,” she added.

Dakan continued “He says protect us here, if you are so mighty. This is his island.”

Latson pulled out a paper and read off it. “You only moved here two years ago. Your ancestors are not buried here. You did not conquer this island, Mok Turonin did and then awarded it to you for good service raiding elsewhere. Your claim is weak. We will recognize the value of these lands and compensate you in kind, but this island will be ours.”

The Arvo looked sour. “She speaks truth,” Urten pointed out. “That was the way of it.”

“As I said, a witch,” Tukun growled.

“We can’t guarantee coastal settlements while the Arvo remain at war. It could confuse coastal patrols, allow Ukkadis to conceal his movements. When there is peace…we’ll see,” Latson said.

Ogalla looked dubious, but he was still in the room. “Our weapons?”

“Rifles, pistols. No machine guns, explosive weapons, or artillery,” Latson said.

“If they betray us, we won’t be able to defend ourselves,” Tukun said out loud to Ogalla. Dakan translated to Latson. “I do not condemn my people to death.”

“Are you breaking your oath?” Ogalla snapped.

“You old fool. You did not bring us here to treat, you brought us to surrender,” Tukun said. Suddenly Tukun looked like he threw a punch, then the two men were grappling. It happened so quick that only once they were already struggling did any Adirans see the dagger in Tukun’s hand. Despite his age, Ogalla was holding his own against his younger cousin.

Tukun then started shouting “Dishonor upon Ogalla! He surrenders to the Other Men! He is bewitched!”

It all happened in seconds after that, a chaotic scuffle. Ogalla reared his head back and slammed his forehead into Tukun’s face. The sub-chief fell back, nose bleeding but weapon still in hand. He swept Ogalla’s leg out from under him, but Urten closed with him and connected a right hook to his temple. Tukun then lunged at Urten with the knife, twice the older man seemed to almost dance around it. The third time, Tukun got in close, and then Urten fell back, clutching at his stomach, blood between his fingers.

There was a dull crack, and then Tukun unceremoniously pitched forward and toppled over. There was a nasty gash on the back of his head. The Ranger sergeant stood over him with his rifle in his hands. He took Tukun’s knife and zip-tied his hands. Ogalla was tending to Urten, but Urten was staring at the average-sized soldier who just downed the hulking Arvo.

“Is he alive?” Latson asked.

“Dunno ma’am,” the sergeant said while he started to pat him down. “Just don’t want trouble if he wakes up.”

“We need a medic in here,” she said, looking at Urten as someone sent for one. She turned to Dakan and said “Tell the chief we apologize for our oversight. We’ve failed to provide adequate hospitality, but we are sending for physicians…healing, witch doctors, whatever word they use for it, I dunno. Goddamned mess.”

The medics arrived and found the Arvo bewildered by what they were doing. Ogalla kept trying to interrupt them until Latson intervened. Stopping the bleeding, they took Urten away on a stretcher. Ogalla agreed to Latson’s terms but would have tribal politics to deal with now. Would Tukun live? Would his family swear vengeance? If Urten died would there be a blood feud? It fell to Ogalla to sort this out.

Afterwards, an exasperated Latson commented to Dakan “Next time, I don't care what offense it gives, we search them. How the hell do you negotiate with these people?”

“Like that, more or less,” Dakan said wryly.

[New Edom]

Boythorp, McNernia

Elijah IV looked at the woman who had spoken evenly, and walked outside the building. “Commandeer the vehicles,” he ordered. “We’re leaving.”

There was a moment of silence, then Queen Mara followed him; Royal Protection Service officers moved out around them.Like a tide, the other officials with him including ladies in waiting, hurried after. Colonel Horvath glanced at the Royal Master of Offices.

‘Amazing,” said Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain. “Your Majesty, in spite of your dignity and courtesy, you in no way addressed any of our concerns. And you’ve shifted a few drinks before the ceremony to...dinner?” he shook his head. “Let me be clear: we might have cleared this up as a misunderstanding, but this simply will not do. I think we can manage this: we can say that the event had to be rescheduled. Blame the terrorists or something.”

He was about to leave himself, but then paused. “A bit of a lesson for the future. There was a mix up in communications, clearly. And that might have worked, but instead of that, you have proposed wasting even more time. It was clear to us that all this R&R was to happen after the ceremony, not before. Anyone could have thought that boasting about your role in conflicts we shared would have been unwise, so clearly it is you. All of you. Not merely King Emilion, but all of you that are clueless about why many in our government are frustrated with yours, even after it was explained directly. If you want to be our allies, we’ll be faithful to that, but we won’t be insulted and made fools of. An apology and a promise not to do it again and an agreement on how allied policy will be carried out might have suited you better, and you would find your efforts would go farther.”

He bowed with ironic grace and said, “Your Majesties. I take it there is no issue with us taking the vehicles back to the airport? “

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

Dongying City, Dongying

Diego Alejandro Arias was lounging in his lazy boy chair and watching his favorite game show. He sat back with his legs crossed and one of his hands held lazily over the side for a local girl to trim and file his nails. Diego laughed to himself as he saw the contestant guess wrong on a simple question. The excuses the man made sounded ridiculous and the game show host had the man thrown into a kiddy pool of pudding, “Hahaha, see that Jin Lei, he tried to weasel his way out of the punishment. But you know the game, get a wrong answer and into the pudding you go!”

“Yes Mista Diego, very foolish.” Jin Lei answered as she filed his nails.

“Very foolish indeed.” Said Diego.

The girl nodded again and kept up working on the manicure. Diego enjoyed the girl, she was a good servant, listened to his talk, never spoke back, and her wages were cheap. He probably wouldn’t have to pay that much more in Chaco, but then he’d have to look at a block headed, square bodied Indy all day, and Diego didn’t like that idea very much.

The phone rang and the girl set down her file and went to answer, “Mista Diego, it is the Chief of Navy in Beihe. He say very important to talk to you.”

Diego sighed, “Very well Jin Lei, bring me the phone.”

The girl did as she was told and the returned to her place taking care of her master’s nails. Diego put the phone to his ear, “Admiral?”

“I hate to be a bother Mr. Assistant Secretary General, but it seems that there have been some incidents that are quite urgent and no one can reach Mr. Semprún. There was a riot today over here, which on it’s face seems unimportant, but it coincided with Hostillian Regulars attacking and defeating a joint Chacano/Edomite landing party. We fear that there may be a general mobilization of the Hostillians to try and fight and we have put all units on the river on alert. I’m suggesting that you do the same in Dongying.”

“It is that serious?” Diego asked.

“I am afraid that it should be taken as such. One little defeat like this can have an amazing effect on the slopes, they will feel as if they are invincible. I am gathering my marines and I’ve put in a request for extra troops to launch a punitive expedition to teach the Hostillians a lesson. Better to be safe.” Said the Admiral.

“Well alright, I will have the border posts manned and all of the troops put on alert.” Said Diego and gave his servant the phone to hang up.

He looked at his half-finished manicure, “Jin Lei, get General Rodrigo on the phone please.”

[New Edom]

Saint Corentin
Lesser Diols

"Hello Zechariah, this is Ezra Simeon two one Adam. Check, Baalim, Imlah,Uzzi, four three niner five, a body human male, over."

"Zechariah, blue, discretion, amen." replied the platoon commander.

Corporal Hennoch hefted the butt of his assault rifle into his shoulder taking proper control of the weapon with his finger resting on the safety catch, just as he had been drilled, and peered through the image intensifying sight. He acquired the sight of a shape, a body. His hand moved towards the cocking handle. He was uneasy out here. He was from the depot, and this foreign barbarous place had disturbed his blood. But the 28th Hussars, led by Prince David Obed, was a unit with the reputation of great courage, the example set by their regimental commander. He had to live up to it.

The green glow of the image was heavily speckled with little bright points as the electronics worked their magic.

Hennoch received word of two of his patrol mates advancing towards the position, and covered them as they approached.

Sergeant Rabbith approached after indicating his position, patting him on the shoulder, and squatted near the body. He uttered a foul oath. It was the body of a man which lay there in the trail, a short, fat man, wearing a battle dress pattern blouse and trousers with no boots. His fat, olive face was set in a stare of frozen horror; his thick throat had been slashed from ear to ear as if by a razor-sharp blade. His sidearm was still in its holster.

“Again.” Rabbith stood and scanned the dark forest before the picket.

Hennoch was new to the posting and said, “Again, sergeant? Who was he?”

"A forest devil. This is the fifth! He was Asinus, the QSM" Rabbith said. “Get him into a body bag.”

"What do you mean?" Hennoch asked, holding his rifle uneasily.

"Did you ever hear of an Arvo wizard called Garabus Nul?"

Hennoch shook his head uneasily.

"He dwells in Acanarala, the nearest village across the river. Three months ago he hid beside this road and stole a couple of land rovers bound for the fort—drugged their drivers, somehow. They were loaded with wine-kegs, and old Garabus stopped to guzzle before he got across the river. A Cavalry Scout called Jasher trailed him, and led Prince David and a platoon to where he lay dead drunk in a thicket. At the importunities of Asinus, Prince David threw Garabus Nul into a cell, which is the worst insult you can give an Arvo. He managed to kill his guard and escape, and sent back word that he meant to kill Asinus and the five men who captured him in a way that would make Edom shudder for centuries to come.”

Hennoch laughed, but his laughter died as the sergeant glared at him. They were suddenly flooded by the lights of a land rover, come to pick up the body.

"Well, Jasher and the soldiers are dead. Jasher was killed on the river, the soldiers in the very shadow of the FOB. And now Asinus is dead. No Arvo killed any of them. Each victim—except Asinus, as you see – lacked his head—which no doubt is now ornamenting the altar of Garabus Nul's particular devil."

“But it could not have been a devil…” said Hennoch as two other men got out of the vehicle.

“A devil? Again?” whispered one of the men.

"Asinus was an armed man," grunted Rabbith. "He was a fat swine, but he was no coward, no recruit. If Garabus Nul can bring demons to aid him, he can tell them which men to kill and which to let alone. No, I didn't see it. I only saw the bushes shake as it left the trail. But if you want further proof, look here!"

The killer had stepped into the pool of blood in which the dead man sprawled. Under the bushes at the edge of the path there was a footprint, made in blood on the hard loam.

"Did a man make that?" demanded Rabbith.

Hannoch felt his scalp prickle. Neither man nor any beast that he had ever seen could have left that strange, monstrous, three-toed print, that was curiously combined of the bird and the reptile, yet a true type of neither. He spread his fingers above the print, careful not to touch it, and grunted explosively. He could not span the mark. It could not be one of the great flightless birds of their homeland either.

"What is it?" he whispered. "I never saw a beast that left a mark like that."

"Nor any other sane man," answered Rabbith grimly. "It's a swamp devil – they're thick as bats in the swamps. You can hear them howling like damned souls when the wind blows strong from the south on hot nights."

"What shall we do?" asked the corporal, peering uneasily into the deep blue shadows. The magical sight on the rifle granted him night vision, yet he saw nothing. Nothing of the slayer of the man. The frozen fear on the dead countenance haunted him. He wondered what hideous head the wretch had seen thrust grinning from among the leaves to chill his blood with terror.

"No use to try to follow a devil," growled Rabbith, drawing a short hatchet from his webbing. "I tried tracking him after he killed Jasher. I lost his trail within a dozen steps. He might have grown himself wings and flown away, or sunk down through the earth to Hell. I don't know. I'm going to report it like before.” he gave the corporal a sardonic look and said, “Are you are a man of faith? Fortify yourself with thoughts of the Cross. We will defeat this devil. God grants us the means to do so.”

[McNernia]

OOC:That was a tense arc.

---

Boythorp Mcnernia

---

Emett nodded with the ladies gesture of Horvath off to him. Not bothering to correct the Colonels lack of protocol. It was Lady or Highness rather than Majesty. “You may go, Captian.” The Airborne trooper gestured at his Prince's command and the cars were powered up. There were apologetic looks from the household staff as if they knew the King knew better and they were sorry that Elijah had to be treated so. People took their orders from the King. And he was somewhat daft headed it seemed. Maybe not worth taking orders from when he was prone to breaks.
Emett would give a parting salute along with his nephew Prince Mark. The two of them would wonder what was to be done. New Edom was a key ally and checking in the worst case the Extra regional ambitions of the Empire with his daft brother. Was something that Emett a seasoned commander of light armor who had battled communists was not looking forward to. God Forbid it would happen.

The Queen mother would let the King-Emperor and his wife leave. She did not hate Elijah. She was seeing him as the potential that her son could be. And yet the fact remained, could he. He was somewhat anxious and that was not counting other things. Like his wife.

---

It would later be revealed that the idea to award the King-Emperor the title of Honorary Colonel was the brain child of a wounded former NCO of the 117th who had served in the blood and mud of Damoclea. Something to bring the two empires together. Daryl Lorton the mans name was. The New Edomite Ambassador would be duly informed along with apologies.

Colonel Steven Horvath would for his actions be named a Knight of the Order of the Mcnernian. For services rendered to the Royal Family. And by extension of getting the wheels of Mcnernian bureaucracy turning the Nation. Also the same honor would be extended the King with a Knight Commander, equal to the late General Hesperenius.

---

The reasoning for the retreat in Damoclea and then from the battlefield in Hutanjia would be explained at Court by Ambassador Hullar when he had a private moment alone with Horvath. He would insist with a directive from the foreign Ministry printed and in his pocket.

“The Damoclea issue was that we were unready to do what we needed to, we had bad people, people who were not easily ready and who were ignorant. And a populace that was alien somewhat to us. And that’s just the occupation. The war, a zeal to impress, over eagerness, on the part of many including the Prime Minister at the time. And since then weve had the same problem as you with a sucession of governments. Also being a democratically minded state we were not inclined to occupy in a Imperialist sense. So parliament did not like the plans…” One could tell Hullar knew that this was a missed opportunity in his eyes.

“Hutanjia was that there was a credible threat to the life of His Majesty from the Falkasians. So they wanted us out, and we like cowards obliged.” That was said with disgust at the government at the time.
(OOC:A Full explanation. Finally.)

And he would explain the policy about Homosexuals and Transgenderism, etc. "We dont see the need really...they are a small bunch, leave them alone and they will leave us alone..." Though one would see maybe he did not entirely believe it.

Also he mentioned another thing. " HM Armed Forces of the homeland have not fought a conventional war in modern history really...some minor things, against poorly trained rebels and as parts of overwhelming coalitions, but not against a well backed foe. And certainly not a counter insurgency against such things, that was the Colonials job. Certainly not in living memory for the most part."

[New Edom]

The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

“Between you and I, the Imperator really doesn’t care one way or another about homosexuals. They’ve never caused an issue in Shalum, but…” He spread his hands. “I am sure I can motivate him if it really becomes an issue,” he threw a wink towards Undersecretary Corbulo for good measure.

Corbulo gave him a demure polite smile in response and made a note on a tablet she was holding.

Nothing came free, of course. Swallowing, the ambassador licked his lips and reached over, picking up the cup to take another small sip. It was enough to finish it off. Setting the empty drink aside, he leaned back and glanced towards his briefcase for a moment. “We’re not worried about the financial cost of this, first and foremost. If it comes to deploying troops, I have no doubt that we can get the funds authorized from Imperion to offset it all. That i why we pay into it after all, the cheaper equipment aside, no?” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Yes, well…” Geta glanced at Corbulo, who raised her eyebrows, and then turned back to the Shalumite. “We’ll see. After all, while it is not anything dreadful...the situation is a bit volatile, bringing in a bunch of out of region foreigners….” he spread his hands.

Picking up his briefcase, he opened it and withdrew a couple of neatly arranged folders which he handed out towards Geta. “You can keep those if you would like, study them when you have time. The long story short is that Shalum is always looking to invest and expand it’s reach. That was what we were doing with Tericio and certain elements in, well, let’s just say where we got the concubines from. Both of those leads have gone a bit too cold for my liking though, as I am sure you know.” He smiled again, the same way he had done only a few moments earlier.

Morris motioned to the files. “Shalum wants to invest. Nothing too crazy, and perhaps something you’ve even heard of before. Things like manufacturing,” he was certain that there were things the Edomites could do cheaper than laborers back home could. “The auto industry, for example. Duke Harper has a special interest in that, seeing as he is the one running Thoroughbred Automotive.”

Pausing, he looked towards the windows. “I will admit, I’m not a car guy. I just know I like the kind that are expensive and look good in my driveway,” he chuckled softly. “But what I am to understand is that we’re bringing a couple new electric models out this year - well, Thoroughbred is anyways. The sedans have already proven popular, if a bit too expensive for the common man right now. I am sure we could change that with time, especially as supply begins to catch up with sheer demand. There is a lot of money to be made there. Perhaps that would interest you, no?”

“In exchange, we would be happy to provide any assistance that you may need. As I am to understand it, the unit that has trained here over the last few weeks is...performing quite well, just as they did in Nalaya last year.”

Geta listened to him with an air of polite thoughtfulness during all this talk, and smiled occasionally, nodding. “I think that we could discuss that, and begin some discussions. What would happen is that the process would begin through our Finance Ministry’s Foreign Trade Office. Our manufacturing sector had some setbacks due to the regional recession, and so I think what you are proposing is very possible. Undersecretary Corbulo?”

“The terms we generally would prefer would be the following,” said Corbulo, “Making sure that qualified persons are hired from among our people, with any positions that we do not have a significant body qualified requiring a promise to make sure that training programs are sufficiently available. Wages to be agreed upon with our government acting as primary negotiator, and cooperation guaranteed with regard to any changes in major investment or economic planning. The First Avantine Bank of New Edom should, ideally, be the primary Edomite financial institution that would be invested in for the purpose of the dispensation of wages, and agreement about suitable insurance. Agreement about health and safety regulations and compensation to be compromised on between negotiating parties. Well, al stuff that can be talked about, but to give you an idea, Your Excellency.”

“In other words,” said Geta, “There would have to be some details ironed out. But you would find our industrial sector very competitive and yet able to provide enough skilled workers and available space and buildings to lease with minimal modification involved. We have a number of defunct factories with some automotive companies out of business, and I would like to recommend that we arrange perhaps for some tours for executives and engineers from the company to take a look along with some of our own people. How does that sound?”

[Hittanryan]

Government Office
New Laconia

The negotiations on Lavasseur Island were part of a general effort by Adiron to bring the conflict with the Arvo to a conclusion. From the Adirans’ perspective, the primary problem they wanted to solve with the Arvo now was their gruesome attacks on their neighbors and international shipping. Now that they were off the mainland, they weren’t really in the way of much serious land development nor were they a serious military threat to the southern Confederate border. The Confederates controlled enough of the Greater Diols by now that they had expanded their fisheries and to a lesser extent their agriculture. There were no great strategic resources or positions in the Arvo’s presently-reduced territory. If not for Arvo piracy, however, the port of Cataran—indeed, maybe the entire Ura Sea—might reopen to international shipping and regular maritime traffic, especially from nearby powers like Ayaca and the Shrailleen.

The goal of the war was therefore to secure an agreement with the Arvo guaranteeing exactly that. No one in government disputed that. What the War and State Departments couldn’t agree on was when to push for negotiations and the exact status of the Arvo following peace. Despite everything, Secretary Bailey remained concerned with the general welfare of the Arvo and the preservation of their way of life—minus their raiding and slaving. Secretary Fortner, while expressing sympathy for civilians caught in the crossfire, remained skeptical that the Arvo would negotiate rationally based on what he’d heard from the field.

After both members of the Cabinet attempted to persuade Rowan of one course or another, he remained unconvinced of either. He’d made up his mind that he wouldn’t stain Adiron’s hands with genocide, and he increasingly wanted to conclude ground operations. To Rowan’s mind, however, they lacked adequate intelligence on the Arvo’s current situation. If they were to negotiate, they had to know what they wanted and how to deal with them. Were the Arvo even ready to talk at all? Was it even possible to stop their attacks without disarming them completely?

The Seventh Rangers were attached to General Henry Vance’s I Corps. Vance received the unenviable task of testing the waters. If possible without additional risk to Adiran forces, it was requested that he begin opening the first negotiations with the Arvo. He was given conditions by the politicians which complicated his job. Bailey insisted that the Arvo be allowed to retain their social structure and customs, and that their communities be kept together somehow. She firmly believed this would actually help the negotiations succeed. Fortner meanwhile fought to let Vance use his own discretion on which communities to contact and whether or not evacuation was necessary. Vance decided to focus on weaker clans, especially those in a poor military position due to supply shortages or being isolated from Ukkadis’ strongholds. He was also disinclined to let any Arvo remain where they were; he thought Ukkadis sympathizers might throw him a lifeline.

When Rangers like Latson’s company first heard the news, they were heartened for the first time in a number of weeks. After Cresswell’s rescue at Sona they had expected to start winding down, but instead an extended pursuit of Ukkadis dragged on. They weren’t finding any more Virden captives; by now the vast majority were accounted for and those who weren’t were presumed dead. In fact they were finding fewer and fewer slaves, in no small part because for nearly a year the Arvo’s slaving operations had been increasingly suppressed by the Adirans and Edomites.

They were disappointed when they actually met the Arvo face to face. Primitive, combative, and stubborn was how most Rangers described them. Latson’s meeting wasn’t unique in starting an intra-Arvo feud. Her meeting was unique in that one Arvo—and not the chief—begrudgingly accepted that his clan’s land claim was new and somewhat suspect. Everyone else brushed this king of argument off. They expected to keep what little lands they still had; if they left, they expected to return. The Arvo also generally shrugged off attempts to point out the futility of their military situation. Supply shortages, dwindling manpower, isolation, if anything these dire straits hardened their resolve to die warriors.

---

After a number of talks had been held, General Vance submitted a report to General Leventis, the Army Chief of Staff. It was circulated among the general staff, the War Department, and the State Department. Once everyone had been appropriately briefed, a meeting was scheduled which would determine the future of the Arvo campaign. Among those present were Secretary Fortner, Secretary Bailey, General Leventis, Rowan’s advisors Guy Ferrain and Kevin Martin, and a number of intelligence and military personnel involved in the campaign.

After introductory remarks, Fortner seemed to assume the meeting was his. He clasped his hands and spoke matter-of-factly, almost casually. “All right, Madame Secretary, General, everyone, we’ve all read or been briefed on the report. We gave it our best shot, but this isn’t working.”

“I think it is the first time we’ve successfully opened dialogue with the Arvo in the field,” Bailey reminded him.

“Oh, the Rangers carried out their orders just fine. But we’re no closer to a settlement with the Arvo Nation as a whole,” Fortner replied. “Resettlement doesn’t seem to be going over well with the Arvo, much less the Confederates. Personally, I don’t think anyone in Ceti would be happy to learn an Arvo reservation was being put in next door.”

There were several chuckles. Chief of Staff Leventis added “I think I’d put in razor wire at the least.” Someone else chimed in “I’d have guns next to everyone’s beds.” Bailey looked unhappy. Ferrain looked dismayed at the lapse in decorum.

Fortner raised a hand. “My main point is that if chiefs on little sandbars with a couple of holey boats are storming out of talks because we tell them they have to stop slaving, then unfortunately we’ve got more work to do before these talks get serious.”

“What sort of work, Mr. Secretary?” Bailey asked.

“I think we need to deliver a knockout blow. If they can’t even lose with honor, the Arvo will have to come to the table,” he said. He looked away a moment, then said “I think the Edomites may have been right in this regard: logistics. We can stop them from fighting if we target their logistics. We’re already squeezing them. On the mainland they burned through or lost major stockpiles of ammunition, weapons, and fuel. They’ve had five warriors killed in action for every Adiran casualty. They can’t replace men or materiel. I think we can tip over the first domino here.”

“But wait, Mr. Secretary, how were the Edomites right?” Bailey asked with obvious concern.

“Agriculture,” Fortner said. “They destroyed crops. I know what it might mean for the villagers, but it would be straightforward. You can hide caches of guns and gas from aircraft. You can’t hide fields.”

“No,” Bailey said immediately, shaking her head.

The room looked at her. She didn’t look at anyone. Martin eventually asked “Madame Secretary? Could you maybe explain?”

“I thought it would be obvious that we ought not to create a humanitarian crisis,” Bailey said. “The President assured me, he did, that he would never condone genocide in any form.”

“This isn’t genocide. We’re not deliberately driving a people to extinction—“ Fortner started to say.

“Aren’t we? Causing a famine?” Bailey interrupted.

“No, we’re trying to win a war against an enemy that’s almost impossible to negotiate with,” Ferrain said firmly. “It seems clear to me based on General Vance’s report that the Arvo will only submit and sue for peace if they cannot even hope to die in battle.”

“It’s not clear to me that this warrants attacking civilians in this manner,” Bailey said with a stern look. “What are we turning into?”

People shifted and looked around the table a bit uneasily. Kevin Martin of all people broke the silence. “All right, I’d like to suggest we take a quick break.”

---

Hugh Atkins followed Bailey out as she left in a bit of a huff. She eventually turned into one of the State Department’s small private libraries. Surrounded by hardwood and bound texts, she vented a bit to the civil servant.

“I can’t believe he’d even suggest such a thing. Is this the future Earl Page wanted for Adiron?” Bailey said incredulously.

“Well, you might’ve asked that six years ago,” Atkins said nonchalantly. Bailey stared at him blankly. Atkins pursed his lips then offered “Yes, Madame Secretary?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean we’ve done it before,” Atkins said plainly.

Bailey looked alarmed. “What?”

“Madame Secretary, in the last war, our brave pilots in the Air Force bombed Imperial bridges and railroads which were likely used to transport food and medicine in addition to military materiel.”

“Oh that’s what you’re referring to,” Bailey said, looking relieved.

“Well, if you’ll allow me to finish. We also deliberately targeted power plants, water treatment plants, warehouses, factories, and anything else which might keep Army Group West in the field to oppose us. To diminish their ability to wage war against us, we may not have deliberately targeted Imperial civilians with our weapons, but we certainly inflicted death and suffering upon them. Alas, that is war. The Imperials—and the Arvo for that matter—did the same to us and worse.”

“That’s different. We were fighting to defend ourselves against the Imperium. They’re a threat,” Bailey protested.

“So are the Arvo,” Atkins retorted.

“It’s different.”

“Only in scale. The Arvo threaten our interests like the Imperium. We are at war,” Atkins replied.

“They can’t recover like the Imperium could. They don’t have modern industry or infrastructure. They don’t have access to international finance,” Bailey said, arms folded. “Fortner’s idea is frankly barbaric, he’d trigger a famine.”

“Most famines are more a matter of distribution than production. Seeing how Adiron has ample food, you might propose organizing a relief effort to be carried out once peace is achieved,” Atkins said, finding that Bailey was staring at him again. “However, the report was clear. The Arvo reject voluntary evacuation and resettlement. They will stay where they are unless forced out. Unfortunately, Secretary, we cannot get them out of the line of fire as you’d hoped.”

“So that’s your recommendation then? Village to village? House to house? Salt the fields? Total war?” she asked grimly.

“Oh, no, Madame Secretary, whatever gave you that impression?” Atkins said. Bailey’s eyes widened. “No, I think it’s past time we brought our boys home from that dreadful place, not to mention the expense. But the Secretary of War I fear is like a dog who won’t let go. Here’s what I would advise you to do upon returning…”

---

Everyone made their way back into the room and sat down. Bailey was quick to open remarks. “I would like to apologize for any insinuations I may have made about Secretary Fortner’s intentions or the character of our armed forces. I was caught off guard. After consultation I think I better understand the rationale for your proposal, Mr. Secretary. I have no doubt that you are thinking primarily of the welfare of our troops.”

Fortner nodded, but Bailey continued, addressing him directly. “However, I do have questions about the overarching strategy. Mr. Secretary, you said you want to…bomb their crops. Then what?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well that’s not the end of it, right? Do you just bomb the Arvo’s fields and hope they sit in their huts and starve while our troops sit down there for months?”

“No, Madame Secretary, this is strategic bombing. We keep up the pressure, then as their ability to fight degrades, we cut the head off the snake. Our objective is to kill or capture Mok Ukkadis.”

“Eliminate Mok Ukkadis and then what?” Bailey asked.

“Beg pardon?”

“Ukkadis is not a central authority,” Bailey pointed out. “He’s not even one of the elders, just a powerful warlord with a following. He’ll become a martyr and two or three of his subordinates could assume control or split off on their own. The Arvo are a hydra, not a serpent.”

“Ukkadis may not be a central government but he has unique talents,” Ferrain pointed out. “He knows more about modern tactics and technology than almost any other Arvo. We’re trying to piece a full dossier together, but he almost certainly worked as a Conglomerate mercenary. His people are likely to fall apart with his loss.”

“But he’s not personally controlling every last warrior. There are people under him. He couldn’t do this without imparting at least some of his knowledge to subordinates. His death won’t be the end of it,” Bailey pointed out. There were a couple of tentative nods among the other personnel in the room.

“That is very true,” Fortner conceded. “But it’s also irrelevant. If their men are out of guns, gas, gauze, and grain, they won’t be able to fight no matter how much they want to.”

“And then we end up in control of the Greater Diols?” Bailey asked.

“Correct,” Fortner replied, nodding.

“And then what?”

Chief of Staff Leventis suddenly frowned and looked at Fortner. “All right, Madame Secretary, what is your point here?” Fortner asked, starting to get annoyed.

“I don’t want to be stuck in a quagmire any more than you do,” Bailey explained calmly. “I was assured that the allocation of additional air forces and increased aid to the Confederation would bring about a swift end to the conflict. I accepted that and my department facilitated that with Cataran. I’m sure our men and women in uniform are up to whatever task they are given, but the fact remains we’ve driven the Arvo from the mainland, recovered as many captives as we’re going to including poor Dr. Cresswell, and dramatically reduced piracy in the area. We now need a diplomatic end state for the Arvo Nation. Something clear to work towards, not an open-ended commitment to combat operations.”

Fortner looked as though he was about to say something, but words failed him.

“Mr. Secretary, we will not commit genocide. That means under your plan, the Arvo are still going to be in the Diols. We’ll end up governing them. I don’t think we want that, the Arvo don’t want to leave their lands, much less assimilate. We just want them to stop attacking their neighbors. To that end we don’t need an occupation, we need a treaty.”

“You’ve seen how negotiations have gone so far,” Fortner retorted.

“I don’t think this experiment proved that all diplomacy is hopeless. I think we were just offering the wrong thing. I had hopes for resettlement, but I was mistaken. I do have an idea, but I need all of your input on a question: what is the strategic value of the Greater Diols?” Bailey asked.

“To who, Madame Secretary?” clarified General Leventis.

“Adiron and the Confederation.”

Several people shifted some papers around. Kevin Martin spoke first. “Well, the Confederates have settled islands in the northwest. Mostly fishing and farming towns. Our wider interest is in reopening Cataran’s port, which won’t be feasible until the fighting in the Diols is over.”

“But is there some plan for the actual islands? Do we need any more of the islands than we already have? Is there some vital resource we need or something we want to build on islands we don’t currently occupy?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” Ferrain said, looking to the others.

“Right,” Bailey said, folding her hands on the table. “If there is no pressing strategic use for the Greater Diols, then I propose that our terms for negotiation should be the establishment of formal boundaries for the Arvo Nation. A border or demarcation line beyond which their people cannot travel except for peaceful purposes. There will be treaties establishing peace with their neighbors while outlawing slavery and piracy. The Arvo will be sovereign within their borders.”

“I don’t know. Is there any chance they’ll agree to that?” Fortner asked, glancing at Ferrain.

“It sounds like you’re not going to give them much choice,” Bailey replied.

“Where do we draw this line, though?” Fortner asked. “I’ve looked at this before. The Arvo are bound to claim islands under Confederate control. Then there’s the big island of Anopopei. There are Confederates on the eastern shore and Arvo on the west and south.”

“We won’t displace Confederate settlers. We’ll make that clear in talks. We can negotiate and research the details, but we must be working towards a single, clear objective,” Bailey concluded, spreading her hands.

Her words hung in the air a moment before Chief of Staff Leventis spoke up. “Madame Secretary, it’s not a bad idea, but I see two issues. First, the Arvo don’t appear ready to agree to that yet. I don’t think this on its own will end the fighting.”

Bailey sighed and said “You are probably right.”

“Second, the Arvo have other neighbors we’ll have to deal with. There are the Imps, the Union, the Edomites, to some degree the Chacanos, even the Folau might take some persuasion. Will they respect these borders we draw up?”

“Well, we shouldn’t just do this in a vacuum. If it looks feasible we should of course reach out to their governments.”

Fortner spoke up now. “But Madame Secretary, you spoke of giving the Arvo sovereignty. Can the Arvo really be expected to conduct any kind of effective diplomacy with those kinds of foreign governments on their own, given our experience with them?”

To that, Bailey had to pause. Fortner conceded “I think you’re right: we don’t want to govern the Arvo. But we don’t want a hostile power like the Imperium to just make up a pretext and roll them over right after we pull out either. I just don’t know about Arvo sovereignty. I don’t know if I could tell the President to back that.”

“That’s going to make negotiations all the more difficult,” Bailey pointed out. She looked away a moment. “Could we give them similar autonomy to the Folau?”

“Er…the Arvo are not the Folau,” Fortner said warily.

“But think about it. Those foreign powers couldn’t attack the Arvo like you said if they’re part of the Confederation. Not without involving us,” Bailey pointed out.

“Hmm, I don’t know that would necessarily stop everyone,” Fortner mused. “Here’s what I would suggest. If the Arvo end up in some dispute with a foreign power, we carry out the diplomacy. If there’s a criminal element, we handle the investigation and prosecution. That way, instead of the Imps or whoever immediately seizing on the opportunity to seize more of Arcologia and exterminate their tribe, Adiron is guaranteeing security in the area.”

“A protectorate?” Bailey asked, raising an eyebrow. “It’s frankly going to be hard enough to convince the Arvo to accept borders without telling them to surrender control of their foreign policy.”

“Madame Secretary, the Arvo’s foreign policy so far has frankly consisted of human trafficking and ‘stick them with the pointy end.’ It would be the easiest thing in the world for the Imperium to manipulate them,” Fortner argued. “If your goal remains the preservation of their people and culture, yes, I think the best they can do is a protectorate. A protectorate with fixed borders and internal rule, as you said, but with a third party regulating their diplomacy.”

Martin then cut in. “Mr. Secretary, I think what the Secretary of State is saying is that we probably don’t want to lead with that going into talks with a fiercely independent warlike tribal people.”

“Don’t want to spring it on them afterwards either. They’ll say we tricked them and go back to war,” Fortner said. “Besides, we need to know what the Arvo Nation will look like in peacetime.”

“Maybe…frame it as an alliance?” Ferrain suggested.

“Do Arvo understand alliances?” Leventis asked warily.

“They should understand the idea that we’ll fight alongside them if they’re attacked,” Ferrain pointed out.

“I don’t want to be the one to ask the Confederates to defend the Arvo,” someone quipped.

“We’re getting bogged down in details,” Bailey intervened. “What can we take to the President?”

The meeting resulted in the following policy proposal being sent to Rowan: Adiron would commence a strategic bombing campaign against the Arvo in the hopes of pressuring their leadership to surrender and rendering Mok Ukkadis vulnerable. The Adirans’ terms would require the Arvo to agree to fixed boundaries to their territory and the end of piracy and human trafficking. Although the Arvo’s culture was to be preserved, the issue of Arvo sovereignty was not brought up.

[New Edom]

Cornellian Residency,
Imperial Quarter, Palace

There were some parts of the Imperial Palace that were… pretty, such as the Outer Structures, they were large yes, they were impressive certainly but while their magnificence may be greater than that of all the rest of the Middle Kingdom, it was little more than a shabby and broken excuse for the splendors and glories that were the inner sections of the Imperial Palace. Here, located on the fringe of the Imperial Quarter of the Inner Section of the Imperial Palace was where true beauty was first formed. One room specifically was the Cornellian Residency, done in grand style mighty white marble columns of huge portion reached from the ground up to the mighty ceiling which was painted with in Roman fashion depicting the Jade Emperor reaching out to pass on the Mandate of Heaven to Lin Xixuan, First Son of Heaven of the Kong Dynasty, and the colors so old yet so fresh were beautiful enough to bring tears to the eyes of any who had even a dabbling appreciation for the arts. The center of the ceiling rose up higher than the rest in the style of an traditional temple featuring wonderful stained glass of blues and greens and purples which caught the light and illuminated the entirety of the massive room in these same colors.

The room had three separate fountains in it which fed large pools of steaming water, the purest water in the country, coming straight from beneath the Palace itself, the fountains were beautifully carved angels and nymphs pouring the water from beautifully crafted pots. The walls of the grand room were done in wonderfully light blue jade and the floor in white marble, giving the entire room a pleasant mixture of blues and whites and purples and the occasional soft green. Mirrors were placed strategically about the room, their frames done in silver and white gold, which caught the light and reflected it crisscrossing about the room to ensure that there was no corner too dark, and even more beautiful yet along the sides of the room was a grand bathing pool, water coming through an ancient system of pipes to fall like a steaming waterfall into the room’s private canal system. Every one and a half meter small islands sat in the center of the wall side pools not typically used for bathing and on these islands sat cherry blossom trees which had been collected as tribute from the isles over the course of history, their roots elegantly reaching into around the small marble islands and dipping into the steaming water.

The cherry blossoms were seemingly always in bloom whenever this building was used , and it was the same cherry blossoms from these trees and hundreds others like them which covered the marble floors in their pedals, making it seem as though one was walking on a beautiful cloud with pink veins scattered about. In the corner of the room there was a very pretty young woman, entirely without clothing, strumming on an ancient and exquisitely expensive harp, playing soft beautiful melodies and keeping her eyes fixed on the heated floors beneath her feet. She sat with proper posture, her long hair following over and covering one breast but leaving the other exposed, if one glanced at her pretty soft featured face, they may notice at once the light pink embarrassed glow of her cheeks, unintentionally matching the cherry blossoms excellently. As she played, a beautiful but soft and quiet voice could be heard singing along, the sounds despite their small size traveling easily throughout the room.

“How beautiful, the man that led, who, fat on wine and full of bread, and strong with wisdom and cloaked in red, marched and conquered the lands once dead.” The voice was coming from an even more beautiful woman who knelt in the shallow bathing pool, soaked in the warm and scented waters, eyes closed as she cupped hands and allowed the warm water to pour down her face and chest. “He who was by Heaven shunned, soon became the Heavens’ Son, and if you ever fear or stir, know that he does always observe, and so I say to you today; respect the Emperor, kowtow, obey- cast your eyes to where sun has shone and there you will see his mighty throne.” In the center of this beauty, resting on a sea of cherry blossoms was a mighty bed, large enough for twelve in grand circular fashion, shrouding the single figure was a near transparent blue vale, but the man had begun to stir, waking from his slumber. Pulling the veil back he listened as she sang the same verse a second time, smiling- emerging from the bed and into the light his full, nude figure could be seen, sharp features and chiseled muscles made for an impressively strong sight.

“Never in all the years the Middle Kingdom has existed has a more beautiful siren, nor one of purer heart and intent, ever graced creation.” The man said, his voice was thick with pleasure and honey, he walked slowly towards her, as she continued to sing, not even casting the harpist a glance though her cheeks reddened more so at the sight of him. “Tell me, how can you swing so beautifully without filling the heavens with jealousy?”

“Flattering master,” the young woman responded, looking up at him from the waters, her voice as sweet as his and ringing with a potent air of innocence, “it is because in all the years the Middle Kingdom has existed never has there been, in all creation, a heart more full of love than mine is now.” He stepped into the large bathing pools and pulled her close to him, his hands on her hips, their eyes locking. “Surely the Heavens would never grow angry with me for loving so truly,” she whispered briefly before their lips met in a passionate kiss.

“My flower,” he said to her gently, there was something in her that wasn’t right in this moment, he could feel it, sense it. Something was making her uneasy; she was tenser than she was normally in his embrace, “what troubles you?”

“My master pays me too much attention,” she responded as they both sank deeper into the pool to escape the lite chill of wet flesh against the air, she floated delicately over to sit on his lap, guided by his strong hands, wrapping her hands around his neck she continued, her voice on the verge of shaking, “I am fearful for us my lord,” she said to him holding back tears of fright, “I believe that the eunuch may suspect us, I have heard whispers and rumors that a man knows of our affair and that, that,” she allowed her voice to trail off for fear of sobs.

“Be calm, be calm my gentle beauty,” he assured her, bringing her closer to him and kissing her forehead to quiet her, though he could feel his own heart beating faster and faster and faster and suddenly he found himself much warmer with a feeling not passion, “tell me, do you know who this man is? I’ll handle it, I’ll handle everything for you.”

“Oh my master, and my protector,” she said kissing his neck and cheeks, “the gossip claims he is by the name of Huan Boxing, he’s been moving about Shengjing asking queer questions and behaving in strange ways. If he discovers our secrets, we will face horrible reprisals… but I’m able to endure anything so long they do not take you away from me.”

“I will protect you, always.” He said to her, with a name he could take action, a name meant a person and a person could be killed. He would have to address this matter quickly, his mind was racing, he could not strike directly for fear that if the man had said anything it would make him all the more guilty in the eyes of the public, he would need to find a medium. Someone who he could trust to accept little information, and someone who wouldn’t be in Shengjing long enough to have any murder traced back to their hands. If only there was a ruthless man, he could not go to Lim, nor Bao… but there was one other he could rely on. With this realization his heart steadied, just another problem to be taken handled. “Let not our tongues spend another word on this dark matter, never mind this worry- just focus on me, here, right in this moment. And as long as I am with you, no one will do you harm, and as long as I love you, and my love will burn far after the sun has been extinguished, you need not fear any man nor god.”

“I can always count on your love,” she responded softly while the harpist still played peacefully in the background, “you’ve always been here to love and protect and to guide me before, I have no reason to be afraid.” She nestled closer to him before pulling herself up and resting her forehead against hers and in that moment of intimate closeness she asked him, “do you truly love me?”

“All the love I possess is surrendered to you.” He said kissing her, slowly she began to move her body until she was sitting atop him, facing him, her still around his neck, her breasts pressing into his chest, and her legs spread seductively over his waist. “Do you love me as much as I love you?”

“I will love you for as long as I draw breath, and in the coldest of winters I will be warm with love for you,” she kissed his neck again and he could smell the beautiful perfume in her hairs and he could feel the softness of her skin against his own, “for as long as the sun rises and as long as the sun sets I will be blind and stupid with you here to guide me. You are my heart’s shelter, you protect me from the elements of nature and the cruelness of men, without you I am naked and with you I am whole. For so long as you are with me I can endure even the longest and darkest night because the flame of our love will provide guidance and light and warmth. I will need you forever and a day, and to you I surrender my love, for this life and the next. I am yours.” With her declaration and her nearness and her scent and his lust he could no longer stand it and at once seized her and together, as the harp continued to sing, they become one in the warm pool.

“I should be going,” he whispered into her ear a while after they had finished, she was still breathless in his arms, “I must attend to this matter at once, it should not wait any longer.” He said rising from the pool and fetching a towel for himself to dry. She emerged from the pool as well but did nothing to dry herself, choosing to wait and allow the water to leave of its own accord. While she stood looking on, her pure white flesh still tempting him as she walked over and sat at the foot of her nude servant girl who had yet to stop strumming on the harp. “When can I see you again?” He found himself asking suddenly, as if he could no longer contain the question. “Monday?”

“Were it that I could see you for every moment my eyes were open I would, but you understand I cannot.” She said with a sweet sadness to her, she rested her head on her servant’s leg and continued to look at him, her large brown eyes still shining with adoration.

“Tuesday then, surely I can see you on Tuesday.”

“Tuesday I will be forced to entertain my brother, you know his love for me demands my presence, though I would rather spend this time with you if only I could, my loving master.” She responded, it seemed she was becoming saddened by having to refuse him twice in a row now.

“Wednesday,” he insisted. “We will meet Wednesday.”

“I will send to you if it is possible that very same day, but we must be more careful, if Lim is suspicious then will not spending more time together only increase his thoughts on the matter?” He agreed that this much was true as he placed on his last piece of armor and brought down his dragon shaped helm of gold, seeing he was upset she went over to him, bringing up his impressive red cape from the floor and placing it securely on his shoulders, “but know that if next we meet is the coming hour or the coming century, my love for you will not have grown cooler for it.”

“I love you,” he said to her, kissing her once more deeply and with passion before reluctantly releasing her delicate nude frame from his embrace, “send word to me on Wednesday,” he requested before walking towards the door, he cast her a single longing glance before opening it and stepping into the splendor of the Inner District of the Imperial Palace. Red lanterns were being prepared for the coming festival and it seemed everywhere there were workers about, all the better he could slip out easily.

“Commander Kou,” a voice said behind him, causing him to turn around. He knew that voice, it was the voice of reptile dunked in honeys, the voice of snake that smelled perfume for having slithered through a fragrant garden, it was the voice of Shun Lim. He turned to face the head eunuch and bowed respectfully, “you have nearly set my heart a flutter with concern, why ever would the Junior Commander of His Majesty’s Dragon Guard be visiting Princess Zhen at this hour?” He asked with a feigned look of worry etched on his face, Kou wondered if he had tried hard to contain this hiss when he said Princess that surely came so natural to him.

“The Dragon Guard is responsible for the safety of the Imperial Family,” he responded quickly and shortly with all the military crispness he could muster, “given the coming festivals we are expecting a large number of guests to visit us here in the Imperial Palace. It would be a failure of my duties if I did not ensure the safety of the sleeping quarters of each of the Imperial Family members, but I did not dare disturb the Emperor or his kin at this hour, so I began with the Princess.”

“Well I am sorry for that,” the eunuch quipped, “a more stupid girl the world has never known.”

“Sir,” he responded with a stiff jaw, keeping the boiling hate within him from exploding outwards, “is there anything further you require?”

“No, I suppose not. Go about your duties, and thank you for your service.”



Imperial Palace,
Shengjing, Hostillia


“Honourable Ambassador,” Tu said, suppressing his surprise at the forwardness of the question, he cast his eyes about the room calmly as though he was casually taking in the beauty of it all, but in truth was searching the room for any signs that might be here to do him harm. If the eunuchs knew of his quickly fading health they would pounce, he barely had the energy to combat their antics as it was, and in this moment with an Ambassador and Bu as well he was especially vulnerable, he couldn’t hope to handle all the matters already requiring his attention especially not in this health, if they increased their shenanigans he’d be too exhausted to respond sufficiently. Though his doctor assured him it would only take a little while longer before his sickness would reverse themselves and he would feel better than ever he had, the mystical qualities of his medicine were not to be doubted. “While I appreciate your concern,” he said with a dismissing wave, “age has its effects on all of us, but I am just as healthy as any man my age,” he said before adding with a laugh, “despite my best efforts.”

The Ambassador, Rear-Admiral Count Jethro Eliasaph sat across from the Viceroy, wearing a double breasted tail coat with gold buttons, red and gold epaulets and wearing his decorations. He was a man rather like a withered bird, a brooding crane of a man peering at the Viceroy over his great beak of a nose, his olive skin like gleaming mud. An alien monster. His name a mouthful of unpronouncability. Listening to him speak Hostillian was almost fascinating, like listening to a talking turtle.

“I am glad to hear it, Your Excellency!” roared the Ambassador. Viceroy Tu Bei suppressed a wince. The Viceroy seemed unable to speak in the normal quiet tones of the court. Apparently, extraordinarily he was some kind of soldier as well.

“Ambassador, I wish to tell you a story,” the Viceroy said. “there lived a man named Le Guang, who had a bold and uninhibited character and was very friendly. One day Le Guang sent for one of his close friends since the friend had not turned out for long.

“At the first sight of his friend, Le Guang realized that something must have happened to his friend for his friend has no peace of mind all the time. So he asked his friend what was the matter. "It was all because of that banquet held at your home. At the banquet, you proposed a toast to me and just when we raised the cups, I noticed that there was a little snake lying in the wine and I felt particularly sick. Since then, I lay in bed unable to do anything."
Le Guang was very puzzled at the matter. He looked around and then saw a bow with a painted snake hung on the wall of his room.

“So Le Guang laid the table at the original place and asked his friend again to have a drink. When the glass was filled with wine, he pointed to the shade of the bow in the glass and asked his friend to see. His friend observed nervously, "Well, well, that is what I saw last time. It is the same snake." Le Guang laughed and took off the bow on the wall. "Could you see the snake anymore?" he asked. His friend was surprised to find that the snake was no longer in the wine. Since the whole truth had come out, his friend recovered from his prolonged illness right away.”

The Ambassador looked on impassively. Around them, sitting on benches around the room on either side, were their own aides and senior officials, in respective court uniforms. The Hostillians wore appropriate court robes of silk, while the Edomites dressed in the Cetian Empire manner.

Bao Song murmured to Scholar Dong, “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I warned the Viceroy that the man’s fluency in our tongue did not mean that he understood anything…” muttered Dong.

“A good story.” shouted the Ambassador. He looked thoughtful a moment and then his upper lip twitched, and he said, “Let me tell you one: it seems that a Levite's concubine leaves him to return home to Bethlehem. After four months, her husband visits her father's home and attempts to persuade her to go back with him. On the fifth day, the concubine leaves with the Levite. They travel to Gibeah, looking for a place to spend the night. An old man sees the Levite and the concubine waiting in the square. He invites them to spend the night at his home. While there, the perverse men of the city pound on the door requesting the old man to bring out the Levite in order to have sex with him. When the old man offers his virgin daughter and the concubine instead, they refuse. The Levite then forces his concubine into the hands of the mob. She is beaten and raped throughout the night.] In the morning, the concubine is found by the Levite on the doorstep of the old man's house. He tells her to get up and when there is no reply, he places her on the back of his donkey and travels home. Upon arrival, he takes a knife and cuts the concubine's body into twelve pieces, sending the parts out through the land of Israel.”

He continued. “The outraged tribes of Israel sought justice, and asked for the miscreants to be delivered for judgement. The Benjamites refused, so the tribes then sought vengeance, and in the subsequent war, the members of Tribe of Benjamin were systematically killed, including women and children; when Benjamin was nearly 'extinguished', it was decided that the tribe should be allowed to survive, and all the men from another town, Jabesh Gilead, who had refused to take part in the punishment of the Tribe of Benjamin, were killed, so that their daughters could be wed to the surviving men of Benjamin.”

The Viceroy looked back at him calmly. It was unbelievable though. The Yi Dong barbarian had just threatened war with them, after the grand gesture of inviting him into the Forbidden Palace. He nodded slowly.

“The tale of mine of course, goes in both ways,” the Viceroy said.

“That is what I was thinking, Your Excellency,” bellowed the Ambassador.

The Viceroy stood and so did the Ambassador. “Naturally,” said the Viceroy, “I am not the Master of the Empire. I will give you the Son of Heaven’s answer tomorrow…”

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

Yanque, Chaco

“Can the Air Force Security Forces handle Jacobium?” asked Anastasio Samoza Garcia the Minister of Defense.

“Yes sir, the current forces should be fine until we move a battalion of the security regiment to bolster them.” answered General Jose Quiñones Gonzales the Chief of the Air Force, “There is no reason that the Dongying Rifles need stay put in Gavinium.”

“Good, then the rifles can be moved to Beihe to join the expedition that is being gathered there. Ok so just to make it clear, the expedition will contain the Marine Light Infantry Btn, the 8th Infantry Brigade, and the second battalion Dongying Rifles. This will be a force of about 44 hundred men?” Garcia asked.

“Yes sir, plus the gunboats, supply boats, barges, and any sailors set on landing parties. We are only moving a single artillery battery rather than the battalion for support and that is to be unloaded if the gunboats cannot make the range with their 3-inch guns.” Answered the Head of the Navy.

“Alright I think this is good, along with the cross-border raids by the other Dongying units. We sill show these Hostillians not to get to big for themselves. You have my blessing to go out and punish them.” Said Garcia.

Garcia set down the papers regarding Hostillia and picked up another folder, “Our forces are prepared to move against the Sican territory on the mainland?”

“Yes sir, Major General Tomas is going to move out tonight to hit the tides right for landing.” The Admiral answered.

“Good, that’s good. Get away this business of seizing the territory and hand it over to the development people. How have the OAS forces been?” Asked Garcia.

The Admiral frowned, “They are sloppy sir, but they have been doing the job. It frees us up at least from holding the islands.”

“Right, well if everything is all well and good, then I think we can adjourn this meeting and return to our work.” Garcia announced.

All of the military chiefs got up and said their goodbyes and left the conference room. Garcia walked over towards his office where the Naval Chief was still standing, “Need anything Admiral?”

“Sir if I could have a word in your office. I have a bit of news that wasn’t really on topic for the meeting.”

Garcia waived him in, “That’s fine, but let’s make this quick please.”

Both men went in and sad down. The admiral began speaking, “Sir, I have received word that the Captain of the GCS Panay has arrested his XO and is charging him with disobeying orders.”

“I see. Well I am sure the investigators will handle it, I don’t see why I need to know.” Garcia said.

The Admiral rubbed his neck, “Yes sir, I am sure that is true, I just thought I’d have you aware as the Ensign is Minister Marleni’s son.”

Garcia looked up in surprise, “Fiorella Marleni? The Justice Minister?”

“Yes sir, her son Enrique Marleni led the shore party. We are going to try and get a handle on this as quickly and quietly as possible. His mother will no doubt hear about this and we will need to give her something. I’m sure she also would appreciate it if it stayed out of the papers.” The Admiral said.

Garcia nodded, “No doubt, anyways have your people keep me informed on the situation.”

GCS Panay

Enrique Marleni had been forced to stay in his small room under arrest by the orders of the Captain. He had been informed that he had disobeyed a nonexistent order and was to be court marshalled. The Gunners Mate had cursed at the Captain, calling him a coward and had been dragged off to stay in the brig for two days before being released with a warning. The only conversations that Marleni had was when sailors had brought in his meals or escorted him to the head. Then the sailors swore that they would all tell the lawyers what had happened and how the Captain had been asleep in his quarters. Marleni appreciated this and smiled, but he was still worried about his situation.

In private he swore that he would destroy his Captain’s career through his mother and her connections, but he was still worried. You never knew how things would turn out. He had learned from the Boatswain’s Mate that the Corpsman had been swamped and another sailor had died along with the Master Chief, but it looked like the other wounded would pull through. Also, apparently the Panay had been ordered to Beihe for some kind of gathering of forces. During meal times, he heard rumors from the excited men who brought his food. Every once in a while, when the Captain had his naps, sailors would risk it and come into his room to give him the scuttlebutt.

Marleni was touched by this support from the crew and it nearly made him tear up several times. All he had wanted was to not be a screw up, but the crew had seemed to appreciate that he went under fire with them while the Captain slept. Apparently, the captain was unaware of this resentment and Marleni feared that if the Captain made another mistake then he would face a mutiny. Marleni sighed, he wanted the captain to get his, but not like this, and he warned any petty officers that came into his room to watch out for it and to not let it happen at all cost.

---

Dear Countess,

It is wonderful to hear about the game from your perspective. How many people get to listen to descriptions of games from the athletes themselves? Do not think your sport silly or frivolous, these are the things that make life worth living and the things that I wish to defend as a Marine. I could not imagine a world where we all lived in diseased ridden squalor like these Arcologian savages. With God’s help we should be finished with this business shortly.

I thank you for your congratulations, honestly, I am very proud to receive such a promotion at my age. It is a true honor to receive a command of a battalion on top of a promotion, I find myself truly blessed.

I am thrilled to have heard news from you and I hope to speak with you again in the future.

Sincerely,
Jaime Salinas

[Shalum]

The Foreign Ministry

For a time, the only noise that came from the Imperial side of the room was the soft scratching of a fountain pen against a notepad. While the ambassador could have just as easily recalled it all from memory, or even have written it himself, it never hurt to ensure all the details were taken note of for later when he spoke with the interested parties back home. The duty was instead left to his Morris’s secretary, who had much better handwriting than she did. Chewing on her bottom lip, she would occasionally look up from her pad, studying both of the diplomats for a moment before her eyes darted back down to pick up where they had left off.

The ambassador smiled at Geta and reclined in his seat, careful to not let his posture slouch. “While I should preface it by saying that I am more of the messenger here than an actual investor, I am rather certain that they wouldn’t have any issues with any of the conditions you’ve listed. The available capacity of the local area is part of why they’ve become so interested in setting up shop here,” he shrugged. “From my understanding, they’ve had to develop their workforce and facilities from the ground up in some areas. It’s much easier to retool and retrain and already existing force, no?”

His eyes darted to one of the folders he had handed over, the one stamped with the emblem of Thoroughbred Automotive. It was the biggest company in the empire, and one of the biggest in the region. The powers that controlled it had more than enough money to invest wherever they wanted, but something told him they would have much rather used a bank’s money for most of it, rather than risk their own. “If you would like, I could contact the Duke and his investment team after we leave here. I am sure he would love to meet with your people right away if it looked like New Edom would be open to his company’s investments.” At that point, he would let Thoroughbred Automotive take the reigns. Morris knew his limitations, and when it came to the industry in question, he was better off on the sidelines. “He has a private plane that could probably be here by tomorrow, even.”

Licking his lips, he glanced between the Minister and Corbulo. “Of course, that wasn’t the original intention of this meeting.” It had been what Shalum was interested in though. He would have scheduled a meeting about it if this one hadn’t coincided with other topics they needed to discuss anyways. “Shall I have a statement prepared to send to the Imperator, or is there anything else that we ought to tackle while we’re here?”

[New Visayan Islands]

Dominic Kang
Ambassador's Residence

Dominic had gotten home just in time for dinner. Patricia had cooked adobong manok and his daughters were already seated, waiting for their father to say Grace.

As the family began eating, Dominic couldn't stop thinking about how New Edom knew exactly what they needed; part of him understood that signals could be intercepted, but he felt as if there was something more...

Paula R. Yap, MPA
Visayan Embassy

The ruminations of Ambassador Kang were exactly what Paula was thinking. Yap may be Deputy Chief of Mission, but she was also the station chief of the Visayan Intelligence Agency. With threats such as Homofront on the horizon, she could ill afford poor intelligence, making her workload even heavier.

There was also the looming suspicion that the Embassy itself was lousy with listening devices; she would have to speak with Donald on that regard.

Most of that would have to wait for tomorrow, though; it was getting late and she still had to get home.

The Next Morning

Paula Yap
Visayan Embassy

Paula had arrived from her morning commute to see a longer line than usual; figuring word of the Rainbow Pipeline got out quickly, she punched in and began discharging her duties as DCM.

[New Edom]

The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

Geta nodded. “For the context of this visit and discussion, I would suggest something discreet for the time being, until things are worked out. So if you would like t arrange this visit, I’m wondering if something informal to start with.

“What we would propose is to have the Duke hosted privately. I don’t know if that would be acceptable to him or to your government for that matter. We do not wish to compromise him by your own people’s standards. What we would suggest is that Prince Pileser, a wealthy philanthropist and a man of a number of private interests, and he has informed us that with regard to Shalum and other allied trade and cultural interests he would be happy to act as an intercessor. Of course if there is more information you require about this I would be happy to inform you.”

As far as any intelligence that may have been gathered about New Edom, Prince Marcus Pileser was known to be a major interest in agricultural development and among the more prominent persons in the country when it came to export and import, research and development when it came to agriculture.

[New Edom]

Fineberg, New Edom

Rhea Wither, a lean woman with glasses, short dark brown hair, light olive tanned skin, wearing a chiton like garment of rose cloth, a kind of panel open on both sides, tied around the waist with a cord, wearing high laced white sandals and a woven shoulder bag, . Joshua Orpen, a man in his early thirties, with dark short hair and a strong featured face wearing a similar but dark blue garment, both approached the New Visayan Embassy. They were accompanied by Iokannos Baptisto, a junior official from the Foreign Ministry.

Presenting themselves, they explained that they represented the Freedom of Expression Association, a lobby group in New Edom, made up of activists who proposed to open questions of human rights in spite of some of them being forbidden by the Morality Act.

This organization was backed by some radicals in the Chamber of Deputies. They were privately funded and backed, and in part their efforts were encouraged by members of the aristocracy and industrialist classes. Count Lalery was one of these. The two activists would report on a conversation which they had had with the acting President of the Council of Ministers over the issue of emigration.

Lalery had, essentially, said that he and other liberal aristocrats, clergy and industrialists believed that some expression of homosexuality had to be permitted in order to allow for emigration to take place. That is, people had to declare that they were male or female homosexuals and intended to prefer to leave the country rather than abide by its laws. Such persons had to make a public declaration, express an intention to sell goods and property, resign any public offices they held, and leave the nation.

There were concerns about expressions of outrage and violence on the part of local persons, and therefore the government was determined to create detention centers While some people simply tried to arrive at the embassy, the government wanted to discourage this to avoid chaos and to avoid strain of public relations with the Islands.

[New Edom]

The Dragon Residency,
The Forbidden Palace

The Great Hall of Slumber had been used by many Emperors for many centuries, it was a place of immense sensuality where the Sons of Heaven could appreciate and pluck the fruits of earth, and only the Emperor, His eunuchs, and His concubines were permitted entry- none other dared step foot into this place where the Heavens looked with jealous eyes and where gods were first conceived. Hanging along the large walls were large, empty frames- the Son of Heaven enjoyed so many concubines that it was often wise to keep paintings done in the likeness of His favorites, but he had since demanded the removal of each and every painting that had once dominated the room of yellow flower petals and sweet incense burned constantly, the room was illuminated only by torches that burned hung along the walls, providing enough light to see but permitting enough darkness to be intimate, at the moment the Yellow Dragon himself was perched on the edge of the bed, eyes locked on large book that was held opened by a knelling not-man the pages illuminated by another low bowing eunuch who resided on his knees, holding the torch above his head. The book was little more than a collection of pictures, nearly two hundred in all, each of a different woman- however, despite the great number; all of them were eerily similar in appearance.

The room had fallen into a predictable pattern, the Emperor would glower at the picture in front of him for a moment and then would take a deep, annoyed breath, and then the eunuch holding the book would quietly turn the page, no command was necessary, they understood clearly the mood of their master. He was in one of His moods, always demanding the ‘special book of consorts’ always flipping through it multiple times, for hours sometimes, and then declaring that none of them were sufficient. The Son of Heaven moved slowly, bringing his hand to the picture before him- all of the women had been photographed nude, their front to the god on one page and their back towards in on the other, that he might make the most informed choice; he plucked the photograph out and stared at it in silence. The nose was too angled, the jaw to prevalent, the eyes too small, and the brow too heavy. He held the photograph up, before him was a large painting that had never been mounted because He never wanted it out of His reach, the woman featured there was true perfection, soft pale skin, beautiful brown eyes that could hold all the world in them, her face was soft and round and perfect, her silken hair long and healthy, the poise and grace that only the offspring of a god could muster. That unique, untimely, unexplainable majesty that He could not find anywhere in all the Middle Kingdom save for in the heavenly beauty of Zhen.

“Dare you place before mud and style it rubies,” the Son of Heaven asked as he tore the photograph into hundreds of little pieces, letting them all float gently to the ground, “you are so bold to claim that this compilation is all those throughout the Middle Kingdom and beyond who resemble the Most Divine Princess? You do insult against intelligence and you do the beauty of the Most Divine Princess even greater offense,” He declared, snatching the book and hurling it with all his might across the room. He considered striking one of the eunuchs but knew doing so risked provoking Lim and so restrained himself, instead lashing out with words- “if the Son of Heaven does not spill his seed to produce many heirs the Middle Kingdom will certainly fall into chaos, I dare not grace such swine with my divine seed and so you are traitors seeking to move
against our Imperial Order!”

“Have mercy on us O Mighty Dragon,” the eunuchs cried in unison, both falling to kowtow, though one had to awkwardly both bow and hold up the torch to provide light, “we are not worthy to glance upon the Most Divine Princess, never would we dare to bring before you any and claim ‘this is the equal of she’ for we are not fools in the realm of men, but before the Son of Heaven all are fools.” Their voices spoke in an excellent harmony that unnerved as much as it appeased, “we are unable and unworthy to seek the equal to that which there is no equaling, we have failed our Master because none can properly serve a god- may our lives be forfeit to Your fury, O Yellow Dragon!”

The Emperor messaged his temples, he was so frustrated with the world, the eunuchs were hopeless. His sister had only recently vanished from the Emperor’s mind, and he had relaxed into a gentle slumber when Shun Lim entered the room, whispering quietly with the other eunuchs about what had transpired- this was hardly the first time the Emperor had neglected women of flesh and breath in favor of that damned picture, but everything happened as the Jade Emperor divined it, no? He approached the Son of Heaven slowly, having known the Emperor since before he was Emperor, Lim was more than familiar with the man’s fascination for his sister, when he had been younger and less guarded Lim had even acted as confidant and advisor in such matters- that was before the boy had become a god. Divinity had a way of changing relationships between people. The Observer waited, patiently, for the Emperor to stir- after all, his mission here was not one a matter that needed quick resolution, only powerful resolution and he had already connived a plan to ensure that everything would continue as he wished it. Even a god could be manipulated.

“Lim,” the Emperor said yawning after he drifted slowly back into the world of the waking, the eunuch immediately fell into a kowtow before him, though the Lord of Ten Thousand Years merely sighed in response; he had appreciated the not-man’s company long ago but increasingly he came only to encourage some action from him; he hated it, Lim and Tu both only wanted him to approve whatever policies they had invented and neither thought he was aware of their true desires. But what could he do? He was granted infinite cosmic powers and no way by which he could use them. The Palace was a prison, and the ornate luxuries were his chains. Woe was he. “Why have you presented yourself without invitation before the Emperor of All Things?”

“Your Most Divine and Imperial Highness, this humble eunuch would have naturally be inclined to seek audience but I fear that the heavy weight I carry in my mind weighs so greatly that I would be crushed beneath it if I did not immediately surrender it to His Majesty, who is far more capable in all matters than all His humble servants in the world.” Lim did not even rise from his kowtow as he spoke his words, softly- just loud enough to be heard; he seemed almost to tremble with his words. “Your Highness, I believe we have much cause for alarm.” The Emperor stood slowly, one of the eunuchs coming across the room to robe him, he did not seem especially concerned despite the words of the eunuch, “this is a danger so great that I fear all the Empire may be shaken by it. With Your permission I would present this cause plainly.”

“What threat could be so grave, and what challenge so large that even the Honorable Observer is so fearful- what could be so mighty as to warrant the attention of a Dragon?” The Emperor summoned one of the eunuchs to him, this time the not-man carried a large golden bowl of cherries for the Son of Heaven’s pleasure, he slowly picked through the small fruits though they were all equal in his eyes, and eventually he ate one at random.

“I am merely an Observer of the Realms of the Son of Heaven, impotent am I all in all things and all powerful is His Majesty in all matters, I exist merely to inform the Emperor of what must be known and dare not take action other than what Heaven’s Son outlines- but if what I have discovered is factual, and I do believe it to be so, then it is an emergency which cannot be ignored or postponed for to do so would demonstrate extreme neglectfulness to the affairs of state,” the eunuch paused for a moment, and took a breath, “there are some souls who walk the golden steps of the Forbidden Palace who refuse to venerate the Most Divine Emperor and, knowingly, act in direct defiance of His will.” At these words the Emperor paused, his eyes narrowing, the words were unusual enough to be cause for alarm. “My heart aches and my mind fails to understand but there are souls within those groups who are so blessed as to be tasked with the protection of His Majesty who do not, in fact, respect the Son of Heaven, the Jade Emperor, or any laws of the Middle Kingdom and in fact hold these things in open disdain. I say, there are some who must not be trusted.”

“Out with it Eunuch,” the Son of Heaven responded, waving the man permission to speak from his knees rather than in a full kowtow, “tell me what you have learned at once, who would dare disrespect the Laws of Heaven and those of Heaven’s Son?”

“There exist rebellious souls who walk these hallowed halls in hope of frustrating His Majesty and ruining the plans laid out by the Jade Emperor, they accomplish this with horrible tactics which aim not for the Emperor directly but for his heart, knowing that in this way they can kill without ever drawing a blade. Such a man is nefarious and evil, and seeks to bring about the death of all goodness in the world- for such people would see His Most Divine Imperial Majesty sleeping eternal, I say again, there are some who must not be trusted.”

“Their boldness repulses the Son of Heaven,” the Emperor spat- elements within the Palace itself which would see him dead and his laws overturned, the thought was sickening and unnerving, it seemed the Observer was nearly in tears over the matter, “tell me the names of those who must not be trusted.”

“The humble eunuch does suggest that actions be taken with the utmost haste to secure the integrity of the Dynasty, should His Majesty agree the eunuch would be so bold as to ask to be invested with the all the powers necessary to bring the full flame of the Yellow Dragon against those who must not be trusted. The eunuch has thought back and forth and created a solution, we will bind them and drag them through all of Shengjing so that all may see what happens to those who dare oppose you, and then we will order this fool roasted alive that their screams may reach the ears and hearts of any who would consider going against the will of the Dragon, and they will see the punishment for those who must not be trusted.”

“The Emperor would invest the Observer with all the power in the universe to drive from the Middle Kingdom, the Divine Empire, and the World those who must not be trusted and those who plot against the Will of the Jade Emperor as dictated by His Son the Most Divine Emperor, but first I compel you eunuch, speak to me and say who has plotted against me and in what manner that I may have a soul to direct my curses towards.”

“Treason of the Highest, Treachery of the Noble, and Curses from the Innocent all cannot compare to the darkness that the eunuch has discovered Most High and Most Worthy,” Lim responded, feeling the creeping pleasure of victory sneaking into his soul- none would cross Shun Lim with impunity, “I have discovered that there is a dreadful conspiracy within Your Imperial Majesty’s Government to support rebellion, as in Shangmai, by giving open license to their fellow Christians to practice their beliefs in the Middle Kingdom and the Empire....”


“Who?” demanded the Son of Heaven. “Who has proposed this?”

“None other than His Imperial Majesty’s Viceroy: Tu Bei,” came the reply. “Give the command in this instant and I will lay upon him with swords and spears and we will lift him up and build for him a pyre in the center of Shengjing that all may know the fury of the Dragon, speak and his life will be yours,” Lim encouraged, the fool would learn what boldness bought here in this place of shadows and intrigues- death. Cold, heartless, unrelenting death. He had already prepared for servants to summon Tu Bei to the square to see firsthand the result of his efforts, the same that came of any who dared move against Shun Lim, Observer of All, and Puppeteer of Shengjing. On the off chance that the impulsive emperor might grant him a startling gift. Not likely but one never knew...

“No,” the Emperor said, shaking his head. “ It may be that it is a mistake, a misunderstanding. Tu Bei is not sophisticated as you are, Chief Eunuch. He is a bluff man of the people, a stalwart soldier and governor, not a courtier. He is not refined I am sure you must be mistaken. But you may be right. I must consider it. Now leave me to consult with Heaven and the Spirits of Earth, for only my peers may understand my soul. Leave me, all of you!” Immediately the eunuchs kowtowed once more before standing, bowing and slowly backing away from the Emperor, not once turning their backs on him, as the door closed, the two eunuchs glanced at Lim with coy smiles- only those Lim trusted were permitted to be so near the Son of Heaven.

“What scandal,” said one, “I had no idea the Viceroy had dared to invite this foul barbarian religion in.. Will you impart with us your wisdom great Lim, how did you manage to learn of this secret so well guarded and then ensure that none other than you discovered the same information- the art of concealing secrets is not one known in all of Shengjing it had seemed.”

“There are some secrets we must learn, and then there are some we must manufacture- so long as the latter are always built around the very worst of fears, they will always be believed. The Viceroy has entertained unoffocial notions from the Yi Dong Ambassador to admit to the Nifonese Sea Devils the possibility of entry. To appease the Yi Dongs’ allies and their own over-king. He has not stated open support yet. Is he weak? Possibly. Is he bringing in notions of his own power to influence the Emperor? Definitely yes.” Lim said.

“The Observer is rightfully positioned, none are more cunning than you,” the eunuch responded before a smile began to spread over his face, “there are those who must not be trusted.”

"Religion," said Lim, "Is beyond mere belief or practice. As the sages tell us...it is governance itself, and the right to governance. We have seen how it breeds anarchy, erodes the state and the inherent respect for our ancestry and divine forms of government. All these barbarians want is to eat our divine state like ravening wolves. I will not allow this to happen."

[Shalum]

The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

Ambassador Morris nodded as he crossed one leg over the other, studying the Edomites in the room for a moment as he hummed thoughtfully. “I can’t say that I am as familiar with the Duke as I am with Prince Pileser,” given the nature of his work it had been inevitable that he would meet the philanthropist on occasion, “but I don’t think that it would be a major issue with him. He is more focused on business at the end of the day, and if something informal is a necessary precursor to a future deal, I don’t think he will object. Knowing his nature, though, he would undoubtedly appreciate a fine lodging.”

He knew enough about Harper to make some guesses, at least. The man might have been humble compared to many of his colleagues, but that didn’t mean he was above staying at only the best hotels and enjoying delectable company whenever the opportunity presented itself. Really, though, what nobleman of his stature didn't enjoy such things?

“I will get to work on arranging it as soon as I return to my office today. I think that covers everything I had on my agenda regarding our potential deployment and business ventures. I figure I will contact your office in the next couple of days to work out some of the details. His people will certainly want some sort of itinerary so that they can ensure no scheduling conflicts. Your help is very much appreciated, Minister Geta.” The Shalumite nobleman smiled warmly.

[New Edom]

Betharan Palace
Fineberg, New Edom

The occasion was a recital of the National Children’s Choir, which was performing Saint-Saens “Gloria”. Horvath had slipped out to take a call, and found himself confronted by Clyde Hullar.

“The Damoclea issue was that we were unready to do what we needed to, we had bad people, people who were not easily ready and who were ignorant. And a populace that was alien somewhat to us. And that’s just the occupation. The war, a zeal to impress, over eagerness, on the part of many including the Prime Minister at the time. And since then we’ve had the same problem as you with a succession of governments. Also being a democratically minded state we were not inclined to occupy in a Imperialist sense. So parliament did not like the plans…” One could tell Hullar knew that this was a missed opportunity in his eyes.

“So in other words,” said Horvath, “Your government did not have a real purpose for occupying Damoclea. They were just showing off.”

“Hutanjia was that there was a credible threat to the life of His Majesty from the Falkasians. So they wanted us out, and we like cowards obliged.” That was said with disgust at the government at the time.

“I see,” said Horvath, “Like our original involvement with Damoclea, where our King was murdered and his successor threatened as well. Yes, it was cowardice.”

And he would explain the policy about Homosexuals and Transgenderism, etc. "We dont see the need really...they are a small bunch, leave them alone and they will leave us alone..." Though one would see maybe he did not entirely believe it.

Also he mentioned another thing. " HM Armed Forces of the homeland have not fought a conventional war in modern history really...some minor things, against poorly trained rebels and as parts of overwhelming coalitions, but not against a well backed foe. And certainly not a counter insurgency against such things, that was the Colonials job. Certainly not in living memory for the most part."

Colonel Horvath lit a cigarette and blew smoke out of the side of his mouth. “Well, Prince Enoch made it clear how we expect our allies to behave. When we say ‘no gay rights in New Edom, that’s what we expect your government to support in public. No more trying to horn in on our colonies. No more suddenly abandoning your positions. No more trying to [i]steal command from us[/ii] by deliberately appointing a higher ranking officer as you did in Damoclea. We will, in future, expect open and honest communication. This nonsense of a fuzzy itinerary for diplomatic visits, everything is going to go by the numbers in future.” He paused, as though he’d been struck by an idea. “You could pass something on to your foreign ministry actually. One way you could make up for your misdeeds would be providing a line of supply of vital necessities. It would be very expensive of course, but why not? Fuel, food, ammunition. Think of it! A very useful demonstration of your government’s commitment as allies.”

[New Edom]

Nass International Airport
Teman Province, New Edom

“Hey Camilla,” said Maria Tiglath-Pileser as she sat down beside Camilla Sharra in the elegant lounge. This was the executive lounge which was waited on by servants and was fairly peaceful, with a pianist playing minuets off to the side and a comfortable set of couches and chairs.

Camilla was reading a sports magazine from Novitera with a slight frown on her face. It was, of course, heavily censored, with references to atheism, promiscuity and encouragement of drunken debauchery blacked out. ‘Snowboarding is a weird sport,” she said, pausing to greet her schoolhood friend with a kiss on either cheek. “Oh my gosh,” she sighed, “Not looking awfully forward to going to Gavinium Magnus, I have to say. Not that I am not undying loyal to our darling Jocasta, but I was so much enjoying my sports break.”

“Reading about your fan club honey?” replied Maria.

“What fan club?” said Camilla.

“I found this site,” laughed Maria, taking out her phone, “That just adores you from some foreign site, and people from all over write all manner of weird things on it, and on the site you have a fan sub-forum with other female athletes and celebrities.”

“What?” said Camilla, her pretty brow wrinkling as she put down the magazinze and looked at the phone. Then she gaped. There she was. Preparing to serve while her little tennis skirt flared showing the lower curves of her bottom. A thread questioned whether she was wearing panties or a thong. Another referred a link to a ‘best legs in athletics’ thread. As she read, her face flamed hotly.

“This is ridiculous,” she muttered.

“This fellow thinks that you flashed your bottom on purpose that time in Puerto Rojas,” observed Maria. There was an image of Camilla dashing to strike at a serve and while nothing was too much revealed it was clear that her right hip was bare to the waist by the flip of her skirt.

“I did not!” Camilla protested. “It was the one time, and it’s just normal here, they’re a disgusting garment anyway, trap the sweat and dead skin…”

“Oh my gosh, look at this…”Maria exclaimed.

I would eat her sweaty panties declared one fan. I would eat her crotch and asshole declared another. Others chimed in agreement. I want to lick her sweaty cracks clean after a hard match. Am I a pervert?

“Oh my gosh, how disgusting!” said Camilla, her eyes wide with horror.

“I bet Jaime Salinas posts here,” teased Maria.

“Maria, you’re a beast,” said Camilla in an angry tone. “I think going to school in Adiron was the worst thing possible for you. You’re practically a...a...an atheist!”

Before the two young women could get really hot blooded, Mrs. Hashem, the female coach, arrived and began gathering the Edomite girls together to prepare to board, oblivious to the contention.

Camilla had time for a brief email. She was so embarrassed at the website; she suddenly imagined that all manner of people had seen her doing embarrassing private things she was unaware of, like finding out she had had a microphone on in the toilet.

Dear Colonel Salinas,

You are very kind. I was going to reply but I got distracted and am about to get on a plane. However I hope you will not think it inappropriate if I light a candle for your safety and pray for your success.

I have asked my parents if it is appropriate for you to write to me, and my father has said that it is. I hope you are not offended that I asked, but I felt that as an unmarried woman I do not want to risk my reputation, and I am sure you are a gentleman and would appreciate my respect for your reputation as well.

Sincerely,
Camilla Sharra

[McNernia]

Bethran Palace, New Edom
Ambassador Clyde Hullar

---

“You hit to the heart of things Colonel, His Majesty is rumored to have an interest in employing you if not for the fact your skills perhaps would be wasted serving a man like my master….I will pass along your proposal.” The Ambassador would have come to the concert to get a possible gig for a school friend who was now director of programming for the Cathcride Symphony Orchestra. He would take his leave as soon as was possible and would write to the government.

A note from the foreign Ministry would be delivered to Horvath’s offices the next day.

FROM:His Excellency, Foreign Minister Lucas Caldosean
TO:Colonel Steven Horvath, ADC to His Royal and Imperial Majesty Elijah IV
SUB: New Relationships
SEC:DELIVERY BY EMBASSY COURIER

Greetings
Persuant to Amb Hullar fulfilling his directives to establish contact Re:Actions of Previous governments in our Relationship between us your proposal has been well received by the Prime Minister and Myself and the rest of HM Cabinet. Most notably the Defense Minister.

I am wondering, does your proposal enjoy the Backing of Elijah IV and Mara I and the Council of Ministers and the President of it? And the Assembly, etc?

None the less the Cabinet shall proceed as though it does.

Also I wish to ask, could you define a relationship by the numbers? We would like to know precisely how you define it.

The Courier would be standing by, a young man in a suit who’d been sighted at the side of the Ambassador sometimes at official functions. Which would indicate the Mcnernians used their security people to handle messages.

---

Horvaths proposal was welcome by many in the Prime Ministers party who wanted to do business with new Edom. Using them as intermediaries to get at much of Cornellias goods. Resources to drive down the prices. Mcnernia liked things cheap and the nation was as ever inclined to impress. No more zealously throwing oneself into the wars at the side of the New Edomites. It would be more to their liking to ensure that the New Edomites were happy. Foreign Minister Caldosean would summon the attache of the New Edomite Embassy to serve as the go between. They would be called to meet with the Foreign Minister and the Defense Minister at the Ministry of Defense. To discuss the new Relationship which was entirely viable. Militarily through the deployment of Auxiliary vessels to assist the New Edomite fleets. At least. There was also the issue of providing supplies, to where exactly did New Edom need supplies delivered. It was hoped the Attache could resolve these issues.

---

Overtures to others would be made in New Edom, the Council Police for one. Mcnernia was a more Liberal country and the LGBT community was a little more open. And refugees would be accepted if they were not wanted terrorists. Or if they had a damn good reason for committing violence. Such as attacks against Communist regimes. The Mcnernians had assessed Homofront and a memorandum would be drawn up. From Special Branch to the Commander of the Constabulary and the Minister of the Interior. The Black Market, particularly weapons would be concerning, Homofront could and probably would attempt to control at least a part of the market or at least court the various syndicates.

The Mcnernian Royal Constabulary would send the message to the Council Police attaché.

---

TO:Council Police Attache, New Edomite Embassy
FROM:Office of the Director of Special Branch of the Mcnernian Royal Constabulary, Liaison to Special Squad, RAINBOW
SUB:Homofront and Black Market Weapons
SECURITY: MOST SECRET

Greetings

Due to HM Governments public position on LGBT rights we cannot take public actions against Homofront which some militants are calling a legitimate LGBT Self Defense movement . Rest assured Special Squad Rainbow has them under survaillence for any suspect activity. Special Squad Rainbow exists to provide a classified option to ensure that our alliance with the Empire of New Edom is kept well and truly safe.

The purpose of contacting you today is to inquire as to the status of the Council Police Homofront efforts. A Classified Memorandum has been drawn up saying that the Homofront will possibly attempt to source weapons from the Black Market in this country. We wish to cooperate with you in dealing with any New Edomite Homofront in the country and others that may seek to damage you. Rest well assured we have examined the Santiago Treaty to which we are both Signatories and such a thing is permissible and encouraged.

Let us broaden the relationship with you.

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

Beihe, Hostillia

By the time that the whole of the 2nd Battalion of the Dongying Rifle Regiment had arrived into Beihe, the docks by the Chaco section were packed. Gunboats, barges, river transports, sailors, soldiers, and marines all crowded. Bryan had to have his men set up tents in the plaza in front of the church while he and his staff managed to get a few rooms in the rectory. All sorts of equipment and gear was being loaded onto the boats. LCUs were being loaded with vehicles and heavier equipment that would be difficult to land from barges. The barges themselves were being loaded with smaller boats or else being prepared to be pushed against the shore with tugs to offload what personnel and equipment they were to hold.

A more exciting moment came when a gun boat known as the GCS Panay came in to join the gathering force. It had apparently just been in battle at the target city and Bryan had watched grimly as dead and wounded were off loaded. A more curious sight came from the Panay, when several land rovers pulled up. Several men in service uniforms escorted a couple officers to different vehicles and more went on board the boat in a hurry. Bryan wandered closer out of curiosity and noticed that the vehicles were marked with the symbol of the Navy’s legal branch.”

“Someone’s getting fried over this.” Bryan commented to his operations officer who was accompanying him.

The man agreed and they watched for a bit longer then walked on. The dock area was crowded as people were working, but it offered a better chance for a breeze than back at the Cathedral plaza so Bryan walked on. He went towards the barges where his battalion was to be loaded onto and watched the sailors and men of his battalion assist longshoremen in moving on all the necessary items that were going to be needed.

Bryan’s Sergeant Major noticed his presence and came over and salute, “Colonel Sir! I have had to whip these lazy Han into shape, they resent the Gorkhali but they also fear them! The supplies will be on by tomorrow sir.”

Bryan smiled, “Very good, Sergeant Major, keep on it. Let me know if there is a problem. Carry on.”

The little sergeant major saluted and then marched off and began yelling at some soldiers in his language. Bryan sighed and looked at his watch. He looked at his S-3, “My wife should be here within an hour. She’s coming to visit for a few days before we set off, and to go to that officers party the Colonel of the 8th Regiment is hosting.”

“That will be nice sir, it’s been a while since we’ve been home. Is she bringing your kids?” asked the S-3.

“No, there is too much going on here. I told her to leave them, they are so little. It kills me, because I haven’t seen my second one yet since he was born when we were in Gavinium.” Said Bryan.

“Sorry about that sir. Must be rough.” Said the S-3.

Bryan was quiet for a moment thinking about the arrival of his wife. Her letters had slowed and then stopped when he was in Gavinium. Granted Bryan had been able to call her by that time, but still, there was something in her voice that just seemed frustrated or unhappy. Bryan chalked it up to her being upset that he wasn’t there during the harder times of her pregnancy and the birth, but what was he supposed to do? She had seemed to resent him being in the army more and more, but that was how they met! The whole situation with her frustrated Bryan, her little passive aggressive comments being dropped from time to time, the bad attitude that she would never acknowledge. It was just added stress onto deployments with no clear endings.

“Well Captain, I should head over to the airport to pick her up.” Bryan announced.

“Yes sir, I’ll work on those plans some more with the new info we get from the commander.”

Bryan drove to the airfield parked and began looking for Alicia. She wasn’t in the baggage area or the pickup area. He didn’t really know where to look. He wandered around, but never too far from where she was supposed to meet him. Finally, he bought a coffee and sat on a bench and waited. He was starting to get frustrated as her plane had landed and the passengers had gotten all of their things off of the baggage carousel.

Bryan head a laugh that sounded like hers and then some animated talking back and forth in Quechua. Had she brought a family member and not told him? He stood and looked to see her come out from behind security with a short dark Lance Corporal in a Chacano service uniform. The man had a patch on from the 8th Indigenous Infantry Regiment. She saw Bryan and smiled but the look in her eyes wavered, “Bryan, this is Panchito, he is from the next village over, we know some of the same people.”

The soldier looked uncomfortable and saluted Bryan. Bryan returned the salute and nodded, “That must be nice, I probably know your village, I was stationed out there in 2015.”

“Yes sir.” The man said nervously, then looking at Alicia, “Well, it was nice meeting you.”

He sped off and Bryan took his wife by the hand, “Come, show me which bags are yours.”

The got the bags and then Bryan drover her to where they were staying, asking her about the kids and the state of the house. His wife answered but was not nearly as excited as when she had been talking with that Quechua Lance Corporal. Bryan just chalked it up to being tired and not seeing him for so long. That’s what he told himself anyways. He got her settled in and then reminded her that they were going to that officer’s party the next night.

Dear Countess,

It would be a great comfort to know that you are praying for me. Even though this is not expected to be too dangerous, no one can foresee the future and what will happen. Please also keep my men in your prayers, as they are so young and full of life.

As for your parents, I am happy that your father approved of us communicating, and would be horrified if I had been responsible in a hit to your reputation. I would never ask you to go against your family or their wishes. You did the right thing in asking your father. I had not thought of that when I began writing you, as I forget just how different our cultures are sometimes.

I wish you all the best,
Jaime

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

Beihe, Hostillia

Colonel Sebastian Menendez owned a beautiful town house in a nice neighborhood in Beihe. Bryan and his wife Alicia walked up the steps and knocked on the door. The Colonel was hosting a party for many of the officers and officials that were now gathered in the town, and Bryan and his wife had been invited. Colonel Menendez was a man in his 40s who normally was the Operations Officer for army activity in the international zone. The Colonel had received command of the brigade that was made out of the army and marine forces and would have land command once the expedition reached their destination.

The door to the house was opened by a servant who welcomed the two in, “The guests are out in the garden sir. If you will follow me, I shall take you there.”

Bryan admired the home as he walked through. It had hardwood floors and beautiful furniture and bookshelves all neatly dusted and polished. A few people were inside, mostly servants going about their tasks. Bryan was led through a back door and out to a garden that was lit by paper lanterns hanging from ropes above the partygoer’s heads. There was a string quartet and several tables set up for drinks and food. Bryan began scanning the party looking for familiar faces when a handsome woman in her early forties or late thirties called out, “You must be Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Cayo of the Rifle Regiment!”

The woman moved towards him and shook his and Alicia’s hands, “Ah such a lovely young wife as well. I am Milagros Menendez welcome to my home, it is a pleasure to meet you two finally.”

“The pleasure is mine.” Bryan replied a bit stunned by the greeting.

“Come I would like to introduce you two to some people. Come come.” The woman took them both by the arm and led them to the circle of people she had been chatting with.

“You know my husband of course.” Milagros said.

“Good evening Colonel.” Bryan said with a smile.

“Good evening to you as well Colonel, welcome to my home.” Menendez replied.

Gesturing to a man in a tuxedo with a full beard holding a scotch and a pipe she said, “This is Mr. Roberto Botin, the chief political officer from the consulate here.”

“Good to meet you Colonel.” The man said in a deep voice, “Is that the patch of the CLI on your arm? I see you served in combat with them. Splendid regiment.”

“Yes sir, I spent most of my career in the CLI, and I am very proud to have served with them.” Bryan answered.”

The woman continued, “This bespectacled wonder is Eliseo Vera, who is on the Dongying administrative council. Those devils are the ones calling the shots, be sure to suck up to him!”
Bryan laughed and shook the man’s hand, “Ill be sure to be polite sir.”

Eliseo laughed, “You had better, I can make or break you.”

The group all had a chuckle at that.

A servant came and asked Bryan for his drink order and he asked for a whiskey, and then took a cigar from another waiter who was carrying them on a silver tray. Bryan felt at ease amongst the group and barely heard his wife say she was going to get some food for herself, “Of course honey go ahead.”

As the night went on Bryan truly enjoyed himself, all of the guests he spoke with were fascinating and he exchanged contact information with many of them. The real shining star of the party however was Milagros. She had a way with words and a delicate, yet exciting manner of gesticulation that kept everyone following everything she said. She had a wonderful sense of humor when telling jokes and when she listened, she made the speaker feel as if he was the most important person in the room.

Bryan failed to notice Alicia, who feeling completely out of her element sitting in the corner bored and unhappy. He only came back to his senses when she pulled him aside and mentioned that she was going to go home.

Bryan smiled, “Please, just wait an hour and I’ll take you.”

“Bryan I’m miserable, you can stay, just let me go, I can find my own way. You stay. I think a walk would do me some good.” Alicia said.

“Alicia, please, I can’t let you leave alone. Just wait a little bit.” Bryan asked.

“No Bryan I am leaving now!” She said angrily raising her voice.

“Fine, Ill take you home.” Bryan said curtly.

He turned to the host and hostess, “Colonel and Mrs. Menendez I am sorry to have to leave early, but my wife is not feeling well. Please excuse us.”

Mrs. Menendez put her arm on his shoulder, “Oh I am sorry. Don’t be a stranger, you and your wife should join us for lunch at the club the day after tomorrow.”

“Thank you, that sounds wonderful. Good night to everyone.” Bryan announced.

The drive home was miserable, there were a few terse words thrown back and forth but mostly silence. Bryan could not help but think of the amazing contrast between the graceful hostess and his own awkward and angry wife. When they got back to the rectory, they got into a fight about her wanting to go out for a walk alone. Alicia just left, walking out, and Bryan smashed a lamp against the wall. He wanted to be anywhere but that apartment and changed out of his uniform into some khaki shorts and a Hawaiian t shirt he had bought at the marked in case he wanted to go to the beach. He wandered through the city thinking about how such a wonderful night had been ruined by his wife. He checked his watch, it was only 9:30 pm, it wasn’t even late. He stepped into a bar to get a drink to try and calm himself down. Bryan didn’t plan on going home for several hours, as he didn’t want to deal with whatever nonsense would be awaiting him.

[Shalum]

En Route to New Edom

A decade ago, the city hadn’t been more than another stop along the vast highways branched out from the Duchy’s capital like arteries. The population had been small, consisting mainly of local farmers or those who didn’t mind trading off a longer commute for cheaper housing. That had all changed, however, when Thoroughbred Automotive had decided to open a new factory in order to increase their overall production of light duty trucks. Aside from being adjacent to a metropolitan area, the low land prices and tax advantages had drawn them to the area. Since then, the population had doubled, and the local infrastructure was straining to keep up.

Taking a drag from an expensive, imported cigar, Duke Jack Harper gazed out at the hundreds of acres that had been turned over seemingly overnight. A little over six months ago it had been a horse farm owned by an older, retired couple. As much as they had loved their little slice of heaven, his development firm had been willing to pay them a lot more to relinquish ownership. Since then, it had been a blur of scheduling, permit, and planning. Thoroughbred took care of its employees in ways that few other companies did, going so far as to build entire neighborhoods for their employees.

“Phase One is coming along nicely.” The nobleman finally commented as he flicked away some ashes. Placing it in the ashtray of his truck, he leaned out and closed the door, leaning against the metal as a few of his assistants scuttled around in the background. “What does our completion date look like?”

The general contractor grimaced and adjusted his cap. “Still sometime middle of next year at this rate, sir. The rain just keeps setting us back. At this rate we’re probably not going to be digging foundations until sometime next week.” Digging out his smartphone, he pulled up an app connected to the local weather channel. “We’ve got a major stormfront moving in sometime tomorrow. Assuming we get even half of what they’ve predicated, this dirt,” he waved a hand out towards the open field, “is going to turn to mud real fast.”

“Um, sir.” Glancing over his shoulder, one of his personal assistants was waiting patiently, a tablet in hand. The man fit in a lot better than Jack did, wearing khaki pants and a button down shirt along with a pair of new looking work boots. “I just got off the phone. Your plane should be ready in about an hour. Your luggage has already been sent for, and the rest of the team is heading towards Frankfurt International now.”

The nobleman’s lips curled. What was left unsaid was that all they were waiting on now was him. There had been no need for him to come to the site in the first place, but it wasn’t often that he wasn’t on this side of the Empire. He much preferred staying by the coast, where he was never far from a beach house or good seafood. The interior of his homeland was lovely, of course, but he had his preferences - and no family to keep him tied down anywhere else. With a mere nod, he turned back to the contractor.

“I’m going to be in New Edom for a few days for a business meeting. I might have some work for you here in a few months, maybe a year tops, if things go well.” He grinned and extended his hand. “I’ve got a flight to catch, Malcolm. You know who to call if something comes up.” It was one of the best parts of the job, really. While Jack enjoyed being hands on with his companies, he could always delegate the work to someone else

Sometime later, the Duke found himself buckling up as the flight taxied along one of the smaller runways of the airport, ones that had been dedicated to the private planes of the local nobility. Under normal circumstances, he would have taken his own plane, but he hadn’t wanted to take even the minor risk of it being recognized. Instead, they were taking one of few planes that the company kept on hand for occasions such as this. It wasn’t especially different from his own, at least at a glance, but the numbers all traced back to an owner other than himself.

“You excited, sir?”

Glancing over his shoulder, Jack glanced at the figure seated across the aisle from him. Asher Burke, the Director of Manufacturing at Thoroughbred's Dresden plant, was not a that most were familiar with. With greying hair and a gaunt frame, he didn’t exactly give the most striking impression, but the Duke trusted him to see the sort of things that he would undoubtedly miss when it came time to tour facilities. Asher had been with the company longer than he had, having joined up straight from university at a time when college degrees had been more of a luxury than a necessity.

“Ah, I suppose so? The opportunity to invest always excites me, especially when we’re looking at opening up a totally new market in an area where the competition is slim.” He smiled as a stewardess approached with drinks in hand. Jack had barely noticed the plane lift off, but Frankfurt was already growing further and further away. “I’ve visited a few times over the years. The people are wonderful and so welcoming. You ever been before?”

“Not personally, but my wife’s family has a few times over the years. They always seem to enjoy it.” He shrugged, pausing for a moment to murmur a quiet thanks to the attendant as she handed him a beer bottle. “I think they rented a beach house one year, before a war broke out.” Crossing one leg over the other, he reached for his tablet. “Oh, it looks like the embassy sent the itinerary. Prince Pileser, eh?”

“Yeah.” Jack grunted in response in truth northern fashion and reached over to bring his glass to his lips. “He’s going to be the one we’re working with the most, I believe. The ambassador mentioned him a few times when I spoke to him on the phone. You might want to read up on him, supposed to be a rather well liked individual.”

As the plane ventured further and further towards the coast, away from Shalumite airspace, the rest of the delegation quietly chatted and flipped through various files that the foreign ministry had provided. Somewhere in the background, a pair of Iron Guardsmen traded shifts, one going back to their small cabin while another took up their post by the cockpit. As per regulation, a nobleman as high ranking as Jack was to be accompanied by members of the military during foreign visits. They had, begrudgingly, agreed to trade their uniforms for suits. It was safer to go without than risk private security types screwing up a simple protection detail.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

MV Walserberg
Some Time Before the Present

---

The Patrol Captain glanced at the tablet, clearly fumbling with the technology for a moment. She managed to turn the screen off, and had to hand it back to the ship's Captain to have it turned back on. Finally she squinted at the screen and seemed to read it, making a single brief nod. She handed the tablet back, and folded her hands behind her back.

"This is most unusual," she said. "Most unusual. I do not know who filed your customs paperwork, but this is not an international port. The Enlightened Matriarchy maintains this port for the purposes of trade with the Empire of Hostillia, or on occasion the other Treaty powers. There has clearly been an error. You will have to wait here until I can discuss your arrival with the port authorities."

With that the Patrol Captain and her escort turned and departed the ship. The upper deck was left empty for several long minutes before the Shrailleeni returned.

"Very well," she addressed the Captain again. "You have been granted permission to enter the port. You will deal only with Shrailleeni merchants, and neither your crew nor passengers may enter the city of Bei'esse. You must confine your activity to the port, and you will present passports and acquire visas upon entry. Is that understood?"